Analysis Of The Book 300 Spartans By Hanson - 879 Words

In the review of â€Å"300 Spartans† by Hanson, he described the movie in an overall positive way. The reason Hanson describes the movie in a positive way is because he stresses that the movie captures the physical characteristics and morals of the battle perfectly. Hanson in his review states that the film is inspired by the comic book called â€Å"Sin City†. It is here that Hanson describes the movie in a positive way for it mimics important scenery and characteristics of human beings just like the comic book itself. For example we see characters in the movies portrayed just like comic book figures. The text states â€Å" The Spartans fight bare-chested without armor, in the â€Å"heroic nude† manner that ancient Greek vase-painters portrayed Greek hoplites, their muscles bulging as if they were contemporary comic book action heroes.† Hanson then goes into describing the scenery of how the greeks fought in the phalanx formation as well as individuals an d how Leonidas was left no choice but to let his soldiers suffer. The text states. â€Å"The Greeks fight both en masses in the phalanx and at times range beyond as solo warriors†¦ forcing leonidas to dismiss his allies-and leaving his own 300 to the fate of dying under a sea of arrows.† Another reason Hanson describes the movie in a positive way is because the movie captures the moral of the batte. Hason states that this movie isn t just your typical hollywood film rather that it adapts major themes loosely from the well known battle ofShow MoreRelatedEssay on the Role of Women in Ancient Greece14417 Words   |  58 Pages1007/s10101-009-0059-x ORIGINAL PAPER â€Å"Rulers ruled by women†: an economic analysis of the rise and fall of women’s rights in ancient Sparta Robert K. Fleck  · F. Andrew Hanssen Received: 10 January 2008 / Accepted: 27 May 2008 / Published online: 20 March 2009  © Springer-Verlag 2009 Abstract Until modern times, most women possessed relatively few formal rights. The women of ancient Sparta were a striking exception. Although they could not vote, Spartan women reportedly owned 40 percent of Sparta’s agriculturalRead MoreMonsanto: Better Living Through Genetic Engineering96204 Words   |  385 Pages441 441 CASE STUDIES A summary of the case analysis I N T R O D U C T I O N Preparing an effective case analysis: The full story Hearing with the aid of implanted technology: The case of Cochlearâ„ ¢ – an Australian C A S E O N E high-technology leader Delta Faucet: Global entrepreneurship in an emerging market C A S E T W O DaimlerChrysler: Corporate governance dynamics in a global company C A S E T H R E E Gunns and the greens: Governance issues in Tasmania C A S E F O U R Succeeding in the

Market Background Free Essays

Market segmentation is the process of â€Å"dividing a market into distinct groups of buyers who have distinct needs, characteristics or behavior and who might require separate product or marketing mixes† (Kotler, 2004). Underlying the decision to segment the market is the recognition that a single market is not composed of people with homogenous needs, attitudes amd behavior and therefore requires a different marketing strategy for each group of people. This process helps marketers in identifying opportunities for a new product or product mix by identifying specific needs of a group of consumer marketer (Kinsey, 2005) Market segmentation can be done in many ways. We will write a custom essay sample on Market Background or any similar topic only for you Order Now A company with a customer base over a large geographic area can divide its market into various geographic areas. It can also segment the market on the basis of demographic factors such as gender, age, family size or family life cycle stage, profession, education, ethnical background etc. Other techniques include psychographic segmentation is another type of segmentation that is â€Å"based on social class, lifestyle or personality characteristics† and behavioral segmentation that is â€Å"based on the consumer knowledge attitude, use or response to a product† (Kotler, 2004). Other than the geographic segmentation all the other segmentation techniques requires a lot of consumer research with a demographic research on a lesser extent. Whatever segmentation techniques are used the market segments identified must be measurable in terms of size, purchasing power etc, accessible through target marketing, substantial, differentiable so that they should deserve the investment in a separate marketing strategy and actionable that is creating a marketing strategy for it should be practically possible for the company (Kotler, 2004). The task at hand is to segment the beverage market, decide on the target market and then design the most effective product mix for that segment. The beverage under consideration has an ingredient that is perceived to have health advantages. Thus, the drink can be positioned to be a wholesome addition to a healthy diet. The fact that their competitors have limited themselves to athletic males has left most of the market open for new product. The company can market the product to a much larger psychographic segment which is of health conscious consumers. On a secondary level some demographic segmentation can be done where students and young professionals are targeted through relevant marketing strategies that promote the drink as a source of nutrients needed for mental and physical growth necessary to cope with a demanding environment. Also a market strategy can be designed such that it encourages product use n the morning with breakfast. This type of strategy comes in the occasion segmentation as part of the behavior segmentation. With a powerful promotion program the beverage can become a necessary morning drink for all health conscious people. As the product is being promoted as a health drink it should contain appropriate nuitrants and vitamins and fruit extracts whose details should be given on the package. As it is being promoted as a morning drink it should be light and should not have sharp taste or smell. Also along with individual packages it should be available in easy to open packages that contain at least seven servings. Kinsey, J Yeap, C. (2005). Buyers and Market Segments: Food Marketing Economics. Presented at APEC 4451/5451 lecture at University of Minnesota How to cite Market Background, Essay examples

Loop And Recorded Myself Reading English Literature Essay free essay sample

While composing this paper, I wasnt precisely certain what to state like with most documents. As I wrote this essay, I played Adeles vocal on a cringle and recorded myself reading Lord Byron s verse form. I listened to the two dorsum to dorsum and closed my eyes before I started composing. I focused on the words, what they said and what I envisioned and so I wrote. While composing this paper I did happen it hard to stress where I feel poesy and music convergence. I think if anything it would be great to acquire back some feedback on how strengthen my statement. Often times I know what I want to state, but I find it hard to portion my ideas in a compendious mode. Traveling frontward, I would love to compose a strong narrative or poesy that evokes strong emotions as many of my favourite vocals do. Music and poetry-there are some who see them as overlapping manners and others who see them as complete antonyms. Yet if we truly looked at the two-the manner they are created, how they are inspired, or even how they are received-music and poesy do nt truly look that different from each other. They could be inspired by a great love, a awful grief, a scene in the park or a bleached old memory. They can be written in complete purdah and isolation as the remainder of the universe moves on exterior of the window. They can be written in the bunco of a java store amidst the pandemonium of a crowd. They can be written as secrets, go forthing them unfastened for reading to the universe. They can be written as equivocal narratives, go forthing it to the universe to compose the stoping. The inspiration behind a vocal or a verse form may be really personal and alone, but the emotions are anything but. They speak to us ; though our state of affairs or experience may be different the emotions could be indistinguishable. Or possibly a vocal speaks to a individual merely because the words are beautiful, inspi rational, and paint a beautiful image. Many of us do non see a topographic point for poesy in our lives. So many of us have a heard a vocal and merely fallen in love with the wordss. We do nt believe that what we love is a signifier of poesy, when in fact it is. The Oxford Dictionary defines poesy as such, an art signifier in which the look of feelings and thoughts is given strength by peculiar attending to enunciation ( sometimes affecting rime ) , beat, and imagination. The Oxford Dictionary besides defines music as such, the art signifier of vocal or instrumental sounds ( or both ) combined in such a manner as to bring forth beauty of signifier, harmoniousness, beat, and look of emotion. Although the definitions are a small different, they overlap. Both focal point on the look of emotion, the beat of words, and above all see music and poesy as an art signifier. There are many modern twenty-four hours vocals that are comparable to some of better known verse forms of the twentieth century. Although the linguistic communication or sentence structure might be a spot different between a vocal and verse form, the sentiment behind the words whether the piece is modern or non is really much the same. Arguably one of the most celebrated and beloved break-up vocal creative persons of the current twenty-four hours is Adele. Though one might state it is her unbelievable voice that sells her music, I think it s truly the beauty of her words that people connect to. Take for case her vocal, Person Life You, though she is talking about her ain life, the vocal is relatable for anyone who has experienced grief. Listen to her vocal and shut your eyes, take in her words. Do non concentrate on who is stating it but what is being said. More frequently than non, an image will organize. Listening to Adele s vocal, there are many things one would see. In the center of a helter-skelter universe is a twosome that embark on a blaze love affair in their young person, yet as they got older they went their separate ways. Possibly, they portion a promise that no affair what they will happen each other once more and compose the 2nd act of their love affair. However, she hears that he has moved on and found person else. She sees that she has lost out on something ; she still has feelings for him and hopes that deep down in his bosom he has feelings for her excessively. She likely ran through what could go on when run intoing him once more in her caput over and over againaˆÂ ¦would he open the door and have that twinkle in his eyes, take her into his weaponries and keep her forever? Unfortunately, she will neer cognize. He has found his new love and life, while she is still populating in the past, trusting for something that could neer go on. Although she feels like he has changed, Old friend, why are you so diffident? Ai nt like you to keep back or fell from the visible radiation. She feels that he is nt like he used to be, that his new love has changed him. She feels that one twenty-four hours, she will happen another true love, and she will hold her minute of candent felicity. However, she besides hopes that he will retrieve her like she remembers him, sometimes, possib ly the odor of her aroma, a topographic point they have shared or merely the manner the twenty-four hours feels every bit long as he remembers and smiles she will be happy. The vocal may be written by Adele, but it is non a alone narrative. Unrequited love, grief, etc. they all go manus in manus with love. One can reason that without one we can non truly know the other. And no 1 knows this better than a poet. For they have, throughout, history written of their hurting and sorrow over the loss of their love. Lord Byron s verse form When we Two Parted portions a similar history or background as Adele s vocal. The verse form is besides written by a sorrowing person who has lost the individual he loves. The verse form begins with the black tone of desperation which will qualify the full work. Immediately the reader is introduced to the talker s silence and cryings ( line 2 ) upon the dissolution. Her ain reaction is to turn cold-the physical description of her cheek as cold and pale intimations at illness, but her colder buss ( line 6 ) implies an emotional withdrawal turning from the really minute of their farewell, which Byron finds intolerable. He sees her immediate response and his ain emotional reaction at the clip as a omen of the hereafter ( the nowadays of the verse form ) as that hr foretold / Sorrow, which would make from the yesteryear to today. The imagination of coldness carries over from the terminal of the first stanza into the beginning of the 2nd stanza with the chilly dew upon Byron s forehead, proposing his ain emotional withdrawal, but besides naming to mind the cold perspiration from which 1 might wake after a peculiarly harrowing incubus. He awakens into a universe still every bit desolate as the 1 he ended the old dark. He therefore turns his attending to his beloved s evident unfaithfulness to him. Her vows are all broken ( line 13 ) , connoting she had made some promises to Byron despite the clandestine and illicit nature of their matter, and farther proposing Lady Frances disgraceful relationship. The talker notes that her celebrity is now light -without weight or guilt and easy blown about-yet there should be shame in the speech production of her name because of him, which he at least will experience for them both ( lines 14-16 ) . The dear s tarnished name carries over into the 3rd stanza, as Byron compares hearing her name spoken by foreigners to the knell of a heavy bell-like a church bell tolling a funeral. He shudders when he hears her name, bespeaking that he can non agitate the power of their relationship. He ends the verse form foretelling his reaction at some future meeting old ages subsequently: how would he recognize her? Again there would be silence, but besides unhappiness: silence and cryings ( line 32 ) . His hurting will non decrease, nor his sense of being wronged by her actions, even after many old ages. The repeat of silence and cryings at the beginning and terminal of the verse form denotes the poet s inability to go forth his minute of hurting behind. He is trapped in a province of sorrowing a lost love. It is all the more hurtful that he lost her to another adult male and all he can offer her is that he will protect her individuality by sorrowing entirely. Both Adele s vocal and Lord Byron s poem speak of grief and the heartache felt by person as they come to footings with the loss of the 1 they love. They were inspired by different narratives, but those narratives evoked really similar emotions. Merely as, though one is a vocal and one is a poem their similarities overshadow their differences. I have frequently felt that poesy and music are really similar in several different ways. Both art signifiers have the ability to capture a individual experience or minute in clip in a really splanchnic manner. Poetry and music are every bit near as humanity comes to a direct look of the psyche. Poetry and music both strive to show an experience every bit straight as possible. The end of a poet and a musician frequently involves imparting experience in a really immediate and splanchnic manner. In many ways, music is an enterprise designed to give look to the deepest human feelings and experiences. It is an abstract art in its construction but re ally concrete in footings of its impact. There are besides many who believe, as I, that music is a new signifier of poesy. That does non intend that poesy is non still alive and good, and by all agencies, relevant. All that it genuinely means is that music has a manner of presenting the poetic art signifier of words to people that usually would nt be affected by a poetic poetry. There is a ground, beyond the simple want for newness, for new signifiers. After a certain clip, a poetic signifier, slightly like a manner of dancing or painting or a manner of dressing, begins to hold a period ambiance, which adds a certain sort of significance to the verse form. Immediately, whether intended or non, it says, I am a traditional signifier, and in being so I invite you to see the past clip that used me, every bit good as the more ordered position of life that my signifier represents. A sonnet can no longer be merely what it says any more than a Renaissance costume can be merely a smart o utfit. This does nt intend good sonnets ca nt be written in our clip, but that when they are written they are likely to hold an extra sound and sense due to their history. Poetry and vocal are composings that are similar in nature. Poetry is a aggregation of words that need non be set to music, whereas a vocal is a composing that can be sung on a peculiar piece of music. While poesy can besides be set to music and Sung like a vocal, there are basic differences between a vocal and poesy that are non evident to common people besides music. Both music and poesy have something in common with many other art signifier, they are all basically methods of look. What I love about look is that it reveals the differences between people s perceptual experience, and in the instance of art, figuratively or tastily. Poetry captures what can non be understood or conveyed in prose, as sheet music or performed music provides a greater message than prose. Poetry and music are at the centre of civilization and history, inseparable from the millions of lives that have participated in it. Both are the most powerful ways known to adult male of affecting emotion upon the head. As German writer, Jean Paul one time said, Music is the poesy of the air.

