Information Age free essay sample

A visualization of the various routes through a portion of the Internet. The Information Age, also commonly known as the Computer Age or Digital Age, is a period in human history characterized by the shift from traditional industry that the industrial revolution brought through industrialization, to an economy based on the information computerization. The onset of the Information Age is associated with the Digital Revolution, just as the Industrial Revolution marked the onset of the Industrial Age. During the information age, the phenomenon is that the digital industry creates a knowledge-based society surrounded by a high-tech global economy that spans over its influence on how the manufacturing throughput and the service sector operate in an efficient and convenient way. In a commercialized society, the information industry is able to allow individuals to explore their personalized needs, therefore simplifies the procedure of making decisions for transactions and significantly lowers costs for both the producers and buyers. We will write a custom essay sample on Information Age or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This is accepted overwhelmingly by participants throughout the entire economic activities for efficacy purposes, and new economic incentives would then be indigenously encouraged, such as the knowledge economy. [1] The Information Age formed by capitalizing on the computer microminiaturization advances, with a transition spanning from the advent of the personal computer in the late 1970s, to the Internets reaching a critical mass in the early 1990s, and the adoption of such technology by the public in the two decades after 1990. Bringing about a fast evolution of technology in daily life, as well as of educational life style, the Information Age has allowed rapid global communications and networking to shape modern society. [2] From Studymode: Information Age  is a term that has been used to refer to the present economic era. The name alludes to the global economys shift in focus away from the production of physical goods (as exemplified by the  industrial age) and toward the manipulation of information. Information technology The relatively recent field of  information technology  concerns the use of computer-based information systems to convert, store, protect, process, transmit and retrieve information. Technological advances in this field have changed lifestyles around the world and spawned new industries around controlling and providing information. Digital Revolution The  Digital Revolution  is a recent term describing the effects of the rapid drop in cost and rapid expansion of power of digital devices such as computers and telecommunications (e. g  mobile phones). It includes changes in technology and society, and is often specifically used to refer to the controversies that occur as these technologies are widely adopted. Technological breakthroughs have revolutionized communications and the spread of information. In 1875, for example, the invention of the telephone breached distance through sound. Between 1910 and 1920, the first AM radio stations began to broadcast sound. By the 1940s television was broadcasting both sound and visuals to a vast public. In  1943, the worlds first electronic computer was created. However, it was only with the invention of the  microprocessor  in the 1970s that computers became accessible to the public. In the 1990s, the Internet migrated from universities and research institutions to corporate headquarters and homes. All of these technologies deal with information storage and transmission. However, the one characteristic of computer technology that sets it apart from earlier analog technologies is that it is  digital. Analog signals work by having a signal (usually electric) where the voltage is proportional to some variable. Information Age free essay sample Age  is a term that has been used to refer to the present economic era. The name alludes to the global economys shift in focus away from the production of physical goods (as exemplified by the  industrial age) and toward the manipulation of information. Information technology The relatively recent field of  information technology  concerns the use of computer-based information systems to convert, store, protect, process, transmit and retrieve information. Technological advances in this field have changed lifestyles around the world and spawned new industries around controlling and providing information. Digital Revolution The  Digital Revolution  is a recent term describing the effects of the rapid drop in cost and rapid expansion of power of digital devices such as computers and telecommunications (e. g  mobile phones). It includes changes in technology and society, and is often specifically used to refer to the controversies that occur as these technologies are widely adopted. Technological breakthroughs have revolutionized communications and the spread of information. We will write a custom essay sample on Information Age or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In 1875, for example, the invention of the telephone breached distance through sound. Between 1910 and 1920, the first AM radio stations began to broadcast sound. By the 1940s television was broadcasting both sound and visuals to a vast public. In  1943, the worlds first electronic computer was created. However, it was only with the invention of the  microprocessor  in the 1970s that computers became accessible to the public. In the 1990s, the Internet migrated from universities and research institutions to corporate headquarters and homes. All of these technologies deal with information storage and transmission. However, the one characteristic of computer technology that sets it apart from earlier analog technologies is that it is  digital. Analog signals work by having a signal (usually electric) where the voltage is proportional to some variable. Digital technology, however, converts everything into binary values that are either 0 or 1. This is the universal language of nearly every modern device. To use an analogy, a digital world is a world united by one language, a world where people from across continents share ideas with one another and work together to build projects and ideas. More voluminous and accurate information is accumulated and generated, and distributed in a twinkling to an audience that understands exactly what is said. This in turn allows the recipients of the information to use it for their own purposes, to create ideas and to redistribute more ideas. The result is progress. Take this scenario to a technological level—all kinds of computers, equipment and appliances interconnected and functioning as one unit. Even today, we see telephones exchanging information with computers, and computers playing compressed audio data files or live audio data streams that play music over the Internet like radios. Computers can play movies and tune in to television. Some modern homes allow a person to control central lighting and air-conditioning through computers. These are just some of the features of a digital world. Box 1. Wearable Computer Systems Characteristics of digital technology Media Integrity. Data stored in analog formats cannot be reproduced without degradation. The more copies made, the worse the copies get. Digital data, on the other hand, do not suffer such deterioration with reproduction. 