Coffee Shops Essay

1. To describe consumers’ decision making in different market segments when they choose retailers of coffee using CDP. 2. To identify additional research that should be conducted to validate assumption about consumer decisions at each stage of the CDP model. 3. To learn how to organize marketing program should be provide for our customers after recognize their decision making process. 4. To see the impact of brand positioning to the consumers decision making. 5. To recommend marketing strategy after learn about consumers decision making process. 1. 0 Summary 2. 0Problem Identification Figure 1: Crimson Cup market segments As a wholesaler of coffee and tea and a provider of marketing programs to independent coffee shops and retailers, CrimsonCup has experienced growth over the past decade and is within range of becoming the nation’s second- or third-largest alternative to Starbucks. Figure 1 show about the segmentation of the Crimson Customers which divided into primary customers and ultimate customers. Primary customers are the independent coffee shops, grocery and restaurant. However the ultimate customers are divided into two groups; first is the consumers that buy the coffee from the primary customers and brewing at home; second is the consumers go to the coffee shops to drink coffee. The important of understanding of the ultimate customers are very important because the demand of the primary customers comes from the demand of ultimate customers as consumers. This company branding mission has focused on creating the independent retailer as the brand, rather than the product supplier. The CrimsonCup brand is featured on packaged coffee sold by retailers for office or home consumption, on mugs and cups provided to retailers and in some other promotional materials, and the firm is now considering the issue of weather it should be more aggressive in its promotion of the CrimsonCup or Coffee for Independent Thinkers brands as well as how best to develop its strategy of helping the independent coffee shops it serves. In understanding of the consumers’ wants and need, they search for many information and from the case, there is one consumer research already give some result about coffee consumption that made the university students or people that closely related to the university environment as focus group. The information get from this research need some additional approval from others finding to made their assumption about the behavior of the consumers to the Crimson Cup product or information related to the coffee consumption will be more meaningful to understand the attitudes of the consumers. By using the consumer decision making model, we are trying to analyze the consumer behavior in consuming coffee and make our recommendations about what strategy should be focus by this company and to suggest some alternatives to solve their problems and to get more opportunities in this industry. 3. 0Analysis We are using the consumers’ decision making model to analyze the consumer behavior of this company. 3. 1Market Segmentation Evaluation The differences of consumers in making decision will make them divided into difference segments in the market. Before we continue to discuss about the consumer decision making process that shows in figure 2, we underline first the environmental influences and individual differences because this two elements in the CDP’s model will be important to most of part in the consumer decision making process. Environmental Influences We found that the environmental influences for this product are culture, family and situation: 1. Culture: The customer segments in this case change over the past year. The American coffee culture brought on by an insurgence of gourmet coffee retailers and than evolved to a point where â€Å"getting a coffee, going out for coffee, is our little space in the workday to call our own†. The evolution of the culture show that how important of coffee in the American culture and they consume it anytime that more than just take the coffee in their breakfast early in the morning. 2. Family: From the research, one of important factors that influence purchasing decision is recommendation from family or friends. 3. Situation: The consumption of coffee in this market segments can also influence by occasion factor means when the whether at that time in winter, they will take more coffee rather than during summer. Figure 2: Consumer Decision Process Model Individual Differences 1. Consumer resources will make individual influences because the consumers in this case have different resources especially time, students or people that working in the university will have limited time to spend for searching location for the coffee shops. They will choose the nearer shops to take a little break to make them fresh. For the money resources, they are not constraint of it because from the research price is at sixth factor that encourage them to buy the coffee and seventh factors that discouraged them to not take it. We can predict that, the consumers in this coffee drink market are not price sensitive because of enough money resources. 2. Attitudes: The beliefs and feeling that more on quality and convenience place when they consume the coffee will make differences to their individual factors. Percent Beliefs and feeling 1. 58 Regularly buy coffee at coffee shop said coffee shops offer better-quality coffee. 2. 33 They think coffee shops sell better coffee than those of their competitors 3. 37 Purchase their coffee at coffee shops instead brewing it at home normally goes to the closest one. 4. Personality: person that need more energy and have busy lifestyle will take more coffee rather than people that consume it because of social activities like to spend time with their friends with coffee. 3. 2Need Recognition. Consumers in the coffee market will start recognize that they need to take a cup of coffee at least when there is environmental influences occurs, when their mind set that they must take coffee as the term as ‘consumption norms’ in their culture, they will need to take it anytime. That is the reason why the American will take coffee not only in the morning like Malaysian in their breakfast but anytime when it crosses to their mind. They also will take coffee more in the winter season because their need to make themselves hot and tasty, as well as the routine and tradition of sharing a drink with friends as a social event. For individual differences, the need of the student and people in the university will be differences each of them depends on their psychological affect that when they want to have energy or avoid sleepy when they doing their work, they have to take a coffee. The need recognition for this group will be high when they have many assignments that must be done every time and have to stay up at night. 3. 3Search When the consumers had need recognition process in their mind, they will start with making internal search. In their memory will have some information when they are exposing and have retention to some coffee brand before in their mind. Marketer must stimuli the consumer memory with their activity and non-marketer also give some conformation in this process that consider as external search. Even from the research said that brand is not factors that really encourage or discourage them to choose the coffee but how the marketers positioning their brand still are important. In this case, the marketers generally make TV commercials, store displays, give free samples in the mall and fliers and newspaper coupons to influence the consumers but approach that use by the Crimson Cup to position their product using: 1. Their position statement is â€Å"coffee for Independent Thinkers† as approval to consumers that they will get quality drinks in a clean and friendly environment. From the report said, â€Å"People see ‘coffee for independent Thinkers’ and come in to the coffee house. They like the message. † 2. The Crimsoncup believe that quality can make consumers perceive more better to their product and because of that, they offer quality coffee bean that: Have Fair Trade Certified Organic coffee are certified by USDA (Quality Certification Services) Signature blends. Flavored coffees in light, medium, and dark roasts with Class I Specialty Grade Coffee. Non-marketer also will stimuli them because in this case, word-of-mouth from other people experience will influence them to get information about a new coffee house. Recommendation from family and friends also will influence them to choose the coffee shops. The more effective stimuli expose to the consumer the more intention the brand will be keep it the memory of the consumers. 3. 4Pre-Purchase Evaluation of Alternatives Again this process will influence by environmental influences and individual differences. If they have and experience before with satisfaction after consume the coffee drink, positive reinforcement will be happened to encourage them to use this information in the pre-purchase evaluation alternatives process. But the most important element here is the influence or recommendation from the family and friends to choose the coffee shops or to buy the coffee brands. Here, factor that encourage and discourage will be play in the consumer mind while making evaluation. Research finding is like table 1 and table 2 that mention about factors encourage and discouraged consumers to return to the coffee shops. Table 1: Factors encourage consumers to return to the store Factor Description Score 1. Location Highest score show that the consumers prefer to choose the closest store/shops. 6. 6 2. Taste – 6. 43 3. Atmosphere When going for social reason, atmosphere is important, but less when going alone. 6. 04 4. Price Ranked fifth 5. 19 5. Brand For a favored brand was a reason to purchase coffee for office or home use. 4. 95 Table 2: Factors discourage consumers to return to the store Factor Description Score 1. Taste Highest score 6. 90 2. Price Ranked fourth 6. 00 3. Brand. Brand ranked low as a reason for choosing a store or determining frequency of visits to the store. 4. 56 Even the locations the first choice but the reason of consumers will return to the store are combination of taste, price and location. Speed of service was also mentioned as a factor when deciding to go. 3. 5Purchase When they purchase the coffee, the factors that will attract them to come to the shop are the location and the quality that they will receive from the shop like the taste of coffee as the second encourage factors and also clean and friendly environment. From the report of the Crimson Cup Independent retailers said ‘People see ‘Coffee for Independent Thinkers’ and come in to the coffee house. They like the message’. This shows the success of the retailers to attract the consumers using the brand slogan and the services that will provide clean and friendly environment. 3. 6Consumption From the research found that the most positive items sometimes bought at a coffee shop were breakfast food such as list in table below: Table 3: others items buy in coffee shop. Food Percentage 1. 2. 3. 4. Bagel and muffins Sweets (cookies and cakes) Chai tea Not ever purchase other items 55 14 8 13 Because of the culture of American like coffee, so there is no special time for them to get a cup of coffee but for the students, the probability is drinking coffee early in the morning to boost energy before start work or at night to retain and maintain energy to stay up doing assignment until early in the morning. 3. 7Post-consumption Evaluation. From the case, if they have a bad experiences to the coffee they will make punishment with tell others consumer to not take the coffee at that shop but when they have positive experience they will came again. The research finding tell us that taste of the coffee will be the second important factors why they choose the coffee drinks and the first factor they not return to the coffee shops. So, even location will be the first factor to encourage them to come again to the shops but the taste still be most important as the first things that should be focus by the Crimsoncup to maintain the product quality. Quality is more refer to the taste and the convenience is more refer to the location. The level of satisfaction is encourage by this both factors that make the consumers perceive they receive a good quality product at the right location plus with quality extra services in clean and friendly environment. 3. 8Divestment They did not mention about anything for this process. We will suggest them to make research to identify some information like what the customers do with the bean if they brew it at home, the packaging and maybe the cup to serve the coffee. This information can be use by Crimson Cup to complete building an effective marketing strategy. 4. 0SWOT analysis of Crimson Cup coffee From the case, we analysis their company using SWOT analysis like figure below: Strength Weaknesses Statistics shows that small prepared coffee retailers are growing faster than the mighty Starbucks. Crimson Cup is has specialize in this industry by served independent coffee houses, teaching independent coffee shop owners the skills needed to operate a viable and competitive business. Greg Ubert as a founder of this company is the author of ‘The Seven Steps to Success: A Common Sense Guide to Succeed In Specialty Coffee’. We see this directly to share skills and information with the independent coffee shops retailers but indirectly influence the consumers that they will get quality services from the coffee shops. They have their own website that can search from website address www. forindependenthinkers. com or www. crimsoncup. com . Its expert baristas have opened well over hundred coffee shops around the country. Its starts-up program includes every things needed to operate independently without the constraints of franchise agreements. The coffees that they serve have quality certification like we discuss at the previous chapter. The slogan ‘Coffee for Independent perceive positively by the consumers. The Crimson Cup just focus limit their activities on the coffee and not serving bagels and muffins or sweets even there is demand of the item that found from the research. Opportunity Threat Coffee consumption is very important in American cultures. There is winter season every year in that country. There is demand for items purchase with coffee in the shops (i. e. : muffins or cookies) . Recommendation from family or friends is one of the five most important factors for influencing purchase. 