Johnson and Johnson Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Johnson and Johnson - Term Paper Example Product positioning is a vital marketing tool for any organization to make the products superior compared to other competitors’ products. It comprises developing a unique, reliable and standard customer insight about a company’s offerings and brand image. Organizations can position their products on the basis of utilization, cost, or quality. The advertisements play significant part for positioning the products and the offerings of organizations. Through advertisement, organizations position their products by the way of promoting the differentiators to the customers. To become successful, organizations need effective promotion, advertising and sales initiatives and without them there will be less opportunity for future development of business. The purpose of the paper is to describe the advertising and its impact on positioning of Johnson & Johnson Company. The objective will be accomplished by two phases, firstly describing the product positioning and illustrating how organizations can use it to position their products, secondly, how Johnson & Johnson had used advertisement for positioning one of its popular brands named Tylenol. The reason for choosing this topic is to know the relationship between positioning and advertising and to understand the importance of positioning in business. Company Background Johnson & Johnson is one of the most admired organizations, which trades pharmaceutical and healthcare products. Its business operations are expanded to around 60 nations with more than 250 business units. The company invests significant amount on marketing and advertising of their products to the customers. In the year 2010, Johnson & Johnson expended almost 19,424 USD for marketing and managerial purposes. The company provides significant importance on advertisements. The major advertisement media used by Johnson & Johnson are television, radio, print and internet. In the year 2010, the total advertisement spending on Johnson & Johnson was alm ost 2.4 billion USD which indicates that advertisements are used by the company for positioning the brand. Through advertisements, Johnson & Johnson seeks to maintain close relation with the customers and provide useful information about their products. Today, billions of people globally use the products of Johnson & Johnson which is possible due to efficient positioning strategy of the company (Johnson & Johnson Services, â€Å"Annual Report 2010†). Product Positioning Product positioning is an essential element of customers’ purchasing process. It provides the opportunity to encourage the customers’ insights regarding company’s products. Rich, brief and meaningful product positioning assists organizations to communicate message regarding products to customers so that they can accept and be familiar with the product offerings among other substitute products. For successful positioning, organizations need to undertake three steps. First, organizations sho uld recognize the characteristics of target market, i.e. how target market makes their purchasing decisions. After that, organizations need to recognize the type of competition, i.e. how the rival companies are positioning their products and what strategies are they using for successful positioning. Then, organizations must find out the major strengths of their products and assess the purchasing criteria. If the purchasing criteria satisfy the requirements of target customers effectively, organizations can position their products and ultimately can yield better returns. If there is no vacant product position to be filled in the market, then the organization needs to find out the competitor to compete, with a certain product position that can ensure success (On The Mark, â€Å"

Aspects of the Southern Colonies Essay Example for Free

Aspects of the Southern Colonies Essay Crops were important to the southern economy. Because they did so well farming, the southerners did not make many tools or household goods. They grew large crops of tobacco, corn, rice and wheat, which people wanted in England. In the 1600s, tobacco was very important. It was the most valuable export. The tobacco was put in barrels, shipped to England and sold. Most Maryland people grew tobacco on small farms. Sometimes, whole plantations depended on the tobacco crop. With money from tobacco, plantation owners could live a good life. The Southern Colonies primarily depended on cotton and tobacco plantations. As the plantations grew they had to employ black slaves. The plantations were fully self contained with their own blacksmith, teachers and professionals. So there were no big cities or towns. The Southern Colonies had a strict three class system: upper class rich plantation owners, middle class small plantation owners, lower class poor whites and a population of Negroes of no class. As can be seen socially all three sets of colonies were different. Yeoman farmers, who worked smaller tracts of land, sat in popular assemblies and found their way into political office. Their outspoken independence was a constant warning to the oligarchy of planters not to encroach too far upon the rights of free men. By the early 18th century, colonial legislatures held two significant powers: the right to vote on taxes and expenditures, and the right to initiate legislation rather than merely act on proposals of the governor. The legislatures used these rights to check the power of royal governors and to pass other measures to expand their power and influence. In time, the center of colonial administration shifted from London to the provincial capitals.

Stealing Home :: Essays Papers

Stealing Home Can you imagine living somewhere all your life, and then having a stranger tell you to move? What about having you home taken away from you because you live differently then others? Or even yet, can you imagine having someone move in next door to you, and you die from a sickness that they brought with them? Native Americans have lived this way since the days of Christopher Columbus. As they were shuffled around and pushed westward, the crowd followed, until there was nothing left for them. American Indians roamed the lands of America long before settlers from Europe even dared to travel across the oceans. They lived from and with nature, respecting the laws of life, and cherishing every aspect of their civilization. They hunted and fished, using each part of their prey, wasting nothing. Bones were used for weapons; hides, for clothing and shelter. They lived simply. It was impossible to tell that their worlds would be turned upside down. When settlers first arrived in America, they were greeted by Native Americans. They helped the settlers learn to live the way they did – to use nature to its fullest and to respect it. Meanwhile, millions of Indians were dying from the diseases brought over from Europe. Indian villages were burned to stop the spread of disease. The settlers were scared of these diseases that no one seemed to understand. They blamed the Native Americans for deaths of settlers that were due to the diseases. This blind blame would be seen later in history, as the railroad invaded the territory of the Native Americans, and they were again blamed for death and warfare. Between the beginning of the Civil War and the Gold Rush of 1849, thousands of emigrants had been crossing the plains in search of gold. The Indians of the North-west generally accepted the government policy that the land west of the Mississippi River was theirs, and they expected settlers to stay out. Of course, the pioneers needed to cross that territory, which the Native Americans considered sacred hunting grounds (Schmitt 2). The Native Americans first learned of the railroads by runners – those who ran the land to learn of gold seekers and settlers moving across the territory. They called the railroad the "iron horse on the iron track," and as it moved across the Mississippi, it was evident to them that once again, their land would be taken (Schmitt 6-7).

