Philippine Economy

A recap of how previous Philippine republics and administrations handled the country's economy since the Spanish era, including their management of the economy. In the days wherein the Philippines was under the Spanish Republic the country was at a good spot in Asia. Manila and Cebu were the only European cities; we were one of the best countries in Asia when it comes to trading domestically and internationally. Before, we were always trading with mexico sharing our culture to them and them sharing there culture to us.The country was at a good spot but as the Americans said the Philippines was like any other good but slow spanish colonized economy like the economies of countries in South America namely Mexico, Puerto Rico, Argentina and etc. According to an article â€Å"Economy during the Spanish Colonial Period. † n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. . After being controlled under the Spanish regime which lasted for 300 years, the Philippines were in a new republic under the American go vernment. Our country once became a part of America.It was one of the American States just like Hawaii right now, no matter how far they are, they still belong to the United States. Our country's economy before was really pump-priming. It was rising back again because Americans knew a lot in controlling a country's economy. They knew how to make people more productive in each of their daily lives, they knew the importance of the english language to us and they knew how to make this country moving from a good Latin country to a bustling busy city.Americans taught Filipinos how to use the telephone that's why now, as you can see, we have PLDT, We were taught how to speak english that's why now, as you can see, we are now Asia's most competitive english speakers. We were taught how to use the television, how to function the air conditioner, how to operate the washing machine and etc. We were so Americanized before that in the whole Asia we were the first Asians to taste coke and that's why now, as you can see, coke has been a part of the filipino tradition like having coke and bread to your visitors – a way of showing Philippine Hospitality.Our country had a lot of investments coming from America and they built a lot of places that could've been a major city if they were to stay here longer like Makati, Subic, Taft, Commonwealth and Clark. Without the Americans we wouldn't have these right now. We should be grateful to them because now that the Philippines is growing, more call centers, condominiums, office spaces, retail , and commercial areas are sprouting in the place. According to an article â€Å"The Philippines: Changes in the American Period . † n. page. Web. . While Philippines was at peace with the Americans there came the Japanese soldiers.They controlled our country like any other country they controlled in other parts of Asia like Malaysia Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Korea, they stole many natural resources like gold, cop per and many other metals that would help they're country – Japan to get rich and have a good economic status. In the Japanese Era our country – The Philippines, experienced on of the worlds worst inflations. In that time everyone was struggling, striving to get a good life and exerting so much effort just to escape the poor situation.In the Japanese era, The Philippines became poor. According to Balabag, Marilyn. â€Å"The Japanese Period in the Philippines. † n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. . While the Japanese people were busy harassing Filipino women, Americans fought back for us because they knew we had enough of it and we deserve peace. Surprising the Japanese, the Japanese men were preparing in case the situation will get real serious like secretly planning the attacks, secretly creating and formulating bombs, secretly building aero weapons and aquatic weapons as well.The Americans started it so both countries Japan and The United Stated of America began exchang ing bombs from place to place destroying each other's lands and properties and killing each other mercilessly. And finally Japan declared quits. The Philippine economy was at its worst. We couldn't grab time to recover our country's economy, our precious structures were being affected with all the bombs and missiles that soldiers threw on causing a lot of damage and money to recover it.Japanese people even stole billions from us and never even bothered to pay they're debts until now and to top it off they even stole gold from us like the huge beautiful golden statue called â€Å"Yamashita† †¦What a shame†¦ and to think its one of the richest countries in Asia to date. According to Jess Chin, Carlos Gavino. â€Å"The Philippines-American/Japanese War. † n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. . After being under the Spanish, American, and Japanese republic, The Philippines finally declared independence.Philippines finally stood up on its own two feet. Former President, Glori a Macapagal Arroyo's Administration, The Philippine Economy was lagging. A proof would be the GDP Growth where it grew for only a tiny 1%. If you would compare Philippines to other South-East Nations, The Philippines was behind amongst them. Even Vietnam chased after The Philippines and almost Cambodia thank God Cambodia has not been able to chase us yet because if we're chased it just goes to show The Philippines is really Sick and not investor friendly.We were down by then in her administration. According to Africa, Sonny. â€Å"Dark Legacies: The Economy under Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. † (2010): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. . In The Present administration of President Noynoy Aquino, The Philippines is showing shocking results for example the GDP Growth. The 2010 GDP Growth in The Philippines early months were really high from 6% to 7% and to 8%. We were really in a good spot.Reasons why the GDP grew that way was because of election spending and if you're not familiar with elect ion spending, it means that politicians spending so much money for ads and commercial for them for example Manny Villar, and by the way I chose Manny Villar because in my own opinion, I think Manny Villar had the most ads and commercial in the elections season like the famous song that was produced and composed for him only few knew the title we mostly called it â€Å"Nakaligo ka na ba sa dagat ng basura† so back to the topic, election spending is simply politicians putting they're whole money on the commercials and ads which would equal to opening doors for new jobs like the employees of the printing press getting more productive, people will get jobs for pasting they're posters, directors, writers and producers gets more productive and more people will be paid for talent fee. Well, those are the most common jobs when there is election spending there are still actually more jobs that are uncommon, more jobs that can help Filipinos sustain they're daily needs. According to Ed u Lopez, Chino Leyco. â€Å"GDP up by 7. 3% in 2012. † (2011): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. , Remo, Michelle. â€Å"Election Spending to boost GDP. † (2009): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. . As of now the Philippine GDP growth of 2012 in the 1st quarter is 6. 4%. Shocking everyone around the world for getting the second highest rank in asia only behind China.China is ranked as the highest because of the endless construction of condominiums which until now†¦stayed empty†¦ By the later years China will experience a huge property bubble burst which means when all condominiums are built and still stayed empty, what would happen is that, businessmen will go bankrupt and money will not be circulating anymore because why would China still build many condominiums when most of the condominiums are not even sold yet? Which would mean less construction equal to less people will be employed, equal to fewer people will get salary which would, in the end, equal to money not circulat ing around the country which would result to low GDP Growth even now, predictions for China's 2nd Quarter GDP Growth are smaller than there 1st Quarter GDP Growth of 8%. This is one of China's big problems, they keep on building infrastructures which in the end, it won't even be utilized. According to an article â€Å"Phl GDP up 6. 4% in Q1, highest growth in ASEAN. † (2012): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. , Rapoza, Kenneth. China's Housing Bubble Past, And Its Future. † (2011): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. . The Philippines, as of now, is doing really good, our country has been really doing good that the media said that sooner, the Philippines will get an credit rating upgrade and an investment grade. If you're not familiar with credit rating upgrade and investment grade, these are somewhat like badges for countries interpreting how investor-friendly we are. If we get an investment upgrade than we will get noticed by investors easily and would mean the more investments this coun try will receive. To make it easier its like pasting more hashtags on an instagram photo.The more hash tags, the more people can easily find it and will be able to like it and the more exposure your photo will get. Now back to the topic, Our country, The Philippines has been getting so much news from Moody, Fitch and etc. that sooner or in the near future the Philippines will be getting an investment grade and a credit upgrade rating. Which would also cite a proof that The Philippine Economy is really doing good. According to PH credit rating. † (2012): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. , Malinao, Alito. â€Å"S;P upgrade makes PH bullish about economy. † (2012): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. , Raquel, Nick. â€Å"PHL economy shows signs of credit boom, says Fitch. † (2012): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012.The Philippines shocked the whole world when it became a creditor to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) handing help to the other countries by donating dollars to the weakening c ountries like Greece. When The Philippines donated billions to IMF it made The Philippines more visible to everyone making businessmen think of the Philippines as a possible destination for putting up they're future planned investments. It proved to the rest of the world that The Philippines is now a decent country, its now having a fresh start, its now making its name again and its now making a new reputation. A reputation that will forever change the mindsets of people around the world thinking that the Philippines is a Sick Laggard Man of Asia to A Rare Bright Spot of Asia.According to an article â€Å"PH NOW AN IMF CREDITOR / IMF LOAN TO HELP STABILIZE WORLD ECONOMY. † (2012): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. . In the future we'll be expecting more good things to come because as of now, we have a lot of positive outlooks beginning with the Filipinos' capacity to speak english like no other non-english speaking countries in the world. Our Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Industr y is currently rising with so much buildings under construction for the new office spaces for call center companies expanding they're company and for first timer call center companies finally entering the Philippines. A survey even showed that the Philippines still lacks office spaces.Which just goes to show that we will be expecting different skylines in the future especially with Manila, Clark, Cebu and Davao that would show the country's richness and status just like what they say, â€Å"You can simply estimate the country's economic performance through its skyline† Which is true as you've notice big cities like New York, Tokyo, London, and Singapore they're skylines are beautiful and it really compliments they're long term economic status. According to Dela Pena, Zennia. † Eton ramps up construction of new BPO buildings . † (2011): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. , Dela Pena, Zennia. â€Å"SMDC mulls development of BPO buildings . † (2012): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. , Dela Pena, Zennia. â€Å"Filinvest Land ramps up new BPO buildings . † (2011): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. . The Filipinos' capacity to speak english so fluently led many foreigners from around the world to study here and learn how to speak english like how Americans speak the language. Most of the foreigners that come to The Philippines to study here are Koreans.Koreans decide to study here rather than in The United States because education here is cheaper and much worthy plus if you talk about the plane ride and the ticket price, its way cheaper and hours of traveling is also shorter so its less hassle. Be it French, Italian, Kenyan, Thai, Vietnamese , Iranian, Indian and so much more to mention they're purpose here is to study english for we Filipinos are good at it and they believe that too that Filipinos are really talented at it. But you would ask where will all of these expats stay for the time that they will be studying in this country? Well condominiums, houses, apartments are the answer. Lately, The Philippines' real-estate market has been rising and one of the reason are the foreigners coming here to study english.Real-estate in the Philippines is truly booming and when its booming that would mean the construction industry will also grow at a faster and plus not to mention the infrastructure projects and PPPs of the government. According to an article of â€Å"Why foreigners study English in the Philippines. † (2006): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. , â€Å"About 200,000 South Koreans study English in RP, says envoy . † (2008): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012, Cecil, Morella. â€Å"Property boom transforming Philippine skylines. † (2012): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. . The Philippines is truly blessed with Filipino people who are so eager to work that they would leave they're family and love ones just for the sake of earning money in order for they're children and love ones to sustain they're daily needs.Thanks to the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) The Philippines has been receiving money or shall we say remittances from them. Remittances are a plus for the country because its like receiving money from other countries and would equal to adding up the circulation of money in the country from a base of billions, it would turn to trillions thanks to remittances that OFWs worked hard for. With remittances, retail industry in the country will grow which means sufficient salary for employees in shops and around and again it circulates which means economic performance will improve. According to Remo, Michelle. â€Å"Overseas Filipino remittances up by 5% to P10 B in 1st half. † (2012): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012.

