Grapes of Wrath Essay -- essays research papers

Because of the devastating disaster of the dust bowl, the Joad family was forced to leave their long-time home and find work and a new life elsewhere. They, like many other families, moved to California. "The land of milk and honey". The people in the dust bowl imagined California as a haven of jobs where they would have a nice little white house and as much fruit as they could eat. This dream was far from the reality the migrant farmers faced once in California. The dreams, hopes, and expectations the Joads had of California were crushed by the reality of the actual situation in this land of hate and prejudice. The Joads dream of owning a nice white house and being overwhelmed with fruit was quickly put to end after their first night in California. Ma says, "But I like to think how nice it's gonna be, maybe, in California. Never cold. An' fruite ever'place, an' people just bein' in the nicest places, little white houses in among the orange trees." They had been lied to by the handbills and other propaganda that was circulating in the dust bowl region. The growers in California knew that the people of the dust bowl would have to leave their houses because of the crisis. They also knew the more pickers they had the lower they could make their prices. The number of handbills sent out far out numbered the number of jobs available. Many people in the dust bowl were constructing a view of California that was devastatingly false. However most of the people had to go somewhere, and all they knew was agriculture, so the natural thing was to go to the only place in the country at that time that was in peak agricultural condition. This was all true in the case of the Joads. They had no experience with any other kind of lifestyle. They were farmers and they thought that was what they would remain. What they became was job hunters, starving and hungry people, and homeless vagrants. California was no dream land, but the exact opposite. A promised heaven that was revealed to be a very real hell. During the long journey to California the Joads, and other migrant travelers, encountered many warnings of what California was going to be like from migrants who were returning home, mostly destroyed by the true reality of California. They got a warning in the camp they stayed at on the side of the road while Tom, Al, and Casey were fixing the car. There was... ...t at the end of the tunnel because if they stayed where they were they would surely have not survived. The Joads couldn't stay where they were and without a goal to reach, something to look forward to, one just wanders around life aimlessly and hopelessly. They kept the dream alive throughout the journey. Even through the harsh rumors they heard along the road. They still kept that fragment of hope in the back of their heads that California would be everything they hoped it would be. Even in their worst times in California they would still look forward to earning enough money and getting a little white house to live in. Their lives really were destroyed when the dust bowl hit but no one can except those facts so they must tell themselves it will be all right. We will go to California and everything will be even better there than it was here. Unfortunately that wasn't the reality of the situation and the Joads were forced to deal with that harsh reality once in California and on t he hard long journey there. California was no dream land, but rather a sealed fate to a life of fighting for food and watching loved ones die. California was the pain of the migrants summed up in one word.

Porters 5 Forces Analysis Of Communications Industry Essay

The wireless communications industry is one of the world’s sectors of the economy that is experiencing high competition due to challenges of globalization, advance in technology and diversity of customer needs. The main services that are offered in this business are; internet access, cell phone service or mobile communication, messaging, music, ring tone and video distribution among others. There are about 600 companies that are actively involved in this industry and they constitute combined annual revenue of over 110 billion US dollars. However, there are four major companies that have dominated this concentrated market fro some time and they include; Verizon, Sprint Nextel, T-mobile and AT&T. Wireless communication services owe its demand to an increase in consumer income and only those with good income can actually utilize or receive such services. Most businesses also utilize the technology and therefore the profitability of the wireless companies depends on how best they can attract these businesses, their marketing skills and their ability to come up with new innovative technologies. Porters five forces analysis has been used by many companies to analyze their position in the industry and therefore strategically position itself to handle the issue of competition. Since the issue has been identified as a major threat to the existence of the companies industry, this kind of analysis is thus suitable for companies which would like to understand their competitors, their customers, buyers, sellers, suppliers, and other stakeholders in the business.   (Porter, 1985) Threat of New Entrants Previously established wireless communication firms pose a big challenge to new companies in the market which try to exploit the new markets. Although substitute services are being offered in smaller companies, they still have to ‘beat’ one another in either way in order to create a better market share.   With known brand names and higher customer loyalty, established firms to push customers to start using their new products in the market since they have a name in the market. The new entrants need to assess the market effectively and ensure that they learn their customers very well although very few for a start and also ensure that they position themselves strategically to compete more successfully to remain in business. The established firms on the other hand need to maintain good relationships with their customers so that the competitors i.e. the new entrants may not take away their customers. This way, they rest assured that they will remain in the market for a longer time (McGahan, 2004) Power of Suppliers Due to the bargaining power of suppliers, customers in this industry have started to become sensitive to the monopoly imposed by some suppliers and also the changes in prices that affect the way they receive services or products. In most cases, suppliers tend to utilize all unique ways in order to bargain for what they want. First, they would like a company such as T-Mobile to offer hem better prices before they manipulate the customer’s price therefore ending up with huge prices. In some companies, they have become a competitive threat because when they raise their prices, the customers will tend to look for substitute services which can still satisfy their needs but a lower cost. In this industry however, the suppliers have little to influence although they can maneuver their way in the market price for certain services. (Porter, 1985) Competitive Rivalry Competition is almost everywhere today but in the wireless communication industry, it is worse. Given an improved world economy and globalization of businesses, there is rush for new customers by every company. Due to the high concentration of companies in this industry, it requires very competitive minds to venture in his business. Verizon and other companies are experiencing intensive rivalry that has benefited the consumers (Lovelock, 2006). In order to effectively handle the issue of rivalry, some companies such as verizon have resorted to joint ventures for them to increase their market potential. AT&T had a gross profit margin of 60.7% while its closet rival Verizon had 59.50%, Qwest had61.8% and Sprint Nextel had 57.60%. All these four companies, everybody will agree, face competitive rivalry amongst themselves in the business. Although AT&T has a superior value on its market capitalization, it must keep its toes in order to meet the challenge offered by Verizon. (McGahan, 2004) Power of Buyers Buyers are the most sensitive lot in any business because they influence demand, supply and even distribution. In addition, they rely mostly on quality services that satisfy their needs. Due to changes in technology, customers would like to have fast communication services, reliable internet access, accurate and reliable billing among other needs. When either the suppliers or manufacturers increase their products, they will most probably go for substitute products. Many companies allow their customers to bargain for their prices but take into consideration the competitor’s prices. When prices are low and services are of high quality, it is better for the companies. It is widely acknowledged that about 95% of wireless services go directly to the consumers and a mere 5% goes to resellers and suppliers. This indicates that, the market is getting saturated quickly and sooner or later, the companies will have no one to subscribe. It is with this in mind that companies have been employing unique marketing strategies such as the media, internet and other local stores. Since the market is easily saturated, some operators are devising ways to get customers from other companies and subscribe them. This is however difficult because it requires that the services be superior, prices are low and quality is supreme. (Lovelock, 2006) Availability of Substitutes Those alternative products that have the ability to satisfy related needs and give solutions to customers for what they want are referred to as substitute products. They reduce the potential returns for many businesses since they place a ceiling on the prices offered for services. Companies that realize that services being offered do not much the substitutes, and then they adjust their quality and prices. Fro example, AT &T can be able to challenge the service that is offered by smaller mobile phone companies that include messaging by offering high speed voice messaging. (McGahan, 2004) Customers will always be tempted to try new products to see whether they are more effective and are made to believe that the newest services on the market are the best since they are current and tested. In order to counter substitute products, a majority of the companies tend to at least market their products as effectively as possible and thereby meet their market demand. The most worrying trend in the business is the fact that substitutes products come with other services that outweigh the quality of the other ones thus cause a threat to the company. Substitutes give the sellers and the users a variety of choices to choose from and making it very hard for some services to be entrenched into the market.      Reference Grant, R. (2005): Contemporary Strategy Analysis: – Blackwell Publishing Ltd., Oxford pp 56-98 Lovelock, J. (2006): Services Marketing, People, Technology, and Strategy. New York, Prentice Hall, pp 30-33 McGahan, A. (2004): How Industries Evolve: – Principles for Achieving and Sustaining Superior Performance. Harvard Business School Press, pp 3-8 Porter, M. (1985): Competitive Advantage:-Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors. The Free Press, New York, pp 19-43

