Business Cycle Theory Survey Of Methods â€Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Business Cycle Theory Survey Of Methods? Answer: Introducation In economics, the term economies of scale takes into account the phenomenon of decrease in the cost of production, on average terms, with the gradual increase in the scale of production of goods and services by any enterprise. In other words, as a company goes no expanding and increasing its production, if its average cost of production goes on decreasing eventually, then the company is said to achieve economies of scale. Economies of scale can be of two types, external as well as internal. Internal economies of scale usually occur when a firm itself reduces its cost of production and enjoys an increased production. This is entirely specific to the firm. On the other hand, external economies of scale occurs when the industry, of which the firm is a part, as a whole experiences cost effectiveness and efficiency due to increased scope of operations (David Myers CEcD 2015). Economies of scale, though can be found in many market structures, is of large importance in those markets where it is good to have a natural monopoly. In several scenarios, it may so happen that the presence of a single large firm in an industry is more efficient in terms of cost production and pricing aspects as the presence of more than one firm may increase the cost of productions for both the firms and none can enjoy economies of scale (Lewis 2013). If the commodity provided by that industry is of necessary or merit in nature, like electricity, then it is better to allow only one big firm to enjoy economies of scale and become a natural monopolist such that it can provide the commodity at a much cheaper price due to its low cost of production. It can be seen from the above diagram. As can be seen from the case study provided, the airlines industry in Australia, before the collapse of the Ansett group was more of a duopoly-structured industry with both the competitors Quantas and Ansett, enjoying nearly same market power and a considerable size of the market. However, in 2002-2003, after the collapse of the Ansett group and the emergence of the Virgin Blue group, though apparently the market structure remained of that of a duopoly, it can be considered to be an industry with one and a half enterprises (Aph.gov.au, 2017). This is because, the Quantas emerged as the more powerful and expansive and cash rich one with larger domain of operations. Virgin Blue on the other side, though started as a moderately sized enterprise, was seen to be gaining market importance in the market in spite of their services being limited and constricted, the restraints being imposed by the enterprise purposefully (Varian 2014). As can be seen from the above figure, if only one single firm would have been present in the market, under monopolistic situation, the profit of the firm would have been OP0SN, under Cornot Duopoly Model. However, with the advent of another firm, the profit of the first firm decreases to OP1CN as the price falls due to competition between the two firms. The profit of the second firm becomes NHCD (Carf and Perrone 2013). This can be related to the scenario prevailing in the aviation industry in Australia in 2002-2003, with two prominent competitors in the market. Cornot however assumes zero cost of production, which is purely hypothetical and not true for this case. However, the profits of the firms get shared as suggested by the above diagram. The business cycle of a country shows the dynamics in the economy of that country with time, including both the positive and the adverse ones, which can be seen from the performance of the country with respect to the economic indicators like the growth rates of GDP, inflation and the overall level of unemployment (Gabisch and Lorenz 2013). In this context, taking reference to the data provided for the economy of France in the current period, it can be interpreted that the economy is in its recovery phase of the business cycle. The economy went to a severe recessionary situation, in 2008-2010, much of which can be attributed to the occurrence of the Global Economic Crisis during that period of time, which had immense negative implications on the European countries as a while (Sherman 2014). The economy, with the government budget hitting as low as -7.2 during that time, is seen to slowly recover from the shock, though the budget is still in deficit, the magnitude being much less (-3.4). The GDP growth rate of the country is still low (0.4%). However, the unemployment rate prevailing in the economy has decreased from 10% to 9.6% and there has also been a moderate decrease in the rate of inflation, from 1.2% to 0.8% in the recent times. Thus, it can be asserted that the economy, though not performing extraordinarily, is c onsistently coming out of the recessionary situation and is currently in the recovery period