The Deteriorating Wallpaper Essays - Medicine, Fiction,

Victoria Sanson Dr. Somers ENGL 254 6 October 2017 The Deteriorating Wallpaper Strong, determine, intelligent, confident, and hard working . These are not some of the words that were used to describe women during the 19th century . During the nineteenth century, women were viewed as homemakers, not able to perform in society with men . They were degraded by men to believe that they were worth almost nothing, only worthy of bearing children and was viewed as property . This superfluous male domination lead to many women feeling trapped in their own homes, unable to escape from the confinements placed on them by their husbands . An illumination of these confines was accounted by Charlotte Perkins Gilman in her short story "The Yellow Wallpaper" . In this story, Gilman portrays a woman who is suffering from post-partum depression . The woman is locked away from society in a confined room, only to drive herself even more insane . The author uses this nameless narrator in attempts to gain her position against gender issues and break down the bar riers of male domination . Throughout "The Yellow Wallpaper", Gilman challenges the reader to question feminist stances and gender boundaries of the 19th century using the dynamic of the narrator and her husband's marriage, the idea of a rest cure, and the societal norms of the 19th century . Women in the 19th century had many reasons to be filled with resentment . They were deprived of many human rights and given little in return for their contributions to society . They worked mostly in the home, taking care of the family while their husbands were at work . Women were not considered able to perform tasks in the workplace, and were not able to obtain their own careers . The author recognizes these hardships and relates them to the situation in the story . Gilman writes in a way that is extremely structural that the reader's visual senses are captivated by the written text and infer that the narrator is growing increasingly insane . The social norms of the 19th century were that men were considered superior to women in all ways . Dr. Graham Warder states, "In a world of strict patriarchy, men controlled not only the wealth and political power but also how their children were raised, religious question, and all matters of right and wrong" . I believe this means that the wife/mother of the families had no say in what they wanted for their children and had to agree with their husbands even if the wives their own opinions . In the story, the narrator describes herself as the opposite of the normal wife and mother of the 19th century and how John's sister is what everyone expects a new mother to be like . In the story, the narrator writes in her journal that Mary "is a perfect and enthusiastic housekeeper, and hopes for no better profession" (536) . I believe that Gilman is saying that just because she did not fit what was the social norm of her generation, people (including her husband and family) tho ught that she must have had some illness and that with medication she would "get better" and become a "normal wife and mother" . In the short story The Yellow Wallpaper, the narrator's husband, John, is a physician and in this time period "if a physician of high standing, and one's own husband, assures friends and relatives that there is really nothing the matter with one but temporary nervous depression - a slight hysterical tendency - what is one to do?" (533) . In the 19th century, women did not have a say in their own health because if the husband said that their wife was mentally ill then the physician would believe the husband over the actual patient . The narrator also states that according to her husband she is "absolutely forbidden to work' until I am well"(533) . She also disagrees with his ideas and "believes that congenial work, with excitement and change" (533) would do her good, but she cannot do anything about it . The narrator has no voice in her own health care because of the social norms of the

How to Find a College Off-Campus Apartment

How to Find a College Off-Campus Apartment You may be exploring the idea of living off-campus because you want to or because you need to. By following these tips, you can make sure youre making the most of your search and considering all of the factors that will effect your new life away from campus. Figure out Your Finances Knowing how much you can afford to pay, and whether or not living off-campus will be cheaper than living on-campus, is perhaps the most crucial information you need to know. Make sure youve thought about the following: Where will my money come from? Will I pay my rent from student loans? A job?Do I have enough cash up front to be able to pay a deposit and (possibly) first and last months rent?What will it cost me to commute? Park on campus? Buy my own food? Do I need to keep my on-campus meal plan?How much will my utilities cost?How much can I afford for rent? Start Looking at Listings Once youve figured out how to pay for your apartment, and what your budget is, you can start looking. Often times, your on-campus housing office has information about off-campus apartments. Landlords will provide information to your school because they know students are interested in learning about off-campus rentals. Ask your friends if they know of anyone who will be leaving their apartments, and where the good places are to live. Explore joining a fraternity or sorority if its appealing to you; Greek organizations frequently have off-campus houses that their members can live in. Keep in Mind What a Year Means To you, a year may be from August to August, since thats when your academic year begins. To your landlord, however, it may mean January to January  or even June to June. Before you sign any lease, think through where youll be over the next 12 months. If your lease starts this fall, will you indeed still be in the area next summer (when youll have to make rent payments regardless)? If your lease starts this June, will you indeed be around enough during the summer to justify what youll pay in rent? Set Yourself Up to Still Be Connected to Campus You may be excited now about not having to be on campus all of the time. But as life in your off-campus apartment progresses next year, you may find yourself more and more removed from the everyday on-campus happenings you took for granted. Make sure you are involved in at least one or two clubs, organizations, etc. so that you dont begin to drift too far away from your campus community. You may end up feeling isolated and stressed if you dont maintain your ties. Dont Overlook the Safety Factor Life as a college student often runs on a pretty unusual schedule. You may be used to staying at the library until 11:00 p.m., going grocery shopping at all hours of the night, and not thinking twice about the front door of your hall being propped open. However, the context for all of these factors shifts dramatically if youre off campus. Will you still feel safe leaving the library late at night if you have to walk, alone, to a quiet apartment with no one around? Keeping these important factors in mind will help in making sure your off-campus apartment is all you wanted and more.

Mean, Median, and Mode - Measures of Central Tendency

Mean, Median, and Mode - Measures of Central Tendency Measures of central tendency are numbers that describe what is average or typical within a distribution of data. There are three main measures of central tendency: mean, median, and mode. While they are all measures of central tendency, each is calculated differently and measures something different from the others. The Mean The mean is the most common measure of central tendency used by researchers and people in all kinds of professions. It is the measure of central tendency that is also referred to as the average. A researcher can use the mean to describe the data distribution of  variables measured as intervals or ratios. These are variables that include numerically corresponding categories or ranges (like race, class, gender, or level of education), as well as variables measured numerically from a scale that begins with zero (like household income or the number of children within a family). A mean is very easy to calculate. One simply has to add all the data values or scores and then divide this sum by the total number of scores in the distribution of data. For example, if five families have 0, 2, 2, 3, and 5 children respectively, the mean number of children is (0 2 2 3 5)/5 12/5 2.4. This means that the five households have an average of 2.4 children. The Median The median is the value at the middle of a distribution of data when those data are organized from the lowest to the highest value. This measure of central tendency can be calculated for variables that are measured with ordinal, interval or ratio scales. Calculating the median is also rather simple.  Let’s suppose we have the following list of numbers: 5, 7, 10, 43, 2, 69, 31, 6, 22. First, we must arrange the numbers in order from lowest to highest. The result is this: 2, 5, 6, 7, 10, 22, 31, 43, 69. The median is 10 because it is the exact middle number. There are four numbers below 10 and four numbers above 10. If your data distribution has an even number of cases which means that there is no exact middle, you simply adjust the data range slightly in order to calculate the median. For example,  if we add the number 87 to the end of our list of numbers above, we have 10 total numbers in our distribution, so there is no single middle number. In this case, one takes the average of the scores for the two middle numbers. In our new list, the two middle numbers are 10 and 22. So, we take the average of those two numbers: (10 22) /2 16. Our median is now 16. The Mode The mode is the measure of central tendency that identifies the category or score that occurs the most frequently within the distribution of data.  In other words, it is the most common score or the score that appears the highest number of times in a distribution. The mode can be calculated for any type of data, including those measured as nominal variables, or by name. For example, let’s say we are looking at pets owned by 100 families and the distribution looks like this: Animal  Ã‚  Ã‚  Number of families that own it Dog:  60Cat:  35Fish: 17Hamster: 13Snake:  3 The mode here is dog since more families own a dog than any other animal. Note that the mode is always expressed as the category or score, not the frequency of that score. For instance, in the above example, the mode is dog, not 60, which is the number of times dog appears. Some distributions do not have a mode at all. This happens when  each category has the same frequency. Other distributions might have more than one mode. For example, when a distribution has two scores or categories with the same highest frequency, it is often referred to as bimodal.