The Standard Of Quality In Vietnamese Primary School Education Essay

Education has ever been an of import issue for all states at all times. Primary instruction is a basic status to better peoples knowledge. The original base is really of import to develop kids to go good citizens of the state. Many undertakings have been conducted to analyze the learning responsibilities of instructors, installations, instructional stuffs. Cipher can deny the importance of instruction but how to better the quality in instruction is another job. There are many facets to measure the instruction system from the societal factors, national, the instructor ‘s pedagogical ability, module, installations, substructure or the ability to comprehension and involvement of students. There are 1000s ground make instruction more of import such as the manner individual behaviour, the manner they talk, thinks, do everything, is successful key to open future door. Nowadays, companies, workss, infirmary, schoolsaˆÂ ¦ used practical scientific discipline, high engineering and besides requires staffs with high cognition. Education is non merely the lessons in school but besides practical lessons from life. Primary school ‘s instruction is a necessary portion which is the most of import and basic to take to the higher cognition. Hanoi is capital of Vietnam, where integrate economic, cultural, and policy with other state. It make the preparation procedure to make high rational people become an highly pressing job which requires many factors and one of them is the criterion of quality in Vietnamese Primary school. The criterion is assessed through students ‘ criterions, criterion of instructors and possible fiscal. Many people attribute the quality of learning from instructors, installation conditions, the instruction system†¦ But in my personal sentiment the comprehension and the interesting of topics are the job should be addressed. Normally, when the kids from school go back, the parents frequently ask them â€Å" how many Markss did you acquire? † Or â€Å" today what did the instructor Tell at school? † but taking attention and educating the kids are the duty of the full society, non the merely of the school. But criterion of students besides depends on many other factors such as the involvement of the household for the kid ‘s acquisition, the kid ‘s physical, ability to grok and private nature of the kid, or the investing and policy of societal. Education is extremely valued in Vietnamese society and the authorities ever regards instruction as a beginning of direct investing for the hereafter. First precedence has been set to supply basic instruction for all kids and instruction / preparation on the basic rate for kids who meet the entry demands. Every state has it ain alone and jobs. We can non copy the success plans from one topographic point and use them to another topographic point. Vietnam needs to develop plans and their content based on which Vietnam and based on the existent conditions of the installations in your state.2.2 Research QuestionsThis research analyze what factor did impact the criterion of primary schools. This research will lend a portion to assist Vietnamese Primary schools in Hanoi more develop in quality of instruction. Research inquiries: What are Vietnamese students ‘ criterions in Primary schools? What issues do consequence to quality criterions in Vietnamese Primary school?2.3 Objective of ResearchTo mensurate the criterions of students in Vietnamese schools To place the issues affected Vietnamese Primary school ‘s quality criterions.3. Literature ReappraisalConcept of choice standard definition in Primary school There are many different constructs of quality criterions such as assessed by the survey consequences, the ability to use their cognition in pattern, general cognition, It is must corroborate foremost that Vietnam is really focussed on instruction particularly for paediatric ages. Harmonizing to Law Education Elementary Schools passed by the National Assembly on 06.30.1991, Vietnam to implement policy compulsory primary instruction from grade 1 to rate 5 for all Vietnamese kids aged 6 to 14 old ages. For pupils start in 1st class ‘s age and degree of apprehension of the pupils are the same. Presently, simple school students have to take 11 faculties with degree 3, 4, 5 and with flat 1st and 2nd are 6 faculties. In the Vietnamese school, students must hold to develop all facet, such as Knowledge – Ethic – Artistic – Physical. Harmonizing to the Vietnamese Ministry of Education is pupil must run into the undermentioned standards: First, Vietnamese grade degree is 10 and students must accomplish norm above 5.Secondly, moralss must be reviews above centrist ( the moral evaluation: good, just, moderate, weak, and hapless ) . In 2000, Viet Nam has achieved national criterions of literacy and primary instruction. From the 2002-2003, the grownup literacy rate in the 15-24 age group was about 95 % , the mean figure of old ages of schooling of the population reached 7.3 old ages ( Nguyen, et Al. 2005 ) Assess criterion of quality of Vietnamese school in Hanoi. There are many criterions to measure criterion of quality in Vietnamese school such as high-quality criterions school ( must run into the criterions that the Vietnamese Ministry of Education demands ) . These schools are accepted high-quality criterions must run into the undermentioned standards: Teachers have to extremely choice criterion, survey consequences of students are high, fiscal resources or otherwise is installations and substructure criterions ( Nguyen, V.C.,2012 ) . There are all instructors have trained standard makings as prescribed, 100 % of instructors with appropriate makings for learning topics, in which at least 30 % of instructors were recognized municipal criterions. There are dropout rate and no more than 6 % one-year repeats, in which the dropout rate does non transcend 1 % . Students with outstanding accomplishments 3 % or more, rather accomplishing a 35 % or more, sort of weak, less than 5 % . Behavioral graded really good, good at 80 % or more, sort of weak no more than 2 % †¦ And last but non least are installations and equipment to run into the instruction demands. Measure the quality criterion of Vietnamese Primary school in Hanoi Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, with a population around 6,561,900 people. The studies shown in September 2012 showed overload in primary schools. In many schools have the mean registration of each category of about 40-60 students. Although, sum of cognition that pupils get in primary schools in Hanoi are extremely appreciated, a figure of pupils base on balls more than 99 % , figure of students with first-class academic public presentation and good more than 70 % . Every twelvemonth Hanoi has pupils participate in the international competition and won the award as mathematics, art and music. Harmonizing to the Vietnamese Ministry of Education have 5,912 primary schools, but a figure of primary schools in Hanoi are merely 556 public schools and over 200 private primary schools. Harmonizing to Vu, V ( 2012 ) in which have 267 primary schools run intoing the national criterion schools. Dr. Hamid Chachoua, LIG Research Institute, University of Grenoble 1 – France has had treatments with the VietNamNet about Mathematics he said on the position of a mathematician, he found mathematics instruction in Vietnam is an first-class instruction in footings of mathematics content being taught in schools.4. Research ModelEvery state, in every part or even in different periods will necessitate different criterions of instruction such as in states are faced with war, dearth, or disease, if require for all kids have to cognize how to read and compose is a hard. Research theoretical account: from the practical and larn more experience from other state.4.1 Standards of studentsFirst, we will discourse about the making of students. Primary instruction in Vietnam includes five degrees. When the kids entered primary school is when kids begin to update the new information, the basic cognition to the demands tougher. That clip, the kids reasonably active and their logical statements are immature, but the ability to absorb really rapidly and wonder help them ever longed to cognize more new information. Learning in kindergarten and acquisition in primary schools is really different. In Primary Schools, kids get an sum of cognition bigger than in kindergarten. Harmonizing to Vietnamese parlance is â€Å" The first measure is ever the hardest measure † , Children before come ining simple school are a wellness cheque, believing ability, IQ†¦ so they are qualified kid physically, mentally and intellectually to analyze. The secondly is their cognition, and past experience. Both of them, the cognition and past experience are merely few. In kindergarten, they were larning Numberss, the alphabet, simple computations but with reading and make math are rather job. Whereas keeping of kids really rapidly, they are easy to copy or sensitive to new things. They should be more witting in their acquisition, and is responsible for finishing the undertakings of lesson. Through five degrees, these kids have the basic cognition to go on on their manner to derive new cognition as luggage for their hereafter. Last, criterions of pupil rating precisely the most is the students graduated. They are students who finish their class and they are equipped with the basic cognition that have plenty knowledge to go on analyzing at the secondary schools, understanding of society, can self-face and manage hard state of affairss. They are people who clearly reflect the quality of their school. Knowledge in Primary Schools is the first tool will follow them throughout their lives from secondary school, high school, college, university and even when they go to work. The marks are the student ‘s ratio who banned from school every twelvemonth, the student ‘s ratio graduated wants to analyze in this school, the students ratio graduated with high accomplishment, the student ‘s ratio who can utilize adept English, the student ‘s ratio who can utilize fluently computing machine, per centum of students achieved the national award or in the universe.4.2 Teachers ‘ criterionHarmoniz ing to Nguyen, TA. ( 2008 ) , teacher is one in 3 most of import elements will act upon school ‘s quality. Teachers must hold good category direction accomplishments, expertness and pedagogical cognition every bit good as good communicating accomplishments. Primary school instructors should be people with many accomplishments, in add-on professional capableness must be knowing of the assorted countries such as cognition of societal psychological science of kids and immature near. Regularly, the instructors update the new cognition, construct lesson programs, course of study to do exhilaration for lessons. Teachers to use new engineering in talks and cite the paperss in the domestic every bit good as foreign. Harmonizing to Dang, H. ( 2001 ) quality instructors can be formed in many different ways, including preparation, retraining of cognition, that is an of import function. Therefore, the first in edifice and better the quality of instructors start from the attention of the preparation, retraining and lives of instructors. Over the old ages, preparation and retraining of instructors has been interested and have changed. The type of preparation and retraining as long-run and short-run with a batch of content in conformity with the different capable instructors. However, besides these consequences, the preparation and retraining of some defects, the quality of the instruction after preparation and retraining still have certain restrictions. Ministry of Education is doing sensible accommodations in order to better the quality of instruction. Harmonizing to Pham, H. ( 1999 ) Vietnam ‘s instruction system has been strengthened, construct pedagogical schools, train instructors who have high quality, and passion with their occupation. Presently, most of the primary school instructors are qualified, high pedagogical cognition, good communicating accomplishments and enthusiasm with instruction. However, the wage of primary school instructors is low. The Ministry of Education is sing to the instructor ‘s salary is increased. In position of Roberd L, L. ( 2008 ) criterions for competent instructor in educational appraisal of students.4.3 Fiscal resources and investing financessThe ability of finance and investing financess are the factors that straight affect the substructure, installations and instruction tools. Infrastructure and instruction tools is ever one of the most importance factors affected standard schools. First of all, budget affected stuff installations in school. In Viet Nam, the stuff installations prepare for learning in school is non plenty, sketchy and outdated. The Numberss of students is step-up every twelvemonth but the Numberss of public archpriest schools and private archpriest schools do non look to alter. Because budget expends for instruction is non plenty, and need attending of authorities, whole societal, and domestic and foreign givers. Furthermore, fiscal besides influence research scientific discipline and talk. Furthermore limited investing cost could take hapless material installation ( Nguyen, 2006 ) . As mentioned above, the mean wage of primary school instructors are rather low, largely is little budget. Teacher ‘s wage is excessively low is one of the causes of late twelvemonth ‘s pupils of teaching method rate decreased significantly, and affect hard to happen instructors who have high degree in learning accomplishments. Ability to finance and investing financess influence entire cost for learning and acquisition, entire cost for library, Numberss of book and paperss review on each instructor and student, figure of room and furniture, projectors, speakersaˆÂ ¦ make criterion. Harmonizing to Le ( 2010 ) computing machine systems use for acquisition and instruction, web system supports for larning and learning and use more advanced cognition, experiences in the universe.5. Research MethodologiesThere are three the ways used in research methods ( Sherri L. Jakson 2011 ) . The first is descriptive in nature ; the 2nd is prognostic in nature and the last 1 is explanatory in nature. There are two methods to back up the research which are inductively and deductively. Harmonizing to Veal ( 2005 ) each research can treat in one method or two methods depend on the practical state of affairss and issues to be studied. Inductive usage theory, that was publish but deductive usage hypothesis base from informations.5.1 Qualitative researchHarmonizing to Hussey and Hussey ( 1997 ) research methodological analysiss have two rules, which are qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative have basic in the realistic. Almost all qualitative research workers influence, explain or construe some different signifier. The qualitative researches are used explicating and existent observations with the purpose of developing a theory. Harmonizing to Isadore and Carolyn, ( 1988 ) this theory will construe what were experienced. Besides Veal ‘s sentiments, the methods used to roll up information are observation, formal, informal, part icipant observation and in-depth interviewing.5.2 Quantitative researchQuantitative research is the positive doctrines. Most of quantitative research attacks use to stress what are a existent common and what everybody can hold, despite they have theoretical differences. The quantitative research attacks are used when get down a theory or get down a hypothesis. This manner checks to corroborate or disconfirm to turn out that hypothesis is right or wrong ( Isadore and Carolyn, 1988 ) . Harmonizing to Veal ( 2005 ) the information collect studies, from questionnaire-based, and from secondary beginnings.5.3 Proposed Research MethodsIn this survey usage deductive and quantitative applies. There are two package will be used, those are SPSS ( Statistical Package for societal Science ) and Excel. SPSS and Excel will be used to analysis the informations after roll uping respondents and the study questionnaires.6 Collection of informations6.1 Secondary informationsHarmonizing to Boyce ( 2002 ) , secondary Data is considered as figures and a fact. Secondary informations already exist and can be available for everybody who wants to utilize them for the single intent of each individual. They may be of import information depend on a peculiar portion or research. Secondary informations provide basic information for illustration when demand to seek information for a undertaking program. Background information will assist clearly the research and easy understand the responsibilities with more clearly and deep. The research workers will hard to place what are cogency and dependability without secondary informations. They are ever cheaper and easier available than primary informations.6.2 Primary informationsEqually far as Kerin ( et al, 2003 ) if research workers need facts and figures are freshly collected, they have to utilize primary informations. All most researches use primary informations which are cod by study, depth interviews and focal point groups. They interview a bi g Numberss of participants and necessitate them reply the questionnaires, that is a simple manner to hold information and make a study. In undertakings require focal point groups or depth interviews but do n't necessitate more people, merely a little of participants but have to carefully selected ( Boyce, 2002 ) . Primary informations are ever more expensive and take longer clip if comparison with secondary informations.6.3 Sample size of Primary DataIn the undertaking assess the sample size is really of import and necessary. Basically, progressively gather every bit much information as possible and they will do the truth in your research higher. The primary informations in this survey will selected from more than 500 study respondents. They are students, parents, instructors and related people who willing joint study. In which over 75 % of study will be answered and fill in the questionnaires by traveling to face-to-face meetings, telephone interviews and other will complete questi onnaire and direct back by electronic mail.7. Method of Data AnalysisAs writer Bryman and Bell ( 2007 ) survey by the information analysis is indispensable. Statistically analyzed informations are required and informations analysis helps to see whether the hypotheses which were created have been supported.8. Presentation of dissertationaˆ?Show this thesis is the procedure of information figures, graphs and tabular arraies. Furthermore, it will be supported by composing, study and readers.9. Ethical IssuesEthical motives issues are to the appropriate of the research ‘s behaviour in relation to the rights of those who become the topic of the research or are affected by it ( Golafshani, 2012 ) . Ethical concerns may be occurred at all phases of undertaking and all undertakings: When seeking entree During informations aggregation As informations are analyzed And when studies are written10. ResourcesAll the resources in this research are collected from: – EASB library – Singapore national library – Wiley Online Library – Internet. – UWIC e-library – Vietnam national library11. Table agendas12. DecisionPrimary instruction is the most of import job and it refers to the most hard occupation is to develop people, preparation of human resources for the future society. As society moves, airss major undertaking for instruction. Vietnam ‘s instruction should be â€Å" sheding † . Three old educational reforms are related to the political convulsion. This clip, Vietnam is pitching up to do the end that is going an industrialised state in 2020 and modern industry in 2050, progressively integrated into the universe. Perform two aims must foremost run into human development ends. A meaningful instruction is geared towards a better hereafter, more civilizable. Leader Ho Chi Minh reminded â€Å" For the interest of 10 old ages to works trees, for the intent of hundred old ages to works people † . The concerns of day-to-day instruction can be found present in all mass media plenty to see how of import issues. Lawyer Nguyen, V.T ( 2006 ) , packaged his all concerns in a sentence â€Å" A bad physician killed a patient, a bad officer, will kill a squad, but a bad instructor will kill a coevals † . Possibly so, the lifelong of people struggle to do money, in add-on to take care their lives, they frequently have the biggest desire that is the following coevals of kids and have more learning chances. Richest planet foreman Bill Gates has done, the less money people to make the same and destitute people besides would wish to make it.

