This ERP case study on why and how Peet's chose its ERP system and Essay

This ERP case study on why and how Peet's chose its ERP system and executed the implementation in less than two years begins her - Essay Example After a careful analysis, it has been concluded that implementing a new ERP system is an effective strategy that would be beneficial for the company in various ways, ensuring that the loopholes are eliminated right from the root from where they surfaced. The case study report would reason the adopting and implementing the second option alongside highlighting the advantages of purchasing and implementing new ERP system. In addition to that, the challenges that a company would face while implementing such a system will also be discussed. Finally, an overall conclusion and recommendation will be provided suggesting the ways to tackle such challenges and maintaining the efficiency of the business operations carried out within the organization. Table of Contents Introduction 4 Discussion 4 Advantages of implementing the ERP system 6 Challenges that might occur because of implementing the ERP system 7 Reference List 9 Introduction The report will involve a thorough analysis of the case stu dy in order to determine an optimum choice that can be adopted as a recommended course action. The case studied involves the issues that were recently faced by Peet’s Coffee and Tea. The case study highlighted the inability of the older system or resource management, implemented by the organization, to keep up with the demands placed on them. The problems that surfaced from such a system was not only limited to improper inventory management, but also went to the extent of an improper order management and procurements and other financial activities. Thus, these issues that surfaced called for the necessity to send out a request for proposal (RFP). It was a critical time within the company’s history that necessitated coming up with an optimal course of action that would either focus on modifying the existing system that prevailed within the organization or would establish a new Enterprise resource planning systems that can be implemented efficiently. Thus, the following sections would involve the discussion regarding the alternative options available at the company’s disposal, including the advantages and challenges of adopting such a course of action. Therefore, appropriate reasons will be set forth for supporting the rationale behind implementing the recommended strategy. Discussion The fact that the existing system prevailing within the organization posed numerous problems in the operational activity of the business that resulted in the system’s inability to meet the sales demand, explains the reason why modification of the existing system would not be an efficient and effective strategy. Thus, the alternative option at the company’s disposal is to implement a new Enterprise Resource Planning system that would help the company recover from the existing level of instability. The new system will enable the company to manage all the integral and external business process effectively and independently. This highlights the necess ity for bringing about a complete change in the system as modification of the existing system, would not be a viable option that can eliminate all the loopholes present in the company’s resource management framework. An outright change in the system by purchasing and implementing a new Enterprise Resource planning mechanism will enable the company to meet the rising demand for sales in an appropriate manner (Cassidy, 1996). It would help to ensure that total

The Importance of Sport Essay Example for Free

The Importance of Sport Essay On many levels is sport very important to each and every one of us for a various number of reasons. First of all sport and fitness is what helps us keep in shape and stay healthy which is key to living a long and happy life. There are many benefits to being fit; first of all you will have much better health, and a better body image which in turn may help your self-esteem. Another major importance to sport is that there are so many career opportunities in the athletic field such as: gym teacher, pro athlete, sports analysts, physiotherapist, personal trainer, and many more. Also sports can be used as a stress relief to just get away from it all and shoot some hoops or play pond hockey. From a personal level I have made many friends from playing rep hockey 4 times a week to pick up football on the weekends and many if not all of my friends I’ve met playing sports both Rep and High school. On that note there are both positive and negative attributes of playing for your school or rep team. For school you get to play with you group of friends and represent your school, although it may not be the highest level of competition it’s great fun and a lot better than doing nothing. With playing rep you get to diversify your friend group, hopefully play at a high level but it does consume your life with your sport not leaving much room for a job or school work. Whichever one you choose it doesn’t matter you’re getting out there and doing something your love to do. To finish up I hope to be involved in sports as long as I possibly can even though I am not competing at a high level right now I hope still be playing hockey with my friends in college and after that still playing with them in a beer league somewhere, and after that possibly coach my kids sports teams as much as I can and showing them the â€Å"tricks of the trade† and isn’t that what it’s all about?

