Bridging the Global Digital Divide Research Paper

Bridging the Global Digital Divide - Research Paper Example The growth of information technology in a country highly depends on the extent to which policy makers in the country recognize the importance of information and communication technology to the country. The policy makers might come in handy when it comes to things like regulations, taxation, incentives and many others. Some developing countries impose a lot of taxes on ICT related companies thinking that, through taxation, the country’s economy is likely to grow (Brooks, Donovan & Rumble, 2005). One thing that they tend to forget that high taxation can hinder the entrance of new players into this industry. Therefore, the country’s economy lacks the contribution of ICT to its economy. Most developing countries lack the appropriate infrastructure that can enable effective application of information and communication technology in the country. This leads to low level of accessibility of services that ICT can offer to the countries’ economy. The ultimate result of thi s is a scenario in which developing countries are unable to have the complete advantage of ICT being used in their economic sectors. Poor infrastructure also leads to poor performance of the ICT related industries which in a way reflect to the general economic performance of the countries. ... The result of this is that their performance turns out to be lower than the performances of the same types of businesses in developed countries (Norris, 2003). The high prices not only affect the economic sector but also other sectors such education and even social life. Being that most developing countries are always in the struggle of trying to attain economic stability, financial resources that are required for development of ICT infrastructure might in some instances be unavailable. The unavailability is always makes it hard for developing countries to invest highly in ICT infrastructure. The eventual outcome of this is economic, educational, and social institutions that have limited or no access to ICT services and resources (Yu, 2006). The effect of this lack of access to ICT resources is heightened by the ignorance of the level to which ICT can improve the effectiveness of these institutions. In the developing countries, language can also be a hindrance to the application of I CT. Television programs, radio programs, computer software, and on line sites always use languages used in the countries in which these appliances have been developed. Given that very few of these appliances are developed in the developing countries, the local people might have a hard time trying to conform to technological assimilation. This factor makes the application of ICT in almost all aspects of human life in developing countries very hard. Studies have even proved that the low rate of growth of ICT is contributed to by stereotypes that have depicted ICT as a highly complex thing. People from developing countries have the tendency of associating ICT to people with affluence and not just everybody. In most developing countries, ICT

Othello Essay Example for Free

Othello Essay The narrative of Shakespeare’s Othello is driven by the skillfully interwoven elements of doubt, speculation and posturing that are present and intensified throughout. Though the play is filled with sympathetic characters, Iago and Roderigo being the only two whose intentions are known to the audience as malicious, each character is uniquely flawed and the playwright makes this apparent in even the most pedestrian exchanges.   As the focal point of the plot’s manipulation of its well-intended characters and the unseen catalyst of the ire rising between friends and lovers with no true trespasses toward one another, Iago is brilliant at exploiting such imperfection.    Iago uses the highly charged convergence of race and sexuality to act upon his own jealousies. Acting upon the marriage of Desdemona and Othello, a military hero promoted above Iago, the villain would deceive all parties to induce Othello toward the jealous murder of his faithful wife.   The dramatic resolution is underscored by the progressive discussion engaged by Shakespeare on race and sexuality in Jacobean England. In the opening scene, when Iago demands Brabantio’s attention to his daughter’s deflowering, he immediately inducts the audience into a key principle of the world which the characters inhabit.   Depicting to his advantage a circumstance in which some form of violation has occurred, Iago tells Brabantio that â€Å"Your heart is burst, you have lost half your soul / Even now, now, very now, an old black ram / is tupping your white ewe.† (1.1, 85-87)   This is the first recognition of the theme of race, with Othello’s Moorish ethnicity inciting hostility from Iago.   His jealous and deceptive ancient, Iago uses this characterization to draw a distinction between Othello’s sexual congress with Desdemona as opposed to that of a white man. A theme that would be explored throughout the work, this is a demonstration of the lascivious sexual character which society attributed to blacks.   More a means of differentiation than reality, Iago uses it in this context to inspire indignation from Brabantio over the transgression of his daughter’s purity.   The base terms in which he chooses here to describe Othello’s relationship with Desdemona are indicative of the attitude which pervades the order of men through the play’s five Acts regarding race, sexuality and the dynamic of power amongst all three.   And it is also telling to the perspective of the play itself that Iago’s racism provides the first set of eyes through which we are allowed to observe events and individuals.   As one critic notes of the conflict in the play, â€Å"we find out what it is for the first time only through Iago’s violently eroticizing and racilalizing report to Brabantio.† (Adelman, 25)   This hel ps to manipulate events right before the audience’s eyes.   Such a dynamic is further reinforced by Brabantio’s response: â€Å"Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters’ minds   By what you see them act.   Is there not charms By which the property of youth and maidhood   May be abused?† (1.1, 168-170). Here, Brabantio seems to address the audience, admonishing them of the guile which even young women are capable of.   It is unclear at this early juncture of the play whether it is Shakespeare’s intention to voice his estimation of the female mystique or whether he is beginning to establish what would flourish into a full-fledged lampoon of the vulnerabilities which men suffer to their women.   In the case of Brabantio, it is at least perceptible that he recognizes his susceptibility to manipulation, and that the soft and disarming charms of his beautiful daughter had clouded him of his judgment. This is a recurrent theme throughout the play.   Shakespeare straddles an obfuscating line through the narrative that divides the audience in its perception of his views on gender and race relations.   Without assigning blame to one gender more than the other, he sharply assails both men and women for their vagaries in lust and envy.   The manifestation in Othello is an unending cycle of suspicion and resentment.   In the author’s universe, the yielding and delicate exterior of woman plays easily on the resolution to justice which embodies his men.   For both sexes, this sets off a destructive pattern of deception and misperception. The insertion of race into this dynamic creates something of the explosive situation which Iago exploits. Brabantio in particular is a character who is peculiarly incapable of protecting himself from the manipulative ends of those around him.   It is perhaps of some central importance to the play that much of his consternation and confusion centers around his skewed perspective on sexuality, which he typically characterizes as an act of natural transgression.   Proving himself most permeable to Iago’s suggestions, which wisely prey on the Senator’s sexual complex, Brabantio is equally inclined to view men as capable of deception.   Hurling an accusation at Othello over the violation of his daughter, Brabantio quickly shifts from a misogynistic mode to one of egalitarian mistrust: â€Å"Damned as thou art, thou hast enchanted her! For I’ll refer me to all things of sense, If she in chains of magic were not bound, Whether a maid so tender, fair, and happy, So opposite to marriage that she shunned The wealth, curled darlings of our nation, Would ever have, t’incur a general mock, Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom Of such a thing as thou.† (1.3, 63-70) Beyond another explicitly racist sentiment which Brabantio expresses here, there is a complicated set of views on gender, gender roles and the value system which he uses to contextualize the relationship between men and women.   His emphasis here on Desdemona’s rejection of men with great affluence, rank and reputation, especially in favor of the Moorish Othello, as justification for his scurrilous accusations is based not on a sense of who his daughter is, who Othello is or necessarily even the role that race plays in the matter.   More, Brabantio is inclined to an understanding of gender relations which centers on the material rule of society.   In this way, his perspective represents a conservative conception of how the sexes and races are intended to interact.   As another critical perspective denotes, â€Å"Othello is one play, moreover, that intermixes the differences of race and sexuality as the specters of performance.† (Murray, 93) This is to say that the provocative questions there associated are pitched about with a remarkable candor in a play composed in 1622.   Ultimately, even as Othello becomes an aggressor and his own worst enemy, Shakespeare evades the easy connotations of race and sexuality that seem to be at the basis of Iago’s deceit, weaving instead a deeply nuanced outlook on a very complex subject.

Understanding the Indian Culture :: Cultural Identity Essays

Daughter: Dad, we’ve got a lot of time before your flight out of Ft. Lauderdale. Let’s take the back roads over to the East Coast -- it will give you a chance to see a part of Florida you’ve never seen before. Father: Sounds okay to me. I’m surprised at all the cattle ranches around here thought we Texans were the only ones with this many herds ... of course, these do look pretty scrawny compared to ours! Daughter: Yes, I know, Dad -- no place like Texas. Father: Who owns all these cattle and grazing lands? Some big corporate group I guess? Daughter: Well, I’m not sure about all of it but The Seminole Tribe of Florida is one of the major cattle ranching enterprises. Father: You mean Seminoles as in Indians? Daughter: Yes, Dad, Indians. Father: (After a few miles of silent observance) Well, I find that hard to believe. All Indians are l lazy. All they do is lay around and do nothing. Daughter: I’m curious Dad, where’d you get that idea? Father: Everybody knows it. I’ve been around the Southwest and Midwest and I’ve seen them lay around and drink. Remember Frank, out in Oklahoma, he’s got some pretty ugly stories to tell. Daughter: Well, I’m sure there’s a few bad apples in every bunch -- white or black, Indian or not -- but I don’t think you could say they are all that way. Father: Maybe. But I don’t like my tax dollar going to support them. Now they have casinos and they don’t even pay taxes. Daughter: I’ve got an idea. We’ve got a few extra hours. Let’s make a couple of stops along the way. Here’s the first. Father: What -- this bingo joint? Daughter: Yes, just for a few minutes. I hear they serve great hamburgers and who knows, it could be our lucky day! Father: (Emerging a little while later with a big smile) That was pretty good. I’ve got a little extra change to head home with too. Sure was a big place. Daughter: It was a pretty impressive operation and it provides a lot of employment opportunities for Indians and non-Indians, too.

