Administering the questionnaire survey Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Administering the questionnaire survey - Essay Example phical limitations they may put into effect on the surveys and the vast resources needed if such surveys need to be done nationally or internationally. The cost of training interviewers in questioning methods, traveling cost, and interpretation of response is also high. In addition, respondents might feel apprehensive about the ambiguity of their responses when they interact face-to-face interviews. In long interviews, either tiredness or edginess can affect the quality of responses as the interview progresses. Interviewers must be willing to face potentially unlikable and risky situations alone, be able to come up to strangers and need to have the personal skills to conduct an interview. Face-to-face interview can be negatively affected by the noticeable characteristics (gender, race, class) of an interviewer. For example, there might be different responses on questions such as abortion and attitudes to sexual mores if there is gender difference. However, the advantage of face-to-face interview is that the interviewer has got the flexibility of adjusting questions as per the situation, clarify doubts, if any, and ensure that the responses are properly understood by repeating the questions. Moreover, the interviewer can also use non-verbal cues from the respondent. Any embarrassment or stress experienced by the respondent can be felt through frowns, and other body language, unconsciously exhibited by any person. Telephone interviews are interviews that are held over the phone. Telephone interviews involve making telephone contact with selected sample members and asking the questions over the phone. Telephone interview methods allow skilled interviewers to build rapport yet maintain considerable respondent anonymity. The main disadvantage of telephone interview is that the respondent could unilaterally terminate the interview without warning or explanation by hanging up the phone. It requires skilled professionals who could interact with the respondent in a

To Grade or Not to Grade Essay Example for Free

To Grade or Not to Grade Essay Sweaty hands, racing heartbeat, trouble breathing. These are a few of the things some students may experience right before, or even during a test. Jerry Farber brings some very interesting alternatives to testing and to the whole grading process in an article he wrote called, â€Å"A young person’s guide to the grading system†. (Farber 1969) In A young persons guide to the grading system (Farber 1969) Farber has some radical ideas for change that unfortunately, may not be taken seriously enough to invoke change. Although in my opinion his ideas are certainly something that could benefit many students in many ways. In brief, what Farber says is, instead of grading with A’s and F’s, schools could use something he calls the â€Å"credit system†. He goes on to say â€Å"If you meet the minimum requirements of a course, you get credit for it. No A’s or C’s or silver stars, just credit†. (Farber 1969) The best part of this is if you do not meet the minimum requirements nothing happens. As a student that certainly struggles when it comes times for a test, I would like to see some of his ideas implemented in schools. The way school works now, if you try your best but still don’t meet the minimum requirements of the course, it can greatly affect your grade point average. It can even affect your financial aid or get it taken away completely. Also, students will have to pay again to re-take the class, thus adding more money on to your student loans. What a turn off to learning this becomes. Instead of really wanting to learn, school becomes more of learning only what you have to learn to pass a class. Is this what school is supposed to be about? Only learning what we must? I believe Farbers ideas would certainly make school a lot more stress free, thus opening up the doors to free learning. Looking at this from the point of view of the student who struggles with test anxiety or grades in general, but is very smart and puts forth great effort, Farbers ideas make all the sense in the world. A great number of the jobs in the world today require a college degree when on the job training and apprenticeships would be so much more practical. Is it really a good idea to pay for four years of college, graduate and then get training? I think not. To me it makes perfect sense to skip to the on-the-job training. After all, that’s where we learn the most about the job we are doing. And what about all the money spent on college? Is this necessary? According to the Project on student Loan Debt, â€Å"The average amount of student loan debt was $24,000 in 2010. And the unemployment rate is up for college grads too. Given that the average job for a person fresh out of college was approximately 27,000 a year in 2011, according to an article in the New York Times. (NY Times) Does it make sense to burden our young people with a debt that will take years to pay off? Apprenticeships would be so much more beneficial to people and to the government as well. No more student loans or finical aid! Well, at least not as much money going towards them. High schools may see a decrease in the drop-out rate and could turn out smarter, more confident students with a genuine eagerness to learn. I believe Farbers eagerness to teach his students out-of-the-box may have been the reason for him writing this article. Farber is a professor at San Diego University to me that says a lot. He may have gotten tired of seeing his own bright students not meet the requirements of the school and offered a new solution to the problems of the current grading system. Farber has developed a unique new alternative to the current rigid grading system. Wouldn’t it be a great thing to see a study done in a large university that implemented these ideas? It may work. No one will know until it’s tried and tested. Unfortunately this article was written in 1969 and through my research online I was not able to find a single school that was ever willing to take a chance and give more students the chance to â€Å"learn without restriction†. (Farber 1969) References Farber, J. (1969). A young person’s guide to the grading system. In Baker College composition: A custom approach (Revised Edition) (pp. 184-188). Boston, MA: Pearson. [Grads today]. (2011, January 10). Retrieved January 31, 2013, from http://www.nytimes.com/business/ economy/19grads.html [Student loan debt]. (2011, April 7). Retrieved January 31, 2013, from http://projectonstudentloandebt.org/

Child Labor - Economic Exploitation of Children Essays -- Foreign Dome

Child Labor - Economic Exploitation of Children   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Child labor is a serious problem in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries. It has been linked to many nations and cultures for hundreds of years. Child labor is defined by Article 32 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child: as any economic exploitation or work that is likely to be hazardous or interferes with the child’s education, or is harmful to the child’s health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral, or social development. Labor is defined as a difficult, or fatiguing mental and/or physical work. It wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution that it became the problem it is today. With the arrival of the factory system in the 18th century, during the 1700s, children as young as five were being used as workers in England. During this period, a law called the English Poor Act gave the government the responsibility to care for children that had no parents or whose parents were too poor to care for them. Under this law, the government would take these â€Å"pauper children† and place them in jobs where they could become apprentices and learn a trade. The law was not usually affective because when children were handed over to the factory owners and usually became slaves. This is a violation of the â€Å"Human Rights Document: Universal Declaration of Human Rights† in article 4, which states: no one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms. Children were used to tend to machines in factories and many worked in the dark, damp coalmines, carrying coal on their backs up ladders. Many children would work 10 to 15 hour days. This is a violation of the â€Å"Human Rights Document† in article 24, which states: everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay. They were forced to work in dangerous and unhealthy conditions, and their wages were incredibly small. There are many reasons why these children work; poverty, lack of education, lack of knowledge of one’s rights, and cultura l tradition are all contributing factors. These children are often deprived and mistreated. They may get beaten or severely punished for making even the slightest mistake. This is another violation of the â€Å"Human Rights Document† in article 1, which states: all human beings are bor... ...the child labor; they don’t have any legal power. The trade unions are weak and don’t have the funds to do the job. Over several years the proposed law, now known as the Child Labor Deterrence Act, has been reintroduced along with a companion bill in the House. However, no vote has been taken on the House bill and the proposal was still pending at the beginning of 1998.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Some U.S. cities are passing laws to ensure that the goods they purchase are not made in foreign or domestic sweatshops. In 1992, the organization established the International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor (IPEC), which has implemented more than 600 action programs in 27 countries. The goal of these programs is to prevent and fight child labor by helping children withdraw from work in selected villages, provide support services for the children and their families, and change community attitudes towards child labor.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Putting an end to child labor requires changes on many fronts, especially on attitudes about child labor and the world’s poor. To help bring about changes in attitudes, activists in many countries are raising awareness that child labor violates fundamental human rights.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Guyana’s Culture