Analysis of Hondas Business Strategy

Analysis of Hondas Business Strategy Introduction Honda Motor Company, Ltd. is a Japanese multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of motorcycles and automobiles. Honda is the worlds biggest and leading manufacturer of motorcycles as well as the worlds largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than 14 million internal combustion engines per year. Honda surpassed Nissan in 2001 to become the second-largest Japanese automobile manufacturer. As of August 2008, Honda surpassed Chrysler as the fourth biggest automobile manufacturer in the United States of America. Honda is the sixth largest automobile manufacturer in the world. Honda was the first Japanese automobile manufacturer to release a dedicated comfort brand, Acura in 1986. Aside from their core automobile and motorcycle businesses, Honda also produces garden equipment, marine engines, personal watercraft and power generators, amongst others. Since 1986, Honda has been involved with artificial intelligence/robotics research and released their ASIMO robot in 2000. They have also ventured into aerospace with the establishment of GE Honda Aero Engines in 2004 and the Honda HA-420 Honda Jet, scheduled to be released in 2011. Honda spends about 5% of its revenues into RD. Its head quarters are in Tokyo the capital city of Japan and thus it spreaded almost all over the world. The Honda company not only manufactures the cars but also they produces various bikes and scooters. History of the company From a young age, Hondas founder, Soichiro Honda had a great interest in automobiles. He worked as a mechanic at a Japanese tuning shop, Art Shokai, where he tuned cars and entered them in races. A self-taught engineer, he later worked on a piston design which he hoped to sell to Toyota. The first drafts of his design were rejected, and Soichiro worked painstakingly to perfect the design, even going back to school and pawning his wifes jewelry for collateral. Eventually, he won a contract with Toyota and built a plant to construct pistons for them, which was damaged in an earthquake. Due to a gas shortage during World War II, Honda was unable to use his car, and his novel idea of attaching a small engine to his bicycle attracted much curiosity. He then established the Honda Technical Research Institute in Hamamatsu, Japan, to develop and produce small 2-cycle motorbike engines. Calling upon 18,000 bicycle shop owners across Japan to take part in revitalizing a nation torn apart by wa r, Soichiro received enough capital to engineer his first motorcycle, the Honda Cub. This marked the beginning of Honda Motor Company, which would grow a short time later to be the worlds largest manufacturer of motorcycles by 1964. The first production automobile from Honda was the T360 mini pick-up truck. Powered by a small 356 cc straight-4 gasoline engine, it was classified under the cheaper Kei car tax bracket. The first production car from Honda was the S500 sports car. Its chain driven rear wheels point to Hondas motorcycle origins. In the 1950s, Honda first exported its motorcycles to Europe. In 1961, Honda became the first Japanese motorcycle manufacturer in Europe to establish a local subsidiary, and in the same year, Honda won victories in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy races, sweeping 1st through 5th places in the 125cc and 250cc classes. In 1963, Honda opened a motorcycle manufacturing plant in Belgium, the first such facility outside of Japan for the company, followed in 1976 by a motorcycle plant in Italy. Now, Honda motorcycles are popular for their dynamic performance, ease of riding, and environmental performance, earning the top market share in many European countries. In fact, Honda earned top sales in eight of ten Western European countries in 2008. Honda continues to expand its product lineup in its determination to increase customer satisfaction in Europe. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. operates under the basic principles of Respect for the Individual and The Three Joys commonly expressed as The Joy of Buying, The Joy of Selling and The Joy of Creating. Respect for the Individual reflects our desire to respect the unique character and ability of each individual person, trusting each other as equal partners in order to do our best in every situation. Based on this, The Three Joys expresses our belief and desire that each person working in, or coming into contact with our company, directly or through or products, should share a sense of joy through that experience. In line with these basic principles, since its establishment in 1948, Honda has remained on the leading edge by creating new value and providing products of the highest quality at a reasonable price, for worldwide customer satisfaction. In addition, the Company has conducted its activities with a commitment to protecting the environment and enhancing safety in a mobile society Basic Principles Respect for the individual. The Three Joys (buying, selling and creating. Company Principle (Mission Statement) Maintaining a global viewpoint, we are dedicated to supplying products of the highest quality, yet at a reasonable price for worldwide customer satisfaction. Management Policies Proceed always with ambition and youthfulness. Respect sound theory, develop fresh ideas, and make the most effective use of time. Enjoy work and encourage open communication. Strive constantly for a harmonious flow of work. Be ever mindful of the value of research and endeavor. Dreams inspire us to create innovative products that enhance mobility and benefit society. To meet the particular needs of customers in different regions around the world, we base our sales networks, research and development centers and manufacturing facilities in each region. Furthermore, as a socially responsible corporate citizen, we strive to address important environmental and safety issues. And by the year 2008 honda company is the 6th largest company of automobile industries and highly recommended industry. PRESENT SITUATION APPLY 5 LEVELS OF STRATEGY TO YOUR COMPANY Enterprise Strategy The Mission Statement of Honda is try to maintain a global point of view, with the dedication to supply the highest quality products at a reasonable price for worldwide customer satisfaction. Moreover, taking new challenges with the pursuit of Initiative, Technology and Quality, Honda is pursuing their 2010 Vision: Striving to be a company society wants to exist through creating new value, globalization, and commitment for the future. Corporate Strategy Hondas portfolio includes three businesses: Automobiles business, Motorcycles business, Power business. Even though stepping into Automobile industry rather late at 1963, Honda quickly leads the industry with characteristics like superior fuel economy, optimum safety, and driving pleasure. Hondas sales and production in this industry prove successful steadily not just in U.S. but also in many regions worldwide. Meanwhile, motorcycle business is the first business of Honda, from 1963 with the event of the first oversea plant in Belgium, Honda has devoted in one basic rule: build products close to the customer. Honda has operated successfully in 28 motorcycle plant in 21 countries, as well as Honda RD operations in the U.S., Italy, China, Germany, Thailand, and India. In 2005, the 150-millionth Honda motorcycle created, its business goal is to make Honda cycles more popular than ever. The first Power Product engine started in 1953, and now has expanded includes tillers, portable generators, outboard engines, lawn mowers, power carrier. Cumulative production of power products has exceeded 70 million units (May, 2006). Power Products are produced at 11 plants in 9 countries worldwide, sold in 156 countries, and used by around 5.5 million people annually. Honda is now expanding into robot industry with ASIMO, reaching the sky through Hondajet, providing financial services worldwide to enhance sales increasing. They all create a very promising and potential Honda in the future. Business Strategy RD is sharpening the business advantage of Honda, together with the fierce competition between Honda and competitors, and they all define the Business Strategy of Honda. One of the proudest things about Honda is its RD system. With the systematic way of resembling, focus on durability, reliability and basic performance to establish a creative and innovative technical foundation. With the wisely approach to the future, the Honda products do care about the economical, environmental, and social issues This leads to a increase steady in American and Europe recently meanwhile the whole industry is going down by some external factors such as U.S.D. depreciation, Oil price raising, political recession. Honda is keeping involving in the research and development that benefit people in the future through leading-edge technology and commitment to innovation that opens up new possibilities in mobility. With The Joy of Selling The dealership of Honda is also one of its strengths. Through creating products and services that provide the core values that make Honda unique, the Hondas associates around the world keep creating such inspiring experience for its customer. Honda put heartfelt endeavors into services, responding to changing values and increasingly complicated needs of customer worldwide. Its services focus on improving customer relations, with friendly and attentive sales, responsive service support, thorough maintenance and repairs. Life with a Honda Honda began unifying its multiple dealership channels into a single Honda sales channel, seeking to strengthen the Honda brand, enhance customer satisfaction, and help ensure lifetime customer loyalty. The manufacturing and distributing system of Honda are also sources for the succession of Honda. With the global network, Hondas global strategies somehow include the globalization characteristic. Honda has established independent local operation around the world and pushed local autonomy and proactive efforts to localize the needs regional with mutual understanding. The competition between Honda and others speed up year by year. This is somehow carry the win/lose characteristic. The world Automobile market is being taken by Asian Brands. In the U.S. market, the foremost threat to U.S. car makers is the emergence of Toyota, Honda, and Nissan that are threatening directly to the wealth being of these Big Boys here, General Motors the worlds current largest car manufacturer, Ford the pioneer of  automobile industry, and some others big boys of Detroit. The raise of Honda and Toyota hit General Motor the most because they came so strong many years ago. Hondas greatest competitor of all time worldwide is Toyota Motor, but the competition around the world involve Hyundai, Volkswagen, Nissan, General Motor, Ford, Kia, Mazda. The rivalry against these top car manufacturers in the world has created a work ethic that is unmatched in the American auto scene. With their constant improvement on their cars, the healthy competition that mostly in Japan leads the way for the production of vehicles that gets more and more miles per gallon. Operational Strategy Honda operates in the worldwide market with 134 production facilities in 28 countries and at 31 RD facilities in 15 countries, about 167000 Honda employees and associates serve 23 million customers worldwide annually. Hondas global operations are divided into 6 administrative regions responsible for operating. Hiring and engaging the people and philanthropic initiatives locally in the communities that Honda operates. Honda is pushing the independence of their local management and sales operations, at the same time with integrating and forward-looking plan for each region. They operate under the conduct guidelines that help member companies and associates in evaluating and managing risks, complying with laws and regulations, keeping a high level of transparency in operational level, thats all to maximize the worldwide customer satisfaction. The Individual Strategy The individual strategy of Honda is reflected through the Hondas philosophy The Three Joy The Joy of buying:- the Hondas associates must try their best to exceed the customers expectation. The joy of selling:- which concern not only about the relationship between the dealers and their customers, but they also feel the pride of having a positive relationship with their customers. The joy of producing:- comes from manufacturing, research and development. by producing quality products that satisfy customers worldwide, the Hondas employees can experience pride in exceeding the expectation of their customers. That all bring the strategies of Honda from their enterprise level, through corporation, business, operational level, to individual strategy level, that spread the Hondas strategic spirit throughout the company. FUTURE The future of a