Pestel Analysis of Mobile Phone Industry

Pestel Analysis of Mobile Phone Industry Political Mobile phones have now become a tool with which political parties can directly target voters. People with smartphones can now receive video advertisements and messages via the internet. According to the Economic Intelligence Unit (2012), 83% of Americans who own a smartphone or tablet are registered to vote. This new gimmick is called â€Å"m-campaigning† and is currently most common in America. Barack Obama and Mitt Romney are both using this as a medium for their campaigns. Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy set up a Twitter account to help him in his re-election bid.This shows the growing importance appreciation of mobile phones by politians. There is potential here for some companies to use this strength as a bargaining tool with governments and potentially charge political parties to have built in apps on the phones. (Economic Intelligence Unit, 2012) â€Å"Thanks to location-tracking, potential supporters may recei ve an automated message urging them to drop in just as they are passing a voter-registration office, or to turn up to a nearby rally† (EIU, 2012) The mobile phone market in Africa is one which is heavily affected by politics.The more unstable a country is the more the economy is constrained. This has a negative effect on imports going into these countries. Africa has a history of political instability and coups. According to AfricaGoodNews. com the last few decades have seen a huge decline in the number of war torn countries. The number of countries in Africa considered completely(11) and partially(34) free today has risen tremendously since 1972(3 and 10 respectively). These figures suggest that, from a political point of view at the very least, Africa has turned a major corner. A new more stable standard of life looms over the horizon.This may signal a new era of stability in the continent. (AfricaGoodNews. com) According to Techwireasia. com China is the biggest telephone m arket in the world. They boast over 1 billion mobile phone subscribers. However political factors have a huge influence on the market. The three biggest players in the market China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom are majority-owned by the Government. This can be a potential oportunity or threat. It can be an opportunity as long term agreements with these providers can cement a companies place in the market and provide a platform for further growth.On the other hand these companies in the next few years may begin to promote and seek to make deals with China based manufucturers and slowly dilute the market share of the market leaders. (Techwireasia. com, 2012) Economical The global smartphone market is quite an competitive market. Across the globe people are paying high prices for these products. In Ireland the prices for the top three phones on the market are the HTC One X (â‚ ¬519. 99), the Samsung Galaxy SIII (â‚ ¬569. 00) and the iPhone 5(â‚ ¬579. 99) (Carphone War ehouse, 2012). These phones are in excess of â‚ ¬500 to buy which is expensive to the average person.At such a high price, such goods are very sensitive to a customer’s economic situation. We will look now at such economic indicators which could influence sales in this industry. The growth of an economy can be measured by its Gross Domestic Product(GDP). According to figures released by Trading Economics (2012) the GNP in the Euro area is -0. 4%. This figure represents the effect of the financial and economic crisis Europe now finds itself in. European countries like Italy(-2. 6%), Greece(-6. 3%), Portugal(-3. 3%) and Spain(-1%) are all in recession.Other countries which have a positive GDP are experiencing very slow growth like Germany(0. 5%), France(0. 25%) and Austria(0. 2%). The smartphone industry will suffer in Europe due to these figures and sales growth will be slowed significantly. These figures can be used to highlight countries and regions where economic growth is strong. It is shown in tables 2,3 and 4 (Appendices) that there is strong economic growth in Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa. (Trading Economics, 2012) These are areas in which the mobile phone industry should concentrate marketing strategies.Countries which show huge market opportunities are China, India and Australia. These countries are booming. China has a population of 1. 3 billion and GDP of 7. 4%. India has a population of 1. 2 billion and GDP of 5. 5%. The mobile phone industry should place huge emphasis on trying to gain a share of these expanding markets. Africa is a continent known more for its poverty than prosperity. However it is a continent with great potential. From an economic perspective many countries are showing strong economic growth such as Rwanda and Nigeria for example which have a GDP of 9. % and 6. 3% respectively. â€Å"Over the past decade six of the world's ten fastest-growing countries were African. In eight of the past ten years, Africa has grown f aster than East Asia, including Japan† (The Economist, 2011) If we look at unemployment figures released by the IMF (2012) we can see a similiar trend that shows unemployment rising across europe with the notable exception of Germany. The rate for the euro area for the second quarter of 2012 is 11. 2%, up from 7. 6% in 2007. Rates in North America don’t look too good either with Canada at 7. 2% and US at 8%.Again we can see that the shining lights are in Asia with China, Korea and Japan showing the lowest unemployment rates (need figures ). Even though many of the industry’s products are made in Asia, but the markets over there seem to have the most potential to grow. Socio-Cultural The way we use phones is constantly changing. A recent OECD publication goes into great detail about how people are using the internet and mention a study called the Global Internet Phenomena Report in Canada (OECD, 2012). Table 1 in the Appendices show that people’s demand for real time entertainment is growing rapidly over the last few years.In 2012 the video streaming service Netflix accounted for 32. 9%, almost one third, of all downstream traffic in the United States. This suggests that consumer preferences are moving towards high quality video streaming and audio features. People want more entertainment from their phone. There is an opportunity the industry to notice this and focus resources on achieving these demands. (OECD, 2012) There is surely a fear amongst those companies in the market that somebody is going to come along with a new product which yet again revolutionises what we define as a mobile phone.The good news for the market is that even though technology and demands are constantly improving and increasing we feel it is worth mentioning that a mobile phone is still an essential device for almost everybody. Nowadays people have a wide selection of devices with which to use the internet, blackberrys, iphones, pcs, macbooks, ipads and tabl ets. Everyone has their own favourite device. Some people have switched from pc to mac. Some people prefer tablets. But everybody needs a phone and its capabilities seem to be consolidating all those of other devices.It can send e-mails, it can browse the web, it has Facebook and Twitter, it has live tv, it can be a music player etc. There is very little you can no longer do on a phone. From a social point of view there is nothing that could threaten the need for mobile phones Environment Environmental issues are becoming more prominent in the mobile phone industry in recent times. The WEEE Directive was introduced in the EU 2005 whereby any waste electrical or electronic equipment can be returned to the retailer free of charge provided that you purchase an item similar to the returning item (Selin & VanDeveer, 2006).This means to help the environment, mobile phone companies are required, by law, to take unwanted mobile phones. It is estimated that two million phones will be replace d this year causing 2,000 tons of waste (Kavanagh Environmental), proving it is anthropogenic what has caused radiation issues. For several years now, many people have speculated about the dangers of radiation from making calls. The main worry is that this could be a cause of cancer. It is reported that the risk of gliomas (brain cancer) has increased by 40% since the introduction of mobile phones (Kovach, 2011).Radiation from mobile phones may have serious consequences to humans as it is causing the population of bees to decline who are essential for crop growth preventing food shortages (Lean & Shawcross, 2007). Legal There is a lot of legislation associated with the mobile phone industry. Patents are currently a big advantage in the mobile phone industry. [pic] Source: The Atlantic, 2012. One can see that the common denominator is Apple. They are the only company which own valuable patents with regards to design and hold a strong market share in the market in which these phones a re sold.According to the Atlantic (2012), Apple are making the lions share of operating profits while Samsung and HTC are the chasing pack. Ownership of these patents is a competitive advantage. Issues arise again and again over patents, which is most notably seen in the Apple versus Samsung court case, which only came to a final decision in recent weeks. According to the US Daily Mail, Samsung had to pay $1. 05 Billion to Apple for copying their iPhone in the manufacturing of the Samsung Galaxy range (Murphy, 2012).A law went into effect in San Francisco early last year which required that all retailers must display how much radiation each phone emits (Kang, 2010). With just under 300 million Americans using mobile phones, this is something which has the potential to hit the industry very hard if any significant study shows a link between phone use and cancer (Kang, 2010). The EU has introduced new legislation in the last few years aimed at significantly reducing the cost of making international calls and roaming. It is now 68% cheaper to make a call while abroad than it was in 2006 and it is 81% cheaper to receive a call.The price of text messages has been reduced by 60% (Europa, 2012). References Economic Intelligence Unit (2012), ‘World Politics: Spreading the m-word’, ABI/ INFORM Global. Available Online at: http://search. proquest. com/abiglobal/docview/926036961/139DAC0C8916F0BFAF4/18? accountid=40346 [Accessed 10th October 2012] Africa Good News (2012), ‘Fast facts and quick stats about Africa’ AfricaGoodNews. com. Available Online at: http://www. africagoodnews. com/africa/facts. html [Accessed 16th October 2012] OECD (pg. 24, 2012) ‘OECD Internet economy outlook’ Available at: http://www. keepeek. om/Digital-Asset-Management/oecd/science-and-technology/oecd-internet-economy-outlook-2012/expanding-connectivity-and-measuring-the-internet-economy_9789264086463-3-en [Accessed 4th October 2012] Techwireasia. com (201 2) ‘An in depth ananlysis of China’s mobile phone market’ Techwireasia [Online] Available at: http://www. techwireasia. com/2733/an-in-depth-analysis-of-chinas-mobile-phone-market/ [Accessed 12th October] Carphone Warehouse (2012), Pay as you go smartphones, Carphonewarehouse. ie [Online] Available at; http://www. carphonewarehouse. ie/category/Pay-As-You-Go-Smartphones/1_3 [Accessed 15th October 2012]Europa (2012) ‘Travelling in Europe 2012-2013’ Europa. eu [Online] Available at; http://europa. eu/travel/comm/index_en. htm#phone [Accessed 3rd October 2012] IMF (2012) ‘Principal Global Indicators’ IMF. org [Online] Available at: http://www. principalglobalindicators. org/default. aspx [Accessed 4th October 2012] Trading Economics (2012), GDP growth rates, Available at: http://www. tradingeconomics. com/gdp-growth-rates-list-by-country [Accessed 4th October 2012] The Economist (2012) ‘After decades of slow growth, Africa has a real chance to follow in the footsteps of Asia’ The Economist[Online] Available at: http://www. conomist. com/node/21541015 [Accessed 18th October 2012] Atlantic. com. (2012, August). The State of play in the mobile industry in one venn diagram. Retrieved October 1, 2012, from The Atlantic: http://www. theatlantic. com/technology/archive/2012/08/the-state-of-play-in-the-mobile-phone-industry-in-one-venn-diagram/261712/ Europa. (2012). Travelling in Europe 2012-2013. Retrieved October 16, 2012, from Europa: http://europa. eu/travel/comm/index_en. htm#phone Kang, C. (2010). Cell Phone Indusrty attacks San Francisco's ruling on radiation. The Washington Post Kavanagh Environmental. (n. d. ). Environmental Objectives.Retrieved October 2, 2102, from Kavanagh Environmental: http://www. kavenv. ie/environment. html Kovach, S. (2011, May 31). Cell Phones may Cause Cancer. Retrieved OCTOBER 1, 2012, from Business Insider: http://www. businessinsider. com/cell-phones-cause-cancer-2011-5 Lea n, G. , & Shawcross, H. (2007, April 15). Are Mobile Phones wiping out our Bees? Retrieved October 4, 2012, from The Independent: http://www. independent. co. uk/environment/nature/are-mobile-phones-wiping-out-our-bees-444768. html Murphy, D. (2012, October). Samsung losing Apple Court Case. Retrieved October 16, 2012, from Mobile Marketing: http://www. obilemarketingmagazine. com/content/samsung-loses-apple-court-case Selin, H. , & VanDeveer, S. D. (2006, December). ABI/INFORM Global. Retrieved October 1, 2012, from ProQuest: http://search. proquest. com. ezproxy. wit. ie:2048/abiglobal/docview/224017129/13 99337313516FFA994/1? accountid=40346 Appendices Table 1: Aggregate Traffic Compisition, North America [pic] Source: (OECD, 2012) Table 2: GDP in Asia 2012 Q2 [pic] Source: (TradingEconomics. com) Table 3: GDP in Eastern Europe 2012 Q2 [pic] Source: (TradingEconomics. com) Table 4: GDP in Africa 2012 Q2 [pic] Source: (Tradingeconomics. com)