Culture name: Guyanese Identification. Guyana is an Amerindian word meaning â€Å"the land of many waters. † Attempts to forge a common identity have foundered, and it is more accurate to speak of African, Indian, and Amerindian Guyanese cultures. There were small European, Portuguese â€Å"colored,† and Chinese communities before large-scale migration to Canada and the United States in the late 1960s. British Guiana was referred to as â€Å"the land of six peoples. † Location and Geography.Guyana is on the northeastern shoulder of South America, bounded on the north by the Atlantic Ocean, on the east by Suriname, on the northwest by Venezuela, and on the south and southwest by Brazil. The capital city is Georgetown. In an area of 83,000 square miles (212,000 square kilometers), there are three regions: the narrow coastal belt of rich alluvium; the densely forested, hilly sand and clay belt; and the Rupununi grasslands between the rain forests and the frontier wi th Brazil. Over 90 percent of the population lives on the coastal belt, which is below sea level.The Dutch, using African slaves in the eighteenth century, made this area habitable. Every square mile of cultivated land has forty-nine miles of drainage canals and ditches and sixteen miles of high-level waterways. Demography. The population was 758,619 in 1980. It had declined to 723,800 in 1991, and an estimated 720,700 in 1996. In 1991, the population consisted of 49 percent Indians; 35 percent Africans; 7 percent mixed race peoples; and 6. 8 percent Amerindians. Indians are of the following religions: Hindu, 65 percent; Muslim, 20 percent; and Christian, 15 percent.Massive migration has led to the virtual disappearance of Chinese, mixed, Europeans, and Portuguese. Linguistic Affiliation. The official language is English. No African languages survived slavery, nor have those of the indentured laborers (Indians, Madeiran Portuguese, and Chinese). Guyanese speak creole dialects of Eng lish with varying ethnic lexical imprints. However, all dialects are mutually intelligible. Symbolism. There are few national symbols or metaphors. The national hero, Cuffy, the leader of the Berbice Slave Rebellion in 1763, is primarily an African Guyanese hero whose statue in Georgetown evokes Indian antipathy.Indians tend to identify with an India of the imagination and the Hindu and Muslim religions. Africans often look to an imagined Africa. The utopian vision of Guyana—El Dorado—created by Sir Walter Raleigh in the 1590s, claims the imagination of most Guyanese today. History and Ethnic Relations National Identity. The colonial rulers promoted images of Britishness to inculcate loyalty to the empire, but although various ethnic groups absorbed aspects of that culture, they retained their identities. The Portuguese attempted to selectively Anglicize their Madeiran Catholic culture to stress their European-ness.Most Africans adapted British culture to an essentiall y African core. Indians, coming after the Africans (between 1838 and 1917), sustained a stronger sense of their national identity. This process of â€Å"creolization† affected all groups but did not forge a national culture. Ethnic Relations. After adopting British cultural idioms, the African and mixed middle class deprecated the â€Å"backward coolie† culture of Indians. The Indians, steeped in ancient notions of caste, brought rigid ideals of color and physical features to their judgment of African people, although most Indian immigrants were themselves dark.Africans and Indians thus constructed distinct Guyana identities. A brief political compromise in the early 1950s could not moderate their mutual incomprehension. In the early 1960s, both groups violently contested the space being vacated by the British; this has left a legacy of racial hatred. Ethnic relations since independence in 1966 have been undermined by the notion that politics consists of the allocation of the spoils of power to the ruling ethnic section. Alternating ruling African and Indian elites publicly criticize the role of culture and ethnicity in political mobilization while exploiting it.Urbanism, Architecture, and the Use of Space The two main commercial centers are Georgetown and New Amsterdam. The colonial architecture found in parts of Georgetown is still impressive wooden buildings with jalousies and high ceilings to facilitate ventilation, some featuring large, wooden verandas. In rural areas, there are many wooden buildings made up of many eclectic styles, but all are built on stilts to protect them from floods. Wooden buildings are fading into the past, however, as concrete buildings are becoming more common. Food and EconomyFood in Daily Life. Basic foods reflect ethnic preferences, but there has been considerable cross-fertilization. The creole foods created by Africans have been adopted by all the other groups. Dishes made from â€Å"ground provisions† n ow constitute a national menu: crab or fish soups with plantains, eddoes, cassava, dasheen, and coconut milk; â€Å"cook-up rice† with black-eyed peas, pigs tail, green plantain, and cassareep; and Indian curries and roti. Food Customs at Ceremonial Occasions. At African festivals and life cycle rites, creole foods are served.Vegetarian curries are provided at Hindu weddings; the day after a wedding, curried meat is served. Basic Economy. Most food is produced locally, including rice, fruits and vegetables, sugar, cooking oils, fish and seafood, meat, and rum. Colonial tastes survive in the form of sardines, corned beef and mutton, chocolate, and whiskey. Imports largely consist of fuels and lubricants, cars, agricultural machinery, clothing and footwear, and consumer durables. Commercial Activities. In a primarily agricultural country, the main exports are sugar and rum.Rice is grown primarily on small farms, and coconuts also are an important crop. The major industrial prod ucts are bauxite, gold, and lumber. Fishing is established, as is livestock rearing. Tourism, mainly to the wild interior, is in its infancy. Major Industries. Industry is still in its infancy in Guyana. The one exception to this are the companies that process bauxite and the facilities in rural areas set up to dredge for gold. Trade. Guyana trades primarily with the European Union (mainly the United Kingdom), Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean community.Most of the country's main export, sugar, is sold to the European Union. The bulk of rice production goes to the Caribbean, and bauxite is exported to Canada and the United States. Division of Labor. Eighty percent of workers in the sugar industry and 90 percent of rice farmers are Indian, as are many growers of fruits and vegetables and forestry and fishing workers. Africans tend to go into the professions, work in public service, and seek employment as skilled workers in urban centers and the interior. Social Stratificat ion Classes and Castes.There are class differences within each ethnic group. One can identify an Indian middle class based primarily in commerce and an African middle class in the professions and the upper echelons of public service. Middle class consciousness across ethnic lines is weak, and includes very few Amerindians. Between 1988 and 1996, gross domestic product increased by forty percent, with remarkable growth in sectors where Indians are disproportionately represented. The public sector, where Africans dominate, experienced no growth in that period.Symbols of Social Stratification. Markers that locate people as middle class regardless of ethnicity include place of residence, the employment of security guards, the type of car driven, the type of English spoken, the frequency of travel overseas, where and what the men drink, where the women shop, clubs, and access to private tutors for children. Political Life Government. The 1992 and 1997 general elections were won by the pr edominantly Indian People's Progressive Party (PPP).The elections of 1968, 1973, 1980, and 1985 and the referendum of 1978 were widely seen to be rigged in favor of the predominantly African People's National Congress (PNC), which ruled from 1964 to 1992. The electoral system has been one of proportional representation since 1964. Fifty-three seats in the national Parliament are allocated proportionally. Another tier of government serves the ten regions; the President, who is the leader of the victorious party, heads the government but does not sit in Parliament. Leadership and Political Officials.Elections are a demonstration of ethnic strength rather than a reflection of popular will. Cheddi Jagan and L. F. S. Burnham were the cofounders of the PPP, a loose coalition of the two main ethnic groups. The first PPP government, elected in April 1953, was thrown out by the British for fear of communism. Party rivalries since that time have involved different versions of Marxism, and the various parties have failed to deal with racial antagonism. Military Activity. Before the 1990s, the army was crucial to the projection of political power, and was a source of employment for African youths.In 1992, the Guyana Defence Force was 97 percent African and 3 percent Amerindian, with Indians accounting for less than one percent. Gender Roles and Statuses Division of Labor by Gender. The economic and political spheres are dominated by men, but a few women are senior officials in the government. Although there has been one female president, there is a paucity of women in the cabinet, the legislature, and the leadership of political parties. Women play a significant role as farmers, market vendors, teachers, nurses, civil servants, and clerks, as well as doing housework.In recent years girls have outperformed boys in regional examinations, and more women than men attend university. The Relative Status of Women and Men. The abandonment of children by fathers and a culture of m ale-centered drinking frequently leave women with the sole responsibility for their children. In urban areas, where the extended family is often nonexistent, many African women are the family breadwinners. The state provides virtually no social welfare assistance. Marriage, Family, and Kinship Marriage. Among Hindus and Muslims, arranged, comparatively early marriages are common.Middle-class Indians have greater freedom in choosing a spouse, especially if the woman is a professional. Marriage usually occurs later, and the family is smaller. Indian families are patriarchal and often function as corporate economic units. Formal marriage is less common among the African working class, and the middle classes marry later. Domestic Unit. There is a high incidence of multi-generational women-centered households in working-class families. Younger men may belong to and contribute to the household, and older men may join later.Men usually marry late and often engage A woman prepares cachiri, an alcoholic drink, in a workshop. in serial monogamy before forming a stable relationship. Socialization Infant Care. Among all the ethnic groups, the extended family plays a role in the socialization of children. In an outdoor society, children are allowed to roam. In rural communities, discipline is a communal responsibility. Children and younger adults address elders not by their names but as â€Å"auntie† or â€Å"uncle. † Children usually are carried by parents, siblings, and relatives. Child Rearing and Education.Teaching children â€Å"correct† behavior is a priority. Corporal punishment is considered indispensable, and attendance at church, temple, or mosque is used to inculcate moral values. Life cycle rites and rituals are central to the shaping of a child. Higher Education. Mixed people and Africans were pioneers in education. Until the 1930s, Indians tended to resist educating girls, but the example of other groups and the emergence of an Indian mid dle class have led to a changed attitude. Until decolonization in the late 1960s, secondary schools were excellent.The University of Guyana, founded in 1963, has produced many distinguished scholars and professionals, but it has also suffered from the mass exodus of Guyanese academics. Religion Religious beliefs. African, Amerindian, and Indian traditional cultures have sustained folk practices that have penetrated Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. Obeah has its roots in African folk religion but influences Indians as well, and Indian spirit possession has affected rural African religious sensibility. Religious Practitioners. Christian ministers, Hindu priests (Brahmins), and Muslim imams command considerable deference.However, folk religious leaders such as obeah men and women, charismatic leaders in Afro-Christian sects, and similar leaders in folk Hinduism compete with the established religious leaders. Death and the Afterlife. Death requires the public articulation of grief; th e â€Å"wake† or vigil, facilitates communal support for the bereaved, who reciprocate by providing a feast for the community. Hindus believe in reincarnation, and Africans believe that the spirit of the dead must be placated and assisted. Produce displayed for sale at a market in Parika Quayside. Agriculture is Guyana's principal commercial activity.Secular Celebrations Most festivals are based on Christian, Hindu, and Islamic beliefs, so there are few truly secular holidays or events. However, â€Å"Mashramani† is celebrated to mark the country's Republic Day on 23 February, and the anniversary of the Berbice Slave Rebellion of 1763 is also noted. The Arts and Humanities Support for the Arts. It is extremely difficult for artists to survive as public funding is very limited. Many artists have migrated. Literature. Africans celebrate their history of resistance and achievement through Anancy tales, proverbs, songs, and stories. This tradition has haped Guyanese litera ry sensibility. The first major Guyanese novelist was Edgar Mittelholzer (1909–1965), who lived and worked in England most of his life. His first novel,Corentyne Thunder,  was published in 1941 and was followed by 22 additional novels. Another noted Guyanese author, Wilson Harris (1923–), also did most of his writing in England. His works were greatly influenced by Amerindian myths and the haunting solitude of the rain forests and its majestic rivers. The country's best-known poet is Martin Carter (1927–1996), whose work was influenced by the political turmoil of the 1940s and early 1950s. Graphic Arts.The country's most accomplished painter, Aubrey Williams, was steeped in Amerindian motifs and images of the hinterland. The work of the sculptor Philip Moore is informed by West African artistic forms and motifs. In pottery, woodcraft, and basketry, Amerindians produce for the domestic and foreign markets. There is a national collection of paintings but no nati onal gallery. Performance Arts. There is a rich heritage of folk music, dance, and drama in each of the main ethnic groups but no art form to project a national identity. The impact of the national School of Dance has been limited; music and dance are still essentially ethnic.The Theatre Guild in Georgetown has sustained a dramatic tradition, as has the professional Theatre Company, but drama appeals mainly to the elite. Bibliography Adamson, Alan H. Sugar without Slaves: The Political Economy of British Guiana, 1838–1904  , 1972. Benjamin, Joel, Lakshmi Kallicharan, Ian McDonald, and Lloyd Searwar, eds. They Came in Ships: An Anthology of Indo-Guyanese Prose and Poetry  , 1998. Brown, Stewart ed. The Art of Martin Carter  , 2000. Carter, Martin. Selected Poems  , 1997. Jagan, Cheddi. The West on Trial: My Fight for Guyana's Freedom  , 1966. McGowan, Winston F. James G. Rose, and David A. Granger, eds. Themes in African Guyanese History  , 1998. Menezes, Mary Noel . The Portuguese of Guyana: A Study in Culture and Conflict  , 1994. Moore, Brian. Cultural Power, Resistance and Pluralism: Colonial Guyana, 1838–1900  , 1995. Rodney, Walter. A History of the Guyanese Working People, 1881–1905  , 1981. Seecharan, Clem. â€Å"Tiger in the Stars†: The Anatomy of Indian Achievement in British Guiana, 1919–1929  , 1997. ——. â€Å"The Shaping of the Indo-Caribbean People: Guyana and Trinidad to the 1940s. †Ã‚  Journal of Caribbean Studies  14 (1–2): 61–92, 1999–2000.Smith, Raymond T. The Negro Family in British Guiana: Family Structure and Social Status in the Villages  , 1956. ——. British Guiana  , 1962. Spinner, Thomas J. ,  A Political and Social History of Guyana, 1945–1983  , 1983. St. Pierre, Maurice. Anatomy of Resistance: Anti-Colonialism in Guyana, 1823–1966  , 1999. Sue-a-Quan, Trev. Cane Reapers: Chinese Indentured Immigrants in Guyana  , 1999. —C  LEM  S  EECHARAN Read more:  Culture of Guyana – history, people, clothing, women, beliefs, food, customs, family, social  http://www. everyculture. com/Ge-It/Guyana. html#b#ixzz28QSplBsF