company or the strategies to be made to keep an company alive in future can be framed by keeping in mind the environment and the challenges that are expected to arise in near future. So we will analysis the future policies of the company by taking Potters 5 force model for environment and challenges that may arise in future ENVIRONMENT:- Potter`s 5 force model The threat of substitute products: That is defined as the existence of close substitute products increases the propensity of customers to switch to alternatives in response to price increases (source from Wikipedia.org). This does mean that when a Hondas competitor can produce with high performance and economical price rather than Hondas. This product will replace Hondas product in the market. Hence, simultaneous reducing market share and profit of Honda are the results. For example, for the product line of sport motorbike, R6 of Yamaha is the close substitutes of Hondas F4. If Yamaha can achieve an innovation to produce R6 with the lower price against F4, It can actually replace Hondas F4 on the market because customers have the same expectation on both two products. The threat of the entry of new competitors. The theoretical meaning is that in marketing with many competitors existing, the profit of each company will be lower than the maximum level. American Market as an example, Ford and Honda aggressively compete together in this market. Honda cannot get the maximum profit in this market because of the policies from American Government protecting domestically Company. Additionally, Honda has to spend money on accessing to distribution in American market. Moreover, it also finds difficulties in adopting the culture differences, etc. those reasons will reduce the Hondas profit level. Rivalry among existing competitors: Among five characteristics important to the automobiles industry analysis is the competitive rivalry. Three main rivals that Honda has to compete fiercely are Toyota Motor Corp. (TM), Ford Motor Co. (FM), and General Motor (GM). Whatever change in strategy of one of these competitors can have influences on performance of Honda. At the end of fiscal year 2007, FM reported 172,455 million dollars of sales and 16,418.5 million dollars of market capability, while GM experienced 181,122 million dollars of sales and 11,853.3 million dollars of market capability. Toyota with 299,394 employees generated 202,864 million dollars of sales in the fiscal year 2007. Honda as well as its three rivals always keeps on innovating, improving, researching and developing to compete effectively in this auto industry. For example, whenever one of these four company releases a new model, the others will catch up and have similar products to compete. Like when Honda has just released its FCX Clarity, the nex t generation of its fuel cell vehicles, GM put their fuel cell platform into the body of a Chevy Equinox SUV. A famous model of Honda, Accord, has been competing with its chief rival, Toyota Camry since its first appearance. Accord was released into market in 1976, and until 1983, Toyota introduced itsCamry. Since then, these two models have kept on competing with each other. GM Malibu and Ford Fusion are also two models that GM and Ford use to compete with Accord and Camry. For, Toyota, and GM all can replace Honda in this auto industry. So, what Honda has to do is trying to improve its technology, research and development to create a competitive advantage, maybe as a Greenest automaker. The bargaining power of customers:- In business, if a company wants to exist it must create a good relationship with customers. Honda is a global company, it means Honda have a lot of competitors. So customers will confuse when they make decision for what Brand will be the best choice. It depends not only the famous company but also the price and quality. For example, In Vietnam on April 2007, Honda introduced Air Blade Scooter with functions like sport and fashion model, more fuel-efficient engine technology. It rapidly attracted the youth , the supply was not enough for demand. Then it made the shortage of Air Blade in the market and pushed price higher. Customer want to buy it must order and wait around one to two months. No longer after, Suzuki has utilized maximize the advantage of its competitors to its product. On July 2007, Suzuki introduced new model Hayate Scooter that have the same functions of Air Blade but set the amazing price (lower than 23%) and customer can take their product immediately. As a result , many customers change of their mind, therefore the market share of Honda to shrink. The bargaining power of suppliers:- One of the factor helps the company competes against with other companies is the ability to reduce the cost. Therefore, suppliers plays an important role to make the companys success. Suppliers may refuse to work with the firm or increasing prices for unique resources. Realizing the serious element, Honda purchases raw materials and certain components and parts, from numerous external suppliers. Moreover, Honda relies on some main suppliers for the items and raw material that use in the manufacture of it products. Honda has ability to obtain these supplies in an efficient and cost-effective manner is subject to a number of factor. Some of which are not within Hondas control, these factors include the ability to provide a continued source of supply and ability to compete with other company in obtaining the supplies. If Honda loss a key supplier, it may affect the capacity and increase the cost.There are some key suppliers of Honda in term of Metal Stamping Part : Takao Kinzoku Kogyo C o.,Ltd; Hirata Technical Co.,Ltd; Hongo Co.,Ltd; Kikuchi Co.,Ltd; Marujun Co.,Ltd, ect,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Among these companies, Kikuchi Co.,Ltd deal with not only the supplier of Honda but also Nissans supplier. If Nissan was willing to purchase with higher price or had some benefit promotion than Honda, Honda might be affected on the capacity and increase the cost. GLOBAL CHALLENGES In this globally competitive business world, every firm has to face many challenges, and Honda does, too. There are four common challenges that Honda has to face: problems that cannot be solved, managing intangibles, managing diversity, and addressing new issues for which managers and organization are ill-prepared. In this part, we will discuss more about these challenges of Honda. Challenge 1: Problems that cannot be solved but must be managed. Honda has to face some challenges that cannot be solved completely; they just can be managed, like these two examples below. In Europe, several factors negatively impacted automobile operations of Honda during fiscal 2001, including the appreciation of the yen, the weakness of the euro against the sterling pound and pricing pressure in the United Kingdom. Due to this business environment, Hondas automobile unit sales in Europe declined 23.3%, to 191,000 units, and net sales declined 30.8%, to  ¥311.2 billion ($2,512 million). Because of the Asian currency crisis in 1997, Honda had to streamline local operations to ensure profitability within a small-scale production volume. These efforts include cost reductions, technology transfers, human resource development and exports to other regions. These efforts have allowed Honda to enhance its profitability and presence in this region. Challenge 2: Managing intangibles. Building relationships Most of firms that want to become industry leadership or be competitive globally must have strategic partners, and Honda is not an exception. Building relationship (with business partners and governmental agencies) is a challenge that Honda has to face to successfully compete globally. Business Transactions: To maintain a fair and sound relationship with business partners, Honda conducts fair and sound transactions. Honda starts with the selection of business partners. When they need to purchase products or services, they will select a business partner by comparing and evaluating in an impartial manner the terms and conditions offered by various business partners. After selecting, in their dealings with business partners, they will neither offer nor accept gifts or benefits beyond that normally considered appropriate. In addition, they also prohibit on improper exercise of positions and authorities. They will not exercise positions or authorities inappropriately to exact improper benefits from business partners; nor will they give business partners improper benefits. Relationships with Governmental Agencies: To build strategic relationships with governmental agencies, Honda abides laws and regulations for ethics. They act in a manner that recognizes government officials ethics and what are considered conflicts of interest under the relevant laws and regulations. Furthermore, prohibition on excessive gifts and benefits is also conducted. They do not offer government officials any gift or benefit exceeding the social custom or socially accepted limits. Honda is reliant on the protection and preservation of its intellectual property: Honda owns rights in a number of patents and trademarks relating to the products it manufactures, which have been obtained over a period of years. These patents and trademarks have been of value in the growth of Hondas business and may continue to be of value in the future. Honda does not regard any of its businesses as being dependent on any single patent or related group of patents. However, an inability to protect this intellectual property generally, or the illegal breach of some or a large group of Hondas intellectual property rights, would have an adverse effect on Hondas operations. So, managing these intellectual properties is also a challenge for Honda. Challenge 3: Managing diversity Honda is a global organization. Its associates come from many places all over the world, so diversity certainly occurs and needs a lot of attention. How to deal with diversity is really a difficult challenge for Honda. Respecting diversity- an open-door employment policy, is the policy that Honda choose to manage its diversity. Even since the days when Japanese corporations tended to favor employing only graduates of a few elite educational institutions, Honda has had an open door employment policy, hiring the most capable and motivated individuals available. In addition to hiring new graduates, they also welcome talented individuals in mid-career, enriching the company with a diverse mix of personalities and experience. Challenge 4: Addressing new issues for which managers and organizations are ill-prepared. Some problems have just occurred recently, but did not in the past, give Hondas managers considerable difficulties, because they are not well-prepared for them. Climate change is a good example for this situation. Climate change and the increasing demand for mobility The problem of climate change is of global scope it cannot be solved through isolated regional measures alone. The entire world must work together to face this problem. However, there is still a significant gap between developed and developing countries in terms of access to convenient transportation. Improvement in the quality of mobility is indispensable to the betterment of peoples lives. Consequently, the demand for automobiles and other means of transportation will likely continue to increase. Honda is working to apply advanced technologies to help resolve the conflicting issues of climate change and the growing demand for mobility. Products: improving global average fuel economy Since the internal combustion engine seems likely to remain the primary source of power for human mobility until at least 2020, improving its fuel economy and overall efficiency is an issue of vital importance. In the US, Europe and other regions, automakers are being required to improve the average fuel economy of their products through compliance with tough standards like the US Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations. However, climate change is a global issue and needs to be addressed on a global level. Honda is shifting from a regional strategy to one based on a global perspective; and from fuel economy targets for product by weight or model to worldwide targets for all product categories. Swot analysis of Honda company Strengths: Its strength is high innovation Its strength is manufacturing different products Strong brand equity Market share leadership Weakness It has high cost structure It has high deposit structure where It differs from Toyota and Nissan. Some cars are very high in cost so that only some people can buy. Opportunity: Due to high interest from customers into more fuel efficient and lower pollution cars, honda can use its strength in high RD to develop these kind of cars to suit customers needs. Threat: less rate competitors or imports economic slow down There may be external changes like government ,taxes ,politics. Price wars.

