Spiral Model free essay sample

The spiral model combines the idea of iterative development (prototyping) with the systematic, controlled aspects of the waterfall model. It allows for incremental releases of the product, or incremental refinement through each time around the spiral. The spiral model also explicitly includes risk management within software development. Identifying major risks, both technical and managerial, and determining how to lessen the risk helps keep the software development process under control.The spiral model is based on continuous refinement of key products for requirements definition and analysis, system and software design, and implementation (the code). At each iteration around the cycle, the products are extensions of an earlier product. This model uses many of the same phases as the waterfall model, in essentially the same order, separated by planning, risk assessment, and the building of prototypes and simulations. Documents are produced when they are required, and the content reflects the information necessary at that point in the process. We will write a custom essay sample on Spiral Model or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page All documents will not be created at the beginning of the process, nor all at the end (hopefully). Like the product they define, the documents are works in progress. The idea is to have a continuous stream of products produced and available for user review. The spiral lifecycle model allows for elements of the product to be added in when they become available or known. This assures that there is no conflict with previous requirements and design. This method is consistent with approaches that have multiple software builds and releases and allows for making an orderly transition to a maintenance activity.Another positive aspect is that the spiral model forces early user involvement in the system development effort. For projects with heavy user interfacing, such as user application programs or instrument interface applications, such involvement is helpful. Starting at the center, each turn around the spiral goes through several task regions. ?Determine the objectives, alternatives, and constraints on the new iteration. ?Evaluate alternatives and identify and resolve risk issues. ?Develop and verify the product for this iteration. ?Plan the next iteration.Note that the requirements activity takes place in multiple sections and in multiple iterations, just as planning and risk analysis occur in multiple places. Final design, implementation, integration, and test occur in iteration 4. The spiral can be repeated multiple times for multiple builds. Using this method of development, some functionality can be delivered to the user faster than the waterfall method. The spiral method also helps manage risk and uncertainty by allowing multiple decision points and by explicitly admitting that all of anything cannot be known before the subsequent activity starts.WATERFALLS CYCLE The waterfall model is a sequential design process, often used in software development processes, in which progress is seen as flowing steadily downwards (like a waterfall) through the phases of Conception, Initiation, Analysis, Design, Construction, Testing,Production/Implementation and Maintenance. The unmodified waterfall model. Progress flows from the top to the bottom, like a waterfall. The waterfall development model originates in the manufacturing andconstruction industries: highly structured physical environments in which after-the-fact changes are prohibitively costly, if not impossible.Since no formal software development methodologies existed at the time, this hardware-oriented model was simply adapted for software development. The first known presentation describing use of similar phases in software engineering was held by Herbert D. Benington at Symposium on advanced programming methods for digital computers on 29 June 1956. This presentation was about the development of software for SAGE. In 1983 the paper was republished with a foreword by Benington pointing out that the process was not in fact performed in strict top-down, but depended on a prototype.The first formal description of the waterfall model is often cited as a 1970 article by Winston W. Royce, though Royce did not use the term waterfall in this article. Royce presented this model as an example of a flawed, non-working model (Royce 1970). This, in fact, is how the term is generally used in writing about software development—to describe a critical view of a commonly used software practice. In Royces original waterfall model, the following phases are followed in order: 1. Requirements specification 2. Design 3. Construction (AKA implementation or coding) 4. Integration 5. Testing and debugging (AKA Validation) 6. Installation 7. Maintenance SDLC Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a process used by a systems analyst to develop an information system, including requirements,validation, training, and user (stakeholder) ownership. Any SDLC should result in a high quality system that meets or exceeds customer expectations, reaches completion within time and cost estimates, works effectively and efficiently in the current and planned Information Technology infrastructure, and is inexpensive to maintain and cost-effective to enhance.Computer systems are complex and often (especially with the recent rise of Service-Oriented Architecture) link multiple traditional systems potentially supplied by different software vendors. To manage this level of complexity, a number of SDLC models or methodologies have been created, such as waterfall; spiral; Agile software development; rapid prototyping; incremental; and synchronize and stabilize. SDLC models can be described along a spectrum of agile to iterative to sequential. Agile methodologies, such as XP and Scrum, focus on lightweight processes which allow for rapid changes along the development cycle.