5]  For instance, movies, videos, music and audio files in digital format can be copied and distributed with a quality that is as good as the original. Media Integration. One of the major limitations of many conventional technologies is their inability to combine media types. Telephones, for example, can send and receive only sound. Similarly, you can’t watch television and expect a character to answer a question you pose. However, with digital data, it is easy to combine media. [6 ]  Thus, phones with video, or interactive sound with pictures, become possible. Hence the term multimedia. Flexible Interaction. The digital domain supports a great variety of interactions, including one-on-one conferences, one-to-many broadcasts, and everything in between. In addition, these interactions can be synchronous and in real time. [7]  Transactions. The ability to combine the transactional capability of computers and computer networks with digital media is another interactive advantage of the digital domain. Placing an order and finalizing a transaction becomes as easy as filling in an electronic form and clicking a button. Movies-on-demand (where you pay for movies that you choose to watch on your TV screen) is just around the corner. Tailoring. Software developed for digital communications and interaction is designed so that users may tailor their use of the tool and the media in a manner not possible with conventional analog technologies. [8]  Editing. The conventional alternatives for manipulating text, sound, images, and video are almost always more cumbersome or limited than the new digital tools. Years ago, Francis Ford Coppola said that the day would come when his young daughter will take a home video camera and make films that would win film awards. Coppola’s prediction is fast becoming a reality. Computers with the right software and minimal hardware can do today what thousands of dollars worth of film and video editing equipment did in the past decades. Internet The  Internet  is a network of networks. It is a global set of connections of computers that enables the exchange of data, news and opinion. Aside from being a communications medium, the Internet has become a platform for new ways of doing business, a better way for governments to deliver public services and an enabler of lifelong learning. Unlike the telephone, radio or television, the Internet is a many-to-many communication medium. John Gage argues that— The Internet is not a thing, a place, a single technology, or a mode of governance: it is an agreement. In the language of those who build it, it is a protocol, a way of behaving. What is startling the world is the dramatic spread of this agreement, sweeping across all arenas—commerce, communications, governance—that rely on the exchange of symbols. [9] The Internet has become the fastest growing mass medium. In only four years the number of Internet users has reached 50 million. In contrast, it took radio 38 years, television 13 years and the PC 16 years to reach the same milestone. As of December 2007, 18. 9% of the global population is online. (http://www. internetworldstats. com/stats. htm) The Internet, according to Lawrence Lessig, is an â€Å"innovation commons†, a shared resource that enables the creation of new and/or innovative goods and services. [10]  The Internet can be likened to designer clay; its use is limited only by the imagination and skill of the designer. This unique characteristic is due to the fact that the Internet is designed using the end-to-end (e2e) principle. That is, the intelligence in the network is at the ends, and the main task of the network is to transmit data efficiently and flexibly between these ends. Lessig identifies at least three important consequences of an e2e network on innovation. First, because applications run on computers at the edge of the network, innovators with new applications need only to connect their computers to the network to let their applications run. Second, because the design is not optimized for any particular existing application, the network is open to innovation not originally imagined. Third, because the design has a neutral platform—in the sense that the network owner can’t discriminate against some packets and favor others—the network can’t discriminate against a new innovator’s design. The Internet as an â€Å"innovation commons† has made the transformation to the information age possible. As Christopher Coward notes, Because of end-to-end, the Internet acts as a force for individual empowerment. It fosters entrepreneurship. And, as long as end-to-end is not violated, it is democratizing in the sense that it redistributes power from central authorities (governments and companies) to individuals. In the Internet Age, everyone can be a producer of content, create a new software application, or engage in global activities without the permission of a higher authority. [11] Consequences of the digital and ICT revolutions First, let us look at the effects of the digital revolution. James Beniger explains: The progressive digitization of mass media and telecommunications content begins to blur earlier distinctions between the communication of information and its processing†¦, as well as between people and machines. Digitization makes communications from persons to machines, between achines, and even from machines to persons as easy as it is between persons. Also blurred are the distinctions among information types: numbers, words, pictures, and sounds, and eventually tastes, odors, and possibly even sensations, all might one day be stored, processed, and communicated in the same digital format. [16]  On a societal level, the digital and ICT revolutions make possible better a nd cheaper access to knowledge and information. This speeds up transactions and processes and reduces their cost, which in turn benefit citizens and consumers. The ability of ICTs to traverse time and distance allows human beings to interact with each other in new ways. Distance is no longer a consideration. As Giddens observes, With the advent of the communications revolution, distance has a different relationship to self-immediacy and experience than it used to have. Distance isn’t simply wiped out, but when you have a world where the value of the money in your pocket is affected immediately by ongoing electronic transactions happening many miles away it’s simply a different situation from how the world was in the past. 17]  Put another way, so what if two people are located in different time zones? They can still talk, negotiate, and make deals as though they were face to face. As the sociologist  Manuel Castells  has noted, â€Å"Technological revolutions are all characterized by their pervasiveness, that is by their penetration of all domains of human activity, not as an exogenous source of impact, but as the fabri c in which such activity is woven. †[18] Technological determinism The revolution will affect some countries earlier than it will others. For ICT to weave its magic, it must find a hospitable social and political environment. New technologies threaten existing power and economic relationships, and those that benefit from these old relationships put up barriers to the spread of the new technologies. Note, for example, how the music industry has resisted digital audio tapes and Napster. Moreover, laws can deter (or encourage) the spread of new technologies. For example, the lack of legal recognition for digital contracts and digital signatures is holding back electronic commerce. Debora Spar states that â€Å"life along the technological frontier moves through four distinct phases: innovation, commercialization, creative anarchy, and rules. [19]  While individualism and the absence of government are characteristics of the first three stages, government—with its rule making and enforcing capability—is a key player in the fourth stage. This is because The establishment of property rights is one of the most crucial events along the technological frontier. It allows the market to unfold in a predictable way, and gives pioneers a hefty dose of ownership and security. Most important, perhaps, the creation of property rights also marks the difference between pioneers and pirates, between those whose claim on the new technology is legitimate and those whose claim is not. 20]  It is important to remember that technology is shaped by society as much as it shapes society. Thus, those interested in harnessing the power of new technologies should help create the right environment for it to flourish. The Information The Internet and the ICT revolution have