Sheyann Webb :: essays research papers

On August,13 1860, Pheobe Ann Moses was born to Jacob and Susan Moses in their one room cabin in Patterson, Ohio. When Annie was around 6, her father contracted pnemonia while traveling the 18 miles home from town in a blizzard, and died in the spring of 1866. Afterward, Susan had trouble supporting the six childen. After the three older children married and left, Mrs.Moses was forced to send the three younger children to neighbors' houses. One day while dusting the funiture, Annie decided to take down her father's gun and clean it. A few days later, she saw a squirrel running in the field. Excitedly, she took down the gun and loaded it. She hastily aimed and fired. To her suprise, the squirrel was cleanly shot though the head, even though she was only 8 years old! Annie's mom liked having the meat for dinner, but the family's Quaker religion opposed violence. Annie had to promise never to use the gun on someone. Annie was well known in Cincinnati for her cleanly shot birds. People who ate the birds did not have to worry about chipping a tooth on scattered bird shot. A restaraunt owner set up a shooting match with the well known sharpshooter, Frank Butler. Annie shot all 25 birds while Frank shot only 24. Later, Frank would say that he lost two things to Annie that day: the match and his heart. Annie and Frank went on the road as a team. Annie wanted a fancy name, so she settled on Oakley, a suburb outside of Cincinnati.Annie loved showbiz. She liked to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. When the Butler and Oakley team joined the Sell's Brother Circus, Frank stopped shooting and became Annie's manager and assistant, managing the money and the schedule, throwing up targets for Annie to shoot at, and loading Annie's gun for her. In 1885, Annie joined Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. Annie was injured twice while performing with Buffalo Bill's Wild West show, once from a bug bite, and once from a train crash. In 1913, Annie and Frank retired to Cambridge, on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Major Trends in 21st Century in ESL

Teaching students to be literate is a high educational priority throughout the world. Though this area is one of our greatest priorities, it is also one of our greatest challenges. The classroom environment has changed from many years ago. Teachers face the challenges of a large population who do not speak English and have high transient rates. For this large population, becoming proficient in a new language is a very difficult transition. This process can be frustrating and sometimes painful. Students learning a new language need as much language support as possible. Those who have taught students learning English as their second language know that any language support is helpful for their language acquisition. English language learner (ELL) students need a variety of language experiences. They need to hear language, write language, speak language and read language. Nowadays it is believe that computers and some other gadgets can play an integral part in providing ESL students with valuable language experiences as they learn a new language. Interactive whiteboards and iPad Interactive whiteboards are the most valuable digital resource in the classroom. hiteboards can be a vehicle to access online instructional and professional development resources and though tablet-style eReader devices such as Apple’s iPad haven’t been around for long, they’re already considered the second most useful mobile classroom technology behind laptops, according to some researches. Educators are incorporating more internet-dependent a technology in to their instruction, the reason of this is because digital media is a core learning support, nowadays it’s a core part of a teacher’s job. Smartphone. Another important technology used in classrooms is the Smartphone. Smartphone owners use them on the move to access information and entertainment such as music, audio books, reading, and for viewing photos and video clips. One-third of Facebook traffic is now via these devices used simultaneously for instant messaging, email and Twitter. The mobile phone application, or app, brings all the above to life in one self-contained mini-program. The growth in apps for communication, gaming and simple utility (finding the quickest route on public transport) is phenomenal. Apps are often seen as synonymous with the iPhone, which has been the leader in this area, but many commentators expect the Android operating system, which works on smartphones from other manufacturers, to overtake Apple. Apps have enormous potential for language learning because they allow for multisensory learning on the move: for learners to use chunks of time in a wait in line or on public transport. And because smartphones can store so much data or retrieve it via the internet, apps can serve as rich media dictionaries and reference tools. Technology used to improve: Verbal interaction Children need to be able to interact with each other so that learning through communication can occur. Computers can facilitate this type of environment. The computer can act as a tool to increase verbal exchange. An example in how useful can computers be for this interaction are computer books, these are interactive stories that appear on the computer screen as an actual book with text and illustrations. There are also a variety of interactive choices students can use to read the story, including: real voices that read aloud, music, and sound effects. The story is also highlighted so readers can follow along with the text. Verbal interaction and the use of a variety of language functions by English language learners can be facilitated by the use of the computer. The group's computer book reading environment fostered language development by providing an opportunity for verbal interaction. The use of the computer can be a useful supplement to the traditional curriculum of the ELL classroom by promoting verbal communication and the acquisition of English. Vocabulary development One way to use computers for English Language Learners is to teach vocabulary. Students need to learn vocabulary in context and with visual clues to help them understand. Computers can provide this rich, contextual environment. The computer also allows students to become active learners in a one-on-one environment. Computers can incorporate various learning strategies as well as accommodate a variety of learning styles. Reading There are several ways in which technology can be used to improve reading ability.. Most simple reading texts are also very primary in content. Older children may consider themselves too old to be reading such primary content books. Computers, however can increase the interest level for older students while keeping the text simple and easy to read. Another benefit of using computers for reading instruction is that the computer offers immediate feedback on performance. They also can provide added practice when necessary. Computer software and games provide many fun opportunities for students to practice literacy skills. There are numerous software packages for improving spelling, phonics skills, grammar and sight word vocabulary. When English Language Learners are learning their second language, any and all language experiences are valuable to assist in reading ability. Writing As demonstrated, computers and software can help English language learners develop vocabulary skills and knowledge. Computers can also help ELL students develop their writing skills. Writing paragraphs in a language that is still somewhat unfamiliar to students can be difficult. When using a computer, however, the use of graphics can make this much more enjoyable. Using clip art can also help students to convey their thoughts more clearly. To highlight, students have a lot of choices, such as underlining, italicizing, or changing the font size, color or type. Using a computer as a medium for studying grammar is much more motivating for a student as opposed to writing with a pencil. Computer-assisted instruction has been shown in a range of studies to facilitate learning in a variety of ways. Computers can be used to aide in teaching English Language Learners in core academic subjects, such as reading and writing. Computers can aide in vocabulary development as well as verbal language development. Ultimately, however, it is important to recognize that computers are not a substitute for effective teaching. Computers are a tool–they are simply one type of supplement to the regular curriculum in teaching English Language Learners as they develop their English language skills.

Knowing Minds of Others essays

Knowing Minds of Others essays Is it possible to know what is going on in another persons mind? I wouldnt say that it is possible to know what is going on in another persons mind, but I would say that you can have a pretty good idea of what is going on in their mind. I dont think that there is any possibility that anyone could know what is going on in someone elses mind without having that person be hooked up to some kind of electrical devise that outputs what is going on in their mind. Then and only then do I think that that is the only way someone can tell what someone else is thinking. With the example of having a pretty good idea of what is going on in someone elses head; I have three friends that are girls and they are pretty much inseparable, but when they are apart they always know what the other one is doing and have a pretty good idea of what they are thinking and doing at that particular time. They know each other so well that they can finish each others sentences, just look at each other and know what the other one is probably thinking, and kind of sense what the other one is thinking and might Going back to the question of being able to know what is going on in another persons mind; Like I said before, I dont believe that there is a way that someone can possibly know what is going on in another persons mind. Of course, people will say that there are psychics that can know what is going on in someone elses mind or be able to know of things that only that person would know. This is all fake because psychics have a way of luring out things from people and making them think that they know things about them or know what they are thinking or feeling. I have some really good friends that I have know all of my life, and we know pretty much everything about each other. Even though we know so much about each ...

