Knowledge Networks Social Capital

Introduction It can be said that the most important resource of the organization is the knowledge and skills that are possessed by the workforce. This knowledge keeps on increasing since the employees keep on learning new things everyday.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Knowledge Networks Social Capital specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In this regard, it can be said that teamwork is preferred since it allows for the enhancement of the learning process among the employees. The teams or the social networks that are used to enhance the knowledge acquisition process of the employees are referred to as the knowledge networks (Ahmadi Eskandari 2011). There are two types of knowledge networks namely-communities of practice and communities of interest. According to Inkpen Tsang (2005), community of practice refers to a group of individuals that have a desire for learning and share the same goals. The interactions of t he members in the community of practice can be enhanced by making use of the technology. Community of interest is considered to consist of more members than a community of practice and it is very instrumental in facilitating the learning process of the members. The outcome of the community of interest can be enhanced by putting in place discussion forums and by making use of technology. These will facilitate meaningful interactions between the members. On the other hand, social capital refers to the institution’s norms or cultures that influence the extent of interactions in an organization. This is based on the premise that social interactions are very critical in enhancing the economic development of the society. It has been postulated that horizontal associations have a tendency for reducing the cost that is associated with doing a business in a particular place. This can be attributed to the fact that social networks facilitate coordination and cooperation. However, it mu st be mentioned that social networks that are parochial have a tendency for working against the societal interests. For example, cartels can have the effect of impeding economic and social development. Role of community of practice According to Verburg Andriessen (2011), a community of practice refers of group of people that are interested in the learning process and who share common goals. However, to enhance the efficiency of the community of practice, it is critical to have a moderator to provide guidance and support.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Community of practice allows for the unlocking of the knowledge that may be latent in the minds of the participants. This allows the organization to take advantage of that knowledge to improve on its processes. Knowledge management Linh-Chi (2012), argues that knowledge management refers to the process through which the organ ization promotes the learning process among its employees. This enables the sharing of skills and knowledge among the employees, which has a very great bearing on the performance of the employees and the productivity of the organization. Most of the large organization set aside some resources to specifically cater for knowledge management. In fact, knowledge management is taken to be part and parcel of business strategy. In addition, the department of human resource management is charged with the responsibility of knowledge management. Shannak et al. (2012) is of the view that the major purpose of knowledge management is to enhance the performance of the organization. Additionally, it can be used to provide the organization with the competitive advantage. More importantly, knowledge management is very essential in promoting innovation among the employees in the organization. Some of the areas in which the knowledge in the organization can be used include: product development, new te chnologies, markets and customers. It must also be mentioned that knowledge is also concerned with processes and operations of the concerned organization. Furthermore, knowledge and information are required for new business strategies, production and logistics. There are two types of knowledge that are found in an organization namely; tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge. Tacit knowledge is that type of information that cannot be codified, but which influences the manner in which the members of the organization carry out their duties. It must be appreciated that tacit knowledge can be found in the organizational values, practices and norms. On the other hand, explicit knowledge can be stored in the manner that is appropriate for the organization.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Knowledge Networks Social Capital specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More At the heart of knowledge management is the desire to manage the i ntangible knowledge assets in the organization. The reason for this is that knowledge is a very important element in an organization as it enhances its competitive advantage. For this reason, the organization would want its employees to learn new ways of doing things. Additionally, most organizations are of the view that new knowledge facilitates product development, which in turn creates new business opportunities. This makes the organizations to be wary of any knowledge losses. To achieve this, the organization would want to minimize the risks that are associated with outsourcing, downsizing and resignations (Keh-Luh, Chi Chiu-Mei 2012). Furthermore, the organizations would also want to take advantage of the latent knowledge that can be realized from the organization and the employees. Some of the strategies that are employed to unearth that hidden knowledge include: enhancing the personnel information systems, developing mentoring services, and aligning the organization culture to be supportive of the learning process. For this reason, it can be said that knowledge management is concerned with the unraveling of the necessary knowledge and the dissemination of that knowledge throughout the organization. This knowledge is very important as it helps in activities such as problem solving, strategic planning, and decision making. Others are of the opinion that knowledge management is concerned with the creation of new knowledge, sharing of that knowledge, and the strategies that are used to enhance the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge. Knowledge sharing is a term that is used to denote the sharing of knowledge, as well as the transference of knowledge between the individuals and the groups in an organization. Some of the factors that enable knowledge sharing include the organization culture and values that tend to enhance the process of knowledge sharing. These factors are instrumental in facilitating individual knowledge development as well as dealin g with the obstacles that tends to impede the process of knowledge development. In addition to that, the factors also promote the sharing of the knowledge within the organization. This is the only way in which knowledge can be converted from individual knowledge to organizational knowledge.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Knowledge networking According to Plum Hassink (2011), knowledge networking has the potential to facilitate capacity development in an organization. In addition, it must be noted that knowledge networks promote the idea of learning together. This can have a tremendous influence on the performance of the entire team and that of the entire organization in general. It has also been adduced that learning is very instrumental in influencing the performance of the organization. This is based on the premise that knowledge is very essential for any organization in this fast changing business environment. The major thrust of the knowledge networking is the human collaboration and not the technology that is used to enhance it. Part of the reason as to why there has been this trend towards knowledge network is that there has been a diminished need to approach an expert to solve the organization’s challenges. In addition, there has been advancement in technology which has facilitated ef ficient communication. This allows individuals to share ideas and knowledge. It can also be said that technology has also facilitated both informal and formal means of communication. The net effect of this is that there is a widened platform though which exchange of information can take place. In the modern era it can be said that most of the networks are supported by technology. Moreover, the traditional form of networking such as alumni are being facilitated by the electronic platforms. There are various types of networks that can be classified as small or large or even spontaneous or pre-determined. Nonetheless, the main aim of these networks is to facilitate the horizontal flow of information to the concerned parties. According to some organizations there are two classes of networks that are used namely-delivery networks and enabling networks. It has been postulated that delivery networks are intent on delivering value to the organization (Lassen 2009). On the other hand, delive ring networks are keen on enhancing the capacity of the employees to perform even better. To ensure that those knowledge networks are effective, it is critical that they should have the driving force that will enhance the sustainability of the same. In addition, there are three aspects that are considered to be the hallmarks of effective knowledge networks namely- a community of people that co-operate, a shared topic, and organizational practices that are supportive of those networks. It can also be said that a knowledge networks consists of people who interact with each other and are committed to the learning process in a bid to acquire more knowledge. They also agree on the methods that work best for them during the learning process. In addition, the members of the group decide on common approaches to issues that could be facing them. Again, knowledge networks emphasizes on the need for sharing knowledge. The efficiency of the knowledge network hinges on the platform that is used as the medium of communication by the members of the team (Magnusson 2004). Dimensions of knowledge network It must be appreciated that a knowledge network consists of a group of people who interact with each other, learn together, and also build relationships that facilitate mutual commitment. Another aspect of the networks is that they are very dynamic, and for this reason they keep on changing in terms of membership from time to time. Moreover, the external environment provides pressures on the network, which in turn influences the response of the network. There are some attributes that apply to all the networks namely-diversity, reciprocity and trust (Expà ³sito-Langa Molina-Morales 2010). Diversity is a very key component of the network in that it enhances the diversity of the ideas that are availed to the network. However, it is important to realize that too much diversity can have the effect of affecting the operations of the network due to lack of shared values and princip les. Diversity also facilitates each member of the organization to aid in the exchange of information. Additionally, there is no one who is coerced to participate in the affairs of the network. According to Huggins Johnston (2009), the outcome of the network is heavily dependent on the level of trust of the members. If the members do not develop adequate level of trust, they are not likely to open up to each other. This might impede the process of development of knowledge. The level of trust can be enhanced by increasing the opportunities for interactions in the network. It must also be appreciated that in situations in which the supervisor is present during deliberations, the members will be reluctant to open up to each other. This can be supported by the postulate that the flow of knowledge is likely to be better among peers. Reciprocity arises in situations in which all the members expect to be appreciated for their efforts in the network. Towards this end, members make tremendo us sacrifice in terms of time and resources in order to attain the goals of the network. One of the key pillars of any organization is its social capital, and its takes considerable amount of time to put up. However, this social capital can crumble due to inept management. The contribution of the members of the organization is at its best when they feel as part and parcel of the network. This sense of belonging brings down any inhibition that may hold back the members from expressing themselves freely. Care should also be taken to ensure that the members are not held back from giving their ideas by some other members who have a tendency to dominate the discussions forums. Additionally, the moderator for the discussion should ensure that the queries by the members are addressed in a timely fashion. This will tend to motivate the participants to express themselves freely. When the members of the networks work collaboratively, there is always a high chance that the solution will be fou nd much faster than would be case for individuals working in isolation on the same issue. How to enhance the outcome of knowledge networks The topic that is being considered by the network should be such that it is not too broad and impenetrable (Carlsson 2003). This will enhance the possibility that all the members will work together to unravel the solution to the issue at hand, the earliest forms of networks arose among the craftsmen. These were in form of guilds where members of a particular profession worked collaboratively so as to discover new and better ways of carrying out their trades. At the same time, they jealously guarded the knowledge acquired, but shared it freely among themselves. This had the effect of widening the knowledge base for the concerned vocations. The topic being studied should be such that it is focused on a particular issue. Therefore, the members of the network have the duty of keeping track of the current stock of knowledge and also acting as the cust odians of that knowledge. In this regard, the members should keep both the tacit knowledge as well as the explicit knowledge, and to ensure that is passed on to the other members of the network. This acts as the base upon which the acquisition of future knowledge is founded. This ensures that the knowledge possessed by the members keeps on growing as time goes by. Carlsson (2004) contends that the network must put in place measures that are meant to enhance knowledge sharing among the members. This will act as the catalyst for the development of knowledge. To enhance the outcome of the deliberations of the networks it is important to have the main themes that need to be tackled. This would in turn bring about finer themes that are meant to address specific issues that may arise. Consequently, this would guide the members in determining the relevance of the solutions that they might proposed. It is also important for the members of the networks to identify those areas in which they a re weak with a view to building capacity in those areas. To facilitate the identification of the areas in which the members of the network can build capacity, it is important o make use of self assessment framework. Additionally, the use of self assessment framework also facilitates in the creation of the common focus and language that can be used in the discussions by the members of the network. Networks are also critical in the identification of the knowledge that is already known by its members. This knowledge is also augmented by