Determination Lesson Essay

The greatest lesson I have learned in my life thus far. I have found this to be true in most aspects of my life, for all of my growth and success has come as a result of determination and perseverance. No matter how desperate the situation may be, no matter how badly it seems I will succeed. While I had experience failures and hardships, this experience taught me the most valuable lessons, making me a stronger person and building the character which drives the individual I am today. I was raised in a small household and participated in many different things growing up. Since I was young, I have striven to achieve my goals; I call it a â€Å"determination to succeed.† Without a â€Å"determination to succeed,† giving up in life, when a situation seems impossible to overcome, becomes second nature. The methods one uses to overcome the challenges faced in life affects how one acquires success. For example, my ancestors did not overcome their struggle for equality without s elf-determination to better their lives. Thus, their lives have been an inspiration for me. The motivation to excel, though sometimes forgotten in my generation, is a quality that needs nourishment. My parents taught me that it takes hard work and to be successful. They pushed me to follow my dreams from a young age child which has carried over into my adulthood. Their guidance and belief in me gave me the strength to believe in myself, which I consider to be main reason I have experienced so much success in my life so far. I learned to go back to school to get my degree. Learning is a never-ending road, and I truly believe that I must continue to learn in order to improve and excel in my career, as well in all other areas of life. During my first year at Wayne County Community College I developed a passion for the field of associates of arts and associates of general study’s degree. I enjoyed learning about all my classes, but found that analyzing the two degrees that I’m within the school to ensure efficient operation is very exciting and motivating for me. Although the opportunity was present, I knew it would take hard work and a great deal of learning to understand how to be successful. The experience my desire to learn and motivations to succeed are constantly growing stronger. I want to take this characteristics into my graduate studies, so that I may continue to develop on a different level. I believe the knowledge and experience I will receive with an associate’s degree will give me the expertise I need to excel in my future career. My greatest achievements in life is undoubtedly my greatest failures in life. To learn from my mistakes which I have lived all my life and will continue to live by. All my life all other humans have made mistake. However unlike others, I have squeezed through these huge walls of mistakes and have come out as reformed individual, with a positive outlook on life. They say that experience is the best teacher and what better way to get experience than from my own mistakes. May it be in terms of academic, self-reform or even in helping others, I have made mistakes? But I have never let them overpower my confidence and perseverance to succeed in life. It is rightfully said that mistakes are the stepping stone for success. In my past, I have countless mistakes, and thus I assume that I am on the right path. The desire to do off beaten-path things takes away my fear of failure and lets me take risks without thinking about the outcome. I have always tried to remain consistent throughout my en tire academic life, but to err is human, and that I am. By this I mean to say that like others

Women on the Texas Frontier Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Women on the Texas Frontier - Assignment Example Jacqueline Reiner points out various barriers that hindered Southern Women from moving out of the woman’s sphere; creating a scenario where only a few were able to move out of the woman’s sphere. The first barrier is associated with the fact that majority of the public offices were not open to the nineteenth century women (Jacqueline, pg. 53). The other issue that might have contributed to the essence of few women moving out of the woman’s sphere is the fact that women were only allowed to participate actively in churches, schools as well as in voluntary religious activities. The institutions of slavery during the early nineteenth century, especially among the Southern Women might have also contributed to the wide acceptance of the woman’s sphere among the white and the black women (Jacqueline, pg. 57). However, after the American Civil war, some of the Southern Women were compelled by social necessities to extend the essence of woman’s sphere to other social setting, thus they worked in public places like bars as bar tenders while a few were provided with opportunities for formal education (Jacqueline, pg. 58). On the other hand, some few women managed to join women’s organizations as well as clubs creating a scenario where only a few managed to move out of the woman’s