Agreeableness Essay

Question #01: a) What source of power does Jean have? As Chair of the Department of Accounting, Jean has the position source power. Because of the position power is derived from top management, and it is delegated down the chain of command. b) And what type of power is she using? The type of power that jean is using falls under the legitimate power, which is based on the user’s position power, given by the organization. When using legitimate power, it is also helpful to use the consultation influencing tactic. In addition, Jean is also using the consultation influencing tactic by consulting her employees for ideas on the new policy. c) Which influencing tactic is Jean using during the meeting? Jean is using the consultation influencing tactic by consulting her employees for ideas on the new policy. d) Is negotiation and/or the (e) Exchange tactic appropriate in this situation? I believe the negotiation tactic is appropriate in this case and exchange tactic cannot appropriate in this case because the exchange tactic would mean that Jean has no authority over the employees whom she is addressing. Question #02: a) What source of power does Ron have? I thought In this case, Ron is using the personal power source. b) What type of power is he using during the meeting? During the meeting he uses the legitimate use of rational persuasion power in this case. This is evident when he shares data about other professionals in his field using graduate assistants for the same reasons. c) Which two influencing tactics is Ron primarily using during the meeting? In this case Ron uses the legitimate use of rational persuasion power and personal power during the meeting. d) Which influencing tactic is Ron using with the memo? In this case, Ron is using the coalition influencing tactic, in hopes of using influential people to achieve his goal. With a coalition influencing tactic you use influential people to help persuade others to meet your objective. The more people you can get on your side, the more influence you  can have on others. Superiors, peers, subordinates, and outsiders can help you influence others. Coalitions are also a political strategy. (e) Is the memo a wise political move for Ron? What might he gain and lose by sending it? I thought yes, memo is a political move for Ron. Ron may win his case but in the long run he will lose trust and confidence with Jean, who is the head of his department. Question #03: What would you do if you were Jean? 1. If I am in place of jean I will in the future meeting make policy that department should take help from the services of graduate assistant not because of the reason that Johnson will challenge my decision if I made against it but because I want to implement it. After getting memo from Johnson I will call him in the office and first asked him that his reaction to the yesterday meeting is not professional so he should say sorry for it. As he is a senior so I will later on asked him â€Å"Yes yours point of views matches with me so I need help from you in defining the boundaries of graduate assistant†. a) Would you talk to the dean, letting him know that Ron said he would appeal the policy decision? No, as a chair I shall not talk to the Dean because I thought I have to handle this issue by myself. I know Ron Johnson is a senior professor so I requested him to help me in making the policy for graduate assistant as he is already taking the graduate assistant and he knows better than the others . (b) Which influencing tactic would this discussion involve? (c) Which political behavior would the discussion represent? (d) Would you draft a policy directly stating that graduate assistants cannot be used to grade objective exams? (e) Would your answer to (d) Be influenced by your answer to (a)?

Management Report on Effective International Management Essay

Management Report on Effective International Management - Essay Example This, in essence, suggests that management strategies and controls effective in one country may not necessarily be effective in another country (or even dysfunctional or completely ineffective). Such cross-cultural differences may arise internally, for instance by influencing the work-related behaviors of certain employees, and the interface between external labor market and the organization, such as retaining and recruiting employees. In the past, scholars have concluded numerous empirical studies focusing on the relationship between the national culture and the various aspects of management, such as strategic decision-making and long-term planning. However, only a portion of these studies critically examines the relation between national culture and effective global management of organizations. Such studies are limited in use, especially when designing the structure and operation of control management in multinational organizations (Higgs). The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive managerial report to the senior management of an information and technology company operating in China and France, emphasizing on effective international management for optimal and successful operation of the organization in the two countries. Introduction The debate over the organizational need for multinational enterprises to become increasingly similar to those in the subsidiary stations as been persistent. Determining factors such as the growing importance of multinational enterprises, technological convergence, and the institutionalization of international corporate standards such as the ERP system and the ISO 9000 contribute to isomorphic tendencies of multinationals. In recent times however, some researchers claim that the global spread of managerial concepts such as decentralization and downsizing, as well as shareholder-value concepts are increasingly making organizations similar in a global context. However, a faction of other researchers has opposed the vie ws of isomorphism, emphasizing on the resilience of national cultures. According to them, the difference of institutions at the national level results in persistent heterogeneity among other organizations in different countries, regardless of operating in the same industry and subject to similar external influences (Adler, Doklor, and Redding, 2001:297). From this viewpoint, in different national contexts, effective international management should have significant different results at the organizational level. Such studies are contradictory, especially in efforts to determine which perspective receives the backing of empirical tests. Framing the issue of effective international management in such instances as either leading to divergence or convergence seems like a rhetoric trick, but it an excellent starting point for this management report. This paper seeks to examine critically the aspects of management with emphasis on multinational organizations in China and France, with emphas is on the national cultures of the two countries, as well as external factors such as business policies and regulations (Higgs). China China is among the widely recognized countries currently experiencing vast profitability and economic growth. The country is capable of producing goods more efficiently and effectively than most of the other countries in the world. The country has a Gross Domestic Product

Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 47

Marketing - Essay Example By doing so, it becomes easier for the company to spread the message and brand image in an effective manner. This type of promotion is called as Above The Line Promotion. Direct marketing is one of the most widely used strategy for promoting brands and product. Apart from Above The Line strategy, Vodafone also operate direct marketing channels in which it delivers its product through direct sales agent, super call centre and tele-calling. Vodafone owns number of stores all over the world through which it sells its product directly to its customers. Stores often propose promotions, special offers and posters pertaining to point of sales in order to attract those customers which are inside the store so that they buy more. All the marketing channels mentioned above for Vodafone are integrated channels of marketing. The reason is for integrated marketing channels, there is a holistic approach to keep harmony among all the channels. In case of Vodafone, the message, brand image and marketing strategies are consistent and therefore they complement each other. Since it opts integrated marketing channel strategy, Vodafone isn’t promoting differently through any of its marketing

