Cloud Computing: Two Articles

Cloud Computing Articles One of the recent trends in the fast paced field of Information Technology is the development of cloud computing. Simply put, cloud computing is the outsourcing of business processing and storage to â€Å"virtual† servers over a network, most commonly the internet. The advance of network technology has allowed companies to transfer large amounts of their business intelligence systems to outside servers, without compromising data-transfer speed. Two recent articles from different publications covered the subject of cloud computing. The first, found online from InfoWorld. om, describes the different levels of cloud computing and what each entails. The second article, found in a monthly publication of Computer World, details the pros and cons of clouds in IT. According to the InfoWorld. com article, cloud computing is â€Å"a way to increase capacity or add capabilities on the fly without investing in new infrastructure, training new personnel, or licens ing new software. Cloud computing encompasses any subscription-based or pay-per-use service that, in real time over the Internet, extends IT's existing capabilities. † (InfoWorld. om) Clouds are a modern answer to IT’s ever increasing needs for storage space and computing power. There are several types of services that these virtual servers offer, ranging from utility applications to email spam filtering. Currently, most of the servers must be accessed individually, but they are becoming more integrated as the field progresses. One type of cloud computing, software as a service (SaaS), is the hosting of one software application through the internet. An example this type of application is Salesforce. com, a sales representative management system. By providing the software online, Salesforce. com provides an easy way for managers to monitor and diagnose sales data, without the need for their own costly IT system in-house. SaaS also gives an advantage to the host company, because updates and bug fixes are limited to one program which they control. There are several variations to the Saas system that are offered in cloud computing. Utility computing involves a company’s memory, input / output Storage, and computational capacity being accessed through the network to a â€Å"virtual† server. Currently, most cloud utility computing is for non critical intelligence, due to newness of the system. According to the article, these online servers could one day replace most of the current physical datacenter. Another variation to Saas within cloud computing is web based application programming interfaces. APIs are â€Å"interfaces implemented by an online source that enable interaction with other software† (Wikepedia. org). There is a wide range of APIs used with business intelligence. Some examples would be Google Maps used by delivery services, shipping tracking for UPS, or online tax processing programs such as TurboTax. One of the original forms of cloud computing are managed service providers (MSPs), which are applications that are exposed to the host company, rather than the end user. Examples of MSPs are e-mail virus scanning and anti-spam services, or desktop management offered by companies such as CenterBeam. Managed security services, such as firewalls, are also found within cloud computing. The Computer World article goes further to describe an aspect of cloud computing called infrastructure as a service (Iaas). â€Å"With public cloud IaaS, organizations pay per use or per cluster of resources for an external cloud service provider to host their virtual servers†¦ IT maintains control over the applications without worrying about configuring, upgrading or patching servers and other infrastructure. If a new application is needed, IT simply loads that application onto the service provider’s virtual server and the software is available to users† (Computer World). By migrating the physical datacenters to virtual servers, companies are saving maintenance, power and labor costs from the upkeep of those resources. Most established companies are making the transition to clouds slowly, a couple of datacenters at a time, as they become outdated. Startup businesses, however, can use virtual servers as a great advantage to avoid costly equipment purchases. â€Å"Bernard Golden, CEO of consultancy HyperStatus, agrees that Iaas offers a lifeline when it comes to rising data center costs and real estate constraints. It offers IT the opportunity to reduce the data center management burden, yet improve customer service† (Computer World). For a company who is contemplating the switch to virtual servers, there is also security and legality issues to consider. Migrating large amounts of data, without disrupting critical files, can be risky. One company, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, â€Å"started slowly with self contained, non mission critical applications such as testing and development so they could learn the ins and outs of moving into the cloud† (Computer World). The company should inquire as to the host server’s security and firewall systems, and should always keep hard copies of important data and applications. Business documents that are highly valuable to a company, such as patent documents, customer databases, and technical drawings are not usually stored in the cloud network. The international field of computer hacking is expanding, especially in developing countries, making industrial espionage a serious subject for businesses to consider. A company migrating to cloud computing must also consider the legal aspects of moving their IT systems. Software licenses may not apply to a public network, where the applications can be shared by several end user computers. The company should also know the terms of contracting with the cloud servers, should they decide to break or end the agreement. All data that could be detrimental to the firm should be destroyed by the host server once the contract is void. Some businesses are closely regulated by government agencies such as the FDA or ANSA, and should keep relative files readily accessible. There are also government regulations to consider concerning customer information. The article describes how IT manager Charles Swartz, of Preferred Hotel Group, adheres to regulations. â€Å"Because the company deals with credit card transactions, it must follow the Payment Card Data Security Standard, which requires physical control over servers handling that data. To avoid any complications, Swartz makes sure all credit card transactions go directly to a third party and he avoids keeping any of that data on his outsourced infrastructure† (Computer World). Another issue to consider when switching to a cloud network is computing speed. Where IT systems may have been fast to load or run on a local area network, a wide area network could transfer at a higher or lower speed. With modern business transactions becoming faster than ever, customers expect quick response. â€Å"Delays of just a few milliseconds can cause them [end users] to be frustrated† (Computer World). Switching to cloud networks can be an advantage to speed, if the cloud provides a larger bandwidth than the in-house servers. A higher bandwidth also allows more end users to access the system at once without slowing download speeds significantly. Jason Harper, vice president of technology at Morgans Hotel Group in New York, say customer satisfaction has increased at his shop because end users are accessing their files faster via the cloud† (Computer World). One recommended use of the cloud system is test run or seasonal IT systems. Rather than expanding physical datacenter space for temporary projects, the public servers can be easily setup to run and store data. â€Å"The public cloud is great for short term usage, since very few enterprises have spare servers lying around anymore. Instead, it enables IT to have quick response to new projects without having to preplan† (Computer World). The article does warn, however, that low barrier to entry can be over-sourced. Often-times end users might jump into applications on cloud networks without consulting their IT professionals. This could lead to costly changes down the line, which could have been easily fixed at the setup of the systems. Despite being in an early stage of development, cloud computing already has a definite niche in the business and IT world. One of the main drawbacks at this point is the lack of integration between systems. Previous attempts to create cloud integration technology, such as CapeClear’s enterprise service bus, and a universal bus system by Grand Central, have failed to stay in business. The overall trend of using virtual servers, however, does seem appear to be here to stay. Sources: â€Å"What Cloud Computing Really Means† Infoworld. com Knorr, 4-27-2008 http://www. infoworld. com/d/cloud-computing/what-cloud-computing-really-means-031 â€Å"Moving to the cloud: Big savings, but plan ahead† Computer World Gittlen, March 2010

Laws of Manu vs Code of Hammurabi Essay

The Laws of Manu and The Code of Hammurabi were both discovered documents of two different ancient civilizations. These documents basically told the people of the civilizations what is expected of them and what will happen if they don’t follow them. The Laws of Manu were the laws made for the people of India while the Code of Hammurabi were the laws made for the people of Babylon. Both the Laws of Manu and the Code of Hammurabi concentrated a majority on the aspects of marriage, family, and laws of the land. In my opinion, The Code of Hammurabi was harsher than The Laws of Manu. The Code of Hammurabi was for all the people no matter what class they were classified in, even though slaves and women were mostly treated like property in all places at this time. The Code of Hammurabi was also made more as what is morally right and to help maintain order in the civilizations; while the Laws of Manu were made more on the religious side and to promise the people eternal life if they followed these laws. The Code of Hammurabi gave more of an â€Å"if you don’t follow these rules you will just die† tone to it. The Code of Hammurabi was also straight forward and to the point, while the Laws of Manu gave more detail. In the Laws of Manu they get in more depth of every aspect of people’s lives. In chapter two, number 57, it states, â€Å"excessive eating is prejudicial to health, to fame, and to bliss in heaven; it prevents the acquisition of spiritual merit, and is odious among men; one ought, for the reasons, to avoid carefully. † That’s telling people how much they should eat. The laws of Manu are basically telling people how to live their lives in every aspect and if you don’t you won’t have eternal life. The laws also have different rules based on what caste the people are categorized into; the higher the caste, the more privileges. In Chapter five, number 32 it states, â€Å"A Brahmana, having got rid of his body by one of those modes practiced the great sages is exalted in the world of Brahinan, free from sorrow and fear. † The laws promises if you obey these laws you will never feel any pain and just happiness. It also put all Brahmanas on a high pedestal and a lot of the laws do not apply to them. In Chapter 10, number 103, â€Å"By teaching, by sacrificing for, and by accepting gifts from despicable (men) Brahmanas (in distress) commit not sin, for they (are as pure) as fire and water. The Laws of Manu has more religious purpose behind it than, the Code of Hammurabi. The Code of Hammurabi was made more to put order in the Babylonian civilization and it also is more straight forward. Even though it has religious reasons and was made by a very religious man, it was still mostly made to keep order in the civilization. The Code of Hammurabi even addresses how much things can be bought and sold for. Number 239, â€Å"If a man hire a salor, he shall pay him six gur of corn per year†, another example is number 243, â€Å"As rent of heard cattle he shall pay three gur of corn to the owner. The Code of Hammurabi also has more of a revenge seeking tone to it. Just in number one is the perfect example for people to get revenge. â€Å"If any one enshare another, putting a ban upon him, but he cannot prove it, then he that ensured him shall be put to death. † Another example of revenge is number 218, â€Å"If an physician make a large incision with the operating knife, and cut out the eye, his hands shall be cut off. † This document for the most part was mostly a way to punish people or bring justice to the people. It also talks about going to court and having cases to justify situations, for example number five, â€Å"If a judge try a case, reach a decision, and present his judgment in writing; if later error shall appear in his decision, and it be through his own fault, then he shall pay twelve times the fine set by him in the case, and he shall be publicly removed from the judge’s bench, and never again shall be publicly removed from the judge’s bench, and never again shall he sit there to render judgment. † This also goes to show that The Hammurabi Code punished anybody from doctors and lawyers, to women and slaves, your social class did not matter. Surprisingly to me, they both had women rights in there as well. The Laws of Manu gave more freedom to women but yet the Code of Hammurabi gave women more protection. In number 130, â€Å"If a man violates the wife of another man, who has never known a man, and still lives in her father’s house, and sleeps with her and be surprised, this man shall be put to death, but his wife is blameless. In the Laws of Manu, chapter eight, number 364 it states â€Å"He who violates an unwilling maiden shall instantly suffer corporal punishment; but a man who enjoys a willing maiden shall not suffer corporal punishment, if his caste be the same as hers. Not only does that show justice for women but gave women freedom to have casual sex and from the context clues of the Code of Hammurabi, it was frown upon and not classy. Women still didn’t live independent in both civilizations. Also, in both civilizations women were under control by a man from birth to death. Before marriage it is her father, during marriage it is her husband, and at old age it is her son(s). In the Laws of Manu, Chapter nine, number 14, â€Å"Women do not care for beauty, nor is their attention fixed on age; (thinking), ‘(It is enough that) he is a man,’ they give themselves to the handsome and to the ugly. You can also tell that both societies take marriage and respect serious. Unlike in this day and time, the wife gets nothing if divorce is approved. In the Code of Hammurabi number 141, â€Å"If a man’s wife, who lives in his house, wishes to leave it, plunges into debt, tries to ruin her house, neglects her husband, and is judicially convicted: if her husband offer her release, she may go on her way, and he gives her nothing as a gift of release. If her husband does not wish to release her, and if he takes another wife, she shall remain as a servant in her husband’s house. In the Laws of Manu it shows that the Indian society did not have age limits on marriage. In chapter nine, number 94, â€Å" A man, aged thirty years, shall marry a maiden of twelve who pleases him, or a man of twenty-four a girl eight years of age; if (the performance of) his duties would (otherwise) be impeded, (he must marry) sooner. † Both documents were made to control people and both wer e harsh compared to what we know and live today. They both inform us of how life was back then and how time changes. Some things are still used in today’s societies, like the how women should always remain classy. In the Laws of Manu it states in chapter nine, number 13, â€Å"Drinking (spirituous liquor), associating with wicked people, separation from the husband, rambling abroad, sleeping (at unseasonable hours), and dwelling in other men’s houses, are the six causes of the ruin of women. Also in the Code of Hammurabi, number 110, â€Å"If a sister of a god open a tavern, or enter a tavern to drink, then shall this woman be burned to death. † Even though they are from different places they still have the same concept and purposes.

