Identifying Potential Malicious Attacks Essay

We have been tasked by the CIO to draft a report identifying potentially malicious attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities specific to our organization. Further, the CIO would like us to briefly explain each item and potential impact it could have on the organization. Malicious Network Attacks â€Å"Network attack is usually defined as an intrusion on your network infrastructure that will first analyze your environment and collect information in order to exploit the existing open ports or vulnerabilities – this may include as well unauthorized access to your resources† (Symantec, 2013). We will first have to analyze the potential attacks we need to protect against, and the potential impact those attacks could have on the network. The majority of threats we will encounter are classified as viruses, hacks, and blended attacks. 1. Viruses. â€Å"A Virus is a program that is activated by attaching copies of itself to executable objects. Viruses can reach your computer from other infected computers, via data medium (CD, DVD, etc.) or through a network (local or Internet).† (Symantec, 2013). Due to the shear frequency of virus attacks, we shall list them number one. According to a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) survey, 72% of all companies received i nfected e-mails or files last year and for larger companies this rose to 83% (Vernon, 2004). The potential impact of the network becoming infected with a virus could be devastating. File destruction, file corruption, disabling user programs, loss of critical data and overloading the network are just a few of the potential impacts of a virus. Viruses can be introduced in to the network in many ways. Employees downloading /using unauthorized programs, opening and executing infected email attachments, bringing infected files from home on a thumb drive or CD, accessing the network with their smart phone, etc. According to a survey of IT mangers conducted by SupportSoft, 75% said their companies â€Å"are not  adequately protected from, or able to prevent, computer virus attacks†, and 74% said their companies are hit monthly with one or more computer viruses. (SupportSoft, 2005) 2. Hacking. Despite the continuing problem of Denial of Service (DOS), and Dedicated Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, the latest threat is SQL injection attacks. This type of attack takes advantage of improper coding of web applications that allow outside users (hackers) to inject SQL commands that allow access to the company’s database. This results in secure information being confused with non secured information. In other words, passwords, classified or proprietary information is confused with public information such as product details or contacts by the database, allowing hackers to access the secure information. A report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington estimated that it cost the global economy $300 billion a year and cyber insurance is the fastest-growing specialty insurance ever – worth around $1.3b billion a year in the US. (Lawson, 2014). It is not only the cost of information that should be considered, but also the cost of lost employee productivity, network downtime, and increased IT personnel cost. 3. Blended Attack. A blended threat is a â€Å"multi-pronged attack against networked computers. Symantec describes a blended threat as an attack that combines viruses, worms, Trojan Horses, and malicious code with server and Internet vulnerabilities to initiate, transmit, and spread an attack. Blended threats are designed to propagate quickly, like worms, but instead of relying on a single-attack vector (such as email), blended threats are designed to use whatever propagation path exists.† (Piscitello, n.d.). A blended threat usually takes over the administrative privileges on the computer and is thus able in theory to â€Å"perform any operation available, thus enabling keystroke logging; file copying, removal or modification; communications monitoring and modification; and unauthorized service operation† (Piscitello, n.d.). The use of the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy by many companies, has led to the escalation of blended attacks due to the often lackadaisical approach that most users take concerning mobile phone security. With a lack of anti-virus and anti-malware software installed, these devices post a real security risk when connected to the company network. With most employees using their mobile device for both work and private use, stored business contacts and texts could be compromised. Security Controls (Personnel) All three of the network risks identified above pose not only the threat of malicious attacks, but also the threat of data theft and loss. We must mitigate the risk to our network and the intellectual property and highly sensitive data contained within that network. The first step would be to conduct a review or audit of our user and network security policies. An annual user training session should be instituted containing the following basic policies: – No installation of unauthorized software on company machines. – Never provide someone else your user name or password. – Log off of the computer when not in use – Never provide intellectual or sensitive information to unknown users, especially through email. – Never open email attachments, especially executable files, from unknown sources. – Implement a strong password policy with mandatory changing of passwords within certain timeframes. These company policies can help mitigate internal threats that can occur by accident or intentionally. Users should also be trained in the identification of malware and the proper reporting procedures after it has been identified. All IT personnel should have knowledge of the latest threats and responses to those threats. If it is identified that IT personnel require additional training/certification, this should be provided if financially feasible. Security Controls (Hardware/Software) The first step would be to conduct a thorough audit of network security hardware and software. A reconnaissance and probing test could be performed with Zenmap GUI (Nmap) to identify security deficiencies such as open ports. The best defense against malicious attacks is a multi-layered approach. A Host Intrusion Detection System (HIDS) to complement the Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS) should be installed. An additional NIDS should be installed inside the firewall which would detect any attacks that may get by the firewall. Host computers connected to the internet should be isolated from the rest of the network. We should also harden our software/hardware, which is a configuration where unnecessary services are turned off and protected ones are left running. A review of the anti-virus and anti-malware  software should be done. All software should be up to date with the latest virus/malware definitions and updates. Perform virus and malware scans on all network devices and computers on a consistent basis. Wireless Access Points (WAP) should have the latest encryption installed to ensure only authorized users have access. A BOYD security policy should be implemented, whereas all mobile devices under the BOYD program are susceptible to the same security policies as company assets. A policy much like Cisco has implemented should be considered. Their policy requires all users to have at least a four-digit PIN, and the device to have an auto-lock setting that triggers in 10 minutes or less. Cisco also reserves the right to wipe any device remotely if it’s lost or stolen. The company controls corporate data on its network, using a combination of security access PINs, encryption tools and read-only features that prevent highly confidential data from being copied, downloaded or emailed. It also uses monitoring tools to scan all Web requests for malicious content if a device starts behaving strangely, the IT team can quarantine it or kick it off the network. (Gale, 2013). Conclusion With an ever evolving, infinite amount of threats to a network, there are many available solutions to attempt to mitigate that risk. Training personnel on best security practices, creating a secure network with firewalls including intrusion detection and anti-virus/malware software, to performing security audits will help ensure the best possible defense against a malicious attack against the network. Works Cited Gale, S. F. (2013, April 2). BYOD Brings Security Risks for Companies. Retrieved July 14, 2014, from workforce: http://www.workforce.com/articles/byod-brings-security-risks-for-companies Lawson, A. (2014, May 23). Businesses need to wake up and smell the hackers. Retrieved July 23, 2014, from The Independent: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/businesses-need-to-wake-up-and-smell-the-hackers-9422300.html Piscitello, D. (n.d.). What is a blended threat? Retrieved July 23, 2014, from The Security Skeptic: http://securityskeptic.typepad.com/the-security-skeptic/what-is-a-blended-thr

Employee Motivation Programs Essay

Keep your workers inspired by utilizing an employee motivation program inShare Your company can benefit by employee motivation. It’s important to reward your staff for their hard work through recognition, special privileges or gifts. An employee motivation program shows your staff that your company cares about their success. Motivate your staff and their production will exceed expectations. Increase production and employee satisfaction as your business implements workforce motivation. Employee motivation techniques create the foundation that keeps your workforce happy and productive. Encourage teamwork, which improves your company’s success as well as staff motivation. A supportive work atmosphere leads to positive motivation for employees and improves morale. Enjoy workers in the company who have a great attitude and are an example for new staff member joining the organization. Motivating employees can come in many forms. Here are a few ideas to get you started: 1. Consider an employee motivational training program. 2. Use employee motivational articles and other materials to inspire your workers. 3. Give your gifts as an incentive to increase staff motivation. Implement a training program to increase employee’s motivation Training programs use employee motivation theories to offer the best classes and training tools for your company. Some of the most successful companies in the world use training programs for worker motivation. Try: Dale Carnegie Training is a well-established company that understands the benefits of business employee motivation. Training Camp has on-site training as well as an online computer course. Inspire your crew with employee motivation articles and posters The use of visual aids changes how employees view their success. We’ve all seen the motivational posters and articles but these can be more beneficial than you might think. The use of attractive and eye-catching materials that cover encouragement, innovation, leadership and make it happen, are subjects used for motivational posters. Try: Successories has an unlimited amount of motivational posters ranging in any subject. Future Think has motivational materials that guide you on how to recognize and reward innovation. Create worker motivation with incentives Employees love rewards for hard work and a wonderful motivational tool is gift incentives. Your staff will strive to do their best and it challenges them to improve productivity through friendly competition and recognition for a job well done. Try: Swift Prepaid Solutions offers prepaid gift cards that you can use to incite your employees to achieve certain goals. You can use them for the best sales or a job well done. Circuit City has a program where you can hand out gift cards to your deserving employees. †¢Employees need to feel encouragement and motivational techniques can achieve the goal of motivating employees on a daily basis. †¢Use an employee motivation survey to gage the morale of your workforce. Ask the staff to indicate what motivates them. Basic choices include recognition, monetary rewards and special privileges.

APUSH Essay

Conflicts and arguments over state rights also ultimately helped the two party system reemerge by creating entrant in the views of states and their people. States rights was a major issue that contributed to the reemergence of a political parties. Jackson proposed that once the federal debt had been paid off, the government WOOL_SLD be able to distribute the extra money among the States.This angered the westerners because if the government gave the extra money to the states then it would not be able to lower the price of public land. The west proposed an alliance with the south based on this idea. Daniel Webster was able to prevent this from happening with a speech showing the position of states eight to treason. This incident helped in the division of political ideas that led to a separation of political parties.Both Jackson and Calhoun were not very different in the ideas about America except in the idea of a states right to overrule federal authority. The two of them became almost enemies and there were many times they each would attack the others personal character to try and gain what they wanted. In the end the different views of the two men influenced the views and stances of the political parties and created issues, which further divided the nation.

What do you understand by the term organisational climate What effect Essay

What do you understand by the term organisational climate What effect does this climate have on an organisational performance - Essay Example With the increase in competition and frequent changes in the external environment, organizations round the globe are to build up a healthy organizational climate to attract, motivate and retain the human resources; because the organizations round the globe have started to understand the fact that human resource of a company is the biggest asset. Organizational climate is actually a reflection of the organizational culture and hence organizational climate tends to have major impact on the overall performance of an organization. In order to describe the impact of organizational climate on the overall organizational culture a multiple case study approach would be used in this study. One of the companies chosen would the digital giant Google and another company would be the company which signified sound and melody through its products-HMV. In order to analyze the impact of organizational climate on organizational performance various motivational and business theories has been used over the course of study. From the humble beginnings in 1998 in a small garage Google Inc has become one of the largest companies in the world. One of the major keys to the success of the company has been the organizational climate. ... Google also does not believe in creating large organizational groups. Rather the company focuses on creating small groups consisting of some self driven individuals. Such groups are usually monitored by project managers. One of the most unique organizational cultures of Google happens to be one individual can change group and move to another group without even consulting he superiors (Buelens, Sinding, Waldstrom, Krietner and Kinicki, 2011, p.223). The above information can be analyzed by using the Douglas Mc-Gregory’s X and Y theory of motivation. The X theory advocates that employees are lazy and avoid responsibility; hence the employees need to be constantly threatened and monitored to get the job done. On the contrary Theory Y believed that employees are self reliable and if given the proper opportunity and environment employees would practice self responsibility and hence very little monitoring is needed. Based in the above information it can be easily seen that Google fo llows theory Y. The management and the leadership show trust on the employees and this instils confidence in the employees resulting in overall improvement of the organizational performance (Mullins, 2010, p. 331). The management team of Google believes in providing best possible benefits to the employees. Also the company seeks to get rid of any probable things which may cause hindrance in the performance of individuals and the organization. For example the management of the company provides top class facilities in the form of laundry services, gym, community buses, car washes etc. One Schmitt, the present CEO was found quoting that the employees would love to work; but it is

