Nafta 5 Years Of Failure Essays - Mexico, , Term Papers

Nafta 5 Years Of Failure NAFTA Five Years of Failure In December of 1992, Presidents Salinas (Mexico), Bush (U.S.) and Prime Minister Brian Mulroney of Canada signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The Mexican legislature ratified NAFTA in 1993 and the treaty went into effect on January 1, 1994, creating the largest free-trade zone in the world. NAFTA's promoters promised 200,000 new jobs per year for the U.S., higher wages in Mexico and a growing U.S. trade surplus with Mexico, environmental clean-up and improved health along the border. The reality of the post-NAFTA surge in imports from Mexico has resulted in an $14.7 billion trade deficit with Mexico for 1998. By adding the Mexican trade deficit to the deficit with Canada, the overall U.S. NAFTA trade deficit for the year 1998 is $33.2 billion dollars. In the last five years we have gone from a pre-NAFTA trade surplus of $4.6 billion with Mexico to a $14.7 billion deficit. Using the Department of Commerce trade data in the formula used by NAFTA proponents to predict job gains, the real accumulated NAFTA trade deficit would translate into over four hundred thousand U.S. jobs lost. A number of companies that specifically promised to create new jobs actually laid workers off because of the agreement. Allied Signal, General Electric, Mattel, Proctor and Gamble, Scott Paper and Zenith all made specific promises to create jobs, and all have laid workers off because of NAFTA as certified by the U.S. Department of Labor's special NAFTA unemployment assistance program (NAFTA TAA). (1) These are not the only companies who broke their promise of new jobs. In February 1997, Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch conducted an investigation of companies that had specifically promised that they would create jobs if NAFTA were enacted in 1993. Of the 67 companies studied, 60 had not created jobs or even increased their exports to Mexico. When we look at the goods exported from the U.S. to Mexico, we must understand that the figures used do not mean goods to be sold in Mexico. Most of the figures released by the government include what is termed as ?industrial tourism?. This means we send goods to Mexico to be assembled in their low wage plants and then re-imported into the U.S. as finished products. (2) A significant portion of the jobs lost to Mexico due to NAFTA are in the higher wage sectors of manufacturing. Many of these are in the automobile and electronics industries. The latest government data shows that 70% of the jobs lost were in manufacturing. The U.S. has gone from a pre-NAFTA manufacturing trade surplus of $4.6 billion with Mexico in 1993 to a $8.9 billion deficit in 1998. Imports from Mexico have increased 129% since NAFTA went in to effect. (3) According to the U.S. Department of Labor, approximately 214,902 American workers have been certified as having been laid off due to NAFTA. These numbers do not take into account the workers displaced out side of the factories. When a plant closes and moves to Mexico it is not only the line worked who is affected but also the entire community. One must look at the retailers who have to layoff works due to decreased sales; restaurants and all service industries tied to the consumer are affected. These workers are not considered by the government as being displaced by NAFTA. The wages paid in the new high tech plants being built in Mexico, are so low there is not a single U.S. worker who could take enough of a pay adjustment to compete. The average hourly compensation for a U.S. manufacturing job is approximately $18.74/hour,) and the average wage in Mexico is $1.51 per hour. (4) NAFTA is directly responsible for the wage stagnation being experienced in the U.S., this is largely due o the threat of closing the business and moving to Mexico every time workers try to organize and negotiate a wage increase. Kate Bronfrenbrenner of the Cornell University School of Industrial Relations found that the percentage of U.S. companies following through on threats to close in response to union drive tripled under NAFTA. NAFTA was supposed to raise the standards of living in Mexico so that the Mexican citizens would be able

Economic Changes in the 18th C essays

Economic Changes in the 18th C essays The 18th century brought many changes for Englands social classes and economic situation. One of the main changes was Englands industrial revolution(1760-1800) which changed working conditions from a domestic system to a factory system. People worked in their villages, making essential goods so they could survive. There were not as many goods being produced, the economy was not as strong as it became when the factory system was developed. The factory system was not the only change, more people were becoming rich, the merchants were becoming Parliament members, statesmen, privy counselors, judges, bishops, and nobles, and more efficient ways of production, especially in farming, were becoming more popular. The social classes in England were bettered by the economic changes that occurred during the 18th century. Farming methods were changing because of the innovative ideas that helped to achieve a better product from less work. The Norfolk four-course system was adapted and also enclosure so that the Norfolk system would work. As a result of this, livestock was better fed by the new fodder which came from the new farming methods. The landlords leased their land for longer terms which benefited the tenant farmer as well as the landlord himself. This way, a tenant farmer could use crop rotation as well as drilling and other modernized agricultural methods. The new methods lead to bigger food exports which bettered the economy. Another export was cotton, which was grown in the Americas. Cotton was much cheaper than wool, so everybody could afford it. Clothes and sheets made of cotton were common and very important in the winter, the warmth from the cotton saved lives in Englands harsh winters causing a drastic population growth. When pig iron was introduced people in lower classes could afford silverware and other metal products. This caused more sanitary eating conditions, which also lead to the population grow...

