Designing and Managing the Supply Chain, Chapter 1 Questions

PROC 5850 Week 1 Homework: Ch1 Question 1,2,6 1. Consider the supply chain for a domestic automobile. a. What are the components of the supply chain for an automobile? The components of the supply chain for an automobile are as follows: First you have the supplying industries. These include components such as steel and other metals, rubber, electronics, plastic, glass, and textiles. These raw components are fabricated into car bodies, mechanical and electrical subcomponents as well as engines and transmissions.These subassemblies are assembled during final assembly and then distributed to dealership for the consumer market. b. What are the different firms involved in the supply chain? The following are a selection of firms involved in the supply chain: Suppliers, Manufactures, Transportation companies, Warehouses and distributions centers, sub-contractors, dealerships, and customers. c. What are the objectives of these firms? The simple objective of these firms is to maximize market share and make a profit. Socratic Seminar QuestionsEvery challenge to operate the supply chain supports these two primary goals. d. Provide examples of conflicting objectives in this supply chain? The supplying industries would like the automobile manufacture to commit themselves to purchasing large quantities with stable volumes with flexible (long-lead) dates. On the manufacture’s side, they need to be flexible to their customers’ need and the change in demands. So what we have is a direct conflict of interest between the suppliers’ and manufactures’ desire for flexibility.The ability to optimally match supply and demand is just as much an art and it is a science. Other conflicts arise with transportation of smaller batches versus larger batches of supplies. Usually the smaller and faster a batch of supply is required, the cost of transportation increase; another conflicting objective. e. What are the risks that rare or unexpected events pose to this supply chain? An unexpected risk such as a natural disaster can bring the supply chain to a stand still. However, such events can almost never be managed.There are some challenges such as matching supply and demand risks, lead times, forecasts, transportation times and costs, which can be â€Å"managed† or operational risk management used to minimize risks. 2. Consider a consumer mortgage offered by a bank. f. What are the components of the supply chain for a mortgage? There are several components of the supply chain for a consumer mortgage offered by a bank. First, there are marketing companies that solicit to prospective customers. Secondly, the bank needs to be able to evaluate potential customers by using credit-reporting companies.Thirdly, usually a third party bank that extends the mortgage loans. Lastly, the bank requires mortgage brokers that distribute the loans. g. Is there more than one firm involved in the supply chain? What are the objectives of the firm or firms? Marketing companies try to increase the responses from prospective homebuyers to maximize their returns. The banks try to find customers that are a relatively low risk, on-time payments, and low average maturity date; i. e. , maximize profits. The mortgage broker is all about maximizing his commission of the sell of the property. . What are the similarities between product and service supply chains, what are the differences? Both product and service supply chains provide a need. The difference is the type of service, instead of the physical product†¦ faster, better, cheaper all apply. Some of the differences between the two types of supply chains are as follows: * With the product supply chain there is both the flow of physical and informational products. However, in the service supply chain, the product is mostly information. Unlike the service supply chain, inventory and transportation of goods are a major costs of product supply chains. * Since service supply chains usually don’t carry invento ry, coordinating capacity with demand is usually more important. * The cost of information is more often higher than in a product supply chain. Consider the cost of a credit report or hiring a consultant. 6. Consider the supply chain for canned peaches sold by a major food-processing company. What are the sources of uncertainty in this supply chain? Some of the sources of uncertainty are as follows: The first factor to consider is the peach crop and the factors that effect it†¦ weather, disease, and disasters. * Number if migrant workers available to harvest the crop†¦ spoilage. * Lead times from field to processing plant†¦ spoilage. * Processing time, storage, and transportation times and costs. * Demand is not know beforehand. CASE: Meditech Surgical 1. What are Meditech’s problems in introducing new products? In manufacturing ALL products? Meditech has two major issues with introducing new products. * It has poor service levels for new products The inventory levels are higher than necessary for all of its products 2. What is diving these problems, both systematically and organizationally? There are seven major areas in which Meditech is driving these problems: * In the planning system, there are too many built-in delays and monthly buckets. This leads to inefficacies, unneeded delays, and high inventory levels. * There is no tracking of forecasting errors. * Product demand is poorly studied. * The Info Systems used to record and monitor & inventory are not integrated and inadequately designed. Because Meditech does not normally see the end-customer, it has to overcome failures of communications with them†¦ hording/panic orders is one example of this failure to communicate with end-customers. * The poor planning system is use magnifies variations in demand. * Panic ordering. 3. Why is the customer service manager the first person to recognize the major issues? He was the person who directly received customer complaints. In his posi tion he was able to determine the scope of the problems. Other managers were not in positions to be aware of customer satisfaction. 4. How would you fix these problems?There are several ways to fix the problems Meditech is facing. The first and most important is improving communications with customers†¦ Five â€Å"Y†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s. Another way to improve their SCM is to develop better demand forecasting systems and accountability for their forecasts. Furthermore, Meditech needs to integrate, implement, and improve their information systems. They could easily eliminate bulk inventory by putting assembly within the pull system; i. e. , get rid of the â€Å"push-pull† system. Lastly, they could implement a planning system to decrease planning delays (or just use M. S. Project) and reduce system time buckets.

