Solid Waste Management Case Study In Bristol Environmental Sciences Essay

The direction of Municipal Solid Waste ( MSW ) is a major environmental crisis throughout of the World, which everyone is concerned about. In the United Kingdom, the measure of municipal waste has increased and 46.9 per cent of the sum collected waste has disposed of in landfill in 2009/10 ( DEFRA, 2010b ) . In comparing, the Netherlands and Denmark have disposed of about no municipal waste to landfill and other members of European Unit of measurements such as Germany and Sweden have less than a one-fourth of municipal waste to landfill ( DEFRA, 2010b ) . Therefore, the UK Government published Waste Strategy for England 2007 on 24th May 2007 in order to run into EU scheme and set out a sustainable method for hierarchy of waste direction options within clime alteration and population growing. The cardinal ends of the scheme are to put out a design for waste bar, decrease, re-use, recycling and recovery and bettering environmental and economic results through increased recycling of res ources and recovery of energy from residuary waste utilizing a mix of engineerings. There are some actions of the proposal scheme outlined, for illustration, energy from waste is expected to account for 25 % of municipal waste by 2020 compared to 10 % in 2007 and the standard rate of landfill revenue enhancement addition by eight lbs per twelvemonth from 2008 until at least 2010/11 ( DEFRA, 2010c ) . As a consequence, it is necessary to put up a assortment of waste intervention for recovery stuff in the UK, such as Mechanical Biological Treatment ( MBT ) and Energy from Waste ( EfW ) . There is no uncertainty that a figure of local governments face major challenges when they manage residuary waste sustainably. Take Bristol for illustration, 59 % of waste has been sent to landfill and 40 % has been recycled or composted in 2009/10 ( DEFRA, 2010d ) . Harmonizing to Bristol City Council ( 2000 ) , 100,000 metric tons of family waste will stay to be treated if 40 % waste is recycled or composted. Therefore, the council wants to do a 25 old ages Residual Waste Management Contract with company to handle 100,000 metric tons of Residual MSW by one of three options which include MBT with composting or anaerobiotic digestion and Energy from Waste. In this paper, the environmental impacts of each option will be assessed in order to happen a sustainable method for residuary waste direction i n Bristol. Furthermore, some comparative extenuation steps and redress attacks for chose option will be mentioned, concentrating cardinal issues of development and land renovation after 25 old ages.2. The Description of Development and SiteBristol metropolis council aims to put up a waste intervention works in the metropolis in order to non merely run into their recycling demands but besides make expeditiously retrieve value from the residuary waste produced. There is no uncertainty that a hundred thousand metric tons of rubbish send to the new workss for processing in the coming old ages instead than dumping it in landfill sites. The possible possible site is assumed as antecedently used land which locates in the chief industrial estate ( Avonmouth ) in the northern portion of Bristol. It would by and large be preferred in planning footings, as no new land would be used and contaminated land restored. In add-on, the installation has good transit substructure, which consequences fro m closely primary route web and instead rail entree. Figure 1 shows some possible antecedently land in the possible country, which have several big chemical fabrication workss and besides has a important residential country in Avonmouth between the industrialized zone and the M5 expressway. Furthermore, a big graduated table of green sites and H2O organic structure around the false site.Figure 1. The Potential Site for Waste Treatment Plant in Bristolalll sites.jpg ( Beginning: Google Map ) There are three possible options including MBT utilizing composting ( In Vessel Composting ) or anaerobiotic digestion ( AD ) or EfW provided in following inside informations. The local waste scheme officers assume that: 100,000 tonne residuary MSW will be treated ; the elaborate value of intervention for each option is described in Figure 2 ;Figure 2. The Value of Waster Treatment Processassorted recyclates are deserving on mean ?50/tonne ; all workss operate 90 % of the 8760 hours in a twelvemonth ; both digestate and compost are disposed to landfill at the full revenue enhancement rate ; nevertheless, the digestate is charged the full dispose cost, compost is disposed for free ; bottom ash can be processed and used as a secondary sum, doing net income at ?5/tonne ; gas cleansing residues are risky waste and landfilled at ?100/ metric ton plus landfill revenue enhancement at ?48/tonne ; electricity from AD is deserving ?135/MWh, electricity from EfW and In Vessel Composting is deserving ?60/ MWh.3. Introduction of Three Processing Options for the Residual Municipal Solid Waste ManagementThis subdivision focuses on debut of the procedure and principals of three options including In Vessel Composting, Anaerobic Digestion and Energy from Waste. MBT chiefly follow two procedures including mechanical sorting and biological procedure. Mechanical sorting is to screen ‘mechanical ‘ component such as metal, plastics, glass & A ; paper, which is made by manus and is a basic procedure in both composting and anaerobiotic digestion. However, the biological procedures are different because of the assortment of intervention principals. Anaerobic digestion, which is the biological intervention of organic waste without O, utilise microbic activity to interrupt down the waste in a controlled environment with mesophilic and thermophlic digestion and bring forth biogas ( e. g. Methane and Carbon Dioxide ) and digestate at the same clip. In Vessel Composting is an enclosed compost system and is the intervention of organic affair with aerophilic micro-organism to bring forth a mixture of stable humic substances and inorganic works food ( Agrivert, 2010 ) . In comparing with AD, there is no green energy produced through the system, hence, the excess energy will be used in the procedures. Energy from Waste is process incorporation the thermic decomposition of the waste include waste response and storage, burning system, heat recovery, fluke gas cleansing, power coevals and procedure control and proctor. Compared with MBT, EfW can disposal of all types of waste without other pre-treatment and the temperature has a minimal demand of 850oC for 2 seconds ( March, 2010a ) . Additionally, incineration offers a farther option for the intervention of residuary MSW and is already proved and bankable engineering in the UK with 26 EfW workss ( March, 2010a ) . Howeve r, there is no incineration in Bristol at the minute.4. Environmental Impacts Assessment of Three Processing OptionsIn order to accomplish the UK authorities ‘s cardinal ends and Bristol waste scheme, appraisal of the environmental and economic impacts of each processing option should be undertaken in the undermentioned subdivision. Local installations of waste intervention would supply much local employment chances. Furthermore, the figure of statute law and planning policy consisting international, national and local policy will besides be introduced to do certain the sustainable development. Therefore, this subdivision focal point on the cardinal issues of waste intervention options such as air emanations / wellness effects, dust / smell, noise, H2O resources, ocular invasion and public concern. Harmonizing to analysis of environmental impact appraisal, one of the options will be identified as the Best Practicable Environmental Option for Bristol City Council.4.1 Planning P olicy and ContextI ) International PolicyThe European Union has instigated a scope of Directives at a European degree that should be suited for each EU member and transposed into national Torahs in order to follow the local environment. The undermentioned International policies provide the European model for Waste applicable to the United Kingdom. aˆ? European Community ( EC ) Landfill Directive 1999/31/EC ; aˆ? EC Framework Directive for Waste 75/442/EEC as amended by 91/156/EEC ; aˆ? Waste Incineration Directive 2000/76EC ( WID ) .two ) National PolicyThe Waste Strategy for England ( 2007 ) sets out the Government ‘s vision for sustainable waste direction. The cardinal aims and marks of the scheme are to cut down the sum of waste produced and increase the rate of recovery of municipal waste. There are besides some other statute law created to accomplish the mark in the followers: Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme ( LATS ) ; Planing Policy Guidance Notes ( PPG ) and Planing Policy Statements ( PPS ) ; Planing Policy Statement 1 ( PPS1 ) : Delivering Sustainable Development ( 2005 ) ; Planing and Climate Change ( PCC ) : The intent is to put out how climate alteration considerations should be taken into history at different phases of the planning procedure. Planing Policy Statement 10 ( PPS 10 ) : Planing for Sustainable Waste Management. During Annex E of PPS 10, the chief factors have been taken into history by waste planning governments when proving the suitableness of a site for waste direction intents.three ) Regional and Local Planning PolicyPlaning policies for Bristol are set out in the Statutory Development Plan which includes the undermentioned paperss ( South Gloucestershire Council, 2010 ) : Regional Planning Guidance for the South West ( RPG10 ) ( September 2001 ) Joint Replacement Structure Plan ( as saved ) ( September 2002 ) Bristol Local Plan ( as saved ) ( 1997 ) Regional Planning Guidance for the South West ( RPG10 ) ( 2001 ) RPG10 comprises the Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West and the Regional Transport Strategy, and purpose to run into sustainable development in footings of environment, economic system and society.4.2 Anaerobic DigestionIn footings of biodegradable waste either by anaerobiotic digestion or by composting MBT engineerings helps to cut down the part of nursery gases to minmise the impacts of planetary heating. IPPC ( 2010 ) stated that AD engineering for assorted homogeneous waste watercourses is widely proven in Europe, but there are no full graduated table workss in operation in the UK on municipal derived wastes. Therefore, environmental and economic impacts should be assessed in order to develop installations at nowadays.4.2.1 Environmental impactsAs we all know that anaerobiotic digestion is wholly enclosed system, which may cut down environmental impacts. As it may accomplish a cardinal purpose of the landfill Directive and cut down organic wastes from landfill which redu ces the production of landfill gas and leachates. Although the installation has pollution control engineering in order to command the sustainable processes non merely for the company but besides for the populace, each development has some relevant impacts on air, H2O resources and local occupants. For illustration, odour emanations should be released during stuff handling and other air emanation ( Methane ) would be release during the procedure. This may impact the local life status if the pollution will non be controlled and ocular invasion, plagues and noise jobs. In order to foretell how smell will be transported, some information such as meteoric conditions ( e.g. , wind velocity and way, temperature, and inversion conditions ) in the proposal site can be obtained from a local conditions station. Furthermore, taint of concluding merchandise is frequently hard to avoid, which means digestate from residuary MSW connot be used for nutrient growth ; lone regeneration of contaminated land or landfill screen ( McKendry 2010 ) . Therefore, AD besides has somewhat negative impacts on environment during the handling and procedures of the installation. Harmonizing to Figure 2, net energy ( 0.5 MWe ) will be produced for National Grid, which besides can salvage energy and cut down environmental pollution from power coevals. To sum up, compared with no waste intervention in Bristol, AD is a better environmental practical option for waste recovery and besides can accomplish the UK cardinal mark.4.2.2 Economic impactsIt requires comprehensive pre-processing of the waste or beginning separation and larger digestion armored combat vehicles as it does non handle the whole Municipal Solid Waste watercourse but may be used on residuary municipal waste watercourse with contaminations rejected as portion of the