Marketing Management †Caselet on Organic Foods Essay

Overall Understanding of the Case, 3 C’s Scenario and Analysis Of Complete Marketing Environment : Organic food refers to food items that are produced, processed and packaged without using chemicals. Organic food is increasingly becoming popular due to its perceived health benefits over conventional food. The industry is growing rapidly since the past five years and has caught the attention of farmers, manufacturers and, above all, consumers. The health benefits of organic food are more perceived than real. However, the public opinion that organic food is healthier than conventional food is quite strong and is the sole reason for about 30% growth in the organic food industry since the past 5-6 years In general, organic food consumers, manufacturers and farmers strongly believe in organic food having following benefits over non organic food: ? Better health: Since organic food is not prepared using chemical fertilizers and pesticides, it does not contain any traces of these strong chemicals and might not affect the human body. Better taste: People strongly believe that organic food tastes better than non organic food. The prominent reason for this belief is that it is produced using organic means of production. Further organic food is often sold locally resulting in availability of fresh produce in the market. Environment safety: As harmful chemicals are not used in organic farming, there is minimal soil, air and water pollution; thus ensuring a safe world for future generations to live in. Animal welfare: Animal welfare is an important aspect of producing organic milk, organic meat, organic poultry, and organic fish. People feel happy that the animals are not confined to a miserable caged life while eating organic animal products. ? ? ? Popular organic food items include organic tea, organic coffee, organic wine, organic meat, organic beef, organic milk, organic honey, organic vegetables, organic fruits, organic rice, organic corn, organic herbs, organic essential oils, organic coconut oil and organic olive oil. Indians prefer organic preserves, tea, honey, cashew butter and various flours. The organic concept is not limited to food items. Due to excessive usage of harmful chemicals in cosmetics, people are turning towards organic cosmetics, clothing etc. ACNielsen, survey suggests preference of consumers for functional foods – foods that have additional health benefits. India was among the top ten countries where health food, including organic food, was demanded by the consumers. Around the globe, Organic alternatives are purchased mainly for health reasons. Over two thirds of survey respondents think that organic foods are healthier for them and their children. This healthy perception is consistently strong across the Asia Pacific region. Online Indians top the list with 87 percent of consumers purchasing organic foods motivated by the perceived benefits they can derive for their children’s’ health. Health Benefit for kids is seen, hence even willing to pay more. Organic food market is still a developing market, especially in India. Most of the people who eat organic food don’t buy it regularly. Hence need to sell other health products too if one wishes to get a daily (or at least weekly) visit from their customers. Indian organic food consumer needs education. ? There are many consumers who are unaware of the difference between natural and organic food. Many people purchase products labeled as Natural thinking that they are Organic. Organic food refers to food items that are produced, manufactured and handled using organic means. Natural food, on the other hand, generally refers to food items that are not altered chemically or synthesized in any form. These are derived from plants and animals. Thus a natural food item is not necessarily organic and vice versa. Further, consumers are not aware of the certification system. Since certification is not compulsory for domestic retail in India, many fake organic products are available in the market. ? Q. 1 (a) Your organization , which already markets branded Indian spices and flours, is planning to enter the domestic market with organic foods in related products. Segment the market for organic foods, specify the target you as an organization will choose and develop a positioning platform. The Company is already into branded Indian spices and flours ( Consumer non durable category ) and has a robust Intensive Distribution channel & market share. They can use this strength in making the Marketing environment conducive to launching organic foods in the related products. Understand Consumer decision making process : Company needs to focus on the benefits and experiences ( Basic need of Hunger, Security need of being safer option and Health ) produced by these Organic foods over non organic ones & Question why their consumer will / is buying the Organic products. Concentrate on the Health need, influence consumers by educating them and providing adequate information on Organic foods. Allow them to evaluate alternatives and make firm and favourable purchase decisions. The company will expand market share basis this and increase customer satisfaction & resultant profits. Create pull with adequate & clear communication and use ultimate push at dealer / distributor end – i. e. modern retail format – in-store promotions In terms of opportunity will look at i) Product Development i. e. new organic products in present market and also ii) Related Product Diversification – New organic product in new market – from normal branded Spices & Flours to Organic ones. Can further expand the product line by adding packaged Organic Bread with added supplements / vitamins ; Whole grain, high fibre products ; Cereals and pulses. At a later stage also introduce other Organic food product lines like Vegetables, Fruits, Fruit juices etc. Marketing will determine which attributes are most important in influencing a consumer’s choice to purchase. Initially being a Consumer nondurable ( FMCG ) category of product, the involvement will be low. But with the increased awareness, emphasis on the emotional Health need, Credence attribute, consistent quality and value to customer, can look at moving our products to high involvement and Brand loyality. Therefore, creating awareness amongst consumers and within the distribution chain could be seen as an opportunity for marketers to find a positioning for Organic foods claiming health benefits, to reach out to a wider base. Product – Will prefer to choose Organic flours first then spices to begin with as flours are Base foods which are consumed in larger quantity as compared to spices which are Ingredient foods, consumed in lesser quantity. Also base foods have a larger reach and are considered more important as compared to ingredient foods. Segmentation : Name of Product : Potential customer needs : Organic Foods – Flours – Base Foods Basic Hunger need : Base Food Security need : Safe/No Harmful Chemicals / Clean Sub market : Determining variables : Consumer Characteristics Emotional need : Healthy Tasty and Nutritious Pure / Unadulterated High Fibre content Non Polluting / Environment Friendly Base Food : Flour Health & Nutrition B2B – Health Food Restaurants Health & nutrition value Availability Awareness Calorie / Nutrition info Children Health conscious Mothers Earning members of family Elders in family with special health needs. Further Segmentation Geographic – Metro – A class cities Demographic – Income – High income group families Age / Occupation – Children : 3-15 yrs / Students Earning members of family : 25 – 60 yrs /Professionals Elders : 60 yrs + / Retired Psychographic – Health and fitness conscious With special health needs – like Nutrition, BP, Diabetes, Tension, Obesity etc Cultural shifts: lifestyle, leisure Target chosen : Customer : Mother – working / homemaker Consumer : Children Will first target Children Health needs, then at later stages of acceptance can cover all other areas of consumers and also introduce more product lines and variants as discussed earlier. Position : Positioning by Benefits : Basis is the benefit consumer gets in using the product, Product Promise POSITIONING STATEMENT : IT IS A ORGANIC FLOUR, BETTER THAN THE NORMAL NON ORGANIC FLOURS BECAUSE IT IS HARMFUL CHEMICAL FREE AND HENCE MORE HEALTHY AND NUTRITIOUS FOR GROWING CHILDREN The company will talk about the Farm to Fork concept – ie from unpolluted Creation to Consumption Everything is Organic, in the purest form. There is nothing artificial about it For a. Healthier India Will educate existing consumers, create awareness wrt FAB of Organic Foods through all possible areas of Media like TV, Print, In store promotions, Outdoor, Sampling, Demos, Direct mailers, Schools info sessions, Nutrition talks / classes, School Canteens, Health food outlets, Health food restaurants, Exercise areas, Public chat rooms, online etc Q. 1(b) Based on the above question’s answer – Assume that the organic food category is in the introduction phase of PLC, accordingly what would be the major marketing decisions at this stage? Do you expect the adoption rate to be fast or slow? Justify. Major marketing decisions at this introduction phase of PLC As discussed above in the Overall Understanding of the Case, 3 C’s Scenario and Analysis Of Complete Marketing Environment and the Product STP, initially mass market the product through existing Intensive distribution network. This stage will see more of Product information through Promotional campaigns to increase Public awareness, which will then Stimulate demand. The later growth & maturity stages of PLC will see more of Brand Promotion and Market segmentation ( also see above ) Product chosen – Base food – flour , can move to whole grain organic bread / biscuits / pasta Also later Organic ingredient foods like spices, condiments Expand in the area of Organic pulses, vegetables, fruits, juices & preserves. Price – Premium / atleast 20% above normal non organic foods Place – Modern trade / also Health food Restaurants tie up like Subway etc which will exclusively use our organic flours for their whole wheat & multi grain breads. Promotion – In shop education, in store activation to educate consumer. Media like TV, Print, In store promotions, Outdoor, Sampling, Demos, Direct mailers, Schools info sessions, Nutrition talks / classes, School Canteens, Health food outlets, Health food restaurants, Exercise areas, Public chat rooms, online etc Initial Adoption rate will be slow. But with sustained awareness will wait for the tipping point in our favour. As new product category, greater awareness is required There is already a Movement towards natural foods from synthetic / chemical based foods : Beverages – Aerated drinks to juices, Tropicana, Real, no preservatives – LMN, Neebooz, Lemonez, Green tea. Base foods – white to brown – whole grain, multigrain breads, flour Cosmetics – study says 66% of what we apply is absorbed by body – harmful chemicals etc, Hence move towards organic & safe products eg Body Shop, Biotique etc Organic food market small now but Volume to come from growing trend of Health & Environment conscious campaigns and followers who will in turn be major influencers in buying decisions of people. Market will grow and prosper – by creating new market for safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly Organic Foods. Also with this the Company will maintain credibility and constantly improve quality and offerings to suit customer needs and hence hope to create a big brand with loyal customers over a sustained period of time.