The Lottery Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Lottery - Essay Example his own trip up to the box to pull for his new family, he had stopped plotting with Nancy and now Davey who had become old enough to discuss the plan to stop the lottery. Davey didn’t remember Tessie nor remember the warm nights on the porch sipping lemonade that she made from tart lemons sweetened with sugar before pouring the water into the pitcher. Davey didn’t know her loss in a real sense, only through the pain of his sister and brother. He knew the pain of his father who sat in a chair staring out over the fields in silent resentment, cold and stoic as he accepted the fate of his wife, but not his own fate of raising three children on his own. It was Davey who moved to make their plans a reality. He had seen others who had fell to the stones, sacrificed for the good of the town. He sat for hours trying to see the connection between the horrific act of stoning the one and the success of the fields. He tracked the harvests year after year, noticing that some years were good and some were bad, never relating to the person who was stoned. He tried to show Mr.Summers that the lottery did the town no good. However, Mr. Summers had an excuse and argument to counter every point that Davey made. When Mr. Summers died, he tried again to speak to his father who surprisingly took over in running the lottery year after year, as if he could reconcile Tessie’s sacrifice by deeper participation. This didn’t change a thing. Nancy came up with the idea. The town gathered, the children made the pile of stones, and the tense, polite conversation began to murmur through the growing crowd. Bill Hutchinson raised hands and smiled, quieting the crowd to ready for the lottery to begin. The year before had been brutal as the five year old child of the village teacher had been the sacrifice, and mothers were noticeably more protective of their young ones, cradling them in their arms and turning slightly away. Janie held her a Bill’s child close, her lips kissing repeatedly

REPUBLIC of ANGOLA Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

REPUBLIC of ANGOLA - Research Proposal Example We will begin with an introduction which will provide an overview of this country, discuss key facts and situate Angola within the present context. Following this brief overview, we will discuss Angola today with relation to the history of this country and situate present-day Angola within a historical context. Aiming to provide as much explanatory power as possible, this historical overview will be comprehensive, exploratory and in-depth. Following this, we will focus on the major industries and services within Angola and discuss the economic engines of the Angolan economy. We will then discuss the present Angola situation in light of struggle for independence and a 27 year civil war. This research paper will then conclude with an overview of key economic facts and a summation of the present economic situation in Angola today. Angola, officially called the Republic of Angola, is a Portuguese-speaking Presidential Republic which gained independence from Portugal just over thirty three years ago in 1975. As a Portuguese-speaking country in Africa, Angola is just one of a handful of former Portuguese colonies on the continent which has kept the tongue and made it an official language (Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Sà £o Tomà © and Prà ­ncipe, and Equatorial Guinea are the other majority Portuguese-speaking countries of Africa). In order to understand Angola today it is essential that we understand her history and as the largest country in the African empire of Portugal, Angola was heavily influenced by the colonial tradition. Because it is so important, the history of Portuguese influence in Angola will be discussed in-depth below. We now turn to a concise overview of Angola today. As the largest and most populous country in Luso-Africa, Angola has an estimated population of nearly 13 million people. As mentioned above, Portuguese is the official language of the country but other languages are spoken amongst the

Dealing with Stress at Workplace Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Dealing with Stress at Workplace - Research Paper Example Every workshop presents a unique opportunity for adult learners to acquire new knowledge and skills that are essential in problem-solving in their workplace (Munson, 2012). The adults are aware of the learning needs and are motivated to learn skills that improve their social and occupational role competencies (Fried, 2008). The workshop is geared at enabling the employees to develop problem-solving strategies in order to avoid work-related stress and foster critical thinking skills. Adult learners have a problem-centered time perspective since the formal curriculum is balanced with opportunities to apply to learn through case studies and role –plays. Adults are capable of self-direction and trustful relationships help in identification of the learners’ needs (Munson, 2012). The adults enjoy planning and evaluating their progress while supervisors recognize the adult learners’ need and treat them as adults. The adults are ready to learn their developmental tasks move towards social and occupational role competence. The adult learners bring their prior experience in every learning situation and discovery how to learn from these experiences in attaining self-actualization (Fried, 2008). Adults have a desire to learn and will learn when they feel the need to learn. The need for adults to learn can be developed and usually learn by doing (Munson, 2012). The immediate and repeated opportunities to use newly learned skills and knowledge reinforce learning in adults and thus learning should be centered on realistic problems. The experience affects adult learning and adults must be provided with opportunities to interrupt, ask questions and argue their ideas during the learning process (Munson, 2012). Adults learn best in the informal environment that encourages interactions and various methods such as role play, cases studies and workshops should be used in teaching adults. The acquisition of new knowledge and skills occurs in a predictable sequence and the curricula should follow this sequence to develop, present and support adult learning.  

