Algae derived biofuel

Algae derived biofuel Abstract The first section of the paper focuses on a background or historical context of algae derived fuels for aviation. It was found that the technology is relatively new. Tests have been done by several aviation firms but no fleet is powered by the fuel. After coverage of developments in the sector, the advantages and limitations of the fuel source were identified.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Algae derived biofuel specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Advantages include low greenhouse emission, similarity to conventional jet fuel and no competition with food. Limitations include poor commercialization, lack of incentives and costliness. Thereafter, some recommendations were made on how to make this technology viable. They included private-public sector collaboration, improvement of the production process, government investment, sensitization of the masses and mobilization of stakeholders for standardizati on. Introduction Concerns about the rate of green house gas emissions necessitate the shift to more sustainable fuels. Algae-derived jet fuels have been suggested as possible solutions to this problem. However, most producers are still at the research phase of the product life cycle. It is, therefore, necessary to analyze the past and present trends in order to identify future possibilities. Methodology The study involved secondary research where journals, books and newspaper reports on the subject matter were collected. In this analysis the need for using the fuel was one of the topics identified. Furthermore, a historical analysis of the development of this fuel in the aviation industry was done. Thereafter, some articles were collected on adoption of the fuel in various industries presently. The disadvantages and advantages of the fuel were examined. Finally, an analysis of findings was done in order to make a forecast on future developments. Findings Historical context The aviat ion industry is one of heaviest sources of pollution in the world. Statistics indicate that for every fifty units of greenhouse gas generated on the earth, one unit will come from the aviation sector. This number may increase to 1.5 units in the next half a century. Consequently, sustainable and effective ways of dealing with this high carbon footprint are necessary.Advertising Looking for research paper on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Numerous scientists have already responded to this need through a myriad of innovations. Some of them have suggested the use of biodiesel, but its propensity to solidify in cold conditions makes it untenable (Shirvani et al. 2011). Others have suggested the use of FT SPK, which involves the use of solid biomass to generate oil through a process known as pyrolysis. The product is then transformed into the synthetic paraffinic form of kerosene that is used in ai rplanes. The major problem with this approach is that it is quite resource consuming. Firms also have the option of using oil from algae in order to create synthetic kerosene through a process of hydro processing (Agricultural Research and Cooperative Extension 2012). The latter approach is the focus of the paper. Algae-derived fuels have gained popularity in the late 2000s. However, most research on them started in the 1990s. During the year 2008, several aviation stakeholders such as the Boeing, Virgin Atlantic, and Air New Zealand formed the Algal Biomass Organization. In January 2009, Continental Airlines tested the first commercial jet using a blend of algae-derived fuels. At the time, a 50-50 combination of the conventional fuel and algae biofuel was used (Kyriakos 2012). In July 2010, the first plane to be powered by 100% algae-derived biofuel was flown by Airbus maker-EADS. The demonstration was done in Berlin and then England. It was found that the fuel was more efficient t han the conventional ones. About fifty percent less fuel was needed compared to a petroleum-derived fuel. Even the unwanted emissions were drastically reduced. The company estimated that eight times as much greenhouse gases are produced by conventionally-powered aircrafts. In September 2010, Exelon Corporation worked on a new method of algae production that could be sustained even during cold temperatures. In June 2011, Honeywell, which specializes in the production of jet fuel from algae, tested a Gulftstream jet using a blend of the algae fuel as well as petrol in an equal ratio. The aircraft belonged to the US military and thus demonstrated that this government had faith in the possibilities of the fuel. Even the Navy in the US powered a helicopter for the first time with a blend of algae biofuel. It was reported that the aircraft was just as efficient as a conventionally-powered aircraft (Goldenberg 2010|). During the month of October, an organization known as Pond Biofeuls Inc. found a way of growing algae from cement plant emissions. However, the quantities were still minimal in number.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Algae derived biofuel specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In November 2011, another Aircraft departed from a city in the US (Houston) to another – Chicago. In the first month of 2012, an organization known as VG Energy discovered a new method of producing algae that could increase the amount of oil that it produces by 700%. Current uses (benefits and limitations) The most promising aspect of algae-derived biofuel is their environmental sustainability. Aviation companies that belong to sustainability associations often have to follow certain criteria before adopting a fuel as an alternative. The source of the fuel should not cause pressure in food production. Oils derived from corn or other food products are deemed unsustainable because they lead to competition between humans who need the seed for food and those who want to make fuel out of it (Scott et al. 2010). Algae-derived fuels do not threaten food production because human beings do not eat algae. In addition to competition for food, the plant source of the biofuel ought not to use up land for farming. If a plant needs to be grown in the same way as other food crops, then it may use up a lot of land and prompt residents to practice deforestation. Once again, algae-derived biofuels do not have this quality because they are not grown on land. Most of them can be cultivated in salty water or even polluted water, yet they can yield as much as two hundred percent more oil than soybeans. Therefore, they will not cause depletion of natural resources like forests or water. Lastly, sustainable fuel should not lead to high amounts of carbon emissions in the air. The carbon lifecycle of the product needs to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere; otherwise, the fuel would not be environmenta l friendly. This trait is quite true for the fuels from algae; it minimizes the availability of greenhouse gases by 50% (MIT 2012). In order to use a substance as a sustainable fuel, it must possess certain chemical characteristics that make it suitable for this purpose. The chemical composition of the product should allow it to be mixed with normal fuel for use. Jet fuel ought to have high tolerance for extremely hot and cold weather; this is true for algae-derived fuels.Advertising Looking for research paper on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More That requirement means that automotive derived alternatives cannot be suitable for aviation. The algae-derived fuels clearly fit this description. The sustainable fuels also need to be similar to conventional jet fuels in order to minimize the need for aircraft adaptation of the engines, which is another quality that the fuel under analysis possesses. Despite these tests, even on commercial airlines, most companies are yet to treat algae-derived biofuel as a reliable source of fuel. In fact, most research organizations are still working on ways of producing the algae at a large scale. Most organizations working on the technology are in educational or research institutions. The University of London and Cambridge are some of the many institutions researching on sustainable mechanisms for producing algae. Therefore, the reliability of the fuel is still questionable. For effective use of the technology, aviation companies need to take advantage of incentives offered for use of an altern ative fuel. Currently, some governments have given their aviation companies reprieve by providing incentives. In the United States, the government has passed a law that allows aviation firms to buy alternative fuels, including algae-derived ones, at fair prices. These benefits are accorded to members of the Renewable Fuel Standard group. However, several other countries do not possess such incentives thus making it difficult to try out algae fuels (Hartman 2008). The nature of business is also minimizing the adoption of this fuel commercially. Using biofuels in aircrafts is an expensive practice because one has to pay more per unit of fuel consumed. These high prices have dampened demand for the product. Investors, in turn, have avoided the product because it may be considered as a high-risk venture. Furthermore, whenever a technology is in its early stages of discovery, many investors tend to refrain from it until it picks up. Government bodies can come in and provide incentives fo r the use of the product. However, because only a small portion of these subsidies and deductions exist in aviation, then adoption of the technology may take long (Yang et al. 2010). Discussion Politics will play a large role in the adoption and use of algae-derived biofuels. The international business environment is not suitable for the use of these fuels unless governments step in and change the way things are done. Governments can collaborate with other sustainably oriented countries in order to create standards for the use of algae-derived fuels. The European Union has already started working on this aspect. Other countries, including Australia need to follow suit; otherwise, the adoption of the technology will continue to take too long. Additionally, governments can create incentives for the use of these fuels, and that would encourage more companies to use it. Governments also have the power to invest in this emerging technology. They can empower businesses who may want to sta rt with demonstration plants. Governments should try as much possible to treat algae-derived biofeuls as other fuels used on land transport. That would imply that the product is being taken seriously. People would invest in it and thus develop it. As the case is now, people still think of the technology as a reserve for wealthy aviation firms with extra amounts of money to spare (Greenwell 2010). Conventional jet fuel is sourced from firms that have well established production facilities. Since these companies have been in the industry for so long, they often take advantage of economies of scale and thus make their products affordable. Furthermore, they are easily accessible to aviation firms because they have an expansive distribution network. However, this is not true for algae-derived products. Few companies have large production facilities that can accommodate an increase in demand. Additionally, these organizations do not have a vast distribution network thus making it difficul t for customers to rely on their prompt response when in need of fuel. In order to match current demand levels of conventional jet fuels, companies should invest as much as $15 billion dollars in the new technology. Clearly, this is a large sum of money and few companies are yet to make such a commitment. Few partnerships exist between the government and public sector thus implying that all the opportunities available for the development of this technology are not being exploited fully (Teixera 2012). Conclusion Algae- derived jet fuels are quite promising because they provide an answer to most of the problems created by other biomass derived products. Not only are there no threats to food security or land resources from algae, but it easily blends with conventional fuels thus eliminating the need to change aircraft parts before use. However, the major problem with this fuel is that it is still in its early stages of development. No company has a distribution network that can sustai n the commercial production of the same. Few government incentives exist to encourage investment in the technology. Additionally, stakeholders are not cooperating or sharing resources in order to make the development even more promising. Unless these flaws are corrected, then prospects for commercialization of algae-derived jet fuels still remain slim. Recommendations The first approach that companies need to embrace is research and development. More should be done in order to ensure that commercialization of the fuel occurs. Firms have already discovered effective sources of algae feed stocks. Now they need to work on the refining process so as to convert it into a large scale endeavor. Since algae-derived fuels are new technologies, then governments should try to reduce risks in investing in this sector through public-private sector collaborations. There is a need for incentives that would encourage airlines to use the product. Investments and collaborations should be done in orde r to encourage creation of a clear network. Countries should mobilize other nations and convince them to join algae sustainability groups. This would cause them to commit to certain standards and thus develop the sector. Lastly, stakeholders ought to be empowered about the importance of algae-derived jet fuels. If they can understand the groundbreaking advantages that emanate from the technology, then they may become participants in its development. References Agricultural Research and Cooperative Extension 2012, ‘Renewable and alternative energy fact sheet’, Pennsylvania State College of Agricultural Science, 7 March, pp. 15-22. Goldenberg, S 2010, ‘Algae to solve the Pentagon’s problem of jet fuel’, The Guardian, 13 February, pp 8. Greenwell, M 2010, ‘Placing microalgae on the biofuels priority list: A review of the technological challenges’, Interface, vol. 7 no. 46, pp. 703-726. Hartman, E 2008, ‘A promising oil alternative: Al gae energy’, The Washington Post, 6 January, pp. 5. Kyriakos, M 2012, ‘High biofuel blends in aviation’, Official Journal of the European Union, no. S111, pp. 5. MIT 2012, Technical report: near term feasibility of alternative jet fuels, RAND, Massachusetts. Scott, S, Davey, M, Dennis, J, Howe, C, Horst, I, Smith, A, Lea-Smith, D 2010, ‘Biodiesel from Algae: challenges and prospects’, Current Opinions in Biotechnology, vol. 21 no. 3, pp 277-286. Shirvani, T, Yan, X, Inderwildi, O, Edwards, P King, D 2011, ‘Life cycle energy and greenhouse gas analysis for algae-derived biodiesel’, Energy and Environmental Science, vol. 4 no. 10, pp 377. Teixera, R 2012, ‘Energy efficient extraction of fuel and chemical feed stocks from algae’, Green Chemistry, vol. 14 no.2, pp. 419-427. Yang, J, Ming, X, Zhang, X, Qiang, H, Sommerfeld, M Chen, Y 2010, ‘Life cycle analysis on biodiesel production from microalgae’, Bioresources Technology, vol. 10, pp 1016.