Assess Different Sociological Explanations of SuicideAnomie Essay

Using material from Item A and elsewhere, assess different sociological explanations of suicide. (21 marks) Suicide is the  intentional  taking  of  one’s  own  life and sociologists over the years have tried to put forward various explanations for why someone may do this. Within sociology there are many different views on suicide on the causes and explanations for it, these come from two main methodologies which are Positivists who believe that sociology is a science and they should aim to make causal laws on suicide rates, compared to Interpretivists who believe that they should look for meaning behind occurrences and certain individuals experiences before the suicide. Other perspectives also put in their views on what they believe to explain suicide for example, Realists. Item A references to Durkheim’s Structural Functionalist view on suicide, as stated Durkheim believes that due to sociology being a science with the topic of suicide it is very easy to make causal laws or as said in Item A ‘social facts’. Due to the fact Durkheim believed that there were a number of causes behind suicide he form four types of suicide from a Positivist viewpoint. Egoistic suicide which is when individuals are not integrated well enough into society for example people who live alone compared to those who live with family. Secondly Altruistic suicide which is when individuals are felt to be too integrated into society causing suicide, for example members of the armed forces were said to have greater suicide rates than civilian personnel as they were too strongly integrated into a united body. Durkheim also put forward the idea of Anomic suicide, this is when the norms and values in society become unclear or confused in times of great social change and an individual is not taught to adapt to changes well enough. For example an unexpected death of a family member is sudden social change which can cause Anomic suicide. Lastly, he suggested Fatalistic suicide. Fatalism is the thinking of the individual that they can do nothing to affect their situation and individuals find their future blocked and oppressed due to society over regulating them. For example slaves and prisoners may have this mindset when they take their own lives. Durkheim said that his work on suicide had several merits as it correctly revealed that suicide is a social rather than psychological occurrence and proved his methodology that you can establish laws and show that sociology is a science. However his theory on suicide has been met with some criticism. Douglas claimed that Durkheim’s work relied too heavily on the use of official statistics on suicide and he incorrectly assumed that these were representative of the real truth. Douglas notes that official statistics are socially produced and can be distorted in many ways, for example via concealment and varying definitions of suicide by coroners meaning that the validity of the statistics is doubted. So Douglas himself put forward an explanation for suicide. Douglas adopted a Symbolic Interactionist perspective, along with a interpretive methodology which is opposite to that of Durkheim. Some would argue that Douglas selected to look at suicide as an area of investigation as he thought it would illustrate the beliefs of Interactionists and highlight the short comings of the Structural Functionalists positivist approach. Douglas used psychiatrists reports and newspaper accounts to come up with his four patterns of social meaning for suicide and within his study he took a very subjective approach looking at meaning and motives. In Douglas’ view suicide could be due to four reasons, the first to gain release from the cares of the world to find happiness, to change the opinion of others in the suicides favour, to achieve a state of fellow feeling creating a climate of sympathy or to simply get revenge towards those who are causing pain towards them. Douglas believed that his work highlighted that suicide is a rational act rather than an automatic response to the environment as people are active not passive, and also to show that sociology is not a science and we should look into meanings over statistics. Obviously this was highly criticised by Structural Functionalists such as Durkheim who believed that Douglas’ work was too unscientific and that he incorrectly assumed that the nature of man is active rather than passive. Another sociologist who takes an Interpretivist methodology is Atkinson, believing that social meaning and context is more important in finding root causes. However unlike Douglas, Atkinson is a Ethnomethodologist which has a central belief of showing that each individual use their own members methods to work out what they see. This is why Atkinson decided to study suicide, also to show how official statistics are not enough. Atkinson focused on a Coroner’s report and underwent participant observation at an office to see what methods they used to decide whether a death was suicide or not. Atkinson stated that they used ‘common sense’ theories of suicide so if certain information were to fit the theories it would be called a suicide. They would look at clues to help decided, Atkinson named a few to which he believed was important within their decisions. Firstly was there a suicide note left, this clearly is a big clue to whether or not the individual meant to kill themselves. Secondly how did the individual die as certain ways such as hanging point towards suicide, also the location of the body, usually if it is hidden away out of sight then the person is indicating that they did not want to be found. Finally did the individual have any past mental illnesses or life history that could lead them towards suicide. Atkinson therefore stated that a suicide verdict reflects the assumptions and interpretation of the clues by the coroner rather than reality and facts. Atkinson’s study was said to have some merits as it did identify what clues coroners use to arrive at a suicide verdict, but also shows that positivists use of quantative data such as official statistics is not valid as they are produced by coroners who base the label of suicide on their own social assumptions. Hindess put forward a criticism for both Douglas and Atkinson, arguing that although Interpretive researchers have maintained that suicide statistics can be misleading they haven’t stated to what extent they distort people’s ideas, so therefore it may only be slight and still be possible to make accurate causal laws from a Positivist viewpoint. Taylor has put forward his view on suicide, taking a Realist approach which is very different from the explanations already stated. Taylor has tried to combine both Interpretivist and Positivist methodologies to come to a verdict on suicide. Taylor underwent a study on the London Underground and people who had died from falling underneath a train asserting that causal factors are important in considering suicide especially that of significant others such as family. In his investigation over half of the 32 who had died were said to have committed suicide although they were no actual evidence, coroners just based this on history of mental illness. Ignoring such factors of suicide and focusing on coroners is unrealistic, so looking at causal factors is from Taylor’s view a valid approach. But it is also important to gain a fuller understanding of suicide by finding a synthesis between the causes of the occurrence which is the Structural Functionalist side but also the exploration of the social meanings behind it, showing the Interactionist approach. Taylor therefore identified a category for suicide which is Sacrifice suicide, where it has occurred by the conduct of other people towards the suicide, for example family members have made the individuals life so unbearable this is the only way out. An advantage of Taylor’s approach to suicide is that it attempts to show how both positivist and interpretive methods are useful in trying to understand suicide, however certain sociologist have criticised it for being too one sided. It has been stated that Taylor focused more on the Interactionist failing to achieve ‘Structuralism’. Another criticism from Durkheim is that Taylor’s cause of suicide that he put forward seems unimportant compared to the large scale of the structural causes central concern such as sudden social change which is a more widespread reason. To conclude many sociologists have differing views to try to explain suicide and why they think individuals do take their own lifes, however these are just theories because no one will ever know the real root cause of why someone has ended their lives unless they leave a note explaining why and in many causes this does not happen.

