Journal Article Analysis Essay

Current views of the world, desires, dreams, goals, and the demands placed upon society are constantly transformed by present epistemological beliefs. Schommer-Aikens and Hutter (2002) investigated the relationship between an individuals’ belief about knowledge, learning or epistemological beliefs and how this relates to average conversational issues (Schommer-Aikens , Hutter, 2002). Using a study group of 174 adults ranging in age from 17 to 71, Schommer-Aikens and Hutter (2002) posed questions assessing beliefs of knowledge and the speed control of learning. Feldman addressed how assumptions become scientific knowledge by stating â€Å"Sometimes we know things by reasoning or inference. When we know some facts and see that those facts support some further fact, we can come to know that further fact. Scientific knowledge, for example, seems to arise from inferences from observational data† (Feldman, 2003, p. 3). Understanding how assumptions move into scientific knowledge it becomes apparent how these assumptions are qualified in research. The authors used regression analysis to quantify the assumptions of the participants as they relate to knowledge, learning, multiple perspectives, and ultimately the development of epistemological beliefs. This analysis will further identify philosophical assumptions underlying the research; explain the practical significance of these assumptions and their effect on its applicability to other authors and post-positive thinkers. Philosophical Assumptions Underlying the Research Feldman (2003) stated that epistemology, the theory of knowledge is a philosophy that looks into the questions about knowledge and rational. Epistemologist`s tend to focus or concentrate on questions of principal aspects involving knowledge and how those beliefs regulate coherent belief. Those within the field are less concerned about the validity of knowledge or  coherent belief, be it correct or incorrect but focus more on causes (Feldman, 2003, p. 1). To that extent Schommer-Aikens and Hutter (2002) conducted a survey of 174 participants, including 120 women and 54 men. The ages of the participants ranged from 17 to 71 years of age and included various personal and educational backgrounds. Through the Schommer epistemological questioner participants, including chemical engineers, clerks, homemakers, factory workers, pharmacists, and teachers of both genders. These participants were asked a number of questions that incorporated religious, educational, societal and personal belief s. Questions were ranked in a likert- type scale ranging from strongly disagrees to strongly agree (Schommer-Aiker, Hutter, 2002). Philosophical Assumptions Schommer-Aikens and Hutter state â€Å"The results coming from epistemological research suggest that individual`s beliefs about the nature of knowledge and learning are linked to their comprehension, metacomprehension, interpretation of information and persistence in working on difficult academic tasks† (Schommer-Aikens, Hutter, 2002, p. 6). The authors contend that individuals who believe knowledge is isolated into segmented bits and not taken as a sum total perform more poorly in the compression of mathematical, physiological, and medical textbooks (Schommer-Aikens, Hutter, 2002). This statement confirms that knowledge or epistemological commitments are a collection of data and understanding and not segmented or isolated bits of information. The assumption is those who tend to segregate knowledge and who do not attain a higher degree of education have difficulty in their own epistemological commitments. This is further evident in the writings of Quine and Kuhn as these authors beleive â€Å"science is a continuation of common-sense† (Delanty & Strydom, 2003, p. 22). According to these authors common, everyday decisions made by the common man and woman play a significant role in the creation of science. Whereas the purpose of the epistemological study was to extend epistemological beliefs to an individual’s everyday life, it was also designed to reflect on academic studies. This particular article using the Schommer epistemological belief survey makes several assumptions. Those assumptions state those with a higher level of education are more likely to take on multiple perspectives,  withhold decisions until information was available, acknowledge the complexity of everyday issues and were willing to modify thought processes or thinking (Schommer-Aikens, Hutter, 2002). The inference is those who take knowledge as a collection of data, not as segmented bits along with the attaining of a higher level of education were equipped for complex or critical thinking. This enabled each to understand the complexity of life, make crucial decisions, understand varying viewpoints and able to adapt as understanding grew. These assumptions have a practical significance and affect research. The Practical Significance of Assumptions and Their Effect on Research Inferences and practical assumptions are drawn during the research of this article, and one could argue some of the assumptions made were drawn before the research study ever began. Through personal epistemological beliefs society has long held the conviction those who attain a higher level of education are able to deal with the complexities of life. The practical significance of assumptions and their effect on the research conducted are visible in the work of Johnson and Duberley as they state â€Å"both within and outside of our organizations our behavior is internally motivated, and internally justified, by what we believe about â€Å"the World† (Johnson & Duberley, 2000, p. 2). Often in preparing for such a survey the focus group of participants used along with the questions themselves distort the data and thus the results to achieve a desired result. While in this case the participants have diverse backgrounds and have achieved differing degrees of education, making such assertions could distort data. Assumptions and Research Methodology Kuhn preferred historical science and by building upon prior knowledge Kuhn (2012) believes this research and evidence was already available enabling that data to be tested using deferring mechanisms to either prove or disprove a current or prior theory. While not opposed to the empirical testing, it was his belief that details must be obtained for research. It is through this historical science and data that assumptions within society and within science about our understanding of epistemological belief have come into existence. Popper states the empirical method makes good use of a  criticized approach to the method (Delanty & Strydom, 2003). The empirical method tests each system ensuring the best system moves forward after all methods have been tried, tested, and proved. Schommer-Aikens and Hutter (2000) used questions, including â€Å"You never know what a book means unless you know the intent of the author† and â€Å"It’s a waste of time to work on problems whic h have no possibility of coming out with clear-cut and unambiguous answers† (Schommer-Aikens, Hutter, 2000). These answers along with others were used as a measurement in epistemological belief comparing their answers and their level of education to gauge how those answers compared with historical norms (Schommer-Aikens, Hutter, 2000). This data was then taken and a regression model developed to extract the stated research and ultimately assumptions made. Schommer-Aikens and Hutter (2000) in turn came to the same assumptions and epistemological commitments already held within social and physical science to date. The research quantified and validated the assumptions held by historical science that one’s epistemological beliefs are shaped and re-shaped by the ability to link through learning, multiple perspectives, and ultimately the development of epistemological beliefs. The ability for humans to use successfully address complex issues, attain paradigm shifts in their understanding of the world and develop are inevitably linked with thought processes and knowledge gained through high er education. Conclusion A person’s thoughts, feelings, emotion, and beliefs often shape ones decision-making process. Other components, including perception, memory, introspection, and reasoning also assist in the formation of opinions, shape our knowledge, and transform an individual’s viewpoint (Feldman, 2003, p. 3). Perception is how one sees the world around them, the sights, sounds, smells, and other senses creates an understanding of the external environment creating a mental image and often places an attachment to it. Through their research Schommer-Aikens and Hutter (2002) investigated the relationship between and individuals’ belief about knowledge, learning or epistemological beliefs and how this relates to average conversational issues (Schommer-Aikens , Hutter,2002). Using the regression model the authors quantified the beliefs and assumptions the conclusion of which is a culmination of historical science supported by this recent research. While  post-positive thinking like Kuhn, Quine, and Popper may differ in view about the empirical method, testing, and paradigm shifts as theories change over time the core belief of epistemological commitment remain comparable. A sentence sums up this article and the accompanying research as it pertains to epistemological belief. Those with a higher level of education are more likely to take on multiple perspectives, withhold decisions until information was available, acknowledge the complexity of everyday issues and were willing to modify thought processes or thinking (Schommer-Aikens, Hutter, 2002). References Delanty, G. & Strydom, P. (Eds). (2003). Philosophies of Social Science: The Classic and Contemporary readings. Philadelphia, Pa: Mcgraw-Hill. https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/content/eBookLibrary2/content Feldman, R. (2003). Epistemology. Prentice Hall. The University of Phoenix. https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/content/eBookLibrary2/content. Kuhn, T. (2012). The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Chicago, Il. University of Chicago Press .https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/content/eBookLibrary2/content. Schommer-Aikins, M., & Hutter, R. (2002). Epistemological Beliefs and Thinking About Everyday Controversial Issues. Journal Of Psychology, 136(1), 5.https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/content/eBookLibrary2/content. Johnson, P. & Duberley, J. (2000). Understanding Management Research: An Introduction to Epistemology. Thousand Oaks CA. Sage Publishing. Prentice Hall. https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/content/eBookLibrary2/content.