Summary for research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Summary for research - Essay Example For empirical analysis there were used both daily and weekly closing stock price indices for the four sectors of the Qatar Exchange for the period from January, 2008 to April, 2011. The results of the study based on the Johansen’s multivariate cointegration analysis have shown that all four sector indices had interrelationships in a long-term equilibrium. The findings based on the Granger’s causality analysis have shown that Banking and Financial Institutions sector had significant impact on the price predictability in the other sectors in the short-run, while Services sector had much lower impact. The analysis based on the findings of the generalized forecast error variance decomposition has shown that the Services and Insurance sectors appeared to be the most endogenous sectors while both the Industrial and the Banking and Financial Institutions sectors were the most exogenous sectors (Walid, 2012). Both individual and institutional investors usually try to diversify their portfolios in order to minimize the risks and to generate most efficient outcomes and/or expected returns. There are recognized two major strategies under portfolio diversification: cross-market investment to in different classes of assets or sectors and global diversification of portfolio by investing across both domestic and foreign assets. However, it is worth to mention that in order to create a well-diversified asset portfolio, prospective investors should take into consideration the fact of interdependence structure of financial markets (Walid, 2012). There were carried out many empirical researches, which provided evidence of interdependencies of international financial markets as a result of globalization and increased level of integration. However, it is also important to understand the nature of interdependence structure amongst different sectors in a specific country, because it can provide prospec tive and

How can project managers reduce the risk of project failure describe Essay

How can project managers reduce the risk of project failure describe and relate tools and concepts. Illustrate with examples - Essay Example The risks can comprise problems of parts superiority and material; stoppages in delivery of adequate resources to convene project requirements; budgetary and workers transforms; and, imperfect research or knowledge of the project manager. These risks lead speedily to holdup in release dates and financial plan overages that can be harshly weaken assurance in the development of the project management (Martin et al, 2004). There are lots of risk those are attached to the project development and cause a serious problem for the better management and administration of the project. These risks are also the main reasons for the failure of the most of the projects. At project management viewpoints, project managers have to find out the most recent insights, methods and developments in project management field. This will provide him a better understanding regarding the efficient project management and solutions for emerging risks (Johnson et al, 2005). A lot of projects would be unsuccessful for the reasons of declining behind timetable, cost overruns and so forth. Such type of risks can be decreased, if the project manger has good qualities of project risk finding. If a project manager is able to identify the main stakeholders and makes sure that they evidently make out the project scope and main objects of the project. What we can do to diminish the project failure risk? As I have accessed a solid step project managers are able to acquire to augment the accomplishment of all their projects: is the process of enhancing the skills of their team members (Martin et al, 2004). By means of making sure that the project development and management group is properly capable/ trained previous to start a multifarious project. This is very best way through which project manager can be able to significantly diminish the project cost; augment project effectiveness and risk of project collapse predominantly in high-risk projects. So we can say that a project

Pride and Prejudice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Pride and Prejudice - Essay Example Such is one major issue which Elizabeth â€Å"Lizzy† Bennet, the story’s main protagonist, has to deal with in the course of having resolution sought to her initial unfavorable impressions of the male counterpart Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy while portraying a significant role in the lives and matrimonial affairs of her sisters, especially Jane Bennet. The intricate narrative structure of â€Å"Pride and Prejudice† concerning general manners, education, moral standards, and breeding is set in the fictitious Netherfield Park where the Bennet family resides, particularly in Longbourn. Netherfield is claimed in the novel to be part of Hertfordshire, a county close to London where the arrival of the Bingleys takes place. Austen must have chosen a setting at the countryside in which people of rustic livelihood may be reasonably expected to yearn for occasions of social gatherings like balls or parties which the ladies of the town are specifically delighted with. Under these circumstances would Lizzy Bennet and Mr. Darcy cross paths and begin finding a great deal of conflict as they misjudge each other based on attitudes which are apparently confined within their narrow prejudices. This eventually creates the essence of the theme wherein the traits associated with the ‘pride’ and ‘prejudice’ both of Lizzy and Mr. Darcy are intended to figure a realistic rather than a romantic mode of settlement toward the end. â€Å"Pride and Prejudice† progresses in stages to illustrate the backgrounds and influences crucial to the well-being of the principal characters so that in the process, readers can manage to gain understanding of certain events that occur in a proper English society and how they are dealt with or responded to by people of class, normally by virtue of pride. On one hand Lizzy, being on the extreme end of thought and contemplation of matters, is characterized to possess a modest yet stiff countenance that reflects her high intellectual capacity and seemingly logical suspicion of the hypocrisies and sarcasm in her environment as exemplified in the condescending acts of Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. Mr. Darcy, on the contrary, is featured as a wealthy man utterly reserved and cautious as he maintains quality of stature and pride that he appears incapable of mingling with the ordinary people, inclusive of the Bennets, for which upon Lizzy’s prejudiced observation, he becomes coldly labelled as insensitive despite all achievements and unknown sentiments. Evidently, how Lizzy’s nature functions in the story manifests Austen’s preference to be recognized according to the perspectives of the age of reason. Though she can be felt to acknowledge implicitly the beauty that emerges out of the sweet embellished form of romance between Jane and Mr. Bingley, for the type of novelist she is, Austen greatly considers philosophy in her work and this is naturally conveyed via the rational i nstead of emotional approach the moment Lizzy confronts Mr. Darcy and his gradual move of proposing and expressing affections for Elizabeth. During a dramatic private conversation with Jane, Lizzy confesses: â€Å"Do not be afraid of my running into any excess, of my encroaching on your privilege of universal good will –

Lab Discussion Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Discussion - Lab Report Example Further, when carrying out the consistent, repeatable measurements the slopes of position versus time graph and the average velocity were found to be relatively same as deduced from the ranges of each measurement. In which case, the maximum value for slope coincided with that for average velocity same to the minimum value; hence, we deduced that the ranges are in agreement. This shows that a change in position against time directly affects the average velocity of the object in question. Further, the experiment also showed that the relationship between position versus time and velocity is affected by the direction of motion. This was deduced when the motion detector was rotated thereby giving different curves at each instance of rotation. Further, when the graphs for velocity were recorded for the different curves, aforementioned, the velocity versus time graph effectively changed. The rotation of the car leads to a change from positive slope to a negative slope. Consequently, this shows that just the way rotation affect the position time graph so it does to the

Lindsay Lohan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Lindsay Lohan - Essay Example According to Russell Davies, Lindsay Lohan's negative publicity is helping her lagging career. Her target audience loves the drama in her life and has her fans begging for more. She appeals to her audience in the following ways: Drama: She is constantly embroiled in one drama or another; whether it is getting into a fight with her father or breaking up with her celebrity boyfriends or girlfriends. She has got more than enough media coverage over her love life In the past few years Lindsay has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Drunken driving, alcoholism, addiction to prescription drugs, party hopping and multiple sexual relationships. Lohan's self- destructive behavior has generated concern among her fans that have idolized her. Achievement: Lindsay has been driven by the need of achievement at a very young age and has achieved success when she was a mere child. The possibility of failure may have made her insecure; hence it has come out in the destructive behavior that she has been indulging in lately. Autonomy: Perhaps the need for asserting her independence after years of shouldering the surrogate responsibility of supporting her family has led to a conflict within her subconscious needs, where she wants to give vent to the years when she wasn't able to have fun like other girls. Exhibition: She also drawn to the need for attention, perhaps Lohan believes that negative publicity is better than no publicity at all. Harm avoidance: she has put a restriction order on her father because she believes he has done enough damage to her immediate family. Succorance: There is also a chance that Lindsay's behavior is actually a subconscious cry for help, after her break up with Rogan she has openly confessed that "She is Alone." Celebrities often believe that they are above the law and that rules of social conduct do not apply to them because of their identity. They also revel in the media attention that they get when they suffer from addiction and other antisocial conflicts and behavior. According to Michael Scott, who works at Sierra Tucson, a renowned drug rehab facility in Arizona "Celebrities also know that admitting to an addiction gives them good press and can get them out of bad situations, such as fights, car accidents, moments of bigotry and so forth. By focusing on rehab, they avoid depictions of themselves as sexual predators, out-of-control alcoholics or people with severe psychiatric problems". There also certain glamour attached to celebrities who die young or destroy their lives and relationship, perhaps Lindsay Lohan is

