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Saturday, August 31, 2019

Working Class Youth and Moral Panic

Why has the nineteenth century been associated with ‘a persistent panic over working class youth’? The events of the nineteenth century have often been described as turning points throughout Europe, the subsequent revolutions of the major powers of Europe led to significant change in the countries involved, additionally industrial revolutions and urbanization led to greater city populations. The question about youth firstly must be defined in a manor easily understood. How persistent the panic was is important in addition to this what panic was there.From the latter part of the 19th century these issues can be discussed with greater authority, and effects drawn more conclusively. ‘Moral panic’ is considered being a concern for the threat of social order or values as Stanley Cohen and Jock Young have emphasised. The context is vital during this period as British output doubled twice in the 19th century between 1830-1852 and 1852-80 which fundamentally changed Britain in a number of ways, before the revolution its estimated ? of the population lived in rural parts.Working longer for less in factories and higher living costs in an increasing urban country left many with very little. The relentless path that factory owners were able to take due to the government’s laissez-faire attitude led to another social change the breakdown of family life, safety was not an issue only profit, women and children worked hard and for little income. It is also argued that England was the world’s first urban nation, and urbanization meant that the majority of people lived in urban areas according to the consensus of 1861, an inevitable factor in a growing power.The aspects that caused panic- and/or ‘moral panic’- are also an important aspect as well as what led to the reactions of politicians and how the public reacted to youth, which could often be a product of journalism at the time. It should also be explained there was no dis tinct youth pre 1850’s, children entered adult life as soon as possible working in the various industries. And now there was a growing consciousness of not only the working class but of a ‘youth culture’ one which was ultimately conscious of itself.With this change in society and as problems occurred newspapers took advantage to emphasise story lines which, arguably in turn would lead to ‘moral panic’ to some degree. And as Eileen Janes Yeo explains that some of these ideas were ‘manufactured’ in the light of politicians creating these problems for them themselves to solve through social reform, creating further panic over the youth of tomorrow. An example of this can be seen by the mugging of an MP in 1862 or Garrotting as they were coined, held a small proportion of crimes but a press campaign resulted from this ‘†¦Garrotte robberies was tiny, the press created sensations out of minor incidents. Parliament responded with fer ocious legislation providing for offenders to be flogged as well as imprisoned. ’[1] Later Clive Emsley explains ‘Violence, especially violence with a sexual frisson, sold newspapers. But violent crime in the form of murder and street robbery never figured significantly in the statistics or in the courts. ’[2] This therefore verifies the effects that the press had on panic within a social context to some extent.On the other hand Andrew Davies argues differently agreeing with Humphries point of view in his writings ‘I would strongly endorse Humphries' assertion that violent youth gangs were not an invention of the late Victorian press. ’[3] It should also be noted that to a degree many Victorian English thought that the Irish or more specifically the poor Irish were responsible for a large proportion of crime in some areas such as Lancashire. With the substantial increase in Irish immigration during the early Victorian period, the host society's wides pread belief in the innate criminality of the Irish-and, more particularly, of the Irish poor-formed an integral component of the negative side of the Irish stereotype’[4] The Dublin weekly newspaper added in 1868 â€Å"Nowhere in England can our countrymen consider themselves safe from English mob violence,† The press therefore had a degree of influence on the panic throughout England regardless of whether they overstated events or exaggerated them, which is not to say this was the case in these separate examples.As hand in hand they make the situation worse and can spread panic. There were on the other hand reasons for concern and panic within Britain during this time. There were considered to be many Scuttlers and such like which were not recorded during the time and as James Bent describes in his criminal life: reminiscences of forty-two years as a police officer ‘In the early 1890s, staff at the Manchester Royal Infirmary informed the police that â€Å"scar cely a day passed† Without the admission of someone who ad been injured in a scuttling affray’[5] this shows to a large degree that the presence of the police was either needed or attributed to events occurring and therefore persistent panic could be justified to some degree. In addition to this pick pocketing is considered a skill and thus meant training, which opens a new area of debate. The orphans that were taken in had to work for their lodging and this could be the case with picking pockets.This argues that most youths were pushed into crime due to poverty and unbearable backgrounds. Such was the need for the Ragged schools to bring those who did not have a chance at education for the varying reasons that hindered children in the 19th century. The Metropolitan police force is an important factor in scaling the panic of 19th century England as a centralized force that had more responsibility and imposed increasing numbers of laws is an obvious sign of control regar dless of whether it was needed or not.It could be considered to be a reactionary attribute to what was happening whether it was to take precautions or act against the facing problems of youth culture. Increases in police forces in cities can also be drawn from the panic of Gang violence and scuttling. Philip Gooderson certainly argues the case, as for example the Salsford police increasing the force by around 30 in the years 1890-1. The various factory acts of the 19th century could also play a part in delinquency as it meant that less and less children were working therefore would either be in education or on the streets.It should also be considered that children had been taken advantage within industries for a long time and the possible effect this had on youth, the 19th century finally saw a slow and gradual intervention in this through various social reforms with such acts as the chimney sweeps act of 1840, which finally began to be enforced unlike previous reforms which were of ten ignored, as well as the numerous factory acts which allowed better conditions for children and women and age restrictions.The various institutions that were created during the 19th century are an obvious sign of ‘moral panic’ and clearly show one reason why the 19th century has often be concerned with youth. Schools such as the Ragged schools in 1844, Reformatories in 1854 and finally in 1857 Industrial schools, each of which were to their own as such and have varying ideals. However there are conflicting views upon how delinquents should have been treated, and there are a number of private voluntary additions that drove for a varying unishments opposed to prison, such as, Mary Carpenter, Sydney Turner and Mathew Davenport Hill whom helped in different ways to establish delinquency and aid such effects, this also argues the case for ‘moral panic’ as there were now debates on what was best for delinquents in form of punishments and education. Additionall y the social welfare and acts of the 1850’s as well as the education act of 1876 introduced a number of industrial schools and further developments within truant schools. There was a network of 208 schools: 43 reformatories, 132 industrial schools, 21 day industrials schools and 12 truant schools’[6] Heather Shore comments that ‘ The juvenile offender was not, then, an invention of the nineteenth century. However, it is clear that in this period a reconceptualisation of youth crime, and various developments in social policy, as well as the activities of certain individuals, resulted in a new language of youthful delinquency. Juvenile delinquency reiterated throughout the nineteenth and twentieth century’s, even today there is a concern for today and tomorrow’s youth as ideals are lost through different generations, not to mention the rise in knife and dangerous weapon crimes. Gang violence and criminality are still high today in London and other maj or cities with a similar average age of criminality ‘the average age of a teenager arrested for murder in 2008 (18. 1 years) was four months older than the average age of a teenage murder arrestee in 1960 (17.   years)’[7] despite there being ‘moral panic’ for youth culture during the 19th century it’s not strictly persistent just to 19th century, as it is still of concern today. During the 18th and 19th century children worked for up to 18 hours a day, little or no education was offered as a result right and wrong was not always apparent and this is a contributing factor to delinquency and persistent panic in the 19th century, as modernity took hold of Britain and more liberal and welfare ideas were debated which stemmed concern for youth which had not been fully understood or considered in previous century’s.Bibliography Davies, Andrew youth gangs, masculinity and violence in late Victorian Manchester and Salford, Journal of Social History , Vol. 32, No. 2. (Winter, 1998), pp. 349-369 Emsley, Clive Crime and the Victorians Last updated 2011-02-17 http://www. bbc. co. uk/history/british/victorians/crime_01. shtml 02/02/12 Males, Mike A. Criminals and violent offenders getting older and older†¦ not â€Å"younger† 03/12/2010 http://www. cjcj. org/post/juvenile/justice/criminals/and/violent/offenders/getting/older/and/older/not/younger Accessed 02/03/2012Pearson, Geoffrey Disturbing continuities: ‘Peaky blinders’ to ‘Hoodies’ ( CJM no. 65 Autumn 2006) Shore, Heather The idea of juvenile crime in 19th century England, History Today, June 2000 Swift, Roger Heroes or Villains? : The Irish, Crime, and Disorder in Victorian England : http://www. jstor. org/stable/4051670 Accessed: 06/03/2012 13:45 ———————– [1] Clive Emsley http://www. bbc. co. uk/history/british/victorians/crime_01. shtml [2] http://www. bbc. co. uk/history/british/vi ctorians/crime_01. html [3] Andrew Davies youth gangs, masculinity and violence in late Victorian Manchester and Salford p. 4 [4] Roger Swift Heroes or Villains? : The Irish, Crime, and Disorder in Victorian England [5] Youth gangs, masculinity and violence in late Victorian Manchester and Salford, p. 5 [6] Heather Shore, The idea of juvenile crime in 19th century England, History Today, June 200 p. 7 [7]http://www. cjcj. org/post/juvenile/justice/criminals/and/violent/offenders/getting/older/and/older/not/younger