Free Essays on Pizza

Currently, pizza companies are in a pizza war for a gain in the market share. Pizza Hut, Papa John’s and Domino’s are all in close competition to be the leading pizza provider. Issues such as, product innovation, sampling, media spending, sales promotions and the quality of the pizza are in the minds of both the company and the consumer. In the following paper, I will address the ordering methods of non-college households, suggested budget allocation and slogan suggestion. Upon conducting research among non-college students, I have found that many buyers of pizza are similar in buying habits. After questioning a few non-college adults I know regarding pizza preference, I discovered that a majority the households rely on sales promotions such as coupons to choose pizza retailers. Although the survey group differs in age and other basic demographic information, the results from this mini-survey are fairly consistent. This will directly influence my suggestions for the budget allocation, which will be addressed later in this paper. The main consistency I found in this survey is the fact that many consumers rely on coupons in choosing pizza retailers. In 75 percent of the adults I surveyed, coupons were a deciding factor. However, I found that not all outlets for coupon distribution are effective. For example, coupons that are distributed on the pizza boxes are not generally redeemed. The majority of coupons that are used by these consumers are gathered from daily and weekend newspapers, a media outlet not common to the college population. In regards to buyer behavior, I openly asked these adults the process of choosing pizza retailers. In response, they listed different factors such as: brand loyalty, incentive programs, taste and coupons, as mentioned earlier. In all cases, these consumers depend on take-out for the consumption of pizza. This coincides with the information presented regarding the large portion ... Free Essays on Pizza Free Essays on Pizza Currently, pizza companies are in a pizza war for a gain in the market share. Pizza Hut, Papa John’s and Domino’s are all in close competition to be the leading pizza provider. Issues such as, product innovation, sampling, media spending, sales promotions and the quality of the pizza are in the minds of both the company and the consumer. In the following paper, I will address the ordering methods of non-college households, suggested budget allocation and slogan suggestion. Upon conducting research among non-college students, I have found that many buyers of pizza are similar in buying habits. After questioning a few non-college adults I know regarding pizza preference, I discovered that a majority the households rely on sales promotions such as coupons to choose pizza retailers. Although the survey group differs in age and other basic demographic information, the results from this mini-survey are fairly consistent. This will directly influence my suggestions for the budget allocation, which will be addressed later in this paper. The main consistency I found in this survey is the fact that many consumers rely on coupons in choosing pizza retailers. In 75 percent of the adults I surveyed, coupons were a deciding factor. However, I found that not all outlets for coupon distribution are effective. For example, coupons that are distributed on the pizza boxes are not generally redeemed. The majority of coupons that are used by these consumers are gathered from daily and weekend newspapers, a media outlet not common to the college population. In regards to buyer behavior, I openly asked these adults the process of choosing pizza retailers. In response, they listed different factors such as: brand loyalty, incentive programs, taste and coupons, as mentioned earlier. In all cases, these consumers depend on take-out for the consumption of pizza. This coincides with the information presented regarding the large portion ...

Baseball History

Baseball is the oldest and oldest professional group sports in North America. Of course, even after years of existence, baseball fans of all ages still have many moments to remember. I remember catch in the first game of the home run of the 1954 World Series and the 1960 Bill  · Mazero Ski World Series. Players like Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson surpass them. These players remain in the mind and head of the country for a long time after the game. In my opinion, the lack of baseball history is the last five letters. Since baseball's history is a historical department of a toy shop rather than the average writing history of the United States (baseball is called a toy division in the newspaper), it is moved by the event, moved by the character, the cargo train I will move the story. Like a novel, there must be a wise truth illuminated by the truth and wisdom of the truth. In other words, you can not precisely ignore speculative and aesthetic possibilities in the history of baseball. Problem-driven baseball history is simply unread for baseball history But the history of baseball may begin and the history of baseball history starts with most of us from Henry Chadwick. He remembered the first experience of playing baseball in 1848 - his comment showed that Nick Bock's rule did not wipe out everything before - if it is true - England cricket What is ~? Today, most people think that Father Chadwick and Nick Bock are playing together at Irisian battlefield. Just to invent scoring system and box score, or to sneak into the bad impact of gambler and tire. However, as Rankin pointed out during the first few years of the next century, Chadwick has been on for decades. Campaign on est moi's platform. I remember that subsystem trust is not Chadwick, but Herald's Michael Kelly.

Media Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Media Ethics - Essay Example Ultimately, I will conclude that the primary reason many media organizations may find themselves â€Å"aiding† terrorist is not out of the inevitability of an incidental connection, but a money-oriented strategy. Unlike other commentators, Held does not try to invoke the role of news media as a fourth branch or government, but takes the position that everyone in a moral society is obliged to promote the reduction of political violence. This position, in her opinion is partially relevant for those working in the media since it plays a key role in shaping public opinion, which is ultimately the objective of those that engage in political violence. She bases her argument on the claim that the media cannot be relied on to play its moral role in the war against terror since it is predominantly driven by profit motives. Even from a laypersons perspective, the media assist common sense in decreasing incidences of political violence. However, this is not as obvious to members of the fourth estate who tend to present news in the most dramatic and emotive way possible so as to exploit public outrage or fear for increased rating and create a sense of dependency. Given current reporting trends, it is cl ear that the infamous adage, â€Å"tell the people what they want hear† is alive. For example, they will rarely provide objective coverage of the arguments for and against the views by political dissidents unless they happen to be iconic figures such as Dalai Lama. She suggest that the press should air the view of everyone involved in an incidence since many acts of terror are committed by people who feel they are ignored and want to force society to acknowledge their existence and grievances. Her proposal on this matter is on point since in many cases, would be perpetrators of political violence will not get attention from the media unless they do something drastic. Held preeminently talks about the profit motive, which she cites rightly as