Abdulrahman Zeitoun and The Hero with a Thousand Faces Essay

Abdulrahman Zeitoun and The Hero with a Thousand Faces - Essay Example He has specified three main criteria pertaining to the Hero’s adventures. Then, the paper takes the experiences of Abdulrahman Zeitoun, a Syrian American and evaluates his actions on the basis of Campbell’s criteria. Zeitoun’s actions have transformed him into a modern-day heroic figure whose case can serve as an example to inspire people around the world on how to emerge unscathed and victorious from adversity. Joseph Campbell in his book The Hero with a Thousand Faces has tried to unravel some of the mysteries surrounding religious and mythological figures with the help of examples. The mythological texts have glorified personalities who have displayed courage to undertake superhuman deeds. In the first stage, the Hero ventures from the ordinary world to a supernatural realm. During the course of his journey, he encounters great forces and ultimately prevails upon them. Finally, he returns to his land with special powers which he then imparts to his fellow men. Therefore, the adventure path of the hero usually passes through three different stages: separation, initiation and return. In ancient mythology, whoever desired to embark on a journey of life and explore the way was encouraged to carry on: â€Å"Whosoever desires to explore the Way – Let them set out- for what more is there to say – â€Å" (Campbell 23) This idea conveys that embarking on the journey of life helps man to discover his inner self. He realizes the true identity of his soul and learns about the mission that he has been sent to accomplish. The idea about the completeness of life is unraveled to him. The journey of life is embodied on the concept of a continuous endeavor to move forward without stopping to think and procrastinate. This resembles the journey of the Hero in his quest for glory. The mythological accounts of the heroic achievements of men have served as an inspiration to the future generations of civilization. (Campbell xxiv). In his book, C ampbell describes vividly each of the three stages in a typical adventurous journey of the Hero. He illustrates his description with suitable cases from ancient religion and mythology. The first stage of the Hero’s Departure or Separation from the ordinary world begins with the Hero receiving Supernatural’s Call to Adventure. Though he turns down the Call at first, the Hero receives the assurance of Supernatural assistance. Thus he ventures on his journey and begins to cross the thresholds of his course. The second stage elaborates on the Hero’s â€Å"Initiation† to the Supernatural World. His journey to this ethereal world is filled with numerous trials and tribulations, but he emerges victorious with the help of his extra powers. As a reward, the Hero has the good fortune of meeting the Goddess. However, his experiences in this world are not free from temptations and in some cases, the Hero is compelled to submit to these provocations. Inspite of this, The Holy Father gives him a chance of atonement and the Hero is washed of his sins. The Hero is thus elevated to a divine status and receives supreme powers as a mark of his divinity. The final stage describes the Hero’s â€Å"Return† from the ethereal realm to the common world. The Hero is transported back to his own ordinary world through a magic flight. He overcomes the â€Å"Return Threshold† and reaches his native place. Endowed with supernatural powers, the Hero now becomes the Master of both the ordinary and the ethereal world. (Campbell 45-221) David Egger’s book Zeitoun is a non-fictional work regarding the Zietoun family in New Orleans. It is a true account of the deeds of Abdulrahman Zeitoun, a Syrian-American, when his family encountered the Hurricane storm Katrina and the events that followed thereafter. It is a challenge to

Egyptian god Osiris Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Egyptian god Osiris - Essay Example Also remarkable about Osiris, he once took on a human form and existed on earth (Hill). In addition, as a mythological deity, he was characterized as a bearded man with white mummy wrappings bearing the Atef crown and the Flial and Crook at hand; these two symbolized supreme power. His supreme power was recognition as the representation of resurrection and eternal life. In addition, in his representations, he had green or red skin to signify vegetation or earth respectively. Another attribute he was associated with is the source of wealth and fertility (Deurer). In some legends, Horus is recognized as his son who took vengeance for his death by casting Set away to the desert. Part of this legend states that after Set had chopped Osiris’ body to pieces, Isis found the pieces and pleaded with the god, Re to bring him back to life. Since he was already dead, Osiris’ body was put back together in a mummy, and he was made god of the dead; therefore, his responsibility was as judge of the souls of the dead. The living pharaoh is materialized by Horus while the dead pharaoh is materialized by Osiris. This divine kinship arises from his two separate roles as king of the dead and provider of fertility (Wigington). Horus came about from the coming together of Osiris and Isis who were twins. He was looked to for advice on agricultural matters as the flooding of the Nile, which added nutrients to the soil making it fertile, was ascribed to him. The annual cycle of flooding, planting and harvesting was attributed to him, as it was believed he had life-giving powers. There exists a folklore, which points the changing of ancient Egyptians from cannibalism to Osiris, as his wisdom and advice brought about agricultural practices. This made him be accredited for the evolution of Egyptians to a civilized way of life (â€Å"Osiris- God of Fertility and Renewal†). Further civilizations ascribed to him include ways of worshipping the gods and instituting of laws. During

Types of Lifestyles Adopted by Families in the United States Essay Example for Free

Types of Lifestyles Adopted by Families in the United States Essay In the United States the most common type of family structure adopted is the Nuclear family which consists of a father, mother and kids. It is structured around the concept of a single family unit based on the concept that it is able to independently support itself. The number of children is not fixed but when the family is unable to cater to the needs of its members and more members are involved in managing a home’s finances it becomes an extended family. Yet, the extended family structure was never that prevalent in the United States at any period in time. In recent years a gradual shift has been observed in the family structures and the lifestyles practiced in them. The structure has changed due to numerous factors such as the acceptance of single parenting by the society, more open approach to adoptions and government permission of homosexuals to marry and begin families. Also the number of kids play a crucial role in determining the family structure as there are many households which just have a couple who have no desire for having kids (AEM, 2005). A rising trend is the Single parent household, with one parent, either the mother or the father, taking full responsibility of the kids and not requiring the help of the other parent. This kind of household is rising due to the increasing divorce rates and increasing opportunities for both sexes to indulge in activities which did not fall under the responsibilities of the gender role. Such as, fathers becoming more sensitive to their children’s needs and problems and mothers working to bring money home to support the family. Grandparents are also becoming more involved in the raising of the grandchildren rather than the parents. Many people regard this phenomenon in a negative light as parents shirk their responsibilities leaving the care of their own children to their parents and not providing a nurturing environment themselves. With recent amendments in legal rights, homosexuals have been given the right to marry in many states and also the right to adopt children. The right of homosexuals to adopt children is widely debated as being immoral and corrupting the children making them turn into homosexuals themselves but there is no such evidence of such parents influencing their kids to choose their sexual orientation. As is evident the central focus towards the structure of a family in the United States is towards the degree of care towards the children of the household. But in recent years we have observed a sharp decline in the birth rates of kids and population growth is stagnating as the desire for kids is stemming in couples (Americas Families- Changing Family Structures). Personal View In my opinion the nuclear family is still the most viable option for having the best household atmosphere as all the natural constituents are there to support each other in a meaningful relationship. Yet however, the second best alternative to a nuclear household would probably be an extended household structure. It is widely popular in many countries such as China, India and other Asian countries. the reason I believe that the extended family system is suitable for households is because it saves resources with parents getting time to pursue their own activities as relatives could take care of kids on short notice as well as kids having the company that they require at all times. References AEM. (2005, December 12). A Look at the Different Types of Families in America. Retrieved December 30, 2008, from Associated Content: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/13363/a_look_at_the_different_types_of_families.html Americas Families- Changing Family Structures. (n.d.). Retrieved December 31, 2008, from Americas Families: http://www.libraryindex.com/pages/1315/America-s-Families-CHANGING-FAMILY-STRUCTURE.html

Jewish Festivals in Israel Essay Example for Free

Jewish Festivals in Israel Essay Jewish festivals are the days celebrated by Jews. Some Jewish festivals happen on the same date every year, while others move around within a range of dates. Here we have provided the dates of the Jewish religious holidays for calendar year 2009. All Jewish holidays begin in the evening after the sunset. Judaism is believed to be one of the worlds oldest religions. Jews believe there is one God who created and rules the world. Judaism believes that people have freewill and are responsible for the choices made. The Torah is the primary scripture of Judaism. Torah means teaching, is Gods revealed instructions to the Jewish People. Why is the Jewish Calendar a Lunisolar Calendar? (Lunisolar = follows the cycle of the moon I.E. lunar, and sun I.E. solar) Background and History The Jewish calendar is primarily lunar, with each month beginning on the new moon, when the first sliver of moon becomes visible after the dark of the moon. In ancient times, the new months used to be determined by observation. When people observed the new moon, they would notify the Sanhedrin. When the Sanhedrin heard testimony from two independent, reliable eyewitnesses that the new moon occurred on a certain date, they would declare the rosh chodesh (first of the month) and send out messengers to tell people when the month began. Who originally obtained the exclusive authority to fix the date for Jewish festivals prior to the establishment of the Jewish calendar? Before the establishment of a Jewish calendar, the identification and designation of Rosh Hodesh (new moon in Hebrew) for a given month was critical in fixing the dates for Jewish festivals for that month. The Jewish high court in Judea, known as the Sanhedrin, based in Jerusalem during Temple times, retained its centralized and exclusive authority for fixing the date of Rosh Hodesh as well as for adding an extra month when it deemed necessary, based on the condition of crops at the end of the 12th month. The Sanhedrin based its authority on the fact that if it didnt have the exclusive authority to fix new moon dates, then different Jewish communities would potentially celebrate festivals on different days. A new month on the Jewish calendar begins with the molad, (pronounced moh-LAHD). Molad is a Hebrew word meaning birth, and refers to what we call the new moon in English. The molad for the month of Tishri (the month that starts with Rosh Hashanah) is the most important one for calendar calculations, and is referred to as Molad Tishri.

