Muslim and Christian Medieval Theocracies Essay

Muslim and Christian Medieval Theocracies - Essay Example Generally speaking, a theocracy exists when the ruler of a government is also the religious leader of that same government. In many theocracies of the past the ruler has been one who was designated by the religious leader of that time and place. The major religions during medieval times were Christianity and Islam. In many cases the boundaries of the Holy Roman Empire bordered the boundaries of the Muslim world. Oftentimes these borders changed as both the Holy Roman Empire and the Muslim world conquered or lost territory. This can be seen in the maps of both worlds (Appendix A). The timeline of this comparison begins at 1500 AD and moves forward in time. The state of the Holy Roman Empire at 1500 AD was one that had the leadership struggling to maintain control of the Empire through select leaders and communication methods. As with any government, communication is vitally important to the success or failure of the ruling party. Most of the Empire was located in what is now Eastern Europe. Western Europe was constantly under assault from barbarians thus making it hard to maintain control and rule over land and peoples. In the late 1400's publishing of books became a profession. The power of the written word was used by the Holy Roman Empire to maintain control over land and peoples. ... Between 1500 AD and 1700 AD the Holy Roman Empire began its decline. By this time the Hapsburgs held the imperial crown. "Frederick was the last Emperor to be crowned by the Pope in Rome and did much to consolidate the Habsburg possessions."2 As the last appointed emperor Frederick was the last theocratic leader of the Holy Roman Empire. The Hapsburg line had died out by 1740. While there are individuals that hold titles resulting from The Holy Roman Empire to this day, the powerful hold on Europe that the Empire had no longer exists. For the most part many Catholics throughout the region still hold the papacy as their religious leader while maintaining citizenship of their countries and following the laws of their government. In essence, the Christian theocracy no longer exists (except in Vatican City, Italy where the Pope presides). During the last years of the Holy Roman Empire the Ottoman Empire was at its peak. The Ottoman Empire bordered the Holy Roman Empire on many fronts. In 1500 Pope Alexander declared a Year of Jubilee and ordered a tithe to the Empire to fund the crusade against the Ottoman Turks. The struggle against the Turks took a hit when Henry VII declined the Pope's request to fight against the Turks. In 1792 Napoleon Bonaparte led France in its bid for independence from the Empire. Later the Prussians reunified the German state by defeating the forces of the Holy Roman Empire. The Holy Roman Empire crumbled. It is important to note that the Holy Roman Empire is no more but Christianity is still a strong group of observant peoples. Christianity has spread around the world despite the fact that few Christian theocracies exist. In contrasts the Muslim world did not crumble and end. If

Is Money Evil Essay Example for Free

Is Money Evil Essay Most people have heard of the phrase â€Å"Money is the root of all evil†. Often people will think this phrase is not true. In this society, everybody needs money to survive. Money rules over everything. Without it, you cannot purchase anything at all. So how can money be the root of all evil when life would be miserable without money? With money, you can support your family members, help friends with income problems or even donating to the needy people and have a higher standard of living. So the more money you have, the more you make your world a better place to live. However, for every advantage, disadvantages will also apply. The same goes for money, when there are benefits but there will also be setbacks. So then starts the origin of the phrase â€Å"Money is the root of all evil†. People can get so obsessed with money so much so that their character changes. A father can resort to violence to his family members, causing disputes resulting in his family to be broken due to financial problems. Because of money obsession, friends often betray one another over small money issues. When a person is overwhelmed by money, he tends to be greedy and chooses to rather lose his dignity over money. In the world today, there are many increasingly reported cases of theft, robbery and even murder cases due to money disputes as well as reports of siblings fighting against each other for their father’s inheritance. There are also cases whereby people murdered their love ones to claim the insurance money and also cases of people being cheated and conned out of money. There are also cases of kidnapping as well, kidnappers will then blackmail the victim’s family. Because of the greediness in people, money became a temptation on why people get addicted into gambling. Buying lottery, betting on horse racing and football matches, getting into the casino is all for the purpose of thinking to make lots of money in just a matter of time. In the hope of making big money, gamble addicts put all their money on stake. Most of them ended up losing all their savings and therefore they went to borrow more money from creditors to continue their habit of gambling. Instead of winning back their savings, they will probably lose all their money they had borrowed and ended up in more debts. Some were even pushed to the edge and committed suicide. Money is so tempting that people are willing to do anything for it. Some women are even willing to go into prostitution just to earn money for materialistic goods. Corrupted officials took bribes, using money in exchange for unfair advantages. People as young as in their teens would steal goods and trade them for money. Just think of how people are willing to risk their lives and ruin their future for the sake of having more money in their hands. The influence of money is so great that it affects everybody, even children as young as ten years old. There are reports in schools whereby school bullies exhorted money from their school mates, threatening to hurt them if they do not comply. Cases of theft within the family are also largely increasing due to the influence of money. Teenagers stole money from their parents to purchase materialistic items to suit their own needs. Money is so important to people that they can even neglect their own families. A father had to work hard outside to earn more money and seldom have the time to spend with his wife and children. Eventually, his wife and children would only see him as someone who provides money and hence there would not be any strong bonding between them. Money revolves around the world. The phrase â€Å"money is the root of all evil† meant that money issues is the main cause of the many problems faced in life. If you let the money take control of you, you would be obsessed with it and think that your money is never enough. It influences people generations by generations and can cause one to lose his conscience and humanity. Money is the one that manifests the evil in people hearts. So therefore shows why money is the root of all evil.

Implementing A Cad System To Reduce Costs :: essays research papers

Implementing A CAD System TO Reduce Costs Introduction This report will analyze a proposal on how Woodbridge Foam could become more competitive through improvements in technology. This includes the saving of the companies money, shortening the design time for new products, decreasing quoting time and improving quality overall. By implementing a company wide CAD system, which would be networked together with each customer and all plants, these improvements could be achieved. Research will include interviewing various employees as to how business is done and what influences the winning or loosing of a contract. Research will also include study of both customer and competitors systems. Project Scope & Current Evaluation Goals Supported by CAD Initiative: In converting to a completely independent CAD system, there are a few aspects of operation which would be greatly improved. The first of the improvements would be the elimination of paper communication. The need to transfer large drawings using mylars would cease to be, thus helping provide a paper less environment. Another improvement as a result of CAD would be that of achieving much tighter tolerances in building new products. Using a CAD system, part designs could be received in an electronic format such as a math model. These models are currently in use by customers such as GM, BMW and Mercedes. The effect of having math models of all new products would enable a quicker turnaround in both quoting and production of products. CAD Vendors & Hardware Suppliers: Upon observing the various systems used by several customers and suppliers, the major CAD vendors worth consideration have been identified. Manufacturers of high quality workstations which have been distinguish are: Hewlett Packard (HP) IBM Silicon Graphics (SGI) SUN Premium, fully functional CAD solutions are: CATIA (Dassault / IBM) Computervision (Computervision / TSI) SDRC (SDRC / CAD Solutions) Unigraphics (EDS) Current System Description Success Factors: In implementing a new, otherwise foreign system into an established habitual way of doing things, there are several success factors which must be examined. If these factors are carefully thought over, a favorable shift from old to new may be obtained. Some critical success factors are as follows: Vendor availability - Will the chosen system supplier be readily available for technical support? Product engineering acceptance - Will those who are set in their ways be willing to abandon their habitual manner of operating? Training - Thorough training of all related employees must be completed   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  before introduction of the new system. Data management - A new manner of recording all vital information must be established and proper procedures documented. Customer interface - Will the chosen system be compatible with those used by our customers and will needed