Case16 Alarm Ringing: Nokia in 2010

Strategic Management Case Analysis Firm Analysis Roy L. Simerly Department of Management 3106 Bate East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858-4353 (252) 328-6632 (Work) (252) 328-4094 (Fax) [email  protected] ecu. edu Strategic Management Case Analysis Firm Analysis Abstract This is the second part of a two part series dealing with the complexities of case analysis in Strategic Management courses. One of the primary function of Strategic Management is to serve as a cap-stone course integrating the material students have accumulated throughout their course of study within a business school.There is a need for instruments that will provide the necessary integration and opportunity for application of acquired knowledge. There is also the reality that students do not remember all that they should from previous courses. Equally important is the necessity to impart the basics of Strategic Management as a discipline in its own right. It is the theoretical foundation of Strategic Manage ment that provides the rational for the integration. The purpose of this article is to provide an outline for analysis of a firm. I use this method at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.The only difference is that graduate students are expected to show more sophistication in their presentations. Strategic Management Case Analysis Firm Analysis This is the second of a two part series dealing with one approach to case analysis in Strategic Management classes. This paper takes the view that Strategic Management is a cap-stone course intended to integrate the material students have accumulated throughout their course of study within a business school. Strategic Management is, in fact, the only course that has as its stated purpose the integration and application of key management concepts.Normally, students are expected to have a working knowledge of the primary business management disciplines of accounting, economics, finance, marketing, and operations, when entering the course . When instructors present case analysis, it is usually as a three-step process progressing from economic, to industry, and finally, to company analysis. In doing so they face the challenge of creating a classroom experience that enables students to conceptualize the framework as an integrated whole. The challenges for the instructor are interesting to say the least.First, there is the need for the instructor to understand the intent of each of the primary business management disciplines, as well as what the student can be expected to accomplish. Second, there is the need for instruments that will provide the necessary integration and opportunity for application of acquired knowledge. Third, there is the reality that students do not always remember all that they should. This leaves a great deal to be accomplished within one semester. An equally important challenge is the necessity to impart the basics of Strategic Management as a discipline in its own right.It is the theoretical fou ndation of Strategic Management that provides the rational for the integration. More importantly, the students needs an understanding of ‘when’ to use ‘what’ techniques in the business world. Given these challenges, I use – among other classroom techniques – case analysis. Students are required to provide analysis and discussion for a number of short cases throughout the semester. All are taken from current publications such as, Business Week, Fortune, Forbes and The Economist. I find that text book cases do not provide the currency necessary.These cases are used to demonstrate the text theory under discussion, and to show the relevance of specific elements of the major written cases. I require two major written cases. The first is an analysis of an industry, and the second is an analysis of a firm within that industry. Both are essential to achieve the learning objectives for the course. The learning objective for the course is: to understand how the top manager (CEO) is responsible for ensuring the long term survival of the firm within its competitive environment.The learning objective for the written case analyses is: to arrive at a point where they can develop a sound business plan to ensure the survival of their chosen firm within its competitive environment. Also, to appreciate the complexities of collecting and understanding the relevance of the vast amount of information available. The learning objective for the industry analysis is: to determine the opportunities and threats that exist for firms within a competitive environment. They should be able to appreciate how the various forces operating in an industry create or limit the chances for survival.The learning objective for the firm analysis is: to determine the strengths and weaknesses of a firm; and, to determine the core competence that can be built on to establish a competitive advantage. The final step is to develop a business plan that will align the cap abilities of the firm with the requirements of the competitive environment. Students are required to work in teams to complete the two major case write-ups. They will later make a presentation of their findings. I require teams because the most difficult part of management is the management of human resources.By setting specific guidelines for students I make their grade contingent on their management abilities as well as their ability to complete the projects. Team size is limited to 3 or 4 members. They are free to choose their firm and its industry. I strongly suggest that they select a firm that has a production function. This makes it easier to see the four organizational functions being integrated. I also encourage them to select an industry that would be suitable for employment based on their particular interests, and primary area of concentration.For example, accounting majors are encouraged to examine an accounting firm. Finance majors are pointed toward the banking industr y. In the end, the students make choices based on group consensus and personal interests. However, a mixture of majors can be an advantage when working on the papers. The possible collaboration and integration of different perspectives is one advantage; another is the opportunity to work on a part of the papers that is relevant to their discipline. How firm’s performance is defined is left to the student. I must approve all choices prior to the student beginning work.In this way, I am sure that the projects are do-able. No two groups are allowed to do the same firm within the same class, but they can do different firms within the same industry. There are no ‘easy’ industries or firms. Each has its own challenges. A significant amount of time is spent covering analysis techniques, and the resources available, prior to the students starting on the projects. They are also encouraged to divide the work up into specific areas. For example, for the firm paper: do the f our functional areas first, then do the introduction and conclusion.This gives a reasonable balance to the work load. One common complaint about this approach to case writing is that a student working on one section of the paper will not learn about the other sections of the paper. Every approach to case writing has a limitation, but I think that this one is manageable. First, the intent is not to teach students about one particular industry. It is to teach them the relevance, and the techniques, of industry and firm analysis. Stressing this point early on is very important. It is important to note that I do not give the students too many specific directions.I want them to do their own research and make discoveries along the way. There is no one right answer. Correctness – if such exists – is a product of the logic used in the analysis. For example, two measures of economies of scale are required. It does not matter which measures are used, what matters is that the stu dent reasons through the problem and finds a means of justifying a position. If I give too much detail it limits the imagination of the student and prevents discoveries that could be significant. To help get the students oriented, I do provide complete ‘sample’ papers from a previous class.I am careful to ensure that the sample papers are on an industry and firm not currently being done. I do not have to worry about copying, or other forms of cheating. The papers must be up-to-date, which means significant recent citations in the bibliography. Additionally, I do provide the students with the opportunity of sending in parts of the project as they write. I then provide feedback to prevent them going off on tangents and wasting valuable time. Most students find this method beneficial as they work. I find the quality of the papers improves dramatically over the course of the semester.It is critical to stress that this is a business report, and not an English paper. Each pap er will take on significant proportions (30 to 50 pages) if just the required work is done. If focus is not maintained, the size becomes unmanageable. Assumptions and common knowledge are not accepted. Everything has to be proven in some manner, if just by an interview with a business person. Quantitative and qualitative analysis are required. I give a number of examples in class of how wrong ‘common knowledge’ can be. The firm paper analysis that follows has been adapted from the work of Wheelen & Hunger (2000)[1].Their model for the evaluation of firms has been evolving for over a decade, and represents one of the more concise approaches to firm analysis. This approach is compatible with a number of Strategic Management text and can easily be adapted to most situations. In addition, my own experiences in the business world have been incorporated. In what follows, I cover in some detail the outline for the firm paper. This outline is given to the students in its entire ty. FIRM PAPER OUTLINE This outline is only a guide. Each firm is unique, and you are responsible for adapting your paper to fit the circumstance.Form is important, but must not replace reason. Learning Objective: to determine the strengths and weaknesses of a firm; and, to determine the core competence that can be built on to establish a competitive advantage. Method: Firm analysis and the development of an abbreviated business plan to ensure long term survival within the competitive environment. Compare your firm to a better performing firm within the same industry, or to the industry trends that you created in the industry paper. Maintain your focus on the questions being asked. Provide conclusions for each section and sub-section.A decision matrix should be provided at the end of each section, and an overall matrix provided in the conclusion section. Where quantitative analysis is required, provide numbers expressed as ratios. Use five years of data to establish trends. Where qu alitative analysis is required, provide citations to support your arguments. Assumptions and common knowledge are not accepted. Continuity: I do read these papers! Be sure that if you make a declarative statement in one section, you do not contradict yourself in another. While it is a team project, I read it as the work of one person. Integrate the paper.Please number pages, and use section headings and sub-headings. Help is just a mouse-click away! I strongly encourage you to show me your work as you progress. I can, and will, save you hours of frustration if you will show me what you are doing. I. Current Situation A. Brief firm history. What industries and industry segments is your firm involved in, and what will be the focus of the paper? You can not do all of the industries or segments in one semester. Make a rational choice that aligns the firm paper with the industry paper. Provide a statement of the current position or situation of your firm within the industry (i. e. how go es it). How diversified is this firm? Related or unrelated (you may discuss this wherever you think most appropriate)? B. Strategic Posture. 1. What is the current mission? Did you have to deduce it, or was it stated. Is there a clear point B (an objective that we can quantify)? You should be concerned with both the quality of the mission statement, and its appropriateness for the competitive environment. You will be able to address this issue after you complete the firm analysis. 2. What is the current (Porter’s generic) strategy? Since you are only doing one segment, you are concerned with business-level strategy only.Is this strategy consistent with the mission, appropriate for the environmental context, being followed by management? Again, this is best answered after the analysis is complete. II. External Environment (Opportunities and Threats. ) This section is a restatement of some of your industry paper work. You restate your findings with respect to this specific firm . A. Socio-cultural. What general environmental factors among the socio-cultural, economic, political-legal, and technological forces are currently affecting both the firm and the industry in which it competes?Which present, current, or future threats or opportunities are important to your firm? B. Task Environment. Which of the five forces (Porter’s) in the immediate environment are currently affecting the level of competitive intensity within the industry? Which present current or future threats or opportunities important to your firm? III. Internal Environment (Strengths and Weaknesses) The only way to know if your firm is doing well is through comparison. Therefore, almost all of the elements that follow require the analysis of your firm and then a comparison to a better performing firm, or to industry standards.A. Management. The objective of the management function is to ensure the long-term survival of the firm within its competitive environment. Begin with your assess ment of how management has addressed this objective. 1. Board of Directors. The objective of the board is to provide oversight of the firm. Based on your observations is this board appropriate for the competitive environment of this organization? a. What is the board size and composition (averages for all firms is 74% external, with 14 members total). b. What are their skills? Do you have the four functional areas covered? c.Do they own a significant percentage of stock? Here you are testing elements of agency theory. d. What is their level of involvement in the oversight of the corporation? That is, what committees are they on? How often do they meet? 2. Top Management (usually only the CEO). The objective of management is to ensure the survival of the organization within its environment. Is management achieving that objective? a. What are top management's chief characteristics in terms of knowledge, skills, background, and management style? Is top management sufficiently skilled t o cope with likely future challenges?Has it established a systematic approach to the formulation, implementation, evaluation and control of strategic management? Is there a vision, clearly articulated, guiding corporate activities (i. e. , does this manager know where the organization is headed)? What is the degree of stock ownership, and is it appropriate? b. Organizational Structure. What is the present structure? Discuss decision making authority, degree of autonomy, team building, empowerment, etc. Is the structure appropriate for the competitive environment and consistent with the current strategy and mission? c. Culture.Is there a well defined or emerging culture composed of shared beliefs, expectations, and values? Is the culture a source of support or hindrance to achieving the mission/strategy of the corporation? B. Marketing The objective of the marketing function is to maximize market share. Are they achieving this objective? You should be able to provide a graph of marke t share change over time compared to another firm or the industry. What is the market share change of the firm in relation to market growth? Remember to use ratios, not raw numbers. How well is the corporation performing in terms of market position and marketing mix?You answer this by comparing the 4 P's to a better performing firm. 1. How well does your firm's product offering (product mix) compare to a better performing firm? 2. Is the firm's pricing appropriate? 3. Compare the place (distribution system) of the product offering. 4. Evaluate the promotional efforts of the firm. What is the payoff for the money spend on advertising? Is there a relationship between advertising and market share change? Provide a conclusion to this section. What trends do you see from analysis of their past performance? I suggest using a decision matrix.From your analysis, what are the strengths and weaknesses of this function? C. Operations/Production. This section will be revised for those teams doi ng a service firm. While the basic arguments are the same, the methods will be different. Consult with your instructor before beginning this section if you are doing a service organization. The objective of the operations function is to increase productivity. Are they achieving this objective? This is also the functional area where you can best evaluate whether your firm is following the logic of re-investing in itself (the logic of the managerial enterprise)? 1.In order to achieve improvements in productivity, the firm must be re-investing in itself. What is the trend in capital spending? What is the trend in productivity improvement? 2. In combination with the marketing section, has this firms emphasized product development, or diversification, for growth (the Chandler argument)? No longer required. 3. Operating leverage. How has the mix of people to capital changed over time – are fixed costs rising? What are the trends in costs per unit of labor, inventory control, etc.? 4. Research & Development. What return is the corporation receiving from its R&D investment?Is the firm technologically competent? How well does the firm's investment compare with similar corporations? What is the bang for the buck! Provide a conclusion to this section. I suggest using a decision matrix. From your analysis, what are the strengths and weaknesses of this function? D. Finance The objective of the finance function is to maximize shareholder wealth. Are they achieving this objective? I would prefer total returns to investors over time as the measure here. The data are available. 1. Remember to use at least five years of data for the most important factors. What trends do you see emerging from this analysis?Suggested ratios are contained in the text. 2. How well is the corporation performing compared to competition? 3. Capital Asset Pricing Model. (Class lecture notes) What is the cost of capital for this firm? What impact does this have on competitiveness? What does your analysis tell you about the probability that management will reinvest in the firm? 4. Debt to Equity policy and susceptibility to external forces, such as debt covenants, take-over attempts, etc. As lecture material points out, the capital structure decision is very important to the survival of the firm. Crunching of numbers is not the objective here.You are looking for significant trends that can impact the survivability of the firm. As you find negative trends that could effect other organizational functions, tell your team mates. What have they discovered? This section can not stand on its own, it has to be integrated into the overall paper. Provide a conclusion to this section. I suggest using a decision matrix. From your analysis, what are the strengths and weaknesses of this function? E. Human Resource Management. If applicable – i. e. , are unions involved? If so, you are concerned with the HRM function of the organization. F. Management Information Systems.If applica ble. Is you firm having problems with its MIS system? Readings from articles should give a clue. If no problem is noted, you do not have to include this section. IV. Critical Success Factors. From your industry paper, discuss how your firm is addressing these factors. Most of these factors (2 of 3) will lend themselves to quantitative analysis and comparison. V. Strategic Problem. From your analysis, what is THE strategic problem of this firm. This is only one paragraph and not a laundry list. Clue – your paragraph will begin: Management has failed to ensure the long-term survival of this firm because†¦.. VI.Strategic Alternatives. Provide appropriate strategic alternatives stated as strategies, not as elements of a strategy. Discuss the pro's and con's of each. The current strategy, if appropriate, could be one of the alternatives if the firm simply needs to improve the implementation of that strategy. VII. Recommendation. From your alternatives, what ONE strategy do yo u recommend, and why? This is only one or two paragraphs. VIII. Implementation. This is the section where most teams lose it. Remember that strategy is a pattern of actions and activities. A. Give SPECIFIC recommendations on how you would implement your strategic choice.Provide details addressing each of the four functional areas. B. Show how you are solving the weaknesses and building on the strengths of each functional area. C. What is the core competence of this organization? Can we build a sustainable competitive advantage within this industry? D. Include a basic pro forma for at least 5 years out to see the impact of your changes. Use your best guess on the numbers, indicating your assumptions. E. Conclude the paper with your prognosis for the firm. This is the grade sheet for the firm paper Case Name_________________________ Bibliography:Appendices, graphs, tables: Firm Business Segments: Strategy: Mission: Corporate ownership: Board of Directors: R: Type and Degree of Diversi fication: Capital investment related to performance: Social/Environmental programs: Growth rate of firm: Cost of Capital (CAPM): Take over target: Asset base compared to competitors: Historical financial data: S. W. O. T. : C. S. F. ‘s: Analysis of the functional areas: Management: Marketing: Operations: Finance: ———————– [1] Wheelen, T. L. & Hunger, J. D. 2000. Strategic Management. Upper Saddle River, N. J. U. S. A: Prentice Hall

