Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Night by Elie Weisel Book Analysis

Night Analysis Elie Wiesel’s use of language and structure emphasizes the meaning and tone of the selection. Closely examine the memoir and your annotations to find examples of these features of language and structure. Fill in the chart below, providing the definition of the device, 2-3 examples from the text complete with page number references, and the effect of each example on the context in which it is used and the work as a whole.Literary or Stylistic Device| Definition of Device| 3-4 Examples from the Text| Effect of Each Example | Anaphora| The repetition of a word or short phrase at the beginning of a sentence or sentences| 1)†Never shall I forget that night†¦Never shall I forget that smoke†¦Never shall I forget the small faces of the children†¦Never shall I forget those flames†¦Never shall I forget the nocturnal silence†¦Never shall I forget those moments that murdered my God†¦Never shall I forget those things†¦Never. † ( Wiesel 34)2)†Fire! I see a fire! I see a fire!..Look! Look at this fire! This terrible fire!.. Fire! I see a fire!.. Look at the fire! Look at the flames!.. Look at the fire! Look at the flames!.. Jews, look! Look at the fire! Look at the flames! † (Wiesel 24-28)3)†Blessed be the Almighty†¦Blessed be God’s name†¦Blessed be God’s name†¦Blessed be Thou, Almighty, Master of the Universe, who chose us among all nations to be tortured day and night†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Wiesel 67)| 1) The effect of this example is that it shows how Wiesel will never forget anything that happened his first night in camp.Elie Wiesel says he won’t ever forget the smoke, nor the children he saw walk right into death. He won’t forget his lost faith, his silence, or the events that killed his God, his soul, and his dreams. Wiesel will never forget any of those, as long as he lives. Wiesel states, â€Å"Never shall I forget those things, even if I were conde mned to live as long as God Himself. Never. † No matter Wiesel does, or doesn’t do, we will always remember his first night in Birkenau. 2)The effect of this example is that it shows that Mrs.Schachter sees something continuously, but no one else on the cattle car sees it. The fact that she sees these flames and fire before they even arrive in Birkenau symbolizes their fate and death. Some people’s fate on the cattle car was to live and make it through some concentration camps. Others were destined to die in the crematorium with hundreds of others. Mrs. Schachter’s sanity was withering, and she began to hallucinate, even though she was telling the truth. 3)The ffect of this example is that it shows that through all the heartache and trials, the Jews have not lost complete faith. Them saying â€Å"Blessed be†¦Ã¢â‚¬  over and over again represents that they want God to help get them out of the trouble they have been placed in. | Diction| Word choice| 1)†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦A royal feast going to waste!.. A man appeared, crawling snakelike in the direction of the cauldrons. † (Wiesel 59)2)†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Praised be Thy Holy Name, for having chosen us to be slaughtered on Thine altar? † (Wiesel 67)3)’†Here, take this knife,† he said. â€Å"I won’t need it anymore†¦ Also take this spoon. Me inheritance†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ (Wiesel 75)| 1)The effect of this example is that it shows how rough their months and years have been in the concentration camps, so that when the Jews see 2 cauldrons of soup their minds go spinning. They realize that is the most food they have seen at one time. If the Holocaust had never happened, these Jews wouldn’t appreciate the food they had as much as they did when they came to the camps. The snakelike part enhances the actions of the old man and how secretive he was trying to be so no one would notice him.The way Wiesel uses the words make the actions of the Jews and th e man much more important than what they seem. 2) The effect of this example is that it shows how Elie Wiesel is questioning why he should praise God, if God was the one who left all his people alone to be killed with no purpose. Wiesel uses this question to demonstrate his lost faith and his need to question everything he has learned about God. 3) The effect of this example is that it shows how any typical person would be glad to get their inheritance (money, a car, etc. ).But the fact that all Wiesel’s family had left were a knife and silver spoon, shows how much the SS took from them. Wiesel didn’t even want to take his inheritance because that would have also meant letting go of the last family member he had with him. | Foreshadowing| A hint of what is going to happen| 1)†Mother was stroking my sister’s blond hair, as if to protect her. And I walked on with my father, with the men. I didn’t know that this was the moment in time and the place whe re I was leaving my mother and Tzipora forever. I kept walking, my father holding my hand. (Wiesel 29)2)†Just you wait, kid†¦You will see what it costs to leave your work†¦You’ll pay for this later†¦And now go back to your place†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Wiesel 57)3)†Suddenly, the gate opened, and Stern, a former shopkeeper who now was a policeman, entered and took my father aside. Despite the growing darkness, I could see my father turn pale. † (Wiesel 12)| 1)The effect of this example is that it shows how naive and innocent Elie Wiesel was because he didn’t even realize he would never see his sister and mother again. Once he lost sight of them, he would never see nor hear from them again.The SS took so much away from Wiesel and the other Jews that they were too gullible to realize what was going on, and by then, it was too late. 2)The effect of this example is that it shows that because Elie was snooping around and not following the orders he wa s given, he was caught peaking on Idek and a Polish girl and will now â€Å"pay for this†. So now we, the readers, must wait to find out what unknown punishment Wiesel will receive. 3)The effect of this example is that is shows that because father got pale, the Jews began to know something bad was going to happen. Imagery| The use of vivid or figurative language to represent objects, actions, or ideas| 1)†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦They were forced to dig huge trenches. When they had finished their work, the men from the Gestapo began theirs. Without passion or haste, they shot their prisoners, who were forced to approach the trench one by one and offer their necks. Infants were tossed into the air and used as targets for their machine guns. This took place in the Galician forest, near Kolomay†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Wiesel 6)2)†In front of us, those flames. In the air, the smell of burning flesh. It must have been around midnight. We had arrived.In Birkenau. â€Å" (Wiesel 28)3)†Not f ar from us, flames, huge flames, were rising from a ditch. Something was being burned there. A truck drew close and unloaded its hold: small children. Babies! Yes, I did see this, with my own eyes†¦children thrown into flames. (Is it any wonder that ever since, then sleep tends to elude me? )† (Wiesel 32)| 1)The effect of this example is that it we, the readers, can visualize what the Jews were doing as they dug their own graves without even knowing it. Those Jewish people had to dig the trenches, and then were shot without a word of prayer said over them. )The effect of this example is that as Wiesel is stepping off the cattle car and taking all this in, it is almost as if we are there with him. You can visualize the smell of burning bodies, and you can see the smoke and flames from the crematorium. This quote takes us to Birkenau and makes us imagine what Elie really saw. 3)The effect of this example is that we can almost see the flames, the ditch, and the babies being dumped into them and burned alive. This quote is so vivid and real that it’s almost like a dream, except for the fact that Elie Wiesel experienced it. Parallel Structure| The author maintains the same structure in the sentence| 1)†Never shall I forget†¦ Never shall I forget†¦ Never shall I forget†¦Never. † (Wiesel 34)2) â€Å"They passed me by, one after the other, my teachers, my friends, the others, some of whom I had once feared, some of whom I had found ridiculous, all of those whose lives I had shared for years. There they went, defeated, their bundles, their lives in tow, having left behind their childhood. They passed me by like beaten dogs†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Wiesel 17)3)†He is very weak†¦ The weak don’t last very long around here†¦so weak. (Wiesel 45)| 1)The effect of this example is that Elie Wiesel is showing he won’t ever forget and when repeats it over and over, not just to let himself know that, but to let the readers know how significant that night was and how it will and has affected the rest of his life. 2)The effect of this example is that Wiesel is mentioning all the people who had lived in his community, wise or unwise, known or unheard of, they lived with him. And as they walk the streets, their heads are low, and they went by, defeated by the Germans. 3)The effect of this example emphasizes how weak Elie is, and how hard it is to stay healthy in their situation.Weak also shows how cruel the SS are to the Jews because if they weren’t so cruel to them, many of the Jews that were still living, would be strong and healthier than they were. | Polysyndeton| Repetition of a specific conjunction| 1)2)3)| 1)2)3)| Rhetorical Question| A question that is asked, but not meant to be answered| 1)2)3)| 1)2)3)| Symbolism| | 1)2)3)| 1)2)3)| Personification| | 1)2)3)| 1)2)3)| Metaphor| | 1)2)3)| 1)2)3)| Sentence Variety (Syntax)| | 1)2)3)| 1)2)3)| Irony| | 1)2)3)| 1)2)3)| Understatement| | 1)2)3)| 1)2)3)|

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Phrenology Essay

After fMRI was first introduced, it has been under criticism that it is not hard science. The most common technique, the BOLD (blood oxygen level-dependent) fMRI, measures the increase in regional cerebral blood flow in response to increased metabolism, which is to be caused from heightened activity of neuron firing (Menon & Kim, 1999). Some neurologists believe that this is an indirect way of measuring brain activity, and is not sufficient to support any idea. By many scientists fMRI is often compared to phrenology, a study that once gained popularity in the 19th century. Phrenology is based on the concept that the brain is the organ of the mind, and that certain brain areas have localized, specific functions or modules (Fodor, 1983). This is similar to fMRI practitioners’ attempts to localize brain structure, matching the divided parts of the brain with certain functions. Judging whether fMRI is a new form of phrenology concerns two points: fMRI’s similarities to phrenology, and fMRI’s significance to be admitted as the ‘new form’. This will also lead to the question of whether fMRI scan is meaningful to be presented as evidence in court. The logic of fMRI is straight-forward. Brain parts that light up to a certain stimulus, is related to the function provoked by the stimulus. The fMRI machine measures increase in blood flow in brain regions. The regions with increased blood flow appear in brighter colors, in red or yellow (Dobbs, 2005). fMRI’s logic of relating higher blood flow and function is similar to that of phrenology, which relates size of lump to function. From this analogy we can say that fMRI can be considered some form of ‘phrenology. ’ Another reason that fMRI is compared to phrenology is for its limitations (Menon & Kim, 1999). MRI’s problem rise from the fact that it does not show interactions between parts. It takes a univariate approach to the brain, implying that only one factor is considered as variable. The current fMRI shows voxels’ activity as one sum, meaning that it cannot collect relational or sequential information of brain parts (Dobbs, 2005). Many neurologists believe that brain parts’ interaction is an important aspect, and fMRI’s lack of capacity to do so results in criticism. Compared with the old phrenology, fMRI shares the same view that brains have localized functions. However, fMRI takes a more scientific approach than the old phrenology. Although it has its limitation in presenting spatial information, it does contribute in relating brains structure and the mind’s function. Although the ‘old’ phrenology is labeled ‘pseudoscience’ and no longer acknowledged in the field of science anymore, it has had its contributions. It sparked the idea that mind can be localized, such as language and memory. In the same context fMRI can contribute, only much more than the ‘old’ phrenology. Although fMRI’s blood flow measurement and the actual neural activity do not perfectly correspond with each other (Dobbs, 2005), significant correlation can be drawn from the fMRI scanning. As for the usage as court evidence, I see fMRI scan valuable as evidence, for fMRI does show some level of correlation of parts of brains and certain activity. fMRI should not be criticized and banned from court just because of its possibility of erroneous conclusion (Hughes, 2010). Even witnesses’ testimonies are bound to be wrong, but their testimonies are accepted as evidence. Thus fMRI should be allowed to be presented as evidence in court. However, the juries should be made aware that fMRI scan is an arbitrarily interpreted output, and contain risks of erroneous conclusions. I believe fMRI will gain stronger grounds in the court later in the future though, with the advance of technology as mentioned above. Some compare neurologists with fMRI to molecular biologists with light microscopes (Jaffe, 2004), for the reason that the capacity of fMRI is not sufficient for neurological study. It must be taken into account that later light microscopes evolved to electron microscopes, meaning that also fMRI will offer improved spatial and temporal information in the future. Its potential must be acknowledged, and in the meantime there should be efforts to find complementary analysis methods (Hubbard, 2003).