To what extent can the marketing mix be quintessentially standardised Essay

To what extent can the marketing mix be quintessentially standardised within the international marketplace - Essay Example strategies which are incorporated into the new competition that is a part of the market as well as the changes which have occurred within the internal and external environment are also altering the strategies which can be used. Defining the marketing strategies in the marketplace as well as the standardization which can be used can also offer new implementation of marketing in a different manner at a global level. The foundational concepts that are associated with marketing and the international marketplace are relevant because of different activities, organizational structures and practices which are required by organizations. The marketing strategies which are used are now an integral part of building an international marketing scenario, specifically with corporations that are beginning to expand globally and which are interested in creating multinational corporations. The strategies which are incorporated into the marketplace are essential because they create a relationship within the internal organization as well as through the customers that are interested in a business at an international level. The activities which take place, structure of the company and the ability to communicate effectively with those that are looking into different corporations then become an integral part of the marketing initiatives. Ensuring that the communication from marketing as well as the responses that are incorporated into the different organizations is effective makes a difference in the capabilities of an organization to work toward an international reputation (Czinkota, Ronkainen, 17, 2007). The concept of marketing is not only important because of the need to create new strategies to meet the international expectations within the market. There are also alterations that are related to the process which has to be incorporated as well as the ability to move through the benefits and challenges which are associated with international marketing. Surviving through

Motivation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Motivation - Essay Example My older cousins were ranked among the best nationally and I really work hard to achieve the same level of success. However, my parents have made numerous physical promises if I achieved exemplary results in class. This is a great motivation to my learning (Weller, 2005). However, I strongly believe that idealistic concept of motivation applies to me the most. I am mostly motivated by the idea that I will be as successful as someone else will if I worked hard in class. I always harbor the idea that there is great gratification, joy, and happiness that result from hard work in class. Interestingly, I feel that the most successful and satisfied people in life are the ones who did exemplarily well in class. Such people are viewed as societal icons and are much respected (Rogers, 1999). They work less and earn more since they worked more and slept less while in school. Therefore, these ideas motivate me to learn and most importantly, maintain high level of motivation throughout my life in school. Weller, M. (2005). General principles of Motivation. Los Angeles Business Journal Retrieved from

Supply Chain Essay Example for Free

Supply Chain Essay Gradual, long-term movement in time-series data is called a. seasonal variation b. cycles c. trends d. exponential variation e. random variation Which of the following is not present in a time series? a. seasonality b. operational variations c. trend d. cycles e. random variations The fundamental difference between cycles and seasonality is the a. duration of the repeating patterns b. magnitude of the variation c. ability to attribute the pattern to a cause d. all of the above In time series, which of the following cannot be predicted? a. large increases in demand b. technological trends c. easonal fluctuations d. random fluctuations e. large decreases in demand What is the approximate forecast for May using a four-month moving average? Which time series model below assumes that demand in the next period will be equal to the most recent periods demand? a. naive approach b. moving average approach c. weighted moving average approach d. exponential smoothing approach e. none of the above Which of the following is not a characteristic of simple moving averages? . it smoothes random variations in the data b. it has minimal data storage requirements c. it weights each historical value equally d. it smoothes real variations in the data 21. 3 22. A six-month moving average forecast is better than a three-month moving average forecast if demand a. is rather stable b. has been changing due to recent promotional efforts c. follows a downward trend d. follows an upward trend Increasing the number of periods in a moving average will accomplish greater smoothing, but at the expense of a. manager understanding b. accuracy c. stability d. esponsiveness to changes Which of the following statements comparing the weighted moving aver age technique and exponential smoothing is true? Exponential smoothing is more easily used in combination with the Delphi method. b. More emphasis can be placed on recent values using the weighted moving average. c. Exponential smoothing is considerably more difficult to implement on a computer. d. Exponential smoothing typically requires less record-keeping of past data. Which time series model uses past forecasts and past demand data to generate a new forecast? a. naive b. moving average c. weighted moving average d. xponential smoothing Which is not a characteristic of exponential smoothing? a. smoothes random variations in the data b. easily altered weighting scheme c. weights each historical value equally d. has minimal data storage requirements Which of the following smoothing constants would make an exponential smoothing forecast equivalent to a naive forecast?

Abortion is a Constitutional Issue :: Free Abortion Essays

Many people believe abortion is a moral issue, but it is also a constitutional issue. It is a woman's right to choose what she does with her body, and it should not be altered or influenced by anyone else. This right is guaranteed by the ninth amendment, which contains the right to privacy. The ninth amendment states: "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." This right guarantees the right to women, if they so choose to have an abortion, up to the end of the first trimester. Regardless of the fact of morals, a woman has the right to privacy and choice to abort her fetus. The people that hold a "pro-life" view argue that a woman who has an abortion is killing a child. The "pro-choice" perspective holds this is not the case. Before the 1973 landmark Supreme Court ruling in Roe v. Wage, whereby abortion was effectively legalized, women died by the thousands at the hands of back-alley butchers. S ince Roe, less than 1 woman in 100,000 will die from an abortion. In fact, the procedure results in fewer deaths than childbirth or even a shot of penicillin. Despite the official legality of the procedure, it is still largely under attack by opponents. The fight is far from over, and is important that anyone who champions a woman's right to choose understand the ongoing threats abortion faces. The New Civil War offers a clear, compelling explanation of the issues surrounding the procedure and the ways in which antiabortion activists attempt to criminalize it. Divided into five parts, The New Civil War does not leave one stone unturned. This collection of essays is well written, succinct, and concise. Indeed, such a book is a necessary resource for anyone interested not only in the abortion debate, but also in the overarching patriarchal structures that create and maintain women's subordination. Part I is entitled "The Sociopolitical Context of Abortion." The first chapter in this section reviews abortion's status in the courts since Roe. Wilcox, Robbernnolt, and O'Keefe highlight the necessity for psychologists to remain vocal in the debate, primarily by providing research supporting the findings that abortion does not promote ill effects in those women who have them. Antiabortionists continue successfully to push forth legislation designed to prevent women from willfully terminating their pregnancies.

Time Traveling Art Historian

Through my travels of time and space I’ve seen remarkable sights of the world that have made an impact on my many journeys through the centuries. One place I visited through my time travel was the Sistine Chapel and the exquisite works of art that are contained inside the building. The year is 1542, and I am exploring the town of Vatican City. I see that the Sistine Chapel has just added the new artwork of The Last Judgment no more than two months ago. This was one of the artist most famous visual art pieces. The artist Michelangelo Buonarroti was charged in performing a duty by Pope Clement in 1534, to create a fresco that would cover the entire wall behind the altar of the Sistine Chapel. It took Michelangelo four years to complete The Last Judgment, which was not until 1541. The artwork depicted the final judgment and the second coming of Christ. The style used in the painting reflects the Mannerist style. The painting lacked the sense of optimism and beauty that define Michelangelo’s work on the ceiling. His figures in the painting were no longer proportioned, but looked twisted and grotesque. The heads looked too small for the bodies Michelangelo had envisioned. As I scurried through the city streets of Venice City to see to the renowned piece of artwork, I can feel the excited just flowing through my body. When I finally gazed upon the beauty of the chapel, I was in awe by the magnificent work of the entire painting. The fresco appeared as the figures in the painting were in movement. The fascination with the immense blue sky and various colors that Michelangelo Buonarroti used like touches of reds and browns kept my eyes from focusing on one spot, but the entire painting. The Last Judgment was Michelangelo Buonarroti’s depiction was considered very controversial at this period in time because of his use of the naked body and the conservative society the artist lived in. Michelangelo was critiqued for integrating mythological creatures in the Biblical portrayal of his art. Even though, many individuals didn’t like the painting for various personal reasons, The Last Judgment soon became a masterpiece for the artist. Chapter Two: Egyptian Civilization The Great Temple of Aten After being in Italy for several days, I decided to taken in some of the beautiful and majestic architecture artwork in Egypt during the summer season in 1343 B. C. When I arrived in Egypt I made sure to get a guide to show me around the country. I traveled down the River Nile in a boat, taking in the scenery of the desert. For five days I traveled to Cairo, where my destination was to go to the city of el-Armarna. This is where the Great Temple of Aten is located. The city was a plain of desert land surrounded by many hills. Upon my arrival to the city, the boat docked by a platform on the east bank of the Nile River. Later I embarked on my journey of making my way towards the city of el-Armarna, Egypt. When I entered the city, I went looking for the Great Temple of Aten. I traveled north along Royal Road, in adjacent to the east bank of the river, which I road on a camel for several miles before arriving to the temple. When I came upon the Great Temple of Aten, I was surprised of how gorgeous the architectural structure was to me. The temple was for the worship of the god Aten during the reign of Akhenaten. It was dedicated for proper cult and worship of the sun-disk. With the association the city had with other gods, Akhenaten established a new city and capital at Amama (then called Akhetaten). Construction on the first architectural structure began in 1347 B. C. ; it was the chapel in the Great Temple. By 1343 B. C. the structure as completed and the temple was to be built. The temple has width of 300 yards and a length of 800 yards. Most of the temple was made of bricks because Akhenaten wanted to quicken the building process and using brick gave the workers more swiftness to finish the job. Timber was used in order to provide the architecture with support for the surroundings walls and towers. The temple also housed public building in the inside that was constructed out of stone, providing extra support. As I stepped through the entrance of the temple, I passed through a couple of towering pylons which I was led to a hallway lined with columns called the House of Rejoicing. As I kept walking, I came to a corridor known as the Gem-Aten. It didn’t have a roof, but only an opening that had shown the wide range of sky. The axis allows for the sun to be worshipped as it rises and sets everyday. The Gem-Aten consists of six courtyards. The first courtyard has a high alter containing small chapels. The second, third and fourth courts have rooms and altars for storing supplies; and for the usage for worship offerings. As I kept walking, I noticed that the fourth temple had chambers that were furnished for coverage in the shade. The last court is the High Alter where offering for Aten is done. The temple has a total of 365 altars. Each day of the solar year and the dividing of the altars on each side of the High Altar; it is representation of Upper and Lower Egypt. As I kept walking, I came upon the Sanctuary. This was the last structure of the temple that had statues of Akhenaten and his family. The entrance had an open courtyard that had three houses to lodge the priest who are on duty. With my mind still fascinated on the statues, I continued walk across the courtyard, I feel like I am seized by an army because they are various styles of statues of Akhenaten on both sides of me. This certain court that resembles the sixth court of Gem-Aten was utilized by the Royal family of Egypt. I decided it was time to go back to the main entrance of the temple, as I took on one more look around; I felt a greater respect for the architecture that has lasted through the centuries. It was wonderful to see firsthand the Egyptian cultures and how the society is devoted to their religion beliefs and culture. The temple is a reminder of a time Egyptian religion became monotheistic for a moment; and how the Atenism of religion has been viewed as an influence in creation of future monotheistic religions. While getting ready to transport myself to another place in time, I start to feel misery in knowing that every beautiful piece of architecture that I gazed upon will be back returned back into crumbling rubble, buried under the earth’s soil. In another perception, it’s good to know that the ruins will be rediscovered by future generations that will still be able to give distinct insight on the evolution of the Egyptian culture, civilization and architecture. Chapter Three: The Late Middle Ages Maesta Altarpiece On my last time traveling voyage, I decided to visit Siena, Italy for the unveiling of visual art of the Maesta Altarpiece in 1311. The creation is by artist, Duccio di Buoninsegnaa who was commissioned by the city to paint an altarpiece in the city of Siena’s cathedral. In 1314, the painting was completed. It was agony watching di Buoninsegnaa bond several panels of wood together so he could begin his creation. He had to paint the front and back of the panels with different types of paintings because the piece was to be located in the center of the cathedral where all the sides can be viewed. The altarpiece was painted using tempera and gold. Duccio possessed the confidence about his quality of work he created because of the medium that was chosen for the art project. Tempera is a medium used in paintings that is permanent, which dries quickly. It’s made by mixing a colored powder pigment and a water-soluble binding agent such as an egg yolk. Duccio used this technique to incorporate in his painting by using tempera and gliding produced colors, which was essential in preserving his masterpiece through time. While taking a long look throughout the cathedral, I think about how important the painting is to this era in time. I watched a parade of people making a pilgrimage to the cathedral through the city. It seems like a journey everyone was willing to take because of the religious significance it stands for. I decided to go out and follow the crowd, in which I observed that the procession of people consisted of priests and monks whom were praying, and then the citizens of Siena carried candles; followed by numerous other people. I noticed the journey was for the entire city to accompany the altarpiece to its final destination. It was an honor to be part of such a momentous and joyous event in history. Once the altarpiece made it to its destination, the procession showed an excitement that was overwhelming. The Maesta is then installed with the welcoming sound of bells coming from the cathedral. It was not too long before I was finally able to approach the altarpiece and examine the breathtaking art of Duccio Buoninsegnaa. On the front panel, the artist has managed to create a captivating painting that depicts the Mary (the Madonna) sitting on a throne cradling the baby Jesus in her arms. They are surrounded by saints and angels in colorful robes. While looking at the panels, I found myself studying the imagery of how real it seems. Even though it possess a new style of painting it has traditional aspects that Buoninsegnaa wanted to keep simple. It was a joy to experience the new style of painting created by Duccio Buoninsegnaa. He made his artwork look real with physique gestures. The painting is so captivating that I’m so sorry that I’m the only person that could time travel that could experience the artist masterpiece. It is wonderful to have a front row seat to something spectacular that the world won’t be able to recognize as a remarkable piece of art until centuries later. Though it took much time for the new style of Buoninsegnaa painting to evolve, it was good to know that it will be later embraced by the Italian Renaissance. My travels through the periods of history will always be an experience that I will treasure forever. The best thing about time traveling is that I can always go back in time and recreate any event in any period. Getting a firsthand lesson of the history of life-changing events is a gift within itself. I feel blessed and gifted to have traveled to these exotic cities and experience a beginning of history from the very start. I can’t wait to find out where my next adventure will take me. Until then, see you after my next big trip!