Christian and Islamic Art Essay

Christian and Islamic Art The difference between Islamic art and Christian art is that Christian art is of human objects and forms while Islamic art portrays the meaning and reflection of things. Unlike Christian art, people do not appear on Islamic art. Unlike Christian art, Islam art does not include pictures and statues of Prophets and Gods. Christian art however, brings religious forms and images to life. It represents spiritual beliefs through illustrated scenes from the life of Jesus. It gives us images of biblical episodes and even carries on stories and images of those now deceased. The Catacombs (Christian burials) represents the final resting place for Christians. It represents ultimate love, sacrifice and triumph. When I first entered into the Catacombs of Rome, I remember walking down into the catacomb and feeling bit nervous as I was surrounded by darkness. It was dark, humid, smelly and yet, so beautiful! There were religious carvings on the inside that almost looked like chalk drawings. The clearest memory I have is visiting the section where the martyrs were buried and putting myself in their position. Would I have been so brave? In Islam, calligraphy is a major Islamic art form. Writing, books, geometry and patterns are most important. In Islam art, geography reflects the language of the world and most importantly, it reflects their spiritualism. A circle for example has no end and represents infinity. It represents never ending love. For Islam, the circle is a reminder that Allah is infinite. My Muslim brother-in-law, born in Lebanon, doesn’t take pictures and explained to that in his culture, taking pictures of living forms is forbidden. They can take pictures of objects, but not of pets or humans. Of course, in my culture we save pictures for memory keepsakes. After 7 years of marriage, he agreed to take a family picture with my sister and their three sons. It was a huge sacrifice in his part but this also explains how art, religion and culture have an influence on each other.

Tourism vs National Security essays

Tourism vs National Security essays Queensland is the sunshine state. In the light of recent terrorist attacks around the world, should our attention be concentrated on encouraging tourism or should these resources be channeled towards national security? Draw up and justify recommendations for government policy. Hike through tranquil rainforests in a hinterland of rugged mountains, relax on pristine white beaches or go diving and venturing beneath the depths of the great blue waters. Queensland, home of the Great Barrier Reef and generally referred to as the "Sunshine State", is a chief attraction for tourists. But with hand grenades hurling through the air, bullets showering down and lethal explosions ripping screams apart, who would consider a vacation and relax? Capital inputs for tourism may be considered surplus during terrorist threats to Australia, but Australias security establishment inevitably relies partially on tourism. Greg Sheridan, The Australian's foreign editor, the most influential foreign affairs analyst in Australian journalism reiterated the point that we are now living in the age of terror in the Australian on 3 April 2003. He said The interaction of weapons of mass destruction, rogue states and international terrorism means that the potential for catastrophic mass attack in Western nations has risen qualitatively and, as a consequence, transformed the global environment. The secure environment of Australia is dynamic but uncertain, abundant with a host of threats and confrontations that have the potential to grow. With the spread of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, along with ballistic missile technology, even weak states and small groups could attain a catastrophic strike at developed, industrial nations. The potential of national defence to eradicate the threats of terrorist attacks or war eruptions is dependent on the budget for national protection. Within the Attorney-Genera...

USS South Dakota (BB-57) in World War II

USS South Dakota (BB-57) in World War II In 1936, as the design of the North Carolina-class moved towards finalization, the US Navys General Board met to discuss the two battleships that were to be funded in Fiscal Year 1938.   Though the group favored construction of two addition North Carolinas, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral William H. Standley insisted on a new design.   As a result, construction of these vessels was pushed to FY1939 as naval architects commenced work in March 1937.   While the first two ships were formally ordered on April 4, 1938, an additional pair of vessels was added two months later under the  Deficiency Authorization which passed due to increasing international tensions.   Though the escalator clause of the Second London Naval Treaty had been invoked allowing the new design to mount 16 guns, Congress specified that the vessels stay within the 35,000-ton limit set by the earlier Washington Naval Treaty. In conceiving the new South Dakota-class, naval architects developed a wide variety of designs for consideration.   A key challenge proved to be finding ways to improve upon the North Carolina-class but remain within the tonnage limit.   The result was the design of a shorter, by approximately 50 feet, battleship that employed an inclined armor system.   This allowed for better underwater protection than its predecessors.   As fleet commanders desired vessels capable of 27 knots, designers worked to find a way to accomplish this despite the shorter hull length.   This was found through the creative arrangement of machinery, boilers, and turbines.   For armament, the South Dakotas mirrored the North Carolinas in mounting nine Mark 6 16 guns in three triple turrets with a secondary battery of twenty dual-purpose 5 guns.   These weapons were supplemented by an extensive and constantly evolving array of anti-aircraft guns.   Assigned to New York Shipbuilding in Camden, NJ, USS South Dakota (BB-57) was laid down on July 5, 1939.   The lead ships design varied slightly from the rest of the class as it was intended to fulfill the role of a fleet flagship.   This saw an extra deck added to the conning tower to provide additional command space.   To accommodate this, two of the ships twin 5 gun mounts were removed.   Work on the battleship continued and it slid down the ways on June 7, 1941, with Vera Bushfield, wife of South Dakota Governor Harlan Bushfield serving as sponsor.   As construction moved toward completion, the US entered World War II following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.   Commissioned on March 20, 1942, South Dakota entered service with Captain Thomas L. Gatch in command.   To the Pacific Conducting shakedown operations in June and July, South Dakota received orders to sail for Tonga.   Passing through the Panama Canal, the battleship arrived on September 4.   Two days later, it struck coral in the Lahai Passage causing damage to the hull.   Steaming north to Pearl Harbor, South Dakota underwent the necessary repairs.   Sailing in October, the battleship joined Task Force 16 which included the carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6).   Rendezvousing with USS Hornet (CV-8) and Task Force 17, this combined force, led by Rear Admiral Thomas Kinkaid, engaged the Japanese at the Battle of Santa Cruz on October 25-27.   Attacked by enemy aircraft, the battleship screened the carriers and sustained a bomb hit on one of its forward turrets.   Returning to Noumà ©a after the battle, South Dakota collided with the destroyer USS Mahan while attempting to avoid a submarine contact.   Reaching port, it received repairs for the damage caused in the fighting and from the coll ision.   Sortieing with TF16 on November 11, South Dakota detached two days later and joined USS Washington (BB-56) and four destroyers.   This force, led by Rear Admiral Willis A. Lee, was ordered north on November 14 after American forces suffered heavy losses in the opening phases of the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal.   Engaging Japanese forces that night, Washington and South Dakota sank the Japanese battleship Kirishima.   In the course of the battle, South Dakota suffered a brief power outage and sustained forty-two hits from enemy guns.   Withdrawing to  Noumà ©a, the battleship made temporary repairs before departing for New York to receive an overhaul.   As the US Navy wished to limit the operational information provided to the public, many of South Dakotas early actions were reported as those of Battleship X. Europe Arriving at New York on December 18, South Dakota entered the yard for approximately two months of work and repairs.   Rejoining active operations in February, it sailed in the North Atlantic in consort with USS Ranger (CV-4) until mid-April.   The following month, South Dakota joined Royal Navy forces at Scapa Flow where it served in a task force under Rear Admiral Olaf M. Hustvedt.   Sailing in conjunction with its sister, USS Alabama (BB-60), it acted as a deterrent against raids by the German battleship Tirpitz.   In August, both battleships received orders to transfer to the Pacific.   Touching at Norfolk, South Dakota reached Efate on September 14.   Two months later, it sailed with the carriers of Task Group 50.1 to provide cover and support for the landings on Tarawa and Makin.     Ã‚   Island Hopping On December 8, South Dakota, in company with four other battleships, bombarded Nauru before returning to Efate to replenish.   The following month, it sailed to support the invasion of Kwajalein.   After striking targets ashore, South Dakota withdrew to provide cover for the carriers.   It remained with Rear Admiral Marc Mitschers carriers as they mounted a devastating raid against Truk on February 17-18.   The following weeks, saw South Dakota continue to screen the carriers as they attacked the Marianas, Palau, Yap, Woleai, and Ulithi.   Briefly pausing at Majuro in early April, this force returned to sea to assist Allied landings in New Guinea before mounting additional raids against Truk.   After spending much of May at Majuro engaged in repairs and upkeep, South Dakota steamed north in June to support the invasion of Saipan and Tinian.    On June 13, South Dakota shelled the two islands and two days later aided in defeating a Japanese air attack.   Steaming with the carriers on June 19, the battleship took part in the Battle of the Philippine Sea.   Though a resounding victory for the Allies, South Dakota sustained bomb hit that killed 24 and wounded 27.   In the wake of this, the battleship received orders to make for Puget Sound Navy Yard for repairs and an overhaul.   This work occurred between July 10 and August 26.   Rejoining the Fast Carrier Task Force, South Dakota screened attacks on Okinawa an Formosa that October.   Later in the month, it provided cover as the carriers moved to aid General Douglas MacArthurs landings on Leyte in the Philippines.   In this role, it participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf and served in Task Force 34 which was detached at one point to aid American forces off Samar. Between Leyte Gulf and February 1945, South Dakota sailed with the carriers as they covered the landings on Mindoro and launched raids against Formosa, Luzon, French Indochina, Hong Kong, Hainan, and Okinawa.   Moving north, the carriers attacked Tokyo on February 17 before shifting to assist the invasion of Iwo Jima two days later.   After additional raids against Japan, South Dakota arrived off Okinawa where it supported the Allied landings on April 1.   Providing naval gunfire support for troops ashore, the battleship suffered an accident on May 6 when a tank of powder for the 16 guns exploded.   The incident killed 11 and injured 24.   Withdrawn to Guam and then Leyte, the battleship spent much of May and June away from the front. Final Actions Sailing on July 1, South Dakota covered American carriers as they struck Tokyo ten days later.   On July 14, it took part in the bombardment of the Kamaishi Steel Works which marked the first attack by surface ships on the Japanese mainland.   South Dakota remained off Japan for the remainder of the month and into August alternately protecting the carriers and conducting bombardment missions.   It was in Japanese waters when hostilities ceased on August 15.   Proceeding to Sagami Wan on August 27, it entered Tokyo Bay two days later.   After being present for the formal Japanese surrender aboard USS Missouri (BB-63) on September 2, South Dakota  departed for the West Coast on the 20th.    Arriving at San Francisco, South Dakota moved down the coast to San Pedro before receiving orders to steam to Philadelphia on January 3, 1946.   Reaching that port, it underwent an overhaul before being shifted to the Atlantic Reserve Fleet that June.   On January 31, 1947, South Dakota was formally decommissioned.   It remained in reserve until June 1, 1962, when it was removed from the Naval Vessel Registry prior to being sold for scrap that October.   For its service in World War II, South Dakota earned thirteen battle stars.