Principles of Information Systems and Data Management Essay

Principles of Information Systems and Data Management - Essay Example lic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA) decided to establish a project founded on information technology for the purpose of better management and organization of the obtainable customs clearance procedures. While talking about the working of this new automatic system set up on information technology the customer will be facilitated through an online system which is advance, very easy and complies with all the universal standards. The Government of Iran took this wise decision for the purpose of creating e-services and then providing increasingly web-based services of commerce available to Iranian communities (UNDP 2010). As per Statistics Sea based business plays a vital role in the economy of Bangladesh. Sea based business is about fishing. In recent year as climate has changed this business had affected seriously. Keeping in view this situation, the Government of Bangladesh decided to initiate a new project named â€Å"National Oceanographic research Institute†. This project is undoubtedly going to start a latest research for an effective handling, management of life at Ocean and also the business. This project is going to start a new institute which can facilitate the new young generation for getting knowledge of research areas in this area of Science (MOSICT 2010). Russian Government has started this project. This project was designed for the purpose of Land administration and providing education of Land management, useful handling of the process of transferring and then digitalizing all the working performance. This latest system of land management and land administration will handle the complete records for the national Land and also has the capability of utilizing the facilities of Information System and Administration. (MALINNIKOV and KAMYNINA 2010). For the assessment of the time table system I want to assess some of the main usability factors while considering the development of new web based system. In the existing scenario these factors have

European Union Law - Article 101(1) Treaty on the Functioning of the Assignment - 1

European Union Law - Article 101(1) Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union - Assignment Example It also increases the part played by national completion authorities (NCA) and national courts in enforcing EU competition law therefore warranting an effective and even application (Cavicchiolli 1991). The main EU competition rules are encompassed in article 101(treaty on the functioning of the European Union TFEU) which covers anti-competitive agreements. The new rules came into force as from June 1, 2010 and will expire in May 2022.A paramount aim of the founding fathers of the European community was creation of a single market. To accomplish this, a compatible, fair and transparent regulatory framework had to be established. The first major decision under article 101 was taken by the commission in 1964 (Kimmer 2011). There is debate surrounding the purpose of the law of competition while some assert that it serves as elimination for substandard firms that are non-competitive. It is argued that the law stands in the way of free flow of goods and services. The general court says that the law is to protect the final consumer whereas Stephen (2010) states its purpose in protection of member states as a whole. The overall bargain however is to maintain a balance between undertakings and the consumer. Article 101 is construed widely. It includes formal and informal agreements, concerted practices where businesses tend to increase or decrease prices simultaneously without physically consenting to do that. Coincidental price increase or reduction will not itself uphold as a concerted activity hence there should be proof that the parties involved were knowledgeable of the fact that their actions may destabilize the normalcy of competition operation within the internal market. In the light of agreements, sheer anti-competitive influence is ample to make it unlawful despite parties being unaware of it or having no intent to spur the effect to occurrence (Okeoghene, 2006). In

Grand Theft Childhood Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Grand Theft Childhood - Essay Example This case, an exemplary example, is not only cause for concern, but is evidence that media does direct our values and in doing so promotes activities outside acceptable social norms. The vast array of entertainment available through video games has made them a mainstay of children's pastime. A full 79% of our children between 7 and 17 years of age play an average of 8 hours a week (Walsh). Many video games are appropriate and often aid educational purposes and project positive images of society. They often offer instruction, problem solving, and entertainment. However, when games step outside our sense of a well-ordered society, they bring with them a baggage of debate on their influence. The recent explosion of violent video games has brought controversy from the living room and into the halls of Congress. Games that feature gun play, excessive mutilation, and behavior associated with criminal activity have raised concern across the board from parents to medical professionals. The intense concern about video and computer games is based on the belief that the ultra violent games are inappropriate for all children and harmful to some. Exposure to "Grand Theft Auto" increases physiological arousal, aggressive thoughts, and aggressive emotions and actions (Walsh). According to Walsh, "In a study of 8th and 9th graders, students who played more violent video games were also more likely to see the world as a hostile place, to get into frequent arguments with teachers, and to be involved in physical fights". Critics are quick to point out that the problem is not the video game, but underlying hostility in the child. However, this does not seem to be validated by research. According to a 2004 research study, Gentile, Lynch, Linder, and Walsh concluded, It was hypothesized that exposure to video game violence would be positively related to aggressive behaviors, such as arguments with teachers and physical threats. This hypothesis was confirmed. Students who play more violent video games are more likely to have been involved in physical acts and get into arguments with teachers more frequently. It should come as no great shock that exposure to violence, even with the knowledge that it is just a game, can initiate and manifest aggressive behavior. I have seen my friends after a period of playing "Grand Theft Auto" and have noticed a change in behavior immediately following the game. Their speech is more coarse, actions more rude, and their driving becomes more reckless. Yet, they play it off as being just a game. They explain that it is no different than an eight year old watching the violence taking place in a Tom and Jerry cartoon. Their theory of the self realization that its only a game and can't translate to the real world may have some validity. A study of 5 to 9 year old children's cartoon viewing habits indicated that children might be discerning between fantasy and reality. The study noted that, " [...] [M]others were shocked by the aggressive and "dark" programmes their children were watching. However, even though some of the children found them disturbing they realised they were simply cartoons, that nobody got hurt and that the good characters always won" ("Children's Cartoons Harmless"). So as children can tell good from bad in a cartoon, can a

Exploring Swot Analysis And Competitive Advantage Strategic Management Business Essay