58% of respondents who regularly buy coffee at a coffee shop said coffee shops offer better-quality coffee and 33% perceive that the coffee quality of this shops better than competitors There are many competitors in coffee industry that serve with multi-style of marketing strategy such as Starbucks. The negative impression of the consumers to the coffee shops will make them distribute the information using word-of-mouth as a punishment or negative reinforcement for them our others consumers. 5. 0Alternatives There are many problems we identify before so the alternatives we provide here will give suggestion to the entire problem that we will use the make effective recommendation in the next chapter. The alternative will be dividing into: Additional research that should be done to make assumption. Brand focus Marketing strategy Marketing program (IMC) 5. 1Additional Research for More Understanding of the Consumer Behavior. After we make analysis, we put the research that had been done and come with the additional research that possible to be done to make more effective assumption for this company target market like table 4 below: Table 4: Consumer Research Stage Process Done Additional 1 Need recognition Environmental influences Culture Family Situation Individual differences Knowledge Attitudes lifestyle Environmental influences Social Class Individual differences Consumer resources Value 2 Search Stimuli (to general finding) Marketer (TV commercial, etc) Non-marketer (word-of-mouth). The research should be done more focus on the Crimson Cup. 3 Pre-purchase evaluation of alternative Factor encourage and discouraged to return to the coffee shops What make consumers satisfied and come again to the coffee shops. 4 Purchase Location Price Nature/quality of assortment Store clientele can be good research because it will be influence by the social culture. 5 Consumption How they consumer When they consume Where they consume How much they consumer? 6 Post-purchase evaluation Dissatisfaction ? (punishment) Satisfaction? Reaction? 7 Divestment There is no research state in this case. How customer’s divest packaging /cups? 5. 2Brand Focus Here is the evaluation of the alternatives for the brand focus; ‘Coffee for Independent Thinkers’ Advantages: 1. Consumers like the statement, ‘Coffee for Independent Thinkers ’. Once they see this slogan shows in the window of the coffee house, they will go in the coffee house. Besides that, those coffee houses which display this slogan on the window of the coffee houses are promise to offer quality drinks in a clean and friendly environment. 2. University students are the group of people that public perceives them as independent thinkers. So, by emphasis on ‘Coffee for Independent Thinkers’ brand, drinking CrimsonCup coffee can be a trend or lifestyle for the students. 3. When consumers see the seal, they know this coffee house is offer good quality coffee and nice environment for them to enjoy the coffee. As a result, ‘Coffee for Independent Thinkers’ slowly becomes the seal of guarantee for quality coffee. This action also fulfills the need of the consumers that the taste of the coffee is the most important reason that makes consumer to come back again. So, when the consumers see the seal ‘Coffee for Independent Thinkers’, 4. Crimson Cup primary customers is the independent coffee shops, other than attracting the consumers, they also can influence the independent coffee shops retailers to perceive positively this brand slogan. 5. The impact of the slogan show from the research that 58% of respondents who regularly buy coffee at a coffee shop said coffee shops offer better-quality coffee and 33% perceive that the coffee quality of this shops better than competitors. Disadvantages 1. Another disadvantages of promoting ‘Coffee for Independent Thinkers’ brand is CrimsonCup brand has exist for a long time. Most of the people know about CrimsonCup brand because anything about the coffee will makes consumers think of CrimsonCup. For example, when we mention about CrimsonCup, consumers will start thinking of a company who sells good quality coffee bean; a company that provide training for those who would like to open a coffee house; a company offer good quality coffee and etcetra. 2. If suddenly the company changes CrimsonCup to ‘Coffee for Independent Thinkers’ brand, consumers will get confused whether this is a new brand or another company cooperate with CrimsonCup. ‘Crimson Cup’ Advantages: 1. It already establish from 1991 and use by the company. Disadvantages: 1. Consumers are not really care about the brand of the coffee when they just simply want to drink coffee. Only those consumers who purchase the coffee mainly for office or home use will care about the brand of the coffee. So, with only focusing on the CrimsonCup, the impact of promotion or advertising activities not give high impact the consumers intention. Under this kind of situation, they will just choose which coffee house is nearer and convenient for them. 2. Consumers has possibility to ranked this brand quality is same like competitors. 5. 3Marketing Strategy To overcome with the marketing strategy, we divide the alternatives with 4 P’s. For these alternatives, we are using push strategy to encourage the demand from the consumers and pull strategy to encourage the primary customers to run their own activities that can encourage the increasing of sales. 5. 3. 1Price strategy Pricing strategy for the primary customers: Alternative 1: Allowance Alternative 2: Discount Here are the alternatives for the consumers (ultimate customers) Alternative 1: Membership price. Membership price usually entitle for primary customer who purchase constantly and loyal customers. Most of them are independent coffee shop or restaurant. Here customers need to fill in the membership form. This membership duration can last for one year. Crimson Cup provide them special price and keep their purchasing track record. For ultimate customers, every time they purchase at our coffee shop they have to present the membership card and membership number, so they are entitle for 8% discount for each cup of coffee. Each time they purchase by using the membership card they can collect the points and redeem it at our coffee shop. Other than that the advantage being a membership of CC is; based from the track record and base from the personal details we have, we will appreciate our customer during their birthday by giving them birthday coupon and they can redeem it at our coffee shop. Alternative two: Quantity discount Crimson Cup chooses by giving an ‘extra amount’ is one of the good idea to encourage customer to buy in large amount especially independent coffee shop. Every 2kg customers will enjoy 200grms extra. Customer pays for 2kgs price but enjoy 2200grms coffee. From 200grms coffee can cover at least 10 cups of coffee and coffee shop can gain an extra profit from it. For our coffee shop, customers who order five items in a single receipt worth $70 and above entitle for a regular cup of cappuccino for free. This idea is to encourage customer to come in a big group. 5. 3. 2Product strategy A product is define as anything that can be offered to the market for attention, use or consumption and that might satisfy a want or need ( Armstrong and Kotler 278). Alternative 1: Crimson Coffee CrimsonCup is a specialty coffee roaster. Their coffee beans are a special blend that Armando created, which is called Armando’s Blend. It’s smooth, no aftertaste, and smells delightfully good and full fill the coffee drinker’s need. Alternative 2: Coffee Cup Coffee can use disposable cup to serve their coffee with Crimson Coffee name and tagline ‘Coffee for Independent Thinkers’. This is because we want customers to drink with passion. The brown color paper with Crimson Coffee name is actually one different layer of paper. The main function of it is actually to absorb hit and cold; meaning that if customers buy some hot drink they can easily hold the brown layer to avoid them from hot especially kids. It is also same if they buy cold drink, the brown layer is use to absorb the water so that customer no need to ask for tissue paper. Alternative 3: Paper Bags. Fair Trade is an innovative, market-based approach to sustainable development. Crimson Cup is certified organic and shade grown. This means that the products you buy maintain biodiversity, provide shelter for migratory birds and help reduce global warming. Crimson Cup Coffee use paper bag and the material can easily recycle. At the paper bag stated clearly the Crimson Coffee Brand and tagline ‘Coffee For Independent Thinkers’ . Behind the paper bag consumers can search the map for the nearest Quality Certified stores on the CrimsonCup website. Alternative 4 : Product labeling They should show the Crimson Cup Logo at the packaging of the coffee bean that sell in the grocery or coffee shops. All off the certification they get also should be publish at the packaging or cups and mugs use to serve the coffee. Alternative 5: sell muffins, bagels, cookies and cake. They should sell items like bagels, muffins; cookies and cake because of there are demands of the products that consume together with the coffee. 5. 3. 3Promotion Strategy Making joint venture Making joint venture can be one of the methods for its marketing recommendations. For an example making joint venture with famous fast food companies such as MacDonald in order to put coffee in its menu. Now a day’s making joint venture is one of the ways for companies in order to make themselves more popular like PepsiCo which joint venture with KFC or Lipton. 5. 3. 4Place strategy. Clean, friendly environment because consumers more perceive on quality and convenience. Service delivery if the place is too far. Make a target for the range of shops in one town. 5. 4Integrated Marketing Communication program (IMC) Before we suggest alternatives for the IMC, actually the goals of the marketing program are: 1. To increase more awareness about the Independents coffee shops, grocery, and restaurant those serves the coffee from Crimson Cup or sell the coffee beans from this company. 2. To increase the knowledge of the consumers about the coffee and this activities will stimulate them to come to coffee shops or brewing at home. Alternatives 1:Barista4aDay Contest One of the programs which are launched is Barista4aDay which is a program for coffee lovers as customers (ultimate customers) or even independent coffee shop owners (primary customers). The program is simple. One coffee lover gets to spend a day learning the art of Barista. A Barista is a professional who is highly skilled in coffee preparation, with a comprehensive understanding of coffee, espresso, roast degree and espresso equipment. Point of purchase Try the coffee in front of the coffee shops. Crimson Cup travel to the focus group. Go to university or potential place by lorries. Leader’s opinion 6. 0Recommendation of Strategy After we list the all alternatives for all the problems that we underline in second chapters, we come with the recommendations below in the combination of strategy that will be run to influence the consumers’ decision making process. 4 P’s Price: Alternative 1: Allowance Alternative two: Quantity discount Product: Alternative 1: Crimson Coffee Alternative 2: Coffee Cup Alternative 4: Product labeling Alternative 5: sell muffins, bagels, cookies and cake. Promotion: Making joint venture. Package to make them try the muffin as new product Place: Clean and friendly environment. IMC (annual program) Baristas4aDay with personality Research Store clientele 7. 0Plan of action Program Responsible Duration Description 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 0Contingency Plan 4 P’s Price: Alternative 1: Discount during winter season Alternative two: Quantity discount Product: Alternative 1: Crimson Coffee Alternative 2: Coffee Cup Alternative 4: Product labeling Promotion: Place: Clean and friendly environment. IMC (annual program) Point of purchase at the store Word of mouth by a leader 9. 0Conclusion. Consumer decision making model is very useful to analyze the behavior of consumers start from need recognition process until the divestment process. But, to get information for the every step or process in the model, some research should be run because research will supply more reliable and valid information to make our assumption more accurate. The assumption will be use to make prediction to the consumers decision making and this information are useful when the marketer trying to strategize their marketing programme or marketing activities to supply the products that can really transfer value the consumers. Reference: Blackwell, Miniard and Engel (2006), Consumer Behavior, 10th Ed. , Thompson, Southwestern Kotler, P. (2006) Marketing Management 12th edn. , Upper Saddle River, New Jersey; Perentice Hall. Kotler, P and Gary Armstrong (2006). Principles of Marketing 11th edn. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, USA: Prentice-Hall Inc http://www. wikipedia. com http://www. mplans. com http://www. forindipendentthinkers. com.