Grammar and Composition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Grammar and Composition - Essay Example Drafting - Organization Sheet Three-Step Format for Thesis Statement: Specific Support for Paragraph #1: Experience with test Specific Support for Paragraph #2: Experience with professors Specific Support for Paragraph #3: Experience with paper work Drafting - Organization Sheet Thesis Statement with Three-Step Format: I am me because of the valuable lessons and choices that I have made and learned through my tests, my professors, and my papers. Drafting - Organization Sheet Introduction - reader's attention and states thesis statement Paragraph #1 But the drive to learn should exist in all of us nevertheless Drafting - Organization Sheet The last sentence of the first paragraph And yes, it is a conscious effort on my part to go through all of these experiences. Drafting - Organization Sheet Paragraph #2 (first point of your thesis) I wasn’t born good in math Drafting - Organization Sheet Paragraph #3 (second point of your thesis) A certain professor while teaching me about th e important of sacrifice, studying and success, stated that students learn at different rates. Paragraph #4 a.) Explain how the third point is developed in this paragraph. The third point is about how I did my essays and term papers. b.) What is good about this paragraph? What is good about this paragraph is the way it is written- it has than already enlightened tone in contrast to the second paragraph where the tone sounds dreary. c.) How could this paragraph be improved? Drafting - Organization Sheet Paragraph #5 (conclusion) In the end, what makes each of us really different is our choice to always have the drive to improve, to learn and to surpass oneself. Drafting - Organization Sheet The last sentence (End with a clincher) I choose to be me and that in the world makes all the difference. (wordplay) Five-Paragraph Essay Revision Sheet Paragrap

Developing Countries Promote Manage Economic Development Essay

Developing Countries Promote Manage Economic Development - Essay Example This case shall be compared to Sub-Saharan Africa since it has a record of failed and poor development of the economy. Governance and democracy are two different aspects in a country3. Governance is the act of leading people in an accountable way. The way leaders conduct their roles, as per their capacity leads to an even economic distribution for all the individuals across a country. The two factors, governance, and democracy, can have a huge implication in political and economic state of a country4. In this case, the political aspect is considered because it is a fundamental element for economic development in any country. From the World Bank point of view, governance is the way power is applied to the social and economic aspects of a country’s affairs, for the purpose of development5. Therefore, governance plays a crucial role in the economic development of a particular country. The development stage in East Asia and Africa is significantly different. The stages of development differ in terms of political, social and economic activities. The difference has been brought about by the governance that is being administered in the two areas. In this paper, The researcher shall take an example of Zimbabwe, where the leaders, in the government, are even unable to enhance the economic performance6. They have also failed to develop economic conditions since there are ever-changing regimes in the country. A good and a strong governance leads to success in the economic performance of the particular country. For instance, from the East Asia, let us take an example of Taiwan. Here there is a strong governance that leads to the creation of a conducive environment, that attracts private and even foreign investment, thus leading to successful economic development7. Therefore, governance in any developing country plays a crucial role in the economic achievement of the state . Most developing countries

Discussion Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Discussion - Assignment Example Our leader initially indicated that he was not in support of the use of Chinese parts. The advocates of Chinese parts also had their own motives and ambitions in the mix. The use of Chinese parts would have meant a higher profit margin which would have resulted in their promotions and higher salaries. However, the profits would have proven to be temporary as the consumer satisfaction would have gone down with the passage of time hence resulting in lower sales. Our leader would also have benefited in the form of a promotion if he would have returned good profits to the shareholders. Many group members knew that very well and they attempted to capitalize on the situation by using flattery. There were also some members with good conscience that looked for the benefit of the company in the long run. They insisted that we should not use Chinese parts as they were subpar and the number of customer complaints against the product would go up. However, the other group kept on bringing up the question that Japanese parts would cost us much more so we could have purchased more C hinese spare parts and stored them for later use. They showed a bright picture of praise and accolades to our leader. They emphasized that the change was necessary, and a timely action was of paramount importance. The discussion almost heated up between the opposing points of view. Our leader decided to take a break, and make a decision at a later time. The decision was made in the favor of Japanese parts as they were of high quality. He also suggested the purchase of a few amount of Chinese parts in order to find out how they work. It turned out later that using Chinese parts was a very bad

Maryland, Jim Crow Law and The Eastern Shore Essay

Maryland, Jim Crow Law and The Eastern Shore - Essay Example Much of the Eastern Shore’s practices were the same as southern states and showed little signs of improvement at moving forward with allowing African Americans to be free through the enforcement of Jim Crow laws. The state of Maryland is located north of Virginia and south of Pennsylvania. Maryland was very popular for its steamboat trade. It’s location along the coast made it easy for steamboats to travel up and down the coast importing and exporting goods. Maryland practiced segregation and passed many laws between 1879 and 1957. Maryland, without a doubt, practiced more as a southern state as its views on recapturing slaves were more similar to the south rather than areas north west of the state. What this meant was that even though they abolished slavery, they still believed in segregation, which was more common in the south than in the north. Maryland as a whole, gave in to the abolishment of slavery when it was abolished in 1864, 101 years after it was instituted. Maryland supported many Jim Crow laws. The laws specifically segregated African Americans from living freely amongst whites. Many of Maryland’s Jim Crow laws prohibited African Americans from marrying whites, riding in steamboats with whites and attending the same schools as whites. These laws were supposed to help African Americans be free of slavery but only caused more problems like segregation. Most of Maryland was pro Jim Crow laws like the eastern shore. The eastern shore didn’t profess the practice of slavery but did implement Jim Crow laws, which were in full force through the 1960s. Much of Maryland was dependent on slavery like many of the southern states. White plantation owners participated in slavery as free labor. The free labor was important to the plantation owners because they were able to make more profit. Tobacco was one of the choice products grown. The slaves could harvest the tobacco and since the land was owned, slave masters were able to make al most 100% profits from the tobacco. Areas like the Eastern Shore of Maryland were especially subject to slavery since there was easy access to steamboats. Maryland’s Eastern Shore was an area near the Eastern shore that was accustom to strict beliefs and practices. Many African Americans struggled to find true freedom in the southern states because of such people as slave catchers and extreme racists. However, some southerners were willing to help. The Quakers that lived along the Eastern Shore were known for fighting slavery. They risked their own lives and families to protect free slaves from being captured and discriminated. The Quakers were even thought to actively participate in the Underground Railroad. Alongside of the Quakers were the free blacks. These free blacks made up a small percentage of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The free blacks were constantly in fear of becoming re-slaved or convicted of crimes. Many fled to northwestern states in fear of becoming re-e nslaved. This was similar to the fear that many slaves felt living in southern states, as the southern states still continued to practice free labor even after slavery was abolished. Practices that led the Eastern Shore to be similar to southern states include the constant re capturing of slaves and freeing of slaves. Recapturing and freeing of sl

Integrating business perspective Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Integrating business perspective - Essay Example Hence, the investor looks into certain factors with a keen eye before investing into something. First and foremost, it is important to know complete detail about the business that is about to start up, its complete assessment and the analysis of the risk involved in the business. Analysis of risk factor is very important thing to know when considering to invest in a small startup business since this risk is what actually defines how much money you will earn or how much money you will lose in the future. But in certain cases the loss is worthwhile since the profit gained after a certain time period is far from the losses. For this purpose it is important to look into the idea that the party is selling and whether it has potential to grow or not and whether it will go down the drain. Generally speaking those who want to invest in such type of business should have an open mind and should know that investing in such type of business always involves the factor of risk and the elimination of this factor is hardly ever possible. To be sure of the idea that the students are selling, w e should see the product sample being shown to us and various other factors which are all linked to ache other. Another important factor to look upon when investing in such small scale business is time. Time is one of the most important factors of such type of businesses because such startups may require more than average time to get a return i.e., there should be no expectations of getting any money out of this business for three to five years. In such a case, the investor can put in his money in the form of loan which can be returned to the investor within a specific time period but there will be no profit earned in such case. The team involved in the business should also be evaluated since they are the people who are going to run the business and these people will be responsible on giving you your money back in the form of profit or in case of losses. If the team is

Dr. Jekyll and Hyde analysis Essay Example for Free

Dr. Jekyll and Hyde analysis Essay The only reason he would be acting like this, even though Jekyll is ofa higher class, he wants to be associated with Hyde for a reason he does not want his friends to know. As if Jekyll was not acting odd enough already he defends Hyde no matter he does, Jekyll always attempts to justify Hydes actions. Also he has listed everything in his will to Mr. Hyde for unknown reasons at the time only raising more curiosity from the charcters in the book as well as the reader. Throughout known history London has been seen as a symbol of wealth and prosparity, but Stevenson shows the other side. And if any time he dozed over, it was but to see it glide more stealthily, even to dizziness, through wider labyrinths of lamp-lighed city, and at every street corner(Stevenson 8). The city of London is drastically different from peoples general idea of that city. Most people think of all the hisorical landmarks and areas, not the poorer sections that Stevenson tends to focus on. He may be doing this to help sumbliminatley further the idea of the duality in people. Maybe trying to convince the people that if a city can be split in its personality so can the people of this world. Earlier the Ying-Yang was compared to Jekyll and Hyde and it was extremly well demonstraighted towards the end of this book when it is revealed to the reader that Jekyll revealed he wanted to be Hyde. The power of volventary chance be forfieted, and the character of Edward Hyde become irrevocably mine0ekyll/Hyde 48). Jekyll had always wanted to be a rulebreaker like Hyde, growing up in wealthy family he had a reason and a need to rebel against what was exspected of him. Jekyll seemed to want to live on the other side of life to experience all aspects of what life at the ime had to offer. It is Just a natural instinct of some people to rebel out of not being satisfyed. Or, in Dr. Jekylls case wanting to experence the other side in this world. Stevenson repeatedly brings up this idea throughout the text, while never coming out and saying it. Stenson is able to bring this idea up in every readers mind multiple times. This story was also possibly wrote to show everyone that has read it that nobody is purely good or evil, there is no black or white, that everyone no matter what they do is Just a shade of gray. Dr. Jekyll and Hyde analysis By zooglicious