created â€Å"sovereign individuals†Ã¢â‚¬â€ individuals who are empowered because they have access to new learning opportunities; are able to sell their own ideas, services or products directly to others; and can access medical information to make their own choices about health care. These sovereign individuals also have reliable and up-to-date information about government policies and programs that allows them to become better citizens. Moreover, the convenience and the anonymity provided by the Internet have led some people to turn to the Internet for emotional and psychological needs. The Net has become a means and method not only for doing business, but also for reaching people on a social and personal level. The latter has elicited some concern in the field of psychiatry. The Addiction Research Foundation in Toronto now accepts Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) as a real problem. Internet junkies, as those with IAD are called, interact more with their PCs than with real people. Psychiatrists consider this not just addiction but dependence, which is characterized by obsessiveness, a loss of control, and an inability to stop even if the person wants to and understands the dangers. [41]  Given its negative effects on individuals, shouldn’t the Internet simply be banned? Technology is not sole the culprit. Robert Putnam has documented a decline in civic engagement and social participation in the US in the past 35 years, resulting in major consequences on both the societal and the individual level. This is a major concern. As Putnam writes, the quality of governance [is] determined by longstanding traditions of civic engagement (or its absence). Voter turnout, newspaper readership, membership in choral societies and football clubs†¦ [are] the hallmarks of a successful region. In fact, historical analysis suggested that these networks of organized reciprocity and civic solidarity, far from being an epiphenomenon of socioeconomic modernization, were a precondition for it. [42] Technology, particularly the Internet, is definitely helping change social relations, but not in ways that its critics suggest. Castells describes the impact of the Internet as people organize themselves into a social network. â€Å"Networked individualism,† as he describes it, â€Å"is a social pattern, not a collection of isolated individuals. † Individuals will build networks, both on-line and off-line, based on their interests, values, affinities, and projects. Because of the capabilities of the Internet for communication, people will build virtual communities that are different from physical communities. These communities, however, are not necessarily less intense or less effective in binding and mobilizing people. Furthermore, a communication hybrid is now developing in our societies, bringing together both the physical and the virtual space as the material support of networked individualism. [43] Family effects Technology allows families living in different locations to stay in touch with each other. Filipinos are now able to send text (SMS) messages to their relatives in the United States and Europe. Singaporeans who are working overseas are able to keep in touch with their families back home via the Internet. Children of expatriate Lao are able to learn more about their parents’ home country via the Internet. But it also cannot be denied that in recent years people have been spending less time with their families because of information and work overload. Work takes more and more time, and even when a family member is physically present, work is intrusive, preoccupying and unpredictable. Reich believes that the new family now requires a complex set of logistical arrangements for the various members to respond to the economy’s new demands. [44]  Changes in family structure and family attitudes are directly parallel to changes in the economic system that began in the 1970s. In the old system of large-scale production, most men had steady jobs and solid wages, while women had fewer job opportunities. However, in the new system of continuous innovation, we see less predictable earnings and wider disparities in earnings. This induces harder work in terms of time and emotional energy. [45]  Nevertheless, although the emerging economy is more stressful, it generates more opportunities to earn more money for talented men and women alike. Almost all women now have the option of having a job and need not be entirely dependent on a male breadwinner. 46]  Gender and racial issues in employment may soon be a thing of the past. Talent is what matters most. Community effects ICT makes possible communities not bound by space. In these â€Å"communities of choice† proximity is not a factor for intimacy. Examples of communities of choice are Web forums, newsgroups and mailing lists, which are generally organized topically. Strangers who have similar interest s are encouraged to read each other’s messages and communicate, giving each other advice, information and updates. Forums for all fields of interest or concerns and issues exist online, and a person can find others similarly situated with whom to form possible friendships based on common interests, or support groups if suffering from afflictions rare or otherwise. For this reason, Castells tends to disagree that Internet use lowers social interaction and causes greater social isolation. He does agree that in certain circumstances, perhaps for individuals suffering from addiction or dependence, Internet use tends to become a substitute for other social activities. [47]  Box 10:[emailprotected] Peruvian Amazon (excerpts) Societal impact of other technologies A mode of communication that is more prevalent in the developing world than the computer-based Internet is the mobile phone. In most of Asia the mobile phone has become a familiar gadget. Interestingly, mobile phones are not used only for making voice calls but also for short messaging. It is believed that in the developing world more people will access the Internet via mobile phones than computers. Castells observes that â€Å"cell-telephony† also fits a social pattern organized around communities of choice and individualized interaction based on the selection of time, place, and partners of the interaction. In addition, the development of wireless Internet increases the possibility of personalized networking to a broader range of social situations. This enhances the capacity of individuals to rebuild structures of sociability from the bottom up. [48]Kraut and Lundmark of the Human Interaction Institute of the Carnegie Mellon University issue a cautionary note. Based on their studies, they conclude that the Internet is not a substitute for real human interaction as a means for emotional and social fulfillment. The use of the Internet can be both highly entertaining and useful, but if it causes too much disengagement from real life, it can also be harmful. Until the technology evolves to be more beneficial, people should moderate their use of the Internet and monitor the uses to which they put it. [49]  While there are clear benefits to virtual communities formed around infocommunication networks, a balance should be maintained and social isolation minimized. Globalization Technological development, from better transportation and carrier services to the telephone and mass media, has created a smaller, more integrated world. Now, the ICT revolution is making the world even smaller and more integrated. Communications, trade and employment, personal and political transactions are now occurring on a global scale, in real time, ignoring boundaries between states. Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz defines globalization as †¦the closer integration of the countries and peoples of the world which has been brought about by the enormous reduction of costs of transportation and communication, and the breaking down of artificial barriers to the flows of goods, services, capital, knowledge, and (to a lesser extent) people across borders.

