Homeland Security Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Homeland Security - Coursework Example The paper tells that signed by George Bush, The Patriot Act aims for uniting and strengthening America by providing appropriate tool required intercepting and obstructing terrorism. The United States Northern Command or NORTHCOM is a branch of the US military that defends the US against any possible mainland invasion. This unified Combatant Command is responsible for safeguarding the US from any air, land or sea attack that could potentially come from Mexico, Canada, Alaska or Puerto Rico. The National Infrastructure Protection Plan or NIPP is plan developed by the Department of Homeland security. The plans aims to bring together critical infrastructure and key resources in the country to act as protection for the country against any potential attacks According to this plan, the public and private sector needs to form a unified front in order to minimize risk for the country. Risk Management is a systematic task of identifying, evaluating, prioritizing and minimizing risk while also taking into consideration financial and other resource constraints that an organization may face. Signals Intelligence o SIGINT, as opposed to HUMINT, is intelligence gathered through the help of technology or more specifically signals. This includes both communications intelligence and electronic intelligence. National Response Framework or NRF is a part of the strategy developed by the Department of Homeland Security to bring the country together in the case of a disaster or emergency. The framework aims to improve the country's ability to manage incidents by covering all aspects of a disaster. The Posse Comitatus Act is an Federal law act enacted by the Congress in 1878. This act prevents the US military personnel to act as law enforcement agents within the United States. In this capacity, the law limits the power of the Federal government to enforce any state law in US.

Opinion on Curriculum Essay Example for Free

Opinion on Curriculum Essay Curriculum is an important part of the education system. As such it has to be evaluated every now and then so that it remains effective in addressing the learning needs of the students in different levels. A curriculum evaluation team should represent all of the persons that are directly or indirectly affected by the curriculum. To successfully evaluate the curriculum, the team should be composed of educators, knowledgeable students, school administrators, pedagogy practitioners and psychologists. With such a team, the impact of the curriculum can be effectively evaluated. Online communication tools help a team working online in a working environment by helping the team members use the online platform while communicating with each other. Such tools can also hinder them because they cannot interact with each other face to face and they have to rely on the text and images they are manipulating on their screens. Much of the details they have to consider may be lost in the process. The goal of the curriculum and how it will be achieved is the most important factor that should be examined in the curriculum. This can set apart a good curriculum from the merely acceptable ones. Although this may be a comprehensive and tedious process, the team can analyze this if they consider the elements of the curriculum in its totality and not only in its individual components. The team can stay on track by establishing a schedule and arriving at a set of deliverables. This way, the team will know the progress that they are making and what areas they need to work on more. It would also be important for them to celebrate their accomplishments and the way they meet their targets.