Leo Burnett Company LTD Essay

Leo Burnett is an advertising agency that was founded in 1935 in Chicago. One of their clients is Ontann Beauty Care (OBC), which is a leading global manufacturer of health and beauty care products. OBC has been awarding Leo Burnett’s (LB) its business for many years. OBC has been a client of LB’s Toronto and London offices since 1958 and mid-1970, respectively. OBC has centralized its global marketing campaign for a given brand and creates the communication materials as templates for local offices to follow. Local offices are then responsible for adapting these raw global materials and developing local â€Å"below the line† materials. LB also centralized its decision making to better service it original client. In 1998, OBC presented a new skin care line that would target a rapid growing population of consumer over the age of 50. This new skin care line would be called â€Å"Forever Young†, and was more expensive than other OBC skin care products. OBC awa rded its advertising and brand communication to LB. Mirroring the global OBC team structure; LB global brand team remained in London and formed satellite teams in Toronto and Taiwan. The Taiwanese Team would receive the creative templates from the LB global team and would adapt for the local market. In addition, they would have to adapt the television ads and retake photos for the print ads with an Asian model. The Toronto team would use English television ads and print advertising for the Canadian market. Furthermore, they would produce direct marketing and Web site materials. In short, the Toronto Team had less autonomy, and was not able to adapt to the Canadian market. The results showed the Forever Young launch in Taiwan was successful. While the results of the launch in Canada was below â€Å"action standards†, in spite of the success of the isolated pre-launch test. Furthermore, LB’s future business with OBC was now in jeopardy and tension raised within LB to improve the OBC brand in the Canadian market. One of the first contributing factors is the idea of Pluralism of Cultures vs. Cultural Pluralism. What should a firm pay attention to: The unique cultural characteristics of Canada or the variety of cultures within Canada? In my opinion, cultural pluralism is a contributing factor in the lack of success of the launch. Canada has many different cultures within its nation. When LB decided to use the data from a small town in the interior of British  Columbia to make a general assumption about the entire nation of Canada they should have known that one area should not be the blue print for an entire nation. The product trail and product sales indexed 120 against its objective, which had a base index of 100. This is a successful result, but that is only one area in Canada. For example, Canada is known for having a French and British influence in different areas. Canadian also has many American cultural norms. The Canadian launch indexed 50 against a base index of 100, which is not a surprising result considering the fact that LB only tested one area of Canada. Next, we have the idea of a global mindset. LB had their global team headquarters for the project in London. The reason for this was because London had experience in leading global business teams and it was closer to OBC’s global team. When dealing with Canada, LB London wanted to push English filmed television ads & print ads in the Canadian market. At the same time, LB allowed Taiwan to exercise autonomy. This proved to be unsuccessful for the Canadian market, and successful for the Taiwanese market. The reason for this is the idea that there needs to be shared views when it comes to thinking globally and locally. The ads being run in Taiwan were adapted to include a popular Asian actress, and this also allowed the product to show how effective it was on Asian skin. Taiwan is a successful example of incorporating local and global thinking. In Canada, ads featured a blond Caucasian actress as the lead in television and print ads. The Toronto team was not able to adapt the ads as they best see fit. The Canadian culture may not accept the ad because it was filmed under London assumptions and values. It did not take into consideration Canadian values. Specifically, Canadian consumers perceived the ads as violent. The case does not specify why it was considered violent, but if LB London allowed local thinking that situation might have been avoid. Another factor that contributed greatly to the events that occurred is culturally mediated cognitions in communication. Communication was very difficult in many cases for both LB Toronto and London. Teams relied increasingly on e-mails and phone calls. Although emailing is quick and easy to create, this does not help develop relationships, which does not build trust between parties involved. Also, Meta communication is not involved, which can be important in different cultures. For example, in an email you  are not able to hear the tone of a voice or the facial expression of the person sending the email. Speaking on the phone has similar weaknesses, which include not being able to visually see the person reactions. Lastly, videoconferences are personable, but may not be as convenient. This was apparent in the presentation of a creative concept to the London team which took 45 minutes and lead to frustration. The last contributing factor was poor management of global teams. One of the main problems was the inability to communicate directly to Carmichael. LB Toronto wound have to contact Annabel Forin, and then she would contact Carmichaels. Geoff spoke about the challenges he faced when working with someone else’s art direction by stating, â€Å"This would be easier if I could connect directly with Annabelle, but she’s on the road so much of the time it’s hard to catch her.† Lastly, referring to Toronto and Taiwan as a satellite may lower morale of employees because they may feel as though they are not as important as the headquarters in London. Lastly, the inability to manage global teams lead to extremely tight timeframes because the two teams would not be able to communicate effectively their desires leading to repeated changes in materials. My first recommendation is the ability to allow LB Toronto to think locally. To achieve this LB London should produce a creative template for a brand, but allow the Toronto team the adapt for the local market. The Toronto team knows what’s best, and has in-depth knowledge in their local market. The only problem that Carmichael sees with this is the fact that key executives have departed and that giving autonomy to an inexperienced team may not be a good idea, but I feel as though LB Toronto has a better grasp of the local market than LB London even with the absence of key figures. By allowing Toronto to have more autonomy this well also decrease the amount of interaction between London and Toronto because they are not using LB London’s work so the need for constant clarification will not be necessary. My Second recommendation is to improve marketing research on countries that LB plans to enter. The prelaunch test of British Columbia was not enough to make an assumption of the entire Canadian nation. Leo Burnett needs to ensure that they are identifying the different cultures and testing does  cultures. Once they have ample research on a particular company they can then enter the market. For example, if they enter US market it is important to realize that different areas of the country might value skin care products differently. In New York City skin care product may be popular, but in Seattle it may not be as popular. If emails and phone calls are still used there may be an adverse outcome between the culturally mediated cognitions in communication of two parties. With that being said, my third recommendation is to have a quick and simple training session to better understand how to effectively collaborate with another foreign team. By learning the culturally mediated cognitions in communication and communication protocol it will assist when two teams need to speak with each other on the phone or through email. The training sessions will include guidelines for communicating, and how to efficiently communicate your message to another countries team. Lastly, I recommend a better means of communication within LB through a better management of a virtual global teams. As mentioned before communication seemed very difficult especially for Geoff and Cathy Lee. Getting a hold of Carmichael was very inconvenient since they needed to first contact Annabel Forin. LB needs to create a better communication setup so that a team member can communicate directly with their supervisors, or their supervisor’s supervisor. This will allow members of team to get answers more efficiently instead of not receiving a response. The launch of Forever Young proved to be a challenge for Leo Burnett, but with the implementations of my recommendations we can insure that the losses we face in Canada are never faced again.