Internet Security IT Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Internet Security IT - Research Paper Example In fact antisocial elements are creating new viruses every day and it is difficult to prevent such attacks. A proper antivirus software can prevent many of the virus attacks. However, such antivirus programs should be updated quite regularly to prevent attacks from newer viruses. â€Å"A basic and key way of staying secure is to make sure you rapidly deploy software updates, such as operating system and browser updates. Make sure too that patches, particularly security patches, are installed as soon as available† (How to deal with Internet security threats) â€Å"If you have ever used an installation program to install system or service software (as nearly every company has), and you have not removed unnecessary services and installed all security patches, then your computer system is vulnerable to hacker attack† (The Top 10 Most Critical Internet Security Threats - (2000-2001 Archive). While installing third party programs, spywares and malwares can also be get install ed in the computer. Many people have the habit of installing free software even if it may not be useful. Majority of the free software available for download contains malware and spyware to monitor the internet activities of the user and also to steal the username and passwords. It is better to avoid installation of free software from unauthorized or non-credible sources. Moreover, under no circumstances, credit card numbers or bank account numbers should be given to the internet sites which have least protection. Before giving such private details, it should be ensured that those sites have enough security certificates and start with https instead of http. While using usernames and passwords for opening sensitive internet accounts, easy to guess type of words or names should be avoided. Under no circumstances, a hacker should not be able to guess a username or password correctly. Pass words should contain alphabets as well as characters and numbers so that hackers may struggle to i dentify it. â€Å"For operating systems, default installations always include extraneous services and corresponding open ports. Attackers break into systems via these ports† (The Top 10 Most Critical Internet Security Threats - (2000-2001 Archive). So, while installing essential software, care should be taken to avoid unwanted services so that the number of open ports can be minimized. â€Å"The top Web-based attacks in 2009 targeted Internet Explorer and PDF readers. Users tend to trust PDF files because they don't think of them as executing anything; however, embedded code in the PDF can carry malware†(Mushthaler and Mushthaler). The above information clearly suggests that even software from trusted and reputed vendors may contain malicious things. Firewalls should be strengthened in order to block the attacks of malicious things such as viruses, spyware etc. All the information entering and leaving the computer should pass through a properly created firewall so that any malpractices can be detected. â€Å"Firewall is combined with other security functions, including (in many cases) web application firewalling (WAF), sometimes also known as deep packet inspection (DPI)† (How To Deal With Internet Security Threats) Trojan software is considered to be the most harmful in terms of E-Commerce security due to its ability to secretly connect and send confidential information. These programs are developed for the specific purpose of communicating without the

How to Drive Value Your Way Essay Example for Free

How to Drive Value Your Way Essay MGT665 – Individual Assignment HOW TO DRIVE VALUE YOUR WAY Submitted By: Hiten Bachani (129278117) 0 MGT665 – Individual Assignment Main theme The paper revolves around the migration of the value within the supply chain as industries and technologies evolve. The basis of which can be traced down to the changes occurring in the patterns of consumer behaviour. But the changes in consumer patterns does not necessarily result in the value being shifted from one stakeholder to other; rather it is purely a function of the type of industry and how it has evolved over the years. Idea in Brief Argument Successful Companies do four things well: Problem Lessons In turbulent times, profits have a tendency of migrating up or down the value chain, away from the established companies to the upstream or downstream partners. eg: In PC industry, value moved from IBM (manufacturer) to Wintel (suppliers) The trajectory is not witnessed in the Auto Industry, where the incumbent carmakers have maintained a constant share of the industrys market capitalization despite dire predictions to the contrary. 1) Controlling the assets least likely to be commoditized 2) Being the guarantor of quality to end customer 3) Staying in close touch with the changing customers needs 4) Balancing the imperatives of growth and strategic control of the value chain The paper emphasis on four rules to that the companies can practice to influence whether the value migrates – and if so, to where in the chain. Rule 1 : Be the least replaceable player The question of who along the value chain is most replaceable fundamentally affects who can capture surplus  value. It has been argued that the system integrators are most difficult to replace in auto industry but it is not so in the PC industry. However, a company seeking to preserve or gain advantage needs not only to reinforce its own irreplaceability but also ensure that none of its suppliers become impossible to replace Rule 2: Become the Guardian of Quality Value in an industry mostly accrues to the player that customers associate most of the quality with the product. The quality guardian in the value chain, typically carries a disproportionate share of legal liability. Also the cost of liability differs across the industries, for e.g. it is quite high in auto industry since the life of customers are at risk if car crashes while it is low in PC. Rule 3: Follow the Customer When the end customer changes his needs, value may shift across the value chain. Hence it becomes imperative for the companies to link the customers need to the value proposition they offer. But in the absence of a fundamental shift in the end customer, incumbents will be well positioned to 1 MGT665 – Individual Assignment manage even disruptive technology—as long as they retain ownership of distribution and can resist the emergence of open standards. Rule 4: Manage the Growth Story This rule throws light on type of industry such as high growth or low growth and within that how the company changes its market share. It might be the case that a firm has only a small market share in a violently growing sector or a high share in a stable sector. When the high-growth industry in question is relatively small: Incumbents will be less inclined to fight hard to preserve dominance when the absolute profits are limited. The opposite applies, however, when the high-growth market is large. Here, scale often favours stability, because established players are large enough to maintain closed systems of suppliers, eschew open standards, and forestall change. Methodology study The author has tried to look at the problem through the lens of auto industry and PC industry and h as found contrasting differences while comparing. It has been observed that the value has hardly shifted along the value chain in case of Auto Industry while in case of PC industry it has drastically shifted from the hands of system integrators to the suppliers. The reason lies in the very nature of the product which both the industries sell. The paper also throws light on the methodology of how incumbents and challengers shift value across the value chain; both leveraging their strength depending upon their current capabilities. Also, it talks about the new corporate giants like Facebook and Google who do not compete in a sector but on the other hand shape it. This is because they focussed on the latent needs of the customers and came up with a value proposition leveraging the internet space (platform) at the right time making it difficult for the rivals to imitate because of the viral diffusion of the technology. Does it make sense Yes, up to a certain extent it does makes sense and there have been ample examples in the past to prove the hypothesis. Over time the customer needs have changed and successful organizations have reoriented themselves to cater to their needs. Also, they have been cautious to preserve their share of pie by follow ing the rules mentioned in the text. However, the conditions vary from industry to industry due to the different dynamics of the business scenario and the ecosystem in which they operate. It is worth noting that reputation of the player (not factored in the methodology) also plays a major role in some industries viz. Pharmaceutical industries. This may help the incumbents in the short run and give them a buffer time to rethink their strategies and retaliate so that the value does not move away from them. My opinion The author has done justice to his research by quoting right examples at the right place. One factor which has not been factored is the barrier to entry in the industry for a new player or for an existing player to transit from one stage to another within the value chain. Even in today’s world when the technology has become very sophisticated; suppliers also have a chance to build economies of scale and be a crucial member in the value chain of the industry by supplying to many players. This can be achieved by standardization of components at an initial stage and then employing methodologies like SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Dies) in manufacturing industry(Automobiles) which the author had quoted as difficult in terms of replace-ability as compared to PC industry; however thi s can be achieved given the upstream or downstream player has sufficient resources to overcome the barriers of entry. 2