Managing the Diverse Workforce

Everybody is created uniquely as compared with others. There might be qualities that some people or groups possess that the other group does not. This is diversity. A diverse workforce can give many advantages that the problems associated with it are carefully studied and solved for. Variety of ideas and views regarding important matters within the organization can contribute a lot to the success of the work. Although there might arise conflict and misunderstanding, it can be addressed properly to be converted as strength of the company. Efficient diverse workforce management requires a lot of effort and even money, yet it is very worth it for it gives a lot of benefits to the company.                                                 Managing the Diverse Workforce With further advancement in technology, health issues are continuously being addressed. As such, the life expectancy of people is increasing. This has an immense effect in the business sector. According to Sheldon Steinhauser, the median age of workers raised from 38 years in 1994 to 55 or more in 2005. Also, more and more people from poor performing countries or states are going to richer countries or nations to apply for jobs. The days when women are left in the houses for housekeeping and baby-sitting are also over. Women are pursuing their own careers nowadays. With these happenings, diversity in the workforce is very evident and is expected to increase in the coming years. The question now is what its effects in the business are and how this issue should is addressed. Everybody is created uniquely as compared with others. There might be qualities that some people or groups possess that the other group does not. This is diversity. Oftentimes, diversity is associated with demographic-related factors such as ancestry, gender or age. Aside from those mentioned above, this may also cover sexual orientation, educational and professional training, civil status and religious preference. Cultural background is also a major dimension. According to Bateman and Snell, a diversified workforce may include, but are not limited to: ethnic groups and minorities, migrant workers, disable, women, and people with varying expectations, values, affiliations, economic status and work style. In order to manage diversity, the systems and practices must be reviewed and changed if necessary to maximize the capabilities of the people in it. Implementation of the systems must be ensured to extract the abilities of the employees so as to maximize their contribution to the company. In order to do this effectively, the employer or the human resource personnel must know the individual differences of the workforce. Just like in other setting, diversity can be taken as advantageous to the company if handled well. People with varying values and skills may contribute to the aggregate success of the whole. However, to be able to achieve such success, each difference must be preserved and nurtured. Bateman and Stale noted the existence of a glass ceiling in the company. This is an invisible barrier that hinders women and members of the minority groups from reaching a higher level in the hierarchy of the organization. As such, the potentials of these groups are not maximized. However, f or the sake of profit and improvement, this barrier is being removed nowadays. As different ways to manage diversity are being discovered, discrimination in the workplace is slowly exiting. Although there is really no definite formula in handling diversity, researches and experiences help the human resource personnel and leaders extract the full potentials of their employees from all walks of life. Employing people amidst their cultural and demographic background allows the company to have a good share in the labor pool. Many skillful workers belong to ethnic groups or are women, or are older people. Thus, not including them in the search would lessen the already small labor pool. Also, according to studies at the Stanford Business School, as written in the Business and Legal Reports, diversity among employees can generate better performance when it comes to out-of-the-ordinary creative tasks. For instance, business developments are more effective if the decision-making body is composed of diverse individuals. Their different views could be taken into the advantage of the company. Their varying experiences can be put together to achieve a solid and effective decision. In sales and promotions, a team composed of people from different regions or age brackets or lifestyles can have their own suggestions based from what they themselves want or favor. The target customer could be re presented by the members of the team so their needs would be addressed even at the start of the project. Discussions about the differences of ideas can also be taken as positive since more options will arise and more factors would be considered on the initial planning, thus reducing the chance of error or unseen circumstance. Also, a company that crosses boundaries and differences creates a good impression to the labor pool. In effect, workers would be the ones to approach the human resource personnel, thus, saving more money for the promotions and employee search, and more often than not, those highly-skilled workers are the ones who go for such companies. Furthermore, traditional practices may no longer be applicable to the current policies and need and a diverse workforce is more unbounded to deviate from this, resulting to a better system. Businesses and organizations are sprouting all over during the course of time. In effect, competition is high not only for the share of the market, but also for the shrinking labor pool. Aside from attracting workers due to effective diversity management, homogeneity can also address the need for flexibility and change. By valuing the differences of the individuals, the company is rewarded by its employees by means of loyalty and excellence. A secret in effective management is making the subordinates feel its worth as part of the team. If this is given to him, he would strive to return this sense of importance by means of excellent work and loyalty. This is when the employee shows his best capabilities. Managing a diverse workforce creates a good impression not only to the employees and members of the organizations but to the people outside it as well. According to Bateman and Stale, diverse customers tend to favor these kinds of organizations. Also, the diverse market can be better addressed if they are well-represented in the company by the diverse employees. As such, customer satisfaction is higher and patronage would be awarded. To marginalize the workforce is to waste money, time and skillful workers. Such action would create a bad impression to the market and to the labor pool. Also, it would hinder the entrance of highly-skilled workers who happened to not belong to the widely-accepted group. It may also illicit complaints and conflicts from members of the marginalized group. Having a diverse workforce is not all glory. Diversity also creates conflicts especially if it involves ideas or beliefs. Yes, varying opinions create a healthy atmosphere for discussion and debate but this oftentimes lead to misunderstanding and conflict. Interpersonal conflict may arise and eventually destroy the group. Sometimes, attack is taken not just against the idea but on the person as well. Discrimination among workers may also be difficult to handle. People from different groups tend to be more protective of their identity or beliefs and this often lead to discord. Discussions may also take longer than usual in order to entertain all differing and sometimes conflicting views. Lack of cohesiveness does not only involve ideas or views but even understanding of the goal. The aim may be interpreted differently and this would lead to people walking towards different directions, making the finish line more difficult to reach. This must be attended to at the start so as to ensure that the team is walking towards the same direction in order to save effort, time, money and other resources. According to the Business and Legal Reports, problems also include the answer to the question of how the employees must be treated. Should it be fair or same? What is the basis of fairness? Treating different employees is not an easy task. A simple task of distributing a memo for all the employees poses a problem. The language to be used, the capacity of all the people to understand and a lot others must be taken into primary consideration. Biases must be kept far from decision-making and management but individual capacities of the employees must also be taken into account. As for members of the workforce, the major problem is miscommunication. Differences may hinder smooth transfer of information from the people inside the organization. People from different races might have different understanding in words or expressions. Misinterpreting the gestures or actions of others may yield to conflict or argument within the organization. Also, stereotyping may also arise. An individual or group may think that they are superior to others. This would affect the performance of all the people in the workforce. Instead of focusing on the goal, stereotyped members of the team may be distracted and concentrate on being within the â€Å"more superior† group. Also, perseverance and efforts of the members might be disregarded as several members focus on their colleagues. Researches and experiences claim that to manage a diverse workforce is never easy. It is a task that has to be well-taken cared of. Yet, it is also possible. In fact, there are several multicultural organizations that employ a diverse workforce. There are advices for management and human resources personnel as to how this issue must be handled in order to extract the best abilities of the members of the team. First and foremost, the top management must have an eye on the effectiveness of the diverse workforce. They must be sensitive to the feedbacks of diverse groups regarding company policies or ordinances. They must be also aware to the response of the other members of the team. The plans and objectives of the organization must also incorporate diverse workforce. Most of all, top managers must participate and take the lead in the programs that aim to learn about diversity. Trainings and seminars can also be conducted to better handle and manage a diverse workforce. Rewards can be given to further affirm the good works of the team members. Lastly, a team building is essential to create a bond between members of the company. In doing so, the risk of miscommunication is lessened, as well as the possibility for conflict. With the growing competition in the labor pool and the market, any organization cannot afford to lose a skillful individual just because he belongs to a minority or because he is outside the margin line. A diverse workforce can give many advantages that the problems associated with it are carefully studied and solved for. Variety of ideas and views regarding important matters within the organization can contribute a lot to the success of the work. Although there might arise conflict and misunderstanding, it can be addressed properly to be converted as strength of the company. Efficient diverse workforce management requires a lot of effort and even money, yet it is very worth it for it gives a lot of benefits to the company. References Bateman and Snell. Managing the Diverse Workforce. Retrieved November 22, 2007   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   from http://management.uta.edu/Dr.Wheeler/Mana5312/Chap011.ppt Business and Legal Reports. Diversity Can Improve Decision-Making. Retrieved   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   November   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   22, 2007, from http://www.vault.com/nr/newsmain.jsp?nr_page=3 Human Resources, University of California, Berkeley.Guide to Managing Human   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Resources: Chapter 12: Managing Diversity in the Workplace. Retrieved November   Ã‚  Ã‚   22, 2007 from http://hrweb.berkeley.edu/guide/diversity.htm Improvement Network. Managing a Diverse Workforce. Retrieved November 22,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   2007 from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.improvementnetwork.gov.uk/imp/core/page.do?pageId=10912 Piturro Marlene, PhD.. Recruiting and Managing a Diverse Workforce. Retrieved   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   November   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   22, 2007 from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.vault.com/nr/newsmain.jsp?nr_page=3&ch_id=402 Steinhauser Sheldon. (1999, January). Successfully Managing an Age Diverse Workforce.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Managing Diversity, Vol. 8, Retrieved November 22, 2007 from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://clem.mscd.edu/~steinhas/managing_diversity.htm    United States Department of Trade (2007). Leading a Diverse Workforce. Retrieved   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   November 22, 2007 from http://dothr.ost.dot.gov/Toolkit/Diversity/   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   leading_a_diverse.html      

Business plan Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Business plan - Research Paper Example Under Knowledge Store’s strategic marketing plan/approach, it will continuously monitor potential benefits/opportunities offered by the new line of products/books, tapes and DVDs to ascertain its financial viability (Zanoni, 2011). Ansoff Model In order to meet the above objectives, Knowledge Store can use Ansoff matrix/model to make decisions regarding the books, tapes and DVDs marketing growth strategies. It will used to ascertain strategic priorities regarding the launch of this new product line to attract more customers, expand the existing market share and to increase sales revenue earnings (Grewal & Levy, 2011). It helps in creating a logical platform on which the above objectives are developed, following different mix categories shown in the diagram below. Fig. 1.0: Ansoff Model Moreover, Ansoff’s matrix is employed to determine the books, tapes and DVDs e-marketing strategies that will help in meeting the objectives of increasing the customer base and market sha re. This will be facilitated by the use of internet services, which reach more customers segments in different geographic markets across the globe (Kerin, Hartley & Rudelius, 2010). Knowledge Store Marketing Mix The 7Ps of marketing that the store applies currently include, people, product, price, promotion, place, process, and physical evidence. They determine the success of the business if well articulated. In business, the 7ps are called the marketing mix and are available to the authority managing the store affairs. Primarily, the marketing mix combines the product and service aspects, thereby making the 7ps. For the case of Knowledge Store Store, the marketing mix is considered in the situation of books, tapes and DVDs products marketing. The report outlines the various ways, in which the store has used the elements in improving the books, tapes and DVDs products and marketing plan for the business operations (Shimp, 2007). People In reality, the people are the most important a spect of the marketing mix, an issue that the store had recognized. For instance, the use of books, tapes and DVDs products is capable of altering the dynamics, which surround those delivering the books, tapes and DVDs products. Product Through improved books, tapes and DVDs technology, the store has provided a means of delivering new and unique products, which are intended to match many other available products. Besides, the purely new products are presumed to develop new business opportunities for the store. Some of the products they make are in line with the technological development Price Pricing of the books, tapes and DVDs products that Knowledge Store intends to supply is very significant in determining the overall sales volume. Promotion Carrying out promotion is one of the means through which Knowledge Store can create awareness on its new products line. For Knowledge Store Store, the books, tapes and DVDs products provide them with many opportunities for doing promotion to sensitize the public on the products. Place Knowledge Store can create a new interaction place for their consumers so that the communication between them could be cordial, easy and with maximum efficiency, especially on its new product line/ books, tapes and DVDs. Process The issues relating to the process involve the channel through which