Importance of Discipline in the Leadership Process

Importance of Discipline in the Leadership Process Free Online Research Papers â€Å"Is discipline as important as reward to the leader in influencing followers? If so, what is the best method of implementing?† Discipline is as critical to good leadership. In order to motivate and manipulate followers to do things they are not inclined to do on their own, a leader will have to prove and show their authority. This statement is conditional in regards to the following factors: 1 – Consistent treatment of all followers 2 – The manner the discipline is administered is respectful 3 – There is a clear understanding by the followers and they perceive the disciplinary action(s) is (are) necessary â€Å"Workplace discipline means regulating the employees, making them abide by the rules and policies of the company and follow guidelines.† (Williams and Kings, 2009) In order to administer fair discipline a leader must gather as much information, as time allows, as they can. Once they have gathered the information the must make a detailed analysis of where the wrongs have been made and to whom the blame falls. The leader must look at the situation from the angle of the direct problem and employee action as well as from the perspective of what could lead an employee to think/act in this manner. Because disciplining subordinates is an unpopular leader responsibility, especially with charismatic leaders, far too many do not take this time and therefore administer discipline poorly. In order to be successful the leader must be perceived to be â€Å"fair†. Gene Levine believes â€Å"the fairest work policies are the ones that allow employees to discipline themselves when they have demonstrated undesirable behavior which extends even to the point of terminating themselves. I also hasten to add that there are not and cannot be fair policies on anything, to everyone, all the time. No matter how good the policy, someone, some day, will claim that it is unfair. (Levine, G, 1998) One of the biggest factors affecting hostility in the workplace is inequity and selective discipline. Employees frequently site favoritism and unfairness as their reasons for discomfort and intimidation at work. (Vokoun, n.d.) This is due to leaders improperly yielding their authority. This is a problem when leaders use their authority for self enabling or enhancing reasons or any other reason that to improve the out put of the team. Mastering the administration of discipline will allow a leader to reach a deeper level of trust and kinship with the followers. The leaders’ example is critical in developing and solidifying this. When a leader disciplines themselves for the good of the team, it is easier for followers to accept the disciplinary measures. There is no best method for discipline. We have learned that situations and followers have a large impact on the leadership process. They, as well, will dictate how a leader should discipline a follower. The team and follower might be best served by the leader disciplining the individual in a private setting such as a CEO might discipline a senior executive on their team. Dependent upon the situation, it might be better to admonish the individual in front of the entire team as a football coach might yell at a star lineman for making a mistake to get the entire line to focus on its importance. After factoring in the individuals personality, the team make up and current stage of building, the leader should reach into their toolbox and apply the necessary effort and action to resolve the matter quickly. References: Levine, Gene, 1998. â€Å"Firm-but-fair approach key in workplace discipline† accessed at: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3638/is_n5_v39/ai_20298340/ On 14 November 2009 at 7:25pm GMT+3 Williams and Kings, 2009. â€Å"Maintaining Office Discipline at Your Workplace.† Business Article accessed at: articleblast.com/Business_and_Management/General/Maintaining_Office_discipline_at_your_workplace/ on 14 November 2009 at 4:45pm GMT+3 Vokoun, Mellissa, n.d. â€Å"Avoiding a Hostile Workplace – Fairness in Employee Discipline†. Ezine Articles, Accessed at: http://ezinearticles.com/?id=555351 on 14 November 2009 at 5:30pm GMT+3 Research Papers on Importance of Discipline in the Leadership ProcessBringing Democracy to AfricaDefinition of Export QuotasMoral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New EmployeesResearch Process Part OneThe Project Managment Office SystemAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaTrailblazing by Eric AndersonPETSTEL analysis of IndiaStandardized TestingBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm X

Free Essays on E-Bay

Competitive Analysis of eBay eBay eBay is the world’s online market place. Founded in 1995, eBay is the leading online market place for the sale of goods and services by a diverse community of individuals and businesses. Today, the eBay community includes 49.7 million registered users, and is the most popular shopping site on the Internet when measured by total user minutes according to Media Metrix. The eBay Market eBay enables trade on a local, national and international basis. It features a variety of international sites, specialty sites, categories, and services that aim to provide users with the necessary tools for efficient online trading in the auction-style and fixed price formats. In 2000, the eBay community transacted more than $5 billion in annualized gross merchandise sales (value of goods traded on the eBay site). On any given day, there are millions of items listed on eBay across thousands of categories. People come to eBay to buy and sell all kinds of practical, unique, and interesting items. Rivalry In 2001, there were over 2500 auction sites on the Internet. Some of these sites include: Amazon.com Auctions, Yahoo! Auctions, MSN Auctions, AOL Auctions, Excite Auctions, and UBid. Each of these sites has their pros and cons. eBay’s closest competition exists with UBid, Amazon, and Yahoo!. Neither company, however, has a customer base as large as eBay’s. Using the Internet to attract buyers and sellers from all over the world has allowed eBay to remain competitive. eBay is still 100 times larger as Amazon and 10 times as large as Yahoo! Both of the sites have grown large enough to make the list of the ten largest auction sites on the Internet, but in the meantime eBay’s size has more than doubled (with a continued growth rate of 12% per month). The two big newcomers (Yahoo! and Amazon) have a lot of similarities to eBay: similar categories of goods, similar fixed-length English auc... Free Essays on E-Bay Free Essays on E-Bay Competitive Analysis of eBay eBay eBay is the world’s online market place. Founded in 1995, eBay is the leading online market place for the sale of goods and services by a diverse community of individuals and businesses. Today, the eBay community includes 49.7 million registered users, and is the most popular shopping site on the Internet when measured by total user minutes according to Media Metrix. The eBay Market eBay enables trade on a local, national and international basis. It features a variety of international sites, specialty sites, categories, and services that aim to provide users with the necessary tools for efficient online trading in the auction-style and fixed price formats. In 2000, the eBay community transacted more than $5 billion in annualized gross merchandise sales (value of goods traded on the eBay site). On any given day, there are millions of items listed on eBay across thousands of categories. People come to eBay to buy and sell all kinds of practical, unique, and interesting items. Rivalry In 2001, there were over 2500 auction sites on the Internet. Some of these sites include: Amazon.com Auctions, Yahoo! Auctions, MSN Auctions, AOL Auctions, Excite Auctions, and UBid. Each of these sites has their pros and cons. eBay’s closest competition exists with UBid, Amazon, and Yahoo!. Neither company, however, has a customer base as large as eBay’s. Using the Internet to attract buyers and sellers from all over the world has allowed eBay to remain competitive. eBay is still 100 times larger as Amazon and 10 times as large as Yahoo! Both of the sites have grown large enough to make the list of the ten largest auction sites on the Internet, but in the meantime eBay’s size has more than doubled (with a continued growth rate of 12% per month). The two big newcomers (Yahoo! and Amazon) have a lot of similarities to eBay: similar categories of goods, similar fixed-length English auc...

Art theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Art theory - Essay Example However, in the case of The Third of May, de Goya seemed to have been inspired by the political and social status of Spain during that time, believed to have been in Spain during the six year French occupation in his country. It is also speculated that he personally witnessed the killings of his own people through a telescope after which, he visited the shooting venues and took note of the situation in a closer inventory. The metaphors presented in de Goya’s painting are seen in the dead people. If the speculations are true that he had personal inventories of the aftermath, the dead men speak for other people who have been killed. The whole picture does not only speak for one event but for all the killing events during that time whose victims are mostly commoners as the clothes in the painting show. The Spaniards on the left side, the weak side could be a metaphor in itself. In addition, their clothes which give away their social status which could be miners, farmers or other hard workers, speak of inability to save oneself when he is faced with a giant, not only in the physical sense of it but holistically as their enemies are armed with rifles and swords. In contrast, the soldiers on the right side speak of strength and being in control. Their guns and fires also speak the same language as they face the Spaniards who have no strength or means to fight back in a fair battle. The emotions that the Spaniards exude in the picture represent the fear that gripped all of those who have been represented in the picture when they were facing death in the hands of their colonizers. The folded hand of the man nearest the dead bodies is the metaphor of the Spaniards’ being religious. In this painting, their only resort is shown as the Almighty drawn from the sign language of clasping one’s hands in prayer as well as bowing in reverence to God. Looking closely at the man with

Persuade Speech-The Illegality of Abortion Essay - 1

Persuade Speech-The Illegality of Abortion - Essay Example Abortion terminates the development of an unborn child, and that is murder. An embryo or a fetus, just like a living human being, has a right to life. In the United States, according to the fetal homicide laws, killing amounts to violation of fundamental human rights to life. Abortion has become an issue of religious concern. No known religious group in the world favors abortion. It goes against all religious convictions. According to religious books, the killing caused by is punishable by death. According to the existing religious books and doctrines, those who kill by abortion should also be killed. All the religions groups regard abortion as a sin that God punishes so harshly. The other aspect which view abortion as form of prejudice in modern world whose interpretation is equivalent to eugenic, a common phenomenon in the United States and United Kingdom. The most disgusting case in abortion is when is done on the basis of human imperfection in which the poor are born as a result of intermarriages face forceful termination at the early time in life. In addition, it is confirmed beyond the doubts of men that the unborn are capable of feeling the pain as common human beings. The professionals argue at the eighth week the fetus is in a position to exercise flexibility of the spinal cord and the nervous systems are sensitive. It is on this basis that partial abortion of piercing the head of the fetus and removing the brain of the unborn results into ever pain and such practices are highly condemned in the society. This paper will not hesitate to state the medical and psychological trauma not only in women who practice it but also the youthful adult that engage in the act of. Sometimes it is worrying to note that the parent encourage their daughters to carry out abortion at the expenses of academic pursuant. In the end they experience placenta complication and breast

Influence of New Technologies on Visual Arts Essay

Influence of New Technologies on Visual Arts - Essay Example The essay "Influence of New Technologies on Visual Arts" discovers photography and its influence on visual art of 19th century. Realism and impressionism in photography and cinematograph would never have occurred without the invention of photography. Photo-realism also would not exist without photography. The new technology of photography in the 19th century led to a Realism movement. The photographers wanted to capture a true image. They did not care about making art, but in making actual replications of real things. This helped move the technology of photography along. In an effort to capture a more real looking photo, newer cameras and film were developed. This pushed the technology forward into cinematography. The better the camera and film became made making films possible. Photographic impressionists used different techniques to make their photos seem unrealistic. Soft focus was one technique used to make a picture look different. Over exposing film was another technique. Regul ar photography inspired painters. Photography had started to come of age in the middle of the 19th century with accurate depictions of people and places. Artists such as Manet, Monet, Degas, CÃ ©zanne and Pissarro felt the pressure to develop a new style that would not compete with the "accuracy" of photography. These works would never have developed without photography. Impressionism, photography, cinematography, or painting, would not have been the same. Photorealism was also affected by the emerging technology of photography.