LEDC and MEDC Economic and Social Issues

The population in the UK is forever ageing, with people living until a much older age today. One economic effect of this is that pensioners will, in time, outnumber children. This will mean that there will be a generation between certain ages that has a very low population and once this age band becomes part of the working population, there will be significantly less tax revenues for the government. This will indirectly affect the economy. In addition, there may be a large deficit, where the about being paid into the economy is less than the amount being paid out. Because pensioners require healthcare, disability benefits and state pensions, there may be a lot of money going out to the high number of pensioners and because there are much more older dependant people the working population cannot produce enough make sure there is stability. This could also mean there is a great burden on the health service. When people are older, they require much more healthcare, and so the health services in the UK will have more pressure as there are so many older people. There are also many social costs. One is that with more people becoming older, the death rate will be high, but the birth rate remains low as there are so many older people and very few people are young enough to give birth. This will mean the population could decrease. Additionally, when there are more elderly people, the healthcare system cannot cope, there will be a sudden need for more old people's homes and this will put pressure on the NHS. However, there are some positive economic impacts. There will be a growing market for products such as stair lifts and wheel chairs. Also, companies like hotels will have a wider spread of profits throughout the year because pensioners. There may also be an increase in private healthcare profits because many elderly people who are rich can afford to have private healthcare. There is also an increased life expectancy and lower death rates in the country as more people are living and for a long time. Caatinga in north Brazil is a rural area that is home to mostly poor people. The people living in Caatinga are moving to much more industrialized cities like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to the south of Brazil. The main reasons people are leaving the rural areas are the lack of employment opportunities, the main source of income in Caatinga is farming jobs and other agricultural jobs. This is then made worse by the frequent droughts in the area and other natural disasters. Another reason people are moving is because of large families that have very little land to share amongst the sons. This is caused by a high birth rate in rural areas like Caatinga. Overgrazing of the land will lead to bad crops being produced and soil that is useless. This then leads to starvation, resulting from either too little output for the people of the area or crop failure. This has then lead to more families selling land off and moving away. The land that they sell off may be to richer farmers that have tractors and other mechanized equipment. This then causes a reduction in the number of jobs available in the area. Farming is also hard work with long hours and little pay. In LEDC's lack of money will mean a lack of farming equipment. Caatinga also experiences many droughts and so the hard physical condition of the area will cause a loss of jobs or food in the area. Caatinga also has a lack of services like schools and hospitals; this will be hard for families to cope with because of young children. Finally, the government are more likely to invest in urban areas rather than rural areas like Caatinga. The reasons that people move to the city and urban areas are because, they seek better jobs that pay much more money, jobs in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are much better paid than in Caatinga. They are housed better and have a better quality of life, they have a better medical treatment and more services like schools and they have enough food. The UK, which is in Western Europe, is an MEDC. The average life expectancy in the UK is 77 years. Burkina Faso is in Central Africa and is an LEDC. The life expectancy there is 48 years. Firstly the infant mortality rate in Burkina Faso is 170 per 1000. This means out of every 1000 babies born, 170 of them are likely to die. This proves that there is a problem in Burkina Faso because in the UK the Infant mortality rate is only 6 per 1000. This clearly shows how the healthcare in Burkina Faso is poor and so they are more likely to die younger. Another factor is the Average calorie intake per day. In Burkina faso it is 2387 calories, whereas in the UK it is 3317 calories. Burkina Faso's figure is lower than what is needed to live. This shows how more people are starving and dieing younger. Similarly, the amount of the population that is malnourished in Burkina Faso is 30%, whereas in the UK it is 2%. This illustrates a growing problem of food in Burkina Faso. The lack of available food will mean more people are dieing and many more young people are struggling to survive. The number of years for the UK's population to double is 433 years, in contrast to Burkina Faso who's population is said to double in 23 years! This will cause large problems with resources and may start off a large phase of famine and disease. This will keep the Life expectancy low. The access to healthcare in Burkina Faso is less than 50% this clearly indicates a problem in health with many people and the majority of the population not being able to have healthcare. This will keep the life expectancy low, compared to the UK which has 100% access to healthcare for everyone. With an average income of only $230 per person, Burkina faso is likely to have problems of poverty and lack of food and clean water. This means most families are likely to die young because no money will eventually be the cause of deaths, against the UK, with an average income of i18,000. These factors clearly show that Burkina faso has a very low life expectancy, many people are dieing as a result of these poor living standards. Whereas the UK has a high life expectancy because the overall quality of life is better.

Analysis of the Nation of Brazil and Its Classification as A Developed Nation or Not