William Shakespeare :: essays research papers

William Shakespeare Born on April 23, 1564 in Stratford-Upon-Avon, England. His father John Shakespeare and his mother Mary Arden. W.S. was able to attend grammer school and learned Greek and Latin classics (this is comparable to college education today). At age 14 his father lost the family fortune and remained poor until his death At 18 he married Anne Hathaway in 1582. She was 26 years old. They had three children Suzanne(1583) and the twins Hamnet and Judith(1585). In his mid-twenties he left Stratford(supposedly because of poaching on the Queen's land) for London. His first job with Richard Burbage's men was as an osler; next an actor. No one knows what he was doing during 1585-1592. By 1592 he had become known in London as an actor and playwright; his rise was rapid. Queen Elizabeth 1 supported the arts and the theater. In 1592 a plague closed the theaters(Shakespeare wrote poetry during this time to support himself). In 1593 a brief reopening of the theater happened. In 1594 theaters reopened. The troupe became the Lord Chamberlain's Men set up on a servant co-op structure. Requirements for actors: 1. loud voice 2. sing and play instruments 3. good swordsman 4. good memories During this time he wrote many comedies: Comedy of Errors first of any status. Histories were written in support of the gov't. This is where they were receiving much of the financial support so they wanted to keep the gov't (Queen) happy. W.S. was a major stockholder in the theater. 1597-bought New Place in Stratford(2nd largest house) 1599-Lord Chamberlain's Men bought land and built the Globe Theater in Southwark(South Bank of the Thames River). W.S. owned 1/10th 1603-Queen Elizabeth died. King James took reign of England. He loved the arts more than the queen. The name was changed from Lord Chamberlain's Men to the King's Men. 1608-Added to the Globe Theater by buying the Black Friars Theater and giving performances there also. W.S. owned 1/7th 1613-Fire at the Globe during a performance of Henry 8th; rebuilt within a year. Left comedies and histories to write tragedies soon after the Globe reopened. Sonnets-published in 1610 but circulated earlier. First Tragedy: The Tragedy of Hamlet

Freud’s Theory of Id, Ego, Superego Essay

Sigmund Freud believed that our mind always have conflicts with itself. Anxiety and unhappiness is the main symptoms for this situation. Bertha Pappenhein alias Anna O case is one of the classic case study by Freud (Stevenson, 1996). Anna O is a young girl in her early twenties; she was a patient of Dr. Breuer. She showed some physiological and psychological disturbance like nervous cough, rigid paralysis, eye movement disturbed, power of speech reduces and others (Stevenson, 1996). After doing some hypnosis, Freud noticed that these disturbances are actually parts of her memories while she was nursing her dying father. There was once where her neighbour played a wonderful music, she was so excited and she started dancing; soon she had an urge to be at her neighbour’s house and thus leaving her father’s bedside. At that moment, she felt guilt and sadness for leaving her father’s bedside. After some time, she covers the internal conflict by coughing (Stevenson, 1996). This case had brought Freud to believe that our mind is divided into three parts- unconscious, conscious and preconscious minds which more commonly known as the id, ego and superego (Ciccarelli & White, 2012). The id or it is the primary personality found in an infant. The ids are usually demanding, immoral, illogical, irrational and selfish. It ignores about other’s desire or the reality and place it’s satisfaction at the first place (Ciccarelli & White, 2012). This is because id only functions to seek and maximize it’s pleasure and avoid pain, we say that id serves the pleasure principle (Schultz & Schultz, 2009). For example, a newborn baby; one who cries when the need is not reached but does not have the knowledge to satisfy the pleasure. Hence, the only way for the hungry infant to bring satisfaction is through reflex action. Freud has proposed this as the primary principle process (Schultz & Schultz, 2009). The only part in our mind which is in contact with reality is the ego (Feist & Feist, 2009). The ego is influenced by the â€Å"reality principle†. Ego will become more rational and logic. Besides, the ego is able to make the right decisions on each level. Ego does not ignore id’s demands but it will try to delay the action to bring satisfaction. As a child is growing up, they tend to receive punishments and gain rewards from their parents. Thus, they will learn how to avoid pain and gain pleasure at the same time (Feist & Feist, 2009). For instance, a child may want to steal some cookies from the kitchen, but will not when the parent is around (King, 2010). In short, ego can be explained as â€Å"if it feels good, do it, but only if you can get away with it† (Ciccarelli & White, 2012). The superego has the meaning of â€Å"above I† in Latin. Superego usually includes the moral values that obtained from the parents or society (McLeod, 2008). This is mainly guided by the idealistic principle where it convinces the ego to turn into moralistic goals rather than simply realistic ones. Freud suggested that around the age of 5, the superego starts to develop. According to Freud, superego consists of two parts, the conscience and ideal self. The conscience punishes the ego by creating feelings of guilt (McLeod, 2008). For example, a child steal some cookies from the kitchen, he or she will feel guilty. While for the ideal self develops from the experiences with reward for telling us how to behave and treat other people. Freud’s theory had attracted many followers due to the theory was new and creative (Plotnik, 2002). Vienna Psychoanalytic Society had formed to commence meetings with the supporters. However, some of the group members disagree with Freud’s theory and assumptions. One of the members who disagreed with Freud’s theory is Carl Jung. He was the first president of the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society. At the beginning he supported Freud fully; however Jung and Freud not only ended their personal relationship but also professional relationship after four years. Jung disagree that Freud emphasis too much on the sex drive, he believes that the collective unconscious is the main force in developing personality (Plotnik, 2002). The collective, universal human memories are called the archetypes (Boreree, 2006). Another member who disagrees with Freud is Alfred Adler (Plotnik, 2002). He was another contemporary of Freud who later became the president of the society. He was criticized badly by other members after he voiced out his disagreement on Freud’s theory, not long later he reigned. Alder believed that child-rearing practices and sibling influence are the main force for the development of personality. He had mentioned that the driving force behind all human endeavors is not seeking for pleasure but for superiority. Other than that, he suggested that the order of a child is born also affects the personality development (Plotnik, 2002). For instance, firstborn feel inferior when a younger child gets all the attention. Thus, they tend to be a little more competitive (Boreree, 2006). Although Freud’s theory had attracted so many followers, however there are some flaws in this theory. The main reason for this is because most of Freud’s researches are based on case study. Due to the inherent subjectivity, case study is difficult to generalize (Achilleos, 2012). The data are not gathered systematically and they are mainly based on the qualitative subjective data. In Freud’s case study, he did not keep any records of the therapy session. Besides, the validity of Freud’s data may be one of the weaknesses of this theory. He believes that taking notes during a therapy session may distract the patient, thus he discourages the analyst to take notes during the therapy session. As a result, Freud only gathers and records data based on his memory, and this might cause the data to be incomplete (Achilleos, 2012). I believed that many of us may be familiar with these three personalities. These personalities are frequently shown in the animated form (Ciccarelli & White, 2012). The little devil as the id, the superego is the little angel while the ego is the individual that is caught in the middle struggling to decide which action is right. Normally the id will demand for an act; the superego put restrictions on how the demand can be reached while the ego will negotiate between id’s demand and superego’s restrictions. Anxiety and unhappiness will form when the id or superego does not get things done according to it’s way. The constant id-superego inner conflict is Freud’s view on how the personality works (Ciccarelli & White, 2012). Although there are some flaws and lack of evidence to prove this theory, but certain parts of the theory does explain the personality of an individual.

Threat of National ID essays

Threat of National ID essays In William Safires The Threat of National ID, Safire argues against a National ID Card, that he says will be used by zealots as the holy grail of snoopery. Safire bases his argument around a comparison of a lost pet with newly developed chips implanted underneath their skin that would let animal shelters alert owners, of their pets whereabouts. In comparison, Safire says of the cards, it would be like making everybody in the United States under penalty of law to carry what the totalitarians used to call papers. Safire seems to strongly appose the ID card, and rightfully so. I believe that like Safire says, In time the card would contain not only a fingerprint, description of DNA and the details of your eyes iris, but a host of other information about you. The reason proponents think these cards should be created is to help prevent future incidences like those that occurred on September 11, 2001. My personal opinion is that this card would not stop these events from occurring. The hijackers of the planes on 9/11 had passports, this goes beyond our National ID to International ID and it still could not stop them. Also I feel that even if the government was effective in not giving these cards to terrorists, they could still obtain them just as they do passports, birth certificates and other forms of identification by both legal and illegal means. Here are another couple of thoughts to ponder. What happens if these cards get stolen or lost? Would I have to wait in an airport like Tom Hanks in the film The Terminal, would I be denied a job or be placed in custody because of what someone who had stolen my card had did while in its possession? If the card isnt returned after being lost, there will have to be a lot of expensive security measures to make sure I am the one who receives a replacement, and not my ...

