How Technology Is Impacting Globalization - 974 Words

Globalization is the process by which people, businesses and countries become more connected and interdependent. With new technology it has become so much easier to access data, from anywhere in the world. The world has many problems that cannot be fixed without globalization and by moving towards one global culture. The world is moving towards one global culture because different cultures are adapting and sharing ideas of others that are gradually changing the way people in these cultures live. The world will benefit with globalization because it will increase the interaction and relationships between countries, and improve technology to create a stronger plan on how to protect the environment. Technology is impacting globalization. Transportation, cheap telephone service, email, computers and instant capital flows made the world more interdependent. Travel, communication, and interaction between countries has increased. This interaction between countries has moved the world towards one global culture because it will help with improving long-standing problems such as the environment. For example, climate change has threatened the well-being of citizens around the world. Food and water shortage are just a few examples. Moving towards one global society can help eliminate some of these problems by creating a stronger system of providing resources with food and water shortages to vulnerable countries. Technology can help detect natural disasters sooner to bring awareness toShow MoreRelatedThe Impacts of Globalization and Technology on Healthstream1205 Words   |  5 Pagesseveral years, globalization and technology are having an impact on the kinds of changes that are occurri ng inside a variety of corporations. In the case of Healthstream, the firm is focused on reaching out to clients in the healthcare sector by providing innovative technological solutions. The different areas they are focusing on include: learning / talent management, administrative support, employee training / continuing education and account management. These elements are showing how the companyRead MoreGlobalization and Citizenship Essays768 Words   |  4 Pagesactivity, investments and trade. Imagine economic integration and the rapid development of cities. This is globalization. Globalization is used to describe the increased integration and internationalization of economic affairs and relations which are facilitated and transitioned by rapid development in technology in the fields of information gathering, communication and processing. Globalization has a very big influence and impact on the economies of the world. We see many countries developing at rapidRead MoreGlobalizatio n : A World Wide Movement Essay1267 Words   |  6 PagesGlobalization is a phenomenon, a world wide movement where nations and communities come together and form a network. Throughout the course we explored the integration and interdependence of various nations, which ultimately shapes world affairs on a global level.Evidently, growth of the developing countries is the main cause of globalization and it brings both opportunities and disadvantages to them. There are numerous ways in which globalization has impacted the world today.The course also createdRead MorePolitical Factors That Affect International Business1020 Words   |  5 Pagesleads to substantial revenue increases and touches all global organizations. Some companies pay bribes to government official which affect the level of competitiveness among international businesses. For instance, due to the increased impact of globalization on international business, the united states foreign corrupt practices Act prohibits bribery in international trade and all stakeholder in public and private company. Fiscal concerns for international organizations Global fiscal funding policiesRead MoreEssay on Globalization: Sharing Our Prosperity With the World1388 Words   |  6 Pages Globalization is the growing interdependence of the worlds people that involves the integration of economies, technologies, and cultures (Bradshaw). It is described as the increased movement of people, knowledge and ideas, and goods and money across national borders that have led to the increased interconnectedness among the world. Globalization is often thought of in economic terms but as we know there are three major components implicated with this idea including: economics, politics, andRead MoreThe Importance Of Globalization1122 Words   |  5 PagesGlobalization is important to understand in order to determine what worked in the past and can be successful again in the future. Our many cultures, ideals and growing technology form together to create an extremely global world. We use products that were made on the other side of the world, and are taxed on practically everything. Whether the effects of our global society is good or bad, there’s no doubt that the world is constantly changing and impacting our livelihoods, so we must adapt accordinglyRead MoreEnvironmental And Organizational Factors Of The Global Business Environment1039 Words   |  5 Pageslook at each of these factors and describe the current major issues surrounding them as well as provide strategies Ellard Williams, Incorporated can use to take advantage of these factors. Major Issues Impacting Manufacturing The manufacturing industry and marketplace are changing. Globalization is playing a major role in the success or failure of any manufacturing firm in today s marketplace. To stay competitive, organizations focus on social, economic, and technological issues that impact theirRead MoreMcdonald s Impacts Of Globalization And Technology1315 Words   |  6 Pagesof globalization and technology. The industrial organization model will be discussed to determine steps needed to maximize the potential for increased earnings. Furthermore, McDonald s vision, mission, and stakeholder impacts will be presented which is essential. Globalization and Technology Change Impacting McDonald s McDonald’s was first established in 1940 by Dick and Mac McDonald in San Bernardino, California. Their headquarters is now located in Oak Brook, Illinois. Globalization andRead MoreAssessment: The Impact of Globalization on the US Criminal Justice System988 Words   |  4 PagesAccess Criminal Justice Assess the impact of globalization on the U.S. criminal justice system. Over the last several years, globalization has been transforming the US justice system. This is because a series of international standards and guidelines are being imposed by many nations around the globe. At the heart of this focus, is an emphasis on a number of different areas to include: respect for human rights and judicial oversight. (Holmes, 2009, pp. 30 42) In the case of the US, thisRead MoreThe Effect of Globalization on Fashion with Special Reference to the Impact of Japanese Designs on the European Scene1521 Words   |  7 Pagesthe effect of ‘Globalization’ on fashion with special reference to the impact of Japanese designs on the European scene. The definition of globalisation is quite complex and extremely controversial. However globalization with reference to the fashion industry helps defines the development of what has been termed as „world fashion‟. Preferred garments of young people is quite often the same. A phenomenon made possible by the exploitative mechanisms of globalization. The globalization of clothing manufacture

Critical Thinking in Sociology - 1264 Words

The media is the world’s means to communication. Through the use of magazines, television, the internet, radios, billboards, etc., we are able to sell, advertise, and publicize materials and goods. The media has a way of eliciting, in consumers, a desire and need to obtain whatever is being advertised. The mass media is mainly ruled by an exclusive portion of our society; these elite few have the power to manipulate and capitalize on the profits made from the media. The main marketing technique the media uses is called subliminal messaging. Through the use of slight manipulations, the media appeals to our pleasure telling us that what they are offering is a necessity rather than a luxury. Not only does the media generate a selfish desire†¦show more content†¦If we can allow for love to penetrate our hearts and minds, we will see the results in how we treat others, and in turn, how they will treat us. The best way to reap kindness and love is to give it. It is a command given to us as Christians, and it is worth it. About five years ago now, I began volunteering at the nursing home in my city. I was asked to take a 94 year old woman swimming once a week. At first, I was nervous and I felt that I was not equipped to do this type of work. I was pleased to discover that I very much enjoyed my time at the pool each week. The experience was eye opening for me as I fell in love with the people that I had the joy of spending my morning with each week, laughing and splashing the lifeguard. A couple of years later, I began working at this same nursing home as a resident assistant. Yet again, my eyes were opened to a whole new world that I had not known existed until then. This world was different than the one at the swimming pool. This one was much busier. It was more about productivity than about quality care of the people. Everything about it seemed backwards. Many of the employees that I worked with made it seem like the residents were more of a hassle and a job, rather than actual people. Working in the nursing home I have seen more abuse and neglect than anywhere else. One time, I asked a fellow employee how he found working in the home, and he answered, â€Å"Well, I have worked inShow MoreRelatedThe Basic Tools Of Sociology And Sociology1034 Words   |  5 PagesArgument: In this piece, Weber outlines the basic tools of sociology and distinguishes sociology as a social science. Weber’s main message in this piece is that that social sciences should be equivalent to natural sciences, and in order to do so, laws should be made within the field. Secondly, he wanted to bring history and sociology together with causal relationships, in doing so he would also analyze the individual’s social action. He mentions that action is only social when it is oriented to theRead MoreCritical Theory, Functionalism And Symbolic Interactionism Essay1351 Words   |  6 PagesIn sociology, there are three major theories; critical theory, functionalism and symbolic interactionism. These theories express the structure of society in which each theory looks at a different aspects of sociology. Sociologists apply these theories in the study of society, but it becomes difficult if only one theory is applied. For that one applied theory, would only look at the aspect to which it is confined to. To successfully study sociology all three theories must be applied together. CriticalRead MoreFord Was An Unethical Leader.He Allowed Himself To Fall1125 Words   |  5 Pages Ford was an unethical leader. He allowed himself to fall into the ethical trap of â€Å"Worry over Image† with his alteration of the $5 Day policy and his creation of the Ford Sociology Department. â€Å"Ethical traps stem from confusion or uncertainty as to what action or behavior should be taken in a given situation. The ethical trap â€Å"Worry over Image† entails making decisions based on how they’ll impact your reputation or standing among peers, subordinates, supervisors, or community. Concerns aboutRead MoreEssay on Why Sociology Is Important to Nursing986 Words   |  4 Pagesintroduction, generally, sociology is mainly the study of society, communities and people whereas nursing is a profession which focused on assisting individuals, families, and communities in attaining, maintaining and recovering optimal health and functioning. In this assignment, I will describe the definition of Sociology, the definition of nursing and explain why sociology is very important and is relevant to nursing practice. I hope this assignment will show the relevance of sociology to nursing practiceRead MoreBriefly Outline the Distinctive Features of the Sociological Approach to Understanding Human Life and the Illustrate How You Would Use Sociology to Make Sense of Globalisation.1554 Words   |  7 PagesSociology is the systematic, sceptical and critical study of the way that people do things together .It’s not a science that simply lists facts and figures about society. Instead it becomes a form of consciousness, a way of thinking, a critical way of seeing the world. It welcomes you to challenge the obvious, to question the world as it is taken for granted and to de-familiarising the familiar. This is what empowers critical thinking which triggers the development of the understanding of the humanRead MoreWhat Is Sociolo gy?1062 Words   |  5 PagesWhat is sociology? We can start by saying that sociology is the systematic study of human society. Sociology should be more than you find in a good documentary on a social issue. It is certainly more than listings of facts and figures about society. Instead it becomes a form of consciousness a way of thinking, a critical way of seeing the social. Seeing the general in the particular. In his short book ‘Invitation to Sociology’(1963) characterized the sociological perspective as seeing the generalRead MoreSociology 210 Study Guide1129 Words   |  5 PagesThe Sociological Perspective I. The Sociological Perspective. A. Sociology is the systematic study of human society. B. The sociological perspective (Berger, 1963) helps us to see general social patterns in the behavior of particular individuals (the general in the particular). C. It also encourages us to realize that society guides our thoughts and deeds — to see the strange in the familiar (Berger, 1963). D. Sociology also encourages us to see personal choice in social context. 1. ForRead MoreCriminology And Sociology And Criminology1213 Words   |  5 Pagescriminal justice and Sociology meet and come together. Sociology is a social science where the study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society happen. Criminology is also a social science that studies crime and criminal behavior. Sociologists, by studying society and relationships, are able to determine the thoughts and actions of individuals or criminals. Each science can relate to other sciences and Criminology relates to Psychology, Sociology and more. Sociology and CriminologyRead MoreInsight Into Human Behavior in Sociology827 Words   |  4 PagesSociology is the study of societies. Sociology analyses the various social phenomena, such as ethnicity, gender, and sexuality, to gain a better understanding of the dominating values [and norms] that underpin a society’s function and provides an individual with a sense of belonging or attachment. This insight into human behaviour, both as an individual and as part of a group, has been the foundation for sociological thinking in the past and is still relevant in understanding the present and futureRead MoreSociology Imagination833 Words   |  4 Pagesthings socially, how they interact, and influence each other. The sociological imagination could also be defined as the capacity to see how sociological situations play out due to how people differ and social circumstances differ. It is a way of thinking about things in society that have led to some sort of outcome, and understanding what causes led to that outcome. Things that shape these outcomes include (but are not limited to): social norms, what people want to gain out of something (their motives