Analysis of the Nation of Brazil and Its Classification as A Developed Nation or Not In this project I have collected, analysed and evaluated evidence to help me to decide whether Brazil is a developed country or a developing country. Introduction to Brazil Brazil is the largest and most influential country in South America with a population of about 176 million, which is greater than the combined total for the whole of the rest of the continent. Brazil takes up almost half of South America. The 6,448km long Amazon River runs through the North of Brazil and is the second largest in the world, and the Amazon Basin is the largest River Basin the world. The River and over a thousand tributaries drain an area of 6,150,000km and carry one fifth of the worlds fresh water out to sea. In the North East, Brazil has arid deserts with rolling grasslands in the South. The Amazonian Rainforest covers more than one third of Brazil and its exploitation has become a major environmental worry. Brazil borders the Atlantic Ocean down the eastern side with the following countries bordering the North and West: French Guiana; Suriname; Guyana; Venezuela; Columbia; Peru; Bolivia; Paraguay; Argentina; and Uruguay. Brazil lies between 5 North and 30 South of the Equator. So, it is possible to stand with one leg in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere! The Equator, therefore, runs through the extreme North of Brazil with Macap and the Mouths of the Amazon on its line. Brazils correct title is The Federal Republic of Brazil and its 26 states are administered from its capital, Bras, which was purpose built and now has a population of between 1 and 1.9 million people. However, S Paulo has 17 million inhabitants. (See population map). The highest point in Brazil is Pico da Neblina which is 3014m (9,888 ft) above sea level. Brazils main language is Portuguese and its main religion is Catholic Christianity. Brazilian society is a vibrant, diverse mix of cultures. Brazils share of the Amazon basin, occupying half of the country, has a model equatorial climate. The 150-200cm (59-79 inches) of rain are spread throughout the year, although some periods are rather wetter than others according to the region. (See rainfall map) Temperatures are high, with almost no seasonal variation, but scarcely ever rise above 38 (100). The Brazilian plateau, which occupies most of the rest of the country, has far greater temperature ranges. Rain falls mainly between October and April. However, the Northeast, the least productive region of Brazil, is very dry and in past years has been suffering from severe drought, which compounded its problems. (See map on rainfall) The southern states have hot summers and cool winters, when frost may occur. The currency used on Brazil is the Real. 1 real = 100 centavos. The average wage per person per year is about ,570. The following evidence I have gathered describes how Brazil may have become a developed country. Economy Brazil has one of the worlds major economies and is now the ninth wealthiest country in the world. Economic reforms in the 1990s have bought some stability to the countrys finances. Reforms have included privatisation and the opening up of its markets. During the 1960s and 1970s, GDP expanded by an average of 11% a year. At this time the country enjoyed massive industrial growth, but then the Boom and Bust pattern hit and Brazil went bust! It became the worlds greatest debtor. The economy underwent major diversification and industrialisation, and today Brazil is a significant producer of cars and computers. In fact, Brazils car industry is acclaimed as being the success of the decade. Economic reform, initiated in 1990, enabled Brazil to reschedule its debts, but a steep recession followed in 1990-1992. The launching of the new currency, the re, in 1994 was the fifth attempt at monetary stabilisation since 1986. It contributed to the dramatic reduction of inflation from around 50% a month in 1994 to around 80% a year in 1995 and less than 20% a year in 1996. Economic growth of 5.7% in 1994 was the highest since 1986. This boosted regional confidence and facilitated the launch of MERCOSUR, the common market with neighbouring Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. In 1995, a fractious Congress blocked constitutional reforms of the tax and social security system, but finally agreed to end state monopolies in such sectors as telecommunications and oil, thereby reviving the governments privatisation programme. Rio de Janeiro is a major city on the East Coast, and although not the biggest, was once the capital city of Brazil. It was the area where the earlier Portuguese settlers (who have always claimed that they discovered it) landed and immediately began cultivating the rich soil. At this stage, it was all tropical forest in the area, but over many centuries it has been cleared and it is now Brazils political and economic heartland. Many people enjoy the white sandy beaches of Copacabana, which is overlooked by Sugarloaf Mountain. Many centuries of colonisation, conflict and slavery, and massive immigration from Europe have left Brazil a Country full of many different races and cultures. Lying mid-way between Salvador in the North and Porto Alegre in the South, and occupying only 7.7 per cent of Brazils total area, Rio De Janeiro supports over 30 per cent of its population. The annual carnival in Rio takes place over fives days where parades, balls, street dancing and samba and bossa nova music fill the streets. Brazil is also revered for its football prowess, having won the world cup 5 times. Vast sugar cane plantations mean that alcohol production is huge, and when oil became scarce and expensive in the early 1970s it caused many to use industrial alcohol as a fuel for the vehicles they then began building. Politics Brazil is a democratic federal republic with 26 regional parliaments and a national congress. Brazil became independent of Portugal in 1822 giving the country the opportunity to develop to its best potential, and current borders were established. Women in Brazil have had the vote since 1934 and in 1993, Brazilians voted to retain directly elected presidents. In 1997 the constitution was changed to allow a president to run for re-election. Reformists want provisions to curb tax evasion, and were successful in 1995 in ending state monopolies and allowing foreign investment in telecommunications, oil, mining and shipping. Many also want to see changes in the electoral system in order to curb the increasing involvement of small parties in government. In October 2002, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, popularly known as Lula, won the elections and became president. A former shoeshine boy he will head Brazils first left-wing government for more than 40 years. At his inauguration in January 2003, Lula promised to make major political and economical reforms and pledged to eradicate hunger. He also pledged to tackle corruption and Brazils economic woes, improve education and create 10 million jobs. He plans to rid Brazil of its reputation for the biggest gap between rich and poor in the world. He did warn that this might take him longer than his initial 4-year term. Plans to develop nuclear weapons have now been abandoned by the military. Industry Local industry is well developed, making Brazil dominant in the region. Major industries include, Agriculture, Mining, Iron and Steel, Motor vehicles, Oil and Mineral refining, Chemicals, Wood pulp and paper, Machinery, Food processing, Consumer goods, Textiles, Rubber processing and Fertilisers. Brazil is one of the worlds most important steel producers, and it has large deposits of gold, silver and iron. Agriculture and Products Brazil has a huge, successful agricultural base and produces the worlds largest quantities of coffee and Soya beans. It also has immense natural resources. It also produces Cereals, Cassava, Sugar, Oranges, Cocoa, Rice, Cotton, Tobacco, Bananas, Rubber, Timber, Iron ore, Bauxite, Manganese, Crude oil and Natural Gas, Coal, Chromium, Nickel, Tin, Zinc, Gold, Silver, Diamonds, Phosphates, Salt, Quartz crystal, Beryllium, Graphite, Titanium, Tungsten and Asbestos. Exports Total products exported are valued at $58.2 billion. Brazil has previously built its wealth on the exports of coffee, but more recently on sugar exportation and that of its other many natural resources. Brazil is now one of the largest sugar and orange juice exporters. Other products exported are Sugar, Machinery, Animal feed stuffs, Coffee, Cocoa, Iron ore, Motor vehicles, Soya beans and oil, Oranges, Iron and Steel, Chemicals and non-ferrous metals. Resources Under the military, Brazil commissioned several power stations from former West Germany. Energy from these has been more expensive than expected, but the construction of the Angra-2 nuclear station was approved in 1996. Hydropower has been more successful, accounting for 90% of electricity generation. An agreement to build a 2,200km (1,370 miles) pipeline from the Bolivian gas fields to Brazils industrial south was signed in 1996 and put out to private tender. Ethanol is being made from sugar in an attempt to reduce petrol imports. Within the agricultural sector, Brazil is the worlds largest producer of coffee and the third largest producer of maize (corn). The total amount of electricity generated is 251bn kW/h. of this 93% is generated by hydroelectric power and 6% is thermal. The total electricity capacity is 56.21 million kW. In the South, the forces of the Paran and Paraguay Rivers have been harnessed to form the worlds largest hydroelectric project, the Itaip Dam. Regional divide Brazil can be divided into 5 regions (see regional map) North, Northeast, Centre West, Southeast and South. The North has several resource sites, from which the following materials are mined: Gold Bauxite Lead Copper Tin Iron Nickel Diamonds Common Salt (Sodium Chloride) Oil But the north does not have any industries. This is because of the enormous Amazon Rainforest and the inability to build upon it. In the Centre West, there is a similar amount of resources, which also includes zinc, limestone and quartz. As in the North, the Centre West does not have any main industries. Down in the South there are not as many resources as in the North and Centre West, but there are many industries. Moving back up into the South East there are many resources such as Iron, Nickel, Oil, Gold, Quartz etc. and also quite a few industries which include Textiles/Clothing, Iron and Steel sites and a shipbuilding site. Finally, in the Northeast of Brazil there are many resource sites and industrial sites. These include Bauxite, limestone, sea salt and oil refineries, mechanical engineering and textiles and clothing. Communications A vast road network is being built to link the main centres of Brazil, and five river systems are being harnessed for a total of 8,000km (5,000 miles) of waterways. The antiquated railways are increasingly unreliable. S Paulos metro is being extended to cope with the citys rapidly expanding population. Media Brazil is the largest exporter of TV programmes. South Americas biggest media market is home to thousands of radio stations and hundreds of T.V channels. The constitution guarantees a free press and vigorous media debate about controversial political and social matters is common. Media ownership is highly concentrated. Globo and Abril dominate the market and have interests in T.V and radio networks newspapers and pay T.V operations. Education Education follows the French system with a bachillerato (baccalaur) at the end of secondary schooling Society Brazil has targeted eco-tourism as a major growth area. The government is encouraging foreign investment in tourist facilities in Amazonia. Health There is a free health service available. This chapter includes evidence to suggest that Brazil may not yet be a developed country, but may still be developing. Politics The reduction of the fiscal deficit is a key objective. The government aims to dramatically reduce overstaffing at all levels of government, reduce social security payments and address the problem of the high real level of interest rates. The 1988 constitution, detailing promises for a better future, has proved to be unworkable in practice. The state cannot afford its social security, health and pension commitments. The proliferation of local governments, designed to check federal power, has led to a duplication of functions and is very expensive. Former President Collor de Mellos 1992 impeachment for fraud underlines the depth of the problem of corruption in Brazil. Many are now demanding an end to parliamentary immunity: under the current system, elected officials cannot be prosecuted unless they have been suspended from office by a two-thirds vote. The military, in power between 1964 and 1985, was responsible for human rights abuses, particularly against Amazon Indians. Its economic mismanagement left Brazil with a legacy of huge debts and inefficient state industries. Regional Wealth The government is facing increasing pressure to redress what some say is one of the worlds most unfair distributions of wealth. Much of the countrys arable land is controlled by a handful of wealthy families, a situation which the Movement of Landless Rural Workers (MST) seeks to redress by demanding land redistribution. It uses direct protest action and land occupation in its quest. Society Social conditions are harsh in the big cities of Rio de Janeiro and S Paulo, where a third of the population lives in favelas or slums. In the 1970s a major drive was initiated to move settlers to the Amazon region. This caused considerable damage to vast areas of the rainforest. The high rate of destruction of the Amazon by loggers and cattle ranchers remains controversial today. However, these government sponsored migration programmes have now been halted. Many people work in fields for little pay, while a few rich landowners benefit from the huge profits. The ownership of consumer goods is not high. Out of 1,000 people: 278 own a T.V, 83 own a VCR, 13 own a PC. A lack of money, health and education forces over 500,000 girls into prostitution. Many street children are murdered by vigilante groups, who believe they are cleaning the streets. 