There are two levers for moving men. One is fear and the other, interest

The interest of the students is a one wild, untamed and elusive matter which controls the path to where the instruction will fall. It is a feather which has the power to tip the balance of the weighing scale between success and failure. It is a determining factor to whether the approach will be effective or not. So for the teaching-learning process to be productive and utterly successful, the teacher, instructor or facilitator must capture this intangible creature and keep a firm hold of it for it may fuel the engine of your train named â€Å"Instruction† towards the station on the avenue of accomplishment and goals. Or it may head for the worse and suffer a catastrophic derailment which is our dear students’ ignorance of what we intend to teach them which defines a real teaching fiasco. To remedy such dilemma, you must lubricate your gears with the grease of â€Å"Variations†. With doing this, we are aiming to smoothen the rotation of wheels of the lesson on the axles of the objectives we have set for the meeting. By means of conducting varied teaching methods, incorporated with series of corresponding assessment tools with appropriate instructional materials, we may ensnare and nail our students’ interest on the lesson so deep that maneuvering our way to success will be as easy as eating pie during tea time. Once we have mesmerized our students’ attention, we can gain an overwhelming boost of motion and accelerate the pace of productivity of our instruction so effective we can attain, or even surpass our educational objectives and come up with a much desirable outcome. Our teaching methods and strategies shall depend on the capabilities and needs of our students. The learners shall be at the apex of our considerations for they are the center of the teaching-learning process. The effectivity of our strategies depends on how much our learners gained from us. We are much likely to be triumphant if our students acquired a ton of knowledge from us. It will mean that we have succeeded on our aim to distribute our ideas to them. This is a way of flourishing their minds to which we are going to reap a bountiful harvest of creativity and imaginative thought in the future. Just like in farming and agriculture, in order for our farmers to produce more crops, they practice different kinds of methodologies in planting, maintaining and harvesting, integrating different sorts of techniques to come up with a new innovative way to cultivate crops. Then if we try to transfer this thought in Education, our teachers arrive at the idea of using different types of teaching approaches and techniques so that they can increase the level of the Philippine Education compared to the overwhelming standards of International Schooling. By integrating different ways of teaching, we envision to proliferate the amount of knowledge we give our students because through the use of varied methods, we can maximize our very limited time for instruction.

The novel “Frankenstein” can be seen to have been inspired by events and experiences in Mary Shelley’s own life

Mary Shelley's young age while writing the novel â€Å"Frankenstein† in 1816 seems not to be distinguished with serious life experience which could influence her world famous work. This first impression proves to be wrong when reading her biography. We find a lot of personal, literary and political-philosophical factors forming her mind. The life of the tender woman is marked by grief from the very beginning. It is not impossible that she has carried some feeling of guilt because only a few days after she has been born her mother dies. The arrival of the new daughter instead of bringing happiness to the family throws it into deep despair. It is possible to link this first tragic event in Mary Shelley's life with the thoughts of Frankenstein before his death: â€Å"I, not in deed, but in effect, was the real murderer. â€Å"(p. 90). Later after the discovery of the body of Henry Clerval, analysing Frankenstein's bitter conclusion, we could build our reflection into the same direction. Why not assume a subconscious guilt to have followed Mary Shelley all her life? She could think that her half-sister might not have committed suicide if their mother has been alive. The next tragedy – finding Henrietta (P. B. Shelley's wife) drowned – could also be associated. Psychologically it is not an exception for a wife abandoned by her husband to kill herself. A nearly direct reminder of a possible self-accusation by the writer is the first person form of the Frankenstein narrative: â€Å"I called myself the murderer of William, of Justine, and of Clerval† (P. 171). A similar collection of negative features could lead us towards the sinful heroes of Godwin's book â€Å"Caleb Williams†, 1794, (Kindle. M. The claims of Caleb about himself are very close to those of Shelley's hero: â€Å"My offense has merely been a mistaken thirst for; knowledge† It seems the shadow of the dead parent has haunted Mary even without any actual memory of the funeral of her dead mother. Impressions are apparently included in the idea for the similar picture over the mantle-piece in Frankenstein's library which has â€Å"represented Caroline Beaufort in an agony of despair, kneeling by the coffin if her dead father. † (p. 75). It is understandable that Mary is acutely depressed after losing her first baby just one year before he beginning of the writing of â€Å"Frankenstein†. According to the notes in her Journal (Hindle M. p. xv) it has been very difficult for her to accept this death and she has had dreams that by rubbing the baby before the fire it could come back to life again. Obviously such a vision is prominent in the whole novel, subtitled â€Å"The Modern Prometheus†, being impressed not as much by Aeschylus's version of the legend as by Ovid's one. The English author includes in it many of the progressive ideas of her epoch, especially those coming from science. There is firm evidence of Mary Shelley's substantial education and profound interest in the latest biological research. She is attracted by the contemporary work of the physician Dr. Erasmus Darwin and the chemist Sir Humphry Davy, just as Frankenstein is impressed by an early experience with electricity. The young woman has not been a stranger to active political life either, due to the direct involvement of her father in it. We could link all the conservative attacks against him with the reaction towards the monster. Under the sway of the French Revolution, William Godwin shows explicitly his atheism, i. e. his differentiating from everyone. Inheriting and sharing her father's unusual ideas, the daughter displays her insight in the novel about creating life in contrast with the wide spread tradition. The-influence of her history studies is transformed into Frankenstein's over sophisticated conclusions about some important world happenings. Pondering on the interference of his laboratory work with his family relationship he generalises: â€Å"†¦ f no man allowed any pursuit whatsoever to interfere with the tranquility of his domestic affections, Greece had been not enslaved; Caesar would have spared his country†¦ † (P. 54). Being well educated, Mary Shelley is probably aware enough of the real reasons for the events her hero lists. The purpose of such unjustified estimation is more likely to be the author's aim to show Frankenstein's excessive self-confidence in his own intellectual potential power and the exaggerating of the individual significance. His forename is not chosen accidentally. It is like a prediction of victory. Unfortunately we discover a hidden irony there. The insanity of his desires protrudes from the background of the looming mighty Alps in the numerous magnificent descriptions of the imposing mountain chain. It is not enough to underline the unison or contradictions between the characters' actions and the grand natural pictures. The presence of the awesome Alps in the book is not only an influence from the splendid location where the novel was conceived but also we receive the impression that the mountain has even an independent role in the narrative. The silent â€Å"actor† helps us to see clearer the contrast with the monomaniacal performance of the main hero. We understand that the might belongs only to Nature and that nobody should dare to compete with it. As such fighting takes a lot of time and effort, during the long six years Frankenstein devotes all his attention to the planned hard experiment. The researcher's engrossment in the scientific enterprise could be an allusion to Mr. Godwin's busy style of life. The lack of emotional contact with his daughter is presented both in the letters of Frankenstein's father and especially in the character of the monster. His determination to kill those dearest to Frankenstein is driven by the need to demonstrate the misery of being without friends and family. Despite the ferociously conducted duel between the main players, the author endeavours to invoke our sympathy for the appalling looking hero. Her searching, restless spirit dictates the tendency towards the unconventional and astonishing. Mary Shelley dares to be in contradiction even with the genre she uses to write the book. It is commented on immediately in 1818 by Sir Walter Scott in his article introducing the new title in Scotland: â€Å"†¦ he tale, though wild in incident, is written in plain and forcible English, without exhibiting that mixture of hyperbolical German with which tales of wonder are usually told, as if it were necessary that the language should be as extravagant as the fiction. † (Scott, W. , 1818). Mary Shelley changes the face of the Gothic genre being inspired by Cervantes' â€Å"Don Quixote† which she reads while writing â€Å"Frankenstein†. She follows the example of the great Spanish prosaic who comes to the idea of contradicting the existing knight's literature exactly as Shelley achieves a unique Gothic novel. Cervantes' influence is not only on the level of motivation but also hi presenting of the main heroes. While both desire to help other people they bring them nothing but misery. The scene with the dying Frankenstein on Walton's ship reminds us intensely of the mad speeches of Don Quixote. Both heroes try to contaminate with their ridiculous ideas the people surrounding them – Sancho Panza and other servants or the mariners who prefer to continue their journey back home. The distinguishing features of Mary Shelley's presentation on the literary scene are widely discussed. Her contribution to the development of English is also noticed by other critics. Just like her parents she is not afraid to think and act differently. The â€Å"excellence of language and peculiar interest† impresses the critic for The Belle Assemblee who says: â€Å"This work†¦ has as well as originality and an easy energetic style†¦ â€Å". Even today's readers, whose opinions are often based on mass-media productions, are pleasantly surprised by the delightful manner of writing. Despite the expectation of finding a story of horror and nightmares, the plot is saturated with lyrical diversions. These appear due to the direct sensitive influences of both family and close circle of friends. Among the contemporaries Mary Shelley reads with serious excitement romantic poets. Her imagination is preoccupied by the Coleridge's â€Å"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner† whose ideas she puts in the minds of both heroes – Dr Frankenstein and Captain Walton. Both are obsessed by the rhythm of the poem and quote from it to describe their own condition or determination. This brings additional charm to the gripping story. Reading nearly any stanza from the â€Å"Ancient Mariner† we can envisage the fascinating power of the epic over the young writer. Its elevating sound is extremely topical just after the time of the French Revolution: * Alone, alone, all, all alone, Alone on a wide wide sea! And never a saint took pity on My soul in agony. The spread out alliteration expands the boundaries of the immeasurable ocean as ajnetaphor of freedom and independence. Similar feelings have thrilled Mary Shelley while reading â€Å"Emil† by Jean Jacques Rousseau. It encourages the ideas of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity -the stimulation for the armed insurrection and the insistence on human rights through the character of the monster. Rousseau's ideas elaborated by Godwin in his â€Å"Political Justice† are the best explanation for the transforming of the creature into a villain due to treatment by society. A lot of other writers and their books have contributed to forming the views which Mary Shelley conveyed in her riveting novel. Whatsoever is the impact on â€Å"Frankenstein† one is undoubted – the envied talent of Mary Shelley to combine all her knowledge, intuitive capacities and innate genius for developing a real masterpiece.