Medieval mysticism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Medieval mysticism - Essay Example Christian mysticism had something to do with direct experience with the divine in form of a vision of, or sense of union with God. Meditation, prayer or ascetic discipline usually accompanies it. In general, mysticism is a direct and immediate experience of the sacred, or the knowledge derived from such an experience. The experience is immediate and overwhelming, detached from the common experience of reality and is self-validating, without need of further evidence or justification. Outside the experience itself, one is incapable of expressing or understanding its essence. It is important to note that mysticism is not the same as magic, clairvoyance, parapsychology or occultism. Mystics are people who practice or believe in mysticism. They usually see their mystical experience as part of a larger task meant to bring human transformation and not as the terminus of their efforts. In Europe, mysticism flourished especially in Germany, Italy, the Low Countries and England from mid 13th to mid 15th century. Such mysticisms of that time are the ones referred to as medieval mysticisms. However, there is variation in the dating of the edges of these periods depending on different scholars. One of the most important sources of medieval mysticism is Saint Augustine of Hippo. He was born in the city of Thagaste, Algeria, to a Catholic mother named Monica and he has contributed to the western philosophy by promoting argument by analogy. He is also the most important figure in the ancient western church that produced works of high spiritual quality. In Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion, he is a doctor of the church known for his Christian mystical sermons and the patron of the Augustinian religious order. His ideas also influenced philosophers like Immanuel Kant and Blaise Pascal, and the reformation leaders such as Martin

In the The Cruciblediscuss the change that occur with the character oh Essay

In the The Cruciblediscuss the change that occur with the character oh Jonh Hale and Elizabeth Proctor - Essay Example Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible by focusing on how the characters, John Hale and Elizabeth Proctor changed in the course of the play, and how that change brought both positive as well as negative feelings in them. John Hale is the young minister who is known for his knowledge on witchcraft. â€Å"..a tight-skinned, eager-eyed intellectual†¦called here to ascertain witchcraft he has felt the pride of the specialist whose unique knowledge has at last been publicly called for† (Miller). Hale enters the play when Reverend Parris asks him to examine the mysterious behavior of his daughter, Betty. In the initial stages of the play, he is the person who sets the witch trials into motion, investigating and finding out who are the culprits and asking them to confess or testify. But, in the course of the play, his drive to convict the accused supposedly involved in witchcrafts slows downs, as many hidden truths and the role of other persons comes into open. That is, when he listens to John Proctor and Mary Warren, he understands that Abigail was not telling the truths, including the reasons behind the children’s death. This creates a feeling in him that he might have trusted the wron g individuals. Also, when Rebecca was arrested and Proctor’s wife, Elizabeth was issued warrant for their involvement in witchcraft, Hale felt that he did not identified the true culprits. So, these events raises questions in his mind, whether he is right in going after the people involved in witchcraft, when so much deceits and false uttering is going on. So, in the climactic stages of the play, Hale belief in witchcraft weakens and in the court, he becomes the supporter of those, who are opposing the witch trials. So, John Hale changes from a dominant â€Å"witch-hunter† to a person, who losses control of the proceedings, undergoing both positive and negative feelings. Elizabeth Proctor, wife of John Proctor, is another main character who undergoes changes in the course of the play.

Short answers about Introduction to Political Economy Essay - 2

Short answers about Introduction to Political Economy - Essay Example Another cause of monopolies occurs when one firm expands to the point where it has tremendous economies of scale; other competitors drop out of the market because they cannot compete. Companies are likely to collude with each other if there are very few firms in an industry. Because of this, a change in one firm is likely to result in a change in another firm so that market forces remain the same. On the other hand, companies are likely to compete with each other when there is free market economy that allows consumers to pick and choose from many different companies. Regulations can cause a huge shift in the market, particularly in the labor market. When the government stipulates that employees must certain type of social security, employers have to respond to those changes. This can often mean that a business downsizes because it cannot afford to employ the same number of workers. Regulations primarily stifle business because of all the extra red tape that comes along with it. Capture theory stipulates that a government agency may allow the industry that it is charge of to dictate policy that favors the industry as a whole. On the other hand, public-interest theory deals with the interest of consumers. For example, when the market is not efficient as it could be, a regulatory body can act to make changes in regulations. The abolition of private property and the application of all rent to public purpose is designed for zoning laws that allow the government to own property. Progressive income tax makes all Americans pay their fair share. The abolition of all rights of inheritance offers limited inheritance through tax statues. Confiscation of property of rebels allows the government to seize property belonging to terrorist groups. Centralizing the credit system gives the state control over loans. Centralizing communication and transport allows the state to set regulations. Corporate capacity allows land to be improved. Equal labor

Wikipedia Reflection Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Wikipedia Reflection - Research Paper Example However, my articles were not edited by my peers in class and those who did edit it were not from my class, while these edits were only minor in nature. Moreover, my attempts to offer Wikilove were not reciprocated after I chose a random person who edited the article but there was no reciprocation. Overall, my experience with Wikipedia was great, exciting, and interesting; although I came to the conclusion I may not do this again due to my lack of experience and the fact that it was too time-consuming. However, if I find something interesting with a poorly-done page or without a page, I may decide to do it again. My first experience after joining Wikipedia was that I was exposed to the rules and guidelines on the site, as well as its nature as a group effort. This experience supported Kraut et al (2011) claim that people are more willing to make contributions on online groups if they like the group. Indeed, although I enjoyed writing the article and posting it, I do not expect that I will do so again because I failed to increase the value of the outcomes for the group members, which reduced their willingness to take part in the group setting. I attempted to increase the commitment of my fellow classmates to my Wikipedia page by attempting to make my page interesting to increase their chances of liking the article. In addition, there was an attempt on my part to create a bond with some of those visiting the page by rewarding them. I tried to follow the rules and guidelines of Wikipedia as much as possible, such as those on naming articles and maintenance of articles (Ayers et al, 2012). I als o realized that editing Wikipedia has become more difficult over time compared to the first time I tried it. Kraut et al (2011) make a design claim that people are more likely and willing to make contributions in a group setting if others in the group are also contributing. On posting my article, I realized that the group consisting of my classmates was

English Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 11

English - Essay Example Undoubtedly, the internet is increasingly one of the irreplaceable means of communication, for instance, it enables individuals to keep in touch and bring different people together, allows arrangement of meetings over the net among others. Truly, the internet has transformed various aspects of our lives over the past few years, and it has also transformed the whole world into a global village. In the contemporary world, life without the internet is impossible and unimaginable because almost every individual in the world depends on it either directly or indirectly. Despite the diversity that the internet creates, the internet does not create a freer and equal world. This paper discusses this claim with reference to culture, politics and the society at large. The internet has positively influenced culture and the spread cultural values, for instance, it play a leading role in promoting a better understanding between cultures and cultural identities to emerge and communicate with each other. It promotes uniformity and homogeneity more than diversity (Porter 2013, p.62). The internet forms a common background for cultural exchange and individuals from diverse cultures are able to interact via the internet and share idea, values as well as their cultural practices. Societal members are able to easily access any information from the internet and learn about anything they desire. In addition, the internet allows cultural exploration, that is, different cultures can easily explore other cultures and understand other cultural perspectives using the internet. Actually, a person can learn about any culture by using search engine to have an access to available information about the desired culture. Before the invention of the internet, individuals used to travel to a particular society in order to learn about their culture or look for a book that has information about that

Coal Energy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Coal Energy - Essay Example Millions of people depend on it for their living. (Bisk). But because of the strong protests from environmentalists, it was difficult to process these coal energies for the energy requirements of United States. This article argues that the cavalier attitude of ivory tower environmentalists towards the millions of working and middle class people who make their livings (directly and indirectly) from coal creates enemies of the environmental movement amongst the very people who should be the most avid allies of environmentalism (Bisk). It suggests some ways of preventing the environment problems caused by the processing or extraction of coal energy through coal liquification. It focuses its attention on the link between the worlds large coal reserves and the green energy movement. Energy crisis is one of the severe problems faced by many countries irrespective developed or developing. The huge population growth and the heavy industrialization processes made energy an inevitable entity for the modern life. It is unimaginable to think about a world without electricity or vehicles. At the same time most of the conventional energy sources like coal and petroleum are non-renewable energies and also the processing of these energy sources is creating lot of problems to the environment. Environmentalists have raised a huge protest against the injudicious processing of coal like energy sources. The article suggests that by using coal liquification process US can produce a barrel of oil for about $30. Even though this process may release more CO2 than the extraction and refinement of liquid fuel from petroleum the author suggests some ways to counter such problems. In his opinion; the environmentalist’s protests can be reduced if the coal liquification process would liberate only half a ton of CO2 for every ton of greenhouse