the collective experience of the members of the network. Since the members have both the tacit and the explicit knowledge coupled with the experience in its application, they are usually in a better position to determine whether the information should be shared or not. Social capital According to Felà ­cio, Couto Caiado (2012), social capital is very essential in helping the company to innovate and retain its competitive edge. Social capital can be co nsidered ass the set of skills and knowledge that are embedded in the relationships that are forged in the organizations. It has also been said that those individuals who perform well are invariably connected to others who also perform well. For this reason, social capital is considered to be an asset in an organization. Members of a social group help each other in the acquisition of knowledge, and they are obligated to support each other in their endeavors. It can also be noted that those organization that perform well are known for the manner in which they utilize the skills and knowledge that are inherent in their workforces. However, in order to take advantage of the networks in the organization, there is a need to eliminate structural holes. This arises when individuals in different groups tends to concentrate on their activities without extending assistance to others that may belong to different groups. For this reason, these structural holes may have the effect of slowing dow n the dissemination of knowledge in the organization. This can be supported by the assertion that the people in different structural holes tend to disseminate different information. Thus the structural holes should be viewed as the weak links in the organization, which hinder the free flow of information in the organization. Social capital is characterized by three dimensions namely- the structural dimension, the cognitive dimension and the relational dimension. The structural dimension refers to the ties that exist in the network and which affects the ease with which members are able to bond with each other. On the other hand, cognitive dimension is concerned with the shared narratives and language that is used by the members in the group. The relational dimension refers to the values, norms and the roles that each member of the network is expected to play. When all these dimensions come into play they help in the growth of the intellectual capital in the organization. There are di fferent types of social capital that are appropriate for different goals. In this regard, there are three different characteristics that are associated with social capital. The first characteristic deals with the benefits of relevance, timeliness, and trustworthiness that are accrued by making use of the networks. Secondly social capital facilitates the means through which the members in the network can be influenced and controlled, as well as freeing them up from that control. The other characteristic is the social solidarity. This arises when members of the group repetitively participate in the activities of the network. This brings about mutual trust and obligation. Individual learning Traditional human management practices emphasizes on individual learning as a means of enhancing the capacity of the organization. Due to the fact that knowledge is taken to be one of the important prerequisites of the success of the organization, it is important to adopt the right approaches to le arning. Individual learning can also be considered as means of effecting organizational leaning. Towards this end, it has been postulated that the individual learning should be continuous so as to enable the organization to respond to the changes in the environment. This is the only way in which the individual can remain relevant at the workplace (Aslam et al. 2011). It can be said that individual learning takes into account the needs of the individual students. Individual learning usually takes place on a one-on-one basis, whereby the trainer takes an individual through a particular lesson. Some of the factors that the trainer will need to take in consideration during training include: the learning environment, attitude, maturity, motivation, interests, and the pace of learning for the individual learners. Some of the advantages that are associated with individual learning include the fact that the learning process can be customized to respond to the needs of the different learners . Additionally, the learners are allowed to learn at a pace that is convenient for them. The learners can also determine the method and the information that they can learn. Organizational Learning Organizational learning can be considered to be the hallmark of an organization that is continuously adapting to respond to changes in the environment (Wan, Compeau Haggerty 2012). A learning organization is characterized by identification, storage and dissemination of knowledge throughout the organization. This learning is facilitated by the interactions that are forged in the organization. However, the learning process should not be a by-product of the normal activities of the organization. Instead, it should be part of a deliberate process that is intended to widen the knowledge base of the organization. Again, it must be realized that for the knowledge to benefit the entire organization, it must be stored in convenient manner and disseminated to the other members of the organization. In addition, knowledge will need to be transferred in a manner that is convenient and which enhances the understanding of the recipients. Another very important feature of learning organizations is that they learn from their mistakes. The organization must continuously learn to be able to respond to the challenges that are presented by changes. Failure to embrace learning will have the effect of rendering an organization obsolete as time goes by. Organization learning is a social process whereby interactions play a major role in the development of knowledge. Towards this end, the organization must have a culture and a set of values that are supportive of these interactions. A major difference between organizational learning and individual learning is that individual learning is intended to empower individuals while organizational learning is intended to benefit the entire organization. Organizational learning and adaptation from a systems perspective According to Yanow (2000), the s ystem approach advocates for cohesiveness and independency to permeate through out the structures of the organization. In such a scenario member of the organization will be in a position to work on common goals and achieve results by being committed. In addition, during the process of working on the goals, the members will continuously monitor the efficiency of the approach adopted. Moreover, the learning process should embrace diversity in that everybody in the organization should be committed to the realization of the goals of the organization. System approach investigates how our actions influence others and the learning process in general. This implies that human beings are interdependent on each other. Additional, the system approach has it that one should view the big picture in the problem solving process. This is contrary to the conventional approach whereby the problem is broken down into smaller pieces to facilitate easier problem solving. Failure to look at the big pictur e could have the effect of implementing solutions that could have negative effects on others as well as on the entire organization. KM related HR implications According to Pastor, Santana Sierra (2010), knowledge management is concerned with the identification, storage and the sharing of knowledge. On the other hand, human resource management is concerned with aspects such as recruitment training and hiring of employees. For this reason, knowledge management can have an impact on the training that is provided to the employees by the human resource department. Additionally, knowledge management challenges human resources management in aspects such as intellectual property, unit boundaries and professional identity. Consequently, the perception of the human resources on the issue of human resource development is shifted from that of capacity development to that of nurturing the necessary interactions within the organization, with a view to widening the knowledge base of the organizat ion. In addition, knowledge management helps the human resource management to organize training that is based on the identified areas in which the employees will need to be coached on. According to the knowledge based view, knowledge is the most important resource for the organization. Therefore, knowledge influences the competitiveness of the organization relative to that of the other organizations in the same industry. Moreover, knowledge is a key resource as well as a major basis for the sustainability of the organization. To ensure sustainability of the organization, there is need to adopt management practices that are sustainable. Therefore, it is apparent that knowledge management can play major role in enhancing the ability of the human resource management to adopt practices that are consistent with the sustainability issue. It must also be acknowledged that knowledge is very essential in enhancing innovation and creativity in the organization. According to the human resource management practices, a lot of emphasis is placed on the identification of the facilitators and the inhibitors of innovation in the organization. For this reason, some of the aspects that have been highlighted include: people, structure, organization size and the availability of resources. However, other approaches on the same issue have identified other factors that can influence the ability of the organization to innovate. Some of those other factors include: organizational environment, strategic type, and organizational climate and culture. This has major impact on the strategies employed by the human resources management to promote innovation within the organization as knowledge management advocates for the use of networking in the organization. Networking is very critical since it plays a major role in widening the knowledge base of the organization, which is very instrumental in enhancing the ability of the organization to innovate. Alternatively, the organization should enco urage the employees to have differing perceptions of the challenges posed to the organization. Conclusion Knowledge can be viewed as a very important asset that can determine the success or failure of the organization. This is particularly acute for the organizations in this fast changing business environment. An organization that embraces new knowledge and uses it for its advantage will be in a position to succeed. This implies that the right strategies need to be adopted to help in the accumulation and dissemination of the relevant knowledge. To facilitate the acquisition of knowledge the organization should encourage interactions among the members. These interactions can be facilitated by the use of technology and the adoption of the right values within the organization. Additionally, the organization should encourage the strengthening of the networks since they are more efficient that working individually. Reference List Ahmadi, F, Eskandari, E 2011, ‘knowledge management and social capital of organizational networks’, Interdisciplinary Journal Of Contemporary Research In Business, 3, 7, pp. 933-943, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost. Aslam, H, Javaid, T, Tanveer, A, Khan, M, Shabbir, F 2011, ‘a journey from individual to organizational learning.(Exploring the linking bridge: Team Learning)’, International Journal Of Academic Research, 3, 3, pp. 738-745, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost. Carlsson, SA 2003, ‘Knowledge managing and knowledge management systems in inter-organizational networks’, Knowledge Process Management, 10, 3, p. 194, Publisher Provided Full Text Searching File, EBSCOhost. Carlsson, SA 2004, ‘Strategic Knowledge Managing within the Context of Networks’, Handbook On Knowledge Management 1: Knowledge Matters, p. 623, Publisher Provided Full Text Searching File, EBSCOhost. Expà ³sito-Langa, M, Molina-Morales, F 2010, ‘How Relational Dimensions Affect Knowledge Redundancy in Industrial Clusters’, European Planning Studies, 18, 12, pp. 1975-1992, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost. Felà ­cio, J, Couto, E, Caiado, J 2012, ‘Human capital and social capital in entrepreneurs and managers of small and medium enterprises’, Journal Of Business Economics Management, 13, 3, pp. 395-420, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost. Huggins, R, Johnston, A 2009, ‘Knowledge Networks in an Uncompetitive Region: SME Innovation and Growth’, Growth Change, 40, 2, pp. 227-259, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost. Inkpen, A, Tsang, E 2005, ‘social capital, networks, and knowledge transfer’, Academy Of Management Review, 30, 1, pp. 146-165, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost. Keh-Luh, W, Chi, C, Chiu-Mei, T 2012, ‘integrating human resource management and knowledge management: from the viewpoint of core employees and organizational performance’, International Journal Of Organizational Innovation, 5, 1, pp. 109-13 7, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost. Lassen, C 2009, ‘networking, knowledge organizations and aeromobility’, Geografiska Annaler Series B: Human Geography, 91, 3, pp. 229-243, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost. Linh-Chi, V 2012, ‘Pragmatist Perspective on Knowledge and Knowledge Management in Organizations’, International Business Research, 5, 9, pp. 78-88, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost. Magnusson, MG 2004, ‘Managing the knowledge landscape of an MNC: knowledge networking at Ericsson’, Knowledge Process Management, 11, 4, pp. 261-272, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost. Pastor, I, Santana, M, Sierra, C 2010, ‘Managing knowledge through human resource practices: empirical examination on the Spanish automotive industry’, International Journal Of Human Resource Management, 21, 13, pp. 2452-2467, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost. Plum, O, Hassink, R 2011, ‘Comparing knowledge networking in different knowledge ba ses in Germany’, Papers In Regional Science, 90, 2, pp. 355-371, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost. Shannak, R, Masa’deh, R, Al-Zu’bi, Z, Obeidat, B, Alshurideh, M, Altamony, H 2012, ‘A Theoretical Perspective on the Relationship between Knowledge Management Systems, Customer Knowledge Management, and Firm Competitive Advantage’, European Journal Of Social Science, 32, 4, pp. 520-532, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost. Verburg, R, Andriessen, E 2011, ‘A typology of knowledge sharing networks in practice’, Knowledge Process Management, 18, 1, pp. 34-44, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost. Wan, Z, Compeau, D, Haggerty, N 2012, ‘The Effects of Self-Regulated Learning Processes on E-Learning Outcomes in Organizational Settings’, Journal Of Management Information Systems, 29, 1, pp. 307-340, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost. Yanow, D 2000, ‘Seeing Organizational Learning: A ‘Cultural’ View’, Organization, 7, 2, p. 247, Publisher Provided Full Text Searching File, EBSCOhost. This essay on Knowledge Networks Social Capital was written and submitted by user Amber K. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The PC of the future Major developments in the hardware and software Essay Example