Organization of Police Departments

Organization of Police Departments Free Online Research Papers There are many reasons as to why the effectiveness of the organization of the police departments are important. In my opinion, if there was no organization of the police departments then there would not be much done with in the field. The most important things that are involved in the organization of police departments are the area, time and purpose. The organizing by area is a very interesting topic. The police departments must be organized not only with regard to personnel but also with the regard to the geographic area they serve and protect. Every single officer with in a police department must always be responsible for a specific area in which the officer is assigned to patrol and protect. There are a few different ways the areas are split up. There are the beats or posts which is defined as the smallest geographic area that a single patrol unit, one or two people in a car or on foot, can patrol effectively. There are the sectors or zones which is the number of individual beats that are grouped together. Precincts which is defined as the entire collection of beats and sectors in a given geographic area. Research also states that in a smaller police department, only one precinct serves as the administrative headquarters for the entire police department. According to the assigned text for Axia College, The Long Island Police D epartment in Nassau County, New York, patrols a city of 35,000 people with only 70 actual police officers has just one precinct. Also, the New York City police department which serves over eight million people with near 40,000 police officers, has a total of seven precincts places thorough out the entire county. When it comes down to the larger precincts or station houses, the main focus is the desk. In addition to the police departments being organized by area, a police department must also be organized by its use of time. The three tour system is very important when being organized by time. According to the text, common sense states that police officers as well as other workers, can only work are specific number of hours in a day before fatigue starts to completely set in and the police officers lose their effectiveness. The shifts of the police officers are usually always separated by each day or 24 hour period of time into three shifts. A midnight or night shift which usually falls between the hours of 12 midnight and 8 a.m. A day shift usually falls between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and the evening shift which falls between the hours of 4 p.m. and 12 midnight. Usually the police officers that are working the day shift can tell if they are working or if they are off for any day in the year. It has been stated in the text that police officers have been allocated evenly du ring the three tours or shifts. The school text also states that the academic studies of the police beginning in the 1960’s discovered that crime and other police problems do not fit neatly into the three tour system. Steady fixed tours can be defined as where a police officer can work the same shifts. Meaning that one week they are working the over night shift and the next week they are working the day shift. Organizing by function or purpose with in a police department is also an important factor. The text explains that the best way to organize a police department in this way is to place similar functions performed by the police officers into similar units. In other words, all members of a police department that are doing normal patrol duties are places into a patrol division whereas all the other police officers that are assigned to perform detective duties are to be placed into a detective division. Line and staff functions are considered to be a big part in organization in a police department. Police departments must be organized by a function or purpose. The most simple grouping of units or division of a police department is between the line functions and the staff functions. Line functions are defined as the tasks that are directly facilitated by the accomplishment of organizational goals, whereas staff functions are those tasks that supplement the line units in their task performan ce. Police department units are described as 30 tasks or duties that the police officers must perform to have an effective police department. There are a few different units within the police departments. There is the operational unit which is where the operations are activities that are performed in direct assistance to the public. The operational units consist of the patrol, traffic, criminal investigation, vice, organized crime, juvenile services, community services, crime prevention and community relations. Also within a police department there is the administrative units. Administration in a police department can be defined as those activities performed not in the direct assistance to the public but for the benefit of the organization as a whole. The administrative unit is usually open between the hours 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The administrative unit consists personnel, training, planning and analysis, budget and finance, legal assistance, public information, clerical, inspections, i nternal affairs and intelligence. As stated above are the facts behind the organization of any given police department. It is explained the area the time and the purpose for having a police department running in an organized and proper manner. 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Analysis Essays - Painting, Vincent Van Gogh, Free Essays

Analysis Essays - Painting, Vincent Van Gogh, Free Essays Analysis Analysis In this brief essay I will be analyzing two works of art and criticizing the way artists organize their works of art, as well pointing out what attracts people to specific pieces of art. Art now a days can be seen or found virtually everywhere you look and go whether it?s on something small such as a soda bottle used as a form of advertisement or as big as a building using art as a motive behind its architecture. No matter where we go we are influenced by art on a day to day basis. One of the pieces of art that I choose to analyze because of its visual significance to me was American Gothic painted by Grant Wood in (1930). The medium of this work of art is oil on beaver board and it measures 29? by 24?. I found myself attracted to this piece because the realism that the artist puts in to the works of this art piece. It seems to me that Wood is highly influenced by the realism art movement of the fifteenth century in Germany. This art piece also shows a lot of realism in the faces depicted in the painting it almost makes you wonder what is going on in their heads. The man?s face on the painting almost portrays a sense of anguish or some type of agony. The woman in the painting seems to be looking away almost as if she?s embarrassed but at the same time sad. It is said that the farmer and wife in this painting were actually Woods hometown dentist, and sister posing for the painting. One of the things I noticed from the painting is the subtle colors Wood uses making the lighting in the painting seem very simple yet soothing to look at. Another area that I noticed from Woods painting is the house in the background. The house seems highly influenced by the gothic era as you can notice the windows of the house have a gothic touch to them as well as the pinnacle that is sticking straight up out from the top of the house. The second art piece that I chose to analyze is Vincent Van Gogh?s The Night Caf? (1888) the medium of this art piece is oil on canvas and it measures about 27? by 35?. This art piece is very visually striking and loud because of the vivid colors Van Gogh chose. Another item that I noticed about the painting was its texture. It seems like it is very thick and it looks as if it forms ridges that you can touch and feel. He made the painting seem like he used acrylic instead of oil because of the thick texture. The light value in this art piece also seems very bright because of the vivid colors he uses. Some of the colors he uses don?t seem to match with each other yet he finds a way to make them flow with each other for example the roof and walls are the exact opposite, but he uses a red and green hue on the billiard table and floor to make the whole painting flow. Also what really caught my attention on this art piece are the artist?s abstract figures and objects they almost look wav y but you can make out what they are. I also observed that the artist almost put what seems like a special emphasis on the light fixtures hanging from the ceiling because he makes it seem like the light coming out is extra bright yet flickering. I chose to analyze both of these art works because they were the most significant to me. Both of the paintings seem to be very far ahead of their time especially Van Gogh?s Night Caf? because of the way he used vivid colors and the way he layered the oil pigment on the canvas making a nice texture out of it. I also found woods American Gothic very interesting because of the way the painting looks. It looks subtle but yet it has some gothic influence to it. Both artists seemed to be way ahead of their time because of their painting technique.

The Fundamentals of Nouns

The Fundamentals of Nouns The Fundamentals of Nouns The Fundamentals of Nouns By Mark Nichol Parts of speech serve our communication needs with hardly a conscious thought on our part, but they operate according to a complex, interdependent set of rules and procedures. Here are the basic principles of the noun. A noun was traditionally described (at least, in the US public school system I oh so slowly passed through and briefly taught in) as a person, a place, or a thing, though some resources extend the definition to apply to intangible things ideas such as peace and qualities such as fear as separate categories. Nouns are also subdivided into proper nouns and common nouns. Proper nouns refer to a specifically named entity such as, for example, a person named Mark, a place called California, a thing called a Mac, and an idea or quality personified as Perfection. Common nouns, by contrast, are generic: man, state, computer, perfection. Three other classifications to distinguish nouns include countable and uncountable nouns, collective nouns, and concrete and abstract nouns. Countable nouns can be pluralized (word, words), can be accompanied by numbers or quantifiers (â€Å"Did he say, ‘Seven words’ or ‘several words’?), and can appear after an indefinite article (â€Å"In a word, yes†). Uncountable nouns (also called mass nouns and noncount nouns) share none of these qualities; examples include anger, geology, and weather. (Anger cannot be pluralized to angers, one would not say â€Å"seven geologies,† and weather would be preceded by a only if it is used as an adjective, as in â€Å"a weather system†). Collective nouns are those denoting a single entity consisting of multiple components, such as team. Concrete nouns are those that name a physical entity or something experienced by operation of one or more senses (computer, article), while abstract ones refer to concepts or ideas (democracy, liberty). Some nouns have both concrete and abstract senses; for example, dance refers to physical movement usually performed to music as well as a social event at which such activity occurs (and has a figurative meaning of â€Å"a careful interaction,† as in â€Å"The two superpowers exchanged messages in a delicate diplomatic dance†), but the word also denotes an art form involving often rhythmic and patterned physical movement. A noun serves one of three syntactical functions in a sentence, all of which are demonstrated in the first clause of this sentence: the subject of a clause (â€Å"A noun†), the object of a verb (â€Å"serves . . . functions†), or the object of a preposition (â€Å"in a sentence†). Nouns, in English, are marked by their association with an article (a, an, the, and sometimes some), such as in the phrase â€Å"an article† here, or with one or more attributive adjectives. (In the preceding phrase and a few words farther along in this sentence attributive itself is an attributive adjective for adjective.) A noun is also distinguished as the head, or key word, of a noun phrase; in this clause, clause is the head of the noun phrase â€Å"in this clause† and head is the head of the phrase â€Å"the head of the noun phrase†; note that that phrase has two nouns (head and phrase), but the latter is subordinate to the former. Some grammar theories hold that a single word can constitute a noun phrase and it doesn’t have to be a noun; consider the function of it in â€Å"It is true.† A noun consisting of an adjective used in noun form is known as a nominalization; the last word in the phrase â€Å"a word to the wise† is an example. Nouns are not essential to isolated sentences â€Å"Yes,† for example, can constitute a sentence but they are integral to communication. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Handy Expressions About HandsBest Websites to Learn EnglishHonorary vs. Honourary