procedure. Therefore, AD is more capital intensive than composting and cost more for landfill revenue enhancement. Furthermore, the end product of digestates is by and large risky and set to landfill, which will besides be more for the procedure than production from composting. However, compared with composting, energy should be produced and is deserving ?532,170 which is less than net income of net energy from EfW ( Figure 3 ) . Person ( City and County of Swansea, 2011 ) references that AD is comparatively low capital costs compared to most thermic procedures. On the other manus, anaerobiotic digestion has non adequate net income which created from byproducts compared to EfW ( Figure 3 ) . In footings of economic system, anaerobiotic digestion is the secondary pick in three waste direction options for Bristol.Figure 3. The Analysis of Input and Output of Economy in Proposed Waste Treatment PlantAnaerobic Digestation In Vessel Composting Energy from Waste Input signal 2,380,000 ( Landfill ) 1,564,000 ( Digestate )–2,040,000 ( Landfill ) 2,880,000 ( Compost )–408,000 ( Landfill )–888,000 ( Gas Cleaning ) End product Net income 1,500,000 ( Recyclates )–532,170 ( Net Energy ) i1,911,830 1,500,000 ( Recyclates )–i473,040 ( Net Energy ) i3,893,040 375,000 ( Recyclates ) 185,000 ( Bottom Ash ) 3,784,320 ( Net Energy ) 3,048,3204.3 In Vessel CompostingActually, this engineering has merely had limited experience in the UK ; nevertheless, it is quickly increasing in figure due to recent statute law of waste direction such as Landfill Directive. The advantage of In-Vessel Composting is that the procedures are more controlled and can be designed to accomplish specified temperatures of facilitate bacteriums devastation.4.3.1 Environmental impactsComposting can cut down volume of organic waste fraction of MSW by 25-50 % and minmise landfill rate ( IPPC, 2010 ) , which avoid environmental pollution ( Landfill gas and leachate ) similar with AD. However, some possible smell and leachate besides should be produced, which can ensue in air and H2O resources may be polluted to some extent. Although it is suited for green and kitchen waste, it is possible of co-composting operations with other waste watercourses such as paper, sewerage sludge ( IPPC, 2010 ) . On the other manus, it requires careful beginning se gregation of farther station or intervention as sensitive taint of glass and plastics. Furthermore, in comparing with other options, In Vessel composting has no energy end product and need excess energy for operation, which will impact more issues from power coevals such as air pollution. It is similar with AD that the development is non bad for ecosystem and ocular direction as the proposed site is antecedently used land which may be contaminated or brownfield site. The engineering has a greater ability to command air pollution emanations than mass burn EfW in theory, but this has non yet been demonstrated in pattern in the UK ( Environment Agency, 2010 ) .4.3.2 Economic impactsAlthough the capital cost is non rather expensive than Energy from Waste, the balance of input and end product of waste intervention procedure is wholly different than other options. Harmonizing to Figure 3, the developer or authorities should put more money for rejected waste to landfill and extra energy ( ?473,040 ) , which means the net incomes of recyclates can non do certain the continuously procedure of operation. Therefore, in footings of economic facet, this engineering is non suited for the UK cardinal sustainable development mark and is the worst option.Energy from WasteIn the UK, Energy from waste has a peculiarly hapless public image and has been problematic by environmental groups on the evidences of sensed wellness impacts from emanations to air. Combustion of residuary MSW can bring forth or let go of C dioxide and other nursery gases. Hence C emanations should to be considered in footings of composing of the residuary waste watercourse, the type of energy produced ( heat and/or power ) and the overall generating efficiency of the installation.4.4.1 Environmental impactsCompared with other options, EfW can disposal of a assortment of waste without restriction and pre-treatment required. However, dust job may be within the waste response hall or drawn into the furnace. Fu rthermore, there is a WID emanation restriction and air quality criterions regulated in order to command the air emanation particularly greenhouse gases from mills. The advantage of this engineering is that the province of the art of pollution control engineering is completed for planetary usage. In add-on, energy recovery includes Combined Heat and Power ( CHP ) workss and chance for territory warming programmes. However, the temperature is non easy to command during the operation processes, which may impact the efficiency of residue quality and disposal when burning is non completed. Although EfW can decide waste to landfill and emission decrease ( methane ) from landfill and residuary waste, which to some extent may turn to clime alteration, air pollution of EfW is more important than other options ( Hong, 2010 ) . The WID emanation bounds to air shows day-to-day mean emanations limit from incineration in the followers ( Veolia, 2011 ) : Dust ( Particulates ) 10mg/m3 Entire Organic Carbon 10mg/m3 Hydrogen Chloride 10mg/m3 Carbon Monoxide 50mg/m3 Sulphur Dioxide 50mg/m3 Oxides of Nitrogen 200mg/m3 Harmonizing to Figure 2, the figure of waste can be combusted and bottom ash can be used for building applications, which reduces the measure necessitating landfill disposal to under 10 % of the feedstock mass ( IPPC, 2010 ) . In comparing with others, 8MWe net energy should be produced and present inexpensive heat and power either to the National Grid or local users. On the other manus, it besides save more energy and cut down pollution from power coevals workss. EfW is non long term liability installation, therefore, local EfW would supply the best planetary solution for Bristol depending on the Life Cycle Assessment. Furthermore, the impacts of ocular, plagues and noise and ecosystem are similar and related to other waste direction options and with proper planning can be minimized to acceptable degrees. As for the ocular impacts, the undermentioned factors should be considered: direct consequence on landscape by remotion of points such as trees ; potency of an exhaust stack associ ated with air clean up systems ; testing characteristics and graduated table of vehicles accessing site.4.4.2 Economic impactsThere is no uncertainty that EfW is one of the high capital costs engineering, nevertheless, it besides create net net incomes from the procedures. Harmonizing to Figure 3, although, gas cleansing remainders are risky wastes and landfilled at ?148 per metric ton, the installation can make ?3,048,320 net net income from operation system except the capital investing, which including ?185,000 income from bottom ash, ?3,784,320 net income from electricity and ?375,000 worth from recyclates. Therefore, EfW is the best option for waste intervention for Bristol in footings of economic system compared to other options. On the other manus, the installation will blow more investing and energy during the procedure stopped when there is no adequate waste for burning procedure.4.5 DrumheadIn drumhead, each option may accomplish the UK and local waste direction and recycli ng mark and to some extent cut down waste and air emanation such as methane and C. However, in footings of sustainable development which related to economic, societal and environmental facets, each option has its ain disadvantages and advantages. As for economic system except the capital investing, Energy from Waste can do more net income in 25 old ages than MBT utilizing Composting or Anaerobic Digestion. Although air emanation from EfW is more important than other options, EfW has been used for a long clip and is bettering or extenuating more sustainable engineerings to avoid the negative impacts on environment. It is true that Energy from waste has a peculiarly hapless public image ; nevertheless, public attitude will be changed within the state of affairs altering. Therefore, Energy from Waste is the best value options for Bristol City Council to make the waste intervention mark and follow sustainable development.5. Extenuation Measures and Remediation ApproachEnergy from Waste is the Best Practicable Environmental Option for Bristol waste direction programme based on Environmental Impact Assessment ( EIA ) . As we all know that each option has its restriction, EfW is besides a instance in point. EIA states that the efficiency of burning, air emanation ( flue gas emanation and cleansing ) and public image are the chiefly important issues of EfW installation execution for Bristol. Furthermore, the land Restoration after usage should be considered at the beginning of building in order to be able to utilize every bit sustainable as possible. Extenuation steps should take to avoid, cut down, or rectify any important inauspicious effects that a proposed development is predicted to bring forth. First of wholly, because it is a smaller scale EfW workss, it is better to maximise the range for covering with hazard events and other possible inauspicious impacts. Furthermore, more information qualitative and quantitative appraisal of impacts such as meteoric conditio ns and ambient air quality should be collected for the following deepness appraisal. The recommended extenuation step for efficiency of burning is to utilize more effectual techniques. For illustration, the techniques such as Flue Gas Recirculation ( FGR ) can command the uncomplete burning in order to increase efficiency and to cut down the flow rate of pollutant emanations ( Liuzzo, 2007 ) . In add-on, the chimney should be high plenty to supply equal bill of exchange and to dispatch the merchandises without doing local sir pollution. There are besides some methods to increase positive public image, such as heightening propaganda or media spread and bettering instruction. The hazard direction including accident management/plan and security safeguard besides should be undertaken to avoid the wellness and safety of employees. As for the hereafter development after usage, the land should be careful managed to avoid possible risky constituents released into the land whether it is current contaminated or non ( McKendry, 2010 ) . The first recommendation purposes to used less penetrability stuffs for land building and cut down pollutants released. Furthermore, the regular clean up system is recommended to roll up the residuary waste during transporting system and clean up the soiled country such as oil let go ofing sites. Contaminated Land Management Regulation indicates that the defiler or proprietor has responsible to cover with pollution if the land will be contaminated by human activities. In my position, the proposal site is difficult to alter to an eco-green site after development, therefore, it is better to develop as commercial or industrial usage in the hereafter.6. DecisionIn decision, Environmental Impact Assessment of Anaerobic Digestion, In Vessel Composting and Energy from Waste were analysed in this paper in order to happen out one of the best sustainable development for Bristol and besides achieve the UK cardinal ends for waste direction. It is surely that each option has both negative and positive impacts on environment and economic system. The chief purpose of them is to cut down waste sent to landfill and accomplish the UK waste direction mark ; moreover, they besides have same impacts on environment such ac ocular invasion, public image, possible contaminated land after usage and air pollution. However, the important impacts of installations are different in different engineerings ; for illustration, odour emanation is more important during anaerobiotic digestion attack, ocular invasion, public image and air emanation is more important for Energy from Waste, and energy usage and smell and leachate are important in composting procedure. In footings of economic system, EfW is the best option with highest net net incomes during the procedure ; on the other manus, In Ves sel Compost is the worst attack because of excess energy supply. At the last, EfW has been chose to handle residuary Municipal Solid Waste with the extra extenuation steps in Bristol, which consequences in the development is non merely suited for international, national and local scheme but besides meet the Best Practicable Environmental Option which is sustainable and integrated in the farther development.