Theories and ethnographies on the gift (economic anthropology) Research Paper

Theories and ethnographies on the gift (economic anthropology) - Research Paper Example Therefore, gift in this context can be defined as goods and services that are exchanged with the intention of affirming a social relationship and status. Hence, gifts are a reciprocated system where citizens of any given community will be perpetually indebted to another person. Ethnographers have studied many different interpretations of the gift in traditional societies. The complicated factors of ‘the gift’ in archaic society have attracted debates throughout different fields of study. In addition, several professionals including anthropologists, sociologists, philosophers, as well as economists have researched the issue. A sense of duty bounds these relationships together although these communities may be otherwise hostile towards one another. Marcel Mauss, a French anthropologist and a sociologist, carefully studied the facts on the gift in traditional primitive societies; following Durkheim’s model on the sacred, he theorized that gifts are of a moral, religi ous, and economic nature in natural economic systems; with a sacred quality to exchange and contracts. Mauss presents the idea of a system of obligatory service provision i.e. one provides a service because it is their moral responsibility to do so, this system brings together distinguished characteristics identified based on religion, justification, and economic status. An example is doing voluntary work in the community, Hann et al. (2011) notes, â€Å"... It is groups, and not individuals, which carry on the exchange, make contracts, and are bound by obligations the person represented in the contracts are moral persons- clans, tribes and families; the groups, or the chiefs as intermediaries for the groups, confront and oppose each other† (p.50). He visualized a unique connection between the gift and the recipient and emphasized on the power embedded on the gift that would propel the recipient to reciprocate the act of giving (Mauss, 1925. p.3). With this idea, he stipulate d that the giver not only gives the gift, but part of them is also torn away from them in the process of giving. Due to this, he said that there was no complete separation of the gift from the giver (Mauss, 1925). He further argued that, what they exchange is not exclusively goods and wealth, real and personal property, and things of economic value. They exchange rather courtesies, entertainments, ritual, military assistance, women, children, dances and feasts, in which the market is merely one element and the circulation of wealth, but one part of a wide and enduring contract. Finally, although the social facts and their opposing factors take place under a voluntary guise, they are in essence strictly obligatory, and their sanction is private or open warfare. We propose to call this system of total presentation.† (Mauss, 1926) There is not only an obligation to repay gifts, but also to give and receive them willingly, to refuse to do so could mean refusing to accept the other into one's community and could cause war. However, by giving, the community shows itself as deserving and worthy of respect and generosity. Failure to give will mean to end their partnership and refuse any future gifts. Gift- giving contests have come together on this basis such as the famous North- West Coast Native American Potlatch as well as the Kula Ring in the Trobriand Islands. Malinowski also researched the Trobriand islanders, found the exchange between islanders of the Kula Ring

Final Case Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Final Case Report - Essay Example In 2011, the entry of the crystal silicon producers mainly from China has resulted to the reduction in the module costs. In order to face the increase in competition, First Solar has applied new technological approach in order to manufacture solar cells. The case of First Solar revealed the fact that the concerned company has been effective in performing operations competitively owing to cost advantage in using crystal silicon. The key strategic issues identified from the case of First Solar are that the company has faced increased competitions from other producers of solar modules. In addition to this, the entry of Chinese firms in solar industry has been affecting the leadership position enjoyed by First Solar as an individual competitor in the solar industry. In this respect, the competition from other firms had a negative impact on the market share of First Solar (First Solar Inc, 2013). The aim of the essay is to develop strategic planning report for First Solar on the basis of identifying the problems or issues faced for market competition. Furthermore, internal and external analysis of the environment has been conducted with the intention of identifying the threats as well as opportunities for the concerned company. In addition to this, strategies have been developed based on the issues identified using different analytical models that are essential for the success of the company in the long run (First Solar, 2015; First Solar Inc, 2013). First Solar is the global producer and seller of solar modules and uses photovoltaic energy for producing the same. First Solar as one of the renewable energy organizations is devoted to sustainable business practices in order to gain competitive position in the market. The mission statement of the company reveals the objectives of the organization. The mission of First Solar is to provide clean and affordable solar electricity worldwide. In addition to the use of eco efficient solution to generate

History of the Cherokee Indians Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

History of the Cherokee Indians - Essay Example Unlike other Native American tribes, Cherokees built cabins out of woods rather than living in teepees. Their language derives from the language of another Native American ethnic group, namely, the Iroquois. This language was so strikingly different from the languages of other Native American tribes that it made some linguists assume the very name of Cherokee means "people who speak another language". Cherokees have always been a highly spiritual tribe with unique traditions and values. An owl and cougar could be called a cultural archetype of the Cherokee Indians. Cherokees treat these animals with particular respect as they believe an owl and cougar were the only creatures that had been staying awake for seven days during which the world was created and, hence, saw how humans were made. Today Cherokee Indians are divided into many subtribes but under the official federal classification they fall into the following acknowledged categories: the Cherokee Nation, the Keetoowah Band (reside in Oklahoma), the Cherokee tribes and the Eastern Band of Cherokees residing in North Carolina (Hodge).Before the USA appeared on map, the Cherokee Indians used to live on the territory of the present-day Georgia, parts of Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina (Stewart 9). Originally, Cherokee tribes lived in the Midwest of the lands that later formed the USA near the Great Lakes, but with the passage of time they drifted closer to the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, which, in turn, they were forced to leave either.

The importance of expert systems in the decision making process Essay

The importance of expert systems in the decision making process - Essay Example Expert systems can be used by mangers to make official decision process and to clarify the reasoning process employed to make decisions. Expert systems have provided so many facilities in the management decision-making process and the process turned out to be faster and more consistent. This research paper based on theme of the analysis of the importance of 'Expert system' in the management decision making process.This paper provides the research on the importance of 'Expert System' in the Management Decision Making Process. It provides information in such a way that every aspect of the expert system of the Decision Making can be addressed. First of all this paper will present a brief introduction and background of the expert systems, and then it will present the structure of the expert system, the next section contains how expert system can work for the management of enterprise. The next section is literature review of the relevant research and development in the same field, for thi s purpose it will discuss the development and results of the COMMU expert system, then the proceeding section discusses expert system in business management/ financial markets discussion, here the main point of discussion would be that how expert system become beneficial for the business management and how it can support decision making process. The next section is regarding expert systems & decision support association. The proceeding section will articulate few inabilities of expert system regarding decision making. Then the next section contains the conclusion and references. Artificial intelligence or AI is a field of computer science which has concerned a group of computer specialists in current years. AI is the study of how to create computers doing things at which, at the moment, people are better. AI has two major objectives (Kenneth, 1998). The first purpose is to form an intelligent machine. The second intend is to find out regarding the environment of intelligence. AI can be separated into three comparatively independent research areas: 1) Expert systems, 2) Natural language and 3) Robotics Of the three areas, expert systems development is the mainly important practical application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) (Kenneth, 1998). One of the most recent and mainly promising information technologies is the expert system or ES. An expert system is a computer program that impersonators the decision making behavior and technique of the human expert and permits computing power to be applied to jobs those necessitate the dealing out of human knowledge (Adrian et al, 1990). Because of its intelligent abilities it has been suggested that expert system technology will have a remarkable effect on the workplace. An expert system is a computer program that goes behind human proficiency whether it is gained directly from experts or from written sources like regulations. The main reimbursements are several as given below: (Terry et al, 2000) Enhanced decision making Making eminence and reliability Minimizing Costs Extension of organizational awareness These programs are fairly diverse in their function, which comprise guidance to fresh employees, user friendly front-ends to databases, and still the making of decisions for employees by means of the expert's reasoning. Research in artificial intelligence has led to the intensification and expansion of expert systems (Terry et al, 2000). Expert system is also an elevated performance exceptional system which is developed by "confining" and coding the skill and knowledge of a specialist using unique computer language that is special for the expert system. The thought is that the consequential computer system be able to then hold out the similar level of service to a user as the original and innovative expert (Joseph et al, 2005). Developing expert systems engages two basic steps before authentic

Conformity and Obedience Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Conformity and Obedience - Essay Example After a time he told them all to drink a mixture of Cool-aid (a grape flavored soft drink) and cyanide, as well as various other drugs. Most obeyed him, and those who didn't told of parents first giving the drink to their children, before themselves. (Melton, J. Gordon, The Peoples Temple and Jim Jones: Broadening Our Perspectives) 1. The conformity to norms is often quite unconscious. It has been internalized (learned well), probably in early childhood. Our societal norms are seldom doubted; rather, we take them as givens, as "the way things are." The learning is supported throughout life by the "validity" of the norm -- i.e. it works because it is the norm. 2. But sometimes we choose, consciously, to conform, as when we join a group voluntarily. We adopt certain norms because the group is attractive to us and we identify with the group and its values or goal. In its more dramatic forms, this is called conversion. 3. In other cases, we conform because we are forced to, i.e. we are conscious of our conformity but it seems a lot less voluntary. This is often called compliance, and it can be brought on by anything from a gun to the head or the promise of candy. In other words, it is conformity due to the sanctions the society or group has in effect. 4. But most of what we call conformity in the research literature concerns something "somewhat conscious" and "not quite voluntary." It is usually brought on by social anxiety -- fear of embarrassment, discomfort at confusion, a sense of inferiority, a desire to be liked, and so on. I think it should be called defensive conformity. Solomon Asch and his students have conducted the basic research on this kind of conformity: Imagine that a person, "A" has volunteered for a psychology experiment, and he shows up at the lab at the promised time. There is a table with four chairs around it, three already occupied by other students. So "A" takes the last chair and prepares himself for some kind of psychological bizarreness. Finally, the experimenter comes in carrying two stacks of rather large cardboard cards. He introduces himself and thanks you for volunteering and begins to explain: One set of cards, as evidenced by the top card, shows three lines at a time, each line of a different length. The other set shows one line at a time. The task is called "line-length judgment" and looks to be very easy: Even from a distance, the line among the three that matches the single line is very clear. The experiment begins. The experimenter points at the first student. He looks at the lines, hems and haws a bit... and chooses the wrong match! Oh well, there's one in every crowd. The experimenter just nods sagely to himself. He points at the second volunteer, and he too hems and haws... and chooses the wrong line! Now "A" begins to feel a bit uncomfortable. The experimenter points at the third person -- your last chance -- and he, too, chooses the obviously wrong answer. Now it's "A's" turn. Being a person of integrity, you clearly announce the correct answer -- at which point, all three volunteers and the experimenter give you a look like you're from outer space. The experimenter reveals the second card of