Shanghai Business School and Hong Kong Essay

Shanghai Business School and Hong Kong Essay Shanghai: Business School and Hong Kong Essay High quality global journalism requires investment. Please share this article with others using the link below, do not cut & paste the article. See our Ts&Cs and Copyright Policy for more detail. Email ftsales.support@ft.com to buy additional rights. ft.com/cms/s/2/47414878-c0a6-11df-94f9-00144feab49a.html#ixzz2UB65VYx7 Some people are lucky enough to live a life of luxury. The splendidly named Raphael le Masne de Chermont is different, however – he has devoted his career to it. After graduating in 1987 with his masters in management qualification from Audencia Nantes School of Management, the French grande à ©cole, de Chermont worked for some of the biggest brands in the portfolio of Switzerland’s Richemont group – Cartier, Piaget, Panerai and Baume & Mercier – in the UK, Belgium and Hong Kong. By 2001, however, he wanted a change from the world of watches and jewellery, and asked Richemont to put him in charge of one of its smaller investments, Hong Kong-based Shanghai Tang. As chief executive he has steered the transformation of a concept based on the traditions of Shanghai tailoring into China’s first luxury lifestyle brand – earning himself the informal title of â€Å"le mandarin de luxe† in the French press. His three years at one of France’s top business schools have helped de Chermont, 46, throughout his career, but there is no substitute for experience. â€Å"The business school gives you all the basics, including how to read a balance sheet, marketing, human resources, tax, fiscal studies and so on, so it gives you a broad picture of what you can encounter in the professional world,† he says. â€Å"But it doesn’t replace a good first job or a career, because what you’re missing in the studies sometimes is, of course, the real experience of human relationships and how to handle different issues.† While the cases that students examine at business schools can show how a concept can be turned into a business model, it is important to live that experience too, he says. â€Å"Until you are accountable for it, you don’t really feel the pressure. You learn through pain sometimes, and by trying things and making mistakes.† One surprise for him after leaving Audencia was how much time he would spend selling – and how useful it could be. More ON THIS STORY Making sense of the ranking Masters of the universe Indian School of Business India rushes into business education Local hero IIM Ahmedabad faces the future IN BUSINESS EDUCATION Term of the day ‘fund family’ Term of the day ‘free float’ Hà ©ctor Izquierdo, IE Business School Term of the day ‘fat tails’ â€Å"It’s funny, when you graduate from a business school you think you don’t want to sell, because that is not what you’re meant to do, and actually I sold a lot at the beginning of my career. That’s what gave me confidence in business – all my career I’ve been selling. To put in place marketing and brand strategies, you need to understand how to sell.† This combination of education and experience has helped fulfil de Chermont’s vision at Shanghai Tang. The company had begun as a quirky, art deco Hong Kong boutique, founded in the mid-1990s by David Tang and stocked with Chinese-made clothes and accessories. It became a big draw for the millions of visitors to Hong Kong around the time of its handover to China in 1997, but a second outlet in New York was less successful and it seemed the concept was not travelling well. â€Å"They were a bit stuck,† he says. â€Å"They had to bring this concept, based on extremely ethnic, beautiful but not easily wearable [clothes], to the next stage. That’s where my team and I came in. We said, ‘Let’s work on this concept, keep the DNA of what David had created and put it into a proper brand that would travel, have a presence globally, be relevant and wearable, and still be Shanghai Tang and different.’† One of the advantages of a good education, be it from a business school or elsewhere, is that it can inculcate a desire to continue learning

Strategic Marketing Project ( Marketing plan for Emarates Airline) Essay

Strategic Marketing Project ( Marketing plan for Emarates Airline) - Essay Example nce in those countries which are not being served by other airlines as they have minimal connection to the global transportation network via airlines, Emirates provide services to those countries as well that lack local flag carrier. Although the aviation industry worldwide is shrinking because of strategic alliances among different airlines but Emirates continue to integrate into any kind of alliance as it still believes in serving as an independent carrier. The airline has boldly faced the allegations imposed by the alliance airlines and it is the key area of concern for the airline. It has seeked assistance from the political parties and concerned aviation policymakers to safeguard the independent carriers by making such policies that they are not deprived of serving the destinations which are dominated by the alliance airlines. Despite these allegations, Emirates has to address the issues of rising fuel prices and threat from new entrants i.e. Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways. Hence, Emirates Airline is still providing excellent service to its customers by not changing its pricing policy and still maintaining the low-cost competitive profile. Since the management of Emirates Airline is following everything strategically, the airline has more bright chances of future expansion which will enhance the quality level of the airline’s service. Emirates Airlines is one of the top-ranked and most successful airlines in the world. The largest airline started its operations from Middle East and since then it has played an inevitable role in enhancing the image of United Arab Emirates (UAE). UAE was always considered as the state which has rich supply of oil but now because of Emirates Airlines it has become the best hub for tourists. Minisri reported on Emirates Airlines that it is growing at an accelerating rate within the airline industry and is giving a tough competition to its competitors. According to Minisri, the competitors are concerned about the success of

What are some of the psychoeducational interventions used in managing Assignment

What are some of the psychoeducational interventions used in managing bipolar personalities - Assignment Example Its symptoms are often misdiagnosed because it is not easy to arrive at a definitive conclusion; it is a life-long chronic ailment but can be managed properly to enable having a normal life just like anybody else. There are some interventions in this regard which can be quite helpful. Despite individuals or patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder having different types of personalities, character and temperament (Goodwin & Jamison, 2007, p. 324), it is still possible to develop beneficial interventions to mitigate the ill effects of this mental ailment. One of those commonly tried are the psycho-educational interventions suitably developed for each person and these include seminars and workshops for both parent and the afflicted teen or adolescent to educate them and disabuse their minds of wrong notions and false or dysfunctional beliefs about depression (Geller & Delbello, 2008, p. 188). The purpose of this is to recognize the symptoms early and to seek immediate treatment before the episode becomes a full-blown crisis (NIMH, 2012, p. 1) and another very helpful intervention is self-help, derived from increased knowledge, which essentially involves avoiding episode triggers or crisis situations that cause the depression. Psycho-educational interventions are me re adjuncts to normal treatment that involves the use of both medication and psychotherapy (or talk therapy that preferably involves family members). It is the right combination of these treatment factors that can avoid a relapse of bipolar