Ethics †Morality Essay

Introduction Based on society’s ethics, laws are created and enforced by governments to mediate in our relationships with each other. Laws are made by governments in order to protect its citizens. The judiciary, legislature, and public officials are the three main bodies in a government that are assigned to the task of the creation of laws. Laws have to be approved and written by these three branches of government before they are implemented and enforced by the police and the military, with the help of the legal system consisting of lawyers and other government servants. While laws carry with them a punishment for violations, ethics does not. In ethics everything depends on the person’s conscience and self worth. Driving carefully and within the speed limit because you don’t want to hurt someone is ethical, but if you drive slowly because you see a police car behind you, this suggests your fear of breaking the law and being punished for it. Ethics comes from within a person’s moral sense and desire to preserve his self respect. It is not as strict as laws. Laws are codifications of certain ethical values meant to help regulate society, and punishments for breaking them can be harsh and sometimes even break ethical standards. Legal and Ethics Behaviors Legal behavior refers to the variations in the degree of governmental social control of one’s behavior for instance not obeying the traffic laws. Ethical behavior on the other hand is being in accordance with the accepted principles of right and wrong which govern the conduct of a profession. For example dealing badly with your female employees is unethical but not illegal. In an ideal society however legal and ethical standards/laws should be the same. Ethical behavior means characterized by honesty, fairness and equity in interpersonal, and professional academic relationships and in research and scholarly activities. Ethical behavior respects the dignity, diversity and rights of individuals and groups of people. DEFINITION OF ETHICS * In general, ethics is a moral philosophy where a person makes a specific moral choice and sticks to it. DEFINITION OF LAW * Law is a legal system comprising of rules and principles that govern the affairs of a community and controlled by a political authority. Law differs from one country to another. Differentiate in between legal and ethical behaviors. Law| Ethics| * Punishment| * No punishment| * Cannot be enforced independently| * Can be enforced independently| * Legal standards are negative. | * Ethical standards are more positive. | * Control by government| * Guideline from parent or teacher| * Law only doing what is legal. | * Ethics is doing the right thing. | * Must be follow| * Free to follow| * Universals| * Depends On Country| A certain behavior could be legal but not ethical. Example like at below: * Lying. * Abortion. * Artificial contraception. * Sleeping in class when teacher teaching. * Littering in public places. * Loud music when midnight. * Spitting in public places. * Read her/him diary without he/she approve. * Anywhere into other people’s rooms. * Using horn at the area hospital Engineer’s Role in Ethics. Engineer’s role in ethics is hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public. So engineers need learn engineering ethics. Engineering Ethics is the study of moral issues and decisions confronting individuals and organization engaged in engineering. Why Is Engineering Ethics Important? * sensitizes us to moral issues faced in the workplace * engineering Choices can affect public safety * employer or outside forces such as time and cost impact decisions * laws do not cover all areas involving ethical choices * helps one learn to avoid issues before they arise * recognizes there are gray areas governing our behavior. Engineering ethics is the field of applied ethics and system of moral principles that apply to the practice of engineering. The field examines and sets the obligations by engineers to society, to their clients, and to the profession. As a scholarly discipline, it is closely related to subjects such as the philosophy of science, the philosophy of engineering, and the ethics of technology. Engineering ethics also is professional ethics, as opposed to personal morality. It sets the standards for professional practice, and is only learned in a professional school or in professional practice. It is an essential part of professional education because it helps students deal with issues they will face in professional practice. The best way to teach engineering ethics is by using cases—not just the disaster cases that make the news, but the kinds of cases that an engineer is more likely to encounter. Many cases are available, and there are methods for analyzing them. Engineering ethics can be taught in a free-standing course, but there are strong arguments for introducing ethics in technical courses as well. Engineering is something that engineers do, and what they do has profound effects on others. Engineering ethics is an essential aspect of engineering itself and education in professional responsibilities should be part of professional education in engineering, just as it is in law and medicine. Engineering organization’s role in promoting ethical behavior Leader’s ability to motivate subordinates plays a key role in maintaining an ethical organization. Motivation is a force within the individual that focuses his or her behavior toward achieving a goal. To create motivation, an organization offers incentives to encourage employees to work toward organizational objectives. Understanding motivation is important to the effective management of people, and it also helps explain their ethical behavior. For example, a person who aspires to higher positions in an organization may sabotage a coworker’s project so as to make that person look bad. This unethical behavior is directly related to the first employee’s ambition (motivation) to rise in the organization. Recruitment and selection procedures are can use to influence the character of their employees in organization. Conclusion 1. Legal is the law of the Land, Ethic is the law of a Good/ Kind Heart 2. Ethics are rules of conduct. Laws are rules developed by governments in order to provide balance in society and protection to its citizens. 3. Ethics are moral codes which every person must conform to. Laws are codifications of ethics meant to regulate society. 4. Ethics does not carry any punishment to anyone who violates it. The law will punish anyone who happens to violate it. 5. Ethics comes from within a person’s moral values. Laws are made with ethics as a guiding principle. References 1. http://www. linkedin. com 2. http://quizlet. com 3. http://www. ehow. com 4. http://www. differencebetween. net 5. http://engineering. missouri. edu.