Douglas MacArthur Background

Douglas MacArthur Background Peter Liu Douglas MacArthur, a famous military strategist in the United States, He served as commander of the US Far Eastern Army during the Second World War, and commander of the Allied Commander of the Southwest Pacific Theater. MacArthur is the youngest brigadier of the United States, the youngest president of the West Point, the youngest Army chief of staff in the history of the US Army, and the three youngest experience is the Wizards in the history of American war.(Douglas MacArthur. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2017.) So Douglas MacArthur is a good general, because he lead the USA to win the WWII, by using his clear mind. MacArthur is an outstanding and controversial general in American history, and he has received more praise and criticism than other American generals. In the second world war dazzling star, he is neither as easy as Eisenhower, nor as bold as Barton. He is a very complex and colorful personality. January 26, 1880, was born in the United States Arkansas small town of 30 kilometers south of a military family. His father Arthur MacArthur II highest served as the US Army Samsung Lieutenant General, he was inspired by MacArthur to become a soldier.(MacArthur: the youngest principal of the West Point, the youngest chief of staff of the US Army. MacArthur: the youngest principal of the West Point, the youngest chief of staff of the US Army. Np, nd Web. 09 Mar. 2017.) In 1899, MacArthur was admitted to the US Army Officer School (West Point). During the school both hard study, but also focus on physical exercise. 4 years later to 98.43 points of graduation, the record of the West Point of the schools graduation score record (this record has not been broken), was appointed Engineering Corps second lieutenant; April 20, 1904, promoted to engineering lieutenant. In June 1919, 39-year-old MacArthur was appointed president of the West Point, became the school since the schools youngest principal. He always responsibility honor the country as the motto of the school. School gymnasium at the top, stood a plaque, engraved with his sentence above: Today, in the friendly site sowing under the seeds, tomorrow, will be harvested on the battlefield fruit! On April 19, 1951, in a farewell speech before the congressional meeting, a speech was made Veterans never die, just fade away.I am about to end the fifty-two years of military career. I am the army before the beginning of this century And this is my childhood hope and dream of the realization of the past, I have been in the West Point military academy since the oath, the world has changed many times, and my hope and dreams have long gone, but I still remember the most popular A soldier, proudly declaring Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.(http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2120831047 N.p., n.d. Web.) Throughout the life of MacArthur, unlike any other general in American history, his life is full of legend. He was the youngest brigadier of the US military in the First World War, and later became the youngest of the US military and the youngest army chief of staff; he was the only one to participate in the First World War, the second world War and the Korean general of the Korean War. At the same time, he is also the most influential Americans in the Pacific.As a graduate of West Point, he received the highest rank of the student team and graduated with the highest grade. Since then, he has won many firsts in his career. He was fortunate enough to serve the army staff, in Mexico   brave performance once; was fortunate as Rainbow Division chief of staff to France bravely showed some, became the youngest of the US brigadier. After the first world war, he is a meteoric rise: 1919 to become the youngest West Point school principals, so rigid, facing the collapse of the West Point was new; in 1925 to become the youngest army lieutenant, has served as the commander of the third army Philippine US military commander; in 1930 to become the youngest army chief of staff, for the US military to build it strong. (Who is the highest military officer of the United States in the Philippines during the war? Baidu knows. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2017.)During his stay in the Philippine military adviser, he once withdrew from the US military, but became the only American who was awarded the title of Marshal. February 3, 1946, MacArthur instructed the Allied headquarters to draft a sample of the Japanese constitution. The US government issued the Constitutions guidelines in September 1945 to MacArthur that the Japanese government must be absolutely empowered by all voters and accountable to all voters. On May 3 the Allies submitted a draft constitution. On October 7, the Japanese parliament passed the constitution. On November 3, Japan promulgated a new constitution. (MacArthur Was Appointed President Truman President of the Allied Forces in Japan. N.p., n.d. Web.)This is a constitution by the occupiers from the aliens by the Westerners according to Western values according to the Western set imposed on the set of accustomed to the East, but to the people of the conquered nation of the occupied nation Has brought the constitution of the rule of democracy and freedom, brought a peaceful and prosperous constitution, brought a happy constitution. If Mike Arthur was an all-powerful military commander on the battlefield, he was a vigorous reformer in politics, even though Roosevelt had said he was not a good politician, even though he was running for three times. Most of the people who studied him thought that the greatest performance he left to future generations was that he succeeded in moving Japan from feudal militarism to modern democracy. During the occupation of Japan, he turned the authority of the emperor into his own hands, using authoritarian dictatorship to keep Japan out of feudal autocratic dictatorship. (World War II, man of the situation. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2017.)At this point, MacArthur was regarded as a visionary hero, he imposed bourgeois democracy in the Japanese, thus creating the post-war new Japan. He has also succeeded in suppressing the largest mass movement in Japanese history and is committed to building Japan into a anti-communist dam. This anti-communist consciousness is most prominently reflected in his attitude towards the Korean War, and this attitude from beginning to end about his thinking and action. He sees the Korean War as a great decisive battle against the wave of communism, which concerns the interests and destiny of the United States in Asia and the world, and is related to the life and death of the whole capitalist world, so it can only fail and fail. Based on this understanding, he actively contributed to the interference of the Korean civil war, anxious to send troops to launch a series of offensive, and strongly clamor to the war to China. The country was welcomed by an unprecedented heroic triumph and published his famous farewell speech at the Capitol Hill. After that, although he was to reproduce the glory and toss for a while, but after all, is the sunset sunset, the remaining light in the gradual disappearance, and ultimately engulfed for the darkness. MacArthur is the youngest brigadier of the United States, the youngest president of the West Point, the youngest Army chief of staff in the history of the US Army, and the three youngest experience is the Wizards in the history of American war.(Douglas MacArthur. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2017.) January 26, 1880, was born in the United States Arkansas small town of 30 kilometers south of a military family. His father Arthur MacArthur II highest served as the US Army Samsung Lieutenant General, he was inspired by MacArthur to become a soldier.(MacArthur: the youngest principal of the West Point, the youngest chief of staff of the US Army. MacArthur: the youngest principal of the West Point, the youngest chief of staff of the US Army. Np, nd Web. 09 Mar. 2017.) I am about to end the fifty-two years of military career. I am the army before the beginning of this century And this is my childhood hope and dream of the realization of the past, I have been in the West Point military academy since the oath, the world has changed many times, and my hope and dreams have long gone, but I still remember the most popular A soldier, proudly declaring Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.(http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2120831047 N.p., n.d. Web.) After the first world war, he is a meteoric rise: 1919 to become the youngest West Point school principals, so rigid, facing the collapse of the West Point was new; in 1925 to become the youngest army lieutenant, has served as the commander of the third army Philippine US military commander; in 1930 to become the youngest army chief of staff, for the US military to build it strong. (Who is the highest military officer of the United States in the Philippines during the war? Baidu knows. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2017.) The US government issued the Constitutions guidelines in September 1945 to MacArthur that the Japanese government must be absolutely empowered by all voters and accountable to all voters. On May 3 the Allies submitted a draft constitution. On October 7, the Japanese parliament passed the constitution. On November 3, Japan promulgated a new constitution. (MacArthur Was Appointed President Truman President of the Allied Forces in Japan. N.p., n.d. Web.) During the occupation of Japan, he turned the authority of the emperor into his own hands, using authoritarian dictatorship to keep Japan out of feudal autocratic dictatorship. (World War II, man of the situation. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2017.) South Pacific battlefield island warfare, selectively capture the importance of the US military to promote the island in 1941, the outbreak of the Second World War was recruited back to the army, served as commander of the US Far East Army, command the US military in the Western(http://www.docin.com/p-385154133.htmlN.p., n.d. Web. 22 May. 2017.)

Plato :: essays research papers

Plato's works, perhaps the most consistently popular and influential philosophic writings ever published, consist of a series of dialogues in which the discussions between Socrates and others are presented with infinite charm. Most of our knowledge of Socrates is from these dialogues, and which views are Socrates' and which are Plato's is anybody's guess. (Plato cautiously never introduced himself into any of the dialogues.) Like Socrates, Plato was chiefly interested in moral philosophy and despised natural philosophy (that is, science) as an inferior and unworthy sort of knowledge. There is a famous story (probably apocryphal and told also of Euclid of a student asking Plato the application of the knowledge he was being taught. Plato at once ordered a slave to give the student a small coin that he might not think he had gained knowledge for nothing, then had him dismissed from school. To Plato, knowledge had no practical use, it existed for the abstract good of the soul. Plato was fond of mathematics because of its idealized abstractions and its separation from the merely material. Nowadays, of course, the purest mathematics manages to be applied, sooner or later, to practical matters of science. In Plato's day this was not so, and the mathematician could well consider himself as dealing only with the loftiest form of pure thought and as having nothing to do with the gross and imperfect everyday world. And so above the doorway to the Academy was written, "Let no one ignorant of mathematics enter here." Plato did, however, believe that mathematics in its ideal form could still be applied to the heavens. The heavenly bodies, he believed, exhibited perfect geometric form. This he expresses most clearly in a dialogue called Timaeus in which he presents his scheme of the universe. He describes the five (and only five) possible regular solids -- that is, those with equivalent faces and with all lines and angles, formed by those faces, equal. Plato :: essays research papers Plato's works, perhaps the most consistently popular and influential philosophic writings ever published, consist of a series of dialogues in which the discussions between Socrates and others are presented with infinite charm. Most of our knowledge of Socrates is from these dialogues, and which views are Socrates' and which are Plato's is anybody's guess. (Plato cautiously never introduced himself into any of the dialogues.) Like Socrates, Plato was chiefly interested in moral philosophy and despised natural philosophy (that is, science) as an inferior and unworthy sort of knowledge. There is a famous story (probably apocryphal and told also of Euclid of a student asking Plato the application of the knowledge he was being taught. Plato at once ordered a slave to give the student a small coin that he might not think he had gained knowledge for nothing, then had him dismissed from school. To Plato, knowledge had no practical use, it existed for the abstract good of the soul. Plato was fond of mathematics because of its idealized abstractions and its separation from the merely material. Nowadays, of course, the purest mathematics manages to be applied, sooner or later, to practical matters of science. In Plato's day this was not so, and the mathematician could well consider himself as dealing only with the loftiest form of pure thought and as having nothing to do with the gross and imperfect everyday world. And so above the doorway to the Academy was written, "Let no one ignorant of mathematics enter here." Plato did, however, believe that mathematics in its ideal form could still be applied to the heavens. The heavenly bodies, he believed, exhibited perfect geometric form. This he expresses most clearly in a dialogue called Timaeus in which he presents his scheme of the universe. He describes the five (and only five) possible regular solids -- that is, those with equivalent faces and with all lines and angles, formed by those faces, equal.

Relaxation :: essays research papers

We all human beings have our good and bad days in our every day life. We like the good days but we don’t like the bad days. Every one of us has some place where like to get away and forget about the problems. I have my place, which is my favorite gym where I spent a lot of time. Workout is the best medicine for me to relax and regain my power. I am a very healthy person who eats very clean and works out on regular bases. Staying in shape makes me feel good about keeps and myself me disciplined and motivated. Workout is a very important part of my life, which helps me to regain perspective of life and the balance that I lost through out the day. I just love to jump on the stair master on a bike, do my workout and just fly away with my thought. After ninety minutes of workout I am tired and sweaty. The tiredness feels very good and it feels like I am recharged aging. In the essay â€Å"A Visit with the Folks† by Russell Baker the author also has his place where he likes to go to and relax. Baker enjoys coming to the old cemetery in the countryside to visit his relatives. He goes there to gain his perspective and the guidance he has lost to the difficult outside world. When he goes back to the cemetery to see his dead family members â€Å"it slows the juices down something marvelous† he says. From time to time, Baker goes back to a churchyard cemetery situated in a beautiful countryside surrounded by the view of blue mountains, blossoming roses on fieldstone fences and fields of white daisies. He goes there to visit his family members who passed away. As he moves from tombstones to tombstones, he remembers his folks and individually recalls memories and situations about them from the pass. He bear in mind his folks and guidance they gave him. For example, he remembers his uncle Lewis who was a barber who always wanted to give him a haircut. Such encounter with his memories changes his state of mind and conquers his busy life in the city. At the end Baker â€Å"leaves rather more content with the worldâ€Å" because he learns how the peace of countryside and memories of relatives help him to recover his consciousness.

Li and Change :: Confucianism Essays

Li and Change ABSTRACT: In this paper I ask the question of how change is effected in the li practices of a fundamentally conservative society. I begin with a description of how li functions in society ideally and actually, arguing that they play a crucial role in society as the medium through which the Confucian objectives (the perfection of the self, the establishment of order within one’s family, and the restoration and preservation of social order) are realized. The character of li suggests that li practices be evaluated in terms of their efficacy in realizing the Confucian objectives, for which participation in li is both necessary and sufficient. Yet, these objectives transcend li practices, allowing individuals to evaluate li practices in terms of their efficacy in realizing Confucian objectives in the face of changing concerns and circumstances, and thereby affect the relevant changes in li practices. It is an adequate understanding of what the Confucian objectives entail and the st ructure of the situations one finds oneself in that inform evaluation of existing li practices. However, changes in li practices take place vis-a-vis a conservative attitude towards inherited social conventions, and it is this conservative attitude that provides stability and continuity despite flux. Changes in li practices are therefore gradual, and do not disrupt social order. 1. Introduction This essay is an attempt to understand the concept of li (commonly translated by commentators as "rituals", "rites", "customs", or "conventions") — as elucidated in the Analects — within the context of social change. Particular attention will be paid to how the Confucian understands li practices to function in a society, and how changes in li practices are effected. Thus, in what follows, I shall take seriously the notion of Confucianism as a practicable way of life. I take the concept of li (as it occurs in the Analects) to refer to the social conventions governing various aspects of human conduct (Analects, 1.12, 2.3, 2.5, 3.19, 4.13, 11.26, 12.1). As I understand it, li functions primarily as a social regulator in the realisation of the Confucian objectives — namely, the perfection of the self, the establishment of order within one’s family (which the Confucian understood as the basic unit of a society), and the restoration and preservation of social order. Each li practice consists of a set of actions, with detailed descriptions regarding one’s attire, stance, and expressions (Book 10). Participation in li involves the skilful execution of the set of actions demanded by each li practice, accompanied by the appropriate dispositions and attitudes.

