Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Cultural Management Issues in International Business Essay

Cultural issues in business are a phenomenon born by globalization of the market where companies invest in a foreign country to bring the culture of the host country and the company’s culture into contact. Today, numerous international companies have rushed to invest in abroad to gain additional profits from worldwide customers. The market today is defined by global market that permits sharing of customers worldwide. However, during fierce competition, the market winners become the companies that who understand the Chinese culture. Cultural human resource management is critic for international companies in such situation. The market globalization has resulted to multinational practices and enterprises for additional profit and opportunities. There is myriad literature on cross-cultural human resource management that guides international companies. Practically, some companies lost managing of cultural human resource which makes them fail. Summary of the Case Study In April 2003, top managers and programmers working for a start-up internet B2B company known as Alibaba in the south of Chinaware summoned by the company founder and given a secret mission. They were told to develop a C2C Internet auction site within three months as a counter attack to the much-celebrated eBay entry into the Chinese market. The new company was named Taobao, to mean treasure hunting. Similarly, the mission was impossible. eBay became the goliath of the e-commerce world, with success recorded in the US and the prowess in the international operations and marketing (Hang, Wenjiang, Xing & Ziwei, 2013). Besides, the company is adequately armed in the pockets and developers. Meanwhile, Alibaba was just an internet starting company and had less knowledge on international venture investors than the most of the consumers in china and is still struggling to overcome the aftermath of the dot com cash. By the end of 2006, Taobao announced its possession of 30 million active account users, while it was estimated at 75% of the total C2C user markets in china. Besides, the total number of transactions exceeded 16 million RMB, estimated at $ 2.07. Conversely, eBay china announced in December 2006 that it would negotiate a joint venture with a local company (Hang, Wenjiang, Xing & Ziwei, 2013). Therefore, it transferred its C2C operation to the joint venture in exchange for a 49% stake is the joint company. At the same time, the C2C marketing had experienced explosive growth from 6 million users to 40 million users. The company stakeholders included the highly educated, professional elite and experienced employees, and executives experienced in western education and are hired worldwide. Besides, the stakeholders of Taobao included highly motivated college students who considered each as brothers and sisters in the company and were only promoted within the company. The executives were lo cal graduates and most promoted from the local company. The case study explores the question why the international internet firms suffered a setback and defeats in trying to grow in the emerging Chinese e-commerce market. Additionally, the essay offers some insights into how multinational firms could compete with the local companies. The case study is based on the two explore rivals in china: eBay and Taobao. Theory Analysis Cultural issues in business management are geared towards the establishment of the business goals through efficient and effective organizing, coordinating, planning, staffing, directing and controlling the resources of the organization. To detail, most business entities differ in a new environment for cultural management. Theoretically, the five culture dimensions clearly tell the similarities and differences in cultures of various countries. According to Professor Geert Hofstede’s research that was conducted on international business management, he concluded four culture dimensions. Individualism IDV, power distance index PDI, uncertainty avoidance index UAI and masculinity MAS, however, he later summarized with the long-term orientation LTO. The research was done to analyze the influence on cultural issues that affect international business. The Context of the Theory Power Distance Index The PDI tells how much the less powerful country’s people respect and accept the uneven power distributed. The societal inequality if followed by the difference in people’s earlier life experiences such as norms and values. The PDI often connects to centralization of power, decision making and leadership in businesses. Companies with high PDI, employees and subordinates rely on their leader and high power distance is formed thorough the habits of obeying and relying of subordinates to the managers (Hang, Wenjiang & Xing 2013) . However, the less powerful employees will make efforts to bring down the gap between them and the manager. International business faces challenges of meeting various cultures with dissimilar power distance culture. The table below represents the analysis of the companies’ power distance index and the related problems that may exist. low power distance Italian managers high power distance subordinates Chinese problem that may exist people with more and less power can be friends there is no friendship between the low and high power distance people the managers feel the challenge of getting close to employees managers seen as making decisions in consultation with the subordinates subordinates fear to disagree with the managers decision making styles are less good and cannot match people should rely on each other Source: [Hofstede, 2011: 351 – 360] Individualism Referring to Hang, Wenjiang, Xing & Ziwei, (2013) cultures inclined in individualism and collectivism is mainly focused on a person’s values, needs, and serves their individual interest. The relations from other persons are regarded as less significant than oneself. In comparison with individualism, inclined business culture is focused on a combination of social organizations divided into outside and inside groups. Employees hope to be cared for by the people inside the group in exchange of their loyalty and can sacrifice for the group. Consequently, the individualist emphasizes on the importance to themselves in the business, and they hope to be watched by the stakeholders. The individualists, therefore, strive to do better and better and become the best, overvalue their ability and gaining strong upward mobility. The table below represents individualism in international business definition of the self structure of goals emphasis on norms versus attitudes emphasis on rationality versus relatedness Italian individualism managers autonomous and interdependent from groups priority to personal goals attitudes supersede norms emphasize on rationality Chinese subordinates independent with others priority to in-group goals attitude equals to norms emphasize on unconditional relatedness problems loss spirit of team work managers are seen not to care of the business objectives managers easily show attitude when norm employees make mistakes due to relationships Source: [Hofstede, 2011: 351 – 360] Masculinity Masculinity shows the difference between the roles of different genders of the society. High masculine society’s men are tough, assertive and focus on material success; however, the women are expected to be tender, modest, and concerned with life quality. In this society, men have a responsibility to earn money for the family and work hard to be successful in the society. Women take care of the housework such as cleaning and cooking. This society is reflected in the market departments and business human resource management (Goddard 2005). The human resource management is responsible for recruiting correct staff and properly positions them so that the marketing docket can take good care of the human resources and make profits for the business. In feminine society, both men and women can go out and look for money for the family. Masculinity Problems in the Company high masculine Italian managers high masculine Chinese subordinates problems life is for work life is for work consensus achievement motivation achievement motivation consensus greater value of difference between men and women for the same job greater value of difference between men and women for the same job consensus Source: [Hofstede, 2011: 351 – 360] Uncertainty Avoidance Index UAI The human life is uncertain which leads to anxiety for human. The society has created procedures of avoiding uncertainty, for instance, the use of technology. Different societies have different mechanisms of adapting to uncertainties. In the business, the high uncertain avoidance society worries more on the future and any uncertainty, hence, more ways to defend anxiety. However, low uncertainty avoidance business society has fewer worried on the future and anxieties and develops fewer business rules. The table below represents the uncertainty avoidance for the case company. high UIA Italian managers low UAI Chinese employees problems ask for more written rules adopt few rules Managers are seen as a timid individual and waste of company’s opportunity. time is money time is free employees are seen as loafers work hard hard work is not virtue employees lack upward mobility Source: [Hofstede, 2011: 351 – 360] Long-Term Orientation The long-term and short-term orientation describes the difference in values of future. Values inclined in long-term orientation are perseverance and thrift. The values associated with short-term orientation are fulfilling social obligations and respect for traditions faces. The long-term orientations in the case company may be represented as below Italian bosses high LTO Chinese subordinates problems cannot understand perseverance stubborn employees cannot understand sense of shame is rampant unconfident employees cannot understand relationships dictated by status blind obedience Source: [Hofstede, 2011: 351 – 360] Conclusion and Suggested Solutions for Culturally Based Problems in Business Cultural Perspective The culture is never defined by developed or developing, inferior or predominant but instead, culture is historically old. It presents the people’s values, norms, thoughts, behaviours and habits. Therefore, international businesses, managers and employees in the foreign and local country must treat different culture right. Cross-Cultural Training This is the principal method of eliminating conflicts of culture for effective cultural business management. It decreases culture conflicts the business may face. Cultural training enables businesses to maintain cohesion and spirit of the company, stable interpersonal relationships and strengthens team spirit (Goddard 2005). This includes local culture training and coming culture training for local managers and subordinates. Expatriate Selection A god expatriate provides work geared towards the profitability of the business. The expatriates should be easily adaptable to changing cultural environment. Changing the working environment provides culture shocks. Bad adaptability will cause pain to the employees and cause job dissatisfaction. Changes in environment may also have health complications on the expatriate, hence the need for right selection. References Barnett, J. B. (2008). A study of the second career culture at Send International. Columbia, SC, Columbia International University. Goddard, J. (2005). Institutional Management and Engagement with the Knowledge Society. Higher Education Management and Policy. 17, 23-44. Hang, Z., Wenjiang, C., Xing, S., & Ziwei, W.(2013). Taobao vs. eBay: The fight between a local nobody and a global giant. In P. Ramburuth, C. Stranger, & M. Serapio (Eds.), Asia – Pacific Business Cases Dynamics of International Business. Melbourne Cambridge University Press Hofstede, G. 2001. ‟s Consequences, p. 351-360 Source document