Calculations Without Brake Booster Engineering Essay

Calculations Without Brake Booster Engineering Essay The purpose of this written assessment is to show that we understand how the braking system works in an automotive vehicle. We should be able to show a range of specialized technical skills which involve a wide choice of standard and non standard procedures. I will also show you a broad knowledge base with substantial depth in some areas of the braking system. Here in this assignment I will also cover the determination of appropriate methods and procedures in response to a range of concrete problems with some theoretical elements and apply it in self directed and sometimes directive activity, within broad general guidelines. By the end of this assessment I will have a wide understanding of how the braking design and braking system work within the automotive vehicle. A brake is a device for slowing or stopping the motion of a vehicle or a machine, and to make sure that it stops moving. The kinetic energy lost by the moving part is usually translated to heat by friction. Alternatively, in regenerative braking, the energy is recovered and stored in a flywheel, capacitor or other device for later use. Brakes of some description are fitted to most wheeled vehicles, including automotive vehicles of all kinds, trains, motor bikes, and normal pedal bikes. The kinetic possessed by a vehicle at any one time into heat energy are by means of friction. The equations for kinetic energy, that is the energy of motion may be given by: The disc brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel on a vehicle. A braking disc or commonly known as a rotor, is usually made up of steel and other metallic compounds, is connected to the wheel or the axle. To stop the wheel, the braking pads which are normally mounted in a device called a brake caliper, which is then squeezed mechanically or hydraulically against the disc on both sides. Friction causes the disc and attached wheel to slow down and stop according to the driver. A drum brake is a brake in which the friction is caused by a set of shoes or pads that press against the inner surface of a rotating drum. The drum is connected to a rotating wheel. The modern automotive vehicle drum brake was invented in 1902 by Louis Renault. In the first drum brakes, the shoes were mechanically operated with levers and rods or cables. From the mid 1930s the shoes were operated with oil pressure in a small wheel cylinder and pistons, though some vehicles continued with purely-mechanical systems for decades. Some designs have two wheel cylinders. Experiments with disc-style brakes began in England in the 1980s the first ever automobile disc brakes were patented by Frederick William Lanchester in his factory in 1902, though it took another half century for his innovation to be widely adopted. The first designs resembling modern disc brakes began to appear in Britain in the late 1940s and early 1950s. They offered much greater stopping performance than comparable drum brakes, including much greater resistance to brake fade this is caused by the overheating of brake components, and were unaffected by immersion which is drum brakes were ineffective for some time after a water crossing, an important factor in off-road vehicles. Disc brakes are also more reliable than drum brakes due to the simplicity of their mechanics, the low number of parts compared to the drum brake, and ease of adjustment. Disc brakes were most popular on sports car when they were first introduced, since these vehicles are more demanding about brake performance. Many early implementations located the brake disc inboard, near the differential, but most discs today are located inside the wheels. An inboard location reduces the un-sprung weight and eliminates a source of heat transfer to the tires, important in formula one racing. Discs have now become standard in most passenger vehicles, though some retain the use of drum brakes on the rear wheels to keep costs and weight down as well as to simplify the provisions for a parking brake or emergency brake. As the front brakes perform most of the braking effort, this can be a reasonable compromise. Mechanism A single piston, floating caliper system. Pressurized brake fluid travels along the brake line to the caliper. The pressurized fluid pushes the piston (green) and inner brake pad against the disc which is normally blue. Pressure against the disc pushes the caliper away from the piston, pulling the outer brake pad against the disc. As the brake pads clamp together, friction slows the rotation of the disc and wheel. Brake Pads The world of Automotive Brakes can be quite overwhelming. The first task in choosing Automobile Brakes is making sure that you have the Automotive Brakes and parts that are application specific to your vehicle whether it be a car, truck, van or whether the Automotive Brakes are to be installed on a two year old sedan or a rare classic. There is more to Automotive Brakes than parts that fit. Automotive Brakes also have to be right for the vehicles actual use. For example, Automotive Brakes required for off road or stop and go city delivery driving can be quite different than Automotive Brakes that are suited for ordinary family driving, even though all these brakes fit the job. Its a matter of finding the right Automotive Brakes for your application. Brake Pads Brake Booster Unless youre a professional athlete with tree trunks for legs, be grateful that your car has a brake booster nestled between the brake master cylinder and firewall on your car. Your brake booster doesnt make any noise, and it doesnt use any electricity or gasoline, but it ensures that you can stop your car with only a light touch of the brake pedal. Things werent always like that, Before the invention of the vacuum brake booster, cars still stopped. Its just that you had to really stomp on the brake pedal. The modern brake booster is an good device that operates using something that your engine generates whenever its running, Vacuum. The brake booster takes engine vacuum via a rubber hose that runs from the intake manifold, and the brake booster uses that vacuum to amplify the pressure you put on the pedal. A light application of the brakes is translated by the brake booster into significantly more pressure on the brake master cylinder, ensuring that your car stops quickly. So what happens to the brake booster if your car stalls, resulting in a loss of engine vacuum? Early designers realized that gas engines were hardly foolproof, so they designed a little check valve into the brake booster circuit. The brake booster stores enough vacuum to provide full boost for two or three pedal applications even after the engine dies. The check valve on the brake booster is what keeps that vacuum from leaking out. And speaking of leaks, thats the reason most brake booster units have to be replaced. As your brake booster ages, the rubber seals and diaphragms that hold the vacuum tend to wear out and crack. Brake Booster Calculations without brake booster for 1 pot caliper: Data: Force applied: 80N Length of brake pedal: 340mm Pedal movement: 46mm Diameter of master cylinder: 26mm Piston spring pretension: 15N Piston spring rate: 8N/mm Wheel diameter: 0.30/ 250mm Caliper piston: 46mm Pedal ratio= Length of pedal Pivot of brake booster = 340mm 60mm = 5.666 Movement = Pedal movement Pedal ratio = 46mm 5.66 = 8.127 Drivers applied force = Applied force x pedal ratio = 80n x 5.66 = 452.8N Piston force = (Pretension force + Rate of spring x movement of piston) = 452.8N (15n + 8N/m x8.127) = 452.8N 80.016 = 372.784 N Pressure = Force Area of piston = 372.784 N 0.25TT D2 = 372.784 N 0.25TT (26 x 10 -3) 2 = or 0.70 Mpa Caliper force = Pressure x Area = 7021.35 Pa x 0.25 TT (46 x 10-3)2 =1270.55 Transmitted force = Caliper force x Co- efficient of friction x number of pads = 1270.55N x 0.35 x 2 = 8893.85 N Torque = Transmitted force x Effective Radius = 8893.85 N x 0.30 m = 266.79 N Brake Caliper The brake caliper, a key component of your cars brake system, operates just like a small hydraulic clamp designed to grip the brake rotor and bring your car to a halt. If youve ever seen or worked on a brake caliper, you know what were talking about. The brake caliper is a U-shaped device with a piston or pistons on one or both sides of the U. The brake pads ride on top of the brake caliper pistons, and the rotor spins in the channel of the U. When you hit the brakes, high-pressure fluid is channeled from the master cylinder down to the brake caliper where it pushes the piston or pistons inward. That brake caliper action moves the pads against the spinning brake rotor, and the friction stops your vehicle. Since the brake caliper is affixed to your vehicle frame and the rotor is spinning and hundreds of RPM, its easy to imagine the massive forces that the brake caliper has to absorb. Much of the heat energy is dissipated by the rotor and pads which is why theyre replaced the most, but the pulling and twisting forces the brake caliper has to endure require that it be extremely strong. More than anything else, though, its the hydraulic brake fluid that leads to the demise of a brake caliper. If its not changed often enough, moisture in the fluid will begin to rust out the inside of your brake caliper, resulting in leaks and sticking pistons. Eventually the brake caliper will cease to function altogether, it will effect your cars stopping ability. Calipers The brake caliper is the assembly which houses the brake pads and pistons. The pistons are usually made of aluminum or chrome plated iron There are two types of calipers: floating or fixed. A fixed caliper does not move relative to the disc. It uses one or more pairs of pistons to clamp from each side of the disc, and is more complex and expensive than a floating caliper. A floating caliper (also called a sliding