of the business cycle. The current phase of recovery of the economy of France can be represented with the help of the AD AS Model: With the recovery in the economy, as can be seen from the improvement in the budget statistics and the decrease in the unemployment scenario, the aggregate demand of the economy is expected to increase. As can be seen from the above figure, with the increase in the government budget and the decrease in the trends of unemployment, the aggregate demand is expected to increase slowly, which in turn is expected to increase the GDP as well as the overall price levels. Persistence of this trend may help in increasing the supply in the economy in the long run (Benigno 2015). Economic growth, according to the AD AS model, can be achieved if both the management demand as well as the aggregate supply goes on increasing sustainably in the economy, such that the long term goals can be achieved. The aggregate demand consists of investment expenditures, consumption expenditures, government spending and net exports. Increase in these factors helps in increasing the aggregate demand, which in turn facilitates increase in the aggregate supply. In this context, France can experience economic growth by decreasing the interest rates, thereby facilitating investments in the economy. The government can also increase its investments in sectors like health, education and infrastructure, which helps in long-term capacity building, thereby contributing to the economic growth of the country. Employment generation is also a key method for economic growth as it facilitates increase in the aggregate household consumption spending, thereby contributing to the increase in the aggregate demand, which in turn increases the aggregate supply, thereby taking the economy on the path of sustained long term economic growth (Benigno 2015). The policy taken by Macron, regarding the reforms in the labor market of France, is that of deregulation in order to make the labor market activities more flexible. However, the policy, though targeted to increase the number of good jobs available in the market of the economy, does not specifically work towards that goal (Theweek.com, 2017). In this context, a more fruitful policy would have been investing in the development of the skills of the workers and the infrastructure in the economy, which facilitates creation of new jobs. As can be said with the help of the Cobweb Model, an increase in the skill development of the workers and a better infrastructure, in short run may create fluctuations in the labor market due to alterations in the wages and demand for more skilled workers. However, in the long run, stability can be achieved in the labor market in the following way: As can be seen from the above diagram, the Cobweb Model suggests that due to the investment in education and infrastructure, which augments the skill and efficiency of the workers, in the long run the supply as well as the demand for skilled labors increase. This in turn pushes up the real wage rate from W0 to W1 (Ehrenberg and Smith 2016). A higher wage rate, in its turn, increases the purchasing power, thereby increasing the aggregate demand in the economy: The increase in the AD, leads to an increase in the AS too, which in turn creates more scopes of employment, income generation and again an increase in the AD. This cycle goes on continuing such that in long run the economy moves to the point E1, on the Long Run supply Curve. Thus, the policy of investing on the skill development and enhancement of the workers would have been proved to be more beneficial, had it been implemented properly (Benigno 2015). References Aph.gov.au (2017).Australian Airline Industry Parliament of Australia. [online] Aph.gov.au. Available at: https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp/rp0203/03RP10#dthe [Accessed 28 Sep. 2017]. Benigno, P., 2015. New-Keynesian Economics: An ASAD View.Research in Economics,69(4), pp.503-524. Carf, D. and Perrone, E., 2013. Asymmetric Cournot duopoly: A game complete analysis.Journal of Reviews on Global Economics,2, pp.194-202. David Myers CEcD, M.A., 2015. economies of scale.Economic Development Journal,14(3), p.11. Ehrenberg, R.G. and Smith, R.S., 2016.Modern labor economics: Theory and public policy. Routledge. Gabisch, G. and Lorenz, H.W., 2013.Business cycle theory: a survey of methods and concepts. Springer Science Business Media. Lewis, W.A., 2013.Theory of economic growth(Vol. 7). Routledge. Sherman, H.J., 2014.The business cycle: growth and crisis under capitalism. civil-engineering University Press. Theweek.com (2017).Emmanuel Macron has misdiagnosed France's ailing economy. [online] Theweek.com. Available at: https://theweek.com/articles/705135/emmanuel-macron-misdiagnosed-frances-ailing-economy [Accessed 28 Sep. 2017]. Varian, H.R., 2014.Intermediate Microeconomics: A Modern Approach: Ninth International Student Edition. WW Norton Company.