Free Essays on How To Cook A Turkey

HOW TO COOK A TURKEY You might think that cooking a turkey is one of the easiest things to do, but really it isn’t. You need to have a lot of patients and need to know just the right way to cook it. Through this essay I will show you how to prepare, and cook a turkey. The first thing you must do is thawing it out. This process is the most time consuming part of preparing it, this could take up to5 days or 12 hours depending on the size of it. After the turkey has been thawed out you must now prepare it for the cooking by following these steps: Remove original plastic wrapper from thawed or fresh turkey. Remove the neck and giblets from the body and neck cavities. Thoroughly rinse turkey and inside cavity. Drain juices and blot turkey dry with paper towels. Return legs to tucked position, if untucked. If using an oven-safe meat thermometer, insert into the deepest part of the thigh. Brush with oil to prevent drying of the skin. Once you have prepared it, it is now time for you to cook it. There are many types of ways to cook a turkey you can roast it, smoke it, microwave it, and also deed fry it. But the most traditional way is to roast it and that is the way that I will explain how to do. When roasting it this could take up to 5 hours unstuffed and 5 Â ¼ hours stuffed and it also depends on the sizes. And with the following steps you will be able to create a juicy, golden brown, and perfect turkey: Place thawed or fresh turkey, breast up, on a flat rack in a shallow pan, 2 to 2Â ½ inches deep. Insert oven-safe meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. Brush or rub skin with oil to prevent drying of the skin and to enhance the golden color. Place in a preheated 325 Â °F oven. When the skin is a light golden color and the turkey is about two-thirds done, shield the breast loosely with a tent of lightweight foil to prevent overcooking of the breast. Turkey is done when the meat thermometer reaches t... Free Essays on How To Cook A Turkey Free Essays on How To Cook A Turkey HOW TO COOK A TURKEY You might think that cooking a turkey is one of the easiest things to do, but really it isn’t. You need to have a lot of patients and need to know just the right way to cook it. Through this essay I will show you how to prepare, and cook a turkey. The first thing you must do is thawing it out. This process is the most time consuming part of preparing it, this could take up to5 days or 12 hours depending on the size of it. After the turkey has been thawed out you must now prepare it for the cooking by following these steps: Remove original plastic wrapper from thawed or fresh turkey. Remove the neck and giblets from the body and neck cavities. Thoroughly rinse turkey and inside cavity. Drain juices and blot turkey dry with paper towels. Return legs to tucked position, if untucked. If using an oven-safe meat thermometer, insert into the deepest part of the thigh. Brush with oil to prevent drying of the skin. Once you have prepared it, it is now time for you to cook it. There are many types of ways to cook a turkey you can roast it, smoke it, microwave it, and also deed fry it. But the most traditional way is to roast it and that is the way that I will explain how to do. When roasting it this could take up to 5 hours unstuffed and 5 Â ¼ hours stuffed and it also depends on the sizes. And with the following steps you will be able to create a juicy, golden brown, and perfect turkey: Place thawed or fresh turkey, breast up, on a flat rack in a shallow pan, 2 to 2Â ½ inches deep. Insert oven-safe meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. Brush or rub skin with oil to prevent drying of the skin and to enhance the golden color. Place in a preheated 325 Â °F oven. When the skin is a light golden color and the turkey is about two-thirds done, shield the breast loosely with a tent of lightweight foil to prevent overcooking of the breast. Turkey is done when the meat thermometer reaches t...

