2×2 Switch Simulation in Matlaab

2Ãâ€"2 Packet Switch Simulation Using Matlab Interim Report Contention, output-buffer, queuing process, analytical analysis, simulation Student Name: Deniz Ozdemir Email: [email  protected] qmul. ac. u Supervisor: Dr John Schormans Deniz Ozdemir ec09502 Interim report Contents Page 1. 1 Aim 1. 2 Methodology 1. 3 Objectives 2. Background 2. 1 Performance Evaluation 2. 1. 1 Measurement 2. 1. 2 Analysis/Simulation 2. 2 Packet Switched Networks 3. Introduction 4. Theory 4. 1 Queuing Theory 4. 1. 1 Queuing Model 4. 1. 1. 1 Concept of a queuing model 4. . 2 Queuing theory notation 4. 1. 3 The M/M/1 Queue 4. 1. 4 The M/D/1 Queue 4. 2 Switching 4. 2. 1 Switching Concept 4. 2. 1. 1 Internal Link Blocking 4. 2. 1. 2 Output Port Contention 4. 2. 1. 3 Head Of Line Blocking 4. 2. 2 Time Between Arrivals 4. 2. 3 Counting Arrivals 4. 2. 4 The Queuing Behaviour Of Packets In Output Buffers 4. 2. 4. 1 Calculating The State Probability Distribution 5. Analytical /Simulation Results 5. 1 2Ãâ€"2 Swi tch 5. 1. 1 Analytical Results 5. 1. 2 Simulation Results 5. 2 4Ãâ€"4 Switch 5. 2. 1 Analytical Results 5. 2. Simulation Results 5. 3 8Ãâ€"8 Switch 5. 3. 1 Analytical Results 5. 3. 2 Simulation Results 5. 4 16Ãâ€"16 Switch 5. 4. 1 Analytical Results 5. 4. 2 Simulation Results 6. Conclusion 7. Project Management 7. 1 Risk Analysis 7. 2 Gant Chart 8. References 9. Appendix 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 5 7 9 9 9 9 11 11 13 14 14 15 15 15 17 19 19 20 22 22 23 25 25 26 28 28 28 28 28 29 1 Deniz Ozdemir ec09502 Interim report 2Ãâ€"2 Packet Switch Simulation Using Matlab 1. Aim Build a simple 2Ãâ€"2 packet switch simulation using Matlab and study its performance 1. 2 Methodology ? Test out simulation on fundamental 2Ãâ€"2 switch element. ? Then expand it. 1. 3 Objectives ? Learn about Matlab. ? Learn about simulation. ? Build simple test model and try it. ? Build 2Ãâ€"2 element in Matlab. ? Simulate results. ? Process results. ? Simulate any new results required. ? Write report. 2. Background 2. 1 Performance Evaluation When networks are designed, the goal of the performance evaluation is that to determine the best effect of the equipment sed. Methods for performance evaluation are measurement techniques , analysis and simulation. [3] 2. 1. Measurement For measurement methods real networks are used for experimentation. The advantage of direct measurement of network performance is that no detail of network operation is excluded but experience hard to test performance limits. Customers won’t like it when you crash the system. [3] 2. 1. 2 Analysis/ Simulation In comparing analysis and simulation, the main factors to consider are the accuracy of results, the time to produce results, and the overall cost of using the method. Advantage of analytical solutions is that they are quite good fit to reality and produces results quickly. However assumptions required to define equations and parameters and they can be very complex. Simulation provides system representation to required precision. However simulation can be time and cost demanding. [3] 2 Deniz Ozdemir ec09502 Interim report 2. 2 Packet Switched Networks In a packet switched network all nodes interconnected by directed links. Packets are routed independently. Packets enter the network at a specific node where they may be queued in a buffer to wait for an outgoing channel to become free. This continued in a hop by hop manner until the packets finally arrive at their destination. Packets may arrive the same destination by taking different routes. That increases efficiency of transmission resources. Also queued packets in the buffer will cause a variable delay and throughput, depending on traffic load. Basic network is shown in figure 1. [1] Figure 1: Packet Switched Network 3. Introduction Contention in a switch affects the performance of a switch. To prevent this some switching techniques are developed. One of the most common switching techniques is the one with output-buffered switch. In this report, queuing process of performance evaluation, for such a switch is done analytically first than simulation analysis is done using Matlab. In the end of the report comparison of two results is done. 4. Theory 4. 1 Queuing Theory Analysis of the queuing process is basic and essential part of the performance evaluation. Because queues are form in a network when there is a high demand on limited resources. 4. 1. 1 Queuing Model Packets arrive at a queuing system to be served for a certain time. If service is not immediately available they wait for service in a storage area (buffer). After a certain length of time, they are served and leave the system. Basic queuing system is shown in figure 2. 3 Deniz Ozdemir ec09502 Interim report Figure 2: Schematic diagram for a single server queuing system [3] Also basic queuing relationship is shown in table below General q=?. W=?. = + Table 1: Basic queuing relationship Single Server ? =?. q=W+? 4. 1. 1. 1 Concept Of A Queuing Model Let N (t) be the number of packets waiting in the queue plus the one who is being served (1,2,3). A series of packets arrive at instants T1

Professional Athletes: Role Models or Criminals?

Professional athletes have been role models for children and adults alike since the beginning of time. They are often thought of superhuman, celebrities, and to some—even Gods due to their incredible physical strength, and unnatural talent. Professional athletes are given many things that the average American only dreams about; ranging from multi-million dollar paychecks, expensive cars, high profile romances, to exotic vacations. Oh, and being above the law. Numerous high profile players have been arrested multiple times throughout their career, escaping with nothing more than a slap on the wrist from law enforcement, or the NFL.Even those players convicted, and sent to prison for their â€Å"sentence† will be able to return to the football field after being released. Over the past decade the incidents regarding player’s conduct have increased dramatically all the while dragging the NFL’s reputation and ethics through the mud. It begs the question– should these athletes who are the role models for millions, be above the law simply because they are entertainers and celebrities? The answer is no. In my opinion a drastic change needs to happen immediately regarding this growing problem.No longer should players be able to go unpunished for committing crimes. However, to find the solution for this growing predicament—is to establish what factors contribute directly to it. The problem goes beyond the athletes being able to go unpunished for committing crimes. It starts with the league’s menial punishments, team owner’s irresponsible player management, fan attitudes, and the character of the player’s themselves. On the other hand, there are people, including; fans, agents, and of course the players themselves, who believe that the punishments being given now are too severe.I would just like to show those people another view of this debate—the view of an everyday person. In April 2007 NFL commissione r Roger Goodell put into effect new policies regarding player conduct based on the high number of players being arrested for major crimes. Due to the nature of the transgressions NFL officials began to worry about losing fans deterred by the league’s image. The new policy included longer suspensions, heavier fines, and team accountability for their players committing crimes.The new policy includes â€Å"requiring teams to pay the league a portion of the salaries forfeited by players suspended for violating policies regarding personal conduct† (Schrotenboer). Goodell’s goal is to hold team owners and managers partially responsible for the actions of the players on their roster. This forces the decision makers to put more consideration into drafting and signing troubled athletes, because now it is their money—not just their image at stake. Although the policy is a step in the right direction it is not doing near enough to clean up the league because talent is more important than character to a team.One example of this is Cincinnati Bengal’s receiver Chris Henry who was released by the team only after being arrested six times between December 2005 and March 2009 for crimes ranging from possession of marijuana, sex with a minor, DUI, and possession of and aggravated assault with a gun (Brandt). However, even with his arrest log reading like a novel, Henry has served a total of just eighty-eight days in prison for his crimes. This sentence came only after the second incident concerning relations with a minor.But, the Bengals kept him on the roster, even though four of the six incidents occurred after Goodell’s new conduct policy was put into effect. As far as the harsher punishment Goodell promised, Henry received a total a three game suspension for each of the incidents before being cut following the most recent assault arrest (Carpenter, Maske). Who should be to blame for allowing this criminal to go free and continue mak ing his millions? The ultimate blame needs to be placed on not only Henry himself, but also the owner and manager of the Cincinnati Bengals.Coaches have a large impact on the players on their teams. By allowing them to misbehave, they are basically telling the players what they do off the field does not matter as long as you win. In order to help clean up the NFL, coaches need to set an example by putting the law before the sport. Being in charge of a multi-million dollar business such as a professional football team, head coaches are under immense pressure to win, and will do so by any means. Marvin Lewis, the head coach of Chris Henry’s former team, the Bengals is a perfect example of winning at any cost—all the while denying so.In the article Player Arrest Put the NFL in A Defensive Mode, authors Les Carpenter and Mark Maske point out Lewis’ actions. During a 2007 press conference focused on the eight Bengals players arrested in the past year, including one p layer, Chris Henry, who had been arrested three times. Coach Lewis was asked to give his opinion on the player’s behavior. He responded by bitterly condemning the player’s actions. â€Å"It is an embarrassment to our organization†¦It doesn’t matter what you do for a living or who you are, you’ve got to follow those rules and laws† (Carpenter and Maske).This statement came from the leader of these players, as well as the man who only suspended Henry for two games after his prison stint. However, Lewis is not the only coach to allow felon players to escape punishment—because they are needed to win. In order to reverse the coaches attitudes toward the law there are things that need to be changed. For example, coaches should be required to pay a fine for every player who breaks the conduct code, or gets arrested. The new policy requires the team to pay—but not the coaches. Even if fining the coaches was put into effect it wouldn†™t alter the situation on its own.To have maximum impact on the league as a whole, another avenue needs to be taken. One way is suggested by Mike Florio in his article, NFL should strip draft picks from rogue teams. â€Å"The only way to get teams to avoid players with a history of legal problems—or, even better, help the player change his unlawful ways—is to strip the team of draft picks† (Florio). However, in order for this to happen, league officials such as Goodell need to introduce harsher penalties and fines to have any impact on players, coaches, and owners alike.However, for some people the current punishments being enforced are completely over the top already. When Goodell revealed his plans for the new policy in 2007 he was met with enthusiasm, praise, doubt, and protest—and that was just from fans. This shocked me that there is an NFL fan out there so dedicated to his or her favorite player that they oppose punishing offenders? Surprisingly t he answer is yes. On April 1st, 2009 Cleveland Brown’s wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth left a Miami nightclub at two o-clock in the morning, got behind the wheel of his Bentley and began to drive home.Three miles from his destination he was approaching what he thought was a yellow light and sped up to avoid it changing. However, due to his drunken stupor he failed to notice it was actually a red light—which he ran seconds before striking, and killing a pedestrian using the crosswalk. Stallworth was then charged with DUI vehicular manslaughter and released on $200,000 bail. His punishment? Thirty days in prison, two years house arrest—oh and a one season suspension from the league. Stallworth killed a man and will spend a total of thirty days in county jail, and forfeit a maximum of $745,000 salary for killing a man.To many people this is an utterly inconceivable notion. Stallworth killed an innocent man by choosing to drive intoxicated, and because of his status as one of the league’s best players he did less jail time than most drug dealers. Following Stallworth’s arrest all eyes turned to Goodell and the rest of the NFL officials to see what punishment, under the still new polictallworth’s arrest all eyes turned to Goodell and the rest of the NFL officials to see what punishment, under the new policy would be given. Stallworth was suspended a total of sixteen games during the time which he serves house arrest.To me, that is not punishment. However, others do not agree—and they are another piece of the NFL’s problem. One of those people is La Mont Chappell who writes in an article addressing Goodell’s choice of punishment for Stallworth and other criminal players. â€Å"Donte Stallworth deserves some sort of punishment for getting drunk, choosing to drive drunk, hitting a pedestrian, and ultimately killing that pedestrian†¦It is unfair to Donte Stallworth to be suspended for such a lo ng period of time because NFL players do not have long careers† (Chappell).To Chappell and other protestors of increasing punishment where do they draw a line? In another article reaming Goodell NFL agent Peter Schaffer writes, â€Å"It is clear our new NFL commissioner has pushed the punitive bar too high, to the point of inappropriate excessive†¦in Stallworth’s case—the one major difference between a murder or some other type of intentional crime and a DUI manslaughter is that there was not the original intent to do harm to another human† (Schaffer). People such as Chappell and Schaffer; fans and agents are the final component to fixing the NFL’s image.Athletes will continue to commit crimes because loyal fans, and money hungry agents will make excuses for their actions, something that can be changed. For example, agents get paid big bucks when athletes get paid big bucks. So, if an athlete is suspended, it hurts the agent’s pockets as well. A new policy could be added that will fine agents as well as players for breaking the law. That will prevent agents from representing the players that are multiple offenders—therefore setting a positive example to the public, and making players think twice about doing something stupid.In then end the NFL’s image problem can be chalked up to many different sources and comprise of many different factors and unless something is done to counteract the current trend nothing will change. The commissioner took a small step forward in 2007 by implementing the new policy—but he needs to step up as the leader he is and make punishments and fines that will impact players into changing their ways. Sure, there will be critics, but that is what it takes to regain the respectable name the NFL once had. It will not be simple, and it may take time, but it needs to be done.