Law Reform on Native Title Essay

Indigenous people as defined by the Cobo report (1987) are â€Å"a group having a historical continuity in pre-colonisation societies with a distinct culture now a minority in society today†. Throughout history and times of colonization change has been seen in a plethora of ways. Importantly for Australia has been the take over of land by the British under the doctrine of Terra Nullius, which means meant that if land was populated by â€Å"backward peoples†, as in it was â€Å"unoccupied† it was considered as if it were unpopulated, as there was no formal organised system of living or Government. The common law term for this is acquisition of settlement. There are many cases in our history that have been both effective and ineffective: The Gove Land Rights Case, Mabo I & II and the Native Title & Amendment Acts, which have had the purpose of creating justice, and just outcomes through law reform, with a particular focus on Native Title. The Bark Petition and Gove Land rights case sought to have land rights recognised by the Australian Government (1971). The argument provided was that the yolngu people had a complex social and legal system, a Government of laws, not of men. Justice Blackburn rejected the argument, as Australia had been settled and established by the British, so the Doctrine of Reception existed. With no case of this type in Australia’s history, it was a huge step forward in creating justice, but also meant there was nothing comparable to it. Consequently, it was a big step forward as it was the first time a Legal Fiction of Terra Nullius, which overturned many previous assertions and provided a way forward and a path for the Mabo cases. This was the first step in a long law reform process, none the less providing a developing just and effective outcome for Aboriginal people. Restriction on movement for Aboriginal people provided many problems, including loss of connection to land, spirituality and ancestors. In the eyes of Eddie Mabo, this was an infringement of his basic human rights. In 1982, Fr. David Passi, James Rice and Eddie Mabo began an action, which saw a case before the High Court of Australia in Mabo v. Queensland (No.2). Mabo v. Queensland (No.1) saw the 3 men declare that: the Meriam people were entitled to the Murray Islands and that the State of Queensland had no right to extinguish the Meriam people’s title to the Murray Islands, and that a  system of Native Title had been established, against the Queensland Coast Islands Declatory Act (1985), which attempted to extinguish Native Titles. The final decision in Case1 did not address the issue of whether native title existed, but found Queensland was trying to restrict the land rights because of their race. Mabo v. Queensland (No.2) required the court to consider that: if Australia was truly terra nullius at the time of settlement, then the Islanders had no case, on the other hand, if the English had ‘invaded’, then the original inhabitants would be recognised. The ruling showed a majority of six to one, and the High Court ruled that the Murray Islanders had the right to the possession, occupation and enjoyment of traditional lands. This was based on two key points: firstly that the declaration of Terra Nullius was not valid, so native title could not exist, and secondly that native   title existed wherever Indigenous people had occupied the land prior to European settlement. This was a major step forward in Australia’s history as well as in creating and effectively achieving justice in regard to native title. As apart of a broader picture and a law reform process, it showed a big step toward the future as it meant that Terra Nullius was overturned which meant furt her reform could take place, setting precedent for the overall goal of achieving justice as well as the broader society in terms of recognition. Following Mabo v. Queensland (No.2), the Commonwealth Government passed the Native Title Act (1993), which saw the official recognition of native title. Native Title is defined in Section 61 of the Act as the rights and interests of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders observed under traditional custom and recognised by the common law of Australia. This important step in changing Australian law and achieving justice for Aboriginal people was followed by the Native Title Amendment Act (1998), which saw changes to The Native Title Act after a push by the Howard Government in regards to the response to the Wik case and meant it harder to make registration of a claim and to increase interests of miners and pastoralists. This was met with much criticism, including the United Nations committee, on the Elimination of All forms of Racial Discrimination that found they breached the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination. This is an example of law reform once again,  to fir with changing attitudes, values and behaviours, as well as to reinforce and clarify parts of the act such as pastoral lease’s. It shows elements of positive and negative reform, as on one hand it shows a continuing, effective process, and on the other hand shows a change in the original intention. The effectiveness of law reform process in achieving just outcomes in regard to native title has shown to be effective through a constant law reform process. This process has seen the development of new ways, beliefs and values, as well as the abolishment of the doctrine of terra nullius, creating justice for Indigenous Australians then, now and into the future.

Monday, July 29, 2019

CHRONIC HEALTH PROBLEMS Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

CHRONIC HEALTH PROBLEMS - Assignment Example It affects the smooth lining in the joints leading to pain and notable stiffness. The cartilage of the joints thins and tissues become less active, leading to swelling (Crisp, Taylor & Douglas, 2013). The case also results in body spurs due to eroding of the bones at the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is common in women and is thrice more likely to affect women than men. The condition develops when the immune system of the body targets affected joints leading to pain and swelling. It affects the outer covering of the joints first and the spreads across the joint hence pain. People with the rheumatoid can also develop problems with other tissues and other body organs (Crisp, Taylor & Douglas, 2013). The common clinical manifestations of the arthritis condition include long-term inflammation of the joint areas, affecting the bones and muscles in that joint. The patient also depicts aspects of stiffness in movement, swelling of the tendons and eyes. It can also reflect in swelling of the neck and in cases where it affects other tissues or organs, it can reflect as pain in those organs. Mr. Elliot is 70 years of age and suffers from chronic arthritis. In the interview, he says he began developing symptoms of pain and swelling of the ankle joints at the age of 52 years. However, at this time, he sought treatment for pains thinking it was a normal joint defect resulting from his past career. Mr. Elliot was a professional footballer and at his formative years, he spend alit of time exercising, and in the process suffered multiple joint injuries. Therefore, when the condition started developing, he thought it was from the injuries he suffered at his young age playing football. However, he condition worsened, persisting for over 8 years, before he sought professional care. He learnt it was osteoarthritis at age of 60 years. Currently, he understands the cause of the condition and its impact to his health and lives positively, while undertaking

Sunday, July 28, 2019

International Business Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

International Business Management - Assignment Example However, the company remains pressed for resources and cannot afford to make the wrong decision when it comes to entering a new market. It is currently not in a position to bear high political, economic or regulatory risks. To this end, great potential exists in BRIC countries as the growth potential in these nations tends to be higher compared with the U.S. The founder of Genicon must, therefore, decide whether or not to enter the BRIC markets and, if so, which of these markets to enter. This decision must be made vis-a-vis the decision to continue to expand in European regions such as Germany. It is recommended that Genicon enters Brazil owing to low political risks and smooth regulatory environment. 2. Problem statement Genicon faces the problem of whether to enter into developed markets such as Germany or focus on existing markets or enter into BRIC countries. If it chooses to enter the BRIC economies then which economy should Genicon enter for maximizing its profits and growth p otential and minimizing its risks? 3. Analysis Genicon possesses over 10 years of experience in the sale of laparoscopic instruments within and outside U.S (Kupetz, Tindall, & Haberland, 2010). Internationalization may be active or proactive (Wild & Wild, 2012). However, Genicon’s internationalization has been largely proactive to take advantage of favorable business opportunities. Furthermore, the current marketing and distribution environment required firms to sell through GPOs which favored large companies owing to financial structure (Kupetz, Tindall, & Haberland, 2010). Hence, Genicon’s sales in the U.S were declining (Kupetz, Tindall, & Haberland, 2010). Additionally, international markets were providing higher growth rates as far as the market for MIS was concerned. Theory attributes internationalization to the strategic intent of the founder (Wild & Wild, 2012). The case suggests Genicon’s founder- Haberland to have had interest in entering emerging mark ets owing to their high growth rates. However, the biggest concern encompassing Genicon is which BRIC market to enter. It is important to analyze each BRIC economy from the perspective of various factors. Global legal issues such as intellectual property which faces threat of piracy may be important considerations for international businesses (Wild & Wild, 2012). In terms of the legal environment, India offered improvement in terms of shorter product launch times and tighter IP laws. Russia offered weak enforcement laws whereas China offered uncertain, slow and weak regulatory procedures (Kupetz, Tindall, & Haberland, 2010). Brazil, on the other hand, offered â€Å"internationally accepted† regulatory standards with the prospective introduction of the four-tier system (like that in the EU) which was favorable for Genicon. Considering that the role of government intervention is critical factor for startups, the BRIC countries need to be analyzed in terms of this aspect as well . India has been heading towards privatization. Political ideologies may range from being anarchist ( whereby personal and private groups have liberty) to totalitarian (where every aspect of people’s lives is controlled) (Wild & Wild, 2012). Pluralism exists in the middle whereby both public and private groups coexist (Wild & Wild, 2012). China seems to have moved towards pluralism in the wake of globalization with the