Newborn Screening Review Essay

Newborn Screening Review Essay The Significance of Newborn Screening Review Essay The Significance of Newborn Screening Review Essay The importance of newborn screening is enormous because this health program assists healthcare professionals in the process of identification and prevention of numerous health-threatening diseases, pathologies, and other health defects. With help of newborn screening experts in the sphere of healthcare can obtain valuable data where further testing should be recommended. The given paper aims to determine and assess the significance of newborn screening, review statistics in numerous countries, including the Middle East, and, finally, pay attention to serious newborn diseases. In addition, several effective methods of prevention of newborn diseases will be reviewed and evaluated. Taking into consideration the definition of newborn screening, it is rather important to note that this health program is primarily purposed to screen infants after their birth in order to diagnose serious health problems. The researchers claim that this procedure should be conducted shortly after the birth of children, because it increases the chances either to treat or prevent health defects (CDC, 2014). Besides, high quality newborn screening may prevent sudden death of infant. It is rather important to emphasize the fact that these screening programs are not mandatory on the territories of many countries. Unfortunately, nowadays too many children suffer from inborn birth defects, and that is why newborn screening can reduce the percentage of numerous diseases. Even if children look healthy, the researchers recommend parents to insist on newborn screening, because this procedure may save lives of children suffering from various diseases and defects. Thus, this procedure has alread y proven efficient, as it has saved thousands of newborn children around the globe from numerous fatal disorders, including inborn errors of metabolic processes, blood diseases, and other health problems (CDC, 2014). Effectiveness of Screening Tests According to the results of statistics, which include the information about effectiveness of screening tests in different countries, thousands of families around the globe, including those in the USA, Canada, European nations, and the Middle Eastern countries, refer to newborn screening with the purpose to decrease the morbidity and mortality rates among children. These procedures provide a chance for people to conduct effective genetic counselling as well as follow numerous preventive strategies (Ben-Omran, 2013). According to the research results, Qatar is one of the first countries in the Arab world that has expanded newborn screening programs and tests on national, regional, and local levels (Ben-Omran, 2013). The government of this country encourages people to conduct newborn screening with the primary purposes to diagnose, provide treatment, and prevent endocrine disorders. For instance, between 2003 and 2012, more than 135 hundred thousands of neonates were screened on the territory of Qatar. Moreover, with help of these effective tests and techniques, medical professionals in Qatar have the opportunity to detect approximately 30 different diseases, including endocrine problems and inborn errors of metabolism. Besides, these newborn screening tests provide a chance to detect not only classic forms of inborn diseases and pathologies, but their rare variants as well. The results of recent reports state that the amount of newborn diseases is very large in the Middle East, as opposed to the Western world and many developed European countries (Ben-Omran, 2013). The researchers claim that many obstacles prevent governments of the Middle Eastern countries from implementing mandatory newborn screening programs. The most common obstacles include the absence of important technical structures, unavailability of funds and investments for global screening tests, considerably high birth rates, extremely low incomes, and, finally, insufficient numbers of trained physicians as well as the lack of specialized facilities (Ben-Omran, 2013). According to the results provided by DACHDNC, the government of the USA recommends to screen newborns for numerous diseases. For instance, it is estimated that newborn screening can detect at least 31 health defects and inborn illnesses. Each year, millions of children on the territory of the USA are screened and, at the same time, diagnosed with numerous genetic defects, metabolic diseases, and endocrine problems. It is rather important to note the fact that in the USA newborn screening is considered an extremely visible and significant state-based program that was implemented in the early 1960s (Cordero et al, n. d.). R. Guthrie is the first person who successfully devised several screening tests and procedures for phenylketonuria, which is commonly referred to as PKU. This medical procedure was easily performed because of its simplicity, as it involved only a blood spot and a small filter paper card. During that period of time, approximately 150 million newborn children were scree ned with the primary purpose to diagnose and prevent significant genetic and congenital health defects (Cordero et al, n. d.). Taking into consideration scientific investigations of healthcare professionals, the majority of infants with metabolic and genetic health disorders look and behave normal at birth. However, with time, these diseases are progressing and, at the same time, becoming more visible to other people. Thus, numerous tests and screening procedures have been primarily designed in order to establish possible treatment and prevent irreversible damages to human body. According to the estimations of the researchers, newborn screening system in the USA consists of numerous components that are closely intertwined (Cordero et al, n. d.). The first integral element of newborn screening is based on education of healthcare professionals as well as parents. According to the second component, newborn screening system involves such procedures as collection of specimen, submission, and, lastly, testing. After that, health care professionals have to differentiate and explain abnormal or unsatisfactory test results. The fourth stage of screening system includes mandatory confirmatory clinical procedures and establishment of accurate diagnosis according to the results of tests. Finally, the fifth and sixth phases of newborn screening systems involve such important procedures as quality assurance of medical tests, validity of procedures, estimations of short-term as well as long-term benefits of screening tests to children or their families, and many other significant procedures. Taking into account the result of scientific researches provided by the National Newborn Screening and Genetics Resource Center, approximately 5 thousand out of 4 million infants are diagnosed with severe or even lethal pathologies or diseases that cannot be treated because of the absence of effective and influential cure (Cordero et al, n. d.). At the same time, newborn screening is recognized in the USA as one of the most effective programs that can reduce the percentage of newborn children with lethal pathologies to a minimum (Cordero et al, n. d.). The government of the USA has issued specialized statutes or, in other words, regulations that bear the responsibility for quality of public health newborn screening tests and procedures. In simple words, each separate state in the USA determines either mandatory or voluntary nature of newborn screening procedures. At present, screening of infants is available in many forms on the territory of the USA. Thus, every family, regardless of its origin, area of residence, preferred language, intelligence rates, and religious options, have the opportunity to screen children for health disorders. The government of the USA makes successful attempts in order to ensure universal access to newborn screening procedures for all families that live on the territory of this country. However, one factor that impedes the access of people to screening tests is directly connected with comparatively high price of some screening tests. According to the statistical data provided by the Council of Responsibl e Genetics, approximately 98 % of infants that are born in the USA are screened for significant amounts of inherited health conditions that are usually stored in specialized state-operated databases (Cordero et al, n. d.). However, in recent years, the amount of screening tests has significantly expanded because of many reasons, including technological advancements. It is extremely important to pay attention to the specialized report that was issued by the American College of Medical Genetics in 2005. According to the main idea of this report, all states on the territory of the USA are encouraged by the governmental agencies of to ensure for citizens of the USA screening of 29 health conditions that are commonly classified as â€Å"core conditions† (Kilakkathi, 2012). The list of main health conditions involves such severe metabolic diseases and heath defects as propionic as well as isovaleric academia, maple syrus urine disease, sickle cell anemia, hearing problems, and many other health-threatening pathologies and health problems (Kilakkathi, 2012). In addition, secondary panel involves 25 serious health defects, including malonic acidemia, argininemia, and many others (Kilakkathi, 2012). Therefore, the researchers provide convincing arguments that neonatal screening has been extremely popular on the territory of European countries for more than 50 years (Kilakkathi, 2012). In other words, neonatal screening is considered one of the most well-developed, financed, and governed health programs that provide assistance to families and entire communities to bring up healthy children. According to the research results provided by the European Union, the European Commission launched a specialized call for tender in order to determine and assess the efficiency of screening practices for extremely rare health problems (Kilakkathi, 2012). Newborn Screening Tests Nowadays, professionals in the sphere of healthcare differentiate several main screening tests, especially heel prick, infant hearing tests, physical examinations, and, finally, congenital heart defects screening (CDC, 2015). For instance, the neonatal heel prick, which is sometimes referred to as Guthrie test, is one on the most widespread screening tests that should be performed in order to minimize the possible risks of health-threatening diseases. It is rather important to note that this procedure is the simplest one, because it is based on a tiny pinprick puncture that is made on one heel of an infant in order to soak blood and take some samples that are important for conducting screening tests (CDC, 2015). This simple newborn screening procedure has justified its efficiency, because it is widely applied on the territory of many countries, including the USA, Canada, European states, and Middle Eastern countries in order to diagnose a significant variety of metabolic disorders, e specially galactosemia, immunoreactive trypsinogen, sickle-cell defects, and many other health-threatening diseases and health disorders. Despite several controversies that are connected with the effectiveness of the neonatal heel prick, the researchers provide convincing arguments that this type of test is extremely widespread in the sphere of healthcare, because it provides accurate results in a short period of time, which usually take approximately five or six days (CDC, 2015). Researchers in many countries recommend to combine heel prick with efficient hearing test. Moreover, they assure that ear examination is extremely important for newborn babies, as it measures the ability of different sounds to reach the brain of infants. At present, the majority of babies around the globe go through hearing screening shortly after birth at hospitals. It is rather important to note that not all infants successfully pass these hearing screening tests from the first time. However, parents should not worry, because it does not indicate the loss of hearing. That is why experts recommend to pass second screening in order to confirm the validity of experiments (CDC, 2015). In case a child fails to pass hearing screening for the second time, parents are recommended to visit pediatric audiologist in order to perform more thorough hearing tests. These additional hearing tests are usually called hearing evaluations. In general, doctors order parents not to delay hearing tests, because ignorance of parents may result in absolute hearing loss in the period that is equal to 14 months (CDC, 2015). Moreover, in case parents avoid hearing screening, children may suffer from slowed development of language skills, cognitive abilities, and brain functions. According to the estimations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, infants as well as toddles with some disabilities should be provided with high quality screening tests because absence of effective hearing tests and procedures may lead to dangerous and even lethal consequences. Thus, having determined and assessed the nature and basic characteristics of hearing screening, it is rather important to stress that this procedure is not only simple and painless, but cheap in comparison to other newborn screening procedures. In addition, hearing screening programs are sometimes called universal, because these simple medical procedures are set up with the purpose to test all newborn children without exceptions. The research result, provided by the World Health Organization (2009) propose that all infants should have their hearing tested before they come back home or, in other words, leave the hospital. In case children are born at home, their parents are obliged to ensure hearing screening tests to be done to their children in the period that does not exceed two months after the birth of a child. Effective and high quality hearing tests give parents the chance to prevent their newborn children from the loss of hearing abilities or other health-threatening defects (World Health Organization, 2009). Physical examination of newborn children is no less important than hearing screening, heel prick, and other tests and procedures. The primary objective of newborn physical examination deals with assessment and prevention of numerous actual or potential health problems. Health care professionals give recommendations to parents to examine their children immediately after birth. Numerous factors, including detailed assessment of respiration, body temperature, and screening for dangerous anomalies, and other health problems, should be taken into consideration. The researchers claim that initial examination of newborn children should exclude excessive disturbances. Moreover, complete or, in other words, full examination should be conducted in case the child is quiet (CDC, 2015). Finally, screening of newborn babies for critical congenital heart defects plays a significant role, as it provides the unique opportunity for health care professionals to diagnose numerous children with critical CHD before their parents take them away from the hospital (CDC, 2015). This type of screening gives an opportunity for newborn children to avoid severe disabilities and even lethal cases. It is extremely important to note the fact that in case children with undiagnosed critical CHD leave the hospital without effective treatment, they will probably face numerous dangerous health consequences, including cardiac collapse or even death within the first few days of life. The hearts of children diagnosed with critical CHD can stop functioning at any moment because of the lack of oxygen. According to the recent statistics provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, for every 200 newborn babies with a critical CHD, one or two deaths may be prevented with help of effic ient and high-quality screening techniques and procedures (CDC, 2015). Therefore, the cost of this medical procedure may vary, as it depends on numerous factors, including the number of births in that particular hospital, time of procedure, and the type and price of equipment that was used for screening (CDC, 2015). The Most Common Types of Neonatal Diseases Currently, the researchers in the sphere of genetics differentiate significant numbers of widespread neonatal diseases. Taking into consideration the results of statistics provided by the American Heart Association, approximately 8 out of 1000 newborn children on the territory of the USA suffer because of congenital heart defects that are considered to be the most common birth defects among children (Children’s National Medical Center, n. d.). The main causes of this disease have been unknown. In general, congenital heart defects are classified into several types, including excessive amounts of blood that passes through the lungs, little amounts of blood that does not give the chance to human body to receive oxygen, and, finally, underdeveloped chambers that prevent appropriate amounts of blood from travelling to a human body (Children’s National Medical Center, n. d.). Apnea of prematurity is a term that is extensively used in the sphere of healthcare and denotes the absence of breathing for approximately 20 seconds or even more. Moreover, the most common symptoms of apnea of prematurity are as follows: extremely long periods of absent breathing, unnatural blue coloring of a human body, and considerable decrease in the heart rate (CDC, 2015). Such effective newborn screening tests as physical examination of a child as well as blood tests and detailed apnea studies are used to diagnose this health defect among newborn children (CDC, 2015). Thalassemia is in list of dangerous blood disorders usually transmitted with the help of genes. This disease is characterized by insufficient amounts of red blood cells as well as decreased hemoglobin. Consequently, rapid progression of this health defect may result in improper transportation of oxygen to the body. Such common symptoms as iron overload, widened bones, decreased growth rates, and even serious heart problems may assist in diagnosing thalassemia. Finally, the researchers in the field of medical science stress the fact that digestive disorders, defects of nervous system, extremely low birth weight, and neonatal abstinence syndrome are very widespread and health-threatening newborn diseases among infants (CDC, 2015). Cost-Effectiveness and Prevention of Neonatal Diseases Extensive availability, cost-effectiveness, and high quality of genetic screening tests and procedures provide a chance for healthcare providers to save the lives of thousands of newborn children (Public Health Research/Maternal Child Health, 2011). Newborn baby screening is one of the first and, at the same time, the most reliable methods of preventing dangerous neonatal diseases. However, healthcare providers should follow numerous duties in order to ensure reliability of medical screening services. Firstly, it is rather important to emphasize the fact that different screening tests should correspond to the standard requirements and regulations (Public Health Research/Maternal Child Health, 2011). Furthermore, detailed physical examination of children, especially congenital heart disease screening, should be performed in accordance with the HAAD protocol. At the same time, according to the assumptions of psychologists and other healthcare experts, education and training of pare nts play a key role, as they have a right to either give consent or reject screening. Physical examination should be performed with the increased attention and, besides, should involve different parts of a human body, involving functioning of nervous system, face, ear, cardiovascular systems, limbs, and many other hereditary health defects. Health organizations have to monitor and control the quality and accuracy of screening procedures. Benchmarking In general, the majority of countries around the globe, including the USA and the UK, follow the rules and regulations of universal newborn screening programs. High quality of services, education materials, objective as well as well-developed physiological tests, and parental consent should be taken into consideration in every country around the globe (Public Health Research/Maternal Child Health, 2011). In addition, it is extremely important to note that many European, Middle Eastern, and Western countries have implemented strict measures in order to promote the significance of newborn screening. For instance, the National Screening Committee on the territory of the UK claims that newborn screening should be expanded and should include screening tests for several additional health disorders, including homocystinuria and serious urine diseases (CDC, 2015). Taking into account active participation of the USA in screening activities, it is rather important to stress that the National Newborn Screening and Global Resource Center is considered to be the main center on the territory of the USA that promotes newborn screening on international level (CDC, 2015). In addition, NNSGRC has been primarily created to ensure effective consultative services, trainings, and programs to parents and healthcare professionals (CDC, 2015). Thus, active participation of developed countries in the promotion of newborn screening positively impacts the proliferation of modern procedures and tests on regional, national, and global scale (CDC, 2015). As a result, the significance of newborn screening in modern society, the results of statistics in the Middle East and other countries, and the most widespread types of newborn screening tests as well as newborn diseases have been reviewed. Thus, it is possible to infer that the role of newborn screening is enormous, because these tests provide accurate results about serious diseases connected with metabolism, brain functioning, blood disorders, and many other lethal health problems. In general, children should be screened before they leave hospitals. Blood tests, hearing screening procedures, and screening for CCHD are considered to be the most common types of screening procedures that are characterized by such features as simplicity, accuracy, improved health outcomes, and affordability. Numerous factors, including laws in different countries, financial costs of newborn screening tests, frequency of disorders, and availability of effective treatment influence the universal access o f people to newborn screening procedures. However, at the moment, the global community is striving to provide all people with the opportunity to screen approximately 30 specific health conditions, as newborn screening detects serious diseases, estimates possible treatment, and, finally, drastically decreases mortality rates among children.