Printable ACT Practice Tests PDFs 6 FREE Official Tests

Printable ACT Practice Tests PDFs 6 FREE Official Tests SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips No matter how you prep for the ACT- whether you have a tutor, take a class, or study by yourself- you must get access to official, printable ACT tests. These tests are released by ACT, Inc., and contain real questions given to actual students on previous test dates. Although all of these questions have been removed from circulation (meaning you won't ever see them on the real ACT), their quality is second to none when it comes to realistic ACT practice. In this post, I'll tell you where you can find all official, printable ACT practice tests with answer keys. I'll also give you key strategies to help you make big improvements on each practice test. 6 Free, Printable ACT Practice Tests Below are all six currently available PDFs for official ACT tests. Even though some practice tests are old (dating as far back as 2005), the format of the ACT hasn't changed much since then (except for the introduction of a redesigned Writing section in 2015), so you're basically still taking the same test from more than a decade ago. ACT Printable Practice Test 2018-2019 (Form 74FPRE) Test: p11-55. Answer key: p57-60. ACT Printable Practice Test 2015-16 (Form 72CPRE) Test: p11-55. Answer key: p57-62. ACT Printable Practice Test 2014-15 (Form 67C) Test: p11-51 (ignore the essay). Answer key: p56-62. ACT Printable Practice Test 2011-12 (Form 64E) Test: p13-56 (ignore the essay). Answer key: p60-65. ACT Printable Practice Test 2008-09 (Form 61C) Test: p13-55 (ignore the essay). Answer key: p60-64. ACT Printable Practice Test 2005-06 (Form 59F) Test: p13-55 (ignore the essay). Answer key: p60-65. Each test includes a full answer key so you can grade your test. Notice a few years missing? That's because ACT, Inc., often duplicates the same practice test in consecutive years. For example, the 2015-16 test is identical to the 2016-17 and 2017-18 tests. We've included the form ID for each test (in parentheses) so that you can check what's the same and what's different (the ID is located in the bottom-left corner of each page). Once you've downloaded a PDF practice test, I recommend printing it out and working through it on paper using official time limits (more on this in a moment). Note that these tests are not a cure-all for your ACT problems. To use them effectively, you'll need to learn what they do and don't do. You'll also need to make sure you're using ACT practice tests at an optimal frequency (in other words, don't take one too close to your ACT test date!). But how else can you utilize official practice tests in your ACT prep? 6 Strategies to Get the Most Out Of ACT Practice Tests When you set aside four hours for an ACT practice test, it's important to try to get the most out of your time and energy. Using our six critical tips below as you take your ACT tests can help you prepare more effectively for test day. #1: Print Out the Test and Work Through It on Paper You're going to take the actual ACT on paper (as opposed to a computer), so it's best to emulate this format by taking each practice test on paper, too. Do your scratch work directly in your "test book" (in other words, not on separate pieces of scratch paper- remember, you won't get any extra paper on test day, though you are allowed to take notes directly on your test!). If you're taking the Writing (essay) section, be sure to use the lined essay paper (included in each PDF above) to write out your essay by hand. #2: Keep Strict Timing on Every Section Many students struggle with time pressure on the ACT. Going over a section's time limit by just two minutes can make a noticeable difference in your score since you're essentially giving yourself the chance to answer two or three more questions. This is why it's so important to adhere to the official time limits. Not only will this help you get used to the test structure, but it'll also let you learn how to identify your weaknesses. Here are the official time limits on the ACT as well as approximately how long you should aim to spend per question on each section: ACT Section Time per Section Time per Question English 45 minutes 36 seconds Math 60 minutes 60 seconds Reading 35 minutes 52 seconds Science 35 minutes 52 seconds Writing (Optional) 40 minutes 40 minutes Last but not least, the ACT isn't without breaks, so make sure to rest during your test, too! #3: Take the Test in One Sitting, If Possible The ACT is a marathon: it lasts about four hours, and you have to take it on a Saturday morning. Thousands of students have told me how difficult it is to stay focused during the whole exam and how easy it is to make careless mistakes at the end of the test. Just like training for a marathon, you need to ensure you've got enough endurance to be able to succeed on the ACT. And the best way to do this is to take a practice test in one sitting- just as you will on test day. If there's no possible way for you to take an ACT test in one sitting (for example, maybe you're an athlete and have practice every day that completely wears you out), it's OK to split up the test over multiple days- just as long as you're obeying each section's time limit exactly. In the end, it's better to do some practice than none at all! #4: Review Your Answers and Mistakes The main point of taking ACT practice tests isn't just getting to do a lot of questions- it's being able to learn from your mistakes. For every test you take, review all of your mistakes as well as every question you got right. If you don't know why you missed a question, don't gloss over it! Doing this means you won't learn from your mistakes and will keep making them over and over again, thereby lowering your score. Ultimately, learn to prize study quality over quantity. It's better to take three ACT practice tests with detailed review instead of six practice tests with no review. #5: Take At Least 4 Practice Tests Before Test Day Based on my experience with thousands of students, I've found that taking four practice tests makes you extremely comfortable with the ACT in all respects: timing, endurance, and even stress. While you can definitely take more than four tests if you want, you'll need to balance this practice with some focused prep on your weaknesses so that you can make faster progress. #6: No Score Improvement? Supplement Your Practice Tests Some students are great at using practice tests to study by themselves- they'll see a mistake they made, instantly realize why they made it, and then avoid making it in the future. That said, most students need additional help with pinpointing their weaknesses and getting down key test-taking skills and strategies. Some of the best options for prep help include hiring a tutor, buying a comprehensive ACT prep book, and taking an online ACT prep course. Our dedicated guide can help you figure out which ACT prep method works best for you. What's Next? Ready to get a perfect ACT score? Read our famous guide on what it takes, written by an expert 36 scorer. If you're aiming for top scores on all four sections of the ACT, read our in-depth strategy guides on how to get a 36 on ACT English, ACT Math, ACT Reading, and ACT Science. Want to improve your ACT score by 4 points? Check out our best-in-class online ACT prep program. We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your ACT score by 4 points or more. Our program is entirely online, and it customizes your prep program to your strengths and weaknesses. We also have expert instructors who can grade every one of your practice ACT essays, giving feedback on how to improve your score. Check out our 5-day free trial:

The Interconnection of Panopticism and the Cult of Domesticity Essay

The Interconnection of Panopticism and the Cult of Domesticity - Essay Example The prisoners themselves are constantly isolated from each other but remain in full view of the watchtower. The psychological affect upon the prisoners is that by being constantly aware of the possibility of the tower's attention, they modify their behavior accordingly. Foucault claims this relation has been adapted to all aspects of society, elements of which will be discussed shortly. However, the implications of this system are apparent in the social doctrines of the "Cult of Domesticity" which existed in America roughly from 1850-1950. The Cult of Domesticity refers to the prevailing attitudes that arose with the industrial age, in which the patriarch of the household went to work while the wife and children remained at home. Social standards therefore demanded a woman be pious (to uphold the religious standards of the house), pure (in terms of sexual felicity to the husband), submissive (in that the husband had final authority), and domestic (housework maintenance was believed to strengthen piety and purity). As the working world belonged to men, the order of the household was a woman's domain. The combination of social panopticism and demands of the cult of domesticity naturally caused distress to the psyche of many women. Evidence of both can be illuminated through examining their influence in the lives of women: firstly by analyzing such stories as "The Yel low Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin, and "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner, then lastly by examining the life of Ida B. Wells through the documentary Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice. In "The Yellow Wallpaper," Gilman portrays an invalid narrator who is essentially kept helpless and bedridden by her husband, John, and his sister Jennie. Not only is her husband the authority in the house, he is also a practicing physician. This makes the narrator at a distinct disadvantage, for not only must she be submissive to her husband, but he is privy to the 'scientific' theories bolstering the cult of domesticity. These sexist theories were supported by several masculine observations: firstly, that women had less physical stamina than men, as their monthly menstruations incapacitate them while also inducing 'insanity', and secondly, because female systems fluctuated so to their reproductive cycles, women were viewed as delicate and therefore susceptible to over exhaustion. Medical opinion of the time held that the body contained only a certain amount of energy; as a woman's reproductive system was so complex, all of her energy must be available to its equilibrium. Intellect ual activity was believed to drain away energy need for these organs hence, Gilman's narrator is constantly fearful that she will be discovered writing in her book. John, as a doctor, proscribes nothing but rest for the narrator to recover her energies; as her husband, he enforces this by keeping her isolated in the bedroom most of the day. The circumstances of the narrator directly parallel the conditions Foucault describes in the Panopticon prison model. The prisoner is kept under constant, but random, observation, to the point where she begins to suspect constant observation when she personifies the wallpaper into a watchful guard. The wallpaper becomes a symbol of her imprisonment,

Impacts of natural disasters on tourism Research Paper

Impacts of natural disasters on tourism - Research Paper Example This proposal is a combined study that incorporates the aims and objectives that would be the basis for the research studies, discussion of relevant literature review of the concerned topic coupled to the overview of the themes, issues, theories, and/or concepts. The research methodology that comprises of the introduction with rationale for the research design and data collection methods is also an integral part of the proposal that ends with the research philosophy and approaches with ethical considerations as a conclusion. Background The natural disasters are the profound environmental impacts that not only bring huge losses to human lives but also subject to arouse immense financial losses such as property damage. In addition, the aftereffects of the natural disasters emerge the fact that underdeveloped nations are the worst hits of the natural adversities as they have the least resources to cope and recreate their lives back to originality (Mechler, 2004). The natural disasters h ave been one of the most unfavorable and devastating episodes have come under the experiences by the human kind of the globe in numerous instances in time. The statistical data and evidences have proved the fact that the natural disasters have made a strong influence and tragic impact on the civilizations around the world. In addition, plentiful states, territories, nations coupled to populace of the particular areas cause to undergo recurring and overwhelming natural disasters as the world in entering into the level of advancements and innovations. The natural disasters have not only affected the human lives but also made the coral reefs, tropical ecosystem, aquatic... The research describes natural disasters that are the profound environmental impacts that not only bring huge losses to human lives but also subject to arouse immense financial losses such as property damage. In addition, the aftereffects of the natural disasters emerge the fact that underdeveloped nations are the worst hits of the natural adversities as they have the least resources to cope and recreate their lives back to originality. The natural disasters have been one of the most unfavorable and devastating episodes have come under the experiences by the human kind of the globe in numerous instances in time. The statistical data and evidences have proved the fact that the natural disasters have made a strong influence and tragic impact on the civilizations around the world. In addition, plentiful states, territories, nations coupled to populace of the particular areas cause to undergo recurring and overwhelming natural disasters as the world in entering into the level of advancem ents and innovations. The natural disasters have not only affected the human lives but also made the coral reefs, tropical ecosystem, aquatic temperate climate and terrestrial or global ecosystem fragile and weak. Tourism industry is one of the departments of the country that comes under mammoth impact from the natural disasters. Indeed, there is a very close connection between tourism and natural disasters. This is because the occurrence of any natural hazard would lead to disruption and destruction of the tourism industry, which would then require re-development and modifications.

Are traffic cameras an invasion of privacy Assignment

Are traffic cameras an invasion of privacy - Assignment Example Before they can drive they are required to have a driving license and by acquiring this document they are abiding by the traffic rules which state that an individual will not drive past a red light. The US circuit court of appeal ruled in a case in 2009 that ‘no one has a fundamental right to run a red light or avoid being seen by a camera on a public street’ (Parveen Idris v. City of Chicago Illinois, 2009). In the event that a driver does this the camera is part of the traffic surveillance system and thus is programmed to capture the image of the offender. The driver will have broken traffic rules. According to the Insurance Institute for highway safety driving is regulated by law and the cameras only capture the people on the wrong side of the traffic rules. They capture the license plate of the vehicle or in other cases as permitted by the law they may be allowed to capture the image of the driver (IIHS, 2011). The law also states that it will be considered an intrusion of privacy if any individual is captured without them knowing (BBB Inc, 2010). In this instance the drivers are always aware that there are cameras installed on highway intersections and in case they cross under a red light they will be captured by the camera. Because they understand the existence of the camera and why it is placed there this cannot be considered an intrusion of privacy unless the camera has been placed there to monitor their activities in the vehicle which is not the case. In many public places there are cameras placed for security purposes, they record people and activities but this is done when the people are aware they are being recorded. In Canada for example the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents act states that unless in very extreme circumstances such surveillance is considered legal when the people who are being monitored are aware that

Smart Meters Privacy Concerns & Solutions Dissertation

Smart Meters Privacy Concerns & Solutions - Dissertation Example The prime concern of â€Å"Compromise of Consumer Privacy† and â€Å"Safety Concern† due to the detailed statistical and itemised electricity usage will also be discussed in detail. Ways and means of countering this severe draw back will also be discussed and a practical solution will be proposed. A new idea on making Smart Meters more consumer friendly and robust in terms of protecting consumer privacy will be discussed as well Acknowledgements Table of Contents Abstract 2 Acknowledgements 3 Table of Contents 4 1. Introduction 7 2. A detailed technological assessment on the power and sophistication of the Smart Meter Device 9 3. A detailed exploration of the features, functionalities and modes of the Smart Meter 9 4. A practical point of view at the Smart Meter from the consumer’s stand point and evaluation of the benefits of such Smart Meters e.g.: reduction of hassles, detailed consumption statistics, reduction in the risk of Meter tampering, hooking, and ille gal manipulation of meters to register incorrect readings etc. 9 5. A comparison with primitive Electricity usage measuring devices like the analogue disk meters etc. 9 6. An understanding of the â€Å"Privacy† issue of consumers. Loss of confidentiality of sensitive information. Unauthorised access of consumer specific information and utilisation in mal practices 9 8. Literature Review 10 9. Research Methodology 13 10. Findings and Analysis 15 11. Discussion 20 12. Conclusions and Recommendations 23 13. Personal Reflection 28 14. Bibliography 30 15. Appendices 31 1. Introduction 1.1. Project Rationale In this project of detailed study of Smart Meters, we will be researching the Smart Meter as a consumer product, analysing its pros and cons, identifying its benefits and also the ethical dilemma surrounding the usage of Smart Meters to register Electricity Consumption in homes in cities and in different countries. We will be studying the issues surrounding the recent release a nd distribution of Smart Meters, the threats to Privacy and the exposure of Sensitive Personal Data. The Smart Meter will be placed against the back drop of two conflicting scenarios, one promoting and encouraging its usage due to increased consumer convenience and awareness on electricity usage. The other scenario being the generation of statistical data on electricity consumption that has the power and potential to personally identify individuals, intrude into their daily life patterns and over all life style. The Personal Reflection and the conclusion will talk about the Smart Meters over emphasising accuracy and threatening consumer privacy and safety by exposing detailed usage statistics to unauthorised access. We will be concluding with numerous possibilities to reduce the sensitivity of information generated by the smart meter, thereby retaining its advanced technology and caring for the consumer’s privacy by safeguarding consumer interests as well. 1.2. Project Aim an d Objectives 1.2.1. Project Aim The aim of the project is as follows is to conduct a thorough research on the features and functionalities of Smart Meters and make an informed and careful decision on dealing with this sophisticated gadget. A thorough risk assessment followed by a detailed discussion of the advantages, disadvantages, risks and threats is the aim of the project. 1.2.2. Project Objectives Objectives of the Project are: 2. A detailed technological

Choices of Hybrid Cars Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Choices of Hybrid Cars - Research Paper Example The price of this car is approximately $ 46,350.00. This hybrid car has several advantages. One of its advantages is the engine to its suspension through steering and differential. The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray car has enhanced performance. It has a very appealing exterior design that makes it extremely streamline. In addition, the car has LCD instrumentation inside it that make easy for the driver to customize information. Interestingly, the Base audio system pumps the bass, which produces a clean sound effect. It has a few disadvantages. One of the disadvantages is the cabin tech interface is confusing with wide spectrum way of accessing music libraries, the audio sources and map features. The stingray also is not well suited for the presence of heavy traffic. The advantages by far outweigh the disadvantages and its star rating is outstanding. The price of this hybrid car is at $51,000.00. Mercedes-Benz S550 is another hybrid car. It has several advantages, to start with is its mammoth cabin space, which is also smooth making it adorable. The LED lights on the dashboard panels keep the tech to be ahead of the game. Its steering is an assisting feature that eases driving in heavy traffic. The main disadvantages of this hybrid car are its application integration that is very slow when it comes to loading for general use. The virtual instrument gauges look a little bit flat which need a graphic fuel gauge. The bottom line Mercedes- Benz is a good car and rated as excellent. Its prize is ranged between $28,000- $ 104,000.