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Ethics of Biological Warfare Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ethics of Biological Warfare - Essay Example Contemporary wars are characterized by the use of biochemical and nuclear weapons rather than manual force. Thus, contemporary wars have erupted on all levels ranging from domestic to international. The increase of knowledge in such fields as nuclear physics, chemistry, biology and radiology has generated a fear among the scientists about the potential of the modified pathogens to comprise overwhelming agents for the warfare. This paper briefly discusses the history of warfare and the ethics of science’s role in the advancement of modern warfare in general and the chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) warfare in particular. The evolution of all sorts of weaponry can fundamentally be attributed to the dual-use dilemma. Researchers may not be intending to develop something potentially harmful, yet they assume great tendency to do so while experimenting with noble intentions. A research done in 2001 demonstrates the dual-use dilemma. In this research, the researc hers’ efforts were directed at creating a contraceptive vaccine for the pest control, but on their way, researchers ended up developing a bioweapon. Australian researchers hypothesized that introducing a gene that creates large amounts of interleukin-4 (IL-4) into mice would stimulate antibodies against mouse eggs and render the animals infertile†¦The scientists chose a benign mousepox virus†¦[that] killed all of the mice in the study. IL-4 suppressed the immune system, making it unable to fight the mousepox virus. With no defensive launched by the immune system the virus was 100 percent lethal. The virus was significantly lethal even in mice vaccinated against this particular strain of mousepox. (Nowak cited in Reyes). The same technique can be used for the humans since the human smallpox is equivalent to the virus of the mousepox. Before getting their research report published, the Australian researchers seeked guidance from Australia’s Department of Defenc e regarding their proceedings. Jackson, one of the researchers said, â€Å"We wanted to warn the general population that this potentially dangerous technology is available. We wanted to make it clear to the scientific community that they should be careful, that it is not too difficult to create severe organisms† (Jackson cited in Nowak). This also speaks of the fact that many techniques have been brought to the attention of the concerned parties by the scientists with the positive intention of warning them against such experiments. It is hard to justify the development of nuclear weaponry by any standard of ethics until one country developed it for the first time. In the current circumstances, its development is inevitable given some countries that possess nuclear weapons can not be allowed to rule the world just because other countries don’t have them. Countries need nuclear weapons not because they want to attack others, but because they need to be sufficient in thei r self-defense. A nuclear war does not make anyone succeed as long as both the countries are in possession of the nuclear weapons. Even if not suddenly, many abnormalities show up eventually. Citizens of Heroshema and Nagasaki have retained the effects of nuclear war in their genes and many have thus lost the tendency to give birth to normal children. International treaties to outlaw the biological weapons have surfaced from time to time first in 1925 and then

Friday, July 26, 2019

Tongan cultural Diversity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Tongan cultural Diversity - Essay Example Majority of the people are farmers or fishermen. There are no major metropolitan areas in Tonga and the numerous islands are dotted by closely located villages. The Tongans or the Polynesians are a group that inhabit about hundred and fifty islands lying to the east of Fiji. The human population is neatly confined on islands that are separated by vast expanses of oceans. These islands vary in size, resources and degree of isolation. Each of these settlements developed their distinctive features in isolation. The wide variety of cultural differences found within the same group has been a cause of study by various ethnologists and archaeologists. Polynesia has been called a cultural laboratory because of the adaptive variation of a single culture on its far-flung islands and island groups (Davidson, 1977). Polynesia was isolated from other cultures but did have interactions with other cultural traditions. It developed some of its distinctive features through interaction with West Polynesia and Fiji. Similarities between the various West Polynesian cultures have been found due to the same origin. According to D’Arcy (2003), the Pacific Islanders were highly localized in their affinities and expansive in their interactions. As a result they embraced multiple cultural affinities, both local and regional. Western Polynesia consisted of two archipelagos – Tonga and Samoa and a few other smaller more isolated islands. All of these islands shared many common features with Fiji. Interaction with other communities meant that change could be very rapid and changes to one community’s circumstances could have regional implications. Distinct variants of the Polynesian language and culture can be noticed in each of the islands and even though the dialects differ, they can be recognized as dialects of a single language. in The Tongan island consists of smaller islands with a total

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Critically assess Wildavskys theory of the two presidencies Essay

Critically assess Wildavskys theory of the two presidencies - Essay Example The papers will critically asses Wildavsky’s theory with regard to the presidencies of President Franklin, D. Roosevelt, President George W. Bush and President Bill Clinton to establish whether foreign and domestic policies operate as dichotomies or they operate in reciprocity. The American politics has always been characterized by critical analysis of the policies adopted by presidents and how these policies impact on the values, beliefs and perception of the American people. The way the Americans perceive the policies usually determine the popularity of presidents and whether they will only rule for one term or two terms. A retrospective analysis on the approaches taken by American presidents reveals that there exists a dichotomy in relation to how American presidents shuffle their political cards in their bid to push forwards certain agendas that they deem important for the American nation. The Dichotomy is clearly brought out in Wildavsky’s theory of Two Presidencie s.

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Sport injuries (athletes) Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Sport injuries (athletes) - Research Paper Example For better understanding of the rise of the sports related injuries, a graph has been mentioned that shows the difference between the numbers of sports injuries recently compared to 2004. Finally the research paper has been concluded by proving the thesis statement mentioned in the introduction. Sports injuries have been very common during athletic activities. Sport injuries can occur as a result of acute trauma or from overuse of a body part. Traumatic injuries generally occur as a result of high contact sports, such as football, rugby, ice hockey, American football etc. Collisions with other players and ground objects can lead to unexpected dynamic forces on joints and limbs, which can result in occurrence of injury on a single or multiple body parts. Strain, sprain, contusion, bone fracture, wound, spinal cord injury and head injuries are some common form of sports injury observed among the athletes and sports icons. Several prevention programs have been initiated by the sports authority in the modern world, in order to reduce the risks associated with injuries. This research paper illustrates the thesis statement. Sports injuries are very common symptom observed among athletes. In the year 1985, Ronnie Lott a famous NFL Football player misplaced one of his fingers as a result of a dangerous collision that occurred during the sport. Lott cut his finger off so that he could complete his sport season successfully. Super Bowl is an American sports event i.e. enjoyed by most of the people. American Super Bowl sometimes becomes very dangerous for players as it involves greater chances of accidents. In the year 1998, Terrell Davis a player from Denver Broncos got injured and fainted in the field while carrying the Super Bowl in his hand (Walker 72). This incident led to several complications and the player finally recovered completely after a good amount of time. Similar accidental case occurred in the soccer field and famous sportsman Anthony

Pettiness,jealousy,and selfishness abound in our daily interactions Essay

Pettiness,jealousy,and selfishness abound in our daily interactions with each other - Essay Example Among these vices, pettiness tends to thrive among people who have the same level of education. It is common to see people getting angry at small things like how the other looked at them or how others walk or talk. More so, it is common to see people creating enemies out of this pettiness. Instead of seeking to understand one another and the simple things that characterize us, some people will use these petty things to create enmity among one another. Thus, it is common to see neighbors who barely talk to each other despite being close neighbors. It is common to see people despising one another in a public bus despite having met and might probably never meet. With such attitudes, people forget that humans don’t live twice and fail to seize happiness whenever possible by being free with one another, understanding one another and loving their neighbors. Jealousy, unlike pettiness is seen among people that know each other and who are not ready to celebrate the achievements of others. Jealousy exists among family members, among friends and among those that you can never think could be jealous. It starts with admiration and then it goes beyond this. Sometimes, it can lead to destruction as others can do anything just to bring down their friends or those whom their jealousy is directed to. Jealousy is felt because of so many reasons such as because of someone’s beauty, wealth or even positions. People who are jealous might try to strive others from these things until they succeed In the end, it becomes like a disease that is hard to cure. Apart from these two is selfishness, which I have come to realize that is in many people. It is hard to find people who are not selfish. People with this problem are never willing to help others and the worse thing is that they want to be helped. They never want to share whether they have a lot or whether they don’t. Instead of sharing, which is one thing that keeps the society

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

The relationships between billionaire agribusinessmen in the US and Essay

The relationships between billionaire agribusinessmen in the US and new immigrant farmworkers from Mexico - Essay Example Knowing the present economic structure and the availability of these workers, this created a rift between the owners of the industries who is literally addicted to using â€Å"cheap† and illegal (undocumented) workforce and to the requirement of the American commoners to security. In this article, we will deal into the major issues strongly intertwined with illegal undocumented migration such as labor and unemployment issues (i.e. workforce rights’ violations) and illegal drug trade both in the United States and Mexico; furthermore we will also look into the government interventions and the changes it has extended to the labor sector not only to resolve the pressing conflicts between American and Mexican (as well as other minorities) workers but to entirely â€Å"improve† and restructure the present labor condition of the United States. During the post-World War II period, the United States government invested millions of dollars in agriculture reform and sponsored many farms to improve their technologies such as irrigation system and development of farm machineries. It was also during this period from 1942 to early 1960s that the United States encouraged these workers from Mexico, China, Japan and other parts of Asia to migrate in the U.S and work in their farms for cheap labor. Along with these workers are their families therefore starting up a steady enormous volume of migrants to reside along the agricultural lines of California and Washington. With the increasing number of migrants, the competition for labor between them and the native Americans became steeper to the point where unjust labor practices were implemented to curb, streamline and permanently impede the surge of migrants into key agricultural cities in America. These practices involved massive lynching of migrant workers from their job with barely j ustifiable reasons, deportation due to lack of appropriate documents and permits, lack of work benefits – all conditions are almost similar