Profile Essay on a Friend Named Matt

Matthew Mcfadden As he shouted across the soft spoken restaurant everyone stared at him, he then started doing a ridiculous dance and caught my undivided attention as my odd co worker. My fellow co-workers have told me so much about this man being lazy and annoying, so I pretended I had no interest. However, he caught my attention as to why he was the way he was. His name is Matt McFadden, and as of today we are close friends. Without even knowing he taught me through his actions never to judge a book by its cover.He ended up being one of the easiest people to get along with from the company. Everyone who loves him or hate him cannot help but to laugh or smile when he speaks to them. This new friendship between him and I impacted the way I judge people. Matt was born November 1st 1989 in the lovely city of North Royalton. He has one older sister exceptionally loving parents. As a young child, his idol was Jim Carrey. For those who do not know Jim Carrey, he is one of the funniest act ors who started his career as a comedian. Matt, at age three, would watch his movies and reenact his funniest moments.He would entertain his family and their friends every Friday night acting just like Jim Carrey. He has the natural ability to make anyone laugh at anytime. Twenty years later Jim Carrey still has an impact on him and taught him that life doesn’t always have to be serious; now making people smile is what Matt loves doing. Whenever situations get tough, he is always the one to step in and brighten up the moment. Not many people can do that, but Matt has that truly unique gift. When he was younger and got into trouble with his parents his goofy ways always seemed to save him.When he is in trouble at work, he continues to get away with it because of his silly personality. I cannot understand how he does it. It is his natural gift to laugh his way out of situations. While Matt is always making people laugh there is one thing that makes him happy. It is something I would never have imagined. About four years ago he was visiting his sister in Las Vegas, and the day they were leaving the Bellagio hotel was hosting a show with the water fountain. The song playing was called â€Å"Time to Say Goodbye† sung by opera singer Andre Bacilli.It was the most beautiful sight he has seen in his whole life. The water would dance with the song beat by beat; every beat had a pulse of water with beautiful lights shooting into the sunset skies. It brought tears to a 19 year old man’s eyes. Till this day that song brings him the most visual memory that makes him smile uncontrollably. The song not only makes him happy, it gives him a soft side that no one would ever believe he has. He is one of the most caring men I have come across in my life. However, when anyone first meets him no one would ever think this about him.He comes off extremely strong, loud, and to strangers, annoying. In order to know the real Matt McFadden, time must be well spent wi th him. Golf is another way to make this young man happy and relaxed. He loves this sport as if it were his own life. He plays every week at least one day, sometimes more. It calms him down and challenges him all at the same time. Golf is a sport of relaxation and silence. Even as a golfer he makes people laugh as they get frustrated with this sport. He is the happiest person I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.He impacts people into creating contagious smiles wherever he goes. He can turn the angriest man happy by cracking one of his corny jokes. The golfers enjoy his company at the course, and will always welcome him with open arms due to the joy he brings. Matt will be pursuing a career choice that is going to fit his personality exceptionally well. He wants to be a paramedic, and I believe it is a fantastic choice because he can make the sick people laugh and get the pain off their minds. This past week I had Matt over for some research.My father is terribly sick and just ou t of surgery. Five minutes spent with Matt, and he was rolling on the floor laughing. I had never seen my father so happy before. As of today my father continues to talk about how much he wants Matt to come over and hang out with him. My father is not a people person so that caught me off guard, and just proves how right I am about Matt. He will always be a friend forever because he never has reasons to fight nor have problems. To Matt, his mission as a man is to make the people around him happy.

Sources Of Energy Essays - Energy Development, Energy Economics

Sources Of Energy Essays - Energy Development, Energy Economics Sources Of Energy Sources of Energy Have you ever thought about how we get the energy to run the things we take for granite every single day. There are many sources of energy that that are used for transportation, heat, light, and the manufacturing of goods of all kinds. The development of science and civilization is closely linked to the availability of energy in useful forms. The seven main energy sources are fossil fuels, hydroelectric, solar power, win power, geothermal, nuclear power, and biomass energy. By harnessing the sun, wind, falling water, plant matter, and heat from the earth, energy planners expect to decrease the environmental impact on energy use. Most of the nonhydro renewable power comes through some form of combustion, such as the burning of biomass, landfill gas, or municipal solid waste. Little electricity comes from solar, wind, and geothermal sources. Factors that are increasing interest in renewable energy include cost advantages in niche markets, regulatory pressures, customer service requirem ents, fuel flexibility, and security. One of the biggest source of energy is fossil fuels. Fossil fuels have served as a reliable source of heat for cooking and warmth since the beginning of history. The common fossil fuels are coal, peat, lignite, petroleum, and natural gas. Coal gas, coke, water gas, and producer gas can be made by using coal as the principal ingredient. These such artificial gases can be used for fuel, illuminant, and a source material for the manufacturing of synthetic ammonia. Gasoline, kerosene, and fuel oil are made from petroleum. They are mainly used for transportation if the fuel is used in a liquid form. Natural gas is a natural mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons found from the ground or obtained from specially driven wells. The composition of natural gas varies in different localities. It is used extensively as an illuminant and a fuel. Some geologists theorize that natural gas is a by-product of decaying vegetable matter in underground strata. Others think it may be primordial gases that rise up from the mantle. Natural gas was known to the ancients but was considered by them to be a supernatural phenomenon because it appeared as a mysterious fire bursting from the ground. Gas is also a fossil fuel. It is a gaseous substance that burns in the air and releases enough heat to be useful as a fuel. It is advantageous if a fuel gas is readily transportable through pipes and is easily liquefied. Oil gas is a type of gas made by applying heat to various petroleum distillates. Its principal use is as a supplement to natural gas during periods of heavy demand. Coal gas may be any of a variety of gases produced by heating coal in the absence of air and driving off the volatile constituents. It is not as high in fuel value as other gases and often contains tars, light oils, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide. These common fuels are used in industry, transportation, and the home are burned in the air. Scientists research and develop alternatives to gasoline every single day. One possible alternative is methanol, which can be produced from wood, coal, or natural gas. Another possibility is ethanol. Ethanol is an alcohol produced from grain and currently used in some typ es of US gasoline. A example of this is gasohol. It is a compressed natural gas, which is much less polluting than gasoline and is currently used by a half-million vehicles around the world. Petroleum is a fossil fuel thought to have been formed over millions of years from incompletely decayed plant and animal remains buried under thick layers of rock. The widespread burning of petroleum products as fuels has resulted in serious problems of air pollution. Oil spilled from tankers and offshore wells has damaged ocean and coastline environments. The environmentally disruptive effects of oil wells have sometimes led to strong opposition to new drilling, as in wilderness areas of Northern Alaska. Most of the energy consumed is ultimately generated by the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas. The world has only a finite supply of these fuels, which are in danger of being used up. Also the combustion of these fuels releases various pollutants, such as monoxide and sulfur

Writing with Computers Too Easy

Writing with Computers Too Easy Writing with Computers Too Easy Writing with Computers Too Easy By Hugh Ashton Last week we looked at antiques: quill pens, fountain pens, and typewriters. And so we come to word processors and computers. The word processor brings obvious advantages to writers. The ease with which you can write and revise, having typing and spelling mistakes corrected as you go, leads tocarelessness. I’m not simply referring to over-reliance on spell-checkers that’s been covered adequately in other articles* on this site but to sloppy style and composition. It’s all too easy, as I have found in my nearly 30 years of using word processing software (I started with WordStar 3.1 on CP/M80 for the archeologists among you), to write using these tools. The obvious advantage is that it is easy to go back and change your words and your mind about what you want to say. But one of the serious disadvantages is that you can write half a sentence, break off and come back to write the other half, which may not match the first half in style, content or overall meaning. Of course, this is technically possible with any other writing method but somehow it seemed harder to stop in the middle of a sentence with a pen or a typewriter. In any case, with a typewriter, you felt honor-bound to finish the page. Dropping one piece of writing mid-sentence, taking out the sheet of paper, re-setting margins, etc. and continuing the original on the re-inserted piece of paper usually didn’t work too well. This ability to stop writing a sentence, do something else, and continue from where you left off without always finishing the thought with which you started can make for very disjointed writing. The â€Å"something else† can be totally unconnected with writing (food breaks and the like) or can be something writing- and computer-related (e.g. answering an e-mail message or Twitter message in a completely different writing style to the one used in your main writing assignment) or can even be within the same document, going back and revising something that’s already been written. While writing this piece, I’ve been guilty of all three types of mid-sentence breaks. Can you see them? I hope not, because I do go back and re-read what I have written, matching style and making sure the logic flows neatly from one part to the next. However, it does seem painfully obvious to me reading some writing (including some of my own past work) that the flow of thought hasn’t been checked, and that the â€Å"first fine careless rapture† is the final published product. It may not be as exciting to polish a diamond as to dig it out of the ground, but unpolished uncut diamonds are not nearly as valuable as their processed counterparts. Take time to polish your gems before putting them on display to the world. More about word processors next week. *Spell Check isn’t foolproof Site, sight, and the spell check syndrome Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Freelance Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:100 Mostly Small But Expressive Interjections34 Writing Tips That Will Make You a Better WriterWriting a Thank You Note