Literature Review Of Greenhouse Farming Technology Environmental Sciences Essay

Literature Review Of Greenhouse Farming Technology Environmental Sciences Essay This chapter presents a review of the literature on the topic of challenges faced when introducing greenhouse farming technology for agriculture. The chapter is structured on the basis of the research questions: Awareness of the product and its advantages to the farmers, challenges faced by farmers, legal issues surrounding this new technology and challenges faced by the firm introducing this new technology. Information is the key to making sound decisions. Some farmers are unaware of the availability of a suitable machine, tool, or implement that could aid in their usually tedious work. They might be secluded from the technology by natural barriers and sociopolitical boundaries, Paras et al. (2005). He goes on further to say sadly enough, some farmers are even lackadaisical and seemingly uninterested in mechanization. According to Weiderhold (2007), Industry is rarely ready to accept an innovation when it first presented. There are many reasons for lack of acceptance: the two major ones he cites are: The innovation is not understood by industry because, as a byproduct of the innovation new terms have been defined. The innovation is understood or at least understandable, but there are no resources at that time to try to develop and market the innovation According to Hammond et al (2005) the major barriers to improving food and nutrition security include issues dealing with farming practices, farmers ignorance of sustainable actions to take, and variations in the weather. Over-cropping takes place, which leaves the land choked, degraded, and often infertile. Farmers often grow the wrong crops in the wrong places causing low rates of crop growth and problems with soil degradation. Droughts cause problems because virtually none of the small subsistence farms have other ways of irrigating crops other than the rain. Also, in some areas, nonstop rain drowns fields and farms. Erosion has carried away much of Kenyas fertile topsoil. Searles (2007) states that a subsistence farmer in Kenya, which is the main target market for the greenhouses, cannot produce crops on a large scale if he does not know how to do so. It is hard to prevent problems such as soil erosion and degradation without knowing what to do to stop it. One also cannot eat enough if they do not know how much enough is or other things such as what foods provide how much energy. Also, one cannot eat enough nutritious foods if one does not know what foods are high in certain needed nutrients. There is also the problem of sheer lack of enough food. If a family farm was educated on how to grow enough food to eat as well as sell they would have enough income in order to meet their needs by purchasing food and other things. She also stresses that there has been little effort towards education of the family farmers. In the cities there are resources available in order to educate a farmer but it is not accessible to many rural citizens. There has been no centralized effort to educate the majority of farmers on sustainable development issues. 2.2.2 Limited-Resource Farmers According to the UNDAF (2008) Poverty, especially income poverty, remains one of the most formidable challenges for Kenyans today. Over 45% of Kenyas population still lives in poverty, with some 12.6 million of the estimated 33 million population living below the poverty line of less than one dollar a day. Rural communities, especially those in ASAL (Arid and Semi Arid Lands) areas and those in informal urban settlements, are the most affected. Most of the rural poor in Kenya (75% of poor households) depend on agriculture for their livelihoods (United Nations Development Assistance Framework [UNDAF], 2008) Each farm is fairly small, producing enough food to feed the family and some to sell. There are main crops grown in larger fields while smaller fields exist to grow smaller amounts but larger varieties of foods for the family to eat. Only 17% of Kenyas consumed food is imported to the country and that is mostly for the upper class citizens. With 64% of the people living in rural areas, and 80% of these practicing subsistence farming or cattle herding, the situation of food insecurity is severe. The people living in the urban areas are those that raise the general standards per capita with wage income and calorie consumption. Those in the rural areas, in general, receive less than the average of the per capita measurements. This means that nearly 52% of the population does not earn enough money, eat a well-balanced diet, or receive enough calories. Each person in the country is falling about 115 calories short of the average requirement human beings each day. The average income of each person is very low on the global scale and does not provide for many needed or very helpful supplies in the home or food wise. The poor in Kenya also receive less protein and other nutrients needed for good health. 2.2.3 Reluctance, Resistance to Change and Risk Aversion Experience indicates that Kenyan farmers are generally reluctant to changes in their farming activities for this is their way of life. They have the wait-and-see attitude. Although many farmers are very much open to new ideas and technology, there are more farmers who would first want to see a working model or system before they follow the lead states the Kenya-Advisor (2009). Like any new technology, greenhouse technology faces some of the same market problems as other innovations where few people would be willing to try out a new product. We can use the Rogers adoption model to better understand this concept. According to Popelka, Terryn, et al. (2004) the technology adoption lifecycle model describes the adoption or acceptance of a new product or innovation, according to the demographic and psychological characteristics of defined adopter groups. The process of adoption over time is typically illustrated as a classical normal distribution or bell curve. The model indicates that the first group of people to use a new product is called innovators, followed by early adopters. Next come the early and late majority, and the last group to eventually adopt a product are called laggards. According to Knowler, B. Bradshaw (2007) we can see from the model that most people (68%), fall under early majority or late majority, meaning that most people would be unwilling to try out new innovative products such as greenhouse farming because they are uncertain of its success. Diagram according to Knowler, B. Bradshaw (2007). 2.2.4 Lack of Training from Extension Personnel Extension is the battlefront of technology transfer. The people involved in extension must not only be technically updated but must also possess good management and interpersonal skills. With so much on their shoulders, most of them might be lacking the capability to integrate the greenhouse technology into the total farming system. According to Wilson, T.A., (2005) Efforts have been made in Kenya to improve on the policy framework for extension services. In this regard a National Agricultural Sector Extension Policy (NASEP) has been formulated and aims at giving extension a sector-wide dimension and representation to take over from the current National Agriculture Extension Policy (NAEP). It is also to guide and regulate the provision of agricultural extension service in the country. Currently, the NASEP implementation framework is being prepared. 2.2.5 Lack of Education According to the nation encyclopedia (2009) Seventy-four percent of children in Kenya attend primary school, but only 24% move on to secondary school. Kenya has an 82% literacy rate. Children of impoverished subsistence farms often do not attend school due to the necessity of their help on the farms. The more money a family has the higher likelihood the children will attend school. There are public schools in both urban and rural areas for the children to attend. There are fewer schools in rural areas than in urban and many in the rural areas are not the highest quality. 64% of the population is located in rural areas. Rural poor are at a great disadvantage to receiving education. They have little money to find needed resources for knowledge and live far from cities where that knowledge would be available. Urban poor are at a disadvantage, but much less than rural, because they are near the information. The poor also cannot afford to spread the knowledge to other farmers and cannot afford to attend college which would give adequate information on sustainable development. Even some in urban areas may have no access to information about sustainable practices because there are no libraries or institutions of higher learning in the cities. There is more education for subsistence farmers occurring in Kenya, but not on a large scale. According to John Makeni (2009) Kenyans have been offered education on expansion of horticulture and access to credit and business services by USAID, which has led to a small increase in rural incomes. USAID has also trained 6,350 teachers in the Northeastern and Coast Provinces in order to educate children in public schools in those areas, which will give the young a base of information to draw from. This may help with sustainable development in the future. USAID is helping communities manage their resources in more sustainable ways. The program set up by USAID focuses on community-based wildlife management, forestry and environmental management, and coastal zone management. 770,000 hectares of land are being put under improved management, $652,000 U.S. dollars in revenues from nature-based businesses has been earned, and 1,200 new jobs have been created to deal with the many issues. Parliament has enacted an environmental bill and is working on a land policy review process and fore stry and wildlife bill. 2.3 Government The greenhouse farming technology for agriculture is relatively new in Kenya and there is very little if any legislation available. This section of the paper will therefore review legislation from countries that have laws on greenhouses and their impact on the adoption of the greenhouse technology in those countries. 2.3.1 Role of Government in Agricultural Technology transfer Agricultural technologies and knowledge have, until recently, largely been created and disseminated by public institutions. But over the past two decades, biotechnology for agricultural production has developed rapidly, and the world economy has become more globalised and liberalised. This has boosted private investment in agricultural research and technology, exposing agriculture in developing countries to international markets and the influence of multinational corporations. But the public sector still has a role to play, particularly in managing the new knowledge, supporting research to fill any remaining gaps, promoting and regulating private companies, and ensuring their effects on the environment are adequately assessed. According to P. Marenya, C. Barret (2007) Since the end of World War II, the public sector of developed countries has helped transfer agricultural technologies to developing countries. During this period, most developing countries in Latin America and Africa, as well as some countries in Asia (like India and Thailand), have depended heavily on agricultural production to support their economies. So general development activities were often aimed at modernising the agricultural sector. Still P. Marenya (2007) continues that, since the late 1970s, all this has changed. Technologies have become embodied in physical products, like farm machinery or agrochemicals. Exponential growth in such industries has led to a rapid expansion of private firms that create, manufacture and sell technology. Private firms have also seen opportunities to profit by using complex seed improvement research to create and then distribute new crop hybrids. And so, the role of the public sector has also had to change. 2.3.2 Early technology transfer in agriculture: a public sector activity According to C. Doss (2006) After World War II, the United States began a number of initiatives to build up agricultural science in developing countries and help transfer technology. US universities offered training programmes, for example through scholarships for international students, managed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA, the US Agency for International Development and some of the major US foundations, like Ford and Rockefeller, also supported university libraries in developing countries to help scientists access new research. Many of these activities had enormous effects in the developing world. For example, a Ford Foundation programme in Argentina supported close to 40 PhD students, creating a cadre of professionals in the country and consolidating agricultural economic analysis in local institutions like the National Institute for Agricultural Technology. According to J. Oehmke, E. Crawford (1993) In the early 1960s, the International Rice Research Institute and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) were formed in the Philippines and Mexico respectively. These two centres evolved into a network of independent research institutions in Columbia, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Nigeria, Peru, Syria and the United States. In 1971, the association of donors that supported the research centres became the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), and the 15 institutions that exist today are known as the Future Harvest Agricultural Research Centres. Piniero (2005) states that, developing countries created National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) to do applied research. In Latin America, all countries, with the exception of El Salvador and Paraguay, have such an organisation. There are also similar organisations in Kenya and Uganda in Africa, and India and Pakistan in Asia. Evenson and Gollin (2003) International research centres developed technologies for major global food crops such as rice, wheat, corn, cassava, potatoes, millets and beans. National research institutes used applied research to adjust these technologies to fit relevant ecological and production conditions. The national and international centres worked closely together, sharing training and frequently involving scientists from both sides in visits and seminars. National centres then provided advice and counselling to local farmers, diffusing the new knowledge into the countrys production system. This system worked especially well for disseminating improved crops and new production techniques. For example, plant breeding work at CIMMYT developed a new family of wheat varieties in the early 1970s that were being used by more than 80 per cent of all wheat areas by the late 1990s, Evenson and Gollin (2003). And the research institutes set up during the 1960s and 1970s in the developing world were largely responsible for substantially increasing yields. For example, global cereal yields doubled between 1960 and 1985, Conway (1997). Technology is still transferred to developing countries this way, but recently, public funding for agricultural research has diminished, and science has grown more complex. 