Comparing Benjamin Franklin to Mary Rowlandson Essay

The literature written during this time period reveals the important part the supernatural (God) played during those changing times. The new world was struggling for a new identity. Were these individuals also defining the role of God to themselves? In this discussion the lives of Mary Rowlandson and Benjamin Franklin will be compared. Each penned a narrative of their life experiences. There are marked contrasts and comparisons between these two individuals in relation to their perceptions of God. Religion was a dynamic part of life in Colonial America. A shift from faith to deism was occurring. The Puritans of this time were escaping the Church of England. Their hope was to return to the more primitive ways, to reject the churches hierarchy and ritual. Mary Rowlandson, a puritan in Lancaster, Massachusetts was seized by Indians, along with three of her children in 1676. In her narrative she recounts the story of her survival in the wilderness for a period of three months. She is tak en away from her home and husband, â€Å"all was gone (except my life); and I knew not but the next moment what might go too. Benjamin Franklin’s The Autobiography is an account of his life and begins with his boyhood in Boston. He later flees to Philadelphia to escape his brother’s rule over him. He relates how he was â€Å"dirty†, â€Å"fatigu’d†, and â€Å"Want of Rest†. In these depictions we can see a similarity. Both individuals are removed from their homes and families. Although Benjamin Franklin’s removal was of his own free will. They each suffered as they no longer had the comforts of which they were comfortable. Rowlandson’s faith was amazing considering all that she endured. Throughout the narrative she must rely on her faith in God. She includes numerous verses from the Bible to offer explanations for all that she has suffered, â€Å"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say on the Lord†. It is also noted that she was able to use her trade to survive, â€Å"knitting a pair of white cotto n stockings for my mistress†. This is also a parallel to Franklin in that he also used his trade to survive. But one must ask what is moving Rowlandson? Is she writing for posterity or is she simply egocentric? Rowlandson has portrayed herself as the ultimate Puritan. Was the glory to God or to herself? She also relates here â€Å"how many Sabbaths I  had lost and misspent†. It is fascinating to note that toward the end of the narrative she begins to see that her fate is in God’s hands, â€Å"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee†. At the end she recounts her old ways, â€Å"I have seen the extreme vanity of this world†. Franklin, states, â€Å"I had been religiously educated†, I rarely attended any Public Worship†. Some of the doctrine he described as â€Å"unintelligible†, â€Å"others doubtful†. He saw a need to center authority for our lives not in God but in oneself. He also noted â€Å"My conduct may be blamable, but I leave it without attempting farther to excuse it†. Franklin is explaining his behavior but not making apologies. It is also noted that he reveals that he had undertaken â€Å"the bold and arduous Project of arriving at moral perfection†. He had also written a â€Å"Form of Prayer for my own private use†. In Franklin’s â€Å"Thirteen Names of Virtues†, He lists the qualities he deems â€Å"Desirable†. Originally there were only 12 but â€Å"a Quaker friend kindly inform’d me that I was generally thought proud†. The last virtue is humility, and his statement â€Å"imitate Jesus and Socrates†, reflect deism. Although Franklin does state that he was not able to achieve this virtue, he reveals, â€Å"I had a good deal with regard to the Appearance of it†. Franklin also had a â€Å"Memorandum Book†, in which he kept track of his virtues. The book was lined in red ink and his faults were marked in black, â€Å"which marks I could easily wipe out with a wet sponge†. Could this possibly be an analogy to God? Franklin is establishing his own destiny in relation with his deist beliefs. The ideas he projects are decency, justice and belief that happiness may be found in secular values. Near the end Franklin journals his â€Å"Scheme† and communicates it â€Å"was not wholly without Religion† but it did not necessarily reflect any â€Å"particular sect†. An illusion of the America to come? A new world which offered religious freedom? This America in its infancy was establishing an identity free from the mother land. Breaking the tie that binds is never easy. In his Autobiography Franklin was seeking to establish a new identity for the new world. This parallels Rowlandson in that she at the end of her captivity has evolved into a new person. Although Rowlandson has placed her fate more in the hands of her God. Franklin suggests that man controls his own destiny but also makes reference throughout to God. He must deal with his excessive pride, even as Mary Rowlandson has dealt with her own vanity. Hence the supernatural (God) did help to shape our  country to what it is today. Our beliefs reflect what our purpose is, what our identity is. Mary Rowlandson and Benjamin Franklin were setting the standards for Americans to aspire to be. Mary Rowlandson contributes to a young American nation searching for its identity the power of survival without conforming to the behaviors and acts of others. Her faith and trust in God sustained her from becoming like the savagely, as she first perceived, people who took her by force into captivity. At the end of her journey dependence on the grace and providence of God was displayed. In my opinion this is a great contribution to any nation seeking its identity. Benjamin Franklin contributions were/are remarkable. He advocated personal responsibility, intellectual curiosity, honesty, persistence, and prudence—principles that have helped people everywhere lift themselves up. He encouraged an entrepreneurial culture which creates opportunity and hope through peaceful cooperation. He affirmed that by improving yourself and helping your neighbors you can make a free society succeed. His most glorious invention was—and is—the American dream.

The Place You Most Loved to Spend Time as a Child.

? Topic: The place you most loved to spend time as a child. Ma Vio's Kitchen Today, nineteen years after the passing of my grandmother, her kitchen looks the same with its walls in the same pastel orange and green she had painted it in so many years ago. The floral patterns that were done by my cousins and I using ochoes that she had cut in half and potatoes which she carved flowers from to make stamps that we gleefully dipped in containers of paint and placed on the wall hap-hazardly to form various patterns. I remembered her being so delighted in the end product that I don't think there was a neighbour, friend or visitor that my grandmother didn't boast to about her beautiful kitchen wall hat was so artfully decorated by her clearly talented grand children. I look at those walls to day and sometimes laugh at what persons out side of her family may have thought of her walls of art that anyone could have see were decorated by children all under the age of eleven. Walls that have been laquered to preserve what Ma Vio, as she was lovingly called by everyone, considered a ‘masterpiece that not even the most renowned of painters could have done with such perfection'. My fondest memories however, are not of the many different art projects that Ma Vio encouraged us into doing on her huge kitchen table but of the aromas drifting out of that little haven off of her livingroom. I remembered how she used to have these large bottles filled with all different types of homemade treats lined off on top of the kitchen counter†¦.. ed mangoes, stewed tamarind, tulum, benee balls, sugar cake, fudge you name it Ma Vio made it. Boy! Don't even get me started on her bread bin that never seemed to run out of mouth watering cakes and pastries†¦. coconut tarts, lemon bread, drops, peanut butter cookies and my favourite banana bread. Mmmhmmm †¦. I can smell it all now†¦. fresh out of the oven. Her pound cake and whole grain bread were what m y brother used to call ‘the bestest in all of Trinidad and Tobago', you couldn't find a bakery for miles with anything that good. You ever had homemade bread where you felt as if you had anything at all with it you'd spoil the taste? That's how everyone felt about Ma Vio's bread. It's good when accompanied by a filling but it's best when eaten by itself. Ma Vio's Kitchen smelled like christmas morning almost everyday as she was always busy making or baking something. Her kitchen was my own little ‘snack heaven' where everything that came from there seemed to taste extra good. By Havilanna Davidson