Modern Myths Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Modern Myths Paper - Essay Example sidered a prize we deserve on the simple merit of being American and something we feel entitled to start enjoying while we’re still young enough to enjoy it. Although each person has a different idea of exactly what constitutes a dream vacation, or even the American Dream, there is a shared concept of something enticingly sweet, highly desirable, reasonably attainable and intended just for them. A great deal of energy and attention is given to the concept of the American Dream, but while most people seem to have this concept of a tantalizing treat drifting just out of their reach, few have any clue as to just where they’d go if they could. Because the concept seems to be universally understood, very few people discuss the idea of the American Dream to any great extent, but without any form of real definition, it remains puzzling just how anyone might be able to determine when or if they have ever reached it. The American Dream has some common elements such as a house, l eisure time and the natural result of average effort, yet each individual must realize that their idea of home and their concept of leisure might be vastly different from another person’s. Without actually defining what comprises the individual dream, it is impossible to discover it. The process becomes the activity with no real idea of the goal and no true direction to get there. For most people, it’s just supposed to happen. Growing up, many of us have been under the impression that we are entitled to the American Dream because we are Americans and our forefathers won it for us. For a lot of us, this has meant not having to actually work hard for what we want because it was earned for us already. However, we go off the track when we start trying to define what that dream is. According to John E. Nestler, â€Å"the American Dream has undergone a metamorphosis from principle to materialism †¦ When people are concerned more with the attainment of things than with the maintenance of

Of Mice and Men - Discuss the themes in the play Essay Example for Free

Of Mice and Men Discuss the themes in the play Essay By themes, I mean the ideas, which the author is trying to give us. Most authors do not write just for fun, but to show us that there is a message that they would like us to learn behind the plot. Usually the ideas are ones that the author believes in deeply. The themes are under the following headings: * Loneliness Loneliness affects many of the characters, and Steinbeck seems to show that it is a natural result of the kind of life they are forced to lead. The workers are caught in a trap of loneliness they never stay in one place long enough to form long lasting relationships. Even if the relationships existed, they would probably be destroyed by the demands of their life. Candy is lonely because he is old, and is different from the other hands. His only comfort is his old dog, which keeps him company and reminds him of days when he was young and whole. He has no relatives, and once his dog is killed he is totally alone. He eagerly grasps at the idea of buying a farm with George and Lennie, but of course this all comes to nothing. Candys disappointment is shown in the bitter words he utters to the body of Curleys wife, who he blames for spoiling his dream. George is also caught in the trap of loneliness. Just as Candy has his dog for company, George has Lennie (who is often described in animal-like terms). George too is left completely alone when Lennie is killed. The dream farm is his idea, and he says Wed belong there no more runnin around the country Another lonely character is Curleys wife. Newly married and in a strange place, she is forbidden by Curley to talk to anyone but him. She constantly approaches the ranch hands on the excuse of looking for Curley. The only result is that the men regard her as a slut, and Curley becomes even more intensely jealous. Finally, her loneliness leads to her death as she makes the mistake of trying to defeat it by playing with Lennie. Curley himself is lonely. His new wife hates him, as do all the ranch hands who dislike him for his cowardice. He has married, to try and escape his loneliness, but has chosen a wife totally inappropriate for the kind of life he desires. His feelings are all of aggressive behaviour, which places his wife further away from him and leads to the incident with Lennie where his hand is crushed. Crooks is another who is isolated because he is different. He copes with it by keeping a distance between himself and the other hands. When he does allow himself to be drawn into the dream of working on George and Lennies dream farm, he is immediately shut out by Georges anger. * Violence The story has many examples of a kind of needless violence. For example, Candy relates how the boss gave them whisky and allowed a fight to take place in the bunkhouse. Curley is the most obvious violent character, and whenever he appears there is a feeling of tension. He causes George to remarkwhat the hells he got on his shoulder. Candy explains that Curley often picks on big guys (a sure sign of trouble for Lennie). We are prepared for Curleys later anger, which adds up at the end in his wish to shoot him in the guts. Carlson is another character associated with violence. He is unconcerned about killing Candys dog (and in fact cleans the gun in Candys presence). He goes to watch the fun when Curley thinks Slim may be with his wife, and later threatens Curley more, saying kick your head off. Later he is very keen to get his gun to join in the hunt for Lennie. The last words in the book belong to Carlson, and it is little surprise that they reveal his complete inability to understand Georges feelings about the death of Lennie. Compared to the other characters, Lennie reveals an unintentional violence. He does not even think to fight back when Curley attacks him, but when he does, it is with immense and uncontrollable power. He has so little control over his own strength that he accidentally kills his puppy, and then minutes later snuffs out the life of Curleys wife. His actions on these occasions are compared to those of an animal, powerful but thoughtless. Curleys wife is attracted to him because of the violence he had shown in crushing her husbands hand. It is the threat of violence to be used against Lennie that causes George to take the final step of killing his friend. * Dreams Dreams are one of the ways in which the characters fight the loneliness and hopelessness of their day to day lives. The most obvious example is the dream farm, a dream shared at first only by George and Lennie, but which later spreads to include Candy and Crooks. Crooks reveals that it is the favourite dream of the ranchers: Seems like ever guy got land in his head. It is a powerful dream, and even Crooks falls under its spell for a short time. To Lennie, the dream is a cure to disappointment and loneliness, and he often asks George to say the description of the farm to him again. Curleys wife is another who has dreams, her fantasies of a part in the movies and a life of luxury. Part of her sadness with her life is that it can never measure up to her dreams. But, none of the characters ever achieve their dreams. * Nature Steinbeck shows that nature is a beautiful and peaceful place, but threatened by the actions of men. The beginning of the story sets this pattern, as the creatures at the pool are disturbed by George and Lennies approach. The ranch and its buildings, being created by men, are in contrast with the natural world. For example the bunkhouse is quite bare and stark. Even more unnatural is that Candy and Crooks are either deformed in appearance. Contrasted to these two characters is Lennie, who almost seems a part of the natural world as he is described in animal terms. In fact, one of Lennies dreams is to go and live by himself in a cave. Maybe this would be the only way in which the natural world of Lennie would not come into conflict with the world of men.. Steinbeck referred to this story as a play/novel, and we are shown how closely it does resemble a play. Each section or chapter is set in a clearly defined place like a scene in a play. The beginning of each section contains detailed description, like stage directions in a play, while the rest of each section is mostly dialogue. This may seem like a rather unreal way to write a novel, but Steinbeck does it so well that we do not notice. A noticeable feature of the language of the novel is what a critic might call economy. One result of this is that almost every sentence is important in one way or another, either in developing a character, moving the plot forward or hinting at action still to come. Steinbeck has skilfully created a number of parallel events into the story. Candy and his dog provide a parallel to George and Lennie. And also, when Lennie kills Curleys wife, it echoes his earlier killing of the puppy. There are many such echoes and parallels in the book. Steinbeck has also shown us the way in which capturing the spoken language of the characters gives a better feel to the story. Most of them are uneducated, and this shows through in their use of broken and slang language. Even their uneducated pronunciation has been shown Steinbeck also uses colours and sounds to great effect. For example, Curleys wife is associated with red, symbolic of danger or passion perhaps. A further strong association is that of Lennie with animals. At various times he is described as a bull, a bear and a dog. Even when not directly compared with an animal, he is described in animal terms. For example, his hand is a paw. This is particularly appropriate for Lennie, as he usually acts in the simple, natural way of an animal. Soledad is a real place in California and its name can mean loneliness or a lonely place. A cue to one of the major themes of the novel right at the beginning.