Oscar Wilde’s Essay

The following essay will examine British Literature in two fold: the first being that of Oscar Wilde’s contribution to British Literature and the second being feminism in British Literature in the 1800’s and on. It is hoped that focusing on two separate but entangled subjects will make the paper more accessible and therefore broader in scope and understanding of the reader to British Literature. Peacocks and Sunflowers:Oscar Wilde’s â€Å"Immoral Aestheticism† as an Escape from Reality into the Realm of Beauty Gilbert, the author’s alter ego in Oscar Wilde’s essay â€Å"The Critic as Artist† (originally published in 1888) declared that â€Å"[a]ll art is immoral† (274), and that phrase turned into a manifesto for the â€Å"immoral aestheticism† doctrine of the famous dandy who decorated rooms with peacock feathers and showed in public with a sunflower in the buttonhole. The writer was condemned by contemporaries as a breacher of Victorian ‘moral’ style of living but justified by successors. As Ellmann explains, â€Å"[s]in is more useful to society than martyrdom, since it is self-expressive not self-repressive† and thus contributes more significantly to the acute goal of â€Å"the liberation of the personality† (Ellmann 310). The man who used to be convicted of the offence of â€Å"gross indecency† is praised now as an icon of decadent and modernist style, a revolutionary in aesthetics and ethics, and a prophet of beauty which is above and outside any boundaries. The concept of art and beauty as abstract notions being unrelated to the narrowly dichotomous morals takes a key position in Wilde’s oeuvre. Today’s critics are never tired in their coining of appropriate definitions for the writer’s aesthetic programme. Gillespie, one of the most important researchers of Wilde’s legacy, viewed it as consisting of â€Å"paradoxical gestures† which â€Å"delineate an aesthetic that celebrates the impulse to integrate, amalgamate, and conjoin rather than separate, dissipate, or disperse† (37). Although the writer was aware of â€Å"the grave spiritual dangers involved in a life of immoral action and experiment† (Pearce 164), he underlined the right of an artist to be immoral for the sake of eternal beauty. In his aestheticism, Wilde was an admirer and disciple of essayist and art critic Walter Horatio Pater with the latter’s emphasis on the esthete as a novel kind of being (Murphy 1992; Wood 2002). He was also immersed into the late 19th century cultural milieu as being involved into a polylogue on the topics of art, artist, ethics, and beauty which resulted in the emergence of Decadence and Modernism (Bell 1997). Altogether with the English fin de siecle men of art such as A. C. Swinburne, Walter Pater, Lionel Johnson, Ernest Christopher Dowson, George Moore Symons, and D. G. Rossetti, Wilde researched the concept of aesthetics as being constructed by a person who was proud of â€Å"[his] non-participation †¦ in ethical controversy† (Woodcock 53) and thus freed from the restrictions imposed by society and common law. Oscar Wilde’s â€Å"immoral aestheticism† as an integral part of the decadent and early modernist styles is what the present proposal attempts to look at. It will research Wilde’s critical and fictional legacy in regard to ideas and concepts as pertinent to the new understanding of relationship between art and morals. This proposal attempts to re-examine Oscar Wilde as a theorist of the novel aesthetics, establishing a link between the writer and other theorists and critics to prove that the call for immoral aestheticism was a brilliant attempt to overcome the boredom of reality and enter the world of absolute beauty. Modern Women’s Voices: Sexual Subjectivity in the texts of Victorian and contemporary British women writers Feminism is still one of the most popular critical lenses to zoom into details of history of literature and social life (Brennan 2002; Jackson 1998; Kemp 1997; Scott 1996), and it is proven to be useful within the framework of the given proposal aimed at tracing the common and differentiating points of the two critical periods of British literature. I am especially interested in the late Victorian epoch with its rise of independent women’s suffragist voices and the latest period with its diversity of tones and melodies composed by women writers amidst the turmoil of free speech and re-thinking of common gender values such as career, family, child-rearing, and gender relationships. The novels chosen are The Story of a Modern Woman by Ella Hepworth Dixon (1894), Anna Lombard by Victoria Cross (the pseudonym of Annie Sophie Cory1901), Foreign Parts by Janice Galloway (1994) and Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination by Helen Fielding (2004). The earlier and later books are divided by almost a century but despite a temporal distance there are common motives and aspirations which approximate the Victorian ‘New Woman’ and a modern British female as depicted in fiction. The feminist movement of the late Victorian period was pre-conditioned by many factors which made the trend not accidental but seriously grounded in the wider social context being permeated by patriarchal ascendance and rigidness of social structure (Bernstein 1997; Lewis and Ardis 2003). The ‘New Women’ movement that acquired much power during the period from the late 1890s to roughly 1915 featured a range of opinions concerning the heightened role of a female in a modern society (Walls 2002; Mitchell 1999). As Ardis (1990) observed, Dixon went farther than her colleagues in asserting the preciousness and independency of a woman as a self-sustaining creature (see also Fehlbaum 2005), whereas Cross’s Anna Lombard represents another type of the late Victorian womanhood as sacrificing her desires and aspirations for the sake of the traditional familial institution. The most recent books by Galloway and Fielding cannot be straight-forwardly labeled as ‘feminist’ writing, although they utilise some stylistic elements of feminist narration (Greene 1991). Whereas Galloway vividly portrays contemporary women as being able to function outside the patriarchic framework but provides no answer to the question about the appropriateness of such life style, Fielding is often criticised for the attempts to find consensus with a men’s world and, therefore, to abandon the programme of modern Amazons (Marsh 2004). Anyhow, both contemporary British women of letters share specific ideas concerning authorship and the interplay between feminist and non-feminist traditions to the extent that they can be seen as spiritual sisters of their Victorian predecessors. Being equipped with solid theoretical instruments from gender studies and psychology (e. g. Lacanian psychoanalytic theory) to conceptualise the evolution of womanhood and gendered selves in Great Britain throughout a century, I hope to establish a link between late Victorian and recent women’s writings with a special emphasis on the literary features of the female novel. The freshness of the proposal is in the choice of research objects (all the four novels are not enough extensively discussed by academic critics) and the carrying of analysis within the theoretical framework concerning authorship that was proposed by a Russian scholar Michael Bakhtin.

Legislative Process in Arizona Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Legislative Process in Arizona - Essay Example The first step is proposing the bill to legislation. If there are no objections on the bill, it will be sent to the appropriate committee. If there are objections on the bill, it's put on the Calendar and postponed to another date. The bill will also become available to the public on the next Congressional Record (Elllars). The days before committee meetings tend to generate greater public attention on the bill, resulting in an increase of lobbyist and interest groups. During this time period, bills will be subjected to the amendment process. (Gnant, 1999). If the bill makes it through the committee meaning, the process is still nowhere near complete. The Rules Committee must also approve that the bill is constitutional. All senators will come to discuss open bills during the caucus, but there is no formal voting. The Committee of the Whole can then decide to pass it on to be approved by the president (Gnant, 1999). There are so many processes to passing a bill into a law. It is because of these processes that make Arizona legislature so unique. From the time that a bill to proposed to become a law, public opinion can have great effects on the outcome. The legislation in Arizona give much more political power to the average individual. To exercise this power, citizens should be informed of current initiatives or legislative bills that are being considered. Anyone can access these bills through the Arizona Legislative website. One bill that is currently in process is SB 1108, which states, "The primary purpose of public education is the inculcation of the values of American citizenship." (Forde, 2008.) This bill would put restrictions on race-based organizations in public schools. Personally, I disagree with this bill and believe that it infringes on our right to express who we are. I believe that banning these types of organizations is a way to force students to assimilate. The idea of multiculturalism is dead in the United States as it is. This bill further illustrates our ethnocentricism, or "displaying the emotional attitude that regards one's own group or culture as superior and is contemptuous of other groups and cultures." (Jain, 1990). Banning race-based organizations would strengthen the belief that American culture should ride over anyone else's culture. Believing that an immigrant can and should completely throw out their old customs and culture is obviously ignorant and ethnocentric, but banning minorities from organizing with people they share an ethnic identity with is almost just as ignorant. For many students, the idea of assimilation is a challenging factor that plagues them for years. Having these types of organizations can help them to be more comfortable in American culture while also developing bonds with people they identify with. To ban r ace-based organizations is to force assimilation, and the law should not be passed. Clearly, the political process is a significant role in all our lives, whether we choose to participate or not. Luckily for the people of Arizona, the voice of the public can be heard far more clearly than many states. No matter where you live, however, you have the responsibility to stand up for what you believe in and take advantage of our democracy.