Exploring Swot Analysis And Competitive Advantage Strategic Management Business Essay The study by Helms and Nixon (2010) identifies that SWOT analysis has grown as a key tool for addressing complex strategic situations by reducing the quantity of information to improve decision making. SWOT is short form of four words which is strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It can simply understand as the examination of an organizations internal strengths and weaknesses, and its external environment which is opportunities and threat that provides the foundation for realization of the desired alignment of organization variables or issues. Therefore, an understanding of all external and internal factors is assists in forming a vision of the future. According to Helms and Nixon (2010), SWOT is a general tool designed to be used in the beginning stages of decision making and as a precursor to strategic planning in various kinds of applications. In summarized, a person is allowed to do something in condition he or she is known strengths and weaknesses and understand the opportunities and threats his or her has currently. In addition, all organizations are hope to gaining competitive advantage. It can be gain through offering consumers greater value, either by providing lower prices or by providing greater benefits or services that justifies higher prices. The aim of much of business strategy is to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage that could increase the business profitability and brand image. SWOT ANALYSIS A SWOT analysis was systematically applied at a national level when preparing the afore-mentioned long-term strategy. However, it is clear that only the quality performance of a SWOT analysis will form a suitable strategic structure. Therefore, the organization environment will much influence organization performance now and in the future. The detail of SWOT analysis is explained in following sections. Internal Environment Internal environment are an internal factors within an organization in many areas such as management, staff, finance, research and development, operational efficiency and capacity, technical frameworks, culture, and organizational structure. Internal environment consists of strengths and weaknesses in organization, those viewed as a result of factors and variables that can be controlled within organizations. Strengths Strengths are represents the organizations internal power and strong points of view that an organization possess to compete against its competitors. It also can be view as organizational capabilities and internal positive attitudes that enable organizations possess strategic power to achieve organizational goals. It also can define as skills and abilities that enable organizations set out and implement their strategies in order to do better than their competitors. Weaknesses Weaknesses are represents the organizations negative impact of product and service value with regards to customers or competitive environment. It also can define as shortages in internal capabilities that make organizations unable to achieve their goals or lose their competitive advantage. This may allow their competitors to do better than the organization performance. Thus, it should be determine and acknowledge earlier in order bitter reality without procrastination. External Environment External environment is contains all changes that take places outsides the organizations boundary such as customers, suppliers, economic, political, cultural, and technological changes. External environment consists of opportunities and threats of an organization. Opportunities Opportunities are defined as a set of conditions suitable for achieving goals at the right time. Rousan and Qawasmeh (2009) states that opportunities can be divided into three types those are added, supplementary, and explosive. Added opportunity is using the available resources to expand their benefits, so the revenues in this category are limited. Then, supplementary opportunity is where the organizations have to acquire new knowledge. Where explosive opportunity requires organizations to invest capital in RD to make large changes in organization standards and attributes. Threats Threats can define as a challenge caused by a negative attitude inconsistent with the organization common norms. Besides, it also can be viewed as any improper event of force in the external environment that causes harm to the organizations strategy. In addition, threats are a set of conditions, resources and capabilities that organizations need to pressured, but cannot influence or control over it, means which is out of our control. Why Use SWOT Analysis? SWOT analysis is use to develop a plan or find a solution for an organizations problem. This is because that takes consideration in many different internal and external factors which is maximizes the potential of the strengths and opportunities while minimizing the impact of the weaknesses and threats of an organization. When to Use SWOT Analysis? SWOT Analysis is uses when needs to developing a strategic plan or finding a solution to a problem. These tasks are performed by managers, designers or by the entire project team. Teamwork is particularly effective in providing structure, objectivity, clarity and tends to focus further discussions about strategy that might otherwise tend to wander. SWOT Analysis Usage SWOT analysis has been used by countless practitioners, marketing researchers, and is a familiar and popular tool for business marketing and strategy areas. This tool is used to assess alternatives and complex decision situations. It can be constructed quickly and can benefit from multiple viewpoints as a brainstorming exercise. There are three steps to use the SWOT analysis which is firstly analyses the internal factors and then analyses the external factors, and finally create a worksheet. First and foremost, internal analysis is examine the capabilities of an organizations strengths and weaknesses. The planner might list down ideas from projects that both successful and unsuccessful completely in the top row of the SWOT grid. Second step is external analysis known as environmental analysis Here have to analyses the opportunities and threats or obstacles to organizations performance that place at the bottom row of the SWOT grid. This has to carefully examine the market in which you intend to launch the product and analyze what the status of the competition. In addition, there have to make a worksheet by creating four quadrants which one each is strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats as shown on table 1.1. This allows planners better understand how strengths can be leveraged to realize new opportunities and understand how weaknesses can slow progress or magnify organizational threats. Then list specific items into the column correctly. But each column is limit to ten or fewer points per heading to avoid over generalizations. If there are more items are thought of, and then have to prioritize them so that only 10 top items for each category. Table 1.1 Quadrants for SWOT Analysis Positive Negative Internal Strengths 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 External Opportunities 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 Source: Adopted from Strategic Management: Concept and Cases, 2nd ed. (2006) Finally, the person has to know whether the strengths owned enable to take advantages from the opportunities. Besides, whether the strengths owned is able to overcome the threats that have been identified. Moreover, here also can overcome the identified threat by minimize the weaknesses. COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE The comprehensive or idea concept of competitive advantage is defined in The Free Encyclopedia of Wikipedia (2010) as a position of a company in a competitive landscape that allows the company earning return on investments higher than the cost of investments. Competitive advantage also is a theory that seeks to address some of the criticisms of comparative advantages, and it should be relevant, unique, and sustainable. Competitive advantage occurs when an organization acquire or develops an attribute or combination of attributes that allows it to outperform its competitors. Besides, it is a gain of attributes and resources in perform at a higher level than others in the same industry or market. There are two basic types of competitive advantage which is cost advantages and differentiation advantages. Cost advantage is refer to an organization is able to deliver the same benefit as competitors but at a lower cost. However, cost and differentiation advantages are known as positional advantages since they describe the firms position in the industry as a leader in either cost or differentiation. The figure 1.1 shown the combination of the resource based and positioning views to illustrate the concept of competitive advantage. ResourcesFigure 1.1 A model of Competitive Advantage Value Creation Cost Advantage Or Differentiation Advantage Distinctive Competencies Capabilities Source: Adopted from QuickMBA.com According to figure 1.1, the firm must have resources and capabilities that are superior to those of its competitors. Without this superiority, the competitors simply could replicate what the firm was doing and any advantage quickly would disappear. Resources are use to creating a cost or differentiation advantages. The resources include patents and trademarks, proprietary know-how, installed customer base, and brand equity. Besides, the