Data Mining in a Nut Shell Essay example -- Essays Papers

Data Mining in a Nut Shell In today’s business world, information about the customer is a necessity for a businesses trying to maximize its profits. A new, and important, tool in gaining this knowledge is Data Mining. Data Mining is a set of automated procedures used to find previously unknown patterns and relationships in data. These patterns and relationships, once extracted, can be used to make valid predictions about the behavior of the customer. Data Mining is generally used for four main tasks: (1) to improve the process of making new customers and retaining customers; (2) to reduce fraud; (3) to identify internal wastefulness and deal with that wastefulness in operations, and (4) to chart unexplored areas of the internet (Cavoukian). The fulfillment of these tasks can be enhanced if appropriate data has been collected and if that data is stored in a data warehouse. According to Stanford University, "A Data Warehouse is a repository of integrated information, available for queries and analysis. Data and information are extracted from heterogeneous sources as they are generated....This makes it much easier and more efficient to run queries over data that originally came from different sources." When data about an organization’s practices is easier to access, it becomes more economical to mine. â€Å"Without the pool of validated and scrubbed data that a data warehouse provides, the data mining process requires c onsiderable additional effort to pre-process the data† (SAS Institute). There are several different types of models and algorithms used to â€Å"mine† the data. These include, but are not limited to, neural networks, decision trees, rule induction, boosting, and genetic algorithms. Neural networks are physical cellular systems which can acquire, store, and utilize experiential knowledge (Zurada). Neural networks offer a way to efficiently model large and complex problems. Decision trees are diagrams used for making decisions in business or computer programming. Branches are used to represent choices with associated risks, costs, results, or probabilities. Rule induction is a way of deriving a set of rules to classify cases (Two Crows). These set of rules differ from those in a decision tree in that they are independent from one another. Boosting is a technique in which multiple random samples of data are taken and a... ...networks, fuzzy logic and genetic algorithms. http://www.partek.com/ . MIT WINROSA WINROSA is a software tool which generates automatically Fuzzy If-Then Rules from your data. The generated data set can be run by most of the existing fuzzy tools like e.g. DataEngine, fuzzyTECH, and Matlab. http://www.mitgmbh.de/ Attar Software XpertRule Data Mining using high performance parallel SQL technologyA Windows PC client being able to intelligently query the data source on the host server can achieve knowledge Induction. The speed of the process is therefore dependant upon the server - not the speed of the client PC. This allows data mining to exploit the speed offered by MPP servers (Massive Parallel Processors) and database architectures that are optimized for serving queries. http://www.attar.com/ Works Cited Cavoukian, Ann, Ph.D. â€Å"Data Mining: Staking a Claim on Your Privacy.† Jan. 1998 Pryke, Andy. â€Å"The Data Mine.† 23 Sep. 1998 SAS Institute Inc. â€Å"Data Mining.† 12 Jan. 2000 Two Crows Co. â€Å"Introduction to Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery.† 1999 Zurada, J.M. (1992), Introduction To Artificial Neural Systems, Boston: PWS Publishing Company, p. xv:

Haitian Vodou Essay

Vodou, A Haitian religion deeply rooted in colonialism stems from several African sources, which have constructed and maintained a hybrid Africana and European diaspora in the Caribbean. In an effort to preserve African tradition and spiritual belief, slaves in Haiti prior to the Haitian Revolution of 1791, established and developed the heterogeneous religion known as Vodou. As Vodou became a more prominent aspect of slave culture in Haiti the hybridization between traditional Africana religion and European religion fashioned a new system of belief. The fusion of Catholicism from Europe and African religions make up one of the most influential religions in Haiti today, in fact Vodou plays an imperative role in Haitian life. In addition to having a tremendous effect on Haitian religious practices, Vodou also plays a fundamentally important role in driving Haitian politics, economics, community, and social relations. From a student and non-Haitian perspective I seek to obtain knowledge on how Vodou has and continues to play a detrimental role in every aspect of Haitian life. Through analyzing and cross-examination of several texts it appears that without boundaries Vodou is important. Before delving into how Vodou effects nearly every aspect of Haitian culture I would like to first analyze the importance of understanding the roots and origin of a belief and practice that has become such a prominent aspect of Haitian life. In the eighteenth century the slave trade in Haiti ushered in a number of African slaves from various groups. These groups of African people brought with them to Haiti their traditions, beliefs, and lifestyles. In â€Å"Haitian Vodou† of Creole Religions of the Caribbean, the authors state that the slave trade was in fact the European way of â€Å"destroying all cultural connections† to the homelands of the slaves (Fernandez-Olmos and Paravisini-Gerbert 101). European slave owners and slave traders thought it necessary to force European ideals and beliefs onto their slaves, ridding and dismantling the beliefs and tradition of their native land. In this respect the slave trade played a significant role in the creation of Vodou, catalyzing Afro-European syncretism into a new belief system. Vodou began as a way for slaves to hold on to their cultural beliefs, and helped refute the impositions of Catholic religion that the French attempted to employ, as they saw it necessary to condition African slaves to their lifestyle (102). In my opinion Afro-European syncretism is one of the more complex and intriguing religious developments as it pertains to Vodou. In Voodoo Africa’s Secret Power author Gert Chesi describes the fusion of African and European culture stating that slaves brought with them the gods of Africa to the Caribbean where they then blended with the Saints and other Catholic and Christian symbols (Chesi 231). The imposition of Catholic and Christian beliefs by Europeans onto African slaves made it nearly impossible for African slaves to remain entirely devoted to their home land beliefs and traditions. African slaves in Haiti adopted Vodou as a means of maintaining their traditional beliefs, however, Christian and Catholic ideals were still important influential factors in the establishment of Vodou. The spirits often associated with Vodou known, as Lwa are similar to Saints in the Catholic Church. Slaves in Haiti dealt with the pressures of forcibly having to adapt to European religion by integrating their belief system with that of the European belief system. I think that Slaves in Haiti used Vodou as a stabilizing factor in Haitian culture. The ritual and practice that developed through the integration of European tradition with African tradition ensures that African tradition will remain considerably important regardless of the fact that Europeans once tried to dismantle African tradition and impose Western tradition on those slaves living in Haiti. Vodou serves as a mechanism for passing on tradition from generation to generation. In Voodoo: Truth and Fantasy the author states that Vodou has emerged as a vibrant cultural force in twenty-first century Haiti (Hurbon 126). This statement supports the idea that Vodou has and continues to have a role in Haitian life and Haitian culture. Vodou has undoubtedly helped restore an almost lost identity to African slaves in Haiti, and has allowed generation after generation to know and understand the beliefs of the homeland from which their ancestors originated. The foundation of many Haitian affairs may not be solely rooted in Vodou, however, the religion holds weight in many political spheres throughout Haiti. Starting from the moment of its development, Vodou has been politically important to Haiti. In fact, its very creation resulted from various political, cultural, and religious â€Å"struggles for freedom† (33). After analyzing the roots of Vodou it has become quite apparent that Vodou played an important role during Haiti’s revolutionary period. During and before the Haitain revolution Vodou was used as a means of protecting and politicizing the interest of Haitian slaves. From that time forward Haitian people have continued to use Vodou as a political tool to protect their interests and assets. Vodou has indeed been subjected to â€Å"persecution at the hands of both Church and state† leaving many non-believers and outsiders to attribute negative connotations to Vodou as a whole (117). In 1835 Vodou began to publically suffer from political ostracizing under president Jean-Pierre Boyer who passed a penal code that called for the imprisonment of six months to two years for followers of Vodou practicing superstitious act (118). It seems to me that the reason behind the ban on Vodou practices not only stemmed from political issues occurring at the time, but also from past political experiences in Haiti. Hurbon does not mention Boyer’s reasoning behind implementing a penal code, therefore allowing one to speculate whether or not Boyer, although Haitian had ties to France. The reason I bring this point to light is because for one, Jean-Pierre Boyer sounds relatively French and secondly Boyer implemented a code that put restrictions on a religion that has roots deep within African culture. In addition to dealing with the idea of possible imprisonment, if caught practicing Vodou, Haitians also faced the possibility of abandoning and giving up the African culture and belief that was associated with Vodou. In response to government restrictions some Haitians created secret societies in order to keep the bonds of Vodou ritual and ties to kinship in motion. In 1957 President Francois Duvalier also known as â€Å"Papa Doc† started a political rehabilitation for Vodou (118). Duvalier’s involvement in Vodou was for the soul purpose of engaging the Lwa through ceremonies in order to gain the Lwas’ good will and also to spark enthusiasm in those who practice Vodou. Papa Doc’s presidency marked a period characterized by dark magic and sorcery. This period in Haitian history displays the negative aspects often associated with Vodou. In my opinion President Francois Duvalier’s understanding of Vodou curtails from misinterpretation and misuse. Duvalier did not seem to grasp the reasoning behind certain Vodou rituals and ceremonies, using them only as a way to advance himself politically. During Duvalier’s reign Haiti saw tremendous political change resulting from the misunderstanding or misuse of Vodou. On one hand Jean-Pierre Boyer refused to let any one in Haiti practice Vodou because of the negative connotations surrounding the religion. On the other hand Francois Duvalier used Vodou to bolster his political appeal, which dismantled the meaning and reasoning behind the ceremonies and rituals performed by those who practiced and truly understood and appreciated