Monday, July 22, 2019

North Richmond Street Essay Example for Free

North Richmond Street Essay The combination of emotions of loneliness, love, and the human condition of isolation will be the bridge by which the works, Araby by Joyce, Digging by Heaney, and The Stronger by Strindberg will be examined. Joyce’s story sets the reader up for a fantastical journey taking place at North Richmond Street. In Joyce’s personal style that mixes despondency and blindness. The story is set up to be themed after isolation, and the reader gets a sense of being ostracized. Joyce creates the scene by allowing the setting to have its own characterizations: such as the street being a blind street, the house being at the ‘blind end’. Even the two houses which Joyce disturbing includes in his personification seem conscious of their surroundings, so that the reader becomes fully aware of how eerily set is the landscape. Mangan’s sister is the obsession by which the narrator defines his daily routine. The description of this obsession allows the reader to forgo the likening to a sweetheart and delve into the less traveled trenches of a young boy’s heart and strike straight to love. The story however remains brilliant in its fantastical descriptions of the town, with violet skies, and the impatience of some of the characters. The ostracized nature of the story then becomes one of unrequited love which in its way begets loneliness, which is what troubles, and excites, the narrator, as Joyce writes, â€Å"†¦yet her name was like a summons to all my foolish blood. Her image accompanied me even in places the most hostile to romance. † It is in this power of speech which the narrator becomes entrapped. His lack of gumption defines his loneliness and yet he remains constant through his passion for her. Then, the conversation of going to Araby lights up the narrator’s life. It seems that the best and well thought out theme of the story is that of awe: awe of the girl he loves, and then awe of Araby, as Joyce writes, â€Å"I recognized a silence like that which pervades a church after a service. † However, this awe is short lived, and Joyce transports the reader back into that initial state of despondency and weariness of the human heart, as he writes, â€Å"Gazing up into the darkness I saw myself as a creature driven and derided by vanity; and my eyes burned with anguish and anger† and it is with this anger caused by lost determination, and love, that pervades the essence of the story. Along a similar vein, Seamus Heaney suggests in his poem Digging a slightly more cerebrally active loneliness. The danger in this poem becomes apparent in the first stanza in which the narrator suggests how the â€Å"pen rests; as snug as a gun†, which permits the reader to imagine a theme in the poem equivalent to Joyce’s isolation in Araby. The second stanza reveals an even more macabre scene in which the father of the poem is digging a grave: although the grave at this point may not be a literal grave but perhaps a grave built from years of a job digging potatoes, the essence of a son witnessing a father dig his own grave as it were suggests, not empathy for the parent but rather a gloomy sense of expectancy from the son. This expectancy allows the speaker to put the idea forth to the reader that acceptance of death can be met with anger and cynicism. This cynicism is highlighted by Heaney when he writes, â€Å"By God, the old man could handle a spade† and furthermore, â€Å"Just like his old man. † which tells the reader the speaker is seeing his own future played out from previous generations. Although hesitancy and awe are a bit twisted in this work of literature, the elements from Araby still remain the same; that of a mounting disparagement, in not gaining the things the speaker’s want and the feeling that they’ve met their limit and they fell short. In other words, both works created a world in which the main character in control of their fate was the lack of something: hope. There is no hope in either work; its essence is bashed away, especially in Heaney’s lines, â€Å"But I`ve no spade to follow men like them†. In the end of both stories, the theme of cynicism becomes apparent. The Stronger by August Strindberg is a play in which identity is the focus, and the human emotions which allow the characters to learn, advance, or perhaps share their life story, is trickled through to the reader through irony, and poor circumstances. The play begins with Frau X complaining about the other being alone on Christmas. Here the reader again is witness to the theme of isolation. Although in Araby the isolation was from the self’s inability to act in an emotional state, and in Heaney’s work the isolation was from breaking the tradition of digging, the speaker’s heritage passed from father to son, and ending in a grave, the isolation in The Stronger is one in which isolation is a choice. It is difficult at times to worry into the character’s psyche without knowing a background story of cause and effect but in The Stronger the feeling of choice in any given moment pervades the pages so strongly that the reader is left only with a feeling that the character’s purpose in wanting to be alone can only be given without a sense of despondency. It is with Frau X’s determination in becoming an identity outside of the personality of Mlle Y that best describes the climax of the play. There is action in this play as with the previous stories which suggest character development, whether or not it’s in a positive or negative way; it is progression in the character. Although love was an underscoring element in each story it is with the element of loneliness, and fear which allow each character to develop into themselves, and reveal their inner self to the reader that remains with the reader after the stories are told. In Joyce’s story the boy loves, but cannot act upon that love, being stultified by his emotional state, and driven into a type of fear of speaking, even to the woman who would have sold him a vase for his girl. In Heaney’s poem, the idea of escaping from a history of digging is troublesome, and yet he makes a choice to severe the bonds which could call him to the fate of his father, and father’s father. In The Stronger it is clear to the reader that choice is the main theme of the play; choice to become ones own person and not give into the demands of the other characters. Work Cited Portable Literature: Reading, Reacting, Writing. 6th Edition. Maryland: Kirszner and Mandell Publishing Co. , Thomson Wordsworth, 2007.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Efficient Technology To Save Energy In Construction Environmental Sciences Essay