Marketing Plan Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Marketing Plan - Term Paper Example The organization has selected Stockholm as their business operation area. Stockholm is one of the leading historical area enrich with numerous business hubs and colleges. The city is famous for its emerging wine and food market. Most significantly several popular restaurants and wine bar are operating within this competitive and potential market place. Seeing these favorable factors, the organization is trying to establish their business in Stockholm. Moreover, several favorable aspects like high disposable income of people, favorable social tradition, economic development, political stability, availability of advanced technology and resources have encouraged the organization to enter in the business field. The organization is trying to achieve competitive advantages through effective product differentiation strategy and sustainable business operation. The aim of the study is to reveal the potential business opportunities for the particular business venture. The marketing plan includ es situation analysis, business objectives and goals, target market analysis, a marketing mix frame work. The strategic plans have implemented in this study to achieve the business objectives. Finally, the study will locate implementation and control of the stated objectives. Situation Analysis An internal situation analysis has been provided in this study. SWOT Analysis This strategic analytical tool will determine Finch Wine Bar’s internal strengths, weaknesses and external opportunities, threats. A summarized table of SWOT analysis has been provided in the appendix part. Strengths The business operation place is the most crowded place in the country. Skilled management team and differentiated product range will help the organization to create a potential customer base. Availability of several international and domestic wines will increase the core competency of the wine bar. Effective customer service and closed-line product and service technology will bring efficiency in the business process. Significant waste management system and water recycle facility are the most significant strengths of this organization. It will help to increase the brand reputation of the organization. Weaknesses Lack of brand awareness in the mind of the customers is one of the greatest weaknesses of the organization. Lack of sufficient resources at initial stage of business operation will limit the organization to achieve significant business output. Lack of effective relationship with distributors and suppliers can affect the supply chain management process of the organization. Opportunities The Swedish market is potential for wine bar business. Recently Sweden has joined WTO that will increase the business activities. Festive seasons and favorable location will help the organization to more number of customers. High disposable income of people and technological development of the nation will encourage the organization to undertake aggressive business strategy. Threats The Swedish wine bar market is highly competitive due to presence of several potential Organizations. Several political threats including licensing problem can affect the business Process of Finch wine bar in near future. Recent economic recession and European financial crisis has affected restricted the buying decision of middle class people. Now-a-days, the tendency of Swedish people is changing towards the healthy drinks and green tea consumption. Focus and Goal Settings Business

Explain how and why dunkin donuts conducts marketing resarch. Be Essay

Explain how and why dunkin donuts conducts marketing resarch. Be Specific. Describe what type of resarch is Dunkin Donut doing primary or seconday. Why - Essay Example Due to this research the organization started locating itself near homes as well as business areas and they even opened their business in large stores such as Wal-Mart. This depicts that Dunking Donuts is involved in conducting mainly primary research. Primary research is that research that is conducted by the researcher themselves and this form of research has not been conducted before. This form of research is conducted by the organization in order to identify what the customers want. It is very essential for an organization to first identify the needs and wants of the customers and then develop their products and services in compliance with those needs and wants (Kotler 98). This is because customers always want to purchase those goods and services that satisfy their needs and wants. If an organization develops goods and services without conducting research, it is most likely to fail. This is because such an organizations offering may not attract customers and the offerings they h ave developed would not be

Reasons Gillette Is The Best A Brand Can Get Assignment

Reasons Gillette Is The Best A Brand Can Get - Assignment Example The researcher states that the mark-up that a brand commands without sacrificing on market share shows us the value attached to that particular brand by the consumer since he is willing to pay the extra amount for that particular brand because he associates the great value to it. Based on this criterion, there are a handful of brands that come to mind that charge a very big mark-up, however very few global brands come close to the mark-up commanded by Gillette. The razor series by Gillette commands a mark-up ranging from 3000% to a whopping 4750%. This mark-up is huge if we are to compare it with other global brands of our times. The cosmetic industry average is 80% to 90%, while that of brands like Coke is in the range of 300% to 600%. The mark-up of Gillette is all the more significant because in its field of operations it has a market share of close to 70%, which proves the value that the consumer sees in the brand. On another front, it proves the profitability of the brand. The h uge margin that Gillette products have clearly indicated to us that the brand is a star in the portfolio of companies P&G has. Thus the mark-up along with the market share it has and with no clear competitor insight makes Gillette the most enviable brand in the world today. The important factor in analyzing the company’s marketing strategy is to understand the 4Ps in their entirety and not as separate entities and more importantly one has to understand that every strategy comes from the vision and mission the company has and in the case of Gillette the vision is â€Å"to establish a brand value by delivering consumer value faster through innovation in customer leadership†.

Genre Impact on the Representation of Gender and Sexuality Essay

Genre Impact on the Representation of Gender and Sexuality - Essay Example The visual media present several role models of both genders that influence people’s mind-set in the issue of sexuality. The media representation of women for instance centers on physical beauty and absence of strong and influential female role models (McCaughey & Neil, 12). Although the nature of women might have changed from emphasizing much on beauty or emergence of influential role models, the perception of people towards women remains as portrayed in the media. Conversely, media representation of men centers on strength, power and sexual charisma. Although this might not be true for all men, the media representation ensures that everyone perceives men in that line (McCaughey & Neil, 14). The diverse representation of different genders in films raises the issue of gender imbalance in films. Gender imbalance in films also has an impact of representation of gender and sexuality. A recent study revealed that more than 60% of the speaking roles in films are given to men leavin g the lesser percent to the women (Nanthakumar, 2). Further, females in films are more than three times likely to be displayed almost naked or fully naked. The women dress in more provocative clothes than men do. This has influenced the representation of gender and has sparked complains among some female groups. The groups claim that women are viewed as sexual objects particularly after watching depicting them as so. According to the research report, close to 30% of the girls are depicted as attractive which has raised the issue of female characters being perceived as servants. The films portray women and girls as attractive and sexual objects. This makes them feel that they should always be mindful of their physical beauty and be submissive to the men. ... This has created a gender representation in which the women feel less important in the society because their ideas are opinions are not important according to the film. One of the films that have such a representation is the movie, â€Å"Twilight† (Douglas, 40). It was further discovered that men are hardworking in terms of movie production as opposed to women. This implies that there are more male movie producers, writers, directors or cameramen than women. The films represent men as physically stronger than women. In the action adventure films, the men usually dominate the scenes. The men usually the heroes are depicted as sexually striking, brave and physically stronger than women. They are also depicted as independent and confident. In these types of films, the opposite of the heroes are the villains. The villains are depicted as wicked and cruel. They are less attractive when compared to the heroes while their scary look makes the audience hate them. The films depict wome n as motivating characters and usually play a passive role. Most Hollywood movies portray women as frail and helpless. This has made the world perceive women as so (Dole, 87). The films are shot with the women screaming, sobbing and most of the time crying. Some movies however, portray the women as rowdy and aggressive. Some of the viewers of such films might change and start perceiving the women as violent and aggressive. The Watkin’s Chicago provides a good example of media representation of aggressive women. Some of the movies that portrayed women as aggressive include the film â€Å"noir femmes fatales†, â€Å"the vamps†, and the more recent ones such as â€Å"Monster† and â€Å"Million Dollar Baby† of 2003 and 2004 respectively (Cristian, 45). The

Religion Against Unjust Amirs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Religion Against Unjust Amirs - Essay Example According to Muslim traditional beliefs, Prophet Mohammed was instrumental in converting most of the Bedouins to Islam. The Bedouin warriors form the nucleus of the Muslim armies that repeatedly invaded Middle East and North Africa during the 7th century and later on. Both Bedouins and sedentary people are natural groups. Name any human group living in any geographical area; they need basic necessities of life and for this objective they continuously challenge the vicissitudes of nature. Bedouins are one of the grittiest tribes to make a living in the inhospitable conditions in the deserts, and yet they maintain the cultural traditions, social organizations that are the hallmarks of their tribes. Their lifestyles often change as per the changing conditions of the nature and they have perfected the art of adjusting to those conditions. Their priority is to meet the simple necessities of life first, but they are not averse to enjoy other conveniences and luxuries of life. Agriculture is the mainstay of the Bedouin tribes and all other ancillary activities are related to land and cultivation. Vegetables, grains (for private consumption as well as for trade barter), animal husbandry, bee-keeping and breeding silkworms for getting silk for the related products, are some other vocations which they pursue steadily. With the availability of vast tracts of lands, it is possible for the Bedouin tribes to conduct such activities. As such their movements remain restricted to the deserts and their contact with the outside world is hardly worth mentioning. Ibn Khaldun (2012) writes, â€Å"Their social organization and co-operation for the needs of life and civilization, such as food, shelter, and warmth, do not take them beyond the bare subsistence level, because of their inability (to provide) for anything beyond those (things)† (p.161). Simplicity is the self-imposed virtue with