Decision Making and Motivating Performance

Question: Discuss about the Decision Making and Motivating Performance. Answer: Introduction: Scentre Group has been selected for the purpose of analysis in context with the remuneration of the executives of the company. The mission of the Group is to own interest in the highest quality regional centers and to make investment in the assets through the redevelopment opportunities. It would ensure that the communities of the Group are enriched by the shopping centers by providing extraordinary retail spaces. It intends to provide the customers with leisure and unique shopping experience. The goal of the company is to ensure that the shopping centers of the Group meets the highest expectations of the customers and retailers (Crosson and Needles 2013). Discussion: Scentre group prepares the remuneration report in accordance with the requirement of the ASX corporate governance council and Corporation Act. Remuneration report focuses on the approach to remuneration of the key management personnel. Established indicators do the assessment of the performance of the executives. Remuneration of the Group needs to be aligned with the interest of the security holders and business strategy of the Group (Needles and Crosson 2013). The remuneration package of CEO of Scentre Group has remain unchanged and the fees of Chairman has witnessed an increase in the financial year 2016. Remuneration practice of Group is benchmarked against its competitors (Datar et al. 2013). Total remuneration of the executive teams such as Chairman and CEO comprise of fixed remuneration and the potential maximum at the risk remuneration through the short-term and long-term incentive plan. Fixed remuneration of Executives such as CEO and Chairman is awarded in cash. The targeted and potential long-tern incentive (LTI) and short-term incentive (STI) is calculated as a percentage of fixed remuneration. Under the short-term incentive (STI) plan, CEO, CFO and COO, 70% of short-term incentives are paid in cash and the balance amount are delivered as the performance right at the end of three years. Under the deferred STI awards, there are no additional performance hurdles. The targeted maximum STI opportunity for CEO was 127.5 and 150. For the LTI, it stood at 135 and 170 (Scentregroup.com 2017). The performance of the top executives such as CEO and Chairman is measured by establishing the KPIs under the development system and performance review. Measuring the performance of the executive against the agreed KPIs determines the actual STI awarded. Performance weighting of CEO under the financial measures comprise of 65% of the group target and for the non-financial measures, it stands at 35% (Scentregroup.com 2017). The LTI are awarded under Performance Incentive Right plan as performance rights. The performance objectives of the KPIs vary according to the role of executives. Senior executive such as CEO is subjected to the performance review in the manner discussed. Valuation of awards made to the executives under the equity-linked plan reflects the performance of the securities on the Australian stock exchange. The value of the awards of the executives fall if the price of share falls (Matherly and Burney 2013). CEO of scentre group can become one of the highest paid according to revelations at the group annual general meeting. It was thought that the remuneration was a misunderstood overpay. In lieu of this, the investors voted against the potential payment made to Mr. Allen and it was related to the structure of remuneration. Chairman of the company Brian Schwartz said that the remuneration practices of the Group is under review (Financial Review 2015). The bonus structure of the company are such that the remuneration paid to the executives are better linked to the performance rather than focusing on the components of fixed salary. On the other hand, Performance of the Scentre Group is measured by using a number of key metrics, which includes growth in the security price and earnings. The Group as the key performance measure uses FFO. FFO is an accepted measure of profitability used by the real estate industry that is recognized internationally. The key performance indicator of Scentre Group is based on financial and non-financial measures and this include construction, retail management, sustainability, strategic targets and the value of the Group. The review of the executive is done annually and there are various performance criteria. The various category of the key performance indicator of Scentre Group are development projects, digital strategy, acquisition, strategic sales, joint venture, financial targets, portfolio management and risk management (Scentregroup.com 2017). KPIs for each executive are set on the annual basis with the intention of motivating them to achieve their performance objectives. Conclusion: Scentre Group is a geographically focused business and the executives of the company has been empowered to operate with autonomy. This help them in achieving their business objectives efficiently. It is clearly observed from the above discussion that the remuneration of the senior executives are paid based on their performances. Performances of senior executives are monitored, as there are established performance indicators. The policies and practices reflecting remuneration of the executives reflect high level of governance. However, it was reviewed by the journal presented from few newspaper that the senior executives are being over paid and in light of this, there is a need to restructure the remuneration policies. Reference: Crosson, S.V. and Needles, B.E., 2013.Managerial accounting. Cengage Learning. Datar, S.M., Rajan, M.V. and Horngren, C.T., 2013.Managerial Accounting: Decision Making and Motivating Performance. Pearson Higher Ed. Financial Review. (2015).Scentre Group CEO Peter Allen could become one of country's best-paid execs. Available at: https://www.afr.com/real-estate/commercial/scentre-group-ceo-peter-allen-could-become-one-of-countrys-bestpaid-execs-20150507-ggw68l [Accessed 9 Jan. 2017]. Guinea, F.A., 2016. The Need For Managerial Accounting Systems.SEA-Practical Application of Science, (12), pp.465-470. Matherly, M. and Burney, L.L., 2013. Active learning activities to revitalize managerial accounting principles.Issues in Accounting Education,28(3), pp.653-680. Needles, B.E. and Crosson, S.V., 2013.Managerial accounting. Nelson Education. Scentregroup.com. (2017).News | Scentre Group. Available at: https://www.scentregroup.com/media/ [Accessed 9 Jan. 2017]. Scentregroup.com. (2017).News Archives | Scentre Group. Available at: https://www.scentregroup.com/news_announcements/?type=media_releases [Accessed 9 Jan. 2017].