Automatic Renewal Clauses: The Case between Letisha and Sudson Washer and Dryer

This paper examines a contract between Letisha and Sudson Washer and Dryer that contains an automatic renewal clause. The potential defenses for Letisha if Sudson sues her for breach of contract are presented. The defenses for Sudson that support the automatic renewal clause are also discussed. The ethical issues of using an automatic renewal clause and the actions of the Sudson Washer and Dryer representative when signing the contract are also examined. Section 2A of the Uniform Commercial Code and how it applies to this case is presented. There are also government and private entities that Letisha can complain to about the business practices of Sudson. Finally, the paper concludes with the potential outcome of the case if Sudson sues Letisha for breach of contract.Automatic Renewal Clauses: The Case between Letisha and Sudson Washer and Dryer Letisha signed a lease with a Sudson Washer and Dryer Representative that allowed her to lease a washer and dryer from the company for five y ears. At the end of the lease agreement, Letisha called to cancel, and found out that her lease agreement had been extended for three five year terms. Letisha was unaware that the contract had an automatic renewal clause.The Uniform Commercial Code section 2A defines a lease agreement, and it also explains how lessees and lessors are protected. Using Section 2A and state laws, there may be defenses for Letisha if she decides to breach the contract and Sudson sues her. There may also be government agencies Letisha can bring her grievances to about Sudson’s use of automatic renewal clauses. There are also defenses for Sudson to support the enforcement of the automatic clause, even if the use of an automatic renewal clause may be unethical. This case is an example of the importance of reading a contract before signing it.Defenses for LetishaDepending on the state where Letisha lives, there could be a multitude of defenses available to her regarding the automatic renewal. In some states, the lessor is required to send a reminder to the lessee of the automatic renewal (Davidson et al., 2009). In New York, for example, the lessor is required to send written reminders of the automatic renewal at least 15 days before the contract renews (Dutton, 2011). Since Letisha received no prior notification besides the information in the contract; she may be able to use that fact in her defense.In Illinois, the automatic renewal policy must be conspicuous (Dutton, 2011). There is no uniform requirement for conspicuousness, but the Uniform Commercial Code states that capital letters and bold face print should be used. It is apparent in Letisha’s case, that the automatic renewal clause with Sudson was not conspicuous, which may be grounds for a defense.In Wisconsin, laws regarding the automatic renewal clause were passed saying that the lessee must be informed about the clause before the contract is signed (Dutton, 2011). The salesman did not inform Letisha of the cl ause, and while it is her responsibility to read the contract, she may have grounds for a defense in some states. Some states would also allow a defense on the grounds that the automatic renewal length is too extensive. Most standard form contracts are held if the automatic renewal is for five years or less (Kirschenbaum, 2013). It would be up to Letisha to either research the legislation in her state regarding automatic renewal contracts, or to hire an attorney to do so, in order to find if she has grounds for a defense against Sudson.Defenses for Sudson Washer and DryerThough there are provisions in many states regarding automatic renewal clauses, if Sudson followed the stipulations in their state, they would have a legal argument supporting the enforcement of the clause. In the case of Tidwell v. Pritchett-Moore, Inc. & Tim Rutledge, the Alabama Supreme Court found that automatic renewal clauses are enforceable if the provision is clear in the contract (Tidwell 2008). It is not t he fault of the company, if the lessee signed the contract without reading it fully and failed to give notice of cancellation before the deadline.If the clause is stated clearly, then it is likely that it will be enforced by the courts. For example, in the case of Winthrop Resources Corporation v. Spearhead System Consultants, the court found that because intentions to terminate the  contract were not made clear before the time allotted in the contract, the renewal of the contract was enforceable (Huddleson, Graynor, Flick, & Whelan, 2003).Ethical IssuesWhile Sudson’s automatic renewal clause may be upheld, there are ethical issues of the company using such a practice. First, many courts have had the opinion that parties should be notified when the lease is up for renewal (Leitess, Ihne, & Goldberg, 2005). It is unlikely that the client would remember about the clause five years later, and the company should be willing to make a courtesy call in order to keep customers happ y. Also, all parts of the contract should have been discussed before signing.Not informing the client of the automatic renewal policy does not reflect well on Sudson Washer and Dryer Service. The National Association of Equipment Leasing Brokers states in their code of ethics that leasing companies should remain honest and professional in all business transactions (â€Å"NAELB,† 2013). In this case, not discussing all parts of the contract before allowing the client to sign is neither honest nor professional. U.C.C Section 2AThe Uniform Commercial Code Article 2A governs the leases of goods, and it provides basic contract rules regarding leases. The U.C.C. defines a lease as transfer of goods by a lessor to a lessee for a set amount of time in exchange for payment (â€Å"U.C.C.,† 2002). Using this definition, the U.C.C. Article 2A can be applied to the agreement between Letisha and Sudson Washer and Dryer Service. Sudson leased the equipment to Letisha in return for mo nthly payments.The company is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the washer and dryer because they hold the title to the machine. Letisha is required to make payments to Sudson in order to fulfill her part of the lease agreement. Article 2A not only lists the necessities to make a lease agreement legal, but it also lists the rights of both lessee and lessor regarding the lease agreement.Complaints to Government EntitiesOne entity that Letisha may complain to is the Better Business Bureau. The BBB will look into any complaint that does not involve the workplace, discrimination, health services, legal services, or cases in litigation (â€Å"What complaints,† 2013). A complaint through the BBB will be sent to the business for resolution. Though the business may choose to stand behind their agreement, a complaint will be lodged against the company. Another option for Letisha is the Bureau of Consumer Protection under the Federal Trade Commission.The purpose of the Bure au of Consumer Protection is to protect consumers from unfair or deceptive business practices (Rich, 2013). If the automatic renewal clause is found to be unfair or deceptive, then the company may be sued by the Bureau of Consumer Protection. Letisha can complain to these entities about Sudson’s automatic renewal clause, but it is the agency’s discretion whether the clause is unfair or not.Outcome of Legal ProceedingsIf Sudson sues Letisha for breach of contract, it is likely that Sudson will win the case. The U.C.C. Section 2A-301 states a lease contract is enforceable according to the terms agreed to by both parties (â€Å"U.C.C.,† 2002). Since Letisha and the Sudson representative signed the contract, both parties agreed to the terms within the contract. It is unlikely that the court will favor Letisha because the automatic renewal clause was not pointed out to her. It is the lessee’s responsibility to read the contract and understand all parts. The ag reement clearly stated the time limit on cancelling the lease, and Letisha failed to meet those requirements.ConclusionIn order to avoid issues like Letisha’s with Sudson, it would be advisable for parties to go through the contract together. Lessees may even want to hire an attorney to explain any part of a contract that is not easily understood. By taking the time to read the entire contract before signing, lessees are protecting their interests. Automatic renewal clauses are losing their popularity, but they are still used, especially in leases between businesses. Businesses may want to consider other avenues to keep customers, but if they are going to use automatic renewal clauses, it will keep customers happy if they are informed of such a clause before it is too late to cancel the lease agreement.