The PC of the future Major developments in the hardware and software Essay Example The PC of the future Major developments in the hardware and software Essay The PC of the future Major developments in the hardware and software Essay To the present computers only they have left two generations more to be able to continue being at the same time smaller and more powerful, the two generations that calculate that they allow the present technologies of miniaturization of its basic circuits. The perspective of not being able to maintain this tendency does not please anything to the physicists and computer science technicians, reason why, supported by the great companies of the sector, are looking for new approaches completely for the computers of the future. No of these approaches appears simple but all are suggestive, although to risk to imagine one of these computers molecular, quantum or from DNA is still premature. Whatever it buys a computer nowadays knows that it will be obsolete in a pair of years. Now we give by seated the inexorable increase of the power of the computers. But that cannot follow eternally thus, at least, if the computers continue being based on the present technologies. Gordon Moore, cofounder of Intel and one of gurus of the technology of the information, anticipate that the existing methods of miniaturization only will offer two generations more of computers before its capacity is exhausted. In 1965, Moore made a prediction that was confirmed with amazing precision in the three following decades: the power of the computers would duplicate every 18 months. This increase has been due mainly to the more and more small size of the electronic components, so that every time a microprocessor or chip can be introduced more of them in. A modern chip of only half square centimeter contains many million tiny electronic components like the transistors. Each one measures less than one micron of diameter, more or less the hundredth part of the thickness of a human hair. These components are done basically of silicon, that the electricity leads, and of silicon dioxide, that is an insulator. In order to record cards of circuit in silicon microprocessors a called technique is used at the moment photolithograph, by means of which a polymer film forms on the layers of silicon or silicon dioxide that takes the scheme of the set of circuits. The pattern of the circuit records itself in the film of polymer exposing it to the light through a mask. Next chemical substances of engraving are applied that corrode the silicon material no protected. Limitation The size of the elements that can be created by means of this procedure is limited by the wavelength of the used light to fix the pattern. At the moment, they can get to only measure one-fifth part of one micron. But to create still more small electronic components up to one tenth part of one micron of diameter the manufacturers of microprocessors they will need to decide on a radiation of a shorter wavelength: the ultraviolet light of smaller length, x-rays or the electron beams of high energy. The great ones of the computers have still not been agreed on what class to choose, but, in any case, the costs of the development of the new technology and the later variation of the production process will be enormous. IBM, Motorola, Lucent Technologies and Lockheed Martin have been forced to collaborate in the development of the x-rays lithography. But the miniaturization is not limited solely by the photolithograph. Although can be devised methods to make transistors and other devices of a still smaller size, will continue working effectively? The law of Moore anticipates that, for year 2002, the smallest element of a silicon transistor, the insulator of the door, it will have a diameter of only 4 or 5 atoms. Will continue providing the necessary isolation this so fine layer? This question has been investigated recently by the physicist David Miller and his companions of Lucent Technologies. They used manufacture technologies outposts to obtain a silicon dioxide film of a thickness of 5 atoms that introduced between two silicon layers. In comparison, the commercial microprocessors have insulators of about 25 atoms of thickness. Miller and its companions discovered that its ultra thin insulating oxide no longer was able to isolate the silicon layers. The investigators calculated that an insulator of an inferior thickness to 4 atoms of wide would have so many losses that would be useless. In fact, due to the limitations to make smooth films, perfectly even insulating with the thickness double they would begin to break it if they made with the present methods. Therefore, the conventional silicon transistors will have reached their minimum operative dimensions in only one decade more or less. Many computer science technologists affirm that, at the moment, the silicon is what there is; but he can that what there is finishes soon. On the other hand, to try to imagine the computer of the future is to risk seeming as absurd as the science fiction of the Fifties. Nevertheless, judging by the present dreams of the technologists, we will be able to do without the plastic boxes and the silicon Chips. Some say that the computers will be looked more like organisms; their cables and switches will be compound of individual organic molecules. Others speak to practice computer science in a water bucket, sprinkled with fibers of DNA, the genetic material of the cells, or enriched with molecules that manipulate data like answer to the vibrations of radio waves. A thing seems safe: so that the computers have power more and more, their components, the basic elements of the logic circuits, will incredibly have to be tiny. If the present tendency to the miniaturization persists, these components will reach the size of individual molecules in less of a pair of decades, since we have seen. The scientists already are examining nanotubes called the carbon molecule use like cables of conventional molecular size that they can be used to connect component of silicon of solid state. The nanotubes of carbon can measure only a few millionth of millimeter, that is to say, few nanometers, that are equivalent to less than one tenth part of the diameter of cables smaller than they are possible to be recorded in the silicon Chips commercial. One is hollow pure carbon tubes, which are extremely strong and have the added attraction of which some of them lead the electricity. The scientists of the Stanford University in California have cultivated from nanotubes gas carbon methane that connect two terminals of electronic components. But the connection of cables is the easy part. Can the molecules process binary information? That is to say, they can combine sequences of bits (and zeros codified like electrical impulses in the present computers) like the doors logics composed of transistors and other devices of the silicon Chips? In a logic operation, some zeros and combinations in the entrance signals generate other combinations in the exit signals. This way, the data are compared, ordered, added, multiplied or manipulated of other forms. Individual molecules have carried out some operations logics, with the bits codified not like electrical impulses, but like impulses of light or other molecular components. For example, a molecule could unload a photon a luminous particle if it received a loaded metal atom and a photon of a different color, but not if it received only one of both. Nevertheless, nobody has a real idea of how connecting these molecules to a trustworthy and complex circuit that serves to calculate, an authentic molecular computer. Some detractors say that molecular computer science never will be viable. Calculations with DNA At the beginning of the Nineties, Leonard Adleman, of the University of California of the South, it proposed a form different to use molecules to calculate, and indicated that the data base of the own cell the DNA it is possible to be used to solve calculation problems. Adleman realized which the DNA basically a chain of four different molecular components or bases that act as a code of four letters of the genetic information is looked remarkably like the universal computer postulated in the Thirties by the mathematical genius Alan Turing, who stores binary information in a tape. Different chains from bases can voluntarily be programmed in synthetic DNA fibers using the techniques of the modern biotechnology; and later these fibers can be generated, be cut and be assembled in enormous amounts. Could be used these methods to convince to the DNA that it calculated like a machine of Turing? Adleman saw that the system of the DNA could be specially apt to solve minimization problems, like for example finding the route shortest to connect several cities. This kind of problems is one of which it more costs to them to solve to the conventional computers, since the number of possible routes increases very quickly as more cities are included. A current computer takes much in examining all those options. But if each possible solution is codified in a DNA fiber, the problem does not seem so terrible, because a simple one even picks of DNA contains many trillions of molecules. So that only it is necessary to separate the DNA fibers that they have codified the best solution. This can be done using biotechnological methods that recognize specific short sequences of the bases of a fiber of ADN. This procedure is not more than a slightly little orthodox form to find a solution: in the first place, to find all the solutions possible and later to use operations logics to choose the correct one. But, as everything happens parallelly all the possible solutions are created and examined to the same time the process it can be very fast. The calculation by DNA has been demonstrated in principle, but it has still not been proven that solves problems that a conventional computer cannot solve. It seems more apt for a quite specific set of problems, like the minimization and the codification that like method of calculation for questions of all type. The quantum world Already in the Sixties, some computer science scientists noticed themselves of where he took the miniaturization to them: towards the quantum kingdom, where the non-logical rules of the quantum mechanics govern the behavior of the matter. As the conventional devices of the circuits become smaller, the quantum effects become a more and more important aspect of their behavior. It could be feasible, were asked, turn this possible complication an advantage? This suggestion gave fruit in the Eighties, when the physicists began to observe kindly how he could operate a computer under the influence of the quantum mechanics. What they discovered was that it could win enormously in speed. The crucial difference between processing information in the quantum world and the classic one is that first he is not black and white. In a classic computer, all the bits of information are or a thing or another one: or a 1 or a 0. But a quantum bit, qubit, can be a mixture of both. The quantum objects can exist in a superposition of states that is classically exclusive, like the famous cat of Schrà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½dinger that is not nor alive, nor dead, but in a superposition of the two things. This means that a series of quantum switches objects in defined quantum states good, as atoms in different states from excitation have enough more configurations of qubits than the corresponding classic series of bits. For example, whereas a classic memory of three bits can store only one of the eight possible configurations of and zeros, the corresponding quantum series can store the eight, in a superposition of states. This multiplicity of states gives to the quantum computers enough more power and, therefore, enough more speed, than to its classic companions. But, in fact, to shape these ideas in a physical device supposes an extraordinary challenge. A quantum superposition of states is a thing very delicate, and difficult to maintain, mainly if it is extended by an enormous set of logical elements. Once this superposition begins to interact with its surroundings, it begins to collapse and the environs lose the quantum information. Some investigators think that this problem will return quantum computer science to great scale in which great amounts of data are manipulated in multitude of steps impossibly delicate and difficult to handle. But the problem has been lessen in the last years by the development of algorithms that will allow working to the quantum computers, in spite of the small errors introduced by this type of losses. MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SOFTWARE Introduction Software Engineering is not a 100% science. All the algorithms are made after the logical, the political and the personal surroundings of the programmer. To talk about the future of software, we have to know a few historical facts. After that, we will have to choose our side of the software wars, between those who defend the open source code policy, and the close source policy. The Software wars Internet would not exist without free software. In the years the 60 Bell labs already yielded the source code of his just invented Operating system UNIX, and from that time last to the last version of the Linux nucleus, the history of software has been based on the exchange of information. The fundamental base of the revolution of the society-network is that interchange that is constructing the movement of the Open Code. A field of the technologies of the information and the communication is free software that surely does not have decrease problems. It is a movement that every time is become greater and than it has had in these last years an extraordinary advance. The statistics usually are eloquent. The last year a 50 percent of the software developers already had thought migrating their developments to Open Code. As powerful applications as the suite of computer science Star Office de Sun or the technology of servant in streaming of Real Networks have served like motor tractor of so many other known applications less than also they are being directed towards the free development of his code. The force of this revolution in computer science and the telecommunications is represented by values and a philosophy unknown until the moment. It is the force of the community and the work in group after resolving tasks and objectives that they acquire of by himself a special value in the developers, which are compensated of a no-pecuniary form that was unsuspected until now at the time in which already the protestant ethics has prevailed anywhere in the world western and the values of the work that takes prepared. Students of the technologies and their implications like M. Castells, R. Stallman, P. Himannen, L. Torvalds and Jesus G. Barahona speak to us constantly of the possibilities that open homo digitalis to him to the future reach more knowledge in thanks to the adoption of agreed policies with the founders of this movement based on sharing the code and the knowledge by the mutual good. The movement represented by the Free Software Foundation is something that goes beyond the mere election of policies of development of new Technologies of the Information and the Communication. When bet by the development in opened code, the adoption of standards and the support to free operating systems, is being affected the knowledge of the members of the digital society and not in the mere support to the consumption of computer science by the fact that it is acceded to his use, immediately. In a digital society the use is so important as the knowledge of the tools and the development of these since he is this indeed what gives to be able to the citizens and the organizations. With the adoption of computer science policies based on free software knowledge of networks and code also occurs to the users, with which they can take a fundamental paper from nonpassive actors in the digital revolution. But everything what represents east movement is not compatible with the policies of the great company that nowadays exerts the worldwide control of computer science (Microsoft). The company of the State of Washington is being with most of the souls of the users worldwide population of the Network and the tools of office software and operating systems of workstations. He is this something undeniable, like also it must be for the administrations the systems by which these companies are going to remove data from the users to create profiles and data bases that to knowing where they will finish someday. Being the one of Redmond (Microsoft) a company of a nation that prohibits the safe encriptation to 1024 bits for its subjects, how we are going to have the users of the planet confidence in the security policies that apparently are going to us to sell. And that is thus, although until the own Department of Defense of the U.S.A. trusts in the Open Source and its systems of encriptation, an d it uses itself them. On the contrary, the one that already has proven version XP of Microsoft well knows what is the control via network of the data of the user and its number MAC of computer. And before it, little people have left to fight against those policies. The networks of laboratories of hackers and other groupings of people who affect the education of the free software tools which they are based on the knowledge necessary to maintain servants, to publish without censorship, to develop programs, to give courses of computer science, etc. are an alternative that already is giving its fruits. Gurus of the digital era has full name that goes united to these movements in some stage of their life. The father of all this form to think is Richard Stallman and the most well known image is the one of Linux Torvalds, who not long ago occurred the prize him to the best European industrialist. Linux and Richard are the pieces key in all this revolution based on the freedom, the work in-group via network and the pure satisfaction by the made work. The competition which they can exert certain companies of little is going to be worth before this movement which it is essential for the technologies based on the side of the servant, and will have to ente r itself in him, since it has made IBM and Sun to begin to include/understand his potential and to remove benefit from it. To put a simile, we imagine that the community of doctors and medicine investigators worldwide worked in network sharing their knowledge at any moment of the day and received as it compensates the solution at the moment to all the problems that appeared to them. With this system many of the present diseases would be already for a long time eradicated. In addition, in this example, the professionals with great tied pays to policies of maximum secret in the laboratories of investigation little would have to say before the greater force than she acquires the movement developed by the Network and that the knowledge has its base in sharing. Those that the difference between languages and free development systems like PHP know about, ZOPE, Perl, etc know well until where it is possible to be arrived with the free code. However, those that only know proprietary and clo sed technologies hardly will be able to get to watch the future, since they go to a technological slavery. Conclusion Computer science is a complex science but of which people create. Much people do not know that it is a science with two branches different one from the other, but employees. The architecture of the computer and software to be able to use it are very important. But all their possible uses are so many, that specialists are needed, like in the medicine, of each one of their parts. There per 1947, when the transistor was invented, and when Jaquard (1804) designed a loom that performed predefined tasks through feeding punched cards into a reading contraption; nobody imagined how quickly that it would take to get the nowadays supercomputers.