Race Discrimination Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Race Discrimination - Essay Example Federal law also provides more limited rights for employees of the federal government. These federal laws do not, on the other hand, apply to employees of state and local governments, agricultural workers or domestic employees; any statutory protections those workers have derive from state law. The pattern is even more mixed in the area of wages and working conditions. Federal law establishes minimum wages and overtime rights for most workers in the private and public sectors; state and local laws may provide more expansive rights, Similarly, federal law provides minimum workplace safety standards, but allows the states to take over those responsibilities and to provide more stringent standards. Formally, both federal and state laws protect workers from employment discrimination. In most areas these two bodies of law overlap; as an example, federal law permits state to enact their own statutes barring discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin and age, so long as the state law does not provide less protections than federal law would. Federal law, on the other hand, preempts most state statutes that would bar employers from discriminating against employees to prevent them from obtaining pensions or other benefits or retaliating against them for asserting those rights (Chinese immigrants and American law, 1994, pp. 12-14). Let us try to look at what happens in reality. Historical discrimination. Chinese immigration to the United States has come in many waves. According to records from the United States government, the first Chinese arrived in the United States around 1820. Subsequent immigrants that came from the 1820s up to the late 1840s were mainly men, who came in small numbers. The major initial wave started around the 1850s. This was when the West Coast of North America was being rapidly colonized during the California Gold Rush, while southern China suffered from severe political and economic instability (Cose, 1992, p. 35). In 1860, two discriminatory laws were passed in California. One forbade Chinese American children to attend public schools. The other required a special license to be purchased by Chinese American fishermen. It was called a license instead of a tax because unequal taxation was forbidden by law. In 1862, the United States Congress passed a "Coolie Traffic Law" (the term "coolie" refers to unskilled laborers from Asia, in general) prohibiting transportation and importation of coolies from China, except when immigration was certified as voluntary by United States consular agents. Shortly afterward, the California legislature passed an act to protect free White labor against competition from Chinese coolie labor, and to discourage immigration of Chinese into the state of California (Cose, 1992, p. 62). A "police tax" law was passed, whereby all Mongolians 18 years or over, unless they had already paid a miner's tax or were engaged in production of sugar, rice, coffee, or tea, had to pay a monthly personal tax of $2.50. This was ruled unconstitutional by the State Supreme Court in 1863 (Chinn, 1969, p. 2). Railroad Construction. The most impressive construction feat of Chinese Americans was the work done on the western section of the transcontinental railroa