Fundamental Aspects of Business †Business Essay

Fundamental Aspects of Business – Business Essay Free Online Research Papers Fundamental Aspects of Business Business Essay During the developing of industry and economy, there become more and more opportunities for people to have their own business and a great number of people really want to attempt to do it. But before you start doing your business, how much do you know about it? Do you realize what business exactly is and how does it works. Today I am going to introduce some very basic knowledge about business such as the fundamental facets and the main factors of different types of business, also a discussion of the different objectives between those different businesses. First of all, a business is about a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it. (Handout) It concern to many business objectives including profit, share price, environment, sales, long term survival and so on. But basically there are five fundamental facets of a business you must know, they are: 1. Your Products/Services: You must have very clear idea about what are you offering to the consumer, what advantages you have with your product or service and why you are strong in it. And to found your weakness is also important and then you should work hard to understand the reason of your incomplete even you could not fix it. This would help you to be more clearly about your current situation. Another factor is you may have to decide how to delivery your product would be the most efficiency way. Furthermore, after you made a decision about what are you going to offer the customers, you may face some problems, for instance the customer wants something you do not have, at this moment I recommend you to help them to find the goods they want even you probably have to send them to a other supplier, but don’t worry, your behavior would made you very impressive to the customer and that could increase your reputation. Moreover, when you considered all the factors such as the cost of produce and deliver for each product also the overhead, you have to give a very reasonable price; consumer could accept it and you can make profit at the same time. 2. The Customer Universe: By some successful case you could learn that if you want to gain more buyers, first you must know who are they, this means you can not address to all class of people, at less you are not being a supper powerful company. M S could be such an appropriate example here, they use to sell more options goods than nowadays, but they stop it and began to focus on the middle class since they found that did not make more profit. In addition, what methods you are going to use to know how your customer thought about your work is extraordinary important no matter they are satisfy or not, it really gives you a clearly indicator. So you should use all the effective ways to do this including doing surveys and sending questionnaires, especially doing this by the Internet. In a word, confirm which segment do you want to address and than be as close as you can with them. 3. The Market Landscape: Primarily you have to understand the meaning of market niches; it means a special area of demand for a product or service in the market. And than you have to make sure your position in it by collecting many concerned data. After you know your quotient in the market, you may start to consider about your competitors situation during the comparison you made. Now you have to think about your competitors details, like do they offer the same product/services as you and what is their strengths and weaknesses, can you learn their positive and do your best to avoid their negative. 4. Your Financial Position: In this case, you may have to investigate your business to make sure how your financial position like is it big wealth or a bit embarrassed. That really correlate to your business closely, it could gives you the opportunity to change your goals and directions. For example the income and expense projections, investment in research etc. these all concern to your financial position. 5. Your Organization: Just like your products/service, you should realise what are the major strengths and weaknesses of your organization. Than you must to make sure the people in place is whom you need in order to make your business successful, and they also ought to have ideas, issues and upcoming changes in their circumstances that should be taken into consideration in business planning. You may define as business which activity has these five facets. And the role of business in society a critical and complex issue today. After the description of the fundamental facets of business, I would like to provide some information about the different types of businesses. First of all, the types of business could separate into two sectors, private and public. In the public sector, all the business activity is owned, financed and controlled by the nation through the government or local authorities. Generally there are four kinds of business; Number one is the Government, whom is the key departments set policy and monitor implementation. Number two is the Local Authorities which including Country Council, District Councils and Parish Councils. Third one is the Health Trusts (NHS). And the last one is Public Corporations such as BBC. All of these public sector activities have objectives, for instance, the Access, which means they are available to all regardless of location or income. Another is Quality, which means they provide high quality services that do not cut corners. Also Affordability, this is a services offered at prices that are cheaper than private sector or free at the point of use. Lastly, Equity is also an important parts which means it is available to anyone whatever their background, status, income, class, race, religion, etc. In the society, there is a great number of establishment belong to the public, such as roads, paths and parks, museums, schools, allotments, waste disposal and so on. Private sector of business is owned, financed and controlled often by private individuals. In my opinion, it is more complicated because there is more range of types of business. 1. Sole Traders, this must be owned, financed and controlled by one individual but can employ other staff and also this is very common in local building firms, small shops and restaurant. Because it is very easy to set up and you can keep all the profits, you can make key decisions by yourself and obviously you have a high degree of control. Also it has very much flexibility, less people are easier to make some change. And it has an ability to offer personal service, the reason is there are only few customers have to be serve at one time. In the other hand, a sole trader may face some problems particular easy to happened on them. Unlimited Liability, this means the trader has the liable for all the debt and I think this makes it quite challenged; solely responsible always could compose a pressure. And this kind of business will be ceases once the owner dies. 2. Partnerships, which is bound by the terms of the partnership act 1890 and it is owned, financed and controlled by upwards of 2 partners in terms of agreed through contract, it is very common in professions such as lawyers, accountants, architects, surveyors and so on. There are several positive things of this type of business. Firstly, Partnerships has a greater access to capital. Secondly, it provides a greater opportunity for specialization. Thirdly, a shared responsibility could improve people’s incentive. The negative thing is, this is an unlimited liability but since 2001, Partnerships can apply to be limited partnerships. All the partners liable for the debts of the others and the partnership dissolved on death of one partner. Potential for conflict could make a big problem, the reason is that would make the company very hard to achieve an agreement. Especially one partner could bind on the rest when making a decision. This is also a limited access to capital. 