Why Use Bitcoins Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Why Use Bitcoins - Research Paper Example A solution is proposed to the double-spending problem incorporating peer-to-peer network. Bitcoins involves network timestamps transactions by forming a record that cannot be altered without redoing the proof-of-work. The longest chain clearly proves that it originated from one of the largest pool of CPU strength, and also serves as proof of the sequence of events witnessed. Although as long as most of CPU strength is under the control of nodes which are not collaborating to attack the network, they will spawn the longest chain and outpace attackers. Minimal structure is required by the network itself. Leaving and rejoining of the network by nodes at will also happens, while messages are broadcast on a best effort basis; also the nodes allow the lengthiest proof-of-work chain as evidence of what happened in its absence (Andy). Introduction Commerce on the Internet has come to over relay on financial institutions serving as third parties relied upon to process electronic payments. The system still suffers from the inherent weaknesses of the trust based model, though it works well enough for many transactions. Since financial institutions cannot keep away from mediating disputes, completely non-reversible transactions cannot be deemed possible. While limiting the minimum practical transaction size and cutting off the possibility for small casual transactions, the cost of mediation increases transaction costs, and there is a wider scope regarding the cost in the loss of ability to make non-reversible payments for nonreversible services. There is also the need for trust spreads due to the likelihood of reversal. While interviewing customers for more information than they would otherwise need, Bitcoin merchants must be wary of them (Angry). Although Bitcoins have been proved to be vital in the distribution of currency, they are sometimes associated with various risks which aid dealers in the black markets. A certain degree of fraud is allowed as unavoidable. These e xpenses and expense uncertainties can be evaded in person, through the use of physical currency, though no such mechanisms are present to carry out payments over a communications channel devoid of a trusted party. An electronic payment system based on cryptographic proof instead of trust is required, making it possible for any two willing parties to transact directly with each other, thus not needing the services of a trusted third party. Routine escrow mechanisms could easily be implemented to protect buyers, since the transactions which are computationally impractical to reverse would shield sellers from fraud. In this paper, we study the use of Bitcoins as solutions to the double-spending problem incorporating peer-to-peer distributed timestamp server in order to spawn computational evidence of the sequential order of transactions. The system facilitating Bitcoin transactions is protected as long as honest nodes as a group run more CPU strength than any group of attacker nodes wo rking together (Chirgwin). Bitcoin for a free society A free society needs a free market while a free market requires a sound form of currency. Bitcoin is a form of currency with good properties like pseudonymous, no likely hood of frozen accounts, there is no charge-backs and there is very cheap and very fast transfer of funds. This is a huge advantage over a barter or cash-only economy. In order to succeed in the long-run, Bitcoin needs the following 3 hypotheses: i. No state control. In short, we should not attempt to gain legality for Bitcoin; the state should not be asked or involved in Bitcoin operations ii. No bank involvement: We should not focus on interoperability with the traditional banking

Business Economics Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 10000 words

Business Economics - Coursework Example The explanations of three different markets are given and also the relationship between them is given in it. In the research methodology the methodology adopted to conduct research is explained. The stock market, the currency market and property market are perhaps the three largest markets in terms of size of business transactions in a country. People around the world invest money in these commodities with the expectation of getting a fair return on their investment.. The first item of commodity to be traded was undoubtedly the property market. This was followed by the stock market in the 1750's and followed by the present form of currency market in 1973. This paper studies the predictability, relations and correlations between the stock, currency and the property markets. It is true that there exists a relationship among the three. It has to be seen whether a rise or fall in the stock value affect the other two or will a change in the value of the currency market affect stock market or property market. Similarly will a change in the property market affect stock and currency market. The stock market and its early days: Evidence show that trading in stock in the United Kingdom existed even in the sixteenth century. Trading in stocks during that period was much higher in Amsterdam and Paris and oldest share issue in history is the issue of was in 1606 in Amsterdam by the company Camere Amsterdam and it was called Dutch Vereinigte Oostindische Compaignie (VOC) share certificate. After another two years he could safely assume that besides the second VOC share (held by the Amsterdam Stock Exchange) and other securities from the company, his piece was the oldest share certificate in the world. (Oldest Share in the World. 1606). Though no stock exchange existed till the opening of the London stock exchange, there was a market for securities and it was known as the Royal exchange. In those days most companies formed out of joint stock was engaged in international trade and shipping. The East India Company, The Hudson Bay Company and the Royal African Companies were the major existing at that time. Gradually, joint stock companies in other areas of business like banking and water supply Till 1689, only about fifteen joint stock companies existed in Britain, but this rose rapidly to 150 within a span of seven years. The French Revolution caused the economy in France to collapse and as a result, trading in stocks increased on volume in England The London Stock Exchange was officially started in 1772 with the purpose of a properly organized structure to control the growing number of companies and the volume of trade in securities. "In the eighteenth century company shares continued to be an important driving force behind the expansion of the securities market in London". (Michie P. 17). Even though a majority of stock trading ins done in Europe US and Japan, in recent years many countries from Asia have also become large markets. Property and Property Markets: The most sought after form of investment in the world before the advent of the stock and currency was in property. Property is defined as "ownership; right of possession, enjoyment, or disposal of anything, esp. of something tangible: to have property in land." (11 result for property. 2006). Here property refers to land and property market is trading in property. Prop

Explain how westward expansion impacted American history Essay

Explain how westward expansion impacted American history - Essay Example However, the process turned to be violent due to the outbreak of the Mexican war. The Western expansion of America has some social, political and economic impact in the history of the country. Politically, the expansion to the west helped in spreading the American ideologies with major support of the Democratic Party. People moved to the western states of Kentucky and Tennessee where they survived under the ideologies of the Democratic Party that subjected great support to expansion (Billington and Martin 9). The early penetration of the Democratic Party in the areas towards the west of America confirms dominance of the party in the regions. The expansion also opened access of USA to the Atlantic and Pacific seas that linked America to other western countries like Mexico and Russia. Socially, the western expansion caused both positive and negative experiences. Positively, the passage of the Homestead Act of 1862 that encouraged people apply free 160-acre plots in the western regions of Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Hawaii among others, would see many Blacks from the South migrate to own lands alongside the white slave masters. Social justice and fairness began to appear as a reality to the Black community (Billington and Martin 18). Negatively, the western expansion broke and ruined social life of Native American tribes who constituted the great population in the western sides. The communities struggled to resist the expansion and triggering war that saw displacement and killing of many Indians. Economically, western ward expansion supported expeditious completion of the Transcontinental Railway system that would facilitate trade across America, running from east to west. According to Carlisle, the access to ports along Atlantic and Pacific oceans surrounding some of the regions bought and annexed as part of expansion boosted trade power of America (20). It was easy to access

Health behavior and social media Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Health behavior and social media - Assignment Example There were no statistically significant differences at post-test, controlling for pre-test values, for any of the study variables between the intervention (n = 51) and comparison groups (n = 35). After collapsing across groups, however, there were statistically significant improvements following the intervention for knowledge, intention, selected behaviorvariables, and self-efficacy. The evaluation of this theory-based asthma education intervention demonstrates the positive impact this curriculum can have on a sample of asthmatic adolescents. This study applied the social cognitive theory, on knowledge, intention, behavior, self-efficacy, and self-consciousness, for the main purpose of evaluating the effects of an asthma education program on knowledge, self-effectiveness and self-awareness amid youth with asthma. This theory was applied in the following ways. Extra variables were evaluated which includes self-accounted asthma control behaviors (use of peak flow meters, holding chambers, and inhalers, trigger prevention and treatment observance) and objectives linked to the actions when youths are unaccompanied and when in the company of their friends. The results obtained suggest that the theory chosen was effective in the study. Particularly, progress was established in knowledge and self-effectiveness from baseline to direct post intervention. Progress was established for the objective when unaccompanied from baseline to post program and from baseline to 5 weeks track record. Progress in holding chamber use were established from baseline to post program from baseline to 5 week track record. Progress was also established for the number of days a holding chamber was applied in the past week from baseline to 5 week track record. In these similar occasions, the holding chamber was used in combination to every day treatment more willingly than on account of enduring

Reflections Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Reflections - Essay Example When moving from one place to another within the city, I tend to use a vehicle and rarely do I use public means. I travel by air on many occasions and I believe that this has contributed significantly to my carbon footprint. In addition, my food footprint is quite high and this may be due to my omnivorous nature. It was extremely rare for me to consume organic food and this may have contributed to the footprint. If everyone in the world were to have the same lifestyle as I do, then about 4.43 earths would be needed to sustain the population. This means that the earth’s resources would be depleted faster than they are supposed to be, perhaps even within a generation. If we were to continue using resources at that rate, then the resources would become scarce and consequently, there would be absolute chaos as people fought over the resources that are left. It would also mean the destruction of the entire earth’s ecosystem as plants and animals would become extinct. The foremost changes that I made for the week was to shift from the use of heavy carbon emitting transport to cleaner transport, hence a reduction of emissions to the atmosphere. Among the steps I took to accomplish this was to start walking, especially when moving over short distances, the use of public transport, and finally, the use of transport that does not emit carbon, such as bicycles. In addition, I added energy saving features within my home and adopted habits whose purpose would be to save energy. I took to the consumption of organic foods because this would help an immense deal in the discouragement of nonorganic foods. The first adjustment I made to the categories of carbon and food footprints was to reduce significantly my air travel unless it was necessary that I had to travel. Furthermore, I believed that it would be for the best if I stopped using a personal vehicle and instead adapt to using public means because this would ensure that there was a