Wireless LAN Technology and its construction Essay

Wireless LAN Technology and its construction - Essay Example This report presents a clear comparison between the products that are available and the kind of usage that is possible with them. While some of the standards are stable and are usable in multiple environments, it is not the same with equipments that comply to a different standard. The report also presents advantages - disadvantages map between the standards that are existing and the reason why there is so many. We have also listed the security issues that plague the usage of WLANs. Most of the Wireless LAN devices work under IEEE (Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) standards. All the standardization started with 802.11 standards released by IEEE. Wireless LAN uses the radio waves for transmitting data from one to the other. It uses different frequencies for transmitting and receiving. The 802.11 laid down the rules for the communication protocol and specified which of the layers in OSI (Open System Interconnection model)23 are modifiable in case of WLAN. This paved way for changes in specific layers in OSI namely, the physical and the data link layers. In the initial stages of the development, the WLAN supported transmission at 2 MBPS (Mega Bits Per Sec) speed levels. When devices were built under this standard, they could maximum reach only these speeds. However new standards were introduced which goes up to 5.5 MBPS and 11 MBPS, in lieu of the original 1 and 2 MBPS that was achieved earlier. By 1999, it was amended and was expected to support 54 MBPS maximum and they were working at a clock rate of 5GHz. While the first set of standards was called only 802.11, the later ones came to be known as 802.11b and 802.11a. While 'a' is able to operate at a higher frequency, namely, 5 GHz (Giga Hertz), it is able to run it a higher speed than that of 'b'. WLAN implementations come up in multiple modes of operation. The equipments could be operating on a peer-to-peer mode or ad hoc mode. In this mode, the devices, could be PCs, communicate between them after recognizing each others presence. This is comfortable where one mobile unit has to communicate to another mobile unit over a WLAN. It is single, one-to-one and reasonably fast. No other needs be met under this methodology of operation. The second mode of operation is the common one, that through the Wireless Access Point. These access points connect multiple devices over the wireless network to a networked Ethernet connectivity. On one side the Access Point is a wireless switch and on the other it is Ethernet connectivity. This will help in connecting up like router or a switch multiple terminals to the Ethernet port. Access Points offer more than one technologies. Wi-Fi or Wireless Fidelity is one of the most commonly used wireless system in vogue. WiFi is a system that works with RF frequencies going up to 5.2Ghz. This means that we can have distances of up to 2 kilometers covered

Senario Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Senario Analysis - Essay Example Analyzing the scenario, this paper will further aim at recommending remedial strategies by implementing a decision-making tool suitable for resolving the issue. Critical Analysis of the Scenario The particular scenario exemplifies a care unit comprising thirty-two beds, which includes 15 registered nurses (RNs) and 22 licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Accordingly, the newly hired nursing unit manager is charged with the responsibility of staffing, caring, and evaluating operations. It has been identified in this regard that the staff members are facing excessive workload pressure due to ineffective planning and management. There is also a mixture of part-time, full-time, and casual staffing in the unit of the care facility, creating perplexities and hurdles in the proper execution of operations. The staff members of the care unit are observed to be unhappy due to workload pressure. Moreover, it is also recognized that the former RN, who was appointed before the newly hired nursing un it manager, resigned due to non-cooperation received from other staff members. An insight into the scenario depicts that these issues were the consequence of inadequate pay in accordance with the workload imposed upon the unit manager. Decision-making Tool As per the scenario, it has been recognized that there are various issues affecting the smooth operations and working environment of the care facility of the paediatric unit. In this respect, the newly hired nursing unit manager, on identifying these issues, should adopt a decision-making tool with the objective of devising appropriate plans and strategies so that activities of staff members and other operations are managed in an appropriate fashion. In the scenario, advancement in the technological field and knowledge in nursing have raised complexities, based on which nurses are required to be more competent and knowledgeable. The major activity of the nursing unit manager is to seek that staff members execute their operations a ccording to the requirement of situations and in accordance with the goals of the care facility. The nursing unit manager is also entrusted with the job to ensure that proper medication and services are offered to patients (Cherie & Gebrekidan, 2005). In this context, with the assigned tasks and responsibilities along with numerous issues in the paediatric unit of the care facility, the nursing unit manager can be suggested the decision-making tool of decision ladder. The nursing unit manager, with the assistance of the decision-making tool, will be facilitated with the opportunity of recognizing issues, assessing possible solutions and identifying alternative ways on the basis of which these issues can be resolved. This decision-making tool postulates a systematic procedure to resolve a particular issue as that witnessed in the given scenario. The procedure can be identified as a multidirectional and multistep process, which includes situational analysis, developing alternatives, e xamining the selected alternatives and implementing appropriate plans as suited for the resolution of the issue identified. The decision-making tool will assist the newly hired nursing manager in recognizing problems in the operations of the unit, which include patient care and requirement, work intensity and payment structure, etc. (Cherie & Gebreki

Reclassification of marijuana Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reclassification of marijuana - Essay Example Just so, considering the fact of a great number of painful diseases, marijuana has the cure for this problem, that is, â€Å"†¦cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive component that has been shown to have a number of therapeutic benefits, including those that limit seizure activity† (Drugs.com). In a condition of single application a person feels relieved condition, relaxing effect, improving of appetite and general well-being. Moreover, the most efficient cannabinoid in cannabis is Tetrahydrocannabinol, known in medicine as a contributing component in the treatment of cancer for relieving of symptoms (nausea, vomiting) while anticancer chemotherapy. In fact, marijuana has a benefit for treatment of mental illnesses, such as prolonged depression or panic disorders. One way or another, different forms of cannabis (extracts, oils) help to heal or ease numerous health problems, so positive effect of marijuana is of no doubt, and, surely, it must be reclassified. Talking about general mends as a result of occasional use of marijuana, â€Å"†¦there is evidence pointing to slight increases in lung air flow rates as well as enhancements in lung volume †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Barrett). So, it is obvious that its equating to tobacco use in harmful scales is senseless. Naturally, the aspect of lasting period is of a great importance. Still, knowing the results of even somewhile smoking, it goes without question that cannabis is useful. Notably, it becomes evident from the last researches, which were aimed to investigate particular healing results of cannabis use for medical purposes. So, among vivid positive effects are: decrease of arthritis painful feelings, pain relief of multiple sclerosis and other muscle spasms, treatment of glaucoma, reversion of tobacco use impact and gain in lung health, control over epileptic seizers, decrease of symptoms of Dravet Syndrome, stop of cancer spreading, recession of Alzheimer disease,

Day for Night (1973) Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Day for Night (1973) - Movie Review Example This movie review aims to summarize, evaluate and analyze the 1973 hit movie Day for Night, which aspires to bring to the audience the aesthetics of cinematography. Though on a first glance it is merely a movie about a movie, the film does more than just tell a story, it portrays the art of story making in a most successful way. Truffaut brilliantly combines real life characters along with fictional characters of Meet Pamela to produce a greatly effective film, which lets the audience relate with the film unit as well as be inspired by their constant endeavor to follow the passion they share for movies. This movie, which falls into the genre of drama, comedy and romance, released in 1973, is the epitome of cinema that deftly portrays the art of filmmaking. Thus, on a superficial note, one can observe that it is simply a movie about a movie. However, on a deeper analysis, the movie effectively illustrates various issues arising in both personal and professional realms regarding the ca st as well as the crew, which a director has to face and conquer in the process of making films. The researcher states that director Franà §ois Truffaut was one of the founding fathers of the French New Wave and an eminent icon in French cinematography. The screenplay writers for this movie, originally titled ‘La nuit amà ©ricaine,’ are Franà §ois Truffaut, Jean-Louis Richard and Suzanne Schiffman, and the film stars world renowned actors such as Jacqueline Bisset, Valentina Cortese, Jean-Pierre Aumont, Jean-Pierre Là ©aud etc. ... The off-screen characters are unbelievably real as they are imperfect with their day to day problems, and this entails the audience connecting with the characters and the predicaments that they face. The whole movie portrays the juxtaposition between the real life members of the film unit as well as the characters they portray in Meet Pamela. Truffaut’s amazing ability lies in the way he develops both the on screen and off screen characters, thus bringing overall finesse to the film and keeping the audience enchanted in the movie making process throughout the film. Truffaut also fulfills his role as a director to cast appropriate actors, which is construed by the incredibly effective performance of each individual member of the film unit with the emotions they radiate through their facial expressions and body language demanded by the particular situations of the movie. The theme of the film is basically the love and passion people posses about movie as well as movie making, wh ich is only emphasized through Joelle’s dialog when she says â€Å"I would drop a guy for a film, but I would never drop a film for a guy† (Day for Night, 1973). Truffaut wants to communicate a message to his audience that no matter what problems they face when they traverse down the path of their passions, they need to stay committed to themselves and the passion that they love and overcome whatever ordeals that come their way. If there is one moral that Truffaut wants to imbibe in the hearts of his audience, it is following their dreams and passion along with always sticking together and being there for one’s family. Though none of the members of the film unit share any blood relation, they are still a big family who sacrifice for the other and are there for them through the ups

Principles, Theories, and Practice of Learning Essay

Principles, Theories, and Practice of Learning - Essay Example The essay "Principles, Theories, and Practice of Learning" talks about the process of learning which is as a result of practice, training, or experience. For behavior change to occur, the learner must be in a position to express the impact of learning when confronted with a condition that necessitates the expression of the acquired knowledge. Operant conditioning theory expresses the behavior as a function of its consequences. In essence, an action that produces positive consequences is easily repeated over a longer time. On the other hand, behaviors that yield negative consequences are shunned. Skinner demonstrated the application of the operant conditioning theory using rats in a box. In this case, demonstration, whenever the rats pressed on a small bar in the box, food would come out. This positive feedback resulted in a constant pressing of the bar by the rats hence behavior change. This theory exonerates voluntary behaviors as a manifestation of learning. The practicality of ope rant conditioning can be enhanced in a classroom environment through rewarding of exemplary performances. Awarding prizes to learners with different skills and abilities inclines them to uphold such behaviors. Award of prices boosts the morale of the learners and compels them to exploit all avenues for good performance. Cognitive learning theory assumes that everyone is conscious of his or her actions and behavior. It asserts that learning is achieved through the pre-coded relationship between the stimuli and response.