3. Limited Companies. Which could separate into Private Limited Company (Ltd) and Public Limited Company (PLC). Both of these companies must to register with registrar of companies at Companies House. Also there is a memorandum of association must be signed, it is about the details of the nature, purpose and structure of the company. And you must get a certificate of incorporation, it allows the company to trade. All the shareholders have limited liability; it means if your company is going into liquidation, you can only lose what you agreed to put into the company rather than your personal liability. Here is some special policy to those two types of limited companies. Ltd generally constitutes by 2 or more shareholders but single member, but individual articles of association may stipulate max number of shareholders. And the shares can only transferred on agreement of all shareholders. The PLC is owned by minimum of 2 but no maximum number of shareholders and the shares can be traded publicly on the Stock Exchange. The firm also has a separate legal identity, it means the company can sue and be sued instead of person. But the PLC is more complex to set up, because you must supply a minimum share capital of fifty thousand pounds. Obviously, the distinct different between these two types of business is that the Ltd can have only one shareholder. At last of the part of Limited Companies, I would like to provide some issues. Firstly there could be a divorce between ownership and control. Secondly is there is a potential for diseconomies of scale, for example the communication, decision making, etc. Thirdly as a limited company, you must publish your accounts. And here is some more issues particular to the PLC, because the shareholders may be a large institution so the company has to consider some problems such as pension funds, insurance companies and so on. Further more, the share value will subject to volatility, it could affects the company value. More over, the PLC can be large, complex, possess market power. 4. Co-operatives. This is very common to see in the farmer’s market, it ownership, finance and control and control in hands of the ‘members’ and it exists for the benefit of ‘member’. There are three types of Co-operatives, they are: a). Consumer co-ops which the members buy goods in bulk and sell to members, than divide profits between members. b).Worker co-ops which mean the workers buy the business and run it and decisions and profits shared by members, such as the most farmers working way. c).Producer co-ops; this is meant that producers organize distribution and sale of products themselves. 5. Franchises. This kind of business is getting more and more popular in the world. After pays a fee for the purchase for the franchise, the business ownership backed by established ‘brand’ name, so the business could get a big benefits from the public praise. Of course the owner of the business have to pay for the right to use the established company’s name, format products, logo, display units, methods, etc. at the same time, the franchisee have responsible for debts, also pay a royalty to owners of the brand, than keeps any remaining profit. 6. Charities. This is a type of business which purposes not for profit. The non-profit organizations must working for relief of poverty, the advancement of education or religion and other purposes beneficial to the community not falling under above. For example it have to create and maintain mutually satisfying exchanges between their donors and beneficiaries, and being concerned with facilitating an exchange process between an organization and it publics so that some basic societal need can be fulfilled. In conclusion, every kinds of business have their own nature and purpose; they all have a segmentation of the society to focus. (1991 words) Bibliography: Handout from business class. Resources: bized.ac.uk/learn/business/index.htm Research Papers on Fundamental Aspects of Business - Business EssayRiordan Manufacturing Production PlanMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaOpen Architechture a white paperPETSTEL analysis of IndiaDefinition of Export QuotasInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesMoral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New EmployeesBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfThe Project Managment Office System

Management Assignment Individual Report Research Paper

Management Assignment Individual Report - Research Paper Example The top government post such has ministries has been dominated by top military leaders. The military junta has been overseeing and controlling every aspect of the country ranging from the natural resources to economic affairs of the country. A former military general and Prime minister in the previous regime Mr Thein Sein was elected as the President of Myanmar4. However since President Thein Sein assumed office there is hope though minimal that the country is abandoning its dark past years of paranoid authoritarianism and poor economic management that has plunged the country into a den of poverty. Myanmar has been governed in secluded political environment5. President Thein Sein has showed interest in reviving the country’s economy and moving away from erratic political leadership whereby he freed a large number of political prisoners and also decentralised various sectors of the economy which has been under state control for the past 50 decades6. Myanmar has no stable judiciary system presently and therefore earning fair ruling and justice in the court systems of Myanmar is a toll order. The country has no stable regulatory framework considering that most of the laws and regulations were inherited from the former colonial master-British and no significant changes has been made to amend the laws despite the changes in the economic environment7. In relation to investment a few amendments have been made to bring sanity into the business environment. However bribery and corruption is the order of the day as there are no effective laws to curb such unethical business practice. The long decades of military junta rule characterised by economic mismanagement and lack of comprehensive labour laws has seen Myanmar workers subjected to harsh working conditions, forced labour, poor remuneration and as well as child labour8. Since President Thein Sein took power he has managed to decentralise the long-time held

How might internet kill switches affect freedom of speech Essay

How might internet kill switches affect freedom of speech - Essay Example In order to protect the national security interest many countries ensures that the Internet wouldn’t help hackers or terrorists to commit digital attacks on different important services that are now un-resolvedly linked to the network. During the past few years many discussion were there in US Congress related to the effective and safe internet structure for improving Homeland Security. Therefore this paper will analyze the causes and impacts of legislations to kill internet and its impacts on the freedom of speech. How Might Internet Kill Switches Affect Freedom Of Speech? 1 INTRODUCTION In today’s world the Internet has become the fastest mean of communication and this is unprecedented. However simultaneously, peoples are losing conventional print form of fact-finding journalism. Everyone in the world is communicating with each other via the Internet, as this has now turned into the most trusted sources of news. Arab Spring of 2011 is an example of the power of the in ternet and the reason for this development is the social media websites. In addition to a way of dynamically social communication, the Internet has now turned the greatest risk to all the secret societies (Crum, 2011). This study provides the detailed content over the developments at governmental level in various countries regarding the blocking of internet and its ethical impacts of this internet kill switch on the right of free speech in two more sections. Section 2 this paper will discuss the brief background and current situation of the issue and section 3 will conclude this paper covering the main points regarding the issue. Currently there is a proposal regaining momentum in Congress to provide the president with a â€Å"kill switch† for various sectors of the internet. 2. BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE Every time when new ways of communications have been introduced, their invention and appliance was met with the disbelief in any claims of ultimate knowledge, fear or direc tly ban by the dominating parties who feared the unknown means, and its power to remove and replace them from their authorities. And for this reason, modern (mass) media throughout history face suspicion, and are responsible for unnecessary regulation as they cause fear of possible unfavorable effects on security, society, and also to the political structures of the country. These types of events has proven true in the communication of certain types of content to the public from the press to the introduction of radio, TV and satellite transmissions, also as other types of systems for communicating. During the last decade, due to the increase in attention towards the Internet and also to its access to the new means of communications that are having no borders, the extensive accessibility of different content and many types of content viewed as to be not good for children, stimulates a â€Å"moral panic† that is shared by a number of countries and authorities and certain member of civil-society. Nowadays, on the other hand, with this new digital mode of communication, wide spread of information and content is available, which do not essentially respect the rules belonging to a nation. In various countries such dissolution of the power of controlling content, combined with the worldwide growth of information, comes along with an increased knowing of more than one language is evident. This virtual world of internet is now becoming borderless due to the