Landscape Structure and Wildlife Patterns Essay

Landscape Structure and Wildlife Patterns - Essay Example Strathearn, Perthshire is a broad river flood plain under mixed agricultural land use where substantial data were collected in 1998-2000 during a biodiversity study funded by the Scottish executive. Surveys of plants and animals were carried out within fields or unenclosed semi-natural habitats across the site. Various land cover data were collected within 1km diameter circles around the sample location so that relationships between landscape and species diversity could be investigated. On the second map you will see my 1km circle situated near the river. We where provided with information on the land covers in 1km diameter circles around sites where wildlife were surveys during 1999. I used a geographic information system (GIS) to derive measures of landscapes structure that can be compared with selected wildlife data from field survey. The graph showing the comparison between area woodland and the count of wild life shows significant variation in the presence of same species in the wood land of same area at different locations. The density of these species shows similar trends to a greater extend. In an area below 60000, the availability of plant spp. ranges between 0 and 5 in some woodland while in others it ranges between 5 and 15. The trend is similar at a higher woodland area ranging between 105000 and 130000. There is an absence of woodland area ranging between 53000 and 105000 in the catchment area. The graph... -0.018597634 spring oil seed rape -0.13902295 Wheat -1.167727571 d. wildlife land cover graphs from the grouped data for the river catchment, i have choose to 3 they are attached, need a brief paragraph on each. Figure 3. Landscape structure and wildlife pattern The graph showing the comparison between area woodland and the count of wild life shows significant variation in the presence of same species in the wood land of same area at different locations. The density of these species shows similar trends to a greater extend. In an area below 60000, the availability of plant spp. ranges between 0 and 5 in some woodland while in others it ranges between 5 and 15. The trend is similar at a higher woodland area ranging between 105000 and 130000. There is an absence of woodland area ranging between 53000 and 105000 in the catchment area. Figure 4. Landscape structure and wildlife The graph shows similar pattern between the availability of birds and plant spp. in an area with diversity in landscape structure. The availability of number of individual is uniform with the diversity. Figure 5. Crop diversity compared to bird species The comparison between crop/pasture diversity and bird species shows that the number of bird species increases with increase in crop/pasture diversity. The graph shows a linear trend between the diversity in crop/pasture and the presence of bird species in the area. The availability of bird species highly varies within similar diverse crop/pasture areas. This could be assumed due to variation in type of cop/pasture available in the area. Figure 6. Diversity crops/pastures compared to plant species The graph showing the tend between crop/pasture diversity and availability of plant species shows that there is no

Corporate finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Corporate finance - Essay Example Business firms generally find difficulty in raising capital for their further expansion.In the case of very big business projects,the founder alone cannot meet the firm’s initial capital requirements.Under such circumstances,companies issue shares of specific value to the general public with intent to raise capital for meeting business operation expenses. Share price refers to the price of a single share that company issues for subscription. While taking decision on share subscription, an investor compares the share price with company’s financial statements. If a company cannot raise an attractive surplus from its operation, it cannot fix a high price for its shares. It is observed that the market stature of a company has a direct impact on its share price. Every firm aims at maximizing its share value by improving profitability. Empirical evidences suggest that share prices may be affected by an array of factors. Share price is mainly categorized into two such as inter nal and external variables. This paper will explore how these factors affect share prices. Internal variables affecting share prices Internal variables are the strengths or weaknesses of a business which may largely affect the share prices more than any other factor. Profitability, leverage, size, bonus issue, and warrant exercise are the main internal variables that influence the share price to a large extent. They are described below in detail. 1. Profitability Obviously, the ultimate objective of every business is wealth maximization. Therefore, an investor is always curious about the economical status of the company in which he wishes to invest. A firm’s audited financial statements prepared at the end of the fiscal year give vital information to investors and other shareholders. An investor mainly considers the company’s total revenue, expenses, and profitability so as to assess its current market position. For making an investment decision, an investor may give h igh emphasis on the firm’s Earning Per Share (EPS) that represents rate of return on a share at the end of the financial year. In other words, when the EPS rises, investors are more likely to invest with the company. 2. Leverage Leverage is a business term that indicates the amount of money borrowed to finance the purchase of assets; and it can be determined by calculating Debt-to-equity ratio. Although leverage is beneficial for the company to promote growth through the purchase of assets, a high leverage would raise high risks including the drop of share price. An investor would never like to purchase the assets of a company that owes huge debts to other entities because investors are less likely to support a risky venture. Hence, a low leverage may benefit the business to maximize its share price. For instance, as Chatterjee (2011) reports, the Reliance Communications have recently cut down share price target for December by 49 percent to 82 rupees mainly as a result of hi gh leverage. 3. Size Fernando, Gatchev, and Spindt argues that the size of the firm can directly influence the share price; an increase in firm’ size causes a proportional increase in share price and vice versa. Generally, it is believed that huge firms would have abundant potential financial sources that can be effectively employed to meet different business needs. Similarly, large sized firms would probably maintain many potential market segments which would assist the firm to confront with difficulties in times of business contingencies. Moreover, large firms would be well established in the market and therefore, they can keep stable market demand to some extent regardless of the changes in market trends. These factors offer a minimum profit guarantee to investors even if the business faces unexpected losses. Schutts points out that Wal-Mart’s large size has assisted the firm maintain its share price steadily. 4. Bonus issue Bonus issue indicates the act of issuing additional shares to the firm’

Sport Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Sport Psychology - Essay Example This could turn into a motivating environment and drive better performance, provided the person in confident and good in what he or she is doing. However, if the person is not sure of his or her abilities, it could also very well turn out to be an anti-climax as the presence of people would worsen the level of confidence and eventually degenerate the performance of the individual. The concept of social facilitation becomes all the more important when it comes to sports. Since, every sport in the world has an audience, it is imperative that the athlete should be mentally geared to face the audience. In the highly competitive world of mind games, psychological toughness is of Herculean importance. Confidence is a factor that separates the great from the good and it comes with practice and self-belief. Hence, a good performer can be made to do perform better by introducing motivational factors like cheerleaders. If a person is lacking in skill, it can always be made up through hard work and training. However, if this lag is coupled with the pressure of performing under an audience, it will only make things worse (Watt & Ramakers, 2003). Hence, such an individual needs to practice alone at first, in the absence of an audience to boost up confidence levels and to instill faith in his or her own abilities. The next step would be to mentally train and prepare to cope with the pressure of playing in the presence of an audience. A person lacking mental grit needs to put it a lot of effort to face his or her worst fear which is more often than not, failure. If one can overcome this fear, half the battle is won. This process of mentally tuning up would also involve external as well as internal stimuli. The role of external stimulus is usually played by the coach and self-motivation does the rest of the job. A t-test was conducted to understand this phenomenon of social facilitation. A t-test is usually performed to compare and analyse the performance results of two groups. A group of six individuals, comprising of both men and women were asked to participate in an event. The first set of readings was taken with all participants competing alone as individuals. Then, they were made to participate together as a team. The results obtained from this exercise were also tabulated. A rather interesting trend was observed throughout the course of this test. It was observed that all of them took more time to finish the event when they were co-acting. This could be directly inferred from the values of mean and standard deviation in both cases. The mean time while the group was co-acting was 231 seconds compared to a mere 98.6 seconds in the case of individual competition. The standard deviation figures too indicated a similar trend. Usually, standard deviation is used to determine the degree of va riation. In the case of individual competition, the standard deviation was 23.8 and it was 120.6 while the participants were co-acting. This gives a clear indication of social facilitation playing a strong impact on all the individuals present in the group. All the participants performed better when they were competing as individuals. However, their performance was found to deteriorate when they were co