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Technology's Impact on Communication With new communication technology being introduced almost daily, the classical definition of how we communicate must constantly be redefined. Conversations now exist in a myriad of formats, most of which have only been around for the past 20 years. Faceable, Twitter, and various other current forms of social media now influence how we communicate. Modern technology offers a sterile virtual environment that lacks physical dimensions such as space and time.Modern immunization has progressed so much since the nineteenth century; we now question what Is real human interaction? Medal constantly evolves, which makes studying It difficult. Mass media greatly effects how we perceive other cultures, communities, and ourselves. The Invention of the telegraph, telephone, and radio transformed society In the 1 9th century. The Invention of the Internet changed how humans communicate forever. Unlike the others the Internet has become interwoven into our lives. The invention of smart phones and other Internet capable mobile devices ensures constant connectivity.We are now connected to Mass Media for the majority of our waking hours. News of earthquakes to wars around the world instantly zaps into our pockets regularly. Media directly influences how we create our own personal identity and how we perceive others. According to Michael Bugged author of Interpersonal Divide, media even shapes how we understand our own social identity. Constant connectivity gives us the freedom to control where we put our attention. People text and go on their emails during meetings. We use Faceable while out with friends.Now we create our own experience editing, deleting, and thus touching our thoughts and Ideas that we share. Faceable and Twitter offer us a perception of reality customized to our individual tastes and views. If we can live our lives only paying attention to what we chose to us will well miss something important? The novel Interpersonal Divide by Michael Bugged takes a critical analysis of how modern forms of technology have eroded our sense of community. Budge]a ask the question, â€Å"If electronic communication keeps us wired to the world.Why, then do so many feel displaced in the global village? Modern communication offers such a did array of conveniences, but distances us from our humanity. E. B White, of The New Yorker 1948: Television hangs on the questionable theory that whatever happens anywhere should be sensed everywhere. If everyone is going to be able to be see everything, In the long run all sights may lose whatever rarity value they once possessed, and It may well turn out that people, being able to see and hear practically everything, will be specially Interested In almost nothing. White 3) Mass media and its 24-hour news coverage perpetuate stories from around the world to its unman condition as portrayed by television. Bugged says overexposure to current forms of media may leave us unsympathetic or uni nterested in everything around us. We choose to spend more time with our electronic devices, and not with each other. Children say, â€Å"l love you† to there parents through text messages. Bugged believes modern forms of communication have not only changed society, but also us as individuals.The Internet offers us a way of customizing our experience in society, giving us the freedom to choose our interactions. He believes that humans seek acceptance and the Internet offers that. Without acceptance, we feel unloved. Without love we feel afraid. Lacking time, space, and form the Internet narrows perception and caters to our desires. Without the sense of community we feel unfulfilled we lose essential interpersonal communication skills. The real and virtually real blend so well that we cannot properly ascertain what is genuine from what is not.With all the technological advancements something as simple as tone cannot be properly communicated through cyberspace. In rigid text co nversation often the meaning of what we are trying to say to each other gets lost. Bugged believes cyberspace lacks authenticity, citing that private enterprise controls what we do and see. All technology in its infancy suffers from public ridicule and change. The biggest difference now is that change has happen in such short period of time. The printing press made millions literate, but put copy scribes out of business.The telegraph helped war become more strategic, but made war more violent. The radio made current events current to everyone, but instilled inherent fear into everyone. All these innovations came with great change to how we communicate. Today we can only speculate what negative changes the Internet will bring to society. We know the convenience the Internet brings, but what about the negative impacts? The Internet has changed the nature of entertainment, business, government, stock trading, and much more. 5000 years ago the invention of written language allowed peopl e to communicate, without needing to be face-to-face.Early Mesopotamia would scribe onto walls of caves messages to their counterparts, thus creating the first virtual reality. The printing press of the fifteenth century made it possible for hosannas of people receive the same information at the same time thus creating Mass Media. Telegraphs made direct communication possible at long distances, while telephones and radio let us communicate verbally. These technologies changed how society operated much like the invention of the Internet would in the twentieth century.Rapidly integrating into every facet of our lives the Internet has changed society faster then any of the other forms of media. Cyberspace offers us convenience and control like we've never experienced before. Being able to see your Ovid ones faces when you tell you are getting married, from 500 miles away now seems ordinary. The Internet allows us to get directions to a restaurant, check table availability, and the mana ger on staff all while brushing our teeth. We drive cars that now require Internet connectivity to function. We say things like â€Å"Google it† to prove our points in conversation.We even sleep with our mobile connected devices. People now sit in Social gatherings like Bars and parties in complete silence; we are now together yet alone. Joshua Moneywort, No Sense of place: The evolution of media has creased the significance of physical presence in the experience of people and physically present; one can communicate â€Å"directly' with others without meeting in the same place. As a result, the physical structures that once divided our society into many distinct spatial settings for interaction have been greatly reduced in social significance. Moneywort 2) With technology making virtual direct communication possible, interpersonal communication skills are needed more than ever. Often limiting non-verbal communications like touch, posture, and smell virtual immunization only offers a small percentage of the complexity of a face-to-face conversation. Large companies like Faceable and Apple continuously morph and change how they conduct business. Interpersonal contact is multidimensional; it exists in a specific time and place. Contact is the basic component of community in human relationships.The Internet alters our perception of the world and our place in it. We over indulge in technology isolating ourselves from humanity. As society grows and become more complex so must technology. We must ask the question of when does technology stop and society begin? Bugged says: The transformation of society from the real to the virtually real has been occurring since the nineteenth century, affecting how we perceive others and their cultures, communities, priorities, activities, and whereabouts. Bugged 1) The media offers a glance into other cultures and community virtual reality is not a new concept. What Bugged is trying to say is that now we are becoming satura ted with medias influence. Just about every facet of our lives now has some sort of device that offers some sort of prescribed convenience. Modern technology helps control our daily lives to an extent never thought possible. As a result, the way companies conduct their business has changed. New technology usually means a restructure in the labor force; the difference now is the speed in which it has happened.In 1994 roughly 3 million people, mostly Americans had Internet access, the fugue that increased to 26 million the next year roughly doubling every year after till the year 2000. Companies have downsized and implemented technology to replace its human workers. From automated call centers to online tech support, business has downplayed the importance of interpersonal costumer service. Not only is business lacking in human- to-human interaction, we are too. Small mobile devices like the phone can do everything, even tell you a Joke.Society has evolved quicker in the last 20 years than ever before. Over the past 10 years, studies of mobile communication has shown, those devices in our pockets, are so psychologically powerful that they don't only change what we do, they change who we are. Things we do now only a few years ago we would consider odd or strange, now seem familiar. We check our devices first thing the morning, before even saying hello to our loved ones. We have minor anxiety attacks when our phone battery dies. We take short breaks during social periods to check our Faceable and Twitter feeds.We feel it necessary to take pictures and update statuses of every waking minute of our lives. I share therefore I am. Technology has created an alternative society- one that is digital, a society where we can create our own persona and manage our identity. A world where we can control how our peers perceive us. Relationships are complex and varied, the Internet is linear and sterile; can it truly replace face-to-face interaction? We should not rely on Edie a nd technology to attain enduring relationships, which interactions and today pales in comparison to face-to-face communication.Technology can be the links through which we engage and befriend each other but to establish true relationships we must learn how to balance between the two societies. The classical definition of how we communicate has been redefined. Conversations now exist in a myriad of formats, most of which have only been around for the past 20 years. Current forms of social media now influence how we communicate. Modern technology offers a sterile virtual environment that lacks physical dimensions such as pace and time.Bugged calls attention to the problem that develops when we spend too much time in cyberspace rather than in real society. Constant connectivity gives us the freedom to control where we put our attention. The media and virtual communication shapes how we understand our own social identity. Overexposure to the media may leave unsympathetic or uninterested in everything around us. These days, those devises in our pockets are changing our minds and hearts offering us gratification. One, that we can put our attention wherever we want it to be; two, that e will always be heard; and three, that we will never have to be alone.