caliper) moves with respect to the disc; a piston on one side of the disc pushes the inner brake pad till it makes contact with the braking surface, then pulls the caliper body with the outer brake pad so pressure is applied to both sides of the disc. Floating caliper (single piston) designs are subject to failure due to sticking. This can occur due to dirt or corrosion if the vehicle is not operated. This can cause the pad attached to the caliper to rub on the disk when the brake is released. This can reduce fuel mileage and cause excessive wear on the effected pad. Brake caliper In a vehicle the brake pedal in 360mm and the booster is connected 50mm from the pivot. The booster diaphragm is 220mm with the valve body of 52mm diameter the diaphragm return spring has a pretension force of 80N and rate of 12N/mm. The engine manifold pressure of 36Kpa and ambient pressure is 90Kpa. The master cylinder diameter is 26mm and return spring retention force is 15N and a rate of 8N/mm. the caster piston in 46mm and the co-efficient of friction between the 2 pads and the 250mm effective diameter disc are 0.30. The wheel diameter is 625 mm. fluids the tractive braking forces if the driver applied force of 80N and his fast moves 46mm. Data: Force applied: 80N Length of brake pedal: 340mm Pedal movement: 46mm Pivot of brake booster: 50mm Diaphragm diameter: 220mm Valve body diameter: 52mm Spring rate: 80N Pre-tension of diaphragm spring: 12N/m Ambient pressure: 90kpa Engine manifold pressure: 36kpa Diameter of master cylinder: 26mm Piston spring pretension: 15N Piston spring rate: 8N/mm Wheel diameter: 625mm Efficient Disc diameter: 0.30/ 250mm Caliper piston: 46mm Calculations with brake booster for 1 port caliper: Pedal ratio = Length of pedal__ Pivot of brake booster = 340mm_ 50mm = Movement = _Pedal movement Pedal ratio = _46mm_ 7.2 = 6.38 Diaphragm Pressure = Ambient pressure Manifold pressure = 90Kpa 36Kpa = 54Kpa Diaphragm Area = Total area -Area of valve body = 0.25TT (220X10-3)2 0.25TT (54X10-3) 2 = 35.72 x 10-3 Force of Diaphragm = Pressure x Area = 54Kpa x 10-3 x 35.72 x 10-3 = 1928.88 Nm Booster output force= Diaphragm force (spring pre-tension + rate of spring x movement of piston) = 1928.88 Nm (80N + 12N/m x 6.83) = 1928.88 Nm 156.56 = 1772.32 Nm Driver applied force = Applied force x pedal ratio + Booster output = 80N x 7.2+ 1772.32 Nm = 2348.32 N Piston force = Booster force (Pretension force + Rate of spring x movement of piston) = 2348.32 N (15N +8N/m x 6.38) = 2348.32 N 66.04 = 2282.28N Pressure = ____Force___ Area of piston = 2282.28N 0.25 TT D2 = 2282.28N 0.25TT (26 x 10-3)2 = 42986.52 Pa or 4.29 Mpa Caliper force = Pressure x Area = 42986.52 Pa x 0.25TT (46 X10-3)2 = 7143.94N Transmitted force = Caliper force x Co-efficient of friction x Number of pads = 7143.94N x 0.35 x 2 = 5000.758N Torque = Transmitted force x Effective radius = 5000.758N x 0.125m = 625.094Nm Tractive = Torque (Braking) Radius of wheel = 625.094Nm 0.35m = 1785.985N Difference between Tractive with without brake booster Tractive different = Tractive with brake booster Tractive without brake booster = 1785.985N 226.79N In the previous calculations it just goes to show you how useful the brake booster application is in todays modern vehicle, because if it wasnt we would have to apply a major amount of pressure to the brake pedal, the brake booster wasnt really put to its application till the early 1950s, but in this modern day and age there are more technical designs which involve a use of 2 and 4 pot calipers this design isnt just to make the brake system look better but it also increases the tractive braking force The design of the brake discs and caliper varies. Some are simply solid steel and some are made up of carbon fibers, but others are hollowed out with fins joining together the discs two contact surfaces usually included as part of a casting process. This ventilated disc design helps to dissipate the generated heat. Many motor bikes and sport car brakes instead have many small holes drilled through them for the same purpose. Additionally, the holes aid the pads in wiping water from the braking surface. Other designs include slots shallow channels machined into the disc to aid in removing used brake material from the brake pads. Slotted discs are generally not used on road cars because they quickly wear down brake pads. However this removal of material is beneficial to race cars since it keeps the pads soft and avoids verification of their surfaces. Some discs are both drilled and slotted. Pistons cylinders The most common caliper design uses a single hydraulically actuated piston within a cylinder, although high performance brakes use as many as 8. Modern cars use different hydraulic circuits to actuate the brakes on each set of wheels as a safety measure. The hydraulic design also helps multiply braking force. Failure can occur due to failure of the piston to retract this is usually a consequence of not operating the vehicle during a time that it is stored outdoors in adverse conditions. For high mileage vehicles the piston seals may leak, which must be promptly corrected. Parking brakes Most vehicles include a mechanical parking brake system also called an emergency brake which operates on the rear wheels. These systems are very effective with drum brakes, since these tend to lock. The adoption of rear-wheel disc brakes caused concern that a disc-based parking brake would not effectively hold a vehicle on an incline. Today, most cars use the disc for parking, though some still rely on separate drums. An emergency brake is a braking system that is generally only to be used in emergency situations to slow or stop a machine. The most well known emergency brakes are those in trains and automotive vehicles. Many people shorten emergency and call the devices e-brakes. Additionally, in the automotive side, they are also known as parking brakes and hand brakes. In cars, the emergency brake is a supplementary system that can be used if the vehicles primary brake system has a failure. Automobile e-brakes usually consist of a cable directly connected to the brake mechanism on one end and to some type of lever that can be actuated by the driver on the other end. DATA: Forced applied: 80N Length of brake pedal: 360mm Pedal movement: 46mm Pivot of brake booster: 50mm Diaphragm diameter: 220mm Valve body diameter: 52mm Spring rate: 80 N Pre tension of diaphragm spring: 12 N/m Ambient pressure: 90kpa Manifold pressure: 36kpa Diameter of master cylinders: 26mm Piston spring pretension: 15 N Piston spring rate: 8 N/m Wheel Diameter: 625mm Efficient disc diameter: 0.35 / 250mm Calliper piston: 46mm x 2 Calculation with brake booster for two pot callipers: Pedal ratio = Length of pedal Pivot of brake booster =360mm 50mm =7.2 Movement = Pedal movement Pedal ratio =46mm 7.2 = 6.38 Diaphragm pressure = Ambient pressure Manifold pressure = 90Kpa 36Kpa = 54 Kpa Diaphragm Area = Total area Area of valve body = 0.25TT (220 x 10 -3) 2 -0.25TT (54 x 10 -3 ) 2 = 35.72 x 10 -3 Force of diaphragm = Pressure x Area = 54 Kpa x10 -3 x 35.72 x 10 -3 = 1928.88 Nm Booster output force = Diaphragm force (spring pretension + rate of spring movement of piston) =1928.88 Nm ( 80 N + 12 N/m x 6.38) =1928.88 Nm 156.56 = 1772.32 Nm Driver s applied force = Applied force x pedal ratio + booster output = 80 N x 6.38+ 1772.32 Nm = 2348.32 Piston force = Booster force (pretension force = rate of spring x movement of piston) = 2348.32- (15N + 8 N/m x 6.38) = 2348.32- 66.04 = 2282.28N Pressure = Force Area of piston = 2282.28N 0.25TT D2 = 2282.28N 0.25TT (26 x 10-3 )2 = 42986.52 Pa or 4.29mpa Caliper force = Pressure x area x number of pistons = 42986.52 Pa x 0.25TT (46 x 10 3)2 x 2 = 14287.88 N Transmitted force = Caliper Force x Co efficient of friction x number of pads = 14287.88 N x 0.35 x 2 = 10001.51 N Torque = Transmitted force x Effective radius =10001.51 N x 0.125 m = 1250.18 Nm Tractive = Torque Radius of wheel = 1250.18 Nm 0.35m = 3571.97N Tractive = Tractive for 2 pot caliper tractive for 1 pot caliper = 3571.97N 1785.985N = 1785.985N My thoughts After going through and researching all types of brakes and what there application is in todays modern motor vehicles, it showed that there are many uses for different types of brakes, especially when youre driving in different situations and environments, e.g. When driving in the city, you tend to use more of the braking system and when driving in the country you need heavy duty pads. It is essential that we know how the brakes work, and it is important to use the right type of brake pads for each different driving application. Some brakes work well once they are heated up and some work well in the colder conditions. So when we go get our brake pads changed its up to the mechanic to make that call to see what pads should be used for the correct braking situation. This will save damage to the brake disc and stop it from causing further damage to anything else. My concept is to some how get a recording device or some type of sensor that has a memory in which it recalls everything that you have done in regards to the braking system and the brake pads. This will keep a record of your amount of braking you have done and also what type of conditions you have been driving in. So this could tell you that you have been driving in a cold area but doing lots of braking , so when it come to changing these pads you could just unplug the sensor and check and make your own decision upon the type of pads that will suit to your braking application. Advantages of this concept are: The temperature will always be monitored You know exactly when you need to change you brake pads You know how much you are actually using the braking system You know exactly which brake pad is suited for the application No problems of over heating You know if there are any problems in regards to damage of brakes or discs