System development life cycle

System development life cycle The report contains the brief overview of the system development life cycle followed in Shriv Commedia Solutions Pvt Ltd. The project includes the adequate technical details about the different phases including the practical example of Bank management system developed by SCMS for its client Corporate Bank. The methodology followed by SCMS for scheduling the project (using Gantt chart) and the software used in assisting the planning process are described in report. Various tests including the feasibility test conducted by system analyst and technical tests conducted by developer are mentioned with the procedure followed during the testing process. The possible threats which may result to the loss of information have been described in the report and the recommendations (solutions) to avoid such threats are also discussed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In general, the report includes the procedure of the information system development in SCMS along with the practical description of the SDLC process, Gantt chart, testing process and the threats for the information system (with recommendations). Relevant examples are included wherever felt necessary to facilitate the reader for easy understanding of the report. Shriv Commedia Solutions Pvt ltd (SCMS) is a dedicated software based company which focuses in areas like Software development, Web designing, Multimedia services, Outsourcing, E-commerce, Technical writing, Search engine optimization and testing solutions, providing the services to the clients ranging from public to private sector. Shriv Commedia Solutions Pvt Ltd has been operating under the software development atmosphere since 2001. It has its head office located in India and the branches in UK, Canada and US, all of them focusing on finest, cost-effective and timely solutions. With the main pillars, mission, vision and values, SCMS has been rapidly progressing in todays competitive IT world. It has been successful in providing the innovative and perfect solutions to its clients with the client based approach.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  From the list of systems developed by SCMS we have decided to discuss the Bank management system developed for ‘corporate bank’ by SCMS. Corporate bank was established on 1906 and is one of the imperative clients of SCMS since 2004. The system developed by SCMS for Corporate bank is designed in the way to achieve the maximum security for the databases used to store the details about all the banking transactions as well as the account details of the costumers. It is also capable of recording the data of the bank employees. For example, Employee payroll records, details of employee and the attendance of employee. The system developed is able to work with all, internet, intranet as well as extranet. It was also optimized to work with different operating system and was capable to be upgraded along with the introduction of the new technology. Taking the same banking management system developed by SCMS into consideration, each of the development methodology is discussed further in the project. Information System Model in Shriv ComMedia Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Information System Model states an elementary conceptual outline for the major components and activities of information system. In Shriv Commedia Solution Pvt. Ltd, information system depends on the resource of people, software, hardware, data and networks to perform input, processing, output and storage and control activities that converts data resource into information products. Information system Model of Shriv ComMedia Solutions Pvt. Ltd. illustrates that information system consists of 5 major Components: 1. PEOPLE RESOURCES: In SCMS people (end users and IS specialists) are necessary for the function of all information system. 2. SOFTWARE RESOURCES: it includes all sets of information processing instructions 3. HARDWARE RESOURCES: It comprises of all the physical materials and devices used in information processing. Machines: All physical devices: Computers, peripherals and telecommunication networks. Media: all tangible objects in which data is recorded Hardware resource in SCMS 4. DATA RESOURCE:- Data are raw facts and figures typically about physical phenomena or business transaction. Data constitutes a valuable organizational resource. SCMS process data into information and organize it for future use. In SCMS data resource of information system are typically organized into 5. NETWORK RESOURCE: It includes the means of communication within the organization or with the outside world like internet, intranet by which data or information can be transferred between the different departments of the organization. Telecommunication network like internet, intranet and extranet have become essential for the organizations. Network resources includes System Development Lifecycle generally consists of the five phases including Planning, Analysis, design, implementation and support. All the five phases are arranged together and used to build the information system. Followings are some of the SDLC model used by SCMS depending on the softwares requirement: Waterfall Model Prototype Model Iterative Model Spiral Model Agile software Development Model RAD Model   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Shriv Commedia Solutions (SCMS) they first take the user requirements and decide which type of models should be followed for the development of the system. The second step will be to organize the activities by grouping them into larger categories called phases. In this way the phases are formed into the loop with support phase pointing to the planning phase whenever there is the necessity to change in the information system. The change is determined by the users want of information in different format, release of new version, or due to the hardware becoming obsolete. When the changes occur the planning phase begins again and some part of whole of the system is modified and the system development lifecycle starts again. When corporate Bank offered the project of developing ‘Bank management System’ to Shriv Commedia Solutions, Spiral Model was followed there in order to develop Bank Management System. They selected spiral Model since it provides early indication of undefeatable risks and users can be closely tied to all lifecycle steps. SCMS arranges its system development process in following order. 1. Planning Phase:- The client requests are reviewed by the steering committee (decision making body) which consists of 7-8 people in SCMS including vice president, managers and non-managerial employees. During this phase: Project ideas are collected and reviewed Project ideas are prioritized Allocate resources Project Development team is formed 2. Analysis Phase:- Gather Customer requirements: Following techniques are used by SCMS for collecting the requirements from the customers: Interviews Questionnaires Client Documents Scenarios Rapid Prototypes Select and justify a project (feasibility test) Submit and approve the request for proposal Get the project team in place Prepare the requirements documents Conduct project kick-off meeting Develop Statement of Scope WBS Development: Conduct ‘work break down Structure’ meeting Build work break down Structure Update WBS in project plan Outline project plan Assign resources to project plan tasks Create entity relationship diagram (ERD) Create Data Flow Diagram (DFD) Define data dictionary Perform object-oriented analysis 3. Design phase:- Acquire hardware and software needed for the project Design data model Write functional specifications Design prototypes Write detailed design specifications Write documentation plan Write beta test plan Write customer support plan Write training plan Write risk management plan 4. Implementation phase:- Development AND Unit Testing of Module(1-n) Testing Integration Software Quality Assurance (SQA) System test Track defects Regression test Manage Release and Change Configuration management New full releases Maintenance releases Installing and testing of new system Install beta test system Conduct beta tests Track defects and report to customer support Gather requirements for customizations Implement software Execute customer acceptance test procedure Cutover development to production Training Develop training specification for end users, help desk support staff Identify training delivery methodology i.e. computer based, classroom Develop training materials Develop training delivery mechanism 5. Support:- Post implementation system review:- Document lessons learned Distribute to team members Create software maintenance team Identify errors and enhancement Monitor the performance of system Shriv ComMedia Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Followed the same method discussed above for accomplishing the project offered by the Corporate Bank Following steps are used in SCMS to create a Gantt chart:- 1. All activities or task are listed in plan They find out the earliest possible date of all the tasks or activities of project and estimate the length of time it will take and check whether it is parallel or sequential. If the task is sequential they show the stages on which it depends. They use the X axis of the graph paper for the date, week or months required for the completion of the project and Y axis to itemize the tasks in its order 2. Plotting the tasks onto the plan They list the tasks in Y axis on the left hand side of the page and to draw up a rough first draft of the Gantt chart, they plot each task on the plan showing it starting on the earliest possible date. They draw each task as a horizontal bar with the length of the bar being the length of the time the task