organization also has ability to utilize its resources effectively which refers to capability of the organization. Distinctive competencies are consisting resources and capabilities. Then the organization process value creating activities, the organization operate in upstream suppliers and downstream channel members. Competitive Strategy The four strategies relate to the extent to which the scope of a business activities are narrow verses broad and the extent to which a business seeks to differentiate its products. Competitive strategy consists of moves to attract customer, hold up competitive pressures, and strengthen organizations market position. It purposes are to earn a competitive advantage, cultivate clientele of loyal customers, and knock the sock off rivals, ethically and properly. For information, competitive strategy is narrower in scope than business strategy. This is because it focuses on managements plan to compete successfully. The four strategies are shown in the figure 1.2 in following. Degree of product differentiationFigure 1.2 Five Generic Competitive Strategies High Differentiation Focus Differentiation Best-Cost Provide Cost Focus Cost Leadership Low Broad Narrow Scope of Business Activities Source: Adopted from tutor2u.net According to figure 1.2, low cost leadership striving to be the overall low-cost provider in industry. Besides, broad differentiation is striving to build customer loyalty by differentiating ones product offerings from rivals products. Low cost focus has to concentrating on a narrow buyer segment, out-competing rival on basic of lower costs. In addition, high differentiation is offering niche members a product or service customized to their needs. Some more, best cost provider strategy is striving to give customers more value for the money by combining an emphasis on low cost with an emphasis on upscale differentiation. Competitive Dimensions The organizations are care about the customers needs and wants. Therefore, the organizations apply the competitive dimensions which are transformed such needs and wants into targeted areas. These competitive advantages are consisting of four factors which are cost, quality, time, and flexibility as defines as following. Cost Organization must make some kind of compromise between the cost and the characteristics of their products and services. Basically, most of organization will choose to control the cost of material and employee compensation rates attempt to achieve higher levels of productivity. Quality Quality can be achieved by adding unique attributes to products to enhance their competitive attractiveness so as to benefit customers in the final stage. Quality can be achieves in two ways which is quality of design and quality of conformity such capability of organization to transform inputs to conformable outputs. Time Time is the most important factor to compete among each others. For example, delivery time can be a source of competitive advantages. This can be achieving through reducing the period f time between receiving and accepting customer orders and then delivers products or services to customers. Otherwise, the time period between product ideas generation till achieving the final design or production is consider as important factor. Flexibility Flexibility is defines as the ability of the processes to switch from one product to another or from one customer to another at least time and lowest cost or impact. Besides, flexibility also can view as the ability to adapt the production capacity to changes in the market demands. RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SWOT ANALYSIS AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE It is not intelligent to think that using organizational strengths to build a competitive advantage does not require through external environment analysis. The fact is whether an organization is strong or weak is a relative measure with comparison to its external environment. It is widely proven that organizations can achieve a competitive advantage by relying on organizational strengths and interacting with the strategic choice so as to make use of opportunities and avoid threats or override weakness or both. STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT Strategy management is the process of specifying an organizations objectives, developing policies and plans to achieve these objectives, and allocating resources to implement the plans. It is the highest level of managerial activity, usually performed by the companys top management as well as executive team. It provides overall direction to the whole organization. An organizations strategy must be appropriate for its resources, circumstances, and objectives. The objective of an overall corporate strategy is to carry out its mission effectively and efficiently. A good corporate strategy should integrate an organizations goals, policies, and action sequences or tactics into cohesive whole. Strategic planning was first brought into practice in the private sector in 1960-1970, followed by the public sector some 10-20 years later. According to Diskiene, Galiniene, and Marcinskas (2008), Strategic planning gives quite a clear description of the use of the SWOT strategy analysis tools. There are also involved several reasons of strategic plans fail where discuss in problem statement section. PROBLEM STATEMENT SWOT analysis usually reflect a persons existing position and view point, which can misused to justify a previously decided course of action rather then used as a means to open up new possibilities. It is significant to mention that sometimes threat can also be view as opportunities, depending on the people or groups involved. Finding from Helms and Nixon (2010) clearly indicate that an optimist is one who sees an opportunity in every difficulty. Adversely, a pessimist is one who sees difficulty in every opportunity. SWOTs can allow companies to take lazy course and took for fit rather than to stretch, they look for strengths that opportunities yet ignore the opportunities they do not feel they can use to their advantage. A more active approach would be to involve identifying the most attractive opportunities and then plan to stretch the company to meet these opportunities. This would make strategy a challenge to the organization rather than a fit between its existing strength and the opportunities (Helms Nixon, 2010). Helms and Nixon (2010) points out that categorization of variables into one of the four SWOT quadrants is also challenging. This is because if the strengths that are not maintained may become weaknesses. Some more, if opportunities not taken in the right time, but adopted by competitors, may become threats. Helms and Nixon (2010) also agrees there is confusing in classifying issues such often threat to a business can be called opportunities but setback and catastrophes are real problems and cannot be classified as opportunities. So the opportunities is a favorable solution to a problem and not problem itself. Besides, criteria to assign a variable to one of the four quadrants may be more difficult to clarity if the methodology is not used for a company but for a country. While SWOT is useful to profile and enumerate issues, it does not provide actual strategies to implement to take advantages of opportunities while leveraging strengths. In short, it is no strategic direction provided. This is because SWOT is only using simple list of words or point form without clear detail may be difficult to interpret. The brief format of the SWOT tool may be an oversimplification of a business situation that is more complex. The SWOT tool does not represent the complete and entire analysis so it may lead to inaccurate results (Helms and Nixon, 2010). Helms and Nixon (2010) states that SWOT is need to use with additional tools of analysis which is combinations with other strategic tools and models in order to get more accurate results. Many researchers suggest that Porters 5-Forces Analysis is a well internal analysis which focuses on the organizations external environment. Hence, 5-Foces analysis is applied more specifically to an organizations competitive environment. According to The Free Encyclopedia of Wikipedia (2010), strategic plans fail is consists of many reasons which can refer to the organization failure to understand the customers wants and needs. Otherwise, organization inability to predict environmental reaction which what is the competitor recently doing. Besides, the organization also over-estimates the resource competence. This can be said that the organization is does not know whether the staff, equipment, and processes can handle the new strategy. In addition, the organization is failure to coordinate, failure to obtain senior management commitment, failure to obtain employee commitment and failure to follow the plain. Finally, the organization might under-estimate of time requirements. In the business arena the grouping of internal and external issues is a frequent starting point for strategic planning. This is a most important starting point for implementing the SWOT analysis. If fail to categories or indentified it, then the whole analysis becomes less accurate for organization. In fact, the organization will lose the opportunities to compete in the market with the competitors. Therefore, the planner or top management have to identified the external and internal factors which strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats carefully in order to getting accurate result. CONCLUSION RECOMANDATION

