Arguments against NAFTA

Arguments against NAFTA Free Online Research Papers Implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) began on January 1, 1994. This agreement was made to remove most barriers to trade and investment among the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Under the NAFTA, all non-tariff barriers to agricultural trade between the United States and Mexico were eliminated. In addition, many tariffs were eliminated immediately, with others being phased out over periods of 5 to 15 years. This allowed for an orderly adjustment to free trade with Mexico, with full implementation beginning January 1, 2008. The agricultural provisions of the U.S.-Canada Free Trade Agreement, which had been in effect since 1989, were incorporated into the NAFTA. Under these provisions, all tariffs affecting agricultural trade between the United States and Canada, with a few exceptions, were removed by January 1, 1998. Mexico and Canada reached a separate NAFTA agreement for agricultural products. This agreement did away with most tariffs either immediately or over 5, 10, or 15 years. Tariffs between the two countries affecting trade in dairy, poultry, eggs, and sugar were maintained. Economically, the result was supposed to be a large boon to the GNP of all concerned countries, a higher standard of living for each nation’s workers, and improved unemployment rates. Although these are the most obvious of the reasons for the unilateral agreement, there is one more very important goal that is less obvious. Mexico, an undeveloped country, has considerably less commerce and business potential than either the United States or Canada, two of the strongest economic powers in the world. NAFTA was also created to make the financial future of its citizens brighter, thus stemming the tide of immigrants, both legal and illegal, across our borders. Although there have been positive effects on each country’s economic picture, much of what has happened would have happened anyway, even without NAFTA. The Congressional Budget Office of the United States estimates that the increased trade resulting from NAFTA has probably increased U.S. gross domestic product, but by a very small amountprobably a few billion dollars or less, or a few hundredths of a percent. NAFTA has had a comparatively small, but growing, positive effect on U.S. exports to Mexico (ranging from 2.2 percent in 1994 to 11.3 percent in 2001) and a similar effect on U.S. imports from Mexico (ranging from 1.9 percent in 1994 to 7.7 percent in 2001). The effects of NAFTA on the U.S. balance of trade in goods with Mexico have been positive in most years, and very small in all years, since the agreement began. The CBO reports further that in 1994, the first year of the agreement, the total effect on the U.S. economy by way of the NAFTA was less than half a billion dollars, or 0.005% of the GNP. By 2001, that effect had increased to only 3.6 billion, or 0.041% of the GNP. In addition, the growth in U.S. trade in services with both Canada and Mexico has been even less impressive, amounting to about two-thirds the percentage increase between the U.S. and the rest of the world. Nor has the agreement had much effect on our country’s unemployment woes. In 1993, the year before the signing, the national unemployment rate was 6.9%. There has been a gradual decline over the years to 4.6% in 2006, but much of that can be attributed to a strong economy and other factors, and not much credit can be given to the NAFTA. Some of the lack of improvement in our unemployment picture can actually be directly attributed to the agreement which was supposed to improve that area. Many â€Å"maquiladoras† plants have sprung up on the Mexican border along the United States. These facilities import raw materials from U.S. manufacturers, cheap Mexican labor is used to assemble the final product, and then the units are shipped back over the border back to our country. This not only skews the optimistic import/export numbers upon which the NAFTA boasts much of its success, but it takes manufacturing jobs away from U.S. workers. For Mexico, the situation has been even worse. The country went through a recession in 1994, with a Gross Domestic Product that declined by 6.94 percent, and inflation reached 51.97 percent . In addition, the country’s unemployment rate from 1994 to 2006 has hovered from 3.0 to 3.7%, so no appreciable gain in that regard has been realized. In the 1980s, Mexican real wages fell 66%. In the 1980s, the average Mexican workers wage was one-third that in the U.S. In the 2000s, the ratio is one-eighth, and immigrants continue to flow across our borders at a rate of 400,000 per year. In summary, the NAFTA has changed little regarding the progression of import/export balance, the economic picture of any of the participating countries, or the unemployment rate for the United States. The flow of illegal immigrants that is a direct result of bleak economic outlooks in Mexico has not slowed appreciably. Big business should be left to large corporations who understand the balance of supply and demand, and can anticipate the cause and effect of major economic strategies. Government should only step in to handle the finer points of negotiation, and then only with the assistance of the corporations whose task it will be to make it all work. Research Papers on Arguments against NAFTAThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationDefinition of Export QuotasPETSTEL analysis of IndiaQuebec and CanadaNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NiceTwilight of the UAWAppeasement Policy Towards the Outbreak of World War 2Analysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropeInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married Males