General Motors Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

General Motors - Article Example Bowen and Radhakrishna (1991) define motivation as a force that makes an organism or a person to respond. Thus an effective manager must be aware of the various factors that induce his or her employees to behave in a certain way. One of the significance theories that early managers adopted in their management was related to the appetitive function. According to this theory, the result of motivated employees which is the outcome of the forces and stimulus provided by the employers is brought about by imagination, memory as well as perception.According to James (2010) in his article on understanding employee’s motivation, staffs are not only motivated by salary increment but also by other factors such as more responsibilities, training, and shifts among others. Additionally, James (2010) covers the Hawthorne studies that sought to indicate the significance of human relations to the managers especially in focusing at the motivation and the needs of the employees. Two major ways t hat GM can emulate to maintain a productive work force is through provision of extrinsic and intrinsic motivators. Intrinsic factors include recognition of the hard working employees. This may be undertaken by promoting them or making them to be team leaders. On the other hard, James (2010) argues that a firm can provide job security and increased salaries as key extrinsic factors. James depicts that managers should also ensure equity among the employees as a way of motivating them. Equity is attained when the ratio of a worker’s output over inputs is the same with that of other employees (James, 2010). Studies undertaken by Adams (1965) indicate that for managers to effectively motivate their employees, it is paramount to first understand their goals. This is based on the fact that the goals of the employees vary. Through the provision of hygiene factors that include security, safety, salary, fringe benefits among others Adams (1965) argues that employees are powerfully motivated. Thus it is paramount for the GM managers to determine what their employees like and dislike so as to identify the appropriate hygiene factor to emulate. Adams (1965) argues that employees like six major aspect to improve their performance. First is achievement. This implies that workers are motivated when tangible goals are derived from their efforts. Secondly, employees like to be appreciated and recognized by their managers and other workers. Thirdly, employees are motivated by the work itself. For example, employees who enjoy working in garages will be more motivated if the GM managers take them to the production facility. Fourthly, workers are motivated when their responsibilities are increased. Fifthly, labor force is significantly motivated through promotion and advancement within their firm. In the same way, workers performance is enhanced when a company creates opportunities for growth. This can be undertaken by ensuring that workers are given ample opportunities to undertake part time courses either within the firm or from high institutions of learning. To ensure its employees in various parts of the word are motivated and are focused at attaining their own goals and those of the organization, General Motors should adopt McClelland's Human

Brief of case U.S v. Kozeny Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Brief of U.S v. Kozeny - Case Study Example Defendant asked that the court determine the substance of appropriate law in Azerbaijan and instruct the jury on particular defenses that might be accessed through the law of Azerbaijan. Reasoning: The Court argued that, though the defendants were relieved from prosecution because the bribery had been properly reported to the authorities, it did not make the action unlawful. Article 171 relieves the payer of prosecution, but not the payment. The defendants showed â€Å"corrupt† intent by consciously paying the officials which made them liable to the law. However, if the defendants provided evidence for â€Å"true extortion† then the Court would instruct the jury to provide exemptions to criminal liability under Article 171. Analysis: The case is significant because it shows that reporting the bribery does not exempt bribers from related criminal charges, unless in cases of â€Å"true extortion.† Defendants of bribery cases cannot easily evade the legal consequences of corrupt bribery

The Vast Solar System Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Vast Solar System - Assignment Example To further understand our solar system, it is important to get to know each planet that makes up the whole solar system. First of all, the earth in which we live in is the only planet that is able to support life. This is because of the fact that it consists of a thin layer of atmosphere that will protect living beings from cold and airless space outside. It is the third planet from the sun and is considered the fifth largest among other planets, with just a few hundred kilometers larger than planet Venus. Mercury, on the other hand is known to be the sun-scorched planet that is just slightly larger than the moon. It allows very little atmosphere and is covered with craters. During daytime, mercury is heated by the sun while at night, temperature in this planet drops hundreds of degrees below freezing that makes ice exist in its craters. Mercury has an egg-shaped orbit that revolves around the sun every 88 days. Venus, is another planet that is known for its having intense heat and v olcanic activity. It has a similar structure and size with the earth however Venus have thick and toxic atmosphere that traps heat in a â€Å"greenhouse effect†. This planet’s temperature is able to melt lead. A glimpse below the clouds would reveal volcanoes and deformed mountains. What is strange about Venus is that it spins slowly in the opposite direction of most planets in the solar system. Mars, is one that is considered a cold desert world. It has a size half of the Earth’s diameter and has the same amount of dry land. Just like Earth, Mars also goes through seasons, has polar ice caps, volcanoes, canyons, and weather. However, the difference between the two is that Mars has a very thin atmosphere for liquid water to exist for long in the surface. Research shows that Mars shows signs of ancient floods but evidence for water can only be seen through its icy soil and thin clouds. Jupiter is the biggest planet in the solar system. This is because of the fact that it has dozens of moons and an enormous magnetic field which forms a kind of its own solar system. Jupiter does not resemble a star when speaking of its composition but it does not grow big enough to ignite. The planet consists of swirling cloud stripes that are punctuated by massive storms such as the Great Red Spot which is continuously raging for years now. If you are looking for a unique planet among all that is in the solar system, Saturn is the one that will perfectly meet the description. It is adorned with thousands of beautiful ringlets where all four gas giant planets have rings, which are basically made up of chunks of ice and rock but no other planet could compare to the spectacular and at the same time complicated rings Saturn has. Like other gas giants, Saturn consists mostly of a massive ball of hydrogen and helium. However, according to astronomers, Saturn is the most distant of the five planets first known. Saturn has a volume which is 755 times greater than th at of the Earth where winds in its upper atmosphere would reach 500 meters per second in the equatorial region. These fast and strong winds combined with heat rising from within Saturn’s interior are the ones that cause the yellow and gold bands visible in the atmosphere that makes it unique. Uranus is the only giant planet who has an equator nearly at the right angles to its orbit. It has a size nearly the same with Neptune however, Uranus has more methane and is mainly made up of hydrogen and helium atmosphere than Jupiter or Saturn. Uranus has a blue tint which is caused by the methane. This planet was the first planet to be found using a telescope and

Zipcar case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Zipcar case study - Essay Example New entrants required a lot of capital and skills to match this strategy hence barring them from entering the market. Zipcar charge cheap prices for long distances as compared to other rental companies. New entrants will find it hard to charge such prices. There are many substitutes in the market for car rental services. Indeed, buyers can easily choose to switch to other rental services if Zipcar fails to meet their needs. Buyers can use personal cars, family cars, public transport, or taxis. Buyers have medium bargaining power where they have a chance to switch to other rental services if Zipcar does not meet their needs. The market has many buyers but only few have the capacity to influence market forces. However, the increasing number of online buyers can influence market prices in the future. The synergy between the business strategy for zipcar and information technology is very important (Pearlson and Saunders 75). Zipcar uses information and technology to enhance growth by helping the company to offer improved and efficient services. The network effects that are part of the strategy for zipcar are zipsters. They are social networking technologies used to develop an online community (Pearlson and Saunders 75). The zipsters add value to the company by encouraging community development and creating good relations between Zipcar and the customers. As the CEO of zipcar, I realize that the services offered and the price of the services threatens my competitive advantage. To sustain a competitive advantage, I would offer flexibility services, maintain cars, and charge affordable

Development of Chinas legal system and its difficulties and challenges Essay

Development of Chinas legal system and its difficulties and challenges - Essay Example These changes are occurring because of the fact that in order to strengthen the rule of law it is foremost necessary to place emphasis on a large number of elements, both from inside and outside of the country. Also the structure of the domestic law of the country is facing several transformations in the face of growing international trade and globalization. The legal systemis undergoing the most radical changes since their inclusion within the World Trade Organization (WTO). The country has largely been dependent on ideological reasoning and facts. But recently policy makers have suggested that in order to cope with international standards of respectable community, the country must follow specified globally accepted norms and regulations, irrespective of the fact that these norms and regulations are generated by the United Nations Human Rights Conservation or by the WTO (Bruun & Jacobsen, 2000, p. 251). Accordingly the country’s law and legal system have had to be changed and modified. The Republic of China is now initiating these changes or modifications with the most radical occurring in the areas of economic reform and changes in the nature of the administration process. This paper will attempt to evaluate all of these developments and will mark the difficulties or the challenges that china has been facing as a direct result (Alexandroff, Ostry and Rafael Gomez, 2003, p. 154). Philosophy: The Asian legal system appears to be different in many respects from the legal systems of therest of the world. Major reasons for this include spiritual variations and differences in intellectual thought. Religion plays little part in Chinese law-making but perhaps the most influential form of thought is Confucianism (Glenn 2007, pp. 318-319). The core of Confucianism is Humanism and is based on various levels of honesty. According to Confucian thought, with the use of the logic of humanity one can examine the world in the simplest possible manner. An ethical philosophy that is to be practiced by all the members of this society is the primary foundation and function of this thought. For almost a thousand years the legal system of China was dominated by Confucianism. The principles of Confucian ideology were the main driving force behind the evolution of the ancient legal system. Not only that, it also helped in developing the legalism, traditions, and moral aspects of life for the an cient Chinese people. This ideology mainly focused on astrict governmental hierarchy. Along with this the ideology marked its view regarding the fact that people need to internalize all the granted rules and norms and just take appropriate or necessary actions. According to this view, it has been argued that the law should be preserved only for those who try to do something out of pure self-interest at the expense of the interests of society as a whole. Hence, the law of the country has been modified to include harsh punishments with the aim of achievingand maintaining an appropriate social order withmaximum social welfare. In this regard China’s legal systemdiffers significantly from that of the West