Genre Impact on the Representation of Gender and Sexuality Essay

Genre Impact on the Representation of Gender and Sexuality - Essay Example The visual media present several role models of both genders that influence people’s mind-set in the issue of sexuality. The media representation of women for instance centers on physical beauty and absence of strong and influential female role models (McCaughey & Neil, 12). Although the nature of women might have changed from emphasizing much on beauty or emergence of influential role models, the perception of people towards women remains as portrayed in the media. Conversely, media representation of men centers on strength, power and sexual charisma. Although this might not be true for all men, the media representation ensures that everyone perceives men in that line (McCaughey & Neil, 14). The diverse representation of different genders in films raises the issue of gender imbalance in films. Gender imbalance in films also has an impact of representation of gender and sexuality. A recent study revealed that more than 60% of the speaking roles in films are given to men leavin g the lesser percent to the women (Nanthakumar, 2). Further, females in films are more than three times likely to be displayed almost naked or fully naked. The women dress in more provocative clothes than men do. This has influenced the representation of gender and has sparked complains among some female groups. The groups claim that women are viewed as sexual objects particularly after watching depicting them as so. According to the research report, close to 30% of the girls are depicted as attractive which has raised the issue of female characters being perceived as servants. The films portray women and girls as attractive and sexual objects. This makes them feel that they should always be mindful of their physical beauty and be submissive to the men. ... This has created a gender representation in which the women feel less important in the society because their ideas are opinions are not important according to the film. One of the films that have such a representation is the movie, â€Å"Twilight† (Douglas, 40). It was further discovered that men are hardworking in terms of movie production as opposed to women. This implies that there are more male movie producers, writers, directors or cameramen than women. The films represent men as physically stronger than women. In the action adventure films, the men usually dominate the scenes. The men usually the heroes are depicted as sexually striking, brave and physically stronger than women. They are also depicted as independent and confident. In these types of films, the opposite of the heroes are the villains. The villains are depicted as wicked and cruel. They are less attractive when compared to the heroes while their scary look makes the audience hate them. The films depict wome n as motivating characters and usually play a passive role. Most Hollywood movies portray women as frail and helpless. This has made the world perceive women as so (Dole, 87). The films are shot with the women screaming, sobbing and most of the time crying. Some movies however, portray the women as rowdy and aggressive. Some of the viewers of such films might change and start perceiving the women as violent and aggressive. The Watkin’s Chicago provides a good example of media representation of aggressive women. Some of the movies that portrayed women as aggressive include the film â€Å"noir femmes fatales†, â€Å"the vamps†, and the more recent ones such as â€Å"Monster† and â€Å"Million Dollar Baby† of 2003 and 2004 respectively (Cristian, 45). The

Examine Electronic Report Cards for HealthCare Essay

Examine Electronic Report Cards for HealthCare - Essay Example The Brigham and Women’s Hospital together with Massachusetts General Hospital have developed an electronic health report card that is used to evaluate the hospitals’ performances based on various factors and measures. The institutions under the umbrella name Partners HealthCare recognize the importance and benefits of electronic medical records (EMRs) over paper-based records.   The organization states that EMRs help in boosting patient safety, improving efficiency and managing chronic diseases (Partners Healthcare1 par 1). Some of the benefits of the electronic records include easy prevention of drug interactions and allergies as noted by Partners Healthcare (par 2). The records also are known to help in the saving of costs as drugs are prescribed by medical officers with cost being a factor in such considerations.One of the measures used by Partners HealthCare is Inpatient quality. According to the organization’s report card which considers inpatient quality, the institution performs exceptionally well in various areas. The organization rates itself as currently holding a high score of 96% in opening blocked arteries within a period of one and half hours (Partners Healthcare2 par 3). This is against a reference point of 90 percent. Furthermore, the organization boasts of having achieved a 99% score in delivering recommended care to patients suffering from heart attack against a similar reference point. Very closely related to the above factor, is the delivery of recommended care to patients with pneumonia.... The records also are known to help in the saving of costs as drugs are prescribed by medical officers with cost being a factor in such considerations. One of the measures used by Partners HealthCare is Inpatient quality. According to the organization’s report card which considers inpatient quality, the institution performs exceptionally well in various areas. The organization rates itself as currently holding a high score of 96% in opening blocked arteries within a period of one and half hours (Partners Healthcare2 par 3). This is against a reference point of 90 percent. Furthermore, the organization boasts of having achieved a 99% score in delivering recommended care to patients suffering from heart attack against a similar reference point. Very closely related to the above factor, is the delivery of recommended care to patients with pneumonia and heart failure with current scores of 96% and 98% respectively (Partners Healthcare2 par 3). The reference points for the two measu res are 95% and 96% respectively. Yet another factor that is considered when it comes to inpatient quality is the delivery of recommended care aimed at avoiding surgical infections. In this respect, Partners HealthCare has a current score of 97% which is at par with the reference point. The organization also boasts of having the capacity to help tobacco users overcome their addiction with a current score of 99% against a similar reference point (Partners Healthcare2 par 3). These are only but a few of the scores recorded by the healthcare institution as it offers a wide variety of services to inpatients. The high scores achieved by the different hospitals in maintaining inpatient quality include the use of modern technology and well trained staff. Patients

Agriprocessors - Muckrakers of the 21st Century Essay Example for Free

Agriprocessors Muckrakers of the 21st Century Essay Despite common belief, child labor still exists in the United States. In some areas more than others. The government defines child labor as work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children. There are companies in America that employ kids who; ââ€"  are under the required age to do jobs in dangerous environments ââ€"  are paid less than minimum wage ââ€"  are not even supposed to be in this country (illegal immigrants) Many of these companies would not be the first place you would look for illegal workers. One such company that was thriving from its illegal ventures was the Agriprocessors Inc. Kosher Slaughterhouse and Meats Packing Plant in Postville, Iowa. The so called â€Å"religious† CEO, Sholom Rubashkin was involved in many behind the counter activities. Besides the $35 million dollars he gained illegally through bank fraud, he was a strong supporter of child labor. His company helped provide fake documents for children who were either under-aged or illegal immigrants, so that they would be able to work for him. Kids as young as 13 were working on slippery, blood-covered floors, using ban-saws and other such limb-removing equipment to cut up livestock. They had little of the proper safety equipment. They were mostly paid minimum wage, but there were some kids that were paid â€Å"behind the counter† to do â€Å"low risk jobs, such as cleaning floors or transporting materials. What is now known as the Postville Raid, occurred in 2008. A large scale raid was performed by Homeland Security and the CIA. It resulted in over 400 arrests of both adult, and child illegal immigrant workers (pictures below). This is just one company that took advantage of children in need. There are many more out there that havent been caught. Not all companies that hire children use illegal child labor. There are plenty of organizations that help kids find jobs that will suit them and are actually able to do. One example of these organizations is Youth Employment Services with IYB. There are also businesses that hire older teens to do jobs such as running a cash register, or restocking shelves. Two examples of businesses that hire older teens are Wegmans and Rite Aid. The circumstances that caused the Postville Raid, were not at all uncommon in the early 20th century. Many children worked in dangerous environments, doing difficult jobs for very little pay. At one point, 19% of all children in the US had jobs. There were many types of jobs for children. They could work in mines, factories, mills, farms, and food processing. They worked long shifts (12 hours was common) and were lucky if they make 80 cents in that time. The government passed few laws regarding these issues at the time. Today’s government is doing its best to shut down any company or business that uses illegal child labor. The problem is that these illegal activities are getting harder and harder to spot. It used to be that children needed to worry about bad working conditions. In modern times, children are being used in downright illegal activities. For example, children are used to transport/smuggle illegal goods throughout the United States. In general, the issues of child labor have changed since the 1900’s. The main difference that separates the modern era from the 20th century, is the existence of laws that protect children and prevent them from performing dangerous jobs. The pictures below are from the Postville Raid. I learned about it from a show I saw on the Discovery channel. There may be a documentary on netflix. if you are at all interested, I would highly recommend watching it.