Hawksbill Sea Turtle Facts

Hawksbill Sea Turtle Facts The hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate) has a beautiful carapace, which caused this turtle to be hunted nearly to extinction. Here you can learn about the natural history of this species.   Hawksbill Turtle Identification The hawksbill turtle grows to lengths of 3.5 feet long and weights of up to 180 pounds. Hawksbill turtles were named for the shape of their beak, which looks similar to the beak of a raptor. The hawksbill was prized for its shell, which was used in combs, brushes, fans and even furniture. In Japan, hawksbill shell is referred to as bekko. Now the hawksbill is listed under Appendix I in CITES, which means that trade for commercial purposes is banned. In addition to its beautiful shell and hawklike beak, other identifying features of the hawksbill turtle include overlapping scutes, and 4 lateral scutes on each side of its carapace, a narrow, pointed head, and two visible claws on their flippers.   Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: CheloniidaeGenus: EretmochelysSpecies: imbricate Habitat and Distribution Hawksbill turtles occupy a large range that stretches throughout all but the worlds coldest waters. They travel hundreds of miles between feeding and nesting grounds. Major nesting grounds are in the Indian Ocean (e.g., Seychelles, Oman), Caribbean (e.g., Cuba, Mexico), Australia, and Indonesia. Hawsbills  forage around  coral reefs,  seagrass beds, near  mangroves  and in muddy lagoons. Feeding A study by Dr. Anne Meylan of the Florida Marine Research Institute showed that 95% of a hawksbills diet is made up of sponges (read more about hawksbill diet). In the Caribbean, these turtles feed on more than 300 sponge species. This is an interesting food choice - sponges have a skeleton made of needle-shaped spicules (made of silica, which is glass, calcium or protein), which essentially means, as James R. Spotila said in his book Sea Turtles, a hawkbills stomach is filled with small glass shards. Reproduction Female hawksbills nest on beaches, often under trees and other vegetation. They lay about 130 eggs at a time, and this process takes 1-1.5 hours. They will go back out to sea for 13-16 days before laying another nest. Hatchlings weigh .5 ounce when they hatch, and then spend their first 1-3 years at sea, where they may live on rafts of Sargassum. During this time they eat algae, barnacles, fish eggs, tunicates and crustaceans. When they reach 8-15 inches, they move closer to shore, where they eat primarily sponges as they grow larger. Conservation Hawksbill turtles are listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Redlist. The list of threats to hawsbills is similar to that of the other 6 turtle species. They are threatened by harvesting (for their shell, meat and eggs), although trade bans seem to be helping the population. Other threats include habitat destruction, pollution, and bycatch in fishing gear. Sources CITES. Status of Trade in Hawksbill Turtles (Online). CITES Web Site. Accessed February 20, 2011, as of August 2015, no longer accessible.Mortimer, J.A Donnelly, M. 2008. Eretmochelys imbricata (Online) IUCN 2010. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2010.4. Accessed on February 20, 2011.NOAA Fisheries. Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). Accessed August 10, 2015.Spotila, James R. Sea Turtles: A Complete Guide to Their Biology, Behavior and Conservation 2004. The Johns Hopkins University Press.Turtles.org The Atlantic Green Turtle (Online). Accessed February 16, 2011.Waller, Geoffrey, ed. SeaLife: A Complete Guide to the Marine Environment. Smithsonian Institution Press. Washington, D.C. 1996.

Madeleine-Leininger Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Madeleine-Leininger - Assignment Example She highlighted that the theory had its basis on comparative culture care. The document also describes the ethnonursing research method that Leininger developed when developing her theory. In addition, models and enablers used in the ethnonursing research method are also described in depth. From this document, it becomes evident that the numerous factors, which can be categorized as both diverse and universal cultural factors that influence nursing care. From the document, the strengths of the ethnonursing research method become evident to the reader. It is intriguing to analyze Leininger’s understanding of culture care in her effort to form the foundation of transcultural nursing. All the definitions and concepts used in her theory are well explained in this overview document. A close analysis of the document helped me understand the different constructs that define the culture care theory. I also realized that transcultural nursing was the field developed by Leininger after describing her theory successfully (Madeleine-Leininger.com, 2014). This field utilizes both cultural differences and similarities in an effort to provide assistance that matches the needs of people from different cultures. The context under which Leininger developed her theory is also given attention in the document (Leininger, 2008). Doctor Madeleine Leininger calls her theory Culture Care Diversity and Universality as highlighted in the info-facts section. It is identified as the only theory that focuses on transcultural nursing (Leininger, 2008). After reading the info-facts section, I had the impression that Dr. Leininger is an experienced professional in the nursing field. She had conducted wide research in an effort to develop her theory. She has been recognized for her efforts in launching the transcultural nursing field. Notably, she is the author of 28 books, more than 300 articles, and about 60 chapters. This makes it evident that she is a resourceful