Jacksonian Democracy Essays -- essays research papers

Jacksonian Democracy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jacksonian (Democracy, Society, etc.) is a term used to describe reform during the time of Andrew Jackson’s Presidency. Specifically Jacksonian Democracy refers to â€Å"the general extension of democracy that characterized U.S. politics from 1824 to 1828.† Jacksonian Democracy and its support came primarily from the lower classes as a rebellion of sorts apposing the aristocracy. Even though it stressed equality, it was pro-slavery and anti-Indian (not unlike Andrew Jackson). Also there was change in both the political parties and the social reforms. Jackson was seen as a westerner (even though he was from Tennessee) and a president of the common man. This we can see when he married women out of the lower classes and the upper class was astonished. Also, Jackson had opened the white house to everyone on his inauguration day.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During his time in office Political parties changed their names and were affirmed. Earlier when the term party was looked upon with similar meaning as faction, it represented a sort of selfishness and contention over unanimity that wasn’t needed in the government. The Democrats and the Whigs were the new names of the parties. The Whigs grew from the Republican Party and the Democrats form the Anti-Federalists. What brought this change were economic booms and downturns that had characterized the 19th century economy. Also Missouri Compromise (when Missouri’s proposed constitution admitted for slavery and to balance the states Maine was admitted as a free state) had a hand in bringing about the parties when a group of politicians (of whom Martin Van Buren was apart of) that were organized in a coalition for states rights and limited government that would be later supported by Andrew Jackson; also they help support Jackson for the presidency of 1828, they were known as the Democrats. Parties were also essential because they gave the Common man (which Jackson was all about) the power to compete (sort of) with the wealth, education, and social connections of the traditional leaders (fun?). The Whigs stood for Government controlled commercial development that incorporated what was called the American System, and wanted a high tariff that would benefit the North and its factories rather than the European competition, which meant more funds for the national governme... ... points in social reform from Jacksonian Democracy was abolition. The logic was that social reform also applied to slavery and almost more than any other institution. The reasoning behind this was that slaves resisted their own enslavement. Slavery was opposed in the 18th century by Quakers and few other whites, even though the American Revolution with its rhetoric about equal and universal rights called slavery into serious question. The Northern States abolished it and the Southern slave owners (upper south mind you) thought about liberating slaves. However it wasn’t until the 1830s that a number of middle class Norteà ±os (northerners) began to demand immediate emancipation of slaves for their incorporation as equals in the Republic. Just as other social reforms had taken root with mostly radical Norteà ±o Whigs, abolitionism soon found its way to them. This was a basis for the middle class revivals of the 1820s and 1830s. In closing this is what Jacksonian democracy incorporated; pretty much any reform that happened within the country during Andrew Jackson’s presidency. Source: Microsoft  ® Encarta  ® Reference Library 2005.  © 1993-2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Trials and Tribulations of Writing Le Nozze Di Figaro