will take. Above each task bar they mark the estimated time taken to complete the task. 3. Schedule the tasks Now they redraw the Gantt chart on a fresh sheet to schedule actions and tasks. They schedule these in such a way that sequential actions are carried out in the desired sequence e.g. dig holes then lay the foundation and then start construction. They also ensure that these dependent activities do not start until the activities they depend on have been totally completed They try to schedule parallel task so that they do not interfere the sequential action on the critical path. While scheduling they make sure that they are making the best use of time and resource available to them. Once their Gantt chart is drawn one can see how long it will take to complete the project. Assessment process begins as soon as the requests are received in SCMS. They perform the various feasibility evaluations in order to know how suitable the development of a system will be to the company. The feasibility test process conducted by SCMS for the project request of Corporate Bank consisted 3 phases: The feasibility tests performed by system analyst of SCMS were: 1. Operational Feasibility: Operational feasibility was based on the following parameters: The effectiveness of the proposed system in corporate bank. Impact of new system in existing system User preferences (collected from interview) Requirements of the new system 2. Schedule feasibility: Following parameters were responsible for schedule feasibility The deadline of the project (either reasonable or not) Estimated time for project completion 3. Technical feasibility: Following things were considered during technical feasibility: Hardware and software required for project Availability of the people to deliver and support the proposed system 4. Economic feasibility: In SCMS the economic feasibility test was conducted by system analyst with the assistance of financial analyst. Following were the parameters looked upon for economic feasibility: Benefits of the proposed system to the corporate bank Cost-Benefit relation regarding the system use After the feasibility test was conducted the system analyst submitted the feasibility report to the steering committee recommending the further study (detailed analysis) of the corporate bank. Feasibility report in case of SCMS was a written document submitted with the details of the existing system, benefits of new system and recommendation. The implementation phase in SCMS consists of four major phases: Development of the program Testing of the new system Train the users Convert to new system SCMS generally uses two methods for the development of the program. Outsourcing the program Developing the program SCMS sometimes outsource the software required for them but most of the times the development process is favoured. During the preparation of the software for Corporate Bank following software and technologies were used by SCMS. The tests performed by SCMS for verifying the Bank management system designed for Corporate Bank were: 1. Functional Testing: The main objective of the functional test was to ensure that each of the elements of the system meets the user requirements. The requirements were: Requirements placed by user (corporate bank) Business Design Specification Year 2000 development standard Different phases of functional testing were: a. Validation Test It basically checked the Windows GUI standards, Valid, invalid and limit data input, Screen and field look and appearance, and Overall consistency with rest of the units. b. Specific functional test (UNIT TEST) Low level tests which were conducted to test the individual process and data flow. 2. System Test: This test was performed to check whether all the units of the application were working together to produce the output and there is no gaps in the data flow from one unit to other. 3. Integration Test: Integration test was performed by connecting the application with the different other application. The performance of the application with different other software was noted and the application was verified based on the results. 4. Performance Testing: This test was carried out to verify that the system provides the acceptable response time (should not exceed 4 seconds). 5. Regression Testing: The main objective of the regression test was to observe the functionality and stability of the software. It was automated with the help of the automated testing tools. Test environment available in visual studio and NUnit software was used to automate the testing of the application designed for Corporate Bank. Several formal reviews were carried before and during the tests and they were documented. The major formal review points were placed in different stages of testing as shown in the diagram: When all the tests were performed by the developer and all the errors /bugs were fixed, the additional tests were performed to ensure that system was working in integrated manner. In this way the application designed for the corporate bank was verified by the developers team. During the system development in SCMS there are various security that arises which may lead to the information loss. Following are some of the security risks and their solutions to prevent the information loss: 1. Server Downtime: Risk: Server downtime may cause the server to stop working so that the entire computer bridged with the server will be unable to connect with server. This may cause the loss of the information when the information is being sent to server. Solution: Before upgrading or migrating to a different physical server, make sure servers pass all tests prior to full deployment, and test and debug all applications prior to full deployment. 2. Obsolete application and tools: Risk: Due to the defect in the application and tools the loss of the information may occur. Hardware crashes and Software failure may occur causing the information loss. Solution: Make the careful inventory of the all applications and tools currently in use, prior to system implementation. Always use the trusted Hardware brands and software brands to avoid the hardware/software failure. Benchmarking testing can prove fruitful to check the hardware or software. 3. Computer Virus, Worms and Trojans: Risks: These are the malicious-logic program which act without user knowledge can alter the computers operation and result to information loss. Solutions: Following measures can be adopted to prevent the computer viruses, worms and Trojans: Prevent starting the computer with removable media in drives. Never open an e-mail attachment from source other than trusted. Set the macro security level to medium in the word processing or spreadsheet programs. Install the genuine version of the operating system Install the good antivirus software (updatable, reliable and efficient) 4. Denial of Service (DoS) attack: Risk: A DoS attack is designed to overload the server. The perpetrators use the softwares of codes to send thousand of requests to the server so that the valid user cant connect the server. Solution: The best way to prevent the DoS attack is not letting the DoS style attacks near the webserver. The tools like apaches mod_security or mod_dosevasive/mod_evasive can be used to drop the abusive IP address at the firewall before they get anywhere near the webserver. 5. Backdoors: Risk: Backdoors are the programmer created algorithms which bypass security mechanisms and provides the access to the programs so as to access the program for troubleshooting or saving the development time. But hackers and crackers use backdoors to gain access to program and inject the malicious code to the program causing the information loss. Solutions: Scan for the Backdoors with the help of tools available in market. Eg: SpyHunter security tool Update the antispyware software For developer: Try avoiding the backdoors during the design phase or eliminate the backdoors before the delivery of the software to the client. 6. Hardware Failure: Risk: Hardware failure can cause the loss of information stored in hard drives. Solutions: Frequently backup the hard drives Use Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) to prevent hardware crashes Online Storage of the data and information After the research conducted on the System Development lifecycle of Shriv Commedia Solutions Pvt Ltd we came to conclude that the company (SCMS) follows the general five phases of the information system development cycle for the project received. It follows all the five phases thoroughly and tends to meet the user requirements by developing the perfect matching solutions for their business.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  We came to know that the system analyst has the major role in the development process as he/she acts as the bridge between both users and developers. Analyst is the person who conducts the feasibility tests and decides the suitability of the project for company. The project development team consisting of different level of employees work on the project, as scheduled on Gantt chart, designed by the project leader. SCMS conducts the different tests during and after the designing of the application to make the application error-free before it is delivered to the client. There are also many security threats for the application which may cause the information loss. By the help of the research we came to know the measures to eliminate the security risks and protect the loss of information.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In general, after the research on SCMS and its system development methodology in case of Corporate Bank (one of its client) we had the detailed knowledge of the different phases of the information system development lifecycle and the possible threats for the information loss.