Shawshank Redemption movie review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Shawshank Redemption movie review - Essay Example In this movie, there is not just a story line, but it has a deeper meaning to the scenario. There is a saving appeal in the title ‘the Shawshank Redemption’. According to the Webster’s Dictionary, redeem means to free from what distresses or harm (Analysis of the Shawshank Redemtion). There is an initial sense of salvation as to what Shawshank might be. However, later in the movie this sense is discovered. According to that sense, the title is an oxymoron. How can it be possible that a prison provides redemption? However, full meaning of the title is gained by the end of the movie. Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is a successful banker and the leading character of Shawshank. He is a man who is convicted for murdering her wife and her lover. Due to this murder, he shipped to a maximum-security prison in Shawshank, Maine, for two consecutive life sentences. Shawshank is a depressing and harsh prison, where brutality from the prisoners and the guards is a common place. A ndy becomes friends of a guy who had a fair taste of the prison after spending many years behind the bars. This was Ellis Boyd ‘Red’ Redding (Morgan Freeman). Red is aware of all the ways of smuggling items in the prison for other prisoners. After other prisoners brutalize Andy, Red realizes that he is an unusual person (Brundage). Morgan, as the new recruit who is most likely to crack under the pressure picked up Andy. Soon enough, Andy realized the harsh realities of the prison. The warden was a corrupt, Captain Byron Hadley (Clancy Brown), who led sadistic guards. The inmates were lesser wild than the animals, who would insure their dominance through rape or beatings. Andy had proclaimed his innocence in the beginning of the movie. Throughout the time he was in prison, he does not crack, but he has the hope of his innocence. Apart from being innocent, Andy was smart too. He was always doing something or the other. He helped one of the notorious guards with a tax prob lem in return for which he got chilled bottles of beer for his people who worked in the party. This is how he got the guards and other prisoners on his side (The Shawshank Redemption ). Andy improved the prisons library for those who wanted to study. In a matter of few years, Andy gained the respect of the guards and other prisoner in a matter of few years. Andy was an optimist who would never lose hope. He would also give hope to the other prisoners. He accepts that fact that life has many possibilities, but to fulfill them all, he needs to be free. This movie is the best example of art and music. It is about a man who does not give up on hope, the only thing that cannot be taken away from the external forces. Andy and Shawshank are two things the viewer completely is enveloped with. The first glimpse of the prison you get a fair glimpse of how grim the life can be- because of its utterly gothic structure that assaults you with a sense of foreboding. A prison life is composed of ro utine and debasement. It is Andy’s smartness, which allows him to prevail behind the bars. He wins over the guards and the wardens through his skills of banking. He keeps and eye on most of the staff of the prison (The Shawshank Redemption (1994)). Andy is raising funds for his undertaking. He is very patient about it and is steadily writing weekly letters to the state officials until he gets what he is expecting. Slowly and carefully, ‘the Shawshank Conspiracy’

HIV and AIDS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

HIV and AIDS - Essay Example Prior to the 1980’s, medical records have no exact number of the number of deaths resulting from the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. The disease was relatively unknown so the signs and symptoms could not be easily diagnosed. There is uncertainty surrounding the origin of the virus. Scientists now claim that it has possible links with Africa (avert.org, n.d.). The first major report in the United States of America about AIDS came in the form of a report published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 1981. In the AIDS Public Information Data for 1981 – 2002 there is a report on the number of cases of the disease as it relates to the different states, location, demographics and HIV exposure group. In the early years of the disease there was a strong belief that it was only prevalent among homosexual males and the possibility of it being transferred to heterosexual partners was low. The July 3, 1981 publication of The New York Times said, â€Å"Dr. Curran said that there was no apparent danger to non homosexuals from contagion. ‘The best evidence against contagion’, he said, ‘is that no cases have been reported to date outside the homosexual community or in women.† Dr. Curran served as Coordinator for the CDC taskforce on Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections from 1981 to 1982. This belief, however, proved to be short-lived as there was evidence of the disease spreading to other groups towards the end of 1981. There were reports of the disease among those who had blood transfusions and the passing of the disease from mother to child was also recorded during this period. The disease was given the name Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome in 1982 (avert.org, n.d.). By March of 1983 the CDC report included other population groups. According to the report (cdc.gov, 1983) â€Å"persons who may be considered at increased risk of AIDS include those with symptoms and signs suggestive of AIDS; sexual partners of

Case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 7

Case study - Essay Example A person should always adopt the educational program that suits to his or her career plans. Career planning is essential for success in life and I have always kept this notion in mind. My immediate career plans entail moving from employment in the private sector, in order to establish and manage my own business in the near future. Although my current work in GMME in Saudi Arabia requires strong leadership and decision-making skills, so I decided to come to Canada and to apply for new degree that will help me to reach my goals in the near future. I opted for Royal Roads University because of its sound reputation in the field of business studies. In addition, I had feeling that the degree offered at Royal Roads University-Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management will provide me with the advanced leadership and managerial skills and the necessary information to the development of fledgling business enterprises. I am confident that the complexity and diversity of courses offered in this program will provide me with a comprehensive understanding of organizational models and managing strategies and skills that I need in my job and to start my business soon. The degree of Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management will facilitate me with education and practical knowledge related to the field of business. Not only will I be able to get business knowledge but also management skills such as leadership and decision-making. For a businessperson, it is overly significant that he knows to lead and decide. It is only possible with acquired knowledge of business and management that one can work successfully with a personal business. For me, I think that the degree offered by Royal Roads University is the best choice, as it comprises each and every aspect of my career goals. Learning is necessary for success in any field of life, therefore, the knowledge that I will attain from the university will make me eligible to serve

Charles law Essay Example for Free

Charles law Essay Aim: To investigate how the charge on a capacitor is related to the p. d. applied across it by charging the capacitor at a constant rate. Apparatus: o Capacitor (electrolytic type) 500 ? F o Microammeter 100 ? A o Clip component holder o Stop-watch o CRO o Connecting leads Theory: From definition, the capacitor C of a capacitor is found from C = Q/V Where Q is the charge stored on the capacitor and V is the potential difference across it. == Q = CV ==. If a capacitor is charged up at a constant rate, i. e., where I is a constant. Then is also constant. Hence the potential difference across the capacitor increases linearly with time. Procedure 1. The circuit was connected as shown in the figure below. The CRO was set to d. c. and the sensitivity to 1 V/cm. 2. The time base was set to any high value so that a steady horizontal trace is displayed. The trace was shifted to the bottom of the screen. 3. The capacitor was shorted out by connecting a lead across it and adjust the 100 k ? potentiometer for a suitable current, say 80 ? A. 4. Shorting lead was removed and the capacitor will charge up. Note what happens to the microammeter reading and the CRO trace. 5. The procedure was repeated but this time start the stop-watch and continuously adjust the potentiometer to keep the current constant as the capacitor charges up. 6. The times was measured for the CRO trace to move up by 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, etc. These are the times for the p. d. across the capacitor to reach 1V, 2V, 3V, etc. 7. The results was tabulated. Results and discussion. 8 Describe what happens to the microammeter reading and the CRO trace as the capacitor is being charged up. The microammeter reading increase momentarily, then it decrease to zero in a few second. After the capacitor had been completely charged,the CRO trace is a horizontal line, which continuously move up. 9 Tabulate the times for the p. d. across the capacitor to reach 1 V, 2 V, 3 V, etc. as below: P. d. across capacitor Plot a graph of p. d. across the capacitor against time. How is the p. d. related to the time? p. d. is directly proportional to time. 11 Deduce a relationship between the charge on the capacitor and the p. d. across it. From the graph it is found that p. d. is directly proportional to time. Since Q=CV = V=Q/C Therefore if V across the capacitor is directly proportional to t, Q is directly proportional to time as current was constant. Conclusion We can find out that the p. d. across the capacitor is directly proportional to the time needed. Given that the charging current is constant. Sharing. The experiment is much easier than the last one , but we encountered some obstacles in connecting wires , as usual , we messed up positive and negative terminals and couldnt conduct it smoothly. At last, we had to call for help. Suggestion and there may be some personal error , for example counting the time taken for the capacitor be charged to extent value was rather inaccurate. Perhaps, we could conduct the experiment several times and compute out the average value. Reference list http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Capacitor http://www. elecsound. cn/Ceramic-Capacitor. htm.