Rome’s Decline Free Essays

Test Essay October 3, 2012 Question: â€Å"What were the main factors in Rome’s decline? Which do you judge as the most important? Why? † When we hear the word â€Å"Rome,† a very definite picture comes to mind. We see a strong military conquering a vast majority of the ancient Mediterranean world, Julius Caesar sitting on his throne, leading Rome to newer heights each day, and the highest, most innovative new technology being put to use as Rome grows stronger and stronger. Rome was a very successful civilization, as it lasted from 100 BC to 476 AD. We will write a custom essay sample on Rome’s Decline or any similar topic only for you Order Now For a 200 year span, called the Pax Romana, trade, entertainment, the economy, and overall satisfaction increased. This was a time of peace. Unfortunately, because of numerous misfortunes such as power struggles, inflation, military rebellions, and foreign invasions, even the mighty Roman civilization came to an end. Power struggle was a major conflict of Rome. After the Pax Romana, whose last king was Marcus Aurelius, emperors were continuously overthrown and killed. This was such an issue, that during one fifty year period, 26 emperors ruled and either resigned or were murdered. Out of those 26, only one died of a natural death. Because of the constant change of rulers, the kings lost the support of the citizens, since the emperors they were loyal to did not remain in power. The collapse in politics was the first step to the fall of Rome. The economic decline was the second step to the fall of Rome. Large taxes were put in place to support and fund the military due to corruptness. Because of this, a heavy burden was placed upon businessmen and farmers. With the majority of their income going to the large taxes, farmers were financially struggling. They could no longer afford their land, so they were forced to leave and work for large landowners. Money gradually started losing its value, and inflation occurred. The third step in the Roman decline was the military rebellions. Because of the constant change in emperors, different groups in the military felt loyal to different rulers. This caused the military split and often rebel against each other. The military became so weakened and disorderly that emperors began to hire mercenaries. The final step in Rome’s decline was the foreign invasions from Germanic Tribes. Great Britain, Spain, and France were the first of the Roman territories to be surrendered. Rome itself was shortly after, and it was apparent that the largest and most powerful empire in the world at the time had come to an end. Rome was no more. How to cite Rome’s Decline, Papers

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Question: Discuss about the Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Answer: Introduction This study is based on the case study of Fruito, which deals with the fruits and vegetables selling to the local fruit shops as well as to the local restaurants and hotels. As the company has newly started the financial accounting system, this study guides the company in financial accounting by identifying the possible risks to the organizations and at the same time by providing the possible remedies to solve the risks of the company. This study aims to identify the risks involved in the ordering and receiving process at Fruito from the suppliers. Another aim of the study is to provide possible solutions to reduce the risks of the company. Risks identified during the process of ordering and receiving As Fruito is new in financial accounting, it may face several risks related to the accounting for ordering and receiving the stocks. These risks are as follows: Risk of inflation: If the inflation takes place, the suppliers of the company will not be agreed to supply the stocks at the previous price. Inefficiency risks: As the financial accounting system is new at the company, the employees are not accustomed with the system (Lin et al., 2015). Therefore, there is high chance of wrong entry while ordering and receiving the stocks. Risks of losing data: As the financial accounting system of the company is computerized, there is a risk of losing the data related to number of orders and their prices. Risk of complexity: The complexity of recording the entries of ordering and receiving the stocks will be high. Due to this, the reliability and accuracy of the ordering and receiving entries may be negatively affected (Fattahi, Hajipour Nobari, 2015). Risk of decrease in demand: If the demand for the products of Fruito decreases suddenly, then the company will not get enough time to communicate with the suppliers. Risk of damage: As the company deals with fruits and vegetables, there is high risk of damage while receiving the products from the suppliers. Risk of receiving wrong product: It may also happen that due to miscommunication, the supplier provides the products, which are not the actual demand of the company. potential impacts of the risks on the organizational process of Fruito Impact of Risk of inflation: This issue may increase the overall costs of the company and due to that the price level of the products sell by Fruito will also increase and as a result, it may lose some customers, who are not able to pay the high price (Ge et al., 2015). Impact of Inefficiency risks: Due to this risk, the accuracy of the accounting system will be hampered. Impact of Risks of losing data: If this risk takes place, then the total system will be hampered (Lin et al., 2016). Moreover, the validity of the accounting entries cannot be verified. Impact of Risk of complexity: Due to this risk, the company will receive number of orders that it has ordered previously but as the scenario changed, the stock level will increase (Yao, 2016). Impact of Risk of decrease in demand: This will lower the stock level of the company (Howard et al., 2016). Impact of Risk of damage: This will negatively affect the stock level of the company (Li, Zhang Tang, 2015). Impact of wrong product received: This risk may affect the stock level of the company and at the same time the company will be unable to meet the demand on time. Suggestions and approaches for reducing the risks In the above, it has been identified that there are several issues that can take place while ordering and receiving the stocks (Ge et al., 2015). However, these issues or risks can be solved with the help of the following recommendations: Solution for the risk of inflation: The Company must order in less quantity because if the quantity is less, then the level of cost increased due to inflation will also be low. Therefore, the company can manage the situation in a better way (Lin et al., 2015). Apart from this, the company may make a contract with the supplier regarding the price of the stocks, so that the supplier cannot increase the price even in inflation (Holmstr?m et al., 2016). Solution for the inefficiency risk: In order to solve the inefficiency risk, the management of the company must provide training to the employees. At the same time, the accounts manager must check the ordering and receiving entries at the end of each day (Li, Zhang Tang, 2015). Solution for the risk of losing data: The management at Fruito must check the records at the regular interval. This will help the management identifying any small mistake and at the same time, the management can identify any lose of data easily and immediately (Lin et al., 2016). Along with that, the management can maintain the rough record of every order and receive. These will be the alternate entries of every order and receive of stock. Solution for the risk of complexity: The management at Fruito can reduce the complexity risk by implementing easier financial accounting system, which can be handled easily. Apart from that, the company can recruit an efficient and experienced person for handling the ordering and receiving entries (Ge et al., 2015). Solution for the risk of decrease in demand: In order to manage this particular risk, the company will require to order in small quantity, so that it can avoid high level of stock when the demand is decreased. Apart from that, the company can conduct the regular survey in order to get the current information about the market demand (Howard et al., 2016). Solution for the risk of damage: In order to solve this risk, the company has to take care of the products while bringing those in the store house. Solution for the risk of receiving wrong products: This particular risk at Fruito can be solved by checking each order while placing the order to the suppliers. At the same time, the company can also solve this risk by placing the order before the stock comes at very low level, so that it get the time to change the order if any wrong products provided by the supplier (Ge et al., 2015). Conclusion In this above discussion, it can be identified that there are several types of risks that the management at Fruito may face while ordering and receiving the stocks or products. Some of these risks are risk of inflation, risk of damage, risk of inefficiency, risk of decrease in demand and many others. However, the study has also provided some recommendations, which may help the company reducing the level of these risks. Some of these solutions are maintaining a minimum level of stock, ordering at low quantity, and implementing simple system for ordering and receiving and maintaining the records of each transaction of ordering and receiving process. Reference list: Fattahi, P., Hajipour, V., Nobari, A. (2015). A bi-objective continuous review inventory control model: Pareto-based meta-heuristic algorithms.Applied Soft Computing,32, 211-223. Ge, W., Li, Z., Liu, Q., McVay, S. E. (2015). Does Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Curb Corporate Corruption? Evidence from China.Evidence from China (December 16, 2015). Holmstr?m, J., Smros, J., Disney, S. M., Towill, D. R. (2016). Collaborative supply chain configurations: The Implications for supplier performance in production and Inventory control. InDevelopments in Logistics and Supply Chain Management(pp. 27-37). Palgrave Macmillan UK. Howard, C., Marklund, J., Tan, T., Reijnen, I. (2015). Inventory control in a spare parts distribution system with emergency stocks and pipeline information.Manufacturing Service Operations Management,17(2), 142-156. Li, S., Zhang, J., Tang, W. (2015). Joint dynamic pricing and inventory control policy for a stochastic inventory system with perishable products.International Journal of Production Research,53(10), 2937-2950. Lin, J., Naim, M. M., Purvis, L., Gosling, J. (2016). The extension and exploitation of the inventory and order based production control system archetype from 1982 to 2015.International Journal of Production Economics. Lin, Y. E., Chih, H. H., Tang, C. H., Huang, T. H. (2015). The Impact Of Internal Control On FirmS Risk And Performance.Annals of Financial Economics,10(02), 1550012. Yao, D. (2016). Joint pricing and inventory control for a stochastic inventory system with Brownian demand.arXiv preprint arXiv:1608.03033.