90% of these murders go unpunished. Amerindians suffer prejudice from most other peoples in Brazil. Since 1900, 87 Amerindian groups have become extinct as a result of disease, starvation or the forceful taking of their land by miners, settlers and loggers. The Amerindian population today is estimated at just 220,000. Migrants from the poor Northeast suffer considerable discrimination in Brazils larger cities. Health Brazils Aids programme has become a model for other developing countries, having succeeded in stabilising the rate of HIV infection and cutting the number of Aids-related deaths. However, it is a controversial programme since it involves bypassing the big drugs firms to produce generic copycat Aids medicines. There may be as many as 2,000 street children who are HIV positive. The major causes of death are Heart diseases, Cancers, Accidents and Violence. There are 681 patients per doctor. Only 2.8% of the GNP (Gross National Produce) is spent of health. The public health system is limited. Less than 20% of hospitals are state-run and private care is very expensive. The World Bank has criticised the under-financing of preventive health care. On average, only 15% of the health budget is allocated to child health, immunisation and other preventive programmes. Reported malaria cases tripled between 1980 and 1990; 90% are in Amazonia, mainly in settler towns. Leprosy and parasitic skin infections are also becoming more common, again often affecting settlers. Unfortunately, the building of the Itaip Dam caused the lake it created to drown a set of waterfalls and this created a breeding ground for malaria-carrying mosquitoes. The forest contains many plants that provide the basis for many valuable products, the most important ones being those for medicines. The bark of chinchona supplies the quinine to treat malaria, for example. Other plants supply substances used in the fight against cancer. Brazil nuts too are of-course famous all over the world. The constant stripping and attacking of these natural resources is doing much harm. Economy Brazil has a history of boom and bust, with its attempts at development hampered in the past by high inflation and one of the biggest foreign debts. It has had to be bailed out in times of crisis. The total value of Brazils debt is a staggering $250bn! () Chaotic finances of the states threatens national economic stability. Foreign investment is deterred by corruption, the fragility of economic reforms and preferences given to national companies in the sale of state companies. Congressional opposition delays urgent tax and social security reforms and privatisations. Savings and investment rates are about half those of leading East Asian competitors. Despite enormous natural and economic resources, Brazil still has 32 million of its people living below the poverty line, and has not begun to tackle the problem of homelessness and street children in Rio, S Paulo and other large cities. An estimated one to five million families remain landless, while nearly 80% of farmland is owned by 10% of farmers. Brazils large wealth disparities have been growing during the last decade. Relatively low levels of unemployment conceal large-scale underemployment, and the UN classifies over 50% of the population as suffering poverty. The large numbers of poor rural migrants who move to the cities live in the favelas, or shantytowns. Favelas are now also appearing in the countryside. The wealthy like to drive European cars, holiday in Paris or ski in Switzerland, where most of them keep their money to avoid scrutiny and interference in their accounts by the government. Brazil experienced an energy crisis in 2001. It is a country very dependent on water to fire its hydro-electric power stations, so when they had droughts so bad that the reservoirs were drained dry, they had a major catastrophe on their hands. At that time, hydroelectric plants and reservoirs produced over 90% of the countrys electricity supply, and the dry weather and insecure infrastructure issues caused major shortages. In 2002, they introduced some energy rationing, even declaring public holidays in an attempt to keep the demand for power by the large industries down. This in turn has led to a more immediate need for an alternative fuel source, and to not keep all ones eggs in one basket so to speak. They are currently importing oil from Venezuela and Argentina. Many large foreign firms have placed serious bids for the rights to drill and excavate for oil in the rich off-shire reserves 6,560 feet below the waters surface off Brazils Atlantic Coast. BP Amoco, for example, won a bi d for an area located 186 miles from the mouth of the Amazon River. A second, third and fourth round of bids was even more successful, with large investments being made in Brazils oil reserves. Aid Brazils main aid donors are the USA and the EU. The World Bank provided $2 billion in 1996 for environmental, basic sanitation, road building and anti-poverty projects. As well as official aid, much comes from NGOs, (non-Governmental Organisations) mainly for environmental and housing projects. Education Not all children in Brazil are registered. Of those that are; 90% receive Primary education, 19% receive Secondary education and only 12% receive Tertiary education. The adult literacy rate is 84.9% of all registered people compared with 99% in the UK. State schools enjoyed a good reputation until the 1950s, but have declined since then. Most middle-class parents now send their children to private schools. The wealthy send theirs to Switzerland or France. Millions of the poor receive little education especially those living in the Northeast and Amazonia, and the urban poor. Brazils three million street children have no schooling at all. Public degree courses work on credits, as in the USA. Of Brazils 95 universities, 55 are administered by the state. Sao Paulo University is the most prestigious. Communications In Brazil, only 49 out of 1,000 people own a car and only 75 out of 1,000 people own telephones. Media Although there is now no official censorship, TV and radio operating licences are awarded as political favours, and state advertising is so extensive that it cannot fail to influence editorial policy. Media ownership is also highly concentrated, 3 main companies own 293 daily newspapers. There are 19 state owned TV stations and 218 independent stations. There 2000 independent radio stations, but only 1 state owned. Environment Federal agencies charged with protecting the Amazon are insufficiently funded, understaffed and accused of corruption. The Amazon rainforest contains an estimated 90% of the entire worlds plants and animals and is the most complex ecosystem known. However, the demands of agriculture are leading to its destruction at a rate of 4 square km (1.5 square miles) per hour, or 35,000 square km (13,510 square miles) per year. As a result of such massive clearances, usually for conversion to cattle pasture, vital genetic diversity is being lost. Brazil faces other environmental problems. Opencast bauxite mining is polluting rivers and threatening the livelihoods of indigenous Amerindians. In the cities, widespread industrial pollution and untreated sewage are major problems. Crime The total population in Prison is 87,053. There is no death penalty. There are 2 murders and 3 rapes per 100,000 people. Urban life in Brazil can be violent. The incidence of armed robbery and drugs-related crime is rising. Human rights abuses by the police are frequently reported. Death squads, uncontrolled by the government, target street children in particular, especially in Rio, S Paulo and Recife. Since 1985, the rate of street child murders has been rising. However, international condemnation of the crimes has led to action in some areas. In the countryside, violent land disputes are common. Landless workers are repeatedly displaced and indigenous peoples driven from land to which the government has, in theory, guaranteed their rights. Tourism Brazils border with Argentina and Paraguay, boasts a natural wonder of the world, the massive Iguazu Falls. This is a remarkable sight much bigger than the Victoria Falls in Africa or North Americas Niagara Falls. Yet, the rest of the world barely knows of its existence. If marketed correctly, this could be a major tourist attraction. Brazil needs to extend this tourist resource and do more with it. Its 2,000 km (1,240 miles) of Atlantic beaches, the folklore and music of the north-east coast, and the annual Mardi Gras carnival in Rio de Janeiro are Brazils major attractions. However, the increasingly affluent and international audience now controls the carnival. The largely Afro-Brazilian residents of Rios favelas, or shanty towns, can often no longer afford to take part in the parades that originate in their culture. However, Brazilians show little interest in Eco-tourism, preferring to visit Amazonia for the duty-free shopping zone in Manaus. Brazil is still a relatively cheap destination for European and American tourists. Despite this, visitor numbers are declining, falling from 0.5% to 0.1% of the world market since 1970. Many visitors have been put off by the negative publicity generated by the conditions in the shantytowns and by Brazils past human rights record. Housing shortages in Brazil mean that about 25 million people live in sprawling shantytowns, called favelas that surround the cities. Most of the homes are built by the families themselves, sometimes from waste materials but more often from wood, bricks and cement bought from builders merchants. For the population who live in the favelas, 70% have no running water, 60% have no toilets or drains and 52% have no waste collection. Conclusion On analysing the evidence found, I have drawn the following conclusions. I think that Brazil is still a developing country despite its enormous agricultural/resource exports and its current attempts to repay its immense $250bn debt. There is such a massive divide between the rich and the poor, with the poor being in the majority that no developed country would have allowed this to remain for such a long time. A developed country would not have accrued such a high debt and would have used its natural resources to its advantage. There needs to be an equal distribution of the countrys wealth. I feel that in order to address some of Brazils problems, there needs to be a major re-allocation of land so that the very poor have a fighting chance of earning a decent living from working the land and selling the produce. There needs to be a massive campaign to re-educate the whole population of Brazil, which should address the need world-wide to stop destroying the rainforest, and all its natural plants. I think Brazil is no where near being a completely developed country. I believe that its only just started developing.