Challenges Faced by Honda

Challenges Faced by Honda 1 Introduction Honda is the most successful company existing in the market now days with the latest technology in the automobile industry with luxury cars to sports to family car they have a vast range of cars and motorbikes. Honda, (2010) In October 1946, Soichiro Honda established the Honda Technical Research Institute in Hamamatsu, Japan, to develop and produce small 2-cycle motorbike engines. Two years later, Honda Motor Company, Ltd. was born, and in 1959 Honda opened its first storefront in Los Angeles with six industrious employees. Honda opened there first U.S. plant in 1979 and have evolved into a company that directly employing more than 25,000 Americans. More than 100,000 workers are employed at authorized Honda automobile, motorcycle and power-equipment dealerships in the United States. Tens of thousands of additional Americans are employed by more than nearly 600 U.S. suppliers from which Honda purchases parts and materials. Honda, (2010) In the recent years the automobile crisis of 2008-2010 was the part of financial downturn, which affected automobile makers and suppliers around the world. The industry was weakened by the substantial increase in the prices of fuel linked to energy crisis of 2003-08 which discouraged purchases of automobiles with low fuel economy. In the year 2008 there were fewer fuel efficient models to offer to the consumers, the bigger automobiles including General Motors, Toyota, Ford, Chrysler, Nissan and Honda Motors experienced sliding sales. Honda, (2010) Honda Motors in 2008 announced it would be down sizing due to 2008 economic crisis and predicted that there may be reductions in staff at all levels of the management effective January 2009 2 Strategic Analyses, (2010). The process of strategic analysis the process of conducting research on the business environment within which an organization operates and on the organization itself, in order to formulate strategy. A number of tools are used in the process of strategic analysis, including PEST, SWOT analysis, and Michael Porters five forces model. Pest Analysis, (2010) Pest analysis is for Political, Economic, Social, and Technological analysis and helps to set a framework of macro-environmental factors used in the environmental scanning component of strategic management. Williams and Curtis (2007) that political factors include government regulations and legal issues and define both formal and informal rules under which the firm must operate. Specifically, political factors areas such as tax policy, labor law, advertising law, environmental law, trade restrictions, tariffs, and political stability Government plays an important role in the economy as well as in taxes to be charged to the company. These factors also play an important role in the employment law, competition regulations as the company can not make specific prices as they have to follow the competition regulations. Economic factors have economic growth, interest rates, exchange rates and the inflation rate. Pest Analysis, (2010) the factors have major impacts on how business works and decision making, example, interest rates affect a firms cost of capital and therefore it affects the business and how will grow and expand. Exchange rates affect the costs of exporting goods and the supply and price of imported goods. Economic factors affect the purchasing power of potential customers as the power to buy the product. Social factors include the demographic and cultural aspects of the external microenvironment. Pest Analysis, (2010) social factors affect customer needs and the size of market as well on the demand for a companys products and how that company will perform. Companies change various management strategies to adapt to these social trends (such as recruiting older workers). Social factors affect the needs and wants of the customer and the way they buy a particular product, as the demand may decline with the new product which offered to the wrong age sector. Pest Analysis, (2010) Technological factors can reduce the barriers to enter and reduce minimum efficient production levels, and play a big role outsourcing decisions. They can help to determine barriers to entry, minimum efficient production level and influence outsourcing decisions. Technological factors help to technological shifts that can affect costs, quality, and lead to innovation. SWOT analysis, (2010) SWOT analysis is a strategic planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or in a business. SWOT analysis is a business tool by which, a firm will be able to implement a strategic analysis, analyzes and recognizes its corporate Strengths and Weaknesses as well as the existed or forthcoming Opportunities and Threats from its external environment. Completing a SWOT analysis will help in identifying and the ways to minimize the affect of weaknesses in your business while maximizing your strengths only when these four critical information elements are well elaborated and known. SWOT analysis compiles of, SWOT analysis, (2010) Strengths: attributes of the person or company that is helpful to achieving the objective Weaknesses: attributes of the person or company that is harmful to achieving the objective Opportunities: external conditions that is helpful to achieving the objective Threats: external conditions which could do damage to the objective Honda Motors is one of the most successful automobiles company in the world and with the help of PEST analysis and SWOT analysis they have come so far as they are able to understand what are the political factors, economic, social and technological factors they have to understand when they are producing the automobiles as well have to understand the needs and wants of the customer as well as the economy of the place as the government plays an important role. They have to understand the technology they have to provide in there automobiles because the latest technology will be able to attract the people better and they would be able to reach the market better and the relevance of SWOT analysis in running the business is very important as Honda has to understand what are there strengths, weakness, opportunity, threats in order to be successful in the market as they need PEST and SWOT analysis together to be able to survive in the market for long run these two analysis helps Honda to be a better company and be able to understand its customers and their needs. 2.1 Honda: Reconciling dichotomies (Product related core competencies versus process related core capabilities. Constructing dichotomies is the best avenue for new ideas in the field of automobiles industry. Productivity, (2010) Product related core competencies are measurement of the effective use of the resources, expressed as the ratio of output and input. Productivity as the ratio  of output and input. Productivity us very important to business because they can gain market share and make great profits. For example, when productivity increases, product costs decline and product price can be reduced. Productivity relates to competitiveness in the way that if two firms have the same level of output but one requires less input because of higher productivity, that one will be able to charge a lower price and consequently increase its shares of the market. Process related core capabilities typically describing the act of taking something through an establishment and usually set of procedures to convert it from one form to another, as a manufacturing or administrative procedure. The process core capabilities at Honda is playing an important role as it is helping in having new and developing innovative ideas for the company and playing an important role in product related core competencies. Process Capabilities, (2010) The concept of process capability has been used by the manufacturing industry to quantify the relation between product specifications and the measured process performance. Various ratios and indices have been developed to describe this relation. 2.2 International trade is exchange of capital, goods, and services across international borders or territories. International Trade, (2010) international trade area has flourished over the years due to the many benefits, as it has offered services to many countries across the world. International trade is the exchange of goods and services for an amount of capital. It is also one of important sources of money making for developing country, with the help of modern manufacturing techniques, advanced transportation, transnational corporations, outsourcing of manufacturing and services, and rapid industrialization, the international trade system is spreading and growing fast. International trade, (2010) Great variety of goods available for consumption and international trade brings in different kinds of goods from different destinations. This gives consumers a variety of choice to choose from and which will not only improve their quality but also the whole country. Better allocation and better utilization of resources, since countries tend to produce goods and items which they are good at and have a comparative advantage towards its competitors. Efficient production will help countries and they will be able to adopt better methods of producing goods and this will keep the cost down in order to remain competitive. Countries that can produce a product at the lower price will be able to capture a larger market share in the market. Therefore an incentive to produce efficiently arises. This will help standards of the product to increase and consumers will have a good quality product to consume. Automobile industry, (2010) Restricting trade in the context of global automobile industry, the global automotive industry, rapidly changing with global mergers and relocating its production centers towards emerging and developing economies. The industry is subject to imperfect competition which has resulted in too much of capacity, too many competitors and too much redundancy and overlap. The industry is worried about the demands and wants of consumers about product styling, safety, comfort and manufacturing efficiency. The industry have to really work hard to meet the demands of the consumers and what are the new wants as what types of cars they want in the automobile industry. Specialization in automobile (Honda) sector is increasingly becoming segment specific as each of these countries is finding its niche. China is specializing in components, India in two wheelers and small vehicles, Thailand in pick-up trucks and passenger cars and Indonesia in utility vehicles. As Honda is understating its market in these areas and other areas of the world as they are providing according to their customers wants as they have restriction in providing different kinds of automobiles which is not required in the particular country. Automobile industry is a symbol of technical marvel by human kind. Being one of the fastest growing sectors in the world with its dynamic growth phases are explained by nature of competition, product life cycle and consumer demand. 3 Whittingtons Evolutional and Systemic schools of thoughts. Applying the two schools of thought in developing strategy to Honda motors. Evolutionary process in which the Evolutional is way in which the evolutionary perspective: sell or die. Strategy, (2010) Marketing communications decisions are for short-term survival In the long-term we might be dead! Intense focus on short-run sales, not long-term brand-building Whittingtons four schools of thought The development strategy of Honda Motors have used the Whittington evolutional and Systemic school of thought in there process and the way to understand the market better and its competition. Not only maximizing the profit but also professional pride and culture as described under in the figure Evolutionary and Systemic schools of thought Whittington Evolution Systemic Opportunities to make decision and competition Unexpected swings in future Competition does not imply efficiency: markets can be manipulated; society has other criteria s for corporations than just profit maximization Finding possible causes of action and objective Trial and error forced choices Local approved Selecting course of action and developing strategy Improving operations management Strategic objectives depends on the specific social system in which the strategy is created Strategy Strategy = day to day management for surviving and competitive nature Other than profit maximizing is professional pride, influence, religion and culture The two schools of thought which are being used by Honda Motors in order to develop their strategies are Evolutional and Systemic and Honda are using these tools in a proper manner likewise in Evolutional school of thought used by Honda in Marketing communications decisions are for short-term survival Communication decisions are for short term in the evolution process Intense focus on short-run sales, not long-term brand-building. They have to consider intense focus on the market The school of thought who is better is Systemic school of thought because of lots of reason Systemic school of thought have Systemic School of thought used by Honda Consumer attitudes and behavior are confined to social systems with given norms, values, roles, culture, and ethics. Honda understands all these behavior and attitude of the customer in order to develop a better strategy in future. Limitations to what marketing communications can do in terms of market share the consumer culture rules, Honda have to have a good knowledge about the marketing communication and know its limits Other rational reasons for marketing communications than pure profit maximization, such as religion, culture and professional pride. This school of thought is better and more suited towards Honda as it keeps an eye on the consumer demand needs and wants as well understand its customer behavior. They have good knowledge of the marketing process. Honda believes in professional pride, culture and religion understanding of the people and how people react to these norms as Honda is the leading Automobile industry as it suites towards the Systemic school of thought in order towards the strategic development. Proper explanation of Systemic in figure below 4 Processual schools of thought is about understanding the brand and influencing the brand with some risk taking in decision making and Processual approach helps firm to maintain its goal of a simple strategy based on four loop. The loops can affect but should not change the strategic management of the firm and it is about Consumer attitudes and behaviors can be influenced Continuous improvement of brand, Creative ways of reaching customer Advertising management Certain degree of risk-taking in decision-making allows for innovative and The Processual School of Thought is about making the Honda adopt the strategy and develop a brand by understanding its customers and their need and wants. At the same time understand its values. The implications of strategic management on the four loops. The rational loop helps in making sure that strategic management would be based on rational thoughts and ideas. Processual school of thought helps in focusing on the use of rational decision making when making decisions and controlling the use of strategies. It helps and makes sure that all the implications of any decisions or strategies would be carefully analyzed under Processual School of Thought. Therefore Processual School of Thought is making the strategic management of the rational loop more though full and full of new ideas. The overt politics loop with the help of Processual School of Thought helps to create a more open influence on strategic management. Politics are used by some to add their ideas to strategic management without being discreet about it. Overt politics focuses on the use of influence and connections to assert strategic ideas with the help of Processual School of Thought and that is best thing for the company The Culture and cognition loop plays an important role when evaluated by the Processual School of Thought as it makes use of culture and tradition to influence strategic management decision and to make the strategies based on the culture of the place and country. Honda Motors uses culture and cognition as important factor in strategic development. The culture and cognition loop makes use of ideas to change strategic management decision so that the firm will act according to the needs and wants of the environment. In this loop Processual School of Thought would serve an important part in making decisions that will affect the firm and Processual approach helps the firm maintain its goal of a simple strategy based on the four loops. The covert politics loop with the help of Processual approach helps to create a more secretive means to influence strategic management; this involves a member of the Honda Motors secretively influencing strategic management decisions in his favor. Covert politics loop is a more secretive way to influence decisions and strategies and this usually creates decisions that may be beneficial to the company. 5 Conclusions Honda Motors is one of the leading automobiles industries and in couple of years they have been facing problems as the industry was weakened by the rapid increase in the fuel prices as well as to energy crisis of 2003-08, which made people to buy less of automobiles with low fuel economy. In the year 2008 there were some models released by Honda with fuel efficient models to offer to the consumers, the bigger automobiles including General Motors, Toyota, Ford, Chrysler, Nissan and Honda Motors experienced sliding sales. Honda has used PEST and SWOT analysis to work harder to achieve the goal to make their sales go high, and have worked on the weakness in the market as well. Honda has studied there PEST analysis and the factors that are affecting their company. Honda being the leading automobile industry has to know its strengths and weakness, when dealing with their customer. They need to know their needs wants and demands. Whittingtons Evolutional and Systemic schools of thoughts are being applied by Honda Motors to the better development of their strategy and which helps them to know where they are standing in the market and with the help of the four loops Honda can know its company better way as they will be able to understand its culture, religion and this will help to make better strategic decisions for the company.