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Personal Safety

STATE UNIVERSITY 2011 Bulletin for Students and Parents Personal Safety on Campus July 14, 2011 Overview State University prides itself as having one of the safest campuses in the entire northeast. Still, it cannot be stressed enough that personal safety, either on campus or off, is a shared responsibility. Students must understand that our campus security measures are only as effective as the precautions students take to ensure their own safety. In response to concerns over a 2010 incident in which a male student was accosted and robbed by a local resident, State University has prepared this bulletin as a primer on personal safety.Please talk with your student before the 2011—2012 school year begins about this increasingly important issue. If you have questions or specific concerns, please feel free to call our Campus Security Department at (555)  555. 1212. A Message from the President: —————————— Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- At State University, we consider the safety of our students and faculty of utmost importance. During the first week of classes, we will be offering daily seminars on campus safety. Students are strongly encouraged to attend one of these sessions. Personal Safety Know Your SurroundingsIf you detect suspicious activity, act immediately to remove yourself from danger. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, follow these steps: 1. Trust your instincts and don’t take unnecessary risks. 2. Call for attention while moving to a lighted or populated area. 3. Call campus police (x1099) or 911. 4. If there is a fire alarm nearby, activate it. 5. If necessary, defend yourself with your keys or a pen. 6. Get yourself out of the situation as quickly as possible. At Home Discuss safety issues with your roommates and make sure you all have an understanding when it comes to safety.Agree to keep doors and windows locked, especially at night. Ke ep important safety numbers near your phone (see the end of this bulletin). Never open the door for strangers or let strangers into the building, even if they claim to be friends with a resident. Take the following individual precautions: * Never leave messages on your door announcing your whereabouts. * Always have your keys ready before reaching the door. * Never loan your keys to anyone. * Never prop open an entry door. * Do not write your name or address on your keys. * Report any defective locks immediately. Property SafetyPerhaps the most common yet preventable crime on college campuses is property theft. Following is a list of the most commonly stolen items: * * MP3 players * Cash * Jewelry * Bicycles * Skateboards * Laptops * Wallets/Purses * Backpacks * CDs/DVDs * Books * Cell phones * Credit cards Take the same precautions you would use to protect yourself. There is no need for flashy or expensive jewelry on campus; leave especially valuable jewelry in the safety of your h ome. Remember that you have to rely not only on yourself taking precautions, but also your roommates being responsible for your belongings, so discuss this with them.Never carry large amounts of cash and never leave your belongings unattended in the library or other common areas. Keep a list of serial numbers in case stolen property is recovered. Consider registering your bicycle with the SUCSS–sponsored retrieval program. Common Safety Tips * Always carry your cell phone. Important numbers are given at the end of this bulletin. * Carry a safety whistle, available free of charge at the Student Center. * Learn to defend yourself with unconventional weapons, such as your keys or a pen. * Avoid walking alone or in poorly lit areas at night.Use the â€Å"Buddy System. † * If you must walk at night, get a portable flashlight. * Be prepared. Know how you will respond beforehand. * Consider taking a self-defense course. * Keep your purse or handbag draped over your shoulder. * Never hitch a ride with someone you do not know. * If walking or jogging near the road, always face oncoming traffic. Important Numbers Campus PDx1099Strickland Hall, 211 City Police91134 Post Road Fire Dept555. 31237 Post Road Hospital555. 123419 Liberty Street Campus MDx1010Strickland Hall, 110

Monday, July 29, 2019

The Da Vinci Code Chapter 78-80

CHAPTER 78 Sophie felt a wild excitement as she cradled the cryptex and began dialing in the letters. An ancient word of wisdom frees this scroll.Langdon and Teabing seemed to have stopped breathing as they looked on. S†¦ O†¦ F†¦ â€Å"Carefully,† Teabing urged. â€Å"Ever so carefully.† †¦ I†¦ A. Sophie aligned the final dial. â€Å"Okay,† she whispered, glancing up at the others. â€Å"I'm going to pull it apart.† â€Å"Remember the vinegar,† Langdon whispered with fearful exhilaration. â€Å"Be careful.† Sophie knew that if this cryptex were like those she had opened in her youth, all she would need to do is grip the cylinder at both ends, just beyond the dials, and pull, applying slow, steady pressure in opposite directions. If the dials were properly aligned with the password, then one of the ends would slide off, much like a lens cap, and she could reach inside and remove the rolled papyrus document, which would be wrapped around the vial of vinegar. However, if the password they had entered were incorrect, Sophie's outward force on the ends would be transferred to a hinged lever inside, which would pivot downward into the cavity and apply pressure to the glass vial, eventually shattering it if she pulled too hard. Pull gently, she told herself. Teabing and Langdon both leaned in as Sophie wrapped her palms around the ends of the cylinder. In the excitement of deciphering the code word, Sophie had almost forgotten what they expected to find inside. This is the Priory keystone.According to Teabing, it contained a map to the Holy Grail, unveiling the tomb of Mary Magdalene and the Sangreal treasure†¦ the ultimate treasure trove of secret truth. Now gripping the stone tube, Sophie double-checked that all of the letters were properly aligned with the indicator. Then, slowly, she pulled. Nothing happened. She applied a little more force. Suddenly, the stone slid apart like a well-crafted telescope. The heavy end piece detached in her hand. Langdon and Teabing almost jumped to their feet. Sophie's heart rate climbed as she set the end cap on the table and tipped the cylinder to peer inside. A scroll! Peering down the hollow of the rolled paper, Sophie could see it had been wrapped around a cylindrical object – the vial of vinegar, she assumed. Strangely, though, the paper around the vinegar was not the customary delicate papyrus but rather, vellum. That's odd, she thought, vinegar can't dissolve a lambskin vellum.She looked again down the hollow of the scroll and realized the object in the center was not a vial of vinegar after all. It was something else entirely. â€Å"What's wrong?† Teabing asked. â€Å"Pull out the scroll.† Frowning, Sophie grabbed the rolled vellum and the object around which it was wrapped, pulling them both out of the container. â€Å"That's not papyrus,† Teabing said. â€Å"It's too heavy.† â€Å"I know. It's padding.† â€Å"For what? The vial of vinegar?† â€Å"No.† Sophie unrolled the scroll and revealed what was wrapped inside. â€Å"For this.† When Langdon saw the object inside the sheet of vellum, his heart sank. â€Å"God help us,† Teabing said, slumping. â€Å"Your grandfather was a pitiless architect.† Langdon stared in amazement. I see Sauniere has no intention of making this easy. On the table sat a second cryptex. Smaller. Made of black onyx. It had been nested within the first. Sauniere's passion for dualism. Two cryptexes.Everything in pairs. Double entendres.Male female.Black nested within white.Langdon felt the web of symbolism stretching onward. White gives birthto black. Every man sprang from woman. White – female. Black – male. Reaching over, Langdon lifted the smaller cryptex. It looked identical to the first, except half the size and black. He heard the familiar gurgle. Apparently, the vial of vinegar they had heard earlier was inside this smaller cryptex. â€Å"Well, Robert,† Teabing said, sliding the page of vellum over to him. â€Å"You'll be pleased to hear that at least we're flying in the right direction.† Langdon examined the thick vellum sheet. Written in ornate penmanship was another four-line verse. Again, in iambic pentameter. The verse was cryptic, but Langdon needed to read only as far as the first line to realize that Teabing's plan to come to Britain was going to pay off. IN LONDON LIES A KNIGHT A POPE INTERRED. The remainder of the poem clearly implied that the password for opening the second cryptex could be found by visiting this knight's tomb, somewhere in the city. Langdon turned excitedly to Teabing. â€Å"Do you have any idea what knight this poem is referring to?† Teabing grinned. â€Å"Not the foggiest. But I know in precisely which crypt we should look.† At that moment, fifteen miles ahead of them, six Kent police cars streaked down rain-soaked streets toward Biggin Hill Executive Airport. CHAPTER 79 Lieutenant Collet helped himself to a Perrier from Teabing's refrigerator and strode back out through the drawing room. Rather than accompanying Fache to London where the action was, he was now baby-sitting the PTS team that had spread out through Chateau Villette. So far, the evidence they had uncovered was unhelpful: a single bullet buried in the floor; a paper with several symbols scrawled on it along with the words blade and chalice; and a bloody spiked belt that PTS had told Collet was associated with the conservative Catholic group Opus Dei, which had caused a stir recently when a news program exposed their aggressive recruiting practices in Paris. Collet sighed. Good luck making sense of this unlikely melange. Moving down a lavish hallway, Collet entered the vast ballroom study, where the chief PTS examiner was busy dusting for fingerprints. He was a corpulent man in suspenders. â€Å"Anything?† Collet asked, entering. The examiner shook his head. â€Å"Nothing new. Multiple sets matching those in the rest of the house.† â€Å"How about the prints on the cilice belt?† â€Å"Interpol is still working. I uploaded everything we found.† Collet motioned to two sealed evidence bags on the desk. â€Å"And this?† The man shrugged. â€Å"Force of habit. I bag anything peculiar.† Collet walked over. Peculiar? â€Å"This Brit's a strange one,† the examiner said. â€Å"Have a look at this.† He sifted through the evidence bags and selected one, handing it to Collet. The photo showed the main entrance of a Gothic cathedral – the traditional, recessed archway, narrowing through multiple, ribbed layers to a small doorway. Collet studied the photo and turned. â€Å"This is peculiar?† â€Å"Turn it over.† On the back, Collet found notations scrawled in English, describing a cathedral's long hollow nave as a secret pagan tribute to a woman's womb. This was strange. The notation describing the cathedral's doorway, however, was what startled him. â€Å"Hold on! He thinks a cathedral's entrance represents a woman's†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The examiner nodded. â€Å"Complete with receding labial ridges and a nice little cinquefoil clitoris above the doorway.† He sighed. â€Å"Kind of makes you want to go back to church.† Collet picked up the second evidence bag. Through the plastic, he could see a large glossy photograph of what appeared to be an old document. The heading at the top read: Les Dossiers Secrets – Number 4o lm1 249 â€Å"What's this?† Collet asked. â€Å"No idea. He's got copies of it all over the place, so I bagged it.† Collet studied the document. PRIEURE DE SIGN – LES NAUTONIERS/GRAND MASTERS JEAN DE GISORS 1188-1220 MARIE DE SAINT-CLAIR 1220-1266 GUILLAUME DE GlSORS 1266-1307 EDOUARD DE BAR 1307-1336 JEANNE DE BAR 1336-1351 JEAN DE SAINT-CLAIR 1351-1366 BLANCE D'EVREUX 1366-1398 NICOLAS FLAMEL 1398-1418 RENE D'ANJOU 1418-1480 IOLANDE DE BAR 1480-1483 SANDRO BOTTICELLI 1483-1510 LEONARDO DA VINCI 1510-1519 CONNETABLE DE BOURBON 1519-1527 FERDINAND DE GONZAQUE 1527-1575 LOUIS DE NEVERS 1575-1595 ROBERT FLUDD 1595-1637 J. VALENTIN ANDREA 1637-1654 ROBERT BOYLE 1654-1691 ISAAC NEWTON 1691-1727 CHARLES RADCLYFFE 1727-1746 CHARLES DE LORRAINE 1746-1780 MAXIMILIAN DE LORRAINE 1780-1801 CHARLES NODIER 1801-1844 VICTOR HUGO 1844-1885 CLAUDE DEBUSSY 1885-1918 JEAN COCTEAU 1918-1963 Prieure de Sion? Collet wondered. â€Å"Lieutenant?† Another agent stuck his head in. â€Å"The switchboard has an urgent call for Captain Fache, but they can't reach him. Will you take it?† Collet returned to the kitchen and took the call. It was Andre Vernet. The banker's refined accent did little to mask the tension in his voice. â€Å"I thought Captain Fache said he would call me, but I have not yet heard from him.† â€Å"The captain is quite busy,† Collet replied. â€Å"May I help you?† â€Å"I was assured I would be kept abreast of your progress tonight.† For a moment, Collet thought he recognized the timbre of the man's voice, but he couldn't quite place it. â€Å"Monsieur Vernet, I am currently in charge of the Paris investigation. My name is Lieutenant Collet.† There was a long pause on the line. â€Å"Lieutenant, I have another call coming in. Please excuse me. I will call you later.† He hung up. For several seconds, Collet held the receiver. Then it dawned on him. I knew I recognized that voice! The revelation made him gasp. The armored car driver.With the fake Rolex. Collet now understood why the banker had hung up so quickly. Vernet had remembered the name Lieutenant Collet – the officer he blatantly lied to earlier tonight. Collet pondered the implications of this bizarre development. Vernet is involved.Instinctively, he knew he should call Fache. Emotionally, he knew this lucky break was going to be his moment to shine. He immediately called Interpol and requested every shred of information they could find on the Depository Bank of Zurich and its president, Andre Vernet. CHAPTER 80 â€Å"Seat belts, please,† Teabing's pilot announced as the Hawker 731 descended into a gloomy morning drizzle. â€Å"We'll be landing in five minutes.† Teabing felt a joyous sense of homecoming when he saw the misty hills of Kent spreading wide beneath the descending plane. England was less than an hour from Paris, and yet a world away. This morning, the damp, spring green of his homeland looked particularly welcoming. My time in France is over.I am returning to England victorious.The keystone has been found.The question remained, of course, as to where the keystone would ultimately lead. Somewhere in the United Kingdom.Where exactly, Teabing had no idea, but he was already tasting the glory. As Langdon and Sophie looked on, Teabing got up and went to the far side of the cabin, then slid aside a wall panel to reveal a discreetly hidden wall safe. He dialed in the combination, opened the safe, and extracted two passports. â€Å"Documentation for Remy and myself.† He then removed a thick stack of fifty-pound notes. â€Å"And documentation for you two.† Sophie looked leery. â€Å"A bribe?† â€Å"Creative diplomacy. Executive airfields make certain allowances. A British customs official will greet us at my hangar and ask to board the plane. Rather than permitting him to come on, I'll tell him I'm traveling with a French celebrity who prefers that nobody knows she is in England – press considerations, you know – and I'll offer the official this generous tip as gratitude for his discretion.† Langdon looked amazed. â€Å"And the official will accept?† â€Å"Not from anyone, they won't, but these people all know me. I'm not an arms dealer, for heaven's sake. I was knighted.† Teabing smiled. â€Å"Membership has its privileges.† Remy approached up the aisle now, the Heckler Koch pistol cradled in his hand. â€Å"Sir, my agenda?† Teabing glanced at his servant. â€Å"I'm going to have you stay onboard with our guest until we return. We can't very well drag him all over London with us.† Sophie looked wary. â€Å"Leigh, I was serious about the French police finding your plane before we return.† Teabing laughed. â€Å"Yes, imagine their surprise if they board and find Remy.† Sophie looked surprised by his cavalier attitude. â€Å"Leigh, you transported a bound hostage across international borders. This is serious.† â€Å"So are my lawyers.† He scowled toward the monk in the rear of the plane. â€Å"That animal broke into my home and almost killed me. That is a fact, and Remy will corroborate.† â€Å"But you tied him up and flew him to London!† Langdon said. Teabing held up his right hand and feigned a courtroom oath. â€Å"Your honor, forgive an eccentric old knight his foolish prejudice for the British court system. I realize I should have called the French authorities, but I'm a snob and do not trust those laissez-faire French to prosecute properly. This man almost murdered me. Yes, I made a rash decision forcing my manservant to help me bring him to England, but I was under great stress. Mea culpa. Mea culpa.† Langdon looked incredulous. â€Å"Coming from you, Leigh, that just might fly.† â€Å"Sir?† the pilot called back. â€Å"The tower just radioed. They've got some kind of maintenance problem out near your hangar, and they're asking me to bring the plane directly to the terminal instead.† Teabing had been flying to Biggin Hill for over a decade, and this was a first. â€Å"Did they mention what the problem is?† â€Å"The controller was vague. Something about a gas leak at the pumping station? They asked me to park in front of the terminal and keep everyone onboard until further notice. Safety precaution. We're not supposed to deplane until we get the all clear from airport authorities.† Teabing was skeptical. Must be one hell of a gas leak.The pumping station was a good half mile from his hangar. Remy also looked concerned. â€Å"Sir, this sounds highly irregular.† Teabing turned to Sophie and Langdon. â€Å"My friends, I have an unpleasant suspicion that we are about to be met by a welcoming committee.† Langdon gave a bleak sigh. â€Å"I guess Fache still thinks I'm his man.† â€Å"Either that,† Sophie said,† or he is too deep into this to admit his error. Teabing was not listening. Regardless of Fache's mind-set, action needed to be taken fast. Don'tlose sight of the ultimate goal.The Grail.We're so dose.Below them, the landing gear descended with a clunk. â€Å"Leigh,† Langdon said, sounding deeply remorseful,† I should turn myself in and sort this out legally. Leave you all out of it.† â€Å"Oh, heavens, Robert!† Teabing waved it off. â€Å"Do you really think they're going to let the rest of us go? I just transported you illegally. Miss Neveu assisted in your escape from the Louvre, and we have a man tied up in the back of the plane. Really now! We're all in this together.† â€Å"Maybe a different airport?† Sophie said. Teabing shook his head. â€Å"If we pull up now, by the time we get clearance anywhere else, our welcoming party will include army tanks.† Sophie slumped. Teabing sensed that if they were to have any chance of postponing confrontation with the British authorities long enough to find the Grail, bold action had to be taken. â€Å"Give me a minute,† he said, hobbling toward the cockpit. â€Å"What are you doing?† Langdon asked. â€Å"Sales meeting,† Teabing said, wondering how much it would cost him to persuade his pilot to perform one highly irregular maneuver.