Courtroom player Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Courtroom player - Essay Example It is no doubt that a judge is a key figure in the courtroom; the two opposing parties in a case usually come before a judge to present their cases. The judge gives both sides the opportunity to present their version of the facts relevant to the case at hand. The judges oversee the trial and make legal decisions which may arise. In addition, they sentence convicted criminal offenders in the case of criminal cases, and make decisions regarding the outcomes of civil cases and the appropriate remedy (Arizona Supreme Court, 2010). The general responsibilities of the judges and how they perform them often raises the ethic and moral questions; the decisions that they make always border on some ethic and moral issues. Since the concept of ethics and morals are central to judges, most jurisdictions have provided ethical and moral codes that should guide the judges (Kay, 1995). That notwithstanding, judges are faced with several legal and ethical issues. The first ethical and moral issue that judges face is the issue of fairness and justice. Judges are required to make decisions that are fair and just. As such, they should use their discretion and abilities to achieve this by ensuring that every proceeding is fair and the subsequent decisions are just as fair and just. In other words, both parties should at the end be satisfied with the decision, or at least see that justice has been done. The second ethical and moral issue that the judges face is that of public confidence. Courts all over the world are considered as the places that uphold the highest level of justice, fairness and equality (Kay, 1995). This explains why individuals who are aggrieved by others use court as the last resort to seek justice, remedy, and fairness. However, factors such as historical injustices in the courts, nepotism, and corruption can greatly dent the perception that the public have about the courts. Therefore, it is very critical for judges to mainta in public confidence

Costs and Contract Terms Essay Example for Free

Costs and Contract Terms Essay Executive Summary Over the span of 168 simulated days, team Honeybadgers managed the Littlefield Technologies job shop. The team’s objective was to maximize the firm’s cash position relative to the rest of the class. Using 50 days of historical data, the team reviewed re-order points, re-order quantity, capacity, lead times, and therefore contract terms. The team also weighed the cost of new machines against capital for inventory and interest rates, evaluating the return on investment and the impact a new machine had on lead times. Using this consideration set, team Honeybadgers purchased one tuning machine, one stuffing machine, and changed the contract terms on ten occasions. Ultimately, the team placed 5th. Actions Analysis Changing Contract Terms: A 7 day lead time generated higher revenue than the other contract terms during the first 50 days. However, we observed that there was a stretch of 5-8 days when the lead time was below a 1 day lead time during the first 50 days. Evaluating the first 50 days more closely revealed that approximately every 15-20 days, the lead time dropped substantially. Noticing a pattern, and aware that a different contract time could generate more revenue, we decided to micromanage the contracts to optimize revenue. For the duration of simulation, we adjusted contract according to the trending lead time. In times of high demand, when a lead time was more than 18 hours, we opted not to use contract #3 because of the cost of each order (avg. job cost+ordering cost = $608.33) Micromanaging the contracts according to lead times was a temporary solution. This strategy allowed us to optimize revenue when we did not have the capital to purchase a machine. Purchasing Tuning and Stuffing Machines: We originally wanted to purchase both a tuning and stuffing machine because both stations had long stretches when capacity was maxed out. However, without sufficient capital, we had to ration purchases. The tuning machine was at capacity more often. At one point the machine was at capacity for 18 days in a row. Purchasing the tuning machine eliminated a bottleneck at that station, which allowed us to produce more DSS products. Although the Tuning machine was prioritized, the bottleneck at the Stuffing machine was nearly as problematic as the Tuning station’s. The Stuffing machine was at capacity for 15 days in a row. After purchasing the Stuffing machine, bottleneck shifted again, and we were able to produce more DSS products. We did not purchase a third machine because it was unclear whether the revenue earned would offset the cost of the machine. The lead time was hovering around  ½ a day when we had the capital to make the purchase, and we did not believe the additional machine would improve our lead time enough to justify a purchase. In retrospect both machines should have been purchased earlier. We will evaluate the benefits of this approach in the â€Å"Risks and Evaluations† section. Choosing Not to Borrow: When we became eligible to take out a loan, we decided to forego the option because we did not need to borrow. Our cash standing was relatively high throughout the simulation because micromanaging contract terms proved fairly effective. Another deterrent was the grossly high interest rate. A 20% interest rate mitigated any added benefit gained from taking out a loan. Choosing Not to change re-order point: Re-ordering kits was a sizeable fixed cost, but we did not adjust the re-order point / order quantity because demand variability was fairly high. We were aware there was an opportunity cost associated with holding too much inventory because we could have earned interest revenue from the cash spent on inventory. However, we kept the order amounts Q high because (1)we want to save ordering cost and (2) we were not concerned with having too much inventory on hand when there was no direct cost (such as warehousing) associated with holding inventory. Inventory Strategy Final Hours: During the last 12 simulation days we considered developing a plan to minimize our inventory at the end of the simulation. However, we were not sure how to calculate this, and the costs associated with running of inventory was too high to risk making a mistake. Results The Honeybadgers team finished the Littlefield simulation in fifth place, posting $1,511,424 in cash. The team’s final cash position was $104,192 below the first place team, earning 93.5% of their total revenue. Risks and Evaluations At the beginning of the simulation, we wanted to maintain a high R and Q because we wanted to avoid high ordering costs. While we considered keeping inventory low to save money for a new machine, we were not sure the improved lead time could offset the cost of machines. However, in hindsight we realized that we could have managed R and Q better early in the simulation, so as to minimize the amount of excess raw inventory. We now know that we could have adjusted R according to the variability of demand, holding that the more demand fluctuates; the higher R is and vice versa. We believe that this tactic could have allowed us to accumulate enough cash to purchase machines earlier, possibly as early as day 80 or 90. Purchasing a machine earlier could have improved lead times, allowing us to switch to contract #3 earlier so as to generate more revenue. We should have balanced between ordering costs during the last 100 days and the cost of having excessive or unnecessary inventory after last day. In the last day we still had approximately $80k of inventory, which held no value after demand ceased. Managing inventory better would have given more cash on hand.