AntiWar Movement

The antiwar movement against Vietnam in the US from 1965-1971 was the most significant movement of its kind in the nation’s history. After evaluating different social theories such as: Functionalism, Conflict and Interactionism, I have decided to classify the Anti-War movement during the Vietnam War as a Conflict Theory. I feel the Anti-War Movement’s has characteristics of Neo-Marxism. Though the first American protests against U. S. intervention in Vietnam took place in 1963, the antiwar movement did not begin in diligence until two years later, when President Lyndon B. Johnson ordered massive U. S. military intervention and the sustained bombing of North Vietnam. Chambers) 2000. In the spring of 1965, â€Å"teach? ins† against the war were held on many college campuses. The Anti-War Movement was centered on America’s higher-education system, the students, playing leading roles. Teach-ins were extreme, massive public protests. By 1968 Protesters numbered close to seven million and over half of them were Caucasian college students. The teach-ins were primarily peaceful, but effective. They were successful in capturing the attention of the public as well as those in government. The motivation behind teach-ins were just that, with the hopes of further escalation in Vietnam to slow down or come to a halt. In April 1965, President Johnson gave a major Vietnam address at John Hopkins University, in response to the growing campus protest activity. This speech marked the political impact of campus demonstrations. (Electric Library) This is an example of Neo-Marxism. The protestors were getting a partial system change. They had the attention of the public, and most importantly the government. However, by 1967 a lot of anti-war activists began to think peaceful protests were not going to be enough to influence war policy, so they began using civil disobediences, strikes, public disruption, shouting at government speakers and guerilla theatre to get their message heard loud and clear. In March 1967, a national organization of draft resisters was formed. In April 1967, more than 300,000 people demonstrated against the war in New York. Six months later, 50,000 surrounded the Pentagon, sparking nearly 700 arrests. By this time it became typical for, senior Johnson administration officials to encounter demonstrators when speaking in public, forcing them to restrict their outside appearances. Many also had sons, daughters, or wives who opposed the war, fueling the sense of attack. Prominent participants in the antiwar movement included Dr. Benjamin Spock, Robert Lowell, Harry Belafonte, and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. With prominent leaders extending their support in the movement it gave the activist a great deal of motivation and validation. The social theory of Neo-Marxism was in full effect. By 1968, the Johnson administration realized the impact of widespread public opposition to the war and the troubling prospects in Vietnam, causing them to put a halt on the bombing of North Vietnam and to stabilize the ground war. This policy reversal was the major turning point. U. S. troop strength in Vietnam would climax at 543,000 (Chambers) 2000. The antiwar movement reached its peak under President Richard M. Nixon. In October 1969, more than 2 million people participated in Vietnam Moratorium protests across the country. The following month, over 500,000 demonstrated in Washington and 150,000 in San 4 Francisco. Militant protest, continued to spread, leading many Americans to wonder whether the war was worth a split society. And other forms of antiwar activity lingered on. The Nixon administration took a host of measures to dull the movement, mainly mobilizing supporters, smearing the movement, tracking it, withdrawing U. S. troops from Vietnam, instituting a draft lottery, and eventually ending draft calls. Once U. S. troops began coming home, the antiwar movement gradually declined between 1971 and 1975 (Chambers) 2000. The American movement against the Vietnam War was the most successful antiwar movement in U. S. history. The Neo-Marxism social theory is easily applied to the Anti-War Movement. The characteristics of the conflict were disorder, boycotts, intense conflict, commitment, and emotional involvement all of which resulted in system change. The activists involved in the Anti-War movement of this time were passionate and dedicated to seek change. They sought out peace and love for our Country and did not lose sight of their objective. They went to great lengths to achieve what seemed like the impossible. References http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O126-VietnamAntiwarMovement.html AntiWar Movement The antiwar movement against Vietnam in the US from 1965-1971 was the most significant movement of its kind in the nation’s history. After evaluating different social theories such as: Functionalism, Conflict and Interactionism, I have decided to classify the Anti-War movement during the Vietnam War as a Conflict Theory. I feel the Anti-War Movement’s has characteristics of Neo-Marxism. Though the first American protests against U. S. intervention in Vietnam took place in 1963, the antiwar movement did not begin in diligence until two years later, when President Lyndon B. Johnson ordered massive U. S. military intervention and the sustained bombing of North Vietnam. Chambers) 2000. In the spring of 1965, â€Å"teach? ins† against the war were held on many college campuses. The Anti-War Movement was centered on America’s higher-education system, the students, playing leading roles. Teach-ins were extreme, massive public protests. By 1968 Protesters numbered close to seven million and over half of them were Caucasian college students. The teach-ins were primarily peaceful, but effective. They were successful in capturing the attention of the public as well as those in government. The motivation behind teach-ins were just that, with the hopes of further escalation in Vietnam to slow down or come to a halt. In April 1965, President Johnson gave a major Vietnam address at John Hopkins University, in response to the growing campus protest activity. This speech marked the political impact of campus demonstrations. (Electric Library) This is an example of Neo-Marxism. The protestors were getting a partial system change. They had the attention of the public, and most importantly the government. However, by 1967 a lot of anti-war activists began to think peaceful protests were not going to be enough to influence war policy, so they began using civil disobediences, strikes, public disruption, shouting at government speakers and guerilla theatre to get their message heard loud and clear. In March 1967, a national organization of draft resisters was formed. In April 1967, more than 300,000 people demonstrated against the war in New York. Six months later, 50,000 surrounded the Pentagon, sparking nearly 700 arrests. By this time it became typical for, senior Johnson administration officials to encounter demonstrators when speaking in public, forcing them to restrict their outside appearances. Many also had sons, daughters, or wives who opposed the war, fueling the sense of attack. Prominent participants in the antiwar movement included Dr. Benjamin Spock, Robert Lowell, Harry Belafonte, and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. With prominent leaders extending their support in the movement it gave the activist a great deal of motivation and validation. The social theory of Neo-Marxism was in full effect. By 1968, the Johnson administration realized the impact of widespread public opposition to the war and the troubling prospects in Vietnam, causing them to put a halt on the bombing of North Vietnam and to stabilize the ground war. This policy reversal was the major turning point. U. S. troop strength in Vietnam would climax at 543,000 (Chambers) 2000. The antiwar movement reached its peak under President Richard M. Nixon. In October 1969, more than 2 million people participated in Vietnam Moratorium protests across the country. The following month, over 500,000 demonstrated in Washington and 150,000 in San 4 Francisco. Militant protest, continued to spread, leading many Americans to wonder whether the war was worth a split society. And other forms of antiwar activity lingered on. The Nixon administration took a host of measures to dull the movement, mainly mobilizing supporters, smearing the movement, tracking it, withdrawing U. S. troops from Vietnam, instituting a draft lottery, and eventually ending draft calls. Once U. S. troops began coming home, the antiwar movement gradually declined between 1971 and 1975 (Chambers) 2000. The American movement against the Vietnam War was the most successful antiwar movement in U. S. history. The Neo-Marxism social theory is easily applied to the Anti-War Movement. The characteristics of the conflict were disorder, boycotts, intense conflict, commitment, and emotional involvement all of which resulted in system change. The activists involved in the Anti-War movement of this time were passionate and dedicated to seek change. They sought out peace and love for our Country and did not lose sight of their objective. They went to great lengths to achieve what seemed like the impossible. References http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O126-VietnamAntiwarMovement.html

Charles Peirce's Fundamental Distinctions Term Paper

Charles Peirce's Fundamental Distinctions - Term Paper Example Therefore, the following paper tries to establish whether these distinctions reflect or correspond to each other or whether they are entirely independent from each other. To begin with, Peirce postulates that there exist three modes of being. These modes include, first the being of a feeling in itself. This being state non-attachment to any subject. The atmosphere is the only possible form of attachment but since it is intangible, the state can be described as floatation in a vacuum though it is not rational. However, it is capable of being rationalized. Secondly, Peirce argues that there exists a state of being that is arbitrary. This state of being is anti-rational because by rationalizing it, it will be doomed for damage. Thirdly, postulates that there exists the living intelligence from which all power and all reality are derived. This mode of being is rational. It contributes towards necessity and necessitation in human being existence. The potentiality of feeling is the only po sitive thing that is valued in this third mode of being. Peirce views existence of particulate matter as nothing in them because there are brut forces that propagate them. According to Peirce, logic rather belief can be classified into three categories that is stechology or speculative grammar which facilitates interpretation of signs processes rather the sesmos and meaningfulness of signs. Moreover, he classified belief into logical critic which sometimes referred to as logic proper whereby modes of inference is the guiding principle. Lastly, belief is defined on the basis of methodeutic or speculative rhetoric philosophical theory of enquiry that includes pragmatism. Their being is actual because they are either being attracted or repelled by another particle in existence. The particles are in existence because they consist of action and are dyadic. An effort to draw a connection with other things result to the particle being termed as triadic though is the only thing that has pow er. Based on his study after along time, peirce was tempted to classify his findings into three categories namely firstness, secondness, and thirdnes. However, this type of classification was distasteful to himself thus he tried to refute it. It is viewed that attributing such meaning to numbers and worse in a triad is as true as it is disagreeable. By classifying the mode of being in numbers was very simple. Giving to being the broadest possible sense, to include things as well as ideas. By classifying modes of being, the three states are similar to the initial classification by Pierce. Firstness is the mode of being of that which is such as it is, positively and without reference to anything else. Secondness is the mode of human being of that which is such as it is, with respect to a second but despite the consequences of any third. Thirdness is the mode of being of that which is such as it is, in bringing a second and third into relation to each other. Pierce points out that any sign contain three things. A sign describes anything, though it cannot be defined in its own but in relation to others. The three modes of existence under sign language is defined in three roles which encompass the sign, is subject matter, and the ramification or the sign meaning. The existence in triadic relationship is irreducible according to Peirce. The roles are distinct implying that there is no relationship between the components of the triad though the signs can be