2.3.3 A changing role for the public sector According to I. Tzouramani, K Mattas (2004) Over the last two decades, advances in sciences like molecular genetics have enabled rapid development of biotechnology for agricultural production. Meanwhile, economic globalisation and trade liberalisation has increasingly exposed agriculture in developing countries to international markets and multinational corporations. Technologies that exist as marketable products, like seeds, agrochemicals and agricultural machinery, have grown quickly. James (2004) noted that this in turn, fuelled private investment in agricultural research and technology, particularly by international corporations that benefit from economies of scale, and have access to world markets. But research activities in the private sector have limited scope. For example, private research into seed improvement concentrates on just a few crops, like corn and soybeans, that are grown in temperate regions. Such specialisation is even greater in biotechnology, where over 70 per cent of the land planted with transgenic breeds grows just four crops soybeans, corn, canola and cotton, James (2004). Because of this narrow focus, the private sector usually disseminates its advances to developing countries that practise commercial agriculture in temperate climates and have relatively large markets. Small-scale farmers in developing countries still largely rely on the public sector for technology transfer, especially if they cultivate crops that dont interest private f irms. According to H. Zavale (2006) Public institutions are slowly adapting to these new circumstances by redefining their positions and priorities. CGIAR has emphasised its role in developing and transferring technologies that are adapted to small and poorer farms. The organisation is also beginning to consider work on non-food crops. Similarly, national research institutions, like the National Institute for Agricultural Technology in Argentina and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, are concentrating on crops and ecological conditions relevant to small farms. They also research techniques that complement private sector developments, for example by developing production systems and conservation methods that make using new technological products (such as agrochemicals, farm machinery and improved crops) more efficient. 2.3.4 A new way to approach technology transfer According to Thirtle. Et al (2003), The new economic and scientific context requires a new, more complex, model for transferring technology. The evolving model has four main components: knowledge management, gap filling research, promotion and regulation of the private sector, and environmental impact analysis (see Figure 1). Figure 1. A multidimensional model of agricultural technology transfer for the public sector 2.3.4.1 Knowledge management According to D. Scharfstein, C.F. Manski, J. Anthony (2004), The public sector continues to be largely responsible for knowledge management that is, articulating national needs, matching them to scientific opportunities, mobilising available technology, and adjusting them to farmers needs. NARIs and universities undertake this role in many developing countries. They help develop both new and orphan crops, promote successful agriculture in poor ecological conditions and tackle small-scale technological problems, none of which greatly interest the private sector. Such work accounts for much of the research done by local institutions, and needs to be strengthened. Local institutions should provide incentives for their staff to collaborate with international researchers and seek synergies with research done elsewhere. In many ways the CGIAR centres are important in helping integrate local efforts with the knowledge available worldwide. 2.3.4.2 Gap-filling research According to R. Deheija, S. Wahba (2002), National public research institutions also have a major responsibility for research in areas ignored by the private sector. This gap filling research is particularly relevant to technologies that are not embodied in physical products for example, forage management, animal health, soil management and conservation and irrigation practices. Elbehri, A. and S. Macdonald (2004) further support this point stating that Public research into agriculture in developing countries represents about a quarter of worldwide expenditure in agricultural research. But it needs to be managed effectively if it is to produce high quality research to complement internationally available technologies and help developing countries acquire and use them. Some countries, like Brazil, China, India and Vietnam, have already taken action, using careful planning and working with research institutions in developed countries research institutions to help focus research. 2.3.4.3 Promoting and regulating the private sector According to Sankula (2006), The public sector should also both promote private investment and regulate private companies. Several policies can help encourage the private sector to invest in technologies that are relevant to farmers in developing countries. First, adequate intellectual property rights legislation can be put in place. This allows private companies to protect profits from their research, helping attract investors and promoting research. Second, tax and credit facilities can provide indirect economic incentives to investment. Third, setting up frameworks for turning new technologies, like seeds or agrochemicals, into commercial realities for example consistent biosafety regulations, royalty agreements, profit sharing and reinvestment can be used to encourage interactions between private firms and public institutions, supporting joint activities and, thereby, encouraging technology transfer. 2.3.4.4 Environmental impact analyses According to Young, B. G (2006), policymakers must consider the environmental consequences of agricultural research. New agricultural technologies often use natural resources intensively, potentially damaging the environment, for example through land degradation or water contamination. This is especially true if the new technology is imported without being tested in local conditions. According to Wilson, T.A., M.E.. Rice, et al. (2005) Genetically modified crops are a good example. Developing countries like Argentina largely rely on industrialised nations to provide genetically modified breeds. Close to 90 per cent of Argentinas soybean crop is transgenic, and this has proved highly profitable in the past ten years. But the full environmental effects of expanding to marginal areas, displacing other crops and livestock, and using crop rotations are still unknown. Policymakers can help by developing regulatory measures, like mandatory environmental impact assessments, to minimise potential environmental damage and to protect consumers. 2.3.5 Protection of Patents and other Rights The issue of Farmers rights has brought concerns within the seed industry, farmer communities and policy makers especially in Africa. Organisations such as The African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA) recognize the contribution of farmer communities to the conservation and the improvement of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. They balance the important role of the African seed industry in maintaining and improving crop yields through continuous crop breeding to create superior varieties, which benefit farmers and to which they have access stated Bouis, H.E., B.M. Chassy et al. (2003). They support access to genetic resources for breeding purposes by all breeders i.e. farmers themselves, public research institutes and seed companies and is not in favor of any regulations that prevent them from sustainably exploiting available plant genetic resources to add value to their crops. According to UPOV articles (1991), In addition, breeders need to get a reasonable return on their investment in plant breeding so that they can continue developing novel products. Free use of farm-saved seed undermines this principle and would lead to less breeding efforts and eventually prevent the release of new varieties to the detriment of farmers and agricultural development as a whole.In Africa, lack of public and private investment in plant breeding has led to a shortage of improved varieties limiting the choice of farmers. To give incentives to breeders, there is need to protect new varieties using intellectual property rights as provided for under the UPOV 1991 Convention. This Convention gives adequate protection against inappropriate use of protected varieties while having provisions for free access and use for further breeding purposes i.e. breeders exemption and the compulsory exception of acts done privately for non-commercial purposes (Article 15 (1) of UPOV 1991 Convention) allowing African subsistence farmers to save and use seed from their own harvests, specifically for their own use. As stipulated in article 9 (3) of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (IT PGRFA), this right is subject to the national law in force in a given country where such acts may be prohibited or subject to specific requirements and/or limitations i.e. the right is not unconditional for farmers and the Article 9 does not intend to limit any rights granted to them at national level. Under the UPOV 1991 Convention, national laws may allow farmers to replant on their own farm the seed produced on that same farm without the consent of the breeder of the protected variety. This exception however must remain within reasonable limits and is subject to the safeguarding of the legitimate interests of the breeder (Article 15(2) of UPOV 1991 Convention). This optional exception to Plant Breeders Rights should be limited to food and feed crops where farm-saved seed has been used traditionally and subject to the obligation that farmers provide information concerning the use to the breeder and to the payment of an equitable remuneration. However, this UPOV Convention has a provision that allows the free use of farm-saved seed of a protected variety for non commercial purposes by African subsistence farmers. It is very important that governments and all seed stakeholders make efforts in Africa to promote the development of more improved varieties with a view to addressing the needs of the diversified agro-ecological zones of the continent, which is widely ignored by the rest of the world, through effective protection of new plant varieties with clear mechanism of royalty collection for the breeders. 2.4 Firm Introducing the Technology 2.4.1 Training for Farmers Provision of training to small scale farmers is especially difficult due to their low levels of education. 2.4.2 Appropriate distribution channels Kenya has a wide geographical area where farming is done and so it is therefore difficult for one firm to serve the needs of these customers all over Kenya. Appropriate distributors and distributor channels therefore need to be identified to ensure that the technology is available to farmers all over the country. According to Kotler (2000) Distribution (also known as the place variable in the marketing mix, or the 4 Ps) involves getting the product from the manufacturer to the ultimate consumer. Distribution is often a much underestimated factor in marketing. The problem is that retailers may not be willing to devote shelf-space to new products. Retailers would often rather use that shelf-space for existing products have that proven records of selling. This would therefore be a disadvantage to the firm introducing the greenhouse technology since it is new and untested in the Kenyan market. 2.4.2.1 Manufacturer Distribution Preferences According to Savadogo, Reardon and Pietol (1998), Most manufacturers would prefer to have their products distributed widelythat is, for the products to be available in as many stores as possible. This is especially the case for convenience products where the customer has little motivation to go to a less convenient retail outlet to get his or her preferred brand. Soft drinks would be an extreme example here. The vast majority of people would settle for their less preferred brand in a vending machine rather than going elsewhere to get their top choice. This is one reason why being a small share brand in certain 2.4.3 Sample Farms The firm may need to create sample farms since farmers have a way of convincing other farmers to adopt a technology that they have successfully and profitably utilized. This is the basis for the model farmer, model farm strategy. However, this is double-edged; a bad experience by a farmer regarding a certain technology could spread like wildfire and could create reluctance rather than acceptance. However, a sustainable working system being used by a farmer cooperator would enhance receptivity to the greenhouse technology. 2.4.4 Revitalizing Government Policies According to Paras et al, (2005), Reviewing the policies on tax regarding the importation of agricultural machinery and parts (engines, pumps, sprayers, etc.), and all other materials and equipment for the manufacture of agricultural machinery would have a large effect on mechanization. At the same time, the government should try to make arrangements for companies to manufacture the greenhouse materials and parts locally. This in effect would also bring down the cost of greenhouses in the market. 2.4.5 Inability of Farmers to pay for Products As stated earlier, many of the small scale farmers in Kenya are unable to adopt this new method of farming due to the high initial cost of installation. This means that companies that sell these products do not have enough clients to sell their products to. However, some companies such as Amiran in Kenya are now entering into partnerships with financial institutions such as Equity bank to bridge this gap. A copy of the agreement is attached in the appendix. 2.5 Chapter Summary This chapter aims to review the relevant literature in relation to the research questions presented in this study. It identifies the barriers that exist in introducing the greenhouse farming technology from the farmers point of view, the governments role and from the view of the firm introducing this product. Subsequent chapters will try to provide the challenges from a Kenyan perspective from actual farmers and business people.