Competition is Great, but not Perfect :: essays papers

Competition is Great, but not Perfect In the United States today, the economy is one of the most important things to stabilize and maintain. The economy is this capitalistic nation in a way. As the economy has gone over the many years, so has the country. A good example of that is the Great Depression; everyone in the United States was doing great with the Bull Run of the market and the abundance of jobs. Then things started to change for the worst; the economy fell out with the great crash of the bare stock market and along did the people. Everything crumbled like stale bread, including people lives and families. Not until businesses rebuilt themselves and competition returned that the economy finally turned around. The country and the people, upon whose backs’ it rests finally, turned around also, pulling out of the Great Depression and returning this nation to its greatness. In the article â€Å"Competition is Great Game Plan, but not Perfect,† the author M. Ray Perryman states that the economy is doing well due to the competition between companies and firms as the title might indicate (Perryman 1). Although he states that the competition which fuels our economy has problems, like creating monopolies and companies that dominate markets, identifying them early and becoming aware of them we will be able to keep our economy on the path that it is on (1). Mr. Perryman supports this claim by using such strategies as common sense in his reasonability, relevance, and confidence by using his own voice in this successful essay. In speaking to the American public through his article, Mr. Perryman uses the rhetorical strategy of common sense and reasonability when he states such things as, â€Å"It (competition) lowers prices, enhances consumer choice, promotes innovation and forces us to use our scarce resources very efficiently† (1). This strategy works for him in because it makes a lot of sense that competition would do these things for us. Companies competing for business must always try to undercut the opponent’s prices and costs, with this more choices will be created. Another example of Perryman’s use of the common sense rhetorical strategy is when he states, â€Å"The information and technology revolution of today, which I believe to be in its infancy, is creating a wider gap between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ and is likely to eliminate or greatly reduce the need for many relatively unskilled occupation (and more than a few skilled ones) over the nex t few years† (2).