Top games Essay Example for Free

Top games Essay Nearly all the children could do the above I therefore suggest that the game is appropriate for the age range I planned it for. Throughout this observation the children have gained developing co-ordination and control over the cards. They have used fine motor skills to lift a turn over the cards, for the first few times the children turned over the cards they had a little difficulty all of the children discovered however that if they slide the card to the edge of the table it was easier to pick up. They have also been learning about sharing and turn taking and how everyone has to have fair turns and not to hurry them along. They have been thinking about ordinal numbers (first second etc) and what number comes next, and also through my open-ended questions, about lengths and sizes of the lines. B F Skinners theory of positive and negative reinforcement also fits in here. If a child gets a number and puts it in the correct order, they may be praised, told well done. There actions have been reinforced (positive reinforcement). On the other hand a child may not come first the first time they play the game, they may not like this feeling which would inspire them to really try the next time, although if they do not come first again the may take a disliking to the game. I was fully prepared for the activity as all I needed was the game cards, I didnt need any additional resources. I discussed with my placement supervisor the suitability of the game and whether she thought it to be age and stage appropriate to these children. I was mostly completely planned and ready for this activity although it would have been helpful if I could have more time, there was enough time to play quite a few games, but not all the children in the class got a chance to play and not also was that unfair to some of the children I could have benefited from seeing the whole class dealing with the game to support my evaluation more. As I have said the number of children in the group was correct it was easy to manage the situation. I think that I gave clear instructions although it may have made more sense to the children if I had set down some firm ground rules at the start. Again the only thing that did not go to plan was the amount of time I had allocated for the game. The resources I made was suitable for its purpose it lasted quite well and was quite durable as they were backed onto card I think in future I would laminate the cards so they were more durable. It did help the children to learn, but I think it would have been more helpful to them if the numbers were higher as most of the children already knew their numbers one to five quite well. I could also have made different versions of the game such as, instead of trains I could do flowers or animals depending on what the subject they were focusing on at the time was. Mind map-China-I think that including the whole class was suitable because the children all gained feedback off each other. Although it was quite difficult to tell how many of the children could count the suggestions as they all counted at the same time, some of the children could have been following what everyone else was saying. When the children were asked (separately) how many suggestions to make twenty? they took a little longer than I had expected to work it out but got it right in the end. Some of the children had a little prompting as how to work it out. As the suggestion about Chinese writing came up a lot I wasnt sure if the children were copying the first child who suggested it or whether they were going to suggest it in the first place. Tassoni and Beith (2002 p 400) state that between the ages of four and six years a child should normally be: Showing more understanding and using reason based on their experiences ? Starting to use and understand symbols e. g. reading and writing Again nearly all the children could do the above I suggest therefore that this activity is appropriate for the age and stage of these children. The children have been learning in the area of knowledge and understanding of the world they have been thinking of past events that they could link with the subject of China (e. g. I had a Chinese last night). The children have expanded in their knowledge of listening, not interrupting and waiting to be asked before speaking. They have also learnt a bit about how to discuss with people. They have also been learning about mathematics by counting how many suggestions are on the board and calculating how many more Again with this activity I can see where B F Skinners theory fits in. in a similar way to the first activity if a child comes up with good suggestions they will get a well done. This will encourage them to think deeper to think of another suggestion to get the same praise (positive reinforcement). B F Skinner also says that by ignoring certain behaviour it may disappear which could be done with the children that interrupt. Tassoni and Beith (2992 p 223) state that adults need to extend childrens vocabulary and help them to use language as a way of thinking, open questions can be used when working with children. This means asking questions where children have to give more than one worded answers during my activity I believe I covered this as I asked a few open ended and the children responded well. Children also need to learn the skills of listening and this means that we must be good role models for them by listening to them although the children were good at listening I still believe that I acted as a good role model to them by listening to all of the suggestions and not being dismissive. I wasnt prepared for the amount of suggestions that the children gave it may have been helpful if I had a spare piece of paper for such circumstances. I had discussed with my placement supervisor the suitability of this activity I discussed whether it was age and stage appropriate and whether it was stimulating enough for the children to sit there for a while and pay attention. I think that the time I had allocated for this activity was appropriate; the times were roughly similar when the children started to run out of suggestions and when we had to start the next activity. The activity was a success there was good feedback later on throughout the day and the children were also asking to have other people suggestions explained to them (showing they were interested in the subject). I had extra support from my supervisor to manage all of the children as it was a class of twenty-eight so it was managed quite well. I gave clear instructions about what we were doing but not about how they had to sit or that they had to wait to be asked. I think that it would have been beneficial to explain this before the activity was started to set down the ground rules. Other than this all went to plan with the activity. Recommendations The train game when I asked the children the questions I often got one-word answers, in order to help them expand on the subject more, the adult in the situations asking more open-ended questions about the subject could do this. During the game I had two children with the same favourite colour I dealt with this by playing two games, it may have been easier to ask the children to swap in the middle of the game or to not let the children choose at all I could just deal the cards to them. I could also for future games keep the colours the same (starting cards one colour, number one cards another colour etc). In order for the children to progress, I could make other cards numbered up to ten, if this proved to difficult because of the amount of cards on the table they could be separated into two piles one to five and six to ten. I could also play the game backwards if they had managed it the original way well. I could make the cards colour co-ordinated e. g. either they have to get the whole set of one colour to win or that the aim is to make a pattern. The best way I think to extend this activity would be turning it into a quiz each child is asked a maths question, if they get the question right they can turn over a card if they get it wrong they will wait until their next turn. In this activity whatever the version an adult would need to be present to make sure the game is being carried out in the way planned, that the children are all taking turns and that the children are being sensible with the cards.