Application Personal Statement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Application Personal Statement - Essay Example In line with this, I facilitated the selling of various computer and video games as well as other utility and office software among others. To effectively fulfill this position, one should need to have the passion for the game industry and computer technology in general. From my working experience, I am able to gain substantial knowledge with regard to these subject matters. For instance, I observed that majority of the game software sold in the market are made in Japan. With this, I realized the immensity of the game industry in Japan as relatively more computer and video games are launched from the country than in any other nations in the world. In addition, I observed the degree of specialization of the Japanese game industry as more people are employed to work in developing a particular game as compared to their Western counterpart. After further research, I learned that the United States and Japan are the largest markets for computer and video games in the world as indicated by the popularity of Microsoft's Xbox (US-made) and Sony's Playstation (Japan-made). In this industry, there is intense competition between these products, however, Playstation is still the market leader in terms of sales to date due to the wider selection of teen adult games offered and the creative game design. Given my fascination with the industry, I also learned that in the United States alone, the entire industry is able t... Apart from the game industry, my previous employment has made me well aware of the importance as well as how the quality of life has improved with the advent of computer technology. In this regard, I aspire to make substantial contributions in this field by bringing about the development in information technology as may be required in the future. With my involvement in the game shop, I also learned that the entire industry is plagued with illegal activities such as hacking and piracy. I reckon that these significant issues may be address by the further development of computer technology by computer engineers and scientists of our generation. Moreover, my experience has inspired me to develop new game machines and software that will have positive net effect to the public. My exposure to different types of customers in the game shop helps me understand that one of the primary concerns for computer innovation and technological inventions is their overall impact to the users. This is a vital part of the ethics of computer technology. In order to succeed, one should be aware of this responsibility towards the public and provide them with high quality and beneficial products. With my inclination in the game industry and computer technology as a whole, I believe that it is in my best interest to major in a computer-related course in this University. This academic institution offers comprehensive curricula and rigorous training that bring out the best in its students. Furthermore, it employs highly competitive professors, who are experts in their respective fields, from whom students can learn efficiently. (Word count: 600