Comparison of the works of Caravaggio and of one of his followers Essay

Comparison of the works of Caravaggio and of one of his followers - Essay Example The figure of Jesus Christ can hardly be noticed in the painting. He has been portrayed as a young man wearing very simple clothes and no shoes. The faint halo over his head is the only feature that helps an onlooker to distinguish him from the other figures around him. His posture also seems very noble and gracious, and in a way indicates his divinity by suggesting his command over the ray of light entering the room. The â€Å"Calling of St. Matthew† is a grand and multi-figured composition that can be partitioned into two sides. The figures on the left side of the painting constitute a horizontal rectangle, while the remaining two figures on the right constitute a vertical rectangular block. The basis of demarcation between the two sides of the painting is the clothing of the characters. The index of Jesus pointing at Matthew serves as a line of demarcation between the two sides of light and shadow. Another marked feature is Caravaggio's use of lighting technique or tenebris m that he used to add a dramatic element to his images. This discretionary use of light and shadow effects helped his characters to appear more natural, lively and identifiable. The artist has thrown a diagonal light from a high window across the wall over the main figures and left the rest in the shadow. This technique, known as cellar lighting, helps to highlight some of the features, emotions and actions of the protagonists in the painting. Caravaggio has filled his canvas with vivid colors and hues from his palette.