The Fellowship of the Ring Essay Example For Students

The Fellowship of the Ring Essay In The Fellowship of the Ring, the main character is Frodo Baggins, a hobbit from the Shire who becomes the Ring-bearer. The main villain is Sauron, the Dark Lord that forged the One Ring to take over Middle-Earth. In the fellowship, besides the ring-bearer, are three other hobbits, Samwise Gamgee, Peregrin Took and Meriadoc Brandybuck, three of Frodos closest friends. There is also Gandalf, the wizard he is a powerful wizard, second to only Saruman the White. Legolas Greenleaf, son of the Elf King of Northern Mirkwood he is an eleven archer with a true aim. The dwarf Gimli heir to the throne of Gondor, Gimli wields a powerful ax in battle and is a great craftsman. We will write a custom essay on The Fellowship of the Ring specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now He is the true King of Gondor hasnt yet re-claimed his throne but spends his time protecting and aiding the fellowship members, and finally Boromir, oldest son of the Steward of Gondor. He is next in line to be the Steward of Gondor, but doesnt always seem trustworthy however, as time passes he forms a bond with the Halflings (the hobbits) and is very protective of them.Yet they all have some talent or purpose in aiding Frodo in the quest. The book takes place in different parts of Middle Earth during the Third Age. The mood is often quite tense with suspense and a sense of doom. They are in constant danger, always being watched or hunted.The hobbits leave their precious homes and travel through the Old Forest to get to Bree, where they meet Aragorn and he aids them in their journey. All five later leave for Rivendell and the mood is quite tense with the Black Riders hunting them down. On the way, they stop at Weathertop, where Frodo is, unfortunately, stabbed with a Morgul blade. Luckily, they all get to Rivendell safely with the help of Glorfindel, an elf. Once there, Frodo is given time to heal before Lord Elrond summons a council and the fellowship is formed with nine members. The fellowship continue on their quest to get rid of the ring and were forced to trudge through Caradhras in order to avoid the dark and secret way. However, they were forced to take that path, after being forced off Caradhras, through the Mines of Moria where it is believed that Gandalf had fallen into shadow in their escape. They next travel to Lothlorien, where they are given food, shelter and advice. Reluctantly, they leave, sailing down the Great River Anduin, resting on its banks and there they try to decide their next destination. They are attacked by Uruk-hai and Orcs, and the Fellowship is broken up THE END. .. read the next oneThis is a really good book and if you havent read it, you should. Many people are reading it now, or re-reading it again. It has a great storyline, lovable and enchanting characters, and a whole new world was created for it. Plus they are making a movie series about it so if you saw the first movie you need to read this to compare how they close they are. Also if you have read the Hobit you owe it to yourself to read this book because it is a great sequel and better in my opinion. It really is the Book of the CenturyWords/ Pages : 555 / 24

Softchoice Corporation is an information communication technology

Softchoice Corporation is an information communication technology Industry Profile Softchoice Corporation is an information communication technology (ICT) firm. The firm particularly deals with programming tools, database products, and obscure software, and has been authorized to deal with corporate, government, as well as educational licensing programs (Government of Canada, 2013). Canada’s ICT industry mainly comprises of small companies, numbering about 33,300 in total.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Softchoice Corporation is an information communication technology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More A bigger percentage of this number, 86.9 percent (Government of Canada, 2013), deal in computer services and software. On the other hand, a paltry number of 6.2 percent is within the wholesaling industries (Government of Canada, 2013). Larger companies operating in the industry are comparatively few, with close to 75 companies only employing a workforce of over 500 emp loyees in 2011. In comparison, more than 28,300 companies employed not more than 10 employees, translating to 85 percent of all companies in the industry (Government of Canada, 2013). The ICT industry comprises of four main sub-sectors, including software and computer services, ICT wholesaling, ICT manufacturing, and communications services. Softchoice falls under software and computer services sub-sector, which is also the largest among the sub-sectors with an 86.8 percent volume cover of the entire industry. Industry structure and financial performance According to the â€Å"Branham top 250† (2012), the software and computer services sub-sector had combined revenue of over $ 4.997 billion in 2011. This was a marked improvement from the previous year’s revenue amount of $ 4.274 billion, representing a percentage growth rate of 16.92. The top performers in the industry, who also comprise of Softchoice’s biggest competitors, include BCE, Rogers Communications, TE LUS, CGI Group, and Open Text (â€Å"Branham top 250†, 2012). In 2011, both CGE and Rogers Communications recorded modest gains in their business operations, where each of the companies increased their sales by approximately 2 percentage points (â€Å"Branham top 250†, 2012). TELUS, on its part, registered approximately 9 percent growth in Internet and wireless sales, posting $7.98 billion.