The Return: Midnight Chapter 43

â€Å"Elena?†Stefan said quietly. â€Å"Could you ask me to come in? You have to invite me in if you want to – to talk – â€Å" Invite him in? He was already in – inside her heart. She had told the Guardians that everyone would have to accept Stefan as her boyfriend of almost a year. It didn't matter. In a low voice she said, â€Å"Come in, Stefan.† â€Å"The window's locked from your side, Elena.† Numbly, Elena unlocked the window. The next moment she was encompassed by warm, strong arms in a desperate, fervent embrace. But the moment after that, the arms dropped, leaving her frozen and lonely. â€Å"Stefan? What's wrong?†Her eyes had adapted and by the starlight through the window she could see him hesitating before her. â€Å"I can't – It isn't – It's not me you want,†he said in a rush that sounded as if it came through a constricted throat. â€Å"But I wanted you to know that – that Meredith and Matt are holding Bonnie. Comforting her, I mean. They're al okay and so is Mrs. Flowers. And I thought that you – â€Å" â€Å"They put me to sleep! They said they wouldn't put me to sleep!† â€Å"You fel asleep, lo – Elena. While we were waiting for them to send us home. We al watched over you: Bonnie, Sage, and I.†He was Stillspeaking in that formal, unusual tone. â€Å"But I thought – Well, that you might want to talk tonight, too. Before I – I left.†He put a finger up to stop his lip from shaking. â€Å"You swore you wouldn't leave me!†Elena cried. â€Å"You promised, not for any reason, not for any length of time, no matter how noble the cause!† â€Å"But – Elena – that was before I understood†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"You Stilldon't understand! Do you know – â€Å" His hand flew to cover her mouth and he put his lips to her ear. â€Å"Lo – Elena. We're in your house. Your aunt – â€Å" Elena felt her eyes widen, although of course subconsciously she had known this al along. The air of familiarity. This bed – it was her bed, and the spread was her beloved gold and white bedspread. The obstacles she'd known how to avoid in the dark – the tapping at her window†¦she was home. Like a climber who has negotiated an impossible-seeming section of rock, and almost fal en, Elena felt a tremendous rush of adrenaline. And it was this – or, perhaps, simply the power of the love that flooded through her – that achieved what she had been so clumsily trying to reach. She felt her soul expand and come out of her body. And meet Stefan's. She was appal ed by the hastily swept-away desolation in his spirit, and humbled by the surge of love that flooded every part of him at the touch of her mind. Oh, Stefan. Just – say that – that you can forgive me, that's all. If you forgive me I can live. Maybe you can even be happy with me again – if you just give it a little time. I'm already happy with you. But we have all the time in the world, Stefan reassured her. But she caught the shadow of a dark thought whisked quickly out of the way. He had al the time in the world. She, however†¦ Elena had to choke back a laugh but then clutched at Stefan suddenly. My backpack – did they take it? Where is it? Right beside your nightstand. I can reach it. Do you want it? He reached in the darkness and pul ed up something heavy and rough and none too pleasant-smel ing. Elena thrust one frantic hand inside it while Stillholding on to Stefan with the other. Yes! Oh, Stefan, it's here! He was beginning to suspect – but he only knew when she drew out the bottle labeled Evian Water and held it to her cheek. It was icy cold, although the night was mild and humid. And as it effervesced violently, it glowed in a way that no ordinary water did. I didn't mean to do it, she told Stefan, suddenly worried that he might not like to associate with a thief. At least – not at first. Sage said to get the water from the Fountain of Eternal Youth and Life into bottles. I dug up a big bottle and this little one, and somehow I stashed the smaller one in my backpack – I'd've put the big one in, too, but it didn't fit. And I didn't even think about the little one again until after they took away my Wings and my telepathy. And a good thing, Stefan thought. If they had caught you – oh, my lovely love! His arms squeezed the breath from Elena's lungs. So that's why you were suddenly so eager to leave! â€Å"They took almost everything else supernatural about me,†Elena whispered, placing her lips close to Stefan's ear. â€Å"I have to live with that, and if they'd given me a chance I'd have agreed – for the sake of Fel ‘s Church – if I'd been logical – â€Å"She broke off as she suddenly realized that she had been literal y out of her mind. She'd been worse than a thief. She'd tried to use a lethal attack on a group of – mostly – innocent people. And the worst thing was that a part of her knew that Damon would have understood her madness, while she wasn't sure Stefan ever could. â€Å"But you don't have to change me into – you know,†she began whispering frenetical y again. â€Å"A sip or two of this and I can be with you forever. Forever and – for – forever – Stefan – â€Å"She stopped, trying to get her breath and her mental balance. His hand closed over hers on the cap. â€Å"Elena.† â€Å"I'm not crying. It's because I'm happy. Forever and ever, Stefan. We can be together, just†¦just us two†¦forever.† â€Å"Elena, love.†His hand kept hers from twisting open the bottle. â€Å"It – isn't what you want?† With his other arm, Stefan pul ed her tightly to him. Her head fel forward onto his shoulder and he rested his chin on her hair. â€Å"It's what I want more than anything. I'm†¦dazed, I guess. I have been ever since – â€Å"He stopped and tried again. â€Å"If we have al the time in the world, we have tomorrow,†he said in a voice muffled by hair. â€Å"And tomorrow is time enough for you to start to think it through. There's enough in that bottle for maybe four or five people. You're the one who's going to have to decide who drinks it, love. But not tonight. Tonight is for†¦Ã¢â‚¬  With a sudden rush of joy Elena understood. â€Å"You're talking about – Damon.†Amazing how difficult it was to simply say his name. It almost seemed a violation, and yet†¦ When he could talk – like this – for a moment to me, he told me what he wanted, she sent. Stefan stirred a little in the darkness, but said nothing. Stefan, he only asked for one thing before he†¦went. It was not to be forgotten. That's all. And we're the ones who remember the most. Us and Bonnie. Aloud she added, â€Å"I wil never forget him. And I wil never let anyone else who knew him forget him – for as long as I live.† She knew she'd spoken too loudly, but Stefan didn't try to quiet her. He gave one quick shudder and then held her tightly again, his face buried in her hair. I remember, he sent to her, when Katherine asked him to join her – when we three were in Honoria Fell's crypt. I remember what he said to her. Do you? Elena felt their souls intertwine as they both saw the scene through the other's eyes. Of course, I remember too. Stefan sighed, half-laughing. I remember trying to take care of him later in Florence. He wouldn't behave, wouldn't even Influence the girls he fed on. Another sigh. I think he wanted to get caught at that point. He couldn't even look me in the face and talk about you. I made Bonnie send for you. I made sure she got both of you out here, Elena told him. Her tears had begun to flow again, but slowly – gently. Her eyes were shut and she felt a faint smile come to her lips. Do you know – Stefan's mental voice was startled, astonished – I remember something else! From when I was very young, maybe three or four years old. My father had a terrible temper, especially right after my mother died. And back then, when I was little, and my father was furious and drunk, Damon would deliberately get in between us. He'd say something obnoxious and – well, my father would end up beating him instead of me. I don't know how I could have forgotten about that. I do, Elena thought, remembering how frightened she had been of Damon when he'd first turned human – even though he'd put himself in between her and the vampires who wanted to Discipline her in the Dark Dimension. He had a gift for knowing exactly what to say – how to look – what to do – to get under anyone's skin. She could feel Stefan chuckle faintly, wryly. A gift, was it? Well, I certainly couldn't do it, and I can manage most people, Elena replied softly. Not him, though. Never him. Stefan added, But he was almost always kinder to weak people than to strong ones. He always did have that soft spot for Bonnie†¦ He broke off, as if frightened he'd ventured too near something sacred. But Elena had her bearings now. She was glad, so glad, that in the end Damon had died to save Bonnie. Elena herself needed no more proof of his feelings about her. She would always love Damon, and she would never al ow anything to diminish that love. And, somehow, it seemed fitting that she and Stefan should sit in her old bedroom and speak of what they remembered of Damon in hushed tones. She planned on taking the same thing up with the others tomorrow. When she final y fel asleep in Stefan's arms, it was hours after midnight.

Friday, August 30, 2019

How Are Dreams Proved to Be Futile in of Mice and Men Essay

Dreams in â€Å"Of Mice and Men† is influenced under the poem â€Å"To A Mouse† by Robert Burns and the relationship between the poem and the novel is seen through the build-up to the characters hopes and dreams at the time of the great inflation and how they struggled to keep up with their ambitions. The context in both texts clearly portrays the death of the future plans the working class keep to at that time and the writers do this to illustrate the chances of normal people succeeding and how being born into a hierarchy means that you’re destined to a class in society. In Of Mice and Men, Lennie is introduced with a â€Å"shapeless face† and animal imagery is used to signify his strength, â€Å"bear drags his paws†, this portrayal of Lennie sets him apart from George in the hierarchy. As the story develops the readers understanding of George’s and Lennie’s relationship does to, the reader realises that the theme that keeps both the key protagonists motivated is the dream. This is further developed when Steinbeck introduces the dream for the first time, â€Å"I remember about the rabbits, George†, it is clear to the readers that Lennie is academically weak and in order for him to remember about the dream indicated how much it means to him and it’s possibly the thing that matters to him most. However early in the novel Steinbeck uses animal imagery to foreshadow the death of Lennie and the death of the dream, â€Å"shoot you for a coyote†, the author highlights his vulnerability and his death in the future to suggest that his weakness academically is what possibly lead him to his death. In the beginning of the novel George gets into a quarrel with Lennie about ketchup, â€Å"we ain’t got any†, during George’s rant he clearly emphasizes on what he sees as the American dream in comparison to what they both see. George leads on to imply that Lenny is a road block to his dream and this is partially true as it is what Lennie did towards the end of the novel that killed the chances of the dream. George’s dream can be considered as a typical working class dream as it isn’t very promising and has no future outlook. The death of the dream in Of Mice and Men seems to be blames on a certain individual, the death of George and Lennie’s dream is blamed on Lennie and later in the novel we learn that the death of Curley’s wife’s is because of her â€Å"ol lady†. In the novel Curley’s wife is portrayed as a social outcast alongside the â€Å"nigga† but this time because of her gender as they lived in a sexist society. However beneath her make up her interior reveals her dreams and how they were crushed as well, the reader also finds out that her sexual weapon is to grab the attention of the ranch workers as no one gave her the recognition she wanted. Curley’s wife’s dream is fully revealed towards the end of the novel with her explain it to Lennie, she clearly illustrates her very independent dream however it is also clear that she is very dependent on men when it comes to making the dream a reality. This maybe the reason why her dream was locked away and only brought out when she needed it to emotionally look back at it; considering that she lived in a men’s society it means that women are held back from what they wanted to do and were expected become a housewife. This is the main road block that Curley’s wife comes across making her dream futile. Throughout the novel the reader realises that the characters that we’re too eager for their dream (Lennie and Curley’s wife) reaches their destiny, quite dramatically, with their death. It seems that both characters had something in common – lack of power, the protagonists had a lack of power meaning that they were vulnerable to society however Curley’s wife attempted to cover it by putting on a lot of makeup but it is clear that your weakness will eventually go against you. Furthermore both characters dream was clearly futile from the beginning of the novel as both characters seemed to depend on another person in order for their dreams to succeed. In Lennie’s case it was George and Curley’s wife needed a man. Steinbeck reinforces the themes of Power and powerlessness with links to the dream to suggest that there is some sort of bond with making the dream and having the power to make it. This portrayal in Of Mice and Men illustrated not only the fact that succeeding during the Great Depression was very limited but the fact that without power or status, which both characters lacked in, the chances of making the dream was nil.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Build and sustain an innovative work environment Assignment - 2