Multiple Questions On Issues Of Sustainability Environmental Sciences Essay

Multiple Questions On Issues Of Sustainability Environmental Sciences Essay Suppose you are taking a course in Strategic Sustainable Development. One of your colleagues, who works for a company as a Director of Sustainable Development, calls you up and asks what you are learning about. Please list five (5) broad/overarching concepts that you could use to describe the core of Strategic Sustainable Development. (5 points) Note: it is not necessary to describe them, only list them. The FSSD is a generic framework for planning and decision-making for achieving success in a system of socio-ecological sustainability. Based on scientifically-based principles (discussed below) and systems thinking, the FSSD supports decision-making in conditions of high complexity, recognizing the interdependence of the natural world and society. It can serve as compass to guide society towards a sustainable future; a strategy for sustainability can be developed which links scientific knowledge to decision-making. The FSSD has five distinct, non-overlapping levels: system, success, strategic guidelines, actions and tools. By using the FSSD together with a principles-based definition of sustainability, it becomes possible to judge how actions can be strategically planned and prioritized to move an organization and society towards sustainability. Based on a common language and understanding in order to facilitate cooperation, to  communicate effectively, build consensus and ultimate ly move toward a vision, the FSSD provides a shared mental model of sustainability. Because it uses an upstream approach, the FSSD anticipates and avoids problems before they occur, rather than reacting to their downstream effects. B Scientific foundations of FSSD The FSSD is a scientifi ­cally rigorous Framework; scientific foundations (e.g. laws of thermodynamics, energy, entropy, photosynthesis, biogeochemical cycles, interdependency of species, system dynamics, cyclic principle and biogeochemical cycles) are used to derive the basic principles of ecological and social sustainability. C Metaphor of the Cylinder and the Funnel In its whole-systems view, the FSSD uses the metaphor of the Cylinder and the Funnel to illustrate the flawed interpretations and trends about current reality, problems with our current industrial system and the challenges of sustainability. The funnel helps to visualize the economic, social and environmental pressures that impinge on society as natural resources and ecosystem services are depleted and decline while global population grows in number and there is an ever increasing consumption of those resources and heightened demand for those services. D Four Sustainability Principles (SP) and the Model of Nine Universal Human Needs The four, first-order Sustainability Principles (SP) of the FSSD clearly spell out what ecological and social conditions must exist in order for a society and therefore, for development, to be sustainable now and in the future. Understood within SP 4 is a model of the nine universal human needs as defined by the Chilean economist Manfred Max-Neef, as well as the interrelationships between human needs, wants, satisfiers, and pathologies/poverties. E Backcasting and the ABCD Methodology Backcasting from sustainability principles (planning from success) is a tool used in the FSSD. First a vision of success is defined and then a gap analysis, using the lens of sustainability is performed, which then helps define strategies and prioritized actions that work toward closing the gap. In the ABCD Methodology First step (A) understanding how to apply Backcasting from Principles to the system for analyses of step (B) current practices and step (C) solutions/visions and (D) prioritized actions to create a strategy to achieve success. In step (D), actions are prioritized to ensure that all selected actions are  (1) moving in the right direction (towards sustainability), (2)  flexible platforms that avoid dead-end investments, and (3) good business decisions (i.e. offer an  adequate return on investment). In  Chapter 1 of  Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability, the author makes frequent mention use of the words systematic and systematically to describe difference between the cylinder paradigm and the funnel paradigm.   For example: In the cylinder paradigm: it is believed that socio / ecological impacts come and go. In the funnel paradigm: in reality society is on a downhill course the very conditions of social / ecological welfare are being systematically undermined. In the cylinder paradigm: it is believed that social / ecological impacts are isolated events. In the funnel paradigm: in reality social / ecological impacts are interconnected through systematic errors of societal design. Why are the words systematically and systematic important to make the distinction between the two paradigms? (4 points) The problem of unsustainability (as represented by the funnel metaphor) is that the negative impacts we see from our unsustainable way of living are due to an underlying systemic error of societal design that will continue to worsen. In the current model of industrial organization and neoclassical economics, society at large is organized in such a way that the environmental impacts pollution, loss of biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions etc. will continue to increase as long as society continues on the same paradigm of development. As long as the systemic errors continue, the conditions for ecological and social survival and prosperity will continue to decline systematically. The funnel metaphor represents a systems theory way of thinking, which understands the principle functioning of the ecological and social systems, recognizing the interdependence of the natural world and society. Why were the System Conditions developed according to the criteria of (i) necessary, (ii) sufficient, (iii) distinct, (iv) general, (v) concrete and (vi) science-based? (2 points) In order to be successful and widely accepted as legitimate and valid, the system conditions must be necessary (required in order to achieve the planning objective, i.e., sustainability) and sufficient (to cover all aspects of the objective), distinct (to enable comprehension and facilitate development of indicators for monitoring and assessment) general (to structure all societal activities relevant to sustainability and make sense for all stakeholders),concrete (to guide problem solving and actions, serve as a guide in problem analysis and solutions ), and science-based. (proven, scientifically robust model, based on systems thinking and scientific foundations (e.g. laws of thermodynamics, energy, entropy, photosynthesis, biogeochemical cycles, interdependency of species, system dynamics, cyclic principle and biogeochemical cycles) from which are derived the basic principles of ecological and social sustainability). What does it mean to be strategic? (1 point) Part of a decision-making process in which choices are made, a strategy is a plan of prioritizing actions in order to achieve a particular goal. Once an organization has established its purpose/mission/vision of an idealized future, it can select policies and actions within that strategy to move an organization towards achieving that goal. If we have a clearly principled view of a future sustainable society, then we have a perspective on which we can strategize base our decisions on strategic guidelines which direct us on the best way to proceed in order to achieve success in the system, i.e. sustainability. In the FSSD, together with a principles-based definition of sustainability, it becomes possible to judge how actions can be strategically planned and prioritized to move an organization and society towards sustainability. If each of the actions below were done in an ongoing manner, which Sustainability Principle would be affected? Please fill in the blank with the primary Sustainability Principle that the action contributes to, i.e. 1, 2, 3, or 4 (Write one SP only for each answer). (0.5 point each, 5 points total) ___3___ overharvesting of fish ___3___ development of fertile land into urban infrastructure ___2___ release of antibiotics into rivers ___1___ leaching of mined cadmium from batteries ___2___ release of methane from cows (if one considers that a concentration of methane occurs because of a human activity herding cattle to support a meat based diet in excess of the natural ecosystems capacity to absorb the excessive waste this produces) ___2___ fertilizer run-off that leads to the overproduction of algae in nearby lakes ___4 __ lack of development of a healthcare system ___1___ leaking of uranium from mining operations ___3___ extraction of groundwater at rates that exceed natural replenishment ___4___ unsafe working conditions The Brundtland definition of sustainable development is to meet the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs (Brundtland, 1987). Explain how this includes the concept of ecological sustainability. (2 points) Though it is not explicitly stated, ecological sustainability is a key component of the Brundtland definition; all aspects of human existence and survival the ability to meet human needs are integrated with the sustainability of viable ecological systems. In a systems model of thinking, what happens in one part of a system affects every other part. The Brundtland definition is adequate in some ways, but does not give guidance as to the design of such a society or how to achieve this sustainability. It is not specific enough nor does it have the simplicity of the FSSD with the four, first-order Sustainability Principles (SP) which clearly spell out what ecological and social conditions must exist in order for a society and therefore, for development, to be sustainable now and in the future. In the sustainable society, nature is not subject to systematically increasing: concentrations of substances extracted from the Earths crust (such as fossil fuels or metals), concentrations of substances produced by society (such as chemical compounds, CFCs, insecticides, and endocrine disrupters), degradation by physical means (such as clear-cutting of forests and over-fishing) Moreover, in such a (sustainable) society, people are not subject to conditions that systematically: 4. undermine their capacity to meet their needs (such as from the abuse of political and economic power). The FSSD asks upstream at the first approximation in the chain of cause-and-effect, what are the primary mechanisms of human activities which set off unsustainable impacts downstream? The FSSD recognizes that downstream impacts are rooted in upstream errors of societal design and operation. All ecological and social sustainability problems which society faces today can be attributed to violations of one or more of these four mechanisms, expressed by the 4 SP. If the society seeks to meet its needs now and in the future, it must conform to the ecological constraints of the first three Sustainability principles, and conform to the societal constraints of the fourth Sustainability Principle, then the resources must be enough to succeed, in meeting those needs. Please describe the concepts of a tool and a framework, what they are useful for and the difference between them (3 points) A tool is a device that is necessary to, or expedites, a task; it can also be a procedure or process used for a specific purpose. A framework is a basic conceptual structure, a shared mental model, for moving an organization towards achieving a goal that it has established. A framework should inform the selection and use of tools to support the framework; tools should be selected and used as needed at each stage. Within the structure established by a framework, tools are often used to facilitate actions, gain necessary information, monitor actions and measure progress. The purpose is to ensure that actions are chosen strategically, so that the goal (success) in the system is achieved. In the FSSD, tools is the fifth level of the framework. When backcasting from principles of success, a tool of the FSSD, is combined with another FSD tool, the ABCD methodology, together they can be used as facilitation tool for analysis, brainstorming sessions, learning, vision development, program design, leadership and change. In planning for sustainable development, examples of other useful tools include indicators, management systems, and life cycle assessments. If your colleague asks you whether this Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD) is better than other tools or concepts in sustainable development, how would you respond? (2 points) With a science-based definition of socio-ecological sustainability, based on systems thinking with four basic first-order Sustainability Principles the FSSD is a very effective planning methodology; it can be used for assessing current conditions, visioning an ideal future, and developing effective strategies and prioritized actions to achieve that vision. FSSD is perhaps a unique framework in that it is, almost by definition, a simple (understandable) yet comprehensive approach that encourages dialogue, consensus-building and systems-thinking, all of which create the conditions which can facilitate profound change. The FSSD provides a process of continual learning that incorporates other methods, tools, and concepts into a shared, structured overview. By its upstream approach understanding the broader system within which problems occur as well as define the principles which govern success in that system it becomes an invaluable mental model. It can address those problems at the source and turn those problems into opportunities for innovation, organizational change and success. When a practitioner understands the 5 level FSSD, the 4 Sustainability Principles, Back-casting and the ABCD methodology, and knows how to apply them, that practitioner has a very powerful guide to navigate the many complexities of living sustainably in a comp lex system. a) Please discuss the difference between a fundamental human need, and satisfiers for those needs. Give 2 examples of each. (4 points) The Chilean economist Manfred Max-Neef presents a different framework for New Human Development. He stresses that it is important that human needs are understood as a system i.e. they are interrelated and interactive. Max-Neef considers that human needs are finite, few and classifiable (as distinct from the conventional notion that wants are infinite and insatiable). He defines these fundamental human needs: subsistence, protection, affection, understanding, participation, recreation (in the sense of leisure, time to reflect, or idleness), creation, identity and freedom. Max-Neef considers that these needs are constant through all human cultures and across historical time periods, but what does change over time and between cultures are the satisfiers the way these needs are satisfied. In this model, any unmet human need generates pathology poverty. In his view, society today is experiencing collective pathologies because of the scale and dimension of unsatisfied, unmet human needs . Need: Satisfier: Subsistence Healthy balanced diet versus one of high fat, high calorie, no nutrients which negatively impacts ecosystems Leisure Time to reflect/dream versus watching violent television passively for long hours b) Explain how this concept is helpful for sustainable development. (2 points) Max-Neefs definition of what human beings need, and what motivates them, is fundamentally different from the currently held notion. If decision-makers operated according to his assumptions rather than those of most