Systems Analysis Essays

Systems Analysis Essays Systems Analysis Essay Systems Analysis Essay Systems analysis can be defined as a disciplined process, which begins with the establishment of user requirements for a given application and concludes with the implementation of fully operational system The main stages of systems analysis are often referred to as the system life cycle. The following sections give a brief overview of their functions within the systems analysis process. Feasibility study The aim of this stage is to establish whether or not a proposal for the computerisation of a particular application is worthwhile or feasible. In simple terms, the feasibility study has to answer questions such as: Will computerisation achieve the users objectives?; What type of system will be most suitable?; Will it be financially worthwhile? System investigation and design Assuming that the feasibility study produces a recommendation to proceed with computerisation of an application, then before any system specification is produced, an analysis has to be made of the processes and procedures involved in the application under consideration. For example, an analysis of Sales Order Processing should identify how orders are received, the order forms used and the procedures necessary to fulfil orders. Analysis is not simply the recording of an application as it currently operates through a variety of information gathering methods such as interviewing and observation, the requirements of a new system should be identified. Although the needs of the organisation are of obvious importance, employees are more likely to be concerned with matters of job satisfaction and working conditions. Successful implementation of a computerised system requires a great deal of work, involvement and willingness to co-operate by everyone concerned. If staff feel that their views have been considered such co-operation is more likely. Although users views are Important an outside observer can often identify problems with current practice which have never been questioned. A systems analyst from outside the firm needs therefore, to possess qualities of tact and diplomacy if his or her views are to be considered. The process of design should produce a complete picture of * the input, * processing, * storage and * output requirements of the new system. The picture will include * narrative descriptions, * flowcharts illustrating clerical procedures, * data flows and * the role of the computer in broad outline. The design of a computerised system should include as many improvements suggested in the investigation stage as is practicable and it will almost certainly be necessary to question tiers further when, for example, problems arise in the implementation of particular system requirements. Compromises will have to be made between what is desirable and what is practicable. Management and users may have specified requirements during the investigation stage, which prove either too expensive or extremely difficult to satisfy. System implementation System implementation or going live involves a range of preparatory. The main activities are as follow: * Development and/or testing of software. If an off the shelf system is chosen, then no development time is necessary, but testing is still vital. * File conversion. This is probably the most time-consuming activity in that all data relating to the application, which is currently held in manual files, has to be encoded onto the chosen magnetic storage medium. accuracy is vital and both software and clerical checking procedures should be employed. * Staff training and education. This may take a variety of forms but may be part of the proposals put forward by the chosen supplier. It is an extremely important activity if the systems effectiveness is to be maximised and if staff are to feel happy and confident in its operation. * Introduction of new clerical procedures. If the whole system is to function correctly, the computer processing aspect has to be supported by the clerical procedures designed to work with it. Part of staff training, therefore, has to be dedicated to purely clerical tasks such as the preparation of input data or source documents. * Choice of a changeover or going live plan. A number of alternatives are available and each has costs and benefits associated with it. Parallel running, requires that the old and new systems be operated alongside one another until the new system is fully tested. This minimises the risks consequent upon system failure, it is an expensive option in that it involves a great deal of staff time. Direct changeover is less expensive if the new system works but failure could mean catastrophe for the business. The plan used will depend on a number of factors, for example, the importance of the system to the success of the business. System maintenance After its initial introduction a system should be flexible to the changing needs of the business. An allowance for the businesss expansion should be made in the original system specification and the supplier should be able to satisfy those expansion needs as and when necessary. Equally, advances in hardware technology and the sophistication of software mean that a system soon becomes outdated. Even if a business chooses not to take advantage of improved software, hardware is likely to become less reliable and will need replacement after about five years of business use. Agreements on software and hardware maintenance should be established with the supplier and formalised in the contract signed by purchaser and supplier. The Feasibility Study The purpose of a feasibility study is to determine whether or not the purchase of a computer system can be justified. The study has to answer two fundamental questions: 1. Can the envisaged applications be carried out by a computer system more efficiently than with existing facilities?; 2. Will a computer system be economically viable?. Since the early 1 970s, prices of all types of computer system have fallen dramatically and their power has increased to such a degree that, for example, microcomputers challenge the minicomputer in their range of applications. This may be part of the reason why many organisations find it difficult to justify undertaking a detailed feasibility study and argue that no matter how limited their needs there is a computer system to satisfy them at a cost-effective price; it is only necessary to decide on its best application(s). Although this is an understandable view, it should be remembered that any item of equipment should be justified in terms of its costs and benefits to the business and that a computer system should be no exception. Although there are few businesses, which cannot benefit from computerisation at all, the process of carrying out a feasibility study disciplines the purchaser to think carefully about how it is to be used. In modifying the purpose of a feasibility study, the previous questions can be replaced by the following: 1. Which applications can be computerised to give most benefit to the organisation?; 2. What type of computer will be required?; 3. What are the likely acquisition and running costs?; 4. What are the likely implications, especially those concerning personnel and organisational procedures?. Pressures for computerisation There are many and various pressures which can trigger the thought of using a computer, either for the first time or, where a computer is already installed, for other applications still operated manually. Some examples are as follow: i. A business is expanding and to cope with the increased workload it appears that the only the alternative to computerisation is increased staffing. ii. A business is growing at such a rate that more information is needed to manage it properly. To obtain the information manually is too time-consuming and by the time it has been gathered is probably out-of-date. iii. Staff are being asked to work regular and increasing amounts of overtime and backlogs of work are building up. iv. Customers are complaining about the speed and quality of the service provided. v. Where stock is involved, it is difficult to keep track of stock levels and while some customer orders cannot be filled because of stock shortages, other stock is gathering dust on the shelves. vi. A great deal of advertising literature is constantly reminding business management that they are out-of-date and at a disadvantage with their competitors. vii. Other businesses providing a similar service use a computer. Examples (i), (ii) and (iii) suggest that the business is operating successfully and needs to take on extra staff or streamline its systems. Examples (iv) and (v) may be symptomatic of generally poor business management and in such cases, computerisation alone may not solve the problems. Examples (vi) and (vii) may tempt the management to computerise simply to keep up with the Joness. Although a computerisation programme resulting directly from one or more such pressures may be completely successful and worthwhile, the pressure itself should not be the reason for computerisation. Instead, management should establish the organisational objectives they wish to achieve through computerisation. Establishing objectives for computerisation It is important for management to establish what they are trying to achieve in terms of the overall objectives of the business and in the light of this, the objectives of the systems, which contribute to their achievement. For example, two major business objectives may be to improve the delivery of customers orders and to minimise the stock levels, which tie up valuable cash resources. The achievement of these objectives may involve contributions from several different information processing systems and the list may include the following. * Stock Control records stock movements and controls stock levels. * Purchasing responsible for the ordering of new supplies from suppliers. * Sales Order Processing receives customers orders and initiates the process of order fulfilment. * Purchase Ledger the accounting record of amounts owed and paid to suppliers of stock. * Invoicing the production of invoices requesting payment from customers for goods supplied. * Sales Ledger the accounting record of amounts owing by and received from customers for goods supplied. These and other applications within a business are interconnected by the information, which flows between them. Such connections can be illustrated with the use of data flow diagrams (DFD), which are described in Chapter 25. Establishing priorities for computerisation The applications which are going to bring greatest benefit to the business should be computerised first. Establishing individual system objectives The objectives of the relevant application must first be clearly understood. The following is a typical list for stock control serves to illustrate the definition of such objectives. * To maintain levels of stock which will be sufficient to meet customer orders promptly. * To provide a mechanism which removes the need for excessive safety margins of stock to cover customer orders. This is usually effected by setting minimum stock levels, which the computer can use to report variations below these levels. * To provide automatic re-ordering of stock items which fall below minimum levels. * To provide management with up-to-date information on stock levels and values of stocks held. Contents of the Feasibility Report The Feasibility Report should contain the following sections: Terms of reference These should set out the original purpose of the study, as agreed by management and detail the business objectives to be achieved, for example: (i) the improvement of customer service, such that orders are delivered within 24 hours of order receipt; (ii) the provision of more up-to-date management information on current stock levels and projected customer demand; (iii) a tighter control of the businesss cash resources, primarily through better stock management. Applications considered for computerisation The applications which may assist the achievement of the business objectives set out in the Terms of Reference are listed, for example: stock control; purchasing; sales order processing; invoicing; accounts. System investigations For each application under consideration there should be: * a description of the existing system; * an assessment of its good and bad points. For example, the sales order processing system may be slow to process customer orders and this results in poor delivery times, which in turn causes customers to take away their business; * an estimate of the costs of the existing system. For example, apart from the cost of staffing, an estimate has to be made of the cost of lost business, which could be avoided with an improved system. Envisaged system requirements This section should detail, in general terms, those aspects of each application which need to be improved and a broad outline of how each system may operate following computerisation. Costs of development and implementation These will include both capital costs and revenue or running costs. Capital costs are likely to be incurred for the following: (i) computer hardware; (ii) systems software and software packages (either off-the-shelf or tailor-made); (iii) installation charges for hardware and software; (iv) staff training. Revenue costs include those for the maintenance and insurance of the system. In addition, unless there are existing computer specialists in the organisation, additional suitable staff may need to be recruited Timescale for implementation This will depend on the scale of the operation, the type of application and whether or not packaged software is to be used. Expected benefits These are more difficult to quantify than the costs but may include, for example: * estimated savings in capital expenditure on typewriters and photocopiers; * more efficient stock management allows customer service to be maintained whilst keeping stock levels lower. This releases valuable cash resources and reduces possible interest charges on borrowed capital; * expansion in business turnover, without the need for extra staff and reduced overtime requirements. Other considerations The staff have to support any development for it to be properly successful and this usually means consultation at an early stage in the feasibility study and the provision of a proper staff-training programme. Customers must also be considered. For example, when a customer receives a computer produced invoice it should be at least as easy to understand as the type it replaced. Assuming that the feasibility study concludes that the proposed computerisation is worthwhile, according to the criteria set out in the report, then more detailed investigation and design can follow. System Investigation and Design Introduction If the feasibility report gives the go-ahead to the computerisation project, then a more detailed investigation of each candidate system begins. The facts gathered about each system will be analysed in terms of their bearing on the design and implementation of a computerised version. The objectives of the analysis are to gain a thorough knowledge of the operational characteristics of the current system and to settle, in a fair amount of detail, the way in which a computerised system will operate. It is extremely important that the new system does not simply computerise existing procedures. The design should, as far as possible, ignore existing departmental structures, which may inhibit the introduction of different and improved procedures. The aim of the investigation and design process is to produce a specification of users requirements in documented form. This is referred to as the Statement of User Requirements and will be used to tender for supply of hardware and software. Fact-finding methods There are several methods, which can be used to gather facts about a system: (i) interviewing; (ii) questionnaires; (iii) examination of records and procedure manuals; (iv) examination of documents; viii. observation. Each method has advantages and disadvantages and the method or methods chosen will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding the investigation, for example, the size of the business, the number of staff employed and their location and distribution. Interviewing This method has much to recommend it, in that the facts can be gathered directly from the person or persons who have experience of the system under investigation. On the other hand, a business with a number of geographically distributed branches makes the process of extensive interviewing expensive and