Sunday, July 28, 2019

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

Florida - Research Paper Example The hottest temperature (43 C) occurred on June 29, 1931 in Monticello1, while the coldest occurred on February 13, 1899 25 miles away in Tallahassee1. Average temperatures for late July is between 32-35 C, whereas average temperatures for late January is between (4-7C) in northern Florida to averagely 13C in southern Florida1. In 2007, Florida's population was 18,251,2434. The population increases by 321, 647 or 1.8% from 2005. Florida is expanding by an average of 26,803 every month, 6700 every week and 975 on a daily basis5. Additionally, Florida is the third-fastest-growing state5. However, in 2000 the Germans possesses 11.8% of Florida's population, the Irish 10.3%, the English 9.2%, the Americans 8%, the Italian 6.3%, the French 2.8%, the Polish 2.7% and the Scottish 1.8%6. In 2000 76.91% of the residents age 5 and older only spoke English at home as their primary language; whereas 16.46% spoke Spanish and French-based creole languages was communicated between 1.38% of the population7. Moreover, French was spoken by 0.83%, G3erman by 0.59% and Italian at 0.44% of all residents7. The public education system of Florida researched that over 200 first languages other than English is spoken in the homes of students. Religion The main religion is Christian (81% of the population), followed by Jewish (4%) and 1% believe in other religions while 14% are non-religious1. Economy The GDP of Florida reached $713.5 billion in 2006, making it the fourth largest economy in the United States8. Personal income arrived at $36,665, thus ranking the 20th9. This is largely created by high tourism levels. Warm weather and many beaches draw about 60 million tourists every year1. The second largest industry is created by agriculture; especially due to producing citrus fruit. In fact it produces 67% of all citrus in the US in 200610. The third largest industry is formed by phosphate mining. It produces 75% of phosphate required by farmers in United States and 25% of the world supply11. Opa-locka Opa-locka is a 4.5 square miles12 city resided in Miami-Dade County, Florida. 4.3 square miles of it is land while 0.1 square miles is water12. Moreover, the population in 2000 reached 14,951 and has increased to 15, 327 in 200413. The city was developed by Glenn Curtis and the name "Opa-locka" is a contraction of "Opa-tisha-woka-locka", which means "The high land north of the little river on which there is a camping place"14. Demographics In 2000 there were 14,951 people, 4890 households and 3,437 families living in the city15. The city contains of 22.83% White (3.1% Non-Hispanic Whites), 69.64% Black or African American, 0.35% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 3.6% other races and 3.35% from two or more races16. Out of the 4890 households, 41.2% of them had children under the age of 18 residing with them, 28.4% were married couples living together, 35.2% were female householder with no husband and 29.7% had no families1. Regularly, the household size was 2.97, whereas the average family size was 3.521. The total population is constructed of 34.6% under the age of 18, 12.3% from the age of 18 until 24, 26.8% from the age of 25 until 44, 17,7% were between 45 and 64 years of age

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Terry Childs vs. The city of San Francisco Essay

Terry Childs vs. The city of San Francisco - Essay Example The FiberWAN contains important information for the city of San Francisco. Childs in the year 2008 was arrested and charged with four counts of computer felony. The city accused terry of creating passwords that gave him exclusive access to the system. He was also accused of refusing to give some of the city’s official’s passwords for them to be able to access the FiberWAN. In addition, Childs was also charged with installing a system that enabled him to tap into and know what the administrators were saying and doing. He also installed a dial up and digital subscriber line modems that could enable unauthorized access to the system. He also placed a command that in the event that anyone tried to restore the administrative access, the system would automatically erase important configuration data. He was finally charged with downloading the city’s data to a personal storage device (Rainer and Casey 78). During the hearing, child’s lawyer argued that his client’s colleagues did not want him to keep his position in the department. He further argued that his client was not rogue employee, but was hard working since he spent most of his weekends and working holidays working. This was due to the fact that he was the only one who was capable of operating the FiberWAN. Childs was found guilty of withdrawing passwords to the FiberWAN and was sentenced to four years in prison.

Friday, July 26, 2019

Managing processes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Managing processes - Essay Example Next this paper will perform an in-depth analysis of the contributing factors of the firm that has made it so successful in today’s climate. The origins of Primark are in Ireland in where in1969 the company was set up as ABF but traded as ‘Penneys’ (The Times, 2007). According to the company website by the end of 1971 there were twelve stores in Ireland and one additional store in Northern Ireland (Primark.co.uk 2009) However, it was not until the late 1990’s that the organization really started to reach its full potential as operating as Primark. The president of the company Arthur Ryan made a drastic decision to redirect the focus of ABF towards what would ultimately be the youth fashion market. It was in 1995 that Primark had a significant shift in the growth of their business with acquisition of the BHS One-Up discount chain of stores in the UK. It was from this new acquisition that, according to The Times (2007), Arthur Ryan (President of the company) became the driving force of the organsiation to continue to purchase a great deal of stock to drive down costs in an effort to be the cheapest merchants on every High street. At the moment according to Retail-Week.com (2005) Primark controls 2.5% but this trend is growing for the organization. Speaking of the ‘Value’ clothing market it has been further estimated that the market in the UK alone is worth  £6.4 billion (Retail-Week, 2005) and again this is a growing trend. According to McDougall writing for The Guardian, Primark has faced a number of allegations of unethical behavior in the last few years (2009). Earlier this year the firm was accused of paying illegal immigrants to make knitwear for the firm and stands accused of paying them just  £3.50 an hour which is under the national minimum wage. These allegations come after media accusations in 2008 that the firm was sourcing goods from textile mills in developing

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Gap Inc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Gap Inc - Essay Example Thirty-seven years ago, Gap Inc. started its humble beginnings with big dreams that spun into a golden international retail enterprise of highly-respected apparel lines. From a handful of employees at its historic California home, Gap Inc. has now hired over 160,000 employees all over the world that support the brand names it carries. With more than 4,250 stores, Gap Inc. boasts of its worldwide lead as a retailer for clothing, accessories and personal care products under the brand names of Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy. By the year 21st century the complexity of the fashion industry has acknowledged the changing moods of dressing. Dressing down according to Kelly and Silverstein (2005) became an acceptable norm for the society whose rules for dressing became relaxed and interest in fashion waned. With home-based jobs sprouting people saw no need to buy fashionable clothes. Ordinary retail and clothing sales saw a disappointing decline as the millennium ushered in comfort dressin g. Gap Inc., whose target clients are teens and the middle market with its basic style should see a logical push compared to Banana Republic's affluent clientele and Old Navy's fashionable yet bargain minded customers.Gap Inc. however, suffered tremendous drawbacks against its gracious fashion profit enjoyment of the 90's that Brady attributed to its electronic retailing in 1997, as prevailing modes of expression sank the sales of summer 2001. Hea revealed how store sales showed a 12% dip compared to the previous year. Given the sales shortfall, shares of stocks remained on the defensive that Hea positively believed could pick up during the fall months. However August and September saw weak store traffic owing to the lack of buyers' enthusiasm for its apparel lines. The Old Navy division suffered the highest setback with the biggest sales drop that then CEO Millard Drexler acknowledged as its priority, "the need to find the right balance between key items and fashion". In its numero us attempts to survive the fashion crash, Drexler was later replaced in 2002 according to Brady(2003) that has brought in bolder colors that certainly help cut the inventory, squeezed out costs and helped Gap triple its earnings and stocks rose to more then $18 per share. The GAP strategies By redesigning a "look" to fit in with the season and the environment, Gap's strategies included highly focused surveys and research on consumer needs and fashion trends that high-lighted classifying its clientele from the "style-conscious, updated and classic" individuals according to Brady(2003). Gap, has also adapted the different mixes provided by Levy and Weitz (2004, Ch.2) that retailing systems should carefully observe with strong emphasis on the merchandise. According to them, much focus on its products centered on the ability to recognize versatility in style, assortment and variety without sacrificing its quality. Fit being an important factor in the clothing apparel line, assumed that its predictability should announce its availability that consumer research brings into its designs for must-have clothes. Although the millennium trend was to dress down and simplify, the smugness brought by the old Gap designs were too obtainable with other cheaper competition. A variety of choices for the shopper in style and a wider array of color definitely zeroed in the buying spree. Gap's predictability in the 1990's saw a gradual yet significant progress that has seen improvement on its credit rating and debt reduction in the 3rd quarter of 2003. Webb then announced its CEO Paul Pressler's move to repurchase its common stocks. Price Adjustment according to the law of supply and demand hammers specific changes to maximize profit and minimize markdowns according to Chorafas (2002). Prices change but are highly capricious in trying to match the demand. Gap, has however attached a stigma to dynamic pricing that the fashion industry equates with consumers flocking stores only

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Economics of UAE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Economics of UAE - Essay Example The study also focuses on those factors which can be improved with the aim of increasing the economic stability of the nation. It has been observed in this regard that UAE strongly believes in diversification of the economy, followed by strong resources for supporting the initiatives for development in fields of education towards enhancing the overall competency of the nation. The economy of UAE is one of the fastest growing economies in the world (Ministry of Economy, 2008). Contextually, the economy of UAE offers large scope to foreign investors. The scope of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) is very high in UAE which makes the nation one of the most potential hubs for foreign nationals to penetrate through business outsourcing. As UAE has been developing vibrantly, there are many areas or sectors of development which are rendered with utmost priority by the government such as banking, education, industrial and infrastructural development, oil industries among others (Heyzer, 2009) . The keys sectors in UAE that has achieved excellence within the last ten years will be highlighted in this study along with the areas where UAE is criticised to be lacking behind. Correspondingly, an effort will also be made in this study to identify the areas in which future development will be much promising to ensure economic prosperity of UAE. Macroeconomic Performance of the UAE The macroeconomic performance of UAE can be assessed with reference to the major indicators including the GDP growth rate, inflation rate, population rate and its leading industrial components with due significance to the dimensions of oil reserves and oil exports. Contextually, the attributes signifying the diversification and the composition of GDP, international trade (with respect to its performances in terms of exports and imports), unemployment level, BoP, fiscal policies and all the major sectors of growth i.e. industries, infrastructures, banking and education can also be considered as useful when assessing the macroeconomic performance of UAE. With this concern, the economic performance of each of these indicators has been conducted through a brief discussion in the below sections. GDP A degradable growth in GDP has been observed in UAE over the past few years. For instance, in the recent years, its GDP has been falling from 5% in 2012 to 3.7% in 2013. It is worth mentioning in this context that economists have been arguing that the main reason for the decline is largely due to the enactment of new policies which are formed with the sole intention to control oil productivity, ensuring limits over the environmental hazards caused by this particular industry sector, which is often regarded to be the main source of national income in UAE. According to a global report, UAE’s GDP has been observed to have increased by 6.8% in 2012, quite admirably after its steep fall in the year 2008 owing to the occurrence of global recession as can be observed in the pictorial repr esentation below (Mubasher Info, 2013). With an increased rate of GDP in 2012 it can be expected to have more increase in the GDP rate in the year 2013 which can be considered as strength of the economy. But at the same time, the GDP growth rat