Recent developments in health and social care policy Essay Example for Free

Recent developments in health and social care policy Essay This essay will evaluate recent developments within Health and Social care policy. It will focus on the development of charges within the NHS, the ideology behind it and its impact on women, different ethnicities and those living in poverty. It will then go on to analyse the differences in formation and adaption of this policy from devolved governments in Wales and Scotland. Before the start of the ‘welfare state’ in 1948, the majority of Health and Social care services were subsidised by benevolent donations to voluntary hospitals, or through service users paying for their own care. This is due to the ideology of the time being that of the government not being responsible for the nation and that people were to stand on their own two feet and support themselves. However, following the massive devastation to the country, both physically and mentally, following WWII, the government’s ideology changed. The labour government in power at the time felt that the nation’s welfare was their responsibility and so the ‘welfare state’ was born. Everyone was entitled to free NHS health care and there was no criteria or eligibility attached. In 1952 the first charges had been introduced in an effort to fund the rapid growth of costs incurred by the NHS, people now had to pay for prescriptions, dentures and spectacles. This move was due to the government’s ideology slowly changing to one of paying for yourself if you can afford to do so, and eligibility and criteria was attached to certain services. If you did not meet the requirements you had to pay. During the 1980s, under the Conservative governance of Margaret Thatcher, the ideology had gone full circle and was back to that of non-dependence of the ‘Welfare State’ and the responsibility of the nation lay with the individual, not the government. It was a time of taking away universalism with a residual attitude. As a result of this shift in attitude present charges were increased and new charges were introduced as a means to reduce public spending (Thornes, 2000:97). Eligibility, criteria and targeting meant that only those most vulnerable were able to access Health and Social care services for free. In 2013 the present ideology is similar to that of 1952. The Conservative, Liberal Democrat coalition government maintain the ideology of taking away universalism and standing on your own two feet. They feel that in having charges for NHS services the stigma attached to welfare will be reduced and individuals will feel that they deserve the service they are accessing (Thorne, 2000:97). The government also feel that it will prevent the abuse of free services by discouraging people from using Health and social care services which they are not in need of. This is evident with the proposal for those that visit AE to be charged ? 10 as a means to prevent unnecessary use of the service. AE specialist believe that 30% 40% of visits are unnecessary and that in having a ? 10 charge upon arrival, which is fully refunded should the condition warrant AE attention, will significantly reduce the amount of people taking up vital resources (Campbel, 2014). This charge is set to reduce unnecessary visits and waiting times to those who are in actual need of emergency care, however experts feel that they will ‘penalise poorer patients’. Dr Helen Stokes-Lampard, a spokeswoman for the Royal College of GPs has said that Charging patients for the use of emergency departments would put us on the slippery slope towards the Americanisation of healthcare, where only those who can afford to get it get the care and attention they need, (Campbel, 2014). Dr Mark Porter, chairman of the BMA, said: The majority of GPs and hospital doctors are committed to an NHS that delivers care on the basis of need and not the ability to pay. In this survey, two thirds of GPs state they are against [charges] for using AE services †¦ it runs the risk of deterring vulnerable patients who genuinely need help from seeking treatment at a time when many people, from all backgrounds, are struggling financially. (Campbel, 2014). This shows that the government is not promoting equality and that services will only be available to those that can afford them. Another charge which is proving to be detrimental is that of the 2011 charge for care during pregnancy and childbirth to migrant women. This policy has had a negative impact on both those giving and receiving care. Migrant women are not attending appointments or are running away from hospitals as a result of being unable to pay thousands of pounds for treatment, this puts both mother and baby at risk of complications which are not detected in early pregnancy, which is evident in a newspaper article from December 2013 highlighting the negative impact of the policy in which midwives are warning us that the fees are endangering migrant women (Taylor, 2013). Susan Bewley, a professor of complex obstetrics at Kings College London agrees that charging migrant  women for NHS antenatal care is putting pregnant women in danger (Taylor, 2013). The policy is written in very complicated language which means that eligibility and criteria is very hard for migrant women and professionals to understand and is resulting in some pregnant women being declined treatment and care due to misinterpretation. This goes against the core values of midwifery. In an article in the Nursing Times, David Foster wrote about the 6 Cs of Health and Social care and how they are essential for the NHS to deliver fair, consistent care to those who require it ( Foster, 2012:12). In declining care to migrant women, midwives are not only ignoring the core values of midwifery, they are putting lives at risk and failing to fulfil basic Human rights and are not promoting equality. In March 2011 the department of health published the NHS constitution, which sets out the core principles of the NHS. One principle which is in contradiction to the charges placed on pregnant women is that â€Å"We have a responsibility to maximise the benefits we obtain from NHS resources, ensuring they are distributed fairly to those most in need. Nobody should be discriminated or disadvantaged and everyone should be treated with equal respect and importance† (NHS choices, 2013). Care, compassion, courage, communication, commitment and competency are values which should be predominant within midwifery, however in adhering to the 2011 policy midwives are failing to maintain the 6Cs. Communication is a big issue as the policy is open to misinterpretation and so compassion and care are also lacking within the sector as midwives are refusing care to women (Taylor, 2013). The commitment to provide the best possible care to all pregnant women is being compromised as some midwives have been quoted as feeling like ‘Immigration officers’ and so their roles are under question (Taylor, 2013). In another article in the Nursing Times by Maria Flynn, she explains that organisational culture, policy and politics can exert a damaging influence on caring values (Flynn, 2013:12) which supports the negative impact the charges are having within the midwifery profession. After the Francis report was published, following the incidents within the Mid Staffordshire hospital, it was found that nurses and midwives felt frustrated at not being able to fulfil their role correctly as a result of the restrictions put in place by policies and that the compassion deficit is more likely to be down to political ideology driving health policies then shortcomings in caring values . After extensive research I have been unable  to find any positive impacts on both service users and providers with regard to the implementation of charges within the NHS. According to an article from the BBC news Scotland the department of health claim that charges were introduced to ‘plug gaps in funding’ and that the fees raised around ? 