the meaning that those Vodou acts carry. In Creole Religions of the Caribbean, the authors mention that within Vodou practices the chief communicators that draw â€Å"konesans† or connaissance/knowledge are the Oungand and the Manbo (Fernandez-Olmos and Paravisini-Gerbert 107). The Oungand and the Manbo are believed to receive knowledge passed down from the Lwa. The Oungand and the Manbo act as political leaders and have rural political power within their own community because the ability to communicate with the Lwa is looked up to. In Michel Laguerre’s book Voodoo and Politics the author states that Francois Duvalier used the political power of the Oungand and the Manbo to establish legitimacy among those who practiced Vodou (Laguerre 87). Today Vodou can be represented in popular culture as dark, sadistic, and involving many acts of superstition, denying it a position central to Haitian culture. However, despite the misconceptions surrounding Vodou today many religious works are carried out by Haitian elites. This goes to show yet another transformation in Haitian politics, and Vodou’s role in shaping a new system of life. From my examination of the texts that emphasized Vodou’s relationship to Haitian politics I have concluded that Vodou does in fact affect politics in Haitian communities and Haiti as a whole. The relationship between Vodou and Haitian economics is a long-standing phenomenon that has existed prior to the Haitian revolution in 1791 and continues to exist today. The slave trades influence on the creation of Vodou links the existence of the religion and also the economics involved between masters and sellers of slaves. During this time the Haitian economy was being stimulated by the slave trade. As the slaves grew weary, a number of rebellions occurred and Vodou greatly affected the plantation economy that the Haitian people originally were forced into. According to Omos and Gerbert, the economy in Haiti shifted from one of plantation to that of a â€Å"rural economy† of â€Å"subsistent farmers† working their own lands (Fernandez-Olmos and Paravisini-Gerbert 103). Vodou practices and rituals play an important role in shaping and maintaing Haitian economics. The initiation and sacrificial rituals performed by many Vodou sects involve a great amount of â€Å"financial sacrifice† (Fernandez-Olmos and Paravisini-Gerbert 117). From my examination of several texts, including that of Olmos and Gerbet I have concluded that preparation for the many Vodou festivals, initiations, and temple gatherings are intensive and call for many financial sacrifices from those who may already be financially unstable. Animal sacrifice plays an important role in the finances of Haitian people. In Voodoo Africa’s Secret Power the author, Gert Chesi, included various photographs of Haitian Vodou sacrifices and rituals. Many of the photographs throughout Chesi’s book showed the sacrificing of cattle, sheep, and chicken. The cross-examination of various texts did not leave me with much information on the Haitian economy as it related to Vodou, however, I was able to infer that the economic sacrifices made by Haitian people were performed in order to obtain personal advancements or for the betterment of the community as a whole. Some sacrifices were performed to win the protection and trust of the Lwa spirits, and some sacrifices were performed in hopes that the Lwa would shed some rain to strengthen planation production. I think that the Haitian economy and the Vodou religion are dependent on each other. The dependency I see in the relationship stems from the fact that without an economy like the one in Haiti, Vodou would not be as prominent or even meaningful to the Haitian people. The economy as it is creates a buffer for Vodou as a religion. The economy allows for Haitians to use their beliefs and connections with the spirits to envoke hope, or optimism that the plantation life in Haiti will somehow flourish. This claim can be supported through the existence of rituals performed for protection, knowledge, and even rainfall. In Hurbon’s, Olmos’ and Gebert’s, Chesi’s, Laguerre and Michel’s and Smith’s descriptions of Vodou in Haitian culture one thing is for certain, Vodou has and continues to influence communities through and through. In Chesi’s pictorial account of Vodou in Haiti one can see pictures of various ways that the religion is linked to community. In one picture, Chesi captured a ritual being performed near a beach where one individual was having a ritual performed on him (ritual not clear from picture) while dozens of his Vodou community member looked on and supported him. What puzzles me the most is how instinctual and ritualized Vodou actually is. Chesi’s pictures show dozens and dozens of Haitian people flocking to support another Vodou practice, but for what reason? Why do these members feel so indebted to one another? From my observation the answer to this question comes from the simple fact that Vodou needs a sense of community mong its members to remain relevant. It was from the simple yearning to keep tradition relevant that Vodou stemmed, so it appears to me that the idea of community or family has been long standing, even deep within Vodou’s African roots. Hurbon’s choice of words within Voodoo: Truth and Fantasy shed’s lite on the communal aspect of Vodou a little differently. Like Chesi, Hurbon acknowledges the importance of community, even stating that Vodou â€Å"bring families together in large gatherings, a festive way of ensuring that religious traditions will endure† (Hurbon 14). In Hurbon’s text it appears that the family and passing of tradition from generation to generation is in fact important to the survival of Vodou. In my examination of Hurbon’s text it seemed as though Hurbon was promoting a balance of kinship and communal ties. Hurbon states that it is important to have family agreement in order to have a positive communal bond. One aspect of Hurbon’s text was that Vodou was often referred to as â€Å"a cult dedicated to spirits. † Hurbon did not let the wording of her description interfere with the way information was conveyed, however, I found it quiet bias that she would call Vodou a cult. Personally I associate the word cult with negative connotations. It is unclear whether Hurbon planned on conveying Vodou in a negative light, but one thing is for certain a cult describes a group of people or the communal bond that Vodou encourages. In Michel’s and Smith’s book, Voodou in Haitian Life and Culture: Invisible Powers, The authors proceed to explain how the â€Å"magical† or â€Å"superstitious† aspect of Vodou conveys a sense of community among its supporters. The authors show that not only is Vodou practice a family effort, but a community effort as well. Smith and Michel both depict a type of Vodou were literally everyone in a community is involved. From small children to the eldest members of a community, all play an important role in carrying on and performing the tradition of Vodou culture. The elaborate rituals and preparation described by the authors is only made possible through communal efforts. From my understanding of the community in Vodou culture, it appears that only through community and unity can tradition be kept alive. Despite any negative connotations Vodou may have, each author showed how important Vodou is in respects to several aspects of Haitian culture. Vodou is not only a religious matter, but also a political, economic, and social one as well. On May 14, 2013 guest lecturer Carnie Fabious stated, â€Å"Vodou is a way of life. † This statement alone sums up what Vodou was, and what Vodou continues to be in regards to Haitian culture. Fabious’ words show the importance that Vodou plays in all aspects of Haitian life, and demonstrates how relative the religion is to such a vast group of people.