Portfolio Cover Letter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Portfolio Cover Letter - Essay Example However, the main assignments made me come to the realization that I had a long way to go to become an accomplished writer. The connect assignment, the literature review and rhetorical analysis essay as well as the class wikis were some of the assignments we engaged in and while the first ones were pretty simple, however as they became more structured and complex in nature it became more challenging. Assignments such as the forums, essays and creating my Twitter page about Journey to the west were all helpful in enabling me to better structure my writing and integrate the skills that I had gained from connect assignments. Each subsequent writing assignment enabled me to better my skills and open my mind to new, unique and creative ideas. I had the most difficulty with the wiki assignment since I had not yet learned how to be flexible in my writing enough to provide what was needed by the professor. It was also the first time creating a wiki and while I had thought that the presence of links within the information I was giving was optional, I did not do the assignment with as open a mind as I should have had. I also had a difficult time clearly researching on the provided topic which I think actively contributed to the low grade that I got. I did feel a sense of disappointment but fast came to the realization that I could improve and I therefore decided to take the comments that I had been given to heart instead of looking at it from a negative point of view. The connect assignments were also key in my growth; when we first began, I thought that it would be easy since I was familiar with the use of verbs and shifting tenses however the intensity and difficulty of the assignments got to me and I soon found that I was struggling to keep to the set time for handing in the assignments. However, while I was at times late, my level of engagement in each of the assignments I did was consistent and on point since I was driven by

Toyota Foundation in Toyota Motor Corporation Essay

Toyota Foundation in Toyota Motor Corporation - Essay Example Through the visits to the US and Europe, and the research that he carried out, Kiichiro Toyoda gained a lot of insight and knowledge about automobile production. In 1933, the Toyota Automatic Loom Works Ltd established the Toyoda automobile department. This led to the creation TMC in 1937 as a separate and independent company, with Kiichiro Toyoda as its president (Toyota Motor Corporation 1). Before becoming a separate and independent company in 1937, TMC had already produced and sold its first standard passenger car, the AA sedan, in 1936. TMC got its logo from a public competition held in September 1936, in which participants were required to design the best logo. Toyoda then changed its name to Toyota, trademarked its new name, and registered itself as the TMC in August 1937. TMC officially began its commercial production of vehicles at the Honsha plant in 1938. From September 1947, it sold its small-sized vehicles under the name â€Å"Toyopet†. The company focused on truck production during World War 2 for the Japanese army. Japan was hit by serious financial difficulties after World War 2. For this reason, TMC faced a financial crisis in 1949 that brought it to the brink of bankruptcy (Toyota Motor Corporation 1). During the financial crisis that the company faced, it only produced 300 trucks in 1950, and almost went out of business. To deal with the financial crisis, a consortium of banks lent TMC a loan to revamp itself. On obtaining the loan, the company began eliminating excess workers through layoffs and reduction of wages. In 1950, the company started the Toyota Motor Sales Company that lasted only until 1982 because it was merged with the TMC. Toyota launched the Crown Deluxe, Toyopet Master, and Toyopet Crown in 1955 (Toyota Motor Corporation 1). In 1950, Kiichiro Toyoda resigned as the president of TMC. Taizo Ishida took over the company’s presidency and was credited for focusing his efforts on investing in equipment. One such example was  when he led the establishment of the Motomachi plant.

Strategic Management and Leadership Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Strategic Management and Leadership - Assignment Example The feature of effective leadership identifies a person who thinks and acts differently from the rest in achieving a desired purpose. This defines that a leader must be bold enough to face oppositions and undue criticisms for his different approach. A person earns the recognition of effective leadership if he or she endeavors to gauge a situation by standing on the toes of others. The effective leader must also take care of the subordinates through acts of motivation and by extending needed help in times of organizational crisis. Existing in the changing environment entails a leader to be flexible enough to help the organization achieve future goals and set purposes. A manager turns out to be an effective leader in being an adaptor to the changing environment. Further, the manager decides on the planned course of action and directs the subordinates to walk on the treaded path to achieve the desired goal. The manager also endeavors to empathize through the acts of liaison between the upper and the lower levels. Moreover, an effective manager must take active role in motivating the subordinates through effective training and creating a positive environment for others to perform effectively. The function of effective management also entails that the working conditions must be made favorable and safer to help the employees succeed in their work. (Caroselli, 2000, pp. 1, 2, 4-5, 6, 8-9) The leaders of the modern era must prove themselves as effective managers to sustain in a competitive environment. An effective leader in the context of the modern era is observed to be a person who endeavors to execute tasks through the delegation of responsibilities. Effective leadership entails in carving the organizational process and structure in such a manner that can help the staffs to become self-dependent in meeting desired goals. A person to become an effective leader must look forward to acquire

Fatigue in Adolescents with Cancer Literature review

Fatigue in Adolescents with Cancer - Literature review Example t which the literature highlights for adolescents surviving chronic cancers – tuberculosis, Melanoma, Leukemia, or Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (Carroll, 2010). According to the contemporary medical research, the chances of adolescent survival in cancers by psychological treatments have increased, due which the activities regarding understanding the psychological concepts â€Å"quality of life† have increased too (Kelly, 2008). The medical practitioners for bringing up the effective care have come along to understand adolescents’ psychosocial consequences in-relation to the quality of life for surviving the cancer (Kelly, 2008). This is to give a close understanding on the concept of QoL which significantly relates to the adolescents’ survivorship pattern (Elizabeth, 2011). Meanwhile, the other majority of the practitioners are on the basic treatment procedures. They are concerned about the reduction of pain, difficulty and physiological fatigue which a cancer pat ient normally carries (Eilertsen et al., 2012). The contemporary literature of medicines gives a subjective explanation about adolescents’ the quality of life in cancer. There is no specific or clear definition about the concept, therefore the literature sticks to give broad and subjective explanation about the concept of the quality of life (Gibson, 2003). From a broad view, QoL can be classified in two types, psychological QoL and physiological QoL (Eilertsen et al., 2012). In this way, the literature uncovers two basic classifications which indicate that when an adolescent is in the survivorship period, it has both psychological and physiological fatigues affecting his or her psychological and physiological qualities of life (Eilertsen et al., 2012). Cancer fatigue relates to the quality of life. It has a... This paper stresses that adolescents having cancer abide in the poor quality of life situation, as they are continuously intervened by most serious and severe disease – cancer. World Health Organization describes quality of life as a psychological situation in which the person is happy, satisfied and socially active. QoL is one psychological concept that relates to adolescents’ psychological and social life behaviors. In this way, the literature uncovers two basic classifications of QoL, which are psychological and physiological fatigues affecting patient’s psychological and physiological qualities of life. This report makes a concluison that in the modern research and understanding, there are different psychological affects which young cancer patients have during the survivorship. There are influences such as separation anxiety, depression, stress, and sometimes, fear and paranoia. It depends on adolescents’ cancer state and also on the coping capability that how the patient resists and restricts cancer at the time of development. The contemporary literature uncovers that there are late affects in adolescent cancer patients’ life, which changes their sociological setting. There are cases reported in which the social quality of life of children during cancer is highly affected. There are cases in which the young survivors face the problem in attaining â€Å"normalcy† as they are stuck in between living and surviving at the time of cancer development. The influences can be reduced, if each segment is doing well to bring the high in-depth support for the survivor in c ancer.

Managing Processes Through Lean Six Sigma And Cost Estimating Methods Research Paper