time-consuming. Further, interviewing skills need to be acquired if the process is to be effective. The interviewer needs to know how to gain the confidence of the interviewee and ensure that the information, which is given, will be of value in the design of the new system. Questions need to be phrased unambiguously in order that the interviewee supplies the information actually required and a checklist of points will help to ensure that all relevant questions are asked. Of course, the interview may need to stray from the points in the checklist, if it becomes apparent that the interviewee is able to provide relevant information not previously considered. For example, clerical procedur es may be designed quite satisfactorily but may be made less effective because of personality conflicts between staff. Such tensions may only be revealed through personal interview. The interviewer also needs to detect any unsatisfactory responses to questions and possibly use alternative methods to glean the required information. Unsatisfactory responses include: * Refusal to answer. Such refusal may indicate, for example, that set procedures are not being followed and that the member of staff does not wish to be incriminated. * Answer with irrelevant information. It may be that the question is ambiguous and has to be re-phrased in order to elicit the required information. * Answer with insufficient information. If a system is to be designed which covers all foreseeable user requirements and operational circumstances, it is important that the analyst has all relevant information. * Inaccurate answer. The interviewer may or may not be aware that an inaccurate answer has been given but it is important that other sources of information are used to cross-check answers Questionnaires Questionnaires are useful when only a small amount of information is required from a large number of people, but to provide accurate responses, questions need to be unambiguous and precise. The questionnaire has a number of advantages over the interview: * each respondent is asked exactly the same questions, so responses can be analysed according to the pre-defined categories of information; * the lack of personal contact allows the respondent to feel completely at ease when providing information, particularly if responses are to be anonymous; * questionnaires are particularly suited to the gathering of factual information, for example, the number of customer orders received in one week; * it is cheap, particularly if users are scattered over a wide geographical area. A number of disadvantages attach to the use of questionnaires: * questions have to be simple and their meaning completely unambiguous to the respondents; * if the responses indicate that the wrong questions were asked, or that they were phrased badly, it may be difficult to clarify the information, particularly if the respondents were anonymous; * without direct observation it is difficult to obtain a realistic view of a systems operation. The questionnaire often provides only statistical information on, for example, volumes of sales transactions or customer enquiries. Examination of records and procedure manuals If existing procedures are already well documented, then the procedure manuals can provide a ready-made source of information on the way procedures should be carried out. it is important to realise that procedures detailed in manuals may not accord entirely with what actually happens. The examination of current records and the tracing of particular transactions can be a useful method of discovering what procedures are carried out. Special purpose records, which may involve the ticking of a box when an activity has been completed, can be used to analyse procedures, which are causing delays or are not functioning efficiently. The use of special purpose records imposes extra burdens on staff who have to record procedures as they happen and the technique should only be used when strictly necessary. Examination of documents It is important that the analyst examines all documents used in a system, to ensure that each: * fulfils some purpose, that is, it records or transmits information which is actually used at some stage. Systems are subject to some inertia, for example, there may have been a one-off requirement to record and analyse the geographical distribution of customers over a single month and yet the summary document is still completed because no-one told the staff it was no longer necessary; * is clear and satisfies its purpose, for example, a form may not indicate clearly the type of data to be entered under each heading. In any case, it may well require re-designing for any new system which is introduced. The documents, which should include, for example, source documents, report summaries, customer invoices and delivery notes, help to build a picture of the information flows which take place from input to output. Observation It is most important to observe a procedure in action, so that irregularities and exceptional procedures are noticed. Observation should always be carried out with tact and staff under observation should be made fully aware of its purpose, to avoid suspicions of snooping. The following list details some of the features of office procedures and conditions, which may usefully be observed during the investigation: * office layout this may determine whether the positioning of desks, filing cabinets and other office equipment is convenient for staff and conducive to efficient working; * work load this should indicate whether the volume of documents awaiting processing is fairly constant or if there are peak periods of activity; * delays these could show that there are some procedures which are constantly behind schedule; * methods of working a trained observer can, through experience, recognise a slow, reasonable or quick pace of working and decide whether or not the method of * working is efficient. It is important that such observations should be followed up by an interview to obtain the co-operation of the person under observation; * office conditions these should be examined, as poor ventilation, inadequate or excessive temperatures, or poor lighting can adversely affect staff efficiency. Often the observation will be carried out in an informal way but it may be useful on occasion to, for example, work at a users desk, so as to observe directly the way that customer orders are dealt with. It is important to realise that a user may put on a performance whilst under observation and that this reduces the value of the information gathered. Documenting the results of analysis A number of standard approaches, apart from narrative description, can be used to document the result of the system analysis, including: data flow diagrams (DFDs); organisation charts system flowcharts. Their applications are illustrated in the following section, which examines the categories of information, which need to be gathered and recorded during a system investigation. Categories of system information The major categories of information which need to be gathered involve: * functional relationships and data flows; * personnel and jobs; * inputs; * processes; * outputs; * storage. Functional relationships and data flows A business has a number of functional areas, such as Sales, Accounts, Stock Control and Purchasing, each having its own information system. However, the computerisation of a system in one functional area cannot be carried out without considering its effects on the rest of the business. Information systems within a business interact with and affect one another. The business, as an entity, also interacts with and is influenced by individuals and organisations in the surrounding environment and the businesss individual information systems should be co-ordinated to allow the achievement of overall business objectives. The data flows between individual functional areas can be illustrated with the use of a data flow diagram. Personnel and jobs It is possible to design a computerised system without involving staff, but it is likely to be less successful, partly because users can provide valuable insights into the practical aspects of system operation and partly because they will feel less motivated if they have had little or no influence on the final design. A formal organisation chart can be used to gain an overall picture of staff relationships and responsibilities but it should be borne in mind that designated and actual job responsibilities can differ radically. For example, it may turn out that a junior sales clerk is carrying out the checking of orders, which should be the responsibility of the sales supervisor. Thus, it may be necessary for the analyst to draw an alternative informal organisation chart to show the actual working relationships of staff. An example is given Apart from identifying working relationships between staff, it is useful to draw up brief job descriptions so that consultation on individual system procedures can take place with the appropriate staff. For example, a job description for a sales clerk may include the following activities: completion of standard order forms; checking stock availability; notification of orders to accounts. Therefore, although the sales departmental manager may have knowledge of such procedures, the sales clerk will have practical experience of their operation and should be consulted. System inputs A number of details concerning the data inputs to a system need to be established: * source. It may, for example, originate from a customer, a supplier, or another department in the business; * form. The data may arrive, for example, by telephone, letter, or a standard form such as an order form or suppliers invoice; * volume and frequency. For example, the number of orders received daily or weekly; * contents. For example. the individual items of data which appear on a suppliers invoice. Such information will allow the analyst to make recommendations on the most appropriate methods of computer input. The design of appropriate input methods also has to take account of several tasks involved with the collection and entry of data to a system: * recording. For example, the completion of a customer order form following receipt of a customer order by telephone; * transmission. For example, the order details may need to be transferred to another department or branch of the business for encoding and computer processing or they may be keyed in directly at the point of collection; * visual checking. It may be, for example, that a customer order has no quantities entered; * encoding. Verification procedures need to be designed to prevent transcription errors when data is encoded onto a computer storage medium for processing; * validation. Data is checked by a data vet program against set limits of validity, for example, account numbers may have to fall between a particular range of values. Thus, decisions need to be made concerning: (i) data collection procedures; (ii) methods for the transmission of data to the place of processing; (iii) data entry, data verification and data validation procedures. Data collection The designer needs to be aware of the available input technologies. These can be divided into two categories, keyboard entry and data capture technologies such as bar code reading, optical character reading (OCR) and optical mark reading (OMR), which allow direct input to the computer from specially designed input forms. Keyboard entry This is the most common method of input and requires the transcription of data from source documents. These can be designed to minimise the possibility of transcription errors at the data collection stage. Direct input Bar codes are pre-encoded and are thus immune from errors of transcription (assuming that the bar code is correct in the first place). Optical mark reading requires that pencil marks be used to indicate particular values from a limited set on a pre-designed form. Although no keyboard entry is required, mistakes may be made by the originator of the document and good design is therefore important. Data transmission It may be that no data transmission is necessary because the data is processed at the point of collection. For example, customer orders may be recorded on order forms at the sales desk and then taken into the next room for keying into the computer. Alternatively, the data may have to be transmitted some distance, perhaps to another floor of the building or to another building some miles away. A fundamental decision has to be made, whether to localise processing at the points of collection, or to use a central facility with data communications links from each location. Data entry The data entry method chosen will depend on the data collection methods used and may involve keyboard transcription from source documents or data may be captured directly from bar codes, OCR or OMR type documents. Where keyboard transcription is used, verification and validation procedures are likely to be interactive, in that the data entry operator has to respond to prompts on screen and make corrections as and when the system indicates Most small business computer systems will be used for on-line processing, where transactions are processed immediately with master files at the data entry stage. Consequently, validation and verification have to be carried out immediately prior to the processing of each transaction. On-screen verification At the end of each transaction entry, the operator is given the opportunity to scan the data on the screen and to re-enter any incorrect entries detected. This usually takes the form of a message at the bottom of the screen, which is phrased in a way such as Verify (yes or no). On-screen validation Character, data item and record checks, such as range and mode checks, can be made each time the RETURN key is pressed during data entry. For example, the screen may prompt for the en-try of an account number, which must be 6 digits long and be within the range 000001 to 500000. Any entry which does not conform with these parameters is erased and the prompt re-displayed for another attempt. Appropriate screen dialogue to allow the data entry operator to enter into a conversation with the computer is a crucial part of the input design process and is dealt with as a separate topic in Chapter 21. Batch data entry The type of keyboard transcription used will be affected by the type of input data. Where, for example, files only need to be updated weekly, transaction data may be batched and entered onto magnetic disk for processing at a later stage in one update program run. System processes All the clerical and machine-assisted processes, which are necessary to achieve the desired output from the given inputs, need to be identified. This will allow the systems analyst to determine the role of the computer in the new system, the programs necessary to take over the processing stages and the changes needed to clerical procedures, before and after computer processing. There are many instances when the processing requires not only the input data but also data retrieved from files. For example, to generate a customer invoice requires: i. input data concerning commodity codes and quantities ordered; ii. data from the stock master file concerning prices of items ordered by reference to the input commodity codes; iii. customer details from the customer master file. The above processes can be completely computerised but other processes may require human intervention. For example, before a customer order is processed, the customers credit status may need to be checked and referred to a supervisor before authorisation. Non-standard procedures Most processes will follow standards suitable for their particular circumstancesIt is important, however, that the investigation identifies and notes any non-standard procedures. For example, what procedure is followed when there is an insufficient quantity of an ordered item to completely fulfil a customer order? It may be that some customers will take part-orders, whilst others require the full quantity of an item or none at all. If non-standard procedures are needed, it is important to know their complexity, how often they are used and what extra information is required. Ideally, a system should be designed to cope with all possible circumstances, but cost sometimes forces a compromise. Document flow System flowcharts can be used to model the movement and interaction of documents and the data they record, as well as the processes involved. In order that the involvement of each section, department or personnel grouping in the processes can be identified, the system flowchart is divided