Malcolm X Analysis Essays - English-language Films, Malcolm X

Malcolm X Analysis Frederick 1 ?[Malcolm X] has become a divided metaphor: for those who love him, he is a powerful lens of self-perception, a means of sharply focusing political and racial priorities; for those that loathe him he is a distorted mirror that reflects violence and hatred? (Dyson, 45). Depending on who listen to you can here many different versions of who Malcolm X was. Some call him a visionary who changed many people's views while others may call him a racist and violent hate-monger. Malcolm X is indeed no ordinary revolutionary figure. He was the anti-thesis of Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr. non-violent ideologies yet strived to achieve the same goals as them. He wanted equality for his people and an end to the oppression that African Americans faced. ?He was the ideological leader for black radicalism including black religion (spirituality and morality), black nationalism (institution building and collective action), Panafricanism (identity and internationalism), and socialism (freedom/justice/ equality and anti-imperialism) (Website).? His accomplishments are best understood when analyzing the different periods in his life. Malcolm X went through many phases in his life. He had said, My whole life has been a chronology of changes (Website). There were three main stages in his life. As Malcolm Little, he was a drug addict and a criminal. As Malcolm X, he had transformed from a petty thief to a prominent priest for the Nation of Islam. He taught radical views on solving the racial problems in America. As Malik El- Shabazz, he had transformed from preaching segregation to preaching racial unity and equality. If someone were to hear the beliefs of Malcolm X and hear the beliefs Frederick 2 of Malcolm as Malik El-Shabazz, they might believe that Malcolm and Malik were two entirely different people, with drastically opposing views. Perhaps what made Malik El- Shabazz so great was that bettered himself by acknowledging his mistakes, learning from them, and was committed to teaching the lessons of his mistakes to others, so others could better themselves. Malcolm Little did little in his life that is noteworthy. Little spent his early twenties as a common criminal. Petty thievery and con artistry were two of his trades. With his hair ?conked? and sporting a zoot suit he went by the nickname of ?Detroit Red?. Not being able to get a decent job, Malcolm had to become a hustler to earn enough money for his excessive life style. He became selfish and lost all his scruples. He did not fear any other people or death and used every kind of drugs. Malcolm said ?there were three things to be afraid of: a job, a bust and jail; but I realized I was scared of nothing. I was an animal.? (X) Little's criminal activity and lackadaisical attitude could be attributed to his childhood. As a child he witnessed racism that killed his father and drove his mother into the insane asylum. As a child, Malcolm was at the top of his class. He informed his white teacher of his aspirations of being a lawyer. ?You're a nigger and a lawyer is not a realistic goal for a nigger? said Malcolm's teacher. (X) According to Bruce Perry, his bad childhood was a factor that ?contributed to the mature Malcolm's contorted leadership style. (Dyson 49) Frederick 3 Although he hated the whites, he felt inferior and wanted to be like them. Because of this he straightened his hair and had a white girlfriend. Malcolm wound up in jail on burglary charges, and soon began to reflect on himself. ?Our crime wasn't burglary, it was sleeping with white girls? said Malcolm of his jail term. (X) Malcolm Little had his first religious enlightenment while in prison. He studied the teachings of the Nation of Islam and its leader Elijah Mohamed. This is the point in his life in which I believe he became political. After discovering his new religion he seemed to wake up and tap his unlimited potential for persuasion and oration. He began to realize that it wasn't his fault that he was in prison, but it was the social order of the United States that indirectly landed him in jail. ?Cats who may have probed space or cured cancer . . .

How does Amy Tan link her first four stories in Joy Luck C essays

How does Amy Tan link her first four stories in Joy Luck C essays How does Amy Tan link her first four stories in Joy Luck Club? The author Amy Tan wrote Joy Luck Club the novel. In the novel, Amy Tan attempts to link the first four chapters, Joy Luck Club, Scar, The Red Candle and The Moon Lady together. Amy Tan based on the framework of the first chapter Joy Luck Club which was based on the Jing-mei Woo to create a connection on the other three protagonists. She linked the three chapters under the aspects of the structure of the writing, the similarities of the protagonists and the themes she stated in the novel under the main factor of Chinese beliefs and tradition. Amy Tan organises the structure of Joy Luck Club by constructing it as a structural device. Before she begun her story, she wrote a parable which gave the readers some hints about her story. This parable explains briefly what the story is mainly about. In the parable Amy Tan links the four stories by focusing on the mother and daughter relationship which is found in the four chapters. This is noticeable in the phrase In America Ive a daughter just like me. It also tells the readers that the stories involve places in China and America from the parable. This could be spotted in the phrase many years ago in Shanghai stretching its neck toward America. The parable also stated the thoughts of the four mothers in the story which is changing the lifestyles of their next generation. Amy Tan showed this with the phrase I will make her speak perfect American English. In each of the four stories, the protagonists tell their story in the Joy Luck Club within the Mah-jong table. Although Am y Tan aims to tell the story to us as readers, the protagonists are actually telling the story to the daughters too. This is to let the daughters know more about their mother. Amy Tan writes the four stories mainly using the format of first person...

Lap Dance Feature News Story Prompt Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Lap Dance Feature News Story Prompt - Assignment Example All 11 members of council were in agreement with the ordinance while only 8 votes were required for the approval of the ordinance. One of the main conditions of the ordinance is that there has to be no touching between the entertainers and patrons in any kind of business in Redondo Beach. It also requires a 6-foot separation between the patrons and entertainers, along the performance stage to be at least 18 inches high and a rail of at least 30 inches high. Adult entertainment industry will be greatly affected by this ordinance. It includes establishments such as strip clubs, gentlemen’s clubs, adult clubs, bikini bars, nudie bars, topless bars, adult cabaret bars and others. An entertainer in the ordinance mainly refers to dancers, both men and women. Activities such as lap dancing, tucking bills in G-strings, etc will become illegal as a result of the ordinance. Mary Macy (40) said, â€Å"Adult entertainment businesses are blight to any neighbourhood. They attract a variety of criminal activity, including prostitution and drug use. The proliferation of these businesses is destroying neighbourhoods across the city.† Tonis Zaslow (35) supported Mary Macy by arguing that the quality of life needs to be safeguarded. He said â€Å"Redondo’s reputation as a wide-open city needs to end. We can and will restore the quality of life that needs to be restored. It’s time to make a stand. This is just good government.† On the adult entertainment industry which contributes $150 million annually to the economy came out very strongly against the ordinance. Ken Majors (51), owner of Peppermint Giraffe Gentlemen’s Club said that â€Å"We’ll beat this. They tried to do this in two other California cities and the voters threw it out just like that. We’ll get the 30,000 signatures in two weeks. I know it. Want to sign the petition? We’re having a party to gather signatures. Come and bring your friends.† The

Of all the lies out there, the one that corporate executives pay is Essay

Of all the lies out there, the one that corporate executives pay is linked to the performance of their companies takes the prize. Discuss this in relation to - Essay Example For the business to be viable, it has to turn out products or services that are profitably sold to meet the needs of customers. The principals in turn may (or may not) hire managers to run the business and generate the expected profits. These hired managers (agents or executives as they are now called because they carry out or execute the plans of principals) have their own interests, the main of which is to receive adequate levels of compensation or pay to convince them to work for the principal and in such a work environment. Principals and agents therefore each have their own interests. While principals want the highest return for funds invested, agents want the highest pay they can get for their work. Their interests converge in a common desire to keep the business viable so that both continue to enjoy the rewards of their work. It is therefore to their advantage to align their respective self-interests and desires. In practice, however, this has not always been the case, as shown by events in early 20th century America when agents (managers) of railroad companies got paid well even as they mismanaged their companies, resulting in principals suffering heavy losses on their investments. Recent examples (Enron and WorldCom) show this to be still a problem. The study of thThe study of the relationship between principals (owners represented by the board of directors) and agents (managers or executives) was pioneered by Berle and Means (1932), who pointed out that the interests of the owner and the manager may diverge because of the separation of ownership and control and the absence of a system of checks and balances in the exercise of power within the organization. Unlike in a business where the owner is also the manager who works to earn the maximum profit under acceptable levels of risk, Berle and Means concluded that hired managers if these are not the same as owners tend to work with the limited aim of running the company only for their (the agent's) own profit. The experiences of modern business corporations in the last century contain numerous examples of divergence between the interests of agents and principals, with disastrous results (mainly to the principals). This led to debates by economics and finance academics as to whether an ideal ownership structure exists that would prevent the failure of a business. This issue touches the core of why businesses exist in the first place, which is to maximize profits for its owners' investments, and attempts to explain a related set of problems: why and how firms previously managed successfully by their owners eventually fail when under hired managers. Economists used to assume without question that everyone - owners, managers, employees, and lenders - act together for the good of the firm because "each one is bound by formal and informal contracts to ensure that shareholder value is maximized" (Brealey and Myers 991). After all, biting the hand that feeds them would seem unwise and against common sense for intelligent managers to do, but through the years this continued to happen as well-paid managers continue to