Goldman Sachs and the Future of the Internet Essay

Goldman Sachs and the Future of the Internet - Essay Example Gus Levy, senior partner of the firm from1969 until 1976, is known for articulating the firm’s investment strategy as being â€Å"long-term greedy;† i.e. willing to absorb short term losses in exchange for the promise of long term profits. The dark side of the company’s dealings has been the fodder of many a polemical writer, however, and not without cause. In 1928 it started the Goldman Sachs Trading Company, which operated much like a Ponzi scheme and collapsed in the crash of 1929. In 1970 it nearly went under when the Penn Central Transportation Company went bankrupt, owing tens of millions of dollars in commercial paper from Goldman Sachs. A crisis erupted which involved numerous lawsuits. In 2007 Two Goldman traders, Michael Swenson and Josh Birnbaum, made a $4 billion profit by short-selling subprime mortgage securities. By 2008 their involvement in the financial products contributed to the global meltdown that occurred that year. A source of long-term con troversy has been the ease with which Sachs employees transition into government roles. American president George H.W. Bush made former Goldman CEO Henry Paulson his Secretary of the Treasury. Current Secretary Timothy Geitner’s chief of staff is former Goldman lobbyist Mark Patterson. The current CEO of the company has visited the White House at least ten times since Barak Obama became president. It is reported that the firm was a major contributor to Obama’s 2008 campaign. (A Brief) This dichotomous image of being at once financial geniuses and underhanded opportunists is buttressed by Goldman’s activities since the early days of public Internet use. The company handled the IPO of Microsoft,... This essay stresses that Goldman profits regardless of how the company they promote fares over time. However, there are two possible disadvantages in this scenario. Goldman may not sell its holdings in the company before the bubble bursts. It will then lose the profits earned from the stock’s price going up. Additionally, investors may be reluctant to invest money in firms promoted by Goldman if their reputation suffers over the long term. This paper makes a conclusion that it is worthwhile for Goldman to invest in Internet firms such as Facebook is dependent on which scenario best benefits its overall profitability. Given that the last dot-com bubble is still remembered, a cautious strategy would be for the firm to exercise due diligence practices before promoting such companies. Unlike the 1990s, there now exist mature, stable web-based companies that show strong prospects for solid, continued growth into the future. The aforementioned Facebook is one example. This paper has only considered the question from a monetary viewpoint. There are also ethical considerations, however. Deliberately creating bubbles may benefit the firm doing so, but it virtually guarantees an economic contraction and ruined portfolios in the longer term. That same outcome can also be seen as undesirable purely from a selfish viewpoint. The world economy is currently in a very fragile state, largely due to the real estate bubble aftermath.

Economic history Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Economic history - Essay Example The growth of the United States economy in the period from 1790 to 1860 can be seen in terms of an expansion and a growing complexity (Suranovic, 1997). The local market relations that existed before canals and railroads were personally run on trade and a mixture of cash and barter. With the growth of the South’s cotton industry in the period after 1815, the country branched out and developed an interregional trade system that was structured around a growing number of banks and currency (Whitman, F.K., 2000, p. 535). Between 1807 and 1815, U.S. foreign trade was severely disrupted by Jefferson’s trade embargo, subsequent non-importation measures, and the War of 1812. These disruptions are commonly believed to have spurred early U.S. industrialization (Zuckerman, 2006). Because of the aforementioned disruptions, especially the embargo, domestic industry was encouraged and emerging local industries were protected from import competition by preventing foreign manufactured goods from reaching the U.S. market (Davis, J.H., 2003, p. 228). Due to the resulting trend of interregional trade, new manufacturing firms were established and existing domestic producers rapidly expanded output to replace previously imported goods (Zuckerman, 2006). Interregional trading also led to the American economy becoming industrialized, first in the Northeast, in order for inter-region commerce to become more convenient (Herbst, 1997). New inventions and capital investment led to the creation of new industries and economic growth. As transportation improved, new markets continuously opened. The steamboat made river traffic faster and cheaper, but development of railroads had an even greater effect, opening up vast stretches of new territory for development. Furthermore, the United States became an economic power with the dramatic expansion of domestic markets, as the set of regional

Race, Politics, and Reconstruction, 1865-1875 Assignment

Race, Politics, and Reconstruction, 1865-1875 - Assignment Example Thompson worked at the radical end of the party. He was against the conservative compromises involved. He wanted the national government to reject it because it was coated with ethnicity and discrimination. Ruby was the first Black to be chosen into the state council. This became possible only because fewer Whites contested in the elections than Blacks. George ensured all races were treated with equivalence. He advocated for the fortification of civil constitutional rights of the Blacks. As the president of Texas Colored Labor Convention, he was able to assemble Republican electors in Texas. George built a foundation for black power and governances in Galveston. He cleverly advocated for their civil and party-political civil liberties. He worked cautiously with the hostile White politicians. This way, he opened more occasions for the Blacks through â€Å"compromise† politics. In the post-civil war period, Thompson had significant political power (Rabinowitz 265). He had to ensure he gratified both his goals and that of the wider social order. Through his political dispositions, Ruby compromised to ensure that his race was at least prosperous. In his efforts to safeguard the welfares of the Blacks, Ruby made some compromises in the aim of satiating later goals. In 1874, the Democrats efficaciously reclaimed power. He did not seek re-election because the Whites were prevalent in the assembly. The White politicians exhaled hostility, and Ruby had to tread carefully to guarantee his interest, and that of the Black community received the preferred

Computer abuse is subject to taking advantage of electronic media to Assignment

Computer abuse is subject to taking advantage of electronic media to gain information and use it against the third party - Assignment Example INTRODUCTION Computer abuse is subject to taking advantage of electronic media to gain information and use it against the third party. The evolving technologies such as the expert use of smart phones, tablets, laptops, home computers have added the threat of new crimes every day. The criminal activities are encompassed by excessive use of technology and computer abuse, which have resulted in major social, cultural, and financial losses over the last two decades. The new dimension of criminal activities involves expert use of technology that is intelligent and technical that it can be even misread by the law enforcement agencies. For instance, a property crime on a larger scale involves fraud against the property of people without involving any physical contact with the people (Denning, 2004). The prevention of such crimes is essential for the future of advance technology and criminal investigations undertaken by trained computer experts or forensic individuals. The advancement of tec hnology and awareness of computer abuse possess a serious threat for not only to individual but also to the nation’s security in terms of legislative and financial crimes preceded by computer frauds and abuse. It has also resulted in crash of financial markets, the great depressions periods and various money laundering cases, which is a threat for not only the national security but also preceded under anti-terrorism globally. The last three decades have given rise to various hacker groups around the globe who had attacked and invaded the financial market as well as the highly sensitive data regarding the national security. For instance in recent years, the wake of wiki leaks is a big example of computer abuse. It has resulted in releasing secret sensitive information and publishing documents that possess a serious national and financial threat globally (National White Collar Crime Centre, 2002). The emerging threats from excessive computer abuse have raised the scope of feder al and local legislation in regards to larger crimes. The legislations and penalties are in place to combat the computer abuse and punish the offenders for misuse of information and data (Denning, 2004). DISCUSSION Computer Crimes and Abuse Computer crimes are defined as criminal activities committed in a technological environment in order to cause damage or derive economic gains from other others (U.S. Department of Justice, 2001). According to the adaption of Cohen Felson’s Routine Activities theory, a crime is determine due to the availability of a suitable target, lack of backing from any guardian and a serious motive by the offender. It was also stimulated that usage of computer adversely can result in invading the sensitive information and using it for criminal purposes (Gordon et al, 2003). It is also confided in law that intentionally or without permission, accessing the computer services or any device can result in committing a criminal offence (National Security Ins titute, 2004). The traditional crimes such as fraud, theft and organised criminal rings are now

Mona Lisa Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Mona Lisa - Essay Example There is a general consensus among historians that the Mona Lisa was done between 1503 and 1519. The painting was requested by Francesco Del Giocondo, the subject’s husband and a rich silk merchant. Lisa Gherardin, who was Giocondo’s wife, came from a prominent family. The Mona Lisa is thought to have been painted to celebrate the completion of the couple’s house in 1503 and to mark the birth of Andrea, the couple’s second son, in 1502.The identity of the portrait had been a subject of speculations but in 2005, its real identity was discovered(Earls 113). The Mona Lisa is a half length portrait of a beautiful lady. The lady’s hair is covered by a delicate dark cloak. During renaissance period, a dark veil was considered a mourning veil and may have been representing the subject’s mourning of her daughter who died in 1549.Her clothing is simple. The scarp that is wrapped around her shoulders, the pleated gown and the yellow sleeve do not show any signs of nobility. The Mona Lisa was painted basing on a realistic scale. The portrait is half length and the woman is presented from the head to the waist. She is sitting in an arm chair while her left arm is resting on the chair’s arm. The arm of the chair is situated in front of loggia, which is characterized by two fragmentary pillars that form the frame of the figure and form a window that faces the background. The aesthetic nature of this artwork highlights the influence of Lombard and Florentine art of the late 15th century and early 16th century. Aspects of artwork such as the architectural settings, hands put together in the forefront, and the view of the portrait against the landscape were common in Flemish portraits of the late 15th century. However, Leornardo managed to introduce several unique and special features in The Mona Lisa. The new features are the sheer equilibrium of the painting, the monumentality, and the atmospheric illusionism exhibited by the M ona Lisa (Kemp 79). The Mona Lisa is a unique oil painting whose surface consists of cotton wood panel unlike most of the paintings that were done by other artists during Leonardo’s period, which were commonly commissioned as oil on canvas. Actually, the use of cotton wood panel as the surface of the Mona Lisa is one of the factors that have been attributed to its fame. In addition, the cotton wood panel medium has contributed to its durability. The Mona Lisa has survived for six centuries without any alteration or repair, a factor that makes it different from other artworks. Although most of renaissance period artworks denoted biblical themes, the Mona Lisa did not portray any religious theme but was created to mark Giocondo’s achievements (Earls 114).The painting shows Leornardo’s mastery of using identifiable marks when presenting his artwork. The use of shadowing technique at the corners of the eyes and lips gives the portrait a look of a delight and lifelik e appearance. Leornado also developed a background that had attractive scenery and an aerial view. The technique used by Leornado when painting did not leave

Sociology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 19

Sociology - Essay Example The field of politics as well as religion has always moved ahead together, several times these fields have helped each other and in certain cases these fields have conflicted with each other. Politics have been greatly impacted by religion and politics have to comply with religion in order to serve its own purpose. In other cases religious leaders have tried to impose their opinion based on religion in order to govern citizens in a better manner under the religious party they are part of. The activities stated above are clearly evident in the politics of United States, it is witnessed that huge amounts of funds are given to political parties and candidates of these parties depending on their view of various societal issues such as control of birth rate, abortion and the most heavily debated topic of gay marriage which has gained tremendous amount of popularity. The religious side that has been in the limelight over this issue is the Fundamentalist Christians, they used their ability to alter the secular policy in their own favor and they portrayed their religious thoughts by getting President Bush elected during the election of 2000 and 2004. In other religions such as the religion of Islam where Muslims elect their political leaders and then direct and control their leaders who have to act in accordance to Islamic religious book called Quran. The similarity between the field of politics as well as religion is the purpose of controlling the citizens and human being’s cognition, soul and behavior. The game played in these fields is simple; the game played in these fields is based on gaining more and more support in order to gain recognition as majority.