Mexican Cuisine

Mexican Cuisine Mexican cuisine is a style of food that originates in Mexico. It is known for its varied flavors, colorful decoration, and variety of spices and ingredients, many of which are native to the country. What makes a meal distinctly Mexican, of course, are the lively seasonings. Not all Mexican recipes are fiery, though; while renowned for their heat, many subtle and intriguing spice combinations are also found in Mexican fare. The staples of Mexican cuisine are typically corn and beans. Corn, traditionally Mexico's staple grain, is eaten fresh, on the cob, and as a component of a number of dishes. Most corn, however, is used to make masa, a dough for tamales, tortillas, gorditas, and many other corn-based foods. Squash and peppers also play important roles in Mexican cuisine. The most important and frequently used herbs and spices in Mexican cuisine are chilli powder, oregano, cilantro, epazote, cinnamon, and cocoa. Chipotle, a smoke-dried jalapeno chilli, is also common in Mexican cuisine. Many Mexican dishes also contain garlic and onions. Next to corn, rice is the most common grain in Mexican cuisine. Mexican food varies by region, because of local climate and geography and ethnic differences among the indigenous inhabitants and because these different populations were influenced by the Spaniards in varying degrees. The north of Mexico is known for its beef, goat and ostrich production and meat dishes, in particular the well-known arrachera cut. Central Mexico's cuisine is largely influenced by the rest of the country, but has unique and tasty dishes such as barbacoa, pozole, menudo and carnitas. Southeastern Mexico, on the other hand, is known for its spicy vegetable and chicken-based dishes. The cuisine of Southeastern Mexico has a considerable Caribbean influence due to its location. Seafood is commonly prepared in states that border the Pacific Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico, the latter having a famous reputation for its fish dishes. In Pueblos or villages, there are also more exotic dishes, cooked in the Aztec or Mayan with ingredients ranging from iguana to rattlesnake, deer, spider monkey, chapulines, ant eggs, and other kinds of insects. Mexican Cuisine Mexican cuisine is a style of food that originates in Mexico. It is known for its varied flavors, colorful decoration, and variety of spices and ingredients, many of which are native to the country. What makes a meal distinctly Mexican, of course, are the lively seasonings. Not all Mexican recipes are fiery, though; while renowned for their heat, many subtle and intriguing spice combinations are also found in Mexican fare. The staples of Mexican cuisine are typically corn and beans. Corn, traditionally Mexico's staple grain, is eaten fresh, on the cob, and as a component of a number of dishes. Most corn, however, is used to make masa, a dough for tamales, tortillas, gorditas, and many other corn-based foods. Squash and peppers also play important roles in Mexican cuisine. The most important and frequently used herbs and spices in Mexican cuisine are chilli powder, oregano, cilantro, epazote, cinnamon, and cocoa. Chipotle, a smoke-dried jalapeno chilli, is also common in Mexican cuisine. Many Mexican dishes also contain garlic and onions. Next to corn, rice is the most common grain in Mexican cuisine. Mexican food varies by region, because of local climate and geography and ethnic differences among the indigenous inhabitants and because these different populations were influenced by the Spaniards in varying degrees. The north of Mexico is known for its beef, goat and ostrich production and meat dishes, in particular the well-known arrachera cut. Central Mexico's cuisine is largely influenced by the rest of the country, but has unique and tasty dishes such as barbacoa, pozole, menudo and carnitas. Southeastern Mexico, on the other hand, is known for its spicy vegetable and chicken-based dishes. The cuisine of Southeastern Mexico has a considerable Caribbean influence due to its location. Seafood is commonly prepared in states that border the Pacific Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico, the latter having a famous reputation for its fish dishes. In Pueblos or villages, there are also more exotic dishes, cooked in the Aztec or Mayan with ingredients ranging from iguana to rattlesnake, deer, spider monkey, chapulines, ant eggs, and other kinds of insects. The main characteristics of Italian cuisine is its extreme simplicity, with many dishes having only four to eight ingredients. Italian cooks rely chiefly on the quality of the ingredients rather than on elaborate preparation. Dishes and recipes are often the creation of grandmothers rather than of chefs, and this makes many recipes ideally suited for home cooking. This is one of the main reasons behind the ever increasing popularity of this cuisine, as cooking magazine in foreign countries popularize Italian recipes targeted at the home cook. Italian cuisine has a great variety of different ingredients which are commonly used, ranging from fruits, vegetables, sauces, meats, etc Italian cuisine is also well known (and well regarded) for its use of a diverse variety of pasta. Pasta includes noodles in various lengths, widths and shapes. Distinguished on shapes they are named — penne, maccheroni, spaghetti, linguine, fusilli, lasagne and many more varieties that are filled with other ingredients like ravioli and tortellini. The main characteristics of Italian cuisine is its extreme simplicity, with many dishes having only four to eight ingredients. Italian cooks rely chiefly on the quality of the ingredients rather than on elaborate preparation. Dishes and recipes are often the creation of grandmothers rather than of chefs, and this makes many recipes ideally suited for home cooking. This is one of the main reasons behind the ever increasing popularity of this cuisine, as cooking magazine in foreign countries popularize Italian recipes targeted at the home cook. Italian cuisine has a great variety of different ingredients which are commonly used, ranging from fruits, vegetables, sauces, meats, etc Italian cuisine is also well known (and well regarded) for its use of a diverse variety of pasta. Pasta includes noodles in various lengths, widths and shapes. Distinguished on shapes they are named — penne, maccheroni, spaghetti, linguine, fusilli, lasagne and many more varieties that are filled with other ingredients like ravioli and tortellini.

Establishing The Internet in Public Schools

Modems, e-mail, www's and .com's – are these phrases merely a part of a worldwide fad, or are they here to stay? And if they are, then what role should they play in the future of public education? Many times, new things come along, and we all jump on the big boat of opportunity so quickly that we forget to look at the long term merits of what we're boarding. The Internet is a good example of this, and we should all take a much closer look before we decide whether the Internet has a purpose and a place in the public schools of tomorrow. Education is merely preparing students for the future. But what is the future? No one can say with certainty. But by taking a quick look around us, we can guess that the Internet will play a prominent role in our future. If we look at the stock market, for example, we can see internet and technology stocks skyrocketing beginning their first day on the market. Or, turn on the television and one will surely hear a commercial telling everyone to check out their company's web site for more information on their product. Daily, we can see the Internet becoming more integrated in our lives and in the lives of our youth. Without the internet in our schools, how will teachers instruct students to take full advantage of what the internet has to offer? After establishing that the Internet is indeed a growing part of our society that will not likely disappear soon, schools and their administrators must decide if the Internet is a necessity or a luxury. The answer is simple; the Internet is a luxury. If it were a necessity for public schools' survival, then how have they made it this far without it? Though the Internet is a luxury, that does not mean it has no place in public schools. Imagine schools today without luxuries such as the light bulb, copy machine, or personal computer. Ten years ago, it would have been impossible to compose a letter, to send it, and have it received all in a matter of seconds. It is imperative that students are taught how to access these new opportunities so that when compared with other students anywhere in the world, they will not lag behind in Internet proficiency. Schools must begin to incorporate internet education into their regular curriculum in order for students to be successful in today's internet-savvy world. It is the responsibility of public schools to prepare our students for the future, and without the Internet in our schools, this would be impossible. By forbidding the internet to enter our schools, we would be condemning our students by sending them out into the age of the internet, being armed with nothing. Though the merit of the Internet itself will continue to be debated, it is obviously becoming an important part of our society and, therefore, must also become an important part of our schools, which are the future of our society. Had the youth of yesterday not been taught how to use computers, then they could not have created the internet of today. Therefore, if students of today are not taught how to use the Internet, then we are limiting the possibility of new discoveries tomorrow. It is important that we realize this: the education that is provided for our youth today will determine our future. In conclusion, schools and its communities must accept the inevitable and climb aboard the Internet ship of opportunity before it sets sail, leaving the future of our students, communities and nation behind. Where will this fateful journey end? Will it end in tragedy such as the Titanic, or will we be sailing on the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria to end at yet another beginning where something newer and more exciting awaits us? Only time can tell.

