Future of the world Fuel Cell Energy and Its Impact

Introduction Energy is essential to the world. It ensures smooth execution of industrial and domestic activities. However, its availability is uncertain since most sources face extinction. These include fossil fuels and hydropower, among others. Fossil fuel sources face depletion due to exhaustion. On the other hand, global warming has led to unpredictable weather that has dried most water catchment areas.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Future of the world: Fuel Cell Energy and Its Impact specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This has affected reliability of hydropower. In addition, other sources of energy like nuclear plants have caused calamities in areas such as Japan and Russia, among others. Therefore, to minimize risks of hazards from nuclear power plants and to reduce depletion of energy sources, major stakeholders in the energy sector have turned to alternative sources. These include fuel cell energy, solar e nergy and wind energy, among others. This paper will explore fuel cell energy and its implication on the future of the world (Chevron Corporation, 2013). Fuel Cell Fuel cell can be described as a device (electrochemical) that converts chemical energy into electrical. It does this by combining hydrogen (in some cases hydrocarbon) fuel with oxygen (usually from air) to produce electricity. Other products of this reaction are usually water and heat. This reaction does not involve conventional combustion reaction and it therefore produces (DC) direct current. This device is made by sandwiching an electrolyte member between oxidant electrodes and fuel. The kinds of fuel utilized are sometimes biogas or fossil fuels. The oxidant utilized in this process is usually air. The process involves oxidizing of fuel at the anode from which electrons are released to the cathode. Electron move through an external circuit. When these electrons meet the fuel (in this case hydrogen), they push charged ions through the electrolyte. These ions then move through the conducting electrolyte to complete the circuit. This process is simple and it does not require complex parts as observed in other methods. Moreover, it has high efficiency of conversion, which enables it to produce both power and heat (CHP). It has negligible emissions to the environment and low-impact characteristics. It is therefore desirable in most applications as it is environment friendly.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is also necessary to note that fuel cell plants can utilize other fuel sources like coal gas, propane, municipal gas, industrial gas and natural gas. This source of energy is cheap and convenient for both domestic and industrial use. it provides efficiency, flexibility and CHP, which is essential for sustainable development (FuelCell Energy, Inc., 2013). Future of the world The worldâ₠¬â„¢s future is bent on realizing credible and reliable sources of energy. The full implementation of fuel cell power plants would help in realizing these objectives. Fuel cell energy is environmental friend; this puts it on course as a credible alternative source of energy. Moreover, the fact that it produces both power and heat would be advantageous to industries that implement its use worldwide. Furthermore, it has various alternative sources of fuel such as propane and natural gas, among others. This would help in management of fossil fuels for a prolonged future of the world. Fuel cell technology is timely and convenient of a world that is facing numerous problems associated with the environment. Moreover, use of energy from fossil fuels have increased depletion of ozone layer thereby contributing to global warming. Use of fuel cell technology would reduce overreliance on fossil fuels and hence reduce green gas emissions that deplete the ozone layer. Fuel cell energy presents a future to the world. In fact, its ability to be utilized for both domestic and industrial purposes inclines it for potential growth. Moreover, the massive costs incurred in generating electricity from other sources would be greatly reduced. This would allow for focus on other sectors of growth to develop the world’s economy. Fuel cell technology provides the most viable option for industries to utilize fuel efficiently. This would also minimize depletion of fossil fuel sources as the sector majors on fuel cell energy. It is also necessary to note that combining fuel cell technology with other alternative sources such as solar, wind and geothermal power would be beneficial to the future of the world. This would reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a drastic manner. The world would have a positive future with fuel cell energy. Conclusion The world is facing unpredictable future due to exploitation of its nonrenewable energy sources. This has caused major stakeholders to explore alternative sources. These include fuel cell energy, nuclear power, solar power, wind power and geothermal power, among others. However, among these sources, fuel cell energy provides the best source of energy for the world in terms of risk, reliability, efficiency and cost.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Future of the world: Fuel Cell Energy and Its Impact specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For instance, while solar energy is relatively cheap, it has low efficiency and reliability. On the other hand, geothermal power is efficient but very expensive. This leaves fuel cell as the best source of energy. The world would therefore have a bright future if fuel cell power plants were to be implemented fully (Cartlidge, 2003, p. 1). References Cartlidge, E. (2003). Fuel cells: environmental friend or foe? Web. Chevron Corporation (2013). Fuel Cells: Providing Clean, Reliable Power. Web. FuelCell Energy, Inc. (2013). Fue l cell technology. Web. This essay on Future of the world: Fuel Cell Energy and Its Impact was written and submitted by user Dirty Badger to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Post Secondary Education Essays