Efficient Technology To Save Energy In Construction Environmental Sciences Essay The literature review has numerous objectives. These objectives exist to assist the researcher dealing with the relevant problem to give meaning to the findings. The more information the researcher can collect, the more the researcher can undertake the relevant research problem stated (Leedy, 2005:65). This chapter will discuss what importance green energy has on the saving of natural resources and energy in South Africa. The result of previous studies on the related research problem is analysed and discussed. 2.2 The introduction of Green Energy to the environment Green Construction has only been in use since the 1970s, making it a relatively new concept. Green Building is not just for environmentalists, but for all people who like to breathe clean air (Montoya, 2010). Gibberd (2009) stated that Green Energy in South Africa is still a relatively new concept, although awareness has dramatically increased in the last two years (2007-8) due to: Electricity shortages More local awareness of potential water shortages Rising global awareness of climate change issues Demand from international organisations operating in South Africa. Buildings consume a major amount of the worlds energy. Most of the structures that are built and inhabited are highly inefficient in their energy use. For example; Inefficient heating and cooling systems and poorly designed lighting systems can increase a buildings energy use significantly. Energy generation is one of the greatest contributors to global pollution. Inefficient energy use also affects a buildings long-term operational cost (Montoya, 2010). Kibert (1994) explain sustainable construction as creating the environment healthy by utilizing resource efficient, ecologically foundation principles. This highlights the acceptance of construction and design techniques that are resource efficient and that will not compromise the associated health of the residents, builders, public, future generations or the health of the environment. The substantial negative environmental impacts of buildings have lead to the emerging concept of green buildings which are designed to be energy and water efficient, use non hazardous materials and provide healthy productive environments (Kilbert, 1994). 2.3 Discussing the different objectives in the form of a literature review, based on previous research 2.3.1 Different types of Green Energy Technology to be utilize 2.3.1.1 Wind energy Wind energy uses the power of the wind to produce electricity. A wind turbine the modern equivalent of the windmill uses the winds energy to generate electricity. It is the biggest work producer and is required strong winds. Wind turbines are large and, the area below the turbine can be use for farming due to the reason that it use small space, it may be unattractive looking equipment. Wind turbines also make a noise to operate (Hick, 2002). Wind power is possibly the technology with the best potential to provide large amounts of clean, renewable energy in the decades to come. Wind turbines are already a cost-competitive source of electricity in a number of parts of the country. Wind power, like some other forms of renewable energy, is an irregular resource. Wind turbines can only generate electricity when the wind is blowing (Sargent, 2006). Wind energy systems fairly low costs have also helped in decreasing our trust on the traditional natural resources. Use of wind power plants is environmentally friendly, and helps to keep the general environment clean with continuously supply of clean, inexpensive energy, that can be transmitted to many homes and buildings (Habjance, 2010). By using wind energy instead of conventional one based on natural resources, you will be able to not only decrease your electricity bills but youll also help our planet recover from pollution and climate change problem (Habjance, 2010). 2.3.1.2 Hydropower Hydropower use water to produce energy. This is the most constant of green energy sources. Disadvantages that occur are it have an effect on the ecology and lead to downstream problems. The decomposition of soil and vegetation along the riverbed can cause the build-up of methane. Methane is a causal gas to greenhouse effect (Perry, 2002). Hydropower is the cheapest way to generate electricity today. No other energy source, renewable or non-renewable, can match it. Producing electricity from hydropower is cheap because, once a dam has been built and the equipment installed, the energy source which is flowing water is free (McGraw, 2009). Hydropower enjoys several advantages over most resources of electricity power, including reliability, low operating cost, doesnt produce waste products, acid rain or greenhouse gases (Draper, 2003). A dam on the river, which store water in a reservoir, is the most common type of hydropower plant used. Water thats being released from the reservoir flows through a turbine, which leads it to spin, which turn on a generator to generate electricity. Hydroelectric power doesnt require a large dam to operate. Hydropower plants can use a water canal to channel water through a turbine (Konrad, 2010). Hydropower doesnt pollute the air but construction and work of the dams can affect natural water systems and also affect wildlife and fish population Hydropower today provides about 20 % of the worlds electricity and is the main energy source for more than 30 countries (Eastley, 2008). 2.3.1.3 Solar energy Solar Energy uses the sun to generate energy. It is beneficial because the method can be installed in an existing building and it does not use space. The area which the solar energy collectors utilize is large, which lead to more materials used. Solar radiation is controlled by geography, which is dependent on daytime. Solar energy technology is limited to non-cloudy days and daytime hours (Hick, 2002). Solar energy like the other renewable energies available is safe and also environmentally friendly. No emissions occur, due to the fact that the sun is the fuel, unlike coal-powered stations (Draper, 2003). Solar power is electricity generated from the levels of natural energy contained within the suns rays. The sun shines down on our earth, providing solar energy to the surface. This solar energy is usually recognized as solar radiation and contains a large amount of energy we are able to harness (Eastley, 2008). Solar power is the most common form of renewable energy in each region, used by over half (52%) of industry professionals today and expected to grow to 76% in the next five years. The most dramatic growth is expected in wind power use (57% expected in 2013, up from 20% today), followed closely by geothermal power (expected to double from 22% today to 45% in 2013) (McGraw, 2009). Solar energy technologies use the energy and light of the sun to generate heat, cooling, electricity, industry and businesses. A large variety of different technologies have been developed that can take advantage of solar energy (Anselmo, 2003). When solar power technology is in position to transfer it to valuable energy, the fuel is free and will never be affected by the energy market. It symbolize a clean alternative to the fossil fuels which currently pollute the air and water, contribute to global warming and threaten public health. Given the great quantity of solar energy, this will play an important role in the future (Anselmo, 2003). 2.3.1.4 Geothermal Energy Geothermal energy is heat inside the Earth. This heat can be as steam or hot water and can be use to generate electricity and heat buildings. The environmental impact of geothermal energy depends on how it will be utilized (Draper, 2003). Cameron (2005) stated that geothermal energy is a very efficient and powerful manner to obtain renewable energy from earth through natural route. This can be executed on small scale to provide heat for residential unit, or on a large scale for energy production through a geothermal power plant. Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source because the heat is constantly generate inside the Earth. Geothermal energy is used around the world to heat homes and to generate electricity by excavating deep holes and pumping steam or hot water to the surface. The use of stable temperatures near the surface of the Earth can heat and cool buildings (Eastley, 2007). Energy in the ground is actually stored energy from the sun. At six feet below the surface, the earths temperature is a constant 10-15Â °C (40-60Â °F) all year round. This latent energy is a steady heat source, even in the coldest winter (Smith, 2002). The pressure of the thermal energy increases with depth, the temperature of the Earth increases when getting to centre. The global average for Earths geothermal gradient is in the region of 30Â °C/km (Smith, 2002). 2.3.1.5 Biomass Energy Biomass is the oldest fuel known to humanity and is still widely used in developing countries, where it accounts for about 35% of primary energy consumption. Biogas can be utilized for electricity production on sewage plants and used conveniently for heating, cooking, space-heating and water heating (Montoya, 2010). Biomass is a clean renewable energy resource produced from waste of natural and human activities. Biomass excludes organic material, which in geological processes transform into material such as coal and petroleum (Draper, 2003). Biomass energy offers an alternative source of energy. The use is environmentally friendly due to the fact that the biological mass is reduced, recycled and the used again (Anselmo, 2003) 2.4 The availability of Green Energy Technology and Resources in South Africa South African designers are aware of Green designing and it is one of the most compelling factors when designing a building, but African professionals have completely different design considerations that instigate constraints in attaining green architecture (Cadrecha, 1997). South Africa has a great quantity of resources for wind, and has large space of open land and infrastructure, which have the potential to become a wind powerhouse. A single province alone, wind has the potential to produce 10 times the national wind energy estimates. Even though is highly favoured by green lobbyists, wind power has problems to conquer. It costs can be up to three to four times as more than a coal-generated power (Lawrence, 2006). Eskom calculated that the reasonable working wind resource on the coasts is approximately 1 000 megawatts. Wind farms can be built fairly quickly; will take a year to build one that will provide 100 megawatts (Gcabashe, 2004). Nations such as Denmark have shown that it is possible to obtain as much as 20 percent of their electricity supplies from the wind. While wind industry analysts suggest it is possible to have up to 40 percent wind power as part of a smoothly functioning electricity grid (Sargent, 2006). According to Eskom (2008) it will use its proposed $3.75-billion World Bank loan to roll out lower carbon technologies, such as important solar-thermal and wind power, as well as to fund construction of the Medupi coal-fired power station. Lemercier (2009) noted that a factor is the lack of ability to move past its coal dependability, and the funding from the government to Eskom and its coal objective. A starting point for this would be dealing with the issues of renewable energy and putting a stop to the monopoly of Eskom. South Africa is in front between the rests of the African countries when it comes to incorporate alternative/renewable energy sources. Wind, biofuels, solar, and potential wave energy are among South Africas growing awareness (Lemercier, 2009). Njobeni (2010) stated that green building is becoming the standard between hotel chains and large companies and while a 34% decrease in carbon emissions is very motivated, if any country can do it, so can South Africa. According to South Africa Wind Energy Statistics 2004, there are approximately 30 000 windmills in our country. Wind energy is the fastest developing of all renewable energy and one of the inexpensive renewable energy sources available. It can be soon the cheapest way to generate energy on large scale, but can be more costly than other energy sources. The benefits for ecology make it a very acceptable energy source, in areas with appropriate climate conditions (Draper, 2006). South Africa has good wind potential, particularly at the coastal areas of Eastern and Western Cape. The Klipheuwel wind farm is operating close to Cape Town and the Darling wind farm is likely to operate early 2007 (Gcabashe, 2004). (Draper, 2009) stated that South Africa has a substantial growth area for green energy. The need to meet growing electricity demand, combined with the need to reduce carbon emissions in response to the pressures of climate change, means there is great potential to use the countrys abundant of wind and solar energy resources. South Africa has fair potential for hydroelectric, and the establishment of small hydroelectric projects can help provide a sustainable future energy contribution. There are 6 000 to 8 000 potential sites in South Africa suitable for small hydropower-utilization under 100 megawatts (Lemercier, 2009). Steiner (2008) stated that with the abundant of natural resources, South Africa is consider as a primary candidate for increased utilization of renewable energy. The country is dependent on coal burning for power generation, although having a number of hydroelectric plants and only one nuclear power station. Every energy source, whether its green or otherwise, it requires energy. The generation of this energy will create pollution during its production. Green energies impact is minimal (Cameron, 2004). Wong (2006) stated that new energy sources are available for almost every one and it is free to use. Energy sources like the wind, water and sunshine are for everybody and are free to use. Technology is just required to convert these sources in to useful energy. The present installed hydropower in South Africa reached a capacity of 2,267 MW, generating on average annually about 4,368 GWh. This represents about 2, 3% of the total energy output in South Africa (Klunne, 2009). Khumalo (2008) stated that the largest hydroelectric power plant, Drakensberg Pumped Storage Facility, in South Africa is 1 000 megawatt, part of a larger design of water management that delivers water from the Tugela River to the Vaal watershed. Earth prevents a large quantity of energy radiated by the sun. After absorption and reflection in the earths atmosphere, the total radiation reaching the land area is roughly 1 kilowatt per square meter at noon on a sunny day. Direct solar energy can heat water or buildings and generate electricity in solar cells (Cameron, 2005). Areas in South Africa average 2Â  500 hours of sunshine per year, and the average solar radiation levels range between 4.5 and 6.5kWh/m2 in one day. The annual 24-hour global solar radiation average is about 220 W/m2, when compared to the USA with about 150 W/m2, and Europe and the United Kingdom about 100 W/m2. South Africas resource is thus one of the highest in the world (Cameron, 2005). McGraw (2004) stated that the utilization of solar energy is the most available resource in South Africa. It provides a number of potential uses and the solar-equipment industry is developing. Biomass is renewable, the making of waste products will always be occurring, plants and trees die and the cycle will always continue. This ensures that sources will always contribute to biomass (Cameron, 2005). South Africas Bio-energy project is established in Durban. The Ethekwini (Greater Durban) Municipality use gas from three of its landfills to produce electricity to the city. New plant such as PetroSA, Mosselbay is also in operations (van Heerden, 2006). Sargent (2006) estimates that there is potentially 1.26 billion GJ of energy available annually from biomass residues. Biomass energy could thus theoretically provide 50 % of the national demand. Several types of alternative energy are easily available, commercially feasible and practically applicable (van Heerden, 2006). 