Process for Implemenation of Supplier Development Strategy Essay

Introduction Supply chain management adopts a systematic and integrative approach to manage the operation and relationship amongst different parties in supply chain one of the major issues is supplier development studies have investigated how quality management can be employer in supply chain management to influence performance in the whole supply network. (Mishra Rik, Patel G-Supplier Development Strategies, Data employment Analysis Business Intelligence Journal, January 2010 vol 3 No.1) There are 8 stages of implementation of supplier development 2.1 Identify critical commodities for development Managers must analyse their situation to determine whether Supplier development is important and if so which purchased commodities and services require the most attention. A corporate level executive steering committee must assess the relevant strategic importance of all goods and services that the company buys and produce a portfolio of critical commodities 2.2 Identify critical suppliers for development The managers must assess the performance of suppliers who supply commodities in the â€Å"strategic supplier category†. These commodities considered strategically important, as they might be difficult to substitute or purchase from alternative suppliers. 2.3 Form a cross-functional team A buyer must first develop internal cross-functional consensus for the initiative before approaching the supplies to ask for improvement such consensus will help to show a â€Å"unified front† and ensure that all buyer functions. 2.4 Meet with supplier’s top management team The buyer’s cross functional commodity team must approach the supplier’s top management group and establish three keys to supplier improvement, strategic alignment, supplier measurement and professionalism. 5 Identify opportunities and probability for improvement At these meetings with the suppliers executive should identify areas earmarked for improvement. Companies adopting a strategic approach to supply base development can usually agree upon areas or improvement .In some areas driven by final customer requirements and expectations. 2.6 Identify key projects After identifying promising opportunities of supplier development managers must evaluate them in terms of feasibility, resource and time requirements and potential return on investments. The aim is to decide what the goals should be and whether they are achievable. 2.7 Define details of the agreement After the potential improvement project is identified, the parties need to agree on specific merthies for monitoring its success. 2.8 Monitor status and modify strategies Manages must constantly monitor the progress and constantly exchange information to maintain momentum in the project. (http://www.ethenmanagementor.com.kuniverser/kmailer_universe/manu_kmailers/som-supplierdev1.htm. Accessed 15/09/2011) Different types Supply Chain relationships | |Transactional |Collaborative |Alliance | | |Relationships |relationships |relationships | |Communication |High potential for problems |Systematic approach to | | | |enhance communication | |Competitive |Low |High | |advantage |Independence | | |Connectedness |Little |Interdependence | |Continuous |Few | | |improvement | |A focus on | |Contributions to | | | |new product |Low |Many/early supplier | |development |Short |involvement | | |Reactive |Difficult/high impact | |Difficulty of exit |Price |Long | |Duration | Little or none |Proactive | |Expediting |Low |Total cost | |Focus | |High or total | |Level of integration |Many |High | |Level of trust |No | | |Number of |Incoming inspection | | |suppliers |Inward looking |One or few | |Open books | |Yes | |Quality | |Design quality into system | |Relations | |Concern with each other’s | | |Few/low skill level |well-being | |Resources |Minimal |Professional | |Service |No |Greatly improved | |Shared forecasts |Possible |Yes | |Supply disruptions |No |Unlikely | |Technology inflows |Tactical |Yes | |Type of interaction | |Strategic synergy | (Handfield RB; Monczka RM; Giunipero LC; Patterson JL. Sourcing and supply chain management; 2004 pg 123) Portfolio Analysis 4.1 Captive buyer Captive buyer relationship the supplier dominates the buyer and the buyer depends on the supplier. In these particular captive buyer relationships this dependence of the buyer is due to the unique intellectual property of the supplier. Because of this intellectual property the buyer has limited or no Substitutes to turn to creating a dependence on the supplier. Despite this dependence a high level of trust plays an important role in making this relationship fruitful for both parties. Apparently the dominance of the supplier is limited to the extent that the mutual trust stays intact. But the level of trust also has its limits from the supplier’s perspective. The supplier is not willing to trust the buyer with its intellectual property. The obvious reason for this is the risk that the supplier would lose its dominating position. Thus, the supplier has a special interest in maintaining its dominant position. The survey and interviews indicate that for captive buyer relationships the explanatory variables were the lack of substitutes, legal property rights and size of the supplier. Apparently the legal property rights of the supplier, and the resulting lack of substitutes, causes the buyer to depend on the supplier. These factors, combined with a supplier that is much larger than the buyer, results in a relationship that can be described as a captive buyer situation. (http://dspace.learningnetworks.org/bitstream/1820/3545/1/MWBHMJFleurenmei2011.pdf ;Accessed 15/09/2011) 2 Captive Supplier Captive supplier relationship the supplier depends on the buyer and the buyer therefore overpowers the supplier. This unbalance of power can have one or a combination of factors: the size of the buyer and its market share but also the switching costs for the supplier contribute to the dependence of the supplier on the buyer. Despite the fact that the supplier has important intellectual property this is not sufficient to balance the level of power towards the buyer. To make this relationship a fruitful one cooperation and mutual goals are of great importance. Via these mutual goals the buyer does depend on the supplier to some extent, thus preventing the buyer from abusing its dominance over the supplier. For this reason, in a captive supplier situation the buyer will also invest (heavily) in the relationship but not to the extent that it loses it’s dominating position. While studying the captive supplier relationships, it became apparent that the Explanatory variables were market share, lack of substitutes, legal property rights, non-retrievable investments and the size of the supplier. These factors resulted in a captive buyer situation. Again the presence of legal property rights, this time of the buyer, causes the supplier to have limited or no substitutes. Furthermore the relationship involved significant non-retrievable investments for the supplier, making it even more difficult to switch to another buyer. Finally, the high market share of the buyer compared to the small size of the supplier was a significant factor. The net result of these explanatory variables is a captive supplier relationship. (http://dspace.learningnetworks.org/bitstream/1820/3545/1/MWBHMJFleurenmei2011.pdf; Accessed 15/09/2011) 3 Interdependent Supply Chain members Some kind of starting point is needed for identification of supply chains. For instance, an end product of some kind may be used for identification and analysis of the activity structure organised ‘behind’ it. This is in line with the transvection concept coined by Alderson (1965, p. 92) who defines transvections as comprising ‘†¦all prior action necessary to produce this final result, going all the way back to conglomerate resources’. This, however, entails a first important connection among chains as they typically merge in different stages within an activity structure where different parts of the end product are assembled, welded etc, tying different chains together successively (Dubois, 1998). Consequently, several different products (and thus also several chains, if defined by products) are involved in every ‘supply chain’ resulting in some kind of end-product. Taking transvections, or end-product related structures, as a starting point we will further analyse the ways in which the activities and reso urces within ‘supply chains’ are connected by analysing how they are subject to the three forms of interdependence. (http://www.impgroup.org/uploads/papers/4324.pdf ;accessed 15/09/2011) 5. Buyer /supplier relationship (Handfield RB; Monczka RM; Giunipero LC; Patterson JL. Sourcing and supply chain management; 2004) High Category Level Low Conclusion The concept of power should be at the centre of any study of buyer-supplier relationships. Power affects the expectations of the two parties over what commercial returns should accrue to them from a relationship. It also affects the willingness of the two parties to invest in collaborative activities. As important, it also affects the willingness of the two parties to share the costs of relationship-specific investments .It also affects the willingness of the two parties to share sensitive information. As a result, an understanding of the power relation which is often stable, with the relative stability should, from the point of view of the purchasing manager, inform both the supplier selection and the relationship management decision as he or she attempts to manage risk proactively. Bibliography 1. http://www.impgroup.org/uploads/papers/4320.pdf 2. http://dspace.learningnetworks.org/bitstream/1820/3545/1/MWBHMJFleurenmei2011.pdf. 3. Mishra Rik, Patel G-Supplier Development Strategies, Data employment Analysis Business Intelligence Journal, January 2010 vol 3 No.1 4. Handfield RB; Monczka RM; Giunipero LC; Patterson JL. Sourcing and supply chain management; 2004 ———————– |1.Leaverage: |2.Strategic : | |Captive Supplier |Mutual dependence | |The buyer has power |Trust is necessary | |Trust may be lacking | | |3.Routine: |4. Bottleneck | |Mutual Independent |Captive buyer | |Trust not necessary |The Supplier has power | | |Trust may be lacking | LowHighBusiness Risk

Is The Uk Planning System Sustainable Environmental Sciences Essay

The United Kingdom ( UK ) planning system operates on three grades, national, regional and local planning governments ( Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, 2005 ) . The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 ( PCPA ) was brought into English jurisprudence to rush up the proceedings in the planning system and to do the planning determinations of major developments more â€Å" predictable † as is defined by the explanatory notes to the 2004 Act. The UK planning system operates within the remits of â€Å" sustainable development † , this focuses on three facets societal, economic and environmental. This three prong standards adopted for an already complicated planning system has lead to unfavorable judgments of lucidity, intent and for decelerating down proceedings. In order to objectively measure Bell and McGillvray ‘s statement, â€Å" Section39 of the planning and mandatory purchase act requires all program doing organic structures to exert their maps ‘ with the aim of lending to the accomplishment of sustainable development † . Planing Policy Statement 6 ( PPS 6 ) , Planing for Town Centres, and Planing Policy Statement 9 ( PPS 9 ) , Biodiversity and Geological Conservation, are of critical relevancy to how and whom planning policy statute law is relevant to and as such are reviewed in respects to sustainable development. Sustainable development was the term coined and adopted by authoritiess, be aftering governments and non-government administrations for the development of planning policy and statute law, it â€Å" is the nucleus rule underpinning be aftering â€Å" ( PPS 6, 2003 ) . However there is still troubles in holding an internationally recognized definition, the most widely accepted definition is the publication of the United Nations ( UN ) World Commission on Environments Our Common hereafter ; â€Å" run intoing the demands of the present without compromising the ability of future coevalss to develop. † The subject is to protect the environment from debasement and to advance economic and societal verve. The committedness to the betterment of societal, economic and physical environments is quickly being endorsed by authoritiess around the universe, nevertheless trouble is common in fulfilling all three countries on new developments. In many instances determinations can be argued to hold been inattentive of environmental impacts in favor of economic benefits, alternately it can be argued that environmental sensitiveness has needlessly denied or inflated costs of new developments. The Newbury beltway has been constructed ( Insert snail instance survey ) Planing Policy Statement 6 PPS 6 was issued by the office of the Deputy premier minster in December 2003, it replaced Planing Policy Guidance note 6 and â€Å" has a cardinal function in easing and advancing sustainable and inclusive development † ( PPS 6, 2003 ) . PPS 6 is responsible for the development in town Centres and its primary focal point is on the regeneration and care of verve in town Centres and high streets. Friends of the Earth have critiscised PPS 6 saying it is responsible for â€Å" failure to supply clear counsel to local governments on the demand to keep big format shops † in their 2004 Consultation response Draft Planning Policy Statement Six: Planning for Town Centres. Conflicts in the planning procedure are determined by the consensus on what is more sustainable, but what if there is dissension on what is more sustainable. Subsection 2.6 of PPS 6 provinces â€Å" Larger shops may present benefits for consumers and local planning governments should do proviso for them in th is context † promoting border of town Centre vicinities for such developments. Where as it has besides been argued that larger shops can in fact be damaging to the diverseness and verve of a community, due to larger shops exporting all economic benefits out of their unmoved locations ( Friends of the Earth 2004 ) . This would connote a contradiction between PPS 6 and portion 1 of the 2004 PCPA. Another drawback to PPS 6 is its focal point on economic betterment through sustainable planning. Environmental debasement can non comprehensively be measured in fiscal graduated tables, and as such should non trust on pecuniary compensation as an effectual replacement in a sustainable policy. Planing Policy Statement 9 PPS 9 is responsible for the protection of biodiversity and geological preservation, nevertheless it is capable to controversy as to its precedence in planning policy. Made up of merely 14 paragraphs PPS 9 is the shortest planning policy statement, it has been critisizced as insufficient and equivocal in its capacity to supply clear way for be aftering organic structures ( Wildlife & A ; Countryside Link 2004 ) . The authoritiess aims under PPS 9 are i ) to advance sustainable development two ) to conserve, enhance and reconstruct the diverseness of England ‘s wildlife and geology three ) to lend to rural reclamation and urban Renaissance ( PPS 9 2005 Page 2 ) . The committedness to the preservation of biodiversity is stated as one of the three chief aims of PPS 9, yet the the statement focuses on steps of conserving biodiversity in footings of protection of from debasement or injury. Wildlife & A ; countryside nexus responded to PPS 9 in 2004 saying that it † contains sm all to promote positive planning for biodiversity Restoration and enhancement e.g. habitat creative activity chances † . PPS 9 fails to recognize and show the signifigance of the rate and impact of biodiversity loss at a planetary graduated table and the critical function of be aftering governments and the structuring of regional spacial schemes in footings of these contexts ( Friends of the Earth, 2004 Page 2 ) . A terrible nothingness of consistent information on clime alteration and its impact on biodiversity, one refrence to climate alteration can be found ; â€Å" Over clip the distribution of home grounds and species, and structural procedures and characteristics, will be affected by clime alteration and such alteration will necessitate to be taken into history. † ( Planing Policy Statement 9, 2005. Page 4 ) If biodiversity is to be conserved so a comprehensive model should be provided by authorities on the impacts and suggest agencies for local planning governments to cover with the impacts of clime alteration Wildlife & A ; Countryside Link 2004 ) . Pargraph 10 of PPS 9 refers to the importance of biodiversity in ancient forests and emphasises that â€Å" one time lost it can non be recreated † , as such can non be capable to extenuation steps such as translocation as in the instance of the Desmoulin Whorl snail,1. Advancement for developments that would function to increase the loss of biodiversity is made possible by the get out clause â€Å" unless the demand for, and benefits of, the development in that location outweigh the loss of the forest home ground † ( PPS 9, 2005. Pg 6 ) . This caveate can be seen to promote the development of Sites of Particular Scientific Interest ( SSSI ) , as it undermines the tone of the planning policy statement and the planning already requires the material considerations during the planning application phase ( Woodland Trust, 2004 ) . The Woodland Trust and Ancient Tree Forum requested the remotion of the aforesaid caveate in their 2004 response to PPS 9 proposing it would direct a clearer message about the protection of ancient forest. Decision The mandatory purchase act of 2004 serves to rush up be aftering proceedings and increase determination predictability, subdivision 39 of the act implores be aftering organic structures to keep development in a sustainable form. The effectivity of the mandatory purchase act of 2004 is straight affected by our definition of sustainable development and the precedences of economic, societal and environmental public assistance. The apprehension of sustainable development becomes diluted when applied to the multi-functional environment of suburban town Centres ( Griffiths S. 2008 ) .. Whilst still combative, the in agreement definition of sustainable development provided by UN universe committee on environments is clear in its aim, the more of import issue of what are considered to be acceptable sustainable patterns under planning policy statement should be reviewed with considerations to the responses of be aftering governments and non-governmental administrations. Climate alteration has caught tonss of attending in the political sphere with the most recent acme held in Copenhagen in December 2009, it is surprising so that there is merely one mention to climate alteration in PPS 9 and slightly conspicuous that it is the shortest of all the planning policy statements looking to be a briefly considered topic non built-in to the overall Agenda. The complexness of quantifying the resources provided to society by biodiversity in figures of currency make it a hard rival in for precedence in the political sphere of parliament. However the new system can be seen as a dramatic betterment in turn toing the antecedently vacant model on biodiversity preservation.