Build and sustain an innovative work environment - Assignment Example It offers a wide selection of cutting-edge technology tablet pc’s, smartphones and related services such as application configuration, networking, software updates and training on the best use of the devices. Located in Serres Macedonia, the business strives to meet the global challenge posed by stiff competition and attain its goal of serving over 20 million clients annually through effective marketing by 2016. Smart Spot is well acquainted with the sheer fact that it operates in a market characterized by hasty change and an incessant quest for effective and efficient services and perceives innovation as the only way of meeting the customers demand and maintain its market share. In its innovation process, the organization embraces the broadmindedness and creates a space where trust can happen and risks taken in the innovation process. In generation of ideas, the owner, George Papadopoulos and the shareholders ensure that all parties are comprehensively involved thus helping the business to develop best services and products that meet customer needs, tastes and preferences (Innovation and Business Industry Skills Council, 2010). Through daily interaction with George Papadopoulos, it was evident that customers experienced delays when they made orders. The stakeholder ostensibly blamed it on the inefficient operation of the attendants and kept on complaining about a practice that was costly both in terms of time and money. After the realization of this major setback, we resulted to introduce vending machines in some sections of the stall. Apparently, the lead time was maintained but the waiting time was reduced by 50% and 87% of clients expressed satisfaction with the new service delivery method. My intention to reduce the wait time by 60% was already surpassed and now just needed to make thorough and methodical consultation with George Papadopoulos and systems engineers within the research and

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

(The topic of the article) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

(The topic of the article) - Essay Example The Samsung phones although not as technologically superior, advertise the pros they have very well and thus get due recognition. Secondly, another difference is that Samsung invests a lot in and makes its phone launches a large, flashy party of sorts which serves to attract more customers. HTC on the other hand, although has joined this trend with the launch of the One x, is not doing its launch on the scale and with all the glitter and glamour that Samsung uses and which attracts potential consumers. Thirdly, HTC really needs to pick up its sales figures. Because Samsung is a larger company, it is able to meet sales quotas, unlike HTC which is smaller and had to â€Å"roll out† sales when the HTC One x was launched. HTC’s inability to meet production and sales quotas also means that it gets left behind in the race to capture more market share. Lastly, but importantly, the success of an android phone also depends on how well it collaborates with network carriers. Samsu ng beats HTC here as well and is featured prominently on the marketing efforts of all prominent carriers in the USA and HTC remains over shadowed by it. Since network carriers get consumers on long term contract basis, HTC loses out on a considerable market share as the carriers promote Samsung more and customers are thus diverted away from HTC and onto Samsung phones. Personally, I am in complete agreement with the points of view provided in this article comparing HTC and Samsung. The average customer does indeed not realize nor use the full feature capacity that phones like the Galaxy S4 and the HTC One x offer, however this does not mean that HTC takes a step down from its vantage point of technological superiority. To play this subtle strength to their advantage, the only thing they need to do is step up their advertising. Increased marketing budgets and efforts and generally more prominent advertisement of HTC’s superior features will help the customers realize its super ior capabilities and maybe this will help in shifting the trend away from Samsung and towards HTC. There are a number of people who are tech savvy and realize and appreciate the superior quality and features that HTC offers them; however the challenge is to spread this trend in the entire market. Although Samsung is using more or less the same amount and types of features in their phones compared to HTC, they put in a handful of flashy features which although not very function add to the glitter and over all appeal of the Samsung phones. Furthermore, companies like HTC need to realize the changing market dynamic and implement the changes they will need to incorporate to adapt to these changing market dynamics and manipulate them to their advantage. Secondly, the issue of not collaborating will with the network carriers is an important aspect of gaining market share for android phones in the market. HTC particularly has a reputation of being a hassle for network carriers to deal with and thus the business relationship cannot be characterized as friendly and is terse at best. Due to this negativity, carriers are not inclined to push HTC’s phones in their advertising campaigns or otherwise to their competitors. In the same vein, when the supply of HTC’s phones is so unstable in the market, consumers who originally wanted an HTC will sometimes settle for competitors’

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Service and Sacrifice by America's Veterans Benefit Today's Youth by Essay

Service and Sacrifice by America's Veterans Benefit Today's Youth by - Essay Example However, Veterans who fought in the Second World War, the Vietnam War, the Korean War and the Gulf wars are still with us today and their sacrifice is remembered since they gave America the status of the global power it enjoys today. America did not come to this position overnight and government policy as well as the collective work of the American society itself certainly deserves credit but the veterans form an essential element in being the strong arm of the American government as well as the enforcers of American policy. This enforcement of American policy includes the protection of American interests around the world whether they are threatened in the black forest of Germany or on the islands of Japan. From the deserts of the Middle East to the mountains in South America, wherever there is a need for an American soldier, s/he is ever present and vigilant. Veterans were responsible for putting their feet on the ground and maintaining American control wherever it was needed. Undoubtedly, some of the wars have been called unjust and have also been noted as mistakes. The Vietnam war and even the gulf wars have been called unnecessary since the government decided to go into battle without all the required information or by working with the wrong data. However, that does not take anything away from the valor and the courage of the veterans who fought when they were told to fight believing that they were defending America, the freedom of the American people and their liberty. Thus, the freedoms enjoyed by the American youth can be credited to the efforts of the veterans who protected and defended America when they were called to do so. Had these veterans not offered their lives and their blood as a sacrifice, it is entirely possible that America would not be what it is today. In fact, from the first individual who died fighting in the War of American Independence to the soldiers who are giving their blood for their country today, the debt which the nation

Monday, August 26, 2019

America's Ethos and why Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 decided to intervene Term Paper

America's Ethos and why Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 decided to intervene militarily in the Dominican Civil War - Term Paper Example The constitution began as a compromise between the people who believed in central government with diffusion of power across the state and those who perceived the central government to be weak if diffusing its power across states (Bryson 771). Lyndon B Johnson became the 36th president in US. He served in all elected federal offices in US. He served as a democrat between 1937 and 1949, as a senator between 1949 and 1961. After assassination of President John Kennedy in 1963, Johnson took over the presidency. He won the support of Democratic Party. He designed the legislation on Great Society that saw the inclusion of the law that upheld the civil rights and fight on poverty. The bill on civil rights banned racial discrimination in the public facilities (Colman 34). According to the ethos in America, U.S. was not to seek the leadership position in the world. However, it was providence or fate that forced America into a new role. The American ethos does not include of America becoming the worlds police. Nevertheless, events in history conspired in creating a bipolar world comprising of two superpowers competing on global governance structure (Segal 366). For instance, after President Truman informed the new responsibilities by America to the Joint Congress in 1947, the Soviets undermined the agreements. Currently, each nation has its own way of life, with the choices being free for anyone. Among the different preferences lie in freedom of religion and speech, free elections and free institutions among others. Remarkably, in a very short timeframe, the foreign policy in US and the world politics pivoted to internationalism from the isolationism if not interventionism. The U.S. was prompted to increase its massive military to survive the effects of WWII. As a result, there was intervention in US troops to take the forward positions in projecting the US power as well as deterring

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Organisation and Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Organisation and Management - Essay Example The goals would be looked from the eyes of the person whose interest lies in the implied strategy. There may arise some biasness in terms of tasks being done. The information here needs to be gathered by the expert professionals to ensure that it is accurate and according to the modern technologies. Once the information is gathered it is normally communicated through a one-way process, either through senior or expert representatives to the recipients. Communication is done on the basis of understanding and not redefining of what the experts had gathered. The actual gatherings of data must be discussed thoroughly to avoid the self-interests of some of the employees. Normative-Reeducative in this kind of a change people are more focused on things that satisfies and fulfill their needs. Over here the issue is not to find the right information but to find an effective relationship between the values of the employees and the organization on whole. In this the organization tries to involve as many employees as they can to get an overall picture of the needs and values that the employees crave for. Intense interactions between the employees are required. For the change strategy to be successful the organization has to take into consideration the surrounding culture like broader system, habits and values of the employees that dominate. ... This process takes a longer period of time as compared to empirical rational. In such a change if the organization goes by the values and culture of a specific culture then they may find difficult competing with the international world if the global culture does not contain the same values and needs. Power-Coercive in this kind of a change those who possess knowledge hold the power. This approach focuses more on the use of political and economic sanctions as the main strategy to bring about change. Political power normally involves policies, laws and other agreements, and economic on the other hand is the logical extension of political power. Here the issues focus on jail and other personal liberty sanctions. Some of the specific strategies that come under this approach may include over throw of political regimes or changing of organizational management through stakeholder pressure and so on. This kind of a strategy maybe de-motivating for some employees to work. Today employees want empowerment and job rotation in order to increase the interest in their work schedules, but working under such authoritative strategy may affect their output. The authority imposing employees may show biasness to some of the other employees causing differences. Environmental-Adaptive People are not happy with the disruptions that occur within the organization but they do adapt to new circumstances as required. It is more like building a new organization and gradually transferring people from the old one to the new one. Not all organizations are willing to change when the need arises. They are more scared of what if the changes do not suit the organization over all, and therefore they continue with the orthodox ways of achieving goals where as the