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More These companies, also referred to as the big three, have tight business competition amongst them. This increases the possibility of other smaller companies in the sub-sector to consolidate together (â€Å"Branham top 250†, 2012). During the same year of 2011, CGI Group worked towards building its new acquisition, Stanely, which was worth $923.15 million (â€Å"Branham top 250†, 2012). The company closed the yea r with its total sales figure amounting to $4.32 billion, representing a percentage growth rate of 15.84 percent from the previous year (â€Å"Branham top 250†, 2012). In a bid to enhance its performance even further, CGI Group has established new independent business units, focusing on health and government areas. The health business area generated about $350 million in global sales in 2011, which represent 8 percent of its entire sales revenue (â€Å"Branham top 250†, 2012). Open Text recorded a landmark performance in 2011 when the company’s annual sales exceeded the $1 billion sales mark in the company’s history. The company’s revenues grew by 13.30 percentage points from the previous year (â€Å"Branham top 250†, 2012). Open Text’s main strategy of business involved acquisition deals that were completed in 2011, which saw the company obtain Metastorm, StreamServe, and weComm. The graph below highlights the cumulative performance posted by Canada’s leading 250 ICT firms (â€Å"Branham top 250†, 2012). Source: â€Å"Branham top 250† (2012)Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Softchoice Corporation is an information communication technology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More From the graph above, it is observable that the ICT industry’s cumulative revenue performance has been increasing over the years. For instance, between 2003 and 2006, the annual revenue figures for each year exceeded the previous year’s sales results. The average growth indicates that the industry is set to continue with its annual growth in the future, where the companies are set to make additional sales. Although there are secluded years, specifically 2007 and 2009, where the total annual sales made were less than the previous year’s, these are isolated cases and are not expected to affect the growth pattern going forward. Co mpetitive Strategies within the Industry Buyer power The buyers have a modest bargaining power in the industry. The software and computer services sub-sector comprises of 86 percent of the total 33,000 companies in the ICT industry in Canada (â€Å"Branham top 250†, 2012). This implies that the buyers have many choices from where they can seek to acquire their software products. It is evident that the firms compete with each other as they seek to win over the market because of relatively large number of companies in the sub-sector. This competition, in turn, provides the buyers with the necessary bargaining power advantage because the firms use such aspects as price to base their competition. However, the firms also enhance their business positions because firms such as Softchoice specialize in obscure software products. This lowers the buyers’ overall power to bargain, making it generally modest. Supplier power The suppliers’ bargaining power is equally modest in this industry. With the high number of industry players exceeding 33,000, it means this huge number of ICT firms is depending heavily on the suppliers to enable them achieve their business objectives (â€Å"Branham top 250†, 2012). The suppliers deal with a large clientele base, thus making them to enjoy high frequency business. However, it is also important to note some of the players in the industry, such as BCE, TELUS, and Rogers Communication are well established and have the potential of integrating backwards (â€Å"Branham top 250†, 2012). With Softchoice’s specialization in obscure software, the company enjoys more bargaining power over suppliers. Only a few suppliers can serve the company’s needs fully, giving it the necessary bargaining power.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More New market entrants The industry has fewer barriers to entry. Although the five leading industry players have consolidated the market, many other smaller players still exist and do their business. There are numerous sub-areas within the software and computer services sector, where firms can specialize in and still establish themselves (â€Å"Canada information technology†, 2012). Although the established firms in the industry benefit from the economies of scale advantage, they focus their attention on a larger area of the ICT industry. This, in turn, gives the smaller industry players room to penetrate into the industry as they only focus on smaller areas of the industry. The smaller industry players most likely provide high quality products and services, which attracts a significant portion of the market. Threat of substitution The threat of substitution is low. Although the wider ICT industry has many players concentrating on the same market, each of these companies