Managing Processes Through Lean Six Sigma And Cost Estimating Methods - Research Paper Example This section will concern which materials will be used, then detail how to apply the principles found in the Manufacturing Processes, First-Line Supervision, Computer, Materials Handling & Plant Layout, Quality Control, Production & Inventory Control, Cost Estimating, and Industrial Safety courses that are imperative to the success of any form of technology design. I will demonstrate how to successfully and completely design a system, its operational components, and develop appropriate system cost. Then I will demonstrate my full understanding of system operation. First, I will explain â€Å"The Key Principles of Lean Six Sigma†; then elaborate on the DMAIC; then explain â€Å"Plant Layout/Material Handling from Cooperating Executives Operations† and what that entails; Plant Layout and Material Handling from Cooperating Executives Operations; How Motorola conceptualized The Lean Six Sigma from the origin of a 1986 Business Management Strategy; and it should all make sense. I will compare and contrast the differences along with the similarities between the managing processes through the Lean Six Sigma and Cost Estimating Methods. By fully elaborating on â€Å"How Motorola conceptualized The Lean Six Sigma from the origin of a 1986 Business Management Strategy,† I will demonstrate how I would complete an individual project at my small partitioned-off area of a room designated for me to complete my tasks. Section 2 Table of Contents: Section 1: Abstract: Letter of Transmittal Section 2: Table of Contents Section 3: Executive Summary Section 4: Body / Narrative Intro: The Key Principles of Lean Six Sigma Discussion: DMAIC; Plant Layout and Material Handling from Cooperating Executives Operations; Plant Layout and Material Handling from Cooperating Executives Operations; How Motorola conceptualized The Lean Six Sigma from the origin of a 1986 Business Management Strategy. Conclusion Recommendations Section 5: Appendix Section 6: Bibliography Section 3 Executive Summary Statement of the Problem: Scope of the Investigation: Research Methods: Key Ideas Used: Conclusion: Recommendations: Section 3 (cont.): 24 August 2011 Dr. Dennis Lithgow Southern Illinois University Southern Illinois University / Prof 72076 street address Dear Dr. Lithgow: I am submitting to you the report, due 21 August 2011, that you requested. The report is entitled â€Å"The Key Principles of Lean Six Sigma Discussion.† The purpose of the report is to inform you of our design decisions for the center. The content of this report c oncentrates on the Managing Processes Through Lean Six Sigma And Cost Estimating Methods. This report also discusses DMAIC; â€Å"Plant Layout/Material Handling from Cooperating Executives Operations† and what that entails; Plant Layout and Material Handling from Cooperating Executives Operations; How Motorola conceptualized The Lean Six Sigma from the origin of a 1986 Business Management Strategy. If you should have any questions concerning our project and paper, then please feel free to contact Mike Bridge at xxx-xxxx. Sincerely, [NAME HERE] Lead Engineer Section 4 Materials This section will concern which materials will be used, then detail how to apply the principles found in the Manufacturing Processes, First-Line Supervision, Computer, Materials Handling & Plant Layout, Quality Control, Production & Inventory Control, Cost Estimating, and Industrial Safety courses that are imperative to the success of any form of technology design. I will demonstrate how to successfully and completely design a system, its operational components, and develop appropriate system cost. Then I will demonstrate my full understanding of system operation. First, I will explain â€Å"The Key Principles of Lean Six Sigma†; then elaborate on the DMAIC; then explain â€Å"

Risk Assessment Case Study Evaluation Essay Example for Free

Risk Assessment Case Study Evaluation Essay The risk assessment case study evaluates the chromium-contaminated soils. Twelve years of research went into the study to characterize the health hazards caused by the chromium-contaminated soils. Within New Jersey there were at least three different chromate chemical manufacturing companies operating, one in Kearny, New Jersey, and the other two in Jersey City. The study was conducted through a human health risk assessment, which contains four main steps; first identifying the hazard, second the dose response assessment, followed by the exposure assessment, and finalizing with the risk characterization. There are many short and long term health effects found within the risk assessment, which is one reason that assessment is so important. Looking at the risk assessment that was done within the area, the final implication was the simple fact that a remedial cleaning needed to be done within the area. It seems that there may have been a high cost for the study and the actual cleanup, but the benefit of saving an environment and human health is priceless. Risk assessment studies are very important to human and ecological health, therefore no matter the cost associated the benefit will always be much higher. Looking at the risk assessment of chromium-contaminated soils is important; it shows health effects related to chromium and what needs to be done to clean the area for further use by humans and nature. The case study includes a group of hazardous waste sites in Northern New Jersey. At these waste sites a series of unique research efforts were implemented over the past 12 years to improve the accuracy of the Risk Assessment process† (Paustenbach, 2002, p. 1). The case study specifically documents the use of applied research to advance the characterization of both exposure and toxicity associated with the uncontrolled release of hexavalent and trivalent chromium in the form of chromites ore processing residue (COPR) in an urban setting (Paustenbach, 2002). Early investigation began after redevelopment of certain neighborhoods i n downtown Jersey City led to the discovery of COPR. Research conducted by the task force revealed that construction companies and hauling firms had sued or sold the COPR to fill basements of demolished buildings, as base for parking lots and buildings, and/or to fill low – lying areas (Paustenbach, 2002). A total of 2,138 surfaces and subsurface soil samples, 31 groundwater samples from 31 monitoring wells at seven sites, 33 ambient air samples, 19 surface-water and 11 sediment samples, and eight building wall wipe samples were collected and analyzed during the remedial investigation that was conducted by Environmental Sciences and Engineering (ESE). As a result of the investigations conducted in the late 1980s it was clear that there was considerable uncertainty about how better to characterize the potential health risks associated with the COPR sites. â€Å"The human health risk assessment a development used to process the estimation, the nature, and the chance of an adverse health effects occurring in humans who may be exposed to chemicals contaminated with environmental media† (EPA, 2012, p. 1). The risk assessment can be categorized into four steps; the hazard identification, the dose-response assessment, the exposure assessment, and the risk characterization. The easiest to perform and the most recognizable, the first step is to identify the hazards. Hazard identification determines whether exposure to a hazardous agent could be a risk for the health of humans. The assessment also considers the exposure to animals and how the hazardous agent may affect or adversely affect the animals. The second step, the dose-response assessment is â€Å"the process of characterizing the relation between the dose of an agent administered or received and the incidence of an adverse health effect in exposed populations and estimating the incidence of the effect as a function of exposure to the agent† (Paustenbach, 2002, p. 1). Influencing issues are a variable in the second step, such as; age, gender, routines, the amount they are exposed, and the volume that they are exposed. A dose-response relationship describes how the possibility and severity of adverse health effects are related to the amount and condition of exposure to an agent† (EPA, 2012, p. 1). The third step is the exposure assessment. â€Å"Exposure assessment is the process wherein the intensity, frequency, and duration of human exposure to an agent are estimated† (Paustenbach, 2002, p. 1). Last, the final step is the risk characterization. The hazardous effect on health is labeled in the final pha se. By calculation and educated guesses, the incidence of a health effect under the various conditions of human or animal exposure described in the exposure assessment is defined. The community has not been significantly affected by the COPR – containing soils. â€Å"The property values have been kept intact and the businesses on affected properties have continued to operate† (Paustenbach, 2002, p. 1). When the COPR was ub the process of disposal, there was little or no concern for the environmental and human health risks that would occur as a result of the distribution of COPR outside the plant. The potentially exposed populations were defined by onsite and surrounding land use. â€Å"Exposures to chromium in COPR were assumed to occur via inhalation of suspended soil particulates, dermal contact with soil, and incidental soil ingestion† (Paustenbach, 2002, p. 1). The data from the site surveys were used in site-specific risk assessments to quantify exposures. Chapter nine verified that the there were 42 properties affect by the exposure and toxicity assessments (Paustenbach, 2002, p. 1). There were many samples taken. Between 1986 and 1989 â€Å"a total of 2,138 surface and subsurface soil samples, 31 groundwater samples from monitoring wells located at 7 sites, 33 ambient air samples, 19 surface-water and 11 sediment samples, and 8 building wall wipe samples were collected and analyzed during the RI† (Paustenbach, 2002, p. 1). Surface water and soil samples were also taken in the risk assessments. The assessments confirmed that there was indeed a problem and that a remedial was needed. The risk characterization showed that something needed to be done and remediation was needed for these current vacant lots. Results verified that the exposure and toxicity assessment had a high toxicity in the soil and carcinogenic that people were exposed to in the air, soil, and water. Evidenced proved that indoor dust was highly toxic and yielded a link between the dust and chromium levels. High levels of chromium were definite in all tests. The carcinogenic compounds of chromium were not proven in one, though, done on lab rats. The problem was passed around inside the company but was eventually managed and is still being handled today. The implications of these assessments have changed with every assessment done. Each assessment could test even more accurately. The final assessment was that there is a need to concentrated effort on the chromium left from these sites. Each step was precisely performed and accurately carried out. Limitations arose during the first step of identification. Again, the second step dose-response was limited by the research that had been done on chromium. As soon as they would file an assessment, there would be a new more accurate test available that would make the report inaccurate. The limitations and newly surfaced assessments left unanswered questions and concerns with the assessments. This 12-year period transformed a time of new developments in testing. With the availability of these new tests it brought the need for more assessments. The final assessments show that cleanup is needed and will require extensive planning to make it happen. The assessments were designed to discover the results of how much chromium was in the area. The effect on the health of humans and the environment was also correlated within the assessments. Over the 12-year period, the assessments were evaluated and fulfilled to their fullest potential. According to Paustenbach (2002), in Chapter 9, â€Å"the cost of the 12-year study equaled 10 million dollars in research† (Paustenbach, 2002, p. 1). Results can be seen in the undertaking of the removal of soil in these areas and taken to a hazardous material dump in Canada. By lowering the levels of chromium in these areas, like the wetlands, they have save a unique environment in America. According to the Njdep Site Remediation Program (2012) the cleanup in these areas are ongoing and the testing is being posted on this web site to show what the levels are in these areas (NJDEP, 2012). The people living and working in the particular areas will most benefit from the program. The people can stay in tuned with the daily operations, along with the level ratings, through the website. Although the study was lengthy, â€Å"the studies conducted have lowered the liabilities by almost 1 billion dollars† (Paustenbach, 2002, p. 1). The practical implications of the risk assessment were that there would have to be a remedial cleanup. â€Å"A review of chromium toxicology suggested that valence differentiation in the environment would be key to correctly calculating health-protective cleanup standards and maximizing the benefit of each dollar committed to remediation† (Paustenbach, 2002, p. 1). The specific goal approach was practical because it addressed the issues and came up with a plan of action. Many big companies do not have a plan of action and this hinders the process to be successful in the remediation process. Another reason for the practicality of the risk assessment was that they were able to budget for how much the remedial and the cleanup would cost. Many companies are unable to see have a plan of action at times like this and cannot for see the cleanup and the cost associated with it. A cost benefit analysis is important when looking at a risk assessment. The cost and benefit analysis reviews the cost and benefit or cleaning up an area. Most analytically reviewed references monetary gains and loses. Looking at the cost and benefits of both scenarios will help decide whether to clean the area or leave it alone. When looking at a CBA there are four different areas that must be looked at: first the gross disproportion, the sensitivity analysis, annualisation, and discounting. Gross disproportion is basically a factor when deciding if control measures should be used; if the costs are not grossly disproportionate from the benefits the control measures must be used. Sensitivity analysis is taking one or more of the factors and varying them to see if the outcome would be any different, this is used to show that control measures will be unsuccessful or that all that can be done has been. Then the annualisation, when the costs are worked out year by year with the varying changes in money, is done by looking at the discounting numbers. Discounting is a deeper look into the different cost and benefits of each year, this looks at maintenance costs and other cost that may be incurred. The main problem with the CBA is that there are no set criteria for any of the sections, it is left up to those doing the CBA and those fighting the results must take it to court and the court decides. Have set criteria listed for each aspect will help clarify what needs to be done. A CBA can be very beneficial to the decision of what needs to be done, it just needs a little more work to be more concise. The importance in a risk analysis can be witnessed in the review and evaluation of the risk assessment. The risk assessment of the chromium-contaminated soils in New Jersey; the 12-year assessment proved many points. Such an extensive assessment demonstrated an area of strength and weakness within the risk assessment. The risk assessment is made up of four parts, first identifying the hazard, then looking at the dose response assessment; this is followed by the exposure assessment and the risk characterization. Within the risk assessment of the chromium-contaminated soils illustrated that there would be marked improvement with a remedial clean-up of the area. While it may not have been an easy decision, due to the fact, that the CBA has no set criteria. The risk analysis was conducted for 12 years to ensure human safety when living and working within the area; the 12 year study also helped form future risk analysis studies.