Cell Phones :: essays research papers

Digital cell phone from Nokia Millions of people in the United States and around the world use cellular phones. They are such great gadgets -- with a cell phone, you can talk to anyone on the planet from just about anywhere! These days, cell phones provide an incredible array of functions, and new ones are being added at a breakneck pace. Depending on the cell-phone model, you can: Store contact information Make task or to-do lists Keep track of appointments and set reminders Use the built-in calculator for simple math Send or receive e-mail Get information (news, entertainment, stock quotes) from the Internet Play simple games Integrate other devices such as PDAs, MP3 players and GPS receivers But have you ever wondered how a cell phone works? What makes it different from a regular phone? What do all those confusing terms like PCS, GSM, CDMA and TDMA mean? In this article, we will discuss the technology behind cell phones so that you can see how amazing they really are. If you are thinking about buying a cell phone, be sure to check out How Buying a Cell Phone Works to learn about everything you should know before making a purchase. Let's start with the basics: In essence, a cell phone is a radio. One of the most interesting things about a cell phone is that it is actually a radio -- an extremely sophisticated radio, but a radio nonetheless. The telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876, and wireless communication can trace its roots to the invention of the radio by Nikolai Tesla in the 1880s (formally presented in 1894 by a young Italian named Guglielmo Marconi). It was only natural that these two great technologies would eventually be combined! In the dark ages before cell phones, people who really needed mobile-communications ability installed radio telephones in their cars. In the radio-telephone system, there was one central antenna tower per city, and perhaps 25 channels available on that tower. This central antenna meant that the phone in your car needed a powerful transmitter -- big enough to transmit 40 or 50 miles (about 70 km). It also meant that not many people could use radio telephones -- there just were not enough channels. The genius of the cellular system is the division of a city into small cells. This allows extensive frequency reuse across a city, so that millions of people can use cell phones simultaneously.

The Chrysalids Essay (How Characters React in Desperate Moments)

Characters Reactions in Moments of Desperation in The Chrysalids People react differently in moments of desperation. There are generally many different kinds of reactions towards moments of desperation in the world. Joseph Strorm and David Strorm (his son) had different reactions in moments of desperation. Joseph and his son had opposite reactions in the novel. Joseph Strorm and his son had opposite reactions in the book.Joseph Strorm reacts to deviants very seriously and without sympathy. He is also portrayed to be very religious. David Strorm on the other hand, is the only son of Joseph Strorm. He possesses a telepathic ability which is unacceptable in his community, Waknuk. David’s reactions towards deviations are quite different from his father. He makes certain decisions wisely. He is very considerate unlike his father. Joseph Storm shows no sympathy towards mutants because he believes that they are sent from the devil. In the Chrysalids, how characters react in moments o f desperation reveals insights into their true nature.Joseph Strorm’s reactions in moments of desperation show his true nature in The Chrysalids. Joseph Strorm’s reaction towards David was very extreme because he was associating with a deviation. David befriends Sophie and discovered that she had six toes on each foot. David promised to keep her secret. However, when Sophie and David were fishing, another boy in the district discovered Sophie’s footprint on a rock and reveals it to everyone. Joseph Strorm becomes very angry with David and he interrogates him. â€Å"Who was this child-this blasphemy-you were with yesterday?†Joseph Strorm also beat David because he despises mutants and he believes that a mutant comes from the devil. Joseph Strorm’s reaction towards David, who wished for a third hand, shows the religious views of Joseph. Joseph was mad at his son because David made a sinful statement. â€Å"You –my own son- were calling upon t he Devil to give you another hand!† Joseph Strorm took this statement very seriously which shows how serious deviants are taken. He is a very strict person and uncompassionate to his son. Joseph Strorm was so distraught with his son because of his despitefulness towards mutants. Joseph Strorm’s reaction towards Aunt Harriet was embarrassing.Aunt Harriet was Joseph’s sister-in-law who bore a blasphemed child. She wanted to switch babies with her sister (Mrs. Strorm) to get a certificate for her baby. Although she  didn’t feel the same way whatsoever about her child as Joseph does. â€Å"She is not ashamed.† He uttered a lot of negative and bitter words to her. â€Å"I don’t understand how you dared to come here, to God-fearing house, with such a suggestion. Worse still, you don’t show an atom of shame or remorse.† In conclusion, Joseph Strorm is very religious and he is the only character in the novel that has the greatest disl iking towards mutants, deviations and blasphemies.David Strorm also had some reactions in moments of desperation in The Chrysalids. David Strorm’s reaction towards Aunt Harriet’s death was very frightening. David is very scared because his aunt died as a result of hiding a deviant baby. He is frightened that he might get killed if he is discovered. Therefore, he prays to God to take away his telepathic gift so he could be like every normal person. â€Å"Oh God†¦please, please let me be like the other people, on’t you make it so that I wake up in the morning, I’ll be just like everyone else, please, God please!†David Strorm’s reaction towards Anne’s marriage was shocking. Anne was part of the telepathic group who decided to get married. David was very shocked that Anne was going to marry a norm. â€Å"For one thing, the man was Alan Ervin†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He is also very frightened because she would reveal to her husband, her secret and the group’s secret. Therefore, David meets his uncle and decides to take a grave decision. He decides to kill Anne but his uncle decides to kill Alan so the group might be free.David Strorm’s reaction towards his father and the Inspector interrogating him about Sophie showed David’s loyalty for Sophie. He promised to keep her secret no matter the circumstances. Joseph Strorm shouted at his son because he knows his son was lying. David knows that his father was going to beat him. â€Å"†¦I knew too that with my father’s present mood, it would happen whether I told or not. David was beaten for hiding Sophie. In conclusion, David is a very considerate boy. He had desperate reactions in The Chrysalids, which he had to take certain decisions wisely.ConclusionIn the Chrysalids by John Wyndham, how characters react in moments of desperation reveals insights into their true nature. John Wyndham stated a lot of characters with their reactions in moments of desperation. Joseph Strorm and David Storm are part of the examples of characters in The Chrysalids that had reactions in moments of desperation. These are the two major characters in the book that had many reactions in desperate moments. Generally, everyone in the world have different reactions either good or bad towards moments of desperation. This occurs in John Wyndham’s novel, The Chrysalids.