Australia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Australia - Essay Example Despite these, Australia comes out a host of other diversified cultural practices. When meeting a person for the first time, the person is greeted with the right hand and people who are known to each other do not kiss and even hug when meeting; but talk generally about personal matters. Australian day, Anzac Day, Melbourne Cup Day, are some of the days that have national meaning in Australia. There are various ways in which the Australians behave in their day-to-day life as a society. Australia being a multicultural country encourages everyone to maintain and practice his/her cultural beliefs as it respects the rights of other individuals to do the same. Words such as â€Å"thank you† and â€Å"please† are used to show polite behavior; slang is also common among the Australians. There are no laws to govern the way an individual should dress although one has to wear specific clothes during the time of work. Invitations are usually spoken or written and when one is invited to an event, the individual responds via phone call or a

Innate and Adaptive Immunity Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Innate and Adaptive Immunity - Assignment Example   IgG antibodies appear after a longer period and then remain in the bloodstream permanently, providing protection against re-infection (New Jersey Department of Health, 2011). In view of this, quarantine should be imposed on the patient if the IgM antibodies are present. This would mean that this is a case of the first infection. Otherwise, the patient should not be quarantined. IgG antibodies can be present in blood because of vaccination (Lab Tests Online, 2012). Question 2 A secondary infection occurs when a pathogen attacks an organism whose immune system is weak due to an earlier infection. Secondary responses result from the stimulation of B cells. The clonal expansion theory has three key areas: specificity, memory, and tolerance. Specificity comes about since the production of antigen-specific antibody is in response to triggering of antigen-reactive clones. Memory is because subsequent responses to an antigen are stronger than the initial one. Tolerance is because of the destruction of self-reactive B and T cells. When an antigen with multiple epitopes gains enters the body, different clones of B cells recognize and produce antibodies against the different epitopes. The pathogens have antigens on their surface. Antibody response to protein antigen actively involves T cells and B cells. Since CD4 T lymphocytes stimulate B cells, they are known as helper T cells. Cytotoxic T cells kill other cells that virus-infected, allografts or cancer cells. Helper T cells secrete cytokines. Cytokines provide amplification mechanism by proliferation and differentiation (stimulation of B cell clonal expansion). They also determine the type of antibodies produced (Sridhar, 2012). Question 3 Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks a protein, CD4, on helper T cells of the immune system and associated with it. These cells are the immune system’s main infection-fighting cells. T helper cells are necessary for the activation of B-cells and cytotoxic T-cell immu ne responses. During this time, the body cannot make antibodies properly. Destruction of infected cells cannot occur without helper T-cells. Production of antibodies occurs in an effort to fight the virus. An HIV blood test is one that detects HIV antibodies. The body produces antibodies in response to HIV antigen. Therefore, in as much as the virus is destroying the helper T cells, the body continues to produce antibodies to fight the virus. These are the antibodies detected in an HIV antibody test. A negative result on a blood test means that either the person is not infected or that one is infected, but production of antibodies has not occurred. This is because, after the initial infection, it takes time for the body to produce antibodies. Seroconversion is the process of conversion from antibody negative to antibody positive blood (Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, 2007). Question 4 Innate immunity exists prior to antigenic exposure while adaptive immunity develops in response to antigen exposure. For adaptive immunity, resistance develops with repeated exposure to antigen, but for innate immunity, repeated exposure has no effect on resistance. Innate immunity is not specific to any antigen. The adaptive response, on the other hand, is antigenic specific. This means the ability to respond in a quickly during re-exposure to a pathogen (University of Arizona, 2008).  