Assessing The Scope Of Competitive Rivalry

Assessing The Scope Of Competitive Rivalry Scope of competitive rivalry mainly deals with a global focus, however, local computer makers should also be considered. For the large corporations, having a presence in foreign markets is essential. Companies like Dell, HP, Lenovo/IBM, and Acer all compete in multiple international markets. If individuals in a particular country are capable of buying a PC, the top competitors all fight for their purchases. Competition is not cut throat per-se, but if a company like HP falters in any one of its multiple segments, Dell could come in and take its market share. Stage in Industry Life Cycle The thing about technology is that it constantly changes. The personal computer, servers, printers, and data storage devices have existed for decades, but constant RD is employed to make these high-tech machines smaller, run faster, and operate more efficiently. Computers and their peripherals will likely remain in the growth stage for a very long time. Though growth has slowed in developed countries like the United States, it has increased in other developing countries like Brazil, India, and China. On that note, the idea itself has reached maturity. For example, servers (as well as personal computers) can offer long usage time if they are properly serviced over the years. Computers configured four years ago, if built with quality high-end components, can still compete with ones coming out today. New technologies make adding performance to personal computers and servers effortless, which furthers the life of the machines. Degree of Vertical Integration According to Thompson and Gambles research, There were too many technologies and manufacturing intricacies to master for a vertically integrated manufacturer to keep its products on the cutting edge. Therefore, the industry has a very low degree of vertical integration. Companies search for the best manufacturers of parts and services and combine them to create a name-brand computer. Providers need to be accessible for when they are demanded. If they fail, companies like Dell and HP can switch as quickly as living creatures blink. Ease of Entry/Exit Because the industry has long been established and defined by the current competition, ease of entry/exit is not exactly easy. In fact, it would be nearly impossible for a start-up firm to enter. A long established company like Sony, for example, was able to enter late in the game because of their existing company structure and size. Only already established large companies would be able to enter the market, unless some entrepreneur discovered a way to enhance existing business models which maximized efficiencies in nearly every aspect of the venture. Technology Innovation The industry is highly characterized by innovation, considering it is nothing but technology. New products are constantly developed, daily in fact. Intel, for example, releases computer processing units (CPUs) every three months. As a result, costs decline .5% weekly. These CPUs are among the main components of the computer. Since technology is evolving at a rapid rate, computer companies always look for ways to reduce inventory carryover while still having enough in inventory if demand spikes. Product Characteristics Defining the product characteristics is rather complex, as not only are the computers intricate in nature, but the number of products associated with this industry colossal. Looking at the main composition, the industry includes computers (servers, desktops, laptops), peripherals associated with the computer like wireless routers and printers, and external storage. Focusing on the computers and depending on the price, they vary in terms of processing speed, hard drive capacity, number of video display outputs, number of channels of surround sound, and amount of random access memory. Economies of Scale As with most industries, the name of the game is getting the best products for the best price. Gray areas do exist, however. CPUs for personal computers, for example, are only made by two competitors (AMD and Intel). Other manufacturers like SIS and Centaur exist, though they are not as well known and certainly not trusted enough to be in name brand PCs. The same goes for video cards. Many manufacturers do exist, but there are only two significant competitors in the market (Nvidia and ATI). Most manufacturers of video cards actually incorporate the chipsets of the two top competitors into their own models. There is a substantial amount of marketing and advertising that goes into the products of the top competitors. The public must be constantly reminded which computers are the best to buy. Because of cost cutting (as well as international expansion), many companies have some, if not the majority, of their processes outsourced. To further reduce costs, inventory carryover is kept low. Learning and Experience Curve Effects The industry is highly characterized by the philosophy of learn by doing. For example, Dell has been improving efficiencies in their business model for the past eighteen and a half years (as of 2008). As a result, they are a leader in many aspects of their value chain. The competition follows suit, but they do not have as much experience as Dell does in this instance. Capacity Utilization Once again, as with all industries, it is important to have high capacity utilization in order to maximize efficiencies. Because there is little markup on computers and their components, companies need to squeeze savings out of every aspect of their operations. Industry Profitability If a company is well managed and knows what its customers want, then industry profitability can be high. Once processes begin to fall short or crumble, company profitability can go from black to red in a short amount of time. Compaq (before it became HP) was an example of a company with poor management structure. Executives ran the company into the ground because they were not finding ways to be profitable. Despite holding a large portion of market share, the company operated in the red for many of its quarters. Industry Driving Forces Though the industry possesses many driving forces, three come to mind as being most prevalent. For one, increasing globalization plays a big role in analyzing company size and strength. Outsourcing processes to many different countries leads to cheaper manufacturing costs across the entire value chain. India, for example, is a common location for technical support call centers. As the world grows smaller, having a well established brand name in multiple markets will keep top competitors successful. A second driving force is the diffusion of technical know-how across more companies and more countries. Just like in increasing globalization, outsourcing helps to locate the best RD opportunities in the least expensive country. The more minds there are on a project, the more opportunities there are for innovation. As a result, emerging countries may have different thought processes and needs compared to developed economies, so new ideas may be generated. A third driving force is changes in cost and efficiency. As mentioned earlier, it is imperative for companies in this industry to master the Just in Time strategy. Computer components are decreasing in price weekly and are becoming more energy efficient. These changes ultimately lead to newer and better products than those of three months ago. Key Success Factors Just like the driving forces, there are many key success factors that relate to this industry. For one, top competitors most certainly have an expertise in a particular technology or specific research (in this case, computer designing). They hand select the best components (or cheapest depending on the business model) for customers to choose from. After all, the quality of components defines the quality of the computer. A second key success factor is the proven ability to improve production processes. This includes the aforementioned industry-wide decrease in days of inventory holdings, and lessening vertical integration improves competitiveness. As computer components become cheaper to manufacture, the prices decrease. As a result, computer prices fall. Improving production processes are effective methods of keeping profitability high. A third key success factor is quality control know-how. No matter what the problem is with ones computer, it is always the fault of the manufacturer. If HP or Dell builds unreliable computers, buyers will simply switch to another brand with little hesitation. Therefore, it is imperative for the top competitors to maintain their quality control in the factories. If a certain component of the computer keeps failing, then it is likely the fault of the component manufacturer, and not the brand name computer creator. Other key success factors include product performance, reputation/image, and customer service capabilities PORTERS FIVE FORCES MODEL OF COMPETITION Dell has been able to remain innovative in their approach to building computers. They proved throughout their years of existence that providing differentiated, customizable computers with exceptional customer service at reasonable prices is possible. During the early years, Dell was able to undercut the competition by substantial margins. When they developed their strategic plans to sell computers internationally, they were quickly able to capture some of the market share once held by super-giant IBM. As a result, in 2007 International sales accounted for over 41% of Dells sales. To expand upon their business model, they diversified their product offerings to include Dell branded speakers, printers, and ink cartridges. Though not all diversification efforts were successful, Dell proved they could be innovative in their approaches to reaching customers. Michael Dell knew exactly what he wanted to do with his business when he first started his venture, and sticking to that vision has c reated one of the most successful computer ventures ever. Rivalry Among Competing Sellers Dells rivals include more than PC manufacturers. They compete and tally revenues in the following product categories: desktop PCs, mobility products (laptop PCs and workstations), software and peripherals (printers, monitors, TVs, projectors, ink and toner cartridges), servers and networking hardware, consulting and enhanced services, and storage products. Principal competitors amongst these categories include HP, Lenovo/IBM, Apple, Acer, Toshiba, Sony, Fujitsu-Siemens, Sun Microsystems, EMC, Hitachi, Cisco, Broadcom, Enterasys, Nortel, 3Com, Airespace, Proxim, Lexmark, Canon, Epson, Accenture, and EDS. Rivalry among competitors is fierce. If one company falters even the slightest bit anywhere along the value chain, other competing companies will enter and capitalize on the transfer of market share. For example, in the first quarter of 2008, Dell had 15.7% of the total global market share, which is up from 14.8% in the fourth quarter of 2007. The rest of the competition outside of the top five competitors (HP, Dell, Acer, Lenovo, and Toshiba) lost 5% of the total market share. These numbers vary from quarter to quarter, but when the top five competitors see increases in market share, it is clear who dominates. Dell happens to offer a highly differentiated product. They pride themselves on providing high quality computers at better prices points than the competition as a result of directly selling to customers. Prior to Dell, no company successfully offered such a business concept. Sales and promotions are targeted toward special bundle packages (like monitor, printer, and computer in one purchase) and slightly dated computer designs. With Dells premier account, for example, businesses and schools are encouraged to buy specially configured computers (which can be further customized). Savings tend to be larger when consumers purchase computers bundled with an anti-virus package, and Dell warranty, and interest free payments for six months if customers own a Dell premier credit card. Though competitors like Sony offer similar incentive programs, none of them can match Dell. Though Dell was strictly direct-to-consumer oriented for the longest time, they were losing significant market share to Apple as a result of not offering their computers in stores. As a result, they agreed to a contract with Best Buy and Wal-Mart. Though customers would technically pay for the markup at Best Buy or Wal-Mart for the same computer they could purchase through Dell, this tactic helped to keep Dell from losing market share to HP and Apple. In addition, Dell began offering white-box PC solutions in 2003 which helped them achieve an additional $380 million in revenues. Though critics were skeptical of the decision to move into this segment, most saw it as an effort to take on white box dealers in China. Potential New Entrants The threat of potential new entrants is minimal if even possible. There is a considerable presence of sizable economies of scale in production and other areas of the operation include the following: a substantial amount of marketing and advertising that goes into Dells products and the ability to outsource areas of the business they cannot make profitable by locating in the US. In addition, Dell is the industry leader in minimizing inventory on hand. In addition to the economies of scale, the learning and experience effects curves have to be taken into consideration. Dell has followed the simple model of learn by doing. As a result, they have been improving efficiencies in their business model for the past eighteen and a half years (as of 2008). The competition cannot match Dell. As with any industry that has been defined for decades, there is a strong brand preference and somewhat high degrees of customer loyalty. Because Dell is focused on being the lost-cost leader in the industry, they need not worry about customers switching purely on price. Customers want an established brand name that has the proven ability to withstand the test of time. As a result, HP, Dell, Acer, Lenovo, and Toshiba will remain the top competitive global competitors for the years to come. Though Apple is a leader in the US, they will not be able to compete in price conscious countries. Because the market share is dominated by the big five, any completion will fight for the remaining half that is crowded with hundreds and thousands of un-established brands. As with most industries that have long been established, there would be extensive capital requirements for a new company. Entry would likely cost millions, is not billions of dollars. As a result, the same brand names have existed for decades. On top of that, striking deals with distributors and retail stores would prove to be difficult. What basis would new consumers have for trusting a brand new computer company? That is why Insignia failed. Assuming the company has these issues sorted out, they would still have to deal with restrictive regulatory policies and tariffs and international trade restrictions. A new threat will only exist if the company can figure out how to succeed at every one of these difficult situations. Substitute Products Substitute products are becoming an issue within the industry. As technology progresses the products of yesterday become obsolete. The smart phone is becoming the biggest threat to the personal computer. Though they are much smaller and fit in the palm of the customers hand, they are capable of doing many of the tasks that a computer can do. For users that compute on larger scales such as film makers, musicians, and reporters, the computer can never be replaced. As