Post Secondary Education Essays Post Secondary Education Essay Post Secondary Education Essay Post Secondary Education  online programs have been gaining steam in the recent years with the inter-webs making advanced education within reach for students all around the world. Online education is especially handy for working students were people who have responsibilities and families who cannot physically attend school on a campus in a full-time capacity. Post secondary education in a distance learning capacity really gives the student tremendous freedom to do their school work in a time frame that meets the student’s schedule. Another wonderful benefit to distance learning in any capacity is that it allows students to study at their own pace. Rather than being committed to a full-time schedule, even a consistent daily schedule. Many students have busy lives or split schedules this gives them the flexibility to study when they can and where they can. Since youre not committed to a specific location you can study on your lunch break, from a coffee shop via your laptop or study from a home office but at the end of the day this really gives the student tremendous flexibility to learn at their own pace. Advantages of a  Post Secondary Education 1)  Not only are these programs flexible in nature but they offer unlimited areas of study so you can advance your career while meeting your personal goals. Subjects that are available to online learners range anywhere from public service, government, electronics, early childhood education, computer programming, e-commerce, web design, culinary arts you name it todays modern universities have a program that fits your area of interest as well as your schedule and your lifestyle. Some may still feel online education is somehow less legitimate than a traditional on-campus degree however nothing could be farther from the truth. 2)  Online  post secondary education  programs exist in almost all top universities and colleges, they use cutting-edge technology and faculty every bit as good as they offer in the physical classroom. They have very interactive learning environments with top professors as well as an interactive classroom environment where you can interact with other students in your class or have private one-on-one sessions with your teacher throughout your online education so you will not find yourself lacking in any of these areas as the support is there to meet any challenges you may have in the online classroom. 3)  Distance learning post secondary education universities and colleges also offer excellent career services and professional guidance to alumni do not only assist in job placement programs but act as a mentor and guide its graduates in a positive direction to improve their quality of life and employment opportunities. Most of these universities that offer  post secondary education  programs online dont simply just drop you like a bad habit the day of your graduation they continue to be an integral part of your career path and your education. 4)  Thousands of students from all over the world have been taking advantage of these comprehensive distance learning programs and many thousands more have profited and graduated from these comprehensive programs. This is a recognized and well respected education in todays modern world and counts every bit as much as an education with a physical classroom presence. You dont need a traditional campus setting nor do you need the additional fees that pile up and can be quite cumbersome when youre physically at a college or university. There are universities offering post secondary education programs that have  various start times that dont coincide with the traditional college programs so you also have the flexibility of starting when its convenient for you. Not only is  distance learning  a tremendous convenience but it offers affordability and flexibility that was never before possible. Now you have more motivation and fewer excuses than ever to actually get going on your education. I know we live in a fast-paced and busy world but lets face it you can start school now and in five years or as quick as one year have an advanced degree that will garner a larger salary and a higher quality of life for you and your family. Or you can continue doing what youre doing and put this vital education off for another five years and youll be in the same place you are today. The time is going to go by regardless of whether or not you choose to take the next step so take a deep breath and do the right thing for you and your family. If its a PhD an MBA, with or without GMAT you can get it done online.  If money is tight many of these colleges and universities offer financial aid and financial assistance programs that have flexible terms and easy repayment plans many of them do not require a single payment until you have completed their program which gives you the opportunity to get that job you deserve along with the salary and then begin paying back your student loans while you enjoy a lifetime of higher education and salary. Resource  Ã‚  education.nh.gov/highered/

Finance and Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Finance and Accounting - Essay Example A survey conducted by International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) revealed that out of 500 corporations, around 94% of the companies used derivative tool and they efficiently succeeded in hedging risks (International Derivatives and Swaps Association, 2009). It is seemingly clear that derivatives have economic and financial benefits for business which means they have resulted in making global financial markets safer. However, with the emergence of derivatives for financial speculations has brought this instrument under heavy criticism for making financial sector more risky and has been criticised for financial crisis. So, derivative have some benefits and risks too. The first most advantage of derivatives is the restructuring of risks by which movement in assets prices, interest rates and default of creditor can be hedged. They help in speculating the movement