Day for Night (1973) Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Day for Night (1973) - Movie Review Example This movie review aims to summarize, evaluate and analyze the 1973 hit movie Day for Night, which aspires to bring to the audience the aesthetics of cinematography. Though on a first glance it is merely a movie about a movie, the film does more than just tell a story, it portrays the art of story making in a most successful way. Truffaut brilliantly combines real life characters along with fictional characters of Meet Pamela to produce a greatly effective film, which lets the audience relate with the film unit as well as be inspired by their constant endeavor to follow the passion they share for movies. This movie, which falls into the genre of drama, comedy and romance, released in 1973, is the epitome of cinema that deftly portrays the art of filmmaking. Thus, on a superficial note, one can observe that it is simply a movie about a movie. However, on a deeper analysis, the movie effectively illustrates various issues arising in both personal and professional realms regarding the ca st as well as the crew, which a director has to face and conquer in the process of making films. The researcher states that director Franà §ois Truffaut was one of the founding fathers of the French New Wave and an eminent icon in French cinematography. The screenplay writers for this movie, originally titled ‘La nuit amà ©ricaine,’ are Franà §ois Truffaut, Jean-Louis Richard and Suzanne Schiffman, and the film stars world renowned actors such as Jacqueline Bisset, Valentina Cortese, Jean-Pierre Aumont, Jean-Pierre Là ©aud etc. ... The off-screen characters are unbelievably real as they are imperfect with their day to day problems, and this entails the audience connecting with the characters and the predicaments that they face. The whole movie portrays the juxtaposition between the real life members of the film unit as well as the characters they portray in Meet Pamela. Truffaut’s amazing ability lies in the way he develops both the on screen and off screen characters, thus bringing overall finesse to the film and keeping the audience enchanted in the movie making process throughout the film. Truffaut also fulfills his role as a director to cast appropriate actors, which is construed by the incredibly effective performance of each individual member of the film unit with the emotions they radiate through their facial expressions and body language demanded by the particular situations of the movie. The theme of the film is basically the love and passion people posses about movie as well as movie making, wh ich is only emphasized through Joelle’s dialog when she says â€Å"I would drop a guy for a film, but I would never drop a film for a guy† (Day for Night, 1973). Truffaut wants to communicate a message to his audience that no matter what problems they face when they traverse down the path of their passions, they need to stay committed to themselves and the passion that they love and overcome whatever ordeals that come their way. If there is one moral that Truffaut wants to imbibe in the hearts of his audience, it is following their dreams and passion along with always sticking together and being there for one’s family. Though none of the members of the film unit share any blood relation, they are still a big family who sacrifice for the other and are there for them through the ups

Case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Case study - Essay Example Timely delivery of the products to meet the urgent customer needs is paramount over implementing innovation on the currently high demand products and services. When the company does not reach its targeted goals and objectives on time, the company may be forced to close shop. The company culture includes management’s terminating the services of employees who consistently do not meet job performance standards (Daft &Armstrong, 2008). In the same manner, the customers accept the organizational culture that companies sell products to generate profits. Customers understand the sales person’s reply to the current and future customers’ request for a lower selling price stating that the company must sell in order to recover its production costs, selling costs, and other cash outflows (Daft &Armstrong, 2008). Customer culture also includes relying on trust or agreement as well as a viable personal relationship between the organization’s employees and the current an d future customers. The company must not break the customers’ trust by delaying the delivery of the products to the market place. The company must build a personal relationship where the customer’s demands or needs are met in timely manner, without exception (Daft &Armstrong, 2008). Further, innovation of products and services must be grounded on ustomer demands and needs. The innovation must fill the customers’ continually changing needs and wants. ... Consequently, the disgruntled current and future customers may shift to buying their needs and wants from the competitors (Daft &Armstrong, 2008). Question 3. The organization must design a results-based organization structure to ensure a balance between opposing positive goals (Daft &Armstrong, 2008). The company sets standards in order to create synergy among the different goals of the company. Each department must ensure complementary achievement of the two opposing goals. Similarly each employee of every department is mandated to culturally contribute to the accomplishment of the employee’s department goals. The standards are the guidelines. However, there are certain situations in the organizational process where adjustments are required. Sometimes some customers request for certain adjustments. To please the customer, the organizational culture includes incorporating the customers’ requests to incorporate the requested adjustments to the products. Further, the org anization must design a customer-based process (Daft &Armstrong, 2008). The company must empower its line and staff employees to create a synergy between one choice and the other choice. For example, the company should implement customer-requested adjustments to allow some violations or noncompliance with certain established organizational standards. The timely adjustment reduces efficiency requirements and reduces long term effectiveness procedures. The customer may not need a product that took too long to deliver because the company prioritizes accomplishment of long term goals. The company must not eliminate efficiency procedures in order to ensure all long term effectiveness objectives are achieved.