a result of the smart phones popularity, computer companies are now competing in this segment. Supplier Bargaining Power The supplier bargaining power through Dell is mainly weak, though there is some slight flexibility. For example, Dell cycles through the top two CPU suppliers (Intel and AMD). Because they are in fierce competition, they continue to make quality products and are normally differentiated only by price. When Dell switched to AMD in 2006, they switched because AMD was able to provide Dell with a better performing chip for a better price. Similar situations occur with peripherals like printers (switch from HP to Lexmark then Dell branded), several speaker offerings from Altec Lansing and Dell branded, and different suppliers for the motherboard. Dell will switch to the best supplier for the best price as long as component quality does not suffer. Buyer Bargaining Power Buyer bargaining power, on the other hand, is high. There are a variety of products to choose from at lower price points than the competition. Purchasing items in bundles leads to greater saving, especially if customers have a Dell premier account. In addition, refurbished or customer-returned computers are offered at even greater discounts. Because technology continually evolves, buyer preferences change, ultimately leading to product adaptations. Customers demand the best product at a better price than the competition. If Dell fails at their own mission statement, they will lose the market share they currently possess. INTERNAL ANALYSIS: SWOT STRATEGIC COST ANALYSIS Value Chain Analysis Dell aims to provide low prices on a diversified line of customizable personal computing solutions by selling direct to customers. In addition, they have an efficient supply chain and manufacturing process that allows them to maintain a leadership position in the industry. As a result, they can sell premium quality products at price points their customers can afford. Just recently to compete with Apple, they have extended their product offerings into retail stores like Best Buy and Wal-Mart. When surveys were conducted in 2008, Dell was found to be deficient in the laptop market segment. As a result, they began contracting part of their assembly process to manufacturing facilities in Asia. Once the basic assembly was completed in the Asian facilities, the half built computers were sent back to the US for final product completion. The problem was that this incurred more costs than if they outsourced the entire operation. As a result, laptops became 100% built overseas. Other cost reduction techniques include minimizing the number of days of stocked inventory. By 2002, Dell was able to minimizes their supplies to anywhere between 2.7 and 4 days. These low stocking days in addition to their purchasing model put Dell at a great advantage. When customers configure their computers online or at the kiosks, they are required to pay in full before their computer can be built. This puts Dell at a great advantage because they have the money for the computer (or other products) before the customer even has the tangible product. They also offer special deals for professional organizations, schools, and other preferred Dell account members. Because they keep a close relationship with their customers, they can create value in other areas like expanded product offerings and 24/7 customer service. Additionally, Dell runs several tests throughout the build process of the computers. Multiple levels of testing reduce the number of manufacturing errors, which furthers their cost reduction efforts. By the end of the manufacturing process, the computers are pre-loaded with an operating system and several programs to enhance buyer value. In short, when the customer receives their computer, they simply have to turn on the unit to begin us e. Dell believes that maintaining close relationships with their suppliers leads to better computers, which will improve customer satisfaction and keep costs low. Once customer satisfaction is high, they will likely buy additional products from Dell such as printers. Further, by providing twenty-four hour technical support, Dell can continue to emphasize the importance of their customers in their eyes. By outsourcing operations like laptop manufacturing and customer service call centers, Dell has found ways to produce products at better price points. Similarly, if Dell produced their own PC components, they would never be able to maintain their competitive edge. Costs for RD and production capacity would eliminate profit margins, even possibly putting Dell into a troubling situation financially. Updates to current model offerings are employed every couple of months. They include improved performance, new input device technologies (like eSata and USB 3.0) and increase energy efficiency. Benchmarking Activities In most industries, Benchmarking tends to have at least some importance in creating better products and improving efficiencies. In any technology driven industry, however, it is essential in order to survive. Dells goal is simple; they keep prices low by allowing customers to create a complete personalized computer according to pre-defined specifications. Doing this enables Dell to avoid carrying pre-configured computers in inventory. Though they do offer refurbished models for discounts, it is not a substantial part of the business. Because their business model is so unique, they can provide customizable solutions that minimize costs, eliminates much of the need for inventory carry-over, and requires customers to prepay (or set up a preferred payment account) before receiving the computer. By cutting out the middleman, Dell can pass on savings to the customer. In addition, by continually searching for ways to improve the manufacturing process, how customer orders are filled and ship ped, and how employees are trained, Dell can retain its competitive edge. Activity Based Costing Dell breaks down its individual activities of the value chain into several components that will provide cost estimates and capital requirements. Categories include advertising, researching, development, technical support (hardware and software related), selling, general, and administration, engineering, and logistics. When one activity is altered, its effects can be felt through the other activities throughout the chain. Once Dell establishes their cost estimates, they can analyze their competitiveness with companies like HP, Lenovo, and Acer. From there, they can make the necessary adjustments to maintain success. Competitive Strength Assessment Analyzing Dell for the competitive strength assessment is analyzed over two criteria. First, how does Dell rank relative to competitors on each of the important key success factors that determine market success? The second, does Dell have a net competitive advantage or disadvantage versus major competitors? Dell understands that in order to remain competitive, they must not lose sight of their business model. The continually search for ways to reduce costs along every aspect of the value chain. As a result, they fair well in the competitive strength assessment. They continue to satisfy their customers by providing total computing solutions. This assessment includes the comparison of the pre-defined industry key success factors against the top competitors: expertise in a particular technology or in scientific research, proven ability to improve production processes, and quality control know how to other competitors. In addition, other strength measures will be weighted. Included measures are product performance, reputation/image, and customer service capabilities. Once the key success factors are reviewed, the weighted overall strength rating will be determined. Weightings rank from highest (strongest) to lowest (weakest). This assessment helps pinpoint which areas Dell excels. Similarly, it also illustrates where they should improve. As illustrated by the competitive strength assessment, Dell still remains stronger than HP, but not Apple. But just because Apple ranks higher does not mean they sell more units. In 2007, Dell shipped (US) 19,645,000 units whereas Apple shipped 4,081. On a worldwide outlook, Apple is not ranked whereas HP shipped 50,526,000 and Dell shipped 39,993,000. Apples product line, however, is priced higher overall than the competition. Their theory is that extensive RD must be made to determine which parts work best together. Apple spends a great deal of time researching components to find out which ones talk best to each other. Their customers believe Apple computers tend to be more stable and last longer than the competition. Whether this is purely an advertising gimmick or legitimate fact has not been proven, but customers seem to believe this is the case. FINANCIAL ANALYSIS BUSINESS STRATEGY ANALYSIS: PORTERS GENERIC STRATEGIES Best-Cost Provider Strategy By late 1997, it was clear that Dell was defining their position in the market. They had become a low-cost leader that was discovering new ways to harness efficiencies from their direct sales business model. They wanted to provide quality computers at price points lower than the competition, and they succeeded. This strategy gave them the upper hand in the industry, and as a result, they are a top competitor with a high percentage of the overall market share. Dell achieved their best-cost status from the ability to provide customers with customizable computing solutions at lower than expected prices by cutting out the middleman. By employing this strategy over multiple product offerings, they were able to target a wide range of computer users from the business end to personal home users. Owner Michael Dell achieved this status by constantly benchmarking company performance. He continually searched for ways to improve all aspects of the business, which includes ongoing improvements in the assembly efficiency, improved quality control, enhancing partnerships with suppliers, adopting just-in-time inventory practices, website rebuild, customer service/technical support improvements, and placing Dell computers in retail stores. As a way to enhance value, Dell held forums that gave senior management the opportunity to listen to their best customers for determining future needs and expectations of buyers. In 2007, Dell began enhancing customer value through IdeaStorm, a website that allows customers to post suggestions for ways to improve the company. Improvements yield great reward, as Dell was rated number one (in 2005) for providing exceptional customer service to large enterprises. Vertical Integration When the industry was relatively new, it was essential for a PC manufacturer to be at least partially integrated. If they were not, customers did not receive their product well. That logic shifted over time, however, to the point where being vertically integrated would be detrimental to long-term company success. To not be vertically integrated is the best way for Dell to mass-produce computers. Today, Dell has an arms-length relationship between specialist suppliers, manufacturer/assemblers, and end users. It is unlikely for Dell to ever revert back and become even partially integrated, as the industry as a whole is becoming less integrated daily. Transaction Cost Economics Dell aims to keep transaction costs low and continually searches for ways to save. There are no surprises for customers when they visit the Dell website, unless medications have been made to the layout. Customers expect low prices for quality computers, and that is what they receive. Improving bargaining power between suppliers is highly unlikely, due to the fact that discounts on technology can only go so far. They are typically regulated and controlled, and have even been scrutinized for selling components for more than they are worth. Dell accepts PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover credit cards in addition to their own premier account credit card. They believe that having multiple payment methods encourages customers to purchase more goods. In addition, other typical transaction cost economics include the time it takes to configure a computer online (or at one of the newly introduced kiosks), the time it takes to research what components fit customer needs the best, the time it takes to actually place an order, and the time it would take if customer service/technical support is needed. Cooperative Strategies Michael Dell believed that partnerships with suppliers would be better for the company than if it were to integrated backwards and manufacturer its own components. As a result, they have relationships with processor manufacturers Intel and AMD, hard disk drives manufacturers Seagate and Western Digital, speaker manufacturers Altec Lansing (often rebranded as Dell), and multimedia component manufacturers creative technology ltd. Other suppliers for parts like RAM, motherboards, fans, and DVD drives change depending on who supplies parts for the least amount of money. When Dell agrees to purchase components from suppliers, they are required to purchase a certain percentage of stock per order. As a result, Dell is able to demand products when needed. They can expect timely shipping and service from the suppliers as well. Suppliers often have locations within close proximity to Dells manufacturing facilities. In addition, these suppliers are often treated as Dell family members. Finally, these partnerships help drive down costs. Offensive Strategies Dells suppliers act offensively daily. They have to in order to keep up with changing technology. Coming from Dells perspective, they too act offensively. Though they are not necessarily pioneering new and better technologies, they demand the latest and great from suppliers at the quickest rate possible. They refresh their product line every few months to make it seem as though they are revamping their product line often. In addition, if there are new technologies that exist for determining ways to lower costs along the assembly line, they investigate and incorporate. They have been the leader in direct-marketing of computers and will likely remain at the top so long as they remain offensive. After all, they are the low-cost leader. Defensive Strategies Though Dells attempts at defensive strategies have not always been positive, they nevertheless attempted to fill a void in their product line. Responses to the changing marketplace include Dell televisions and Mp3 players. Though these products were highly competitive, they were never able to reach customers hands the way existing products could. This is one instance where Dells direct selling strategy proved to hurt their business model. A positive defensive strategy, however, was the release of the Inspiron notebook. Dell began outsourcing their entire laptop manufacturing operation to cut costs and maximize efficiencies. As a result, they were able to remain competitive and increase the market share that had began to lose. The global recession has also affected Dell, but most businesses have seen some sort of negative change from it anyway. First-Mover Advantages In 1984, Michael Dell began his journey of creating custom built computers sold directly to customers. This, in itself, is the first-mover advantage of the entire industry. No competitor has been able to match the success of Dell in terms of direct selling to consumers. They have had far more years of experience operating in this manner than any of the other competitors. It is for this reason Dell will likely remain the top competitor in direct-to-consumer computer sales. CORPORATE STRATEGIES: DIVERSIFICATION Beca