Career in Business Management Personal Statement

Career in Business Management - Personal Statement Example And these are just those who have passed out of high school, not to speak of the others who have graduated with impeccable IT credentials and raring to go. The corporate world was looking for them with open arms and the red carpet reception! Besides a degree in arts, an additional degree in streams such a business management is vital to career prospects these days. Business management students gain employment in wide range of careers in finance, marketing, human resource, tourism, hospitality, etc. at national and international levels. (International Business Management). I am reminded of my own inconspicuous small town background. The school I attended catered to mostly students from the lower middle income group families. The nearest and the only college in close vicinity was on the outskirts of the nearest city which was about 8 kilometers away from my house. However, the school was well run and the students had dreams of making it big one day. I was among the girls who excelled at studies and invariably always achieved good results. Thanks to my parents who instilled the right values and habits in me. Then there were some close friends who grew with me and together we came out of school with laurels and high expectations. Now I am not content with a degree. I want to specialize. ... Thanks to my parents who instilled the right values and habits in me. Then there were some close friends who grew with me and together we came out of school with laurels and high expectations. Now I am not content with a degree. I want to specialize. I am glad the syllabuses these days are geared towards specialization. I always knew in my heart that management was for me. The idea of planning, organizing and managing always appealed to me and I have already learned some of the basics in this stream when I was in the secondary section. Competition is in my blood. I am capable of turning on all my inner qualities to achieve the best possible results. I believe in activating the finer and nobler aspects of ones qualities in pursuing any goal. The progress we see today is not the result of wars and political might. Rather, it is the result of painstaking research and path of reason followed by men of scientific vision and literature genius. The course that I am about to take will take me 3 years to complete if I do it full time, or 4 years sandwich.(Course Information). Persuade an agreeing and informed audience to act (why is it urgent enough to act). Appeal to ethos by presenting and addressing counterarguments or warrants. A good army general will always reconnoiter before actively entering a war zone. He is aware there is a good deal of action to follow in the days, months and maybe years to come. Hence, he will make preparations by getting the complete picture about the enemy territory and capability. (John Ellison Kahn et al). Now that I am at the threshold of a career, I am determined to enroll in a good reputed college for a 3 years or 4 years course in International Business Management. Having worked for a year in a mega

Critique of education material Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Critique of education material - Essay Example The material has also given tips for exercises and better eating. It emphasizes on the need of consulting doctors concerning children’s health in general. It is quite clear that the material has provided health education through pictures and graphics. In fact, it has shown how children should exercise and eat appropriate food. Printed material showing how children should engage in physical activities and a critical analysis on how children should feed has been provided. In this case, the printed material portrays a lot on how exercise is a key issue in children lives. Parents with young children are the intended audience for this material. Parents have been advised and given tips on how to provide a healthy diet and plan exercises for their kids. The material has therefore, targeted young parents who are bringing up a family. Parents who are able to read are suitable for this material since the material has wordings and syllables to be contemplated upon. However , those who don’t have reading skills require to be educated upon by a second party. The cultural practices of parents on eating habits are also manipulated when he or she reads the material. In this case, he or she needs to stick to a given diet for the sake of their children’s health regardless of cultural eating habits. For instance, some cultures prohibit pregnant mothers to take some foods which may be nutritious for the baby’s health. If such mothers access this material, they are able to diminish such taboos and stick to the diet suitable for their babies. The material is easy to read and analyze due to its proper display of the wordings and diagrams. The graphics are self explanatory of what it takes for tips on proper diet and exercise. Since it is not written in prose form, punctuation and spelling problems are minimal. It has generally

How CRM be Applied in the Life Insurance Company Dissertation

How CRM be Applied in the Life Insurance Company - Dissertation Example This research will begin with the statement that most businesses, including Ping an Life insurance company, have invested a lot in Customer Relations Management and expect to see the Return on Investment (ROI) in due course. The present research has identified that CRM strategies are meant to help improve the company’s operations and steer the company to achieve more success as far as attracting and retaining customers and clients are concerned. The author has rightly presented that the importance of CRM in this more competitive business environment coupled with rapid technological changes and effects of globalization, the significance of CRM cannot be underestimated. Ping an Life insurance company certainly recognizes the importance of CRM in the modern business environment and has moved swiftly to put in place measure to attract more customers and retain them. There exist however a lot of challenges and limitations in the implementation of the company’s CRM strategies which make it rather difficult for the company to achieve its full potential. This is especially so because CRM requires a business to change their operation strategies from product centered approaches and put more focus on the customer as the focal point in the company’s marketing endeavors. Such a shift will always be difficult for companies like Ping an Life that have been in operation for a very long time and who have been relying on the older methods and techniques of marketing. This research study has investigated and studied the CRM strategies of Ping an Life insurance company and evaluated how they are performed and come up with various recommendations for improvement. These recommendation are aimed at enabling the company achieve even much greater results with their CRM strategies. The recommendations are as follows; Since most of the company’s clients have been directed to the company through referrals from existing clients, the first recommendation would be to strengthen the reward system. Existing clients should be motivated to pass positive messages to their friends and family about the company and encourage them to come work with Pin an Life company. The existing clients should be given rewards, whether its discounts or otherwise for each and every new client brought to the company (Al-Ghamdi, Sohail & Al-Khaldi, 2007). The other recommendation that is crucial to the company’s CRM strategy is the use of technology. The company should adopt a technological approach by using the internet to track prospects and communicate with them (McGregor, 2012). There are also plenty of application software that can help improve the CRM strategy of the Ping an Life insurance company. The company should identify one that suits their operations and work with it. The company also needs to manage the new change by incorporating views of all stakeholders in the company and prepare them for the impending change. This will include collecting thei r views about the impending changes in marketing and how other departments will be affected and addressing each concern. The members of staff will then be trained on how to deal with customers in the new dispensation Conclusion It is no doubt that Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is becoming a very essential element of businesses. The ability of businesses to attract and retain a large portion of their clients and prospects gives them a very huge competitive advantage in the highly competitive business world. The significance of CRM in the Asian business environment is also becoming apparent, especially in China with a majority of the big companies and corporations having strong Customer Relationships Management strategies. The insurance company Ping an Life has had numerous challenges in the past regarding to its marketing strategies and the importance given to Customer Relations Management cannot be understated. The big attention bestowed on Customer Relations Management is as a result of the rapid developments and changes in