A man known for composing brilliant instrumental music for most of his career, made a huge step in the world of opera on 7 May 1783. It was on this date which Mozart wrote a letter to his father with the intentions of his next composition. In the coming years this spectacle would become Mozart's 18th Operatic Work and 11th in Italian, Le Nozze di Figaro. Already having 10 Italian Operas accredited to his name Le Nozze di Figaro seemed to be Mozart's greatest operatic challenge to date. The Burgtheater in Vienna was currently home to an Italian Company whom Mozart thought would not last long – however, now was doing excellent business. There were many members of the Opera Company who could not wait to get involved in the project Mozart had in mind. Particularly the buffo bass, Benucci who was described by Mozart as â€Å"Particularly good. †[1] Despite having much interest by members of the company to aid his intentions, finding a libretto which appealed to Mozart seemed impossible. Hundreds of librettos were looked through, examined, acted out however, none seemed to be the perfect fit. Eventually Mozart's second hand man at the time, the buffo bass, Benucci came across Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais outrageously cheeky play La folle journee, ou Le mariage de Figaro. 2] Just as Mozart's Figaro Beaumarchais' play was not well accepted in the beginning. Yet the way to acceptance was paved by the Viennese success of the first Figaro play by Beaumarchais, Le barbier de Seville. [3] Now having found a libretto to work with Mozart felt so many changes would have to be made. Writing a new text seemed easier to Mozart then having to work through and omitting parts of dis-interest – possibilities which he had little time for. A new text Mozart felt would be better anyways. Mozart goes on in his letter saying â€Å" Our poet here is now a certain Abbate da Ponte. He has a huge amount to do, revising pieces for the theatre, and he has to write per obbligo an entirely new libretto for Salieri, which will take him two months. He has promised after that to write a new on for me. But who knows whether he will be able to keep his word – or whether he will want to. As you are aware, these Italian gentlemen are very charming to your face†¦ Enough, we know them! If he is in league with Salieri I shall never get anything out of him. But I should dearly like to show what I can do in an Italian opera. † [4] Supported by the letter to Mozart's father – challenges were imminent from the start. One of the biggest was that of Da Ponte being available and willing to make changes to Beaumarchais existing work. Clearly unable at first being employed by Salieri Mozart had to ponder with the idea that his composition would not get started for at least two months, if at all. Mozart was worried about Da Ponte teaming up with Salieri, fearing he would then get nothing out of him. All Mozart wanted to do was show what he could do with Italian Opera. After a chequered career as priest, preceptor, radical thinker and frequenter of married women, Da Ponte had recently settled in Vienna in the winter of 1780-81. He is described as having immense talent and passion for poetry and the theatre which were all genuine. Aside from his incredible talents Da Ponte's charm and good manners did the rest. His charm and ability to talk to people and persuade landed him a job working for Caterino Mazzola, poet to the Italian opera at the Saxon court in Dresden. This eventually lead to the relationship which Da Ponte and Salieri endured as a letter of recommendation came in high regard from Maestro Mazzola. Upon arriving in Vienna he quickly put his charm and masterful intelligence to work by courting the aged Metastasio, renewed acquaintance with Mozart's admirer and patron Count Cobenzl and endeared himself to Count Rosenberg. Once the Italian company was set-up in Vienna at the Burgtheater he was immediately appointed resident librettist. Mozart rarely mentions Da Ponte's name in any correspondence he had with people like his father and Count Mazzola. Reasoning could be thought of in one way – firstly and most obvious is the fact they lived only a few doors down from one another in Vienna so the need of corresponding through letters was not. For what some record as one of the most influential, dynamic and destined partnerships known in the musical world there is little known about the on-goings between Mozart and Da Ponte. In the months while Figaro was taking shape and being composed Mozart resided in Grosse Schulerstrasse (the modern Domgasse), a short walk to Da Ponte's office at the Burgtheatre. 5] Their partnership is easily explained through this quote where no source comes attached â€Å"a composer who understands the theatre and a true poet, that pheonix, working together. † Despite all these reasoning's as to why Mozart and Da Ponte were such a dynamic, intelligent, forceful duo – one question which lingers in one's mind might be â€Å"why did their collaboration not happen sooner? † Afterall, Da Ponte had been in Vienna 4 years prior to them beginning their collaboration. Several different reasons exist. The first – standing between Da Ponte and Mozart was Mozart's meticulousness and his increasingly acute dramatic sense. Mozart was not going to settle for less than first rate, or at any rate with the mediocre. Another reason was concern of his reputation and identity. Thirdly, was the readiness and availability of Da Ponte. Upon meeting with Da Ponte, Mozart learned that his soon to be partner was currently engaged by Salieri for another two months. Not knowing when or if Da Ponte would be ready to go by then did not cause Mozart to wait around – fully willing and prepared he kept moving forward. Lastly, the presence and consistent seeking of Mozart's father for approval with everything he did. Being so brilliant minded one does not think on the same levels as that of regular society. Thoughts, processes, formulas, details are manufactured at a different level then the rest. Mozart was definitely in this category of people. The gifted category if you will. One walks a fine line with this comparison however, the way Mozart took on projects and ways of capturing musical results could not be far off from the thought process of an engineer getting to the end result of a project drawing or building structure. Both professions – meticulous in preparation, meticulous during construction and both having such an acute focus on what the finished product must be. Bridget Brophy succinctly summarizes the immense thought and time Mozart put into his composition and completion of his opera, Le Nozze di Figaro, in her book â€Å"Mozart The Dramatist. † Brophy does so by paying tribute to the devotion and fastidiousness in which he had with all his compositions and contrasts the evident musical outcome in his operatic writing. [6]