economists, then the choices they would make would be radically different. Instead of using GNP which only quantifies the economic growth of things and an ever-growing demand for finite natural resources, development must be about people and meeting their fundamental human needs, not about material objects or money. For the purpose of sustainable development, this presents a radically different way of thinking: a new indicator which quantifies the improvement in peoples lives is required and the best development process is the one that will ensure the maximum increase in this indicator of improvement of peoples lives. With the Max-Neef model, sustainable development becomes fully human-centric. In the past, the fourth system condition for sustainability was worded: In a sustainable society, resources are used fairly and efficiently in order to meet basic human needs worldwide. Currently, it reads: In a sustainable society, people are not subject to conditions that systematically undermine their ability to meet their needs. What is the significance of the change in wording and what does this mean for planning? (2 points) The second wording is less ambiguous and focuses more on the human versus resource component of the principle. As previously stated in the first wording, it is not clear how one quantifies what is a fair and efficient  use  of resources as well as what exactly are the basic needs worldwide. Who decides? How is this defined? Also, the phrase is passive, it is not clear who meets the needs of humans worldwide? In contrast, in the second wording, people themselves decide what they need in order to meet their needs. In this second wording, conditions are ensured so that each person meets the needs that he/she defines. Another key point is the inclusion of the word systematically which emphasizes the larger, holistic view a systems thinking theory of the condition of sustainability, and how conditions are created or are undermined. Since the focus is now on how humans define and meet their own needs, planning must focus on the users, not the resources, as well as  utilize a systems approach  to analyzing, creating and maintaining sustainable conditions. Consider the following 2 sentences: Organization XYZ contributes to the violation of System Condition One byà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Organization XYZ violates System Condition One byà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Which wording would you use in a sustainability analysis of an organization? Why? (2 points) The wording of a) is more appropriate to be used in an organizations sustainability analysis since it is understood that contributing implies that other organizations are also capable of contributing, and that the behavior of any one organizations is part of a larger system of behavior which can have an impact on the 4SP. Wording a) recognizes that Organization XYZ is not a sole actor in violating the SP, there are others who also contribute. Wording b) is too all-inclusive no single organization can violate the 4SP by itself. The first step an organization must make in order to perform a sustainability analysis of itself is to translate the sustainability principles into their own organizational context. With an understanding that the 4SP are minimal requirements for sustainability, it is necessary to evaluate how it is already violating these 4SP and act first to be restorative, and then act to comply with the 4SP. If an organization does not want to cause more problems into the system, then a logical and ethically relevant rewording of the 4SP would be to add not contribute in to the phrasing of the 4SP, which then gives guidance on how to proceed towards achieving sustainability in compliance with the 4SP. Module 2: Applications of Strategic Sustainable Development 35 points Organizational Learning and Change a) Please describe the concept of Creative Tension and how it can be useful within Organizational Learning and Change towards sustainability. (2points) According to Peter Senge, creative tension is the central principle of personal mastery and a key component in personal as well as organizational learning and change. Creative tension comes from a gap analysis rather like the one in backcasting from principles of success, but on personal (or can be, on an organizational) scale. Creative tension comes from our clearly having a vision of where we want to be in contrast to an accurate assessment of our current reality which does not reach that vision. Awareness of that gap between the vision and the existing reality causes that creative tension, which is the source of all creative energy. In a situation of Organizational Learning and Change towards sustainability, leadership to achieve success in the system starts with a vision of ecological and social sustainability in contrast to current unsustainable reality; this gap causes the creative tension, which can motivate personal and organizational change in order to alter that unacceptable reality. b) Briefly describe the personal-organizational dynamic and give two reasons why it is important to consider when you are planning to move strategically towards sustainability. (3 points) There are two ways to resolve creative tension, either by raising current reality toward the vision, which requires change, or by lowering the vision toward current reality. Individuals, groups, and organizations that learn how to work with creative tension are better able to use this energy to move reality more reliably toward their visions. Leading through creative tension is different than solving problems. In problem solving, the energy for change comes from attempting to get away from an aspect of current reality that is undesirable; the motivation for change is extrinsic. With creative tension, the energy for change comes from the vision, from what we want to create, juxtaposed with current reality. With creative tension, the motivation is intrinsic and therefore, more powerful and transformative. c) What are some of the organizational and perceptual challenges that organizations need to overcome when transitioning towards sustainability? (4 points) Some of the organizational and perceptual challenges that organizations would need to overcome when transitioning towards sustainability include: A failure to grasp the fundamental paradigm shift that sustainable development requires. By maintaining long-held mental models, organizations fail to fundamentally alter the ways in which they produce goods and services. Such organizations believe that sustainability simply involves better controls, marginal improvements, or other efficiencies within their existing, linear business model, strictly following government mandates. Such patriarchal thinking leads to a false sense of security and personal responsibility for sustainable behavior is reduced. Many individuals have the sense that the challenge of sustainability is not something that they can resolve that someone else is taking care of it (or not). Unfortunately, it can be a belief that having a special Green committee or a particular person who is indicated as being responsible for recycling, advertising Earth Day events, etc. absolves each individual from actively engaging in addressing sustainability.  Ã‚  Therefore th ere is lacking both a  sense of  personal concern and responsibility as well as a lack of perceiving that we each have the ability to make a difference, to bring about these necessary changes Organizations do not incorporate sustainability in their core policies and procedures. When an organization maintains a Silo approach to addressing issues related to environmental and social concerns, sustainability is not integrated into all aspects of the organizations activities. Lack of a clear vision about sustainability which is limited to only complying with required governmental mandates, perpetuating the status quo, i.e., business as usual. Lacking a systems theory understanding of what causes unsustainability; there is a focus on symptoms and not the root causes of the problems. Lack of sufficient information that is clear and can easily be understood which explains the negative aspects of the current linear production paradigm and the neoclassical economic model which have brought us to the current unsustainable conditions. Lack of adequate mechanisms for the personal/organizational learning and change which are necessary in order to alter current held, engrained notions. 13. Urban Planning and Land Use a) Suppose you had the opportunity to talk to a member of the American Institution of Architects. She knows you are taking the SL1401 distance course and would like to know your overarching opinion on the 10 principles of Living Communities that the Institution has developed. What would you say to her? (3 points) Architecture, landscape architecture and urban design certainly can influence and improve the quality of life in our nations communities, and while the AIAs 10 Principles of Living Communities (AIA 10 Pr.) are commendable, they are not as inclusive as the FSSD and the four Sustainability Principles. Although the AIA 10 Pr. can reduce a communitys contribution to the violation of the four SP to a certain degree, it does not provide a consistent, organized structure for the achievement of societal and ecological sustainability, in contrast to the FSSD which does. As a tool, the AIA 10 Pr. mainly focuses on reducing contributions to violations of the first three SP through the utilization of alternative energy, reuse and recycling of materials, implementation of energy and water efficiency programs, etc. AIA 10 Pr. partially tackles the SP4, but it does not explicitly address economic or social issues, nor does it address human fundamental needs (such as protection, participation, understanding, etc.). In the FSSD, the AIA 10 Pr. can be used as one of several tools which can be used to complement each other. When such complementary tools are used together, they are more comprehensive and powerful, allowing an organization to continuously improve towards achieving a principled definition of sustainability. b) Explain how the aspects of Urban Planning and Land Use covered in Module 2 can be used to help society move towards sustainability. (4 points) Based on the analysis we derive from the FSSD, 4 SP and systems thinking, supported by the work of ecological economists, we now understand that decision-making for Urban Planning and Land Use how we plan our physical occupation of space by humans must focus on the integration of humans within the ecosphere, an integrated urban planning strategy. As Bill Reed eloquently describe in his model of the Living Systems Approach to Design, the design process must first begin by understanding the life processes in each unique place in which we are building and then we must design that engagement in order to sustain and restore the health and wealth of the place. In this new way of operating, the objective toward which the citys government and institutions work must be to improve the life of citizens and regenerate the health of the natural space which is occupied. The city plan, developed within a process of dialog and with the full participation/representation of the stakeholders, must clearly articulate these core values. Integrated urban planning actions, based on valuing the individual putting people first within the ecosphere, conserving and restoring natural resources, will result in an ecological, people-centered city. Commitment to values such as accessibility, transparency, social justice and poverty reduction and efficient resource management will result sustainable urban development. This overarching strategy would inform all aspects of urban planning, including social, economic and environmental programs. This ecological city-strategy, with strong, coherent governing/design values and a focus on integrated systems, combined with strong, informed leadership, can be used successfully to align the actions of planning departments to meet these strategic objectives, resulting in successful, long-term implementation of strategy. Integrated transportation and land-use should be a key component in the citys development, controlling growth, cutting pollution and enhancing the life of residents. The environmental quality and economic efficiency of a city are highly dependent on transportation systems; it is important that these are well-integrated with urban form in order to avoid weak transportation systems and unsustainable dependencies on private cars. A close relationship between public transportation and land-use legislation can be established as a guidance and development tool. Integrated planning processes structured to assure that planners in all areas know the strategy and are working with a shared vision and are developing their plans together, would avoid the many problems of unlinked development (e.g., not enough provision for green space). The integration of different elements of urban development would also avoid problems associated with piecemeal development such as pollution, traffic congestion and unsustainable fuel consumption rates. The creation of an independent Institute of Planning can be an effective mechanism for ensuring planning continuity and success regardless of political, economic and social challenges; this forum can serve as a laboratory for finding creative, integrated solutions to urban planning problems, a focal point for learning and ever-evolving organizational growth and change. Developing new models that provide inexpensive, creative urban solutions and reflect local values are an alternative to standard, often-higher-cost approaches. This Institute could also be the channel through which planners and stakeholders could learn about best practices in sustainable urban design which is being implemented successfully in other locations and nations. 14. Economics a) Environmental economists and ecological economists have different worldviews explaining the relationship between the economy and the ecosphere. Describe the environmental and ecological economists worldviews (4 points). In the 20th century, environmental economics was developed with the intent of internalizing the external effects of our current mode of economic production, such as pollution, social problems, loss of biodiversity, etc., into the economic system. Environmental economics modified the neoclassical economic system by using taxes and subsidies to raise prices on scarce resources while promoting the use of abundant ones. In the model of environmental economics, it is recognized that society and the economy are dependent upon the ecosphere. Their intent is to solve the problem by putting a price on natural resource supply, emissions and other externalities and bringing them into the economic analyses, by pricing mechanism which include: 1.Willingness to pay, 2. Cost to restore, and 3.New universal currencies. Through taxes, resources become more expensive, reflecting the societal and environmental costs of using them and thereby attempting to indirectly reduce their use to sustainable leve ls. In their model, market participants will behave in the accordance to the enlightened invisible hand of the neo-classists, which will result in a society which meets human needs, with acceptable levels of pollution and sustainable use of resources. Ecological economics is an interdisciplinary field of study that addresses relationships between ecosystems and economic systems in order to develop a deep understanding of society and nature as a basis for effective policies strategies for sustainability. Ecological economics utilizes a holistic, systems approach which views that socioeconom