Human genetic engineering Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Human genetic engineering - Research Paper Example Human genetic engineering, HGE refers to a process where medical professionals and scientists interfere with the DNA or genetic makeup of a human cell. Ideally, this process aims at fixing defective genes that have the potential of causing diseases or other genetic complications (Berry 5). Hanna refers to this as genetic enhancement and acknowledges it as the process where genetic material would be transferred for the modification of non-pathological human traits. The institute further argues that the term entails not just making humans well, but rather better than well, by optimizing their capabilities and attributes. This could be accomplished through insertion of a foreign gene into an organism that is virus-like. Thereafter, this organism would be introduced to the human cells thus inserting the new gene into the subject’s genome. Three applications have been used for HGE. Somatic engineering would target specific genes in the given tissues and organs without interfering with the genes occurring in the sperm or eggs (Koops et al. 19). This application aims at treating an existing condition without altering the entire genetic makeup of an individual. On the other hand, germline engineering targets the genes in embryos, sperm or eggs at the early development stages. Thus, this genetic modification affects the cells in the body of the developing embryo that are created afterwards. If the individual sires offspring, such genes would be passed onto the new generation. Finally, cloning could also be applied in HGE in three different ways as given by Berry (24). DNA cloning, also referred to as recombinant DNA technology, involves the transferring of DNA fragment from an organism onto an element that is self-replicating so that the DNA replicates itself in the foreign host cell. To generate an organism with the same DNA as an existing organism, then reproductive cloning would be used. Finally, therapeutic

A critical overview on Innovation and knowledge processes Essay

A critical overview on Innovation and knowledge processes - Essay Example Lately, knowledge processes have been identified as an integral input towards innovation dynamics. The following is a discussion on how knowledge management influences the innovation dynamics. The gurus of the subject proclaim knowledge management as a provider of strong roots for higher efficacy level in innovation dynamics. In particular with the ever rapidly changing dynamic and competitive markets that exist today, Dalkir (2005) states that the businesses have to look forward for technological advancements, embedded with experiences of the past ‘grey-hair’ individuals, holding experience of decades. The innovation dynamics existing today in the present century are bound to affect the current business outlook, and some of the most influential factors are as follows: Therefore, it can be safely assumed that technology would have a significant impact on the way managers in the future entertain a situation. Innovation does not apply to the product but to the processes as well; many a times an innovative move in the process gives a big boost to the product features and entitlements. Innovation, at its grass roots is supported by knowledge management, and its description is discussed as follows. In accordance with the Harvard Business Review (1998), knowledge really defines the basis of innovation, leading in turn towards developing a competitive advantage, which is critical for sustainability in the markets. As illustrated from experiences and extracted from various literature, for survival and sustainability in a cut throat competition that exists today, it is critical for a firm to develop a competitive advantage; though one would really want this to be un-replicable but today due to the existing advances in technology, spying and other advancements, it is not possible to retain a competitive advantage for a longer period of time – technologies and

Supply of Music after the Introduction of Internet Marketing Essay Example for Free

Supply of Music after the Introduction of Internet Marketing Essay Internet allows the labels to make the distribution directly to the customers bypassing the retailers. Internet eliminates the necessity of the retailers and by this way the recording companies are able to add the amounts payable to the retailers to their own revenues. Since the retailers were to be paid a considerable portion of the total revenue generated the recording companies always finds ways to eliminate the retailers and garner the additional revenues. 1. Another impact internet had on the music industry is the reduction in revenues as a result of piracies and illegal copying of the music products. Though the proportion of such illegal copying is very less in the past with the advancements in the technology with ‘compression protocols and high-speed internet connections’ have resulted in a large manifestation of this issue especially in the college campuses. The websites like Napster that provide free software and central website to download the required songs, have proliferated the problem of illegal copying. In the post-web period that is after the introduction of the internet marketing of the music products, the music industry has been subjected to the threat of a wide spread piracy which has the effect of affecting the sale of the original products. These piracies take the form of piracy of Compact Discs, private burning of the CDs and the peer-to-peer swapping of music files online through the internet. Out of these the biggest threat to the music industry is the peer-to-peer (P2P) supply networks facilitated by the internet. In the P2P networks the exchange of music takes place by the swapping of music files through the internet. Under P2P there is an utter disregard of the labels of the records and P2P bypasses any restrictions and allows the swapping of music files by the consumers without the payment of any money to the record company. P2P also enables the artists to supply the music without the knowledge and control of the record companies. The introduction of MP3 technology along with the possibility of file sharing has enabled the supply of music over the internet much easier and directly to the consumers on their personal computers. As a technical advancement the easy accessibility of music in the personal computers facilitated the proliferation of other portable audio devices that enable the MP3 files to be transferred to these portable devices after downloading from the personal computer. These portable devices could easily be carried around by the consumers. The portable audio devices have the distinct advantage of being small and easy to carry along. These devices enable the consumer to listen to the music while moving around, travelling or while doing exercises. The advent of these smaller audio devices has in effect enhanced the demand for music over the internet as it is possible to transfer the music to these devices from the personal computers where the music is already downloaded via internet. As shown in the figure below the role of internet has increased significantly during the recent periods in the supply of music. So long as the consumers download the music that carries a copyright, in a legitimate way after making payment to the online trading organizations the position of the record companies can be considered safe. In fact internet offers a wide scope to the music industry as the newly emerging digital technologies offers music to large groups of people and enables the audience to have access to their favorite artistes. The internet also offers the possibility of accessing old, new and unusual music at very competitive and affordable prices. (Gerard F. Lewis et al 2005) On the darker side of the internet, it offers scope for music piracies. There is nothing new about the piracy in the music industry. But according to Hammersley, (2002) the scale and ease with which the music piracy is attempted in the internet is really frightening. Source: Parikh (1999) With the advancement in the technology now it is possible to download any piece of music from the internet without paying the charges or cost to the online trading company. This amounts to the pirating of the music piece. Napster, the American company is the famous promoter of such technology for downloading the music from the internet without payment. Thus the new technologies have broken the control of the record company owning the rights for the content form preventing such unauthorized downloads. It made the record companies to realize that they have underestimated the threat to the industry from the piracy and have been very sluggish in reacting to protect their interests. The protection of their rights from illegal trespass would involve the registration and protection of their copyrights more strongly. (Gerard F. Lewis et al 2005) One of the basic business models of the music industry is to make music stars. A music star is made when the music created by the musicians fits into a well defined set of factors that can stimulate the demand of a majority of consumers universally. Here what comes into fore is the music consumers’ needs and preferences. There are certain variables that initialize the customers’ needs and preferences. Rosen (1983) observes musicians with lesser talent are easily substituted by those with more talents. It is also quite possible in the present day context of the availability modern communication technologies like internet and television to reach an audience of unlimited magnitude. Because of this trend there is always the possibility that the musicians with greater talent will always prevail over the musicians with comparatively lesser talent. Using the economic theory advocated by the renowned economist Marshall (1920) it can be pointed out that the technological advancement is the key factor in determining the music industry’s demand. But in addition the ‘talent’ can also be regarded as the deciding factor for the demand. But the only issue with talent is that it cannot be measured. The influence of social pressure also plays a key role in the determination of the need and preferences of the customer. The influence of peer group also changes the customers’ preferences as per the study conducted by Johnstone and Katz (1957) In this case attendance to concerts by music celebrities or listening to their works is considered as a necessity to form a basis of communicating with each other in any peer group. But social pressure is also another variable that cannot be measures as in the case of talent. Hence it may not be precisely possible to identify the extent of the impact of these variables on the customers’ preferences. The other variables that influence the online music consumers’ preferences are the individual tastes, knowledge about music, communication possibilities and the portion of the income that is apportioned by the consumer for music related expenses. Crain and Tollison (1997) identified that the amount of income reserved for music determines the quality and taste of the music as with lesser cost the consumer can listen to the music by non-stars than spending more to listen to music by celebrity stars. The last but not the least criteria is the ‘music time’ denoting the time that can be undividedly distributable for listening to music. This also determines the customers’ needs and preferences over the music online.