Rhetoric & Stereotypes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Rhetoric & Stereotypes - Essay Example The tattooed individuals in this world are one set of groups which is stereotyped as per a single notion. These individuals usually have tattoos signed up on their body which can either be huge or small. But these individuals are stereotyped as per these tattoos. Usually it is thought that these individuals relate to people who are rockers, punks, brats, criminal or a person who has loose morals. The feminists on the other hand are women who consider themselves equal or superior to men. This set of individual argues for the rights of women in this world. These women are stereotyped on the basis of their behavior i.e. their hatred for the opposite sex. Because of this hatred these women are usually labeled as lesbians and chauvinists. Thirdly the politicians are one group of people which can be said to be stereotyped the most. The politicians are one group of people which is thought to be a con group which makes false promises to make up their way to the leading position. Moreover the se politicians are known to be a group which excels in cheating and corruption. And lastly senior citizens are a group of individuals who are old and knowledgeable. This group of people is known to be stubborn and inefficient when it comes to completing tasks. These individuals are considered to be weak and not worthy enough of some work. All these groups mentioned above do not tend to pose the same picture in the society as different stereotypes are developed according to different way of thoughts. The tattooed individuals tend to pose a negative stereotype usually. The feminists can pose both a negative and a positive stereotype. The positive stereotype created by them is related to equality which is long deserved by women. Politicians can also pose a negative and positive stereotype. It is dependent on the individual attributes that the politician possesses to make up the stereotype. And senior citizens can also show both stereotypes. Negative in the sense that these citizens are usually hot headed and don’t tend to listen to others. Whereas positive in the sense in which these citizens can provide knowledge in areas of which they know better than the younger individuals of the society. There are many rhetoric statements which are known for the above mentioned groups. It is usually said that ‘senior citizens are bad at hearing and bad drivers’. However this is always not true for all the individuals. For tattooed individuals these rhetoric statements relate to them being ‘gang bangers and criminals’. And yet again such a statement is not a generalized statement. For politicians it is said that they are ‘cleverly dangerous’. By dangerous here it is meant that these politicians tend to lie from the people. And lastly the feminists are described as ‘unwomanly and guy hatters’. However these two statements are not generalized. The stereotyping which prevails against the above mentioned groups is somewha t justified too but it does not give a right to an individual to consider all the people of the same group to be of the same nature. Studying about the different types of rhetoric and stereotyping I have come to know that I myself stereotype certain people based on the general view. Similarly I believe that I myself am stereotyped at certain instances because of my age. People do not consider

The Dangerous Climate Change And Some Of The Strategies That Can Be Essay

The Dangerous Climate Change And Some Of The Strategies That Can Be Used To Avert The Beginning Of A Dangerous Climate Change - Essay Example Articles 2 of UNFCCC refer dangerous climatic change as dangerous anthropogenic interference caused by human activities. However, Parker and Shapiro (2008) give a more specific definition of a climatic change. They state that dangerous climatic change refers to any or combination of the following; three feet rise in sea level, beyond 50 percent extinction of species or / and regional change in climate that cause severe reduction of local food and water supply. According to climate change experts, dangerous climate change is caused by additional 2oF (1.2oC) rise in global warming above 2000 levels. 2oF (1.2oC) rise in global warming above 2000 levels is equivalent to 450 (per particle million) ppm of Carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration. In May 2008, there were 385 ppm CO2 levels (Parker and Shapiro, 2008). Increase in carbon dioxide concentration is caused by human activities that release carbon dioxide into the atmospheres. All combustion, which are made to generate energy releases ca rbon dioxide into the atmosphere and should be controlled if dangerous climatic change is to be avoided. Figure 1-Reasons for concern about climate change impacts Temperature Change (0C) Sources OECD, 2004 The above figure shows the warming range per every unit of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. Each column represents a tipping point caused by a given concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The rate of warming is indicated by the graph that cut across all the columns. Column one shows that an increase in carbon dioxide concentration from 350 ppm to 550 ppm generate additional temperatures of between 1.5oC and 2oC respectively. The impact of increase in temperatures in column one can only harm handful species and can threatened earth system, which may trigger things like ice melt or dieback of forests. If carbon dioxide emissions were to stabilize at around 850 ppm substantial additional warming would occur at this range because the slope of the graph is very steep. If carbon concentrations were to go beyond column five in the above diagram, then temperatures will rise by about 5oC and 6oC respectively. These are extreme rise in temperatures and life may cease to exist. 2) The most affected by dangerous climate change The number of people who die or in danger in developed nations is less as compared to those who die or in danger in developing nations. This is because infrastructure and social safety nets are inadequate or non-existent to cushion people from less developed countries from dangerous effects caused by drastic changes in the climate. People in developing countries are mainly affected by dwindling food suppliers while people in developed countries suffer from weather related conditions such as heat strokes and hurricanes. According to Dawson and Spannagle (2009 p.115), precipitated patterns have caused extreme weather events. Rainfall patterns are changing and incidences of drought have increased due to global warming in devel oping countries. These have affected agricultural production in Sub-Sahara Africa, South Asia and Mediterranean region. Developing countries are hard hit by failing crop yields and declining water supply. Worsening food securities are evident in Africa and South Asian countries. It is estimated that twenty three million people will be hit by severe drought and rising food prices in Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya. As a result, Oxfam Launched $152 million appeal to help most affected people in

Succession & Retention of Offshore Managers Essay

Succession & Retention of Offshore Managers - Essay Example The current problems and challenges of the global environment will also be taken into consideration. The case study for this research is Technip UK Ltd, the UK subsidiary of the Technip Group based in France. However, this case study will be supplemented with research obtained from two more organizations, to benchmark Technip, as well as provide a basis for comparison of HR practices. The two organizations selected for this purpose are Saipem SPA and Stolt Offshore M.S. Ltd, a UK Company. The author seeks to broaden his knowledge in key areas of HR, especially in the retention of a skilled and competent workforce within a rapidly expanding market where demand for personnel is outstripping availability, and risk factors have complicated this task. The author also seeks insight into the challenges associated with maintaining a globally diverse, international personnel base for engineering projects. The following manger has assured his support. Through the benchmarking exercise with its main competitors, this research study aims to arrive at a relevant examination of Technip’s human resource practices and whether it is enhancing recruitment and retention, or proving to be a detriment. Since all the three firms will be faced with similar challenges in the global environment, benchmarking will be useful to establish specific problems or good practices at Technip. Major investment (Â £100 million + per unit) in new Diving vessels by Technip UK Ltd and its main competitors will mean that recruitment and retention will be key to competitive advantage and building distinctive capabilities. Following an introduction and background to the subjects being researched, the third chapter will provide a literature review. Chapter five will discuss the research methodology and the results will be analysed in chapter six. Chapter 7 will contain recommendations for improvement and conclusions. This research study will employ a qualitative

How far was foreign intervention responsible for the Nationalist Essay

How far was foreign intervention responsible for the Nationalist victory in the Spanish Civil War - Essay Example The sole objective of my investigation is to measure the tremendous impact which certain foreign countries exerted on the Spanish Civil War and whether they are to be held guilty and blameworthy for supporting the rebellious subjects during the Civil War or not. From this perspective, it seems relevant to address the following question: to what extent was foreign intervention responsible for the National victory in the Spanish Civil War? Waged between the Republicans and the Nationalists for a period of three years (from 1936 to 1939), the Spanish Civil War was indeed a ferocious conflict that has both destroyed and devastated Spain. The conflict has began immediately after an attempt of a coup d’à ©tat triggered by a herd of dissatisfied Spanish Army generals who declared themselves the new authority in Spain wielding much excessive power. Remarkable is that the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, the Spanish landlords and some of the industrialists and financiers did not hesitate an instance to afford instinctive and unconditioned support to the military insurgency. These people have developed some kind of phobia and aversion for the elected government’s schemes for reform and sought to create a state of chaos and disorder in Spain with the aid of some foreign countries. My intervention therefore is to shed light on the divergent aspects of the Spanish Civil war, focusing mainly on the way foreign countries intervened in it in shaping National victory. As a matter of fact, the rebellious Spanish subjects were backed up by the conservative Spanish Confederation of the Autonomous Right (Confederacià ³n Espaà ±ola de Derechas Autà ³nomas, or C.E.D.A), monarchists known as Carlist groups, and the Fascist Falange (Falange Espaà ±ola de las J.O.N.S.).1 Prominently, the military purely Spanish conflict has ended with the defeat of the Republican government, the victory of the right-wing generals and the foundation of a dictatorship under the auspices

Business Requirements Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Business Requirements - Research Paper Example In addition, the report will offer an insight on the importance of Joint Application Development (JAD) and the significance attributed to the information package diagrams. The foremost function of requirement gathering in the development process involves the determination of the nature of requirements that are fit for the system development in terms of action, measurement, definition, testability and needs relative to the required design. In addition, this stage of gathering is critical in identifying the errors and correcting them before codes are given for the functions. This helps in reducing over 50% defects in the whole system (Tremblay & Cheston, 2001). The building of the a data warehouse and operational databases share commonalities in terms of technological support in terms of use of function based keys and views. Both are founded on a data model. However, differences between the two exist. The foremost being on the functional perspective whereby the operational database development transaction, offers solutions to the operational requirements, while in the case of warehouse database, the ad hoc questions are operational for management functions. The other difference involves the diverse functional requirements for the two types. In the case of operational database, the primary focus is on data security and coherence, while in the case of warehouse database the focus is on the economic analysis, which gives predictable indexes. In addition, the design of the two databases is different. Whereas the design of the operational databases are structured to fit online processing of the transactions, that of warehouse database is struct ured to fit and enhance data analysis (Tremblay & Cheston, 2001). The operational design helps in efficient large scale storage of transactional data storage. An example of this type of information includes current information that needs updates. It is imperative to note that,