in the value of assets when they do not even own the assets. Secondly derivatives allows businesses to accomplish in controlling the external factors efficiently. Derivative instrument has been criticised for being used only for speculations. Derivatives contracts reduce the risk of one party while increases risk of the underlying assets for other party; this allows both parties to speculate the value of the principal assets irrespective of the fact parties are interested in the contract or not. Derivative instruments have efficient and effective economic and financial advantages which are required for the development of businesses and trade to hedge risks but it depends on the usage of this instrument which can pretence risks. Derivatives were criticised for lack of transparency in the OTC derivatives market under which standings of firms, their movement in asset prices and interest rates are not adequately transparent to the regulatory authorities and to other business companies (Financial Services Authority and HM Treasury, 2009). Sometimes business firms in the market are unaware of the mar ket standings of other companies which adds to more risks as monitoring of risks is weak and unwillingness for trade and hence the market liquidity may reduce. Derivatives contracts are affected by both operational risks and systematic risks. It is argued that operational risks can be improved by physical clearance of underlying assets and by addressing valuation differences. (Managed Funds Association, 2009) On the other hand systematic risks are caused by default of major stakeholders of derivatives market. It is usually referred to as â€Å"domino effect† (Investment Management Association, 2011). Derivatives of credit default swaps have the ultimate vulnerability to risks because they are more problematic in assess the value of underlying assets. Former Chairman of Federal Reserve, USA stated in a conference that â€Å"Although the benefits and costs of derivatives remain the subject of spirited debate, the performance of the economy and the financial system in recent ye ars suggests that those benefits have materially exceeded the costs† (Greenspan, 2003). (Part-2) Hedge funds are targeted to generate higher absolute returns for different type of investments. Hedge funds use highly advanced strategies for investment which comprise leveraged, short, long, and derivative positions designed for sophisticated investors. As hedge funds targets for higher returns that makes them more volatile and riskier besides profit compensate the risks at the end (SHORTMAN, 2010). Hedge funds are more liberal with respect to regulations and regulatory framework which makes them more flexible to use dynamic, vigorous and vibrant investment strategies with the combination of long, short and derivatives

Human resource management ( HRM in spain) Essay

Human resource management ( HRM in spain) - Essay Example For instance, Anglo-Saxons consider management ability depending on interpersonal skills, while the French consider the most intellectual individuals as the best managers. On the other hand, Germans argue that good management is a function of formal authority (Valle, Martin, and Romero, 2001:249). In this regard therefore, it is evident that organizations all over the world are adopting global practices, but in many cases, they do so in nation-specific ways. Based on the General Motors case study in Spain, this paper seeks to provide a report on the international human resource management in Spain. The report covers the institutional context that influence human resource practices in that country, essentially focusing on the laws, employer organizations, trade unions, training an education system, and other relevant issues (Ferner, Quintanilla, and Varul, M.Z. 2001:116). Moreover, the report covers the current human resource management trend in the country based on relevant case stud ies. Overview of Spain Based on Hofstede analysis, Spain ranks high in uncertainty avoidance and low in masculinity score. This results from the Spaniards feelings concerning career security, rules, and regulation. The Spanish history in relation to human resource management traces back to the second half of the twentieth century. It is not after the death of General Franco and the subsequent collapse of his regime did the economy of Spain come into focus. The Spaniards looked upon their leader to lead then to democracy and the European Union. In those times, only a fraction of the labor market had employment. According to statistics, the levels of unemployment reached record highs in 1965, skyrocketing to about 38.5% (Perllow and Weeks, 2002:347). In the 80’s however, the levels reduced by about 5% to stand at 33.5%. Comparing these levels to other European states, Spain had the lowest level of employed women, accounting for only 18% of the entire women population in the cou ntry. Italy had an average of 25% and between 30% and 40% in northern Europe. PESTLE Analysis of Spain Political Spain adapts a kingdom type of state. The country has a constitutional monarchy primarily based on parliament democracy. Moreover, power is highly decentralized, with autonomous communities having a high legislative level. Furthermore, the country enjoys a fiscal and executive autonomy. After the restoration of political democracy in 1975 following the death of General Franco, the country has generally displayed stable leadership and democracy (Combs and Luthans, 2007:111). Economical The Spanish economy was already recording significant recovery by 2004 from the financial crisis, recording a 2.4% growth. This was 2% higher than the previous year and 7% higher than the recorded levels in 2002. According to statistics, the highest unemployment record in recent times was that of 2000, but dropped to about 10.8% in 2004. Additionally, overall employment rate grew by 1.6%, wi th unemployment levels dropping by 3.5%. Spain seeks to promote employment in line with the European Union Directives. Nonetheless, the European Union directive merely present a framework for guiding human resource practices, but does not offer maximum protection to the equality and rights of employees in the work place (Lam, Chen and Schaubroeck, 2002:907). The local legislation that currently exist act as the