Airline Industry Competitive Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Airline Industry Competitive Analysis - Essay Example Its use is expected to decline by a minimal figure from 45% to 43% in the coming decades but will further find suitable use. It is suggested that the aerospace manufacturing utilizes an estimated 950 million pounds in raw materials annually. The figure is expected to heighten by half in the subsequent years. The use of Aluminum and steel will further advance as they provide the quality and strength needed to sustain overall development of the sector as stipulated by the government. Composites including glass-fiber and carbon has increased and will further accelerate annually experiencing a 10% utility. Titanium and nickel are other metal that find their application to boost overall productivity of the industry. With these trends there lies a provision that dictates the amount of materials needed to be applied to achieve maximum returns. A steady rise in the overall growth would determine the quality of material applied in the production. The US airline has grown massively with its stressing on the need to produce quality products that abide to the set moral standards. With more input of the raw materials in the production process, maximum returns are

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Recommendation letter from a Dentist Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Recommendation letter from a Dentist - Essay Example At Smile Dental Mr. Golamari has carried out a number of particular duties and even shown some initiative where the situation has demanded it. When he first joined, Mr. Golamari spent much of his time observing and taking down notes from what he witnessed. This struck me because most young dental assistants dive straight in without looking first to witness first-hand the tasks that fall under the responsibility of a dental assistant. As an observer, much of Mr. Golamari’s time was concerned with examining patients’ teeth, updating patients’ medical records, and clearly explaining dental procedures to unsure and anxious patients. Throughout all of this, it became clear to me that Mr. Golamari has a real concern for the welfare of his patients and does his utmost to put their minds at ease. Sitting in the chair and waiting for a procedure can be one of the most daunting experiences for a patient, so it has been reassuring to me that Mr. Golamari has eased the tensi on for my patients on numerous occasions and helped to make my job immeasurably more straightforward. Not long after Mr. Golamari began his work as my observer, it became evident to me that he could handle more complex tasks. I did not want to overburden him at first, so I gradually increased the level of responsibility for Mr. Golamari. I knew that Mr. Golamari had worked previously as a dental assistant back in India, but the procedures here are a little different and so he needed some time to get uptospeed. After I felt that he was ready, I made Mr. Golamari my dental assistant, and he has performed such duties as chair side assisting taking full mouth x-rays, coronal polishing, placing temporary fillings, fabricating and fixing temporary crowns, and overall patient education. Over the time Mr. Golamari has spent as my dental assistant he has never once complained

Monday, July 22, 2019

The Value of Digital Privacy in and Information Technology Age Essay Example for Free

The Value of Digital Privacy in and Information Technology Age Essay 1. List and describe at least three (3) technologies that allow an individual to research citizens private data. A technology that allows an individual to research private data is the Global Positioning System (GPS). This â€Å"is a navigation and precise-positioning tool† (Glasscoe, 1998) developed in the early seventy’s by the Department of Defense. Although GPS was originally designed for the military, its applications have extended into the public sector to provide researchers the specific location of an individual (Glasscoe, 1998). A malicious technology that can be used to research an individual’s private data is spyware. In general, it is software that can be loaded on an internet ready device, such as a computer or smartphone, with the sole purpose of gathering and transmitting one’s private data to another person. Spyware is â€Å"designed to be difficult to remove,† and the collection and transmission of information can be completed without the individual’s consent (Microsoft, 2012). In contrast to spyware, social networking services are freely provided with and individual’s private data. Social networking services are web based platforms built to facilitate communication between internet users. â€Å"When creating an account user[s] disclose private information about their social contacts and interests by including friends, business associates, and companies in their networks† (The White House, 2012). Services such as â€Å"Facebook, the largest social network service† (Halbert Ingulli, 2012) can gather enormous amounts of private data that is associated with an individual including: â€Å"written updates, photos, videos, and location information† (The White House, 2012). 2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of public access to this information, both for the researchers and those who are being investigated. â€Å"Personal data is valuable †¦[and]†¦ companies spend up to $2 billion a year to collect that informationà ¢â‚¬  (SENGUPTA, 2012). Retailers use the data to target advertising to consumers based on their geographic location, personal demographics, or interests. Annually personal data is used to generate as much as $145 billion in online sales (The White House, 2012). Personal information is often shared freely in a mutually beneficial relationship between an individual and researchers. Those who are being investigated may sign up for online services which deliver them free content, such as music or games. Consumers are pay[ing] for the service by agreeing to receive targeted ads† (Microsoft) from researchers. â€Å"Security failures involving personal data †¦ can cause harm† (The White House, 2012) to both the researcher, and those being researched. If a researcher’s data is breached resulting in the release of private data the organization’s reputation could be tarnished. Subsequently there would be financial impacts to the researcher as consumers and business partners sever thei r relationships. On the other hand, those being researched may be discriminated against due to misleading information or fall victim to â€Å"potentially life-disrupting identity theft† (The White House, 2012). 3. Determine what measures citizens can take to protect private information or information they do not want to be disclosed. First and foremost, citizens should â€Å"carefully read all disclosures, including the license agreement and privacy statement† (Microsoft, 2012) prior to downloading any software, shareware, or freeware to their computer or smartphone. Secondly, they should properly protect themselves utilizing updated anti-virus software and firewalls on their electronic devices. Finally, citizens should be familiar with privacy-enhancing technologies such as â€Å"Do Not Track† which enables individuals â€Å"to exercise some control over how third parties use personal data or whether they receive it at all† (The White House, 2012). 4. Discuss a federal law that grants the federal government the legal right to make private information on U.S. citizens available to the public, and whether or not you agree with this law. Any person has the right to request access to virtually every federally held record. Enacted in 1966, The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is federal law which â€Å"provides public access to all federal agency records except for those records †¦ that are protected from disclosure.† Nine exemptions and three exclusions to the FOIA prohibit the release of information in relation, but not limited to â€Å"information involving matters of personal privacy† (U.S. Department of Justice, 2009). In the wake of Waterg ate Congress enacted the Privacy Act of 1974 to protect citizen’s private data in the face of growing concerns of â€Å"illegal surveillance and investigation of individuals by federal agencies† (The privacy act , 2010). This federal law restricts disclosure of government held records which personally identify individuals, and increases an individual’s right to obtain and amend government held records kept on themselves. The Privacy Act also establishes a code of fair information practices which requires agencies to comply with statutory norms for collection, maintenance, and dissemination of records† (The privacy act , 2010). As Americans we â€Å"have always cherished our privacy†¦[and]†¦ we have the right to be let alone† (The White House, 2012). Much more than the right to solitude, Americans have the right to freely participate in commerce without the costly threat of identity theft. We should be empowered with the freedom to seek employment or heath care without discrimination. Federal laws should grant citizen’s peace of mind that our personal information it protected, and we have a choice regarding when and what portions of our personal information made available to the public. 5. Determine whether there are â€Å"electronic privacy laws† that can prevent others from having access to â€Å"private information† as well as how effective they are. Laws protecting electronic privacy include â€Å"the 1968 Federal Wiretap Law, as amended by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act 1986 (ECPA), [which] make it illegal to intercept, disclose, or access messages without authorization† (Halbert Ingulli, 2012). As with the FOIA there are exemptions to the ECPA which eliminate â€Å"protection from communications that are readily accessible to the general public† (Halbert Ingulli, 2012) and current federal law may not protect all of an individual’s private data. As of 2012, forty-seven States have Security Breach Notification (SBN) laws. These laws vary from state to state, however they â€Å"promote the protection of sensitive personal data† (The White House, 2012) which is not currently protect by federal law. In February of 2012, the Obama Administration presented the Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights to Congress. This Bill of Rights attempts to establish a much needed national baseline to protect citizen’s private information and acts â€Å"as a blueprint for privacy in the information age† (The White House, 2012). References Glasscoe, M. (1998, August 13). What is gps?. Retrieved from http://scign.jpl.nasa.gov/learn/gps1.htm Halber, T. Ingulli, E. (2012). Privacy and Technology. In Law Ethics in the Business Enviorment (7th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning. Mao, C. (2012, March 28). Columbia business law review. Retrieved from http://cblr.columbia.edu/archives/12047 Microsoft. (2012). Microsoft. Retrieved from http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/spyware-whatis.aspx SENGUPTA, S. (2012, February 04). Should personal data be personal?. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/05/sunday-review/europe-moves-to-protect-online-privacy.html?pagewanted=all_r=0 The privacy act . (2010). Retrieved from http://www.justice.gov/opcl/1974privacyact.pdf The White House. (2012, February 23). Consumer data privacy in a networked world:a framework for protecting privacy and promoting innovation in the global digital economy. Retrieved from http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/privacy-final.pdf U.S. Department of Justice. (2009, November). Your rights to federal records. Retrieved from http://publications.usa.gov/epublications/foia/foia.htm