Monterey, Ca Essay Example for Free

Monterey, Ca Essay Whenever I tell someone that I am from California I am automatically asked about palm trees, the sun, hot weather, tanning, the beach, richness, etc. However, it’s not like that for me, I’m not from San Diego or Santa Clara, I’m from a small town in Central California with a population of about thirty thousand people, Monterey and it is a popular tourist attraction. The weather is about the same year round, between 60-70 degrees. It is rare the day we get up to 90 to 95 degrees. On those days it is as if I did life in San Diego. When we get out of school, everyone goes to the beach. We spend hours there, girls mainly tanning while the boys skim board, surf, swim, or play beach volleyball. At night we’ll set up a bonfire. We don’t do this only on the hot days, it does not matter what day of the season it is well set up bonfires all the time. It was a great thing to do at night, laying by the fire, drinking, smoking, eating, making smores, etc. Monterey is mainly known for its marine life. It has one of the biggest aquariums in North America. Monterey Bay Aquarium gives many scientists access to different marine life for research. It just opened a new Jellyfish exhibit and a year or so ago remodeled the Open Sea. The aquarium has two main parts, the open sea and the ocean’s edge. In the open sea you can see the Puffins, the Jellies Experience, The Secret Lives of Seahorses, and an Auditorium. Where as in the Ocean’s Edge part of the aquarium you can see the Kelp Forest, the Habitats, Penguins, and even the Touch Pools. There is no student in the Monterey County who has not been to this aquarium, I know this for a fact because every first grader goes to the aquarium as a field trip. The teacher gives each student a clipboard with a worksheet on it. Then he class is broken up in to groups and each has a chaperone and an aquarium guide. As everyone walks around, the students must fill out the work sheet. Every student covers every inch of the aquarium, from the otters to the roof, and even to the lab rooms. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is located at the end of Cannery Row. Cannery Row was named after the novel by John Steinbeck that took place there. In high school, we were obligated to read John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row in order to get an idea of how it was in his time. There, I can promise you that you will be trampled by tourists. There are tourist everywhere, because Cannery Row is literally right next to the beach is has a very strong smell of fish and sea water, combined. On the both sides of the street you will see restaurants after restaurants, like Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, El Torito, Fish Hopper, Johnny Rocket’s, and Sly McFly’s. There are also many souvenir shops and a Starbucks and a Dip-n-Dots, and also a few clubs and bars. One street up from Cannery Row, a block away from the aquarium, is the American Tin Cannery. Years and years ago it used to be a world wide famous sardine factory which ending because the sardines disappeared tragically. Now, it is an outlet store and it has a couple of restaurants, my favorite bei ng First Awakenings. It is a breakfast, lunch diner, I used to go every Mondays before school with my family for breakfast. Walking past Cannery Row is a bike path, which has always been on of my favorite things to do. The bike path goes on for a couple of miles, a few feet from the edge of the ocean and on the other side are magnificent houses, hotels, the lighthouse, and a small golf course. It eventually leads into Pacific Grove and then Asilomar Beach, the dog beach. This is where most high school students go for their Winterball or Prom pictures. If I were to walk the opposite way of the path I would be going back to Cannery Row, passing Cannery Row I would end up at San Carlos Beach. San Carlos Beach is nothing big, a very small, private beach. I hardly ever see anyone there. Back on the bike path, passing San Carlos Beach I am heading toward the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, another very touristic destination. This Wharf has three major owners, one owns the front part, the other owns Old Fisherman’s Grotto, and the third owns most of the other shops, and restaurants at the end of the wharf. I worked at Gilbert’s on the wharf on summer and part of the school year. I was the ‘clam chowder girl’. That summer I just stood there, serving chowder to all these tourists from all over the world; Italy, France, Mexico, Spain, the Middle East, etc. I would get in trouble every now and then if I would socialize with them. At the end of the wharf there is always either a man or a women who draws caricatures and on the bottom adds a whale, ocean or the wharf. The reason why he or she does a whale is because right next to the booth is another booth for whale watching. I did it once and I did not see whales but others have said they have seen them. One the other side of the Old Fisherman’s Wharf is another wharf. That wharf consists mostly of parked cars, a couple of small restaurants and a fish market at the end. At the fish market they sell fresh fish. They will go fishing and keep the fish alive, one a customer comes in and orders whatever they please, the fishermen will kill the fish right in front of you so you know that it is fresh. Every now and then I see a big ship on the dock. In-between these two wharfs is filled with sail boats, yhats, house boats, fishing boats, etc. Walking on the bike path next to this part of the dock, if I were to look down to the ocean, you can see otters, hundreds of otters, crying, sleeping or just playing around. Across from Old Fisherman’s Wharf is a path that leading into Downtown Monterey. Alvarado Street is at the heart of Downtown and it’s one the places teens and adults are seen at a lot. There are approximately seven to ten clubs and bars on this street, so its hardly ever empty. About two years ago we got a Myo there. Myo is equivalent to a Pink Berry, only better in my opinion. You’re able to get your own serving but keep in mind that you’re being charged 65 cents per ounce. I believe it is owned by two Monterey firefighters. On Tuesdays, the city closes the street to vehicles because there is a Farmer’s Market. There are food stands, fruit/vegatable stands, handmade jewelry sellers, CHOMP blood drive, to clothing vendors. A street up from Alvarado is the Monterey Police Station, Monterey Fire Department, and the Public Library. A few streets down from Alvarado is the first church built in California, San Carlos Church, formally known as San Carlos Cathedral. Next door to the church is a private Catholic school, San Carlos School. I attended this school for elementary and middle school. It is a very small school, one class for each grade. We had a uniform, therefore, the elementary girls had to wear plaid dresses with a white or navy blue polo and the boys had to wear navy blue pants and a polo. The middle school girls couldnt wear the dresses anymore so we had to wear plaid skirts with the polos and the boys had the same uniform as the younger boys. My graduating class only had 20 kids because we were such a small school, our class was very close and most of us went to the same high school after. Monterey has four high school, Santa Catalina, York, Trinity, and Monterey high school. The Del Monte Shopping Center is where students mainly hang out because of the restaurants, stores and the movie theater. Century 21, is the only movie theater in Monterey. The mall is not very big but it has the main things people go to buy like, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, HM, Forever 21, Victoria Secret, Cold Stone, etc. The crime violence is very high in the city’s around Monterey but in Monterey itself is not to bad. We don’t hear about shooting or murders. However, it has been getting high in the cities around Monterey, and it worries some of the residents. It was disappointing to learn that crime violence in now creeping into Monterey. One thing that keeps the residence calm is that the Monterey Police Department do not rest with crime and they do, do something about it, immediately. In Seaside, and or Salinas it is a harder for them get the criminal. Monterey has and always will be my home. I grew up there, I lived there, I love it there, it is a place where I can feel at ease. It makes others feel at home. I have been told, and heard that tourists, celebrities, and residents all think that this is on of the prettiest places in California and of the world. It makes me feel proud to be part of the Monterey community, to be a part of something that others wished they could be a part. I recommend that everyone should see Monterey, at least once in their lifetime.