Saturday, August 24, 2019

People, Organisations and Leadership Assignment

People, Organisations and Leadership - Assignment Example One of the notable companies that have embarked on undertaking strategic management is Alpha Reminiscent Cars (ARC). Based on the increased demand for old style cars as well as old out-of-manufacture saloons and sports cars, the company owners are now focused at expanding their production capacity in order to meet the demand of their customers. The company has two alternatives that it can use in order to expand its production. Firstly, the owners can double its work force in order to have 12 teams leading to production of 240 units. Secondly, the company can also use automated assembly-line approach. The key aim of this paper is to compare the two approaches and indicate the one that will increase ARC profit while at the same time making the employees happy. Additionally, the paper discusses issues that will be solved by the two approaches. To achieve its objective, the paper will base its argument on studies done by various individuals on team and automated assembly-line approaches. Literature reviews on merits and demerits of team and assembly line robotic approaches In his studies on evaluating a team-based approach, Libby (2012) contemplates that team approach is beneficial in that it will create opportunities for creativity. As the ARC aims at producing models that meet the needs of its customers, it will be essential for managers to create a culture of creativity. It is vital to note that if a larger number of people are involved in making a decision or coming up with a solution to a problem, each one of the team member will provide his or her idea. Afterwards the team members deliberate of the best idea and then develop it to quality products. ARC will thus benefit from improved models as a result of use of team approach. Additionally, Libby (2012) portrays team approach as a way of enhancing research skills of individuals of the team members. In this way, individuals are in a position to bring in board skills and contribution that will improve the quali ty of the final products. Another advantage of using team approach is that the company rate of production will increase (Robbins and Judge, 2007). In a work place, employees have different weaknesses and strengths. This implies that during the tackling of any project, team managers can delegate the workload among team members based on their skills and experience. As a result, a project can be completed in a timely manner. In the case of ARC, the use of team approach will ensure that the car models are manufactured is a faster rate without compromising their quality. Studies on qualitative methods in a team approach by Whitt and Kuh, (1991) indicates that in addition to the use of competitive salary, workers are motivated by working a team. Through expansion of its team, ARC will enhance the morale of its employees. It is essential to note that when a company arranges its workforce in the form of teams that are under skilled team managers, the employees are in a position to know each other. As a result, a good relationship is created in the work place. By sharing ideas, employees self esteem is attained thus improving their productivity leading to an increased output and sales. Fishbein and Ajzen (1975) depicts that team approach provides workers with chances of developing. It is fundamental to note that big and small companies keenly look for skills possessed by their employees during the recruitment process. In this regard, teams are formed by members with

Friday, August 23, 2019

Cloud 9 by Caryl Churcill Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cloud 9 by Caryl Churcill - Essay Example Basically, the play serves to create a visual impression of Britain at different times where the country and its people strived to have an identity of their own by breaking the stereotypes associated with the old era. The prevalent themes in this play are those of post colonialism, gender identity and an assessment of the ruling authorities. There is a general quest for identity that is most visible throughout the first act. The acting of the characters in their own true identity is a thing that should be concealed. They must do so in secret like when playing a game of hide and seek. If an identity shows disrespect to England, then that identity ought not to exist or should be concealed as per Clive. Clive’s is inclined to the idea that nontraditional sex identity is a sickness that can be cured though Churchill presents n provision that seems to dwell on the contrary. He asserts that sexual identity cannot be structured in another way but gender can be rearranged. There is a continuous difficulty in search of identity for characters such as Victoria, Betty and Edward in the second act even though they’re free from the direct influence of Clive. This shows that the search for identity is not as simple as thought even in a new world different from the traditional settings. This depiction of gender identity is influenced by the political system and other systems of rule in the times depicted in the play. This makes the play have a political and historical dimension. The play has very deep political insights that separate the political theatre into two strategies. These are the really dominant styles of rule in the last century that is viewed as â€Å"reflectionist† and the modern form of political approach of â€Å"interventionist†. As the characters demonstrate their struggles to discover their real identity, they represent a whole country (Britain) that struggles to find the ideal form of governance. This shows that the country itsel f is struggling to find its own identity. The real nature of Britain and the actions in a period of conquest and territorial acquisition is covered in the first act. The mind of the reader is set in a period of post war Britain therefore visualizing what the country was before its gradual decline in power. The reader can picture Britain being at the peak of its power and its quest to become a great colonizer and a country worthy of repute. This impacts the â€Å"bully† mentality about Britain in that period. The activities of the country are also streamlined to conquer Africa in an attempt to civilize the continent otherwise regarded to host â€Å"beasts’. Joshua is caught in this context of trying to become a native that sees the British as the exclusively civilized people that ought to be emulated but not people from his native background. This play show the impact of the British on people from Africa and what they perpetrated in order to be feared and establish the mselves as a powerful nation among its colonies. Churchill does a commendable work in airing this attribute that shows the attitude of Britain towards its colonies. Another notable observation from the play with an administrative bearing concerns the military. The author seems to suggest that the military efforts of the country were a making a joke of the state. Lin’s brother acts as a soldier who shows least care for the country he is supposed to represent wholeheartedly. It is evident that he’

The importance brunttland report conncetion with tourism and travel Research Paper

The importance brunttland report conncetion with tourism and travel agency - Research Paper Example The report on the world tourism analysis of 2007 shows the number of international travelers had to increase enormously from 25 million in 1950 to 800 million currently. Brundtland report provides some analysis and recommendations for the sustainability of developments within the societies. This paper, therefore, will be highlighting the importance of the Brundtland report in connection with the tourism and travel agency (McChesney 43). Several governments have had to meet and approve Agenda 21 and the Rio declaration. The agenda 21 had to offer some blueprint on the sustainable development, while, on the other hand, the Rio Declaration had to articulate the vital principles for the sustainable development in the 21st century. The two documents enable the governments, organizations, and industries to work towards attaining the highest levels of sustainability as the Brundtland report defines that the development meeting the needs of the present without conciliating the ability of the coming generations to meet their own needs. However, the challenge is finding the balance between the sustenance, prosperity, and the people’s desire to be stable in financial, material well being with the underlying need for community, identity, home, and religion. Tourism and travel agencies, hence, plays a significant role in bringing some balance in these forces. Tourism and travel provides the livelihoods for the urban and the rural communities. It also enhance the community relations and make up the bridges of understanding and peace between countries, in which case it is possible when there is proper planning development and management (Sigala et. al. 43). The Brundtland Report considers the tourism and travel sector as the largest in contribution of the economy in the whole world. The report reiterates the main qualitative trends that one observes in the industry through the forms of increased market segmentation, development of new forms of tourism and the influenci ng of traditional package tours. Therefore, tourism and travel sectors have had to increase the market demand in various ways, in which case it has had to contribute the social, environmental and the economic sustainability. This has been possible by proper planning and management of the pressures from growth. The preservation of the tourism product, hence, helps in securing the future for many people. Many companies have had even to create stable responsible behavior. This is by ensuring they use their product and services to educate and inform their customers. This is in response to the need to safeguarding the natural resources (Sharpley 15). Tourism and travel, if utilized effectively, will go along the way in bringing a growth and economic success in the countries, both developing and developed. There is the potential that the markets enhance lives in a sustainable structure via providing the wealth creation, innovation, competition, and choice among others. The tourism and tra vel sector have these and other elements, in which case it enables it to be a vibrant market force for the future sustainability. The sector has the probability to increase exports, boost the economies GDP, bring in capital investment, and create employments. Tourism and travel creates jobs throughout the economy, both in organizations that get to involve directly in business and in the associated supplier industries,

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Inventions That Affected the World Essay Example for Free

Inventions That Affected the World Essay Our world has experienced many changes within the last century. New inventions are made every month, and one of the most influential changes is the invention of the cellphone. The cellphone has completely changed the way we communicate, as well as the speed, convenience, and quality of our communication. Technology has made such an impact on society that most people won’t leave home without their cellphones. Also computers became human’s best friend. This is why one of the most life changing pieces of technology for many people has been the smartphone, an all-in-one, portable device that combines the functions of a cell phone with the functions of a computer. But how was life before this technology even existed? Back in the past, communicating with people was hard, especially with long distance. Letters were the only option to let someone know about something. But after the phone was invented, contacting people got much easier than before, even though, not everyone owned a phone. Computers were the other device that was invented, it was and still used in almost every concern. Then Internet invention had to step in and make life much easier. With Internet, people made electronic mails, which was another way to communicate with others. But to own all these things was very pricey back then, and to have them with you anywhere you go was not possible. So to do a specific thing, you had to use a specific device. To reach someone immediately, you had to use the phone that was wired-up and the recipient had to be close to his wired-up phone as well. To go to a specific location, you had to ask people that are familiar with the area you are going to. To send an email, you had to do it through the Internet from a computer. To remind yourself of a meeting something, you had to keep sticking little notes on your fridge door. To take a picture, you obviously needed a camera, and to send it to somebody, you had to use the mail and that would take couple days for the receiver to see it. To calculate an amount, you needed a calculator or you had to be good at math. To check next day’s weather you had wait till after the news on TV. To listen to your favorite music you had to buy a cassette or a CD and then go play it in your home stereo†¦ But after the smartphone was invented couple years ago, the race of human beings found everything to be easy. We can literally do anything with it, and with all the applications available we can even do more than we ever thought in just couple seconds. From calling someone to buying an airline ticket, it’s all available with a portable device that stays in your pocket. However, in my opinion the smartphone is the one of the best inventions ever made. I would highly recommend this gadget to anyone in this planet, because with it, we are never lost, never bored or wasting time, and always with an answer.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Erp implementation and change management