Country Analysis Malaysia :: essays papers

Country Analysis Malaysia Malaysia A. Brief History  § In the first century AD, the Malayan peninsula was prominent in int’l trade.  § Conquered by the Portuguese in 1511, then the Dutch in 1641.  § The British, who replaced the Dutch in 1795, developed large-scale productions of tin and rubber.  § The Japanese invaded Malaysia during WWII.  § Malaysia was formed after negotiating for independence from the British in September 16, 1963. B. Comparative Advantage (Early years up to pre-1980’s)  § Natural Resources/Land - Malaysia has a total land area of 127,320 sq. mi. - abundance of sedimentary rocks such as limestone, shale, sandstone, and conglomerate. - Tin ore was Malaysia’s most important resource pre 1980’s. - exported raw commodities such as timber, rubber, tin, and palm oil.  § Human Resources  § Access to Capital - Government invested on more capital goods - Sources of finances were increasing due to the investment on capital, domestic saving, and foreign investments. - In the 1970’s, the Investment Incentive Act aimed to gain more investments to spend on its programs. It also aimed to get more participation from the Malays.  § Initial Success in some industries - Production of raw materials like tin and rubber - Mining, Petroleum production, Agricultural Sector, Forestry and Fishing. C. Role of Government  § The head of state is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (paramount ruler) The Conference of Rulers is formed by the hereditary rulers and appointed heads of the four other states. The Cabinet headed by the Prime Minister exercises executive power.  § The government finds ways to attract foreign investors, and is active in the development of industries. D. Competitive Advantage  § In the Second Industrial Master Plan (IMP2), palm oil, rubber, cocoa, and timber were identified as primary commodities.  § The Third National Agricultural Policy (NAP3), palm oil, rubber, cocoa, and timber have also been identified as the major contributor to agricultural value-added activities.  § Infrastructure Development- in the form of roads, ports, railways, telecommunications, electricity, and water supply- is crucial for profitable private investment.  § More emphasis has been given to the development of commercial agriculture since the 19080’s.  § Petroleum Development Act of 1974 enabled the federal government to get much of the resource rents from petroleum and natural gas resources.  § Logging  § Malaysia has the second highest household savings rate.  § Import Substitution and Export Orientation E. Economic Indicators (1991-2000) GNP $67 billion GDP 6% Inflation 5.3% Unemployment 2.6% National Debt $39.8 billion Budget Deficit/ Surplus revenues: $22.6 billionexpenditures: $22 billion Population 22.2 Million F. Survival Strategy during the Asean Crisis (1997 – 2000)  § Political Problems - On September 1998, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad fired Anwar Ibrahim from his post as Deputy Prime Minister, after being convicted of corruption and other illegal activities.