into columns representing these divisions of responsibility. A system flowchart may use a range of standard symbols, which are illustrated in Figures below. A number of standards exist for the drawing of system flowcharts and the range of symbols used depends on which stage of the investigation and design process has been reached. For example, in the early stages of investigation of an existing manual system, there will be no representation of computer methods of input, processing, output or storage. At a later stage, when computer methods are being considered, it will be necessary to use suitable symbols in the flowchart Flow Chart Symbols Figure illustrates example of a manually operated order processing and invoicing system. The Figure illustrates example of a batch processing stock file update of a stock master file. Notice the sorting and validation stages, which are essential to batch processing systems Most business systems require alternative actions to be taken dependent upon some variable condition or circumstance. For example, 15 per cent customer discount may be allowed if the invoiced amount is paid within, say, 14 days of the invoice date, after which time all discount is lost Batch Processing Stock File Update Of A Stock Master File. In order that computerised and non-computerised processes can be properly designed, the investigation must identify all: * decisions made during system operation; * conditions and circumstances which lead to alternative decisions; * actions to be taken following a decision. Figure represents the computerised aspects of a similar system, but does not show detail procedures needed to prepare, for example, the data for input or the distribution of output. A computerised system must have the necessary clerical procedures to support it. Some decisions and consequent actions will need to be documented for clerical procedure guidelines, whilst others which involve computer processing will form part of program specifications used in program writing or as bases for choice of packaged software. System outputs * output design first requires identification of the following: * data items required as output. Some may be revealed in the existing system, whilst others may be requested by users as being desirable in any new system; * form of the output, for example, whether or not printed copy is required; * volume of data with each output and the frequency of the output. This information assists decisions on the type and number of output devices required. On-line orderprocessing Based on the above information, the following tasks can be carried out: i. selection of an appropriate output device to display or communicate the outputs. ii. designing output screen and document layouts. System storage (files) The storage of historic and current information is a vital part of any business system. For example, to produce a payslip not only requires transient input data concerning hours worked and sickness days but also data on rate of pay, tax code, deductions of tax and superannuating to date etc., which are held in the payroll master file stored on magnetic disk. Information on the contents of files will be gathered from existing manual files, together with responses from users regarding the output requirements of any new system. If packaged software is to be used then the contents of files will be dictated by the package, in which case some data item types may be surplus to requirements, whilst others which are required may not be available. File contents Each file consists of a number of logical records, each of which has a number of associated data items. For example, each stock record in a stock master file may include: Stock Code; Description; Unit Price; Minimum Stock Level; Re-order Quantity; Quantity in Stock. File organisation and access This concerns the logical ordering of records within a file. Database management systems (DBMS) An increasingly popular alternative to traditional file processing systems is to construct databases controlled by a DBMS. The design process requires that data is analysed according to subject area, for example, raw materials or staffing, rather than by department or functional area. Choice of storage device Choice is concerned with storage capacity, mode and speed of access. Data Flow Diagrams Data Flow Diagrams are a widely used technique for representing the information flows of a system. They are a particular feature of SSADM methodology (Structured Systems Analysis and Design Method). They arc used in the early stages of a systems analysis to provide an understanding of the present system. As the project proceeds they are used to represent the required and also as a basis for program specification. DFDs can be drawn at various levels of detail. At the high Level the DFD is known as a Context Diagram which shows the system as one box with flows going to and coming from external entities. This can then be decomposed into more detailed DFDs. A DFD can show the physical processing of the present system detailing the departments and individuals concerned in the work, or it can be a logical DFD which shows what happens to the data rather than how the processing is carried out. A logical DFD is useful as it frees the analyst from being over influenced by the present system. Purpose of A Data flow diagram It is a diagrammatic representation of information flows within a system showing: * how information enters and leaves the system. * what changes the information. * where information is stored. A DFD is also useful to: * show the boundaries and scope of the system. * check the completeness of the analyses * ensure that all information flows and activities have been considered. * show the major functional areas of the system and therefore identify particular program requirements. DFDs can he used by both technical and non-technical staff and is used in discussions between the analyst and the user. One of the greatest strengths of DFDs is that they can be used to describe a system at several levels. Components of DFDs External Entity The source of information provided to the system. Or the recipient of information provided by the system. An oval shape represents it. If understanding of the DFD can be enhanced then an external entity may be drawn more than once. Process A process transforms or manipulates data within the system. It is represented by a box and will include a numeric identifier, the location of the process, and the process identifier. When naming processes begin with a verb and follow it by an object. e.g. Make Delivery, Receive payment. The object should always be singular. Data Store Data stores may be manual or computer files, and represent the place where a process places data so that it can be retrieved later. Each data store is labelled with the letter M for manual or D for computer and is given a number. Data Flow Represented by an arrow which should be labelled with the data that is being carried (never use a verb on a data flow). Boundary A boundary is sometimes drawn around a DFD to show the limits of what is being investigated. Levels of DFD Level 0 DFD (Context Diagram) Shows the entire system a single black box communicating with the external entities. Level 1 DFD An outline DFD using typically up to 12 process boxes. It shows: * system boundaries, * external entities * main system flows, * main system functions. * data stores. Level 2 and 3 DFD Successively more detailed DFDs showing up to 8 process boxes per DFD. Data Flow Diagrams How do you start? Case study Example Draw a Data flow diagram of the following scenario Data flow diagrams A manufacturing company has a strict health and safety policy. They have a small health and safety department, which maintains safety levels in the organisation. They require that employees report any problems to them if they discover faults within the organisation of a hazardous or potentially hazardous nature. Reports from employees are received in the Health and Safety department either by telephone, e-rnail or internal memo. This information is received by the health and safety administrator who logs the calls on his fault logging computer database. The computer database issues a unique problem number, which is given to the head of department of the employee highlighting the fault. The head of department is also provided with details of the nature of the problem. There are two health and safety inspectors employed by the organisation who investigate the problems when they occur. They are based in the health and safety department and are given the details of the problem and the fault number from the computer database by the administrator who logs the assignment of the task on the fault logging database. When the problem is investigated and therefore the task is completed the inspectors contact the administrator to advise them of the situation. The administrator advises the particular head of department that the necessary work has been carded out and the task is closed in the fault logging database. 1. Pick out relevant information and place in tabular form External entity Processes Data stores Data. flows employee report problem fault logging fault details head of dept collect problem ID No health and safety inspectors close problem Fault No assignment details Completed details Fault closed details Health and Safety Department Fault Reporting System 2. Context Diagram (no data stores) 3. Produce the Data Flow diagram Example 1 A purchasing department receives a purchase requisition from the stores. The requisition is checked, and an invalid requisition is returned to the stores for correction. An order is made out using a file of approved suppliers, and sent to the appropriate supplier. A copy order is filed. The requisition is filed. When the goods arc received the invoice is compared with the filed copy order and an invalid invoice is returned to the supplier. Valid invoices are passed to the accounts department for payment, and fulfilled orders are filed. Draw a Level 0 and level 1 DFD for the purchase requisition system. Example 2 When an invoice is received from a supplier, it is checked against a file of authorised purchases. If the invoice does not much an authorised purchase it is returned to the supplier with, a querying letter. If the invoice matches an authorised purchase, but is for an incorrect amount then it is returned to the supplier with a standard form. If the invoice reconciles, a payment authorisation is made out. A cheque is then sent to the supplier, and the invoice and the authorisation are filed. Draw a level 0 and Level 1 DFD for the system. Example 3 This case study is based on the video issue recording system of the Gentlepeoples Video Library Club (GVLC). GVLC specialises in obscure videos that are not readily available from other sources. GVLC lends only to members of the Video Society part of the exclusive and very desirable Gentlepeoples Club. Details of finance are outside the scope of the investigation. Any member of the club is automatically a member of the library. Club membership is for one year; a few new members are admitted on 1 January each year; new members are not admitted during the year. The library is set up along conventional lines, though members are not restricted as to the number of videos they may borrow at any one time. Videos are requested for return only if required by another member. Most active users of the library regularly change their videos. Two or three copies of popular titles are available. In order to borrow a video a member selects it takes it to the issue desk and gives the video and his club membership card to the librarian. The librarian takes the video ID card from the video sleeve and adds the membership number to the card. The librarian places the card in the loans file and the member leaves with the video. When a member returns a video. He or she presents the video to the librarian. The librarian finds the video card in the loans file and places the card in the video sleeve before returning the video to the library shelves. To reserve a video, which is on, can. A member asks the librarian and leaves their membership number. The Librarian finds a relevant video in the loans file and adds the members number on the reservation column on the video card. The librarian also makes a note of the member who has the video on loan and completes a return request card addressed to that member. The address is taken from the library copy of the club membership book. When the reserved video is returned the librarian puts the video under the counter and completes a Reservation Ready card addressed to the member who requested the reservation again taking the address from the membership book. Tine member requiring he video can then pick the video up from the librarian and have it issued in the usual manner. Members make many enquiries of the librarians: typical questions include is the video entitled Dziadek on loan? Which video did actress Anna Kucharski appear in? have we a video entitled Son of Arturo? Have we any videos on the subject Right Action? The librarians are able to answer these queries by inspecting the loans file the actor index the subject index and the title index. In addition to the above duties the librarians receive new videos from the social committee of the club. The selection ordering and payment for the videos is outside the scope of this investigation. On receipt of the new video the librarian has to make out a video card for insertion in the video sleeve and the relevant entries for the indexes. The librarians are also responsible for amending the library copy of the membership book with changes of address and at the end of the year far collecting the new membership bock from the Club Secretary. Answers Example 3 GLVC Video Library Context Diagram Level 1 DFD Activity 1 College Library 1. Zero Normal Form 0NF List Attributes Stud# Name Address TG Tutor Book# Title ISBN ReturnDate Identify Primary key and repeating attributes. Write out in 0NF using standard notation:- When an entity has has a Repeating Attribute (e.g book has several authors) The repeating attribute is shown with a line over it STUDENT(Stud#, Name, Address, TG, Tutor, Book#, Title, ISBN, ReturnDate) 2. First Normal Form -1NF Rule- An entity in First Normal Form must not contain any repeating attributes. Remove repeated attributes to form a new entity LOAN_BOOK. There are now 2 entities in 1NF:- STUDENT(Stud#, Name, Address, TG, Tutor,) LOAN_BOOK(Book#,Stud#, Title, ISBN, ReturnDate) (A composite key is required to uniquely identify each loan of a particular book) 3. Second Normal Form 2NF Rule An entity is in 2NF if it is 1NF and all non key attributes are fully functionally dependent on the whole of the primary key. ( 2NF applies to entities with composite keys, that is a primary key composed of two or more attibutes. An entity which is already in 1NF, with a single attribute primary key is automatically in at least 2NF) The STUDENT entity has a single attribute primary key and is therefore already in 2NF. The LOAN_BOOK entity has a composite primary key so we need to examine all the non-key attributes to ensure they are fully functionally dependent on the whole of the primary key. Non-key attribute Dependent on:- Title Book# ISBN Book# ReturnDate Book#, Stud# Therefore Title and ISBN need to be removed to form a new entity BOOK. Book# is included to provide a link. The tables in 2NF are now:- STUDENT(Stud#, Name, Address, TG, Tutor,) LOAN_BOOK(Book#,Stud#, ReturnDate) BOOK(Book#, Title, ISBN) 4. Third Normal Form 3NF Rule To be in 3NF an entity must be in 2 NF (and therefore in 1NF) and contain no non-key dependencies. Fields which are not part of the primary key must always depend on the primary key and not on anything else, such as another non key field. Consider the entity STUDENT, Name Address depend on the primary key but Tutor depends on the Tutor Group code TG and not on Stud#. They should therefore be removed to form a new entity, TUTOR. A copy of the code TG is left in the student table to form a link. STUDENT(Stud#, Name, Address, TG) TUTOR(TG, Tutor) Consider the entity LOAN_BOOK, return date is dependent on the primary key and therefore already in 3NF. Consider the entity BOOK, title is dependent on the ISBN and not on the Book#, this should be removed to create a new entity ISBN. A copy of ISBN is left in the BOOK entity to provide a link. BOOK(Book#, ISBN) ISBN(ISBN, Title) The final tables are:- STUDENT(Stud#, Name, Address, TG) TUTOR(TG, Tutor) LOAN_BOOK(Book#,Stud#, ReturnDate) BOOK(Book#, ISBN) ISBN(ISBN, Title) H. T. Harvey 6-Feb-03 1 of 18 Chapter 18