Smart Meters Privacy Concerns & Solutions Dissertation

Smart Meters Privacy Concerns & Solutions - Dissertation Example The prime concern of â€Å"Compromise of Consumer Privacy† and â€Å"Safety Concern† due to the detailed statistical and itemised electricity usage will also be discussed in detail. Ways and means of countering this severe draw back will also be discussed and a practical solution will be proposed. A new idea on making Smart Meters more consumer friendly and robust in terms of protecting consumer privacy will be discussed as well Acknowledgements Table of Contents Abstract 2 Acknowledgements 3 Table of Contents 4 1. Introduction 7 2. A detailed technological assessment on the power and sophistication of the Smart Meter Device 9 3. A detailed exploration of the features, functionalities and modes of the Smart Meter 9 4. A practical point of view at the Smart Meter from the consumer’s stand point and evaluation of the benefits of such Smart Meters e.g.: reduction of hassles, detailed consumption statistics, reduction in the risk of Meter tampering, hooking, and ille gal manipulation of meters to register incorrect readings etc. 9 5. A comparison with primitive Electricity usage measuring devices like the analogue disk meters etc. 9 6. An understanding of the â€Å"Privacy† issue of consumers. Loss of confidentiality of sensitive information. Unauthorised access of consumer specific information and utilisation in mal practices 9 8. Literature Review 10 9. Research Methodology 13 10. Findings and Analysis 15 11. Discussion 20 12. Conclusions and Recommendations 23 13. Personal Reflection 28 14. Bibliography 30 15. Appendices 31 1. Introduction 1.1. Project Rationale In this project of detailed study of Smart Meters, we will be researching the Smart Meter as a consumer product, analysing its pros and cons, identifying its benefits and also the ethical dilemma surrounding the usage of Smart Meters to register Electricity Consumption in homes in cities and in different countries. We will be studying the issues surrounding the recent release a nd distribution of Smart Meters, the threats to Privacy and the exposure of Sensitive Personal Data. The Smart Meter will be placed against the back drop of two conflicting scenarios, one promoting and encouraging its usage due to increased consumer convenience and awareness on electricity usage. The other scenario being the generation of statistical data on electricity consumption that has the power and potential to personally identify individuals, intrude into their daily life patterns and over all life style. The Personal Reflection and the conclusion will talk about the Smart Meters over emphasising accuracy and threatening consumer privacy and safety by exposing detailed usage statistics to unauthorised access. We will be concluding with numerous possibilities to reduce the sensitivity of information generated by the smart meter, thereby retaining its advanced technology and caring for the consumer’s privacy by safeguarding consumer interests as well. 1.2. Project Aim an d Objectives 1.2.1. Project Aim The aim of the project is as follows is to conduct a thorough research on the features and functionalities of Smart Meters and make an informed and careful decision on dealing with this sophisticated gadget. A thorough risk assessment followed by a detailed discussion of the advantages, disadvantages, risks and threats is the aim of the project. 1.2.2. Project Objectives Objectives of the Project are: 2. A detailed technological

Issue(s) with Obamacare Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Issue(s) with Obamacare - Essay Example The purpose of the article is to analyse several sources in relation to the main topic and determine how reliable the Obama care is. Contrary to the Act’s main goal, sources indicate that Obama care is doing the opposite because there is an increase in emergency room visits by low-income individuals. The article is in fact stated in that it does not provide indirect information. For instance, the article maintains that since the signing of the Act into law there has been a shortage in physicians and an increase in crowding, which reflects a negative progress. The article tries to prove that Obama care is not meeting the objectives for which it was made. This is being done by indicating and analysing the problems that Obama care has brought in the country with regard to deteriorating health care. Additionally, since the article states, â€Å"Obama care has a new problem† it tries to prove that although the Act had encountered problems in the past, the condition is not im proving (Zadrozny). The overall American population is the audience. The audience might be influenced by the content in that it might refrain from using and trusting Obama care. The author has adequate expertise in both political and business field, as the arguments provided are reliable and does not confuse the reader on the main issue. The sponsoring website for the article is the Daily Beast Company. The company’s reputation is good. This is because the company’s website provides reliable information. Although the article does not have a bibliography list provided, it has incorporated in-text links that point to other reliable websites such as governmental websites that help in cementing the overall argument. To show that the information is trustworthy, the author has ensured that secondary links are provided for further reading and confirmation of the argument’s authenticity. With regard to grammar, the

Black Death in Europe Essay Example for Free

Black Death in Europe Essay European people faced great hardship during the years 1347-1352 suffering from the effects of the Bubonic Plaque. Prior to this epidemic hitting Europe the population of Europe was growing faster than the food supplies could keep up with and economic crisis was beginning to take place. Once the Bubonic Plaque started spreading it took center stage and over population would not be an issue of concern any longer. The Bubonic Plaque, also referred to as the Black Death, was caused by a bacterial infection found mostly in rodents and their fleas. The infected fleas would come into contact with humans and death would occur in less than a week. Humans suffered from high fever, aching limbs, and lymph nodes would swell and turn black. Humans also contributed to the spread of the plaque by non-effected people coming into contact with the body fluids of an effected person. As the plaque spread the people of Europe found themselves shifting from community and family to worrying about survival of the individual. Men who worked with animals contracted the plaque and died. Women that contracted the plaque that survived could no longer carry a child and were abandoned by their husbands. Children found themselves fighting to survive as their parents were taken by the plaque. Families that did have children would abandoned their children who became infected, the plaque would kill children within hours of contraction if not immediately. In attempt to escape the plaque people that lived in the cities often traveled to the country and most often taking the plaque with them only cause more death. Europe lost roughly one third of the population due to the Bubonic Plaque. The economy during this time also saw a great shift from the twenty five million people lost due to the plaque. Feudalism, which was strong before the plaque, weakened as European people realized that they could work and survive on their own. Many of the farm workers died leaving the land in bad shape which meant poor crop return and a declining food supply. The famers and workers that managed to survive the plaque were able to demand more wages from the knights, baron, or king that owned the land they worked. The cows, goats, sheep, and other live stock that were used for food supply were often shared among communities but as people feared for survival these animals were brought inside homes to prevent exposure only causing more death from spread of the plaque and other diseases. Lastly the economy  suffered from lack of trade with other counties. The Bubonic Plaque’s massive death toll left other countries fearful of trading goods adding to the already hard economy. While the Bubonic Plaque did not completely vanish until late in the fifteenth century the effects on life and economy during the peak of contamination was dramatic. In a five year span Europe experienced entire towns and villages being left lifeless from the Bubonic Plaque. The bacterial infection spread without regard to social and economical class, killing both adults and children. Those that did survive the plaque found new opportunities through negotiating and rebelling.