Taxation Tutorial 2011/12

CC3155 Taxation Tutorial 1 (2009/10 Semester 1) Suggested Answers to Tutorial Questions (Lecture 1) Overview of the Hong Kong Tax System and Administration A) Quiz 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. F T T T F T E The chargeable person a) Salaries tax: person who has income from employment, office or pension deriving from HK, b) Property tax: owner of land/buildings in HK, and c) Profits tax: person who carries on a trade, profession or business in HK. 9. April 1st, March 31st, April 1st 2008, March 31st 2009. 0. (a & b) 2007/08; (c & d) 2008/09. B) Essay Questions 1. The characteristics (features) of Hong Kong tax system are: †¢ Territorial Source Concept †¢ Schedular tax system †¢ Direct assessment †¢ Limitation to the standard rate †¢ Low tax rates †¢ No capital gains tax †¢ No tax on dividend income 2. The following bodies are involved in the administration of income taxes in Hong Kong: †¢ Inland Revenue Department (IRD) †¢ Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) †¢ Board of Review (BoR) 3.The source of Hong Kong tax law comprises: †¢ Statute law †¢ Case law 1 CC3155 Taxation ______________ 4. Tutorial Answer 1 (2008/09 Semester 1) Composition BIR: consists the Financial Secretary and 4 other members, appointed by the Chief Executive. The CIR is one of the members and a DCIR is the secretary of the BIR. BoR: consists of a chairman and a number of deputy chairman and not more than 150 other members, all of whom are appointed by the Chief Executive (s65). Functions BIR: To make rules called Inland Revenue Rules (IRR) †¢ To specify the forms (e. g. composite tax return) which are necessary for carrying out the provisions of the IRO †¢ To prescribe the procedure to be followed when appealing to the BoR with effect from Jun13,1997 BoR: †¢ To hear taxpayers’ appeals against the CIR’s or DCIR’s determination, s82A additional tax and penalty †¢ To approve CIR’s application for the taxpayer to file a statement of assets and liabilities under s51A(1). 2

Ethical Implications of Adverse Conditioning Essay Example

Ethical Implications of Adverse Conditioning Essay Example Ethical Implications of Adverse Conditioning Paper Ethical Implications of Adverse Conditioning Paper Ethical Implications of Aversive Conditioning It is not usual for psychologists to give prominence to ethical issues and Skinner is no exception. However, in writing about the application of behavioral analysis to significant issues in human behavior. Skinner stresses three issues which have general ethical implications. The use of positive reinforcement, the minimization of punishment contingencies and the specification of objectives (Skinner 1953, 1971). Aversive Conditioning is the use of unpleasant stimuli to induce behavior. It means, for example, causing pain to the subject each time he or she shows a behavior that is o be eradicated (Castro 2004). This distinction may also be applied to lower level learning, such as occurred with PavloVs dogs or pigeons in the Skinner box. A dog that salivates when hearing a bell is demonstrating a declarative knowledge, he knows that after the bell comes the food. A pigeon pressing a lever to get food is effectively applying procedural knowledge, it learned how to obtain food. The most important experimental result from the laboratory study of learning is that, for all kinds of learning, the process is more efficient when learning is accomplished in epeated sessions of short duration than in few sessions of long duration. Aversive procedures are used most commonly in the areas of developmental disabilities and to deal with disorders of sexual arousal such as pedophilia and exhibitionism (Repp Singh 1990). In the American Journal of Mental Retardation, the following guidelines for the use of aversive procedures are as follows: Aversive procedures should be used only if the scientific literature supports their use for a specified condition. Aversive procedures should only be used when the targeted behaviors re clearly of danger to the client or others, and there is well documented evidence that non-aversive interventions by competent practitioners have been tried and failed. Aversive procedures should only be used within a broad program of intervention and management. In addition to the use of aversive procedures for reducing challenging behavior, there must be concomitant intervention programs to promote the adaptive skill levels of clients. In all instances where aversive procedures are used, informed consent must have been given by the client or a legal guardian of the client prior to commencement of their use. Developmentally and culturally appropriate explanation of the aversive procedure and its objectives must be provided to clients. Psychologists using aversive procedures must always be familiar with and comply with any legislative requirements regarding the use of aversive procedures. Psychologists who use aversive procedures should have an advanced level of training in the use of behavioral therapies. In all instances where aversive procedures are used with developmentally and intellectually disadvantaged populations and children, a broadly based group should monitor the use of such rocedures. This group should include specialists in the use of aversive procedures, and people who safeguard the rights of the client. In the case of non-intellectually disadvantaged consenting adult clients, it is advisable that the treating psychologist using aversive procedures seek advice and/or supervision from colleagues (American Journal of Mental Retardation 1990). As you can see buy these guidelines the clients are well InTormea ana are taken care 0T In every extreme. Altnougn all provlslon 0T psychological services raises ethical issues, regardless of its theoretical nderpinnings, behavior modification has always received considerable scrutiny. That scrutiny has often been complicated by the existence of a negative image of behavior modification, bases on a number of popular and long held misconceptions. These include the view that behavior modifiers seek to impose control over human behavior that behavioral analysis is a type of mechanic psychology, and that aversive and punitive methods are routinely part of behavior modification. All these misconceptions should be corrected as a preliminary to considering the actual ethical basis of behavioral modification. Skinner took the view that positive einforcement should be preferred because punishment was undesirable and ineffective. In conclusion Aversive procedures are used in combination with other behavioral and cognitive strategies, and have been found to be useful in the management of impulse control problems. Aversive procedures are not in any way intended to cause harm to the individual. Thus it is beneficial for these individuals to seek help with the use of aversive conditioning so as to help the positive outcome of treatment. It will help with a better outlook on the individuals life. American Journal of Mental Retardation 1990, 95, Special Issue. Castro, Hector. Aversive Conditioning and Negative Reinforcement. The Science of Mind. 2004 Guidelines for the Use of Aversive Procedures. The Australian Psychological Society Limited. ABN 23 000 543 788 Leslie, Julian C. Ethical Implications of Behavior Modification, Historical and Current Issues. The Psychological Record, 1997 47 637-648 Repp, A. and Singh, N. Perspectives on the use of nonaversive and aversive interventions for persons with developmental disabilities. P Eds. NY USA Skinner, B. F. Science and Human Behavior. Macmillan. 1953 NY Skinner, B. F. Beyond Freedom and Dignity. Bantam. 1971 NY