Speed control of DC and AC machines Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Speed control of DC and AC machines - Lab Report Example Steady-state conditions are to be used in the case where the DC motor needs to be excited separately. Loading conditions should be varied and tested. The rectifiers available include the single-phase half controlled bridge rectifier containing a flywheel diode. Cases of firing angle in the setup that is used above ought to be set to a fixed value. Voltage and resistance variation affect characteristics of the armature while flux regarding the pole affects magnetic properties of the motor. It sets the base for the speed control methods as armature control method and the field control methods. Resistance variation is achieved via connecting an external resistance with the voltage supply to the motor armature. Losses being negligible are ignored. Alternatively speed control can be achieved by a rheostat resistance in series with the armature of the motor. Magnetic properties of the motor can be varied using a field diverter method. Armature control method has superiority compared to the other methods because it has the abilities to offer fine control of the motor speed, a unified acceleration, and the regulation properties accompanying speed control are superior. On the contrary, the method requires standardized patterns that increases the cost and delivers low efficiency when carrying lighter loads. The circuit, as stated above, is made up of controlled and the uncontrolled rectifiers. Diode as components of the design and the freewheeling operations occurs regardless of allowing a negative voltage output. Clamping at zero does not guarantee the rectification of negative voltage hence a half controlled. The positive voltage levels are made use via the rectifier while the negative voltages are cut-off hence unnecessary. The setup is composed of diodes and the SCRs. With Vin being positive, triggering of SCR S1 occurs at the firing angle determined and denoted as a. current flow will begin from SCR S1 and then flow through