Formal Report or proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Formal Report or proposal - Essay Example Analysis leads to the conclusion that our company needs to adopt socially responsible practices. Every business venture aims at flourishing in the modern marketplace. There are several methods of achieving including the application of marketing strategies for sales increase, manufacturing and production concepts for cost-effectiveness and organizational management for over-all company harmony. However, the concept of an ethically-run business as necessary for the company to succeed is becoming more and more recognized. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a by word for many business professionals. Although it is generally observing ethics and morals in business dealings, CSR is thought to comprise of activities such as supporting charities is CSR, funding anti-crime and poverty programs, exceeding legal or regulatory obligations in areas of business operation such as health and safety and consumer rights, managing the supply chain to ensure that suppliers respect human rights is CSR and taking measures to ensure that products do not harm the environment. (Kotler and Nancy 2004, p. 3) Our concern is not so much in defining CSR but in determining whether the observance of business ethics is optional or not. This paper will argue that business ethics is necessary and beneficial for the business firm. ... Increased Job Performance Quality The reason why a field in business called Human Resources Management (HRM) exists is that it was long recognized that there is a need to ensure that employee issues are properly addressed. One of the secrets of successful business companies is that they were able to derive extra commitment from all employees resulting to unprecedented quality and responsiveness in products and services along with heroic frugality, incredible levels of integration and collaboration within and without the organizations, and especially to pull off continuous, brilliant, and cheap innovation. According to Kotler and Lee (2004) the only way one can "manage" high level human output is to set the conditions for everyone doing their best: including support of the core competencies of people, their ability to self-organize, their ability to change and grow. A company can achieve this if it fosters trust and build organizational cultures in which freedom and personal initiative can cohabit with cooperation, caring and a highly integrated harmony. Only thru a sincere observance of business ethics can the company assure that its employees do not stage rallies, release negative public statements regarding the company, resign and reveal company trade secrets. Being ethical also helps in attracting excellent and skilled professionals to work for the company. The Industrial Society for the US (in Price 2002) reports that "82% of US professionals claimed that they would not work for an organisation whose values they did not believe in" and that "among smaller businesses, the survey showed that 62% of owner managers were influenced by their employees to be more socially active." Consumer

Fashion Retail Research Levis Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Fashion Retail Research Levis - Case Study Example The paper "Fashion Retail Research – Levi’s" is the analysis of the fashion retail of Levi. It has thousands of designs. Its stitching style is recognized as unique and customers often check that they are getting the original thing by looking at this. It has made itself available to customers in 180 countries all over the world. Another strength of Levi’s is that it has a great distribution channels. It retails in different outlets as well as company owned outlets, departmental stores, mass retail stores, chain stores, franchises, and specialty retailers also. The weakness of the brand is this it depends on a lower number of customers like JC Penny, for a greater percentage of its sales, which increases the bargaining power if the customers. The company has to maintain good relations with these customers as losing one customer may affect the sales greatly. Another weakness shown by the company is that its mainly focuses on men and has lesser focus on women and ch ildren. The opportunities that Levi’s has it are that it can use reinventing strategy to reinvent its various famous brands to move with the moving changing needs of customers. Online business in also a good opportunity for Levis, sites of Levi’s can be used for booking products and it can be used effectively to generate more and more business. Low consumer confidence is a threats face by the company. This has happened due to week labor markets and increased borrowing standards. Recession is may also affect sales. Customers do not have enough. disposable income to feel that they will be able to buy this product. Another weakness is that competition has increased in the market and is increasing day by day. Direct and in direct competition is increasing day by day, by companies like gap, Nike, Adidas and other labels. This can result in decreasing market share and customer base. The company out sources almost all manufacturing activities, this makes the company most vulnerable, with respect to dependencies, delivering time and quality control. Customer Profile People who want fashionable jeans with great comfort level want a pair of Levi's. Their attitude is rough and tough (John, 2003). People who face rough work conditions invest in a good pair of Levi's. People who idolize cowboys also love wearing this jean. At first working people bought it mainly but today it appeals to young people in college all the same. People who want a great fit in jeans love Levi's. People who wear Levi are generally self confident and it makes them feel strong and ready for action all the time. They have an informal life style and prefer comfort as an essential of their life. People of all occupations and income level buy Levi's, some buy one good pair and others buy many, from actors and actresses to laborers, everybody is seem wearing Levi's. Brand Personality Levi's is the most popular jeans in the world. Its personality is enriched by many factors; it has a strong and casual personality. Personality symbolizes a brand (Kapferer, 2004). Levi's is advertised as a brand having various personality elements. It is an empathetic and friendly brand. Its advertisements communicate to

Organizations & Behaviour Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Organizations & Behaviour - Assignment Example This is mainly the case when the leadership situation in the organization is competitive in nature. Servant leadership is mostly applicable in an organization that believes in values, which is a factor that was not culturally applicable to Fancy footwear. The three most valuable motivation theories for managing different groups within an organization is inclusive of Herzberg’s theory on money as a de-motivator, the four personal styles and the theory of motivation that involves three basic needs. The basic needs in this case are affiliation, achievement and power. The theories of motivation are based on the concept of intrinsic motivation, which is stronger than extrinsic motivation. A vital thing to consider is the fact that the manager in an organization cannot be able to motivate the employees, but can be able to create an environment that enables them to motivate themselves. Consequently, the application of the three motivation theories focuses on the creation of strong working relationships through the development of vibrant working environments. Managers in an organization should be willing to exert efforts towards the achievement of the organizational goals, whose conditioning takes into consideration the ability to satisfy the needs of individuals in the organization. Motivation involves getting someone to do something that he or she wants to do (Salas, 2013, 18). Motivation is a vital task for managers since it compromises their ability to encourage, delegate, communicate, train, brief, challenge, and provide rewards to the other people. The normative view of group dynamics gives a description of how to perform activities as well as organize the group. The second consideration of group dynamics involves a set of techniques that includes sensitivity training, role-play, group dynamics transactional analysis and team building among other considerations. The other view of group

Website Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Website Review - Essay Example The next section discusses the various chronological events discussed in the life of E.E. Cummings with all dates included. It provides various links to his works and related materials like poems, essays, paintings, other forms of work. The following are the contents and its evaluation: It takes in as input the date of birth, a month of birth, year of birth, sex, mode, BMI, smoking status and then calculates one death day and date. It is a tool which works on primary inputs and makes sure that BMI can be calculated and also lets the user know to calculate the death date, thereby calling it the death clock. It demonstrates itself into â€Å"Obituaries† which mention that all the people may how beautiful and famous they are they would perish away from this earth one day. The page â€Å"Your Will† is a FAQ page which lists the very questions one may have or usually do on an average. All the probable answers are written here to let the users know what they are thinking. The page â€Å"Dead letter office’ would make sure that all the user comments and archives The page â€Å"Testament† details the likes and dislikes of the site owner in accordance to various topics like â€Å"A game†, â€Å"Death Clock 2†, â€Å"Planet of the Apes†, â€Å"911†, â€Å"I hate my Cd burner† and much more. The last page â€Å"Your Prayer† details out the various communication techniques to reach the site owner for ay communication. The website would make sure that all the various compliances are met for the site owner and all the objectives are achieved through the website.

Critically evaluate the benefits and disadvantages of expansion via Essay

Critically evaluate the benefits and disadvantages of expansion via organic growth versus expansion via acquisition. using real - Essay Example This global business related news is encouraging in the context of financial downturn of the year 2008, still casting its shadow on the global growth of large businesses. Luypaert & Huyghebaert (2007) attempt a statistical analysis of the expansion via acquisition strategy becoming a trend, as in 2005 only, 29,585 acquisitions got materialised. Companies prefer to grow and expand through acquisitions rather than organically because it is the quicker way of growth relatively to internal growth as the aimed company is well positioned with its production, distribution and customer base. It also minimises the risk of investing for the increasing growth of the company. Otherwise also, expansion via acquisition could prove to be cost-efficient way out relatively to organic growth, especially when the replacement cost of assets is higher than the concurrent worth of the aimed assets. Another benefit of the expansion via acquisition is that in comparison to organic growth, it can be acquired by paying through the stock as well. It can be a way-out for companies facing cash-crunch or for those companies already deficient in debt power. Literature reveals that during flourishing stock market behaviour, bidding companies prefer to pay for the acquisition through stock. Irrespective of this fact, expansion via organic growth and via acquisitions is mutually inclusive investment decision for a firm; it can be an added advantage to choose any of the expansion methods rather than selecting a single alternative. Before taking a decision to go either for internal expansion or expansion via acquisition, thorough research needs to be made to gather industry impact and aggregate market variables for opting out external expansion. There might be the possibility that firm size may artificially hold the impact of industry concentration whereas the market-to-book ratio may reveal the comfort of bidding firms to reward aimed shareholders with stock if stock markets are flourishing. Ind ustry features are crucial factors like the potential for economies of scale, industry concentration, sales growth and deregulation, and aggregate market variables, like historical volume of merger and acquisition, stock prices, GDP growth and the output spread (Luypaert & Huyghebaert, 2007). In a mutually inclusive relationship between internal growth and expansion via acquisition for making investment, a company may opt for growth via expansion additionally to organic or internal growth. Financially sound companies with enough investment possibilities would prefer to practice both options of growth for leveraging from competitive advantage as early as possible. In case, firms face cash crunch, they might prefer an alternative of the two. Strategies for both kinds of growth options need not to be necessarily related. Statistical research on the connection between external and internal growth is limited with complicated outcomes. Hay and Liu, as cited by Luypaert & Huyghebaert (2007 ) evaluate M&A in the UK across 1971–1989 and find that M&A and organic expansion are supportive to each other. On the opposite side, Dickerson et al., as cited by Luypaert & Huyghebaert (2007), employing data on UK listed companies in manufacturing during 1948–1970 and 1975–1990, note that the connection between organic growth and the possibility of expansion through acquisition is surely negative, which underscores that these growth strategies are to be used alternatively (Luypaert & Huygh