The Lonely Toiling :: Philosophy Money Papers

The Lonely Toiling My favorite book has always been A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. This work has an element of self-reinvention that I find attractive. Few themes are as interesting for me as the theme of a man or a woman, by strength of will, changing his or her stars and defying the convoluted schemes of the Fates. In this regard, I feel a special appreciation for Charles Dickens’ work because Ebenezer Scrooge is not reinventing himself for the sake of material gain; the sole purpose of Scrooge’s transformation is redemption. Dickens constructs a dichotomy in Scrooge’s situation that is unrivalled among literary characters. Ebenezer Scrooge is a man whose driving motivation is to cultivate affluence and wealth, yet these seemingly beneficial things are what cause him to lose his humanity and suffer boundless misery and loneliness. As such, the story of Scrooge is a paradox in kind, where the striving for money and the attainment of happiness are not synchronous. Perhaps the reason that I feel so drawn to the character of Ebenezer Scrooge is that I also suffer greatly from this paradox. I stand at the forefront of those about to join the Investment Banking workforce; security and power are the guaranteed welcome mats. However, I cannot help but ponder all the personal sacrifice that this entry shall entail. The hundred-hour workweeks and the burgeoning pressure from superiors will make it all but impossible for me to foster a family or retain any semblance of a social life. Thus, as for Robert Frost, two paths have converged in the woods for me, and I need to choose the one that I shall travel by. To help guide me in this reconciliation between the personal and the professional, I am visited by my own respective literary ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. I. The ghost of Christmas past arrives to me in the guise of Karl Marx. A short, stocky German man with a thick beard and ruddy eyes, he takes me back to nineteenth century Belgium at the onset of the Industrial Revolution. I view workers toiling over produce that is ultimately taxed out of their hands. I witness the extent to which man is degraded as I look upon the rampant cannibalism caused by the extreme disparity between poverty and wealth. As I struggle to grasp the reasoning behind these sights, Marx explains: The worker becomes poorer the more wealth he produces, the more his production increases in power and extent.

Life After Football :: Personal Narrative Writing

Life After Football Experiences change our lives everyday. We learn from our mistakes or successes in order to define who we are. Everything we do, and all that happens to us, changes who we are. However, there are those experiences that stand out above all others, the ones that have a drastic impact on our life styles, the ones that change how we view the world, and how we view our own lives. Our day-to-day lifestyle changes and we are forced to find new ways to do things, forced to change our views on who we are. The one specific moment that I can pinpoint in my life that created a drastic change of who I am today occurred last year in late August. It was the first week of school and all I was really focused on was the football game coming up on Friday. I had spent most of my summer weight training and practicing for the upcoming season and I got drastically better than the year before, and was ready for anything. Little did I know what was waiting for me in the game to come. An experience that I never imagined would ever happen to me. An experience that never even crossed my mind†¦until Friday came. I managed to get through my first week of school without much trouble. I was ready for the game. I went through my normal pre-game after school. I decided to put on some new spikes on my cleats, since my other ones were pretty dull. This was an action that I will question for the rest of my life. The school we were playing was just down the canal bank that passed by our school, so we marched down in full force Now on the field we stretched out. Everything was the same as so many times before. We went into the locker room for the 15 minutes till the game started. I got into my crazy mindset, and started rocking back and forth, thinking of how much pain I would invoke on my opponents, and how I would go about doing that. I ran through all of the plays in my head at least once.