The Success of Dell Computer :: GCSE Business Management Coursework

The Success of Dell Computer 1. How and why did the personal computer industry come to have such low average profitability? The PC industry has started to develop fast in the 80's when IBM launched its first PC series and later on when numerous small companies entered the market. PC is a new product and companies had to create the demand to it from the scratch. We shall apply the Porter's 5 Forces model to examine the PC market and see how forces of competition influence the profitability of the market players. (See Appendix 1 for detailed description of how does certain parameter influence the market.) Entrance barriers are: The initial investment is relatively low (1.1) Brand loyalty is average to low (1.2) Switching costs of the market player are average. (1.3) The threat of new competitors lowers the profitability of the market Customers bargaining power: It is very hard for the customers to join forces and fight for their interests. (2.1) According to the modern way of life the need for computer in every work place and home is high which decreases even more the power of the customers. However, the switching costs are low (2.2) In general the customer bargaining power is low and therefore it raises the potential of market's profitability. Though, most of the companies provide "buy-backs" and price protection that lessens the chance to cash on moderately strong manufacturers position. Suppliers bargaining power Suppliers are divided into 2 major groups: (3.1) See the attached table (3.2) for the detailed description what parameters influence the suppliers’ powers. The suppliers bargaining power is generally strong because of the big monopolies and the high importance of purchasing components and operating system, therefore it decreases the profitability of the market players. Threat of substitute goods Substitute goods are different on for different market segments see (4.1) For most of the customers these substitute products cannot satisfy the needs covered by PC computers. The lack of suitable substitutes raises the industry profitability. Complimentary products product market is rapidly growing and therefore it raises the industry profitability. Rivalry among established firms is fierce. There are several factors that illustrate this: established market players (6.1). The product is highly standardized and the switching costs of the customers are low. Players are aggressive (6.2) Business environment. PC industry is affected by two opposite forces: technological advance that pushes the industry forward and the industry sensitivity to economical stagnation (if the economical situation is bad customers won't upgrade their computers).

Solution Text Notes :: essays research papers

Chemistry Textbook Notes: Solutions Chapters 13 & 14: LH 1. Define soluble, solution, solvent, solute, suspension, colloid (p.395–398) Soluble- capable of being dissolved solvent0 the dissolving medium in a solution solute- the substance dissolved in the solution suspension- a mixture in which the particles in the solvent are so large that they settle out unless the mixture is constantly stirred or agitated colloid- a mixture consisting of particles that are intermediate in size between those in the solutions and suspensions forming mixtures known as colloid dispersions 2. Most of the time when people talk about solutions, they are referring to solids that have been dissolved in water. Describe a different type of text=solution">solution (see Table 13–1) Solutions are not limited to the liquid state, they can occur in all three main phases, gas, liquid, and solid. For example, the water in the air is a liquid solute dissolved in a gas solvent; solid solutions include brass, which is made from combining zinc with copper 3. Describe two examples of colloids (see Table 13–2). A colloid consists of small particles 1nm to 1000nm in size that are suspended in a solid, liquid or gas. Examples include common products such as gel, a solid network extending throughout a liquid, or liquid aerosol, or otherwise known as fog 4. What is the Tyndall effect? What can it be used to distinguish between? The Tyndall effect is used to distinguish between a solution and a colloid; a colloid scatters light, like fog scatters the lights of a car, while a solution does not. 5. Describe an experimental method that could be used to classify a sample as a solution, colloid, or suspension. Allowing the sample to sit for an extended period of time will reveal the suspension, as it needs to be stirred or agitated to maintain its shape. A colloid then can be differentiated from a solution by shining light through it and seeing if it scatters 6. Define electrolyte and nonelectrolyte. Electrolyte- a substance that when dissolved will conduct an electric current while Nonelectrolyte- a substance that when dissolved will not conduct an electric current 7. Define saturated, unsaturated, and supersaturated solutions. Saturated solution- a solution that contains the maximum amount of dissolved solute unsaturated solution- a solution that contains less solute than a saturated solution Supersaturated solution- a solution that contains more dissolved solute than a saturated solution contains under the same conditions

Participation :: essays papers

Participation When the McDonald's patron in suburban Johnson County ordered a coffee and got a Coke, he came face to face with a Midwest labor pool truth. Non-English-speaking immigrants are an increasingly large part of the labor force -- not just in the Sun Belt states but in the upper Midwest as well. The fast-food worker, who spoke Spanish and had trouble understanding the man's order, was one of tens of thousands of Hispanics who entered the Midwest job market in the past decade. Without them, economists say, the long-running labor shortage, particularly in entry-level jobs, would be even more severe than it is. For some business patrons, the immigrant influx means occasional difficulties in communication. For some business owners, immigrant labor -- both documented and undocumented -- is the only way to fill jobs that otherwise would go begging. The most recent measure of unemployment in the Kansas City area, taken in May, was 2.8 percent. Missouri's jobless rate was 2.6 percent; Kansas' rate was 3.2 percent. Unemployment throughout the Midwest is well below 5.5 percent, which is considered full employment. Michael Barrera, president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City, said the chamber had charted an explosive growth in the metropolitan area's Hispanic, blue-collar, minimum-wage work force, especially in Olathe and northeast Kansas City. Also, Barrera said, the 1990s brought a large increase in the number of entrepreneurial Hispanic immigrants, seen particularly in the blossoming of small stores and restaurants in Kansas City, Kan., and northeast Kansas City. The Hispanic chamber has no estimate of the size of the area's Hispanic work force, but Barrera said the Hispanic population may have grown to as many as 100,000, up from 58,000 in 1996. Throughout the Midwest, Hispanic immigrants are finding work. Census data, updated in 1998, found that 220,000 workers in the West North Central states were of Hispanic origin, up from 93,000 10 years earlier. The Census Bureau defines the West North Central region as Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. Similar findings were reported last week by the Bureau of National Affairs Inc. in its "Daily Labor Report 2000: Regional Outlook on Labor Markets." The bureau said Illinois now had the nation's fifth-largest Hispanic population, the highest ranking among states not in the Sun Belt. In Illinois and the other Midwest states, the bureau said, Hispanic immigrants are working in construction, restaurants, small manufacturing and farming.

Drama Coursework Essay

The main reason I chose this extract was that there were two female characters in the extract and two female actors in the group. I liked the way the relationship between the two characters developed during the extract. At the beginning of the play, there is a professional, quite friendly relationship but by the end, both characters hate each other. I also liked the way my character, Mrs Lyons, descends into madness. When I first started to rehearse this play, I found that it was harder than I expected. This is the first serious play I have been involved in, so I found it hard to say the lines convincingly and naturally. I suggested that I should talk with a more educated voice and that my partner, Becky, should talk with a more â€Å"common† voice to emphasise the social difference between the two characters. I also suggested some ideas for what we should wear. In my coursework I wanted to present a convincing portrayal of a wealthy, educated woman who, faced with a extremely distressing, seemingly insurmountable personal problem, sees what looks like a perfect solution, but which ends up driving her to madness. I wanted to initially gain the audience’s sympathy for her predicament by showing how much she wanted children and to show her as a reasonable person. I considered the second scene the most important as this was when my character discovered that her employee was expecting twins and couldn’t afford to keep them both; and when the plan for Mrs Lyons to pretend to be pregnant and to keep one of the babies was hatched. In this scene, she promises Mrs Johnstone that the baby will be better off with her, and that Mrs Johnstone will be able to see him every day as she comes to work. However, in the next scene, she breaks that promise by sacking her. I wanted to show that the sacking was motivated by Mrs Johnstone’s paranoia. In the final scene I wanted to demonstrate that my character’s mental health had deteriorated. I tried to portray that she was wealthy and educated was by talking in an upper-class, educated accent, and by dressing in a smart suit. I could have improved my performance by making my accent more pronounced, doing my hair in a more sophisticated way, and wearing some tasteful make-up. In the first scene I tried to convey her longing for a child by delivering the words as if I was completely wrapped up in my problem and as if I was talking to myself rather than anyone in particular. To demonstrate this, when I said the lines about only buying such a big house in the hope of having children, I looked down at the table rather than looking at my partner because I wanted to make it seem as if Mrs Lyons felt vulnerable because she was being so open. I concentrated on what I was doing at the time, which was getting something out of my bag, to try and convey that my character was fighting back tears, and didn’t want to look at Mrs Johnstone in case she showed her any sympathy or pity, which might have made her cry. I think I could have emphasised my character’s reaction when she found out that Mrs Johnstone was pregnant in a similar way to Kara when she choked back her tea. In the second scene I wanted to show the first signs of my character’s madness, when, on learning that Mrs Johnstone is expecting twins, she comes up with the extraordinary idea that she should fake her pregnancy and take one of the babies. I tried to express how she got more excited by speaking more quickly and by the tone of my voice. I also moved around a lot and started to talk more to myself than to my partner as my character got more carried away with her plan. In the third scene, where Mrs Lyons sacks Mrs Johnstone, I started off talking in a very authoritative tone and avoided eye contact with Becky because the supply teacher explained that when you have a problem with someone, you don’t look at them. As the conversation develops, and Mrs Johnstone threatens to take the baby away or tell the police, I wanted to show that Mrs Lyons was manipulating Mrs Johnstone by playing on her superstition and lying to her that she’ll be locked up if she tells anyone what happens. I showed this by getting close up to Becky and talking quite slowly and with a deep voice, in a threatening way. Because I am quite a bit taller than Becky, I was also able to look down on her, which reflected the difference in class between the two characters. I think it was a mistake to avoid mannerisms as compared to some other groups, whose little individual touches made their plays stand out, our performance was quite boring.