Travel Time Reliability Analysis

Travel Time Reliability Analysis CHAPTER TWO Literature Review 2.1 Introduction Lyman (2007) states that travel time reliability is vital measure of congestion and can serve as benchmark for prioritizing improvements into a city transportation system. This research start with a literature review of travel time reliability and its worth as a congestion measure. Travel time reliability can be denoted as the probability of successfully completing a trip within specified time interval (Iida, 1999). Therefore, the increase of travel time will lead to the unreliability and variability of travel time (Recker et al., 2005). The better understanding of travel time reliability and variability might assist transport planner to select proper transport policy in conjunction with reduction congestion problems as well as lessening the impact of different type of incidents (Recker et al., 2005). It can be said that, the more reliable the transportation system, the more stable is the performance. In addition, lower travel time fluctuation also contributes to less fuel consumption as well as less emissions due to a reduced amount of acceleration and deceleration by vehicles (Vlieger et al., 2000). Moreover, from a transport users point of view, more reliable travel times mean more predictable journey times and improved activity schedules. In accordance with just in time services, reliable travel time will significantly increase the freight industrys performances to deliver goods (Recker et al., 2005). As travel time reliability considers the distribution of travel time probability and its variation at road network, the higher travel time variance the lower travel time reliability (Nicholson et al., 2003). It can be also said that under ideal conditions travel time reliability would have a variance equal to zero. Indeed, the increase of its variance will therefore significantly reduce its reliability. However, the relationship between travel time variance and its reliability is not linear, so that, it cannot be generally accepted that a double of travel time variance will lead to a half of its reliability. To conclude, the greater travel time fluctuations will have significant impacts on transport network reliability. According to different purposes of travel time reliability study, there are several travel time reliability surveys. By comparing different aspect of the travel time study and by considering the complexity of data collection as well the data analysis, Lomax et al. (2003) has reviewed the suitable assessment of travel time reliability. Based on the scope and the limitation of each method this work suggested the different study in terms of measurement travel time variability and travel time reliability. The analysis of the archive traffic data is not proper in measuring the travel time reliability due to the lack of data constant and the lack of other attribute related with the traffic condition. However, the data is easy to obtain. In addition, the micro simulation techniques have been used extensively, however according to Lin et al (2005) there are some deficiencies in travel time micro simulation modeling in terms of the high need for data calibration. In order to gain real life traffic conditions, some travel time reliability research used the probe vehicle methods. Since this method requires ext ensive labour and only covers some of the study area or some of the road segments, it cannot be applied in terms of assessing the travel time reliability on large road networks. Indeed, Lomax et al also recommended some reliability measurements by examining the reliability and variability percentage (e.g., 5%, 10% and 15%). Those approaches take into account the effect of irregular conditions in the forms of the amount of extra time that must be allowed for travelers. The first measurement is the percent variation which expresses the relationship between the amount of variation and the average travel time in a percentage measure. The second is the misery index that calculates the amount of time exceeded the average slowest time by subtracting the average travel time with the upper 10%, 15% and 20% of average travel rates and the last is travel time buffer which add the extra travel time of 95% trips in order to arrive on time. In addition, since reliable travel time is the key indicator of users route choice there are many recent research works which investigated the travelers behaviour under unreliable travel time. According to travelers behavior in route choice survey, the greater the variance of travel time of selected links the less attractive it is (Tannabe et al., 2007). Additionally, Bogers and Lint (2007) investigated traveler behavior on three different road types in The Netherlands under uncertainty conditions, as well as the impact of providing traveller information on route choice. They conclude that providing traveler information has significant impact on effecting travelers decision, in addition, based on travelers experience they will choose the route with minimal travel time variance. It means that the routes that have high travel time reliability are not attractive for users. Indeed, according to Lomax et als review that the best alternative to measure the travel time variability and route choicer behaviour under uncertainty condition is by using probe vehicles. Though this method was highly labourious and expensive, it is more realistic (Lomax et al., 2003). Then Tannabe et al (2007) undertook an integrated GPS and web diary in Nara, Japan. This study found that travelers might change their route to reduce the uncertainty in travel time. In addition, there was a positive correlation between coefficients of variation (CV) of the commuting routes. It is found that the appropriate functional hierarchy of road may be disturbed by the uncertainty of travel time. These findings suggest that a reliability index of travel time is very useful and important for evaluating both actual level of service (LOS) and functional hierarchy of road network. Recent travel time reliability research investigated the relationship between the traveler behavior and their response to the provision of travel information system while they experience high travel time variability. Asakura (1999) concluded that the Stochastic User Equilibrium model can generate the user route choice behavior based on the different levels of information provision. This study analyzed two different groups, the first group being the well informed users and the second the uninformed users. He concluded that providing better information can improve the transportation network reliability. In order to find out the different perspectives of travel time reliability for different persons with different purposes, Lo et al (2006) studied the notion of the travel time budget, in which each traveler seeks to minimize their own individual travel time budget (the amount of time that the individual is prepared to devote to travelling), which means the total travel time of the individual should not exceed their allocation of time to travel. To evaluate the link between the presence of ramps on motorways and travel time reliability, recent reliability network research has been undertaken in The Netherlands. Th is study analyzed whether the geometry of road network also affected the travel time reliability (Tu et al., 2007) by investigating the presence of ramps on six major. This study concluded that the presence of ramps in the road network has reduced the travel time reliability. Since road network reliability considers the probability of transportation system failures in how to meet performance parameters such as reasonable travel time and travel cost, level of service and the probability of connectivity of the transport network and lack of measuring the consequences of link failure to the community, the concept of road network vulnerability might be an alternative way to fill some of road network reliability deficiency, particularly in assessing the adverse socio-economic impact to community (Taylor et al. 2006). ROAD NETWORK VULNERABILITY Due to the potential socio-economic cost of degraded transport network to community, the concept of road vulnerability has been developed by researchers under transport network reliability umbrella. The definition of vulnerability has not yet been generally agreed. Several authors notion of the vulnerability focused on the negative events that significantly reduced the road network performance. Berdica (2002) defined the vulnerability as a susceptibility to incident that can result in a considerable in road network serviceability. The link /route/road serviceability described the possibility to use that link/route/road during a given period of time. Furthermore, since accessibility depend on the quality of the function of the transportation system, this concept relate to the adverse of the vulnerability in terms of reducing accessibility that occurs because of the different reasons. As the idea of network vulnerability relates to the consequences of link failure and the potential for adverse socio- economic impacts on the community (Taylor et al., 2006, Jenelius, 2007a), thus vulnerability can be defined in the following terms: 1. A node is vulnerable if loss (or substantial degradation) of a small number of links significantly diminishes the accessibility of the node, as measured by standard index of accessibility. 2. A network link is critical if loss (or substantial degradation) of the links significantly diminishes the accessibility of the network or of particular nodes, as measured by standard index of accessibility. Therefore, it can be concluded that road vulnerability assesses the weakness of road network to incidents as well as adverse impacts of the degraded road network serviceability on the community. In relation with the road network vulnerability definition which focuses on two different aspects; selecting critical road network elements and consequences of measurements, Jenelius (2007a) has identified that road network vulnerability assessment can be distinguished into two stages. The first stage is to select a critical link by identifying the road network likelihood and by quick scanning of wide road transport and the second one is measuring the consequences of link disruption to community. Based on previous works, different approach has been applied in order to scan wide road network. Jenelius et al ( et al., 2006) selected particular major arterial road which connect the district at the Northern Sweden to be the worst case scenario and selected road links randomly as the average case scenarios. Scott et al (2006) has also introduced topology index and the relation between capacity and volume then select the critical link. Indeed, Jenelius (2007a) has suggested that conducting comprehensive assessment of road network will be helpful for identifying roads that are probably affected by the traffic accident, flood and landslides. Berdica et al (2003) undertake a comprehensive study in order to test 3 types of software to mode l road network interruptions. This study simulated the short duration of incidents on University of Canterbury networks by using SATURN, TRACKS and Paramics. They modelled a total block of one link on the small network then run the model at the macroscopic level by using TRACKS, at mesoscopic level by using SATURN and at the microscopic level by using Paramics. Based on the simulation, the different packages gave different result in terms of their responsiveness to model the short incidents, for instance, Paramics might be considered as a suitable software package for short duration incidents because it is more responsive than other softwares. SATURN which is more detail in its formulation than TRACKS has less responsiveness than TRACKS. Given the lack of generally recognized measurement of road vulnerability, it has been common practice to consider measures such as the increase of the generalized travel cost, the changes of the accessibility index or the link volume/capacity ratio when one or more links were closed or degraded as road vulnerability measurement. Taylor et al (2006) studied the network vulnerability at the level of Australian national road network and the socio economic impact of degradable links in order to identify critical links within the road network, by using three different accessibility approaches. The study introduced the three indices for vulnerability. The first method was the measurement of the change of the generalized travel cost between the full network and the degraded one. This method has concluded that by degrading one particular link the generalized travel cost will increase, and then the links which gave the highest travel cost was determined as the most important link. The second method used the changes of the Hansen integral accessibility index (Hansen, 1959) in order to seek the critical links. It was assumed that the larger the changes were after cutting one link, the more critical that link was on the basis of the adver se socio-economic impacts on the community. The last approach considered the changes of the Accessibility/Remoteness index of Australia (DHAC, 2001). This method was similar to the second method which sought the critical link depending on the difference between the ARIA indices in the full network and the ARIA indices in degraded network. Moreover, Taylor et al (2006) also studied the application of the third approach at the regional level in the state of Western Australia. This study concluded that removing a link gave different impacts for the cities, for example, by cutting one link, the impacts on the several cities were only local, in contrast, other cities where they were available similarly alternative road performance did not give significant changes of the ARIA indices. Due to the importance of a particular link within the wide road network, Jenelius et al (2006) introduced a similar approach to Taylor et al (2006). They studied the link importance and the site exposure by measuring the increase in generalized travel cost in the road network of the Northern Sweden where the road networks were sparse and the traffic volumes were low. By assuming the incident was a single link being completely disrupted or closed so the generalized cost increases, then the most critical link of the operation of the whole system and the most vulnerable cities because of the link disruptions were determined. The study concluded that the effect of closing a link was quite local and the worst effect was in the region where the road network was sparser with fewer good alternative roads. This research suggests that the road network vulnerability assessment can be applied in road network planning and maintenance, to provide guidance to the road administration for road prioritization and maintenance. In addition, Taylor (2007) studied the road network vulnerability in South Australia road network which included all the freeways, highways and major main roads. This research used a large complex road network and evaluated the ARIA indices changes for about 161 locality centers with populations exceeding 200 people. This study found the top ten critical links in the South Australia regional road network. Moreover, in relation with vulnerability approach in D Este and Taylor (2003), Chen et al (2007) tries to assess the vulnerability of degradable networks by using the network based accessibility and by combining with a travel demand model. Their study concluded that themodel can consider both demand and supply changes under abnormal conditions. Thus the vulnerability network assessment can be measured by considering the duration of the disruption (increase the travel time) and modeling the user equilibrium both the cases when there are alternative roads or the case when there are not alternative roads (Jenelius, 2007b). Indeed, Scott (2005) introduced the measurement of the Network Robustness Index by considering the ratio between the link capacity and link volume and assigning topology index for each link then test whether the particular links can cope with the changes of the traffic demand when one or more links were closed or degraded (Scott et al., 2005). Jenelius (2007b) introduced the new method in order to incorporate dynamic road condition and information by assessing the increase travel time using the extended of the user equilibrium model. This study assumed that there was no congestion and there was at least one alternative route between the origin and destination. Further, this study also assumed that the road users have perfect road information about the length of road closure so that they can decide whether they need either to take a detour or to go back to their origin and wait until the road reopened. This method calculated the additional travel time which is calculated since the road users were informed about the road closure, the waiting time until the road reopened. The difference between the normal travel time and t he additional travel time due to road closure was assigned as the increase travel time. However, this study did not take into consideration the change of the travel flow at the alternative routes. This assumed that the mix of the current and diverted traffic can flow at the free flow. In order to assess the increase of the flow when the diverted traffic mix at the current traffic which already meet the capacity or are already congested, the study which conducted by Lam et al (2007) can be considered. This method introduced the path preference index which is the sum of the path travel time reliability index and the path travel time index. To examine road network vulnerability in an urban area, Berdica et al. (2007) studied the vulnerability of the Stockholm road network by examining 12 scenarios involving partial and total closure of selected links, including bridge failure. Also, it assessed the road network degradation in three different times of day, morning peak hour, middle of d ay and afternoon peak hour. This study concluded that by closing one link or all links as well as bridge failure would increase the total travel time and total trip length (on the assumption that travelers chose their minimum time route based on user equilibrium method). The model of different scenarios at different times gave different results but the most vulnerable links were the Essinge route and the failure of Western bridge scenario. To conclude this study calculated the increase of total travel time a day and then multiply that by 250 days to obtain the total increase travel time for yearly basis. Though the highest total travel time increase in only 8% per day, however if it is calculated by 35 SEK (travel cost per hour) it gave significant impact of total travel cost increase. However, it did not take into account the duration of the closure and left some discussion of link disruption impacted such as the effect of noise and pollution during the road closure. Moreover, Knoo p and Hoogendoon (2007) assess the spillback simulation in dynamic route choice in order to examine the spillback effects then evaluated the road network robustness and the vulnerability of links. This study concluded that it is necessary to assess the spillback effect in order to identify the most vulnerable link within the wide road network. Tampere (2007) investigated the vulnerability of highway sections in Brussels and Ghent. This work was quite challenging, it tried to consider the different aspect of the road network vulnerability criteria related to the amount of vehicle hours lost due to major incidents. This work compromised of two steps; the first one is the quick scanning of the most vulnerable link from the long list into short list by considering the several aspects and then by obtaining the short list links then the vulnerability measure was conducted. Since this method used the dynamic traffic assignment, there are some drawbacks during the model run such as the lack of traffic distribution after the occurrence of the incident which resulted an illogical of travelers route choice. In general this method has successfully measured the vulnerability by not only considering the traffic condition but also taking into account the different road networks. Though this method has not considered traffic assignment criteria, it is still considered as a refinement over similar studies Measures of Congestion used in Transportation Planning Measures of congestion are intended to evaluate the performance of the transportation network and to diagnose problem areas. They provide information on how well the system has met certain stated goals and targets, and can also help to explain variations in user experiences of the system. There are four general categories of congestion measures. The first category contains measures that explain the duration of congestion experienced by users in some way; these include delay, risk of delay, average speed, and travel time. The next category includes measures that analyze how well the system is functioning at a given location. This category primarily consists of the volume to capacity (V/C) ratio, which is usually expressed as a level-of-service (LOS) category. LOS is a performance rating that is often used as a technical way to express how well a facility is functioning. For example, a facility functioning poorly is likely to be rated as LOS F, but could just as easily be described as poor. The third category is that of spatial measures, including queue length, queue density, and vehicle miles traveled. It is important to note that some of the duration and spatial measures are actually measured as point measures. The final category of measures is the other category, consisting primarily of travel time reliability and the number of times a vehicle stops because of congested conditions. Easily the most common measure of traffic congestion is the volume-to-capacity ratio. The V/C ratio measures the number of vehicles using a facility against the number of vehicles that the facility was designed to accommodate. This ratio is an important measure for planners to use, and represents an easily understandable measure of whether or not a roadway is congested. However, it can lead to some philosophical problems, such as whether transportation systems should be built to handle the highest demand or the average demand, and what level of service is acceptable. In addition, it is difficult to accurately measure the capacity of a roadway. The volume-to-capacity ratio is an important tool for comparing a roadways performance to other roadways and over time, but does not necessarily reflect the overall user experience and values in the system. Despite the prevailing usage of the volume-to-capacity ratio, and perhaps because of its inherent philosophical difficulties, the (FHWA) ha s strongly encouraged agencies to consider travel time experienced by users as the primary source for congestion measurement. They also state that currently used measures of congestion are inadequate for determining the true impact of the congestion that clogs up the transportation system from a users perspective, and that they are not able to adequately measure the impacts of congestion mitigation strategies. What is travel time reliability? As mentioned in section 1.1.1, the OECD (2010) provides a general definition for Travel Time Reliability: The ability of the transport system to provide the expected level of service quality, upon which users have organized their activities. The key of this definition is that a route is reliable if the expectations of the user are in accordance with the experienced travel time. But this does not directly lead to a TTR measure. Nonetheless, this definition shows that user expectations should be taken into account when selecting a proper TTR measure. Congestion is common in many cities and few people will dispute this fact. Drivers become used to this congestion, always expecting and plan for some delay, especially in peak driving times. Most drivers budget for extra time to accommodate traffic delays or adjust their schedules. Traffic delays are mostly much worse than expected when it happens. All travelers are less tolerant of unpredicted delays, the effect is that it makes then to be late for work or vital meetings, miss appointment, or suffer additional childcare fees. Shippers and freight forwarders who experience unpredicted delay may lose money and interrupt just-in-time delivery and manufacturing processes. Traffic congestion used to be communicated only in terms of simple average in time past. Nevertheless most travelers experience and remember a different thing than the simple average as they commute within a year. Travelers travel time differ from day to day, and remember the few bad days they suffered through unexpect ed delays. Commuter build time cushion or buffer in planning their trip to account for the variability. The buffer helps them to arrive early on some days, though not a bad thing, but the additional time is carved out of their day time which could have been used to pursuit other activities than to commute. Travel time reliability time frames Travel Time Reliability can be categorized by its time frame. Bates et al. (2001) discusses three levels of variability: inter-day, inter-period and inter-vehicle. Martchouk et al. (2009) explains these as follows: Inter-day: Variations in the travel time pattern between days. Some days of the week might have substantially different traffic volumes than others. For example, a Sunday will generally have less traffic than a Monday. Same weekdays should have about the same travel time pattern, but there can still be variations. Also, events such as road works or inclement weather cause inter-day variations. Inter-period: Variations in travel times during a day. Many road sections have a morning and evening peak, during which travel times are larger. These variations are caused by variations in traffic volume. Inter-vehicle: Relatively small differences in travel times between vehicles in a traffic stream. These are caused by interactions between vehicles and variations in driver behavior, including lane changes and speed differences. Although Martchouk et al. (2009) shows that individual travel times on a motorway section can vary strongly in similar conditions, due to driver behavior, this study focuses on inter-day variations. It is assumed that inter-vehicle variations have no significant influence on Travel Time Reliability. In urban areas, the speed difference between vehicles will generally be smaller than on highways. The reasons for this are: the average speed on highways is higher, there is more overtaking, trucks cannot drive at the maximum allowed speed, and routes are longer. Inter-period variations are also not considered, because it is presumed that road users know that travel times within a day vary according to a more or less fixed pattern. It is the deviations from this daily pattern which are interesting in the light of TTR, since these cannot be predicted by road users. Therefore, the focus of this investigation is on inter-day variation. Why travel time reliability is important? Travel time reliability is vital to every user within the transportation system, whether they are freight shippers, transit riders, vehicle drivers and even air travelers. Reliability allows business travelers and personal to make better use of the own time. Because reliability is so significant for transportation planners, transportation system users, and decision makers should consider travel time reliability as a key measure of performance Traffic management and operation activities is better quantified and beneficial to traffic professionals by the use of travel time reliability than simple average. For instants take into consideration a typical before and after study that attempts to quantify the benefits of an accident management or ramp material program. The development in average time may seem to be modest. However reliability measure will show a much greater development because they show the effect of improving the worst few days of unexpected delay. The Beginning of Travel Time Reliability as a Performance Measure Hellinga (2011) states that in the past, analysis of transportation networks focused primarily on the estimation and evaluation of average conditions for a given time period. These average conditions might be expressed in terms of average traffic stream speed; average travel time between a given origin and destination pair; or some average generalized cost to travel from an origin to a destination. This generalized cost typically includes terms reflecting time as well as monetary costs. These terms are summed by multiplying the time based measures by a value of time coefficient. A common characteristic of all of these approaches is that they reflect average or expected conditions and do not reflect the impact of the variability of these conditions. One reason for this is that models become much more complicated when this variability would be included. Also, a vast amount of data from a long period of time is needed. Unfortunately, collecting data is often costly and time-consuming. H ellinga (2011) also observes that more recently, there has been an increasing interest in the reliability of transportation networks. It is hypothesized that reliability has value to transportation network users and may also impact user behavior. Influence on traveler behavior may include: destination choice, route choice, time of departure choice, and mode choice. It is useful for road managers and planners to have knowledge about the relations between TTR and road user behavior, because this can be used to predict or even deliberately influence this behavior by applying traffic management measures. Consequently, there has been an effort to better understand the issues surrounding reliability, and to answer a number of important questions such as: 1. How is transportation network reliability defined? 2. How can/should network reliability be measured in the field? 3. What factors influence reliability and how? 4. What instruments are available to network managers, policy makers, and network users that impact reliability and what are the characteristics of these causal relationships? 5. What is the value of reliability to various transportation network users (e.g. travelers, freight carriers, etc.) and how is this value affected by trip purpose? 6. How do transportation network users respond to reliability in terms of their travel behavior? (E.g. departure time choice, mode choice, route choice etc.) 7. How can reliability (and its effects) be represented within micro and macro level models? (Microscopic models focus on individual vehicles, while macroscopic models pertain to the properties of the traffic flow as a whole.) 8. How important is it to consider the impact of reliability in transportation project benefit/cost evaluations? 9. Does the consideration of the impact of reliability within the project evaluation process alter the order of preference of projects within the list of candidate projects? Hellinga (2011) states that the above list of questions, which is likely not exhaustive, indicates that there currently exists a very large knowledge gap with respect to reliability. Various research efforts around the world are beginning to fill in these gaps, but the body of knowledge is still relatively sparse and there is not yet even general agreement on terminology. Note that the first, second, and (partially) fifth question are part of this investigation What measures are used to quantify travel time reliability? The four recommended measures includes 90th or 95th percentile travel time, buffer index, planning time index, and frequency that congestion exceeds some expected threshold. These measurements are emerging practices, some of