How to Write a Persuasive Essay

How to Write a Persuasive Essay When writing a persuasive essay, the authors goal is to sway the reader to share his or her opinion. It can be more difficult than  making an argument, which involves using facts to prove a point. A successful persuasive essay will reach the reader on an emotional level, much the way a well-spoken politician does. Persuasive speakers arent necessarily trying to convert the reader or listener to completely change their minds, but rather to consider an idea or a focus in a different way. While its important to use credible arguments supported by facts, the persuasive writer wants to convince the reader or listener that his or her argument is not simply correct, but convincing as well. The are several different ways to choose a topic for your persuasive essay. Your teacher may give you a prompt or a choice of several prompts. Or you may have to come up with a topic, based on your own experience or the texts youve been studying. If you do have some choice in the topic selection, its helpful if you select one that interests you and about which you already feel strongly. Another key factor to consider before you begin writing is the audience. If youre trying to persuade a roomful of teachers that homework is bad, for instance, youll use a different set of arguments than you would if the audience was made up of high school students or parents. Once you have the topic and have considered the audience, there are a few steps to prepare yourself before you begin writing your persuasive essay: Brainstorm.  Use whatever method of brainstorming works best for you. Write down your thoughts about the topic. Make sure you know where you stand on the issue. You can even try asking yourself some questions. Ideally, youll try to ask yourself questions that could be used to refute your argument, or that could convince a reader of the opposite point of view. If you dont think of the opposing point of view, chances are your instructor or a member of your audience will.Investigate.  Talk to classmates, friends, and teachers about the topic. What do they think about it? The responses that you get from these people will give you a preview of how they would respond to your opinion. Talking out your ideas, and testing your opinions, is a good way to collect evidence. Try making your arguments out loud. Do you sound shrill and angry, or determined and self-assured? What you say is as important as how you say it.Think.  It may seem obvious, but you really have to think about how you a re going to persuade your audience. Use a calm, reasoning tone. While persuasive essay writing is at its most basic an exercise in emotion, try not to choose words that are belittling to the opposing viewpoint, or that rely on insults. Explain to your reader why, despite the other side of the argument, your viewpoint is the right, most logical one. Find examples.  There are many writers and speakers who offer compelling, persuasive arguments. Martin Luther King Jr.s I Have a Dream speech is widely cited as one of the most persuasive arguments in American rhetoric. Eleanor Roosevelts The Struggle for Human Rights is another example of a skilled writer trying to persuade an audience. But be careful: While you can emulate a certain writers style, be careful not to stray too far into imitation. Be sure the words youre choosing are your own, not words that sound like theyve come from a thesaurus (or worse, that theyre someone elses words entirely).Organize.  In any paper that you write you should make sure that your points are well-organized and that your supporting ideas are clear, concise, and to the point. In persuasive writing, though, it is especially important that you use specific examples to illustrate your main points. Dont give your reader the impression that you are not educated on the issues related to your topic. Ch oose your words carefully. Stick to the script.  The best essays follow a simple set of rules: First, tell your reader what youre going to tell them. Then, tell them. Then, tell them what youve told them. Have a strong, concise thesis statement before you get past the second paragraph, because this is the clue to the reader or listener to sit up and pay attention.Review and revise.  If you know youre going to have more than one opportunity to present your essay, learn from the audience or reader feedback, and continue to try to improve your work. A good argument can become a great one if properly fine-tuned.