Sunday, July 21, 2019

The Benefits Of Youth Sports

The Benefits Of Youth Sports A sport is a competitive, organized, entertaining, and dexterous physical movement requiring dedication, fair play, and strategy, and in which a winner can be distinct by objective means. It is controlled by a set of customs or rules. In sports the main factors are the xl capabilities which are physical and skills of the contestant when determining the ending be it losing or winning. The physical activity involves people movement, animals and/or a number of objects like balls and equipment or machines. In contrast, games like board games and card games; even though these can be called mind sports and some are accepted as Olympic sports, entail primarily psychological skills and only mental physical connection. Non-competitive practices, for example playing catch or jogging are usually identified as forms of recreation. (Harper, 2008)Physical actions like scoring goals or first crossing a line often define the outcome of a sport. On the other hand, performance and the degree of skill in some sports such as dressage, diving, and figure skating is judged with reference to well-defined specifications. This is in distinction with other activities judged such as body building and beauty pageants, where skill do not have to be revealed and the criteria are as well not defined. Records are kept back and updated for many sports at the top levels, whereas accomplishments and failures are generally announced in sport news. Sports are at a large amount often played only for fun or for the single reality that people require exercise to stay in fine physical condition. Nevertheless, professional sports are a major resource for entertainment. This is so because they not only excite the players but they usually attract large crowds who turn up to watch other playing. (Mandel) A youth sport on the other hand is a sport for young people to carry out, up to about an age range of 10 à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 20 years are youths and they just do sports by coming together. (www.wikiansers.com). A detailed review as to the benefits of sports to the youth has been carried here-in. Sports have several benefits to those participating in them which ensure that they impart a positive impact in their lives. Youth reap many benefits from performance in sports, these includes a healthier body, self-discipline, self-confidence, and stronger relations with peers and adults. The skill youth acquire while participating in sports interpret to their additional activities and commitments, including school performance and family relationships. While young athletes expand their bodies, their minds also develop concurrently. Youth sports builds self-discipline amongst the young people. Through the commitment to a team and basically making it to each practice session is an initial step, for lots of young athletes. Involvement in youth sports also provides a ground for confidence growth. Self-confidence does not appear naturally to every person. Amusingly, one of the finest ways to increasing self-confidence is to be found in demanding situations. Challenges give an opportunity for youth to find out solutions on their own, and garner the consequences of whichever resolution they make. youths Participation in sports therefore presents such opportunities each and every time and againhow to attain on a breakaway in football, how to beat a defender while in a quick counter in basketball, or even how to talk to a colleague about his practice of failing to pass the ball often enough. Challenges, whether physical, or emotional can expand confidence in youth. Youth Participation in sports provides sufficient opportunities for them to build sturdy friendships with their peers and mentoring associations with their coaches. Young athletes profit from working together to arrive at various goals. Players become skilled at how to set the team ahead of their personal interests, this helps them develops the quality of unselfishness. Teams of athletes do not at all times get along perfectly, and putting out-of-the-way differences to play effectively together is another significant lesson to be used throughout life. When kids play sports they expand an understanding as to what their bodies is able do. Youthful athletes are often courageous, sacrificing their bodies to obstruct a kick or dive for a free ball. Playing amid this type of abandon can be very fit, and it promotes a belief in their bodies abilities. Ordinary practices and games build sturdy bones and muscles. While athletes are still young, the spotlight should be on education, having fun and being fit. (www.livestrong.com). Participation in sports improves youths health in the following areas; causes a major improvements in cardiovascular strength, as long as they are performed frequently, improves muscular power (as calculated by handgrip power)which leads to an increased coping rate ability and decreases the risks of functional restrictions in later life ,provides a major improvement in the Mental Health section Score in the first 3 months of partaking, waist-to-hip ratio also reduce in the first three months, also about a third more calories can be burnt in only an hour of some Green Gym activities instead of doing a step aerobics class (Bigelow). While athlete takes part in a sport, they will experience a lot of benefits. A number of of these will be easily recognized and short-term. While others will not be recognized easily, except will end with the athlete a lot longer and will assist form their general growth. They increase and become experts at the various sports skills they participate in. this is because they practice for quite a long time to become a force to reckon with and as we know à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€¹Ã…“practice practice makes perfectà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ there is no doubt they eventually become experts in their fields. Sport offer youth a chance to improve their capacity to make decisions and acknowledge responsibilities. This is so because many sports entail making a lot of decisions. For example in football one has to make the right decision when to pass the ball or when to score. It is the same in most mind sport where it is usually a single mistake and you are done, therefore a lot of decision has to be made on the moves to take. Since sports give youth a chance to make various decisions they are able to differentiate good from bad decisions. (www.ehow.com) Youth can develop an interest in ongoing sports involvement even as adults this will mean taking that sport as your carrier. It is worth noting that a large number of families are fed by various sportsmen who engage in only sporting activities. sports has therefore proved to be a source of income to the youth who are participating in them and so many youth should be encouraged to participate in the same. This incomes earned from youth sports are taxed by the government where earned this means that through youth sports a country is able to earn income which it can use in carrying out any of its development agendas. Further, through sports that youth expand a sense of achievement, that helps develop a constructive self-image. Sports also facilitate youth learning to articulate and appreciate their thought, emotions, and admiration for what their bodies can do. They also develop skills on agility, endurance, flexibility, coordination, speed and strength. (www.ultimate-youth-basketball-guide.com) Involvement in sports also avails the opportunities for socialization and leadership, as well as the expansion of skills used for managing failure and success. If you are one of the really talented and qualified players on your team, you are probable in a spot to put into effect team leadership. As one way to guide is to do the same by example. When a talented player demonstrates an optimistic attitude and occupation ethic, all the other players will be likely to follow this example. A number of players will also watch how others play and obviously pick up on some of their techniques and skills. (www.yuothsportspschology.com) Moreover, when playing games, players find out how rules operate. They see how groups require policy to maintain order, that the person must agree to the regulations for the benefit of the group that rules involve a deliberation of the civil rights of others. They as well gain knowledge of the competition, however within a limited and secure system where the penalty of losing is reduced. In addition, sports offer an exclusive arena in which youth can successfully put forth their talents. The arena is exclusive for two reasons. Foremost, sports engage the person as an entire person: all facets-not only cognitive, but also physical, social, and psychological-are engaged pleasantly in striving toward peak accomplishment. Secondly, sports engage youths working in a continuing community consisting of their friends as well as their friends families. Sports, that is, present children an exciting, rewarding, and satisfying way to participate in a bigger world not usually accessible to non athletes. (www.ncpad.com) The participation of youth in sports ensures they learn time management skills and the value of planning in advance. This is true because through the kind of training they undergo while in sports entails following schedules given to them by their coaches, this help them learn a lot of time management skills as they also have to be able to balance between their sports and other activities like studies and family relationships. Sports teaches youth how to deal with hardship by showing them it is fine to make a mistake. Sports give them the opportunity to learn from their mistakes as well as the significance of moving on once a mistake has been done. It is in the same sports where the youth learn that life is not a sooth path as it entails both ups and downs .i.e. there times in life when one can succeed but there are still others when one can fail. Sports offer youth an opportunity of learning a lot of teamwork skills. This is so since many sports involve working together. Most sports are those that require cooperation of several persons for achievement to be evident. Youths can apply the skill they acquire through the experience of playing together in real life situation. This in the long run proves to be beneficial to the youth. Sports Provides the youth with an outlet for channeling their energy. This is a benefit that should not be down played because it is evident youths have a lot of energy to use and sports provide them an avenue to spend their energy and not wasting it in activities that can be harmful to them. For example the time and energy they spend in sports could be spending idling, taking drugs and having sex which could risk their lives. Sports act a stress relief for the youths which can be as a result of academic and social pressures. This is because it has already been proved that nervousness and pressure can be condensed with participation sports. After long hours in classes student can have a nice time in the fields or various sports places where they relive all academic related pressure. (www.getwyrd.org) It is in youth sports where those youths tend to learn one another. Since they work and train together they tend to understand each other weaknesses and strong areas thus promoting good relationship among people. youth sport also promote peace all over the world as different youth from different nation may be converged by a single sport and for the benefit of their team they will have to establish a good rapport. Some youth sports are used as a tool for tourist attraction for several countries thus earning these countries foreign exchange, for example through youth sports many foreigners visit different countries and spend in those countries increasing the national income of such countries. Youth sports have created a lot of employment opportunities. There are so many advertisements relating to youth sports, many players also require other goods and services like they eat and dress thus providing market to other goods. Many people also work in sports arenas like pitches, stadium and many more. This means were it not for the sports such facilities could not exist and thus all those people working in those facilities could be unemployed. This are only but few example of the employment opportunities brought about by youth sports. (Committee, 2005) Promotion of youth sports has greatly reduced the spread of HIV/AIDS. This is so because the youths instead of engaging in activities that promote the deadly virus instead spend their precious time in taking part in various sports. This sport has also facilitated their training on the effect and impacts of the disease as while they are in those various sporting teams they still learn more about the disease. (hyman, 2010) Youth sport has also lead to improved infrastructure in many regions. This is so because sports facilities have to be accompanied by good means of accessing these facilities thus infrastructure like good roads has to be established which are of benefit to all. In conclusion it would be very correct to say that youth sports have a lot of benefits to the youths, parents, the society and the government at large.