Moral and Ethical Values in Engineering Industry

Moral and Ethical Values in Engineering Industry MORAL ETHICAL VALUES IN AN INDUSTRY AS AN ENGINEER There are three main Moral Ethical values in an industry, which an engineer is always obliged to obey, these values not only helps the industry but also benefits equally an Engineers personal gain. These three main points are: Professional Duties Ethical Values Human Values An Engineers good conduct (as captured in professional codes of conduct) toward other engineers, toward employers, toward clients, and toward the public is an essential part of the life of a professional engineer while remaining in the industry. As professionals, engineers need to internalize their codes and to realize that they have a personal stake in the application of codes as well as the process of developing the codes As professionals, engineers should try their best to solve every problem. i.e. If a problem situation is related to other engineer field, an engineer should know at least the know-how to solve that problem. Engineers should always respect their field rules as per their fields literature. In industry, an Engineer is responsible to think about the interaction of technology and society, because engineers are the ones who create all of technology. In industry, the central focus of an engineers profession must be on the application of scientific knowledge and creative thinking to meet societal needs. Engineers must bring both the industry name and his profession to the equal level so that there will not be any defaming situation created in any of both cases. In an industry, the purpose of the scientist is to know things, while that of the engineer is to perform on things and invent. The scientist enhances to the stock of confirmed, organized information of the corporal realm while an engineer fetches this information to stand on real-world problems. In an industry, an engineer is not allowed to choose the problem that comforts him; he must resolve problems as they arise. A solution to the given problem by an engineer in an industry must be reliable, cheap and most importantly safe. An engineer should keep paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public. An engineer should always avoid any type deceiving acts. An engineer should do amenities only in the zones of their capability. Engineers should shoulder projects lonely when qualified by schooling or knowledge in the precise technical fields involved. As a professional engineer, he must turn for each employer or customer as faithful agents or representatives. Engineers must conduct themselves morally, dutifully, morally, and legally so as to improve the integrity, standing, and practicality of the occupation. Engineers should support only those engineering forms that are in conformism with appropriate standards. Engineers may show openly practical thoughts that are established upon facts and competency in the topic matter. Engineers should not assist or support the illegal exercise of engineering by an individual or firm. Time is money-that well-known proverb must be every engineers priority working in an industry. An engineer should have human moral awareness (skills in knowing moral glitches in engineering) Forceful moral perceptive (understanding, measuring dissimilar views) An engineer should always keep in the view about the effects on the human health caused due to the industries. An engineer should pay his complete attention to his work especially when working on forums related to human moral values. An engineer must use moral message, to show and upkeep ones technical opinions to others. Moral sensibleness i.e., eager and talented to be ethically technically responsible for human lives. An engineer must respect for people, which shows apprehension for the well-being of humankind. While proposing an idea to an industry, an engineer must keep in mind that his/her project is eco-friendly, that in turn is ultimately beneficial for the mankind. An engineer must keep moral confidence i.e., trust in using lucid discussion for undertaking ethical engagements. Honesty, which incomes moral truthfulness, and assimilating ones proficient life and individual beliefs.

Comparing Merchant’sThe Death of Nature and Thomas’ Man and the Natural

Comparing Merchant’sThe Death of Nature and Thomas’ Man and the Natural World    The works of Carolyn Merchant and Keith Thomas pertain to the same subject matter and even to the same time period. Nevertheless, in comparing their interpretations of the evidence and the presentation of their arguments concerning the history of mankind’s relationship with nature in Tudor and Stuart England through the Scientific and Industrial Revolutions, we find that they are quite different. Merchant presents us with a rather one-sided, retrospective attack on science as the root of all environmental evil, while Thomas offers a relatively neutral, prospective look at how the people of this time reacted to the changing views of nature and what, exactly, caused these views to change. The theme running through Merchant’s book, The Death of Nature, is one of pessimism toward science. Her main argument is that the root of today’s environmental problems can be found in the early modern period, an era in which, Merchant says, nature was robbed by science of its right to life and spirit and became, effectively, a machine. According to Merchant, in the early 16th century with the rise of modern science and technology, mankind’s view of nature as a living being changed and nature became a machine to be dominated, dismantled and its secrets discovered, no matter what the cost. Of the many examples Merchant uses to illustrate her point, none seems so warranted as that of Sir Francis Bacon, the father of modern science. We follow Bacon through Merchant’s book as one of the ringleaders of the movement to mechanize and de-spiritualize nature. "The Baconian method," says Merchant, "advocated power over nature through manual manipulation, technology, and... ...covery, he does imply that, with new theological interpretations raising moral standards and with new scientific discovery, nature was, so to speak, given back some of its rights as a living organism. While Thomas and Merchant argue different sides of the same coin, the two authors do agree on one thing: that, like the lyrics of a popular rock song, "video killed the radio star," something new seems to have "killed" the organic view of nature in the early modern period. But while Merchant stops there, pessimistically asserting that we have not moved beyond the "death of nature," Thomas believes that science, as opposed to being merely an enemy of nature, actually resuscitated it, saving it from the earlier, anthropocentric view of Tudor and Stuart England. Works Cited Merchant, Carolyn. The Death of Nature, Thomas, Keith. Man and the Natural World.

APEC Essay -- essays research papers fc

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) began in 1989 in reaction to the developing interdependence among Asia-Pacific economies. At first this organization was a group that met unofficially. APEC now has become the crucial provincial conduit for encouraging open trade and realistic economic cooperation. It’s objective is to progress Asia-Pacific economic vitality and the essence of the people. APEC consists of 21 nations and other political units that border the Pacific Ocean. Economic and political alliances have been formed among the countries of the Pacific Rim. APEC's aims include reducing trade barriers among its members and to further trade and investment in the region. Its principles are to support economic growth and development of the region and world economic liberalization, to reduce barriers of the trade of goods, services and investment, and to facilitate economic, technical and investment cooperation among its member economies. (http://www.apec2002.org.mx/sevents)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are now twenty-one active members in APEC. Twelve nations have been members since the group was formed in 1989: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and the United States. In 1991, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan became members. Mexico and Papua New Guinea joined in 1993, and Chile in 1994. Hong Kong became a special administrative region of China in 1997 but kept its separate membership in APEC. Peru, Russia, and Vietnam became members in 1998. (http://www.apecsec.org.sg/) http://www.apec2002.org.mx/index.cfm?action=content&IdCategory=1&IdSubCategory=7&IdTopic=2   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first two years of APEC, the members set up ten groups that would investigate opportunities for cooperation. The members of APEC meet annually since the beginning of the formation of APEC. In 1993 the heads of APEC met to constitute working groups to inquire about local cooperation in the areas of higher education, human resource development, and trade and investment. They also set up the Pacific Business Forum. The Pacific Business Forum was created to elevate immediate cooperation with privately owned businesses. Through many forums and meeting APEC agreed to implant a free-trade zone in the midst of their countries by the year 2020.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  &n... ...ilateralism means that the ideas of other members are not properly discussed. This becomes a problem because the decisions that APEC makes will affect all of its members. A debate over the subject matters of APEC will help to create more momentous steps toward greater trade and investment where exposure becomes an actuality.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Even though APEC has some problems their accomplishments outweigh them. APEC is still working towards its goal of free and open trade with working groups and committees. Working groups inquire about local cooperation with specific topics. APEC is particularly important in making the region focus on issues of trade and opening the global market.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Works Cited http://usinfo.state.gov/regional/ae/apec.htm http://www.noie.gov http://www.apecsec.org.sg/ http://www.apec2002.org.mx http://www.apec2002.org.mx/sevents http://www.apec2002.org.mx/index.cfm?action=content&IdCategory=1&IdSubCategory=7&IdTopic=2 http://www.apecsec.org.sg/loadall.htm?http://www.apecsec.org.sg/workgroup/fish.html http://www.mac.doc.gov/internet/aplacfaq.htm http://www.brook.edu/dybdocroot/comm/PolicyBriefs/pb026/pb26.htm

The Common Traits of Successful Websites Essay -- Sell Websites Buy We

The Common Traits of Successful Websites A website is a new way to communicate without direct personal interaction. It is a place on the internet where one can post anything from personal information to commercial advertising. The major advantage of websites is the fact that they are accessible to anyone in the world. The only restriction is that the person must have a computer and a modem. From that point on, the options are immeasurable. One can read different personal homepages, visit commercial sites and do valuable research. All of these sites can be created by anyone who wishes to take the time to learn the necessary computer language. The creator of any type of website must take into account certain important guidelines in order to create an effective and successful page. The most common type of website is a personal homepage. Homepages make it possible for an internet surfer to learn about someone s/he does not even know. It is almost an invitation to one's personal home without any direct personal contact. All homepages differ greatly in their content. However, they all must have specific, necessary facets in order to be successful websites. Firstly, and most importantly, a homepage must serve a purpose. Whether this purpose is to have fun, to display artwork, or to produce an on-line resume, is irrelevant, as long as the page serves a purpose. I have visited numerous websites, and they all serve some sort of function. Three specific pages to which I will refer are Jeff Seiden's personal homepage, Emily Reith's personal page and Sarah Borcher's homepage. These three pages are all examples which represent different college students. They are of different ages: Jeff, a freshman; Emily, a sophomore; and Sarah, a s... ...commercial, must have are purpose, focus, coherence and links. Without these four necessary factors, it is nearly impossible to have a successful homepage. Works Cited Burgess, John. "Glitch Reveals the Power of the Internet." _The Washington Post_ 31 Jan. 1994, WB17. Donlin, Dennis. "Scaling New Media Mountains". _Advertising Age_ 27 March 1995: 22. Dyer, Gillian. "Advertising As Communication". New York: Routledge, 1982. Holiday Inns, Inc. Homepage Hotchkiss, George Burton, M.A. _An Outline of Advertising_. New York: The Macmilan Company, 1933. "Internet Ads: The Debate Goes On." Advertising Age 2 May 1994: 23. Rotzoll, Kim B., James E. Haefner, and Charles H. Sandage. _Advertising in Contemporary Society_. Cincinnati: South-western Publishing Co., 1990. "Web Sites Top List of Internet Advertisers." _Los Angeles Times_ 11 Dec. 1995, D3.