has foc used on specialization in different areas. Thus, customers with particular ICT need may find it difficult to locate an alternative ICT firm that deals in the exact area. Although many software and computer services firms exist in the industry, Softchoice specifically deals in obscure software. The major companies in the industry may be dealing with a wide range of service and product areas, but they also specialize in specific business areas to improve the quality of their performance (â€Å"Canada information technology†, 2012). Competitive rivalry Competitive rivalry is high in the industry. There are many companies in the industry that have a great potential and power to compete in the market. The large established companies have resorted to acquisitions to increase their competitive edge over other industry rivals (â€Å"Canada information technology†, 2012). With the industry trends indicating growing cumulative revenue each year, the players are working hard towa rds ensuring that they capture a significant portion of the total market revenue. Companies are also differentiating their services to limit competition by focusing on particular areas as a way of enhancing their quality performance. Industry Trends and Emerging Opportunities Increasing Expenditure on RD ICT industry players have been setting apart an increased volume of their revenue for funding research and development activities. In 2010, for instance, the ICT firms increased their RD expenditure to 15.44 percent compared to 14.78 percent in the previous year (Anderson, 2013). This trend highlights the fact that the industry players recognize the importance of investing in their core expertise, as well as the products and services that they deal with to increase their competitive edge within the global playing field (Anderson, 2013). With ICT relying heavily on research and development activities because of its continuous growth and advancement, there is a higher likelihood that the ICT industry players will continue experiencing a growing need to spend more revenues on the RD activities. Increased spending on research and development increases the opportunity of the ICT firm to grow even further. It increases the probability of enhancing quality and general performance, which will in turn attract more buyers. With an increase in the number of the buyers, the firms are likely to make more sales and improve their revenues. Increased RD activity is also likely to expand the Canadian ICT market to include the international buyers. Increasing Value of the Canadian Dollar over the US Dollar The Canadian dollar gained value over the US dollar towards the end of 2010 (Anderson, 2013). This was the second time that such a trend had been noticed over a period of 30 years. Over 40 percent of the Top 250 companies generated more than 50 percent of the total sales from the international market during the same year (Anderson, 2013). In particular, over 30 percent of the listed firms produced in excess of 50 percent of their total revenues within the US. This played a critical role in increasing the Canadian dollar’s value with respect to the US dollar (Anderson, 2013). A continuation of this trend will subject the Canadian ICT firms concentrating on the international market into increased competition. This is due to the high product cost influenced by the increasing value of the local currency over that of the US dollar (Anderson, 2013). In essence, the Canadian firms seeking to position themselves as efficient near-shore alternatives compared to the traditional outsourcing destinations must rely on other significant strengths. This may include looking more into innovation and leadership aspects, instead of concentrating on overall savings on labor cost (Anderson, 2013). In other words, the increase in value of the Canadian dollar over the US dollar is a threat to business for the ICT firms because it diminishes the overall profitability of the firms. Mergers and Acquisitions The ICT industry in Canada is experiencing an increase in mergers and acquisitions. Several of the established firms in the industry have acquired other companies, including both emerging startups and established firms to complement their existing technologies and entrance into new markets (Anderson, 2013). Foreign players have also acquired several other small and medium sized Canadian ICT firms to earn leverage into the market. In 2010, for instance, ICT players BreconRidge, Coretec, Protus, Brainhunter, as well as Fusepoint Managed Systems and Clarity System were all acquired by other firms (Anderson, 2013). This trend is likely to continue going forward as uncertainty in the industry pushes firms towards seeking to strengthen their presence in the market. This creates additional market opportunity for the established firms pursuing the acquisitions and mergers because it helps them to expand their potential market. It also increases their are as of specialization as the acquired firms could be specialists in different ICT areas. However, this trend is a threat to the smaller firms that seek to remain independent. It consolidates the market and gives the established firms more power to manipulate the industry to their advantage, leaving the smaller firms with little capability to challenge them. Importance of Information Technology to the Industry Technology is a critical aspect of