Faculty of Business Environment and Society Essay - 8

Faculty of Business Environment and Society - Essay Example They need to meet and satisfy certain conditions, capabilities and qualities sufficiently in order to effectively manage culturally diverse human resources and agreeably, the international managers must be adaptable, open-minded, flexible and able to speak foreign languages. However, there are other critical strategies to consider and with acknowledgement that culture considerably impacts on organisations and employees, this paper will critically discuss the validity of the statement regarding international managers’ adaptability, flexibility, open-mindedness and proficiency in foreign languages. International assignments serve several purposes and the most significant ones include overseas business expansion, knowledge transfer and career development (Paauwe and Boselie 2010). International managers or expatriates are utilised by multinational corporations because of their expertise in critical areas of interest in global markets and corporate organisation as well as to oversee the entry process into new markets. While on international assignment, the international managers will be in charge of strategically significant tasks and act as the link between the subsidiary and headquarters. They will be involved in recruitment and selection; development and training; performance evaluation, remuneration and benefits; labour relations; developing competitive advantages; and, equally important, self-development (Montana and Bruce 2008). Although the roles of international managers can be generalised, different types of international managers can also be identified. One type will t ypically serve control and coordination roles and give less significance to issues related to personnel development. Another type will complement the coordination and control role by concentrating on the goals of personnel development, which usually include developing leadership competency, acquiring intercultural skills and building social

Politics of education Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Politics of education - Annotated Bibliography Example The protagonist has quick wit and street smarts as his wealth to survive in the city and fight odds that comes across his way. Alger has brilliantly connected situations to make the changes look so easy and enticing for emerging young minds. The author has put a patron in place to turn Dick’s luck; then he sends Dick to escort his nephew along his tour which changes the hero’s life. Though Alger is trying to explore the inspiring example of an orphaned bootblack’s rags-to-riches experience, he keeps a place for the wonderful fictional literature too. Alger compares the buildings of New York to palaces, and in the development of the story he makes it a comfortable reading by the inclusion of all essential characters ranging from a patron to the villain. Altogether, the journey of an underdog from ‘Ragged Dick’ to ‘Richard Hunter’ perfectly blends all essential features that can evoke optimism among the under privileged. ‘The Lesson’ is a story told in the first person narration by the central character Sylvia about her life in the neighborhood consisting of several under cared children and their encounters with fate. There is a fictional Fifth avenue in the story as a dream model of their lifestyle around which all the discussions develop. Bambara places the theme based on the strong will, intelligence and leadership of an African American preteen girl with intent to challenge the practical meaning of democracy in the country. The story walks on the economic line that makes a visible separation between the rich and the poor with sensible dialogues to challenge the American society’s indifference towards the financially destitute natives and communally separated migrants. Bambara introduces Miss Moore as a messenger to exhibit the glory of education to show the children how life can be turned gaining with academic excellence. On the other hand, ‘The

Strategic Information System Planning Essay Example for Free

Strategic Information System Planning Essay Strategic Information System Planning is imperative in business planning because firms cannot become competitive in both the short term and the long term periods without them. Tamir, Seev, Moshe, and Chanan (2010, p. 18) writes that in management of a firm, Strategic Information System Planning (SISP) is imperative and is the roadmap to ensuring that Information Technology ‘activities are congruent with those of the rest of the organization and its evolving needs’. The authors define Strategic Information System Planning as a way of strategic thinking through which an organization establishes the most enviable Information System platform to employ and put into effect long-term Information Technology activities and policies (Tamir et, al. p 18). Therefore, Sabherwal and Chau (2003, p. 12) concurs with Tamir et, al. by referring to SISP as a means through which a firm can assure its Information Technology functions are congruent to the firm’s emerging strategies and needs at the present and the future. The author writes that it is the increasing popularity of IT in the late 20the century and the need for enterprises to control their IT framework that has made SISP to become a critical tool in management. According to Sabherwal et. al. , in order for SISP to succeed, the firm must align with business planning. Henry, Albert, and Cidambi (2003, pp. 202) in their article writes that SISP has in the recent pat become a tool of concern to almost all Information systems and business executives and the degree to which it is applied in management affects the business considerably. In his research study, the author focused on the effectiveness and comprehensiveness of the planning phases applied in SISP. He defines SISP as the means through which a firm establishes an assortment of computer-based functions to facilitate the firm accomplish the set goals and objectives. Furthermore he says that SISP is an elaborate and multifaceted cluster of definite interconnected activities or tasks. In the same regard, Fredrickson and Mitchell (1984, pp. 05) notes that SISP as comprehensive IT mechanism that a firm incorporates into its management strategies and in a precise manner he has referred to SISP as the degree to which a firm endeavors to be inclusive and exhaustive in formulating and incorporating IT-based policies in its strategic decisions. Subsequently, the authors have continued to say that SISP as a form of planning is subject to less or more comprehensiveness and this is normally exemplified in evaluations of vital SISP characteristics that comprises of involvement of both the management and users as well as the application of IS resources and planning. Doherty, Marples, and Suhaimi (1999, pp. 270) have referred to SISP as the application of the current and continuing activities that facilitates an organization formulate prioritized policies in regard to IS advancement. Therefore, functions are selected for their grouping to set business objectives as well as their ability to produce considerable impact on a firm’s competitive positioning. Subsequently, XXX writes that SISP encompasses looking for applications that will impact highly on the organization and place it in a more competitive market advantage compared to other competitors. Hence, while incorporating a range of works from other authors, Doherty et. al defines SISP as ‘†¦. process of identifying a portfolio of computer-based applications†¦. ’ (1999, p. 263). Henry and Albert (2006, pp. 482) in their article notes that the continuing uncertainty brought about by advancements in Information Technology has made comprehensive planning process to become a vital tool. Besides, he writes that SISP facilitates firms to execute calculated business planning which in his view is a learning process. The author seems in his work has cited Doherty et. al (1999) and Henry et. l. (2003) and agrees with their definition of SISP. Additionally, he says that SISP can be referred to as the procedures of partly ordered steps geared towards achieving set objectives. Quoting Mentaz, he says that SISP entails a set of particular tasks and phases requiring substantial management coordination. Kunnathur and Zhengzhong (2001, p. 424) while focusing on the success of Information Systems Planning in public institutions in China notes that SISP is a cluster of resource intense functions with the probability of reaping gains from the business planning process. Thus, it facilitates firms to restructure internal processes and achieve competitive advantage. Finally, Segars and Grover (1998, p. 140) in their work have defined SISP with respect to its key success instruments which include alignment, cooperation, analysis, and improved planning capabilities. They have argued that these factors help to incorporate IT in formulating management strategies. SWOT Analysis SWOT analysis is and continues to be a critical factor in strategic planning process in every business strategic planning as it establishes the ‘strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats’ that it faces. In particular organizations that are embracing the advancements of Information Technology, such as Australia’s Perisher Blue, have to incorporate SWOT analysis. First, the company has acknowledged in its strategic vision for IT role that for it to considerably increase service delivery, it has to computerize all its systems. This will come in handy at improving accessibility of customers ten-fold. Considering its previous experiences, automation of systems has to be done corresponding to large influx of customers. This forms the basis for the formulation and integration of strategic plan by the company and carrying out of a SWOT analysis. Its strategic plan is spread over a period of 10-15 years in ensuring a robust business growth. Perisher Blue has to initially assess its internal environment which in other words represents the prevailing strengths and weaknesses. The strengths of Perisher Blue vary according to various aspects and in the context of its reference. First the company is strategically located on the Australian Snow Mountains –a tourist destination of interest- with exclusive possession of Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Blue Cow, and Guthega. Thus, it is well positioned in the market or else it has a sizeable market share in terms of geography. The only input required is to develop this market by linking all the four tour sites and coming-up with different packages to cater for a wide range of customers. The latter can be argued to be strength in that there are many types of visitors to the resort ranging from alpine skiers, snowboarders, cross country skiers, snow players, and holiday makers. Although the company in a very lucrative business, it faces a number of weaknesses. First it has failed from the past experience to link up resorts in a manner that there is coherence and uniformity in service delivery. For the company to overcome this it needs to develop a proper infrastructure in terms of transport –lifts- and communication by computerizing its systems -such that delay-time in clearing visitors is reduced. Centralizing the overall management while still maintaining the autonomy of individual resorts will improve efficiency. The company also fails at the moment in provisioning for other supportive services for instance toilets, mountain restaurants, and proper management of the environment within the resorts. Conversely, there exists lucrative business opportunities for the company in the future but to exploit them, it has top formulate proper strategic plan and implement it to the maximum. First, the company is in a market position and geographically located to enjoy massive in number of visitors to the resort at all seasons and in particular the winter season. Besides, it is in winter that all types of visitors as previously stated that flocks the resort. To maximize such opportunity will require employment of robust, fast, and accessible IT framework to improve efficiency. This has to parallel to construction and/or provision of additional facilities or services to the customers that conform top modern technology. Besides, proper marketing and advertising of its packaged products will come in handy at increasing the company’s market base. Majority of these recommendations are intertwined because the implementation of strategy will have a direct impact on the other which is beneficial. To improve the management of the resorts and service delivery, contacting independent managements for every resort as well as outsourcing for provision of some services may be necessary. For instance, the services may include catering, accommodation, installation and maintenance of a computerized system. The last item in the SWOT analysis for Perisher Blue would entail establishing probable threats that it may face in the future. Such threats may be posed by its competitors, climatic change, advancements in technology, and or management of the entire company. If the company automates or computerizes the system used in service delivery, it then means that it has to keep pace with technological advancements in updating the system regularly. Besides, this calls hiring trained personnel hence incurring financial costs. Besides, the company becomes pre-disposed to system failures especially in high seasons. Another threat comes about as a result of contracting independent resort managements. The company will not be the overall authority and in case of mismanagement, financial losses will impact heavily. Besides, expansion in terms of services or facilities provisioned means a greater responsibility to the management and thus it may not be capable of rendering quality services anymore.