Managerial Organization Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Managerial Organization Assignment - Essay Example The attention of numerous buyers made some hidden truths to depict. The interpretation and treatment of financial accounts was breaching the accounting standards. To make the financial statements appear profitable, WorldCom increased the value of assets by charging and recording its expenses as assets, this reduced the expenses, and the factual figures became attractive. The managers manipulated the receivable figures as well and chose to ignore the evidences relating to receivables. By doing so, the debt figure went down and provisions started to move significantly high resulting in high earnings. The good will of the company and the brand name was deliberately increased with considerable values. The management was awarding high bonuses on the performances and executives were given heavy loans on the terms of repayment were not decided. The above facts resulted in the shutdown of operation and closure of WorldCom (Info Center, 2007). The organizational theories are the best practices were developed to facilitate the companies and management in order run the organization on the designed path and to evaluate the performance of the company as per the universal framework, the theory. In the case of WorldCom, many organizational theories could have supported in the detection of corporate failure in the initial stages. Few of the theories will be discussed in this research report. The Theory of Ethics provides guideline regarding the ethical behaviours and means to retain those behaviours in the organization’s culture. This theory focuses on multiple aspects of the organization. It caters the idea of building and enhancing employee trust, fair play, and competition, Transparency in business practices, and reducing the work waste (Lister, 2010). To build up employee trust the organizational theory of ethics suggests focusing on the working environment and the

Disscision questions american history Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Disscision questions american history - Essay Example A separate village, ten miles away, was established due to the large inflow of inhabitants in the town. The villagers were unhappy with the governance of the town and demanded independence from the town. The town authority, however, did not want to lose the fertile taxable province and resented their demand. There was revolt against the ministers appointed by the town from 1672-1688. During this time, three ministers presided over the affairs of the village. During the reign of the fourth minister, there was widespread revolt against the town’s involvement in the affairs of the village. The priests of various New England colonies began to accuse Salem of revolting against the will of God. In 1692, the first traits of witchcraft appeared against these socioeconomic uneasiness, affecting the children. The family of the minister was the first to be deceased. The difference between the town and village and their urge to gain independence were the prime factors in the spread of wit chcraft in the region. (Trask) The US economy would have crumbled if not for the efforts of visionaries like Alexander Hamilton and James Madison. Hamilton arrived in the scene of American politics in its nascent stage in 1787. The previous Article was put up for discussion in 1787 by the thirteen states. Hamilton, representing New York, proposed the election of Governors and senators, which were opposed by the other members. A separate constitution was proposed with the powers being vested on executive, judicial and legal branches. Most of the states did not sign on it. At this juncture, Hamilton with James Madison and John Jay wrote 85 essays known as â€Å"The Federalist†. The essays underlined the importance of the constitution and they played an important part in achieving the support from the states. Hamilton met again in the next convention and persuaded other states to sign on

Analyse And Discuss The Concept Of Structural Violence Politics Essay

Analyse And Discuss The Concept Of Structural Violence Politics Essay to what extent it explains international conflicts. Although structural violence does lead to conflict, it has had minimal effect on international conflicts. Structural violence has been a major factor in numerous internal or regional conflicts. The genocide in Rwanda and the Maoists Movement in Nepal are examples of structural violence that has led to an internal conflict. Another example is the Chinese suppression of the Tibetan peoples. Any attempts by the Tibetans to protest or challenge the rule of the Chinese in an attempt to gain independence from Chinese rule is met with swift violent retaliation. (Walsh, J. 2007) The two truly international conflicts were not started by a system of structured violence, but by deliberate planned actions of countries and their leaders to go to war. As a result of these wars systems were put in place that were structural and designed to suppress and repress social groups as well as the wholesale murder of people. Although conflicts between neig hboring countries are considered international conflicts, I have classified these as regional conflicts and used the First and Second World wars as examples of truly international conflicts. Structural violence was a term first banded around in the 1960s by liberation theologians and in particular by Johan Galtung, who used it to describe social, economic, political, legal, religious and cultural structures that stop individuals, groups and societies from reaching their full potential. (Farmer, P, 2006) Staugstad goes further when he explains that Structural violence is violence that does not hurt or kill through fists or guns or nuclear bombs, but through social structures that produce poverty, death and enormous suffering. Structural violence may be political, repressive, economic and exploitative; it occurs when the social order directly or indirectly causes human suffering and death. (Staugstad, A. 2001) These are two examples of the definition of structural violence. To better understand we need to dissect the term structural violence into its two separate parts. In this context the word structured relates to the social structures that are imposed on peoples, societ ies, religious groups and others causing them to be discriminated against and forced to live as second class human beings. These structures can take many forms but all suppress one particular group, for example a religious group, an ethnic group, or a group based on gender or sexual orientation. (Staugstad, A. 2001) The word violence when used in this context does not mean a physical form of violence but describes the imposition of rules and regulations and social structures that lead to all forms of abuse and poverty which in turn can lead to humiliation and death. Structural violence is systemic, it is not directly violent yet imposes such discriminatory rules and regulations that forces people into poverty and lives of extreme hardship, which can lead to death. Sometimes the social structures that are the root cause of structural violence can be age old traditions or rules or acts of legislation that when introduced may not have been seen as harmful by those who imposed them except to maintain control over the populace. When they were introduced those who imposed the legislation had ultimate control or power over the peoples through various means, such as slavery, bonded labor, debt, and education to name a few. (Gilman, R. 1983) Structural violence can also be viewed in two different ways, both vertical (political repression and economic exploitation) as well as horizontally (distance and alienation). The institutionalised structures of a country can enforce structural violence, by causing a gap between those that have or hold power over others and those that do not, as well as a social structure (classism) that separates the groups and creates a social distancing. This social distancing maybe because of economic separation, religious, ethnic or cultural, all of these factors create or reinforce structural violence. (Galtung, J. 1995) The vertical aspect of structural violence highlights those political policies such as segregation which lead to repressive measures designed to force a group in society to become second class citizens. Economic exploitation works hand in hand with political repression when certain social groups are barred from holding jobs of influence and status. I intend to break Structural Violence down into component parts and explain each one and how they have the potential to lead to conflict. Racism is an example of structural violence as it can be the result of discriminatory practices and entrenched legislation that place one segment of the population as a lower class citizen than the others and enforces rules and regulations on them to ensure that they stay as second class citizens. One of the most visible faces of racism was in the United States where until 1866 slavery was an accepted way of doing business for a large portion of the population. This racism was not only confined to the enslaving of Black Africans but also included discriminatory practices against the native American Indians, African Americans (slaves or decedents of) Asians, Italians and Mexicans to name a few. The 1964 Civil Rights Act made racial discrimination in public places, such as theaters, restaurants and hotels, illegal. It also required employers to provide equal employment opportunities. Projects involving federal funds could now be cut off if there was evidence of discriminated based on c olor, race or national origin. This Act was the cornerstone of the bid to completely eliminate segregation and other discriminatory practices in public places. (United States Department of Justice, 1964) Although the Civil Rights movement who were advocating for a change in the law which would allow equal rights to all, was at times violent it never evolved into fully fletched internal conflict. This example shows that policies in place at the time contributed to structural violence, however as large as the problem was it never expanded to an international level of conflict, the conflict remained low level and internal. South Africa is another and more visible country to be recognised for its racist policies. Laws were introduced in 1948 which segregated inhabitants into four racial groups, white, blacks, colored and Indian Residential areas were segregated, a segregation which at times was achieved by forced removals of non whites. From 1958, Blacks were deprived of their citizenship of South Africa, legally becoming citizens of one of ten tribally based self-governing homelands called Bantustans, four of which became nominally independent states. The government also segregated education, medical care, and other public services, and provided black people with services inferior to those of whites. South Africa used harsh measures to suppress the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa with the police and the armed forces in an armed struggle with movements such as the African National Congress (ANC) as they tried to enforce and maintain white supremacy in South Africa. (Fredrickson, G. 2003) The Sou th African military were also prominent in several neighboring countries trying to fight the spread of communism in Angola, which was another example of structural violence where conflicts arose due to political ideologies. Although at times the racial tensions created by the practice of apartheid were extremely violent the, conflicts were internal or confined to small scale regional conflicts. They never developed into a wider international conflict. Although the anti-apartheid movement had a huge global following which used actions such as trade embargos to try to pressure the South African government into ending its apartheid regime. It was not until 1994 that an open election was held that allowed all South Africans to vote regardless or color, or race. The legacy of the apartheid period still influences South Africa today especially in the areas of economics and trade. (Thompson, L. 1996) Another example of structural violence that is not as visible and recognised is the caste system found in several East Asian countries like India, Pakistan and Nepal. The caste system was described in Hinduisms ancient sacred text, the Rig Veda, as a social order intended to maintain harmony in society. It divides people into four main castes, but there also are those outside the system, the untouchables, who now call themselves Dalits, literally broken people. (George, N. 2010) Though discrimination based on caste has been outlawed since Indias constitution was adopted in 1950, the practice pervades society today. The caste system is an example of your place of birth dictating your social and economic standing. The caste system segregates a section of society from other and denies people their rights to be treated as equals in all areas of life. However although in the countries mentioned above racism and discrimination have led to violence and internal confrontation and conflict, it has not been influential in creating an international level conflict. Galtung defines cultural violence as being those aspects of culture, the symbolic sphere of our existence, exemplified by religion, ideology, language, art and empirical science. (Galtung, 1990, pg 291) He goes on to explain that these structures can be used to justify direct and structural violence. Galtung tries to illustrate that societys norms of behavior can be used as structured violence. Things that are seen as wrong can be colored to make them look normal or socially acceptable in that society. He uses a mathematical formula to demonstrate that the higher your social status the greater your life expectancy, the lower your social status the shorter your life expectancy will be. In most cases this is because the structure is weighted in favor of one particular race or group of peoples. Because of this those that have greater access will benefit from the services that the social structure provides (affluent) where-as those that do not enjoy such access are not able to benefit an d there-by suffer. This suffering leads to poverty and suffering which brings with it the potential for diseases and other problems that affect the poor or repressed. When conditions like this exist it then leads to disharmony amongst the repressed and becomes the breeding ground for dissent and resentment of those who are seen as benefiting from the social structures. (Galtung, 1969) An example of this can be seen in those post colonial countries such as Sierra Leone and Liberia, where once the slaves were returned to these countries from the USA and Great Britain and told they are now free, set up cultures and structures where they were the masters. They copied what they had only ever seen which was the way their masters had lived and ruled the freed slaves copied these ways and adopted them as their own. These returned slaves were on the whole not from either of these countries and both countries had existing indigenous populations, whom were force to accept these freed slaves into their country. As they were not from either of these two countries they bought with them their own beliefs and culture that differed from that of the indigenous population. This imposition of outside cultures and beliefs only adds to any resentment held by the indigenous peoples. As mention above the freed slaves copied the ways they had observed from their masters and began to see that this way of living and doing things was the norm or accepted way (affluent). This in turn caused friction with the indigenous population, (repressed) which after a period of time led to small scale conflict and later to a larger internal conflict which have until recently was still being fought. (History World, 2010) Although the USA and Great Britain had good intentions, when they repatriated ex slaves the consequences have been terrible for both countries. It also highlights what Galtung was eluding to when he wrote about cultural violence as a form of structural violence. The freed slaves took on the role of master in both countries and the indigenous population became the repressed citizens in their own country. This led to discontent and finally to conflict. The conflict in each country was internal to both countries with limited involvement from neighboring countries, and although humanitarian support was provided by the international community the conflict remained localised. In recent years food security has been identified as a potential flashpoint for conflict. When he wrote in the Journal of Peace Research in 1990, Galtung introduced the topic of violence against nature as a form of structural violence. He may have been musing about the future, however twenty years later the structured systems of countries that have seen vast tracts of land slashed and burned in the name of sustainable economic growth (Galtung, 1990, pg 294) has caused the depletion of non-renewable resources. Large areas of land are stripped of vegetation to allow for the expansion of agricultural land and for mineral resources such as timber, oil and gas. These actions by governments have marginalised those groups whom have traditionally worked these lands or lived in the forest areas. These groups are now forced to abandon their traditional ways and be moved into makeshift towns where they are denied their rights to hunt and fish on their ancestral lands. An example of this is in B razil and other countries where the Amazon forest stretches across their borders. This forest is rapidly being cut down to make way for mineral exploration and the expansion of agricultural land. By doing this the government are forcing the indigenous peoples to withdraw further into the forests or forcing them to live in makeshift shanty towns which impose on them a lifestyle they are not used to or adapted for. Because of the size of the Amazon forest and its influence on the global environmental system, any interference with the forest will have environmental effects globally. This combined with at times contested idea that global pollution has influenced the global weather patterns and led to global warming. This global warming has interfered with the traditional weather systems and affected crops and animal production to such as extent that it has created a whole new group of disadvantaged peoples. (Rainforest Action Network, 2007) When examined what is happening as a result of planned government and global initiatives in industry and in the name of sustained economic growth is a form of structured violence. This can be further explain at country level as well, with those countries that have mineral wealth or those countries that are able to afford to access to the mineral wealth and those countries that cannot afford access to minerals or as a result of exploitation are drifting further into poverty and deprivation. Galtungs observation twenty years ago has proven to be valid today and could possibly be the catalyst for conflict in the future. If we examine the origins of the only two truly international conflicts the First and Second World Wars we will see that it was not the due to systematic structural violence. The events that led to the commencement of international conflict were not as a direct result of structural violence. In the case of the First World War, an assassination of an heir to the throne of the Austria-Hungary empire by a group of student idealists whom at the time of the actual assassination not intending to kill the Archduke Ferdinand, but were instead more focused on the assassination of Governor Potiorek and only at the last moment did the target switch to the Archduke. (Sowards, S.1996) Although the assassination was politically motivated it was perpetrated by a small group of idealist young men. The months between the assassination of the Archduke and the declaration of hostilities which led to a rapid chain reaction of events as countries were drawn into the conflict through existing alliances. (FirstWorldWar.com) This lapse in time shows that it was a more deliberate action to go to war, than an immediate reaction to the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand. (Sowards, 1996) The event that sparked the start of the Second World War was the German invasion of Poland, whom was an ally of both Britain and France. Prior to the invasion of Poland, Hitler and the Nazis had for many years previously articulated in speeches and propaganda of the need for race and space These concerns centered on the importance of racial purity (Aryan race) and on the need for a nation to be prepared to compete with its neighbors in a brutal, uncompromising and ceaseless struggle to survive and to expand. (Henig, R. 1997) Why Hitler hated the Jewish population so much still remains a mystery. What led him to order the extermination of millions of Jews is still open to debate. Hitler and the Nazis were racists and persecuted many different groups in societies such as homosexuals, which led to the killing of homosexuals regardless of their race or origins. The drive for a pure Aryan race was before the war only rhetoric, it was not until the war started that structures were put in p lace to suppress and kill millions of Jews and others. It was not structured violence that led to the Second World War, as the structures were put in place as the war started. (Minorityrights.com). As horrific as these wars were they were not started as a direct of structural violence, however when conflict started the policies and regimes that were put in place ensured that millions suffered. These events are examples of structural violence. Structural violence as has been indicated above has been and is still a major part of todays societies. Not all structural violence ends up in conflict, such as the rules in countries such as Saudi Arabia, where it is forbidden for women to drive a car. This type of entrenched structural violence continues today in many different parts of the world. Racism and Cultural violence are two of the more visible forms of structural violence we see or hear about. These forms of structural violence have their roots in the past in areas such as slavery and ethnic divisions. A new area of structural violence offered by Galtung was that of the structural violence against nature or the environment. This concept although new has gained new importance in the modern era when areas such as food security and environmental degradation are gaining global importance. Although environmental structural violence has not led to global conflict it is responsible for many small internal conflicts as the indigenous inhabitants of the lands or forests fight to keep their lands and waters from being taken from them in the name sustainable economic growth. As demonstrated above structural violence has led to many internal or regional conflicts, but has not been directly responsible for the starting of major international conflicts such as the First and Second World Wars. The extent that structural violence has had on international conflict is small. Structural violence is responsible for many internal or regional based conflicts, but they have not spread to a truly international conflict. I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use. -Galileo  Galilei.  Italian  astronomer,  mathematician,  and  physicist  (1564-1642)