Marketing Management: Assignment Questions Essay

Q.2 Conduct a SWOT analysis for any one automobile brand of your choice. How will this analysis help in planning marketing strategies for the brand? Q.3 Explain in brief the process involved in personal selling. Q.4 Describe the stages of business buying process. Q.5 Why is rural market important? What should marketers keep in mind when catering to this market? Q.6 Explain the core concepts of marketing. Define service and explain its relevance in modern society Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester 2 MB0046 – Marketing Management – 4 Credits Assignment Set- 2 (60 Marks) Note: Each question carries 10 Marks. Answer all the questions. Q.1 Explain the various steps involved in the design of a distribution channel. Q.2 Will the pricing and product policy of a multinational firm be different in a developed and an underdeveloped country? Justify your answer. Q.3 Explain the consumer decision making process Q.4 What is integrated marketing communication? Explain the integration marketing communication development process. Q.5 Explain the types of advertisements and characteristics of major media. Q.6 What are the advantages of branding? What value does the organisation and customers get out of the branding process? MB0045_MBA_Sem2_Fall/August 2012 Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester 2 MB0045 –Financial Management – 4 Credits Assignment Set- 1 (60 Marks) Note: Each question carries 10 Marks. Answer all the questions. Q.1 Considering the following information, what is the price of the share as per Gordon’s Model? |Details of the Company Net sales |Rs.120 lakhs | |Net profit margin |12.5% | |Outstanding preference shares |Rs.50 lakhs@ 12% dividend | |No. of equity shares |25, 000 | |Cost of equity shares |12% | |Retention ratio |40% | |Rate of interest (ROI) |16% | Q.2 Examine the components of working capital & also explain the concepts of working capital. Q.3 Internal capital rationing is used by firms for exercising financial control. How does a firm achieve this? Q.4 What are the objectives of working capital management? Briefly explain the various elements of operating cycle. Q.5 Define risk. Examine the need for assessing the risks in a project. Q.6 Briefly examine the significance of identification of investment opportunities in capital budgeting process MB0045_MBA_Sem2_Fall/August 2012 Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester 2 MB0045 – Financial Management – 4 Credits Assignment Set- 2 (60 Marks) Note: Each question carries 10 Marks. Answer all the questions. Q.1 Examine the reasons for holding inventories by a firm & also discuss the techniques of inventory control. Q.2 a.) A bond of Rs. 1000 value carries a coupon rate of 10% and has a maturity period of 6 years. Interest is payable semi-annually. If the required rate of return is 12%, calculate the value of the bond. ( 5marks) b.) A bond whose par value is Rs. 500 bearing a coupon rate of 10% and has a maturity of 3 years. The required rate of return is 8%. What should be the price of the bond? ( 5marks) Q.3 Examine the features & evaluation of decision-tree approaches. Q.4 If the EPS is Rs.5, dividend pay-out ratio is 50%, cost of equity is 20% and growth rate in the ROI is 15%. What is the value of the stock as per Gordon’s Dividend Equalisation Model? Q.5 Critically examine the pay-back period as a technique of approval of projects. Q.6 Two companies are identical in all aspects except in the debt-equity profile. Company X has 14% debentures worth Rs. 25,00,000 whereas company Y does not have any debt. Both companies earn 20% before interest and taxes on their total assets of Rs. 50,00,000. Assuming a tax rate of 40% and cost of equity capital to be 22%, find out the value of the companies X and Y using NOI approach. MB0044_MBA_Sem2_Fall/August 2012 Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester 2 MB0044 – Productions & Operations Management- 4 Credits Assignment Set- 1 (60 Marks) Note: Each question carries 10 Marks. Answer all the questions. Q.1 What do you understand by Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI)? Q.2 Explain briefly the four classification of scheduling strategies & its approaches. Q.3 Define production management. What are the various functions involved in production management? Q.4 Explain the various phases in project management life cycle. Q.5 Explain the ingredients of a business process. Explain Physical Modelling. Q.6 Define the term quality. Explain the concept of quality at source. MB0044_MBA_Sem2_Fall/August 2012 Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester 2 MB0044 – Productions & Operations Management – 4 Credits Assignment Set- 2 (60 Marks) Note: Each question carries 10 Marks. Answer all the questions. Q.1 What is value engineering? Explain the steps involved in Value analysis. Q.2 Describe dimensions of quality. Which are the quality control tools? Q.3 What are the objectives of layout? Explain the classification of layouts. Q.4 List the benefits of forecasting. Discuss the role of forecasting in modern business context. Q.5 Mention the significance of plant location decision. Explain the location decision sequence. Q.6 What is meant by business process? Explain logical process modelling? MB0049_MBA_Sem2_Fall/August 2012 Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester 2 MB0049 – Project Management – 4 Credits Assignment Set- 1 (60 Marks) Note: Each question carries 10 Marks. Answer all the questions. Q.1 Define Project Management Information Software. Discuss the various steps of PMIS planning. Q.2 Explain procurement process . What are the key steps involved in purchase cycle? Q.3 Define project-type organisation and discuss it in detail Q.4 Define value engineering. Discuss the scope of applying VE in project. Q.5 Define project management, resource, process, and project cycle. Why is project management important? Q.6 What are the key steps included in risk management process? What are the strategies used to reduce risk? MB0049_MBA_Sem2_Fall/August 2012 Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester 2 MB0049 – Project Management – 4 Credits Assignment Set- 2 (60 Marks) Note: Each question carries 10 Marks. Answer all the questions. Q.1 Define activity, event, and path as used in network development. What is a dummy activity? Describe the CPM model. Q.2 Discuss the advantages of using PM software package. What are the common features available in PM software packages? Q.3 Define risk management. What are the different types of risks that can affect a project? Q.4 What are the roles and responsibilities of project leader? Describe the leadership styles for project managers. Q.5 Explain the life cycle of a project. Describe the various phases of project management life cycle. Q.6 What is project control? Discuss the various elements of project control. MB0048_MBA_Sem2_Fall/August 2012 Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester 2 MB0048 – Operations Research- 4 Credits Assignment Set- 1 (60 Marks) Note: Each question carries 10 Marks. Answer all the questions. Q.1 Maximise z = 3Ãâ€"1 + 4Ãâ€"2 Subject to constrains 5Ãâ€"1 + 4Ãâ€"2≠¤ 200; 3Ãâ€"1 + 5Ãâ€"2≠¤ 150; 5Ãâ€"1 + 4Ãâ€"2≠¥ 100; 8Ãâ€"1 + 4Ãâ€"2≠¥ 80, x1≠¥ 0, x2≠¥ 0 Q.2 State the ways in which customers in a queue are served. Q.3 Explain the use of simulation in networks? What are the advantages of using simulation? Q.4 Explain maximin-minimax principle. Briefly describe the characteristics of competitive game Q.5 A project has 10 activities. The following table shows the information about the activities. |Table 14.5: Activities |Preceding activity |Duration in weeks | |information Activity | | | |A |– |6 | |B |– |3 | |C |A |5 | |D |A |4 | |E |A |3 | |F |C |3 | |G |D |5 | |H |B, D, E |5 | |I |H |2 | |J |I, G, F |3 | Draw the network †¢ Find the project duration †¢ Identify the CPM †¢ Prepare the schedule Q.6 Discuss different types of service systems? Aug/Fall drive 2012 Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester II MB0047 – Management Information Systems – 4 Credits (Book ID: B1136) Assignment – Set- 1 (60 Marks) Marks-60 Attempt each question. Each question carries 10 marks: 1. What is MIS? Define the characteristics of MIS? What are the basic Functions of MIS? Give some Disadvantage of MIS? 2. Explain Knowledge based system? Explain DSS and OLAP with example? 3. What are Value Chain Analysis & describe its significance in MIS? Explain what is meant by BPR? What is its significance? How Data warehousing & Data Mining is useful in terms of MIS? 4. Explain DFD & Data Dictionary? Explain in detail how the information requirement is determined for an organization? 5. What is ERP? Explain its existence before and its future after? What are the advantages & Disadvantages of ERP? What is Artificial Intelligence? How is it different from Neural Networks? 6. Distinguish between closed decision making system & open decision making system? What is ‘What – if‘ analysis? Why is more time spend in problem analysis & problem definition as compared to the time spends on decision analysis? Aug/Fall drive 2012 Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester II MB0047 – Management Information Systems – 4 Credits (Book ID: B1136) Assignment – Set- 2 (60 Marks) Marks-60 Attempt each question. Each question carries 10 marks: 1. How hardware & software support in various MIS activities of the organization? Explain the transaction stages from manual system to automated systems? 2. Explain the various behavioral factors of management organization? As per Porter, how can performance of individual corporations be determined? 3. Compare various types of development aspect of Information System? Explain the various stages of SDLC? 4. Compare & Contrast E-enterprise business model with traditional business organization model? Explain how in E-enterprise manager role & responsibilities are changed? Explain how manager is a knowledge worker in E-enterprise? 5. What do you understand by service level Agreements (SLAs)? Why are they needed? What is the role of CIO in drafting these? Explain the various security hazards faced by an IS? 6. Case Study: Information system in a restaurant. MB0048_MBA_Sem2_Fall/August 2012 Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester 2 MB0048 – Operations Research – 4 Credits Assignment Set- 2 (60 Marks) Note: Each question carries 10 Marks. Answer all the questions. Q.1 Explain project management (PERT) & Project scheduling of PERT. Q.2 Write a short note on Monte-Carlo simulation? What are the Limitations of using Simulation? Q.3 In a rectangular game, pay-off matrix of player A is as follows: i) Solve the game. ii) Write down the pay-off matrix of B and then, solve the game. Q.4 A marketing manager has 5 salesmen and 5 sales districts. Considering the capabilities of the salesman and the nature of districts, the marketing manager estimates that the sales per month (in hundred rupees) for each salesman in each district would be as follows.