A Whale of a Passion for Psychology :: Graduate Admissions Essays

A Whale of a Passion for Psychology    A beluga whale helped me first realize my true academic passion. I spent my high school summers and weekends volunteering at the New York Aquarium, first in the education department, and later in the training department. It was there, through casual and research-oriented observations of cetaceans, that I began to wonder about animal and human minds. I later had the opportunity to participate in an observational research project, helping to record data on the behaviors of new whale calves and mothers. My informal and formal observations fed my interest in the phylogenetic and ontogenetic bases of cognition and language. As a psychology student at [my school], I had numerous opportunities to research and observe human psychology, both in and out of the classroom. As a sophomore, along with a professor and fellow students in a seminar class, I helped design and run a study on categorization and user's intentions. Later that year we presented our findings at the annual American Psycholog ical Society meeting. In that same year I also assisted a professor in conducting a study on the effects of familiar and unfamiliar music on reading comprehension. I spent the summer following my sophomore year (1997) as a research assistant in the [my school] Psychology Department, funded by a grant from the Howard Hughes Foundation. I collaborated with a professor, a fellow undergraduate student, and a visiting high school student to research, design, and run a study on attitudes towards germs and illness. This included conducting an extensive literature review, specifying research questions, and designing questionnaires that would help us effectively answer our research questions. In addition to strengthening my research abilities, this experience gave me the invaluable opportunity to interact with fellow researchers as a student, a peer, and a mentor. My extracurricular research experience during my sophomore and junior years of college gave me the tools to independently develop and carry out research projects. During my senior year at [my school], I completed a long term library-based research project on the evolution of the human linguistic ability. As a person who tends to look at the big picture when conducting research, this project was the perfect opportunity for me to integrate research from numerous fields and subfields in order to answer a psychologically based question.       Through the study of anthropology, paleoneurology, neuropsychology, linguistics, and psycholinguistics, I explored theories debating the neurological and behavioral bases for language evolution. A Whale of a Passion for Psychology :: Graduate Admissions Essays A Whale of a Passion for Psychology    A beluga whale helped me first realize my true academic passion. I spent my high school summers and weekends volunteering at the New York Aquarium, first in the education department, and later in the training department. It was there, through casual and research-oriented observations of cetaceans, that I began to wonder about animal and human minds. I later had the opportunity to participate in an observational research project, helping to record data on the behaviors of new whale calves and mothers. My informal and formal observations fed my interest in the phylogenetic and ontogenetic bases of cognition and language. As a psychology student at [my school], I had numerous opportunities to research and observe human psychology, both in and out of the classroom. As a sophomore, along with a professor and fellow students in a seminar class, I helped design and run a study on categorization and user's intentions. Later that year we presented our findings at the annual American Psycholog ical Society meeting. In that same year I also assisted a professor in conducting a study on the effects of familiar and unfamiliar music on reading comprehension. I spent the summer following my sophomore year (1997) as a research assistant in the [my school] Psychology Department, funded by a grant from the Howard Hughes Foundation. I collaborated with a professor, a fellow undergraduate student, and a visiting high school student to research, design, and run a study on attitudes towards germs and illness. This included conducting an extensive literature review, specifying research questions, and designing questionnaires that would help us effectively answer our research questions. In addition to strengthening my research abilities, this experience gave me the invaluable opportunity to interact with fellow researchers as a student, a peer, and a mentor. My extracurricular research experience during my sophomore and junior years of college gave me the tools to independently develop and carry out research projects. During my senior year at [my school], I completed a long term library-based research project on the evolution of the human linguistic ability. As a person who tends to look at the big picture when conducting research, this project was the perfect opportunity for me to integrate research from numerous fields and subfields in order to answer a psychologically based question.       Through the study of anthropology, paleoneurology, neuropsychology, linguistics, and psycholinguistics, I explored theories debating the neurological and behavioral bases for language evolution.

Jack Londons To Build a Fire Essays -- Papers London Jack Build Fire

Jack London's To Build a Fire In his short story entitled "To Build a Fire," Jack London portrays a bitter conflict between man and nature. The nature in this story is the harsh environment of the Yukon Trail. London chose to use nature as the antagonist, almost as a force working against the main character in his struggle for survival. London accomplished this personification of nature by giving the environment many human characteristics, by creating numerous things going wrong that really should not have happened, and by foreshadowing the protagonist's fate all throughout the story. The author used such a struggle with man versus nature in many of his stories. He liked to portray a sort of struggle for survival, a rising up against the odds, theme to appeal to the masses at the time. He wrote passionately about the many tough questions of life and death, the struggle to survive while retaining one's sense of dignity and integrity, and he wove these fundamental themes into stories of high adventure based on his own firsthand experiences, whether it was trying to tough out a storm in Alaska or out at sea, or working in a factory or in the fields in California (California State Park Historians 1). Jack London gives the environment many human characteristics. During the entire story, the reader gets a feeling of the man being challenged by the "threats" that are placed in front of him by the Yukon Trail. "à ¢? ¦The mysterious, far-reaching hairline trail, the absence of sun from the sky, the tremendous cold, and the strangeness and weirdness of it all-made no impression on the man" (London 116). Nature also throws some potent... ...pened, and by foreshadowing the protagonist's fate all throughout the story. In the end, however, the antagonist of this story wins, proving to the man that it is the stronger of the life forces. Works Cited California State Park Historians. "Jack London - His Life and Books." February 9, 2003. http://www.parks.sonoma.net/JLStory.html "John Griffith London." Contemporary Authors Online. Literature Resource Center. GaleNet. Lake-Sumter Community Coll. Lib., Leesburg, FL. 9 Feb. 2003 http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/LitRC?c=1&stab=128&ai=55459&ste=9&docNum=H1000061094&bConts=16047&tab=4&vrsn=3&ca=1&tbst=arp&ST=jack+london&srchtp=athr&n=10&locID=lincclin_lscc&OP=contains#Writings London, Jack. "To Build a Fire." Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. United States: Longman, 2002. 117-128.

Advocates for a New Social Order: Dickens, Marx, and the Trade Union i

Advocates for a New Social Order: Dickens, Marx, and the Trade Union in Hard Times For over a century, Charles Dickens has been praised as being the working man's advocate, and the lower classes have played a major role in peopling his vast world of characters. Always, the reader is left with a sense of sympathy and pity for these characters as Dickens' journalistic descriptions of their plight are often dramatic, stirring, and pathetic. Although he renders the living conditions of the poor in such a way that no reader can escape feeling sympathy for such characters, Dickens never once offers a solution to such distress. In Hard Times we find a man who suffers not only the degradations of the industrial city, but also the ostracism of his own kind when he refuses to join the ranks of a budding trade union. Dickens has often been deemed a reformer by many modern critics. However, if he truly sought reform for the treatment of the lower classes in Victorian England, why, then, does he refuse Stephen Blackpool a chance to take a part in that reform? Like Karl Marx an d Friedrich Engels, Dickens realized and reported upon the conditions of the working classes, but he chose to offer a more spiritual form of aid rather than to suggest a complete political reformation. Dickens published his views on labor issues in several of his journals, and he spoke on the subject frequently as well. Although he was moved by the plight of the workers, he could not understand why they would become violent at times. Peter Ackroyd cites a letter to Angela Burdett-Coutts, describing Dickens’ views on trade union violence. The reason for such violence, Dickens contends in the letter, is that the lower classes were being brainwashed and swindle... ... both a charitable and noble soul. He could not have joined the union as he did not believe it would help matters any, and he maintains his dignity even though he pays the ultimate penalty for it in the end. Works Consulted The Oxford History of Britain. Ed. Kenneth O. Morgan. Oxford: Oxford UP, 1984. Ackroyd, Peter. Dickens. New York: HarperCollins, 1990. Bowditch, John and Clement Ramsland. Voices of the Industrial Revolution. Ann Arbor: U of Michigan P, 1961. Dickens, Charles. Hard Times. Ed. George Ford and Sylvere Monod. 2nd ed. New York: Norton, 1990. ---. "Locked Out.† Household Words 8 (1854): 345-8. Faber, Richard. Proper Stations. London: Faber and Faber, 1971. Marx, Karl. The Grundrisse. Ed. and trans. David McLellan. New York: Harper, 1971. Williams, Raymond. Culture and Society: 1780-1950. New York: Harper, 1958.