Facts About the Greek Mythological Creature Cyclops

Facts About the Greek Mythological Creature Cyclops The Cyclops were represented as strong, one-eyed giants in Greek mythology. Their name is also spelled Cyclopes, and, as usual with Greek words, the letter K may be used in place of the C. Pronunciation:  /saÉ ª.klaps/Also Known  As:  one-eyed giantsAlternate Spellings:  singular:  kyklops,  kuklops.   plural: cyclopes,  kyklopes,  kuklopes.Common Misspellings:  syclopsExamples:  When the volcano at Mt. Aetna smokes, it is, mythologically speaking, the result of the cyclops working at their forge. Who Were the Cyclops? According to the Greek epic poet Hesiod, the Cyclops were the sons of Uranus (Sky) and Gaia/Ge (Earth). Hesiod names the Cyclops Argos, Steropes, and Brontes. The Titans and Hecatonchires (or Hundred-handers), both known for their size, may have been other offspring of Uranus and Gaia. Even though Uranus was their father, he lacked paternal instincts. Instead, he had the nasty habit of keeping all his children imprisoned inside their mother, Gaia, who wasnt very happy about it. When the Titan Cronus decided to help his mother by overthrowing his father, Uranus, the Cyclops helped. But they were no better off with Cronus than Uranus. Instead of rewarding them for their assistance, Cronus imprisoned them in Tartarus, the   Greek Underworld. Zeus who, in turn, overthrew his own father (Cronus), set the Cyclops free. Since they were metal workers and blacksmiths, they repaid Zeus with a thank you gift of thunder and lightning. The Cyclops also gifted the gods Poseidon with a trident and Hades with the Helmet of Darkness. Their time in fortunes favor was limited, though. Apollo slew the Cyclops after they struck his son or were blamed for striking his son Asclepius with lightning. Pseudo-Hyginus, Astronomica 2. 15:Eratoshtenes says about the [constellation] Arrow, that with this Apollo killed the Cyclopes who forged the thunderbolt by which Aesculapius died. Apollo had buried this arrow in the Hyperborean mountain, but when Jupiter [Zeus] pardoned his son, it was borne by the wind and brought to Apollo along with the grain which at that time was growing. Many point out that for this reason it is among the constellations.Ut Eratosthenes autem de Sagitta demonstrat, hac Apollo Cyclopas interfecit, qui fulmen Iovi fecerunt, quo Aesculapium interfectum complures dixerunt. Hanc autem sagittam in Hyperboreo monte Apollinem defodisse. Cum autem Iuppiter ignoverit filio, ipsam sagittam vento ad Apollinem perlatam cum frugibus, quae eo tempore nascebantur. Hanc igitur ob causam inter sidera demonstrant. Cyclops as Described by Homer Besides Hesiod, the other major Greek epic poet and transmitter of Greek mythology was the storyteller we call Homer. Homers Cyclops are different from Hesiods, starting with their origin since they are the sons of Poseidon; however, they share with Hesiods Cyclops immensity, strength, and the single eye. The giant Polyphemus, whom Odysseus encounters in his ten-year return sea voyage from Troy, is a cyclops. Here are some passages from Theoi with less well-known information about the various Cyclops:​Tiryns Walls, by the CyclopsStrabo, Geography 8. 6. 11 :Now it seems that Tiryns [in the Argolis] was used as a base of operations by Proitos, and was walled by him through the aid of the Kyklopes, who were seven in number, and were called Gasterokheirai (Bellyhands) because they got their food from their handicraft, and they came by invitation from Lykia. And perhaps the caverns near Nauplia [in Argolis] and the works therein are named after them.TowersPliny the Elder, Natural History 7. 195 (trans. Rackham) :[On inventions :] Towers [were invented] by the Cyclopes according to Aristotle.In Dionysus War Against IndiaNonnus, Dionysiaca 14. 52 ff (trans. Rouse) :[Rhea summoned the rustic gods and spirits to join the army of Dionysos for his campaign against the Indian nation :] Battalions of Kyklopes came like a flood. In battle, these with weaponless hands cast hills for their stony s pears, and their shields were cliffs; a peak from some mountain-ravine was their crested helmet, Sikeloi (Sicilian) sparks were their fiery arrows [i.e. sparks from Mount Etna]. They went into battle holding burning brands and blazing with light form the forge they knew so wellBrontes and Steropes, Euryalos and Elatreus, Arges and Trakhios and proud Halimedes.

Introduction to the Coase Theorem

Introduction to the Coase Theorem The Coase Theorem, developed by economist Ronald Coase, states that when conflicting property rights occur, bargaining between the parties involved will lead to an efficient outcome regardless of which party is ultimately awarded the property rights, as long as the transaction costs associated with bargaining are negligible. Specifically, the Coase Theorem states that if trade in an externality is possible and there are no transaction costs, bargaining will lead to an efficient outcome regardless of the initial allocation of property rights.† What Is the Coase Theorem? The Coase Theorem is most easily explained via an example. Its clear that noise pollution fits the typical definition of an externality, or a consequence of an economic activity on an unrelated third party, because noise pollution from, say, a factory, a loud garage band, or a wind turbine potentially imposes a cost on people who are neither consumers nor producers of these items. (Technically, this externality comes about because its not well defined who owns the noise spectrum.) In the case of the wind turbine, for example, its efficient to let the turbine make noise if the value of operating the turbine is greater than the noise cost imposed on those who live near it. On the other hand, its efficient to shut the turbine down if the value of operating the turbine is less than the noise cost imposed on nearby residents. Since the potential rights and desires of the turbine company and the households are clearly in conflict, its possible that the two parties will end up in court to figure out whose rights take precedence. In this instance, the court could decide that the turbine company has the right to operate at the expense of the nearby households or that the households have the right to quiet at the expense of the turbine companys operations. Coases main thesis is that the decision reached regarding the assignment of property rights has no bearing on whether the turbines continue to operate in the area as long as the parties can bargain without cost. How Does It Work in Practice? Why is this? Lets say that its efficient to have the turbines operating in the area, i.e., that the value to the company of operating the turbines is greater than the cost imposed on the households. Put another way, this means that the turbine company would be willing to pay the households more to stay in business than the households would be willing to pay the turbine company to shut down. If the court decides that the households have a right to quiet, the turbine company will probably compensate the households in exchange for letting the turbines operate. Because the turbines are worth more to the company than quiet is worth to the households, some offer will be acceptable to both parties, and the turbines will keep running. On the other hand, if the court decides that the company has the right to operate the turbines, the turbines will stay in business and no money will change hands. This is because the households arent willing to pay enough to convince the turbine company to cease operation. In summary, the assignment of rights in this example didnt affect the outcome once the opportunity to bargain was introduced, but the property rights did affect the transfers of money between the two parties. This scenario is realistic: In 2010, for example, Caithness Energy offered households near its turbines in Eastern Oregon $5,000 each not to complain about the noise that the turbines generated. Its most likely that in this scenario, the value of operating the turbines was greater to the company than the value of quiet was to the households, and it was probably easier for the company to proactively offer compensation to the households than it would have been to get the courts involved. Why Would the Coase Theorem Not Work? In practice, there are a number of reasons why the Coase Theorem may not hold (or apply, depending on context).  In some cases, the endowment effect could cause the valuations elicited in negotiation to depend on the initial allocation of property rights.  In other cases, negotiation may not be feasible either due to the number of parties involved or social conventions.