Microsoft Corporation Case Analysis Essay Example for Free

Microsoft Corporation Case Analysis Essay Industry Evaluation Software is an integral part of todays uncertain economy, as the push for greater globalization and efficiency drives much of the spending in business markets around the world. In order to maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly competitive global market, companies are spending more and more on hardware and software infrastructures (Yahoo!Finance, 2006). Microsoft is among 413 companies that produce and distribute application software products and services. These companies are all part of the Application Software industry within the technology sector, which is dominated by one software giant; Microsoft. More specifically, Microsoft is categorized into the Developmental Tools, Operating Systems, and Utility Software subindustry, which includes companies that design, develop, market, and support software for developing, testing, and debugging applications; for computer maintenance; and for desktop management (Hoovers.com, 2006). Microsoft, Oracle Corp, CA Inc., and SAP Aktiengesellschaft, with a four-firm concentration ratio of 39% dominate the industry. Most of the other 411 firms in the industry specialize in smaller niches, providing specialized software services such as accounting, business management, etcetera, and have profits under $1 billion per year. For this reason, the computer application industry has monopolistic competition (MSN Money, 2006). The top-selling software company is currently Microsoft, with $41.4 billion in sales in 2005, and is joined in the competitive arena by other top sellers such as Oracle Corp. with $12.9 billion and SAP Aktiengesellschaft with $10.4 billion. Other industry leaders in sales include CA Inc., Intuit Inc., Adobe Systems Inc., B.M.C. Software, Compuware Corp., and Novell Inc., each experiencing revenues exceeding $1 billion during 2005. Within the Developmental Tools, Operating Systems, and Utility Software subindustry, top competitors include Microsoft, International Business Machines (IBM), SAP Aktiengesellschaft, and Computer Associates International, who ranked a respective first, second, third, and fourth in application software sales (Yahoo!Finance, 2006). The Computer Software industry is largely dominated by Microsoft, which commands 54% of market sales among its top ten competitors, as listed above. The following chart details the market share of these ten main players in the industry (Yahoo!Finance, 2006): Within the legal environment, the software industry has been shaken by  several recent regulations that are revitalizing industries within the business market of the United States. Among them are the US Patriot Act, which dictates that companies providing financial services must have the ability to detect the occurrence of money laundering; the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which mandates that companies provide real-time disclosure of events that might affect their financial performance and deep records of e-mail and instant messages exchanged between employees (Yahoo!Finance, 2006). Finally, antitrust laws have been an ongoing threat to the industry. Microsoft has finally reached a settlement after an ongoing antitrust investigation, and agreed to allow manufacturers to include competing software with Windows and uniformly license its operating systems (Antitrust Case Filings, 2006). New technological developments are revitalizing the software industry. The most recent and significant development includes a new set of web-friendly applications that, as of yet, has no official name. These web services can be assembled from standardized building blocks, meaning that any number of applications may be assembled in a variety of ways. Because of this, companies are able to develop enterprise applications to run on a wide range of software and hardware infrastructures and cater to the specific demands of their respective market segments. The companies that will maintain market share in the up-and-coming web era are those that are able to develop products that will be compatible on a wide range of hardware platforms. Massive consolidations have recently become characteristic of the software industry. Largely due to acquisitions, IBMs software holdings have grown a great deal. Small specialists companies face the greatest danger from large software providers such as Oracle, who recently acquired PeopleSoft and Siebel for $10.3 and $5.9 billion, respectively. If growth slows in their subindustries, these small companies who cater to specific niches become vulnerable to large companies offering extensive suites of enterprise applications that serve a variety of functions such as the industry leaders (Yahoo!Finance, 2006). Following suit after other mature industries such as electronics and apparel,  a large number of IT and software providers have begun outsourcing much of their manufacturing and RD functions to countries outside of the United States. Software companies are now able to hire manufacturers and product developers in countries such as India, Mexico, and China for much less than it would cost in the U.S. (MSN Money, 2006) The tragedy of the September 11 terrorist attacks as well as other post 9/11 attacks prompted another significant trend in the software industry when the United States government cranked down on security. By restructuring their communication systems, they opened a door to struggling software providers who began to provide new, more secure applications to governmental departments and agencies (Yahoo!Finance, 2006) A final trend reflects the popularity of Linux and other open-source code operating systems. While the Linux operating system is probably the most widely known and widely used open source code, the idea of open source is gaining momentum and popularity. Companies that provide their products for a nominal subscription fee and generate income based on training and support services have adopted the open source concept as a counter-intuitive business model, with which they counter the more traditional selling of products for profit model (Hill and Jones, 2005). Once online collaboration and word processing applications are fully developed and grow in usage and popularity, the researchers predict that the software industry will see a rise in sales of those kinds of products, and possibly a decline in the sale of PC compatible product that serve the same types of functions. The reason for this is that once these tools are available, consumers will realize that they may access and edit their documents or projects from any computer or PDA with internet access, without having to worry about being on the specific machine or machines that contain the documents they need. Currently, almost all users of open source software are computer-savvy programming professionals. In the future however, more consumers will use this type of software for business and personal use. This is forecasted by a  growing number of applications developed from open source codes such as Linux, as well as increasing popularity of these programs. If this comes to pass, then Linux and other open source applications and operating systems may accumulate market share, thus depriving it from Microsoft and Oracle. Strategic Evaluation Microsoft supports a number of values that translate into goals that the company strives to attain. These goals include doing business with honesty and integrity; to have passion for customers, partners, and technology; to be open and respectful, to take on big challenges and see through them; constructive self-criticism, self-improvement, and personal excellence; to help foster growth and innovation, and to be accountable to customers, shareholders, partners, and employees for commitments, results, and quality. These goals, however, are immeasurable, intangible, and unspecific. There is no timeline for achieving them, and no way to determine whether or not they have been acheived. There are, however, more specific goals that the company hopes to attain that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and tangible. Goals for the future include making technology available to one quarter of a billion people by 2010. Another goal is to fuse together Windows development and Web development to enrich Windows applications (Stu, 2003). By doing this, Microsoft may be able to convince consumes to use the rich application features of Windows. Another goal is to unify the disparate Windows communications and enterprise technologies into a common and simple framework that is competitive with Java Enterprise Edition. Microsoft needs to provide an alternative to this model unless it wants to see Java retain its lock on the server software market. This goal is consistant with Microsofts approach of taking the lead in developing a new computing standard. (Microsoft, 2006) The mission statement of Microsoft Corporation is At Microsoft, we work to help people and businesses throughout the world  realize their full potential. This is our mission. Everything we do reflects this mission and the values that make it possible.- Microsoft, 2006 The mission statement is clear in representing Microsoft as dedicated in providing the best products to help its customers achieve and realize their full potential. The mission statement is strong, and is very personable by saying At Microsoft, and repeating that this is Microsofts mission statement. The statement repeats itself in the third sentence, saying, everything we do reflects helping everyone in the world understand his or her full potential. Using words to repeat parts of the mission statement makes it bolder to the reader. The statement is broad enough to allow the company to expand into unfamiliar markets or businesses, or both. However, it is narrow enough that it focuses the company on aiding people in reaching their fullest potential. By adhering to this mission statement, employees at Microsoft look to the customers, not the shareholders, as the reason the company exists. It is clear to express that the company does not exist solely to make a profits or please shareholders. It reflects the desire of the management at Microsoft to make a difference in the world and help those who wish to success do so. Functional Review Marketing Analysis Microsoft focuses on the development of software, which includes products such as Office, Project, Visio, FoxPro, and more. The software packages aide in the creation of business documents, databases, and projects, as well as helps consumers manage their day-to-day lives. Microsoft has seven different product divisions: Client, Server and Tools, Information Worker, Microsoft Business Solution, MSN, Mobile and Embedded Devices, and Home and Entertainment (Microsoft, 2006). The Client segment has responsibility for engineering, product delivery, and technical architecture for the Windows product family. It also handles Microsofts  relationships with personal computer manufacturers, including multinational and regional original equipment manufacturer accounts (SEC, 2006). Server and Tools is responsible for the server system products and all related services. These services include providing advice for requirements needed for the system to operate properly, custom solution services, and business application planning for the operating systems. Information Worker involves licensing software to several types of users such as small to large corporations, homes, and specialized categories like students. This division releases a major change in software every two to three years. Microsoft Business Solutions deals primarily with developing and marketing offerings to manage financial, customer relationship and supply chain management functions for small and midsize businesses, large organizations and divisions of global enterprises. MSN is accountable for delivering online services that look to empower users by bringing them to the people and information that matter most. The Mobile and Embedded Devices section is responsible for the marketing and development of products that extend the advantages of the Windows platform to many types of devices. The Home and Entertainment segment is in charge of production, development, and marketing for the Xbox video gaming system (SEC, 2006). Another way Microsoft is continuing to broaden their customer base is by establishing itself into the gaming industry. An example of this is the innovative Xbox 360 Microsoft launched during the 2005 Christmas season. Microsoft has begun to explore new markets, like television, with the rising success of the Xbox 360 and the changing demographics. Microsoft realizes that demographics are changing to a younger generation and efforts must be made to accommodate their needs as well. (Wikipedia, 2006) In the past, Microsofts target market has been men of the ages of eighteen through thirty-four. The company is currently expanding the market it targets by experimenting with two methods of reaching the seventeen and younger age group. The first is through the gaming industry, with the release of the Xbox gaming system. The company is also developing a television show to reach this age group (Goo, 2006). Another strategy Microsoft is pursuing involves meeting its global clientele where they are  in terms of their economic and financial needs (Evers, 2006). These changes in strategy and products reflect Microsofts goal of expanding its target market. While there is risk involved with these changes, there is also the potential for returns above a normal profit. Another way Microsoft is continuing to broaden their customer base is by establishing itself into the gaming industry. An example of this is the innovative Xbox 360 Microsoft launched during the 2005 Christmas season. Microsoft has begun to explore new markets, like television, with the rising success of the Xbox 360 and the changing demographics. Microsoft realizes that demographics are changing to a younger generation and efforts must be made to accommodate their needs as well. (Wikipedia, 2006) Microsoft has established a presence in the international market. The headquarters, including most of the research and development centers, is located in Redmond, Washington. The company has several manufacturing facilities to meet supply needs on a global scale. These facilities are located in various places such as: Dublin, Ireland, Humacao, Puerto Rico, Reno, Nevada and Singapore just to name a few locations. Microsoft currently employees 40,081 in North America and 63,564 world-wide to help them meet growing demand for their products (Microsoft, 2006). Microsoft uses a wide variety of media to influence the demand of their products. Traditional types of advertising are used for global campaigns including television, print, and Internet (Microsoft.com, 2006). The company uses computer magazines to compare companies or products such as the case of Linux versus Microsoft. Microsofts goal is to reach a certain target market. In addition, Microsoft is implementing a new advertising campaign using the Internet in competition with Yahoo and Google. In the campaign, customers will be asked to fill out a survey; from there the data will be used to display personal ads of interest to the consumer. If a consumer chooses not to fill out the survey the company will provide them with general ads that are generated from the search. The goal in the long-run is to learn the customers want and needs for future purchases (Oser, 2006). The manufacturing function for most of Microsofts products is outsourced. A vendor supplies the parts needed to assemble the Xbox gaming system. This outsourcing strategy can be a drawback on two counts. Firstly, Microsoft relinquishes some control of the pricing of this product because it cannot control the manufacturing costs. Secondly, there is a threat of the manufacturer leaking product knowledge to Microsofts competitors. At the same time however, Microsoft has no legal obligation to the manufacturer, and can manufacture these products internally. Microsoft employs several vendors to supply parts that Microsoft manufactures. These components are purchased at a discount rate, and Microsoft keeps excess inventory in stock in case of shortages (Microsoft, 2006). The company has decided to do an 18 month campaign to advertise the differences between Microsoft and Linux giving the benefits of using our products. Some advantages to Microsofts products include: being user-friendly software and applications, as well as having a strong reputation in that area. Therefore, the cost would be greater to retrained employee how to use Linux software in the business industry for server application use. In dealing with more recent security issues, Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) has a code-flaw in the browser that makes it vulnerable to hackers. This flaw can allow hackers to infect a system with various code-scripts, which puts the system under attack. To have security issues associated with the companys name can produce a