Fast food restaurant Essay Example for Free

Fast food restaurant Essay Recently, fast food has been from the most popular way for a lot of people. Nowadays, people think that they don’t have plenty of time to prepare food. However, a lot of families have been addicted to that type of fast food, finding it so easy and comfortable for their busy life. Fast food should not be banned because it is a freedom of choice, it has a lot of social benefits and the government offers high taxes on those places which serves that type of food. First of all, every person has the right to choose what to eat or what to drink. It is the freedom of choice. People should be able to put whatever they want in their bodies, whether it be unhealthy or not. Fast food industries started making less harmful products and reducing obesity, but people make their own decision to eat it knowing it is bad for them. So, it is their own responsibility to take care of their own health. Yes, fast food is not doubt unhealthy for people almost all the time. But in modern life, fast food can be helpful and sometimes quite enjoyable. (LEngle, â€Å"Because to take away a mans freedom of choice, even his freedom to make the wrong choice, is to manipulate him as though he were a puppet and not a person. † ) In United States, fast-food restaurants popularity is growing every single second. Nowadays, people can afford any a whole meal for 6 to 7 dollars each. (Bose D,N. D) fast food restaurants can provide customers with simple large meal sets with minimal cost. People admit that fast food restaurant helps them getting their life more easy, comfort and uncomplicated. For instance, if the two parents were having a lot of late work and late meetings and their kids were home without food for dinner without any cooked food, they can pull over at any near restaurant to order food before heading to their shelter. (Clark S, 2010) fast food restaurants are located nearly everywhere, providing customers with simple meals without the need to spend time travelling far distance just to purchase food. This popularity of fast food is increasing because of their main causes: low cost, fast service and restaurants is available everywhere. These are a lot of social benefits and other benefits for fast food that it leads to family gathering, giving that chance to the family to gather with their children, where a lot of these fast food restaurants have some games for those children or some luxury calm places for other families. .Otherwise, today a lot of people and teenagers hangout in a lot of fast food restaurants as a friends outing. However, a lot of people think that fast food is from the most dangerous things that should be banned due to its diseases firstly because it makes you obese; secondly it links a lot of medical problems like diabetes. . some think it leads to cancer and one of the most reasons that fast food lead to gaining of a lot of weight due to obesity. But fast food companies and industries nowadays is trying to fix that kind of problems by producing a lot of healthy choices for fast food as McDonalds, chili’s, Kfc and Papa Jones have produces a lot of diet food and drinks and healthy choices in order to satisfy all the needs needed by all ages of people with different opinions and choices. (Wolverson M.N,2009) fast food provide customers with a wide range of food to choose from. In conclusion , everything in our lives have pros and cons ,advantages and disadvantages . fast food has advantages more than its disadvangtes and at the end of discussion fast food should not be banned as a respect for the human rights as the freedom of choice . Giving people the chance to take their own choices and the decision to select their own style and their own life by eating whatever they want whether it is unhealthy or not.

Major Problem of teenagers today Essay Example for Free

Major Problem of teenagers today Essay Evangeline Pilar Beed II-B Informative Speech Plan Title: Major Problem of teenagers today. Specific Speech Purpose: To inform my engl.III audience what are the major problems of teenagers today. Statement: There are 5 major problems of teenagers today. Introduction I. .Attention Step: are you one of the teenagers who have a problem? You may program for it! In connection with this, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about the recent finding on the major problem of the teenagers today. Read more: Speech about youth generation essay II. Clarification Step: Body I. Internet and Gaming Addiction a. Younger generations, unlike their parents generations, often socialize, hang out, and communicate online, rather than in person. They prefer to text rather than talk on the phone, and often prefer to socialize on Twitter or Facebook rather than in the local bar, on the street or at the town square. b. The digital divide: The younger generation has been referred to as being one of Digital Natives while the older generation has been referred to as one of Digital Immigrants. c. Unlike the older generation, young people are highly capable of effective multitasking, which is sometimes seen by the older generation as a lack of attention and focus. d. Some young people spend much too much time in front of a computer screen, spending up to 20 hours a day, seven days a week. e. Spending countless hours a day, every day, on gaming or perusing the Internet can interfere with young peoples emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual development. II. Violence In Media a. T.V. influences behavior. If it didnt, Nike, Budweiser, Pepsi, etc. would not invest billions of dollars in advertisements. b. Violence on T.V. occurs in most programs and even more so, in cartoons. III. Bullying Online and At School a. Bullying is an ongoing pattern of harassment and abuse. It can be done directly by physical or verbal attacks or indirectly by exclusion, spreading rumors, etc. b. Cyberbullying is a growing problem among Middle and High School aged students. While it also occurs among College-aged students, for the most part young people have matured past cyberbullying at that point c. Bullies seek power through aggression and direct their attacks at vulnerable victims. In-person bullies often lose their popularity in high school and have a high likelihood of having a criminal record as adults. IV. Violent Culture a. There is a direct link between the way in which we use power with our children, our significant others, our neighbors and our environment and what we teach our children about violence. b. Cultures in which young children regularly receive loving touch have lower incidents of violent crimes. V. Violence At Home a. One of the main reasons that children become violent is because they are exposed to violence in their own homes, whether it is directed towards them or towards others. b. Violence at home can be of a physical nature, or it can be expressed verbally or through neglect and abandonment. Abusive homes and violent neighborhoods are stronger predictors of adult violent behavior than violence in the media. Most abusive parents were physically or sexually abused as children.