Buying a Laptop

There are many things to consider when making any large purchase. It is very important to have an understanding of the product you wish to purchase, as well as a realistic estimate of how much you are willing to spend. I have recently been doing research about notebook computers, and have visited many websites to weigh the pros and cons of different brands. Ultimately, I am looking for a computer that is the best value for what I need. Since I like to play games and watch movies, I need a computer with specific features. However, given that I am a student, I have limited funds available.I approached this endeavor with an expectation of spending about $1,300 before tax. The most important features that I need are a fast processor, a lot of memory, and a good graphics card. All three components are essential to both gaming and watching DVDs. Portability is not really an issue for me, since I do not intend to carry it around too often. Given this fact, I am able to get a larger screen, which is a great for the purposes I need the computer for. My first inclination was to try discount websites, mostly because I anticipated lower prices.I first visited www. tigerdirect. com and viewed some of their portable computers. Before I started to get approximate costs, I decided to view the customer service section of their website. I was immediately concerned with their 15% restocking fee for returns. I don't like the idea of losing money if the product doesn't work out. I also briefly entertained the idea of purchasing a computer from e-Bay. However, I decided against that since there is not much recourse if a product turns out to be misrepresented or has issues.I then turned to www. walmart. com, and looked at what they had to offer. I like the idea of being able to go into my local store to physically see what the computers look like. Also, they carry a range of brands. Upon further examination, I discovered that the only 17†³ portables available were made by HP. I looked at the HP Pavilion DV9005US; it has an AMD processor, which I am not particularly fond of. However, I am very impressed with the 1 GB of memory, as well as the 100 GB hard drive. It also has a great graphics card. It has a 17†³ LCD monitor.The price with a 3 year warranty was about $1,200 before tax, which is certainly within my budget. However, since accidental damage is not covered I was a little leery. Next, I tried www. dell. com. I enjoyed being able to customize my own computer. The model that really caught my attention was the Inspiron E1705. The computer I configured has a Intel Duo processor, which I would prefer over the AMD, 1 GB of memory and an 80 GB hard drive. I am not concerned by the slightly smaller hard drive because I can always use the CD-RW to store data.It also has a 17†³ monitor. What really pleased me was the 3 year warranty-which includes accidental damage! It is slightly over my original budget though. Before tax, the total is $1,386. The overage is of course, less than $100. So, after careful consideration, I have decided that the Dell computer offers me a better value for my money. Even though it is more expensive, the accidental damage insurance means that I can properly protect my investment. I hope to never need it, but it is nice to know that if something does happen to it I can have it repaired.Another big factor in my decision is the fact that Dell is a reputable company. I know people who have Dell computers, and they seem very satisfied. I also like the fact that I can return the computer if I decide I don't like it, which makes up for not actually being able to see the computer before I buy it. Works CitedElectronics: Laptop Computers. Walmart. 18 November 2006. < http:// www. walmart. com/catalog/catalog. gsp? cat=4070&fromPageCatId=3951&catNavI d=3951>Home Page. Dell. 18 November 2006. Home Page. Tiger Direct. 18 November 2006.