Shedding a Different Spotlight on the Argument from Design :: Essays Papers

Shedding a Different Spotlight on the Argument from Design "Author is to book, as painter is to __________." Anyone who has taken the SAT is familiar with analogies similar to this one. The significance of analogies relies on the fact that analogies not only tell us about the meaning of words, but they tell us about the relationships of the world. In discussing our world, a well-known, much-debated topic has been the existence of God. Many arguments have been presented on both sides of this issue, the teleological argument (the argument from design) is one of the most discussed. This argument is better understood and supported using analogies. The key is to find an analogy that is grounded and plausible enough to stand up to sharp critiques. The teleological argument is a valid and plausible argument, because it allows enough evidence for the relationship of the Creator and the world to be analogous to that of a director and a musical. The basics of the teleological argument include the statement that the apparent design of the world suggests a Designer. William Paley, the populizer of this argument, uses an analogy that states the relationship of the Creator to creation is like that of a watch-maker to a watch (Rowe & Wainwright 155). The core of this argument is the claim that the design of the world suggests an intelligent designer. It further states that "something suggests intelligence if (1) it serves the sorts of ends that human minds typically propose to themselves†¦ and (2) the results are achieved in a reasonably effective manner" (Wainwright 52). This is the ground where this paper will begin to formulate an analogy that increases the plausibility of the design argument. The analogy I prefer is theatrical. The participants in a musical play include the musicians, actors, singers, dancers, stage and crew members. Each of these members is an integral piece in the body of the production. The director is the heart-beat of the production. Without the director, there would not be a musical. The director begins the formation of the musical with an end in mind-- a vision. The director uses a variety of methods to convey this vision to the players involved while guiding them in making that vision a reality. The players must cooperate with each other throughout the process and follow the director's instructions in order for the production to even resemble the director's vision.

Nickel and Dimed Analysis

Looking at whether or not individuals living in poverty are considered to be a minority group by our contemporary culture is an interesting scenario. I’m a social work major so of course I want to think, yes, individuals living poverty are most definitely an oppressed group in society. Minimum wage is nowhere near to what could be classified as a living wage, and these positions often have little room for career advancement within the company. But I assume that what the question was getting at was whether or not those living in poverty are viewed as a minority group by America’s contemporary culture. The answer to that I believe is a â€Å"no.†People who belong to the upper and middle classes often don’t consider the fact that you can have a job yet still be living in poverty. A single parent may hold down two minimum-wage paying jobs, but still need a little help to make ends meet. And because they receive government assistance their hard work is ignored and they are simply viewed as lazy nuisances who are mooching off the middle classes’ tax dollars, not an oppressed minority group. The American government has taken steps to show that it is more aware about the minority status of those living in poverty, and has taken some steps help people in that group.Beginning with the civil right’s act in 1964, discrimination based on race, religion, or sex was 2 made illegal on a federal level and thereby beginning the first steps meeting the needs of poor individuals by combatting poverty through getting rid of housing codes, and racial redlining laws throughout the U. S. After the civil rights act a plethora of social justice programs were put into action. The Economic Opportunity act and The Economic Development act began to earnestly work a provided more jobs to both rural and urban communities.Medicare and Medicaid were developed to provide aid to the aging and poverty stricken communities, and multiple food programs were p ut into place for different types of people needing assistance. Special attention was paid to developing programs for America’s children and youth. The Special Milk and the National School Lunch Programs were developed feed children through their early childhoods as well as their school years. Grants and services were given to low-income and inner city schools and research was being put into how to deal with the social causes of delinquency and stop the emerging problems of youth gangs.Many of these programs started in the 1960’s have evolved into services we hear a lot about in social work today, such as AmeriCorps, TANF, and WIC. Although many of the programs above have helped to alleviate some of the pressures faced by those living in poverty, in our ever changing country new problems are always coming up. In modern day America, Homelessness, and the stereotypes associated with being homeless, is one of the larger problems social workers are working to help with. On e of the bigger issues with being homeless is finding a stable job and source of income.I remember in class when Dave talked about giving out cell phones to the people at his shelter so that if they had a job interview, they wouldn’t have to put down the shelter’s telephone number. The stereotypes that 3 come with being homeless often discourage employers to consider hiring someone who is living in that condition. When I had my field placement my sophomore year at Refuge of Hope, I remember one of the first things the director of the shelter would do during an intake, was to give the new client a bus pass, so that when the client was job hunting he could say that he had a reliable source of transportation.I think that a lot of these government programs are helpful in meeting some of the daily needs of those living in poverty, but I also think that one of the biggest needs that needs to be met is to stop the negative stereotypes and prejudices we have about those who ar e living in poverty, and I’m not sure I believe that’s something a government run program can do In our American Minorities course this semester we have defined prejudice and discrimination in the following ways; Prejudice is a negative attitude that rejects and entire group and discriminations is a behavior that deprives a  group of certain rights or opportunities.In other words, prejudice is how you feel towards a certain people group, and discrimination is the way you act towards that certain people group. One example of prejudice and discrimination that especially stood out to me in Nickel and Dimed was the way the hotel management in Key West would automatically have their Black and Hispanic job applicants sent to work as housekeeping staff or busboys in the hotel restaurant. Similarly the white applicants were pressed to work as front desk staff or as waitresses in the hotel restaurant.Obviously the Hotel management had conceived the idea that their Caucasian w orkers needed to be the ones interacting with the customers and guests, meanwhile the Black and Hispanic workers where supposed to have jobs that were more â€Å"behind the scenes. Why was this happening? Well perhaps it is because the hotel 4 managers held the stereotype that people of color are lazy, and wanted them out of sight from their customers and guests and in positions where management could easily keep an eye on them and hold them accountable for any â€Å"time theft.†Perhaps the reason is management viewed there Black and Hispanic workers as less educated and sophisticated, and therefore didn’t want them directly interacting with the hotel’s middle and upper class clientele. Either way it’s obvious that in this book the management held negative views of their Black and Hispanic workers, and acted upon them by denying people of color certain jobs. Another example of prejudice in noted while I was reading Nickel and Dimed was how the owners of the houses Barb cleaned while working as a maid in Portland seemed to always be on their guard from the maids.As evidenced by Eh Erenreich later in her book, you can see through the way hidden cameras are being sold to owners so they can spy on their maids or babysitters at home, there is a genuine distrust experienced by these home owners. It seemed like these homeowners are just waiting for one of their priceless heirlooms to disappear. I think that the main belief that Barbara Ehrenreich tried to explore in Nickel and Dimed is that, if anyone is living in poverty, than they can work their way out if they would only get a job.Basically, it’s the concept of the â€Å"American Dream,† where you can be a homeless orphan, but if you work hard enough you can make your way up the ladder until you become the president, or anything else you desire to be. Throughout Ehrenreich’s book, she proves this belief to essentially be a myth. If you are a healthy individual how can find at least two entry-level job positions run by companies who are willing to work around your schedule, and you’re also able to find affordable housing and transportation close to these job sites, then maybe it’s possible to make a better life for yourself.But finding and maintaining everything on this checklist is an 5 extreme rarity in life. If even one of the things on this list doesn’t come through for you, then you’re probably using any extra money you’re making to cover up the gap that this missing thing costs. Ehrenreich combatted many myths about poverty in her book, and I think the first and biggest myth she debunked is the common belief that poor people are lazy. After reading her description about what it was like when she worked as a maid, cleaning houses top to bottom every day, I know I couldn’t do the same.I used to throw a fit when my mom made me dust and vacuum my room once every Saturday. Housekeeping, retail work, e ven waitressing are some of the most tiresome jobs In America, and the fact that you’re paid minimum wage for these things is astounding. A myth I hear most commonly from my own friend’s and family, is that they are pouring so much of their tax dollars into people in poverty, that their basically getting a free ride through life.In the book however, we saw Barb practically chasing her tail to try and get some food assistance, and after hours of phone calls she eventually ended up with a basket of what sounded like expired leftovers from Sam’s Club, not anything the government actually paid for, or anything of real nutritional value. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, she showed her readers that â€Å"minimum wage,† is not equal to a â€Å"living wage. † Even when Ehrenreich was successfully holding down two jobs in Maine, the money she was making wasn’t enough to account for the small unexpected expenses she ran up against, let alone som ething like health insurance.In Nickel and Dimed, the concept of meritocracy is challenged in several ways by Ehrenreich. First we see that gaining employment at many of these entry-level jobs is in no way 6 associated with intelligence. We see Barb take several â€Å"personality† tests that are in reality actually designed to see how well you’ll be able to comply with the company’s standards and employee ethics. It’s also required several times for Barb to let the company test her for illegal drug use. These are the only two things every required before Barb is accepted into a job.I think this sadly only goes to show that companies are not at all interested in having employees that will rise through the store ranks to eventually become managers, in fact, Barb’s employers were often surprised to find that she hadn’t quit after the first week. In sort of an odd way, I actually thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. Barb met some i ndividuals who had gone through or were going through truly horrible things, and while I didn’t enjoy reading about those situations, I did enjoy the breath of honesty that was brought into this book through those people.I think that perhaps the most stunning revelation I received while reading this book, was when Barb acknowledges that while she was struggling with the physical part of being a maid, she was a healthy person who had grown up exercising and getting three square meals a day. What could it possibly be like then, for someone who can only afford a bag of Doritos for lunch, and doesn’t have the vitamins provided by fresh fruits and vegetables to help get them through the day?It’s unbelievable how much the system works against you when you’re trying to make a living for yourself. If the government could start a program that could force everyone in America to read this book, that would be great, but I don’t see that happening. I suppose th at’s why Advocacy is such an important part of social work. We’re the ones who have the opportunity to help others see that a person living in poverty is oppressed by society, and we need to change the way we think about him or her.