Ethical Analysis of Online Gambling Essay -- Gamblers Addictions Essay

Ethical Analysis of Online Gambling Introduction Open up your email over a long weekend and you’ll likely find a plethora of online casino advertisements. â€Å"Welcome Bonus up to $150 free!† Ask the traditional land based casino gambler on whether he would gamble online and his first reaction would likely be â€Å"Are you nuts?† When gambling at land based casinos, games are likely to be fair because the consequences of cheating by casino operators are disastrous. Casinos found to offer rigged games will lose their gambling licenses permanently. Land based casino gamblers are also virtually guaranteed that any winnings they accumulate will be paid out. However, Internet casinos are generally unregulated and offer neither of these guarantees. Nevertheless, online gambling has garnered a huge global audience. Online casinos cater to the lucrative market of stay-at-home bettors who only need a bank account and Internet access in order to participate in online gambling. However, online gambling presents unique ethical problems to society. Background The Internet has opened the gambling industry to a whole new range of consumers. Most states in the United States have some form of legal gambling, ranging from state lotteries to bingo. However, in order to participate in the more exotic casino games such as blackjack, poker, and slots, you used to have to travel all the way to Nevada, Indian reservations, or gambling boats. Today all you have to do is install casino software on your computer and you can experience online gambling in the comfort of your own home. Some online casinos offer games on web sites, so you don’t even have to install anything. Gamblers no longer need to fly to Las Vegas in order to play slots. .. ...tte, <http://www.gamblingpress.com/archive/2003/02/gamblingpress0016.htm> (13 Feb, 2003). 29. "Voters Approve A Lottery", <http://www.calottery.com/about.asp>, (6 Nov, 1984). 30. "Sector Report: onling gambling", NetImperitive, <http://www.netimperative.info/pdf/onlinegamblingfinal.pdf>, (May 2002). 31. Spinello, Richard A., Frameworks for Ethical Analysis, <http://cseserv.engr.scu.edu/NQuinn/COEN288/framework.pdf>. 32. Pastore. 33. Locke, John, The Second Treatise of Civil Government, <http://www.constitution.org/jl/2ndtr05.txt>, (1690). 34. Declaration of Independence, <http://www.archives.gov/exhibit_hall/charters_of_freedom/declaration/declaration_transcription.html>, (4 Jul, 1776). 35. Longstreet, Stephen, Win or Lose: A Social History of Gambling in America (Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill, 1997), p. 31. 36. Ibid., p. 37.