Preventative methods of animal cruelty Essay Example for Free

Preventative methods of animal cruelty Essay Purpose By the end of this speech the audience will be able to know the proper preventative methods of animal cruelty, I also want my audience to know that animal cruelty is wrong and it shouldn’t be tolerated in any form. Introduction How many of you have pets? And how many of you would do anything for them? As seen in a recent study (according to animalcrueltyfacts.net in the year of 2011) 13% of intentional animal abuse cases involve domestic violence, also between 25% and 40% of battered women are unable to escape abusive situations because they worry about what will happen to their pets or livestock if they leave. In saying this animal abuse goes hand in hand with domestic abuse. Animal abuse is similar to domestic abuse because they both have the ability for the batterers to show the power and control that they have over their victims. (animalcruelty.net) Previous research indicates that batterers often threaten or harm pets in order to intimidate and control their female partners. Transition/first point: different types of abuse whether Animal abuse can be either passive or active. (animalcrueltyfact.org) When a person omits responsibility towards an animal is an example of passive abuse, while active abuse requires inflicting pain such as choking. This can be brought back to the comparison of animal abuse and domestic abuse, an example of passive abuse in regards to domestic abuse can be name calling swearing or making the victim feel little or like they don’t exist. An example of active abuse is physical violence such as hitting a spouse. Transition/ Second point: Animals have personalities and feelings like humans Darwin once stated â€Å"emotions exist in non-human animals, and his evolutionary theory suggests that behavioral traits, including personality, can evolve in just the same way as fins, wings and arms, he said. We should realize that studying the personality of animals could help us understand a lot about human personality. (utexas.edu) Although many people don’t believe it animals have feelings just like humans. They can feel pain and go through emotional distress. When an animal is mistreated and being abused they feel the same pain a person would if they were in the same situation. Transition/ Third point: Laws that can be passed or that are passed already Laws are passed in all 50 states that prevent abuse towards both animals and humans. Anti-cruelty laws exist in all U.S states and territories to prohibit unnecessary killing, mutilating, torturing, beating, neglecting the abandonment of animals or depriving them of proper food, water or shelter. (americanhumane.org) But these laws will never be enough. If you are in a situation in which you are confronted with animal or domestic abuse call your local police department or anyone that can help your specific situation. Conclusion I will conclude my speech by saying that animal abuse, domestic abuse, or that any kind of abuse is wrong. Animals are innocent creatures that do not have a voice of their own so why should they be mistreated? They are suffering in silence because they don’t have a voice. People need to come to the realization that animals need and deserve as much respect as any other creature, and until people start speaking up about cruelty towards animals or humans they will never be free of the cruel acts that are imprisoning them. Works cited * Jennifer , Robbins. domestic violence and animal abuse . Texas journal of women and law . 2006: 129-146. Web. 16 Dec. 2012. http://0web.ebscohost.com.helin.uri.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=3hid=19sid=183b26d7-a3d6-4624-94e6- [emailprotected]. * www.animalcruelty.net * emily , suthertin. Animal cruelty:facts,prevention,statistics,and action . now public. N.p., 2012. Web. Web. 16 Dec. 2012. http://www.nowpublic.com/environment/animal-cruelty-facts-prevention-statistics-and-action-2886267.html. * Faver, Catherine A, and alonzo