Using Italian Reflexive Pronouns

Using Italian Reflexive Pronouns In a reflexive sentence the action of the verb reverts to the subject, as in the following examples: I wash myself. They enjoy themselves. In reflexive sentences, Italian verbs, like English verbs, are conjugated with reflexive pronouns. Reflexive pronouns (i pronomi riflessivi) are identical in form to  direct object pronouns, except for the third person form  si  (the third person singular and plural form). SINGULAR PLURAL mi myself ci ourselves ti yourself vi yourselves si himself, herself, itself, yourself (formal) si themselves, yourselves (formal) Just like direct object pronouns, reflexive pronouns are placed before a conjugated verb or attached to the infinitive. If the infinitive is preceded by a form of  dovere,  potere, or  volere, the reflexive pronoun is either attached to the infinitive (which drops its final  Ã¢â‚¬â€œe) or placed before the conjugated verb. Note that the reflexive pronoun agrees with the subject even when attached to the infinitive. Mi  alzo.  (I’m getting up.)Voglio alzarmi.  Mi  voglio alzare.  (I want to get up.) Mi, ti, si,  and  vi  may drop the  i  before another vowel or an  h  and replace it with an apostrophe.  Ci  may drop the  i  only before an  i  or  e. Si  lava tutti i giorni.  (He washes  himself  every day.)Ci  divertiamo molto qui.  (We enjoy  ourselves  a lot here.)A casa,  m’annoio.  (At home, I get bored.)

Report on Design Methods and Technology Project Essay

Report on Design Methods and Technology Project - Essay Example Security nowadays has become complicated due to the increase in criminal activities that have prompted the use of technology in countering them (Angelo 2007). The robots use only the battery and there are obedient to their programming and instructions given to them by the specialized technicians. The robots therefore enable the employment of specialized individuals to control and monitor the robot for security purposes. More resources have been wasted due to investment in inefficiency security systems that are not effective. The public, as a result, suffers from the inefficiencies in the security systems and may decide to invest in other options to maximize protection on their premises. Security at present is thus an important venture that should be managed effectively to ensure that those answerable for crimes are brought to book. Robots are efficient systems that can be put into proper use if employed effectively (Angelo 2007). The robots can improve security significantly and can deal with dangers perpetrated by various people by putting in place strategic measures. The robots are mobile objects using advanced technology to monitor activities around a particular place. The robots are well suited for buildings since they can move smoothly throughout the building. Various robotic systems are used by the military to perform surveillance. One such technology is a drone. It passes over land, and its unmanned reduced the risk of casualties especially where it is monitoring an unauthorized area. There are various financial needs for the efficient running of the project that the report is going to bring forth. The use of robots is quite efficient since the robot is monitored from a distance, and one does not have to be their all the time in the case of humans guarding a particular premise. The robots do not get tired and, therefore, improve the security of an establishment. The robots need finances and the proper components for security robots are

Risk in marketing and human resource and how to manage it Essay

Risk in marketing and human resource and how to manage it - Essay Example In the section of promotion, risks occur if a company fails to select the right media to reach its audience and the idea that, a company develops a message that is not making any progress, this could mean that either the message is not clear or the one announcing has tempered with key points.   SWOT analysis is one strategy that helps eliminate most of the risks. That is if the companies together with the employees sit together and get to know what their customers are saying about the prices of their commodities, if they are fair, expensive or cheap and see the need to adjust. Also, if the company feels it does not reach out to the public, it needs to come up with new strategies of promoting their products, could be, they look for sale person or change Medias. Risks in this section start as fast as planning is concerned. Human Resource entails analyzing jobs and descriptions. This means that; they have a right to select the right person for a given position. If neglect is done in this area, there is a possibility of not getting the right manpower at the right time. In recruitment and selection, an action plan is set to ensure that the organization does not get any shortage of personnel that are qualified. If poor procedures are followed, there is a risk of incompetence in job production. The other aspect is in performance appraisals; all employees are expected t undergo an evaluation to see if the set goals were met or not. If no appraisals are done, there is a risk of de-motivation and will impact on production negatively. Being able to identify a risk brings us to the first step of risk management. This is achieved through a careful assessment tool, so as to be able to analyze and manage the types of risks (Kiritsis, Dimitris 28-30). Print Kiritsis, Dimitris. ‘Engineering Asset Lifecycle Management.’ Proceedings of the 4th World Congress on Engineering Asset Management (wceam 2009), 28-30 September 2009. London: Springer,

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's) statements for employment Essay

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's) statements for employment - Essay Example nd shortfalls and finding alternate support method to enhance the transit of logistical requirements of the operation to ensure that its logistical requirements are met and present when they need it. The Joint Chief of Staff serves as military adviser to the President, SecDef, and the National Security Council (NSC). Its operational planning process involves the preparation of Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan (JSCP) which requires the approval of the Chairman of the JCS. The JSCP contains guidance to combatant commanders and the Service Chiefs for the accomplishment of military tasks. The Combatant Commander’s OPLANs, including the TPFDDs, are also forwarded to the office of JCS for review and approval. The Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff (CJCS) forwards communication and direction from the President and SecDef to the combatant commanders regarding current operations and plans by issuing warning, planning, alert, prepare to deploy, deployment, and execute orders. Training begins with the identification of the gap between the desired performance and the actual performance and the training itself is the process of filling that performance gap. Training is also essential to accomplishing Air Force’s wartime mission and being such, courses and training should be made available to provide individuals basic operational and wartime planning instruction. Such training module should also be perpetually evaluated for relevance, efficacy, timeliness and result. Perpetual evaluation is necessary to keep training abreast with the need of the time that would keep the Air Force achieve its operational and wartime objectives. Streams of data must be filtered according to relevance and timeliness to make it useful to practical operation. Information received should be analyzed and sorted retaining only the essentials while considering the propriety of such data. Practicability of data also includes consideration of sensitive data. In planning for a training