Erp implementation and change management ERP Implementation and Change Management Abstract In this research paper, we will analyse the problems and issues faced by a business / enterprise during the ERP project implementation project. And why is there a need for a proper change management as part of their ERP project implementation. As businesses are reengineering their business processes, they are expected to readjust their business methodology to suit the need or demands of market. Business will need a highly reliable management system to support their daily business processes, to reduce inefficiency and inaccuracy within the organisation business process. During the project implementation process, organization will commonly faces unwanted resist from the potential users. The study wills reveals what are the pitfalls and approach needed when organisation are facing resistance to ERP, which could lead to implementation failures. INTRODUCTION As business getting more competitive in today world, it is not enough for business to get content with producing only better and more reliable product and services. In order to provide better customer service internal or external, minimise or reduce overhead, daily production and operation costs, they need the assistance of a better, highly reliable information system to provide a more efficient management over the business processes. ERP Systems are introduced to handle more complex transactions as a highly dependable system. (Lukman Susanto, 2003) The enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is a set of integrated Business Applications that provides support for core business process activities such as Manufacturing Production and Logistics, Finance and Accounting, Sales and Marketing, and Human resources. An ERP system integrated and helps the different departmental units of the organization to share data and knowledge, reduce costs, and improve management of the business Processes. (Adel M. Aladwani, 2001) Despite of having so many benefits, lot of ERP projects still fail (Stratman and Roth, 1999). Most of the ERP system implementation that fail are due to workers resistance. A good and careful change management strategies are requires facilitating a successful ERP implementation. (Adel M. Aladwani, 2001) The goal of the this paper is to show how â€Å"change management† could play a significant roles, how to market the ERP within the organization and what are strategies available that are useful to overcome workers resistance to ERP implementation. What is change management? Change Management is a planned change approach within an organization. The goal of Change Management is to maximize the benefits and lower the potential risk for the organization related to changes due to ERP implementation. In any ERP implementation undertaken by a business, Change management is one of the biggest tasks are heavily involved by the organization. Not only that this require a significant amount of funding from the organization but also require a high level of commitment throughout the whole organization. It is a deliberate approach to ensure a change in peoples expectations towards the major changes in the work process bring about by the implementation of ERP to move the business forward smoothly. (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania). An effective change management must touches on all aspects of psychological reaction, such as resistance within an organization, which the potential users are going through. Measuring attitudinal changes are part of the key process in Change Management in the ERP implementation to record how people feel and their expectation towards the anticipated changes in the technology implementation. This will definitely help the organization to know how to manage the shift. Huge amount of communication, and training for the users are needed. WHY IS IT CRUCIAL TO AN ERP IMPLEMENTATION? The whole concept of change management involvement in ERP implementation is building mutual trust and understanding between the organization and its employees throughout the business component, during the implementation phase. The focus of change management in the business should be customer oriented managing expectation of the potential end user rather than technology or product oriented. End user will not be amazed with the state-of-the-art equipment, if the new ERP system or business process failed to fulfil peoples expectation. While ERP implementation requires the business to standardise its business processes, change management will be needed to make sure the damages can be avoided / minimised that are caused by transformation. With proper change management strategy in place, businesses can minimise costs involve due to rapid changes to bring in new system within the organization, while trying to maintain the consistency and existences of its employees. Change management can also help the company to deal with future changes with increase in the business flexibility, thus increase the business productivity as well. (Mark Schweiker Jeff Beatty) REASONS FOR RESISTANCE TO CHANGE This is part of the human nature to resist. According to Bonnie Mincu   â€Å"resistant to have their expectation disrupted† (Bonnie Mincu, 1999). How the top management handle and deal with the resistance is important. Resistance are unavoidable but can be manage. The two basic reasons why people are resisting change are(Bonnie Mincu, 1999): Ø Lack of motivation If the employee are not well informed on the purpose of the change and how it may beneficial for them, people will not feel motivated to change and support the new system. A good communication and vision sharing are needed to resolve these issues. Ø Lack of ability People may understand and agree on the reasons on why there is a need for change, but if they do not have the needed ability, this will add unnecessary resistance and anxiety to all the mist of changes around them. Good proper structure job base training is needed for individual who will be operating the business on the ground within the organization. Ø Change in Habit People who are so used to do their daily job in a familiar business process, will find it a hesitant and hard to break out of it and need some time to adjust to the new system and business process. Majority of people by default would prefer to do their jobs in ways they used to, instead of being innovative or to find a better way to get things done. (Adel Aladwani, 2001).   If businesses fail to handle such conditions, this might upset the employees and valued employees might leave the company. Thus a good project leader must be able to carry a good change management to avoid this unfortunate scenario. Change management Strategy Just like other system implementation, the role of change management is to build trust and understanding throughout the organization, so that the potential users in different separate functional area, where the change will be applied, such as finance, human resources and manufacturing, will understand the benefits and are well prepared to accept the change will be applied. (Island Consulting, 2000). Problems will surface the moment when the actual implementation of the system started, and for a successful implementation its use would require a lot of communication and collaboration within the well-established departmental organization. Although they maybe aware that the purpose of implementing the ERP system was to eliminate unnecessary double or redundant operationally work within whole organizational structure. (Kemppainen, Ilkka, 2000) Most of the project implementation potential risks related to the company are connected with the factors like the level of acceptance or support from company personnel and the top management. Factors like working skills, knowledge, and experience will also affect the outcome of the ERP project implementation. One typical potential risk factor is the resistance to change. People who are going to run the business or potential user may not see how the benefits of the system will help in their own work and, may not be fully committed to the new business model. With the mindset of resistance to change in place, people will not be using the system in a disciplined manner. Normal daily business activities also disturbs the ERP implementation, and people working on the ground may not be willing to put time or effort to assist the development work due to busy schedule. Without strong top management support for the ERP project, the project is set for failure. Beside those factors having a good project manager is also critical for ERP project implementation success. (Pà ¤ivi Iskanius, 2009) In change management things like synchronisation or communication between management and operation level with the project team are very important. The management need to focus and prepare a proper appropriate strategies, communication channels or plan to gather feedback and market the new ERP system that is going to be implement and a proper structure training program or schedule for the potential users to ensure the daily business activities are not being disrupt and able to achieve the desire expected outcomes / results. The organization needs to make sure that the employees are carefully instructed to help them overcome all the challenges during the mist of changes during the ERP project implementation. Effective change management strategies are (Island Consulting, 2000): Ø Communications Strategy Constant communication is a need between the key person in the management and those in working in the daily business operation. The organization needs to ensure a thorough approach in their project strategy such as preparing for their project plans, project costs analysis, project progress reports as well as employees training to prepare the workers for the new system. Good working collaboration will help in resulting a better outcome of the project. The purpose of communicating is not to make everyone happy and it is not possible to make everyone happy, but to deliver the message and request for possible cooperation within the organization. Constant communication can effectively help in reducing the worries and anxiety on the management and the people on the ground on the changes. Ø Impact Analysis Impact Analysis is a method to determine the impact on the current business system and how the business environment will be affect by the new ERP system. Data flow / work flow diagram will be included as part of those formal and informal information to show how business flows and tasks are being run and carried out within the organization. Information like job description and history are being documented will help the project team to make comparison on how the actual business processes to what has been documented (Island Consulting, 2000). With all the information gather above, the project team can analyse the impact the ERP implementation may bring, who are the personnel that will be affected by the implementation and the sort of training are required to ensure a smooth transition to the new system that is being implemented. Ø Skill Analysis Proper training program and schedule are very important in ERP implementation as well. With the implementation of a new system, majority of the operator / end user will need to go for specific job training to get them ready to work on the new system. In order to find who are the individuals need to be train, the project team need to work with all stake holders, usually departmental head to perform skills analysis. Those employees who might need to work with the new ERP system will be audited by their qualification, skills and experiences to allocate the most suitable and best position for each of them. And at the same time, to ensure the business process operates adequately, the company might need to hire new staff or external consultants. The analysis will produce a list of detailed results on appropriate personnel for each position, training required and the cost in training.   CASE STUDY Case Study 1 Marine Cargo Specialist (Kemppainen, Ilkka, 2000) Marine Cargo Specialist is a relatively small global company, which provides marine cargo flow handling solutions and products. Their customer base mainly consists of companies like shipyards that provide services such as building of new ship, modernisation or upgrading and conversation of older ships for the ship owners or ship operators. All the old existing operational IT systems were deliver, maintained or supported by the local IT departments and their local suppliers. No common standards were established for such systems, thus the decentralised information systems architecture made it very difficult to share information on a global basis. Global business activities are often delays due to unavailability of quality, accurate and timely information. Due to the complexity of the new ERP system, problems started to surface gradually. The ERP project team did not place too much attention to these problems initially, as they are considered not critical. Instead, the main focus was on getting the system configuration completed and the system up as soon as possible. But to their dismay, for the potential users of the new ERP system, proper coordination and communication were fundamental. Soon frustration between the project and reference teams start to surface. With the numbers of unsolved issues keep increasing; mistrust and frustration start to grow among the project team and reference team. And project team find it harder to get approvals from the reference teams for crucial design due to other outstanding unaddressed issues. Eventually the system configuration was not being able to be completed, due to inadequate information and resources. And there was a clear indication that the consultants hire did not had a true knowledge and understanding of the system. Majority of the external consultant were kicked out of the ERP project in the process. The level of commitment and support for the project from the top management, started to diminish ad the project was clearly running into problems. CFO of the company as example, who used to be the true sponsor or supporter of the ERP implementation project, seem to be trying to move away from the project involvement. In 1997, due to the result of ownership change in the company, a new board of directors together with a new company CEO was appointed. The new CEO evaluated all the projects carefully and appointed an external consultant to assist him. The new CEO clearly demonstrated and shows his commitment towards the ERP implementation. And with the CEO support, the ERP project was back on the agendas of the senior management. The new CEO even made it clear on his vision of having a more integrated business system with a common, shared values and culture. He even initiated a management development program to address all openly cultural and trust related problems. Thus after the adjustment of implementation methodology result in better match for the changed circumstances. After so many struggles in the project, the implementation was now considered successfully amazingly, by not just the organization itself, but by other external parties from consulting companies as well as SAP. Case Study 2 WZM Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH (Benjamin R. Hoetzel, 2005) WZM Wekzeugmaschinen GmbH (pseudonym name) is a German manufacturing company that specialise in producing tools for presses in the automotive sector. It has two production sites in Germany, which employs 120 people. In 2004, driven by the fast expanding business growth and second plant being set-up. The company faced additional pressure to expand its production. But the growth also mean there was a need to redesign their business process with the implementation of a new ERP system in order improves control over the processes, and the need to reduce costs. Resistance started to evolve as the project advanced. Especially from the key administration users, who were not willing to do their daily work with the ERP system. Reasons for the resistance were clear: Ø The computer experience of some of these employees who 50 years old and above were limited. Ø Due refusal to abandon old habits, some employees are not ready to accept the change of their processes. Due to changes in the workflow, there was strong resistance during the post-implementation phrase from the finance department, including the financial director.   Some employees for example are not willing to accept the new screen layout of the ERP software and it will be difficult to let those employees to abandon their old habits and adapt to the new system. Without realizing the importance of this change, WZM Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH, started the project without a full time project leader to lead the project. Instead, tasks were divided to some of the employees on top of their daily operational work. Beside that, they engage the services of two consultants to assist and lead the project in the integration of the new ERP into the company workflow. To make things worse, the employees were also not convinced that the consultants were competent. WZM Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH fail to identify what are the problems and evaluate actual needs, and be attentive to people and their social behavior before implementing and adapting a technical solution. The company also fails to provide proper support, education or training to its employees in the ERP modules. The finance department of WZM Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH for example, opposed the change heavily due the very fact that they lack the necessary skills for using the new ERP system. In the case of WZM Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH, People focus was missing, which explain why their ERP projects fail. Conclusion This research paper has show that in order for any ERP system implementation to be successfully, good fully functional change management must be establish within the organization or company. Strong and committed support from the management, and a good change management strategy and plans are required for preparation of any existing businesss resources such as human resources and infrastructure to match ERP system needs and requirement. There are various aspects that need to be considered when establishing change management. For example the nature or type of the business, size of the company and the geographical area of the business. Rush implementation of ERP is not recommend as ERP itself is a complex system, which requires a lot of careful analysis or study as well as depth understanding before proceeding to implement. Without a proper change management planning in place, ERP implementation will cause disaster and big lost for the company.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Blood Pressure And Pulse Lab Physical Education Essay