Lenovo Brand Strategy

Lenovo Brand Strategy Abstract Purpose This study aims to apply the reviewed literature of brand identity, brand strategy, and product positioning to analyze the lessons and improvements on how Lenovo, a No.1 PC manufacturer in China, implements brand integration as part of its global brand strategy to increase brand awareness and recognition. Approach This study introduces multiple methods to analyze the pros and cons of brand integration, and brand product positioning such as product segmentation and perceptual map as well as the companys revenue comparison. Findings Lenovos co-branding strategy in its first two phases of global brand strategy benefit its revenue growth dramatically but in limited level to its own brand awareness. And the global sales loss happened after Lenovo forgone co-branding with IBM brand on its ThinkPad/ ThinkCentre brand lines in its third phase of global branding strategy. Moreover, the unsatisfactory sales performance forced the company to trade-off the premium price of ThinkPad in attempt to cater to more consumers, gaining market share and revenue growth, but only result in the opposite situation due to the unclear repositioning of ThinkPad. Research limitations/implications The inaccessibility of the overall statistics on the sales of ThinkPad by Lenovo in overseas market over the past five years impacts the accuracy of the analysis result. Besides, the depth of the study is hindered due to the lack of Lenovos investment in branding and marketing promotions, as well as sales volume of its major competitors such as US, Europe, etc. Practical implications Leveraging a well-known ThinkPad brand can expedite Lenovos access to the cutting-edged technology and distribution channel setup, however, it will takes a long process to build and increase a strong brand of Lenovo globally. Apart from focus on quality and technology innovation, Lenovo should emphasize its value-added brand positioning, i.e. nurturing the brand in the dimensions of relationship, personality and culture. The separation of Lenovo and ThinkPad should be the best solution for the sake of maximizing each brand equity. Originality/Value This study is an attempt to discuss disconnection of distinctive brands like Lenovo and its sub-brands ideapad/ideacentre from ThinkPad / ThinkCentre to maximize each brand equity. Literature Review According to Arnold (1992), brand strategy is the process whereby the offer is positioned in the customers mind to produce a perception of advantage. And strategy implies the execution of the organizations vision, mission, and objectives. In another word, the essence of the brand needs to be reflected in everything the company does, especially those that impact the consumer. When making branding strategies, a company should first have an insight into their brand and brand equity. Brand equity is the differential effect that knowing the brand name has on customer response to the product or its marketing (Kotler, 2009). A successful brand has high brand equity and its image (B) can be thought of as the combination of three elements: a good product (P), a distinctive identity (D), and added values (AV), i.e. B=P*D*AV. Especially the brand preference depends on added values that give customers confidence that this product has qualities, status or associations not possessed by alternative choices (Doyle, 2008). It helps customers navigate the choice process by reducing risks and saving time of evaluation (Doyle, 2008). Brand management centres on creating perceived added value for the companys offer among customers, which can be achieved by shaping the brands identity. Brand Identity is everything the company wants is brand to be perceived by customer (Temporal, 2002). It has six dimensions, which is also called now as brand identity prism (Kapferer, 2007), namely , physical, reflection, relationship, personality, culture and relevance (Kapferer, 1997). The identity of strong brands reminds us that identity is not just a matter of functional attributes (Kapferer, 2007). With time, brand associations typically move up from tangible to intangible values -No brand should be without a strong intangible component became the top priority of 10 key principles of strategic brand management (Kapferer, 2007). Due to the increasing fierce competition and rapid imitation, the focus of keeping customers in marketing highlights the building lasting relationships on brand management, namely, classifying the different types of relationships consumers have with brands (Fournier, 1998), or the different types of interactions companies engage in with their clients (Rapp and Collins, 1994; Peppers and Rogers, 1993). Kapferer (2007) claims the establishment and recognition of brand identity is one of the key stages in the process of brand globalization. That is, the brand must have an identity that will serve as a medium for its globalisation, specifically for its brand positioning and brand strategy. Clearly, for existing brands, positioning derives from identity. But it exploits a specific, coherent and salient aspect of identity at a given point in time in a given market and against a precise set of competitors. At the level of global brands, the brand positioning emphasizing a unified identity should occupy a distinct place in the target markets mind (Kotler, 2000), ensure the distinctive position of the products of a company from its competitors offerings, maintain or increase market share by satisfying current or potential customers, and finally achieve higher revenue (Hassanien and Baum, 2002). Bingham and Raffield (1995) identified six positioning alternatives for firms: price, technology , product quality, distribution, image and service. Although repositioning is increasingly inevitable as the changing marketing environments that influence organisations (Trout and Rivkin, 1995; Kotler, 1997), any decisions companies need to make about repositioning will demand careful consideration of all of the brands attributes (Park et al., 2002). When brand managers decide brand strategy, the added-value lever on which a product is based should be taken into consideration as an important parameter in choosing different brand architectures. A single (corporate) brand umbrella or master brand strategy is often recommended when the added value in a particular market is linked to reputation and scale (Kapferer, 2007). However, the more segmented the market, with top-quality, personalised products, the more one has to favour either an endorsing brand strategy or a new portfolio of product brands. Besides, cost factors have to be considered. Doyle (2008) gave insightful explanation and said that the objective of adopting brand strategies is to increase long-run economic profits, which leads to an orientation to sharing brand names For companies in its initial phase of going global with limited resources, the simplified brand lines can reinforce each brands selling power and reduce marketing cost, provided that the company has complementary products. Another factor that can not be neglected in formulating brand strategy is the country background of a brand. COO (Country of Origin) refers to the impact that generalisations and perceptions about a country have on a persons evaluation of the countrys products and brands (Nebenzahl, Jaffe, and Lampert 1997; Lampert and Jaffe 1998; Dinnie 2004). COO helps or hampers the development of brand equity in the new market. Yet to some extent, acquired brands can produce a short-cut to overcome the negative effect of COO in brand globalization (Ying, 2008) and co-branding provides a buzz around the brand among opinion leaders to create an image (Kapferer, 2007) facilitating brand into global arena, but it is not a substitute or alternative for brand building in the long term. Co-branding can generate greater sales from the existing target market as well as open additional opportunities with new consumers and channels as it can increase cash flow through increased number of touch points betwee n brands (Srivastava et al., 1998). In addition, co-branding can reduce the cost of product introduction and help stage a brand into a new market by leveraging the existing brand with global awareness. This is reflected in the increasing number of cases of mergers and acquisition of such kind worldwide. Undeniably, it can boost the business of a company but does not necessarily mean the success of integrating brands (Swystun, 2001). It is difficult to change an established brand identity and a good fit between brands is essential to the successful marriage. For a company going global, a distinctive and consistent brand identity should be nurtured and matters most in distinguishing itself from other competitors despite of manufacturing the same high quality products. Clayton M. Christensen (2004) noted that most organizations can acquire resources, but it is the application of the process (how to solve problems) and values (past investments) that distinguish a company. And branding strategy is the process of such kind as one of the key factors which will ultimately determine a companys future success. About Lenovo and its internationalization and global brand strategy Founded in Beijing, China, Lenovo is No.1 PC manufacturer in China and the worlds fourth largest PC maker with its revenue in 2007-2008 reaching 16.4 billion US dollars and its market share in China stabilize at 29%-30%. In 2004, its acquisition of IBM PC business (Thinkpad brand) for 1.25 billion US dollars made the company the worlds No. 3 PC company after Dell and HP and signified the beginning of its steps into international market. Since then, Lenovo has established more than 200 branches in 66 countries (Lenovo official website: http://appserver.lenovo.com.cn/About/aboutus_overview.html, accessed Nov 23, 2009). Lenovos sports marketing, the Olympic marketing, and co-brand marketing strategy enhance the brand image and capture the market share. Its global branding strategy incorporates three phases. In the first phase focused on the continuity of the brand in overseas countries to strengthen the relationship between the Lenovo and Thinkpad; In the second phase to consolidate t he high-end business Thinkpad image. And in the third phase to accelerate Lenovo brand building (Gu, 2006). Methodology and descriptive analysis We can compare Lenovos branding strategy with its revenue over the past five years. Investment in the brand must come first to ensure revenue enhancement. (Jeff Swystun, 2001) From the comparison, the dramatic revenue growth in 2004-2006 seems to verify that the branding strategy of leveraging IBM brand and reinforcing ThinkPad benefit the corporate performance. Meanwhile, however, Lenovos global brand awareness got increased during the process? Since Lenovo had the right to use the IBM brand only for five years until 2010, the company decided to drop it two years ahead of schedule, such was its confidence in its own brand (http://www.economist.com, 2008). Despite of the right move, the result is the decrease in the corporate revenue: Lenovos sales volume was down by 5 percent in the third quarter 2008, sales revenue dropped by 20 percent, and market share declined from 7.5 percent to 7.3 percent (Ming, 2009), especially, the sales in America and Europe fell by 17% in the 3rd quarter compared with the same period last year due to the sluggish demand in those markets and notably, its domestic sale grew and accounted for 48% of its total sales(http://www.economist.com, 2009). Actually, the unsatisfactory result can be attributed in a sense to the abrupt brand shift from IBM ThinkPad to Lenovo ThinkPad. Whereas, the point is that it is not the inappropriate timing to forgo co-branding with IBM brand, but it is during the initial phase of implementing global branding strategies when Lenovo did not handle well the relations between leveraging IBM brand and, more importantly, enhancement of Lenovo brands identity and differentiated advantage in its new market outside Asia where the brand name was little known, especially in US and Europe, the focus of Lenovo business outside China. To gain an insight on the brands strategy, we can look at Lenovo brand architecture transition below for the major product lines and brand integration in the early 2008. After the brand integration, under the corporate umbrella brand of Lenovo, the streamlined product brands resulting in global marketing cost-effectiveness can be categorized into ideaPad and ideacentre sub-brands for consumers and ThinkPad sub-brand for consumers and commercial segment and ThinkCentre sub-brand for companies. Notably, there is a change in customer positioning for ThinkPad by serving companies only switching to companies primarily and consumers secondly served with individual models of ThinkPad products. This is to meet the increasing needs for consumer PC. Besides, ThinkPad is expanding its position from high-end only to both middle and high-end in light of Lenovos pricing system. And a question comes to arise: Is Lenovo ThinkPad is as good quality as IBM ThinkPad? Lenovos reaction to the sceptical v oices is the price cut of ThinkPad is to cater to those customers feeling pinch in the current situation. But the transition risk should be foreseen that the customers who know ThinkPad very well may not have that sense of advantage that the original brand identity confers, and eventually the transformation may harm the brand equity. Lets look at the brand positioning of Lenovo and its competitors. Over time, PCs has become ubiquitous and play a growing role in many important aspects of daily life. Consumers are therefore looking for more innovation (Quelch and Knoop, 2006) with appropriate pricing. Capping the product features of each company in terms of innovation and pricing, we can see that HP, Dell and Acer-the strong competitors of Lenovo in US and European market -are all positioned as economy brand whereas Lenovo as bargain brand positioned as overall high level of innovation and IBM as premium brand. Highly recognized by its customers, ThinkPad brand, with high innovation and high price of a differentiate advantage, best represent the culture of IBM brand. The branding strategy should first take into consideration the environment and customers (Doyle, 2008). Although Thinkpad brand has nothing to do with IBM after the acquisition, the customers perception of high level of innovation and pricing of Thinkp ad brand is deep-rooted, thus, it is not necessary and even harmful to its original image in its customers mind for any attempt to lower its pricing arrange. As for Lenovo brand, on one hand, competitive pricing is the core value that the company embraces to contest its key competitors internationally, and on the other hand, like many other Chinese company going global, it still take time for Lenovo to get away from Made in China image interpreted as manufacturing cheap products. Thus, the implementation of its bargaining pricing system in its another brand line ideapad and ideacentre can embody its differentiating advantages lower price but good quality and higher level of innovation and lower the entry barrier to the consumers in the new market(Doyle, 2008). Of course, this is what Lenovo is doing, promoting its idea brand line in US, Europe and other major overseas market (Lenovo official website: http://appserver.lenovo.com.cn/About/aboutus_overview.html, accessed Nov 23, 2009 ). It can be concluded that there is distinctively different brand identity between ThinkPad/ ThinkCentre and Lenovo and its sub-brands ideapad/ideacentre. Discussion on improvement In developing a global brand, Chinese companies could choose between a traditional and modern approach (Ewing, Napoli, and Pitt, 2001). And Lenovo has adopted the modern (although more risky) approach that accelerates internationalization via joint ventures and acquisition of foreign brands, enabling them to leapfrog to the advanced stage in the process. Product differentiation and brands management separation Lenovo should resume the high-end brand identity of ThinkPad targeting companies and high-end consumers to gain premium price and high margins. And this branding strategy can not waver surrendering to the current economic conditions. And for the medium and lower-end market, idea brand line can play its flexible role catering to different subdivision market. In addition, the ideapad/ideacentre identity should be enriched to increase its value-added specifically in its relationship and personality prospective to differentiate with other competitors brands. Apart from product pro motion, creating customers product experience should be the remedy to have them gain better knowledge of the new entry brands and enhance the recognition of Lenovo. Most important, ThinkPad/ThinkCentre brand should be separated from Lenovo and its sub-brands. The case of the separation of product brand Lexus and company brand Toyota means the success of the both brands even though few know Lexus brand is under Toyota.(Jean-Pierre and David, 2002) . Conclusion This study emphasizes on the analysis and discussion on the brand integration of Lenovo, idea brand line, and IBMs ThinkPad brand, which features an indispensible process of implementation of global brand strategy by Lenovo. The strategy of co-branding of Lenovo and IBM in ThinkPad products in the initial phase impelled the process of Lenovo brand into international arena. At the same time, however, Lenovo should have engaged in its own brand identity and equity, which will alleviate the loss arising from the disconnection of IBM and Lenovo. An effective positioning/repositioning brand strategy should highlight the consistent process of enhancing brand awareness. At this point, Lenovo took a either slower or inappropriate action which entail improvement and transformation. As for the established ThinkPad brand, the dimensions of its brand identity should be taken into full consideration otherwise any branding initiatives will damage its brand value through confusing or depriving the sense of status and pride from its customers. To avoid the collision of two distinctive brand identities ThinkPad and Lenovo with its sub-brands ideapad/ideacentre, disconnection is the best solution to maximize brand equity.