Agricultural Development Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Agricultural Development - Assignment Example An ongoing debate about the integration of farmers' empirical knowledge in agricultural development was sought to be answered by studying soil fertility management strategies in the Jos Plateau of Nigeria. The paper of Pasquini and Alexander (2005) tried to illustrate how farmers collectively can acquire considerable and detailed knowledge, which can be supported by scientific explanations.Since time immemorial, the idea that local people could have something to contribute to development is not always considered. Some scholars and scientists often put down local, indigenous knowledge. Often, they dismiss it as 'primitive', 'unscientific' and 'wrong'. Thus, they assigned themselves of 'educating' rural people, using a top-down, transfer-of-technology approach (Okali et al. 1994; Scoones and Thompson 1994a; Sillitoe 2002). Fortunately, Pasquini and Alexander (2005) mentioned that this perspective was challenged with a populist approach that viewed indigenous technical knowledge as a va luable, untapped source, and believed that it had to be 'incorporated' into formal research extension and practices in order to make agricultural development more sustainable.In the late 1980s-early 1990s, a thorough research in the Jos Plateau, Nigeria congruently examined how the knowledge and management of soil fertility by local farmers could be integrated in the development of a viable strategy for the maintenance of soil fertility (Phillips-Howard and Kidd 1991). As a previous site of tin mining since the beginning of the twentieth century, farming systems have been agitated about 320 km2 of cultivable land, much of which was needed for food production, because of the growing population (Alexander and Kidd 2000). In 1949, a series of trials was established to find the best way of restoring the mined land to agriculture, but after three years of trials, the Mines Land Reclamation Unit declared that it was impractical and uneconomic to raise the fertility of the degraded soil to the point that it would be able to sustain traditional arable agriculture (Alexander 1996). Local farmers were unaware of this opinion and continued with their informal reclamation strategy, which proved successful in raising significantly the nutrient status of the soils (Alexander and Kidd 2000). Thus, Phillips-Howard and Kidd (1991) showed that farmers had extensive and detailed knowledge of a variety of traditional (in Hausa: takin gargajiya) and modern (takin zamani) fertilizers, being able to differentiate between them according to their perceived characteristics and usefulness. Inorganic fertilizers are 'modern' fertilizers, whereas various livestock manures and waste ash are classified as traditional fertilizers. In fact, the key to the reclamation strategy was that farmers applied a combination of inorganic fertilizers, different types of animal manure and urban waste ash (Alexander 1996). Also, urban waste ash was regarded as valuable by the farmers, and for this reason one of the conclusions Phillips-Howard and Kidd (1991) came to was that further investigation of the characteristics and supply of this material (tokan bola) (and other unfamiliar fertilizers such as egret manure--kashin balbela) would be worthwhile. Research carried out in the 2000/2001 dry farming se ason (from September through to May) aimed to provide an appreciation of the role played by urban refuse ash, while highlighting the risks attached to its use. Thus, Pasquini and Alexander (2005) have to identify

Investment Strategy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Investment Strategy - Research Paper Example An investment strategy for an inherited amount of  £ 100,000 suggested by a financial advisor seeks a balanced portfolio of investments consisting of building and bank deposits, individual saving accounts (ISAs), unit and/ or investment trusts, gilts, ordinary shares, and premium bonds. This write up contains a discussion on various strategic issues in order to facilitate the decision of financial advisor about the constituents of the investment portfolio. 1. Information required by financial advisor from investor to plan investment portfolio A financial advisor would seek following information from the investor before proceeding to extend his professional guidance for an investment portfolio of  £ 100000: Long Term goals and objectives The long term objectives of an investor differ from person to person. Objective may constitute arrangement of income after retirement, purchasing of a house property, or any other goal. These days investors seek some sort of financial independence. That implies that investors require certain amount of income from investment portfolio in order to maintain a particular standard or status of life without caring about the future. It is very important for investor to quantify these objectives and convey those in clear terms to the financial consultant.

Unit 3 Organisational Behaviour, Unit 5 Aspects of Contract and Assignment

Unit 3 Organisational Behaviour, Unit 5 Aspects of Contract and Negligence for Business, Unit 31 E-Business Operation - Assignment Example Valid contracts act as tools for a business enterprise that can be used as defence mechanism to protect its resources. Contract is essentially a promise between two or more parties, and the promise is legally bound with the implication that court of law will intervene in case there is any breach of the promise (Ryan, 2005, p.3). There are various essential elements for the formation of a valid contract. First of all, there must be an offer made by one or more parties and acceptance of the offer by other parties. An offer is a legally bound promise which means all the terms and conditions attached to the offer have been accepted by both parties. Acceptance occurs when the party responding to the offer expresses agreement to the offer, and the acceptance must be explicit and unequivocal as law will not consider an offer as accepted merely because it has not been expressly refused. There must also be a clear intention of both parties to enter into a legal relationship. The parties to th e contract should also be capable to enter into a legal relationship like the involved persons should be adults, mentally fit, and mentally alert so that they are aware of the terms and conditions of the contract. A person is considered an adult when he or she is of legal age requirement. In most countries the legal age requirement is 18 years. A person is not considered mentally fit if he has been declared mentally incompetent by the court. Finally, a contract signed by an intoxicated person is not considered as valid contract since such a person is not mentally alert to become aware of the terms and conditions of the contract. There should also be free consent from both parties, i.e. neither party should force the other party to enter into a contract. When a valid document is signed it becomes a legally bound contract and is assumed that all the terms and conditions have been understood by both the involved parties. A contract is made up of various terms

Agricultural Development Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Agricultural Development - Assignment Example An ongoing debate about the integration of farmers' empirical knowledge in agricultural development was sought to be answered by studying soil fertility management strategies in the Jos Plateau of Nigeria. The paper of Pasquini and Alexander (2005) tried to illustrate how farmers collectively can acquire considerable and detailed knowledge, which can be supported by scientific explanations.Since time immemorial, the idea that local people could have something to contribute to development is not always considered. Some scholars and scientists often put down local, indigenous knowledge. Often, they dismiss it as 'primitive', 'unscientific' and 'wrong'. Thus, they assigned themselves of 'educating' rural people, using a top-down, transfer-of-technology approach (Okali et al. 1994; Scoones and Thompson 1994a; Sillitoe 2002). Fortunately, Pasquini and Alexander (2005) mentioned that this perspective was challenged with a populist approach that viewed indigenous technical knowledge as a va luable, untapped source, and believed that it had to be 'incorporated' into formal research extension and practices in order to make agricultural development more sustainable.In the late 1980s-early 1990s, a thorough research in the Jos Plateau, Nigeria congruently examined how the knowledge and management of soil fertility by local farmers could be integrated in the development of a viable strategy for the maintenance of soil fertility (Phillips-Howard and Kidd 1991). As a previous site of tin mining since the beginning of the twentieth century, farming systems have been agitated about 320 km2 of cultivable land, much of which was needed for food production, because of the growing population (Alexander and Kidd 2000). In 1949, a series of trials was established to find the best way of restoring the mined land to agriculture, but after three years of trials, the Mines Land Reclamation Unit declared that it was impractical and uneconomic to raise the fertility of the degraded soil to the point that it would be able to sustain traditional arable agriculture (Alexander 1996). Local farmers were unaware of this opinion and continued with their informal reclamation strategy, which proved successful in raising significantly the nutrient status of the soils (Alexander and Kidd 2000). Thus, Phillips-Howard and Kidd (1991) showed that farmers had extensive and detailed knowledge of a variety of traditional (in Hausa: takin gargajiya) and modern (takin zamani) fertilizers, being able to differentiate between them according to their perceived characteristics and usefulness. Inorganic fertilizers are 'modern' fertilizers, whereas various livestock manures and waste ash are classified as traditional fertilizers. In fact, the key to the reclamation strategy was that farmers applied a combination of inorganic fertilizers, different types of animal manure and urban waste ash (Alexander 1996). Also, urban waste ash was regarded as valuable by the farmers, and for this reason one of the conclusions Phillips-Howard and Kidd (1991) came to was that further investigation of the characteristics and supply of this material (tokan bola) (and other unfamiliar fertilizers such as egret manure--kashin balbela) would be worthwhile. Research carried out in the 2000/2001 dry farming se ason (from September through to May) aimed to provide an appreciation of the role played by urban refuse ash, while highlighting the risks attached to its use. Thus, Pasquini and Alexander (2005) have to identify

Unit 3 Organisational Behaviour, Unit 5 Aspects of Contract and Assignment

Unit 3 Organisational Behaviour, Unit 5 Aspects of Contract and Negligence for Business, Unit 31 E-Business Operation - Assignment Example Valid contracts act as tools for a business enterprise that can be used as defence mechanism to protect its resources. Contract is essentially a promise between two or more parties, and the promise is legally bound with the implication that court of law will intervene in case there is any breach of the promise (Ryan, 2005, p.3). There are various essential elements for the formation of a valid contract. First of all, there must be an offer made by one or more parties and acceptance of the offer by other parties. An offer is a legally bound promise which means all the terms and conditions attached to the offer have been accepted by both parties. Acceptance occurs when the party responding to the offer expresses agreement to the offer, and the acceptance must be explicit and unequivocal as law will not consider an offer as accepted merely because it has not been expressly refused. There must also be a clear intention of both parties to enter into a legal relationship. The parties to th e contract should also be capable to enter into a legal relationship like the involved persons should be adults, mentally fit, and mentally alert so that they are aware of the terms and conditions of the contract. A person is considered an adult when he or she is of legal age requirement. In most countries the legal age requirement is 18 years. A person is not considered mentally fit if he has been declared mentally incompetent by the court. Finally, a contract signed by an intoxicated person is not considered as valid contract since such a person is not mentally alert to become aware of the terms and conditions of the contract. There should also be free consent from both parties, i.e. neither party should force the other party to enter into a contract. When a valid document is signed it becomes a legally bound contract and is assumed that all the terms and conditions have been understood by both the involved parties. A contract is made up of various terms