Blood Pressure And Pulse Lab Physical Education Essay The purpose of the blood pressure and pulse lab was to test many variables which could have an effect on blood pressure and pulse. The variable tested in this lab was the, Effects of Changes in Posture, the Effects of Exercise, and the Effects of Cognitive Stress on Mean Arterial Pressure and Heart Rate. Background: Blood is an essential factor for all living organisms. Blood is an important fluid within our bodies which delivers oxygen, nutrients and essential substances, to cells throughout the body. Blood also has the function of transporting various wastes materials / products, such as carbon dioxide, from various body cells through the respiratory and excretory organs. The activities performed in the blood pressure and pulse lab examined the rate at which blood flows throughout the body, and which factors would either increase or decrease the blood pressure, being the pressure of the blood within the circulatory system, and pulse pressure. Blood flow and blood pressure is determined by two distinct factors. These factors are the force needed to push the blood through the blood vessel and the amount of resistance of blood flow through the blood vessel. The average normal blood pressure in a healthy individual should be around 120/80 BP, but it is stressed that the blood pressure should remai n a little lower than this pressure. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system plays an important role in blood pressure and heart rate. The sympathetic nervous system through the Cardio acceleratory center increases heart rate in fight or flight situations. While the parasympathetic nervous system uses the cardio inhibitory center to decrease the heart rate. The mechanical events of the cardiac cycle are the sequences of events which take place in order for the heart to work properly. In the cardiac cycle there are two distinct phases. These two phases are the diastole phase and the systole phase. In the medical field the diastolic pressure and the systolic pressure are measured with the use of a stethoscope and Sphygmomanometer. The measure of pulse pressure refers to the difference between the systolic number (Top) and the diastolic number (Bottom). The normal blood pressure of a healthy individual is 120/80 BP; in this instance, the pulse pressure would equal 40mmHg (120 80 = 40mmHg). Blood pressure is constantly fluctuating; because of this doctors need to take an average blood pressure to adequately check for any complications in their parents. The average blood pressure is called the mean arterial pressure (MAP). To begin to calculated the mean arterial pressure one must first start by calculating the pulse pressure (PP). The Puls e pressure can be calculated by taking the difference between the systolic pressure (SP) and the diastolic pressure (DP); (PP = SP DP).Using the Pulse pressure the mean arterial pressure can be calculated. The mean arterial pressure is equal to a third of the pulse pressure plus the diastolic pressure (MAP = DP + (PP*1/3) ). The basic mechanical events of the cardiac cycle can be deduced into four phases. Phase one in the cardiac cycle is referred to as the First Diastole Phase. During the first diastole phase, the atria and ventricles within the heart are fully relaxed, as the Atrioventricular valves remain open. This allows De-oxygenated blood to flow to the right atrium, from both the superior and inferior vena cavae. The rate in which blood flows back into the heart is given the term Venous Return (De-oxygenated blood). The muscles incorporated in exercise require a lot of oxygen in order to perform their function, as a result there would be an increase in venous return. Blood within the right atrium is emptied into the right ventricle though the Atrioventricular or Tricuspid valve. At the end of diastole (the loading or filling phase), the amount of blood accumulated in the right or left is referred to as the end-diastolic volume (EDV). The second phase of the cardiac cycle is referred to as the first systolic phase. During this phase the right ventricle receives incoming electrical signals from the purkinje fibers, which are the fibered branches which extend from the Atrioventricular bundle, in the intraventricular sulcus of the heart, and are dispersed from the apex of the heart. The purkinje fibers signal the ventricles to contract, which closes the Atrioventricular valves and forces the semilunar valves to open, pushing de-oxygenated blood into the pulmonary arteries. The pulmonary arteries function is to prevent the flow of blood back into the right ventricle. All of the blood is never fully ejected from the ventricles after systole. The amount of blood which remains in the ventricle at the end systole is known as end-systolic volume (ESV). The end-diastolic volume and the end-systolic help to calculate the stroke volume (SV) which is the volume of blood ejected from one ventricle during each beat. The stroke v olume can be calculated by taking the difference between end-diastolic volume and end-systolic volume, (SV = EDV ESV). The stroke volume can also be used to calculate the cardiac output, or the rate at which blood is ejected from the heart, (CO = HR x SV). In the second diastolic phase, the semilunar valves are closed and the Atrioventricular valves are opened, as a result oxygenated blood within the pulmonary veins and beings to fill within the left atrium. At the same time, blood from both vena cavae fills within the right atrium. The mitral valve closes preventing any oxygenated blood from flowing back within the left atrium. In the second systolic phase, Atrioventricular valves close and semilunar valves open. Similar to the first systolic phase, Purkinje fibers send messages to the ventricles signaling them to contract, in which oxygenated blood is pumped into the aorta. The aortic semilunar valve prevents any oxygenated blood from pumping directly back into the left ventricle. Hypothesis: Posture Changes Reclining for 3 minutes It is expected that arterial pressure and pulse rate would most likely decrease; when someone is resting the body is controlled by the parasympathetic system which uses the cardio inhibitory center to decrease heart rate. Standing up quickly after reclining for 3 minutes It is expected that arterial pressure and pulse rate will increase, when the subject is in the standing position versus when they are laying down their blood has to overcome gravity and the heart has to work harder to produce the force necessary to push blood to the upper limbs. Standing at attention for 3 minutes It is expected that arterial pressure will decrease compare to standing up quickly after reclining for 3 minutes, because 3 minutes is a long enough period for the body to adjust to the effects of gravity and to assess the force needed to pump blood to the upper extremities. It is hypothesized that the standing at attention for 3 minutes data will be an intermediate between the reclining test and the standing up quickly after reclining test. Exercise Immediately after exercising it is expected that arterial pressure and pulse pressure will increase, because muscles involved in the exercise demand more oxygen which will increase the amount of venous return and increase the heart rate and pulse pressure. One, Two, and Three, minutes post exercise It is expected that arterial and pulse pressure will decrease compared to immediate testing after exercise. As the individual begins to rest after strenuous exercise the body begins to incorporate the parasympathetic nervous system and through the cardio inhibitor center, it begins to decrease the heart rate. Cognitive Stress It is expected that cognitive stress will increase the blood pressure slightly, because stress is believed to trigger the sympathetic nervous to increase the heart rate. Procedure For Procedures, Refer to Lab 6, Activity 2, in the Anatomy and Physiology Lab Manual Data Results: Lab Activities Data Tables Proper use of the Sphygmomanometer: Subject: Brianna Burton Systolic Pressure Diastolic Pressure Pulse Pressure MAP Trial 1 110mmHg 70mmHg 80mmHg 83.33 mmHg We were told by the instructor there was no need to perform a trial 2 Effect of Postural Changes Subject: Same as above Blood Pressure Pulse Rate MAP Sitting Quietly (Baseline) 110/70 mmHg 80 BPM 83.33 mmHg Reclining (After 2-3 minutes) 110/70 mmHg 76 BPM 83.33 mmHg Immediately Upon Standing 118/78 mmHg 92 BPM 91.33 mmHg After Standing for 3 Minutes 112/72 mmHg 85 BPM 85.33 mmHg Exercise Subject: (Well-Conditioned) Aaron Banks Fitness Index: 50 Subject: (Poorly-Conditioned) Justin Kim Fitness Index: 44 Baseline Immediately 1 Minute 2 Minutes 3 Minutes 4 minutes 5 Minutes Well-Conditioned Subject BP: 130/80 mmHg BP: 132/80 mmHg BP: 128/70 mmHg BP: 120/78 mmHg BP: 110/68 mmHg BP: 110/72 mmHg BP:108/72 mmHg HR: 90 BPM HR: 101 BPM HR: 103 BPM HR: 100 BPM HR: 98 BPM HR: 98 BPM HR: 87 BPM MAP: 96.67 mmHg MAP: 97.33 mmHg MAP: 89.33 mmHg MAP: 92 mmHg MAP:86.67 mmHg MAP: 84 mmHg MAP: 84 mmHg Poorly-Conditioned Subject BP: 122/98 mmHg BP: 128/90 mmHg BP: 138/86 mmHg BP: 120/82 mmHg BP: 122/90 mmHg BP: 122/90 mmHg BP:118/96 mmHg HR: 82 BPM HR: 120 BPM HR: 119 BPM HR: 111 BPM HR: 110 BPM HR: 110 BPM HR: 108 BPM MAP: 106 mmHg MAP: 102.67 mmHg MAP: 103.33 mmHg MAP: 94.67 mmHg MAP: 106.67 mmHg MAP: 100.67 mmHg MAP: 103.33 mmHg Cognitive Stressor Subject: Nika Condition Max HR Min HR Mean HR Systolic BP Diastolic BP Pulse Pressure MAP Baseline 1 100 BPM 82 BPM 89 BPM 134 mmHg 91 mmHg 43 mmHg 105.3 mmHg Spell Forward 96 BPM 83 BPM 91 BPM 108 mmHg 88 mmHg 20 mmHg 94.7 mmHg Spell Back 112 BPM 84 BPM 92 BPM 111 mmHg 89 mmHg 29 mmHg 96.3 mmHg Number of misspelled words forward = 1 Number of misspelled words backward = 3 Discussion: The purpose of the blood pressure and pulse lab was to test many variables which could have an effect on blood pressure and pulse. The variables tested in this lab were the, Effects of Changes in Posture, the Effects of Exercise, and the Effects of Cognitive Stress on Mean Arterial Pressure and Heart Rate. In activities the variable being tested is the Effects of Changes in Posture. For the baseline the subject, in this case Brianna, sat quietly as her baseline blood pressure, pulse rate, was tested, and her mean arterial pressure (MAP) was calculated. The results for Briannas blood pressure was 110/70 mmHg, which is about the average blood pressure (120/70 mmHg) in a healthy individual. Her Pulse pressure was 80 beats per minute (BPM). Given these values her baseline MAP, was calculated to be 83.33 mmHg (MAP = 70 + ((110 70))*1/3) ). In the next test, the effect of reclining for 2-3 minutes was tested. In this test, after reclining for 2-3 minutes, her blood pressure, and MAP remained the same as the Baseline test. It was observed that her pulse rate did in fact decrease: (80 > 76 BPM), though it is not known if this decrease in the pulse rate is significant enough. In the hypothesis above it was expected that arterial pressure and pulse rate would most likely decrease when someone i s resting because parasympathetic nervous system would begin to signal the body to relax affecting the cardiac centers (CAC deactivated CIC activated). The activation of the cardio inhibitory center decreases the heart rate and pulse pressure. For the next test the Effect of standing quickly after 3 minutes of reclining was tested. Immediately after standing up, her Blood pressure, Pulse rate and MAP was determined. Her blood pressure was 118/78 mmHg, her Pulse Rate was 92 BPM and her MAP was 91.33 mmHg. The MAP was calculated by using the formula: (91.33 mmHg = 78 + ((118-78))*1/3)). During this test Briannas Blood pressure, Pulse Rate and MAP significantly increased, ((BP: 110/70 >> 118/78 mmHg) (PR: 80 >> 92 BPM) (MAP: 83.33 >> 91.33 mmHg) as expected in the hypothesis. In the hypothesis it was expected that arterial pressure and pulse rate would increase, when the subject is in the standing position versus when they are lying down. When Brianna quickly stood up her heart had to overcome the effects of gravity; the heart has to work harder to produce the force needed to effectively push blood to the upper limbs and the head. Also immediately standing activates the sympathetic nervous system, which activates the CAC incr easing heart rate. This hypothesis is accepted, based on her data the blood pressure, pulse rate and MAP did in fact increase when she stood up. Next we tested the Effects after standing for 3 minutes. After standing for 3 minutes Briannas blood pressure was 112/72 mmHg and her pulse rate was 85 BPM. Given these values her MAP for this test was calculated to be 85.33 mmHg (MAP = 72 + (112-72)*1/3). In the hypothesis it is expected that the arterial pressure would have decreased compared to the standing up quickly after reclining for 3 minutes test. It was hypothesized that arterial pressure would decrease because 3 minutes is a long enough period from the body to properly adjust to the effects of gravity and to assess the force needed to pump blood to the upper extremities. As stated in the hypothesis the blood pressure, pulse rate and MAP did in fact decrease based on the standing for 3 minutes test, because of this, the hypothesis can be accepted (BP: 110/70 >> 112/72 mmHg) (PR: 80 >> 85)) (MAP: 83.33 mmHg >> 85.33) In the next test, we tested the effects of exercise on the Body, comparing a well-conditioned person and a poor-conditioned person. For the first test a well-conditioned person was chosen. The baseline BP for this individual was around 132/80 mmHg. Immediately after exercise the blood pressure was 132/80 mmHg. This shows that there was an increase of blood pressure dependent on the effects of exercise. In the hypothesis it is expected that arterial pressure and pulse pressure will, increase, because muscles involved in the exercise also increase the venous return which will increase heart rate. For this test as hypothesized the Heart rate also increased (90 >> 101 BPM). After 5 minutes of resting the blood pressure and Heart of the subject decreased lower than the baseline, indicating some level of human error in reading the equipment effectively. Despite this, it is found that the blood pressure and pulse rate at 5 minutes was significantly lower from the baseline in the well-condit ioned person vs. the poor conditioned person. In the poor conditioned person. Their baseline blood pressure was 122/98 mmHg and after exercising for 5 minutes it was 128/90 mmHg. After 5 minutes the poor conditioned persons blood pressure was 118/96 mmHg. Again in this experiment its hard to compare the two subjects because there seems to be some human errors in effectively checking the blood pressure since it is lower than the baseline. After 5 minutes the well-conditioned persons systolic pressure dropped from 128>>108 SP despite the diastolic pressure increasing from 70 >> 72 mmHg DP. The fitness index to the well-conditioned person was 50 and 44 for the poor conditioned person. Based on the fitness index both subjects display the poorest physical conditioning possible. For the final test the effects of cognitive stress was tested. Based on this experiments results it is difficult to determine whether or not cognitive stress had any effect on the blood pressure. It was hypothesized that cognitive stress would increase heart rate because stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, which increases the heart rate. There seems to be no correlation between cognitive stress and heart rate, so the hypothesis is rejected.