The Positive Effects A Nuclear Reactor Politics Essay

The Positive Effects A Nuclear Reactor Politics Essay Providing incentives for energy efficiency and clean energy are the right thing to do for our future because the nation that leads the clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the global economy. And America must be that nation. (Obama) This was the endorsement made by the President of the United States in January of 2010 during his annual State of the Union Address of adding more nuclear power facilities around the United States. Nuclear power is the energy source of the future, and Louisa County is on the cusp of becoming one of the frontrunners in the nation in this aspect with its partnership with Dominion Power Electric Company to add a third reactor to its nuclear power plant situated on the shores of Lake Anna. Lake Anna was originally built to fuel the nuclear reactors that began commercial use in 1978 (Unit One) and 1980 (Unit Two). The lake is used to provide the water necessary to fuel this power station and its use and output will soar to new heights in the com ing years. Already armed with two nuclear reactors on its power plant, the addition of a third reactor will only bolster Louisa Countys already advantageous position in the alternative energy game. In adding a third reactor at the Dominion Electric Power Plant on Lake Anna, Louisa County will put itself in a position to be the benefactor of numerous Federal aides, it will also create more jobs to be added to the local economic structure, and spark an influx of new businesses opening in the Lake Anna region as a result of this jump in population. More people will be attracted to the area, and more money will be brought into the county as a result, all of which will benefit the area while the recreational value of the lake and surrounding area will not be harmed, as some residents are fearful will happen. All of these factors bode well for the local economy and the citizens of Lake Anna and Louisa County. In times where oil and coal are insufficient in appeasing worldwide energy needs, nuclear power is an efficient alternative. They are often constructed in times when oil is in short supply. The below chart depicts the growth and addition of nuclear power plants [NPPs] worldwide from 1950 to 1997. The near bell-curve shape of the chart and the nuclear boom from 1970 to 1990 can be attributed to a worldwide oil crisis, forcing countries to find alternative energy sources to compensate for their deficit of oil. Nuclear energy was also the hot new form of alternative energy and there was an arms-race of sorts to have the biggest and best fleet of nuclear performance. Nuclear growth proved to be cyclical as it dropped and leveled off at the turn of the Century. Number of Reactors In the coming years however, another spike in nuclear production will be seen as military tensions in the Middle-East reach new heights. The addition to the North Anna power station, when completed, will be one of the first plants to lead in this upward trend. It can be predicted that the growth will peak again around the year 2014 as the world settles into using nuclear power as a safe and reliable alternative to coal and oil. As Americans, we will soon see more and more nuclear bases around the nation, as it has been proven and endorsed by the government that nuclear is the way of the future for America. With the recent fuel crisis that has hit the United States, a concentrated effort has been put into discovering and fostering alternative energy sources. Hybrid cars was the first alternative venture in which American citizens began to alter their buying habits, but it has since spread into all facets of American society, including power supplies as a whole. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the United States has allotted 2.4 billion dollars of Clean Renewable Energy Bonds [CREBs] to be given to local governments to fund mass projects that will promote or provide alternative energy for mass numbers of people. (Department of Energy, April 10, 2010) The funding Louisa County will receive through the Recovery Act will foot most of the construction bill for the reactor, leaving Louis a ready to profit off of the venture. Energy shortage is also hitting very close to home for Louisa County residents. The Commonwealth of Virginia itself is currently looking at an energy deficit that could reach 4,000 megawatts by year 2017. (Dominion Power, March 13, 2010) The demand for energy is heading in the opposite direction, growing by over 40% over the past ten years and can grow to almost 50% by the end of 2011. (Dominion Power, March 13, 2010) This can be accredited to growing populations and a large number of citizens that are not energy-conscious. The third reactor at North Anna Power Station is aiming to help appease these new demands while cutting into the deficit itself. With any great change will come those who are resistant, those who do not want to alter their ways from the status quo. There have been specific groups of people from the lake community who have been opposed to the expansion of the nuclear power plant. The Lake Anna Civic Association (LACA) is a group of lake residents who have served as the voice of the cautious opposition. Termed N.I.M.B.Y.s (meaning Not In My Back Yard) by colleagues in the area, this association stood in the way of county approval of the Dominion project by lobbying the local government and presenting reasons that the construction of the third reactor would be detrimental to the Lake. Though there are not many residents who feel that the extension of the nuclear power plant would be a negative addition to the lake judging by support for the project displayed at local governmental meetings, their arguments have been noted and studied by the authorities in charge of approval. They argued that with increased water m ovement and usage by the power plant will raise the water level an excessive amount. Though it is predicted by Dominion Power that the water line will rise two inches, it is expected that this will not affect property that shares a border with the lake by encroaching on the land. It has also been argued that some of the bridges that traverse the lake will be made unsafe for boat traffic due to the water level. This would be because the clearance would be lowered by two inches and boats with canopies or a second level may strike the bottom of the bridge when passing. Following a study conducted by the Lake Anna Advisory Committee that was presented on February 9, 2010 showed that the three bridges in question were already below safe boating conditions (the boat, operator, and passengers are not in immediate danger) even when the water was low. It was also argued that an increased water temperature will deter tourists from enjoying the lake and joining in water activities. Discussed e arlier, this slight temperature