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Creating An Online Shopping System

Creating An Online Shopping System The online shopping system is fast gaining media for to sale or purchase items from anywhere and anytime. It is basically based on Internet, It is related with B2C (Business to Customer) model and status of the design and development of e-commerce platform. It can not only save the operating costs of enterprises as well as save the time of customer to go shopping at mall and it is increasing the efficiency of business. This document shows the status of Online Shopping System and development background and then introduces or discusses the system design, system objectives, system requirements and overall all phases of development or implementation of system. This system provides good facilities to users with GUI forms to registration, shopping cart management, and information modify etc. for customer. It has also provided some facilities to Admin as add item, update item and etc. It has been designed with B/S three tier structures, JSP technology for dynamic page design and for system security and code reuse the JavaBeans has used. And for better communication between system and easy to access, as well as to store large data of the database has used MSSql Server 2000. In this basically the two user one is Admin who can add item, update item control over the database or the management of customer information and keep security over the information of the customer as well as products. Second is customer who access the site for his requirement, he can register, search or see the products, details of products and comment for product and can do secure transactions over the internet. Chapter 1: Introduction What I am going to do? In the proposed system , as discuss in the abstract we are going to develop the new website Online Shopping System for computer products. In the website I followed the software development methodology called incremental approach nad according to it the system is mainly divided inot the two kinds of users and three kinds of mechanisms in order to make more sutaible for the end users to fulfill their all requirments from one place with quick and in more understandable manner. Here two kinds of users are Admin and End user means customer. In addition to this, three kinds of methods which considered here are NetUI means make available access to the end users for everything from the net which is developed with help of JSP and HTML, second one is the database which used to store large amount of data and easily can retrieve,update etc, and last one is the controls used for the same. Thus here we followed the model based UI desing approach. The important things which we added with this websi te is the latest product with latest configuration customer can choose as per configuration of that product, external devices, security for transcation, customer can send their view or comment and many more. Background In the current world the rapid development of Internet, the Internet has expressly become the best and fast media for collecting information, communication as well as entered into the commerce means selling, purchasing etc. So e-commerce became more popular and more businesses build an online store to show consumers a new shopping concept. Online shopping system as B2B, B2C, C2C ecommerce front-end business platform, the whole process of its business activities plays an important roles. In this site or system, consideration is how to build a B2C Online Shopping System. Online shopping is a kind of interactive features business information which provides users with two types of static and dynamic information resources. The static information are those that change frequently or later that resources, sucha as company profile, management practices and corporate systems etc. Dynamic information is subject to change information, such as commodity quotes, meeting arrangements, and training information. Online shopping system has powerful interactive features to enables businesses and users to easily transfer inoformation to complete e-commerce transactions. This new inter-company transactions to achieve the paperless exchange of documents and funds. Technologies Selection and Justification Following is description of technologies which are used for the website work: 1.3.1 Hardware/Software Requirements Software specifications Category (Software tools) Software Name Operating System Microsoft Windows, Linux Designing Tool MyEclipse 7.1 Front End JSP, HTML Back End MSSql Server 2000 Hardware specifications: Hardware Minimum Requirement Microprocessor Intel 3.1GHz processor or onwards Random Access Memory (RAM) 512 MB RAM. Hard Disk Drive 20GB (min. free useable disk space). 1.3.2 Technology Description 1) JSP: As there are number of acronyms with which the Internet is packed, another one is JSP. Here the JSP is standing for the Java Server Pages, but its commonly known as the JSP. JSP is nothing but the scripting language and very much similar to the ASP, PHP languages. Using the JSP, contents in the website are generated dynamically which allowing the rather than only statically as with the HTML. There are many free hosting available for the JSP websites because of the reason is that JSP is free and open source, simple, robust. There are other web development technologies also available now days such as PHP, ASP.net etc. But we encountered some problems with such technologies which are presented in following justification for the same: JSP over PHP: Both (JSP PHP) is web technologies are strong. For the most of the enterprise level applications JSP is better way to do because of its security, stability, speed of execution etc and more are the advantages of JSP. We encountered the problem with the PHP is that it becomes not more secure as compare JSP. As compared to the PHP, JSP is more rapid tool for the development of websites, once we know it, we can design any kind of pages which seems to us harder with the PHP because PHP is harder and also fewer objects oriented than JSP. Using JSP, we can develop web application quick by maintaining the level of performance, security for the same. JSP over ASP.NET: ASP.NET is come with the Microsoft product in the VS framework which is also one of the better way to designs and develop our websites, but the problem with such technology is that it is available only commercially means not freely as the JSP. As the we are getting same performances from the JSP as from the ASP.net, then its enough to decide to go with the JSP. Apart from this, there some other advantages which of JSP over the ASP.NET we observed such as: Freely Avaliable and Platform independent. Hosting is Cheply available. Web Server for JSP is free. If OS is Linux, no need to pay for the antivirus softwares. Rapid development. 2) MSSql Server 2000: One of the powerful is MSSql. There are many other powerful databases such as Oracle, Mysql etc are available. But while selecting MSSql database, there are two things which were addressed as compared to Oracle as well as MySql as: database which is best suitable with the JSP and another one is database which have fast speed to retrieve, update or communication with data. While with Oracle, MySqlserver there lot of extra efforts needs to be done before setting up the web application, the MSSql database is easy database with the high reliability, fast performance, and easy to use. Project Plan Thus as we used the incremental methodology of the software development, this project is divided into the different phases like requirement analysis phase, designing phase, development phase, deployment phase, testing phase etc. Following chart shows the overview of the proposed project plan with their time durations. Website Development Phases 1) Table for the Effort Estimate Module Duration Outcomes Milestones Existing Website Analysis and comparison with proposed one 4 weeks Software Development Methodology 1 week Planning and Designing 1+2 weeks Flow of System 1 weeks Modules designing their outcomes 2 week Modules design document Development and Deployment 8 weeks Primary system Website Testing 3 weeks Test Reports formal Thesis 1 weeks Complete project report formal 2) Module Description: Module Task Description Module 1 Information analysis Gathering of Information as well as analysis related to the online store or website for computer products. Module 2 Technology methodology After conducting the analysis, selection of the technologies as well as methodologies is done by considering all the consequences. Module 3 Flowchart Designing Module assignment as well as flow control of process according to the methodologies selected. Module 4 Website Implementation All modules code implementation as well as integration of them into one system. Module 5 Testing Overall website working is tested and conducted. Module 6 Thesis Thesis preparation on the basis of current research results. 3) Project plan Date Module Mar/10 April/10 May/10 Jun/10 July/10 Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5 Module 6 Quality Plan In this section, some of the quality planes which are considered in order to maintain the quality of the proposed website. The major quality measure which we considered for the website is the proper validation for different things and response time of the proposed website because on the basis of this customers attraction is depends. Following is the brief explanation of these terms: 1) HTML Validation Using this validation we can check the document correctness against the DOCTYPE which is declared. On the basis of this various kinds of reports generated if there are any bugs with it. 2) Validating Links This is one important issue with the websites. Links of the website are checked against the all links given in the website whether they are working according to the specification given. 3) Validating Accessibility This is the most important activity which must be included in every website quality planning. It is not enough only to make the website, because people from different places, with different platforms accessing our website. The initiative of web accessibility is the maintaining the resources list which will help in order to designing the websites which will accessible. 4) Response Time For the websites like proposed one its necessary to check up with the response time of server because with websites several shopping transactions need to be done. Chapter 2: Software Development Methodologies 2.1 Types of Methodologies The mechanism of methodology is mainly composed of the one or more techniques in conjunction with the one of the models of software development. The prototyping techniques, object oriented techniques which are the multiple ways in order to implement the models such as incremental, waterfall and spiral models. During the single project such kinds of mechanisms are matched as well as mixed. Thus the methodology = techniques + models. Following are different kinds of methodologies which are prepared on the basis of combination of techniques as well as models: 1) Waterfall Model (Life Cycle) 2) Prototyping Model (Life Cycle) 3) Iterative Enhancement Model 4) Incremental Model 5) The Spiral Model 6) Object Oriented Methodology In the next section, we will see the details of each of these models in brief [Ref. http://codebetter.com/blogs/raymond.lewallen/archive/2005/07/13/129114.aspx ] 2.2) Introduction Methodologies 1) Waterfall Model: This model is called as the waterfall model, because in this model the more emphasizes is on the complete phase development before proceeding with the next phase of the development. With the combination with some kinds phase completions, establishment of the baseline is done which freezes the development products at such point. If the current requirement is identified in order to change these products, then the process of formal change is followed in order make the change. Such kind of phases graphic representation during the software development resembling the waterfall model downward flow. [Ref. http://www.onestoptesting.com/sdlc-models/waterfall-model ] 2) Prototyping Model: Waterfall model is basically designed for addressing the issues with the waterfall model. In this model, the basic idea is that rather than freezing the requirements before coding or designs we can proceed, using the throwaway prototype requirements of the development understands. On the basis of requirements which are currently known. The prototype development is inside contains the coding, designing as well as testing. But each of these phases is not done very formally or thoroughly. Thus using such kind of mechanism, end users can get the systems actual feel, only because of the thing that prototype interactions will allow clients to understand the requirements better way for the desired system. 3) Iterative Enhancement Model: This model is trying to combine the features of models like waterfall as well as prototyping models. The main idea behind such model is that development of the software is done on the basis of incremental approaches, in which each and every increment is adding the some kind of functional capability in the system still the system is fully implemented. During the every step, extensions, designing and modifications are made. [Ref. http://codebetter.com/blogs/raymond.lewallen/archive/2005/07/13/129114.aspx ] 4) Incremental Model Main idea in this model is that during the overlapping sections waterfall is performed in order to attempt projects of waterfall model compensate which is done by generating the earlier usable functionality. This kind of model may be needed the overall requirements set that are small projects series. With the general objectives, initially using the basic objective, incremental model is started. 