Resource Based View Of Firms Competitive Advantage

Resource Based View Of Firms Competitive Advantage The nature of competition constitutes the basis of a firm s success or failure. Quality today no longer constitutes a competitive weapon. Organisations long term success in a market is determined by its ability to expand and maintain a large number of loyal customer bases. Innovation has always been at the focus of competitiveness. Innovation often occurs in sudden dynamic shifts. It is these sudden competitive changing innovations that open up and close out vast areas of businesses. A firm s core competences is dependent on its capacity to creatively combine core skills (Prahalad, 1993), from both within and out side the organisation. However, what matters is the creative bundling of a firm s core competency (Prahalad, 1993) and thus, the need for a focus on the factors that signal value to the customers. Firms are required not only to improve, but to innovate products and services and anticipate customer needs on a continuous basis. In order to maintain a long-term relationship with the customer, firms need to demonstrate their ability to think for the customer, and to conceive and implement new ways to serve them better. Table of contents Executive Summary 1 1.0 Introduction An Overview of the Resource-Based View (RBV) 2.0 Competitive Advantage and Innovation 3-7 3.0 International Business Machines Corporation IBM 4.0 SONY 8 5.0 Procter Gamble 11 6.0 Conclusion 14 References 15-18 Bibliography and Appendices 19-21 1.0 Introduction An Overview of the Resource-Based View (RBV) RBV is a strategic theory for understanding why some firms outperform others. It is a widely adopted analytical tool of assessing a firm s internal strengths and weaknesses and a business management tool used to determine the strategic resources available to a firm. The fundamental principle of the RBV is that the basis for a competitive advantage of a firm lies primarily in the application of the bundle of valuable resources at the firms disposal (Wernerfelt, 1984, p172). It provides an explanation of competitive heterogeneity between firms. To transform a short-run competitive advantage into a sustained competitive advantage requires that these resources are heterogeneous in nature and not perfectly mobile (Peteraf, 1993, p180). Classical RBV theory was contributed by Penrose (1959) almost half a century ago. She argued that a firm is more than an administrative unit. It is also a collection of productive resources. The disposal of the resources between different users over time is determined by administrative decision. Penrose contributed to our knowledge of the creation of competitive advantage, sustaining competitive advantage, isolating mechanisms, and competitive advantage and economic rents (Kor and Mahoney, 2004). Modern RBV theory of the firm was introduced by Barney (1986, 1991), Dierickx and Cool (1989), and Peteraf (1993). Their works assumed that each firm is a collection of key resources and capabilities that determines a firm s strategy. Above-average returns are earned when the firm uses its core competencies to establish a competitive advantage over its rivals. With the progress in the research on RBV, it has become clear that the RBV extends beyond the assets of an organization and reaches i nto its capabilities which have more relation with process and activities. According to Barney (1991), for a firm to have the potential to generate competitive advantage firm resources must have four attributes. First, the firm must be valuable, in the sense that it exploits opportunities and or neutralizes threats in a firm s environment. Secondly, it must be rare among a firm s current and potential competition. Thirdly, it must be imperfectly imitable. Finally, there cannot be strategically equivalent substitutes for this resource . Identify the firm s potential key resources. Evaluate whether these resources fulfill the following (VRIN) criteria: Valuable A resource must enable a firm to employ a value-creating strategy, by either outperforming its competitors or reduce its own weaknesses (:p99;p36). Relevant in this perspective is that the transaction costs associated with the investment in the resource cannot be higher than the discounted future rents that flow out of the value-creating strategy (Mahoney and Prahalad, 1992, p370; Conner, 1992, p131). Rare To be of value, a resource must be by definition rare. In a perfectly competitive strategic factor market for a resource, the price of the resource will be a reflection of the expected discounted future above-average returns (Barney, 1986a, p1232-1233; Dierickx and Cool, 1989, p1504;[1]:p100). In-imitable If a valuable resource is controlled by only one firm it could be a source of a competitive advantage ([1]:p107). This advantage could be sustainable if competitors are not able to duplicate this strategic asset perfectly (Peteraf, 1993, p183; Barney, 1986b, p658). The term isolating mechanism was introduced by Rumelt (1984, p567) to explain why firms might not be able to imitate a resource to the degree that they are able to compete with the firm having the valuable resource (Peteraf, 1993, p182-183; Mahoney and Pandian, 1992, p371). An important underlying factor of inimitability is causal ambiguity, which occurs if the source from which a firm s competitive advantage stems is unknown (Peteraf, 1993, p182; Lippman and Rumelt, 1982, p420). If the resource in question is knowledge-based or socially complex, causal ambiguity is more likely to occur as these types of resources are more likely to be idiosyncratic to the firm in which it resides (Peteraf, 1993, p183; Mahoney and Pandian, 1992, p365;[1]:p110). Conner and Prahalad go so far as to say knowledge-based resources are the essence of the resource-based perspective (1996, p477). Non-substitutable Even if a resource is rare, potentially value-creating and imperfectly imitable, an equally important aspect is lack of substitutability (Dierickx and Cool, 1989, p1509;[1]:p111). If competitors are able to counter the firm s value-creating strategy with a substitute, prices are driven down to the point that the price equals the discounted future rents (Barney, 1986a, p1233; sheikh, 1991, p137), resulting in zero economic profits. 1.1 Competitive Advantage A firm can attain competitive advantage if the current strategy is value-creating, and not currently being implemented by present or possible future competitors. Competitive advantage has the ability to become sustained, however, this is not necessarily the case always. A competing firm can enter the market with a resource that has the ability to invalidate the prior firms competitive advantage, which results in reduced rents (Barney, 1986b, p658). Sustainability in the context of a sustainable competitive advantage is independent with regards to the time-frame. When the imitative actions have come to an end without disrupting the firm s competitive advantage, the firm s strategy can be called sustainable. This is contrary to other views that a competitive advantage is sustained when it provides above-average returns in the long run. (Porter, 1985). 2.0 Competitive Advantage through Innovation A convenient definition of innovation from an organizational perspective is given by Luecke and Katz (2003), who wrote: Innovation . . . is generally understood as the successful introduction of a new thing or method . . . Innovation is the embodiment, combination, or synthesis of knowledge in original, relevant, valued new products, processes, or services. A content analysis on the term innovation carried out by Baregheh et al. (2009) within the organizational context, defines innovation as: Innovation is the multi-stage process whereby organizations transform ideas into new/improved products, service or processes, in order to advance, compete and differentiate themselves successfully in their marketplace.[3] Innovation typically involves creativity, but is not identical to it: innovation involves acting on the creative ideas to make some specific and tangible difference in the domain in which the innovation occurs. For example, Amabile et al. (1996) propose: All innovation begins with creative ideas . . . We define innovation as the successful implementation of creative ideas within an organization. In this view, creativity by individuals and teams is a starting point for innovation; the first is necessary but not sufficient condition for the second. For innovation to occur, something more than the generation of a creative idea or insight is required: the insight must be put into action to make a genuine difference, resulting for example in new or altered business processes within the organization, or changes in the products and services provided. Innovation, like many business functions, is a management process that requires specific tools, rules, and discipline. Innovation is an instinctive behavior in certain companies. It does not emerge overnight, and will not be developed unless the firm is placed in with the right structure. This means that the firms need to identify and address their weakness, decide upon a strategic direction and determine what type of growth innovation will stimulate. In order for firms to survive intensive competition that exist around the globe, firms must be innovative. It is essential to understand what makes a firm innovative and the kind of resources make a significant contribution to a firm s innovation capabilities. We do know that good technological resources and rich innovation resources result in stronger innovation capabilities. Companies need to introduce architectural or business- model breakthroughs in order to develop new strategies to attack competitors and enter new markets. They must identify the gaps in industrial organisation and go into filling these gaps by finding ways to turn them into profitable markets. They need to find new customers, new products or new ways of promoting, producing or distributing them. Strategic innovation goes beyond just product innovation. It links resources and efforts to an overall business strategy and involves making knowledge creation and innovative action a way of life. It seeks to create and expand markets, rather than to react to customer demand and then redirecting its resources from profitable lines to more potentially profitable lines. According to Abraham and Knight (2001), for those managers who know about the strategic innovation approach, the approach serves as a part of intelligence-gene transplant , enabling them to leverage resources to achieve superior growth or competitive advantage. Innovation remains a management dilemma long-term survival requires a commitment to alteration and change through disrupting growth, but it s a strategy few companies survive. In order to solve the dilemma, leaders must address its inherent conflict. The need to innovate is universally perceived as the key to organizational survival, but it s not enough for companies to merely get better. They need to be more differentiated not just through extensions of existing businesses, but mainly through a commitment to continuous growth. Such transformational innovation is a necessity, not an option Strategic innovation process has become such an essential element due to the speed of change and increased competition. According to Abraham and Knight (2001), The process is based on repetitions of the five phase strategic innovation cycle as illustrated in the diagram below. Source : Abraham, J.L, and Knight, D.J, (2001) Strategic Innovation leveraging creative action for more profitable growth. Strategy Leadership 29, pp 24 Abraham and Knight (2001), states that This cycle helps transform difficult-to-describe tacit knowledge and experiences into more explicit form and enables a leader to deliberately and systematically create results-oriented knowledge and innovative action. Abraham and Knight (2001) identifies the five phases as per of the strategic innovation cycle. It is illustrated in Appendix 1. Abraham and Knight (2001) also identified a strategic innovation cycle In the below diagram, the strategic innovation cycle is recurring, generating an increased knowledge and innovation, spiraling up and across an organization and even reaching outside the organizations boundaries Source : Abraham, J.L, and Knight, D.J, (2001) Strategic Innovation leveraging creative action for more profitable growth. Strategy Leadership 29, pp 24 2.1 Criticism of innovation It is often considered that firms often resist to change, both within and outside the organisation. Virtually every large company that has got into trouble has been criticized for not changing rapidly enough. Many firms fail to anticipate change and its subsequent ramifications renders them unprepared, reactionary and lacking the drive necessary to respond to the market s demands. It has become increasingly important for firms today to introduce innovation and flexibility into their core competence (Peters, 1987). Moreover, in order to influence an organisation s potential resources, Prahalad (1993) argues for the development of a proactive framework in which innovation can be planned and managed. 