Overview of Image-Based Shading Techniques

Overview of Image-Based Shading Techniques Rishabh chand sharma Brahmdutt bhora Abstract— Image processing input, such as a photo or video frame is an image for which any form of signal processing functions by using images using mathematical is processing. Most image processing techniques, such as a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image signal is treated. Image processing methods used are two types of analog and digital image processing. Shading is also useful in image rendering. Rendering through computer programs, (collectively, can be called a scene file or model) is the process of creating an image of the 3D model from 2D images. In the processing of images, shading is very important method for smooth the surface and get the results. Shading 3D models with varying levels of darkness in the picture refers to the depiction of depth perception. In this paper we introduce the comparisons between different types of shadings. Here introduce which shading method is best rather than others. Keywords— image processing, image rendering, shading. I. INTRODUCTION An image is an array, or matrix, of square pixels (picture elements) arranged in rows and columns. A grayscale image (8 bit) for each picture element ranges from 0 to 255 that is a fixed intensity. Each picture element of grayscale images (8 bit) usually calls a black and white image, but the image includes many shades of gray. Here shows square grayscale image which have different type of shade with differ values means each pixel have a particular value within range (0 to 255). Figure 1: Each pixel has a value from 0 (black) to 255 (white). The possible range of the pixel values depend on the colour depth of the image, here 8 bit = 256 tones or grayscales. Image processing: An image processing system is to get a magnified image (digital image) from an image or to extract some useful information from it. This is a method to take some action on it. The characteristics associated with the input image or the image can be output as video frames or photo, is a type of image in which the signal system. They have already set up to implement signal processing methods, image processing systems, while generally treated as two-dimensional signals, images. Image processing basically includes the following three steps- Image importing with the optical scanner or digital photography. Analysis and data compression and image enhancement which include manipulating the image and satellite images that is not like the human eye for spotting pattern. The production is based on the result image or image analysis in the report can be changed, which is in the final stage. Image processing methods used are two types of analog and digital image processing. Analog or printout of image processing and visualization techniques like photographs can be used for hard copies. Digital processing technology is using computer manipulation of digital images that helps. The method by which images are produced the real space, light, and the interactions between objects in the camera often significant shading across the image field of view leads to situations where exhibits. In some cases, may be bright in the center of the image and the same goes to the edge of the field of view as the decrease in brightness. In other cases, the image on the right side to the left may be darker and lighter. Cinematography non-uniform illumination, non-uniform sensitivity camera, or on the glass can also be caused by dirt and dust (lens) surfaces. Shading: Shading 3D models with varying levels of darkness in the picture refers to the depiction of depth perception. Shading is use in the MIP and LMIP [1]. Here we include two types of shading techniques. Flat shading Smooth shading Further we discuss in part II about image rendering and modeling, in part III discuss about shading techniques used in image rendering and conclude the paper in part IV. II. IMAGE BASED MODELING AND RENDERING Image-based modeling and rendering techniques, image synthesis recently a powerful alternative to traditional geometry-based technology has received as much attention [2]. Rendering is the process of generating an image from a model by means of a software program. The model is a description of three dimensional objects in a strictly defined data structure. It contains geometry, viewpoint, texture and lighting information [3]. We can distinguish two fundamental approaches to rendering: geometry-based and image-based rendering. In geometry-based rendering, a scene is described using geometrical primitives, which are discredited into points, lines and triangles for rendering [3]. In image-based rendering, a scene is rendered making use of multiple input images, without any 3D object or scene information [3]. Most rendering algorithms are a combination of these two paradigms, for example texture mapping (image-based) in polygon rendering (geometry-based) [3]. In the image rendering we use three types of rendering techniques. Scanline rendering: Scanline rendering instead of a line-by-line on the works that appear as 3D computer graphics, is an algorithm to determine the surface of a polygon-to-polygon or pixel by pixel. All of polygons before they appear for the first time at which the Y, the image on the front of each line or polygon with scanline sorted list by using the intersection of a scanline calculations, are solved by coordinating the provided that the sorted list is not as advanced active scaline photo below, visible long polygon is updated to discard. The main advantage of this method is that the scanning plane with the usual sorting corner reduces the number of comparisons between the edges. Ray tracing: Ray tracing through pixels in an image plane of light tracing the path of light through pixels and their encounters with virtual objects to create an image by simulating the effect of a technique. Ray casting: Ray casting computer graphics and computational geometry to solve a variety of problems in testing is the use of ray-surface intersection. 2D image based rendering: Such sprites, billboards, Impostors, and Layering image on a screen to display images as 2D techniques. Sprites, billboards, and Impostors some demarcation geometry as a structure instead of applying the image, image technique employs an off-screen. 3D image based rendering: 3D IBR 2-D methods when compared to the realism of rendered images, but only slightly increased with the complexity that involves the addition of several techniques. Examples of IBR layered 3D depth, images, view morphing, and includes view interpolation. 4D image based rendering: Last IBR approach to provide a four-dimensional function, a simplified view function Plenoptic implements. Image data for synthetic and real-world scenes recently developed two methods for rendering camera views have been. Figure 2: A variety of rendering techniques applied to a single 3D scene III. IMAGE BASED SHADING AND TECHNIQUES Color presents a problem for shape-from-shading methods because it affects the apparent â€Å"shading† and hence the apparent shape as well [4]. We take as our deà ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ nition of shading that it is the sum of all the processes affecting the image intensity other than changes in surface color (hue or brightness). Shading arises from changes in surface orientation and illumination intensity [4]. Shading 3D models with varying levels of darkness in the picture refers to the depiction of depth perception. Shading less dense or lighter areas with a lighter shade or darker areas more densely media apply a darker shade on the paper with dark levels is used for illustration in the drawing, and is . The straight lines of varying proximity to the shadows are drawn in a grid pattern in a region where there are different techniques of cinematography, including the cross hatching. Dark, with the lines and odd field appears. Similarly, the different lines, appears lighter area. Figure 3: Example of shading In the image processing, we shaded the image with the help of two techniques- Flat shading Smooth shading Flat shading: Their respective colors and a lighting technology is used in each polygon of an object based on the angle between the intensity of the light source 3D computer graphics and general surface light source in the direction of flat polygon shading shadow. The main disadvantage of the flat shading, the low polygon model provides a versatile look. Sometimes may be it boxy look modeling objects such as profit through. Smooth shading: The main disadvantage of the flat shading, the low polygon model provides a versatile look. Sometimes it boxy look modeling objects such smooth shading, pixel by pixel, to the contrary, flat shading with color changes. The curved surfaces of the polygon vertices interpolation technique uses to calculate the values à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹of the pixels holds. Smooth shading Hakrup divided into two major categories through the benefits might be. Gouroud shading: Gouraud shading surfaces represented by polygon meshes to produce continuous shading of computer graphics is used as an interpolation method. Gouraud shading is most often at the corners of each triangle of light and linear triangle covered by computing the resulting color for each pixel by interpolating surfaces triangle is used to obtain continuous light. Gouraud shading, flat shading and Phong shading is considered better than the much less processing is required, but generally results in a multilateral track. Phong shading than, Gouraud shading strength and weakness lies in its projection. The corner count expensive light color values à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹from samples interpolating, corner than a mesh screen space covers more pixels, so as to reduce the processor Phong shading calculations performed for each pixel of light is intense. However, the highly localized light effects will not be rendered correctly, and in the middle of a polygon is a highlight, but does not spread to the top of the polygon, then it will not be clear in rendering a Gouraud; A highlight is on top of a polygon Conversely, if, it will be rendered correctly on the summit, but all through the neighboring polygon interpolation method will be spread across unnatural. Figure 4: Comparisions of Flat shading and Gouroud shading Phong shading: Phong shading 3D computer graphics shading the surface as an interpolation technique shows. It also called Fong interpolation or normal vector interpolation shading. In particular, the rasterized polygon normals across the surface of the interpolated normals and interpolates and calculates a reflection model based on pixel color. Interpolation and Fong Fong Fong shading also can refer to specific combinations of reflection model. Gouraud shading Phong shading correction and the shading of a smooth surface provides a better approximation. Phong shading a smooth surface normal vector is different. Phong reflection model, such as the small specular highlights that when applied to a reflection model Fong interpolation method works better than Gouraud shading. Figure 5:Visual illustration of the Phong equation: here the light is white, the ambient and diffuse colors are both blue, and the specular color is white, reflecting a small part of the light hitting the surface, but only in very narrow highlights. The intensity of the diffuse component varies with the direction of the surface, and the ambient component is uniform (independent of direction). Specular highlights are found in the middle of a large polygon Gouraud shading with the most serious problem occurs. The specular highlights peak based on the color of the polygon vertices and Gouraud shading interpolates are absent, specular highlighting will disappear from the interior of the polygon. This problem is fixed by Phong shading. Figure 6: Comparisions between flat shading and phong Shading Figure 7: Comparisions between flat, gouroud and phong shading IV. CONCLUSION Image processing is the wide area use in everywhere like in medical, video games, visual effects etc. Rendering is the method for view digital images and process them. Shading is use in image rendering. In this paper we represent the shading techniques and show the comparisons between them. Now conclusion of this paper is, Phong shading is better than other shading techniques like as flat shading and gouroud shading. In the further technologies we discuss the upcoming shading techniques. V. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The first guide is thankful to Brahdutt Bohra for instructive suggestions, and also wants to thank the Dr. Surender yadav. The blessing, help and guidance given by him time to time shall carry me a long way in the journey of life. REFERENCES [1] Feng Ling, Ling Yang. â€Å"Improved on Maximum intensity projection†. 2009 International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Computational Intelligence .978-0-7695-3816-7/09 $26.00  © 2009 IEEE DOI 10.1109/AICI.2009.202. [2] Heung-Yeung Shum and Sing Bing Kang. â€Å"A Review of Image-based Rendering Techniques†. [3] Mandakini Kaushik, Kapil Kumar Nagwanshi, Dr. Lokesh Kumar Sharma. â€Å"A Overview of Point-based Rendering Techniques†. International Journal of Computer Trends and Technology- volume3Issue1- 2012. ISSN: 2231-2803. [4]Brian V. Funt, Mark S. Drew, and Michael Brockington. â€Å"Recovering Shading from Color Images†. ECCV’92, Second European Conference on Computer Vision, pp. 124-132, May, 1992.

Bipolar Disorder Essay -- Psychology Depression Essays

Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder is a type of manic depression classified by those affected having extreme polar opposite emotions. Those who suffer from bipolar disorder, go from extreme highs (mania) to very lows, (depression). Because this illness deals with such drastic changes in behavior, it is essential that those who suffer take medical action in treatment of their disorder, unlike other depressions that may be treated with therapy only. Medical treatment with the use of drugs is so important when treating those who suffer from bipolar disorder, because its causes can be predicted to begin at the neuron level. One of these treatments, as discussed throughout this paper, is Lithium in its common for, Lithium Carbonate. Lithium is thought to affect the way the way the synaptic transmitters carry information across the neurons in the body. Although it is unknown how exactly this process works, researches believe that the synapse is the location of the neuron that is affected by lithium use. The synapse of a cell can be defined as a point of communication at the gap between two neurons or between a neuron and a muscle, (Kalant, 2004). Because the synapse deals with communication, the synapse is an extremely busy and complicated part of the neuron. Due to the belief that Lithium is impacts a cell primarily at the synapse, it also affects the cell at the axon of the pre- synaptic cell, and the dendrites of the post-synaptic cell. An axon is the part of the cell that conducts information away from the cell body, and eventually across the synapse, where the branch like fibers of the post-synaptic dendrites receives the information. Exact Process Unknown: Lith... ... Khoury, Aram El, et al. (2001) Effects of Long Term Lithium Treatment on Monoaminergic functions in major depression. Psychiatry Research, 105, 33-44. Lithium-Drug Class, Medical Uses, Medication Side Effects, and Drug Interactions. (1998). Retrieved March 6, 2005 from http://www.medicinenet.com Long, Phillip W. (2005) Pharmacology in Lithium Carbonate. Retrived March 6, 2005 from http://mentalhealth .com/drug/p30- 102.html Schimelpfening, Nancy. The Chemistry of depression. Retrieved February 28, 2005 from http://depression.about.com/cs/brainch101/a/brainchemistry_p.htm Serretti, A. Et al. (2000). Serotonin Receptor 2A, 2C, 1A genes and response to lithium prophylaxis in mood disorders. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 35, 89-98. Shastry, Barkur s. (2005) Bipolar Disorder: an update. Neurochemistry International, 46, 273-279.

The Applications and Making of Artificial Diamonds Essay -- Diamond Di

The Applications and Making of Artificial Diamonds Diamonds are very unique. Their hardness and beauty have enticed people for many years. Now some of the same attributes that make them appealing also make them useful. To understand these attributes the chemistry of carbon is very important. This unique chemistry is what makes them so hard to make. Much research has gone into the making of diamonds and this has led to many successes in the field. These discoveries have led to machines and processes that make diamond making more efficient and reliable. Of course, all of this research and discoveries would not be sought after if it was not for the many applications of diamonds. This is true for cosmetic, industrial and electronic purposes. Diamonds can be very complex but have many uses. The chemistry of diamonds is very interesting. Diamonds are composed mainly of carbon. Carbon can also exist as graphite, in a carbon chain or as buckminsterfullerene. It never forms bonds and leaves unshared electron pairs. In graphite the carbon atoms form an sp2 bonds. In this type of bonding an electron of the s orbital jumps to the p orbital to complete the octet with the other carbon atoms. When this happens it causes the orbital to flatten and the result is one big lattice in a two dimensional plane (Oxtoby). These lattices are attracted to each other not bonded to each other in compounds of graphite. Although they are made of the same carbon the diamond compound is different because of the type of bonds. Each atom forms four directional sp3 bonds instead of the three resonating bonds in graphite. This allows the diamond to keep its tetrahedral shape. It is also what makes the diamond so hard. The tetrahedral sh... ... January 1999. Elert, Glenn. â€Å"Presuures Used to Create Artificial Diamonds.† 1998. Frogley, Elizabeth. â€Å"Really Good Fake Diamonds.† November 6, 2002. Gurov, Ivan Ivanovich. â€Å"Method of Diamond Making.† November 2000. Hoover, Aaron. â€Å"Simply Brilliant: Uf/Russian Team Makes Gem-Quality Diamonds.† Science Daily News. August 1999. Krane, Kenneth. Modern Physics. United States: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1996. Oxtoby, Freeman, Block. Chemistry, Science of Change. Philadelphia: Saunders College Publishing. 1998.