Potential Impact Of Online Sales To The Company Marketing Essay

Potential Impact Of Online Sales To The Company Marketing Essay Our Company, Houston Incorporated has decided to expand into online sales. The goal is to continue to sell our products in the retail stores located throughout the United States but also establish a presence on the World Wide Web. Your company has recently decided to expand into online sales. The company wishes to continue to sell its products in the retail stores located throughout the United States opportunities available for retail sales and provide a report to your manager which includes the advantages and disadvantages if marketing online, As Marketing Manager, I was tasked to research online marketing opportunities available for retail sales. This report outlines the advantages and disadvantages of internet marketing, the potential impact of online sales to the company, and the requirements for a successful online marketing campaign. Marketing and selling goods online electronically is made possible by software programs that execute the main functions of an e-commerce application. This soft enables product display, online ordering, and online processing. Online marketing encompasses both e-business and e-commerce. E-commerce typical refers to transactions involving the exchange of money such as selling products to customers. E-business is a broader term that includes providing customers with descriptions and specifications for a given product. Online marketing offer many advantages as this report shall show. Having a presence on the World Wide Web offers the opportunity to reach customers not only on a national level but globally. Doing business 7 day a week and 24 hours a day is a reality with online marketing. The gathering and analysis of information gather via online marketing is possible. This information can be used to improve marketing strategies both online and in traditional retail segment. The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. Increase sales, increased brand recognition coupled with the low cost of operating online leads to increase revenue. These are only a few of the overall impact of online marketing. Executing a comprehensive online marketing plan encompasses virtually the same processes and procedures as traditional marketing. It also requires the establishment of a web site for product display, online ordering, and online payment systems to process payments. The decision to expand into online sales is justified by this research. Expansion into online sales is a much more cost effective mean of growing the company. The recommended model is integration of the traditional retail segment with the new online arm. This is in opposition to establishing a purely online business. The current marketing strategies can be modified to include the online segment and used to promote the website. Introduction The internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow. That quote was attributed to Bill Gates, Cofounder of Microsoft. Tomorrow has come and according to an article on Reuters website, Online retail sales in the United States could reach $248.7 billion by 2014, growing 60 percent from 2009. As Marketing Manager, my job is to do market research and develop market strategies. This report will outline the advantages and disadvantages if marketing online, the advantages and disadvantages if marketing online, the potential impact of online sales to the company, and the requirements for a successful online marketing campaign. The goal of online marketing, similar to traditional marketing, is to communicate and provide value to the customer and manage relationships with customers that benefit the company and stakeholders. Online marketing encompasses both e-business and e-commerce. E-commerces typical refers to transactions involving the exchange of money such as selling products to customers. E-business is a broader term that includes providing customers with descriptions and specifications for a given product. Marketing and selling goods online electronically is made possible by software programs that execute the main functions of an e-commerce application. This soft enables product display, online ordering, and online payment processing. The advantages of online marketing, including the ability to reach a larger market, far outweigh the disadvantages. Online selling tends to be very competitive and may necessitate lower pricing. This is one of the few disadvantages. Establishment of a globally presence and increased sales are ways that the company can be impacted. However, having an internet presence does not guarantee success. It requires a comprehensive marketing strategy aimed at attracting new customers to our website. Online marketing has its own process and tools that contribute to the achievement of marketing goals and objectives. . Research Findings Advantages: Similar to traditional business, online marketing presents many advantages and disadvantages. However, the advantages of online marketing significantly outweigh its disadvantages. Online marketing can expand the geographic reach of the company by accessing customers in markets where the company does not have a physical presence. In the ecommerce world, doing business around the globe, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day is a reality. (Hossein Bidgoli, 2002) Online Marketing or e-commerce creates the ability to sell virtually any product that can be sold in a traditional retail environment. Nights, weekends, holidays, and time zones are no barriers to e-commerce. Online marketing can also reach customers that for various reasons can not personally visit a traditional retail store. Another advantage of e-commerce is the ability to gather additional information about the customer via tools such as cookies, email, and online surveys. This information can be used