Bata Proposal

Proposal For The Student Internship Report Semester: Fall 2012 Title of the Report: Automation and Update of the Employee Profile in BATA Shoe Co. (BD) Ltd. Rationale for Selecting the Report: I am Doing my internship in BATA shoe Co. (BD) Ltd. and currently working in the department of Human Resource Management. As BATA is a production based company and the company has to deal with man power frequently and in a huge amount. And for managing this huge man power HRD plays a huge role. And one of the biggest company in our country and in the world they are practicing Human resource Management for a long time.As they are practicing it for a long time now, previously they were doing the operations of HR in manual way but by time they got into Automation. They were keeping the data into HRIS software for a long now but in the old HRIS software many fields were missing and now they have decided to develop new HRIS software and add some new fields to it which is very important for the organ ization. By this new software they will get fully updated HRIS software with new information about all the employees, so that they will e able to use it whenever they need.And now I am helping the HR department of BATA to update the employee profile by assisting them to fill up the employee information field and collect the up-to-date information about all the employees of the organization. And giving input into the software. I think this will help me understand the process how HRIS of BATA shoe Co. (BD) Ltd. Works and how it will help the organization as well as the department of HR. it is to see how they manage the personnel through this HRIS software. Background of BATA Shoe: Bata Ltd. is a privately owned global shoe manufacturer and retailer headquartered in Ontario, Canada.The company is led by a third generation of the Bata family. With An operation in 68 countries, Bata is organized into four business units. Bata Canada, based In Toronto, serves the Canadian market with 250 stores. Based in Paris, Bata Europe Serves the European market with 500 stores. With supervision located in Singapore, Bata International boasts 3,000 stores to serve markets in Africa, the Pacific, and Asia, Finally, Bata Latin America, operating out of Mexico City, sells footwear throughout Latin America. All told, Bata owns more than 4,700 retail stores and 46 production facilities.Total employment for the company exceeds 50,000. 1894: The Bata family establishes a company in Zlin, located in what is now the Czech Republic. 1932: Founder Tomas Bata dies in an airplane accident. 1939: The Company relocates to Canada after the movement of German military forces Into Eastern Europe. 1945: Czechoslovakia business operations are nationalized by the new communist Government following World War II. 1991: Bata returns to the Czech Republic following fall of the communist regime. 1994: Thomas J. Bata, the son of the company's founder, retires. 1962: Started in Bangladesh 2001: Thomas J. B ata, Jr. becomes chairman and CEO. Bata Bangladesh is affiliated to the Bata Shoe Organization, the world's largest footwear Manufacturing and marketing organization.Started operation in Bangladesh in 1962, Incorporation in Bangladesh in 1972. Currently, Bata Bangladesh operates 2 manufacturing plant Tongi and Dhamrai, Bata Bangladesh is producing around 110,000 pairs of shoes daily. It has a modern tannery With the latest technological facilities to process 5 million square feet of leather yearly. Objectives: General Objectives: The general objective of the internship report is to learn how the HRIS works in the BATA Shoe Co. BD) Ltd. and the organizational behavior how the corporate culture works in the organization. I can also compare the practical and theoretical knowledge of Human Resource Management and HRIS. Specific Objectives: †¢It will help me to complete my undergraduate program †¢I will be able to know the HR process of BATA †¢It will also be useful for me to understand about the HRIS in BATA. Submitted By: Name of the Student (Intern): Fahmi Rahmat Nawaz ID No# 09-14444-2 Major: Human Resource Management (HRM) Date: 07-11-2012 Action by the Supervisor: Approved: Disapproved: Approved With Revision:

Personality Theories

Introduction The purpose of this essay is to review theories that have been linked and discussed in regards to personality. It aims to define personality, summarize the main ideas across different articles, pointing out the strengths and weaknesses that are in the articles. It also links my personal experience of personality traits to the theory of personality. The essay begins by defining personality from different articles and books, then analyzing critically the key definitions. Furthermore the essay discusses the relationship between personality and job performance and the relationship between personality and motivation. The essay contains a reflective writing section, based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, a theory of motivation and personality, in which my personal experience is discussed. Definitions The word personality has many definitions across many fields, in different articles. Hogan and Holland (2003), defines personality as the unique pattern of psychological and behavioral characteristics by which each person can be distinguished from other people. This means each person’s characteristics are different from the other, and people are unique beings. Unlike Griffin (2007), who suggests that personality is understood by some people to mean self concept, by others, the consensus of other people’s opinions about one’s character, and by others, one’s true character. This definition is vague and over simplistic. It places individuals in single categories, ignoring the fact that every personality represents a unique combination of qualities. Walter (1986) goes on further to look at personality from two angles, the actors view and the observers view. Personality from the actors view is a person’s identity, which is defined in terms of the strategies a person uses to pursue acceptance and status, identity controls and actors social behavior. Personality from the observers view is a person’s reputation, and it is defined in terms of trait evaluations-conforming, helpful, talkative, competitive, calm, curious and so forth. However, the common trait on the definitions is restored on the following definitions. Griffin (2007) defines personality as the relatively stable set psychological attributes that distinguish one person from the other. This is often referred to as the long standing debate often expressed as nature versus nurture, that people’s personality is shaped by both inheritance and environment. The next definition implores a new trait that of interaction with others. It is suggested that personality is the term used to describe the overall combination of characteristics or traits that reflect the nature of a person and the way they react to and interact with others (De Janasz, Wood, Gottschalk & Schneider, 2006). Here the authors suggest that personality determinants appear to be shaped by inheritance, environmental and situational factors. Hellriegel and Slocum (2006) also define personality as the overall profile or combination of stable psychological attributes that capture the unique nature of a person. This definition suggests that personality combines a set of physical and mental characteristics that reflect how a person looks thinks, acts and feels. Hellriegel and Slocum’s definition contains two important ideas, the first being what sets people apart and what they have in common and the second refers to personality as being stable and happening overtime. The relationship between personality and job performance Since 1990 analytical reviews have shown that personality measures are useful predictors of job performance. Although these results represent a substantial revision in how applied psychology views personality assessment (cf. Guion & Gottier, 1965; Locke & Hulin, 1962), there is still no agreed theoretical account for the findings. A theory of individual differences in work effectiveness that links assessment to performance would enhance the value of personality measures for forecasting occupational outcomes. The current study organized criterion measures into the broad themes of getting along and getting ahead, and big five personality categories (Hogan & Roberts, 2001). The results suggest that there is some practical utility for the theory driven research. Nevertheless, some researchers have criticized the big five factors as an incomplete taxonomy and have suggested that important relationships are obscured when analysis is limited to the big five rather than a seven factor model. Tellgen & Waller (1987) found seven factors, five of which corresponded to the big five and two additional factors. This goes on to show that more extensive research is needed and current theories are not enough to draw conclusions from. However, research related to personality has recently clarified the utility of using personality variables for predicting job performance. This research by (Barrick & Mount, 1991; Hough, 1992; Salgado 1997) has demonstrated that personality constructs are indeed associated with work performance. Other traits are correlated with specific occupations. However, very little research has examined the mechanisms through which personality traits influence performance. Barrick and Mount (1991) found autonomous goal setting, and to a lesser extent goal setting, to mediate relationships between measures of job proficiency and supervisory ratings of job performance and sales volume for sales representatives. Organizational researchers have long been interested in relationships between personality traits and job performance. With the resurgent interest in theories of personality and the discovery of the big five model structure, research in this area has flourished. Researchers of personality and performance studies frequently make the implicit assumption that performance is a stable construct and thus rely on cross sectional and one time measures of performance to capture something that by its very nature unfolds across time. In depth studies have shown that the relationship between personality and performance measures have been the norm despite longstanding evidence that performance is dynamic (Bass, 1962). *The relationship between personality* and motivation Personality has had an uneven history in work motivation research. Most researchers would implicitly agree that there are individual differences in motivation, and these differences can be traced to dispositional tendencies. In response to a question about what is known in regards to individual differences in motivation, Austin and Klein (1996) commented, â€Å"Despite studies addressing individual differences within each of the perspectives, a considerable amount of research is needed before precise statements can be made about their role†. Gellatly (1996) noted that†attempts to empirically link personality characteristics with motivational variables have produced inconsistent results†. This is a result of lack of theoretical progress and conceptual clarity in the motivational area itself. However, motivational research has made substantial theoretical progress and with respect to the theory for which the most progress has been made it is not clearly defined. As Locke, Shawn, Saari and Latham (1981) noted in their seminal review, the only consistent thing about studies of individual differences in goal setting is their inconsistency. A more likely explanation for the lack of progress in personality and motivation literature is as Hogan and Roberts (2007) put it, â€Å"there are thousands of personality measures in the published literature†. These authors commented further that past personality research was sprawling in conceptual disarray, with no overarching theoretical paradigm and the subject matter was operationalized in terms of a large number of poorly validated scales with different names. With so many traits related to different aspects of motivation, it is no surprise that reviews of the literature have come away apathetic by the observed findings. Reflective Writing Maslow’s hierarchy aims to explain human behavior in terms of basic requirements for survival and growth. These requirements are arranged according to their importance for survival and their power to motivate the individual. The most basic physical requirement, such as food, water and oxygen constitute the lowest level of the need hierarchy. These needs must be satisfied before other higher needs become important to individuals (Scmuttle, 2002). While the order of satisfaction is subject to debate, I have worked as a farm manager and the most of my subordinates only cared about the first two needs. The physiological and safety needs. The basic needs of survival are what seemed to motivate them to work. The farm workers were not driven by ambition, esteem needs or self actualization needs. If by chance the basic requirements were lacking the workers would revolt, but in abundance farm output would double or triple in certain quarters. Although Maslow agrees that other needs do not fit into his hierarchy for example cognitive needs such as curiosity and scientific interest. I feel that in developing countries those needs are not yet valued and hence a forfeited which renders the hierarchy of needs valid. In conclusion, the literature on personality and job performance, and personality and motivation shows a connection between each of the two. In theory a strong connection exists but often that is not the case. Incorrect assumptions about personality in relation to job performance and motivation could result in erroneous conclusions in firms and organizations, which can be costly. However, this does not render the theories invalid, in my personal experience the connection was evident but only on the first two levels of the hierarchy. The differences can be attributed to different cultures and values between developing countries and Western countries. References Austina, J. T & Klein, H. J. (1996). Work motivation and goal striving. In K. R. Murphy (Ed), Individual differences and behaviour in organizations. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Barrick, M. R. & Mount, M. K. (1991). The Big Five personality dimensions and job performance: A meta-analysis. Personnel Psychology, 44, 1-26. Bass, B. M. (1962). Further evidence of the dynamic nature of criteria. Personnel_ Psychology_, 15, 93-97. De Janasz, S. Wood, G. Gottschalk, K. D. & Schneider, B. (2006). Interpersonal skills in organisations. McGrawHill: NSW. Gellatly, I. R. (1996). Conscientiousness and task performance: Test of cognitive process model. Journal of Applied Psychology, 81, 474-482. Griffin, M. (2007). Organizational Behavior. Managing People and Organizations. 8th Ed. Houghton Miffling: Boston. Guion, R. M. & Gottier, R. F. (1965). Validity of personality measures in personnel selection. Personnel Psychology, 18, 135-164. Hellriegel, D. & Slocum, J. (2006). Organizational Behaviour. Thomson South-Western:China Hogan, R. & Roberts, B. W. (2001). Personality and Industrial and organizational Psychology. In B. W. Roberts & Hogan (Eds) _Personality Psychology in the workplace (pp. 3-16). _Washington, DC: American Psychology Association. Hough, L. M. (1992). The Big Five personality variables-construct confusion: Description versus prediction. Human Performance, 5, 139-155. Locke, E. A & Hulin, C. L. (1962). A review and evaluation of the validity studies of activity vector analysis. Personnel Psychology, 15, 25-42. Locke, E. A. , Shaw, K. N. Saari, L. M. , & Latham, G. P. (1981). Goal setting and task performance. Psychological Bulleting, 90, 125-152. Salgado, J. F. (1997). The five factor model of personality and job performance in the European Community. Journal of Applied Psychology, 82, 30-43. Schuttle, D. (2002). Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs. Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health. 3, 1500-1503. Tellegen, A. & Waller, N G. (1987). Re-examining bas ic dimensions of natural language trait descriptors. Paper presented at the 95th annual convention of the American Psychological Association, New York. Personality Theories Answer: c. â€Å"us versus them. † Correct Answer: Question 2 O out of 2 points Because they both thought In terms of privacy an power, Nixon and Singer could relate well to one another, according to Kelly's Corollary. Answer A. Choice D. Sociality Question 3 In order to emphasize that his theory was concerned with the â€Å"nature of the animal† rather than with environmental forces, Kelly called his theory Answer a Jackass theory. Question 4Kelly explained personality change as a result of Answer adjusting to environmental pressures. Successive constructions of the replications of events. Question 5 increase the predictability of events. Question 6 Slot movement describes changing to the contrast pole of a construct. Question 7 â€Å"Is your teacher happy? † a student is asked. The student replies, â€Å"I don't know; I never thought about that. † What interpretation from Kelly's theory is appropriate? B. The teacher is outside the range of convenience o f the student's construct â€Å"happiness. † Correct Answer: â€Å"happiness.Question 8 Despite numerous physical difficulties, artist Friday Kohl believed she could be successful in her work. This is called Answer self-efficacy. Question 9 Michel focuses particularly on variables. Cognitive Question 10 According to Michel, traits contradict describe Question 1 1 behavior. â€Å"If I ask Jane to go to the movies, will she go, or reject me? † This is a question of behavior-outcome expectancies. Question 12 According to Michel, people are not passively controlled by their environment because they can develop to influence their own behavior.Answer self-regulatory systems Question 13 Michel conducted research on the delay of gratification in Answer children. Question 14 Delay of gratification is easier if the child sees models who delay their own gratification. Question 15 Bandanna's concept of describes the mutual influences of the person, the environment, and behavior. Answer reciprocal determinism The main function of the self-system, as described by Bandeau, is to Answer regulate behavior. Question 17 A person high in self-efficacy believes he or she can act effectively in a situation. Question 18