Management Of Strategic Policy In Education Education Essay

Management Of Strategic Policy In Education Education Essay What is sport. According to the Concise Oxford Online Dictionary, sport is being described as an activity which involves the physical exertion and skill in which a person or team competes against one another. Sports should be included as part of a whole in a students life. Sports can actually benefits in health and also train one to develop skills like teamwork as they can be the leaders among the students in the sport team. As such, Berry Berry Easy blog claimed that their readers have actually benefitted from their participation in various sports which they most voluntarily participated in the sports of their choice. But in the current era, students are not being active in sports and they need to be forced in order to get them into sports. They prefer playing online games where there is no much physical exertion involves. As so, taking this matter into the consideration, our Ministry of Education in Malaysia have come up with a policy. We would like to highlight the latest 1Student 1Sport policy which is being introduced by the Ministry of Education in Malaysia. This policy is being introduced in the hope that we can produce more students who are well balanced in both academic and sports. Policy implementation, Dye (2002) indicates that implementation involves all of the activities designed to carry out the policies enacted by the legislative branch. These activities include the creation of new organizations like departments, agencies, bureaus, and so on, or the assignment of new responsibilities to existing organizations. These organizations must translate laws into operational rules and regulations. They must hire personnel, draw up contracts, spend money, and perform tasks. All of these activities involve decisions by bureaucrats decisions that determine policy. Definition According the 1M1S Guidebook, it states that One Student One Sport Policy (1M1S) requires all the students to participate in at least one sport activity in schools. This policys main aim is to support the implementation and in line with the National Education Philosophy that focuses to produce individuals who are physically, spiritually, intellectually and emotionally balanced. This policy is in line with the National Sport Policy, which emphasized on the Sports for All and Sports for Excellence. 1M1S policy program requires every student from Standard 4 in primary schools up to Form 6 in secondary school to complete at least one sporting activity conducted in a planned and systematic way. 1S 1M policy is based on the basic principles of physical development of pupils. Hence, 1S 1M policy is created to provide access for all pupils to benefit from participation in sports in particular to those who were less active or not; develop a school sport towards increasing the participation rate of students in at least one sport in schools; and to provide opportunities for all students who are talented and have the potential to be polished to a higher level. (1M1S Guidebook, 2011) According the 1M1S Guidebook, a sport is very important in building up the physical ability of pupils to support and in line with the phrase Minda yang Cerdas terletak pada Tubuh yang Sihat which means an intelligent mind lies within a healthy body. In this circumstance, sports play an important role in nurturing an active, productive and healthy human in order to be able to contribute to the economic development as well as to the social welfare. Thus, a variety of sports were introduced in order to attract the students practicing an active and healthy lifestyle. Ministry of Education (MoE) implemented 1S1M policy so that every student benefits and gets to enjoy the sports in hope of forming the next generation of sports culture in line with the academic requirements (1M1S Guidebook, 2011). Theory and Concept In short, the elite theory is viewed as the preferences and values of governing elite. As said by Dye (2002), public officials and administrators merely carry out the policies decided on by the elite. Policies flow downward from elites to masses; the policy does not arise from mass demands. This elite theory instigates the top-down approach in the policy implementation process. Educational development and policy in Malaysia have always been characterized by governments effort to adapt education to address to social, economic and political development needs of the country. The Malaysian education system is a highly centralized and bureaucratic system where most of the important policy decision making occurs outside the schools. The MoE decides on the allocation of funds to schools, prescribes and standardizes what should be taught in schools, transfers teachers in and out of schools and formulates top-down school reforms (Zabidi, 2012). Approaches and Models According to PÃ ¼lzl and Treib (2006), there are three generations of implementation research that can be categorized into three distinct theoretical approaches in order to study the implementation. The first model described by PÃ ¼lzl and Treib (2006) will be the top-down models in which their emphasis rely on the ability of the decision makers to produce unambiguous policy objectives and on controlling the implementing stage. The second will be the bottom-up models in which it critiques and view the local bureaucrats as the main actors in the policy delivery and conceive of implementation as negotiation processes within networks among the implementers. And lastly the synthesizer theories in which it tries to overcome the divide between the two approaches by incorporating elements of top-down and bottom-up theoretical models. In this case study, we are considering the Top-down theory as we believe that all policies implemented in Malaysia are based on the Top-down theory. It is always been that the policy makers who are the government will annouce the policy that they have planned and let the implementers who are the teachers to implement the policy accordingly. In an article taken from TheStar online dated 18th March 2010, The Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, said that sports will be introduced to school timetables in year 2011 as a new subject. He also mentioned that under the 1Student, 1Sport policy, secondary school students would get 90 minutes a week to play a game of their choice, while primary pupils would spend 60 minutes weekly. He emphasized that the Physical Education subject would still be taught as it had a specific syllabus. This shows that the Minister is giving the suggestion and also assurance of what the students will get out of the 1M1S policy when it is being implemented. In an article taken from TheStar online dated 14th July 2010, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin mentioned We have informed our officers on the appropriate ways to implement this at both primary and secondary school levels, as students of different ages have a different approach to sports, at a press conference after opening the Second Asean Schools Games at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium. This shows that the Malaysia uses the Top-down theory in implementing the 1M1S policy. This excerpt defines that the Ministers cabinet was told on how to implement this policy in schools to cater the needs of different levels of students. Above mentioned articles shows the scenario happening in Malaysia where the Deputy Prime Minister also the Education Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announces the 1M1S policy in public behalf of the Education Ministry board. This claim can be supported by the top-down theories started from the assumption that policy implementation starts with a decision made by central government as said by PÃ ¼lzl and Treib (2006). As PÃ ¼lzl and Treib (2006) mentioned, the top downers essentially followed a prescriptive approach that interpreted policy as input and implementation as output factors. The author also mentioned due to their emphasis on decisions of central policy makers, deLeon (2001) describes top-down approaches as a governing elite phenomenon. PÃ ¼lzl and Treib (2006) also claimed that Press and Wildavsky started from the assumption that policy objectives are set out by central policy makers in which it refers to the the Ministry of Education. The authors also underlined the linear relationship between agreed policy goals and their implementation. Implementation therefore implied the establishment of adequate bureaucratic procedures to ensure that policies are executed as accurately as possible. To this end, implementing agencies should have sufficient resources at their disposal, and there needs to be a system of clear responsibilities and hierarchical control to supervise the actions of implementers (PÃ ¼lzl and Treib, 2006). This can be seen that the Malaysia Education Ministry assumes the 1M1S policy formation and execution as disticnt activities in which the 1M1S policy is set at the higher levels and then sent out the order of implementation to their lower level bureaucrats who are the implementing agencies; the ed ucation officers in all levels (state,district and school) which are then charged with the managerial, administrative and technical tasks of putting the 1M1S policy into practice. The MoE also gives the time to accomplish the implementation without considering the sufficient resources that needed to ensure the implementation to succeed. Some selected models of policymaking are taken into consideration before implementing the 1M1S policy via top-down approach. The first model that is taken into consideration is the institutionalism model where the model treats the policy as institutional output. According to Dye (2002), the relationship between the public policy and government institutions is very close in which the policy is authoritatively determined, implemented and enforced by government institutions, namely Parliament, Prime Minister, bureaucracies and so on. In accordance to this model, 1M1S policy is being authoritatively determined and enforced by the MoE. The second model that counts is the rationalism model which treats the policy as maximum social gain. Dye (2002), stated that no policy should be adopted if its costs exceed its benefits. The policy is considered rational when the difference between the values it achieves and the values it sacrifices is positive and is greater than any other policy alternatives. Reflecting from this models point of view in this 1M1S policy, the outcome in future will be beneficial to the country as this policy will produce more talented sports people in various sports activities, get participated in many international games and making our country proud by winning more medals in various games. Implementation Techniques Utilized In the case of 1 Student 1 Sport (1M1S) policy, information provision technique is highly utilized. The provision of information is an essential element of the functioning of any community. Providing information in a timely and targeted manner can be a huge benefit. Without a means to provide facts and data, policy implementers would not be able to make well-considered decisions about how the policy should be operated. The 1M1S Policy Implementation Handbook was published in order to help policy implementers with the dispersion of the policy. Through the handbook, the states education office, the districts education office, the schools sport development committee, the teachers, as well as the Parents Teachers Associations, are given guidelines on how to employ the policy. School sports program implementation under 1M1S policy is to be conducted throughout the year. However, schools are encouraged to plan the implementation of sports programs in accordance with the availability, affordability and creativity and innovation the schools. There are a total of 42 different sports/games intended for the implementation of the 1M1S. The policy makers also proposed some sports activities to be carried out throughout the year. For example general sports programs which includes cross-country, and track and field. In the handbook, 15 strategies in carrying out the 1M1S policy were also presented. Every school is recommended to follow the strategies presented depending on the facility and the existing infrastructure in schools. Schools are given the flexibility to choose, determine or modify the method of execution as appropriate, means and needs of the school. Schools may also plan other methods if deemed appropriate. Some examples of those strategies would be to undertake survey to identify student interest in certain sports, survey of sports facilities in and outside the school that can be used by students, and scheduling school sports program activities in accordance with the appropriate time based on the background and school facilities. The Ministry of Education also provided sports training modules for school sports club advisory teachers. Currently there are 20 training modules for 10 different sports are made available for both primary and secondary schools through the MoEs website. These modules are helpful as guidelines for sports club advisory teachers and trainers, and are also useful as visual aids for students in the course of their training. The management guideline for track and field (athletics) championships in school is also made available in the MoEs website. This is useful as it will aid teachers especially novice teachers in managing athletics championships in school, as it provides proper guidance. Professional circulars, and sports and co-curriculum press letters are also given out by the MoE from time to time, in order to steer policy implementers towards achieving the goal of the policy. Thus it is evident that, in the implementation of 1M1S, the policy makers rely heavily on information provision as an instrument of policy implementation. Implementers Involved There are many implementers involved in the diffusion of 1 Student 1 Sport. As the students are the target group for the policy, the school itself is the main implementer of the policy. The school must hold competitions between levels, classes, sports houses, dorms, and sports clubs of schools. The students participation in the District School Sports Council (Majlis Sukan Sekolah-Sekolah Daerah [MSSD]) or State School Sports Council (MSSM) competitions as well as on international level are counted as 1Student 1Sport activities. But who is the school? Who is responsible for all those competition? Every school has a School Sports Development Committee. Teachers are a big part of the implementers involved. Teachers are appointed as heads of smaller managing committees, sports/club advisors, and also trainers. This is indeed a great challenge for teachers, as they are already laden with other school tasks. The Co-curricular Senior Assistant Teacher is also an important implementer figure. The Co-curricular Senior Assistant Teacher is responsible for the smooth administration of the co-curricular activities, enhancing student performance as well as the involvement and participation of teachers in extra-curricular activities. Moreover, they are also responsible to work with the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of the schools regarding co-curriculum matters, who are the implementers involved as well. Parents Teachers Associations are also integral to the implementation of the policy. With support and provisions by the PTA, it can provide insights and lessen the burden of the teachers in the diffusion of the policy. The Chairman of the School Sports Development Committee is the principal/headmaster of the schools. The District Education Office acts as the advisor, while the State Education Office is the Patron of the School Sports Development Committee. The Principal monitors the operation of the policy at the school level. They then report to the District Education Office, and then the District Education Office reports to the State Education Office. These policy implementers face the reality of promoting the learning of sports to groups of students, with all their diversity and complexity. Moreover each context creates a set of variable with which policy implementers must contend, and policy initiators are often unaware or unimpressed. Policy makers and policy implementers want the same things the best possible educational sports experience for students. These implementers are important in assuring the success of the 1M1S policy diffusion. Monitoring Monitoring helps to access degrees of compliance, discover unintended consequences of policies and programs, identify implementational obstacles and constraints, and locate sources of responsibility for departures from policy. (Dunn, 1994). According to Dunn, there are 2 levels of monitoring: Macroimplementation Monitoring and Microimplementation Monitoring. Macroimplementation monitoring consists of tracing the process by which a policy progresses from legislation to action in order to determine: (i) what is being implemented, (ii) why is it taking a particular form, and (iii) what actions can be taken to influence implementation. Microimplementation monitoring consists of collecting information to describe the a policy has taken in various implementing jurisdictions in order to determine: (i) the extent of compliance, (ii) the adaptation a policy has undergone, (iii) reasons for noncompliance and adaptation, and (iv) manipulatable aspects of implementation. Monitoring of the implementation of the management of 1M1S by the school management is part of the strategy to evaluate and ensure the success and effectiveness of sporting activities undertaken. This aims to examine aspects of management and use of equipment, regulatory compliance, health, safety and welfare and student participation in school sports program. The monitoring process shall be conducted by the school management throughout the year. Improvements are to be carried out by the school from time to time to ensure the implementation of the 1M1S. Policy Problems Policy problems are unrealized needs, values, or opportunities for improvement that may be pursued through public action, as defined by David Dery. According to Russell A. Ackoff, policy problems are products of thought acting on environments; they are elements of problems situation. William N. Dunn also stated that policy problems are the products of subjective human judgment. There are three questions to be considered about the nature of policy problems, as suggested by William N. Dunn. How well do we understand the problem? Have we identified the right objectives? Are we solving the wrong formulation of problem when we should be solving the right one? Problems Encountered in One Student One Sport The availability of school infrastructure School infrastructure is the prior fundamental requirement for the success implementation of the policy One Student One Sport. Schools should have provided adequate sports facilities and equipment to maximize the opportunities of physical activities. Lacking of space, playing fields, sports equipment will cause the deficiency of the policy. Moreover, the variation of sports and its equipment is much limited in schools. Schools in Malaysia which have already established for years inevitably needed an upgrading. The readiness of teachers as sports trainers Teachers are undoubtedly the implementers of the policy, which is to be the sports trainers in schools. Their readiness in terms of physically, mentally or technically is dubious indeed. Most teachers who are involved are assigned by the management of schools. They do not have relevant qualification in sports coaching or physical education. It is a setback for them to coach students instructionally appropriate. The implementation of this policy should not be just letting students to play any sport they wish as usual. The choices of sports in schools The choices of sports in schools are limited as the sports facilities and equipment are not adequate. For those existing sports facilities and equipment in schools, some of them are not well maintained too. As the policy One Student One Sport focuses on students, it is crucial to take in students personal interest of the particular sports into consideration. Hence, the choices of sports in schools are most probably in short supply to cater for students need in their selected physical activities. The different abilities of students Students physical ability is one essential factor to be reflected in the policy of One Student One Sport. Students with strong physical ability or competence will be motivated to participate actively in sports and thus bringing this policy a success. Nevertheless, students who have low physical competence will be marginalized as they are not able to enjoy the sports activities in schools. As a result, they lose interest in sports and this policy becomes an extra burden in their schooling days. The ratio between the number of students and teachers The ratio between students and teachers is an influence factor towards the policy attainment. In most schools, the number of teachers is far more exceeding the number of students. The number of students as participants is not meeting the expected amount. Students tend to defend their absence or nonparticipation by giving all sorts of excuses. The lack of support from parents Parents support directly impacts on the policy of One Student One Sport; either it is a bane or boon. Parents support helps students in developing their interest in sports. However, parents nowadays place a strong emphasis on academic excellence of their children. Students who are examination oriented failed to be beneficial from the policy. Solutions of the policy problems Solution of the policy problems produce information about the likelihood that future courses of action will result in consequences that are valuable to some individual, group or society as a whole, as stated by William N. Dunn. He added that this process engages between the transformations of information about policy futures to action which will then come in valued results. Any solution to the policy problems must be actionable, that is going beyond the fact and involving actions that aim to satisfy need, values and opportunities for improvement, (Alexander George, 1980). Solutions to the Problems Encountered in One Student One Sport Increase the allocation of sports fund in schools Allocation of sports funds in schools should be increased in order to improve on the schools infrastructure. Sports facilities and equipment have to be expanded in terms of quantity, whereas the existing facilities and equipment should be upgraded, especially in their quality. Variation of sports activities should be added in as well as introduced in schools for students. By having a variety of choices, students can have better chance to develop their interest in sports. As a result, the number of students who participate in sports will be raised. Select the right teachers as sports trainers Teachers have to be equipped with high quality coaching skills for the particular sports that they are in charged with. Students need to master the basic skills in their chosen sports as a kick start for their development of interest in sports through teachers coaching. Therefore, teachers as sports trainers have to be instructionally skilled in certain sports. Expertise and technical skills of sports trainers make a difference in students life. Schools management can provide sufficient supports to teachers as a mean to enhance their enthusiasm of being sports trainers in schools. Incorporate sports as part of academic Sports can be incorporated as part of academic as a way to encourage students to be more actively engaged in it. Sports can be integrated in schooling hours, but not to be in the extension of schooling hours. This is hopefully to re-gather the support of parents to encourage their childrens participation. It is intended to minimize the inconvenience of sending their children back to school after schooling hours. Furthermore, sports activities can be accountable for higher percentage in students academic as to counter the problem of examination oriented mindset, either of the students or the parents. Conclusion Every policy started off with a noble purpose. However, the process of implementing it in reality is what it really matters after all. It is not to say that the noble purposes are there to defend any deficiency of the outcomes. Hence, policy in action is what to be the main focus. Undeniably, the evaluation of policy comes after the implementation over a period of time. Problems are identified and then followed by recommended solution. It is a process, a cycle which keeps going on. Sport is an integral part in ones life. One Student One Sport is a policy with the vision of creating a balance and healthy lifestyle among students. It is indeed a well plan policy which seen to be a complete one for the society, schools, teachers and students. Nevertheless, to implement any policy in Malaysia, it has to be confronted with all aspects considering the fact of every school where it will be the setting of the policy implementation. One policy is not to be able to fulfil every ones need.