to personalize marketing effort s in a way that can lead to higher trade volumes. E-commerce also provides increased flexibility for customers. Customers can make purchases without having to leave the comfort of their homes. The customer does not have to deal with the hassle of parking or the worry of losing contact with their small children presented by traditional retail methods. Shopping tasks can be accomplished from the safety of their homes with a few clicks of a mouse. Of course, increased sales are the first thing people thing about when they consider online market. Market research shows that online sales are trending up despite the current depressed retail market. . Revenue generated by online businesses and the online part of traditional retail businesses exceed $96 billion in 2006, up from $86 billion in 2004, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. An added advantage of online marketing is decreased cost. Traditional retail businesses have overhead costs that associated with online marketing. These includ e utilities, insurance, store lease, and labor. Lower overhead cost generally result in lower overall cost and increased revenue. Therefore, online expansion will give the company a globally presence at a relative low cost. Disadvantages: Online shopping is not attractive to all consumers. They cite the loss of social contact experienced when shopping with others. While many researchers do not see any fundamental differences between the traditional and online buying behavior, it is often argued that a new step has been added to the online buying process: the step of building trust or confidence. (Constantinides, 2004) Many consumers are concerned with the privacy and security issues associated with doing business online. Almost 95% of Web users have declined to provide personal information to Web sites at one time or another when asked. (Otto Chung, 2000) Credit card fraud, unwanted solicitations, and use of their information for other than its intended purpose are a few of the reasons cited. The difficulty in attracting customers is another disadvantage to online marketing. That, coupled with increased competition due to the ease of comparative shopping greatly decreases the attractiveness of online marketing. Onlin e consumers can quickly access information from other online businesses and make better decisions. In fact, some websites are designed solely for that purpose. Therefore, online pricing is very competitive. Additionally, online marketing does not afford the consumers the luxury of examining and getting a feel for the quality and fit of merchandise sold online and generally require the seller to have liberal return and refund policies. The lack of after sales service is another concern of online shoppers. Time also is a problem with online marketing in that consumers are not able to take immediate possession of their purchases and are faced with added expense for faster delivery. Potential impact of online sales to the company: The greatest impact to the company may be the establishment of a globally presence. This means company growth at relative low cost. . Online marketing does not require the overhead cost associated with maintaining a brick and mortar store. This results in lower cost, increased efficiency and greater profit margin. Another potential impact, online sales increases in-store sales. Having an online presence leads to increased brand recognition and consequently leads to increased in-store sales. Conversely, not having an online presence means loss of potential valuable customers. Online marketing creates the opportunity to interact with customers. Exchange of information facilitates product and process improvement and can lead to greater customer satisfaction. It also allows for greater flexibility in that website information such as price, product availability, and promotion can be readily adjusted in response to market conditions. Information gathered via online sales information can be used when considering future expansion of the traditional retail operations. Requirements for a successful online marketing campaign Developing a successful online marketing campaign comprises most of the same processes and procedures used in traditional marketing. The company will need to establish goals, objectives, strategies and tactics much like traditional marketing. Likewise, market research is required. When formulating objectives, strategies, and tactics for online marketing product display it is imperative that such customers requirements as ease of use, quick access to product information, and effective distribution networks including order tracking for transparency is addressed. Understanding consumers motivations and limitations to shop online are major consideration in making adequate strategic, technological, and marketing decisions. (Monsuwe, Dellaert, De Ruyter, 2004) This is part of identifying your target audience and determining how to reach it, a very critical step. To attract customers, firms need to offer dynamic content, keep their sites fresh, and to install security devices to protect th eir customers privacy and interests. (Wei, Moreau, Jennings, 2005) Customer retention should also be included in any successful online marketing strategy. Retaining online customers depends on the overall experience when visiting a website, which includes factors such as perceived value and trust (Pitta, Franzak, Fowler, 2006; Wang Head, 2007). In addition, every online business must be able to accept online payment. Customers need a level of confidence with your website and business when making on line payment. Integration between the e-business arm and the traditional business segments helps to promote confidence. (Gay, Charlesworth, Esen, 2007) The reputation of the tradition retail environment can be extended to e-commerce. Likewise, an online presence enhanced the marketability of the traditional business. Traditional firms can adopt a range of strategies to combine offline and online market channels to derive synergies. For example Barnes and Nobles e-business