the ICT industry. ICT as an industry will be non-existent without technology. Presently, the world is considered as a global village, where information flows very fast from one region or part to another. The entire globe is interconnected, where networks play a critical role in generating large amounts of data flow that accumulate on a daily basis (van Weert Tatnall, 2005). Technology has had its immense share in supporting and enabling this to be a reality. Improved computing devices with high performance power, including laptops, desktop com puters, and Smartphones all have the ability to browse the Internet at fast speeds and enhance the ICT interconnectivity (van Weert Tatnall, 2005). As advancements in technology continue to be witnessed, the ICT capacity is also growing. There is an emergence of a new technological trend, Internet of Things (IOT), which has made it virtually possible to connect anything via such methods as Machine-to-Machine communication (M2M) (Giusto et al., 2010). The new network is sustained by new technological developments where information sensors are embedded in home appliances, houses, machines, cars, as well as extended to such social infrastructures as transportation and energy systems. Technology is also enabling unprecedented progress where meaningful patterns are found from undertaking an analysis of the diverse and vast data flow from the Internet (Giusto et al., 2010). ICT has been settled upon as the appropriate means of enhancing back office productivity within public organization s. Many organizations are increasing their efficiency. Consequently, they are able to deal with real time information and details that they require for their operations. Technology is playing a critical role in exploiting new business areas, which have made ICT to be a virtual boundary-less area. ICT is expanding in both quality performance and reliability as more technological innovations come into play (van Weert Tatnall, 2005). By extension, the quality of life is also improving as individuals are able to learn fast, products can be produced more efficiently, firms can avert losses at the opportune time, and the health sector is capable of enhancing its performance. References Anderson, D. (2013). Canadas ICT industry: a work in progress. Retrieved from branhamgroup.com/research-reports-1/canadas-ict-industry-a-work-in-progress Branham top 250 Canadian ICT Companies 2012. (2012). Backbone Magazine. Retrieved from backbonemag.com/Magazine/2012-04/Top300-2012/canadian-ict-companie s.aspx Canada information technology report Q1 2012. (2012). Research and Markets. Retrieved from researchandmarkets.com/reports/2077623/canada_information_technology_report_q1_2012 Giusto, D., Iera, A., Morabito, G., Atzori, L. (2010). The Internet of things: 20th Tyrrhenian workshop on digital communications (1st ed.). New York, NY: Springer. Government of Canada. (2013). Information and communications technologies (ICT). Retrieved from ic.gc.ca/app/ccc/srch/nvgt.do?lang=engprtl=1sbPrtl=estblmntNo=123456129319profile=cmpltPrflprofileId=2059app=sold van Weert, T. J., Tatnall, A. (2005). Information and communication technologies and real-life learning: New education for the knowledge society. New York, NY: Springer.

The effect of social media on Arab spring Research Proposal

The effect of social media on Arab spring - Research Proposal Example Social media diffuse social, economic, political, and cultural barriers within the society (Qualman 8). The speedy propagation and adoption of technology has fueled the use of social media as a tool for activism. The Arab Spring in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Syria, and Yemen demonstrate this potential. During the Arab Spring, social media played a critical role in spreading information and unifying the protesters. Social media can be defined as online media content created and shared by individuals on the cyberspace using freely and easily accessible websites. The websites employ interfaces that enable people to generate and post images, videos, as well as chat and text information. The created information can be shared with a select group of friends or the entire public domain. Social media incorporate blogs, wikis, forums, content communities, micro blogs, social networking sites, and podcasts. Social media detail characteristics such as participation, whereby individuals make contributions and receive feedback from the target groups. Similarly, it also incorporates openness, whereby social media encourage participation and feedback from all through voting, commenting, and sharing of information. Thirdly, it involves conversation, whereby social media is two-way contrasting broadcast oriented traditional media. The community aspect arises from allowing people to mutually share universal interests such as art and politics. Lastly, social media enhance connectedness by linking people, sites, locations, and resources. To a large extent, social media enhance democratization of information; transforming users from content readers to content publishers (Al-Deen & Hendricks 205). Social media effects can be classified into behavioural, attitudinal, cognitive, and emotional. Social media play a key role in the learning and social

BORDER SECURITY USING WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORK Research Paper