Comparing the Use of Language in Titus Andronicus and Hamlet Essay

Comparing the Use of Language in Titus Andronicus and Hamlet As characters of high birth and important political positions, Titus and Hamlet are necessarily observed closely by those around them for their reaction to the tragic events that have taken in place in their lives; and it is primarily the unique language with which they express their grief and anger that disconcerts both their enemies and their friends, and keeps them under an exacting scrutiny for the duration of their eponymous plays. The other characters in Titus Andronicus and Hamlet interpret the language of these tragic heroes, the devices it employs, the lack of decorum it exhibits, as the symptom of madness. It is a language born out of suffering and crafted by intelligence and insight, and, above all, a desire to push language to its expressive limit, and as such, a language that characters like Marcus, Tamora, Polonius, Horatio, and Gertrude cannot appreciate, and are quick to label madness. And yet there is also a sense in which this term in not wholly inapplicable, for, a s these plays demonstrate, there is a fine line between poetry and madness. The language of the principal characters in Titus Andronicus is fraught with poetic devices, such as allusion to classical mythology and extended similes, many of which are in the heroic style of Virgil and Homer and appropriate classical themes. Titus compares his return to Rome with "the bark that hath discharged his fraught/ [and] returns with precious lading to the bay/ from whence at first she weighed her anchorage" and voices a desire that the virtues of Rome's new leader, Saturninus, will "reflect on Rome as Titan's rays on earth" (I.i.71-73, I.i.225-226). Lucius describes the bodies of his dead broth... ...ft, Horatio. The funeral baked meats/Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables," thus realizing, through language, all of the implications of such a union of opposites (I.ii.180-1). Titus is also the only character in his play to make full sense of its themes-through the devices of metaphor, which yokes together seemingly disparate aspects of life, and the device of metonymy, which pares people and concepts down to their very essence, he comes to an understanding of the true nature of violence, grief, and revenge. Works Cited: Kurmode, Frank. Shakespeare's Language. The Penguin Group. London, 2000 Shakespeare, William. Titus Andronicus. Ed. Eugene M. Waith. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Literature: Reading Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. 5th ed. Ed. Robert DiYanni. New York: McGraw-Hill. 2002.

Marissa Nunez Essay

1.Marissa Nunez had been working for two years at McDonald’s when she wrote â€Å"Climbing the Golden Arches†. This experience had many effects on her. For example; she learned many things like you have to start from the bottom to work your way up to the top. She learned this because from working at McDonald’s, there are many things that need to be done. Sometimes, you have to fill in for someone, even if that isn’t your position so it is best to know all of the jobs at the business . 2.Marissa found many work experiences to be useful for situations in the future. For example; many customers can be very rude and mean. One customer called her a name, and told her to mind her own business when all Marissa was trying to do was help her. Even though the customer called her a bad name and was giving her trouble, she kept quiet and got the manager to deal with the situation. If she said something to the customer, she would have gotten into trouble. This shows that she knows how to handle situations and sometimes it is best to keep your mouth closed because its not worth losing your job over. 3.By working at McDonald’s, Marissa hopes to become a manager at McDonald’s. To achieve this goal, Marissa plans on continuing to attend the class that is required. In this class she gets observed on how well she deals with customers, and then gets a grade on how well she does. Marissa also has to take an exam to become a manager. By doing all of these things, Marissa can achieve her goal of being manager. Words and Figures of Speech: 1.Marissa puts â€Å"battle of the sexes† in quotation marks because it is the name of a game. 2.In connection with restaurant work, the word station means a part of the restaurant. For example; in the reading a station is the grill, then the cash register. 3.The word â€Å"Arches† in the essay title, means that someone’s career goals have many ups and downs leading to the goal but you have to work through it to be successful. â€Å"Golden† means the good things that happen while you’re working your way up to the top to your goal. 4.In this essay, Marissa defines â€Å"fun† as the store being closed for remodeling, and the grand opening was about to happen. Another example of  Ã¢â‚¬Å"fun† to Marissa was having a â€Å"battle of the sexes† at work. This shows that she really loves work, and the people that she works with.