Change Detection Techniques of Remote Sensing Imageries

Change Detection Techniques of Remote Sensing Imageries 1.1 Introduction Over the past years, academics have suggested enormous numbers of change detection techniques of remote sensing imageries and classified them from a different point of views [28]. These techniques depend on the assumption of spatial independence among pixels. This assumption is valid only for low, medium and high-resolution images but insufficient for VHR images [1]. This chapter presents the concept, implementation, and assessment of seven change detection techniques using low, medium and high-resolution ORSI. The rest of this chapter is organized into eight sections. Section 3.2 presents a brief description of the study areas. Section 3.3 describes the dataset characteristics of the study areas (Sharm El-Sheikh city and Mahalla al-kubra city Egypt). Section 3.4 presents the pre-processing performed on the image dataset before change detection process. Section 3.5 provides the accuracy assessment measures used for evaluation of the change detection process. Section 3.6 illustrates the concepts of the selected seven change detection techniques. These techniques are post-classification, direct multi-date classification (DMDC), image differencing (ID), image rationing (IR), image symmetric relative difference (ISRD), change vector analysis (CVA), and principal component differencing (PCD). Section 3.7 presents the experimental work. It explains the Implementation and accuracy assessment of applying the selected change detection techniques on an image dataset of Sharm El-Sheikh city- Egypt. Section 3.8 presents the application of post-classification change detection technique on an image dataset of El-Mahalla El-kubra City-Egypt to detect the urban expansion over the agricultural area through the period from 2010 to 2015. Finally, section 3.9 gives the chapter summary. 1.2 The study areas In this chapter, two study areas are selected for the application of the selected change detection techniques. The first area is a part of Sharm el-Sheikh city. It is located on the southern landfill of the Sinai Peninsula, in the South Sinai Governorate, Egypt, on the coastal bar along the Red Sea as shown in figure (3.1). Its population is approximately 73,000 as of 2015 [62]. Sharm El Sheikh is the administrative hub of Egypts South Sinai Governorate, which includes the smaller coastal towns of Dahab and Nuweiba as well as the mountainous interior, St. Catherine and Mount Sinai. Today the city is a holiday resort and significant center for tourism in Egypt. The selected area is about 12.5 Km2. The second study area is a village belongs to El Mahalla El Kubra city. El Mahalla El Kubra is a large industrial and agricultural city in Egypt, located in the middle of the Nile Delta on the western bank of the Damietta Branch tributary, as shown in figure (3.2). The city is known for its textile industry. It is the largest city of the Gharbia Governorate and the second largest in the Nile Delta [63]. The selected area is about 38 Km2. 1.3 Images datasets of the study areas In this chapter, two datasets are used. The first dataset consists of two images of Sham el-Sheikh city acquired by Landsat 7 at 2000 and 2010 respectively as shown in figure (3.3). Area of the image lies between Lat. 28 0 37.0091 N, Lon. 34 17 56.3381 E and Lat.   27 57 20.8804 N, Lon. 34 24 43.6080 E. Table (3.1) summarizes the characteristic of these images. Table (3.1 )   Characteristic of Sham el-Sheikh dataset No Spatial resolution Radiometric resolution Number of bands Acquisition date Size [pixels] Area [km2] Width Height 1 30 m 8 bits 3 2000 382 364 12.5143 2 30 m 8 bits 3 2010 382 364 12.5143 (a) (b) Fig (3.3 ) Dataset of Sharm el-Sheikh city- Egypt acquired by Landsat 7 at (a) image acquired at 2000 and the (b) image acquired at 2010. Figure (3.4) illustrates the second dataset of a village belongs to EL Mahalla al-Kubra city in Egypt. It consists of two images acquired in 2010 and 2015. It is taken by El-Shayal Smart web online Software that could acquire Satellite images from Google Earth. The image area lies between Lat. 30 57 46.9032 N, Lon. 31 14 35.4776E and Lat. 30 54 47.00 N, Lon. 31 18 19.98. Table (3.2) summarizes the characteristic of this dataset. (a) (b) Fig ( 3.4 ) Dataset of EL mahalla al-kubra city- Egypt ( Google Earth) (a) image acquired at 2010 and (b) image acquired at 2015. Table (3.2 )   Characteristic of EL mahalla al-kubra dataset No Spatial resolution Radiometric resolution Number of bands Acquisition date Size [pixels] Area [km2] Width Height 1 6 m 8 bits 3 2010 1056 1007 38.2821 2 6 m 8 bits 3 2015 1056 1007 38.2821 1.4 Image Pre-processing for Change Detection Before change detection process, it is usually necessary to carry out the radiometric correction and image registration for the dataset used [64].   In sections 3.4.1and 3.4.2, the concept of radiometric and image registration are described. The execution of preprocessing on the dataset used is given in section 3.7.2. 1.4.1 Radiometric correction Radiometric conditions are influenced by many factors such as different imaging seasons or dates, different solar altitudes, different view angles, different meteorologic conditions and different cover areas of cloud, rain or snow etc. It may affect the accuracy of most change detection techniques. Radiometric correction is performed to remove or reduce the inconsistency between the values surveyed by sensors and the spectral reflectivity and spectral radiation brightness of the objects, which encompasses absolute radiometric correction and relative radiometric correction [26]. Absolute radiometric correction It mainly rectifies the radiation distortion that is irrelevant to the radiation features of the object surface and is caused by the state of sensors, solar illumination, and dispersion and absorption of atmospheric etc. The typical methods mainly consist of adjusting the radiation value to the standard value with the transmission code of atmospheric radiation, adjusting the radiation value to the standard value with spectral curves in the lab, adjusting the radiation value to the standard value with dark object and transmission code of radiation, rectifying the scene by removing the dark objects and so on. Due to the fact that it is expensive and impractical to survey the atmospheric parameter and ground objects of the current data, and almost impossible to survey that of the historical data, it is difficult to implement absolute radiometric correction in most situations in reality. Relative radiometric correction In a relative radiometric correction, an image is regarded as a reference image. Then adjust the radiation features of another image to make it match with the former one. Main methods consist of correction by histogram regularization and correction with fixed object. This kind of correction can remove or reduce the effects of atmosphere, sensor, and other noises. In addition, it has a simple algorithm. So it has been widely used. The radiation algorithms that are most frequently used at present in the preprocessing of change detection mainly consists of image regression method, pseudo-invariant features,   dark set and bright set normalization, no-change set radiometric normalization, histogram matching, second simulation of the satellite signal in the solar spectrum and so on. It should be pointed that radiometric correction isnt necessary for all change detection methods. Although some scholars hold that radiometric corrections are necessary for multi-sensor land cover change ana lysis Leonardo studies at 2006 have shown that if the obtained spectral signal comes from the images to be classified, it is unnecessary to conduct atmospheric correction before the change detection of post-classification comparison. For those change detection algorithms based on feature, object comparison, radiometric correction is often unnecessary [64]. 1.4.2 Image registration Precise registration to the multi-temporal imageries is essential for numerous change detection techniques. The importance of precise spatial registration of multi-temporal imagery is understandable because generally spurious results of change detection will be formed if there is misregistration. If great registration accuracy isnt available, a great deal of false change area in the scene will be caused by image displacement. It is commonly approved that the geometrical registration accuracy of the sub-pixel level is recognized. It can be seen that the geometrical registration accuracy of the sub-pixel level is necessary to change detection. However, it is doubtful whether this result is suitable for all registration data sources and all detected objects and if suitable how much it is. Another problem is whether this result has no influence on all change detection techniques and applications and if there is any influence how much it is. These Problems are worth to be studied further. On the other hand, it is difficult to implement high accuracy registration between multi-temporal especially multi-sensor remote sensing images due to many factors, such as imaging models, imaging angles and conditions, curvature and rotation of the earth and so on. Especially in the mountainous region and urban area, general image registration methods are ineffective and orthorectification is needed. Although geometrical registration of high accuracy is necessary to techniques used for low, medium and high resolution (like image differencing techniques and post-classification), it is unnecessary for all change detection t. For the feature-based change detection methods like object-based change detection method, the so-called buffer detection procedure can be employed to associate the extracted objects or features and in this manner, the harsh prerequisite of perfect registration can be escaped [65]. However, these methods neglect the key problem of the distinction between radiomet ric and semantic changes. So, it does not address the problem of change detection from a general perspective. It just focuses on specific applications relevant to the end user [1]. 1.5 Accuracy Assessment used for Change Detection Process evaluation The accuracy of change detection depends on many factors, including precise geometric registration and calibration or normalization, availability and quality of ground reference data, the complexity of landscape and environment, methods or algorithms used, the analysts skills and experience, and time and cost restrictions.   