Programming Languages Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Programming Languages - Essay Example Whereas, the other authors have categorized the computer languages keeping in view the different aspects of the computer language including programming paradigm. The categories include: the procedural programming languages, structured programming languages, object oriented programming languages, functional programming languages, event driven programming, compiled and interpreted computer programming languages (Hurst, n.d). The computer languages are based on the syntax and semantic rules. It is pertinent to compare the programming languages based on the categories of the languages as well as predefined comparison criteria should be used. The paper focuses on three (3) main categories of the computer programming languages and presents an introduction to the programming languages, types of the programming languages, comparison of the programming languages, design and implementation phases of the programming languages and a conclusion based on critical analysis of the programming langua ges. Computer Programming languages Classification Computer programming languages have been developed to solve the human problems effectively and efficiently. Different categories of the programming languages accept, translate, and execute the instructions in diverse manners. Consider the ‘high level languages’, the programmers / coders write code in a more human understandable language as per the predefined syntax of the selected programming language platform. In other words, the ‘high level languages’ are developed so that the human beings can easily understand and use them. It is pertinent to mention here that there are three (3) models for execution of the ‘high level languages’ include: interpretation, compilation and translation. The interpretation refers to the execution of code without its compilation and requires an interpreter to interpret the code into machine language. The compilation refers to the translation of the code into execu table form by using either machine code generation technique or intermediate representation technique. Keeping in view the above facts, it is scrutinized that the ‘high level languages’ can further be classified based on the execution models they adopt to execute the program / code. Furthermore, it can be stated that the ‘high level languages’ are slow as compared to the assembly and machine languages. The high level programming languages include: C, C++, FORTRAN, Java, etc. The assembly languages are low level computer programming languages which directly correspond to the computer architecture. The assembly languages are computer architecture dependent in contrast to the ‘high level languages’ which can be ported across multiple different systems. The computer does not understand the assembly language; therefore, the programs created in the assembly languages require assemblers to convert the code into executable machine code. In Assembly lan guage the programmers use the symbolic computer addresses which are converted into the absolute addresses by the assembler. As compared to the ‘high level languages’, the assembly languages are difficult to understand and learn by human beings. The examples of the assembly language include: the AUTOCODER (usable for IBM mainframe systems), FASM (Flat Assembler), MASM (Microsoft Macro Assembler), etc. The third (3rd) main classification of the programming langu

Best Practices Manual for New Supervisors Essay Example for Free

Best Practices Manual for New Supervisors Essay Communication is a multi-faceted term in the realm of management and employee relations. It can apply to the individual’s ability to interact in general terms (supervisor to employee) or literal language skills (e. g. clearly speaking the domestic language). When language is the concern, supervisors must work to ensure all employees can effectively communicate within the organization as well as with the client or customer. In an era of diversity, most organizations employ individuals from all ethnic backgrounds and conduct business with a diverse clientele. Having clients of different cultural backgrounds does not have to pose communication barriers. In fact, with a little research and training, both the international employee and client can enjoy a mutually prosperous relationship. One of the most effective methods in communicating is in understanding. Understanding in the context of internal relations involves the supervisor’s ability to interact with employees at a level that encourages positive behavior and productivity. In terms of clientele, the best strategies and techniques in communicating with clients of different cultures would be know as much as possible about the client’s cultural background. Supervisors must be aware of the uniqueness of individual needs and how they relate to different aspects of life. While adapting to various levels of communication may seem difficult, it is possible and encouraged for the overall success of an organization. Determining Effective Orientation and Training Methods Effective orientation and training methods are similar to recruitment and selection methods, whereby selection tools prove beneficial to managers in determining which applicants are best suited for a particular position. Regardless of the industry, methods recommended include various forms of testing (personality tests, cognitive ability tests, and biographical inventory tests), combined with interviews and evaluations at both a team and individual management level. The most common indicators of training needs are when workers consistently fail to achieve productivity objectives and excessive customer complaints. These issues are best identified through organization analysis, task analysis, and person analysis, including a variety of specific training options. Specialized technology training uses the systems model of training whereby asserting the needs assessment followed by design (objectives, readiness and learning principles). After determining the needs of each individual employee, supervisors must then work toward implementation with on-the-job or other applicable training methods. If faced with a report of increased customer complaints, supervisors must first look at the organization as a whole, investigating areas that seem to be lacking and narrow down results from there. All aspects of the needs assessment can be useful: organizational, task and person analysis. Once the source of the problem has been identified, the next step is to design a training program that will address the issues while teaching employees better customer service skills. While most employees detest mandatory meetings, such gatherings work to encourage employees in maintaining good performance records and motivate low performing employees. Training to increase employee participation in pep meetings would be designed to motivate individual employees through incentives. It is important that employees feel valued and that each is an essential member of the collective team. Positive training methods must also include a level of encouraging traits, allowing each to feel he or she gains valuable knowledge from these meetings versus a feeling of dread. Improving Productivity for Teams In all levels of business, it takes teamwork to achieve the result of productivity, whether the team is part of human resources, production, shipping, or in executive management. All members of an organization must work together to attain a desired result. An effective means of encouraging and improving productivity for teams is in the use of team-based incentives. This type of incentive encourages employees to continue working as a team and thus creating a cooperative environment within the company. To the credit of individual incentives, often times individual employees put forth more effort than others and are not rewarded according to their actions when applied under a team-based incentive program. However, positive aspects of the application of team-based incentives indicate such action works toward achieving the desired result: teamwork. There is no doubt that employee incentives promote better performance. Team-based incentives are more economical in many ways. By allowing employees to work as a team, there is a greater chance of attaining a better productivity level. Offering incentives under this premise offers each employee to work well with others to ensure that final goal is attained, and therefore creating the certainty of receiving such incentives. When team-based incentives are geared toward individual teams, the results are more apt to be to the executive department’s satisfaction. For example, if X department understands that it must be the monthly requirements for Z department to complete its end of month reporting and that there will be no incentives given in the event of missing a specific deadline or goal, each respective department team will be more likely to work harder to achieve the end goal. Team-based incentives also give the appearance of â€Å"fairness† in the type of incentives offered. For example, as referenced through an article by Nancy R. Katz (Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, June 2000), although incentives lead to enhanced motivation, effort, and performance, â€Å"in the real world, however, incentives can have dysfunctional effects† (2000). Katz writes that the most common dysfunctional effect an employee’s expression, â€Å"It’s not fair! † When incentives are contingent on performance, Katz explains that workers give greater concern to the issues of fairness. â€Å"When the distribution of rewards that is perceived as even slightly unfair can lead to significant problems† (Katz 2000). Team-based over incentives provide positive points including economical benefits, encouraging teamwork, giving the feeling of fairness, and reduction of employee absenteeism. Clearly, when employees work together cooperatively the outcome requires an understanding of what makes cooperation work. Such traits include positive interdependence, individual accountability, positive interaction, social skills, and group processing. The discipline structure of these traits includes the growth of group commitment and an increased dedication to the company as a whole. While each employee must be held accountable for his or her own actions, they must also work to meet and promote each others productivity. Team settings also provide a setting whereby each employee has the opportunity to participate in explanations and discussion, problem solving, present ideas and feedback, receive group support and encouragement, and be held accountable by coworkers which leads to an individual putting forth a greater effort for a satisfying end result.