Human Resource Management of organization in Commonwealth Bank of Assignment

Human Resource Management of organization in Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Assignment Example Hereby, the paper aims at studying the overall business strategies considered by CBA for its long run improvements in order to fulfill the vision to serve customers with the best service in banking and to be reputed as one of the finest banking organizations in the Australian history. Strategies From a generalized point of view, it can be noted that the considered strategies of CBA focus largely on the primary functioning departments such as ‘customer service department’, ‘business banking dimension’ and ‘technology & operational excellence department’ which in turn can be learnt to amplify trust as well as team spirit within the employees. The strategic planning for the customer service states that it is considered in order to build a good relationship with the customers by serving them with best facilities as compared to other banks. The strategies considered under customer service mostly concentrate on redecorating the existing sales and serv ices program with innovative benefits and features for the customers (Commonwealth Bank, 2006). CBA can also be identified to take certain measures to increase its customer base facilitating them with easy processing system. Under business banking, CBA also attempted to introduce CommSee and ComBiz to enhance its functioning with informational technology so that customers avail the services smoothly. CBA also introduced the business banking dimension in alliance with other institutions to facilitate the customers with tailored services. The strategies planned for developing the technology and operational excellence are by providing the virtues of Information Technology with group-wide leadership, applying smarter sourcing and simultaneously improving the lean process with innovative ideas. The organization also believes that to have an effective outcome from the strategies, employees need to have trust and team sprit among themselves for which CBA always considers new thoughts to bu ild good relationship and collaboration within the workforce as well as with the customers. Furthermore, CBA frequently focuses on the process and the methods to develop their employees’ productivity, customer base along with their functioning. CBA also took certain measures to involve with the community by considering the safety for the people (Commonwealth Bank, 2006). CBA consequently tends to consider innovative strategies in order to become the best banking organization in the Australian history. For its profitable growth, CBA also planned certain strategies maintaining a good relationship with others along with the growth of agenda, simultaneously developing its traditional market by investing or expanding its target market. CBA also introduced a new strategy of insurance policy as CommInsure which facilitated the customers with life insurance policies. This particular strategy can be further observed as the organizational measure taken towards developing the services a nd reform the process so as to obtain better efficiency (Commonwealth Bank, 2006). Illustrations It is worth mentioning in this context that incorporating the aforementioned a few innovative customer-centric strategies, CBA was able to achieve the second position in the national banking sector under Australian Security Exchange. Furthermore, the growth of CBA also indicates the level of services owing to which, the organization has been able to satisfy the customers’

Creating, Financing, and Marketing a Business Essay - 2

Creating, Financing, and Marketing a Business - Essay Example A second downfall of partnerships is that total profits are shared among the different partners of the business. Finding the right partner is imperative towards the success of a partnership. 2. Discuss funding options for small businesses. Entrepreneurs have various options to fund their business. The business structure of the company affects the alternatives of the business to raise capital. Sole proprietorship can raise capital by investing the personal wealth of the owner. The business can also obtain money by borrowing funds from the bank or other lending institution. A single owner that wants to raise more money for the business can do so by finding an equity partner. A partner can invest money in exchange for participation in the business. When a business grows the company has higher needs for capital. A business structure that is extremely effective at raising capital is public corporations. A company becomes public after undergoing an IPO process. All public companies must be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Public companies can raise money by selling common stocks in the open market. Firms have to option to sell common and preferred stocks. Common stocks have voting rights, while preferred stocks do not have voting rights but they have guaranteed dividend payments. A second way for public companies to raise money is through the sale of commercial paper. Corporations can sell bonds in the open market to raise money. 3. Determine and discuss how managerial accounting can help managers with product costing, incremental analysis, and budgeting. Unlike financial accounting which focuses on providing precise, relevant and historical accounting information to stockholders, creditors and others who are outside the organization; managerial accounting focuses on providing information to managers who directly control its day to day operations. Managerial accounting helps managers perform their three essential activities: planning, dir ecting and motivating, and controlling. To plan correctly a manager will use cost accounting information to determine all the necessary materials and resources in order to manufacture and assemble a specific product. Without the specific accounting data regarding manufacturing processes, labor costs, materials, and overhead expenditures for a product line it would be very difficult for a manager to determine the real costs of production and a fair allocation of overhead costs for a specific product or service. Managers utilize cost-volume profit analysis as one of the most important tools managerial accountants have in their arsenal. It helps managers understand the interrelationship between price or costs, volume, variable unit costs, fixed costs and how the mix of products affects the overall business. CVP information can help a manager determine which products to manufacture, product costs, pricing decisions, and which specific products and what amounts to produce to include in t he product mix. Incremental analysis can also be performed by managers which will consider only those items of revenue, costs and volume directly related to the new product or service and how the overall profitability of the firm will be affected specifically by those product changes. Without the managerial accoun