450 million a year, which is the salaries of 18,000 nurses or 3,500 hospital consultants (BBC news Scotland, 2011). However it is apparent that the fees are not being spent on employing more staff as Laura Donnelly, health correspondent for the Telegraph reports. There is currently a shortage of 20,000 nurses within the NHS and an investigation into 14 hospitals with unusually high death rates highlights the common factor as inadequate staffing levels (Donnelly, 2014). On 1 April 2011 prescription charges were abolished in Scotland. BBC news Scotland reports that â€Å"The Scottish Greens said it believed there should be equal access to the NHS and that meant free access to everyone at the point of use, including free prescription. (BBC news Scotland, 2011). Daniel Martin, of the Mail online, described it as â€Å"the latest example of ‘medical apartheid’, where the devolved nations enjoy better health services despite paying far less tax per head† (martin, 2011). The ideology of the devolved Scottish government is one of universalism and in helping the majority of the population of Scotland who are living in deprived conditions. The English government still fund Scotland using the Barnett formula: (Martin, 2011). Policies are developed in Scotland by the Scottish parliament, which is made up of 129 public servants who are politically impartial, and the Scottish government. The Scottish parliament debate matters of importance (which are devolved), such as health care, then vote on legislation holding the Scottish government to account. The Scottish government decide how the country is run and implement laws passed by parliament. This is very different to the English way of developing policies as that involves all parties agreeing to what is proposed and is a fair way of ensuring the policy is fit for purpose. With the abolishment of  prescription charges the Scottish parliament looked at the savings it would make to families living in poverty and the health benefits to those who could not afford to pay for drugs (Explanatory notes, 2005). However it did not recognise the cost it would have on the health of people suffering with cancer. Due to drug companies charging large amounts for certain cancer drugs, as a result of eradicating prescription charges, the SNHS cannot afford to purchase these drugs and so cancer sufferers are having to either go without or move to England, where the drugs are available. Maureen fleming, 63, faces the dilemma of raising the ? 10,000 needed for a 3 month supply of the cancer drug she needs or to move to England. Scottish labour leader Johan Lamont said the Scottish NHSs ? 7. 2 million bill for paracetamol prescriptions would pay for 200 patients to get cetuximab for a year. She said: In the First Ministers Scotland, if you have a headache your prescription is free. If you have cancer, your prescription can cost ? 3000 a month. (Gardham, 2013). In conclusion it is evident when looking at fees in the English and Scottish NHS that there are positives and negatives to both countries. England may have a lot of criteria and eligibility in order for prescriptions to be free to those who need it, however in having fees in place the NHS in England is able to purchase expensive drugs which are not available to people living in Scotland where prescriptions are free to all. It is apparent that there should be some compromise between both policies in order for those in genuine need to access the care they require.

Critique and Revolution: The Faces of Karl Marx :: Essays Papers

Critique and Revolution: The Faces of Karl Marx â€Å"The nobility of man shines upon us from their work hardened bodies.† (Manuscripts, 100)[1]. And according to Karl Marx, that is the bottom line. In Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844 and Manifesto of the Communist Party[2], two of his most profound works, Marx outlines both his harsh critique of capitalism and his prophetic theory of impending communist revolution. Although these texts are extremely complex—Manuscripts is described often as the hardest sixty pages of modern philosophy—their main points can be summed up concisely. For Marx, a worker’s labor, and therefore product, is an extension of himself, and any practice that separates the two, most obviously capitalism’s private property, essentially tears the man apart. A system such as this is beyond repair, and the only feasible solution is a forceful and complete communist revolution ending in the destruction of private property and the reunion of mankind with his labor. The complex philosophizing behind these two doctrines will be revealed shortly, but now the question arises, are they consistent? More specifically, do the circumstances that exist under capitalism, as described in his critique, put the world in a realistic position to undergo his desired revolution? Taking his opinions of the world under capitalism as fact, the answer is yes: the desperation of alienation will drive the growing majority of men to unite and revolt. That said, a thorough examination of both his critique of capitalism and his planned communist revolution are necessary. Marx begins his discussion of life under capitalism by defining the term â€Å"estranged labor.† In essence, estranged labor is a separation between a worker and his product. This can come as a result of a division of labor, the institution of machines in factories, or the rise in importance of money, among other things, but the result is the same: the worker loses control of his product. Estranged labor does not seem inherently flawed until the observation is made that the more a worker produces and the more valuable his product becomes, the poorer he becomes. For Marx, this leads to the worker himself becoming a commodity that, like his product, he does not own. Instead of a worker owning his labor with his labor having inherent value, the labor is jailed inside the products, and outside of the worker. Critique and Revolution: The Faces of Karl Marx :: Essays Papers Critique and Revolution: The Faces of Karl Marx â€Å"The nobility of man shines upon us from their work hardened bodies.† (Manuscripts, 100)[1]. And according to Karl Marx, that is the bottom line. In Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844 and Manifesto of the Communist Party[2], two of his most profound works, Marx outlines both his harsh critique of capitalism and his prophetic theory of impending communist revolution. Although these texts are extremely complex—Manuscripts is described often as the hardest sixty pages of modern philosophy—their main points can be summed up concisely. For Marx, a worker’s labor, and therefore product, is an extension of himself, and any practice that separates the two, most obviously capitalism’s private property, essentially tears the man apart. A system such as this is beyond repair, and the only feasible solution is a forceful and complete communist revolution ending in the destruction of private property and the reunion of mankind with his labor. The complex philosophizing behind these two doctrines will be revealed shortly, but now the question arises, are they consistent? More specifically, do the circumstances that exist under capitalism, as described in his critique, put the world in a realistic position to undergo his desired revolution? Taking his opinions of the world under capitalism as fact, the answer is yes: the desperation of alienation will drive the growing majority of men to unite and revolt. That said, a thorough examination of both his critique of capitalism and his planned communist revolution are necessary. Marx begins his discussion of life under capitalism by defining the term â€Å"estranged labor.† In essence, estranged labor is a separation between a worker and his product. This can come as a result of a division of labor, the institution of machines in factories, or the rise in importance of money, among other things, but the result is the same: the worker loses control of his product. Estranged labor does not seem inherently flawed until the observation is made that the more a worker produces and the more valuable his product becomes, the poorer he becomes. For Marx, this leads to the worker himself becoming a commodity that, like his product, he does not own. Instead of a worker owning his labor with his labor having inherent value, the labor is jailed inside the products, and outside of the worker.