Monday, August 19, 2019

Breast Implants Essay -- essays research papers fc

Breast Implants In the early 1980’s breast implants began gaining popularity, but they have been on the market since the early 1960’s. They were invented by plastic surgeons Cronin and Gerow. Dow Corning began manufacturing them commercially in 1962. Today over two million women have undergone breast augmentation surgery. There are many negative consequences that may arise from the surgery, and there is always the risk of infection or rupture. When beginning my research on the subject I assumed there would be a plethora of information. I was shocked to find out that there wasn’t. Silicone breast implants have been around for 40 years and there have been very few studies on their consequences, and possible effects on a woman’s body. The Food and Drug Administration has never approved the use of silicone implants. It is a surprising fact, because silicone implants are still being used today, but only by women who agree to be in a study of their safety. The politics surround ing breast augmentation are sketchy for lack of a better word. They have been promoted as being safe, yet their safety has never been fully questioned. While looking online, I found a variety of websites on the subject. There were many websites from the plastic surgery industry promoting breast implants as being safe. Then there were the websites like http://www.siliconeholocaust.org, this was by far the most disturbing site I have ever seen. There were dozens of pictures of real women who had their lives ruined by breast implants. If these, and other women had the little information that is available on the subject, they may have opted not to have the surgery because of the unnecessary consequences they now suffer. Every woman has her own reasons behind her decision to get breast implants. Some women have undergone mastectomies, and get breast implants in order to feel â€Å"normal† again. According to the National Women’s Health Network (http://www.womenshealthnetwork.org) women who have lumpectomies have the same survival rate of women who have mastectomies as a result of breast cancer. They concluded that up to 40 percent of women who were diagnosed with breast cancer underwent unnecessary mastectomies. These mastectomies, whether necessary or not may lead to women to undergo breast augmentation surgery. Other women have always felt that their breasts were too small, and out of proportion ... ...o have had breast implants often cannot get health insurance because they have an increased risk of illness. If a woman is able to obtain health insurance she may have to pay a higher premium because of her past plastic surgery history. After learning of the negative consequences that may, and probably will arise from breast implants, it is surprising that so many women are still getting them. It is major surgery and the benefits of having larger breast is not worth the unnecessary chance of death or serious pain for life. More work needs to be done on the study of breast implants because women need to know what they are putting in their bodies. Breast implant manufacturers need to be held responsible, and plastic surgeon should be required to make sure every woman is fully aware of all the possible side effects before she has any type of surgery done. Works Cited Brown University, Department of Biology and Medicine. 14 Feb. 2003 . Darrick Antell Homepage. 15 Feb. 2003 . Department of Health. 15 Feb. 2003 . National Center For Policy (CPR) For Women & Families. 18 Nov. 2002 . National Women’s Health Network. 3 Mar. 2003 . Silicone Gel Breast Implants. 14 Feb. 2003 .