How to Become an Instructional Designer

How to Become an Instructional Designer Instructional design is a relatively new industry, employing people in organizations, schools, and for-profit companies. Read on to find out what instructional design is, what kind of background designers need, and how to get a job designing educational experiences. What Is an Instructional Designer? In a nutshell, instructional designers create educational programs for schools and companies. Many organizations have found that the internet provides a huge opportunity for providing virtual instruction, but that designing effective online educational programs isnt easy. A subject matter expert, like a history teacher, may be excellent at leading a class in-person. But, he may not have the technical know-how or an understanding of how to present information in a way that would make an effective online course. Thats where instructional designers come in. What Does an Instructional Designer Do? Theres a lot of variety in the day-to-day work of an instructional designer. They regularly meet with clients or subject matter experts to determine how to best present information to students. They may also edit content for clarity, write instructions for assignments, and design or create learning interactives. Additionally, they may be involved (or even run) the creative side of the equation, producing videos, making podcasts, and working with photography. Designers can expect to spend their days creating storyboards, reviewing content, and asking a lot of questions. What Education Training Does an Instructional Designer Need? There is no standard requirement for instructional designers, and many companies and schools hire designers with extremely different backgrounds. Generally, organizations are looking for employees with at least a bachelors degree (often a masters degree), strong editing skills, and the ability to work well with people. Project management experience is also highly desirable. In recent years, Instructional Design masters degrees have become increasingly popular as are certificate programs for those that already hold a masters degree in a different subject. Instructional Design Ph.D. programs are also available. However, the general consensus is that a Ph.D. generally makes candidates over-qualified for most instructional design jobs and is more suitable for those that would like to be an administrator or director of an instructional design team. Many employers are more concerned with a candidates technical abilities. A resume that lists competency in programs like Adobe Flash, Captivate, Storyline, Dreamweaver, Camtasia, and similar programs is highly desirable. Designers should also have the ability to put themselves into someone elses shoes. Someone that can suspend their own understanding and imagine encountering information for the first time will often make a good designer. What Kind of Experience Does an Instructional Designer Need? There is no standard experience that employers are looking for. However, they do prefer that designers have worked to create educational programs before. A track record of previous design experience is highly desirable. Many instructional design schools require students to complete capstone projects that will be used instructionally and can also be included on the graduates resume. New designers may seek out interns with colleges or organizations to build their resumes. Where Can Instructional Designers Find Jobs? While there are more instructional design jobs every year, finding them isnt always easy. One of the first places to look is on university job postings. Many schools post opportunities on their own websites and fail to publicize them more openly. HigherEd Jobs has one of the more comprehensive lists of jobs available at universities. Employers tend to post openings on virtual job boards like Monster, Indeed, or Yahoo Careers. Attending instructional design or e-learning conferences is a good place to network and seek out potential job leads. Additionally, many areas have local networks of instructional design professionals that meet regularly and communicate via social networking. Having a friend in the industry is a smart way to get connected.