3.0 Over view of International Business Machines Corporation IBM. The building block of IBM reach back into the mid 1880s, however, the company was officially founded in 1911 by Charles F. Flint, as he engineered the merger of Holleriths Tabulating Machine Company, Computing Scale Company of America and International Time Recording Company. The agreed upon name was Computing- Tabulating- Recording Company or C-T-R. C-T-R soon found itself struggling do to over diversification of its product. In 1914 Thomas J. Watson, Sr. was brought in to help homogenize the company. Throughout the Great Depression IBM was able to continue to grow and innovate even when demand for their products began to drop. In the 1940s IBM completed the first ever Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator, also called the Mark I. In the 1950s IBMs computers became smaller and more practical for business applications such as billing, payroll and inventory control. IBM was the first computing company to sell computers without software bundled into the package, this move generated the multi-billion dollar software industry that exist today, of which IBM is still an industry leader. In the 1970s and 80s IBM worked to get the computer smaller and more convenient for the household format. Floppy disks were introduced to the public market as personal self storage devices. IBM also developed the first Intranet in the mid 80s and created the foundations for what would later become the internet. In the late 1980s and early 90s IBM was struck with turmoil as the PC revolution exploded IBMs long standing relationships with big business saw the company struggling to survive, averaging annual losses of 8 billion. Personal consumers were all the rage not big business consumers. Soon IBM was able to use their intranet experiences of the past and harness the emerging information age using their line of top end servers and integrated business solutions. Today, IBM is a world leading research organisation boasting a track record for breakthrough developments that many other envy and we can match. IBM has an impressive inventory of ideas due to their reliance on in-house expertise. The company has been forging closer links with a range of external technology developers due to changing market demands. To IBM, technology equals participation and interaction, whose prime motive is how it can be more widely applied. IBM employs a breakthrough tool to enhance the team creation process. IBMs future looks strong as they are the underlying producers of servers and business solutions for the e-business industry, which is growing at an incredible rate. 4.0 Procter and Gamble Procter Gamble is a company with more than 100 years on business, and is a clear example of a successful company. Procter and Gamble was founded in 1837 and incorporated in Ohio on May 5, 1905. It began as a small family operated soap and candle company, and now provides products and services of greater quality and value to consumers in over 180 countries. Procter Gamble has one of the largest and strongest portfolios of trusted brands. Procter and Gamble is the producer of products in nearly 50 categories. Because of this, they have been able to bond technologies within the categories in various astonishing ways. Over the years, Procter Gamble s Research and Development team has revolutionized home care. Many breakthroughs originate in the Procter Gamble s laboratories. Procter Gamble operates in more than 80 countries worldwide, which makes for one of the largest global companies around. Procter Gamble s strategy is mostly focused on innovation. They use this strategy to approach consumers more easily, and to obtain the most effective results towards the market share in the industry. Procter Gamble is also strongly committed to the concept of sustainable development, and continues to lead its industry in that regard. The company views sustainability as an opportunity to innovate products that improve the lives of the worlds consumers. Procter Gamble centers its sustainability efforts largely on its core activities. In particular, two key themes are significant to a number of Procter Gambles businesses: water purification technology products and sanitation hygiene. In that context, Procter Gamble emphasizes on innovation in products that serve basic needs of consumers in the least developed countries. The companys high scores in the criteria of product impact and strategies for emerging economies is a reflection of that fact. In developed markets, Procter Gamble focuses on environmental excellence, innovating in products such as cold-water cleaning technologies that provide good performance as well as energy savings and eco-efficiency Procter and Gamble s Innovation strategy is called Connect + Develop. This strategy is seeking to build a global innovation network. Through Connect + Develop relationships, the company continually searches for products, packaging, technologies and commercial opportunities that can be reapplied to brands and rapidly introduced to better meet consumers diverse needs. This strategy seeks to leverage the ideas, talents and innovation assets of individuals, institutes and companies around the world. Innovation Examples: Ready-to-go Technologies: Procter Gamble introduced Bounce, the worlds first dryer added softener, after acquiring the product technology from the independent inventor who developed the innovative fabric-care solution. Ready-to-go Products: In this instance, the deal was struck when Procter Gamble acquired Dr. Johns Spin brush business and added the Crest brand name to the innovation. Ready-to-go Packaging: Several of the Olay Skin Care products now utilize new consumer-preferred pump dispensers originally developed by a European packaging products company. Commercial Partnerships: Procter Gamble found the perfect complement to the Swiffer brand in a hand-held duster developed by a Japanese competitor. The VRIO analysis provides a deep look into Procter Gamble which helps to analyze what makes or does not make this company so unique. Procter and Gamble s physical resources are valuable but not rare, and are costly to imitate. The Procter Gamble Company has over 138,000 employees. Managing this many employees is not an easy task. Training these masses alone is an unprecedented task. Having all these employees work in conjunction is something that is not easy to imitate. Procter Gamble s research team is made up of 7,500 Ph.D.s and researchers. Within Research and Development, there is a strong commitment to find the best researchers, and retain them with a culture designed to reward success, stimulate learning, challenge complacency, and nurture innovation. It is this common goal, which in instilled in those who work in the department, that the company gets its extra vigor and motivation. Criticism Procter Gamble could focus more on the Research and Development department, which has the task of analyzing and preparing potential products for such a complex market. It is also important to mention that India and China are the fastest growing economies, and so this factor represents an opportunity for growth. In the marketing aspect, Procter Gamble has to focus more on demographics and how to target effectively the Asian market. Procter Gamble is a very strong competitive company within the markets that it resides. This company will most likely continue to prosper for some time but always has the possibility of a down fall. As long as Procter Gamble continues to implement their strategies and effectively revise them along with the changes in the markets Procter Gamble will continue to have a prosperous outlook. 5.0 Overview of Sony Corporation; Sony is a company which managed to become an established name in the electronics market. It exists of a mix of businesses ranging from Hollywood studios to high-definition televisions. It is the company which created the forever-famous Walkman, as well as the highly popular Playstation gaming devises. The Sony brand is often seen as cool , hip . It is a company with very high heights, but also very low lows. Not only on the subject of products, but also regarding management and structure. Sony s Play Station video game console is just one of a string of imaginative hit products that include the Trinition colour television and the Walkman personal stereo player. The company s creative, somewhat quirly, eccentric engineer-focussed corporate culture, where ideas and enthusiasm are valued over and above seniority, experience and university degrees, has been the main reason for its success. Consumer electronics industry is changing, competition is becoming intense and product lines are moving closer together. With complacency settting in at Sony, resources became stretched too thinly, managers becamse less demanding and creativity was made over complicated. The case of Sony questions whether efficiency and productivity really go hand in hand with creativity and innovation. Sony is struggling to find a balance between the drive to stay innovative and the cooperate need to not fall behind the competition in key markets. It must decide whether it is leading, following or simply standing still. Criticism Sony could afford to concentrate on product quality and can have a more rigorous project management structure. First mover advantage is active in evolutionary technological transitions which are technological innovations based on previous developments (Kim and Park 2006, p, 45, Cottam et al. 2001, p. 142). Late entrants may comply with the technological innovativeness and increase pressure of competition, hence, seek for a competitive advantage through making the existing competences and resources of early entrants invalid or outdated. In other words innovative technological implications will significantly change the landscape of the industry and the market, making early mover s advantage minimum. However, in a market where technology does not play a dynamic role, early mover advantage may prevail. 6.0 Critiques of Resource Based View. The RBV s lack of clarity regarding its core premise and its lack of any clear boundary impedes fruitful debate. Given the theory s lack of specificity, one can invoke the definition-based or hypothesis-based logic any time. Again, we argue that resources are but one potential source of competitive heterogeneity. Competitive heterogeneity can obtain for reasons other than sticky resources (or capabilities) (Hoopes et al. 2003: 891). Competitive heterogeneity refers to enduring and systematic performance differences among close competitors (Hoopes et al., 2003: 890). The limitations of RBV are mainly in two aspects. First, RBV alone does not capture all the essences of competitive advantage of the firms. RBV provides no perspective on why and how some firms rather than others accumulated valuable and inimitable resources, or indeed what made these resources valuable and inimitable (Lazonick, 2002). In order to explain competitive advantage, the RBV must incorporate the evolution over time of the resources and capabilities that form the basis of competitive advantage (Helfat and Peteraf, 2003). Second, RBV ignores the external elements and focuses on the internal. A complete model of strategic advantage should adopt both the internal dimension which is based on periodic reviews of the fitness of the firm s current resources and the external dimension which is oriented towards an appraisal of the resource endowments of outsiders such as competitors, customers, suppliers and so on. Furthermore, it is also important and relevant to briefly discuss the concept of resource and capability. A firm s resources can be classified into two categories: tangible resources and intangible resources. Tangible resources are assets that can be seen and quantified. Intangible resources are rooted deeply in the firm s history and that have accumulated over time. Barney (1991) and Grant (1991) classified tangible resources into four forms: financial resources, organizational structure, physical resources and technological resources. Grant (1991) and Hall (1992) identified three kinds of intangible resources: human resources, innovation resources and reputation resources. Priem and Butler (2001) made four key criticisms: The RBV is self-verifying. Barney has defined a competitive advantage as a value-creating strategy that is based on resources that are, among other characteristics, valuable (1991, p106). This reasoning is circular and therefore operationally invalid (Priem and Butler, 2001a, p31). Different resource configurations can generate the same value for firms and thus would not be competitive advantage The role of product markets is underdeveloped in the argument The theory has limited prescriptive implications However, Barney (2001) provided counter-arguments to these points of criticism. 7.0 Conclusion In order to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage, firms will have to out-innovate the competition continuously so that it is the customer who constitutes the ultimate beneficiary. All too often firms lose sight of their primary goal their customers needs, wants and values in pursuit of innovations that appear to promise improved efficiency and augmented financial benefits. Thinking for the customer , it is argued, implies that innovation derives from customer orientation: the firm s desire to serve and reward their customers. Furthermore, beyond a firm s technological innovations, what has become increasingly important is the firm s service innovations. Service innovation is the process through which a firm undertakes changes in its philosophy, culture, operations and procedures to add value to the result of the service/product for the benefit of the customer. It requires an understanding of the complex nature of customers needs and the values attributed to combined product and service offerings (service package). Essentially, therefore, service innovation depends on a firm s ability to use this understanding to evolve, collaborate and enter partnerships that effectively fulfil their customers holistic needs and, thereby, increase the opportunities for customer allegiance (relationship). A number of issues have emerged from this study which have important contributions in both innovation as a competitive advantage and how resource based view is applied in the real world . While the above arguments tender theoretical understanding and explanation, it is recommended that future empirical research need to be done to complement this study, particularly in terms of identifying the various analytical tools for understanding and developing competitive advantage.