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Clyde Edgerton: Vietnam Vet, Jet Pilot, and . . . Small Town Housewife

Clyde Edgerton: Vietnam Vet, Jet Pilot, and . . . Small Town Housewife Few men have attempted to write using a woman's voice. Those who do choose to use the persona of a woman often fail in their effort, creating a character who does not quite sound authentic. Critics usually note the author's inadequacies and point out difficulties when an author tries to capture the voice of a person of the opposite gender. One exception is Clyde Edgerton in his first novel, Raney. The voice of Raney seems genuine and Edgerton received great acclaim for his novel. Public acceptance of Edgerton speaking as a young woman may be attributed to a number of factors involving the attitudes of the author, of the character, and of critics. Those who have interviewed Edgerton and reviewed his books are nearly all men. The one notable exception is author Barbara Kingsolver, who reviewed The Floatplane Notebooks in the New York Times Book Review. Not only does she neglect to take Edgerton to task for his use of a woman narrator in part of that novel, but she praises him generously and compares him to Jane Austen. Kingsolver obviously feels Edgerton can speak creditably as a woman, and she goes so far as to feel he is worthy to keep company with highly respected woman authors. Another consideration may be that most critics have not yet found Edgerton. Raney was his first novel and he has not written another entirely from a womanà ¾s point of view. His later works usually rotate among a large number of narrators, from a delinquent teenage boy to a wisteria vine in a family cemetery to a determined dog. If he had persisted in focusing upon women narrators as he became better known, he might have attracted more attention for that aspect of his work. .. ...ete with blind spots and inconsistencies, and so is her male counterpart, Charles, who just might flush a cabbage core down the toilet, causing expensive plumbing problems. No one individual or gender is portrayed as perfection; all the characters are feeling their way down life's corridors. That seems to make Raney a good example of the human race rather than a representative of a gender issue. Works Cited Edgerton, Clyde. Raney. New York: Ballantine, 1985. Kingsolver, Barbara. 'The Floatplane Notebooks." Rev. of The Floatplane Notebooks by Clyde Edgerton. New York Times Book Review. 9 Oct. 1988:10. Kozikowski, Thomas. "Clyde Edgerton." Contemporary Authors. Ed. Susan Trotsky. Vol. 134. Detroit: Dale Research, 1992. Robbins, Kenn. "A Conversation with Clyde Edgerton." The Southern Quarterly: A Journal of the Arts in the South. 30.1 (1991): 58-69.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

FIR Filter Design

The objective of this project is to use three different design methods to design a low-pass filter that meets specifications given, and then compare these three different methods through different parameters. In this project, seven filters should be designed using Matlab. And we compare them on worst case gain, largest tap weight coefficient, maximal passband and stopband error, magnitude frequency response, impulse response, group delay and zeros/poles location. Finally, use these filters to do filtering, and then compare their responses to the predicted one. Discussion of Results: > Part 1: Window Method (a) Use fir1 function to synthesize an FIR that meets specifications using a boxcar window. Worst gain = 1.8372 Largest tap weight coefficient = 0.3694 Maximal passband error = 0.1678 Maximal stopband error = 0.0795 (b) Use Hann window to synthesize an FIR that meets specifications. Worst gain = 1.4154 Largest tap weight coefficient = 0.3496 Maximal passband error = 0.0052 Maximal stopband error = 0.2385 **Filter #1 is the unwindowed design, and Filter #2 is the windowed design. From the comparison above, we can see that the unwindowed design has a more critical passband and stopband edge, but the windowed one has a smaller maximal passband error as we expected. Also, the windowed one has a larger attenuation on stopband than the unwindowed one. The group delay responses of two designs are the same. (c) Use Kaiser window to synthesize an FIR that meets specifications Worst gain = 1.6900 Largest tap weight coefficient = 0.3500 N = 21 (which is in 20 in matlab) Maximal passband error = 0.0706 Maximal stopband error = 0.0852 ** Filter #1 is the unwindowed design, and Filter #2 is the kaiser design. From the comparison above, we can see that both designs have critical passband and stopband edges, but the kaiser one has a smaller maximal passband error as we expected. Also, the kaiser one has a smaller attenuation on stopband compare with the unwindowed one. The group delay responses of two designs are different, the Kaiser one only has 20th order, so the group delay is 10, not 11 as the unwindowed one. (d)The zeros of the three windowed designs ** Filter #1 is the â€Å"boxcar† design, and Filter #2 is the Hann design, Filter #3 is the Kaiser design. From figure above, we can see that Hann design has a zero far from unit circle, which is corresponding to the slower attenuation compared to the other two designs. The zeros of â€Å"boxcar† design are similar to the Kaiser design. > Part 2: LMS Method (a) Using Matlab's firls function to meet the original design specification. Worst gain = 1.5990 Largest tap weight coefficient = 0.3477 Maximal passband error = 0.0403 Maximal stopband error = 0.1137 ** Filter #1 is the 2(a) design, and Filter #2 is the â€Å"boxcar† design. From the comparison above, we can see that the â€Å"boxcar† design has a more critical passband and stopband edge, but the LMS one has a smaller maximal passband error as we expected. Also, the LMS one has a larger attenuation on stopband than the â€Å"boxcar† one. The group delay responses of two designs are the same. (b) Using Matlab's fircls1 function to meet the original design specification. Worst gain = 1.6771 Largest tap weight coefficient = 0.3464 Maximal passband error = 0.0516 Maximal stopband error = 0.0782 ** Filter #1 is the 2(a) design, and Filter #2 is the 2(b) design. From the comparison above, we can see that the 2(b) design has a more critical passband and stopband edge, but the 2(a) one has a smaller maximal passband error. Also, the 2(a) one has a larger attenuation on stopband than the 2(b) one. The group delay responses of two designs are the same. (c)The zeros of the two LMS designs ** Filter #1 is the 2(a) design, and Filter #2 is the 2(b) design. From figure above, we can see that 2(b) design has a zero far from unit circle, which is corresponding to the slower attenuation compared to the other design. The zeros around the unit circle are similar to each other. > Part 3: Equiripple Method (a) Using Matlab's firgr function to meet the original design specification (uniform error weight) Worst gain = 1.6646 Largest tap weight coefficient = 0.3500 Maximal passband error = 0.0538 Maximal stopband error = 0.0538 ** Filter #1 is the 3(a) design, and Filter #2 is the â€Å"boxcar† design. From the comparison above, we can see that the â€Å"boxcar† design has a more critical passband and stopband edge, but the 3(a) one has a smaller maximal passband error. Also, the â€Å"boxcar† one has a larger attenuation on stopband than the 3(a) one. The group delay responses of two designs are the same. (b) Using Matlab's firpm function to meet the original design specification Worst gain = 1.6639 Largest tap weight coefficient = 0.3476 Maximal passband error = 0.0638 Maximal stopband error = 0.0594 ** Filter #1 is the 3(a) design, and Filter #2 is the 3(b) design. From the comparison above, we can see that the 3(b) design has a more critical passband and stopband edge. And the stopband error is 0.0488 (which is consistent with 0.0538*(1-20%)=0.04304), the passband error is 0.0639 (which is consistent with 0.0538/(1-20%)=0.06725). The group delay responses of two designs are the same. (c) The zeros of the two equiripple designs ** Filter #1 is the 3(a) design, and Filter #2 is the 3(b) design. From figure above, we can see that 3(a) design has a zero far from unit circle, which is corresponding to the slower attenuation compared to the other design (almost no attenuation on the figure shown ). There is only one zero stays outside the unit circle for 3(b) design, which is the minimum phase design. > Part 4: Testing (a)Table the features for the 7 designed FIRs: Features Filter #1 Filter #2 Filter #3 Filter #4 Filter #5 Filter #6 Filter #7 Maximum gain 1.8372 1.4154 1.6900 1.5990 1.6771 1.6646 1.6639 Maximum passband linear 0.1678 0.0052 0.0706 0.0403 0.0516 0.0538 0.0638 Maximum passband error(dB) -15.5052 -45.7568 -23.0266 -27.8855 -25.7472 -25.3838 -23.9007 Maximum stopband linear 0.0795 0.2385 0.0852 0.1137 0.0782 0.0538 0.0594 Maximum stopband error(dB) -21.9886 -12.4495 -21.3913 -18.8858 -22.1339 -25.3838 -24.5274 Group delay 11 11 10 11 11 11 11 Largest tap weight coefficient 0.3694 0.3496 0.3500 0.3477 0.3464 0.3500 0.3476 (b) From the figure followed, we can figure out that the group delay is 22-11=11 samples regardless of the input frequency. (c) Compare the original, mirror, and complement FIR's impulse, magnitude frequency, and group delay response **Filter #1 is the original filter, Filter #2 is the mirror filter, and Filter #3 is the complement filter. (d) Maximal output is 1.8372, which equals to the worst gain prediction of this filter. > Part 5: Run-time Architecture (a) N = 8, M=1; N = 12, M=1; N = 16, M=1; Round off error N=8 N=12 N=16 From the comparison above, we can see clearly that as the value of N increases, the round-off error decreases. Bits of precision is N-1-1=N-2 (b) Choose two 12-bit address space which has memory cycle time of 12 ns, so the maximum run-time filter speed is 1/ (12ns/cycle*16 bits) =1/ (192 ns/filter cycle) =5.21*106 filter cycles/sec > Part 6: Experimentation (a) The maximal of the output time-series is 1.1341. It is reasonable, because it is smaller than the worst case gain which is 1.8372. So this agrees with the predicted filter response. (b) The â€Å"chirp† function makes a short, high-pitched sound, and it sounds four times, which is corresponding to the 4*fs. When all the .wav files are played, we can hear obviously that the frequency of output sound is much lower than the frequency of input sound, which means that the filter did filter high-frequency components out. From the figure above, we can see the high-frequency components are gone, which agrees with the predicted filter response, a low-pass filter. Summary: Through this project, the detailed processes of designing a filter by three different methods have been understood. And we know more about all the parameters which would affect properties of the filters, and how to use different methods to design them and make best trade-off between each other.