History: the ancient world Essay

The region occupied by the ancient Aztec and Maya, now commonly referred to as Mesoamerica, is an area encompassing Southern and eastern Mexico, all of Guatemala, Belize an El Salvador, western and southern Honduras and the Pacific side of central America as far as the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. On the other hand, Egypt is located at the Northern part of Africa, along the Mediterranean ocean. Despite the distance between the geographical location of the two, history shows several similarities in their cultures. Ancient Mesoamerican people and the Egyptians shared a series of cultural traits; among the most striking of the two calendars of 260 and 365 days that perpetuate in a great cycle approximating fifty two years, language similarities, similar methods of construction, specifically the pyramids. There are also other similarities in their ways of life such as trading and farming among many others. Although the people inhibiting the Mesoamerica area were of many distinct cultures, often speaking mutually unintelligible languages, none the less, there was widespread contact over millennia through migrating, trade, conquest and pilgrimage. The interest in Egyptian and the Mesoamerican archeology arose in the beginning of the 19th century. It was intertwined with important local and global social political developments. Below is a discussion on some of the areas of similarity in the Egyptian and the Mesoamerican cultures. Similarities in the Egyptian and the Mesoamerican pyramids There is also a similarity in the methods of construction of the pyramids by the two cultures, based on the concept of externally oriented architecture. It is believed that the Egyptian pyramids often had temples placed at the summit of the pyramids, just as houses had been built on top of masonry platforms. For example, in the Puuc style, the stone temple facades resembled the design of the tied twig walls of the Maya house. The tendency of the early stone architecture to imitate reed or wood construction was also seen in the early Egypt. In Zozer’s pyramid complex at Saqqara, stone pillars were carved in the shape of the bundles of papyrus or the palm trees that had been used as supports in the palaces at that time. Many of the features of the Egyptian pyramids are found in the pyramids of Mesoamerica. At Uximal the pyramid complex was enclosed by a wall as were those of Egypt. Chichen Itza was also a walled city of 30 square kilometer with 7 paved roads, or sacheob, several kilometers long connecting important sites. The paved road between Uxmal and Kabah was 18 km long. These roads or sacheob, resemble the Egyptian pyramid causeways, although their geography was different. Differences in the pyramids Differences in the Egyptian and the American pyramids have already been noted, although some of them are more apparent than real. There are the differences as a result of time and function. It is said that the famous Egyptian pyramids were built before the year 2000, and the classic pyramids of Maya pyramids came 300 years after. However, history says that the Kushite revival of pyramids c-700 coincides with the construction of the early Olmec pyramids at La Venta. The pyramids of Egypt were conceived as tombs, playing an important part in the religion of the Egyptians. It has been admitted that the Mesoamerican pyramids were also important in their religion. However, the difference with the Mesoamerican pyramids is that never served as tombs, but were used for another reason. The famous Palenque is proving that at least some pyramids served as tombs in America, but for the important people of the society. There is no doubt that there was a difference in the precise religious function of the Egyptian and the Mesoamerican pyramids, although the exact purpose of the pyramids is contradictory. Also, there have been no claims to identify the composition and the construction methods of the pyramids. Whereas the Americans made extensive use of small stones, cement and stucco, the Egyptians used much larger stones while sparingly using the mortar. Astronomy and the calendar In both the Egyptian and the Mesoamerican complexes, the astronomical orientation played an important role. Both the Mesoamerican and the Egyptian civilizations had developed scientific calendars, as was common to all the agricultural societies. For this reason, they paid close attention to the solar and the lunar cycles. In Mesoamerica, close attention was given to the Venus cycle, which helped shape the calendar. Unlike the classical Greeks, the Maya knew that the morning and the evening stars were the same heavenly body (Venus). The Mesoamericans calculated that an 8-year solar cycle equaled a 5-year Venus cycle. Although the Mesoamericans knew that the solar year was a little over 365 days, they also made extensive use of a 260 day cycle which had no parallel in the Egyptian calendar. The Egyptians, on the other hand, had studied all the visible constellations in developing their star clocks. A different star was chosen every ten days (the Egyptian week) as the new decan star to mark the last hour of the night. The modern time measurement of 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night measurement had its own origin in the ancient Egypt. They had also developed a constant civil calendar of 365 days. However, the Egyptian calendar, with an early development of 4241 was far more ancient than that of Mesoamerica. Language similarity The precise history of the of the ancient languages of the people of Egypt and Mesoamerica remains a mystery even up to today, and the origin of the two cultures is also uncertain. The reason for the demise of the cultures of the people of Maya is uncertain, but the tragic devastation of the Aztec culture is all too well known. Although there is limited evidence, a number of scholars have suspected that these two regions, although from different parts of the world have come into contact between themselves during the ancient times. However, it has been denied that the encounter between these two cultures was a prolonged one. Other scholars have suggested that there could be a possibility that these two cultures never came into contact at all. Despite the contradictions among the scholars, the similarities between these two cultures are major and cannot be ignored. There is an assumption that the Egyptians and the Mesoamericans shared a common language which made it possible to exchange the ideas. The reasoning behind the similarities between the two languages is that there must have been contact between people from the two regions. There are many similarities in the linguistic correspondences between the two languages, which remove the possibility of just a contact between the Egyptians and the Mesoamericans. The possibility of a spontaneous coincidence has also been ruled out, because of the existence of similar sounds and meanings in some words. Application of Mathematics Mathematics was also developed at quite a high level in both cultures. This shows that they were able to make measurements during the construction of the pyramids, and also in other areas that could have required the application of mathematics. Today, it is clear that the Mesoamerican arithmetic is readily adaptable to the operations of multiplication and division as well as the simpler addition and subtraction operation. The difference in the numbering systems of the two cultures was that the Egyptian numbering system was additive, base 10, making extensive use of fractions and did not have a symbol for zero. On the other hand, the Mesoamerican system used base 20, was positional, was the first to invent a symbol for zero but as far as history shows, it did not use fractions. There are no detailed records of the Mesoamerican written materials, due to an order that was given by the Spanish authorities to burn down all Native American books. The Mesoamerican and the Egyptian writings were both rooted in their own separate cultures and iconography. It is not known if the first use of the paper in Mesoamerica received an impulse from Africans who were already familiar with papyrus writing materials. Several plant materials were used by the Maya of Mesoamerica to make â€Å"paper†. The famous maguey cactus and the amatl tree from which â€Å"amate† is made are some of the materials that were used to write on. Materials from the tree were soaked, washed, pounded, cut into small pieces and pounded again, a process that is not so different from that of making the papyri. Farming activities Both the Egyptians and the Mesoamericans relied on agriculture for food. During the early years, the Maya of Mesoamerica started civilizing. They built small radiating canal systems in a low rainfall area of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, which is assumed to have been used to irrigate crops. Irrigation was so important, as more than 85% of all the farming in Mesoamerica relied on canal irrigation. In Egypt, farming was common along river Nile. Irrigation was at first done through the over flooding water from the river at the farms along the river. Later on, they adopted the method of fetching water and pouring it directly to the crops, which was later on replaced with the digging of canals to redirect the water to the farms. Trade in Egypt and Mesoamerica Due to the farming activities along the river Nile, the people of Egypt engaged themselves in trading activities amongst themselves. They then upgraded to trading with the people of Mesopotamia, and later on with those from the kingdom of Kush towards the South. There are historians who believe that the Egyptian picture writing, or hieroglyphics, was developed from Sumerian cuneiform as a result of trade contracts with Mesopotamia. In Mesoamerica, long distance trade first developed in Maya. The first of these was a shift in the bulk of east west commerce from the ancient pre classic trade routes along the Pacific coastal plain and the coast of Yucatan to the central-Maya routes through the highlands and, more important, along the rivers across the lowlands. The second development was the emergence of a new Mesoamerican power centre at Teotihuacan, which was able to re-unify the long distance trade network during the early classic period. The trade differences in the two societies could be as a result of the differences in the goods traded by the two societies. Although they all specialized in farming practices, they planted different crops, which they used as trading commodities. Conclusion There are many similarities between the Mesoamericans and the Egyptians. Although it is not clear to any historians how these similarities came to be, the possibility of a mere coincidence in the cultures has been out ruled. This essay has highlighted some of the some of the areas of similarity such as the pyramids, the calendars, farming activities and trade, to prove a relation in the cultures of the Mesoamericans and the Egyptians. However, more research needs to be done to prove how these people from difference continents came to adopt such similar cultures. Future research should also focus on finding out whether there are other ways of life that the two cultures shared. Reference 1) Jerry H. Bentley, Herbert F. Ziegler, â€Å"Traditions and Encounters†, 4th edition, Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2008. ISBN 978-0-07-333062-4