College English - A Holistic Dialogue with Myself Essay example -- Tea

College English - A Holistic Dialogue with Myself The air was crisp and filled with the promise of snow. My first day of my first semester, I ran hurriedly upon the main thoroughfares of University Park, campus short cuts and walkways were yet unknown. Stopping occasionally, I took a knee, pulled out my highlighted map, and felt compelled to take an azimuth. Snow fell around me; my water tube dripped slowly; my muskrat hat caught the flakes within the fine bristles of the visor. Aviation glasses plastered to my face and cargo pockets bulging with my keys, student schedule, rolled up map, and glasses case, I stood up quickly and ran for class. Electrical Engineering Building West (EE West), I remained perplexed at what correlation possibly existed between electrical engineering and honors English. I entered the musty halls, hurried passed the classroom three times before realizing that the big windows were in fact doors, and entered five minutes late. Accustomed to arriving ten minutes prior to any professional engagement, I began the process of divesting myself of my gear, removing the appropriate folder and notebook (neatly labeled and prepared). When I realized my pathetic Lilliputian desk could, in no way, accommodate it all, I was distressed. Coat, hat, gloves, pack (lovingly referred to in its previous incarnation as the mini-Shirpa, a reference to the bulging packs of Tibetan mountain climbers), I had no room. As I was quickly going to discover, you never have enough room in English. To write something more than merely formulaic, ideas, impressions, thoughts bombard you. Quickly, your paper becomes like my pack, bulging with stuff. True to my â€Å"Be Prepared† motto, I find it difficult to discriminate between all the ten... ...n my research essay, I explored my own memories as a child struggling with a learning disability in Park Forest. Writing in philosophy and political science, I incorporated, engaged with, and struggled to realize what makes us â€Å"human, all too human† (Nietzsche 492). When I leave EE West 101 for the final time, my cargo pockets will bulge with my keys and glasses case; my pack will weigh heavily upon my shoulders; and I will remain a rough draft of the â€Å"Man in the Muskrat Hat.† If nothing else, ENGL 030 has reinforced the joy, the necessity, the vitality of learning. I have experienced the military, will experience college, and will still struggle to find my own voice. However as in many things, it is within the struggle that we find the greatest value. â€Å"The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name.† — Lao Tzu

Animal Farm Essay

An allegory is symbolic narrative and the novel Animal Farm is nothing but symbolism. This novel represents many historical events that happened in Russia during the Russian Revolution. There are numerous battles in this book that symbolize the Revolution and other attacks that took place in Russia during the 18th century. This novel also represents the control of power and the people who gain it. Most of the animals on this farm symbolize people in Russian history. The novel Animal Farm has many characters that represent important figures in the Russian Revolution. In the beginning of this book Old Major tells the farm about his dream of a rebellion and how he believes that all the animals shall live equally and how someday they will not live by the rules of their farmer. Old Major represents Karl Marx. Karl Marx was the one who spoke of the rebellion and led people to think of ideas to start this historical movement but didn’t carry on the deed of following through with his ideas. Old Major’s speech had lead to many conversations and secret meetings that the animals put together. This is what happened after Karl Marx idea spread. Soon enough everyone was talking about a rebellion or an overthrow of the government. For the animals in the novel the Rebellion came and they went against their farmer in a full protest and chased him and his wife away from the farm. This represented the overthrow of the government for the Russians. After the Rebellion two leaders emerged and helped the animals work and run the farm smoothly. The two were Snowball and Napoleon. These pigs made the commandments and set the rules so that the animals kept themselves and the farm healthy. The two pigs represent two very different people in the Russian Revolution. Snowball represents Leon Trotsky and Napoleon represents Joseph Stalin. These two men try to run Russia for as long as they could with no troubles. The animals are soon encountered with a troublesome battle, The Battle of the Cowshed. The farmers come back and try to take back the farm. The farmers don’t succeed in doing this and sent home disappointed and a man short. This point in the book is symbolizing the Russian Civil War. Soon the animals are being split into classes and one class is starting to rise in power. The pigs are starting to do more and not have to work as hard. The other animals, on the other hand, have to work extra hard to get half the luxuries the pigs have. Boxer, the horse, always works hard and is loyal to the pigs and their decisions. Boxer represents the obedient, hard working people of Russia. Mollie, the pig, hides during battles and can be taken anywhere as long as there are sugar lumps and bows. Mollie represents the selfish vain people of Russia. The pigs are being put on the pedestal and are represented of the Loyalists of the Communist Party. These groups are starting to be more unequal the longer the pigs have control. This happens with the upperclassmen of the Revolution and the lower classmen will soon be unhappy. The next battle occurs over a windmill and is remembered as the Battle of the Windmill to the animals. This battle occurs when Napoleon thinks the windmill is an absurd idea and scares Snowball away using fear to control the farm. He brings out the dogs that are the â€Å"bodyguards† of the farm and are meant to scare the animals into doing what Napoleon wants them to do. The dogs represent KGB, secret police whom Stalin uses to control society. The Battle of the Windmill also represents the Russian Civil War but it also represents Stalin’s rise in power. The power that Napoleon gains makes him horrible and unfair, the animals are not as smart as him so they do not know what is happening behind the scenes. Napoleon starts changing every commandment and starts acting more like a human than anything else. This is amusing because the farm and the animals except the pigs are treated the same or maybe poorer than when Jones the farmer was in charge. Stalin, represented by Napoleon the pig, uses fear to control society and has made Russia worse than it was when the Czar was still ruling. The only thing that had gotten better is the conditions of the Loyalists of the Communist Party. As you can see this whole book is an allegory. The novel Animal Farm represents different historical figures and events from the Russian Revolution. The novel symbolizes how corrupt a person and society can be if given too much power. Animal Farm is a great representation of how Russian government was ran and how certain â€Å"classes† were treated.

Kush, Meroe, and Nubia

Archeologists have confirmed the inhabitation of the Nile above Aswan in the Paleolithic period that lasted more that 60,000 years of the Sudanese history. By the 8th millennium BC, during the Neolithic era, people had settled in the brick houses and their economic life was characterized by fishing, hunting along river Nile, cattle herding and grain gathering. The skeletal remains give an evidence of blending between the Mediterranean people and the Negroid during the Neolithic period that has existed until today.The northern Sudan oldest history evidence originates from the Egyptian sources that described the land upstream starting from the first cataract as wretched or Cush. For 2000 year and more in the time of old Kingdom, the economic, political and social life of the central Nile region was influenced by the Egyptians, even as the political power of the Egyptian waned in the Cushite, the Egyptians still had a substantial influence in the Cushite way of life.For many centuries, the Egyptian caravan exchanged grain for ivory, carnelian, hide and incense with Cushite. Slaves and gold were highly valued by the Egyptian traders. The Egyptian penetrated the Cush in the Middle kingdom after construction of fort at Sammah to guard the gold flow from Wawat mines.Asian nomads that were referred to as Hyksos invaded Egypt destroying many links to the Cush in around 1720 BC. During the reign of Pharaoh Ahmose 1, Egypt revived its political power during the New Kingdom around 1110BC and took the Cush as one of its provinces; however there were Egyptian tributary districts as far as blue and white Nile and red sea. After gaining full control over the Cush, the Cush adapted every way of life and temples became their center of worship up to the 6th century after the coming of Christianity.  By the 11th century, the new kingdom had collapsed, got divided and Cush emerged again as an independent kingdom that was governed from Napata. The Cush Kingdom conquered and ruled Egypt between 750 and 740 BC after which Egypt was re-united. Confrontation between the Assyrians and the Egyptians in 688-663BC resulted to Cush Pharaoh retaliating returning to dynasty in Napata where he originally ruled from prior to the unification of Egypt. In 590 BC, the Cush court was compelled to move to Meroe, a safer place than Napata due to the Egypt attack as it tried to regain its control over Cush again. Meroe developed for several centuries independent of Egypt and extended its dynasty to the present day Khartoum from the third cataract located at Sawba.The pharaoh traditions still persisted in Meroe, a well managed irrigation system sustained the huge growing population at Meroe. By the 1st century BC, there was development of the Meroitic script that was similar to the indigenous Egyptian script. The succession system at Meroe was not necessarily hereditary and crown was passed from brother to sister or to brother and selection of the queen was very crucial to smoot h succession. The Cush fell after it was invade by the predatory Blemmyes who were nomads but Meroe continued to be with contact with the Indians and Arabs.By the 2nd century, the Nobatae occupied the North of Cush at West Bank, this was subsidized by the Romans as a buffer between the Blemmyes and then the Axum in the 5th century, now the current Ethiopia that capture and demolished the city of Meroe ad there from Meroe kingdom ceased. In the 6th century, three states that were descendants of Meroe Kingdom emerged; these were Nobatia, Muqurra and Alwa.These kingdoms used Greek titles to rule the Meroetic population in imitation of the Byzantine Court. Missionaries started to preach in Nobatia in 540 AD and the Nubian kings were converted to Monophysite Christianity that was being practiced in Egypt, many bishops and religious leaders were consecrated in Egypt. The Mediterranean civilization was rekindled by the coming of Christianity.The use of Greek in liturgy led to development o f the Nubian language that combined both the Coptic and old meroitic scripts. The Nubian kingdoms survived many centuries but with the arrival of Arabs in 640 and subsequent conquering of Egypt posed a threat to these Christian kingdoms. Historians believe that the Muqurra and Nobatia kingdoms were forced to merge by the Arabs to form the Dunqula kingdom around 700 this resulted to isolation of the Nubian church since Egypt became dominated by the Muslims.The introduction and spread of Islam after Muhammad’s death lead to division between the south and north Sudan society. Islam encouraged economic growth, political stability and education development to its followers. Islam was spread to the east and north by the Arab armies who also attacked the Nubian territory in 642 and 652 thereby demolishing its cathedral.Though with continued arabization of the Nile valley, there were tension between the Arabs and Nubian territory and the resulted to a peace treaty which encouraged tr ade between the two opposite sides and other regions. This lead to emergence of two Arab speaking groups, the Juhayna and the Jaali. These groups aided in bringing down the Nubian territory.The Nubian territories remained independent up to the 13th century when they were overruled by the Muslims due expansion of Islam   to the continuous intermarriages between them and Arabs which resulted to the dark age of Christianity as slavery intensified. This forced the Nubian communities to seek Arab protectors for fear of their security. The Islam was not part of the old Nubian territory until15th to 16th centuryREFERENCEKush, Meroe and Nubia, retrieved on 13th, October, 2007, available at www.shsu.edu/~his_ncp/Sudan.html