2.5 The importance of Green Energy in modern environment Renewable resources have a lack of ability to make carbon-based warming and polluting the air and water. The cost of the resources is not always cost-effective, however if the environmental costs of utilizing fossil fuels are accounted for, renewable energy is the greatest practice to deal with. The indirect savings on health and there are no harmful emissions (Leipoldt, 2001). Renewable energy does not reduce natural resources nor does it destroy the environment. Renewable energy technologies tap into natural cycles and methods, convert the available and current energy into usable forms, the saving of energy and natural resources is crucial in our country as well as planet (Muller, 2002). Previously studies shown that the concern and awareness of the public about global warming is not only a purpose of logical information. Both sociological and psychological factors have an influence on the enthusiasm of the general public to accept the reality of global warming, and to support the climate policies (Sandvik, 2008). Even though renewable energy sources have energy security characteristic and positive environmental, most renewable technologies are not capable to compete economically with fossil fuels through the projection time outside some of the regions (Battle, 2010). Winkler (2003) invested that renewable energy and energy efficiency is important to reduce the negative economic, social and environmental impacts of energy production and consumption in South Africa. Renewable energy contributes relatively little to primary energy and even less to the consumption of commercial energy. Winkler (2003) stated that the Ethekwini project illuminate 9 000 homes which necessitate 10 Megawatts of electricity to be produced. Amount up to 80 000 tons of coal could be saved annually, which would be burnt and contribute to the greenhouse gasses currently present in the atmosphere. Biomass energy brings abundant environmental benefits; reduce water and air pollution, reducing erosion and increasing the soil quality, and improving wildlife habitat (McGraw, 2005). Renewable energy sources are wonderful options because it is limitless. It wont run out, as fossil fuels will eventually run out on which electricity currently depends upon. Also another great benefit from using renewable energy is that many of them do not pollute our air and water they way burning fossil fuels does (Hick, 2007). Even in view of the scarcity of the supply if fossil fuels as a source of power, it makes important sense to be actively considering using alternative forms of energy (Anaya, 2006). South Africa depends a great deal on fossil fuels and nuclear power stations to generate its electricity supply. The result is a system that lacks diversity and security, threatens the health of people, prevent future generations from clean air, clean water and energy independence and jeopardize the constancy of planets climate, (Winkler, 2003). According to Smith (2002) renewable energy resources is capable of meeting an important proportion of South Africans energy needs, and can help ease the problems of power shortages, power shutdowns and saving on natural resources. A commitment to renewable energy development can: Increase economic development and creates new family wage jobs Create competition to control and prevent fossil fuel prices to increase Protect the economy from fossil fuel price increases and supply shortages or disruptions Reduce a growing reliance on imported electricity ad fuel Protect the natural resources for the future generations Most renewable energy finances are used on workmanship and materials to construct and maintain the facilities, rather than on expensive energy imports. Renewable energy investments are generally in the nation. Meaning that, energy money stays home and creates jobs and fuels the local economies (Cadrecha, 2009). Estimates show that natural resources can only supply our energy demands for another fifthly to seventy years. With the discovery of alternative energy sources, the world has start focusing on renewable energy sources as the answer. There are many disadvantages and advantages to this (Hick, 2002). 2.5.1 Advantages Renewable energy sources have environmental, health, economic and cost advantages over fossil fuels. Environmental No contribution to global warming No polluting emissions We can use it repeatedly without depleting it Health Healthier and safer indoor and outdoor surroundings Personal pleasure Renewable energy sources are vital to sustainable human life on earth Economic and Cost Low cost applications when counting all costs Enhanced asset value and profits Reduced operation costs Require less maintenance on their plants Fit into existing buildings and it does not affect land use 2.5.2 Disadvantages Difficult to produce large quantities of electricity required While it is also new technologies, it is costly to initiate Availability of skills and knowledge The economical benefits United States of America will achieve with utilization of Green Energy by 2025 Job Creation 297,000 new jobs from renewable energy expansion Economic Development $263.4 billion in new capital investment $13.5 billion in income to farmers and ranchers, and $11.5 billion in new local tax revenues. Consumer Saving $64.3 billion in lower electricity and natural gas bills by 2025 Climate Solutions Two percent reduction in power plant global warming pollution from todays levels by 2025-the equivalent of taking 45.3 million cars off the road. The impact of green energy technology from the governments point of view Renewable energy have numerous important points to South Africa, it reduces the demand on the electricity network, put a stop to the need for additional power stations to be built to meet demand for power and keeping electricity cost. Lastly it creates opportunities for the introduction of the creation and funding of incentives for projects and products (Eskom, 2009). The considerable negative environmental impacts of buildings have led to the emerging concept of Green Buildings which are designed to be water and energy efficient, use non hazardous materials and provide healthy productive environments, and also reduce their energy consumption to less than half of what a conventional building uses (CIDB, 2009). South Africa generate approximately 34 000 megawatts of electricity to supply the present requirement, and this figure is increasing annually. The greatest economical method available is to utilize the natural resources supplies of low-quality coal (Eskom, 2009). AGAMA (2003) stated that a study evaluated the role that renewable energy could play in job creation. The projected electricity demand for the year 2020 is expected to be 267 TWh, increasing from the 2000 electricity generation figure of 181 573 GWh. If an additional 62 TWh is to be generated by renewable energy technologies and coal capacity, around 52 000 jobs will be created, which have a good impact on the jobless in South Africa. 2.7 The cost implication involved with Green Energy South Africa lagged behind in the implementation of solar water heating mainly due to the high costs involved. A typical residential solar water heating system reduces the need for conventional water heating by about two-fifths (Gibberd, 2008). Hick (2002) stated that one of the causes there are not a large amount of solar energy technology systems and installations is by reason the cost involved, as the cost of fossil fuels stays lower than the first investment towards the present availability of solar panels, there will not be a large shift towards solar electricity construction. Green energy technologies are a costly action and can be argue if the investments are meaningful. If a person feels that the technology investment is worth it, the technology is available to be used. For corporation, individual and housing there are remarkable technologies on the market. Businesses that concentrate in these energy sources are advancing and new concepts are being develop that are better (Wong, 2008). Wind and solar are intermittent technologies which can only be utilize if the resources are available. When built, the costs of operating wind or solar technologies when there source is available is generally much less than the cost of operating conventional renewable generation. But high construction costs can make the total cost to build and operate renewable generators higher than those for conventional power plants (Cassidy, 2010). What is the cost per kWh for wind/solar/geothermal? Can be difficult to answer (Konrad, 2009). Some of these revenues have been used for public expenses, but usually on social goods such as national electrification rather than environmental benefits. The challenge for renewable electricity is that these factors have enabled Eskom to keep tariffs low Cassidy, 2008). The National Energy Regulator of SA last year announced SAs renewable energy feed-in tariffs, which the renewable industry said were attractive enough to stimulate investment (Njobeni, 2010). The higher the demand for electricity increase, the more power stations are compulsory. This will lead to large requirement of capital in turn, it will increase the consumer energy costs (van Heerden, 2010). With government encouragement to utilize wind and solar technologies, their costs have come down and are now in the same league as the increased costs of fossil fuel technologies due to likely carbon emission charges on electricity generation from them (Cassidy, 2005). Of course it is expensive. Not many energy sources can compete with fossil fuels on a purely economic basis. But we cant go on like this forever. Either we manage to make the difficult decisions required to move away from fossil fuels, or we will simply find ourselves at the mercy of events outside our control. My preference is for a planned transition, even if it is difficult (Rapier, 2004). Alternative energy in all its forms is not so far competitive on the price front for everyday users. It will work with help from the government subsidies or good corporate of the nation who will pay a premium to market them as being green (Muller 2008). Muller (2008) stated solar is more expensive than any other resources, but wind is in fact cheaper than a new gas plant or a new nuke, although it is not cheaper than a coal plant. According to Hansen (2009) its too expensive. At the moment fossil fuels are the cheapest form of energy. Kornevall (2007) stated that solar panels are so expensive at present that it is about 10 times more than fossil fuels when comparing it in terms of cost per unit of energy output which only wealthy people can afford to install them. When utilize the alternative energy technology is required to convert the energy sources into forms that can be used. This technology can be costly, but will save money in the future. Several governments are endorsing it, can profit from tax credits and other benefits. Therefore, at the best price the investment can be valuable for all parties (Young, 2008). Paul (2009) stated energy is becoming very costly and by utilizing it, it has negative side effects, for which the price is paying for. To avoid a condition where only the wealth people can effort it, the course should be change and different route should be taking into account. Although renewable energy is usually more costly than conventionally produced supplies, alternative power reduce pollution and to preserve fossil fuel (Waker, 2004). The price of electricity in South Africa is very low compared to other countries. Numerous countries have also embarked upon large build plans and programs and the gap between South Africa and the rest of the world is expanding (Eskom, 2009). 2.8 The barrier to installation, implementation and utilizing of Green Energy Technology According to Layham (2010) the following factors play a role in the prevention of Implementing Green Construction, in other words these are hindrances which needs to be dealt with in order for Green Construction to be implemented: Construction Products Characteristics of construction products should be optimized towards improving their sustainability performance, with considering the variables such as climate, culture, advancement of industrial development, and others. Manufacturing of Construction components can contribute to improving sustainable performance in various ways, ant typically they are 1) reducing the embodied energy of the components, 2) To alleviate the emissions from producing construction components CIDB (2009) stated, while Green Construction is not yet standard practice, and a relatively new concept, the need for Green Construction has drastically increased from 2007-2008 due to electricity shortages, water shortages, rising global awareness of climate change issues and the demand for international organisations operating in South Africa. Government agency (2009) stated that there is no need to tender but tariff will be required, and other says one must bid to generate renewable energy. This lends itself to investor ambiguity and confusion, which is a barrier to utilize the technology. According to Morris (2008) the entity that has control over the planning process can also influence the degree to which the renewable energy market can be opened, hence the fear that Eskom, if it develops the national plan, will once again dictate. Renewable energy market players believe that the market for renewable energy has major room for expansion, the renewable energy target could be expanded up to 15% rather than the currently predict 4% penetration, which takes us to the bottom of why who is tasked with the development of South Africas future energy plan is such a politically sensitive issue (Fakir, 2009). According to Munnik, AGAMA (2003) there is significant barriers to the further implementation of renewable energy that need to be addressed. The key issues include the following: Many renewable energy technologies remain expensive, on account of higher capital costs, compared to conventional energy supplies for bulk energy supply to cities and large industries. Implementation of renewable energy technologies needs significant initial investment and may need support for relatively long periods before reaching profitability. There is a lack of consumer awareness on benefits and opportunities of renewable energy. Financial, legal, regulatory and organisational barriers need to be overcome in order to implement renewable energy technologies. 2.9 Conclusion The purpose of this chapter was to outline the importance of Green Energy