Equality, Diversity and inclusion in work with children and young people. Essay

1.1 How does the equality Act 2010 promote equality and diversity? Obtain your schools Equality of opportunity policy. What is its aim? Identify references to action. The Equality Act protects individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a fair more equal society. Equality and diversity is now a ‘limiting judgement’ in Ofsted inspections. This means that if equality measures are not being implemented efficiently, this will restrict the overall inspection grade. As a school, you must not discriminate against a pupil or prospective pupil because of their disability, race, sex, gender reassignment, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. The objectives at Tutshill School are that all children in our school will learn in an environment free from the effects of and without discrimination, and that the working conditions and environment of our staff and volunteers will also be free from discrimination. Tutshill C of E Primary School strives to ensure that the culture and ethos of the school are such that, whatever the heritage and origins of members of the school community, everyone is equally valued and treats one another with respect. Pupils should be provided with the opportunity to experience, understand and celebrate diversity. Tutshill School will adhere to Gloucestershire LEA’s Racial Harassment in Schools – Guidelines and make all new teachers, student teachers and ancillary staff aware of the policy. 1.2 Why is it important to support the rights of all children and young people to participation and equality of access? All children have the right to access all the opportunities which are on offer in the school provision. Each and every pupil has the right to learn and should not be discriminated against for any reason. In order for us to  achieve this we must involve the children and parents in finding out what works well in school and what doesn’t. This should be supported by high quality teaching and learning experience. I believe that involving the children in this process would make the children more confident and feel more valued within school. 1.3 How is cultural diversity valued and promoted in your school? Discuss its importance. Within Tutshill School opportunities are provided for all children to experience others cultures and ethnic backgrounds. This is promoted through literacy lessons. Every term the children I work with have a new topic for example, Greece and The Romans. With each topic they learn about their cultures such as their religion, language and the different foods they eat. The children in year four studied the Romans and did a play for the other children in assembly and also designed a menu for the whole school to try. The Year five class studied Greece and designed and made holiday brochure for display in their class room and also designed a Greek menu for the school to try. This is to ensure that the children understand and value the social and cultural diversity that could be in their own community as well as around the world. Culture can cut across nationalities and faiths and by promoting cultural diversity and the differences of individuals and groups within school will enhance a child ’s learning and promote knowledge and understanding of all pupils. Diverse cultures in schools should be acknowledged and reflected throughout the curriculum. By supporting and encouraging children to understand and accept cultural diversity will also prevent stereotyping and reduce prejudice and discrimination within schools. Most importantly, it will prepare children and young people for numerous changes that will happen in their lives as adults where they will inevitably be involved in mixing with adults of different cultures and backgrounds. Having watched the Teachers’ TV programme ‘Pride and Prejudice’, about Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children, comment on the following. 2.1 What prejudices do these groups face? Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children face many prejudices throughout their lives. They are not considered part of the community that they live in and often come up against racism, stereotyping, discrimination and abuse not only from other children but adults as well. 2.2 What impact does this have on traveller C/YP? The impact that racism, stereotyping and discrimination have on the children is that they fall out of school or are taken out of school at an early age. Majority of traveller children tend to leave school or are taken out of school at the end of primary level as they find the transition into secondary school a difficult one due to other children and teachers bulling them and having little knowledge or understanding of their culture. The remainder of the children do not often make it past year 9. 2.3/2.4 How have schools tackled prejudice to raise attendance and attainment? Schools have tackled these prejudices by increasing other people’s knowledge about these minority groups. For Example: †¢Celebrate their culture. †¢Looking at the history of the travellers. †¢Increasing awareness of their heritage by having day trips to the Romany life centre. †¢Traveller children making a booklet to educate teachers and pupils, about their religion and how and where they live. †¢Showing the pupils a film about travellers about their skills and how they made a living. To raise attendance and attainment schools have been flexible with rules regarding attendance rates and given extra support especially just before SAT’s. The most important thing I feel is that they treated each and every child the same. 3.1 Explain what is meant by ‘inclusion’? Inclusion means to be fully included, to make people feel valued and respected irrespective of ethnicity, gender, disability, culture, age, religion and sexual orientation. It is about giving equal access and opportunities to everyone. 3.2/3.3 Provide 3 or 4 examples of inclusive practices in your classroom/school. During my time at Tutshill School I have witnessed and been part of several inclusive practices. Example 1. Within year 4 we have a student who is Chinese. During the Chinese New-year SL brought in sweets for everyone so we could celebrate the Chinese new-year with her. She then had time to talk to the class about what she did during their celebrations. Example 2. Throughout each classroom and the school there are displays of children’s work. All abilities are displayed, so the children can see and understand that just because their work may not be the neatest or always correct it will still get to be displayed. Example 3. During P.E all children will be included, whether they have a lower ability or any medical issues. The games that they are playing will be adapted if needed to so that every child has the opportunity to participate.