5) Spiral Model The model for the incremental is can be considered as the spiral model sometimes. The view of the spiral model is illustrating the one of the strength of the previous model in this section which is: system size grows while the resources can be held on constant. The size of spiral is corresponds to the size of system, on the other hand the distance among the coils indicating the resources. As the name indicating such model has many cycles. The dimension of the radial representing cumulative cost which is incurred while accomplishing the steps that are done so far as well as dimension of angular representing the progress which is made during the completing the every spiral cycle. [Ref. http://codebetter.com/blogs/raymond.lewallen/archive/2005/07/13/129114.aspx ] 6) Object Oriented Methodology As the name indicating, such methodology requiring using the object oriented techniques which can be used during the requirement analysis, designing and implementation phase of the system. Such kind of methodology asking for the analyst for determining the systems objects, their behavior over the time or their behavior in response to the events, as well as what kind of relations and responsibilities an object has to with the other objects. [Ref. http://codebetter.com/blogs/raymond.lewallen/archive/2005/07/13/129114.aspx ] 2.3 Advantages and Disadvantages Advantages of Prototyping Model Early functionality. Providing the process in order to perfect the definition of requirments. Providing the risk control. Main focus of the documentation is on the end product rather than the evolution of product. Providing the basic specification which is embodied in the operating replica. Disadvantages of Prototyping Model This method is less applicable for the existing systems as compare to the existing new systems development. Suffering from the dirty documentaion. Bad reputation in between the conservatives because of dirty and quick method. Sometimes using this method system is developed with the poor performance. Advantages of Iterative Method Reliable software production. This may be intrdouced gradually to an organization. Disadvantages of Iterative Method Complete sets of requirements are required. Disciplined style may stifle creativity. Advantages of Object-Oriented: Problem owners can joining in producing the solution. Maintenance costs are less due to the object oriented analysis which encourages the complete set of solution. This kind of model expresses the reality of users view. Disadvantages of Object-Oriented This is difficult for those methods which is having the structured analysis of background. This method may be difficult with the DoD-STD- 2167A. [Ref. http://codebetter.com/blogs/raymond.lewallen/archive/2005/07/13/129114.aspx ] 2.4 Details: Two Methodologies In the following section, discussion and detailed working of the two models such as incremental model and waterfall model. 1) Waterfall Model: As we discussed the basic working this model in above section, in this section we will take the overview of basic steps of the model in the software development: Following figure shows the different phase in the development of the software. The documentation included the documentation from each phase. The phases below the detailed design phase include software as part of their output. Transition from phase to phase is accomplished by holding a formal review that is attended by the contractor and appropriate government agencies. These reviews provide the government insight into the contractors progress. At critical points on the waterfall model, baselines are established, the last of which is the product baseline. [Figure:1: Waterfall Model] As showing in above figure 1, as the name indicating waterfall model is made up of sequentially of phases one after the next phase. In comparison with the other software development models, following are some of the salient attributes of this model: This is the forma method. This is like top down development approach. This is consisting of phases which are independent and needs to be completed sequentially. This model is used in different ways: Phases are combined, The starting as well as ending points are different. [Ref. http://www.onestoptesting.com/sdlc-models/waterfall-model ] 2) Incremental Method: C:Documents and Settingsgodwit3Desktopincremental-model1.gif As we discussed in the last paragraph, the model of incremental is performing the waterfall in the overlapping sections in order to attempt length compensation for the waterfall model projects by generating the earlier useful functionality. As compared to the waterfall model, a project which uses the incremental model is starting with the general objectives. In this case, some part of such objectives are defined as the requirements as well as are implemented, after that the next part of these objective are considered and implemented, this process is continues until the complete objective is achieved. However as compare to the complete requirements general objectives can be uncomfortable for the management. Well defined interfaces are needed due to the fact that few modules may be completed early compare to others. This model is more flexible for the development of the websites as compare to the softwares. Thus we selected incremental model for the same. [Ref. http://testing-mines.blogspot.com/2006/05/what-is-incremental-model.html] 2.5) Methodology Selection For our proposed application we have to use the method of Incremental approach which is best suitable for such kinds of applications. Because of the following benefits from it: Generates working software quickly and early during the software life cycle. More flexibleless costly to change scope and requirements. Easier to test and debug http://kona.kontera.com/javascript/lib/imgs/grey_loader.gif during a smaller iteration. Each iteration is an easily managed milestone. Due to iteration each phase complete within timeperiod. Chapter 3: Literature Survey 3.1 Overview of Online Shopping System: Online Shopping System is the shopping cart system that enables customers to find and purchase the products and services. The system allows customers to get list of item for purchase by placing items into shopping cart. At the checkout the system will calculate a total of the all item which are added by customer and if any applicable taxes, shipping and handling charges will be added. Mainly three types of shopping cart systems that are used to build better ecommerce stores as, Ordering systems, online storefront builder systems and third is specialized systems. An ordering shopping system is the most basic that makes it possible to select and purchase online and specialized system basically offers for business to business solutions but we are implementing for customer. So we will use the storefront builder for larger store offerings with combines all of the features of an order system with contact management system. Storefront shopping systems normally include a database as storefront and administrative function area. In the database stores customer data, order information, product details etc. A storefront system displays this information while admin want allows a business to manage the shopping store data as insert, update or delete product information. Storefront has a store catalog that is usefully for presented and pleasing for customers. Good admin functionality have to easy for navigation, manages modules, assign options and flexible to manage all t hings which needs for shipping. There many options for hosting shopping cart or website, mainly online ecommerce store will used a licensed or hosted system for shopping cart or website. A licensed hosting system can be installed and downloaded on a web server by associate with onetime fee or charges for hosting. A hosted system never be downloaded but is hosted through a hosting service providers and it requires fee or nominal percentage of sales as per their rules. A good website or shopping cart system enables both the ecommerce store; owner and customer have to participate with each other in this business with honesty. Without this the ecommerce business or online business would not be successive. 3.2 Components of Online Shopping System: Online Shopping processes are comprised of four main components: engage, purchase, fulfill and support, as illustrated in Figure 3.1. C:Documents and SettingsHemantLocal SettingsTemporary Internet FilesContent.WordNew Picture.bmp Information required for customer care is derived primarily from customer data warehouse for linking to multiple touch points and marketing knowledge bases. Furthermore, these must be integrated with (1) enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, (2) partner relationship management systems, and (3) supply chain systems. 3.2.1 Engage Component E-Business-sizing the engage component means network enabling the process of enticing the right customers to buy a product or service. Some forms of proactive engagement are having your product or service appear prominently in the results of a popular search engine, or via advertising banners pushed to an idle cell phone display. The Online selling system aspect is not only doing online marketing, sales and service but also supporting these functions in traditional channels (e.g. storefront, reseller) through use of Internet and/or wireless technology. Here we focus on Internet supported enablers for engagement. The discussion applies for businesses from pure dot coms, to physical companies with a web channel (clicks and mortar), to net market makers and breakers. Software companies like Netscape used giving a product away for free as an effective engage instrument. Revenues could be obtained later through another product. In Netscapes case, it is the quarter million dollars plus sui te of XPert e-Commerce tools. In RedHats case, millions were made in escalating share price. Some companies give away teasers, or stripped down products or services. After the customer is engaged, revenue may be obtained from the company Offering billable add-on features. These strategies complement other marketing campaign strategies such as spreads of limited time price reductions, sales, or clearances. Interactive marketing effectively tracks customer movements and pushes suggestions or advertisements out to that customer. Online interactive marketing uses customer profiling, personalization and contextual advertising extensively. When a customer starts looking for product or service information, online or offline, he or she engages in browsing content, searching, comparing, configuring, interacting, questioning, and listening. Online shopping system must support these activities as well as identify needs and solve customers problems. Throughout these stages, advertising is effective to get the customers to look at product. Interacting, configuring, listening and questioning are the ways that a merchant presents personalized views to the customer. This comprises the themes for personalization/trust, marketing and content for points of contact. The themes range from picking and choosing products to pushing specific information to the customer. Personalization in the search context is the process of tailoring information to the specific user. This includes localization of content, contextual presentation of data and iterative learning based on user inputs. Localization of content is the ability to understand the customer requirements at each location and the tailoring of content to suit them. This is made more difficult by the nature of globalization of business. A good example is presentation of prices to a customer. Localized content would be required to present to the customer a true price to them, reflective of all of the pertinent costs, rules and regulations. Locality also dictates how a customer interacts with the presence. Identifying needs and solving customer problems in the context of engage enablers means explaining the product or service to fit the customer needs. Marketing at the engage stage can act as a conduit for new product or service development. Access to a common customer database allows businesses to more effectively cross-sell and up-sell. The access to complete customer information can facilitate business to create a richer customer experience. Another aspect of engaging a customer is the coordination of effort with channel partners. Most customers do not want to have to say no to the same product or service to multiple companies in a short time period. To avoid potential customer annoyance, channel partners need to share and manage lead information on prospects or potential customers. Another point is that online prospects are directed to the channel partner that can offer the best service to the customer. All online prospects are automatically recorded in a database. The leads are then available for follow-up by sales personnel. Dot com companies also use traditional media such as newspapers, radio and television to engage new customers. In fact, it is well known that dot com companies reinvest from 50 to 85% of their revenues in marketing to build brand. Clicks and mortar companies use the web channel to complement traditional engagement methods. Both types of companies advertise web sites through regular media such as brochures. All types of business use profitability and competitor analyses to target the right prospects, customers, and partners in the first place. Data mining of the customer data warehouse supports these types of analyses and allows the business to effectively create marketing campaigns. Full knowledge management allows personalization and one-to-one marketing. Sales order history can be used to personalize and create a customer service offering by allowing customers to view their past transactions. Best of breed examples include full customer care suites that have integrated sales order history with the marketing systems. [Ref: [1], G.L, Service positioning through structural change, Journal of Marketing (1987), 34-43. [2] Smith A.K., Bolton R.N., Wagner J., A model of customer satisfaction with service encounters involving failure and recovery, Journal of Marketing Research, Vol. 36, No. 3, Aug. 1999 ] 3.2.2 Order Component Ordering is the process where a customer selects and makes a commitment to purchase a product. This includes a variety of selection, payment mechanisms, and order management mechanisms. Ordering has traditionally been a sales process. However interactive marketing threads through this process and there is opportunity for service also. The customer does not distinguish between dealing with the marketing, sales, or support areas he/she is dealing with the business. The web channel particularly blurs these functionalities as customers expect view the business all at once. Product or service selection is facilitated by real-time shopping environments created to give consolidated views of price, availability, shipping and tax rules, and any other pertinent information that would alleviate the ordering process. Customer ordering ties to the enterprise resource planning (ERP) or back office system for dynamic pricing, just-in-time (JIT) inventory control and other logistical and customer-c entric mechanisms. This is why supply chain visibility is important in Online selling system. It generates customer expectations that are more accurate because the customer is presented with accurate delivery date and order status information. Customers want to make incremental changes to orders until the time of shipment; they want to see past order history. For these reasons, an order system must go beyond order capture to create real value to the customer. It must access real time supply chain management data -demand planning and forecasting, manufacturing planning and scheduling, distribution and deployment p