An Analysis of Donne’s A Valediction: of Weeping Essay -- Valediction

An Analysis of Donne’s A Valediction: of Weeping    William Empson begins his critical essay on John Donne's "A Valediction: of Weeping" with the statement below.   Empson here plays the provocateur for the critic who wishes to disagree with the notion that Donne's intentions were perhaps less than the sincere valediction of a weeping man.  Ã‚  Ã‚   Indeed, "A Valediction" concerns a parting; Donne is going to sea and is leaving his nameless, loved other in England, and the "Valediction" is his emotive poesy describing the moment. "...the language of [A Valediction: of Weeping] is shot through with a suspicion which for once he is too delicate or too preoccupied to state unambiguously, that when he is gone she will be unfaithful to him.   Those critics who say the poem is sincere, by the way... know not what they do."  Ã‚   --- William Empson, "A Valediction: of Weeping," John Donne: a Collection of Critical Essays (ed. H. Gardner)   Ã‚  Ã‚   There is little argument as to what Donne is feeling at surface level: he is sorrowful and grieving because he must be apart from his loved one, who has become his world (a metaphor which is carried out in the second stanza).   Empson is indeed correct when he says that the poem is not unambiguous.   There is a large range of interpretations that can be made based upon the language in the poem, and these are focused around the source of Donne's grief.   Ã‚  Ã‚   It is easy for one to picture a grieving sailor leaving his lover, but what makes this man grieve?   It is the innate love between two people who are intensely focused upon each other which must be put on hold?   Is it some additive emotion that consists of two people who are about to suffer separation and loss of a lover?   Or is it, as Empson p... ..., Donne and his lover/other struggle with their sadness just before separation.   Donne realizes that this may be a futile goal, but he also sees the importance of composure if their relationship - his "world" - that he credits to her is going succeed.   Donne seems to have no dearth of sincerity in this poem.   He is also purposeful in writing it; Donne himself was a man of great passion, and who had to go out to sea.   "A Valediction: of Weeping" seems not to be the valediction of a jealous lover, but of a conscientious other making a concerted effort not to let jealousy and self-pity control his farewell to a lover. Works Cited: Donne, John. "A Valediction: Of Weeping". The Longman Anthology of British Literature: Volume 1A. 2nd ed. Ed. Damrosch, David, Christopher Baswell and Anne Howland Schotter. New York: Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers, Inc, 2003.