model overla ps its traditional brick and mortal business model. Regardless of whether the merchandise is sold online or in a physical retail outlet, the warehousing operation is the same. (Rich, 2008) Retail companies should also integrate offline and online operations such as allowing customers to order online for pickup at stores. (Steinfield, Adelaar, Liu, 2005) Lastly, print and word of mouth advertisement will be needed to attract customers to the web site. Recommendations Based on research data, the company should expand into the online sales arena by creating an ecommerce arm of our traditional retail operation. Expansion into online sales is a much more cost effective mean of growing the company. The recommended model is integration of the traditional retail segment with the new online arm. This is in opposition to establishing a purely online business. Analysis suggests that firms should tailor their e-commerce approaches to improve service to existing customers in addition to pursuing new customers and markets. (Adelaar, Bouwman, Steinfield, 2004) Integration is advantageous in that perceived shopping risks are lower when a company also provides a physical location. Integrating online and offline operations adds additional cost saving measures such as such as ordering online for pick-up at physical location. . The current marketing strategies should be modified to include the online segment and used to promote the website Conclusion There are advantages and disadvantages to online marketing. While online marketing presents an opportunity for the company to expand its market nationally, even globally, online shopping is very competitive, as consumers have access to comparison shopping. In addition to reaching new markets, online marketing can also improve relationships with existing customers. To be successful, ecommerce websites must be properly designed so that it is easy to use, engages the customer, and provides a pleasant and trusting shopping experience. It must negate all perceived shopping risks such as concerns about giving financial or personal information, and after sale concerns such as refunds and after-sale service. Marketing strategy formulation for ecommerce businesses are very much like traditional marketing. Market research, goals, objectives, strategies and tactics are the making of a successful online marketing campaign. Analysis of the research data indicates that integration of the tradition al brick and mortar operation with an ecommerce business segment is the best method of creating an online presence. Annotated Bibliography Adelaar, T., Bouwman, H., Steinfield, C. (2004). Enhancing customer value through click-and-mortar customer experience. Telematics and Informatics, 21, 167-182. This article explains how traditional retail stores can combine online marketing to increase geographic reach and to improve relationships with existing customers of physical stores. Dr. Thomas Adelaar, Assistant Professor, University of Amsterdam Business School. Ph.D. in Media and Information Studies, Michigan State University. Awards and Honors include; Winner of the Graduate Office Scholarship Best Ph.D. Research Paper in the Dept. of Telecommunications, Information Studies, and Media, MSU (2004). Dr. Adelaar currently has 7 publications in Academic Journals. Charles Steinfield is a professor and chair in the Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media at Michigan State University. In addition to his faculty position, Steinfield participates with the MSU Eli Broad College of Business Information Tech. Management Program. His research focuses on the organizational and social impacts of new communication technologies. Constantinides, E. (2004). Influencing online consumers behavior: The web experience. Internet Research, 14(2), 111-126. Dr. E. Constantinides conducted research showing that online marketing can increase business for companies at their physical retail locations. Dr. E. Constantinides is and Assistant Professor of Marketing, Netherlands. His research activities focus on strategic and commercial aspects of Ecommerce and E-media, and he is a member of the Scientific Committee of the Social Media Research Center. Gay, R., Charlesworth, A., Esen, R. (2007). Online marketing. New York: Oxford University Press. This book provides an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of online marketing as well as the techniques that can maximize revenues. Richard Gay is a professor at the Newcastle Business School, North Umbria University. Alan Charlesworth is a Senior Lecturer in marketing and emarketing at the University of Sunderland. Rita Esen is a Law Consultant and Visiting Lecturer at Durham University. Hossein, B. (2002). Electronic commerce: principles and practice. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Academic Press. This book is a four-part overview of electronic commerce. The book provides a balance of theories, applications, and hands-on material. Dr Hossein Bidgoli is a Professor of Management Information Systems. School of Business and Public Administration                California State University, Bakersfield, California Monsuwe (2004). , P., Dellaert, B., De Ruyter, K. (2004). What drives consumers to shop online? A literature review. International Journal of Service Industry Management. Using the technology acceptance model framework, the authors conducted a review of literature and identified website characteristics such as ease of use and usefulness as well as personal consumer traits as critical factors for online shopping. P. Monsuwe is a professor at Maastricht University, The Netherlands. His research focuses on the effects of media on strategy and decision-making processes, such as corporate environmental management. Otto, J., Chung, Q. (2000). A framework for cyber-enhanced retailing. Electronic Markets, 10(3), 185-191. This article describes the advantages and disadvantages of online retailing for companies with existing brick and mortar retail locations, and provides a framework for analyzing whether the company should engage in online retailing. Q.B. Chung is an Associate Professor at Villanova University. He earned a PhD in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, as well as an M.B.A. in Management Information Systems. He has over twenty two published journal articles, numerous published books and is a seminar speaker. J. Otto is an Assistant Professor with many publications involving Management Information Systems and Operations Research and Management Science. Pitta, E., Franzak, F., Fowler, D. (2006). A strategic approach to building online customer loyalty. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 23(7), 421-429. The article integrates previous research to draw the conclusion that customer loyalty to online websites depends on the perception of value as well as emotional factors such as trust. Danielle Fowler, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor at the University of Baltimore. She has many awards and grants including The John and Margaret Thompson Professorship in Management Information Systems, and the Presidents Teaching and Learning Initiative Competition. Frank Franzak is a professor with Monash University and Director of Information Systems Honors Program. Steinfield, C., Adelaar, T., Liu, F. (2005). Click and mortar strategies viewed from the web. Electronic Markets, 15(3), 199-212. The authors analyzed retail store websites and found that few engaged in online and offline integration such as allowing customers to order products online for pickup at physical store locations. Dr. Adelaar currently has 7 publications in Academic Journals. Charles Steinfield is a professor and chair in the Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media at Michigan State University. In addition to his faculty position, Steinfield participates with the MSU Eli Broad College of Business Information Tech. Management Program. His research focuses on the organizational and social impacts of new communication technologies. Wang, F., Head, M. (2007). How can the web help build customer relationships? Information Management, 44(2), 115-129. The authors conducted empirical research to identify the factors critical for building customer relationships online and found that satisfaction, trust, and switching costs determined whether a customer would continue using a website. Dr. Milena Head is an Associate Professor of Information Systems and the Associate Dean at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, Canada. Specializing in eBusiness and Human Computer Interaction, she has published over 50 papers in academic journals, books and conferences. Her research interests include trust and adoption in electronic commerce, interface design, mobile commerce, identity theft, cross-cultural issues in electronic commerce and human computer interaction, e-retailing, and web navigation. Dr. Fang Wang is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at the School of Business Economics, Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada. Her research interests include e-commerce, e-marketing and marketing strategy. She has published in journals such as Journal of Consumer Marketing, Journal of Comparative International Management, Internet Research, and Journal of Business Strategies. Wei, Y., Moreau, L., Jennings N. (2005). A market-based approach to recommender systems. ACM Transactions on Information Systems, 25(3), 227-266. The research described in the article uses simulations to demonstrate the effectiveness of recommender systems for personalizing customer experiences and customer retention. Yan Zheng Wei is Director of The Department of Broadband Wireless Management, Shenzhen, China. Dr. Nicholas Jennings is an Assistant Professor at The School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, UK.

A Psychological Profile Of Holden Caufield :: essays research papers fc

Thesis: Holden Caufield is a hostile, negatively charged character that suffers from depression which stems from a desire not to grow up and a lack of closure in his brothers death."If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like . . . "(pg. 1) These first words that Holden Caufield communicates during his tell of events that brought him to his breakdown, show the pent up hostility that still lingers. This pattern of speech, the constant expression of negativity, is a character trait of Holden that shows his inner anguish. Holden also feels a continual need for affirmation of what he just said with phrases such as, "He really would."(pg. 25) or "It really isn't." (Pg. 89) This continual need for approval shows a lowered level of self-assurance. This lowered self-assurance probably stems from his self-awareness that he is an unreliable source. The reason he is unreliable is due to his deceitful narrative of occurrences. This is seen repeatedly as Holden builds an individual up as good or righteous such as Stradlater, (pg. 25) then tears him down later. (pg 43) This inability to give truthful accounts of individuals could stem from his constant digression from the point at hand. Holden freely admits to this trait on page 183 when he says "The trouble with me is, I like it when somebody digresses. It's more interesting and all.""Certain things they should stay the way they are. You ought to be able to stick them in one of those big glass cases and just leave them alone."(pg. 122) This phrase Holden made while discussing how things were different each time he went to the museum, stems from an inability to accept that he must grow up. The thought of growing up has driven Holden into bouts of depression as inhis discussion on page 133, " It'd be entirely different. I said. I was getting depressed as hell again." This nonconformist desire has led Holden to have illusions of grandeur as a fictional savior, "The Catcher in the Rye."(pg. 173) The catcher in the rye is undoubtedly a metaphor, for keeping children from falling into the same norm as adults. The inability of Holden to accept growing up and the depression caused by it has made Holden suicidal, "what I really felt like, though, was committing suicide.