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What is social Justice How is social justice related to language rights What do you think about language rights and deaf students - Assignment Example A just and equal world order is perhaps best seen as consisting of people with proper political regimes who fully respect basic human rights. Human rights are expansive, and language rights are part of them. Social justice is all about fairness and equality; language rights protect individuals to choose their preferred language in communication in the public and private spheres. For marginal groups, the opportunity to use ones language is of crucial importance because it protects their collective identity and participation in public life (Tyler, Boeckmann, Smith & Huo, 1997, P.11). Laws may restrict people who do not speak the national language from running for office – political posts, hence challenging international obligations that require free elections. During state discussions, the minority groups may suffer if the government insists discussions be carried out in the national language. Foreign language is what is often used to teach the children of the minority. Consequently, the children grow to forget their language and their culture in addition. Higher rates of school drop-outs and unemployment rates also follow the children. In the colonial days, the white people wanted to teach the black people children their language but the chiefs realized that it was only robbing their children of their language and culture (Skutnabb-Kangas, 2008, P.3). Deaf students are a minority group in our societies, and they have linguistic rights. They have a special form of communication in the form of sign language and the laws in place must cater for them. Deaf children attend special schools and are taught various skills during the period. In the event of completion, they should be seamlessly assimilated in the society (Muhlke, 2000, P.23). They have the right to speech, freedom of opinion and expression, right to vote and run for an office, and the protection against