The Impact Of ECommerce On Tesco Plc Information Technology Essay

The Impact Of ECommerce On Tesco Plc Information Technology Essay In 1919, Jack Cohen founded Tesco as he began to sell surplus groceries from a stall in the East End of London. On his first day, his profit was  £1 with total sales of  £4. In 1924, Jack sold his first own-brand product which was Tesco Tea and this was before the company was called Tesco. The name comes from the initials of TE Stockwell, who was a partner in the firm of tea suppliers, and CO from Jacks surname. In 1929 Jack Cohen opens his first Tesco store in Burnt Oak, Edgware, North London. 1932 and Tesco Stores Limited became a private limited company. Two years later in 1934, Jack Cohen bought a plot of land at Angel Road, Edmonton, North London to build a new headquarters and warehouse. It was the first modern food warehouse in the country and introduced new ideas for central stock control. Furthermore, in 1947, Tesco Stores (Holdings) Ltd floats on the Stock Exchange with a share price of 25p, and in 1956, the first Tesco self-service supermarket opens in a converted cine ma in Maldon. The list below shows further expansion by Tesco PLC within the subsequent years; Annual sales exceed  £2 billion Computerised checkouts introduced into the first Tesco stores 1983 Tesco Stores (Holdings) Ltd becomes Tesco PLC 1995 Would I Buy It initiative is launched to ensure that products are always of the highest quality for customers Tesco becomes the market-leading food retailer Tesco Clubcard is launched 1996 Tesco launches 24 hour trading 1999 Tesco enters South Korea Tesco launches a new on-line bookstore and on-line banking Tesco publishes supermarket price comparisons on the internet 2000 Tesco.com is launched 2004 Tesco enters China Tesco launches own-brand Fair-trade range Tesco Broadband is launched Tesco.com becomes first major British supermarket to enter music download market 2005 Tesco exits the Taiwanese market in an asset swap deal with Carrefour involving stores and operations in the Czech Republic Tesco Homeplus launches Tesco announces annual profits of  £2 billion 2006 Tesco Direct launches 2009 Tesco launches  www.tesco.com/clothing Clubcard re-launched in the UK with  £150 million investment offering customers the opportunity to double up their vouchers 2010 Tesco opens the worlds first zero-carbon supermarket in Ramsey, Cambridgeshire Tesco opens its first Lifespace mall in Qingdao, China. More information on the history and progress of the company throughout the years can be seen on the companys corporate website. Here are some common Tesco logos that can be seen around; http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQaFF1G-B2Pd3iXLWuhEoxiXI2BfXEPatERE12y9CX7VSkScZ http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS9vEIPDWGJMiMAThPnTWaTjp_LHes8YvMuQ5z_T6EhEzgSlyix http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQqpNKamt2FQnmOZthlHgFaRLyzlO_oRZDKWZ72QS6agwBy811Jhttp://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTGdVEEIbImv3nFiGQSkonLltz7w77rmlXaaTEEPeMovbxd5iBM http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTMe4aTQ6V4FOR4f6ULiORWC8nlEBcjLYJ-wu4ATwiFA8VpNt61 HOW TESCO USED TO DO BUSINESS. In Tescos early days, as seen from the original operations, grocery products were sold from market stalls until the first Tesco store was opened in North London in 1929. Then in 1934, the owner bought a plot of land to build a new headquarters and a warehouse and introduced new ideas for central stock control. In 1956 Tesco opened a self service supermarket in a converted cinema in Maldon which meant that people could go in and pick their own items of interest from the shelves and make their way to checkout points or tills for payment. Initially, Tescos marketing operations would have involved the use of TVs, Radio, newspapers, mail shots and billboards. Then in 1982, computerised checkouts were introduced into the first Tesco stores and the companys annual sales exceeded  £2 billion. Here we can see the integration of computerised operations including the centralised stock control to get a picture of the early stages of e-commerce making its way into the business operations. HOW E-COMMERCE HAS TRANSFORMED TESCOS METHOD OF WORKING. With the integration of computerised systems in operations both at stock control levels, database and checkout levels, Tesco launched the Tesco clubcard which allowed customers to earn points from every purchase they made. This involved a brief registration of the customers name, phone number and address details and the issuance of a personal card but this also meant that the company now had a database of loyal customers and every time these cards were used by a customer, Tesco could tell what had been purchased in order to calculate the points but in the process, the company could make predictions about certain goods and items and they could also send in offers and coupons to customers based on what they thought each individual customer would be interested in, either based on a previous purchase or based on a new product. This greatly allowed customers who had the clubcard to relate to Tesco on an almost personal shopping experience, but the underlying factor here was in the use of this particular e-commerce application amongst others. Then the company launched of the 24 hour trading in 1996, which at that stage had a lot to do with the application of computerised and electronic methods of operation, in ways that could maximise the efficiency of the companys operations from the warehouses to the tills. This involved electronic methods of stock control to assist with constant replenishment when necessary, time management, use of barcodes, Television and radio commercials, coupons and printed flyers promoting the organic range, etc. All this time, Tesco was also busy expanding their International branches to as far as Asia and in 1999, the company launched a new on-line bookstore and on-line banking and also published supermarket price comparisons on the internet. Here again we can see that the companys use of e-commerce is expanding at such a rate that competitors would have had to have their seatbelts well tight in order to catch up with this giant retailer. In the year 2000, Tesco launched Tesco.com which basically began the whole Tesco/internet revolution of shopping online with Tesco for almost every household product that the customers needed. With an online platform to advertise and sell products, Tesco.com had made a way for the company to deliver its grocery goods and some other services to customers in the comfort of their own homes and without the need to go to the stores. This was the closest to maximum convenience both for the customers who could now shop anytime and have their goods delivered at conveniently agreed times, and also for the company who could now reach a wider range of people both socially and geographically while at the same time reducing traffic in the stores. Customers could pick from all sorts of products including the free from products designed for customers with special dietary needs and there was just a wide range of flexibility for the customer regarding the whole shopping experience. Nowadays, the comp any can be accessed instantaneously via the World Wide Web on computers, laptops and even the mobile phone. Internally, the use of email, fax, databases, computer programmes, intranet and internet has enabled Tesco to maximise its operational capabilities as information can be accessed, processed and sent around important divisions within a short period of time. I.e. functions of purchasing, supply, accounts, management, marketing, sales, etc. Below are some Advantages and disadvantages of E-commerce to TESCO. THE ADVANTAGES OF E-COMMERCE. Elderly and disabled customers can shop within the comfort of their homes and all customers have access to a wider range of providers to choose from thereby enabling customer empowerment. Heightened customer service as customers are enabled to find detailed information online, and intelligent agents can also answer standard e-mail questions in seconds. Also, reviews posted by other customers about the products purchased on a website can help with decision making for the customer. The use of phone and e-mail has also improved communications between the company and the customer as queries and enquiries are usually made directly via these mediums. Customers also have a wider product range to choose from as they can view the contents of an entire store without physically walking around it, plus round the clock operations online which makes shopping accessible to customers on 24/7 basis. Reduces Time and money spent as travel time and cost, to and from the store, is eliminated, and with online vendors selling different product ranges at different prices, customers can find a product that best suits their financial and qualitative demands. In some cases, companies will often offer the same products for less if it is purchased online. E-commerce benefits for the company. Globalisation in terms of product promotion and sales to reach a wider range of consumers. More efficient inventory management and stock control to maximise product availability. Just in Time (JIT) warehousing to eliminate Location and availability restrictions thus saving costs for both the company and the customer. Corporate image to establish identity and trust which is necessary for direct sales and to affirm the brand image. The use of computerised databases, fax, email, computer-aided designs, intranet and the internet as a whole has also equipped Tesco with some necessary tools for maximising operations and communications. From sourcing and dealing with suppliers of products via email, phone and fax, through to marketing towards in-store and online sales and promotions via Television, radio, electronic billboards, internet sites , and finally for customer support via phone, email, etc, e-commerce has completely transformed how Tesco works today. THE DISADVANTAGES OF E-COMMERCE. Security and privacy of personal information as a lot of people are still quite sceptical about using their personal bank details for shopping online. Programmes like viruses could cause a website to shut down and could also affect customers computers as a result of using the website. Product quality and delivery of items could be different from what the customer might be expecting. Internet speed and bandwidth in certain areas may make it difficult for customers to use the website hassle free. Staffing. The more e-commerce improves, the less human labour that is required to carry out certain tasks and this can cause a lot of human positions to become downsized or rendered totally obsolete which is not favourable to the workers. This has also led to the addition of new skill sets (to cope with new operations) which could mean new staff, new job roles and titles, and in some cases also involves retraining current staff in order to keep up with technological changes and all these have had its financial costs to the company coupled with the financial costs of implementing the hardware needed for particular e-commerce- related upgrades. There have also been some social costs as a result of e-commerce as there are now new job roles and titles which people have to adapt to via a cultural change. Also, since most items can be sold online to a much wider audience while cutting the costs of traditional retailing methods, a company does not have to spend so much on an expensive High Street presence and this in turn means that the traditional social gathering of shoppers is gradually fading away. RISKS INCURRED IN INTRODUCING E-COMMERCE TO THE ORGANISATION Social Risks. In addition to the potential loss of revenue that declines in employee productivity can create due to certain applications of e-commerce, an inappropriate use of the companys resources can also put a strain on business infrastructure and therefore result in performance and availability issues, causing users who are participating in work-related activities to experience a slow down. Information risk is another social risk that is impacted by employee use of company resources for personal reasons. Protecting information assets from destruction, loss and corruption is an important preventative measure. As employees use the internet for activities such as shopping, social networking and web surfing, the threats to the company information assets are greatly increased. If employees are using these devices to access personal e-mail accounts or shop online, or are using their work e-mail accounts in relation to shopping, phishing becomes more likely. Phishing can result in many damaging scenarios for enterprises such as loss of customer data, loss of enterprise intellectual property and damage to enterprise data. Social risks on the part of the customers can involve trust for a company in using their services online, putting out their personal information for transactions on-line, and even a change from the old tradition of shopping to a completely new system of doing things. Unregulated on-line buying could become a significant social problem as e-commerce spreads. The compulsive buying tendencies of certain consumers coupled with their affinity for the Internet is cause for special concern. Beyond inefficiency in markets, there will be social costs from reduced productivity, personal bankruptcies, disrupted families and ruined lives. Chasing the problem with credit and psychiatric counselling will be expensive both in terms of tax dollars and human lives. By way of prevention, existing fair trade practices prohibiting deceptive promotions and pricing should be extended to e-commerce. Fortunately, many people recover from addictions on their own and many more can learn the self-control required to avoid them, with a little help. Software developed within the Internet community could help on-line consumers maintain self-regulation. It could extend bundling by automatically totalling purchases across sites and sessions and provide a running on-screen meter of expenditures and time spent shopping, to promote self-observation. Automatic filtering of sites, types of products, or product stimuli (e.g., jpg files with product images) that foster excessive purchases would reduce exposure to shopping stimuli. To bolster the judgmental sub-function, shoppers could be prompted to make a shopping list before entering e-commerce sites and receive on-screen warnings when they surpassed referential norms or family budgets. Self-reactions could be prompted by forcing shoppers to re-allocate budgets, relate unplanned purchases to initial shopping objectives or respond to remonstrative e-mails from significant others before completing a purchase. Financial Risks. All companies face financial risk, even if they only operate via the Internet. E-Commerce companies may face a harder time securing external financing because they may not have a lot of physical assets to use as collateral or indicate their long-term viability as a company. Banks and other lenders may require a higher level of personal capital involvement by owners and officers before lending money to the company. Generating a positive daily cash flow may also be difficult because of the fees involved with website protection, hosting, electronic shopping carts and credit card companies. These fees are required by vendors of E-Commerce companies and cannot be avoided. To mitigate these