Artificial Intelligence In Military Application Information Technology Essay

Artificial Intelligence In Military Application Information Technology Essay Since the dawn of civilizations, humans have endeavored to be in control of their environments and surroundings. This quest resulted in many discoveries and inventions, most notably among them are machines. Human used machines as an aid to make ones life comfortable, effective and efficient and aimed to develop machines capable of working like human beings, if possible. Computer is one of the most important machines which has not only raised hopes in this regard but has also contributed significantly in every sphere of human endeavor. Human approach to problem solving is one of its kinds. It is based on abstract thought, logic, reasoning and recognizing of pattern. Computers and humans are different. A computer is yet to understand all situations and simultaneously adapt to an evolving situations. The military systems including weapons will be smart; too fast, too small, too many, and will create a complex environment for humans to monitor, control and direct them. Information-based systems will lead to a data overload that will make it a challenge for humans to directly intervene in decision making. Weapons and other military systems already under development will function at increasingly higher levels of complexity and responsibility, without meaningful human intervention and control. In future military conflicts, norm of engagement will be to act rapidly. The military architectures of tomorrow will consist of a new array of sea, ground and space based sensors, unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV), and missile defence technologies. These will take advantage of directed energy weapons. Military forces will be both faster and agile. Opponents will take advantage by operating faster than a defender can observe, orient, decide how to respond and act on that decision. The attacker will thus place himself inside the defenders Observe, Orient, Decide and Act (OODA) loop, destroying an adversarys ability to conduct an active defence  [1]  . To execute the OODA process faster than the enemy is at the core concept of future digital and information warfare. Automated systems, assisted by artificial intelligence in some form or the other, may be a way out for this problem. The advances gained in the field of artificial intelligence technology can be utilized by unmanned systems to be able to assess operational and tactical situations and decide an appropriate action. Information will drive success of command and control. These systems will collect data, have the ability to analyze data and provide recommendations to the commander. The difference between providing a recommendation and acting on a recommendation may be only a software twist. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the branch of computer science focusing on creating machines that can engage on behaviour that humans consider intelligent. AI aims to improve machine behaviour in tackling complex tasks. Smart machines have now become a reality and researchers are creating systems which can mimic human thought, understand speech, beat the best human chess player, and achieve many other advantages. With the introduction of web-enabled infrastructure rapid developments have been made in the application of Artificial Intelligence techniques in the recent past. AI is the key technology in many of todays applications in all field including military. AI methodologies are being applied to support decision making at all levels of military operations such as assessment of force readiness, reliability and capability, complex missions planning and integration of data from multiple sources  [2]  . Research in the field of AI is also addressing the challenges presented by supporting such decision making in rapidly changing environments. The use of such technology opens up endless possibilities in the military. This paper aims to trace the contours of AI, examine current efforts to utilise Artificial Intelligence and explore its potential applications in military. Genesis and Recent Past   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   The first Electronics computer was developed in 1941; however, the field of AI research was formally founded at a conference at Dartmouth College in 1956 only. Early work in AI focused on using cognitive and biological models to simulate and explain human information processing skills. In the 1990s and early 21st century, AI achieved its greatest successes. AI has advanced rapidly in the past decade. This happened due to greater use of the scientific method in experimenting with and comparing approaches that systematises and automates intellectual tasks. Thus it is relevant to any sphere of intellectual activities of human. The success can be attributed to the incredible power of modern computers, a greater emphasis on solving specific sub-problems, the creation of new ties between AI and other fields working on similar problems. AI is seen and perceived by different people or groups of people differently. The definitions of artificial intelligence can be broadly put into two approaches: one centred around humans and other centred on rationality  [3]  . The human centred approach must be an empirical science involving hypothesis and experimental confirmation while a rationalist approach involves a combination of mathematics and engineering. There have been efforts to introduce new creative approaches and refine the best one. Recent progress in understanding the theoretical basis for intelligence has gone hand in hand with improvements in the capabilities of real systems. Various subfields of AI have become more integrated. AI has found some common ground with other disciplines. A better understanding of the problems and their complex properties, combined with increased mathematical sophistication has led to workable research agendas. Fields of AI In AI the problem of intelligence simulation is generally divided into a number of specific sub-problems. These consist of particular capabilities that researchers like an intelligent system to display. For difficult problems, most of the algorithms require large computational resources and the amount of memory or computer time required become very high. With rapid strides in computer technology, research and utilization, the field of AI witnessed new frontiers. Russell and Norvig explains, AI encompasses a large variety of subfields ranging from general purpose area such as learning and perception to such specific tasks as playing chess, proving mathematical theorems, writing poetry, and diagnosing diseases. AI systematises and automates intellectual tasks and is therefore potentially relevant to any sphere of human intellectual activity. In a sense, it is a truly universal field  [4]  The various fields and subfields that received more attention in order to solve larger problem s are: Learning The centrality of learning was discussed by Turing in 1950. From the beginning itself machine learning has been central to AI research. The ability to find a pattern in a stream of input is called unsupervised learning where as supervised learning includes classification and numerical regression both. Classification is used to determine what category something belongs in. This is done after seeing a number of examples of things from several categories. Regression takes a set of numerical input and output examples and attempts to discover a continuous function that would generate the outputs from the inputs. In case of reinforcement learning, the agent is rewarded or punished based on good or bad responses. Natural Language Processing It gives machines the ability to read and understand the languages spoken by human beings. Text mining and machine translation are example of some basic applications of natural language processing. Perception Perception provides agents with information about the world in which they exist. Perception is initiated by sensors. Machine perception is the ability to use input from various sensors such as cameras, microphones, sonar etc to deduce aspects of the world. Computer vision is the ability to analyse visual input. Facial recognition, object recognition and speech recognition are some of the selected sub-problems Social Intelligence In order to obtain social intelligence capability, Artificial intelligence has to establish able human interaction and also possess the emotions that people have during their everyday lives. Social skills and emotion play two important roles for an intelligent agent. First, it should be able to foresee the actions of others, by knowing their motives and state of emotions. This involves elements of game theory, decision theory, as well as the ability to model human emotions and also the perceptual skills to detect emotions. Also, it is expected that for good human-computer interaction, emotions need to be displayed by an intelligent machine also. It must appear polite and sensitive to the humans it interacts with. At best, it should have normal emotions and at least it should appear polite. Creativity Artificial Intelligence that deals with the development and exploration of systems that exhibit creativity. It includes systems capable of such things as scientific invention, visual artistry, music composition and story generation etc. A section of AI addresses creativity both theoretically from a psychological perspective and practically via specific implementations of systems that generate outputs that can be considered creative. Artificial Intuition and Artificial Imagination are the areas related with computational research. General Intelligence Many of the researchers hope that their work will finally be included into a machine with general intelligence, combining all the other skills and exceeding human abilities at most of them. Knowledge Representation knowledge representation is one of the important and most familiar concepts in AI. Most of the problems that machines are expected to solve will require extensive knowledge about the world. Among the things that AI needs to represent are objects, properties, categories and relations between objects, situations, events, states and time, causes and effects, and many other less well researched domains. Knowledge representation and knowledge engineering are central to AI research Planning Planning are the subfields of AI devoted to finding action sequences that achieve the agents goals. Intelligent agents should be able to lay down goals and accomplish them. They need a way to imagine the future and be able to select choices that maximize the value of the available choices. They should have a representation of the state of the world and be able to make predictions about how their actions will change it. Multi-agent planning uses the cooperation and competition of many agents to achieve a given goal. Tools Used to Solve Problems of AI In the course of years of research, AI has developed a large number of tools to solve the difficult problems in computer science. A few of the most common of these methods are mentioned: Search and Optimisation Search is the subfield of AI devoted to finding action sequences that achieve the agents goal. Several problems in AI can be solved in theory by intelligently searching through many possible solutions. Reasoning can be reduced to simply perform a search operation. Planning algorithms search through trees of goals and sub-goals, attempting to find a path to a target goal. This process is called means-ends analysis. Robotics algorithms for moving limbs and grasping objects use local searches in configuration space. Several learning algorithms use search algorithms based on optimization. In case of most of the real world problems, simple exhaustive searches are rarely sufficient. Therefore, heuristics supply the program with a best guess for the path on which the solution lies on.   Also in case of many problems, it is possible to begin the search with some form of a guess and then incrementally refine the guess until no more refinements can be made. Logic Logic is the primary vehicle for representing knowledge. It is used for knowledge representation and problem solving. However, it can be applied to other problems also. AI uses several different forms of logic research. Propositional or sentential logic is the logic of statements which can be true or false. There is well developed technology for reasoning in proportional logic First-order logic also permits the use of quantifiers and predicates. It can express details about objects, their properties, and their relations with each other. Fuzzy logic is a version of first-order logic. It allows the truth of a statement to be represented as a value between 0 and 1, rather than simply True or False. Fuzzy systems have been widely used in modern industrial and consumer product control systems and can be used for uncertain reasoning. Several extensions of logic have been intended to handle many domains of knowledge. Other forms of logic designed to help with default reasoning and the qualification problem include default logics, non-monotonic logics and circumscription Probabilistic Methods For Uncertain Reasoning A large number of problems in AI such as learning, reasoning, planning, perception and robotics call for the agent to operate either with uncertain or incomplete information. A number of powerful tools using methods from probability theory and economics have devised by AI researchers to solve these problems. Bayesian networks are a very common tool that can be used for a large number of problems likes learning, reasoning, planning and perception etc. Probabilistic algorithms can also be used for filtering, prediction and finding explanations for streams of data, helping perception systems to analyse processes that occur over time. Mathematical tools have been developed that analyse how an agent can make choices and plan, using decision theory, decision analysis, information value theory. Classifiers and Statistical Learning Methods Classifiers and Controllers are two types of AI applications. Classification forms a central part of many AI systems however, controllers do also classify conditions before inferring actions. Classifiers are functions that make use of pattern matching to determine a closest match. They can be tuned as per examples, making them very attractive for use in AI. These examples are known as patterns or observations. Each pattern belongs to a certain predefined class in case of supervised learning. All the observations combined with their class labels are known as a data set. When a new observation is received, that observation is classified based on earlier experience. A classifier can be trained in many ways. Neural networks A neuron is a cell in the brain whose principal function is the collection, processing, and dissemination of electrical signals. The brains image processing capacity is considered to emerge mainly from network of neurons. A neural network is an interconnected group of nodes, similar to the large network of neurons in the human brain. Neural networks are designed to distinguish patterns in data and forecast an output from a given set of data. Neural networks need to be trained on the data before it can predict or learn. In this way they learn from examples similar to the way a child learns. Computer learning skills that are developed for neural networks are used in a class of computer programs called expert systems. Expert systems also