Victorian Decade of Crisis: An Overview

Victorian Decade of Crisis: An Overview Why have the 1880s been viewed by historians as a decade of crisis for London? Great city of the midnight sun, Whose day begins when day is done.[1] The late Victorian era was a time of many developments, and much progress. After a number of short trade depressions in the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign, the situation stabilised and then increased from the mid-1840s. This was largely due to the massive spread of railways at the time. This period of increasing industry was complemented by the so-called ‘Golden Age’ of High Farming; when agriculture enjoyed similar successes, despite the repeal of the corn laws in 1846. This Golden Age was followed, however, by a period of prolonged depression which spanned over twenty years from the early 1870s until the mid 1890s. It was only in 1914, with the outbreak of the Great War, that the relative decline of Britain as an industrial power became apparent. Why were the 1880s such years of crisis, and what was the extent of this crisis? Although the decade falls in what is usually described as the Great Depression, export and production figures for the period suggest the industrial situation was not as bad as some believe. The steel industry continued to expand, as did the coal and cotton textiles industries. The amount of cotton cloth exported was 3573 million yards between 1870-79, while between 1880-89, this figure increased 4675 million yards.[2] As Burnett states, â€Å"by the decade of the 1880s, it was clear that the growth both of the cotton and woollen industries had fallen off sharply†¦Ã¢â‚¬ [3] There were, however, other aspects of the period which warranted the description more. Prices were falling, for example, which meant the value of exports was reduced, thereby reducing profits. Unemployment in the decade averaged 5.4% compared to 4.6% in the twenty years before 1874. In 1886, the figure rose for that year to 10%.[4] The cause of the depression has been attributed to the reduction in railway building which started. In each five year period between 1845 and 1870, an average of 2000 miles of new track were laid, while between 1885 and 1900, this figure fell to 750 miles.[5] This affected one of the major growth industries of the earlier period; the steel industry, as demand fell. It was also during this period that the competition from other countries began to be noticed. This came most acutely from Germany and the USA. German coal production rose from 34 million tons in 1870 to 59 million tons in 1880, while US coal production rose to 64.9 million tons in the same period. While British production was still ahead at 149 million tons, competition was growing. The case was similar in pig-iron and steel production.[6] In the US, machines such as the typewriter and the sewing machine were being developed. Having been the first nation to industrialise, much of the machinery and equipment used in British industry was becoming outdated and surpassed by technology which the newly industrialising nations were utilising. It was in this period, and during the 1880s in particular, that the extent of this relative decline began to be noticed, and this was a major contributory factor to the decade being seen more generally as one of crisis. As Harris points out, â€Å"one of the striking facts that emerges from the Census of 1871 is that, a hundred years after the onset of the Industrial Revolution, the topography of Britain was still in many ways that of a predominantly rural country.†[7] Britain, as well as falling behind in technological developments, was being pushed out of her traditional markets by these newly industrialising nations. The US could increasingly meet her own needs, while the European markets were being flooded with cheaper, often better quality goods from other countries. Belgium, for example, developed cheaper, better quality methods of glass production, while the Germans were able to introduce Siemens furnaces for steel production. While these other nations increasingly introduced tariff systems to protect their domestic markets, this was anathema to the British laissez faire approach. Consequently, the British markets remained unprotected and were flooded with imported goods. Another industrial problem in Britain during the period was the failure of British management systems. These, too, were becoming outdated and surpassed by competitors’ newly-developed systems. Often based around the family firm, management positions were often filled by familial connection rather than ability. Coupled with this was the lack of investment in new machinery and industrial apparatus which in turn contributed to the lack of competitiveness in British industry generally. There was a general lack of initiative and failure to get involved in the newly developing industries such as the petro-chemical and electrical engineering industries, which would soon come to dominate industry. During the 1880s, imports of wheat and flour into the United Kingdom increased to 70,282 thousand cwt from just 50,406 thousand cwt the previous decade.[8] These imports often came from the US, where the vast prairies were developed by trans-continental railway. The imports were helped by the development of large merchant steamships. The cost of imports fell dramatically, making it much more viable to import larger quantities of foodstuffs. The average annual wheat price fell from 47.67 shillings per quarter between 1875-9 to just 31.58 shillings per quarter in 1885-9.[9] An important development in the 1880s was the introduction of the refrigeration ship, which enabled meat products to be imported from countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Argentina.[10] Despite this gloomy economic and industrial situation which was afflicting the country generally, London itself was not amongst the worst hit area. The flux of imports affected the agricultural sector, not many of whom were to be found in the metropolis; particularly those who relied on wheat and cereal growing. Again, the refusal of the government to introduce a tariff system to protect the domestic market did nothing to help the situation. A benefit of the depression, particularly for those not dependent on agriculture, was that it meant food was cheaper. This in turn meant that those who were employed actually enjoyed a higher standard of living. In 1888, the Conservative government set up the London County Council. This was a response to the political activism of the great reformers of the decade, but it marked a positive step in the battle against poverty and want. It involved direct election of 118 councillors, which allowed public opinion to have a say. Although struggles for power even within this new body continued, it moved the battle to political ground. This development was complemented in the 1880s by the growth and development of more organised trades unions in London. This attempt to organise labour often involved the transport workers, and therefore focused on London. While this was undoubtedly a positive development, giving many workers, for the first time, an authoritative voice bout their conditions, it can be said that this led to increased struggle and clashing between workers and employers, which contributed to the idea of the city being in crisis. The most spectacular manifestation of this was the riots in Trafalgar Square in 1886 and 1887, which although they involved the unemployed rather than unionised workers, highlighted the animosity felt towards the privileged and propertied people of London. This culminated in ‘Bloody Sunday’ on 13 November 1887. Mackail described the events. â€Å"No one who ever saw it will ever forget the strange and indeed terrible sight of that grey winter day, the vast sombre-coloured crowd, the brief but fiery struggle at the corner of the Strand, and the river of steel and scarlet that moved slowly through the dusky swaying masses when two squadrons of the Life Guards were summoned up from Whitehall.†[11] Another positive development for London during the period, which counters the impression of London as a city in crisis during this period, was the effect on the great city of the railways and steamships. Having already assisted the growth and development of the empire, by the 1880s, they had considerably magnified the importance of London itself. As well as being a great international seaport, the increasing rail network focused on London also. In 1880, the total value of London’s trade was greater than that of its nearest rival, Liverpool.[12] London also became a symbol of free trade, as it was the centre of the great importing warehouses. This, of course, was not as positive as it may have seemed, given the negative effects on the rest of the country of the massive growth in imports during the period. The flip-side of these developments in transport was the social cost. People often had to be turned out of their homes in order to build the new terminals. Industrial conditio ns amongst the workers were less than adequate also. This was most marked in 1889, the year of the great dock strike at the London docks, as the workers struggled to achieve the ‘dockers’ tanner’. This event can be seen to encapsulate much of the perception about the decade as a whole; one of struggle and conflict between workers and their managers. Urbanisation was a major factor during the period. Much of this was concentrated in London and Middlesex (as well as Lancashire, Durham, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, west-central and parts of south Wales). Increasing ground rents in the period were beginning to drive many of the middle and upper classes to the city limits. The term ‘Greater London’ was used for the first time in the 1881 Census; an area that was growing the most rapidly.[13] During the 1870s, rural population experienced an absolute decline for the first time since records began while urban population increased by 75% in some cases. In response to this there was a building boom in London during the 1880s. By the middle of the next decade, in London and Middlesex, nearly half of the population had been born elsewhere.[14] While this massive urban growth was positive for the city in many ways, it also meant more crowding, insufficient housing, increasing rents and costs and the dangers of disease that acco mpany such conditions. Harris discusses the fall in fertility during the 1880s. Commentators at the time put it down to the strain of urban living and the modern education system â€Å"eroding human procreative powers†.[15] This fall in the birth rate concerned many contemporaries at the time, and it has been debated at length by historians ever since. It is interesting that it coincided with the Great Depression, and another, later drop coincided with a fall in real wages in 1900. This general atmosphere of depression, economic an social, was perhaps at its most acute during the 1880s, and although it actually spanned over twenty years, it is this decade in particular that is remembered as a decade of crisis. During the 1880s, Charles Booth began his great survey of the London poor entitled London Life and Labour. this would become an important work in drawing attention to the want of the working class in the capital. It marked a realisation, or appreciation, of what was becoming a serious problem of poverty and low living. In one passage, he describes the typical working woman (who was often only partly-employed) as â€Å"generally elderly, infirm, penniless and a widow †¦ she is nervous and timid, and takes work at whatever price it may be offered to her.†[16] A major reason why the decade is seen as one of crisis, then, is that it was one of the earliest times that the poverty and dire situation of the working classes in London was forced to the attention of the wider public. Poverty was the â€Å"biggest single fact of contemporary existence.†[17] Poverty, poor sanitation and over-crowding were nothing new to the 1880s, but with Booth’s work, and the later wo rk of Rowntree, the situation was increasingly recognised. Booth’s work was followed quickly by other similar studies such as Andrew Mearn’s The Bitter Cry of Outcast London (1883) and General Booth’s In Darkest England and the Way Out (1890). In 1887, Henry Hyndman published a pamphlet entitled A Commune for Socialism which was a plea for municipal socialism. This was a cry that was increasingly being taken up, as the importance of local government as a means of social reform was being recognised. Joseph Chamberlain was one of the members of the government of the day to realise this importance, and indeed introduce it into the national debate. He spoke about this in 1885. â€Å"Local government is near the people. Local government will bring you into contact with the masses. By its means you will be able to increase their comforts, to secure their health, to multiply the luxuries which they may enjoy †¦ to lessen the inequalities of our social system, and the raise the standard of all classes in the community.†[18] It was, then, increasingly brought into the national debate, and this bears large responsibility for the impression of the 1880s being a decade of crisis. This was, however, a positive step, as it l ed to increased activism and political developments favouring the working classes. In Victorian Cities, Briggs describes London as ‘the World City’. This captures how London was seen, both domestically and abroad, throughout much of the Victorian era. By the closing decades of the nineteenth century, then, why was the greatest city in the world experiencing a crisis? During the 1880s, the Quarterly Review described the â€Å"complete separation of the residences of the different classes of the community.†[19] This was referring to the contrast between the East End and the West End of London, and the effective segregation of the population of London into rich areas and poor areas. It has been said that the residents of each respective part of London knew and cared little about the other area. In another work important in stimulating the better-off into action called Tales of Mean Streets Arthur Morrison asked â€Å"who knows the East End?† The description that followed in answer reflected the common perception of the situation in the East End: â€Å"an evil plexus of slums that hide human creeping things; where filthy men and women live on penn’orths of gin, where collars and clean shirts are decencies unknown, where every citizen wears a black eye, and none combs his hair.†[20] The situation in London, then, was not homogenous throughout the great city. There were pockets of serious depravity, while other areas enjoyed great wealth and luxury. It was this juxtaposition of the East End with the bright lights of the West End that highlighted the dire situation in the East End, and did more than anything to contribute to the impression of London as a city in crisis during the 1880s. The stark difference was that although poverty was present in parts of the West End, for example around Belgrave Square, it was largely hidden from view, while in the East End it was clearly visible for those who cared to see it. During the 1880s, however, as London was increasingly being seen as a world city, as the capital of the greatest empire in the world, it was the ostentatious and dazzling aspect of the city’s situation which was emphasised. Here, then, is an interesting paradox. Although the 1880s saw some of the early social commentators and reformers recognise and draw attention to the ills of the poorer classes in London (as well as other industrial cities of England), to many London remained one of the greatest cities in the world. In 1883, for example, an Australian writer described London in New York’s Century Magazine. â€Å"We may talk of our Western empire and our admirable ports, of our growth and our growing wealth; but here is, and will remain for generations, the centre of the commercial and political world, the focus of intellectual activity and the mint of thought.†[21] The 1880s were a decade of great struggle in London. There was much poverty and want, with disease rife, and sanitation poor. The dire situation did not affect the whole of the city, however, and it was the wealth and opulence of the West End which highlighted how bad the situation elsewhere had become. It was also a decade of increasing social comment and investigation. The middle classes were, for the first time, taking an interest in their less fortunate neighbours. The decade was not the first in which London was in crisis; it was simply one of the earliest that the situation was recognised. BIBLIOGRAPHY Baycroft, T., Nationalism in Europe 1789 1945 (Cambridge, 1998) Briggs, A., Victorian Cities (London, 1968) Burnett, J., Useful Toil (London and New York, 1994) English, R., Kenny, M. (Eds), Rethinking British Decline (New York, 2000) Feldman, D., Englishmen and Jews (New Haven and London, 1994) Fraser, H., ‘Municipal Socialism and Social Policy’, in Morris, R.J., and Rodger, R. (Eds), The Victorian City (London and New York 1993) Harris, J., Private Lives, Public Spirit: Britain 1870 1914 (Oxford, 1993) Lowe, N., Mastering Modern British History (London, 1998) Mathias, P., The First Industrial Nation (London, 1969) Morris, R.J., Rodger, R. (Eds), The Victorian City (London and New York, 1993) Pugh, M., State and Society (2nd edition) (London, 1999) Taylor, A.J.P., The Struggle for Mastery in Europe (Oxford, 1971) Footnotes [1] Richard le Gallienne (1895), quoted in Briggs, A., Victorian Cities (London, 1968), p311 [2] Mathias, P., The First Industrial Nation (London, 1969), p468 [3] Burnett, J., Useful Toil (London and New York, 1994), p15 [4] Lowe, N., Mastering Modern British History (London, 1998), p216 [5] Ibid, p216 [6] Taylor, A.J.P., The Struggle for Mastery in Europe (Oxford, 1971), ppxxix xxx [7] Harris, J., Private Lives, Public Spirit: Britain 1870 1914 (Oxford, 1993), p41 [8] Mathias, pp472-5 [9] Ibid [10] Lowe, p221 [11] Quoted in Briggs, p329 [12] Briggs, p318 [13] Ibid, p312 [14] Harris, pp41 44 [15] Ibid, p47 [16] Quoted in Burnett, p35 [17] Briggs, p313 [18] Quoted in Fraser, H., ‘Municipal Socialism and Social Policy’, in Morris, R.J., and Rodger, R. (Eds), The Victorian City (London and New York 1993), p263 [19] Quoted in Briggs, p314 [20] Quoted ibid, p315 [21] Hogan, J.F., Century Magazine (1883), quoted in Briggs, p317

Essay --

The Pura Principle is one of the most interesting stories written by Junot Diaz. The narrator of the story is Yunior a character that Junot had used in earlier stories. The story is also full of potent language further makes it quite interesting to read. Analysis of the plot it is also evident that the story also flows nicely especially due to the presence of several interesting imagery. Upon reading the story one of the issues that come to the mind of every reader is the question of what was main theme that the writer of the story wanted to convey. In this essay I argue that the writer of the story mainly wanted to bring out theme of conflict that exits in the modern Americans family setting. This essay therefore presents a strong view that the story bring out theme of peace and conflict that every family is subjected to. Right of from the beginning of the story the author first tries to describe the conflict that existed between Yunior and his elder brother Rafa. The author states that Yunior started drinking while he was still in high school. Whenever Rafa came home he does not have time to talk to his brother since he mostly spends time partying and drinking with his friends. Rafa even goes a step further where he comes home with women despite the objection by his mother of bringing women home without her approval. Rafa assumes that whatever advice he is given by his mother he can ignore with no consequences since at times he even goes ahead to spend time with his old girlfriend knowing very well that she is married. In most families peace is assumed to exist whenever the family members are able to sit and enjoy time together. This type of peace is rarely seen in this story since in most cases no one seems to care what th... ...ossible to conclude that the author mainly wanted to show some of the conflicts that exist in the contemporary society. Family conflict is depicted in the story as inevitable but the critical issue is how one deals with such issues. Others can also argue that the story does not have a specific theme since it only consist of a plot and voice of Yunior who is the main character. Lack of specific theme is also related to the fact that the story seems to be too simple. The story can also be seen to lack any specific theme since the author of the story makes several grammatical mistakes in mixing Spanish language with English. In addition the author also incorporates several unprofessional languages in the story that further interfere with any plot of the story. The story can also be seen as to bring out feminist related issues where women are demonstrated as powerless.