Can Terrorism be defeated by Military Means Only Essay

Can Terrorism be defeated by Military Means Only - Essay Example Can Terrorism be defeated by Military Means Only? A few examples of better ideas are the promises of peaceful change, social reforms and economic equity. Terrorism is a form of â€Å"asymmetrical warfare† in military parlance. This terminology defines it as a type of warfare in which one of the combatants (the weaker) chooses when and where to engage and fight the other side (the stronger enemy). The term asymmetry derives from the unequal status in terms of strength of the combatants in which a lightly-equipped force attacks the much-stronger enemy by using unorthodox means of hitting its enemy through weak points. By necessity, terrorists use ideas to gain access into people's minds and hearts to win them over to their cause. Terrorism is the dominant form of conflict in most of today’s hot spots. Anti-terrorism experts are agreed on its layman’s definition which is an act or a series of acts designed to sow terror or extreme fear. Police investigative techniques and military solutions are good only for the sh ort term but not really effective for the long haul. Discussion The aim of terrorists is intimidate and threaten people so they will act in a certain manner that is favourable or desired by the terrorists. This is but a simple form of coercion backed by threats of violence. Just as the saying that history is written by victors of a war, terrorism can be viewed from different perspectives, depending on who is using terror to achieve its aims. Individuals, groups and even governments use terror to help them achieve their objectives. Terrorism does not make any distinctions on the persons using terror but focuses on the means of terror. It means marginal groups can be labelled as terrorists as well as existing governments which employ the same techniques and methods. Agents who killed British soldiers in Palestine before Israel was given its independence were terrorists by the above definition and so were the Spanish secret agents under a previous administration during 1982 to 1986. Th e Guardia Civil (Spanish police) had formed their own terrorist units called as the Grupo Antiterrorista de Liberacion or GAL (www.onwar.com, n.d., p. 1) to counter threats posed by the growing ETA movement (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna) of the Basque region which initially had targeted members of the police and military. As can be gleaned from this initial discussion, terrorism can be viewed from different perspectives and as such could also be justified depending on who is using terrorism as a tool. In other words, terrorism is not a sole domain of disaffected individuals and marginal groups but also of duly-elected governments which find it convenient to use terrorism as state policy. Most terrorists today belong to organisations which are basically stateless. This state of being stateless is one other characteristic of asymmetrical warfare and is what makes the terror groups quite difficult to hunt down and defeat. Their structure is not hierarchical but rather more of a network which has redundant functions performed by several terror cells. In aftermath of Osama bin Laden’s reported death, many ordinary people expected terrorism threats to vanish away but anti-terrorism experts believe otherwise because the motivation is still there within the organisation of al-Qaida. The goals and the willingness to use terror have not changed a bit and many affiliated terror cells can still strike any time (Clarke, 2011, p. 1). In the thinking of most military

The Parameters and Results Displayed in Sysmex UF-100 Assignment

The Parameters and Results Displayed in Sysmex UF-100 - Assignment Example The urine conductivity is measured in Sysmex UF-100. The formed elements or cells are analyzed by electrical impedance for volume, by forwarding light scatter for size. To enhance the contrast fluorescent dyes like phenanthridine is used to delineate DNA and carbocyanine is used to stain the cell membranes. The cells will naturally vary in their sizes, shapes, volumes, and staining characteristics. Depending on these criteria, the cells and formed elements will be categorized in multidimensional space.The results in Sysmex UF-100 are displayed in scattergrams on a screen and a printout of the results can be taken to be analyzed.It is a very reliable method of complete automated urinalysis. It can perform sensitive quantitative microscopic urinalysis completely automatically without the intervention of an operator or attendance of an analyst. Thus, this is capable of accurate and precise quantification of microscopic elements in urine with no interaction. In studies, it has been prove d that the results bear concordance with other studies, such as automated Dipstick reader.Conventional microscopic analysis cannot be substituted by Sysmex UF-100. Microscopic sediment analysis combined with UF-100 can improve the quality and productivity of urinalysis. Also, this can greatly reduce the number of specimens sent for microscopic examination of urine specimens.Combined analysis by a strip reader and automated counting can reduce the number of urine microscopic examinations, can reduce turn-around times, can reduce manual labor, thus can attend many patients who can be treated rapidly in case of an established UTI.