Is Jesus A Socialist - The Jun :: essays research papers

The Jungle – Is Jesus a Socialist?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are many interpretations that different individuals can develop on one event, material, or thing, and on such example is the Bible. In The Jungle, Upton Sinclair, an advocate of Socialism, uses a character to tie Socialism with Jesus. The character is an â€Å"ex-preacher,† called Lucas, who portrays Jesus as a Socialist by using his actions and words to conform with Socialist ideas. Although one cannot say interpretations are right or wrong, Sinclair blasphemously uses the Bible for his own ideas.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the beginning of Lucas’s speech on Jesus he says that Jesus was a man â€Å"whose whole being was one flame of hatred for wealth, and all that wealth stands† (Sinclair 334). There are examples in the Bible that might lead one to infer that Jesus was a hater of wealth, but he didn’t. In fact, he dined at many wealthy individuals’ houses, i.e. â€Å"Jesus at a Pharisee’s House† (Luke 14:1-24). If he hated the rich and â€Å"well to do† he would not even associate with them. Jesus only disliked the many lavish things that rich people did with their wealth, which blocked their relationship with God. For example, in Luke 16:19-31 there is a story about a rich man and Lazarus, a beggar covered with boils. The rich man did not help Lazarus one bit, even though Lazarus’s condition was so bad, being covered in sores, that â€Å"even the dogs came and licked his sores† (Luke 16:21). The rich man daily â€Å" was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day† (Luke 16:19), but would not spare some food for Lazarus who â€Å"[longed] to eat what fell from the rich man’s table† (Luke 16:21). Eventually both Lazarus and the rich man died, Lazarus was received into Heaven, and Lazarus fell into hell. The rich man suffering in hell saw Abraham with Lazarus far away, and called out, â€Å"Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire† (Luke 16:24). But Father Abraham replied, â€Å"Son remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony† (Luke 16:24). Jesus showed others that the rich man ignored God’s will by indulging himself in his wealth, and failed to receive eternal life by ignoring the simplistic need of Lazarus. Is Jesus A Socialist - The Jun :: essays research papers The Jungle – Is Jesus a Socialist?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are many interpretations that different individuals can develop on one event, material, or thing, and on such example is the Bible. In The Jungle, Upton Sinclair, an advocate of Socialism, uses a character to tie Socialism with Jesus. The character is an â€Å"ex-preacher,† called Lucas, who portrays Jesus as a Socialist by using his actions and words to conform with Socialist ideas. Although one cannot say interpretations are right or wrong, Sinclair blasphemously uses the Bible for his own ideas.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the beginning of Lucas’s speech on Jesus he says that Jesus was a man â€Å"whose whole being was one flame of hatred for wealth, and all that wealth stands† (Sinclair 334). There are examples in the Bible that might lead one to infer that Jesus was a hater of wealth, but he didn’t. In fact, he dined at many wealthy individuals’ houses, i.e. â€Å"Jesus at a Pharisee’s House† (Luke 14:1-24). If he hated the rich and â€Å"well to do† he would not even associate with them. Jesus only disliked the many lavish things that rich people did with their wealth, which blocked their relationship with God. For example, in Luke 16:19-31 there is a story about a rich man and Lazarus, a beggar covered with boils. The rich man did not help Lazarus one bit, even though Lazarus’s condition was so bad, being covered in sores, that â€Å"even the dogs came and licked his sores† (Luke 16:21). The rich man daily â€Å" was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day† (Luke 16:19), but would not spare some food for Lazarus who â€Å"[longed] to eat what fell from the rich man’s table† (Luke 16:21). Eventually both Lazarus and the rich man died, Lazarus was received into Heaven, and Lazarus fell into hell. The rich man suffering in hell saw Abraham with Lazarus far away, and called out, â€Å"Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire† (Luke 16:24). But Father Abraham replied, â€Å"Son remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony† (Luke 16:24). Jesus showed others that the rich man ignored God’s will by indulging himself in his wealth, and failed to receive eternal life by ignoring the simplistic need of Lazarus.

Perils of Indifference Rhetorical Analysis Essay

At the end, and the start of a new millennium, or world has witnessed both atrocities and amazing displays of human compassion. In The Perils of Indifference Elie Wiesel successfully portrays his thoughts by applying anaphora’s, and the distribution of both ethos and pathos. Throughout his speech Wiesel repeats the word indifference quite often. An anaphora is the repetition of the same word or group of words in the beginning of successive clauses. â€Å"To be indifferent to that suffering is what makes the human inhuman. Indifference, after all, is more dangerous than anger and hatred.† Expresses the true emotional depth of the Holocaust by creating a mental picture of one having gone through pain and torture and have no emotion. By speaking with the appropriate pauses and tone, Wiesel’s audience felt what he was trying to convey. The display of pathos in his speech grasps the reader with the vast emotions and personal descriptions of his torment and others demise. â€Å"You fight it. You denounce it. You disarm it.†, is the rebel like feelings the prisoners continuously expressed. Finally ethos deals with credibility. Wiesel not only lived during the Holocaust, he survived it. He fought alongside many other Jews for their survival. He gives detail on and about his friends and family stationed at the camp with him. Wiesel goes in depth with the horrid memories he and many others endured. The Holocaust was like Hell on earth. During this era millions of Jews died for their beliefs. Wiesel has relived his experience multiple times in his book Night and his speech The Perils of Indifference. He uses anaphora’s and both ethos and pathos to successfully convey his thoughts and meanings of the Holocaust.