Solution Manual for Fundamentals of Investing Essay Example for Free

Solution Manual for Fundamentals of Investing Essay Key Concepts 1.The meaning of the term investment and the implications it has for individual investors 2.Review the factors used to differentiate between different types of investments 3.The importance of and basic steps involved in the investment process 4.Popular types of investment vehicles, including short-term vehicles, common stock, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, fixed‑income securities such as bonds, preferred stock, and convertibles 5.Derivative securities such as options and futures 6.Other popular investments such as real estate, tangibles, and tax-advantaged investments 7.Investment goals including income, major expenditures, retirement, and sheltering income from taxes; the latter includes analysis of tax-advantaged retirement vehicles 8.Building a diversified portfolio consistent with investment goals 9.Sources of taxation, types of taxable income, and the effect of taxes on the investor 10.Developing an investment program that considers differing economic environments and the life cycle 11.The use of short-term securities in meeting liquidity needs 12.The merits and suitability of various popular short‑term investments, including deposit accounts and money market securities Overview This chapter provides an overview of the scope and content of the text. 1.The term investment is defined, and the alternative investment opportunities available to investors are classified by types. 2.The structure of the investment process is examined. This section  explains how the marketplace brings together suppliers and demanders of investment funds. 3.The key participants in the investment process—government, business, and individuals—are described, as are institutional and individual investors. 4.Returns are defined as rewards for investing. Returns to an investor take two forms—current income and increased value of the investment over time. In this section, the instructor need only define return, since there will be another opportunity to develop the concept of return in Chapter 4; also, providing information about recent investment returns always engages students’ attention. 5.Next, the following investment vehicles available to individual investors are discussed: short-term vehicles, common stock, fixed‑income securities, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, hedge funds, real estate, tangibles, tax-advantaged investments, and options and futures. The text describes their risk-return characteristics in a general way. The instructor may want to expand on the advantages and disadvantages of investing in each, although they will be treated in greater detail in subsequent chapters. It is vital for any investor to establish investment goals that are consistent with his or her overall financial objectives. 6.Once the investment goals have been well specified, the investor can adopt an investment plan consistent with these goals, select suitable investments, and build a diversified portfolio and manage it. 7.Personal taxes are discussed in terms of types of income and tax rates. The investment process is affected by current tax laws. Examples of tax shelters, especially tax-advantaged retirement vehicles, and tax planning are provided. 8.Once investment goals are established, it is important to understand how the investment process is affected by different economic environments. The chapter talks about types of investments such as stocks, bonds, and tangibles as they are affected by business cycles, interest rates, and inflation. 9.Liquidity is defined, and short-term securities that can be used to meet liquidity requirements are described. The discussion includes a look at short-term interest rates and the risk characteristics of various short-term securities. 10.The next section covers the various types of short-term vehicles available to today’s investor. The text provides enough detail about everything from passbook accounts to money market funds to commercial paper that students should get a good grasp of the differences between the vehicles. Information on current rates brings realism into the classroom and enhances student perception of the lecturer as a knowledgeable instructor. Answers to Concepts in Review 1.An investment is any asset into which funds can be placed with the expectation of preserving or increasing value and earning a positive rate of return. An investment can be a security or a property. Individuals invest because an investment has the potential to preserve or increase value and to earn income. It is important to stress that this does not imply that an investment will in fact preserve value or earn income. Bad investments do exist. 2.(a)Securities and property are simply two classes of investments. Securities are investments, commonly evidenced by certificates, that represent a legal claim. For example, a bond represents a legal claim on debt, and a stock represents a proportionate ownership in a firm. An option, on the other hand, represents the legal right to either buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price within a specified time period. Property constitutes investments in either real property (land and buildings) or tangible personal property (Rembrandt paintings, Ming vases, or antique cars). (b)With a direct investment, an individual acquires a direct claim on a security or property. For example, an investment in one share of IBM stock directly provides the stockholder a proportionate ownership in IBM. An indirect investment provides an indirect claim on a security or property. For example, if you bought one share of Fidelity Growth Fund (a mutual fund), you are in effect buying a portion of a portfol io of securities owned by the fund. Thus, you will have a claim on a fraction of an entire  portfolio of securities. (c)An investment in debt represents funds loaned in exchange for the receipt of interest income and repayment of the loan at a given future date. The bond, a common debt instrument, pays specified interest over a specified time period, then repays the face value of the loan. (Chapters 10 and 11 cover bonds in detail.) An equity investment provides an investor an ongoing fractional ownership interest in a firm. The most common example is an investment in a company’s common stock. We will study equity instruments in greater detail in Chapters 6 through 8. Derivative securities are securities derived from debt or equity securities and structured to exhibit characteristics different from the underlying securities. Options are derivative securities that allow an investor to sell or buy another security or asset at a specific price over a given time period. For example, an investor might purchase an option to buy Company X stock for $50 within nine months. (d)Short-term investments typically mature within one year while long-term investments have longer maturities, including common stock, which has no maturity at all. However, long-term investments can be used to satisfy short-term financial goals. 3.In finance, risk refers to the chance that the return from an investment will differ from its expected value. The broader the range of possible values (dispersion), the greater is the risk of the investment. Low-risk investments are those considered safe with respect to the return of funds invested and the receipt of a positive rate of return. High-risk investments are those that have more uncertain future values and levels of earnings. 4.Foreign investments are investments in the debt, equity, derivative securities of foreign-based companies, and property in a foreign country. Both direct and indirect foreign investments provide investors more attractive returns or lower-risk investments compared to purely domestic investments. They are useful instruments to diversify a purely domestic portfolio. 5.The investment process brings together suppliers and demanders of funds. This may occur directly (as with property investments). More often the investment process is aided by a financial institution (such as a bank,  savings and loan, savings bank, credit union, insurance company, or pension fund) that channels funds to investments and/or a financial market (either the money market or the capital market) where transactions occur between suppliers and demanders of funds. 6.(a)The various levels of government (federal, state, and local) require more funds for projects and debt repayment than they receive in revenues. Thus, governments are net demanders of funds. Governments also demand funds when the timing of their revenues does not match their expenditures. The term net refers to the fact that, while governments both supply and demand funds in the investment process, on balance they demand more than they supply. (b)Businesses are also net demanders, requiring funds to cover short‑ and long‑term operating needs. While business firms often supply funds, on balance they also demand more than they supply. (c)Individuals are the net suppliers of funds to the investment process. They put more funds into the investment process than they take out. Individuals play an important role in the investment process—supplying the funds needed to finance economic growth and development. 7.Institutional investors are investment professionals who are paid to manage other people’s money. They are employed by financial institutions like banks and insurance companies, by nonfinancial businesses, and by individuals. Individual investors manage their own personal funds in order to meet their financial goals. Generally, institutional investors tend to be more sophisticated because they handle much larger amounts of money, and they tend to have a broader knowledge of the investment process and available investment techniques and vehicles. 8.Short‑term investments usually have lives of less than one year. These vehicles may be used to â€Å"warehouse† temporarily idle funds until suitable long‑term vehicles are found. Due to their safety and convenience, they are popular with those who wish to earn a return on temporarily idle funds or with the very conservative investor who may use these short‑term vehicles as a primary investment outlet. In addition to their â€Å"warehousing† function, short-term vehicles provide liquidity—they can be converted into cash  quickly and with little or no loss in value. This characteristic is very useful when investors need to meet unexpected expenses or take advantage of attractive opportunities. 9.Common stock is an equity investment that represents a fractional ownership interest in a corporation. The return on a common stock investment derives from two sources: dividends, which are periodic payments made by the firm to its shareholders from current and past earnings, and capital gains, which result from selling the stock at a price above the original purchase price. Because common stock offers a broad range of return-risk combinations, it is one of the most popular investment vehicles. 10.a.Bonds are debt obligations of corporations or governments. A bondholder receives a known interest return, typically semi-annually, plus the face value at maturity. Bonds are usually issued in $1,000 denominations, pay semi-annual interest, and have 20- to 40-year maturities. Bonds offer fixed/certain returns, if held until maturity. b.A convertible security is a fixed-income security, either a bond or preferred stock, which has a conversion feature. Typically, it can be converted into a specified number of shares of common stock. Convertible securities are quasi-derivative securities, as their market value would depend on the price of the common stock and the conversion ratio. c.Preferred stock is very much like common stock in that it represents an ownership interest in a corporation. But preferred stock pays only a fixed stated dividend, which has precedence over common stock dividends, and does not share in other earnings of the firm. d.A mutual fund is a company that invests in a large portfolio of securities, whereas a money market mutual fund is a mutual fund that solely invests in short-term investment vehicles. Investors might find mutual funds appealing because a large portfolio may be more consistent with their investment goals in terms of risk and return. As we will see later, a mutual fund offers the investor the benefits of diversification and professional management. Mutual funds do not offer fixed/certain returns. Mutual funds are quasi-derivative securities, as their market value would depend on the price of the assets that make up the fund’s portfolio. Exchange-traded funds are similar to mutual funds but are traded throughout the day on exchanges and priced continuously. e.Similar to mutual funds,  hedge funds pool the investors’ funds to invest in securities but are open to a narrower group of investor than mutual funds and may employ high-risk strategies. They do not offer a fixed return and are most often not based on derivatives. Hedge funds usually employ a professional manager. f.Options are derivative securities that provide holders the right to buy or sell another security (typically stock) or property at a specified price over a given time period. Factors like the time until expiration, the underlying stock price behavior, and supply and demand conditions affect the returns. g.Futures represent contractual arrangements in which a seller will deliver or a buyer will take delivery of a specified quantity of a commodity at a given price by a certain date. Unlike an option, which gives the investor the right to purchase or sell another security, futures contracts obligate the investor to deliver or take delivery. Factors affecting returns on commodity contracts include changes in government policy, unpredictable weather, trade embargoes, and other events. 11.Before developing and executing an investment program, an investor must ensure the following: ï‚ ·Necessities of life such as funds for housing, food, transportation, taxes, etc. are fully provided for. The investor is adequately insured against the losses resulting from death, illness or disability, property damage, etc. Retirement goals are established. The seven steps in investing are as follows: (1)Meet investment prerequisites. Provide for the necessities of life, adequate protection against losses, and setting retirement goals. (2)Establish investment goals. Investment goals are the financial objectives that one wishes to achieve by investing. Common investment goals are: Accumulate retirement funds Enhance current income through interest income and dividends Save for major expenditures like home, education, etc. Shelter income from taxes (3)Adopt an investment plan. An investment plan is a written document describing how funds will be invested. The more specific your investment goal, the easier it will be to establish an investment plan consistent with  your goals. (4)Evaluate investment vehicles. In this step, the measures of risk and return are used to estimate the perceived worth of an investment vehicle. This process is called valuation. (5)Select suitable investments. This step involves careful selection of investments that are consistent with established goals and offer acceptable levels of return, risk, and value. (6)Construct a diversified portfolio. Diversification is the concept of forming a portfolio using different investments to reduce risk and increase return. This concept is central to constructing an effective portfolio. (7)Manage the portfolio. Portfolio management involves monitoring the portfolio and restructuring it as dictated by the actual behavior of the investments. 12.Investment goals are the financial objectives you wish to achieve by investing in any of a wide range of investment vehicles. Common investment goals are as follows: (1)Enhancing current income means choosing investment vehicles that regularly pay dividends and interest that can provide all or some of the money needed to meet living expenses. This is a common goal of retired persons and sometimes an important part of a normal family budget. (2)Saving for major expenditures includes money set aside for such things as the down payment on a home, college tuition, and even an expensive vacation. The amount of money needed and the time period over which one can save will determine the amount set aside and, frequently, the investment vehicle employed. (3)The single most important reason for investing is to accumulate retirement funds. The amount that must be set aside is determined by the level of expected expenditures, expected income from Social Security and other sources, and the amount of interest expected to be earned on savings. (4)Sheltering income from taxes involves taking advantage of certain tax provisions that permit reduction of the income reported to the government or direct reductions in taxes. Investments in certain assets, such as real estate, may be attractive due to their tax advantages. 13.Federal income taxes are charged against all income individuals receive from all sources (with the exception of interest received on some bonds issued by state and local governments). a.Active (ordinary â€Å"earned†) income is the broadest category and includes income from wages, salaries, bonuses, tips, pension income, and alimony. It is made up of income earned on the job as well as most other forms of noninvestment income. b.Portfolio (investment) income is earnings generated from various  types of investment holdings. For the most part, it consists of interest, dividends, and capital gains earned on most types of investments. Passive income is a special category that consists of income derived chiefly from real estate, limited partnerships, and other forms of tax shelters. c.Capital gains are the profits earned on the sale of capital assets—pleasure or investment. They are measured by the amount by which the proceeds from the sale of the capital asset exceed its original purchase price. Currently, long-term capital gains are taxed at preferential rates to ordinary income. Capital gains are appealing to investors because they are not taxed until they are actually realized. d.A capital loss is the amount by which the proceeds from the sale of a capital asset are less than its original purchase price. Up to $3,000 of net losses can be applied against ordinary income in any one year, with the unused portion carried forward to offset future income. e.Due to the opportunities and challenges created by the tax laws, tax planning is an important part of the investment process. Tax planning involves looking at an individual’s current and projected earnings and developing strategies that will defer or minimize the level of his or her taxes. Tax plans involve current income, capital gains, or tax-sheltered investments. For example, one strategy is to take losses as they occur and to delay taking profits in order to minimize current taxable income. f.In general, tax-advantaged retirement plans allow individuals to defer taxes on the contribution and/or portfolio earnings until some future date when retirement withdrawals take place. There are employer-sponsored plans (such as 401(k) accounts), individual-created plans (such as Keogh plans), and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). 14.Investors tend to follow different investment strategies as they move through different stages of their life cycle. a.Young investors, ages 20 to 45, tend to prefer growth-oriented investments that stress capital gains rather than income. These investors have little investable funds, and capital gains are seen as the quickest way to build up investment capital. b.By middle age, ages 45 to 60, there is a consolidation taking place as family demands and responsibilities change. While growth-oriented securities are still used, investing becomes less speculative. Quality-growth vehicles are employed, and more attention is given to current income. The foundation is being set for retirement. c.As the investor moves into the retirement years, age 60  on, preservation of capital and current income become the principal concerns. High-quality stocks and bonds and money market instruments are used as the investor’s objective is to live as comfortably as possible from the investment income. During retirement, one tries to reap the rewards of a lifetime of saving and investing. 15.Stocks and equity-related securities (such as mutual funds and convertibles) are highly responsive to the economic cycle. During recovery and expansion, stock prices are up. As the decline approaches, stock prices begin to decline as well. Growth-oriented and speculative stocks tend to do especially well in an expanding economy. Bonds and other fixed-income securities are sensitive to movements in interest rates. Bond prices also move in the opposite direction of interest rate changes. This means that if interest rates are expected to rise, bond prices would fall, and bonds would not be a good place to hold investment funds. Interest rates generally shift with the economic cycle. Rates rise during normal recovery and fall during economic declines. 16.An asset is liquid if it can be converted to cash (sold) easily and quickly, with little or no loss in value. You would want to hold liquid assets as emergency funds or to accumulate funds for some specific purpose. IBM stock is not considered a liquid investment even though it can be easily sold. As with stocks in general, you can never be sure that, when funds are needed, you can quickly sell the stock without taking a loss. 17.Purchasing power risk for short-term investments occurs when the rate of return on these investments falls short of the inflation rate. This generally happens to fixed-rate investments such as passbook savings accounts. Most other short-term investments have managed to provide rates of return about equal to the inflation rate when one looks at these short-term rates over long periods of time. Default (nonpayment) risk is very small with most short-term investments. The deposits in banks and other federally insured savings institutions are protected up to $100,000 per account by agencies of the federal government. U.S. Treasury bills are perfectly safe and sometimes called a risk-free investment. Commercial paper and repurchase agreements are extremely safe, based upon p ast experience, even though there have been rare instances of problems. These latter two instruments are also not insured. Money market mutual funds have also had an  exceptionally safe history. Of course, the safest money market funds are those that invest solely in government securities and are virtually default-risk-free. 18.Passbook savings accounts and NOW accounts (a checking account), offered by banks, generally pay a low rate of interest and have no minimum balance. Passbook savings and NOW accounts are primarily used by investors as savings accounts, providing the investor with a highly liquid pool of funds. MMDAs are bank deposit accounts with limited check-writing privileges. Central asset accounts are comprehensive deposit accounts and combine checking, investing, and borrowing activities. MMDAs and asset management accounts are more likely used by investors to earn a competitive short-term return while maintaining liquidity. Each type of account, except for asset management accounts, is insured. All but the passbook account typically require a minimum balance, which varies. 19.a. I bonds are savings bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury. They earn interest at a rate that varies with inflation. Interest is exempt from state and local taxes. They are issued in denominations that make them affordable to everyone and mature in 30 years but can be redeemed after one year. b.U.S. Treasury bills are short-term (less than one year) debt obligations of the federal government. T-bills are exempt from state and local income taxes, and federal taxes are deferred. They are regarded as the safest but generally lowest yielding of all investments, and the secondary market for T-bills is highly liquid. c.Certificates of deposits (CDs) are savings vehicles in which funds must remain on deposit for a specified period. Premature withdrawals incur interest penalties. Because of the requirement that they remain on deposit, CDs are less liquid than T-bills, but they are convenient to buy and hold, offer highly competitive returns, and have federal insurance protection. d.Commercial paper is unsecured short-term debt issued by corporations with very high credit standings. The secondary market for commercial paper is very limited and yields are comparable to yields on large-denomination CDs. Typically, only larger institutions deal directly in this market because the denominations range from $25,000 to the more commonly issued $100,000. Commercial paper is not federally insured. e.Bankers’ acceptances are short-term credit arrangements between business firms and banks. Firms use  banker’s acceptances to finance transactions, most often involving firms in foreign countries o r firms with unknown credit capacities. Banker’s acceptances typically are denominated in $100,000 units, are low-risk securities, and have active secondary markets. Yields are slightly below CD yields and commercial paper and above T-bills. f.Money market mutual funds (MMMFs) pool capital of many investors and invest it exclusively in high-yielding, short-term securities, such as T-bills, large CDs, commercial paper, and other similar securities. Because these high-yielding securities are in denominations of $10,000 to $1 million, the MMMF makes them available in a format that is affordable to individual investors. MMMFs are convenient, offer check writing privileges, and yields are based on the ability of the fund manager to invest in various short-term securities. Although they are not federally insured funds, their default risk is nearly zero because the securities they invest in are very low risk and the fund is relatively diversified. 20. The senior managers in a corporation, such as the chief financial officer (CFO), have the primary responsibility of managing the firm’s capital resources and investments. Because so much of the CFO’s primary responsibilities require an understanding of investment principles, a CFO must understand market forces but more importantly communicate in such a way that investors understand the value of the firm and the securities the firm has issued. 21.Because insurance companies have large sums of investment capital under management, they require the skills of a highly trained finance person in investment principles. Since this person is asked to manage risk for individuals as well as businesses, the decisions they make and the strategies they devise will assist the insurance companies’ customers in the creation of their individual successful asset and risk management strategies.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Paging And Segmentation Computer Science Essay