Identity and Culture Essay -- Cultural Identity Essays

When we think about our identity we often think about the way we look. Such features as hair color, eye color, skin tone, height and weight come to mind. Whilst these features are part of our identity, there are many more complex factors that make us who we are. Whilst psychological issues are paramount to the formation of our identity, I will be addressing the nature of our identity in relation to socio-cultural factors (Austin, 2002, p.9). During the course of this essay I will be discussing the term of Identity and some of the axes of identity, including Race, Class and Gender. It is important to understand some of the significant issues of identity so that we have more of an understanding of who and what we are, which in turn may help us to begin to better understand others. Identity The New English Dictionary (1999) defines identity as "the distinguishing characteristics of a person." Our identity makes us who and what we are. It could be described as a sense of belonging and about having things in common with others (Weeks, 1990, cited in Austin, 2002, p.1). "Identity is a dynamic feature of social life. That is, it is something that is constantly evolving and changing. For some people, identity can change rapidly and dramatically, of course, but for most of us our identities evolve slowly and imperceptibly" (Livesey, n.d., p.1). There are many factors to consider in understanding the process of identity formation. Structuralists believe that we are the product of our society. Therefore there are many environmental and social factors that go into the formation of an identity. For example children that grow up in the bush will have different influences in their lives to children that grow up in the cit... ...d.). "A" Level Sociology, Teaching Notes for Students. Culture and Identity, 6. Sources of Identity. World Wide Web: http://freespace.virgin.net/chris.livesey/cculture.htm [2002, July, 24]. MÃ ¡rquez, C (1999). Empowering Chicanos Through Self-identity. Faculty Mentor: Olga Vasquez, Ph.D., Department of Communication. World Wide Web: http://www.communication.ucsd.edu/LCM/ectsi.html [30 July, 2002]. Weeks, J. (1990). The value of difference. In J. Austin (Ed.), Culture & Identity (pp.1-3). NSW: Pearson Education Australia. Woolfolk, A.E. (1998). Educational Psychology. Seventh Edition. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. McDonald, Kevin (2000). Pressing Questions: explorations in sociology. Issue two. Pearson Education Australia Pty Ltd.

Coping with Change, Managing Uncertainty Essay -- essays research pape

Coping with Change, Managing Uncertainty Introduction 'Thirty years ago most people thought that change would mean more of the same, only better. That was incremental change and to be welcomed. Today we know that in many areas of life we cannot guarantee more of the same...[we] cannot even predict with confidence what will be happening in our own lives.' (Handy, 1991) He differentiates between incremental and 'discontinuous' change, suggesting that the combination of economics and technology form a potent blend in this. We can see that Higher Education (HE) Library and Information Services (LIS), are part of an environment which is subject to both incremental and discontinuous change: Political - increased control from central government Sociological - the information age Educational - the mass HE system Technological - networking, computing and telecommunications Organisational - new structures Economic - increased demand for value for money Cultural - changed norms and values In LIS the move from holdings of information sources in-house to electronic access to remote sources, along with the pressure to provide more services with fewer human and financial resources brings its own kind of change: New structures such as team-working Collaboration with a range of different groups and individuals Additional skills for staff and users Increased management and decision-making Heavier workloads LIS managers and their staff need to adopt positive strategies to cope with these changes: 'Library administrators must become facilitators. They must understand how the world is changing and how the library must change. And they must also learn to be masters at persuasion, since wherever there is change there will be resistance.' (Moore, 1995) Coping with change rests on two struts: understanding change and managing change. Coping with change: understanding Practical steps can be taken to increase knowledge and understanding: SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis TQM (Total Quality Management) exercises Group planning exercises Programmes of visiting speakers Training needs analysis Environmental scanning Electronic discussion lists User surveys Internal staff surveys Away days External seminars, conferences and workshops Shared experience sessions Understanding uncertainty 'Information technology is ve... .... Mowat (eds). Networking and the future of libraries: managing the intellectual record. UKOLN and LA. Corrall, S. (1995 b) Academic libraries in the information society. New Library World, 96 (1120), 35-42. Garvin, D.A. (1994) Building a learning organisation. Business Credit New York, 96 (1), 19. Handy, C. (1991) The Age of Unreason. In: Henry, Jane (ed) Creative Management. Sage Publications, 269-282. Majaro, S. (1988) The Creative Gap. London, Longman. Moore, M. (1995) Impact of the changing environment on academic library administration: conflicts, incongruities, contradictions and dichotomies. Journal of Library Administration, 22 (1), 13-36. Morgan, G. (1991) Emerging waves and challenges. In: Henry, Jane (ed). Creative Management. Sage Publications, 283-293. Riggs, D. (1997) What's in store for academic libraries? Leadership and management issues. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 23 (1). 3-8. Walton, G. and Edwards, C. (1997) Strategic management of the electronic library in the UK higher education sector: implications of eLib's IMPEL2 project at the University of Northumbria at Newcastle. In: Raitt, D. (ed) Libraries for the New Millennium, 169-198.

Embryonic Stem Cell Research: How does it affect you? Essay -- essays

Embryonic Stem Cell Research: How does it affect you?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Embryonic stem cell research is widely controversial in the scientific world. Issues on the ethics of Embryonic Stem (ES) cell research have created pandemonium in our society. The different views on this subject are well researched and supportive. The facts presented have the capability to support or possibly change the public’s perspective. This case study is based on facts and concerns that much of the research done on embryonic stem cells is derived from human embryos. This case study will provide others with a more in depth view of both sides of this great debate. In biological terms, embryonic stem cells posses a virtually unlimited future. â€Å"Adult stem cell research has produced results that could help many patients with various diseases, but proponents of embryonic stem cell research argue that the progress in adult stem cell research should not preclude embryonic stem cell research† (Kukla, 2002). As of November 2004, California residents voted â€Å"yes† to approve $3 billion dollars for stem cell research. Michelle Lane, who is the state coordinator for the Parkinson's Action Network in Louisiana, was not only relieved to see this go through but because she has early on-set signs of Parkinson’s disease she says â€Å"It proves we can win this battle.† Kalb, C. (2004) Scientists believe that using embryonic stem cells offers the most possibilities in scientific research; these cells have the capability to develop into any of the 210 cells found in the human body including heart cells, nerve cells, muscle cells, and skin cells. The budding capacity of the embryonic stem cell may prove useful for treatment of some medical conditions including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, heart disease and cancer. The prospective advantage of using embryonic stem cells is fascinating. Embryonic stem cells are capable of becoming any cell type in the body making them more versatile than adult stem cells. There is a possibility that the patient’s body can reject the adult cells because their derivative is from cells that are not a patient’s own. Supporters of research state that stem cells from embryos are acceptable for research since the embryos are not considered to be human and is vital to the possible future cure of so... ...es Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity (2002) Human Embryo Experimentation: Embryonic Stem Cell Research Is Unethical (Roman Espejo, Ed). Greenhaven : At Issue Series. Kalb, C. (2004) Newsweek. New York: Dec 6, 2004) Retrieved January 2, 2005 from the ProQuest database. Kukla, H. J. (2002). Embryonic stem cell research: An ethical justification, Georgetown Law Journal. Washington, 90 (2), 503-544. Retrieved January 2, 2005 from the ProQuest database. Landry, D.W. & Zucker, H.A. (2004, November) Embryonic death and the creation of human embryonic stem cells [Electronic version]. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 114(9) pp1184-1186. Retrieved December 20, 2002, from http://www.jci.org EBSCO Prentice, D. (2003). Science and ethics: The intertwined debate on stem cells. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences 95(4). Retrieved January 2, 2005 from the ProQuest database. Saltzman, R. (2001) The Ethics of Abortion: Research Using Human Embryos Is Morally Unacceptable (Jennifer A. Hurley, Ed.) At Issue Series: Greenhaven Press Sullivan, A. (2001) Human Embryo Experimentation.: Early human embryos are human beings.( Roman Espejo, Ed.) At Issue Series: Greenhaven Press

Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times Essay

Being told that we were going to watch a 1936 Charlie Chaplin movie made me excited. I have never seen any of his films so I did not know what to expect. Seeing the movie title as â€Å"Modern Times†, however, made me think that the film is about the lives of the people during the Great Depression. As it turned out, I was correct. But aside from showing the concerns and difficulties of those who lived during a severe economic depression, the film also shows how modernization in society affects the people. What is more interesting, though, is how even more than half a century later, Chaplin’s film still mirrors the influence of modernization on the lives of many people and the world they live in. Chaplin allows his viewers to understand the effect of modernization in the workplace through several scenes. One example is when an inventor makes his character, the Little Tramp, as a subject to present a â€Å"modern† feeding machine. In that scene, Chaplin shows how eager people are in the modern time— or at least in their modern time in 1936— to make workers do their job faster that they will venture to reform the normal way of eating during lunch break. Chaplin also shows that people are so absorbed in recreating and inventing things to achieve efficiency in what they do. One can say that this constant invention and reinvention of things that are being used in workplaces is still true today. This is evident by how companies continue to upgrade and reprogram their computers to hold more information and be better at multi-tasking. The effect of modernization not only changes the tools people use but also changes the people who use those tool. This effect is seen when the boss of the factory asks to make the machine the workers use to run faster, requiring The Little Tramp and his colleagues to also act faster than how they can handle. The increasing demand for faster manual labor eventually makes the Little Tramp suffer a nervous breakdown. With this, Chaplin portrays how modernization not only hastens the work through machines but how it necessitates faster action from the workers that can sometimes be too much to handle which is destructive. Like the previous example, this situation is also true in today’s time for when companies upgrade their computers, employees are expected to learn and work with these new devices which are sometimes too complex for them. The continuous change of computers requires a high computer literacy rate which not all workers possess. This only says that modernization, even today, can be a problem some people. Chaplin is able to present modernism while telling his audience the effects of modernization. His film is a masterpiece for it not only applies to the people of the 1930s era but is still very applicable to the audience of the 21st century. Consciously or not, Chaplin made a film not only to be viewed for entertainment but for learning and understanding modernism and modernization.

Knowledge Management Essay

In researching this paper I can’t seem to get away from constantly comparing the difference between what is knowledge and what is information. As a result I continue to look at Knowledge Management synonymously with Information Management. Or rather the terms of knowledge and information of which knowledge is constantly used synonymously with information. As pointed out in many articles this is often the case, and just leads to confusion of what I think Knowledge Management really is about. Furthermore, I am still stuck in the belief that you can manage information but not really the corresponding knowledge that an individual can derive from the information. This is why I found when reading the assigned reading material that T. D. Wilson’s article probably influenced me more that the others. As a result I will try to explain Information Management comparatively with Knowledge Management and answer the posed question and how I think Knowledge Management should be broached with top managers. What is Information Management? According to Wikipedia, â€Å"Information management (IM) is the collection and management of information from one or more sources and the distribution of that information to one or more audiences (Wikipedia Information, 2010). † This can of course be information of many types and can be stored in data form, written form, video form, and many other forms. Typically in the case of IM this information is stored in Information Management systems such as databases, collaboration portals, report tools, and many other types of systems. Information Management is used to store information so that users of the information can gain knowledge from the information as a whole toward an end goal whether that goal is to generate sales for a company or become an expert in widgets. Information is the basis for knowledge. Without it, knowledge doesn’t exist. On the other hand, according to Wikipedia, â€Å"Knowledge Management (KM) comprises a range of strategies and practices used in an organization to identify, create, represent, distribute, and enable adoption of insights and experiences. Such insights and experiences comprise knowledge, either embodied in individuals or embedded in organizational processes or practice (Wikipedia Knowledge, 2010). † The problem I have with this is that you may be able to capture knowledge in written form, for example, but knowledge in this form is only information for another to use to complete a process through instruction and does not imply they understand the information that led to the conclusion. Can it be a sharing of explicit knowledge? Probably; according to Thampi, â€Å"Explicit knowledge (sometimes referred to as formal knowledge) is formal knowledge that can be packaged as information (Thampi, 2008). † Emphasis should be given to â€Å"packaged as information†. He also implies that tacit knowledge (personal knowledge) over time can become explicit once the person matures it into new knowledge and documents it in some form. Knowledge implies understanding of information and knowledge in written form is just that, information. I don’t believe just because the person can read it that knowledge of the underlying information is imparted. According to Li and Song, the relationship between IM and KM consists of â€Å"the two having mutually reinforcing effects† and â€Å"they both attach great importance to information and IT (Li and Song, 2009). † They state under this these relationships that â€Å"Even though KM and IM have different emphases the purpose produced is basically identical† and that â€Å"Knowledge cannot exist without information because it provides raw material and source for knowledge innovation and the pursuit of KM goals (Li and Song, 2009). † Almost sounds like they are synonymous! I think this is the basis for many of T. D. Wilson’s arguments. He states that â€Å"for the fields of information science and information systems, it is clearly necessary for us to distinguish between ‘information’ and ‘knowledge’. Failure to do so results in one or other of these terms standing as a synonym for the other, thereby confusing anyone who wishes to understand what each term signifies (Wilson, 2002). † The result is people believing Knowledge Management is one and the same with Information Management. The capture of knowledge in written form, as I described above, does not imply knowledge of the underlying information to the person reading it. Wilson further comments on this thought by stating, â€Å"Whenever we wish to express what we know, we can only do so by uttering messages of one kind or another – oral, written, graphic, gestural or even through ‘body language’. Such messages do not carry ‘knowledge’, they constitute ‘information’, which a knowing mind may assimilate, understand, comprehend and incorporate into its own knowledge structures (Wilson, 2002). In other words, not everyone reading it will gain knowledge, so maybe Knowledge Management isn’t the right term to use. I also like his argument that everything outside the mind in essence can be defined as data if it contains simple facts, or information, if the data is in a context of relevance to the recipient, and that collections of messages such as papers, e-mails messages, letters in an archive, etc. are generally regarded as information resources, â€Å"thus, data and information may be managed, and information resources may be managed, but knowledge (i. . , what we know) can never be managed, except by the individual knower and, even then, only imperfectly (Wilson, 2002). † I believe Wilson’s arguments are pretty convincing and his research paper is exhaustive and nearly exhausted me! All of the comments and arguments above are not really what this assignment is about but are what helped me draw my conclusions to answer the posed question. Is it a good idea to use the term ‘knowledge management’ in conversations with top managers in our days? I don’t know that even with all the chatter about KM that it’s known well enough by all managers to necessarily use the term in conversations. Top managers may not have enough information about the KM concepts to be comfortable talking about it without some â€Å"knowledge† or expertise on the matter. I think you need to approach the conversations in terms of desired outcomes. After all, knowledge is information applied toward a desired outcome. I believe anytime you talk to your boss or her boss etc. you define your terms upfront. For example; â€Å"We are working on a KM solution that specifically captures the process call takers use to enter sales orders so that we can reduce sales process times. † Although this only captures information for call takers to use to achieve the outcome, and does not necessarily imply they gain knowledge from the information used to capture the process, it clarifies KM in terms top managers can understand and in reverse implies you are providing knowledge to the call takers. Provide the specifics and keep these types of conversations focused on outcomes. The KM concept is clouded by misinterpretation, ambiguous meanings, and directionless efforts. If you define KM by the desired outcomes then yes, you can have an intelligent conversation with top managers. If I fall into the trap of letting someone else define KM in their own mind, based on what I know about KM, I will simply contribute to the ongoing directionless efforts already occurring. Other terms I would consider using that add clarity to the conversation include process, documentation, repeatability, uniform results, and intended outcomes. These terms change the conversation by changing the focus. You can still have a KM conversation by framing KM as the documented processes that provide repeatable uniform results and intended outcomes. This is a long way of saying KM should be used as a conversation starting point but not an end point. Throw out the KM catch phrase then say â€Å"now that I have your attention let’s talk about all the stuff that makes KM work†. While there seems to be relevance to the KM argument there also seems to be a lack of clarity and information on the KM process that distinguishes it in less synonymous terms from IM. Something in my opinion needs to change that clearly states the intent of KM that clarifies exactly what it does; capture implied knowledge based on individuals knowledge and experiences. I believe it is more of a process or experience management technique that falls under IM and would be less confusing to people as well as eliminate synonymous meanings. I do not believe knowledge can be managed but information, processes, and experience can. Bogorad stated, â€Å"By definition, the intent of Knowledge Management is to discover, retain, and disseminate locked-in knowledge across the organization (Bogorad, 2010). † In my opinion the terms locked-in experience or locked-in processes work much better than knowledge. Similarly, Thampi states, â€Å"Processing data can be performed by machine, but only the human mind can process knowledge or even information (Thampi, 2008. ). † What I believe he should have said is; â€Å"Processing data and information can be performed by machine, but only the human mind can process information to develop knowledge. †