Religion in History

Hebrew religious beliefs differed from the beliefs of other people in the ancient Middle East. â€Å"Of all the ancient civilizations, it was the Hebrews who exerted perhaps the greatest influence on western society as well as the western intellectual tradition† (â€Å"Hebrew'). The Hebrews first appeared in Mesopotamia and then migrated from Mesopotamia to Canaan and then into Egypt and back to Canaan. The Hebrew people were different. For them, there was only one god, Yahweh. This was a fundamental difference between the Hebrews and their neighbors in the ancient Middle East.The Egyptians, Babylonians, and others did not worship Yahweh. Not Reason but Revelation was the cornerstone of the Hebrew faith† (â€Å"Religion†). Yahweh was the focus of Hebrew life; therefore, the Hebrews would give no praise to royalty. Moses received the Ten Commandments as guidelines for the Hebrews. The poor, children, and sick were all protected and rich and poor were to be treated under the same laws. Personal property was not most important and did not define a person for the first time.Hebrews' felt that Yahweh was fair; however their neighbors felt different about their Gods. â€Å"The ancient lands of Canaan, Israel, and Judah were overrun at various times. The peoples who ruled them brought with hem their own gods and religious practices. Wherever they went, the Hebrews kept their customs and their belief† (â€Å"Hebrew†). The Persians were settled in the area long before the Hebrews. â€Å"The Persians had two gods, Ahura Mazda, who created all the good things in the world, and Ahriman, who created all the bad things in the world.These two gods were at war all the time. Their struggle kept the world in a delicate balance. If one god gained the upper hand, then more of his influence would be felt† (â€Å"Middle†). The Phoenicians also believed in gods that were responsible for parts of nature, such as rain and wind. Baal, the storm god, was the second most important Phoenician god, behind El, the chief god† (â€Å"Middle†). The Phoenicians also believed in a life after death, as did their neighbors the Egyptians.Both embalmed their dead and wrapped them in linen; the Phoenicians placed the bodies in stone coffins in hillside cemeteries It was believed that people could decide which god they wanted to follow. â€Å"Those who followed Ahura Mazda, the god of good, did good deeds like keeping their word, giving to the poor, treating other people well, and obeying the king. Those who followed Ahriman did bad things, like lying, cheating, being lazy, and being reedy' (â€Å"Middle†). In the end, Ahura Mazda would triumph and good would win. People who supported this god would enjoy happiness after death.Those who supported Ahriman would be punished for that support. â€Å"This religion, later called Zoroastrianism, was the religion practiced throughout the Persian Empire when Alexander the Great conquered it in 330† (â€Å"Middle†). With his influence, Alexander brought the religion of the Greeks. Sumerians and Hebrews had many similarities and differences in their beliefs. They both give high regard to the Gods. Gods have the most power and can bring ood fortune, good harvest, good health, and good life. On the other hand, the Gods can take all these goods back and cause death, sickness, and plague.Sumerians and religious beliefs of the Hebrews from the belief systems of Egypt or Mesopotamia was clearly their monotheism. This monotheism made possible for a new awareness of the individual. Man had the capacity to choose between good and evil. Sumerians practice polytheism; in fact, they think of the Gods as human. Eastern polytheism used images to represent their gods and goddesses. The Sumerians believed that the forces of nature were alive. The people couldn't control these forces of nature, so they worshipped them as gods.The people also believed t hat they were living on Earth only to please the gods. â€Å"The Sumerian gods included Anu, the ruler of the gods; Enki, the god of earth; and Enlil, the god of the air, who separated heaven and earth. Enlil it was also who gave the Sumerians their knowledge of farming† (Hebrew'). Each Sumerian city also had its own god. The focus of the city was the ziggurat, a large temple, which was the home of that city's god. The priests who worked in the ziggurats were the only ones who knew the will of the gods, so hey were very powerful.