Linguistics and Language Essay Example for Free

Linguistics and Language Essay What will be covered in this class? †¢ How do we produce and recognize speech? †¢ How do we perceive words, letters, and sentences? †¢ How do we learn and recall information from texts? †¢ How can we improve texts to make them easier to understand? †¢ How does the brain function to process language? †¢ What are the causes and effects of reading disabilities? †¢ Is there language in other species? Central themes in psycholinguistics 1) What knowledge of language is needed for us to use language? Tacit (implicit) knowledge vs. Explicit knowledge  Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ tacit: knowledge of how to perform something, but not aware of full rules †¢ explicit: knowledge of the processes of mechanisms in performing that thing 2) What cognitive processes are involved in the ordinary use of language? How do we understand a lecture, read a book, hold a conversation? Cognitive processes: perception, memory, thinking, learning Some definitions of basic components of language: Semantics: The meaning of words and sentences Syntax: The grammatical arrangement of words in a sentence or phrase Phonology: The sound pattern of language Pragmatics: How language is used in a social context  Examples from psycholinguistics Parsing garden path sentences The novice accepted the deal before he had a chance to check his finances, which put him in a state of conflict when he realized he had a straight flush. 1) The defendant examined by the lawyer turned out to be unreliable 2). The evidence examined by the lawyer turned out to be unreliable The process of parsing is the process of making decisions The effect of prior knowledge on comprehension The procedure is actually quite simple. First you arrange things into different groups. Of course, one pile may be sufficient depending on how much there is to do. If you have to go somewhere else due to lack of facilities, that is the next step; otherwise you are pretty well set. It is important not to overdo things. That is, it is better to do too few things at once than too many. In the short run this may not seem important, but complications can easily arise. A mistake can be expensive as well. At first the whole procedure will seem complicated. Soon, however, it will become just another facet of life. It is difficult to foresee any end to the necessity for this task in the immediate future, but then one never can tell. After the procedure is completed, one arranges the materials into different groups again. Then they can be put into their appropriate places. Eventually they will be used once more, and the whole cycle will then have to be repeated. However, that is part of life. Bransford Johnson, 1973 Recall: No context: 2. 8 idea units out of a maximum of 18 Context afterwards: 2. 7 idea units Context before: 5. 8 idea units Child language development How many words do you know? Hint: Dictionary has about: 450,000 entries Test high school graduates: How many words do they know? About 45,000 english words About 60,000 including names and foreign words. The average six year old knows about 13,000 words. Learning about 10 words per day since age 1. (One every 90 minutes) How much do we have to teach children to learn language? Do you have to teach a child to walk? Is it the same way of learning a language? My teacher holded the baby rabbits and we patted them I eated my dinner A brief history of psycholinguistics Wilhem Wundt (early 1900s) Interest in mental processes of language production †¢ Sentence as the primary unit of language †¢ Speech production is the transformation of complete thought processes into sequentially organized speech segments. Behaviorism (1920s-1950s) †¢ Rejected the focus on mental processes †¢ Measurement based on objective behavior (primarily in lab animals) †¢ How does experience (reward and punishment) shape behavior? B. F. Skinner: Children learn language through shaping (correction of speech errors) Associative chain theory: A sentence consists of a chain of associations between individual words in the sentence What’s wrong with the behaviorist approach? Noam Chomsky (1950s present) 1) Colorless green ideas sleep furiously 2) Furiously sleep ideas green colorless. 3) George picked up the baby. 4) George picked the baby up. Almost every sentence uttered is a new combination of words The Poverty of stimulus argument: There is not enough information in the language samples given to children to account for the richnes and complexity of children’s language The pattern of development is not based on parental speech but on innate language knowledge Linguistic Diversity vs. Linguistic Universals Linguistic diversity There appears to be a lot of diversity among languages Even within languages there is diversity When are two languages different? We speak the same language if we can understand each other  Exceptions: Norwegian and Swedish Cantonese and Mandarin Dialects within languages: The myth of pure language How/why do languages change? Why does there seem to be a correct English? Members of the dominant (most powerful) sub-culture tend to speak one dialect and may punish those who do not Linguistic Chauvinism Belief that one’s own language/dialect is the best of all possible languages Black English Vernacular (BEV) Study by William Labov Interviewed African-American street youth You know, like some people say if you’re good an’ sh*t, your spirit goin’ t’heaven . . . ‘n if you bad, your spirit goin’ to hell. Well, bullsh*t! Your spirit goin’ to hell anyway, good or bad. [Why? ] Why? I’ll tell you why. ‘Cause, you see, doesn’ nobody really know that it’s a God, y’know, ‘cause I mean I have seen black gods, white gods, all color gods, and don’t nobody know it’s really a God. An’ when they be sayin’ if you good, you goin’ t’heaven, tha’s bullsh*t, ‘cause you ain’t goin’ to no heaven, ‘cause it ain’t no heaven for you to go to. †¢ Place holders: There vs. It in the copula †¢ Copula: Is, Was optional †¢ Negatives: You ain’t goin’ to no heaven. BEV just as linguistically complex as Standard American English We don’t see/understand the complexity in other languages Moral: All languages seem to permit as wide range of expressions as others Linguistic Universals What is in common with all languages? Sentences are built from words based on the same physiological processes †¢ All languages have words †¢ All humans have ways of making sounds. †¢ Languages tend to use a small set of phonemic sounds †¢ Phoneme: The minimal unit of sound that contributes to meaning How many phonemes in a language? †¢ English: 40 phonemes †¢ Range: Polynesian 11 to Khoisan 141. Discreteness Messages in human language (e. g. speech sounds) are made up of units of which there is a discrete (limited) number Arbitrariness The relationship between meaningful elements in language and their denotation is independent of any physical resemblance between the two. Words do not have to look or sound like what they describe Openness †¢ New linguistic messages are created freely and easily †¢ Languages are not constrained in a way so that there are a limited number of messages that can be created. †¢ Linguistic Productivity: The ability to understand and create an unlimited number of sentences. The question studied by psycholinguists is how to characterize and account for the creativity to construct and create an infinite number of sentences given the limited capabilities of the human brain Duality of Patterning Language involves relating two different kinds of patterns or forms of representation †¢ A phonological system †¢ A semantic system These two systems use very different types of codes, although there is a phonological representation for each item in the semantic system Phrase structure Information on how a sentence is grouped into phrases. The quiet boy ate the red apple A set of Phrase Structure rules: PS 1 S (sentence) - NP + VP PS 2 NP (noun phrase)- det + (adj) + N PS 3 VP (verb phrase) - V +NP PS 4 N (noun) - boy, dog, man, book PS 5 V (verb) - ate, broke, kissed PS 6 adj (adjective - quiet, red, happy, wormy PS 7 det (determiner) - a, the We use lexical-insertion rules to put words into the structure. Phrase-structure rules provide a good account of phrase-structure ambiguity. They are broiling hens Morphology Morphology is the component of grammar that builds words out of units of meaning (morphemes) A morpheme is the smallest meaningful unit of language How many morphemes? bird firetruck undereducated unmicrowaveability Insights from American Sign Language (ASL) Unlike speech, signs are expressed in visual or spatial form Do a lot of the same grammatical concepts hold? Arbitrariness ASL possesses iconicity signs can represent objects or actions to which they refer. However, the degree of iconicity has declined over the years Duality of Patterning signs are composed of smaller elements that are meaningless Example: 3 parameters †¢ 19 values of hand configuration. †¢ 12 values of place of articulation †¢ 24 values of movements Meaningless patterns can be combined in various ways to from ASL signs. What about openness and discreteness within ASL? Transformational Grammar (Chomsky 1950s) Language: an infinite set of well-formed sentences Grammar: A finite set of rules that generates sentences in the language How do we know that a grammar is a good theory of language? Three criteria: Observational Adequacy: A grammar is observationally adequate if it generates all acceptable sequences and no unacceptable sequences. Descriptive adequacy: A grammar must also explain how a sentence relates to other sentences that are similar opposite in meaning. The ball was caught by John John caught the ball The ball was not caught by John Explanatory adequacy It is possible for multiple grammars to attain observational and descriptive adequacy. Which is the correct/best one? Children learning language are presented with many samples of language and must determine the grammar from these samples. There must be some innate language constraints that help children determine the correct grammar. There exist Linguistic Universals that are common to all languages. The fact that there are similarities in languages is based on the fact that languages are determined by the nature of the mental structures and processes which characterize human beings A Grammar must explain the role of linguistic universals in language acquisition Deep and Surface structure Deep structure: The structure of the sentence that conveys the meaning of the sentence. Surface Structure: The superficial arrangement of constituents Deep structure ambiguity: A single surface structure that is based on two different deep structures Flying planes can be dangerous. Phrase structure rules would not be able to account for the differences in meaning Sentences can have similar phrase structure, although their underlying structure is different: John is easy to please John is eager to please Sentences can different surface structure, but similar deep structure Arlene played the tuba The tuba was played by Arlene Transformational Grammar A two part process to derive a sentence 1) Use Phrase-structure rules to generate the underlying tree structure (deep structure) 2) Apply a sequence of transformational rules to the deep  structure to generate the surface structure of the sentence Transformations occur by adding, deleting or moving constituents John phoned up the woman John phoned the woman up Phrase structure approach: Two different rules VP V + (particle) + NP VP V + NP + (particle) Each sentence is derived separately, using different phrase structure rules. Transformational grammar approach: One rule V + particle + NP V + NP + particle John phoned up the interesting woman John phoned the interesting woman up John phoned up the woman with the curly hair John phoned the woman with the curly hair up. Restrictions on transformations The particle-movement transformation can not be applied to pronouns John called them up *John called up them Example 2: Passive transformation NP1 + V + NP2 NP2 + be + V + en + by + NP1 Arlene played the tuba The tuba was played by Arlene Psychological Reality of Transformational Grammar If using language is a process of converting the deep structure to the surface structure, then the number of transformation rules applied should affect how long it takes to process a sentence. However, experiments do not consistently show that this holds true Current theories of grammar Lexical-Function Grammar  Made up of three components: a constituent structure, a functional structure, and lexical entries Constituent Structure: Similar to phrase structure Functional Structure: All the information needed for semantic interpretation John told Mary to leave Bill Predicate tell (subj, obj, V-comp) Tense Past Subj John Obj Mary V-comp predicate leave subj Mary obj Bill Lexical Entries Lexical entries contain information about: †¢ the forms of the word †¢ the kinds of sentences into which they fit, †¢ arguments and semantic roles Mary kissed John John was kissed by Mary Entry for kiss includes underlying semantic structure  kiss: (agent, patient). Forms of the word kiss: agent = subject: patient = object (be) kiss: agent=object: patient = subject Major significance of LFG Most of the explanation of how we process language is based on the lexicon (where we store information about words) . Government-Binding Theory or Universal Grammar Chomsky’s view of innate grammatical mechanisms. In GB theory, grammar is modular. Grammar due to interaction of several independent subsystems, or modules. Each module is fairly simple and performs part of the task But all modules interact in order to constrain the rules made by the other modules in the grammar. Implications We all inherit a universal grammar that can be set to different parameter values. These parameter values correspond to different languages. As we get experience with a language, we acquire these parameter values, and thus the language upon which it is based. Research methods in Psycholinguistics How do we observe, collect information on phenomena related to psycholinguistics? Naturalistic Observation Observing information in a non-experimental setting Slips of the tongue Phonological switching: Crushing blow Blushing crow semantic replacements: blond eyes for blond hair. Language Acquisition The use of language over time Data from naturalistic observation Rich, but hard to analyze Controlled experiments Goal: test an empirical hypothesis Hypothesis: A chapter will be easier to understand if each section starts with a summary of what will be said. Independent Variable: Variable that is manipulated to test the hypothesis. Dependent Variable: Variable representing the behavior we want to measure Control Variables: Other variables we need to control in order to see the effect of the independent variable Subjects: Who is going to participate in the experiment? Analysis: How do we know if there are differences bewteen the two chapters? The Human Information Processing System What psychological mechanisms are involved in using language? The Sensory store Processes incoming information from the environment †¢ Individual sensory stores for each sense †¢ Information retained for a short duration The visual sensory store Experiments by Sperling (1960) X M R K C N J P V F L B The partial report technique Auditory sensory store Experiment by Darwin, Turvey Crowder (1972) 3 digits or letters auditorally presented to each ear and center at the same time. What is the use of the sensory store? It maintains information long enough so that we can do additional processing to it. Working memory or short term memory (STM) STM used to describe the fact that it holds information for a short time, while working memory refers to the processing capacity. STM works as a temporary holding place for intermediate decisions. Limited in size. Chunking Working memory: there is a limited amount of processing capacity that you can use as you perform a problem Long term memory Knowledge of how to do things, things we have learned, grammar rules, personal memories. All knowledge that is not active. Information that becomes active is retrieved from LTM and put in STM. Anything we learn is first processed in STM and some of it is put into LTM Episodic vs. Semantic Memory distinction Semantic memory †¢ Organized knowledge of words, concepts, symbols and objects. motor skills, general knowledge, spatial knowledge , social skills. †¢ All information is organized semantically, but not tagged based on when it was learned. Episodic memory †¢ Holds traces of events specific time and place. †¢ Memory of personal experiences. Interaction between semantic and episodic memory. What does the organization of the information processing system have to do with language processing? Pattern Recognition Parsing/understanding sentences in working memory This is a long sentence and yet somehow you can keep it all in working memory The organization of Long Term Memory That cat plays really cool jazz Serial vs. Parallel Processing Serial processing: One process working at a time Parallel Processing: Multiple processes working at a time In a serial model of language processing, individual modules would work one at a time to process the information. A parallel model would say that the processes happen at the same time. Parallel models as neurally inspired models of cognitive processes Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up processing Cognitive processing occurs at levels Bottom-up processing is done in such a way that all processing occurs starting from the lowest level processes and proceeds onto the higher level processes Higher level processes do not influence any of the processing done at the lower levels Top down processing: Information at the higher levels influences processing at the lower levels. Advantages and disadvantages of Top-Down processing Automatic vs. Controlled processes We have a limited amount of processes that we can do at a time. Controlled processing: Processes that require a substantial amount of cognitive processing. Automatic processing: Processes that do not require a substantial amount of cognitive processing. The role of practice in automatic processing The Stroop effect Putting it all together: Cognitive processes in action The novice accepted the deal before he had a chance to check his finances, which put him in a state of conflict when he realized he had a straight flush. The Internal Lexicon How are words stored? What are they made up of? How are word related to each other? How do we use them? Internal lexicon The representation of words in long term memory Lexical Access: How do we activate the meanings of words? Aspects of Meaning Reference: The relationship between words and things in the world Things in the world are referents of a word My dog has fleas My dog is from Mars But not all reference can be mapped to concrete things Abstract words: Love, Justice, Equality Non existent objects: Unicorn, Martians Meaning is not restricted to the real world, but also imaginary worlds Sense: The relationship of a word with other words in the language Student at NMSU vs. Undergraduate at NMSU Synonymy (same meaning) Car Automobile Antonymy (opposite meaning) Happy Sad Incompatibility (do the words contradict each other? ) John is happy vs. John is sad Hyponymy (are they part of the same class? ) A dog is an animal, Bowser is a dog, Denotation vs. Connotation Denotation: The objective meaning of the word Connotation: The aspect of the meaning beyond its explicit meaning Bachelor Spinster Hungry Starving The Mental Representation of Meaning The representation of the meaning of a word is based on the semantic features of that word. We acquire the meaning of a word by learning its semantic features Children make semantic mistakes Verbs of possession. We understand more than the meaning, we have knowledge of the relations between these words sold vs. paid give vs. receive lose vs. find Prototypes: Some members of a category are better instances of the category than others Apple vs. pomegranate What makes a prototype? More central semantic features What type of dog is a prototypical dog What are the features of it? We are faster at retrieving prototypes of a category than other members of the category Semantic Networks. Words can be represented as an interconnected network of sense relations †¢ Each word is a particular node †¢ Connections among nodes represent semantic relationships Mental models: A model/understanding of how the world works and how pieces of textual information fits in with it. John is sitting in a chair. That chair is on a table. The table is blue and round. John has red hair. The structure of the Internal Lexicon How do these pieces of semantic information relate to each other? Semantic verification task An A is a B An apple is a fruit A robin is a bird A robin is an animal A dog has teeth  A fish has gills A fish has feathers An apple has teeth NMSU is in New Mexico Harvard is in California Use time on verification tasks to map out the structure of the lexicon. Models of the Lexicon Collins and Quillian Hierarchical Network model Lexical entries stored in a hierarchy, with features attached to the lexical entries Representation permits cognitive economy Testing the model Sentence Verification time Robins eat worms 1310 msecs Robins have feathers 1380 msecs Robins have skin 1470 msecs A category size effect: Subjects do an intersection search Problems with Collins and Quillian model . 1) Effect may be due to frequency of association 2) Assumption that all lexical entries at the same level are equal The Typicality Effect Which is a more typical bird? Ostrich or Robin. A whale is a fish vs. A horse is a fish Major conclusions of the model: 1) If a fact about a concept is frequently encountered, it will be stored with that concept even if it could be inferred from a more distant concept. 2) The more frequently encountered a fact about a concept is, the more strongly that fact will be associated with the concept. And the more strongly associated with a concept facts are, the more rapidly they are verified. 3) Verifying facts that are not directly stored with a concept but that must be inferred takes a relatively long time. Spreading Activation Models (Collins Loftus) †¢ Words represented in lexicon as a network of relationships †¢ Organization is a web of interconnected nodes in which connections can represent: categorical relations degree of association typicality Retrieval of information †¢ Spreading activation †¢ Limited amount of activation to spread †¢ Verification times depend on closeness of two concepts in a network Context effect in spreading activation models Present either: Murder is a crime or Libel is a crime Then get verification time for Robbery is a crime Subjects faster when they see Murder than Libel. Why? Advantages of Collins and Loftus model †¢ Recognizes diversity of information in a semantic network †¢ Captures complexity of our semantic representation †¢ Consistent with results from priming studies Lexical Access What factors are involved in retrieving information from the lexicon? Semantic Priming Meyer Schvaneveldt (1971) Lexical Decision Task Prime Target Time Nurse Butter 940 msecs Bread Butter 855 msecs Evidence for associative spreading activation. Ratcliff and McKoon (1981) Subjects study and memorize The doctor hated the book Task: Was this word from the sentence you memorized? Prime Target Time None Book 667 msecs Doctor Book 624 msecs Word Frequency Does word frequency play a role in lexical access? Lexical Decision Task: gambastya, revery, voitle, chard, wefe, cratily, decoy, puldow, raflot, oriole, vuluble, booble, chalt, awry, signet, trave, crock, cryptic, ewe, himpola mulvow, governor, bless, tuglety, gare, relief, ruftily, history, pindle, develop, gardot, norve, busy, effort, garvola, match,sard, pleasant, coin, maisle. Lexical Decision is dependent on word frequency Eyemovement studies: Subjects spend about 80 msecs longer fixating on low-frequency words than high-frequency words Morphological Structure So we strip off the prefixes and suffixes of a word for lexical access? Decision = Decide + ion Lexical Decision Tasks: Prime Target Time Nurse Butter 940 msecs Bread Butter 855 msecs Evidence for associative spreading activation Ratcliff and McKoon (1981) Subjects study and memorize The doctor hated the book Task: Was this word from the sentence you memorized? Prime Target Time None Book 667 msecs Doctor Book 624 msecs Word Frequency Does word frequency play a role in lexical access? Lexical Decision Task: gambastya, revery, voitle, chard, wefe, cratily, decoy, puldow, raflot, oriole, vuluble, booble, chalt, awry, signet, trave, crock, cryptic, ewe, himpola mulvow, governor, bless, tuglety, gare, relief, ruftily, history, pindle, develop, gardot, norve, busy, effort, garvola, match,sard, pleasant, coin, maisle. Lexical Decision is dependent on word frequency Eyemovement studies: Subjects spend about 80 msecs longer fixating on low-frequency words than high-frequency words Morphological Structure So we strip off the prefixes and suffixes of a word for lexical access? Decision = Decide + ion Lexical Decision Tasks: Presented subjects with a sequence of words to study Examined the probability of recognizing words over 14 days Performance systematically decays over time Negatively accelerated decay. Bahrick (1984) Students retention of spanish-english vocabulary items from 0 to 50 years Power law of decay Review on the internal lexicon Aspects of meaning: Reference and Sense Denotation and Connotation What is the mental representation of meaning? Models of the Lexicon Hierarchical Network Model Spreading Activation Model What factors are involved in retrieving information from the lexicon? Semantic Priming Word Frequency Morphological Structure Lexical Ambiguity Retention of lexical items.