Amelia Earhart essays

Amelia Earhart essays The person I chose to do my paper on was Amelia Earhart. I wanted to research this persons life because I had studied a little bit about Amelia in my previous history classes and I always wondered about what happened to Amelia on her last flight. I thought Amelia was a very brave woman. She never backed down from breaking history and she did break history a few times. I think she was an independent woman who wanted to make a name for herself. After I did my research on her I found out that she was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She also was note scared to attempt the flight around the world. Unfortunately she disappeared on this flight and no one ones what happened to her. Amelia Mary Earhart was born on July 24, 1897. She was born in her grandparents' home in Atchison, Kansas. Amelias grandfather, Alfred Otis, was a much respected citizen of Atchison. Her mom, Amy Earhart, had a miscarriage in her first attempt at a child so she wanted to go back and give birth to Amelia at her parents house so if she got another miscarriage her parents could help console her. Amelias father, Edwin Earhart, who owned a law practice in Kansas City, decided to stay in Kansas City during the birth. I found this weird because why would the dad not go with the mom when they were about to have a child. He needed to run the business though so he stayed behind. Two and a half years later Amelia had a sister. Her name was Muriel. (Earhart 1) Both Amelia and her sister Muriel developed nicknames when they were young. Amelia was called Mille and her sister was called Pidge. They were also lucky girls for the time period they grew up in. Amelias grandparents were rich. Amelia was able to attend private schools and was able to live a nice life. Her grandfather never liked her dad because he thought Edwin didnt provide for the family. Edwins practice did fail, but h...

Duel Between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr

Duel Between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr The duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr is not only a fascinating part of early United States history but also one whose impact cannot be overstated as it resulted in the death of Hamilton who was serving as Washingtons Secretary of the Treasury. The foundation of their rivalry was set many years before they actually met on a fateful day in July of 1804. Causes of the Rivalry Between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr The rivalry between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr had its roots in a 1791 Senate race. Aaron Burr defeated Philip Schuyler who was Hamiltons father-in-law. Schuyler as a Federalist would have supported George Washingtons and Hamiltons policies while Burr as a Democratic-Republican opposed those policies. The relationship only became more fractured during the election of 1800. The electoral college was at an impasse as to the selection of the president between Thomas Jefferson, who was supposed to be running for president, and Aaron Burr, who was running for the Vice President position. Once the votes were counted, it was found that Jefferson and Burr were tied. This meant that the House of Representatives had to decide which person would become the new president. While Alexander Hamilton didnt support either candidate, he hated Burr more than Jefferson. As a result of Hamiltons political maneuverings in the House of Representatives, Jefferson became president and Burr was named his Vice President. In 1804, Alexander Hamilton again entered the fray in a campaign against Aaron Burr. Burr was running for New York Governor, and Hamilton vigorously campaigned against him. This helped Morgan Lewis win the election and led to further animosity between the two men. The situation worsened when Hamilton criticized Burr at a dinner party. Angry letters were exchanged between the two men with Burr asking for Hamilton to apologize. When Hamilton would not do so, Burr challenged him to a duel. Duel Between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr On July 11, 1804, in the early morning hours, Hamilton met Burr at the agreed upon site at the Heights of Weehawken in New Jersey. Aaron Burr and his second, William P. Van Ness, cleared the dueling grounds of trash, and Alexander Hamilton and his second, Nathaniel Pendelton, arrived shortly before 7 AM. It is believed that Hamilton fired first and probably honored his pre-duel pledge to throw away his shot. However, his unorthodox manner of firing up instead of into the ground gave Burr the justification to take aim and shoot Hamilton. The bullet from Burr struck Hamilton in the abdomen and probably did significant damage to his internal organs. He died from his wounds a day later. Aftermath of Alexander Hamiltons Death The duel ended the life of one of the greatest minds of Federalist Party and the early U.S. Government. Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury had a significant impact on the commercial underpinning of the new federal government. The duel also made Burr a pariah in the political landscape of the U.S. Although his duel was considered to be within the bounds of the moral ethics of the time, his political aspirations were ruined.

Stock Market Recap Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Stock Market Recap - Assignment Example Analysts’ opinion predict significant and consistent rise in price that could reach a high of $ 114 per share in the next one year but $ 95 is most probable. Risk of loss is minimal as a low of $ 80 is forecasted in a year. The forecast further suggest long-term price increase (CNN 1). Forecasted earnings per share that show steady increment (Nasdaq 1) also supports possibility of sustainable price increment to inform the decision to purchase more shares for long-term investment. Telsa Motors promised continuous rise in stock prices and this informed its selection. A one-week consideration, before purchase, informed this and saw an increase by $ 13. Information on possible launch of a new product by Telsa influenced the positive price change, positive experience with the proposed product is likely to sustain stock price increase, and the speculated rise in prices informed the selection. I would hold the current shares. Telsa Motors stock prices have gained, steadily, over the past eight weeks but a review of its trend before the eight weeks and investor analysts’ opinions suggest high risks. Divine (1) reports that previous discount initiatives could have influenced the current trend and that the trend may not be sustainable. A one-year forecast on the stock price also identifies greater risk of loss and analysis recommend hold of the stock (Markets 1). Two factors that suggest sustained price increase of The Walt Disney Company informed its selection. Announcement of a movie influence positive price changes and while rise is likely to last for a while, opening of Disneyland Park in Shanghai is likely to influence further price increase. The two events informed a short-term investment prospects in the company’s shares. I would purchase more of the company’s shares because of the company’s internal factors that suggest