Divorce Essay

The Beginning of the End Growing up I always believed divorce was the worst mistake a couple could make. Now that I am older I now have a different view on divorce. My parents divorced when I was seventeen years old, and since going through this experience I view divorce differently. Although most people think of divorce as a negative thing, I think sometimes it turns out to be the best decision for everyone involved. When I was a little girl all I would hear from people is how divorce was wrong and couples should always work out their differences.My parents would always assure me that â€Å"no matter how much we fight, we will never get a divorce†. As the years went on things started changing in my parent’s relationship and we saw their marriage starting to dissolve. My sister and I could see that they were no longer the happily married couple they had been for the past 25 years. Eventually my father’s personality started to change, and he no longer was interest ed in family activities or spending quality time with my sister and I. He was not the dad we had known our whole lives. After realizing his behavioral changes he finally went to go see a professional.After a few sessions with the doctor and many counseling sessions with my mom, my dad was diagnosed with depression. We had already seen first hand what depression could do to a marriage, as his parents had gotten divorced after my dad’s mother was diagnosed with depression. As time went by I saw my father’s depression taking a toll on my mother’s happiness and her daily attitude. I wanted both of my parents to be happy, but was that too much to ask of them to stay together? I knew my father had changed and was not the same man my mom had fallen in love with 25 years earlier.My dad was no longer the fun, ambitious, adventurous guy my mom had met back in college. Instead my dad was bitter, had frequent outburst, and a constant negative outlook on life. When my parent s finally reached the decision to divorce my family knew it was going to be a tough road ahead. Although my sister and I were upset we knew it was for the best, it was just going to take some adjusting. Luckily the divorce was very civil and my parents are still able to maintain a peaceful relationship for the sake of my sister and I. We both know my parents love us and that the divorce had nothing to do with anything we had done.My dad has since gotten help and my sister and I visit him often. He is getting back to the fun, loving, kind man we all knew him to be. Unfortunately, my dad waited to late to make changes in his life to save his marriage. Today, my parents are both in healthy relationships with other people. My sister and I enjoy spending time with both families and feel blessed these new people are in our lives. I had a very negative view on marriage when my parents told me they were divorcing, but since that time I feel not everyone gets divorced and marriage takes a lo t of work.Although the divorce was hard to swallow, it is good to see both of my parents happy again. Now that my parent’s divorce is final everyone seems to be more peaceful and happy with their lives. I am not saying divorce is the right decision for everyone, but I am saying depending on the situation sometimes it is the best choice. I have learned through my experience not to judge others that are divorced because everyone’s situation is different. I feel my parents made the right decision for our family and I am a stronger, and happier person as a result.