University Application Recommendations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words - 1

University Application Recommendations - Essay Example His fascinations have naturally matured as responses to the built environment and playful investigations into sculpted forms. He is capable of both stylistic and naturalistic responses and the sketchbooks roll out thoughtful and coherent visual arguments. George’s observation, understanding and analytical skills are evident from his written work in economics George is also an enthusiastic analytic and has produced some impressive written work when writing in the light of a broader context, demonstrating his ability to pursue a broader understanding of the workings of a text in English. His current Personal Investigation will compare Brave New World, East of Eden, The Tempest and Paradise Lost IX and X. He is both intelligent and is sharply perceptive in terms of literature and the world around him. George understands the role of Mathematics in architecture and therefore worked hard to develop strong concepts of the subject. His hard work has paid off and is a good problem-solving strategist. In Mechanics he displayed good technical abilities – drawing precise technical diagrams and working effectively from them. In class he works with determination and care, and he often makes valuable contributions to class discussion. George is academically focussed and has earned high marks in Mathematics. However, George’s marks are not the real measurement of his diligence, hard work and potential. He is truly a gem of a student and grasps concepts easily. However his drawbacks have been attributed to the hearing problem which in no way could subdue his determination and spirit to excel in

Marketing communication mix Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Marketing communication mix - Assignment Example The present study would focus on integrated marketing communication as a plan of marketing which links the communication function with the components of marketing and it aims at informing and persuading potential customers to buy goods and services. In addition to the promotion elements of marketing, the integrated marketing communication mix may use online tools in the developing a clear message and passing it to the consumers so that they can be persuaded to purchase and use a specific product or service. Finne and Gronroos say that the product within the marketing mix is the goods or services that a company provides. In marketing communication, companies aim at creating awareness to the consumers of the products on their availability and qualities. The price represents the cost of the products and this includes specific features of the price such as discounts. The price of a product influences the willingness of the customers to purchase and consume a good or service. Within the m arketing mix, the place represents where the consumers can obtain the product to satisfy their needs while promotion is the process of telling consumers about the product using various strategies to convince the consumer to perchance and use the good or service. Therefore marketing communication mix is the marketing of a company’s services and goods to the consumers with due considerations of the Ps in marketing because they are closely related in determining the success of the marketing strategy in general. Hughes and Fill (2007, p. 55), assert that integration of marketing communication mix means that the aspects and components of the marketing mix are merged or combined so that the marketing communication relays a single message to the consumers. Lee & Park (2007, p. 222), explains that marketing communication mix is necessary because when different messages are communicated to customers, they become confusing and as results the reputation of the brand of a company is dama ged. Integration in the marketing communication mix can be illustrated by a company which uses the same logo, messages and images in al communication media such as newspapers, TV and point of sale. This therefore demonstrates the important role of marketing communication mix in building the brand of a company within the target market through the integration of the messages communicated to the consumers. With the advent of modern technology and its wide application in marketing various goods and services, it must be integrated to make it parallel to the broader promotion mix. Keller (2001, p. 829) says that the need for integration of the marketing communication mix is necessitated by the interactivity capabilities of marketing media which is a characteristic of communication via the internet via the social media. This demonstrates that there is a necessity to harmonize the traditional marketing approaches with the new media. Moreover, integration of marketing efforts enables a compa ny t coordinate various communication med

Literature review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Literature review - Essay Example adership has led to some difficulties in implementation, the potential benefits for the organization as well as the stakeholders, meaning owners, board members, managers, employees and consumers cannot be ignored. The following literature review illustrates this progression. In â€Å"Meta-Analytic Reviews of Board Composition, Leadership Structure and Financial Performance† (Dalton et al, 1998), the authors establish that there is no direct connection between the composition of traditional organizational boards or board leadership structures and financial performance of the organization despite widespread belief that such a relationship exists. After exposing this basic belief, the authors examine a number of different forms of board compositions and leadership structures and illustrate the means used to evaluate any relationship between these and the firm’s financial performance. Although these relationships have been studied in a variety of ways in the past, this study focuses on bringing the research together to determine whether the findings have yielded any meaningful results. Because this study takes into account numerous other studies, it is able to provide a more broadly-based view upon the findings of each study conducted and conc ludes that, despite individual reports of inconclusive results, is able to demonstrate that while there does not seem to be any direct relationship evident between the board and the firm’s financial performance, further study into the various ways board subcommittees might affect the firm is recommended, giving rise to many new theories regarding organizational leadership. In a study entitled â€Å"The Illusion of Leadership† (Weber et al, 2001), the problem of the large group in bringing about effective, efficient leadership in the organization is examined as the authors study how groups tend to work together through the use of coordination games. The authors suggest that the traditional means by which individuals are

BP and the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

BP and the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill - Essay Example Secondly, there is the complex management structure at the site as BP, Halliburton and Transocean never seemed to be fully in synch with each other (Roberto 10-12). Thirdly, there is BP’s own internal complexity. On the basis of the case it could be argued that BP and the other parties involved exploited this complexity to downplay business ethics. With business ethics out of the way, BP continued to make a series of bad decisions that have eventually led to this disaster. In general, there are two kinds of complexity: an inevitable or naturally occurring one and a self-generated or unnecessary one. With the former one has to come to terms with, while the latter needs to be addressed. This disaster could have been avoided if all four parties had tackled the self-generated complexity. However, as we believe, they did not do so because they chose not to take into account the possible effects of their decisions on other stakeholders. They were only concerned with their bottom l ines. Proof for this is shown in Exhibit 3. The exhibit highlights nine crucial decisions regarding the Macondo that were made with the view of saving time and lowering cost at the expense of more utilitarian alternatives (Roberto 19). Business ethics includes principles and values used to conduct the activities of an organization and manage the workforce. Business ethics raise the question of decisions to be made when one faces moral or ethical problems. One of the theories often used to explain business ethics is the principle of utilitarianism. According to utilitarianism, one’s obligation or duty in any situation is to perform the action that will result in the greatest possible balance of good over evil. Utilitarianism calls for considering the interests of everyone before taking a decision. Decisions by BP – as when the company dismissed Schlumberger personnel before they could perform cement testing, and other decisions shown in Exhibit 3 – were clearly taken with only the interests of the company in sight. This question of ethics and utilitarian principle seems to bedevil BP more than the other parties. One could argue that the oil rig operator and Halliburton chose to lower their standards or cede to BP’s demands even where they had doubts because they cared more about their paychecks than the possible cost of the outcome in case of an incident. In a way, these providers opted for a higher-risk operation in order to retain BP as a client regardless of having misgivings. BP, though, seems to have had a history of repeat disasters, with its management doing little to prevent them from occurring. For example, BP’s failure to correct sufficiently the problems at its Texas City refinery even after receiving recommendations from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration demonstrates disregard for business ethics (Roberto 7). Lastly, it is also evident that BP’s leadership lacked both tact and sensitiv ity, two critical attributes for a leader who believes and practices the principles of utilitarianism. Senior leadership has a lot of bearing on the attitude, behavior and manners adopted by the rest of the staff. Tony Hayward’s decision to go yachting with his son at the height of the crisis and to issue a late and half-hearted apology avows whose interests he considers more important. The staff looks up to the leaders and mimics them. Company men are especially vulnerable to this because they are more engrained into the