Riordan Manufacturing Production Plan

Riordan Manufacturing Production Plan Free Online Research Papers Riordan Manufacturing’s China plant produces electric fans for distribution worldwide. The plan operates as a decentralized unit of Riordan Manufacturing. The materials required for production are produced locally. The primary materials used in the production of the fans consist of electric motors and plastic polymers. The plastic components for the fan are injection molded on site at Riordan Manufacturing in China. Fans are made to stock in anticipation of forecasted sales. Customers provide an anticipated purchase quantity of fans for the year. The sales for fans are forecast based on previous years’ sales. These forecasts drive production planning. This creates inefficiency in the production planning process. The China plant also designs and develops custom fan products for worldwide customers. Although Riordan Manufacturing has an estimate from customers for yearly requirements of custom fans, the orders are received randomly throughout the year. Custom fan orders are not included in the forecasts. Data required for planning is located in two different places and are not integrated. The material needs in the forecast are incomplete, requiring a manual effort to track requirements for custom fan orders. Riordan could benefit from streamlining material and production processes to reduce costs and cycle time in delivering product to customers. Custom Orders The Random spacing of orders for custom fans with varying quantities make it difficult for Riordan to estimate material requirements in the short term. The custom fans are designed and developed under an individual contract with the customer. A separate contract vehicle is used for a small pilot production run to validate the design of the fan and the production process. A separate contract is required since the cost of the production fan is unknown until the fan is developed. The development process and transition to production can be improved. The pilot production program can incorporated into the development process by building prototypes during development. Since Riordan has developed custom fans in the past, the information from the past projects can used to estimate the costs adequately. Alternatively, the contract vehicle could be converted to a cost type contract. The production process for custom fans requires multiple set-ups during the year and creates material ordering challenges. Riordan should conduct trade study and consider implementing an alternate process. The alternate process would be to produce the estimated number of custom fans for a customer in one or two production runs. These production runs will be entered into the production forecast to eliminate the difficulty with estimating material requirements. The first production run should immediately follow the pilot production run when the design and build process have been validated. Since the customer estimates are annual, producing a six month inventory of fans would be low risk. Riordan can negotiate with customers for storage cost sharing. The increased efficiency and elimination of material planning issues will more than cover the cost of storage. Supplier Management Riordan Manufacturing’s supplier for electric motors has an on time delivery of 93%. Delays in material receiving create bottle necks in production. Riordan should work with the supplier to improve the delivery schedule by providing accurate forecasts. Alternatively, a second source of supply should be identified to assure electric motors are received on time for production. The polymer supplier has not had any issues in meeting delivery requirements. Riordan should consider discontinuing the safety supply of polymers. Since supply is not an issue, the stockpiling adds costs that are easily avoidable. Material Receiving Riordan material receiving process now is that trucking company delivers the material to the dock. The supervisor compares the shipping document against scheduled incoming orders. Team unloads the materials and delivers to the factory. At the end of the day, the receiving supervisor gives the log to the receiving clerk. The Clerk data into the inventory control system. The ordering system is not tied to inventory control. Bottle Necks The receiving supervisor performs a manual verification process. The truck driver and loading crew are waiting for the verification. Any discrepancies found must be resolved before the material is unloaded and stocked. Material can not be stocked until the manual verification is complete, creating a potential bottleneck in the process. The second potential bottleneck is the receiving clerk. Although material is physically in the stockroom, the inventory control system does not reflect the new material until the data is manually entered into the system. Since this occurs at the end of the day, the material inventory will not show in the system until the following day. The receiving clerk is a single point failure that could bring the process to a stop. The bottle neck could occur from the manufacture of the Riordan raw material, such as not getting their product to supply the part that is needed to deliver to Riordan. New Receiving Process Riordan should look into changing the process of receiving their material from manual to computer based process. Riordan could incorporate a barcode receiving data collection process. There are devices that will support bar code reading, this applications will use the latest Microsoft handheld computer operating systems. By incorporating the barcode system this will provide the company with real-time processing, this will improve the inventory accuracy. The barcode system will improve on the ability to process the incoming data immediate for both receiving and shipping. This process will also provide seamless tracking and instant visibility of inventory and reduced paperwork. Imposing the bar code on the material supplier will benefit both the supplier’s process and the new process at Riordan Manufacturing. Manufacturing with Inventory The manufacturing inventory is done manually at the end of each day. The manufacturing team submits a form to the inventory clerk with completed product data and raw material consumption. The data is entered into the inventory for assemblies and sub-assemblies. The bar coding of raw material could easily be extended to include sub-assemblies and completed products. Scanning the data into the inventory system would automate the process and provide real time work in process status. The manual forms completed by manufacturing and data entry by inventory clerk are eliminated. Cost savings realized from the revised process will easily provide a return on investment for the bar code system. Final Product Shipping The sales department completes enters customer orders into the shipping and billing system. Orders are filled and the shipping data is entered into the shipping and billing system. Copies of the orders shipped are sent to a clerk to be manually entered into the inventory system for update of completed stock. A physical inventory is conducted annual to reconcile quantities of raw material, sub-assemblies and finished product. Again, there are multiple independent systems that do not communicate and numerous manual entries on forms and data entry into the inventory control system. The bar code system described for the material receiving and manufacturing inventory could readily be implemented in final product shipping. The bar codes will allow for automatic data entry as orders are processed. The number of opportunities for error is significantly decreased. The need for the annual physical inventory may be eliminated, or the reconciliation scope significantly reduced. Research Papers on Riordan Manufacturing Production PlanBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfThe Project Managment Office SystemTwilight of the UAWOpen Architechture a white paperIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalGenetic EngineeringDefinition of Export QuotasNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NiceInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever Product