Essay --

David Kim Physics Lab 1 02/11/14 Section: A1 Introduction In Experiment 1, the objective was to weigh 150 pennies and find the best estimate value and the uncertainties for the weight of the pennies. Instrument uncertainty is the least value that can be read from the measuring device. It is always less than or equal to the least count. The least count is the smallest division that can be marked or shown from a certain instrument. The instrument uncertainty is equal to the least count in this experiment. Random errors are simply mistakes that are made due to the instrument being used or the measured object being poorly defined. The total uncertainty of a measurement is calculated by using the instrument uncertainty and the uncertainty due to fluctuation. Uncertainty due to fluctuation is dependent on the average and the total amount of times there was a measurement. This average is found when:  ¯x= 1/N (x_1+x_2+ †¦+ x_n ) N is the total number of measurements, x1 is the first measurement, x2 is the second measurement, and xn is the last measurement. The uncertainty due to fluctuation is found by: ∆x_fl= ÏÆ'_x/√N ÏÆ'_x is the standard deviation of the mean and N is the total number of measurements. Standard deviation can be found by: ÏÆ'_x= √((d_1^2+ d_2^2+ †¦+ d_N^2)/(N-1)) Where d_n(the derivative) is found by: d_n=x_n- x Ì… This in words is: the measurement of the nth term subtracted by the mean. Total uncertainty is found by: ∆x= √(∆x_ins^2+ ∆x_fl^2 ) Where ∆x_ins is the instrument uncertainty and ∆x_fl is the uncertainty due to fluctuation. Initial Data Part A1: Instrument Uncertainty Quiz Student has passed the test The following answers were entered for the digital device # 2: Units g Least count 0.1000 I... ...ould have to take around 300 measurements so that the results would be accurate and precise to the expected value of 100. In part B of the experiment, the standard mass of the penny between 1941 and 1982 was 3.100 g; and between 1983 and 2011, the standard mass was 2.500 g. The standard mass of the penny changed between 1982 and 1983. The mass was decreased by .600 g. Pennies lose or gain weight in circulation because most of the pennies were not 2.5 or 3.1 grams on the dot. The possible rust or erosion from the time it was in circulation helps to describe the range that the mass of the pennies had. In general, most of the measurements were accurate compared to the expected value. The measurements on the most part were accurate. However for the outliers, the rust and the erosion to the penny can describe the mass being significantly higher or lower.

Bureaucracy & Democracy

Democracy is a term with several meanings and this has led to a genuine misconception as to its real meaning. To some, bureaucracy is red tape, to others it is officialdom and to some it is an organizational form (Cole p25). Observation and studies on bureaucracy have been done by many academicians among them Max Weber (1864-1920). Weber wanted to find out why people in many organizations obeyed those in authority over them. Weber observed that people obeyed legitimate authority and he identified three types of legitimate authority as traditional authority, charismatic authority and rational-legal authority.It is the rational-legal form of authority that exists in most organizations today and this is the form to which Weber ascribed the term ‘bureaucracy’. Weber outlined the main features of bureaucracy as a continuous organization of functions bound by rules, specified spheres of competence, a hierarchical arrangement of offices, appointments to offices made on grounds of technical competence, the separation of officials from the ownership of the organization, official positions exist on their own right and finally rules, decisions and actions are formulated and recorded in writing (Cole p 26).Weber felt that bureaucracy was indispensable for large organizations and there is no doubt that this form organization has been adopted in one way or another virtually in all forms of enterprises the world over. Government bureaucracy: â€Å"If men were angels, no government would be necessary† James Madison and for governments bureaucracy is form of governance that is practicable.However this form of governance has critics and the views of Amy are that bureaucracy is a governance structure that is often perceived negatively by a number of people but he says that most criticisms of government bureaucracy are based more on myths than reality (Amy 2007 p1-8). Amy’s observation is that people normally associate bureaucracy to massive waste, ineff iciency, poor service, ever-growing organizations, mindless rules and realms of useless forms. For these people there is nothing good about bureaucracy as those working in such systems are considered to be lazy, hostile, overpaid, imperious and inflexible.In his arguments, Amy dismisses what he terms the four myths about bureaucracy; 1. Myth no 1: Bureaucracies are immensely wasteful. Tax payers wrongly or rightly believe that much of the tax increases are a result of wastefulness arising from bureaucracies. Government agencies are considered not only wasteful but enormously wasteful. A survey carried out revealed that Americans believe that 48 cents of every tax dollar going to bureaucracies such the Social Security Administration are wasted (Amy 2007).Amy says that investigations by the Government Accounting Office and various blue-ribbon commissions have found that waste amounts to a small fraction of that figure. 2. Myth no 2: Business is always better than bureaucracy. As per A my, there have been many empirical studies examining government bureaucracies versus business in many areas, including refuse collection, electrical utilities, public transportation, water supply systems and hospital administration. The findings have been mixed.Some studies of electric utilities have found that publicly owned ones were more efficient and charged lower prices than privately owned utilities. Several other studies found the opposite while many others found no significant difference. 3. Myth no 3: We want the government to act like a business. The main concern of the government is quality of the service not its costs unlike the business who are obsessed with the bottom-line and hence looking for the cheapest way to make a product or deliver as service.For example it will be imprudent to spend the least amount of resources in the air traffic control system or to look for the cheapest workforce to take charge of security at the airports. 4. Myth no 4: Bureaucracy is major cause of government growth. Conservatives argue that government bureaucracies have an inherent tendency to expand. However figures show that federal agencies have not been growing at an alarming rate. For example in 1970, about 2997000 civilians worked for the federal government at that time.By 2007 that figure had actually gone down to 2695000. An article in published by the Suburban Emergence Management Project (2006 home page) states that the Hurricane Katrina response by the federal, state and local governments in August-September 2005 caused some people to lose faith in the bureaucratic approach used by traditional government hierarchies to organize the provision of services to users who desperately needed them. For example, at the local level, New Orleans Mayor told the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security that he could not commandeer the dozens available school buses to evacuate people because the school boards owned buses, he had no authority over the boards and there was no agreement for the use of the buses. At the state level, the Governor delayed use of military forces to begin reconstitution of the stricken localities until she could validate her authority to rule the troops by disallowing federal National Guards in her state.At the federal level, the President, the Homeland Security Secretary and Federal Emergency Management Agency director could provide services to users of New Orleans during Katrina only at the discretion of the governor of Louisiana. Conclusion: There are areas where government bureaucracy is more effective while in other cases it is counterproductive as evidenced during the Hurricane Katrina crisis. Works cited Amy, D. J. (2007). ‘The case of Democracy, The government is Good We the People; An unapologetic Defense of vital institution’.Available at accessed on April 2, 2009. Pages 1-8 Cole, G. (2004). Management Theory and Practice, 6th Edition published, by Thomson Learning 2004. 25-28. Suburban Emergenc y Management Project (2006), ‘Government Bureaucracy and Two Newer Cultural Approaches to Provide Services Delivery to the Citizenry during Disasters’, Biot Report #411: November 07, 2006. Available at < http://www. semp. us/public/biot_reder. php? BiotID=411 > accessed on April 3, 2009.