Dead Man Walking Essays

Dead Man Walking Essays Dead Man Walking Paper Dead Man Walking Paper Essay Topic: Film Dead Man Walking is a film based on the book of the same name it recounts the experiences of Sister Helen Prejean, a nun from Louisiana. It focuses on her relationship with Matthew Poncelet, a convicted murderer on Death Row. There are five main themes that run through the film, and these are brought together during the execution scene. The themes are as follows: the ongoing suffering of the families of the victims of Poncelets crime, the connections between Christianity and the death penalty, the gradual bonding of Helen Prejean and Matthew Poncelet, and that the death penalty is simply unpleasant. Robbins uses several different techniques to present the process of state execution as a very cold, clinical process. Close-ups are used to force the viewer to take in what is being shown, for example, the shot of the gloved hand that swabs Poncelets arm with alcohol before the catheter is inserted creates a feeling of impersonality, as if an unnamed being is initiating his death; we do, however, see the hands face for a short time before the camera moves to Poncelets arm, and we notice that it belongs to the same woman that treated Prejean after she fainted in a previous scene; consequently we feel it is ironic that the person ending a life is also on hand to preserve it. The uniformed officers present also add to the orderly feel of Poncelets execution, as does the typing of the witness forms in the previous scene. Robbins conveys a sense of precision during the execution by using several camera techniques and effects; as the final syringe empties, Prejean finishes praying and opens her eyes. The screen then jumps to a shot of Poncelets unmoving face. His eyes open for the final time, and he is pronounced dead. One of the strongest techniques Robbins uses to give the viewer a feeling of precision is the shots of the clock. Before the scene begins, we are shown, between dialogues, the clock in the hall every hour, on the half hour, until 11:30. As Poncelet is saying his last words, the clock can be seen, in the background, reminding us that he will never utter another sound again. When Poncelet is strapped to the gurney, we see the clock strike midnight, and the officers begin the execution. Being shown the clock gives the viewer the feeling that Poncelets life is simply being ebbed away. This certainly influences the viewer towards the anti-death penalty stance. During Poncelets execution, we see a set of flashbacks of his crime. The execution and his crime are synchronised, that is to say, the first flashback begins when the officers initiate the execution machine and the last flashback ends when Poncelets heart monitor produces the dead sound. Because clips of his crime are shown between clips of his execution, our opinions sway back and forth between anti- and pro-death penalty, just as they do throughout the whole film we begin to empathise with Poncelet, and then he does something (or something is revealed) that turns us against him. During the flashbacks, we clearly see his accomplice committing the same crimes for which Poncelet is receiving the death penalty this clarifies for the final time in the film the fact that those who can afford high-quality legal advice are rarely sentenced to death (a point which is illustrated in the appeal scene by Poncelets lawyer). Not only is the viewer made to see the execution process as clinical, it is also made to seem cruel and barbaric. As Poncelet is taken to the execution room, one of the officers holding his legs announces his presence by shouting: Dead man walking! This gives the viewer the sense that Poncelets has already been executed, and, since death is seen as a taboo, announcing death before death creates unrest in our minds about the execution. Poncelets last words also add to the portrayal of the death penalty as cruel he is strapped to the gurney, in an upright position, and he says, through tears, I know killing is wrong, whether its me, or yall, or the government. He also addresses Mr. Delacroix, and asks for forgiveness, and then the Percies, and tells them that he hopes his death brings some relief to their lives. This shows that Poncelet is remorseful, which makes the viewer sympathise with him, and therefore makes the viewer biased against the death penalty. From the beginning of the execution scene, Prejean is wearing black. This is significant because Prejean had previously been wearing pastel coloured clothes, and her wearing black is a sign of mourning again, we see the idea of death before death, which further turns us against the death penalty. Poncelet, however, is wearing a white t-shirt, when he had previously been wearing blue overalls. In the previous scene, Poncelet confessed to Prejean to killing Walter Delacroix. He wears white because his confession marked the cleansing of his guilt, and white is a sign of purity and cleansing. The fact that he is wearing white also ties in with Isaiah 43:1. Because he is wearing white during his execution, we get a sense of killing a pure being, which we generally believe to be fundamentally wrong, so makes the viewer believe that the death penalty is a bad thing. Throughout the film, we see the relationship between Prejean and Poncelet develop this is shown not only by their emotions, but by the physical barriers between them. At first, there is wire mesh separating them (and the camera shows the wire mesh in front of Poncelet, not, however, in front of Prejean, making the viewer feel closer to Prejean and more distanced from Poncelet), then glass, and then metal bars. Their relationship peaks during the execution scene, when Prejean touches Poncelet, and finally kisses his shoulder as he walks into the execution chamber. Throughout the scene, Prejean echoes Poncelets body language for example, Prejeans arm is extended, as if to touch Poncelet, when he is strapped to the gurney with both his arms perpendicular to his torso, or the muscular twitches in both their faces Prejeans because she is finally coming to terms with his crime and his death yet again, we see death before death Poncelets because the muscle relaxant is taking its effect. This is another way in which we see the relationship between them develop their body language and position become more and more similar as the film progresses. Because the whole film is shot from the point of view of Helen Prejean, we have the same attitude towards Poncelet as Prejean does if Poncelet does something to make Prejean angry, we too feel less sympathetic towards him and his position, and if Prejean gets emotionally close to Poncelet, we sympathise with him more hence we feel closest to him as he is dying. This too makes the death penalty seem unjust. At the beginning of the execution scene, Poncelets legs give way, and Prejean comforts him, telling him the truth has made you free. Earlier in the film, Prejean encouraged Poncelet to read his Bible and told him that the truth will set you free. At first, Poncelet believed that the truth that Prejean referred to was that he had not actually committed the crime that he had been accused of in fact, she meant that Poncelet needed to confess to the part he played in the crime and that this would make his mind free. The second time Prejean talks to Poncelet about the truth, it is clear that Poncelet understands what Prejean means. As Poncelet is being walked to the execution chamber, Prejean places her hand on Poncelets shoulder and reads from the Bible he gave her Isaiah, Chapter 43, Verse 1: Fear not: for I have redeemed thee. Prejean reading to Poncelet from the Bible is a small part of the theme of religion that runs through the whole film. Earlier in the film we see a discussion between Prejean and an unnamed chaplain the chaplain vehemently opposes Prejean becoming Poncelets spiritual advisor during his time on Death Row. This conversation tells the viewer that not all Christians are opposed to the death penalty in fact, many Christians, whether situated in the Bible Belt or not, have a strong belief in the death penalty. While she is reading to him, the camera zooms in on her hand. There is a wedding ring on her finger, symbolising her marriage to Christ. The close-up of the ring on her finger and of her reading the Bible to him both remind the viewer that she originally came to Poncelets aid as part of her religious vocation, and the fact that the Bible she is reading from was a gift from Poncelet to her is another manifestation of the bond between them. One of the few pro-death penalty arguments that the film puts forward is the victims families suffering. When Prejean enters the viewing room, we see Mr. Delacroix and the Percies. The camera shows them side-on, with their shoulders turned towards Prejean and Poncelets lawyer. This emphasises their hostility towards Prejean. After one of the flashbacks, we see Poncelet lying unconscious through the glass of the viewing room. We do not, however, see the viewers reflected in the glass, but we see the faces of Hope Percy and Walter Delacroix. This gives us the feeling that Poncelet has finally paid for his crime, and that the victims have been put to rest. Although the execution scene makes an attempt to be unbiased towards the death penalty, there is more in the scene opposing the death penalty than there is to make us biased towards it in fact, there is very little obviously pro-death penalty content in the film.