learn from experience and get better at their job, the longer they are doing it. Control Theory Control theory is the foundation of AI and deals with designing devices that act optimally on the basis of feedback from the environment. Initially, the mathematical tools of control theory were quite different from AI, but the fields are coming closer together. Control theory, has many important applications, especially in robotics. Languages AI researchers have developed several specialized languages for AI research, including Lisp and Prolog. In AI, the automation or programming of all aspects of human cognition is considered from its foundations in cognitive science through approaches to symbolic and sub-symbolic AI, natural language processing, computer vision, and evolutionary or adaptive systems. It is inherent to this very complex problem domain that in the initial phase of programming a speci ¬Ã‚ c AI problem, it can only be speci ¬Ã‚ ed poorly. Only through interactive and incremental re ¬Ã‚ nement does more precise speci ¬Ã‚ cation become possible. This is also due to the fact that typical AI problems tend to be very domain speci ¬Ã‚ c therefore, heuristic strategies have to be developed.. Applications of AI General The probable applications of Artificial Intelligence are plenty. Application of AI is possible in all fields, requiring intelligent analysis, precision and automation. They stretch from the military to the entertainment industry, to big establishments dealing with large amount of information such as banks, hospital and insurances. AI can also be used to predict customer behavior and detect the trends. There are many general fields where AI can be very usefully utilized for Autonomous planning and Scheduling, Autonomous Control, Medical Diagnosis, Logistics Planning, and Language Understanding, Problem Solving, Game Playing  [5]  . Some of the important applications are appended below: Pattern Recognition Pattern recognition is the area of research that studies the operation and design of systems that identify patterns in data. When a program makes observations of some kind, it is often programmed to compare what it sees with pattern e.g face, fingerprint or handwriting recognition. Important application areas are image analysis, character recognition, speech analysis, man and machine diagnostics and person identification. Bio-Informatics Bioinformatics is the application of computer technology for the management of biological information. AI provides several powerful algorithms and techniques for solving important problems in bioinformatics. Approaches like Neural Networks, Hidden Markov Models, Bayesian Networks and Kernel Methods are ideal for areas with more data but very less theory. The goal in applying AI to bioinformatics is to extract useful information from the wealth of available data by building good probabilistic models. Data Mining An AI powered tool that can discover useful information within a database that can then be used to improve actions. Data mining  is the process of extracting patterns from  data. Data mining is seen as an increasingly important tool by modern business to transform data into business intelligence giving an informational advantage. It is currently used in a wide range of profiling practices such as marketing,  surveillance,  fraud  detection, and scientific discovery. Expert Systems An expert system is a computer program that represents the reason with knowledge of some specialist subject with a view to solve problems or give advice  [6]  . It is the knowledge-based applications of artificial intelligence that have enhanced productivity in almost all fields such as business, science, engineering, and the military. With advances in the last decade, todays expert systems clients can choose from dozens of commercial software packages with easy-to-use interfaces. Diagnosis and Trouble-shooting explain the development and testing of a condition-monitoring sub-module of an integrated plant maintenance management application based on AI techniques. It is mainly knowledge-based systems, having several modules, sub-modules and sections. Computer Vision It is essential for computer to perceive the objects. Vision includes the acquisition and processing of visual information both. AI enabled technologies have made possible many amazing achievements. Vehicles that are able to steer themselves safely along highways, and computers that can recognize and interpret speech or facial expressions. AI supported vision technology has made many applications possible. Some of them are like 3D modeling, image stabilization, image synthesis, surgical navigation, handwritten document recognition, and vision based computer interfaces. While explaining success of an autonomous system trial supported by computer vision Russel and Norvig mentioned: The ALVIN computer vision system was trained to steer a car to keep it following a lane.   It was tried in the Carnegie Melon University (CMU) NAVLAB computer controlled minivan and used to navigate across the United States for 2850 miles it was in control of steering the vehicle 98% of the time. A human took over the other 2% mostly at the exit ramps. NAVLAB has video cameras that transmit road images to ALVIN, which then computes the best direction to steer, based on experience from previous training runs.  [7]   Image Processing Perception appears to be an effortless activity for humans however, it requires significant amount of sophisticated computation. The team associated with image formation and processing is concerned with research issues related to the acquisition, manipulation, and synthesis and distribution of images. In AI, applications include video phone, video conferencing, teleconferencing, and multimedia databases. Progressively, this research has combined image or vision with audio or speech. For example in the video indexing project, the group is using both visual and audio cues to derive semantic labels for video shots. Robotics Robots are physical agents that perform tasks by manipulating the physical world. Robots are comprised of several systems working together as a whole. Robots are widely used in assembly plants, space stations, and hospitals and now in homes also. Other type of mobile robots includes unmanned land vehicle, unmanned aerial vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicle. Knowledge Representation and Reasoning The representation of knowledge and the reasoning processes that bring knowledge to life are the two concepts, central to the field of AI. The knowledge representation means encoding real world, commonsense etc in a format that is both readable and understandable by the computer. Logical Agents is the representation of knowledge and the reasoning processes that bring knowledge to life. Logic is the primary vehicle for representing the knowledge throughout and Semantic webs describe things in a way that computer applications understand. Gaming Game playing was one of the first tasks taken by AI. Games, unlike other problems, are interesting because they are too difficult to solve. Games like the real world require the ability to make some decisions even when calculating the optimal decision is not feasible. Games also penalize inefficiency severely. Game playing research has contributed in many ideas on how to make best possible use of time. AI techniques are used in computer and video games to produce the illusion of intelligence in the behaviour of non-player characters. The techniques used typically draw upon existing methods from fields that include control theory, robotics etc. IBMs Deep Blue became the first computer programme to defeat the world champion in a chess match when it performed better than Garry Kasparov in an exhibition match. Military Applications The military applications of Artificial Intelligence are spread over large areas of military functions. Some of the military functions where AI techniques are being used or have potential use are given below. Operations Command and Control Command and Control is considered as one of the most important functions of military operations. In a networked centered scenario of battlefield with host of sensors deployed at different stages and the amount of data flowing between various centres, the time available for decision making is at premium. The information overload sometimes can impair the decision making hence require intelligent filtering of information to take timely and appropriate decisions. AI is used in playing a decisive role in reducing the load on the human beings in the loop and at times taking autonomous decisions as and when warranted. Navigation The availability of Global Positioning Satellites (GPS), Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) and autopilot along with host of sensors and On-board computers has helped in overcoming certain human limitations and resulted in safe and efficient management of flying aircrafts. ISR Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance are the key elements of battlefield management. Over time the battlefield scenario has undergone dramatic change and so as the means of identification, surveillance and reconnaissance. Advancement in technology in many spheres has offered sensors with high sensitivity, small sizes and better visibility. AI has contributed significantly in this regard in terms of ground, aerial, space and underwater ISR capabilities.   Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) using AI offer tremendous potential as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms for early detection of security threats and for acquisition and maintenance of situational awareness in the crisis condition. Using their capabilities effectively requires addressing a range of practical and theoretical problems. Developments in the field of hardware and software technologies, as well as economies of scale, make UAVs feasible for increasingly diverse airborne observation mission s. Expert systems are promising technologies that manage information demands and provide required expertise. Thus they are well suited to many of the tasks associated with environmental impact assessment. While highlighting the contribution of artificial intelligence in battlefield surveillance using geographical information system, Maj Jagmohan Singh of Project Management organization, Battlefield surveillance system , Army HQ concludes: Transparency of the battlefield is a critical factor influencing the outcome of future battles. Battlefield transparency would provide a framework for `scientific and deliberate decision making. The dependence of commanders on paper maps and sand models for operational planning will have to be replaced by the latest GIS tools. These tools permit dynamic visualization of a 3D terrain model for seamless access, query and analysis across multiple types of military geographical data. Mapping and analysis is done using various GIS technologies incorporating satellites and aerial imagery, and photography of the target area. The future technologies would further enhance the visualization techniques and enable the commanders to take timely decisions to defeat the adversaries. However, emphasis needs to focus on refinement of some critical technologies such as Multi Sensor Data Fusion (MSDF), Artificial Intelligence and Interoperability issues.   [8]   Weapon System The weapon technology has seen constant change and has gained more lethality and effectiveness in its evolution. A host of modern weapons are in use or in process of development which can change the landscape of the battlefield. Missiles, Directed energy weapons, Standoff weapons, autonomous weapons etc are few examples of intelligent weapons and have even greater potential in future. Communications and Computers Communication is the core of all activities. In the age of modern communication, the geographical boundaries have come closer and visibility has improved to a great extent. The advent of satellite and availability of internet has revolutionized the communication. In future the success of battlefield will depend on maintenance of network connectivity and management of information from a large variety of sources. This will also made real time communication more important. The non availability of real time information can hamper the decision making ability of soldiers fighting the war. It may result in the failure of mission and even danger to personal survival. Wren, Ichalkaranje and Jain commented on the contribution and maturity of AI: Intelligent Decision Support Systems have the potential to transform human decision making by combining research in artificial intelligence, information technology, and systems engineering. The field of intelligent decision making is expanding rapidly partly due to advances in artificial intelligence and network-centric environments that can deliver the technology. Communication and coordination between dispersed systems can deliver just-in-time information, real-time processing, collaborative environments, and globally up-to-date information to a human decision maker. At the same time, artificial intelligence techniques have demonstrated that they have matured sufficiently to provide computational assistance to humans in practical applications.  [9]   Network centric environment facilitates leveraging Artificial Intelligence to allow soldiers to access and share information throughout the entire network. Network centric environment provides coordination, where each node in the network helps provide a flawless, decentralized organization of intelligent resources. Maintenance Repair and Overhaul The fighting capability of the forces depends upon the serviceability and availability of the range of equipment held in its inventory. Most of the modern days equipments used for military application have certain defined life span. Also the demand of battlefield has ensured that highly sophisticated equipments should be made available for combat. This demands a system with quick fault diagnostic capability, easy maintainability and highly trained human resources along with modern ground facilities. Presently the expert systems are in use to analyze the faulty Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) of Radars or aircraft avionics using Automatic Test Equipments (ATE). Built-in Test systems are encouragingly being used with modern development of weapons. The techniques such as expert system and robotics are fairly in use in military application however has the potential to be exploited at much greater scale to expedite automation. Logistics Logistics is the life line in case of military operations. The various models of operations research have been employed in effective management of the logistics operation. The system of simulation has helped in optimizing the operation and AI has a great potential in assisting in planning and keeping the supply chain effective and efficient. Russell and Norvig highlighted that: During the Persian Gulf crisis of 1991, US forces deployed a Dynamic Analysis and Replanning Tool (DART) to do automated logistics planning and scheduling for transportation. This involved up to 50000 vehicles, cargo and people at a time and had to account for starting point, destinations, routes, and conflict resolution among all parameters. The AI planning techniques allowed a plan to be generated in hours that would have taken weeks with older methods. The Defence Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) stated that this single application more than paid back its 30 year inv