Establishing a Secured Atm Banking System

Establishing a Secured ATM Banking System Contents 1. Abstract 2. Introduction 3. Executive Summary 4. Mission 5. Company Background 6. Statement of the Problem 1. Problem Statement 2. Problem Significant 7. Project Objective 8. Limitation of the Project 9. Methodology 10. Analysis of the Project 11. Scope of the Statement 12. Proposed Improvement 13. Expected Output 14. Recommendation 15. Acknowledgment Abstract The aim of this study is to investigate risk management, security and controls in the Context of Automated teller machines (ATMs).In doing so, it adopts a non-technical Approach by investigating the interrelationship and effect of risk management and controls In setting Automated Teller Machine security goals. The literature explores and discusses The risk management and different controls of ATMs. To reduce the risk of fraudulent Activity, several controls can be integrated into the ATM processing environment. However, the controls should not be considered a cure-all. Keywo rds: ATMs, data security, risk, fraud, electronic banking, and controls.Introduction This paper examines the effects of incompatibility in network industries. In a network industry such as telecommunications, the internet, or automatic teller machines (ATMs) in the banking industry,firms are technologically interconnected. This interconnection can lead to more complicated pricing structures than those observed in traditional industries, since a consumer may receive direct or indirect services both from his chosen firm and its rivals.While interconnection increases the size of the network available to consumers, in industries such as the banking industry, the introduction of price discrimination between affiliated and unaffiliated consumers reintroduces firm-level network economies by reducing compatibility within the shared network. This paper measures the impact of this incompatibility and finds significant effects on competition in the deposit market, welfare, and investment. It a lso briefly considers an alternative institutional structure in which provision of ATM and deposit services is separated.In the banking industry, the customers of one bank can use their ATM cards at ATMs owned byother banks, but the ATM owner may charge a fee called a surcharge. This can be interpreted aspartial incompatibility between components of a system comprised of ATM cards (bank affiliation)and ATMs. Analogous to the strong complementary relationships between CPUs and peripheralsor VCRs and video tapes, ATM cards and ATMs form complementary components of a system thatallows consumers to perform transactions on their bank accounts.Consumers can choose variouscombinations of these complementary goods, but the compatibility is only partial since there is acost associated with use of a foreign ATM, that is, an ATM not owned by the consumer’s bank. There is a sizeable theoretical literature on compatibility in industries with network externalitiesor complementary component s. This literature predicts that incentives for compatibility differacross firms and will be smaller for firms with larger networks, since these firms lose the competitive advantage their network size confers under incompatibility.The effects on consumer surplus should differ depending on the distribution of consumer characteristics and the new price equilibrium that is reached. In turn, the effects of compatibility on price competition depend on a number of factors. In the banking industry, while partial incompatibility achieved through surcharging should theoretically soften price competition in the deposit market by making an increase in deposit. This paper will focus on the types of ATM transactions that can be performed on any ATM within the shared network such as inquiries and cash withdrawals.Executive Summary ATM An automated teller machine (also known as an ATM or Cash Machine), is a computerized device that provides the customers of a financial institution with the ability to perform financial transactions without the need for a human clerk or bank teller. Crime at ATM’s has become a nationwide issue that faces not only customers, but also bank Operators. Security measures at banks can play a critical, contributory role in preventing attacks on customers.These measures are of paramount importance when considering vulnerabilities and causation in civil litigation and banks must meet certain standards in order to ensure a safe and secure banking environment for their customers. The Automated Teller machine is a terminal provided by bank or other financial institutions which enables the customer to withdraw cash to make a balance enquiry, to order a statement, to make a money transfer, or deposit cash. The ATMs are basically self-service banking terminals and are aimed at providing fast and convenient service to customers.Some of the new generations of ATMs are able to cash a check to the penny, dispense Traveller’scheques and postage stam ps, perform stock transfers, print discount coupons, issue phonecards, and even sell concert tickets. Customers are grateful for these ATM features but they are alsovery concerned with ATM crime and safety. Mission Key to Success Company Background 1. Statement of the Problems/Problem Definition/ Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) indicates the development of Information Technology in Banking sector.Two types of ATMs need to be addressed, one of which is the branch ATM, The other being the out of branch ATM. The branches will take care of the ATM located in Their respective branches, while the out of branch ATMs such as those located in department Store will be taken care by cash centers. Each cash center has ATMs under its responsibility. At VIT there are three ATMs out of which two are out of branch ATM() and one is branch ATM(). The major problem faced by these ATMs are the long queue of customers at the peak hours and then at the off peak hours the lack of customer entry.The number of customer are so large that many a times customer waits for more than half an hour to get his turn but at nights the ATMs remain idle that there are no customers to serve . Depending on the current capacity of each ATM, many alternative decisions can be made. Now the work process decision is made by operators. Thus,the problem of ATM facility is significant. In this study, methodology â€Å"Simulating ATMs† is proposed in order to maximize efficiency Of banks to improve their customer’s service and increasing long term relationship with them And also to reduce the congestion at the ATM centre at peak hours.The process will show How much time a customer spends and give suggestion whether a new ATM is required or With the same resources the performance can be improved. This research will support the Banks in terms of decisionmakingfor reducing the waiting time of customers, by solving a Simulation model with the help of queuing theory. The technique of simulation has long been used by the designers and analysis in the physical Sciences and it promises to become an important tool for tackling the complicated problems Of managerial decision making.It is actually imitation of reality and when it is being put into Mathematical form it is called simulation. Generally, the main objective of simulation is to Minimize the managerial problem in terms of decision making and hence helps in reaching Solution with at most accuracy. Also it is comparatively free from mathematical solution, Hence can be easily understood by the operating personal and nontechnical managers. On the other hand queuing model is used to overcome the congestion of the traffic? This traffic Can be of any form.This model mainly used in situation where customers are involved, hence When it is being coupled with simulation it becomes very much conducive to get solution to Solve the problem related to customers. Therefore, these two models are used to understand The situation related to ATM waiting line and to find some alternative to overcome this Problem by suggesting certain alternatives. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) provide banking services such as withdrawals, deposits, and transfers on a 24 hrs with 7days basis. Due to their convenience they are nowuniversal and are used by a diverse set of users located around the world.Despite this success, however, ATMs still suffer from a variety of problems. Since ATMs are used for banking, security is paramount. Personal banking information is highly sensitive and users are vulnerable while using ATMs. Keypads in particular have been exploited by criminals who have installed small cameras or touch-sensitive overlays, or in some cases have simply observed users as they have keyed in their pins. The physical security of users is also important. ATMs are open late at night but often have limited security.Users may feel anxiety and, in those cases, it is best that they complete their ATM operations as quickly as possibl e. In addition to security concerns, there are a number of known usability issues with current ATMs. For example, users may not know which card they have entered into the machine, and accidental key presses may trigger unintended operations. Similarly, ATM interfaces are often loosely-coupled with underlying functions and allow the users to perform illegal operations, only informing them after the fact of the inability of the system to carry out a given task.A good solution to both the usability and security issues will require further exploration of how ATMs operate. Ultimately, such a solution will include a reformulation of certain key ATM functions and novel technologies such as touch screens and web-based interfaces. 1. 1Problem Statement In most of the ATMs the major problem is waiting of customers in the queue for more Duration. Mainly the objective of ATM for bank is to keep away the customers from coming To bank and make the process easy for them to avoid the basic procedur e they do in bank.But As stated the problem which most ATM face is the long queue in front, but then when the Problem is only for a short while as rest of the time the ATM remains idle means adding to The operating cost. The problem is to determine whether only one machine is required to Fulfill the need or two more machines needed to be installed to give comfort to customer Which is really of short period of time. 1. 2 Problem Significance The cost of the installing an ATM machine accounts for a sizeable part of the total operating Cost of a company.Adding to it is cost of extra security guard who is needed to be placed There. But the customer satisfaction point of it is necessary to incur these expenses as Retaining them is more important, hence these cost are overshadowed by this fact. This Research will provide a robust problem solving technique for the realworld? Make a decision Related to reducing the ATM queuing problem to reduce operating cost. †¢Problem Objective The o verall objective of the research is to develop a model to reduce the waiting time of Customers and the total cost related to ATM installation. Problem Constraints In this research, the researcher has focused on the Problem of waiting of customer in ATMs For long to undergo a simple transaction with the available ATM machine, also to know Whether another machine is required to reduce the traffic at the centers by keeping in mind The cost incurred in installing. Methodology Introduction to simulation and queuing It is the imitation of reality like laboratories in which numbers of experiments are performedon simulated models to determine the behavior of real system in true environments.The example cited above is of simulating the reality in the physical form, and are referred toas analogue simulation. For the complex and intricate problem of managerial decision Making, the analogue simulation may not be practicable, and actual experimentation with thesystem may not be uneconomical. Und er such circumstances, the complex system is Formulated into a mathematical model for which a computer programme is developed, and The problem is solved by using high speed electronic computer, and hence it is named as System simulation. Queuing theory has been applied to a variety of business situations.All situations are relatedto customer involvement. Generally, the customer expects a certain level of service, whereasthe firm provides service facility and tries to keep the costs minimum while proving therequired service. This widely used in manufacturing units. Here it helps in reducing theoverhead charges and the overall cost of manufacturing. Also used to know is the unit arrive, at regular or irregular intervals of time at a given point called the service point. General Analysis of the Project ATMs are used by all modern commercial banks and are found in cities around the world.Modern ATMs already address many human interaction concerns, but still suffer from a number of usabi lity and other issues. The following are seven important aspects to consider when attempting improving ATM interfaces: Security Issue ATMs act as electronic tellers, and security is always an important concern for users. Major security issues are already addressed in the modern ATM design. A password, or PIN number, is used to protect the information. After decades of use, ATMs have proven the effectiveness of this security policy.However, this approach may not be sufficient in the future. Mugging and PIN theft should be addressed in a new ATM system. Mature biometric technology may be a good candidate to provide additional security. Besides password protection, modern ATMs also include ‘card eating’ features to provide customers with more security. However, instead of increasing customer security, this feature can in fact cause problems for authorized users due to misunderstanding or carelessness. This feature should be reviewed as part of a user-centered design proces s. FunctionalityATMs handle as many traditional teller operations as possible. Traditional ATMs implement most basic daily banking functions, such as deposit, withdrawals and balance checking. These functions are designed based on the performance limitations of computing and networking, which have changed rapidly over the course of the last few years. These limited functions may not be satisfactory by modern standards. The next-generation ATM should support the following features if possible: †¢ Money transfer: transfer money from one bank account to another person’s bank account. Bill Payment: automatically pay bills. Although a valid feature is provided in internet banking right now, ideally ATMs would still provide these functions for users without internet access. †¢ Other Electronic Finance Tools: Good examples could be electronic bank notes or electronic bank travel cheques. Usability Unlike some other electronic devices, ATMs should be useful to a wide-range of users and those users should be able to use the system with limited or no assistance. This aspect is critical to the new ATM design.Although these issues are already taken into consideration in the current ATM designs, evaluation may reveal that there is room for improvement in current systems. Theoretically, it is also possible that there is no perfect design once we review the usability requirements. We may have to provide a compromised solution to suit the majority. The following are some typical user stories for review: †¢ ATMs currently allow users to insert different cards but do not display visual cues to identify which card was inserted. A displayed image would provide good feedback to prohibit accidental operations using the wrong card. The current key layouts, especially the function keys, are slightly different between different ATMs. A new standard high-resolution touch-screen would be preferable. †¢ Not all current ATMs can support multiple-languages. Consi dering growing international trade and communication, multiple language support would be a very important feature. †¢ The current deposit and withdrawal functions also need to be improved. For example, the standard process for putting multiple cheques into ATMs is confusing, and the ATM withdrawal function does not support bill selection based on the customer’s request. The new ATM should allow the user to easily access money across the world. Efficiency ATMs must be both easy to use and fast. The more time a user spends at an ATM, the more inconvenienced the user feels. Wait times also increase for other users. Clearly, this is an important issue to consider when designing an ATM system. Accessibility As ATMs are physical machines, their design must take accessibility concerns into account. Some good accessibility features can be found in current ATM design. For example, the ATM keyboard includes Braille support for the blind. Current ATM design does not do a good job o f protecting people from others peeking from behind. †¢ The fixed height of ATMs can be inconvenient for some users. Threat & Affect ATMs should be attractive. Potentially, good looking ATMs could attract new users and make existing users more comfortable. For example, relaxing background music could relieve user anxiety during complex operations. There are three basic types of ATM attacks: †¢ Attempts to steal a customer‘s bank card information; †¢ Computer and Network attacks against ATM‘s to gather bank card information; †¢ Physical attacks against the ATM.THEFT OF CUSTOMER‘S BANK CARD INFORMATION †¢Card Skimming †¢Fake ATM machines †¢Card Trapping/Card Swapping †¢Distraction theft or ‘manual’ skimming †¢Shoulder Surfing †¢Leaving transaction ‘Live’ †¢Cash trapping COMPUTER AND NETWORK ATTACKS †¢Network attacks against ATMs †¢Viruses and malicious software †¢Phishing †¢PIN cash-out attacks †¢Utilizing a Fake PIN pad overlay †¢PIN Interception PHYSICAL ATM ATTACKS †¢Ram Raid Attacks †¢Theft of ATMs †¢Smash and Grab of ATMs †¢Safe cutting/Safe Breaking †¢Explosive Attacks Scope of the Project We should evaluate whether or not the ATM is helping to extend banking services.By mixing the web/mobile preauthorization transaction service with the traditional 24 hours with 7 days ATM service, service time can be improved and wait times reduced. Proposed Improvements Our initial meeting yielded many ideas for new ATM technologies that have the potential to improve user experience. We considered mobile phone interfaces, voice interfaces, refinements of physical button interfaces, high resolution touch screen interfaces, biometric identification techniques (finger print or retinal scan), and a web interface for pre-specifying ATM transactions.After a brief discussion of each of these ideas, we decided to talk in depth about the final three. The use of an advanced high resolution touch screen would not solve any problems in itself. but would allow for a more sophisticated user interface. The potential for increased screen space and detail could help address the need for a more intuitive layout, the issue of restricting input to acceptable dollar amounts, and multi-language support. It might also allow ATMs to perform some actions that are not currently possible such as displaying the customer's preferred name for each account and facilitating transfers to third party accounts.An advanced display could also be designed to restrict the viewing angle so that private information is less visible to malicious onlookers. One final advantage of a high resolution display is that it would allow for much more attention to aesthetics, and as Donald Norman tells us, â€Å"attractive things work better. † The main disadvantage of using a touch screen is that it may confuse users, and providing accessibi lity for the blind is more difficult than in cases where Braille codes can simply be added to keypads.The use of biometrics for identification would yield many benefits. The most obvious benefit of biometric technology is that it would increase the security of bank accounts, as a finger print is much harder to steal than a PIN. If the use of a finger print could eliminate the need for an ATM card entirely, it could drastically reduce time spent at the ATM, and it would eliminate the problem of inserting the wrong card. The idea we spent the most time on is a web interface to allow users to pre-specify ATM transactions.The general idea is that the customer can access the bank's website from a PC or mobile phone to input the operations that will be done at the ATM. For example, a user could specify that she wants to withdraw 360 ETB from her chequing account and 220 ETB from her savings account. She also has three cheques to deposit for 250. 35 ETB, 298. 70 ETB, and 329. 11ETB. She wa nts 100 ETB of the deposit to go into her son’s account and the rest to go to her retirement account.When the user arrives at the ATM and identifies herself with a card and PIN or a fingerprint, the machine will display the options she selected earlier and ask if that is still what she wants to do. After selecting â€Å"yes,† she simply inserts the cheques into the machine and removes her cash. While the benefits of this idea may not be immediately apparent, and may not be significant for simple ATM usage, it has the potential to drastically improve the user experience under some circumstances. In the previous example, the user needed to perform many transactions with somewhat nusual amounts of money. If this were to be done at a standard ATM, it could take a very long time to navigate through the interface for each individual transaction. During this time, any number of distractions could occur, including a line of angry customers amassing behind the user or the user' s child suddenly beginning to cry. Under these circumstances, it would be easy for the user to enter an incorrect amount or even to forget one of the transactions completely. However, with the web site, all of the decisions would be made in the comfortable environment of the user's home or office.Besides helping the user to ensure that all transactions are executed properly, this web interface could cut down greatly on lines at ATMs, increasing customer satisfaction and physical security. Another scenario where this could be useful is for outdoor ATMs in bad weather. If the user drives to the ATM and then realizes that being outside would be unpleasant, she could access the web site through her mobile phone to pre set the transactions and minimize time spent outdoors. Such a radical departure from present ATM interactions is certainly not without drawbacks.One of the main issues is that not everybody has web access, especially through their mobile phones. The ATM would definitely ne ed to have a standard user interface in addition to web capabilities. The web site would also introduce security concerns with password attacks and network communication to the ATMs. Hopefully these problems have already been solved in the current implementation of online banking. Finally, as with any UI, poor design could cause this idea to become frustrating and useless. These preliminary ideas have been developed based on initial meetings and brainstorming.Further research and information gathering will lead to the refinement of our proposed system changes, and an iterative design process will allow us to develop a prototype of a highly improved, secure, accessible, and intuitive ATM system and extended web-based interface. Conclusion (Expected Output from the Project) The main purpose of this study is to develop an efficient procedure for ATM queuing Problem, which can be daily used by banks to reduce the waiting time of customers in the System. The queuing characteristics of cu stomers were observed and the researcher compared The process of customer behavior of different ATM services at VIT.It is concluded that the ATM service should introduce in men’s hostel (around ? thstudents strength stay in hostel) Will facilitate pulling more customers towards ATM service. The researcher suggested that the SBI can install a new ATM machine in men’s hostel in spite of high installation cost and thereby reduce the customer cost and service cost for attaining benefit in the long run. This will be helpful for commercial bank to sustain more potential customers in high competitive situations with other private banks.ATM provides financial services to an increasing segment of the population in many countries. Fingerprint scanning, continues to gain acceptance as a reliable identification and verification processes. This paper identifies a model for the modification of existing ATM systems to economically incorporate fingerprint scanning; and, outlines the a dvantages of using such system. It should be noted that the customers perception cannot be generalized as it was highly affected by the tradition/ culture of the user involves. Recommendation for Further StudySeveral aspects of waiting problem for the ATM that remained unsolved in this study will Form interesting topics for further study. The following recommendations are made for Further studies: It is observed that if a person is not well versed with ATM takes more time which is not Considered. Also many customers stand in the queue and leave which can be put into the consideration. †¢ The time the workers take to feed the ATM with currency is not considered. †¢ Out of stock situation can be considered. †¢ On holidays mostly after exams the utility of ATM to be considered.The main limitation of the research due to time constraint it is observed with minimum sample, if sample size would have increased, the result obtained by both in simulation and queuing will coinci de. This study would not consider waiting cost and service cost due to non availability of original information. For future research, this study can be extended by considering the cost factors to find out the best ATM facility. ACKNOWLEDGMENT I wish to acknowledge ________________University and Wegagen Bank, Addis Ababa Ethiopia for their support in providing the various facilities utilized in the presentation of this paper.