increase (two to three degrees) will not be physically troubling to lake-goers but will rather make it enjoyable for a longer period of time and will also not have any acute impact on the wildlife within the lake. Given Louisa Countys developmental support track record, a project with the magnitude that this one possesses would not be approved unless it was certain that it would not cause major harm to the environment or citizens around it. Those who oppose the power plant on the lake must remember that it was constructed in the first place to serve as a power resource for the power plant and it would not exist without it. In an interview with William Blount (telephone interview, January 4, 2010), a longtime resident and entrepreneur on the lake, when discussing the opposition, he remarked that complaining about the power plant would be like purchasing land near an airport and complaining about noise. Nuclear energy has been proven to be an effective and safe avenue for harvesting energy for a large number of people. Louisa County, through its construction and use of Lake Anna as a power source to fuel its nuclear combines, provides power to the city of Richmond and the Southwest region of Virginia, as well as other states both north and south of Virginia. President Obama has endorsed this method as being safe and logical avenue for providing power to a nation who has seen its population grow by 208 million people over the past 100 years [1900 to 2000] (U.S. Census Bureau, March 4, 2010). This is a significant step toward nuclear energy becoming more common and available. Being of the Democratic Party, this is a sign that the endorsement is no false advertisement because the Democrats have traditionally been the major stopping point for the implementation of nuclear power as a major source of national energy. Democrats, as well as millions of previously undecided citizens on the topic of nuclear energy are beginning to see nuclear power as a safe alternative to oil and coal, which there has been a recent shortage of, with no end in site as long as the war and associated long term conflicts in the Middle-East continue. With each crisis comes a solution and a benefactor; Louisa County will be a benefactor from our national oil shortage. In order to ensure and promote the further use of nuclear energy, a town such as Louisa County could be granted sums of money and credits reaching into the millions (U.S. Department of Energy, April 10, 2010) for using this energy source . The wealth accrued through these cuts can be spent on public utilities such as roads and offices, meaning the county as a whole will benefit and be more pleasurable for all citizens. Reputable people closely involved with the project feel as if it will be a positive for Louisa. Lifetime Louisa County resident and former County Administrator and Clerk of the Court Dean Agee feels as if the addition of the third reactor will only help Louisa County fiscally. The income from the projected boost in commerce and population will help to offset the cost of the influx of public school attendance this county has seen in the past decade. This was most recently illustrated with the construction of Moss-Knuckles Elementary school on Route 208 toward Charlottesville. Schools are being built to accommodate all of the new students being enrolled in Louisa County Public Schools each year, and funding is necessary to make this possible. A large portion of this money will come from County taxes on the construction projects and new businesses blossoming in the area. When discussing the economic benefits Louisa will experience, Agee revealed that the Board of Supervisors will increa se the value of the county to offset the State lowering its fiscal aid, which is taxing on its actual value, this will level off the overall fiscal value of the Countyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ combining that with the Federal incentives that we will receive, a substantial increase in overall value will emerge. The growth that will take place can be shocking. During the original construction of Lake Anna Mr. Boodgie Duke, a local businessman and prominent land owner in the area, was speaking to a construction official about the digging of the hole where Lake Anna was to go. He inquired about how such a massive amount of dirt was going to be displaced, and was told that over one hundred bulldozers would be utilized in the process, What? he exclaimed, There are only three bulldozers in the entire county! This is merely a small example of the growth that nuclear power stations can bring to an area. While the area has seen much greater growth since then, adding a third reactor will have similar effects. There will be an influx of new jobs created by this third reactor; construction, building parts for the reactor, shipping, workers, and security for the new component will be needed for completion and use. Different stages of the construction project will involve multiple businesses and contract ors, so exact numbers for each specific construction discipline will only be able to be seen with time. These jobs will not only attract workers, but also their families will move with them if they are to stay permanently, these numbers will add up quickly. To accommodate all of the new citizens and workers in the County, the local real estate market will also see a boost as it must provide both permanent and temporary housing for those working. Lake Anna Island has already taken measures of preparation for this by having a building project in the works to create over fifty new housing condominiums to complement the twenty it already has. This undertaking is projected to be completed by late summer of 2010, in time to advertise and sell to migrant workers who are helping in building the third unit. According to local businessman B.J. Blount, by completion of the project over 700 permanent new jobs will be brought in to Louisa County in addition to roughly 5,000 temporary jobs over t he next five to seven years, adding wealth and notoriety to the area. According to former Louisa County administrator and lifelong resident Dean Agee, Lake Anna is already by far the most powerful and wealthy market in Louisa County; it is projects and progressiveness such as the addition of a third nuclear unit that makes it such. With this influx of new jobs in the area, the arrival of a new reactor will establish the northwest area of Lake Anna as a jumping-off point for more businesses and development projects in the area. As is true with virtually all areas that feature a great density of corporate prosperity, there was a major project that served as a catalyst for the attraction of other businesses to establish themselves in the area. A prime example of that would be the Short Pump Town Center erected in 2003 in northwestern Henrico County, Virginia. As soon as that came to fruition, and even perhaps