Not sure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3

Not sure - Essay Example In the speech â€Å"Repeal of the Missouri Compromise,† former U.S President Abraham Lincoln noted that basic understanding of democracy is that citizens must be given equal say to their government and that thus, democracy derives its powers from the consent of those it governs. Likewise, the rules of democracy are the same for those that govern as those that are governed. The basics of democracy align with views of what is considered good or bad in fairness and equality of all persons (Lincoln 6). Reason derives from the same thought that man, in his thinking, cognitive ability, and intellect is able to understand good and bad. All aspects of democracy cannot exist without reasoning which is part of every human being. What one person or a group of people perceive and believe to be right or otherwise is expressed in exercise of democratic right. Abraham Lincoln’s speech given in Peoria supports this ideal. He quotes from the U.S Declaration of Independence which consent s to the truth that all men having being created equal have the basic rights of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness (Lincoln 7). In this speech Lincoln outwardly speaks of the wrong about the Missouri Compromise which in its passing in 1820 sought to create a ‘balance’ between Western U.S states that were pro-slavery and anti-slavery. Lincoln’s view was that slavery does not comply with either of the democratic views of governing with consent of the governed and application of the same rules to both the governing and the governed. In his view too, Lincoln argued that moral reason did not agree with Whites having the right to self-government while Blacks having no such rights yet all are under one government and under the same Declaration of Independence. Democracy all over the world is practised uniquely to each country. Principles and traditions of different nations often influence the understanding of democracy and it is only fair to respect each nationâ₠¬â„¢s understanding of this whether the democratic policies are agreeable or not. However, there are some universal beliefs and attitudes, derived from reasoning that must be addressed by every democracy. These beliefs and attitudes are manifest in human rights that each nation must adhere to. The rights to free-state and peaceful living are from logical thinking and they cannot be thought of separately from democracy. As a nation, United States of America justifies its war with Afghanistan with the democratic right of American citizens to security and peaceful living. The U.S pursuit of Al Qaeda is supported by the U.S president’s obligation as well as the entire government’s duty to keep intact the democratic rights promised to its citizens in the U.S constitution (Obama 2) Another issue that proves the close link between reason and democracy is that reason is public and it is free just as democracy is. Whatever man thinks of or applies logic to is up to him just as the same man is free to make a democratic choice as he sees fit to his thinking or logic. In the Theban Dialogue between Theseus and the Theban Herald, Theseus describes the state of freedom as one which permits an individual to speak or remain silent as he chooses to (Euripides_The Suppliant_Trans. Coleridge 2). No one person can prevent another human from naturally applying reasoning to justify actions of behaviours. Likewise in democracy not even the leaders or

McDonald adapts culture difference between USA and INIDA Assignment

McDonald adapts culture difference between USA and INIDA - Assignment Example Henceforth, Ray Kroc purchased the whole chain from the McDonalds before proceeding to expand it further (Newcomb). Perhaps it is appropriate to mention that McDonalds commands presence in most states globally whereby the corporation, franchisees, and even the affiliates are responsible for running the various McDonalds restaurants (Dash 8). In this regard, the company has adapted a culture difference between USA and India in order to offer products which best resonates with the local population and in the process, maximizing on revenues (McDonalds). This paper therefore, compares the business models of McDonalds between USA and India in in term of products, services, advertisements. McDonalds’ Business Strategy Since the major sources of revenues for McDonalds include rents, royalties, and the fees collected from the franchisees (Hannon). In addition, the company draws huge income from restaurant-related businesses that take place within the company premises and it is worth n oting that in 2012 alone, the company made profits amounting to $5.5 billion in addition to collecting annual revenues totaling to $27.5 billion (McDonalds). When it comes to the major products offered by the company subsidiaries, there are wide range of fast foods from which customers around the world can choose from depending on their tastes and geographical location (Dash 12). These food products include hamburgers,  chicken,  cheeseburgers,  French fries,  soft drinks, breakfast  items, desserts, and milkshakes (Newcomb). Comparison between USA and India in the Business of McDonalds While USA is a nation whose citizens prefer junk food to lean foodstuffs, India is a more considerate nation when it comes to matters pertaining to food and the citizens revile the junk foods (Li). Since quality is the mirror through which all organizations gauge their performances, McDonalds has taken the quality of the foods offered in its subsidiaries very seriously (Newcomb). This means that while in America, the restaurants have to offer the foods that the Americans love and those McDonalds restaurants that operate in India do their very best at offering the Indian cuisine (McDonalds). Products and Services With a careful approach to product differentiation, the McDonalds chain of restaurants has regionalized every form of its menu to suit the local residents (Newcomb). In this respect, the competition is kept at bay as all the people who flood various McDonalds restaurants know the specific foods to find and consume at certain times of the day (Dash 8). The Unites States of America, being the headquarters of the McDonalds Corporation has restaurants and stored that specialize in the selling of ‘McGrilled’ sandwiches that are loved by many Americans (McDonalds). When it comes to the products offered by the chain in India, it is worthy to note that India is a strictly vegetarian country with a strong prohibition for beef mainly due to religious reason s (Li). In this regard, the major food products offers by the McDonalds in India include ‘McMasala’, Local flavors, Health conscious items, and vegetable products. This means that beef and pork products cannot fetch much profit in India as they do in the USA and the McDonalds chain of restaurants has considered this (Newcomb). Advertisements and Marketing Strategies Although it is common knowledge that the McDonalds Cor