Emperor Hirohito Essay

Emperor Hirohito ruled for 53 years, during those years, Japanese civilians invaded China, the Rape of Nanking happened, they attacked Pearl Harbor and Japan rose to become the world second economic superpower. He was the first Japanese Emperor to be welcomed into Europe. He married at age 16, was crowned prince in November 1921. He died in his 80’s of a sickness called Myocardial Infraction. In his early life at age 7 he was taught proper behavior by Maresoke Nayi at Peer’s School. Also, his parents hired two Confucian tutors for him to learn. A few years later at age 11 his father was crowned Emperor because the formal Emperor had died of old age. Hirohito was to marry at age 16 to a young Princess which name is Nagako Kuni who was only 14 at the time. Before he had married the princess he went and traveled around Europe and was the first Japanese prince who was welcomed by the royal queen herself. During the time he had traveled he became very interested in the study of Marine Science. He also developed an interest in golf, drinking tea and eating bread. After coming back from Europe he changed the law that said that royal family members could not travel the world and make new traditions. His main inspiration was watching how in Europe people could do as they please and not get judge for it. Around that same time his family had heard a rumor that said the Princess Nagako Kuni was colorblind, so Hirohito’s family decided to delay the wedding until they figured everything out. They didn’t get married until a year later in 1924. Just a couple of years later he had to become Emperor because of his father death (due to a mental illness). People refused to him as a god because of the way he ruled. Also, because nobody ever saw him. Hirohito was one who believed in democratic politics over any other thing. Due to this he everyone believed that Japan wanted to go to war with every single country. So many people had judged him very harshly for not putting himself together in the right time before the war. And his own military wanted to get someone more worthy of the thrown, not Hirohito. It was hard on him and even more because of the surprise attack f the two atomic bombs which were dropped an August 6-9, 1945 (O’Neil 1). Nobody knew what to do or how to do it. The only person that knew what to do was Hirohito. He had decided to surrender to Great Britain and United States and to see if that would make his people follow him again. Or maybe put him on their good graces. He ordered his government to make an unconditional surrender. Hirohito had to make a fast action and an effective plan for seizing power (Oâ€℠¢Neil 1). Even though he had to do all those things he never wanted to give in to those countries. He knew he could do better if he had done some military service. But he didn’t he had married young and did everything so fast due to his father’s death. But still no one gave him the credit for doing it. For this, he deserves considerable credit (O’Neil 1). He toured Europe in 1971, the first reigning Japanese monarch to visit abroad, and traveled to the United States in 1975 (Leaders 1). He was one of the first Japanese Emperor’s to do this. Later on in life he wrote a few books on Marine Science. It was one of the things that interested him in his younger ages. He has 7 children named: Akihito, Prince Hitachi, Atsuko Lkeda, Takako Shimazu, Shigeko Higashikuni, Kazuko Takasukasa, and Princess Hisa Sachiko. Hirohito’s reign was designated Showa, or â€Å"Enlightened Peace† (Leaders 1). But some people were relieved when he died and his son Crown Prince Akihito became Emperor. Even though they were glad there were disappointed because the Prince had married a commoner. Some contemporaries who lived in his time were Hitler and Hideki Tojo. Their roles in his life were that both of them had lived in the same days as Hirohito. And they never met in person but they had heard of each other. Emperor Hirohito was a very important person in his days because of the way he had treated his people he didn’t make any decisions with out considering the way they would have felt about it. After the war he had said â€Å"That most unfortunate war, which I deeply deplore. † The main reason he had said that was because of all the people who had lost their life just because of that war. Another quote he had said was â€Å"I made efforts to swallow tears and to protect the Japenese Nation. †

Agency Problem – Essay

I partially agree with the statement that managers have a severely limited amount of discretion to pursue actions inconsistent with shareholder wealth maximization. By investing in a company, shareholders aim to maximize their wealth and achieve portfolio diversification. The objective of managers is assumed to be to further these interests by maximizing the firm’s share value. This can be achieved by taking on projects with positive NPV and good management of short-term capital and long-term debt. However, shareholders and managers are assumed to want to maximize their utilities; so this objective may not always be the priority for managers as they may rather prefer to maximize their own wealth or further other personal interests of theirs. This conflict of interest between the two is an example of the principal agent problem. The principal agent problem occurs due to two reasons. The first is the separation of ownership from control – the principal or the shareholders may own a corporation but it is the agent or manager who holds control of it and acts on their behalf. This gives managers the power to do things without necessarily being ‘detected’ by shareholders. The second is that shareholders may not possess the same information as the manager. The manager would have access to management accounting data and financial reports, whereas the shareholders would only receive annual reports, which may be subject to manipulation. Thus asymmetric information also leads to moral hazard and adverse selection problems. The following are areas where the interests of shareholders and managers often conflict: Managers may try to expropriate shareholders’ wealth in a number of ways. They may over consume perks such as using company credit cards for personal expenses, jet planes etc. †¢Empire building: Managers may pursue a suboptimal expansion path for the firm. They may expand the firm at a rationally unfeasible rate in order to increase their own benefits at the cost of shareholders’ wealth. †¢Managers may be more risk ave rse than shareholders who typically hold diversified portfolios. †¢Managers may not have the same motivation as shareholders, likely due to a lack of proper incentives. Managers may window dress financial statements in order to optimize bonuses or justify sub optimal strategies The principal agent problem normally leads to agency costs. This has been identified by Jensen and Meckling(1976) as the sum of: 1. Monitoring costs: Costs incurred by the shareholders when they attempt to monitor or control the actions of managers. 2. Bonding costs: Bonding refers to contracts that bond agents' performance with principal interests by limiting or restricting the agent’s activity as a result. The cost of this to the manager is the bonding cost. 3. The residual loss: Costs incurred from divergent principal and agent interests despite the use of monitoring and bonding. However the manager’s discretion is quite limited in practice. There are a number of internal and external solutions to agency costs for shareholders. Internal: †¢Well-written contracts ensure that there are fewer opportunities for managers to over consume perks. †¢An external board of directors could be appointed to monitor the efforts and actions of managers. This board would have access to information and considerable legal authority over management. It could thus safeguard information and represent shareholder interests in the company. †¢The board could hire independent accountants to audit the firm’s financial statements. If the managers don’t agree to changes proposed by auditors, the auditors issue a qualified opinion. This signals that managers are trying to hide something, and undermines investor confidence. †¢Compensation packages where the reward to the manager is linked to firm performance. This includes performance related bonuses and the payments of shares and share options. Ambitious, lower managers are a threat to the jobs of inefficient, evading ones. External: †¢The lenders of a company also monitor; a bank for instance would track the assets, earnings and cash flows of the company it provides a loan to. †¢Managerial labor market: Poor managers may not get another job or get a much poorer one. Ultimately the most important indicator to the labor market of managerial performance is share price. †¢Capital Markets – A falling share price increases the threat of a take-over, which can often result in redundancies. More concentrated shareholding by outsiders can lead to monitoring by them and improve managerial performance. However there are a few problems with these solutions though, which make it possible for managers to circumvent them to a small extent. In order to keep the share price high, managers may focus more on short term profitability at the cost of long term profitability. They may use gimmicks to temporarily boost the share price and neglect spending on research, development and H. R. They may also provide sub standard products and cease providing services for old, or relatively less important products in order to reduce costs and make a quick profit. This damages the company’s reputation, reduces its competitiveness in the future and thus affects long-term shareholder value negatively. While block holders may act as external monitoring mechanisms, they can also have private incentives to go along with management decisions, which may be detrimental to firm performance. Writing better contracts may reduce the problem of asymmetric information, but not fully solve it. This is because the design of such contracts is technically infeasible due to various reasons such as the difficulty of foreseeing all future contingencies. Dispersed shareholders often do not exercise the few controlling rights that they have. This leads to a free rider problem where shareholders would prefer to let other shareholders do the task of monitoring as they cannot justify spending on it over the few shares that they each own. In order to resist takeovers, managers may design contracts that compensate them in the event of loss of control due to the takeover. They may also undertake targeted repurchases and devise a poison pill, which changes the fundamental aspects of the corporate rules without the knowledge of shareholders. While incentive schemes such as shares and share options are effective, they are still reactive in the sense that they provide no mechanism for preventing mistakes or opportunistic behavior. Managers may continue to focus mainly on quarterly goals rather than the long term as they are allowed to sell the stocks after exercising their options. By focusing on quarterly performance, managers could boost the stock price and avail higher personal profits on their subsequent sale of stock. Managers may also sell their shares as soon as they are high, leading people to think that they lack confidence in their own operations. This may adversely affect share price. Share options also increase the risk of EPS dilution from an increase in shares outstanding. Managers may often ‘window dress’ financial statements as the company must be seen to perform well in order to improve share valuations. They may report inaccurate information, especially if their short-term rewards outweigh their long term ones such as pensions. It also encourages shareholder approval, and so would lead to less difficult AGM’s. Many managers may hide the true value of assets in order to hide the losses they incurred while buying them. Window dressing also involves managers presenting statistics such that they highlight the perceivably best bits about the company’s performance and avoid emphasis on the worst aspects of the previous year’s business. Other common practices of this include disguising liquidity problems and fraudulent representation of liabilities. This gross misrepresentation of debts has been seen with Enron in the US, where $billions of long-term liabilities were hidden off the balance sheet. Its executive Jeffery Skiller, initiated the use of mark to market accounting, while hoping to meet Wall Street expectations. Enron ultimately became bankrupt while its shareholders suffered huge losses. Despite having model board of directors and a talented audit committee, Enron’s managers were able to make it attract large sums of capital to fund a questionable business model and hype its stock to unsustainable levels. Worldcom, a telecommunications company in the US, inflated profits by disguising expenses as investment in assets and inflated revenues with bogus accounting entries from corporate, unallocated revenue accounts. In mid 2000, its stock price began to decline and CEO Bernard Ebbers persuaded WorldComà ¢â‚¬â„¢s board of directors to provide him corporate loans and guarantees of over $400 million to cover his margin calls on Worldcom stock. The board had hoped that the loans would avert the need for Ebbers to sell the substantial amounts of WorldCom stock that he owned, as this would have further reduced the stock's price. However, the company ultimately went bankrupt and Ebbers was ousted as CEO in April 2002. The shareholders suffered massive losses as they watched World Com’s stock price plummet from $60 to less than 20 cents. Thus, we can see that while there is room for managers to indulge in personal wealth maximization, it is quite difficult to do so. Usually, the solutions tend to be adequate enough to correct the conflicts, and restrict manager’s discretion.