Government Involvement in the American Economy

Government Involvement in the American Economy As Christopher Conte and Albert R. Karr have noted in  their book,Outline of the U.S. Economy,  the level of government involvement in the American economy has been anything but static. From the 1800s to today, government programs and other interventions in the private sector have changed depending on the political and economic attitudes of the time. Gradually, the governments totally hands-off approach evolved into closer ties between the two entities.   Laissez-Faire to Government Regulation In the early years of American history, most political leaders were reluctant to involve the federal government too heavily in the private sector, except in the area of transportation. In general, they accepted the concept of laissez-faire, a doctrine opposing government interference in the economy except to maintain law and order. This attitude started to change during the latter part of the 19th-century, when small business, farm and labor movements began asking the government to intercede on their behalf. By the turn of the century, a middle class had developed that was leery of both the business elite and the somewhat radical political movements of farmers and laborers in the Midwest and West. Known as Progressives, these people favored government regulation of business practices to ensure competition and free enterprise. They also fought corruption in the public sector. Progressive Years Congress enacted a law regulating railroads in 1887 (the Interstate Commerce Act), and one preventing large firms from controlling a single industry in 1890 (the Sherman Antitrust Act). These laws were not rigorously enforced, however, until the years between 1900 and 1920. These years were when Republican President Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909), Democratic President Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921) and others sympathetic to the views of the Progressives came to power. Many of todays U.S. regulatory agencies were created during these years, including the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Federal Trade Commission. New Deal and Its Lasting Impact Government involvement in the economy increased most significantly during the New Deal of the 1930s. The 1929 stock market crash had initiated the most serious economic dislocation in the nations history, the Great Depression (1929-1940). President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945) launched the New Deal to alleviate the emergency. Many of the most important laws and institutions that define Americans modern economy can be traced to the New Deal era. New Deal legislation extended federal authority in banking, agriculture and public welfare. It established minimum standards for wages and hours on the job, and it served as a catalyst for the expansion of labor unions in such industries as steel, automobiles, and rubber. Programs and agencies that today seem indispensable to the operation of the countrys modern economy were created: the Securities and Exchange Commission, which regulates the stock market; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which guarantees bank deposits; and, perhaps most notably, the Social Security system, which provides pensions to the elderly based on contributions they made when they were part of the workforce. During World War II New Deal leaders flirted with the idea of building closer ties between business and government, but some of these efforts did not survive past World War II. The National Industrial Recovery Act, a short-lived New Deal program, sought to encourage business leaders and workers, with government supervision, to resolve conflicts and thereby increase productivity and efficiency. While America never took the turn to fascism that similar business-labor-government arrangements did in Germany and Italy, the New Deal initiatives did point to a new sharing of power among these three key economic players. This confluence of power grew even more during the war, as the U.S. government intervened extensively in the economy. The War Production Board coordinated the nations productive capabilities so that military priorities would be met. Converted consumer-products plants filled many military orders. Automakers built tanks and aircraft, for example, making the United States the arsenal of democracy. In an effort to prevent rising national income and scarce consumer products from causing inflation, the newly created Office of Price Administration controlled rents on some dwellings, rationed consumer items ranging from sugar to gasoline and otherwise tried to restrain price increases.

American Airport Security Vs Japan Airport Security Essay

American Airport Security Vs Japan Airport Security - Essay Example The question raised is whether this machine can detect explosives hidden in private areas. Some of the passengers strictly object to the pat downs in addition to the WBI scan as the agent has to come in intimate contact with the passenger. After the heartening incident of 9/11, there were several short term regulations introduced but the more important ones were the long term changes. Immediate consequence was the background check of more than 750 000 airport employees, placement of a larger number of investigative staff, extensive search and scanning of all the checked baggage. Under the more long term effects, the passengers are now more closely restricted to the amount of baggage and hand carry they can take with them. Addition of new agencies to overlook the security enhancements was inevitable. As much as the vehicles arriving at the airport are meticulously checked and rechecked, no matter if they are to see the passengers off or to receive them. The security systems are proving to be costly in Japan. As they have privately owned security companies, it is getting difficult for them to afford such a high cost flight. Every year advanced technology is introduced to avoid such attacks, and it is getting more difficu lt every year for passengers to travel confidently. They get conscious about carrying things with them. These security measures are getting on nerves of passengers, but they are the things which have to be looked after. Entire crews of airports are highly trained and strictly ordered to take actions against any kind misbehavior or suspicion.

Microfinance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Microfinance - Essay Example Having been branded a risky lot by universal banks in general, the poor never had chances of proving that they could be successful entrepreneurs and that they would be worth being trusted with loans despite their inability to produce collaterals. Microfinance used to be regarded as a concept that is highly illogical and totally unnecessary in robust and industrialized economies like America was. Exploring microfinance was a worthwhile exercise, but it was never a model to be studied in context of the American banking industry. In the light of the economic recession that continues to plague America, the idea of microfinance as the banking methodology that just might help a good number of today's jobless and financially distraught Americans does not anymore sound so far-fetched. Despite the prevailing economic scarcity in America, however, a lot of questions arise concerning the applicability of microfinance in the country. It is not enough that there is a growing number of poverty-stricken cities at this time; microfinance cannot be offered to such places solely on the basis of the rising economic difficulties therein. There has to be a sufficient degree of compatibility between the Americans as clients and microfinance as a service.