Multiplier and Accelerator Theory Essay

Multiplier and accelerator theory The Keynesians, have offered a demand side explanation of the business cycle. According to them, the fluctuations in output and employment in the country are caused by fluctuations in aggregate demand. The ups and downs in aggregate demand are caused by changes in the volume of investment. The volume of investment is directly related to the marginal efficiency of capital. The investment increases in response to higher marginal efficiency of capital and decreases with the fall in the profit expectations of the entrepreneurs. The Keynesians further put forward the theory of multiplier which shows how the increase or decrease in investment causes multiplied changes in income and employment and thus heightens a boom or deepens a depression. The Keynesians failed as they did not explain the cyclical nature of the ups and downs in business cycle. J. R. Hicks and Professor Samuelson put forward a new theory of business cycle named as Multiplier and Accelerator Theory of business cycle.†¨Ã¢â‚¬ ¨Multiplier and Accelerator Theory†¨According to J. R. Hicks and Samuelson, the multiplier alone cannot explain the cyclical nature of the business cycle. It is the interaction between the multiplier and accelerator that explains the emergence of different phases of business cycle. The multiplier tells us that a change in the level of autonomous investment brings about a relatively greater change in the level of national income. The accelerator theory states that the current investment spending depends positively on the expected future growth of real GDP. When real GDP growth is expected to be high, firms anticipate that their investment in plants and equipment will be profitable. They, therefore, increase their total investment spending.†¨Ã¢â‚¬ ¨The concept of accelerator is not rival to the concept of multiplier. They are parallel concepts. The multiplier shows the effect of changes in autonomous investment to changes in income’ and employment. The accelerator shows the effect of changes in income to changes in induced investment. Professor Samuelson and J. R. Hicks model of multiplier accelerator offers quite satisfactory explanation of explaining turning points to business cycle.†¨Ã¢â‚¬ ¨Interactive role of multiplier and accelerator.†¨The multiplier-accelerator interaction theory of business cycle is explained now in brief. Let us assume a certain amount of autonomous investment is injected into the economy. This would generate an expansion of income many  times greater than itself on account of the operation of the multiplier mechanism. The increase in income would lead to rise in demand for consumer goods. The increase in demand for consumer goods induces more investment in the capital goods industries. The increase in investment would be much more than the increase in demand for consumer goods owing to the operation of the accelerator. The interaction of the multiplier and accelerator sets in the upswing of the trade cycle.†¨Ã¢â‚¬ ¨The rise in income and employment does not continue for a long time. The rise in income and employment progressively slows down. The reason is that the marginal propensity to consume starts declining with the rise in income in the upward swing of the business cycle. A decrease in consumption would result into a greater decrease in investment on account of reverse working of the accelerator A decrease in investment would lead to a greater decrease in income on account of the reverse working of the multiplier In short the combination of reverse working of the accelerator and multiplier sets in downward swing in the business cycle.†¨Ã¢â‚¬ ¨Interactive role of multiplier and accelerator†¨ †¨Ã¢â‚¬ ¨Ala = Increase in autonomous – investment†¨Ala = Increase in autonomous investment†¨Ay = Increase in income†¨Aid = Increase in induced investment †¨v = Size of the accelerator

The Station Nightclub Fire West Warwick, Rhode Island.

The Station Nightclub Fire West Warwick, Rhode Island. The building of the Station Nightclub was constructed in approximately 1946. Many restorations and repairs were made to the building since the time of construction by different owners to fulfill their business needs. The building was a wood-frame construction with wooden shingles on the exterior walls that also included a flat roof, but the interior walls surrounding the stage were staffed with sound proof polyurethane insulating foam. Windows were located on the north side of the building and on the east side of the front entrance.All of the windows had security bars on them (this could be an issue! ). The building had only four doors; a front main door, a bar side exit door, a platform exit door, and a kitchen exit door. The building was equipped with a fire alarm; however it was not connected to a nearby fire department alarm office. At the time of the incident, the building wasn’t protected by any sprinkler or extingui shment systems. The fire began at 11:07 PM, on Thursday, February 20, 2003. The band Great White was the main event of the night.After only half a minute into their performance, the pyrotechnics ignited the sound insulation (polyurethane foam) that was around the stage. The ignition of the polyurethane foam built up enough heat to ignite the wooden panels above the stage spreading the fire throughout the building. At first, the audience thought that the flames were a part of the show. Seconds after the audience realized that the fire was unplanned, they headed toward the main entrance trying to escape, not knowing that three other exits in the building existed.One hundred people lost their lives that day. Serving a population of 30,000 residents, the West Warwick Fire Department is first due on all fire/rescue and EMS calls for the 8 sq. mile district of West Warwick. West Warwick Fire Department operates out of four stations with a total of four engines, one ladder truck, two ambul ances, and one special hazards unit. When West Warwick Fire Department was dispatched to the address, a multiple casualty incident was put into effect due to the seriousness of events.They had to request for mutual aid from the encompassing jurisdictions for any apparatus and ambulances available. The end result was a combination of 583 fire, EMS, and police personnel including 57 ambulances (BLS & ALS) and two buses for transportation and shelter. The Local, State and Federal agencies were called to investigate the Station Nightclub fire incident and they found many issues. The polyurethane foam that was on the interior walls was the major factor in the Station Nightclub fire. It was easily ignited and also contributed to a faster fire spread within the building.According to NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, the interior finish is required to be Class A or B for general assembly areas with occupant loads of more than 300. It has been calculated that the number of occupants at the Station Nightclub was around 440-458 people, obviously well over this limit. The ignition of polyurethane foam gave out a magnitude of smoke and heat in such a short period of time and created mass chaos, thus resulting in a crowd-wide panic towards the initial entry point. Also NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, section 13. 2. 3. 6. states that the main entrance/exit shall be of a width that accommodates one-half of the total occupant load and shall be at the level of exit discharge or shall connect to a stairway or ramp leading to a street. If the owner of The Station Nightclub would have inspected the main point of egress and made sure it complied with the code, many lives would have been spared that night. The pyrotechnics was the main ignition source. The building owner should have had the approval and authorization for use of pyrotechnics. The NFPA 1126, Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics before a Proximate Audience, section 13. . 2 Open Flame Devices and Pyrotechnics, states that â€Å" no open flame devices or pyrotechnic devices shall be used in any assembly occupancy unless otherwise permitted†. The owner of the Station Nightclub failed to comply with the regulations, which resulted in such dramatic incident in the history of U. S. Since the building of Station Night club was constructed approximately in 1946 and under different owners it was renovated into a restaurant and nightclub. At that time sprinklers would not have been required to be installed.Back in that period of time, sprinkler systems were not cost effective and technology was evolving. Later in the building’s life-span, fire damaged the building before this incident. The owner at the time of the fire damage reconstructed the building and no sprinkler systems were installed. At the time of the Station Nightclub incident in 2003, the building didn’t have any sprinkler system whatsoever. In the 2003 edition of the model codes, sprinklers would have been required if the building wa s a new construction. The Nightclub owner wasn’t aware of codes and regulations on the sprinkler systems.The National Institute of Standards and Technology engineers arrived at scene to develop a report on the Station Nightclub incident. Experiments and studies by the NIST team have shown that if the building was equipped with a sprinkler system, they would be able to control the fire, thus minimizing the number or chance of casualties. The NIST report also states that at the time of the incident, the nightclub had fire extinguishers, but they were not strategically placed throughout the building. So the building had the equipment, but no one knew where it was.NIST report also determines that even with fire departments first arriving unit at seen (less than five minutes), they could not have saved the structure in that situation. After all this being said, I think that the main reason that contributed to fire deaths was the occupant load and the point of egress. Most of the p eople rushed toward the main door resulting in serious chaos. People were crashing on top of each other and jamming the main entrance, limiting their escape. NIST report studies showed that one third of the people escaped through the windows and the sun room.From looking at the map of the building, it shows that the occupancy had only four exits including the main entrance. One of the exists was in the kitchen area, probably only known to the employees. This makes only three exits available for many people to escape, although the crowd probably only knew of the main entrance. After such a tragic incident, the NFPA developed a series of required codes and standards for public assembly occupancies. The reinforcing of the codes and regulations also came with them being easily accessible online not only for the fire personnel, but also to the public.If the West Warwick Fire Department did their inspection they would have noticed that the owner is not up to codes and regulations on the s prinkler systems in a public occupancy. Not only would they have found a lack in sprinkler systems, but they would have found a few other problems concerning the safety of the building. It was fire department’s priority to make the owner aware of the problems and provide accurate information to make him conscious that the building was not safe. Also, the West Warwick Fire Department should have done the follow up on the items that they were the most concerned about.The fire department should have stated the risks of not having the sprinkler systems installed given the history of that building. I find it crucial to have thorough and solid preplans of your district. Knowing your response area will help you prevent fires, period. From all of the investigations made by NIST and NFPA reports, they concluded that by adapting to the additional changes to model codes and regulations, most importantly making them known and strictly enforcing them, the safety of the public occupancies can be strengthened.It was sad to see the deaths of 100 people that day, but the only way regulations and safety can be updated is when people get hurt. Hopefully, this tragedy will help fire departments learn a lesson and put emphasis on preplanning. Work cited: http://fire. nist. gov/bfrlpubs/fire08/PDF/f08033. pdf http://www. nist. gov/el/disasterstudies/ncst/upload/StationNightclubEmergencyResponse. pdf http://www. nfpa. org/assets/files/pdf/research/case_study_nightclub_fires. pdf