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Paging And Segmentation Computer Science Essay To use the processor and the I/O facilities efficiently, it is desirable to maintain many processes, as possible, in main memory. In addition, it is desirable to free programmers from size restrictions in program development than to restrict them with small sizes (that happened in the older computers). The restriction to a predefined size redirects the programmers effort from the use of better programming techniques to a continuously effort to make fit in that size a solution, not necessarily the optimal one. The way to address both of these concerns is virtual memory (VM). Virtual memory systems are an abstraction of the primary memory in a von Neumann computer. Even in a time of decreasing physical memory costs, contemporary computers devote considerable resources to supporting virtual address spaces that are much larger than the physical memory allocated to a process. Contemporary software relies heavily on virtual memory to support applications such as image management with huge memory requirements. (Sami Hamed ,2007) . 1.1 Implementing Virtual Memory To basic approaches to providing virtual memory are: paging and segmentation. Paging. With paging, each process is divided into relatively small, fixed-size pages. Paging systems transfer fixed-sized blocks of information between primary and secondary memories. Because of the fixed pages size and page frame size, the translation from a binary virtual address to a corresponding physical address is relatively simple, provided the system has an efficient table lookup mechanism. Paging systems use associative memories to implement page translation tables. Paging uses single-component addresses, like those used to address cell within any particular segment. In paging, the virtual address space is a linear sequence of virtual address (a format that differs from the hierarchical segmentation address space. In a paging system, the programmer has no specific mechanism for informing the virtual memory system about logical units of the virtual address space, as is done in segmentation. Instead, the virtual memory manager is completely responsible for defining the fixed-s ize unit of transfer the page to be moved back and forth between the primary and secondary memories. The programmer need not be aware of the units of virtual address space loaded into or unloaded from the physical memory. In fact, the page size is transparent to the process. ( Philip ,1998) . Segmentation. Segmentation provides for the use of pieces of varying size. It is also possible combine segmentation and paging in a single memory-management scheme. Segmentation is an alternative to paging. It differs from paging in that the unit transfer between primary and secondary memories varies. The size of the segments, are also explicitly known by the programmer. Translating a segment virtual address to a physical. Segmentation is an extension of the ideas suggested by the use of relocation-limit registers for relocating and bound checking blocks of memory. The program parts to be loaded or unloaded are defined by the programmer as variable-sized segments. Segment may be defined explicitly by language directives it implicit by program semantics as the: text, data and stack segments created by the UNIX C compiler. Address is more complex that translating a paging virtual address. (Michael , 2008) . 1.2 Process Management Process management refers to the full spectrum of as services to support the orderly administration of a collection of processes. The processor manager is responsible for creating the environment in which the sequential process executes, including implementing resource management. The community of processes that exists in the as at any given time is derived from the initial process that is created when the computer begins operation. The initial process boots up the as , which, in turn, can create other processes to service interactive users, printers, network connections and so on. A program image is created from a set of source modules and previously compiled library modules in relocate-able form. The link-editor combines the various relocate-able object modules to create an absolute program in secondary memory. The loader places the absolute program into the primary memory when a process executes the program. The program image, along with other entities that the process can reference, constitutes the process address space. The address space can be stored in different parts of the machines memory hierarchy during execution. 1.3 compares their advantages and disadvantages of Paging and Segmentation Advantages of Paging and Segmentation Disadvantages of Paging and Segmentation Paging No external fragmentation Segments can grow without any reshuffling Can run process when some pages are swapped to disk Increases flexibility of sharing Segmentation Supports sparse address spaces Decreases size of page tables If segment not used, not need for page table Increases flexibility of sharing of Both Increases flexibility of sharing Share either single page or entire segment Overhead of accessing memory à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Page tables reside in main memory à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Overhead reference for every real memory reference Large page tables à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Must allocate page tables contiguously à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ More problematic with more address bits Page table size Assume 2 bits for segment, 18 bits for page number, 12 bits for offset 2.0 Mapping Function Algorithm to block the memory card side cache lines. Method Which country is necessary to define a cache block busy. Three techniques used: direct, associative and associative. Associative Mapping In associative mapping, when a request is made for cash, the requested address is compared in the same directory with all entries in the directory. If the requested address is found (directory hit), the appropriate place in the cache is fetched and returned to the processor, otherwise, a miss occurs.(figure 1) . Associative Mapping Cache Figure (1), (Philip ,1998) Associative Mapping Summary Address length = (s+w) bits Number of addressable units = 2^(s+w) words or bytes Block Size = line size = 2^w words or bytes Number of blocks in main memory = 2^(s+w)/2^w = 2^s Number of lines in cache = undetermined Size of tag = s bits Associative Mapping Pros and Cons Flexibility as to which block to replace when a new block is read into cache Replacement algorithms designed to maximize cache hit ratio Complex circuitry required to examine the tags of all cache lines in parallel direct mapping In a direct mapping cache Lower Row address bits are used to access the directory. Several address line card in the same place in the cache directory, upper address bits (tag bits) should be compared with address to ensure a hit. If the comparison is not valid, the result is a cache miss, or simply a miss. The address given to the cache by the processor actually is subdivided into several pieces, each of which has a different role in accessing data (figure 2) . Direct Mapping Cache Figure (2), (Philip ,1998) set associative Mapping Operates in a fashion somewhat similar to the direct-mapped cache. Bits from the line address are used to address a cache directory. However, now there are multiple choices: two, four, or more complete line addresses may be present in the directory. Each of these line addresses corresponds to a location in a sub-cache. The collection of these sub-caches forms the total cache array. In a set associative cache, as in the direct-mapped cache, all of these sub-arrays can be accessed simultaneously, together with the cache directory. If any of the entries in the cache directory match the reference address, and there is a hit, the particular sub-cache array is selected and out gated back to the processor (figure 3 ) (William , 2000) Set Associative Mapping Cache Figure (3) ,(Philip ,1998) 2.4 Replacement Algorithms Direct Mapping No choice Each block only maps to one line Must replace that line Associative and Set Associative. Must be implemented in hardware for speed. Most effective Least Recently Used (LRU) Replace the block in the set that has been in cache the longest with no references to it . 2-way set associative each line includes a USE bit . First-in-first-out (FIFO) Replace the block in the set that has been in the cache the longest. Uses a round-robin or circular buffer technique . Least Frequently Used (LFU) . Replace the block in the set that has experienced the fewest references. Associate a counter with each line Pick a line at random not based usage . Only slightly inferior in performance to algorithms based on usage . 3.0What is RAID The basic idea of RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is to combine multiple cheap disks in an array of disk drives to obtain performance, capacity and reliability that exceeds that of a large disk. The array of drives appears to the host computer as one logical drive. The Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) of the array is equal to the MTBF of an individual drive, divided by the number of drives in the array. Because of this, the MTBF of a non-redundant array (RAID 0) is too low for mission-critical systems. However, disk arrays can be made fault tolerant by redundantly storing information in various ways. Five types of array architectures, RAID 1 to RAID 5 were originally determined each provides disk fault tolerance with different compromises in features and performance. In addition to these five redundant array architectures, it has become popular to refer to a non-redundant array of disk drives as a RAID 0 array. RAID 0 is the fastest and most efficient array type but offers no fault tolerance. RAID 0 requires a minimum of two drives. (William , 2000). 3.1 Performance and Data Redundancy Increasing Logical Drive Performance Without an array controller, connecting extra physical disks to a system increases the total storage capacity. However, it has no effect on the efficiency of read/write operations, because data can only be transferred to one physical disk at a time (see Figure 3). Figure (3) ,(William , 2000) With an array controller, connecting extra physical disks to a system increases both the total storage capacity and the read/write efficiency. The capacity of several physical disks is combined into one or more virtual units called logical drives (also called logical volumes). The read/write heads of all of the physical disks in a logical drive are active simultaneously; improving I/O performance and reducing the total time required for data transfer (see Figure 4). (William, 2000) Figure (4), (William , 2000) Because the read/write heads for each physical disk are active simultaneously, the same amount of data is written to each disk during any given time interval. Each unit of data is called a block. The blocks form a set of data stripes that are spread evenly over all the physical disks in a logical drive (see Figure 5), (William, 2000). Figure (5) ,(William , 2000) For data in the logical drive to be readable, the data block sequence must be the same in every stripe. This sequencing process is performed by the Smart Array Controller, which sends the data blocks to the physical disk, writing the heads in the correct order. In a striped array, each physical disk in a logical drive contains the same amount of data. If one physical disk has a larger capacity than other physical disks in the same logical drive, the extra capacity cannot be used. A logical drive can extend over more than one channel on the same controller, but it cannot extend over more than one controller. Disk failure, although rare, is potentially catastrophic to an array. If a physical disk fails, the logical drive it is assigned to fails, and all of the data on that logical drive is lost. (Peng, Hai , Xinrong ,Qiong Jiangling , 1997) . 3.2 differences among all RAID levels RAID 0 is the fastest and most efficient array type but offers no fault tolerance. RAID 0 requires a minimum of two drives. RAID 1 is the best choice for performance-critical, fault-tolerant environments. RAID 1 is the only choice for fault-tolerance if no more than two drives are used. RAID 2 is seldom used today since ECC is embedded in all hard drives. RAID 2 is not supported by Adaptec RAID controllers. RAID 3 can be used to speed up data transfer and provide fault tolerance in single-user environments that access long sequential records. However, RAID 3 does not allow overlapping of multiple I/O operations and requires synchronized-spindle drives to avoid performance degradation with short records. Because RAID 5 with a small stripe size offers. Similar performance, RAID 3 is not supported by Adaptec RAID controllers. RAID 4 offers no advantages over RAID 5 and does not support multiple simultaneous write operations. RAID 4 is not supported by Adaptec RAID controllers. RAID 5 combines efficient, fault-tolerant data storage with good performance characteristics. However, write performance and performance during drive failure is slower than with RAID 1. Rebuild operations also require more time than with RAID1 because parity information is also reconstructed. At least three drives are required for RAID 5 arrays. RAID-6 Striped data with dual distributed parity RAID-6 is the same as RAID-5 except that it uses a second level of independently calculated and distributed parity information for additional fault tolerance. This extra fault tolerance provides data security in the event two drives fail before a drive can be replaced. While this RAID level does provide greater fault tolerance than level 5, there is a significant loss in write performance due to the requirement for storing parity twice for each write operation. A RAID-6 configuration also requires N+2 drives to accommodate the additional parity data, which makes it less cost effective than RAID-5 for an equivalent storage capacity. RAID 10 Stripe set of mirrored arrays RAID 10 (also called RAID 0/1) is a combination of RAID levels 0 and 1. In this type of implementation a RAID-0 stripe set of the data is created across a 2-disk array for performance benefits. A duplicate of the first stripe set is then mirrored on another 2-disk array for fault tolerance. While this configuration provides all of the performance benefits of RAID-0 and the redundancy of RAID-1, this level is very costly to implement because a minimum of four disks are necessary to create a RAID 10 configuration. NOTE A RAID 10 configuration can continue operations even when two disks have failed, provided that the two disks not part of the same RAID-1 mirror set. RAID 50 Stripe set of parity arrays RAID level 50 (also called RAID 0/5) is a combination of RAID levels 0 and 5. Multiple RAID-5 arrays are striped together using RAID-0. Parity is maintained separately for each RAID-5 group in the striped array. This level provides the same advantages of RAID-5 for small data transfers with the added performance of striping for disk read/write operations. Also, because parity is calculated independently for each RAID-5 component, if one array is degraded the effect on overall operations is not as significant as for a single RAID-5 array. However, the overhead incurred by RAID-5 parity generation is still present. Normally this does not cause noticeable degradation unless you are dependent on software-based XOR functionality or have a large number of disks in the array. RAID subsystems that support hardware-based XOR should provide performance nearly equal to a RAID-0 configuration with the added protection of data parity information in the event of a disk failure. A minimum of six disks are required for a RAID 50 configuration. NOTE A RAID 50 configuration can continue operations even when two disks have failed, provided that the two disks are not part of the same RAID-5 parity group.(Adaptec inc. (n. d.)) .