Reading Skills Essay

Introduction Reading is a complex cognitive process of decoding symbols in order to construct or derive meaning (reading comprehension). It is a means of language acquisition, of communication, and of sharing information and ideas. Like all language, it is a complex interaction between the text and the reader which is shaped by the reader’s prior knowledge, experiences, attitude, and language community which is culturally and socially situated. The reading process requires continuous practice, development, and refinement. Readers use a variety of reading strategies to assist with decoding (to translate symbols into sounds or visual representations of speech) and comprehension. Readers integrate the words they have read into their existing framework of knowledge or schema. Reading is a process very much determined by what the reader’s brain and emotions and beliefs bring to the reading; the knowledge/information (or misinformation) strategies for processing text, moods, fears and joys—all of it. The strategies one uses  vary according to one’s purpose, including whether one is reading for oneself only (still the purposes vary) or for somebody else, such as reading to answer comprehension questions, reading to perform for listeners (including the teacher and classmates), and much more. Of course these social factors may generate confidence, fear, anger, defiance, and/or other emotions—it just depends. In sum, reading is both a psycholinguistic process (involving the mind actively processing the text) and a sociolinguistic one (with multiple social factors that can affect how one reads, how much one gleans from the reading, and more). Even word identification itself can be affected by these factors, because reading is as much or more a brain-to-text process as a text-to-brain process. For strong readers, the reading process may take only milliseconds. For beginning readers the process may be slower, yet rewarding, and over time will become automatic. For readers who are challenged, this process can be tiresome and frustrating. 2 Importance of Reading Process It is a well-known fact that when there were no televisions or computers, reading was a primary leisure activity. People would spend hours reading books and travel to lands far away-in their minds. The only tragedy is that, with time, people have lost their skill and passion to read. There are many other exciting and thrilling options available, aside from books. And that is a shame because reading offers a productive approach to improving vocabulary and word power. It is advisable to indulge in at least half an hour of reading a day to keep abreast of the various styles of writing and new vocabulary. It is observed that children and teenagers who love reading have comparatively higher IQs. They are more creative and do better in school and college. It is recommended that parents to inculcate the importance of reading to their children in the early years. Reading is said to significantly help in developing vocabulary, and reading aloud helps to build a strong emotional bond between parents and children. The children who start reading from an early age are observed to have good language skills, and they grasp the variances in phonics much better. Reading helps in mental development and is known to stimulate the muscles of the eyes. Reading is an activity that involves greater levels of concentration and adds to the conversational skills of the reader. It is an indulgence that enhances the knowledge acquired, consistently. The habit of reading also helps readers to decipher new words and phrases that they come across in everyday conversations. The habit can become a healthy addiction and adds to the information available on various topics. It helps us to stay in-touch with contemporary writers as well as those from the days of yore and makes us sensitive to global issues. Fluent reading: During the reading process, there is interplay between the reader’s preexisting knowledge and the written content. Fluent reading is an active process in which the reader calls on experience, language, and prior knowledge to anticipate and understand the author’s written language. Thus, readers both bring meaning to print and take meaning from print. The nature of the reading process alters as person matures in reading. In the early stages of reading, word identification requires a reader’s concentration. Eventually, however, readers are able to use their reading ability (ability to interpret written language) for pleasure, appreciation, knowledge acquisition, and functional purposes. Thus, reading competence has many faces. Proficient, fluent readers locate materials and ideas that enable them to fulfill particular purposes, which may be to follow directions, to complete job applications, or to appreciate Shakespearean plays. In addition, fluent readers adjust their reading style as they move from narrative to expository content. 3 Three Stages of Reading: In order to achieve your goals regarding flexible and fluent reading, you must learn certain reading behaviors and then practice them until they become automatic. We call this practicing to the point of automaticity. In this way you will learn to increase your reading rate, maintain your focus and concentration, and enhance your comprehension. Reading process organizes itself most naturally into an examination of three phases: * Pre-reading. * Active reading . * Post-reading. * Pre-reading: It involves following functions: * Get the big picture – overview skimming * Identify the main idea/thesis. * Read headings and sub-headings * Read captions accompanying pictures/graphics * Active Reading: * Think as one reads; read for ideas and concepts. * Visualize patterns. * Actively construct meaning. * Anticipate upcoming information. * Verify the main idea and identify significant details. * Consciously add to or modify schema integrating old and new knowledge. * Self-monitor; assess one’s understanding. * Evaluate comprehension. * Employ fix-up strategies as appropriate. * Post Reading: * Evaluate understanding/ comprehension * Evaluate one’s reading processing. * Did one choose an appropriate mode? * What changes do one needs to make in his/her reading? * What did one do well that he/she wants to repeat in future reading? 4 Types of Reading Following are the types of reading: * Scanning type of reading * Skimming type of reading * Light type of reading * Word by word type reading * Reading to study type of reading * Sub-vocalization †¢ Scanning Type of Reading: This type of reading involves running the eyes over quickly, to get the gist. For example, scanning a telephone book: * You are looking for it quickly. * You know what you are searching for (key words and names). * You ‘see’ every item on the page, but you don’t necessarily read the pages – you ignore anything you are not looking for. Thus, when you discover the key words being searched for, you will be unable to recall the exact content of the page †¢ Skimming Type of Reading: When you read quickly to gain a general impression as to whether the text is of use to you. You are not necessarily searching for a specific item and key words. Skimming provides an ‘overview’ of the text. Skimming is useful to look at chapter/section headings, summaries and opening paragraphs. Looking over the text quickly to get a general idea of the content. Your eyes move quite fast, taking in titles of chapters, their beginnings and ends, and the first sentences of paragraphs. The purpose of skimming: * To check relevance of text. * Sets the scene for the more concentrated effort that is to follow, if the text is useful. †¢ Light Type of Reading: Reading for leisure tends to be ‘light’. For example: * Read at a pace which feels comfortable. * Read with understand. * Skim the boring, irrelevant passages. 5 An average light reading speed is 100-200 words per minute. This form of reading does not generally require detailed concentration. This is reading fairly quickly without concentrating too hard or worrying about every single word. We often use it when reading an enjoyable novel. †¢ Word by word Type of Reading: This type of reading is time consuming and demands a high level of concentration. Some material is not readily understood and so requires a slow and careful analytical read. People use this type of reading for unfamiliar words and concepts, scientific formulae. It can take up to an hour just to read a few lines of text. †¢ Reading to Study Type of Reading: A method of reading for with the aim to understand the material in some depth. The method involves five simple steps; Survey, Question, Read, Recall and Review. Study reading involves thinking about what is being read so that it is understood and can be recalled. It needs to be worked at, with time for reflection, thought, analysis, criticism, comparison, notes made, points highlighted and emphasized, arguments followed and evaluated, the whole summarized. * Survey: skim through to gain an overview and not key points. * Question: devise questions you hope the text will answer. * Read: slowly and carefully. * Recall: from memory, write down the main points made by the chapter. * Review: revisit your questions – compare these to your recall and establish how well the text has answered them; fill in any gaps by further reading and note-taking. †¢ Sub-vocalization: This is reading very slowly and methodically, either saying the words out loud or at least with a ‘voice’ in your head. It is painstaking but very slow. We tend to use it when trying out a recipe for the first time, or carrying out instructions as to how to assemble something we’ve bought. 6. Reading Skills Reading involves a combination of skills used simultaneously. Children begin with basic phonics but soon learn fluency and comprehension skills to make their reading experiences meaningful. The main goal of reading understands. If students can pronounce words but do not understand what they are reading, they are merely reciting word. Some of the important reading skills are: * Decoding * Fluency * Comprehension * Critical reading skills †¢ Decoding Skills: Decoding (also known as Word attack skills) is an early reading skill students learn in kindergarten and first grade. Decoding (sounding out) words are the foundation of reading instruction. Phonics is the method teachers use to instruct students. Letter-naming and recognition is taught along with initial sounds. Children must understand that each letter is represented by a corresponding sound before they can read text. Once children know sounds, they learn to blend them into words. This skill, phoneme segmentation, should be practiced daily along with alphabet and sound fluency until decoding becomes an automatic procedure. †¢ Fluency Skills: Fluency is the ability to read accurately and expressively while maintaining a rate of speed that facilitates comprehension. Students learn fluency in a variety of ways. Teachers model fluent reading in the classroom, and students listen to books on CD. Students receive direct instruction in fluency through guided practice using methods like choral and repeated readings. Teachers assess fluency with timed readings that give a score in words read per minute. Students who fall below the average score for their grade level receive additional, individual help. †¢ Comprehension Skills: Comprehension is the ability to understand what has been read. Comprehending involves strategies that students learn to use when reading independently. Teachers focus on several key comprehension skills. These are inferring, predicting, comparing and contrasting, sequencing and summarizing. Students usually learn how to use these strategies in a small group guided by the teacher who demonstrates their use. Students then practice comprehension techniques with a partner by discussing what they read, making connections with prior knowledge and identifying the main ideas in the story. 7 †¢ Critical Reading Skills: Critical reading skills are the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize what one reads. They are the ability to see relationships of ideas and use them as an aid in reading. As readers make sense of what they read, they use various relationships of ideas to aid recognition and fluency. Critical reading as a goal includes the ability to evaluate ideas socially or politically. 8 Reading Strategies Reading is not just pronouncing words—it requires understanding. Most experienced readers use a variety of strategies to understand texts. Reading strategies are used many times rapidly, in unison with one another. Therefore, most reading strategies are evident before, during, and after reading, although not necessarily with the same emphasis. Some of the reading strategies are: * Predicting * Connecting * Inferring * Synthesizing * Visualizing * Self-Questioning * Skimming * Scanning * Determining Importance * Summarizing/Paraphrasing * Re-reading * Reading On * Adjusting Reading Rate * Sounding Out * Chunking * Using Analogy * Consulting Reference The following descriptions of each strategy give some indication of when in the reading process they are generally employed. Different texts and different contexts require readers to use different reading strategies at different times. For example, â€Å"synthesizing† is used during and after reading while â€Å"scanning† is typically used before close reading. Here are the major reading strategies associated with the process of reading: * Predicting: Predicting helps readers to activate their prior knowledge about a topic, beginning the process of combining what they know with new material in the text. Predictions are not merely wild guesses, they are based on clues within the text such as pictures, illustrations, subtitles, and 9  plot. Clues for predictions will also come from readers’ prior knowledge about the author, text form, or content. Readers can be encouraged to make personal predictions before and during reading. During reading, effective readers adjust and refine their earlier predictions as new information is gathered and new connections are made. They tend to rehearse what they have learned and move on with some expectations of what comes next. * Connecting: Efficient readers comprehend text through making strong connections between their prior knowledge and the new information presented in text. The type of connections made by efficient readers can be categorized into: * Text-to-Self Connections: Involves readers thinking about their life and connecting their own personal experiences to the information in the text. * Text-to-Text Connections: Involves readers thinking about other texts written by the same author or with common themes, style, organization, structure, characters or content. * Text-to-World Connections: Involves readers thinking about what they know about the world outside their personal experience, their family, or their community * Inferring: Efficient readers take information from a text and add their own ideas to make inferences. During the process of inferring, readers make predictions, draw conclusions, and make judgments to create a unique interpretation of a text. Making inferences allows students to move beyond the literal text and to make assumptions about what is not precisely stated in the text. Efficient readers also can infer the meaning of unknown words using context clues, pictures, or diagrams. * Synthesizing: When comprehending text, efficient readers use synthesizing to bring together information within a text. Synthesizing involves readers piecing information together, like putting together a jigsaw. This activity encourages them to keep track of what is happening in the text. During the process of synthesizing, readers may be connecting, inferring, determining importance, posing questions, and creating images. * Visualizing: Efficient readers use all five senses to create images continually as they read text. The created images are based on their prior knowledge. Sensory images created by readers 10 help them to draw conclusions, make predictions, interpret information, remember details, and assist with overall comprehension. Images may be visual, auditory, olfactory, kinesthetic, or emotional. * Self-Questioning: Self-questioning is the strategy effective readers use to draw on existing knowledge, to investigate a text as it is read, to analyse the beliefs and motives behind the author’s surface meaning, and to monitor comprehension. Whether posed in-head, sub-vocalized or noted in writing, self-questioning is critical to maintaining connections between existing and new knowledge. Self-formulated questions provide a framework for active reading by directing the reader’s attention to key information. Efficient readers continually form questions in their minds before, during, and after reading to assist in comprehending text. Often these questions are formed spontaneously and naturally, with one question leading to the next. Questions may relate to the content, style, structure, important messages, events, actions, inferences, predictions, author’s purpose, or may be an attempt to clarify meaning. Self-formulated questions provide a framework for active reading, engaging readers in the text as they go in search of answers. * Skimming: Skimming is glancing through material to gain a general impression or overview of the content. It involves passing over much of the detail to get the gist of a text. Skimming is the most common strategy used by a reader to assess quickly whether a text is going to meet his or her purpose. Effective skimming lets a reader know in general terms how difficult a text is, how long it is, how it is structured, and where the most useful information can be found. Effective skimming strategies are critical for adolescents due to the volume of electronic text they read. Websites, CD ROMs, and multimedia texts are designed for, and subject to rapid reading practices where the reader gets the gist from sub-headings and key points, determines difficulty and usefulness, and assesses the content flow. Skimming is often used before reading to †¢ assess quickly whether a text is going to meet a purpose; †¢ determine what is to be read; †¢ determine what’s important and what may not be relevant; †¢ review text organization; †¢ activate prior knowledge. * Scanning: Scanning involves glancing through material to locate specific details such as names, dates, places, or some particular content. For instance, readers might scan a contents page or index to find the page number of a specific topic. They may scan a dictionary or telephone book in search of a particular word or name, or they may scan as they re-read 11 a text to substantiate particular responses. Like skimming, scanning is particularly important for comprehending selected parts of websites, CD ROMs, and multimedia texts. Readers may also scan a text looking for picture clues that may help them to identify any unknown words. * Determining Importance: Efficient readers constantly ask themselves what is most important or what the main idea is of what they are reading. They benefit from understanding how to determine the important information, particularly in informational texts. Factors such as purpose for reading, knowledge of topic, prior experiences, beliefs, and understanding of text organization help readers to identify important information in a text * Summarizing/Paraphrasing: Linked closely to the strategy of determining importance, summarizing/paraphrasing is the process of identifying, recording, and writing the most important information from a text into one’s own words. The ability to reduce a larger piece of text to its most important messages is done through summarizing. The re-statement of the text is referred to as paraphrasing. Summarizing/paraphrasing involves using key words and phrases to capture the general gist of a text. * Re-Reading: Efficient readers understand the benefits of re-reading whole texts or parts of texts to clarify or enhance meaning. Reading or hearing a text more than once benefits all readers, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the text. Re-reading can also be used as a word-identification strategy. Efficient readers sometimes re-read to work out the meaning of difficult words using context clues. The opportunity to re-read a text also helps to improve fluency * Reading On: When readers cannot decode an unfamiliar word within a text, they can make use of the â€Å"Reading On† strategy. Skipping the unfamiliar word and reading on to the end of the sentence or the next two or three sentences often provides the reader with sufficient context clues to help determine the unknown word. Once the unknown word has been determined it is important for students to re-read that section of text. â€Å"Reading On† also refers to continuing to read in an attempt to clarify meaning that may have been lost. * Adjusting Reading Rate: It is important that students give themselves permission to adjust their reading rate and to recognize when this may be necessary. The purpose for reading will often dictate the 12 most appropriate rate. Readers may slowdown to understand new information, to clarify meaning, to create sensory images, or to ask questions. Readers may also speed up when scanning for key words or skimming to get an overall impression of a text. * Sounding Out: When adolescents meet new and unfamiliar words, they will use their knowledge of letter/sound relationships to identify them. * Chunking: As readers encounter greater numbers of multi-syllabic words, it is important to encourage students to break words into units larger than individual phonemes or single sounds (/b/). Readers might chunk words by pronouncing word parts such as onset and rime (spr-ing), letter combinations (ough), syllables, or parts of the word known as morphemes which carry meaning (ed, ing). * Using Analogy: When readers manipulate or think about words they know in order to identify unknown words, they are using analogy. They transfer what they know about familiar words to help them identify unfamiliar words. When using analogy, students will transfer their knowledge of common letter sequences, onset and rimes, base words, word parts that carry meaning, or whole words. * Consulting Reference: The use of word-identification strategies such as â€Å"sounding out† or â€Å"chunking† may unlock both the pronunciation and meaning of words. However, if the word is not in a reader’s meaning vocabulary, the reader may not be able to understand the meaning of the word. Consulting a reference is an additional strategy that supports students to unlock word meaning. Being taught how to use a dictionary, thesaurus, reference chart, or glossary will help students locate the meanings, pronunciations, or derivations of unfamiliar words. 13 Conclusion: As the discussed topics demonstrate, the process of reading for meaning has bottom-line commonalities. Among these, perhaps oddly, is that at any given moment, one cannot reliably predict what a reader will do next. Eric Paulson (2005) has drawn an analogy between eye movements and the weather, both of which can be described in terms of chaos theory in physics, he argues, but neither of which is exactly predictable. And he writes: â€Å"When looked at through the lens of chaos theory, reading is clearly not a process of plodding along the text at some regular, predetermined rate but is instead a process that ebbs and flows† (p. 355). We set our purposes (or not), begin to read, perhaps question what we are reading, maybe return and reread, sometimes read ahead, go back again, maybe skim or skip some, occasionally decide not to finish reading whatever it is, maybe go ahead and read at least the headings (of an informational selection) and the conclusion, or  the final chapter or page (if a novel or short story)—all the while using strategies that are universal among proficient readers, but uniquely applied. Metaphorically, during any reading event, reading ebbs and flows, like waves. We might think of waves crashing upon the beach as meaning achieved (and perhaps examined critically), the end product of reading a stretch of text. But with such achievement, the reader is simultaneously and near simultaneously processing other parts or aspects of text and the ideas in ways that are unpredictable at the micro level. This is akin to what we often see on a beach: different waves, and different aspects of the reading process, forming, swelling, cresting, crashing, and ebbing. While one part of the reading process and event crashes and ebbs—with something processed into short- or even long-term memory, perhaps—other facets of the process are just beginning again, increasing, coming to a head, collapsing into memory (or not), and receding from the reader’s immediate attention. Yes, while I often speak of the reading process, as if this cognitive and constructive process were totally uniform, during any given reading event, whoever the Although, reading means different things to different people and skills vary with every individual, reading is a skill that can be improved. Students from various backgrounds are in reading courses for a variety of reasons. Weaknesses in vocabulary, comprehension, speed, or a combination of all three may be the result of ineffective reading habits. Active reading is engaged reading and can be achieved through comprehension regulation strategies. We should never take reading for granted, for many, these skills come slowly and with a great deal of difficulty. It is important to use a multi-sensory approach whenever possible, some memory training, tap into previous knowledge before moving forward and make it meaningful. 14 References * http://en. wikipedia. org * http://www. heinemann. com * http://www. palomar. edu * http://ababasoft. com * http://www. scribd. com * http://www. sil. org * http://www. ehow. com * http://www. stepspd. com * http://www. palomar. edu.