Authors in [66] summarized the main errors in change detection including errors in data (e.g. image resolution, accuracy of location and image quality), errors caused by pre-processing (the accuracy of geometric correction and radiometric correction), errors caused by change detection methods and processes (e.g. classification and data extraction error), errors in field survey (e.g. accuracy of ground reference) and errors caused by post-processing. Accuracy assessment techniques in change detection originate from those of remote sensing images classification. It is natural to extend the accuracy assessment techniques for processing single time image to that of bi-temporal or multi-temporal images. Among various assessment techniques, the most efficient and widely-used is the error matrix [26]. It describes the comparison or cross-tabulation of the classified land cover to the actual land cover revealed by the sample sites results in an error matrix as demonstrated in the table (3.3). It can be called a confusion matrix, contingency table [67], evaluation matrix [68] or misclassification matrix [69]. Different measures and statistics can be derived from the values in an error matrix. These measures are used to evaluate the change detection process. These measures are overall accuracy, procedures accuracy and user accuracy [70]. Overall accuracy of the change map It presents the ratio of the total number of correctly classified pixels to the total number of pixels in the matrix. This figure is normally expressed as a percentage. It can be expressed as follows: The overall accuracy =   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (3.1) Users accuracy (column accuracy) It is a measure of the reliability of change map generated from a CD process. It is a statistic that can tell the user of the map what percentage of a class corresponds to the ground-truthed class. It is calculated by dividing the number of correct pixels for a class by the total pixels assigned to that class. The user accuracy =   Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (3.2) Producers accuracy (raw accuracy) It is a measure of the accuracy of a particular classification scheme. It shows what percentage of a particular ground class was correctly classified. It is calculated by dividing the number of correct pixels for a class by the actual number of ground truth pixels for that class. The procedure accuracy =   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (3.3) Table ( 3.3 ) Change error matrix or confusion matrix. Classified land cover Actual land cover Class1 = change Class2 = no change Class1 = change Correct False Class2 = no change False Correct 1.6 Concepts of the selected change detection techniques Seven LULC change detection techniques are selected to be implemented on our dataset. These techniques are post-classification, direct multi-date classification (DMDC), image differencing (ID), image rationing (IR), image symmetric relative difference (ISRD), change vector analysis (CVA), and principal component differencing (PCD). Image differencing Itis based on the subtraction of two spatially registered imageries, pixel by pixel, as follows: ID =Xi (t2) Xi (t1)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (3.4) Where: X represents the multispectral images with I (number of bands) acquired at two different times t1and t2. The pixels of changed area are predictable to be scattered in the two ends of the histogram of the resulting image (change map), and the no changed area is grouped around zero as shown in figure (3.5). This simple manner easily infers the resulting image; conversely, it is vital to properly describe the thresholds to perceive the change from non-change regions [71]. Fig (3.5 ) Histogram of the change map. Image Rationing It is similar to image differencing method. The only difference between them is the replacement of the differencing images by rationed images [71].   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   IR =Xi (t2) / Xi (t1)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (3.5) Image Symmetric Relative Difference it is based on the useof symmetric relative difference formula to measure change [72], as follows: ISRD =  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (3.6) Separating the change by the pixels value at time 1 and time 2 permits the derivation of a change map that measures the proportion change in the pixel, nonetheless of which image is selected to be the first image. For instance, a pixel that had a value of 20 at time 1 and a value of 80 at time 2 would have an absolute change of 60, and a proportion change value in the change map of 375%: [(80 20) / 20 + (80-20)/80] * 100 = 375% An additional pixel with a value of 140 at time 1 and 200 at time 2 would also have an absolute change of 60, but its proportion change would only be 72.86%:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   [(200 140) / 140 + (200-140)/200] * 100 = 72.86% In general, it can be supposed that the proportion change of a pixels brightness value is more revealing of real change in the image than purely the absolute change   [73]. Change Vector Analysis It generates two outputs: a change vector image and a magnitude image. The spectral change vector (SCV) explains the direction and magnitude of change from the first to the second date. The overall change extent per pixel is considered by defining the Euclidean distance between end points over dimensional change space, as follows:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (3.7) A decision on change is made based on whether the change magnitude exceeds a specific threshold. The geometric concept of CVA is applicable to any number of spectral bands [41]. Principal Component Differencing It is often accepted as effective transforms to derive information and compress dimensions. Most of the information is focused on the first two components. Particularly, the first component has the most information. The difference between the first principle component of two dates has the potential to advance the change detection outcomes, i.e. PCD= PC1 (X(t2)) PC1 (X(t1))  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (3.8) The change detection is implemented based on threshold [28]. Direct multi-date classification It combines the two images (X (t2) and X (t1)) into a single image on which a classià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ cation is performed. The areas of changes are expected to present different statistics (i. e., distinct classes) compared to the areas with no changes [74]. Post-classification It is based on the classification of the two images (X (t2) and X(t1)) separately and then compared. Ideally, similar thematic classes are produced for each classià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ cation. Changes between the two dates can be visualized using a change matrix indicating, for both dates, the number of pixels in each class. This matrix allows us to interpret what changes occurred for a specià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ c class. The main advantage of this method is the minimal impacts of radiometric and geometric differences between multi-date images. However, the accuracy of the à ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ nal result is the product of accuracies of the two independent classià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ cations (e.g., 64% à ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ nal accuracy for two 80% independent classià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ cation accuracies) [74]. 1.7 Experimental work This section describes the environment and the implementation procedures of seven selected change detection techniques on the first dataset of Sham el-Sheikh city. 1.7.1 Experiment setup Applying methods described in section 3.5 requires a suitable setup (environment). The setup requirements are summarized in software and hardware. A laptop machine with processor Intel(R) core (TM)i7-4500U CPU @1.80 GH   2.40 GH and RAM 8 GB is used as hardware environment. ERDASD IMAGINE 2014 is selected to be the software environment. It has the Model maker toolbox which is used as a programming language. It is chosen for its ability to combine matrix datasets and multi-dimensional arrays that are used to represent multi-dimensional images, and also for its ability to visualize and interrogate results in an interactive manner. Moreover, it allows providing the integration of the necessary datasets and algorithmic customizations for the development of the described method. 1.7.2 Pre-processing Dataset of EL mahalla al-kubra described in section 3.3 had already registered before. Radiometric correction is carried out to minimize the false change detection by applying histogram matching between the two images. So, the pixel of the no changed areas in one date should take the same or close gray level values of the corresponding pixels in the other date as shown in figure   (3.6) [75]. (a) (b) Fig (3.6 ) Dataset of Sharm el-Sheikh city after applying histogram matching on the image acquired at 2000 to match the image acquired at 2010. 1.7.3 Implementation of the change detection techniques The selected techniques are implemented by the model maker in the ERDAS IMAGINE 2014 software for a dataset of Sharm el-Sheikhto provide an overview and assessment of LULC change detection techniques. 250 random variables are used to generate an error matrix to calculate the overall accuracy according to equation (3.1). The reference points are driven visually by comparing the two images. Table (3.4) summarizes the implementation of the selected methods. 1.7.4 Results analysis The results of applying the selected change detection techniques on the first dataset of Sham el-Sheikh city are introduced in the following: Image differencing The change map generated using the image differencing method described in section 3.6 is shown in figure (3.7). The change map has two colors. The white color represents the changed area while the black color represents the no changed area. The change error matrix is generated using 250 random variables as demonstrated in the table (3.5). The reference information is taken visually by comparing the dataset. It is used to calculate the overall accuracy, user accuracy, and the procedures accuracy. The overall accuracy of the change map is 92.4%. Table (3.4) Steps of implementation the selected change detection techniques on a dataset of Sharm el-Sheikh. Method Procedures Image differencing ID 1- Applying equation (3.4). 2- Threshold values were determined according to the statistical calculation by taking (1* STD) to identify the land cover change. This step provides a binary image for each band, 1 as change and 0 as non-change. 3- The change map is produced according to the majority voting between the binary images. 4- The overall accuracy is calculated by Producing change error matrix using 250 random variables according to equation (3.1). Image rationing IR 1- Apply equation (3.5). 2- Thresholds were determined as mentioned before. 3- Change map is produced through majority voting between the binary images. 4- The overall accuracy is calculated by Producing change error matrix using 250 random variables according to equation (3.1). Image symmetric Relative Difference ISRD 1-Apply equation (3.6) 2- Thresholds were determined as mentioned before. 3- Change map is produced through majority voting between the binary images. 4- The overall accuracy is calculated by Producing change error matrix using 250 random variables according to equation (3.1). Change Vector analysis CVA 1- Apply equation (3.7) to get the Euclidian distance between the two dates. 2- Thresholds were determined as mentioned before. 3- Change map is produced through majority voting between the binary images. 4- The overall accuracy is calculated by Producing change error matrix using 250 random variables according to equation (3.1). Principal component differencing PCD 1- Get the principle componentof the two images. 2- Apply equation (3.8). 3- Thresholds were determined as mentioned before. 4- Change map is produced through majority voting between the binary images. 5- The overall accuracy is calculated by Producing change er