Philosophy quizes Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Philosophy quizes - Assignment Example The need for self-realization is the reason behind birth, thus the need for a chariot, which is the earthly body. Once one's desires are fulfilled and begins to love nothing else but the â€Å"Self†, one reaches the state of Nirvana, making rebirth unnecessary. 3. In â€Å"Questions of King Milinda,† monk Nagasena discusses the state of non-self --- that there is no inherent and permanent essence to the self --- which is in contrast with the Katha Upanishad belief that there is a â€Å"self.† Thus, there is no essence of a chariot. Nagasena compares the chariot to humans, and follows it with a discussion on how the chariot consists of several parts, each one important on the supposed essence of the chariot. However, since each part is without permanence, each ever-changing, the essence therefore does not exist. 4. Void must be added to the concept of movement. According to Lucretius, the composition of things are not kept close together. There is some void within things that allows movement. He argues that without empty space or vacuum, movement would not be possible. If there is no empty space, every movement would disturb the other things occupying the universe. 5. Descartes argues that there is a mind-body dualism, making it possible for the mind to exist without the body, and the body to exist without the mind. ... And since substance, as Hylas presents it, depends on sensible qualities of things as well, it would have the same absurd layers of substratum underneath it up to infinity. Hylas concludes that he is already confused too as to what conceiving material substance means. 7. The problem Philonous presents about things existing without anyone perceiving them is that if things are to be perceived for them to exist, then the trees in the Quad would not exist at hours when no one perceives them. 8. Ideas are there due to impressions, and Hume states that there is no â€Å"self† because one cannot find a solid impression of the â€Å"self.† He answers to objections thrown at him by stating the limits of human knowledge. He states that his philosophy is intended to discover things that are presented to the senses. Furthermore, he states that no good would come out from excessive skepticism. SS.R 13-15 9. Ryle states that Descartes face some motives that do not go along well toget her. First, Descartes, along with other philosophers, states that mental words are different from physical ones, and that they do not refer to physical processes, but rather of non-physical ones. However, Ryle argues that in describing the mental, Descartes still uses words that talk about the physical, which Ryle states is an incorrect usage of grammar mechanics. Ryle maintains that in talking about the mental, words such as â€Å"effect,† â€Å"process,† â€Å"thing,† â€Å"change,† â€Å"stuff,† etc. should not be utilized since they pertain to physical things. In reading Descartes, one could see that he arrives at the mind by presenting how it is not like the

Literature Critique Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Literature Critique - Assignment Example Keung (2009) takes a look at the state of Corporate Social Responsibility in China in the wake of the various ethical challenges facing the business community in China. The arguments of Keung (2009) are based on the surveys that had been recently done in China in order to explore China’s corporate social responsibility issue. Keung (2009) further articulates a notion of business ethics that embraces a model that is in use in Europe and which is becoming popular in China. This report aims to review Keung (2009) that explores the challenges that have hindered the progression of corporate social responsibility in China’s business community critically by assessing the research questions, the research methodology and design, the limitations of the study in context to literature that is available that addresses this same topic. Keung (2009) fits into the chosen area of research because it explores corporate social responsibility with respect to the Chinese business community. This is in line with the chosen project area that deals with the study of the impact of social responsibility implementation to Chinese manufacturers. The article being critiqued aims to unravel the various challenges that face Corporate Social Responsibility in China and development of business ethics in China. The article begins by looking at the moral doldrums that have affected the business and environment in China. It explores issues such as the environmental crisis in Chian that has been caused by the increased use of cola as a source of energy. Labour right issues and product safety issues are also discussed. Product issues like substandard goods, fake products are critically analysed. The first section ends with a look at the culture of profit and the aftermath that it had in China .Keung goes ahead to review the various corporate activities that have been witnessed in China and the factors that have influenced the development of

Avoiding Future Frauds with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Essay Example for Free

Avoiding Future Frauds with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Essay It is clear that the establishment of the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) act in 2002 was specific to reducing future financial fraud and imposing criminal penalties for publicly traded companies. What is not clear is whether or not the act has proved to be successful in its implementation and governance. The establishment of the act and subsequent amendments are intended to protect the public from fraud in the financial accounting of publicly traded corporations. In 2002, there were opinions both for and against the effectiveness of SOX. More than a decade later, there are still opinions on both sides of the debate. Criticism of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act The effectiveness of the Sarbanes-Oxley act has been highly criticized since its inception. One of the major contentions is that the Sarbanes-Oxley act has no provisions to differentiate the requirements for small publicly traded businesses from large conglomerates (that lead and often monopolize the marketplace). Publicly traded companies that are small in size may find the costs of compliance prohibitive to the future of their business (Coustan, 2004). Critics of SOX believe that this unnecessarily reduces the number of players in a competitive marketplace. The cost of compliance can be excessive for some smaller companies. Auditing expenses cause companies to seek private investment and become privately owned (San Antonio Express-News, 2007). Ten years ago, critics expressed â€Å"fears that small, publicly listed companies might not meet internal control reporting requirements without substantial additional expense; some may have to delist because of it. It could mean only larger companies will go public† (Coustan, 2004, p. 1). In recent years, this debate continues. Critics still express concerns â€Å"that Sarbanes-Oxley is overreaching and has placed unnecessary  restrictions on corporations that have and will continue to unduly inhibit corporate performance until they are removed† (Brite, 2013). Another major contention of critics is that the costs of compliance for outweigh the benefits in an international marketplace. Those against SOX feel that the costs outweigh the benefits and speak out in public forums stating that the â€Å"Sarbanes-Oxley has burdened the US financial market with costly rules and regulations that have reduced international competitiveness† (debate.org, 2014). There are those that openly share the opinion that the implementations of regulatory overkill through the 2002 Sarbanes-Oxley act â€Å"wrongfully make the innocent suffer for the guilty† (Gilmore, 2013). The reporting requirements of SOX are specific to businesses in the United States. Unlike American business, international business does not have the same requirements. â€Å"Regulatory compliance opposes economic costs on organizations and can affect their competitive advantage† (Srinivasan, 2014, p. 44). Increasing the cost for American business decreases competitive advantage in the worldwide marketplace. In addition to cost and competitive advantage, the structure of the bill has also been called into question. The Court of Appeals recently found difficulty with the wording of the amended 18 USC, citing that â€Å"paragraph (b) of the statute includes the word â€Å"knowingly† while paragraph (c) does not† (Bishop, 2013). The opinions of the Court of Appeals lends to the public opinion expressed in published CPA perspectives that â€Å"SOX was a hastily assembled bill† (Moran, 2013). Involved and cumbersome requirements cause confusion and frustration for companies attempting to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley act even more than a decade after its implementation. Companies and lawmakers alike have had difficulty over the years with the interpretation of and compliance with the act. â€Å"SOX brought about many changes to the way public companies had to operate, and there was some question as to how these would stand up over time† (Moran, 2013). Positive Aspects of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Despite complaints by critics, there are positive aspects of the Sarbanes-Oxley act that have withstood the test of time. Initial reactions have softened after smaller businesses were granted some relief in later amendments of the act. Larger businesses found that compliance with the act  increased investor confidence and contributions. In addition, the resultant increase in financial transparency has improved business relationships on many levels. First and foremost, there are many of the opinion that the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley act increased investor confidence and protection in the marketplace. â€Å"Does Sarbanes-Oxley prevent all bad actors from defrauding investors? No law could accomplish that. But it can and has deterred such activity† (Gillian, 2012, p. 1). Those in support of the Sarbanes-Oxley act agree that there is a positive side for investors and the businesses in which they invest. â€Å"A 2005 survey by the Financial Executives Research Foundation f ound that 83 percent of large company CFOs agreed that SOX had increased investor confidence, with 33 percent agreeing that it had reduced fraud† (Hanna, 2014, p. 2). With an increase in confidence and a perceived reduction of fraud, investors could more confidently make intelligent business decisions on the purchase and sale of publicly traded companies. Those on the positive side of the SOX act believe that the effects on small business have softened. Studies show that as companies become more accustomed to the costs of compliance, the expense decreases (San Antonio Express-News, 2007). In addition, the effects on smaller companies were ultimately deferred. â€Å"Audit standards also were modified in 2007, a change that reportedly reduced costs for many firms by 25 percent or more per year† (Hanna, 2014, p. 1). Although the costs of compliance decrease retained earnings, investors are more confident in the reliability of company reports (Gillian, 2012). â€Å"The cost of being a publicly traded company did cause some firms to go private, but research shows these were primarily organizations that were smaller, less liquid, and more fraud-prone† (Hanna, 2014, p. 1). These modifications of the act allowed more small businesses to remain competitive in the marketplace. Business relationships have also improved with increased transparency. The reduction of information asymmetry is a direct benefit to both the company and the investors. â€Å"Information asymmetry is a situation in which one party in a transaction has more or superior information compared to another† (Brite, 2013, p. 1). Periodic testing of internal controls required by SOX 404, increases transparency among internal and external stakeholders of the business. The American Institute of CPAs states on their website that â€Å"section 404B has led to improve financial reporting and greater  transparency† (American Institute of CPAs, 2006 – 2014). Conclusion and Opinion To evaluate the effectiveness of SOX in preventing future frauds, one must take into consideration the many different situations in which the legislation is applicable. Enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley act increases corporate responsibility and sets restrictions on auditor services. This certainly reduces the potential for fraud; however it does not eliminate it. From a business perspective, compliance is beneficial. The costs of implementing the requirements may be high; however the benefit of increased investor confidence in a publicly traded environment is higher. There are going to be situations in which fraud is inevitable. Fraudulent wrongdoers and companies will find loopholes and the recent Court of Appeals case is evidence of that fact. As with any law, this regulation will reduce the frequency of, but not prevent, purposeful future criminal activity. References American Institute of CPAs. (2006 – 2014). Section 404B of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Retrieved from AICPA: American Institute of CPAs: http://www.aicpa.org/advocacy/issues/pages/section404bofSOX.aspx Bishop, K. (2013, June six). Grand Theft Auto Meets the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Retrieved from California Corporate and Securities Law: http://calcorporatelaw.com/2013/06/grand-theft-auto-meets-the-sarbanes-oxley-act/ Brite, C. (2013, June 30). Is Sarbanes-Oxley a Failing Law? Retrieved from University Of Chicago Undergraduate Law Review: http://uculr.com/articles/2013/6/30/is-sarbanes-oxley-a-failing-law Coustan, H. L. (2004, February). Sarbanes-Oxley: What It Means to the Marketplace. Retrieved from Journal of Accountancy: http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/Issues/2004/Feb/SarbaneSOXleyWhatItMeansToTheMarketplace.htm debate.org. (2014). Do you believe the Sarbanes-Oxley Act has failed? Retrieved from debate.org: http://www.debate.org/opinions/do-you-believe-the-sarbanes-oxley-act -has-failed Gillian, K. (2012, July 24). It Enhanced Investor Protection. Retrieved from nytimes.com: http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/07/24/has-sarbanes-oxley-failed/sar