bad reputation. Microsofts goals are to have compassion for customers, for partners, and technology. The company wants to train and make technology available to a quarter of the billion people in the world by 2010. In addition, Microsoft shows passion towards customers by offering specialized advertisements to expose the varied selection of products to the consumer. Another goal is to exhibit openness and respectfulness, which will gain a huge amount of respect from the consumer. This is achieved by receiving feedback from our employees, government agencies, and community leaders which will lead to improve Microsofts business. Microsoft is staying on task of taking on large challenges by endeavoring to change their demographics of customers. In addition, the  company takes constructive criticism, and uses this as a way to improve; criticism in forms of comments and suggestions. Microsoft will accomplish this task through research and development and feedback. Other goals are to give personal excellence, and have accountability to customers, shareholders, partners, and employees for commitments, results, and quality. These achievable tasks would help Microsoft stay in the business for years to come (Microsoft, 2006). Production Analysis Microsoft alters its products to me needs of its global customers. The company translates the text and changes the appearance of its applications to make them understandable in that language. This is one reason Microsoft has a reputation for being developing user-friendly applications for its consumers. Other tasks the company is involved with include processing orders, payment options, processing needed information, and supplier management (Microsoft.com, 2006). These tasks are essential to maintaining good relations with Microsofts customers and suppliers. In addition, these tasks make it possible to make necessary changes when there are problems in distribution or manufacturing of Microsofts software. Microsoft outsources all of its manufacturing function except for a few, including the assemblage of the Xbox 360. A vendor supplies the needed parts for this product. This action can be a drawback because it limits Microsoft in its ability to control pricing aspects of this product. There is also the threat that suppliers will share the knowledge of this product with Microsofts competitors. Although this is a threat, Microsoft is under the no legal obligation to continue working with that supplier. Several vendors supply parts for all other products Microsoft assembles. Components for these products are purchased at a discount. Microsoft keeps an inventory of spare parts on hand if needed (Microsoft, 2006). Management Analysis Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft in 1975, and in a few years, they  expanded to Bellevue, Washington from Albuquerque, New Mexico. From there, Microsoft began creating and developing new and revolutionary technology. In 1981, IBM introduced its personal computer with Microsofts 16-bit operating system, MS-DOS 1.0 (Microsoft, 2006). Because of its quality, this operating system became popular. Microsofts stock went public. Over the next twenty years, Microsoft created more technical and versatile operating systems such as Windows 95, 98, and the current Windows XP. This success has lead to worldwide expansion creating thousands of jobs. Microsoft is the worlds largest software company with over 50,000 employees in various countries as of May 2004 (Microsoft, 2006). Microsoft has become a needed portion of the personal computing market in which many PC retailers have sold their machines pre-equipped with Microsofts software. Because of its large and substantial business, Microsoft was found to be a monopoly among computer software and because of this, Microsoft has experience financial success. In 1998, a lawsuit found that Microsoft was using its monopoly power to defeat its competitors (Reference.com, 2006). Microsoft appealed and showed how changing their companys operations would bring the financial success down increasingly. A board of directors, who play a major role in decision-making and many fundamentals of the company, run Microsoft. The Chief Executive Officer is Steven Ballmer who joined with Microsoft in 1980 and was the first business manager hired by Bill Gates (Microsoft, 2006). In 1998, Ballmer was appointed President and this gave him full responsibility for running the corporation. 2 years later, he became CEO (in 2000) and this gave him full privilege over all the managers and staff of Microsoft. Following Ballmer is James I. Cash, Jr, Dina Dublon, Bill Gates, Raymond V. Gilmartin, Ann McLaughlin Korologos, David F. Margaurdt, Charles H. Noski, Helmut Panke and Jon A. Shirley. A lot of talent and skill is required to work in any position at Microsoft. They seek out motivated individuals who are experienced in communications and leadership. The purpose for finding such trained individuals is to lower training costs of the company. The Corporate Operations is Microsofts backbone, constructing, managing, and running the various services that support the companys 50,000 employees (Microsoft, 2006). This statement shows that Microsoft is dependent on two sections of their management staff; the corporate and administrative services. These departments are responsible for management, public relations, providing company-wide administrative support, building new office space, and other tasks. Financial Analysis Microsoft Corporation has achieved excellence in since 1975 in the application software industry. They finished the 2005 fiscal year with a market capitalization of $288.20 billion, doubling the closest competitor, IBM which came in second in market capitalization with $131.00 billion, and an industry average of a low $136.51 million (Hoovers, 2006). Microsoft Corporation has been enjoying a steady growth in revenue over the past three fiscal years. This has been achieved with the growing popularity of PC use in the world over this time period. Microsofts preliminary estimates showed a growth of worldwide PC shipments from 11% to 13%, and total server hardware shipments grew approximately 13% to 14% during the 2005 fiscal year compared to fiscal year 2004 (Yahoo! Finance). This has caused a growth in revenue of 8% from $36,835 million to $39,788 million from fiscal year 2004 to 2005 (U.S. SEC). This revenue growth was driven by growth in licensing of Windows Server operating systems and other server application, licensing of Windows Client operating systems through OEMs, and increased licensing of Office and other Information Worker products (Yahoo! Finance). The 2004 fiscal year ended with an overall growth of $4,648 billion from the previous fiscal year 2003, an increase of over 12%. Over the past five years, Microsoft Corporation has generated revenue of over $162 billion. This is an increase of 73% and about $75 billion of this is derived from net cash flow from operations. Shareholders received a return of $69 billion of this revenue in dividends and stock repurchases. With the launching of the Xbox 360, Windows Vista, and newer versions of existing software in 2006 fiscal year, Microsoft expects to have an equal or larger  increase of the past five years in the next five years (Microsoft, 2006). Net income for the fiscal year 2005 was $12,254 which is an increase of $4,086 million from the 2004 fiscal year. This is due to small decreases in operating expenses from the previous year with emphasis on research and development, a decrease of over $1.5 billion. Although decreasing in fiscal year 2005, a large jump in expenses occurred from fiscal year 2003 to 2004. Microsoft increased their total operating expenses by $5,159 million to $27,801 million in fiscal year 2004. Although decreasing expenses worked for the fiscal year 2005, decreases in research and development in the future might cause the industry to get the edge on Microsoft and revenues decrease (Microsoft, 2006). Operating income has also increased substantially during these two fiscal years with a total increase of 61%. Although it had a 5% decline from fiscal year 2003 to fiscal year 2004, operating income jumped from a marginal $9,034 million in 2004 to an excellent $14,561 million in fiscal year ending 2005 (U.S. SEC). According to Yahoo! Finance, the operating income increase for fiscal year 2005 was driven by a decline in stock-based compensation expense; increased revenue in Server and Tools, Client, and Information Worker; and a reduction in legal costs associated with major litigation. Some key ratios will point out Microsofts position in accordance to the industry. Holding a total debt to equity ratio of 0.00, compared to 0.03 of the industry, Microsoft has showed that they have successfully controlled their assets without any debt, dating back as far as fiscal year 1996. The total debt to total asset ratio also confirms these successes with a low 0.33. This has a great statistic from an investor or shareholders eyes because there is potential for a high payout. Microsoft has a current ratio of 2.8, compared to the industries average of 2.3. This shows us that Microsoft can pay off any debt that may occur, and can continue operating with cash left over. The quick ratio is currently at 2.5 with an industry average of 2.1. Because this number is so close in comparison with the current ratio, this tells us that Microsoft is not dependent on their inventory. These three financial ratios show us that Microsoft Corporation  is achieving excellence in comparison to the industry (MSN, 2006). Both the gross profit margin and the net profit margin percentages will show us the financial health of the company. Microsoft Corporations net profit margin is over 7% higher that the industries average, at 30.8% compared to 23.5%. This tells us that 31.6% of the companys revenue can be kept as profit. Fiscal year 2005 is an increase of 8.6% from fiscal year 2004 and a small decrease of 0.2% from fiscal year 2003. Their gross profit margin is 87.3%, compared to 82.6% of the industries average. Although the industries average of these two ratios is healthy as well, Microsoft still holds better percentages (MSN, 2006). The companys price ratios will show some different trends in comparison to the industry from the other ratios presented. Although the earnings per share (EPS) are currently much higher than the industry average and the previous year, it is lower than some of the direct competitors. The EPS in the fiscal year 2005 was 1.13, which is considerably higher than the industries average of 0.15. This is not a bad ratio if you own share in the company, but two of the closest competitors is producing a much higher rate; Googles EPS is at 5.021 and IBMs is at 4.875. Although this might turn some investors away, numbers have been improving over the past three years. Fiscal year 2003 had an EPS of only $0.70 but increased to $0.76 in fiscal year 2004. The large increase came in fiscal year 2005 when EPS increased almost $0.40 to $1.13. With the latest innovations Microsoft has developed, these numbers will increase as investors see the future of Microsoft. Microsoft price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is more attractive than EPS with a ratio of 22.9. Although conservative investors may feel this number is too high, this ratio is much better than the industry average of 27.3 which might influence these investors to invest in Microsoft instead of the direct competitors (MSN, 2006). Management effectiveness ratios like return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) will show us how well the management at Microsoft Corporation is doing. With an ROA of 19.4%, over 5% higher than the industry average of 13.9%, Microsoft is very profitable in relation to the total assets of the  company. This is a substantial increase from 8.8% and 12.6% in fiscal year 2004 and 2003 respectively. The profit per dollar, or ROE of Microsoft, is 29.5%. This is close to 7% higher than the industry average of 22.6% and 18.6% than fiscal year 2004. This shows that Microsoft Corporation is achieving a higher profit from their investors per dollar in comparison to the industries. Although there was a large increase from fiscal year 2004 to 2005, a decrease of 5.5% occurred between fiscal year 2003 and 2004 (MSN, 2006). The efficiency of the company is struggling in comparison to the industry in one way, inventory turnover. The inventory turnover is currently much lower than the industries. With a low 8.1 compared to 28.4 of the industry average, Microsofts inventory turnover might indicate poor sales. Both Microsoft and the industry average of asset turnover are 0.6, indicating that 0.6 of every dollar is revenue. Microsoft is doing a better job than the industry in comparing the accounts receivable turnover, but not a significant amount. The accounts receivable turnover is at 5.7 with an industry average of 5.2. Both Microsoft and the industry are collecting payments from its customers in a timely manner. They are, however, significantly behind SP 500 which has an accounts receivable turnover ratio of 7.5 (MSN, 2006). A thorough research of cash flows will show the company heading in the right direction. Net operating, investing, and financing cash flows all increased from the fiscal year 2004 to 2005. Fiscal year 2005 showed an increase of 14% to $16.61 billion in cash flow from operations. This is derived from an increase in cash receipts from customers driven by the 8% revenue growth of the company. Cash payments decreased by approximately $1.8 billion from the previous year from binding legal settlements. These factors played the major role in the increase of operating cash flow. Keeping operating cash flows down was payments to the 7% increase in full-time employees added during the fiscal year 2005. This is a great recovery from fiscal year 2004 considering operating cash flow dropped by $1.17 billion from fiscal year 2003. Over two billion of this was from the Sun Microsystems settlement and the European Commission fine. The small offsetting gain is from increases cash receipts  from customers. Net financing cash flow showed a large increase from $2.36 billion in fiscal year 2004 to $41.08 billion in fiscal year 2005. This increase is driven by an additional $34.38 billion of cash dividends paid, and an additional $4.67 billion in cash used for common stock repurchases in fiscal year 2005 from fiscal year 2004. Net financing cash flow did have a substantial decrease from fiscal year 2003 to 2004 of almost $3 billion. However, this decrease is due the company not repurchasing common stock in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2004 and an increase of $628 million from stock issuances of employee stock option exercises. An increase of $872 million in cash dividends during this fiscal year offset the numbers provided. Net investing cash flow for fiscal year 2005 was $15.03 billion, an increase of $18.37 billion from the previous year. Investment maturities that occurred to fund cash dividends paid increased by $23.59 billion in fiscal year 2005. Offsetting this figure was the decrease of $5.32 billion in cash from sale activity and investment purchases. Cash used for investing was $3.34 billion in fiscal year 2004, a decrease of $3.88 billion from fiscal year 2003 (Microsoft, 2006). Model Analysis The Boston Consulting Group Matrix is a representation of the status of Microsoft in the current market. There are four different categories that fall under the matrix, Stars, Cash Cows, Question Marks and Dogs. The highest category and most self-efficient is the Stars with very high growth and high share. Next in the matrix: Cash Cows, which are low in growth and high in shares. The third category in the matrix is the Question Marks which are high in growth and low in shares. Last are the Dogs which are very low in both growth and shares. Microsoft would be placed in the Stars category simply because the company is constantly growing and is very self-sustaining. Strategic Alternatives 1. Develop a Microsoft version of open source software by exploiting Microsofts distinctive competency for developing software. This will give  Microsoft an edge in the open market by allowing it to effectively compete with current alternatives to Microsoft products, such as Linux, Sun Systems, and other open source/free software products. This alternative will give Microsoft the opportunity to increase its revenues by offering support services and training for these products. 2. Acquire Red Hat Inc. or another successful Linux provider. By combining the rising popularity of the open source concept with the ongoing success of Microsofts application software, the image of Microsoft will improve and launch the company into the increasingly popular open source market. 3. Improve current product line. Increase research and development spending to improve the dependability and security of current products. Then, implement an advertising campaign through several mediums to stress the superior quality of Microsofts products.