risks, E-Commerce companies must employ accountants or use a public accounting firm to ensure that no internal waste of cash is going on and all expenses are relevant to the operation of the company. Since there are regulations surrounding data protection, consumer protection, distance selling regulations, etc, the company faces a huge financial risk if any of these security measures are breached, and such measures could potentially cause the business to go bankrupt. In general, the security systems needed in place to ensure safety of customer information as well as physical infrastructure of setting up an entire e-commerce system, failure of the hardware and/or software, attack via virus or computer hacker, fire and flooding all poses serious financial risks to the company if the revenue does not meet up with the expenditure used to secure these factors. THE IMPACT OF E-COMMERCE ON ITS CONSUMERS. E-commerce has completely changed the way people look at making purchases and spending their money. It has certainly had some positive as well as negative impacts on the consumers. The Tesco system has been active in making sure that the consumers experience the positives while almost making the negatives non-existent. This system of commerce has affected consumers in the way that many people can now do most or all of their shopping on-line and within the comfort of their homes or anywhere with a computer and internet connection. This can especially come handy for people with very busy lifestyles, the aged or disabled people. This has translated as a kind of empowerment as people can make purchases round the clock and even have their goods delivered at suitable times as well. Also, customer service with e-commerce has enabled consumers to have access to a wide range of specific and detailed information about their goods and purchases online. Intelligent agents can answer standard e-mail queries in record time and the use of help desk software allows human expert services to be expedited with minimal stress. Consumers can now also make use of a service that allows them to fully customise their products and services in contrast to buying in a store where products are usually merely standard. E-commerce has also allowed people who would otherwise not be interested in the physical side of technology to have somewhat basic ideas of the systems they need to operate in order to make use of the e-commerce systems which in turn is a kind of education in terms of having that new knowledge of how things work. In the case of the Tesco club card, consumers have been greatly impacted as they feel a personal connection with their retailer of choice that seems to give something back in the way of points and also make relevant offers based on previous purchases or potentially relevant products. All in all, from the stores using electronic check-outs, centralised stock control, etc to the website where consumers just place their orders and wait for delivery to their doorsteps, e-commerce has had a generally positive impact on its consumers. HOW TESCO MET THE CHALLENGE OF NEW TECHNOLOGY. IT systems have played a key role in helping Tesco deliver strong profits. The Tesco website, in which it has invested heavily in during recent years, saw profits leap by 21 per cent to  £48 million, on the back of an almost equal percentage sales rise. Online grocery orders have lifted by 10 per cent to  £7.5 million. The company has always been ahead in embracing and implementing new technology with an open-minded and optimistic approach despite the social and financial challenges. Advanced in-store queuing systems had improved shopping for 26 million of its customers by reducing checkout lines, Tesco said. The supermarket chain is using heat-sensing technology to monitor lines at tills. It also said improved scanners, better self service tills, and checkout cameras were helping it reduce queues. Self-service checkouts now account for a fifth of all of Tesco transactions. The supermarket took steps in 2008 to ready its technology for the Christmas sales peak, implementing ExpeT une performance management software from Macro 4 to manage its mainframe servers. Tesco has invested heavily in IT over the years, and this has played a strong role in improving sales, the supply chain, and efficiency across the company. The company has an in-house designed supply chain application, running on IBM system p servers based on UNIX. The companys five-year old warehouse in Croydon, which serves south-east London customers only and was also the companys first dedicated online hub, became profitable in 2008. The warehouse handles orders with a value of over  £1 million per week. Sales in non-food business Tesco Direct increased to  £180 million from a virtual standing start. The business, which is part of Tescos general merchandise division and has 11,000 items for sale online, had start-up costs and initial operating losses totalling around  £25m this year. Tesco said it is aiming to absorb these losses. Launched in 2006, Tesco Direct experienced IT problems that re portedly delayed its opening. The supermarket giant has 3,000 staff working at its offshore site in India, providing IT and administrative support around the world, including the recently launched US operation Fresh n Easy. The Indian site provides software development, as well as accounting and payroll services. Tesco also has a long running application development deal with Steria-owned outsourcer Xansa, targeted at ensuring its systems are up to date and in line with business needs. In store, Tesco continued to benefit from thermal imaging technology at checkouts, which speeds up queues and helps the store manage the flow of people and direct them to other tills. The company has a one in front policy, meaning that if more than one customer is in front of anyone at a checkout; it aims to open another till if one is available. Outsourcing and partnerships are other ways in which Tesco has been able to meet new technological challenges. In the case of their energy consumption, Tesco has outsourced the monitoring and regulation of this function to the HSE group to achieve the targeted reduced energy and carbon emissions by monitoring the plant and systems installed to ensure that they run and operate at their optimum. Their scope of services include: Energy monitoring, Plant performance, Management information, System improvement, Minor works and Maintenance. Their key objectives were To monitor the performance of new technologies, To provide feedback on plant and system performance, Management information is provided in a usable format and on a timely basis, Incremental improvements that will contribute to ongoing savings are identified and implemented, To be able to share findings from system performance, technologies and innovations. We have learned from our experience that there is often a frustrating gap between being able to identify the technology that is needed whether on low-energy lighting or lower-emissions refrigeration and being able to purchase and apply that technology commercially. We will work with our suppliers to reduce and hopefully eliminate this gap. Sir Terry Leahy (former CE0 of Tesco Plc). With the pace of consumer technology rapidly developing, Tesco now stocks an increased range of electrical products in-store and online. Responding to consumer demand, the retailer introduced Tesco Tech Support in 2008, making friendly faces available to expertly answer consumer technology queries, guiding them to choose the right product. Continuing to grow, the service now has more than 1000 expert advisors across the UK at 200 Tesco Extra stores and a dedicated UK call centre. The new http:///www.tescotechsupport.com website was created by an in-house team at FuturePlus. The site supplements dedicated online editorial content with all-new how-to tech videos fronted by Tesco Tech Support employees. THE SECURITY ISSUES IT ENCOUNTERED. TECHNOLOGICAL ISSUES. Some of the technological security issues the company encountered include the following which could have had disastrous effects on the organisation; User authentication: A user name and password combination, where the password can vary in length and include numbers and characters. Remember to include a system that prompts employees to change their passwords at regular intervals. Viruses: A computer virus is a bug that affects your computer in many ways, it can come from almost any source like disks but mostly from the internet or emails, it can copy itself and manipulate a computers files. It can alter or even destroy company computers and also the computers of users who log on to such services. By installing anti-virus protection, the company can protect against viruses from affecting the computer. Firewalls and performance: Effectively, installing a firewall can slow down the computer depending on what it does, and where it came from. Firewalls are programs that monitor traffic, which is the incoming and outgoing data communication that takes place when the user is online. The software needs to be configured to permit or deny communication with websites, as chosen by the user. In general, once configured, there is no real impact on the performance of websites, but it can take time to set up the relevant permissions between the site and the users computer. SSL (secure sockets layer) and HTTPS: A popular implementation of public-key encryption is the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). Originally developed by Netscape, SSL is an Internet security protocol used by Internet browsers and Web servers to transmit sensitive information. SSL has become part of an overall security protocol known as Transport Layer Security (TLS). Https is not a separate protocol, but refers to the combination of a normal HTTP interaction over an encrypted Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) connection. This ensures reasonable protection from eavesdroppers and man-in-the-middle attacks. RSA Certificates: A digital signature is basically a way to ensure that an electronic document (e-mail, spreadsheet, text file, etc.) is authentic. Authentic means that the user knows who created the document and you know that it has not been altered in any way since that person created it. Digital signatures rely on certain types of encryption to ensure authentication. Encryption is the process of taking all the data that one computer is sending to another and encoding it into a form that only the other computer will be able to decode. Authentication is the process of verifying that information is coming from a trusted source. These two processes work hand in hand for digital signatures. FINANCIAL ISSUES. Prevention of Hacking and Identity Theft: Identity theft is when a hacker gets through to a users computer via a virus and acquires their personal credit card details, and then uses the details for their own personal use. Hackers get in to the computer system through ports, when the ports are open the hacker can get in, this may be with viruses or other means, users can stop hackers by installing a firewall onto the computer which blocks off the ports so hackers cant get through. Payment systems: using payment cards online has always given cause for concern as the information contained in them is quite delicate. The introduction of services like PayPal have ensure that consumers have a reasonable amount of confidence in using online service that require some sort of payment for products or services. PHYSICAL ISSUES Physical issues include factors like access to both company and customer information by employees through mediums that make it all too easy to tamper with, destroy, or steal such sensitive information. HOW THE COMPANY TOOK ADVANTAGE OF NEW DISTRIBUTION AND SALES CHANNELS. With the integration of computerised systems of data processing and communications, the company had expanded their capabilities in the area of sales and distribution. Products could be sold through channels like the Television, on radio, on billboards, via email, via the internet and affiliate websites, flyers, coupons and even by text on mobile phones. Tesco used all their available resources and avenues to make sure their products were available to a large consumer base both locally and internationally. The application of call centres which made use of numerous phone and computer systems meant that the process from marketing to sales could be run by a unit of dedicated employees. Tescos distribution network in the UK was among the best in the world. The company emphasized the importance of putting resources to the maximum use. Tesco stores in the UK received two deliveries a day one a fill up delivery and the other, a top up delivery. To keep the things simple for customers as well as for employees, Tesco adopted several new systems such as electronic shelf edge labelling all across the store, through which prices could be changed from a single central point; self scanning tills; self service pre-packaged products, coffee shop on mezzanine floor and also merchandising of fresh produce. Things like next day delivery and named day delivery have also been effective in maximising the use of these new sales channels. For existing customers, email marketing and direct mail marketing to provide special offers and promotions to customers is important. According to Humby (2003), e-retailer Tesco.com use what he describes as a commitment-based segmentation or loyalty l adder which is based on time of purchase, frequency of purchase and value which is used to identify 6 lifecycle categories which are then further divided to target communications: Logged-on Cautionary Developing Established Dedicated Logged-off (the aim here is to win back) Tesco then use automated event-triggered messaging can be created to encourage continued purchase. For example, Tesco.com has a touch strategy which includes a sequence of follow-up communications triggered after different events in the customer lifecycle. In the example given below, communications after event 1 are intended to achieve the objective of converting a web site visitor to action; communications after event 2 are intended to move the customer from a first time purchaser to a regular purchaser and for event 3 to reactivate lapsed purchasers. THE IMPACT OF E-COMMERCE ON THE BUSINESS. Selling through websites is the fastest growing method of trading worldwide. There are two main forms of e-commerce: Business to business (B2B) trading where companies trade and exchange information using the World Wide Web. Business to consumer (B2C) trading where companies deal directly with customers through web pages, and ordering is carried out online. Trading online enables businesses to reach much wider audiences while cutting the costs of traditional retailing methods. For example, an e-tailer does not have to spend so much on an expensive High Street presence. Although the outlay on developing a good website is substantial the potential benefits can be enormous. There have been impacts on direct marketing where promotion of products and services have been enhanced through direct, information rich, detailed and interactive contact with consumers. The cost of delivering relevant information and digitized products to customers over the internet is results in substantial savings to the company when compared with traditional methods of delivery. The process of delivery, cycle times, administrative work and time spent on other fu