Literature review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Literature review - Essay Example adership has led to some difficulties in implementation, the potential benefits for the organization as well as the stakeholders, meaning owners, board members, managers, employees and consumers cannot be ignored. The following literature review illustrates this progression. In â€Å"Meta-Analytic Reviews of Board Composition, Leadership Structure and Financial Performance† (Dalton et al, 1998), the authors establish that there is no direct connection between the composition of traditional organizational boards or board leadership structures and financial performance of the organization despite widespread belief that such a relationship exists. After exposing this basic belief, the authors examine a number of different forms of board compositions and leadership structures and illustrate the means used to evaluate any relationship between these and the firm’s financial performance. Although these relationships have been studied in a variety of ways in the past, this study focuses on bringing the research together to determine whether the findings have yielded any meaningful results. Because this study takes into account numerous other studies, it is able to provide a more broadly-based view upon the findings of each study conducted and conc ludes that, despite individual reports of inconclusive results, is able to demonstrate that while there does not seem to be any direct relationship evident between the board and the firm’s financial performance, further study into the various ways board subcommittees might affect the firm is recommended, giving rise to many new theories regarding organizational leadership. In a study entitled â€Å"The Illusion of Leadership† (Weber et al, 2001), the problem of the large group in bringing about effective, efficient leadership in the organization is examined as the authors study how groups tend to work together through the use of coordination games. The authors suggest that the traditional means by which individuals are

Construction of Sports Hall (GYM) in a School in Bahrain Essay

Construction of Sports Hall (GYM) in a School in Bahrain - Essay Example Despite being a country where sports are loved by a majority of the population (especially students), the government of the Kingdom of Bahrain failed to construct adequate sport or gym facilities in the schools largely due to the lack of financial assistance. However, over the last few years, the awareness of sports has increased by an unprecedented level amongst the students in the Kingdom of Bahrain given that the country was due to the host the mini Olympics. As a consequence, the demand for advanced and well-equipped sports hall (Gym) facilities also grew by a drastic margin. In light of these events, the government of the Kingdom of Bahrain felt the urge to make prospective investments behind building sports hall (Gym) in government-sponsored schools. The scope of this project lays in the fact that construction of sports hall (Gym) in the government-sponsored schools will allow students to be engaged in a physical activity of their choice besides being engaged in the academic curriculum. It will also hold students who are obese and are affected by other weakness to regain their physical fitness and strength. This is perhaps the most relevant scope of this project provided that the percentage of students suffering from health issues such obesity, respiratory problems, heart problems, bone density has increased by a considerable margin (Baby, 2006). Therefore the construction of sports hall (Gym) facilities will allow the government of the Kingdom of Bahrain to bring down this ever growing rate of health disorders. Another relevant scope of this project is evident in the fact that it will allow the government schools to build their profile in order to grab the attention of parents and convince to enroll their children to the corres ponding schools (Ministry of Education of Kingdom of Bahrain, 2013).

Why Plato thinks Philosophers should be Kings Essay Example for Free

Why Plato thinks Philosophers should be Kings Essay Platos strategy in the Republic is to explicate the primary notion of societal or political justice and then parallel it to the concept of individual justice. Before he can prove that justice is a good thing, Plato must first state its definition, by showing justice in its perfect form in order to discover the true essence of it. Therefore, Socrates claims that the only way to have a perfect state is if the state has a perfect leader, thus he introduces the concept of the philosopher-king. Plato identifies political justice as harmony in a structured political body. An ideal state consists of three main classes of people: producers, auxiliaries, and the guardians (rulers); a state is just when relations between these three classes are right. Justice is a principle of specialization: a principle that requires that each person fulfils the societal role to which nature fitted him or her, and does not interfere in any other business. Socrates describes philosophers as those who love the sight of truth (475-e). He claims that what makes philosophers different from lovers of sights and sounds is that they apprehend the Forms. While lovers of sights and sounds love beautiful things, they are unable to see the nature of beauty itself. The Philosophers, on the other hand, believe that beauty exists and can see both it and the things it participates in. In order to back up this claim, that only philosophers can have knowledge, Socrates paints a metaphysical and epistemological picture. He divides the concept of knowledge into: what is, what is not and an intermediate between being and not being. This intermediate between knowledge and ignorance is what he defines as an opinion and casts it as a fallible power. Furthermore, knowledge is the strongest infallible power that is set over the being or what is. Given that only philosophers can have knowledge, Socrates emphasizes that they are clearly the ones best able to grasp what is good for the state, and so are in the best position to know how to run and govern it. Plato offers a more intuitive explanation for why the philosophers are virtuous. He idealizes them as being focused and determined because they are  fond of learning the function of the being, which does not wander between coming to be and decaying. At the end of Book IV, Plato argues that the nature of the state and the individual are the same. Furthermore, he promotes the notion that when the virtues of reason, passion, and desire act in perfect harmony the individual and consequently the state will become just. Though it is not directly stated, it is fair to make the allusion that Plato would have assumed the same for the Philosophers. Their desires also incline strongly for learning, therefore, weakening other pleasures of the soul. Their emotions and appetites no longer provide a strong impetus toward vice, making the Philosophers moderate in character. Courage also considered as an important characteristic, is defined as the power to preserve through everything its belief abo ut what things are to be feared (429-c). Since the Philosopher devotes his being to understanding the essence of universal truth, he does not consider individual human life as a priority, making him fearless of death. Even though, the Philosopher possesses all the needed virtues, Socrates fails to explain how such a special ruler will be able to relate with the common folk. A person of such immense talent would most likely be needed in other parts of the state as well, but according to Plato, he should be given the power to rule, erasing all possibilities of a Philosophers individual choice to devote his life to a different task. And while the Philosopher is portrayed as a perfect leader for the state nationally, there is no mention of why he would be so attached to the state or how international affairs would be handled. Lastly, one cant help but worry that despite having a philosophical nature and possessing all needed virtues, there is no guarantee that a philosopher would not become corrupted, as it is hard to be a good person in a bad society. Socrates explores the nature of the guardians further to describe the different types of corruption to which the philosophic nature is susceptible. Using the analogy of the seed (human soul) and its environment, Socrates argues that, in most cases, alien soil produces noxious weeds. Sophists and spurious educators are indicted in this corruption, for they create values outside and inferior to virtue. Socrates compares their morality, which derives from the masses they serve, to the understanding and rationalization of the tempers of a mighty strong beast. His analogy of the mighty beast criticizes the majority, or mass, notion of morality. What is the opinion of most men, in fact, of the world, is almost always not the opinion or should it be said, knowledge of the philosophers. The masses are neither wise, nor temperate, nor courageous; as a result, their desires do not reflect the good, because of their lack of strenuous education. And thus, because the true philosophers must hold to a minority truth or renounce their nature, they are condemned to persecution by the multitudes the very people that need them the most. Socrates seems to create a paradox: the city cannot do without philosophy, but it can also hardly tolerate it. Antagonism between the philosophic nature and the binding pressure of the multitudes ensures that a potentially great philosopher is lost or warped. No government exists in which he may utilize fully his innate and learned gifts. Often, says Socrates, the dejected philosopher seeks refuge in solitude, contrary to a previously made point that a true leader will want to lead not for power, but for fear that somebody less competent than themselves will rule. The fact that Philosophers would give up on lawlessness around them to do work quietly alone contradicts Platos description of a rightful leader. The problem of how to ease the clash between philosophers and the majority, making it possible for philosophers to assume their rightful position as rulers is, logically enough, the next topic. Erasing the state and the manners of men to achieve a clean surface on which to sketch the new plan is Socrates first, though seemingly impossible solution (the other is the philosophical education of kings). In summation, the relationship of the philosopher of the state is one of exploration and criticism. Only by balancing the traits of reason, passion, and desire will the individual being to understand notions of the greatest good. After this understanding has been reached, he or she must attempt to share these values with the citizens of the state. Unfortunately, the people whom this philosopher is trying to educate about the greatest good are too caught up with the trials of their own lives to comprehend a society in which justice is absolute. As the ultimate fate of Socrates demonstrates,  being a philosopher is not a simple task. Generally, people are uncomfortable with trading their freedom for a world in which justice is absolute. Since the masses are not entitled to the education of the guardians, a desire to be rich, powerful or famous will prevail over the values of the philosopher. His ideals, no matter how noble, will almost always fall upon deaf ears.