Discussing Database Management Systems E Business Information Technology Essay

Discussing Database Management Systems E Business Information Technology Essay Software systems or computer software which is used to create, modify, maintain, provide controlled access to user database. According to Mullins, 2002 It enables end users 7 application programmes to share data, it enables data to be shared among multiple applications rather than propagated stored in new files for every new applications. For e.g. Online banking systems uses database management systems, Big hospitals uses database management systems to keep the track record of their patients details, their history etc. Database management systems based on the variety of models of distribution architectures such as the widely used Client/Server architecture and centralized architecture among others as also the database models such as Relational Model and the XML Model etc. First DBMS systems were used for primary for large complex ventures such as Apollo moon landing projects. Such operations were too expensive to contemplate anyway, as in that era most data was stored on magnetic tape 1970s Relational DBMS During this decade DBMS became a commercial reality. The hierarchical network database systems were developed they are generally regarded as first generation DBMS. They are still widely used. But have limitation, like difficulty in accessing to data, very limited data independence, not widely accepted. 1980s E.F.Codd others developed the relational data model during the 1970. This was second generation DBMS. With relational model all data were represented in form of tables. This has widespread commercial acceptance diffused throughout the business world in 1980s. SQL is the fourth generation language which is used for data retrieval. 1990s Object oriented database. This decade was the new era of computing, first with client/server, data warehousing internet application which became increasingly important. Largely structured, multimedia data became increasingly common during the 1990s. Both relational object oriented database are still of great importance. 2000 Beyond. The ability to manage increasingly complex data. Multidimensional data considerably importance in data warehouse application. Development of universal servers based on object relational DBMS. Especially important to internet application. Fully distributed database became a reality, centralization of database will continue. The lower cost of high performance computing also encourages centralization. Content-addressable storage will become more popular. User can retrieve data by specifying the data they desire. For e.g. a user can query any detail in Google site can have the computer search for the closest match to that photo. Working on developing data mining algorithms that scale to handle very large data sets which help to analyze data efficiently. Improving abilities to discern patterns, trends, correlation about customers, employees, products suppliers will influence strategic decision making by organisation. The proliferation of the PDAS will lead to improved synchronization of small databases improvement of wireless transmission. The use of web services will become more widespread as reliable XML web services more available. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Database_management_system#Overview Function of Database management systems. There are several functions that a DBMS performs to ensure data integrity and consistency of data in the database. Data dictionary management: Data Dictionary is where the DBMS stores definitions of the data elements and their relationships (metadata). The DBMS uses this function to look up the required data component structures and relationships Data storage management: This particular function is used for the storage of data and any related data entry forms or screen definitions, report definitions, data validation rules, procedural code, and structures that can handle video and picture formats Security management: This is one of the most important functions in the DBMS. Security management sets rules that determine specific users that are allowed to access the database Multiuser access control, Multiuser access control is a very useful tool in a DBMS, it enables multiple users to access the database simultaneously without affecting the integrity of the database. Backup and recovery management: Backup and recovery is brought to mind whenever there is potential outside threats to a database. Backup management refers to the data safety and integrity; for example backing up all your mp3 files on a disk. Data integrity management, The DBMS enforces these rules to reduce things such as data redundancy, which is when data is stored in more than one place unnecessarily, and maximizing data consistency, making sure database is returning correct/same answer each time for same question asked. Database access languages application programming interfaces: A query language is a nonprocedural language. An example of this is SQL (structured query language). SQL is the most common query language supported by the majority of DBMS vendors. The use of this language makes it easy for user to specify what they want done without the headache of explaining how to specifically do it Database communication interfaces: This refers to how a DBMS can accept different end user requests through different network environments. An example of this Can be easily related to the internet. A DBMS can provide access to the database using the Internet through Web Browsers (Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Netscape). http://databasemanagement.wikia.com/wiki/DBMS_Functions Types of Database Management Systems: Database management has become important part of every company that has got data to be managed handled. There are two types of database. Server database. Desktop database. Advantages of Database management systems: Controls Data redundancy Consistency Improved data integrity Easy to access data and maintain it Provides backup recover services Increase in productivity concurrency Disadvantages of database management systems: Maintain data are Complex Maintaining the database systems are very costly, for e.g. the server database is mainly connected with multiuser application have greater reliability data consistency. It is costlier than desk top database operates on high performance servers. There is high risk of failure. CHAPTER-2 E-Business: According to IBM (www.ibm.com/e-business) e-business (ebizNis) the transformation of key business processes through the use of Internet technologies. The key business processes referred to in the IBM definitions are the organizational processes. They include research and development, marketing, manufacturing and inbound and outbound logistics. Louis Gerstner, the former CEO of IBM, in his book, Who Says Elephants Cant Dance? Attributes the term e-Business to IBMs marketing and Internet teams in 1996. Stiller A (2003) related that Sussis (2000) an e-commerce consultant, stated that as businesses move into significant e-businesses, good planning strategies, design and implementation becomes more and more essential. E-business (electronic business), derived from such terms as e-mail and e-commerce, is the conduct of business on the Internet, not only buying and selling but also servicing customers and collaborating with business partners. Today, major corporations are rethinking their businesses in terms of the Internet and its new culture and capabilities. Companies are using the Web to buy parts and supplies from other companies, to collaborate on sales promotions, and to do joint research. E-business can be conducted using the Web, the Internet, intranets, extranets, or some combination of these. E-Business will impact business process, technology and organizational structure E-Business opportunities exist in: Sales Marketing Product Development Supply Chain Management Procurement Support Processes People Enablement For example Amazon (www.amazon.com) and eBay (www.ebay.com) are the worlds two biggest e-businesses. Types of e-business or e-commerce: B2B (business to business) business communications with other businesses like the direct placement of purchase orders. B2C (business to consumer) business communications with consumers through sales completed from a business website (e-commerce) or a regular newsletter. B2G (business to government) business communications with government like online taxation lodgements. P2P technology enables internet users to share files computer resources. Music file sharing services such as Gnutella are the prime examples of this type of e-commerce. M-commerce involves the use of wireless digital devices to enable the transaction on the web. http://www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au/run/it/pages/ebiz.aspx Benefits/Advantages of E-Business: Business whether small or big are using the internet in their own ways. To work with partners and suppliers, for procurement, for internal activities such as knowledge sharing and new product development, and much more. Companies such as United Technologies, J. Sainsbury, General Electric and many others are reporting benefits from the use of the Internet. These benefits include: improved speed of response; cost savings; improved communications, information and knowledge sharing; reductions in inventory; improved efficiency and productivity; harmonisation and standardisation of procedures; better transfer of best practices; acquisition of new customers and increased sales; improved customer service Removes Location and Availability Restrictions Reduces Time and Money Spent http://www.ecommerceeducation.com/benefits-of-ecommerce.asp http://www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au/run/it/pages/benefits.aspx Barriers to E-business: Security encryption; Trust risk; Lack of qualified personal; Lack of business models; Culture; Legal Issues; Fraud risk of loss; Internet/web is too slow not dependable. Constantly change in technology, which is always costly. {Source by: Veljko MilutinoviĆ¡, Frà ©dà ©ric Patricelli (2002) E-business and e-challenges; IOS PRESS; page 10} CHAPTER-3 ROLE OF DBMs IN e-BUSINESS: Every big or small organization is now trying their hands on DBMs to remain competitive in their respective fields. Every organisation which is big or at its starting stage wants to have their own DBMs as they dont want themselves to be left behind. To function in an e-business environment, an organization has to have a good command of knowledge on its markets, customers, products and services, methods and processes, competitors, employee skills and its regulatory environment. The term E-business is used in two main ways within organizations. The first is as a concept which can be applied to strategy and operations. Secondly E-business is used as an adjective to describe businesses that mainly operate online, i.e. they have no physical presence on the high-streets and seek to minimize customer-service and support through enabling web self-service. Educational institution, public government organisation, private enterprises which require large databases to store informations are using DBMs in their business. Every day some or the other organisation is building database application or re-constructing the older version, for making these application there are two ways; Microsoft products such as .net platform or Visual BASIC with an Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) driver connected to SQL Server the other is JSP/Java Server with a JDBC driver in DBMSs such as Oracle or IBM DB2 on the Unix, Linux and Windows platforms. Sabre airline reservation system was introduced in 1964 which was the first large scale DMBs for airline industry. Both airline travelling agents depends on sabre other reservation systems like Apollo. These database contain information about flight seats of most commercial airlines, permitting co-ordination of reservation. Now days every airline company has their own database where they do lot of work. Database helps their customers to book their itineraries fares. It has became lot easy for the customers to sit in the comfort of home enjoy the services. These databases help the airline industry to grow doubling their profits. DBMS is important to the operations of e-Business because it provides the organisation with the tools to make relevant and concrete decisions concerning the business. With a touch of button, hundreds of data stored in its database about a transaction, product or customer can be extracted, viewed, or amended The DBMS enables the e-Business to reduce waste in that majority of the traditional approach of doing business in the file-based era has been reduced. For e.g. in customer service industry the DBMs helps them to maintain the records information about the customers. For instance all banks have online telephone banking services provided for their customers as they keep track every record every minute details of the customers. Database management systems are widely used by the information technology in computer manufacturing business, the DBMs help them in understanding their customers need like in some website of a computer manufacturing companies we can virtually customize or make changes in laptops we can purchase make payments online get our laptops within couple of days. Conclusion In todays world e-business is extremely important for many reasons. Some of which is due to the fact it can speed the whole process of ordering etc. up. This then means that the lead time can be decreased because the ordering of products can be done much more quickly, particularly because the Internet is a fast running wide area network. The Internet has completely reshaped customer relationships. The transformation began with the dot-com boom, which spawned a new type of company whose entire business model was predicated on Web acceptance and usage. These companies Yahoo (Nasdaq: YHOO), Amazon (Nasdaq: AMZN), eBay (Nasdaq: EBAY) and Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) took advantage of the Web in all aspects of their business. Soon, traditional brick-and-mortar enterprises realized that to survive, they too had to satisfy customer expectations to procure goods and services over the Internet. e-business has been benefited by DBMs a lot. But a lot work has to be done in developing more database application which are more user friendly, analytical practical. Lot of work has to be done in security issues of this e-business organisation as they have lot of personal information regarding their customers, to eliminate the fraud which is easily done by the hackers as they have access to these databases or can break the access codes use the valuable information. Up gradation of the databases websites should be always done so that these e-businesses would attract lot of customers. E-business is the future of all the organisation, as the world is get closer so does the business, to stay in the competition companies must adapt to new technologies.