Sci-Fi essays

Sci-Fi essays Science fiction is among the most versatile forms of writing. It can be a romance, a comedy, a war story, a drama, a mystery and as the recent film The Wild, Wild West proves, even a western. Take any literary classic add in a crazed robot bent on world destruction, and a space station the size of a small moon, and BAM! Its Sci-Fi. Science fiction belongs to a genre of writing called speculative fiction, which also includes fantasy. Perhaps the easiest way to define Speculative Fiction is all stories that take place in a setting contrary to known reality (Card 17). Which include: 1. Any story set in the future, beings future technologies cannot be known. 2. Alternate world stories, or stories set in a past that contradicts historical fact. 4. Stories set on earth before recorded history. 5. Stories that contradict a known or supposed law of nature. Stories set in worlds that follow our rules are Sci-fi. If it is set in an universe that doesn't follow our rules it's fantasy. Many sci-fi stories fall into several of the above categories. Star Wars for example takes place in an alternate world. It also has elements that contradict laws of nature, such as The Force, or sound in space. Other sf stories fall into only a single of the categories and to further confuse things some stories that fall into those categories are not consider sci-fi at all (Card 18) What would Star Wars be without the screeching of Tie Fighters, or buzz of proton torpedoes as they cut through space? Sometimes it becomes necessary for a writer to break scientific laws in order to appeal to the audience or for the story its self to work. Beings most writers don't expect their audiences to be astrophysicists, it is easy to fool them by bending the rules little bit. Which is okay beings the majority of readers are far more interested in the story itself than by making sure every sm ...

The Rules of Writing a White Paper and Its Proper Formatting

The Rules of Writing a White Paper and Its Proper Formatting How to Write a White Paper The white paper is a brochure containing non-promotional information that is valuable to its target audience. A white paper is most often found in PDF format, it is from 5 to 30 pages in volume, and is placed on the site for downloading. As a rule, such a book is created to find a specific way to solve a pressing customer problem. A white paper helps to establish an acquaintance with a new visitor to your site; it attracts his or her attention with valuable information and makes the foundation for the future dialogue. The main purpose of writing a white paper is to get the contact details of potential clients, build trust in your company and make them want to start cooperating with you. The Essence of the White Paper The white paper is an informational, high-quality document that, on the one hand, carries data, which is really useful to the reader, and on the other hand, it unobtrusively advertises a product (service). Simply put, the white paper combines an informational article and an advertising brochure. The main principle of this document is in receiving a detailed response to solve a complex problem. White paper topics can be very different. This document can be written in the form of instruction, checklist, infographic, report, interview, and so on. In the era of the rapid development of content marketing, it is important to use all possible tools, so do not ignore white paper and its opportunities. Learn the following tips to understand how to write white papers properly. White Paper Efficiency Readers are attracted by free educational information. Therefore, customers value companies that share such information. Many people are ready to register on the site and leave their contacts to get an answer to an interesting question. If you want the client to work with you, the content of the materials, which you are distributing, must be really useful for a potential client. How to find out the value of the materials? First, it is necessary to make a portrait of a potential client. Knowing your buyer, you can easily determine which issues concern him or her. Your task is to create material that is guaranteed to be helpful to your potential clients and will form an opinion of you as of an expert. Create a white paper outline with the most relevant questions. Secrets of Creating a Good Paper Creating an optimized text for a white paper seems like a simple process. However, you have to spend a lot of time and effort to get good material. To facilitate the work, it is recommended to consider the following rules. The ideal text is directed to the interests of the reader. Be prepared for the fact that you will spend a lot of time for this work (10-20 hours). The structure of the text is as follows. The main part of the document contains useful facts, and information dedicated to your company (or service) takes no more than 15% of the total material. Use charts, tables, illustrations, and other graphic images to increase the attention of a potential client. Buyers always trust the opinion of experts, so use surveys, studies, and interviews. Unlike a blog article, the white paper carries great value. Therefore, it should look professionally done. The white paper may contain illustrations, graphics, schemes, photos, etc. All information should be divided into logical blocks and be convenient for visual perception. A proper white paper must be created by a professional, who understands all the details. Even the most experienced copywriters are unlikely to be able to write a deep narrow-profile document without your participation (for example, on legal or medical topics). If you know what to say, then they know for sure how to present your ideas. Where can you use white papers? Such documents are usually distributed: Through partners, as a gift. In social networks and communities. As bonuses for customers. On profile message boards. Through media that show interest in your company. On the corporate website. White Paper Formats One of the most common formats is the guideline. It is an ideal variant for companies selling complex or expensive services. The task of the management is to explain to the client all the benefits of using the service in simple language and show its use step by step. Another option is a collection of cases. They show how your company solved the difficulties of its customers. Thus, you demonstrate that you know how to deal with the problems of potential clients and can guarantee a certain result. If your potential customers have a lot of questions, you need to create an FAQ section on your website. However, you can place only the answers to the most common questions (usually no more than 10) on the site. You have to create white papers to answer the other questions.

Democracy and Reform Movements Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Democracy and Reform Movements - Essay Example Most of the reform movements were geared to movement towards a democratic society which provided equal rights for all the people. One of the greatest movements was the women’s reform movement which demanded for more women participation in the state affairs like voting rights. Elizabeth Candy Stanton organized and participated in the Seneca Falls convention where major statements on the promotion of women rights were made but women seemed not interested in the movements. Other reform movements which took place include the new correctional prison system which called for better treatment of prisoners but did not emphasize on their democratic rights. Temperance movements which enforced spread of equal opportunities to all attempted to help women and children whose lives had been worsened by the drinking fathers and husbands. The blacks were considered as second class citizens who were not even allowed the right of citizenship in the American society. The period was marked by massi ve settlement of Native Americans in Mississippi River and the concentration of wealth in few of the American upper social class. The reform movements of that period only focused on ending the economic inequality among classes in the Native American citizens and did not advocate for the rights of the black people. Some states abolished the property and tax qualifications for voting which saw a record high of 355,000 votes cast in 1824 where the number kept on increasing to reach 1.1 million after four years due to the end of the property qualifications. The method of voting was initially orally where the voter would state his choice but the years of 1820s saw dramatic shift since few voters would hardly vote against a candidate when his supporters had crowded the voting place. There was introduction of ballot papers which gave the voter more autonomy in choosing his preferred elective candidate though the ballot papers were themselves prepared by the political parties due to lack of government bodies which could oversee the election process. Political offices became more democratic and elective rather than appointive hence leaders became more accountable to the public. By 1932, most of the states with exception of South Carolina shifted the selection of the members of the electoral college from their legislature directly to the voter hence there was introduction of more voting democracy. Democracy and reform movements Introduction The ideals of equality, liberty and pursuit of happiness characterized the desires of American population up to the period 1850. The desire was to make America civilized in order to expand democratic ideals by expanding the moral standards of the common citizens. Movements like the women and slave movements focused on the liberty (Murrin, 2012). Movements like temperance, abolitionist and natives to public schools and better living conditions were some movements which were pursed with democratic ideals (Greer, 1949). Women movement s trongly reinforced the importance of morality and equality through the struggle for social justice and the desire to see a more civilized American society which would be more productive (Boyer, 2008). The rise of democratic politics can be traced back to 1824 -1832 when the republicans on suspicion of the government policies on spread of cotton to the south

Interpersonal Conflict in Film Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Interpersonal Conflict in Film - Movie Review Example Farhad did not know anything about guns and so when the store owner asked him about the kind of ammunition he wanted, Farhad had an argument with Dorri. This made the owner impatient and he told Farhad: â€Å"Yo, Osama, plan the jihad on your own time, what do you want?† Because of this statement, Farhad reacted: â€Å"Are you making insult at me?† The store owner continued in insulting Farhad and he said: â€Å"Is that the closest you can come to English.† Farhad emphasized that he can speak English and that he has rights to buy a gun: â€Å"Yes, I speak English. I am an American citizen†¦I have rights to buy guns!† Then the store owner reminded Farhad about 9/11, which made Farhad angrier. The owner called the guard, which led Farhad outside the door, while Dorri was left inside the store to demand either their money back or that the owner give them the gun. The conflict was not handled effectively, because the store owner and Farhad both had negati ve stereotypes about each other, which they used to prejudge each other’s motives and actions. Stereotypes are â€Å"preconceived opinions† about someone that tend to be â€Å"negative and reflect prejudices, preconceived opinions of dislike, hostility, or unjust behavior† (Sole, 2011, section 7.2).