BORDER SECURITY USING WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORK - Research Paper Example Borders are critical features of any state since they define territory. Individualterritories on the other hand have specific rules and acceptable ways of conduct which must be protected. As such, it is important that borders should be protected so as to keep away intruders such as illegal immigrants, smugglers, and terrorists. WSNs are being embraced in surveillance because they are cheaper and more effective as compared to traditional surveillance methods such as radar or satellite (Wang &Guo 358). Wireless border control sensor network architecture is made up of three main components: sensor nodes, gateways, and task managers. Sensor nodes are the components at the end of the architecture which capture the data at the border (through sensing). They are also referred to as the sink, source, or actuators. As such, movement for example at unauthorized areas can be sensed from the sensor nodes. Several sensors are situated differently and are usually interconnected. The sensor nodes may do some calculations before transmitting the data at the border though a gateway (Kalita, &Kar 2). Gateways on the other hand are proxies for the wireless border control systems. They allow the system administrators to interface Motes to some relay points such as personal digital assistants and personal computers for monitoring. In short, all the interconnected sensor nodes relay their information to the administrator through the same proxy (gateway) (Maharrey, Lim, &Gao 7). Gateways may be active (allow nodes to actively relay data to the system (gateway server), passive (allows gateway to send requests to sensor nodes), or hybrid (performs tasks of both active and passive gateways) (Villegas, Tang, &Qian 4). The task managers are the receiving ends of the wireless border control sensor network architecture. After the sensor notes acquire information from the

Proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Proposal - Essay Example This means that students may have to reschedule their arrival in the early morning even if their classes are in the afternoon session just to get a better parking spot!! Further, parking space provided for faculty members is 3-4 decks high and lies partially unoccupied due to its better parking space Vs vehicles ratio. And if students use these slots during rush hour, they are penalized through issue of tickets or towing away of vehicles even if these slots were vacant. Some students prefer to park their vehicles in the off-campus parking slots like Starbucks when their classes are closer to such parking lots than student's parking area. Unfortunately, students having classes at West campus or the forum area cannot do this! Similarly, some faculties like business have their classes closer to Beaver stadium, but is it possible for all university students to change over to business faculty simply to avail of this advantage! This is an unnecessary benefit for some students which also needs to be streamlined. This acute problem of parking facility for the students often creates unnecessary anxiety in terms of finding a parking slot at the last moment, lack of parking slot during the rush hour, waiting for a bus/walking down all the way and delays on such accords leading to students being penalized for coming late, feeling of a bias among students due to underutilized parking slots for faculty members and lack of interest by the university authorities to resolve the matter. This paper aims to suggest workable solutions to the problem and thereby help them stay motivated and happier while pursuing their studies at the university. THE SURVEY With a view to finding out whether this problem is unique to this author or the case is same with all faculty members, the undersigned conducted a basic survey of 200 students on this subject. The common view was that there exists an unreasonable and acute parking problem for the students of this university which needs to be resolved on due priority. The essence/terms of reference and outcome of the survey are appended below for a quick glance by one and all: 1. Do you think the university suffers from a parking problem Ans. Yes - 145/200 2. Where do you park usually Ans Campus - 130/200. 3. Would you like to park on campus Ans. All 200 students responded with a big YES. 4. Which of the following areas is the best area for rebuilding a parking deck a) Blue area b) Red area c) Yellow area d) Black area e) Green area Ans. Black area - 70/200. 5. Which available parking deck is the most convenient one to convert a) Park 1 b) Park 2 c) Park 3 d) Park 4 Ans. Park 2 - 80/200 6. If all solutions fail due to monetary issues and/or long term solutions, are you interested to help implement a point system Ans. Yes 145/200 7. Are you interested in being part of a student organization that will proceed and help make results happen Ans. Yes - 100/200. BUILDING/CONVERTING A PARKING DECK FOR STUDENTS As is evident from this survey, Black area and Park 2 parking deck seem to be popular and convenient choices for providing parking facilities for the students. However, the final decision as to where the parking deck should be provided is up to the committee in charge of making such decisions. While one deck can be constructed at Black area, it can be supplemented economically by converting one faculty deck for use by the