An Introduction to Car-sharing & Zipcar Essay

Back in 2000, in lieu of overcrowding in the US car rental market, Zipcar implemented a blue ocean strategy and established its car-sharing business as the dominant alternative to car ownership. Compared to car rentals firms that charge users on a per day basis, Zipcar offers users the flexibility of deciding the number of hours and distance of car usage. In addition, unlike car rental firms which require customers to pick up the cars from their offices, Zipcar allows members to pick up a car from their nearest parking lots located at strategic points throughout metropolitan areas. The added convenience over the traditional car rental business model, coupled with Zipcar’s first mover’s advantage in the US market, led Zipcar to be the largest car-sharing company in the world, with a total of 570,000 members and 8,000 cars. Zipcar’s Service Proposition – 4 Simple Steps to Driving a Zipcar Firstly, new users are required to apply for a Zipcar membership which costs about USD60 annually. Secondly, users proceed to reserve a specific car model at their preferred nearest location, via phone, online or the Zipcar mobile application. Thirdly, users proceed to their reserved cars and unlock their cars by having an RFID scanner located on the car’s windscreen scan their assigned Zipcards. Lastly, users return their cars to designated parking lots and will be subsequently billed on a per-hour basis, without having to pay for fuel or insurance costs. Zipcar’s Four Market Segments The bulk of Zipcar’s operations is located within the US, although it does operate in selective cities of Canada and the UK. Its revenues come from the following four market segments. Individual Membership| Servicing individuals who prefer car-sharing to urban car ownership due to significant cost savings| Universities| Working with universities to address the lack of parking lots by providing car-sharing to staff and students and reducing the number of cars on campus| Businesses & Government| Working with businesses and local governments to meet environmental goals by providing employees access to Zipcars and encouraging car-pooling| FastFleet System| Selling its proprietary and trademarked car-sharing management systems to organizations interested in implementing an internal car-sharing program| Opportunity for Zipcar to Enter the Growing European Car-Sharing Market In 2006, the European Union (EU) announced plans to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon footprint across European nations. Under the new EU energy policy, European nations are required to report their annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. As such, given their ability to reduce the cars on the road and consequently the greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprints, car-sharing services flourished in Europe. According to Frost & Sullivan, the revenue from car-sharing in Europe is likely to hit $2.6 billion EURO ($3.4 billion USD) by the 2016. This figure even exceeds the projected US car-sharing revenue in 2016 of $3.3 billion USD. Given that the European car-sharing market is likely to be more lucrative than the US one, Zipcar should not miss out on the opportunity to expand its operations to Europe. Our Recommended Goal for Zipcar and Reasons for Recommending It Despite lacking a first-mover’s advantage, we recommend that Zipcar sets its sight on penetrating the European car-sharing market, specifically Germany and Switzerland, and seizing market leadership in the long run. Our group proposes the use of creative collaboration strategies as a workaround to Zipcar’s lack of first-mover’s advantage when entering the aforementioned markets. These strategies will be further elaborated upon in Component #2. Our recommendation of seizing market leadership in Switzerland and Germany is based on the following reasons. Firstly, Zipcar’s acquisition of UK car-sharing market leader (Streetcar) in addition to its minority stake in a Spanish car-sharing start-up (Avancar) provides a solid geographical platform for expansion across Europe. By tapping on the knowledge base regarding the European car-sharing scene Streetcar and Avancar built up over the years, Zipcar could better understand the differences in consumer preferences between European car-sharing customers and their US counterparts without any incurring any market research expenses. Zipcar could then tweak their car-sharing offering and achieve higher levels of market-fit. Secondly, Germany and Switzerland make up 35% and 19% of the European car-sharing market respectivelyv. Apart from the UK, which Zipcar is a market leader in due to its recent acquisition of Streetcar, the remaining European nations only make up single-digit market shares amongst the European car-sharing market. Since Germany and Switzerland make up almost half of the European car-sharing market, entering these two markets instead of other geographic markets should give them the greatest Return on Investment (ROI). Thirdly, by targeting high-growth car-sharing markets like that of Switzerland and Germany, Zipcar can reap substantial economies of scale and scope, which will lead to a lower cost structure, as it increases the size of its car fleet to meet the increasing demand for car-sharing in these nations. For example, Zipcar could negotiate bulk insurance deals at cheaper rates with insurance companies. Seeing as how Zipcar’s recent profit margins have been eroded by increasing operating costs like soaring prices of petrol, it is important that Zipcar explore cost savings through economies of scale and scope to ensure long-term sustainability of profits. Competitive Advantages that Helps Zipcar Fulfill Long Term Goal Firstly, as a car-sharing firm that owns the largest car fleet in the world, Zipcar has developed numerous patented technologies and invests heavily in research and development to uncover new innovations that might strengthen its technological leadership. For instance, its patented â€Å"Z3D Knowledge Center† technology is capable of synchronizing and displaying real-time information like reservation cost, vehicle location maps on various consumer touch-points like the online website, Zipcar mobile application and telephone reservation system. Looking forward, Zipcar is planning to use its proprietary wireless data network to be the first car-sharing provider to implement in-car Bluetooth and even Internet Wi-Fi services. Secondly, over the years, Zipcar has been building a significant amount of brand equity. Today, Zipcar is a brand that is synonymous with car sharing and environmental conservation. Its powerful brand and trustworthy brand name is underscored by the numerous awards it has won over the years. For example, Advertising Age Magazine named Zipcar in its 2009 list of â€Å"Top 30 World’s Hottest Brands†. Given its powerful brand, Zipcar will find it easier to gain the trust of potential collaborative partners. However, transferability of these competitive advantages across geographical boundaries might be held back by differences in consumer behaviours and competitive landscape. For instance, Europe and the US have radically different GPS networks and Zipcar might encounter challenges in implementing its patented GPS-reliant â€Å"Z3D Knowledge Center† technology in Europe. The extent to which Zipcar could leverage on its competitive advantages will ultimately depend on the effectiveness of its deployment strategies. Potential Pitfalls that Zipcar Should Look Out for When Pursuing its Goals While penetrating the European market, Zipcar should be wary of the threat it might face in the US market from an emerging form of car-sharing where online communities like Zimride allow individuals to form car pools with others who reside near them. It is important that Zipcar hedge against this increasingly popular form of car-sharing by not overcommitting its financial capital to the European market, and allocating a fixed portion of its annual marketing budget to the US market, in order to differentiate itself from Zimride as the superior car-sharing offering through the use of creative marketing initiatives and even sales promotions.. Challenges Faced as a Second-Mover into the Germany and Switzerland Market We established in Component 1 that Zipcar’s next logical course of action will be to compete for market leadership in Switzerland and Germany. However, this will be an uphill task, as Car2Go and Mobility, the respective market leaders in Germany and Switzerland, have leveraged on their first movers advantage to erect significant barriers to entry. Firstly, as first movers, Car2Go and Mobility have established themselves as technological leaders and have shaped customer expectations regarding car-sharing technological features. For instance, Car2Go has installed patent-pending electronic dashboards in their cars, which allows users to get directional help via GPS technology, as well as keep track of distance travelled and its resultant costs. Zipcar on the other hand, is in the midst of implementing such technologies and might come across as an inferior choice to certain group of customers. Secondly, Car2Go and Mobility have pre-emptively secured scarce assets vital for success of a car-sharing business. Being first on the scene, they have secured strategic and limited parking lots around the cities as their designated car-sharing parking lots. Facing the above second mover’s disadvantages, it will be challenge for Zipcar to enter the new markets in the conventional manner. As such, our team recommends using creative collaborations strategies, tailored specifically for Germany and Switzerland separately. Entry into Germany as a Second-Mover via Collaboration with a Railway Operator * Reasons Why Zipcar Should Collaborate with Deutsche Bahn AG By collaborating with Deutsche Bahn AG (DBAG), the government-owned railway operator, Zipcar will gain swift access to scarce resources in form of car-sharing parking lots. In the urban areas, most of the limited viable parking lots have already been converted into Car2Go’s designated lot due to their first mover’s position, leaving close to none for new entrants. Being a state-owned public transport operator, DBAG holds strategic state-owned land areas in urban districts, which could be converted into designated Zipcar parking lots. This is made possible by a German legislation allowing government authorities to authorize the conversion of state-owned land into car-sharing stations and lots. As such, Zipcar avoids the lengthy process of acquiring parking lots on their own prior to beginning operations, during which Car2Go would have continued to strengthen its market leadership in the absence of Zipcar. * Reasons Why Deutsche Bahn AG Would Want to Collaborate with Zipcar The DB brand is synonymous with being the â€Å"frontrunner on climate protection†. By collaborating with Zipcar, which â€Å"takes 100,000 cars off the road and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 150 million pounds annually†, DB could tap on Zipcar’s credibility and proven track record of being environmentally friendly to enhance its brand equity as consumers start to closely associate the two brands over time. Besides, prior in-depth studies in European nations have shown that collaboration between car-sharing and public transport firms have resulted in higher profit margins for both party. * Executing the Collaboration and Achieving Long Term Market Leadership This collaboration will seek to integrate different transport options, giving citizens in Germany the option of catching a train for the main part of a trip, before picking up a Zipcar at a specific station and drive for the last part of the journey. The customers of DBAG are an ideal target segment for Zipcar to extend its service offering to, as these frequent railway commuters are unlikely to own a car. Hence, Zipcar should launch initiatives that convert railway commuters into Zipcar members. For instance, Zipcar could execute joint marketing campaigns with DBAG promoting joint-package pricing programs where consumers enjoy discounted rates for railway train rides and Zipcar’s car sharing services. Zipcar can also leverage on the unique marketing channels DBAG offers by posting marketing collaterals in railway stations and within trains themselves to educate commuters about its car-sharing offer. Given that countless Germans take the railway every day, this serves an effective platform for Zipcar to reach out to an enormous target group. These marketing collaterals should also make the partnership between DBAG and Zipcar obvious, through slogans like â€Å"Zipcar – the public car from DBAG†. Knowing that the service is jointly-offered by their established and trusted public operator, consumers will be more receptive to Zipcar’s offer. In the interest of user convenience and expediting the adoption rate, Zipcar should clearly indicate on the DB railway transport route map which stations offer car-sharing services. Zipcar should also station staff at railway stations providing reliable information regarding car-sharing. Entry into Switzerland as a Second-Mover via Collaboration with Universities Mobility, the Switzerland car-sharing market leader, is involved in a collaboration with the Swiss Federal Railways. Hence, Zipcar cannot use the same collaboration strategy as what we proposed for Germany and we suggest Zipcar collaborate with local universities instead. * Reasons Why Zipcar Should Collaborate with Switzerland Universities Zipcar lacks a knowledge-base about the Switzerland car-sharing market, particularly consumer preferences and strategic locations where car-sharing is in high demand. By collaborating with local universities that serve an importance source of learning, Zipcar could rapidly build up its knowledge-base through interactions with tertiary students, as compared to venturing into the market alone without any form of market intelligence or research. Universities are also ideal collaboration partners as college students are generally open-minded youths who form the majority of the â€Å"early adopters† who are eager to try new innovative ideas like car-sharing. * Reasons Why the Switzerland Universities Would Want to Collaborate with Zipcar The collaboration with Zipcar achieves a strategic fit – reduction of carbon footprint. Switzerland is one of the leading environmentally friendly countries due to continuous governmental efforts to promote a green lifestyle. Zipcar’s mission statement of reducing global carbon footprint will resonate well with these government-linked universities. In addition, most Switzerland universities, especially those located in the city, face parking management issues due to the lack of land and face an institutional need to reduce cars parked on campus. Collaboration with Zipcar provides a cost-effective manner of solving the above issues, given Zipcar eight-years’ worth of partnership experience with US colleges, during which they achieved a proven track record of cutting down the number of cars and traffic congestions in various campuses. * Executing the Collaboration and Achieving Long Term Market Leadership Initially, Zipcar should focus on promoting mass adoption among university students. As it is a rite of passage for most European graduates to purchase a car when they leave school, it is crucial for Zipcar to get students to experience the benefits of car-sharing first-hand and warm them up to the idea of a car-free lifestyle post college years. Since most university students have limited spending power, Zipcar should tailor its marketing initiatives to convey the cost savings students will enjoy as a Zipcar member, due to their lack of a need to pay for car insurance, parking and rising fuel prices. Zipcar might also want to emphasize a story of convenience, where students’ matriculation cards could double as Zipcards that unlock Zipcars. Taking into consideration that university students are mostly Millennial (adults belonging to Generation Y), who are progressively getting more environmentally conscious, Zipcar could also highlight the fact it offers a selection of hybrid cars, like the Totyota Prius and Citroà «n C1. Upon achieving mass adoption status, Zipcar should convert graduating college students into life-long Zipcar members, by offering incentives of lower annual membership fees and loyalty points. By targeting a specific target segment (i.e. college students) instead of competing head-on with Mobility for the same group of customers, Zipcar can steadily grow its market share and eventually emerge in a good position to challenge for market leadership. Bibliography i Baan, J., Mack, D., Murphy, T., Sharma, S., & Watson, L. (2011, 08 22). Zipcar to set the Pace in Race for â€Å"Young Urbanite† Market. Glendale, Arizona, USA. ii Edgar Online. (2011, 04 14). Edgar Online – ZIPCAR INC. Retrieved 10 22, 2011, from Edgar Online: http://www.edgar-online.com iii Garthwaite, J. (2011, 4 14). Car Sharing Startups Bask in Zipcar’s I.P.O Glow. New York, USA: New York Times. Retrieved 10 22, 2011, from NY Times.com: http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/14/car-sharing-start-ups-bask-in-zipcars-i-p-o-glow/ iv Zipcar Inc. (2011, 01 01). How It Works. 4 simple steps to freedom from car rental and ownership – Zipcar. Retrieved 10 22, 2011, from Zipcar: http://www.zipcar.com/how/ v Zipcar Inc. (2011, 01 01). Rate & Plans, car sharing instead of car rental and owning a car – Zipcar. Retrieved 10 22, 2011, from Zipcar Inc: http://www.zipcar.com/dc/check-rates