Solar Energy What Will Save Our Earth Environmental Sciences Essay

Solar Energy What Will Save Our Earth Environmental Sciences Essay Around the world, everyone seems to have green on their minds. However, this isnt green as in money, this green deals with the green movement. The green movement was started by environmentalists, whose goal it was to make known we are damaging our earth and that we need to make changes to save it. The main focus of the green movement is to create alternative energy sources for the world to use instead of depleting our fossil fuel energy resources. With fossil fuels being non-renewable resources, we all must recognize the energy problem and work towards other options. Eric McLamb, in his online article on energys future today, states non-renewable fossil fuels were  formed from plants and animals that lived hundreds of millions of years ago and became buried way underneath the Earths surface where their remains collectively transformed into the combustible materials we use for fuel.  (McLamb, 1) Without our supply of fossil fuels, society would fail to exist as it does today. Our most common fossil fuels today are oil, coal and natural gas, giving us our heat and electricity. Eric McLamb continued on to state,  This means that fossil fuels, along with nuclear energy-a controversial, nonrenewable energy source- are supplying 93% of the worlds energy resources.  (McLamb, 1)   We obtain most of our fossil fuels through a mining process. During the various mining processes, the surrounding environment can be highly damaged. Numerous oil spills have occurring while mining, damaging large areas of our ocean ecosystems. In addition to damaging water, the mining of coal strips enormous pieces of land, destroying our land ecosystems. Our ecosystems are being destroyed, as well as our atmosphere. When burned, fossil fuels release large amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide in turn contributes greatly towards our planets global warming epidemic, which then creates other issues. With global warming causing temperatures to rise, ice in places such as Antarctica, is melting causing ocean water to rise and negatively impact its surrounding ecosystems and other bodies of water.  Rising sea levels alone can impede processes ranging from settlement, agriculture and fishing both commercially and recreationally. Air pollution is also a direct r esult of the use of fossil fuels, resulting in smog and the degradation of human health and plant growth. (McLamb, 1)   By the year 2020, world energy consumption is projected to increase by 50% If the global consumption of renewable energy sources remains constant, the worlds available fossil fuel reserves will be consumed in 104 years or in the 22nd century.(McLamb, 1) With our non-renewable resources depleting and our population continually growing, the need for other energy sources will not be decreasing anywhere in the near future. The energy sources being considered today center around natural elements; wind, solar, and water energy sources. All of these sources are efficient, renewable, and healthy for our environment. For the purpose of this essay, I chose to focus strictly on solar energy. More specifically, I chose to focus on the benefits and detriments of solar energy on the U.S environmentally.  I strongly believe that the U.S. needs to make the switch to solar energy and would environmentally benefit from doing so. Solar energy is radiant energy from the sun, which is then harnessed and used to produce electricity. Solar energy began in the 7th century, using glass and the sun to make fire. Through the years the need for solar energy has increased and is used today to heat rooms, heat water, and generate electricity. In order to heat rooms and water, the radiant energy from the suns rays must be captured. It is difficult to capture rays because they are so spread out, the concentrations very dramatically. NEED, The National Energy Education Development Program, shares about how much solar energy that is available depends on  the time of day, the season of the year, and the clearness or cloudiness of the sky.  (Solar, 40) Once the energy is caught, it needs to be transformed into usable energy. The main processes to transform the rays into energy are photovoltaic, solar power towers or by burning biomass. Photovoltaic cells are the most common and efficient way to convert solar energy. An enthusiast, Marissa Schiff, states in her article Why the U.S. Should Rely More Heavily Upon Solar Energy, The photovoltaic effect occurs when sunlight is absorbed by the cells that are similar to computer chips. The solar energy in this instance gets the electrons moving by separating them from their atoms which allows the electrons to move through the material and thus creates electricity.(Schiff, 2) Silicon is the most common material used in photovoltaic cells and they are most efficiently used in rural settings. Another way to convert solar into energy is through solar power towers, also known as central receivers. Schiff continues on to address solar power towers that generate energy from sunlight because they concentrate solar energy onto a tower which has a receiver on the top that converts energy and creates steam.  (Schiff, 2) Solar power towers are ideally for more populated areas, such as large cities. Lastly, a common way to convert the harnessed energy is through the burning of biomass. Schiff states,  the biomass produces usable energy because it contains energy stored from the sun through the process of photosynthesis.  (Schiff, 2) The burning of the biomass releases heat, which in turn can heat up buildings and can be used to create steam to generate electricity. When speaking of solar power, people tend to think of the positive effects it has on our environment. However, there are many detriments when it comes to the existence of many solar power plants. For example, the Solar Energy Development Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement website states, All utility-scale solar energy facilities require relatively large areas for solar radiation collection when used to generate electricity at a commercial scale, and the large arrays of solar collectors may interfere with natural sunlight, rainfall, and drainage, which could have a variety of effects on plants and animals.  (Solar Energy, 1) The loss of land could damage many animals habitats, as well as stop current land use. For example, the land may currently be used for the grazing of sheep or even an archeological site. Also, most solar power plants would chose to use photovoltaic cell panels to capture the suns rays. These photovoltaic panels, although they have a coating on them, cou ld be damaged and release harmful chemicals into our environment. As the Solar Energy Development PEIS points out, concentrating solar power systems may employ liquids such as oils or molten salts that may be hazardous and present spill risks.  (Solar Energy, 1) In addition to damaging the land, the water sources surrounding the solar power plant may be damaged. Many solar power plants use turbines to generate the electricity after captured by the panels. These turbines use water for cooling purposes. As many solar power plants would be located in arid, hot climates, the water sources would already be limited. If a solar plant was to be built in such a place, there would be an increased strain on the water reserves. Another thought is if the water was contaminated accidently while cooling in the turbine, it could contaminate the entire water supply. Overall solar power plants could possibly cause a lot of damage to our environment. They are massive facilities that would have to be treated much like that of a construction site, with extreme caution. Although there are several possible detriments to our environment, if we choose to convert to solar our environment would be greatly saved. Solar energy, along with all renewable resources, does not pollute our air and is quiet efficient. Solar energy would reduce global warming due to carbon dioxide emissions because it doesnt emit any at all. Solar energy also does not release nitrogen oxide or sulfur dioxide into our atmosphere, which would reduce smog and acid rain. (Schiff, 1) Also, as previously addressed, we must make the switch to solar energy in order to conserve our remaining fossil fuels so that we dont run out within the next 104 years as proposed. Fossil fuels must be mined; solar on the other hand does not. Solar would reduce the waste that occurs through these mining processes that negatively effects our environment, such as dust, drainage and emissions. Finally, the efficiency of fossil fuels for electricity is relatively low. McLamb states,  When you burn these fossil fuels to create electricity, we only convert about 35% of the energy produced into electricity; the other 65% is lost mostly in heat.  (McLamb, 1) As our fossil fuels are steadily depleting we need a reliable energy source with a higher efficiency. Although single solar cells have relatively low efficiency, when millions are combined to create an entire solar power system, the efficiency increases. Since the sun is everlasting, the efficiency isnt as big of a deal as in the case of our fossil fuels. As our fossil fuels continue to deplete, everyone from environmentalists to national oil companies, are recognizing the fact that we must decide on an alternative energy source for our nation.  Ã‚  Through the evidence collected here, it is clear solar energy has its benefits and detriments, but it is understandably the best energy alternative.  Although solar energy does present some detriments to our environment, they are only possibilities, not proven facts.  Ã‚  The fact is that solar energy is dramatically better for our environment than todays fossil fuels.  Ã‚  Initially expensive, yet worthwhile in the long run, environmentally-friendly solar energy is the direction the U.S. should be heading.     Ã‚   MLA Works Cited McLamb, Eric. ecology.com | Fossil Fuels vs. Renewable Energy.  The Ecology Global Network | Ecology News and Information for Residents of Planet Earth. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. . Schiff, Marissa , and Jason Vaupen. Economic Benefits.  Why the U.S. Should Rely More Heavily Upon Solar Energy. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2012. . Solar.  Solar at a Glance 2008. The NEED Project, n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. . Solar Energy Development Environmental Considerations.  Solar Energy Development PEIS Information Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2012. .

The Use of First Person Narration in The Cask of Amontillado Essay

The Use of First Person Narration in The Cask of Amontillado Edgar Allen Poe’s tale of murder and revenge, â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado†, offers a unique perspective into the mind of a deranged murderer. The effectiveness of the story is largely due to its first person point of view, which allows the reader a deeper involvement into the thoughts and motivations of the protagonist, Montresor. The first person narration results in an unbalanced viewpoint on the central conflict of the story, man versus man, because the reader knows very little about the thoughts of the antagonist, Fortunato. The setting of â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado†, in the dark catacombs of Montresor’s wine cellar, contributes to the story’s theme that some people will go to great lengths to fanatically defend their honor. Because Montresor narrates the story in the first person, the reader is able to perceive his thoughts and understand his motivations and justifications for his ruthless murder in a manner which a third person point of view would not allow. Montresor’s personal narration of the events of the story does not justify his crime in the audience’s eyes, but it does offer a unique opportunity for the audience to view a murder from the perspective of a madman killer. It is Poe’s usage of this unique angle that causes the story to be so captivating and gruesomely fascinating. As the story opens, Montresor explains why it is necessary that he â€Å"not only punish but punish with impunity† to avenge for Fortunado’s insult to him. This justification for his crime is a piece of information that the audience is able to learn only because they are permitted inside the mind of the protagonist. In the final scene, when Montresor is carrying out his murder pl.. . ...ause this statement reveals Montresor’s satisfaction in his belief that justice has been served through his actions when he has actually removed a body from its resting place in order to replace it with a live one. Edgar Allen Poe’s gruesomely fascinating tale of vengeance and murder, â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado†, achieves its effect only through its usage of the first person point of view. This unusual perspective enables the reader to view the characters and conflicts through the eyes of the narrator, as he first discusses and justifies, and eventually, carries out his plans for the ruthless murder of his friend. The eerie tone and disorienting and materialistically-related setting of the story contribute to its theme of defending one’s honor and name and avenging all wrongdoings, even something so small as an insult.

Ethics in Business :: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework Essays

*From a business perspective, working under government contracts can be a very lucrative proposition. In general, a stream of orders keep coming in, revenue increases and the company grows in the aggregate. The obvious downfalls to working in this manner is both higher quality expected as well as the extensive research and documentation required for government contracts. If a part fails to perform correctly it can cause minor glitches as well as problems that can carry serious repercussions, such as in the National Semiconductor case. When both the culpable component and company are found, the question arises of how extensive these repercussions should be. Is the company as an entity liable or do you look into individual employees within that company? From an ethical perspective one would have to look at the mitigating factors of both the employees and their superiors along with the role of others in the failure of these components. Next you would have to analyze the final ruling from a corporate perspective and then we must examine the macro issue of corporate responsibility in order to attempt to find a resolution for cases like these. The first mitigating factor involved in the National Semiconductor case is the uncertainty, on the part of the employees, on the duties that they were assigned. It is plausible that during the testing procedure, an employee couldnt distinguish which parts they were to test under government standards and commercial standards. In some cases they might have even been misinformed on the final consumers of the products that they tested. In fact, ignorance on the part of the employees would fully excuse them from any moral responsibility for any damage that may result from their work. Whether it is decided that an employees is fully excused, or is given some moral responsibility, would have to be looked at on an individual basis. The second mitigating factor is the duress or threats that an employee might suffer if they do not follow through with their assignment. After the bogus testing was completed in the National Semiconductor labs, the documentation department also had to falsify documents stating that the parts had surpassed the governmental testing standards. From a legal and ethical standpoint, both the testers and the writers of the reports were merely acting as agents on direct orders from a superior. This was also the case when the plant in Singapore refused to falsify the documents Ethics in Business :: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework Essays *From a business perspective, working under government contracts can be a very lucrative proposition. In general, a stream of orders keep coming in, revenue increases and the company grows in the aggregate. The obvious downfalls to working in this manner is both higher quality expected as well as the extensive research and documentation required for government contracts. If a part fails to perform correctly it can cause minor glitches as well as problems that can carry serious repercussions, such as in the National Semiconductor case. When both the culpable component and company are found, the question arises of how extensive these repercussions should be. Is the company as an entity liable or do you look into individual employees within that company? From an ethical perspective one would have to look at the mitigating factors of both the employees and their superiors along with the role of others in the failure of these components. Next you would have to analyze the final ruling from a corporate perspective and then we must examine the macro issue of corporate responsibility in order to attempt to find a resolution for cases like these. The first mitigating factor involved in the National Semiconductor case is the uncertainty, on the part of the employees, on the duties that they were assigned. It is plausible that during the testing procedure, an employee couldnt distinguish which parts they were to test under government standards and commercial standards. In some cases they might have even been misinformed on the final consumers of the products that they tested. In fact, ignorance on the part of the employees would fully excuse them from any moral responsibility for any damage that may result from their work. Whether it is decided that an employees is fully excused, or is given some moral responsibility, would have to be looked at on an individual basis. The second mitigating factor is the duress or threats that an employee might suffer if they do not follow through with their assignment. After the bogus testing was completed in the National Semiconductor labs, the documentation department also had to falsify documents stating that the parts had surpassed the governmental testing standards. From a legal and ethical standpoint, both the testers and the writers of the reports were merely acting as agents on direct orders from a superior. This was also the case when the plant in Singapore refused to falsify the documents