before, more businesses and companies were purchasing land and leasing buildings to establish themselves in and around. There are now over a dozen housing developments and apartment communities established in the general vicinity of the Town Center with more to come. The Short Pump area has also established itself as one of the main shopping and leisure areas in the state of Virginia and many high school-aged kids migrate there on weekends to spend time and money. There is a direct correlation of growth in population to growth in wealth in corporate areas, and this will occur in this region of Louisa County. When the tide comes in, all the boats rise; the growth of the nuclear power plant will serve as that tide in Louisa. More businesses will flock to the Lake Anna region to reap some of the benefits. An agreement has already been reached to have a Food Lion constructed on Route 208 in Louisa, located roughly five miles from the Dominion Power Plant. A grocery store such as this would not have signed on for development in the area without a projected growth in patrons that would shop there, so this would be a good indication of the projected growth in the immediate vicinity. Gary Griffith, owner of Dockside Realty, is developing Stonewall Town Center on Route 522 that will feature a restaurant and shopping opportunities. Lake Anna Island Realty was an early player in the race for position to attract business from the new growth. To go along with the covered boat slips that house the Lake Anna Island Yacht Club. Owner B. J. Blount and his partners have agreements and are in the process of building numerous other amenities on their property, located next to the 208 Bridge on New Bridge Road. There are b oat slips available for lease or rent for commuters or new residents to tie up their boats and access them at any time. As that project progresses, there is a potential for over 400 slips to be implemented, along with storage space for each purchased slip. There are the aforementioned housing units under construction that will be available for permanent or temporary use for specialized or contracted workers and their families. Buildings will be constructed to house a hotel and a restaurant, along with separate housing for a doctors office and two other separate restaurants. There is also now a houseboat available for rental on a weekly or weekend basis, with the opportunity for more boats to form a fleet that can turn into a steady source of income for the Realty. This is the sort of business plan and construction project that may well be seen blossoming in Louisa County with more regularity in the years to come. An effect the Power Plant will have on the environment will be the slight increase of water temperature on the lake due to the increased consumption of water by the actual units. It is predicted that the water temperature will rise by two to three degrees. While this is not a glaring difference from the norm, the newfound warmth can potentially extend the tourist season by an extra week. This is because the higher temperature will take longer to cool in the fall and the water will be warm enough for recreational activities for a slightly longer period of time. The increased amount of reactor output (predicted two to three inch water level increase) means that the larger amount will also take longer to cool. Though it is only one week, the collective wealth accrued by businesses of the area, be it restaurants, rentals or general boat activity will pay great dividends in the long run for the local economy. Multiple studies have been done to back up all of the claims made in favor of the third reactors positive impact upon Louisa Countys economy. From 1960 to 1976, sixty-four towns and cities that were located around any of four Northeastern U.S. power plants were observed and measured by their property market values. Positive growth trends in property value, listing and sale prices were seen across the board in these areas. (Downing, Gamble, Sauerlander, n.d.) Throughout the completion of the study the communities experienced positive growth. Furthermore, it was found that property market values increased at an inverse ratio to distance that they are situated from the nuclear power plants, possibly indicating that buyers specifically paid more to live closer to the plant. The municipalities that were in the general area of the plants also grew disproportionally to areas in the same state that were not near a nuclear plant. (Bezdek Wendling, 2006) In 1986, a study was conducted by a gr oup of college professors from Oakland University in Michigan that studied whether the federal policy to deter citizens from living near nuclear power plants had positive effects or not. In a study made of 204 local government that were situated within ten miles of any of the 49 functional nuclear power plants in the United States at the time, the governments were polled on their citizens feelings toward the plants and the physical plants public safety. (Folland Hough, 1999) The results showed that feedback was greatly in favor of living near the plants and it was suggested that governments should encourage migration toward the plants rather than discouraging citizens from living near them. Constructing a third reactor to add to the North Anna Power Plant in Louisa County will provide numerous benefits for everyone involved. Federal incentives will be sent the countys way, citizens will come pouring in searching for one of the multiple new jobs that will be created and numerous pre-existing and prospective businesses will be able to reap the benefits from all of this. All of these factors will culminate in making Louisa County a richer, more prosperous county. Resources Bezdek, R., Wendling, R. (2006). The Impacts of Nuclear Facilities on Property Values and Other Factors in the Surrounding Communities (Rep.). Retrieved January 10, 2010, from misi-net.com Dominion Power. (n.d.). Retrieved March 13, 2010, from http://www.dom.com Downing, R., Gamble, H., Sauerlander, O. (n.d.). Real Estate Economics: Community Growth Around Nuclear Power Plants (3rd ed., Vol. 8). John Wiley Sons. Folland, S., Hough, R. (1999). On the External Effects on Nuclear Power Plant: Further Evidence (Rep.). Rochester, Michigan. Retrieved January 14, 2010, from Gale Group. Nuclear Waste Disposal. (n.d.). Retrieved January 24, 2010, from http://www.nei.org Number of Reactors Being Brought Online Number of Countries Bringing Reactors Online [Chart]. (n.d.). In TVA. Retrieved February 24, 2010. Obama, B. H. (2010, January 27). State of the Union Address. Speech presented at State of the Union Address 2010 in U.S. Capitol, Washington D.C. United States, Department of Energy. (n.d.). Government Tax Incentives. Retrieved April 10, 2010, from http://www.energy.gov/government_tax_incentives.htm United States, Census Bureau. (n.d.). Retrieved March 4, 2010, from http://census.gov