Current Events Summary Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Current Events Summary - Article Example The API reported a fall in gasoline and distillates supplies. In the weekly supply data reports of the Energy Information Administration of the Energy Department, some analysts predict that record crude inventories will weigh on oil prices, as low demand persists in developed countries. In the fourth quarter, National Australia Bank (NAB) lowered its crude prices’ forecast from 84 dollars a barrel to an average of 82 dollars. The bank reports that world oil production remains robust, even as growth in the demand in crude oil continues to fade in many developed economies, a situation that has continuously created abundant global supply of oil, particularly in countries where economic activity is still most languid. In another Nymex trading in contracts for October 2010, at 2.121 dollars, heating oil was down 0.76 cent a gallon while gasoline dropped 0.97 cents to 1.959 dollars a gallon. For every 1,000 cubic feet, natural gas dropped 1.4 cents to 3.952 dollars. Additionally, on the ICE Futures exchange, Brent crude dropped 43 cents to 78.84 dollars a barrel in London. The author of this article demonstrates a wavering of oil prices in a relatively tight range. I concur with him that world oil production remains robust despite the fact that growth in the demand for crude oil continues to languish in many developed economies. The article therefore accounts for the constant surplus in oil supply globally. In my view, Kennedy has succeeded in making explicit the factors behind the fall in oil

Current Events Summary Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Current Events Summary - Article Example The API reported a fall in gasoline and distillates supplies. In the weekly supply data reports of the Energy Information Administration of the Energy Department, some analysts predict that record crude inventories will weigh on oil prices, as low demand persists in developed countries. In the fourth quarter, National Australia Bank (NAB) lowered its crude prices’ forecast from 84 dollars a barrel to an average of 82 dollars. The bank reports that world oil production remains robust, even as growth in the demand in crude oil continues to fade in many developed economies, a situation that has continuously created abundant global supply of oil, particularly in countries where economic activity is still most languid. In another Nymex trading in contracts for October 2010, at 2.121 dollars, heating oil was down 0.76 cent a gallon while gasoline dropped 0.97 cents to 1.959 dollars a gallon. For every 1,000 cubic feet, natural gas dropped 1.4 cents to 3.952 dollars. Additionally, on the ICE Futures exchange, Brent crude dropped 43 cents to 78.84 dollars a barrel in London. The author of this article demonstrates a wavering of oil prices in a relatively tight range. I concur with him that world oil production remains robust despite the fact that growth in the demand for crude oil continues to languish in many developed economies. The article therefore accounts for the constant surplus in oil supply globally. In my view, Kennedy has succeeded in making explicit the factors behind the fall in oil

Russian Avant-garde Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Russian Avant-garde - Term Paper Example Lincoln presents the diversity and immensity of Russian art, where despite its painful past, torn by conflict and war; it was able to produce one of greatest collections and testaments of human creativity. All this achievements in art in a nation located between the East and West, the orthodox and the modern, the religious and the secular. In all the major forms of art, the artists of Russia are put in the limelight, including the context where the artists themselves were born and educated, and where their masterpieces came into being. The book by Lincoln presents the stories of Russia’s musical composers, dance choreographers, the dancers themselves, writers, poets, the architects of Russia’s awe-inspiring landmarks, theatre directors, and actors, and in recent history, filmmakers. In the midst of turmoil their nation was constantly facing, their struggles are recounted to create and preserve their nation’s identity, into art. Hence, in perspective, Between Heav en and Hell details the success and challenges of the Russian artists to light. A number of these artists, namely: Pavlova, Tolstoy, Pushkin, Tchaikovsky , Chagall, Solzhenitzyn, Diagilev, Eisenstein, and Brodsky are only among the few of the artists whose struggles in expressing their art in the midst of political and social turmoil are revealed. The book is an illustration of the birth of art and creativity in a land where politics and art are inseparable, where art continually seeks new forms and modes of expression.

Facilities Maintenance & Operation Cost Optimization for Commercial Research Paper

Facilities Maintenance & Operation Cost Optimization for Commercial Buildings (this study will be applied for National Commercial Bank Buildings) - Research Paper Example The operational phase of the commercial buildings has proved to be longer compared to the construction and design phase of the project. Such a longer operational phase of the buildings makes it much cost intensive, this gives rise to evolution of high performance buildings so as to meet the sustainability goals, and energy efficiency. Facility maintenance covers all aspects of the proper operations of such commercial buildings in order to create a safe, optimal, and cost affective environment for the employees. The major divisions within the facility maintenance are operations, contracting, and maintenance, custodial, commissioning, and landscaping. The operation cost seems to be an ever increasing factor because of such maintenance facility. This research paper deals with the challenges that come in proper facility maintenance of such commercial National Bank buildings. The paper encloses a literature review on the mentioned topic and even some outline questions that are commonly as ked by the audience. The main goal of this research paper is to analyze the ways in which proper facility maintenance can be conducted in such commercial buildings with a total optimization of the operation cost. The paper deals with the various aspects of proper equipment maintenance and operation system so that it meets the goals of the facility maintenance team. The maintenance of the building equipments such as heating air conditioning, lighting etc and the hospitality for the employees incurs considerable amount of operating cost that can be only optimized through high performance building operations. Hypothesis for a research paper is set of propositions that are constructed as an explanation for some phenomena. It is rather a provisional conjecture in order to guide the investigation for a particular topic. Hypothesis is often termed a mere guess or assumption. The title for the research study is to determine

Current Events Summary Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Current Events Summary - Article Example The API reported a fall in gasoline and distillates supplies. In the weekly supply data reports of the Energy Information Administration of the Energy Department, some analysts predict that record crude inventories will weigh on oil prices, as low demand persists in developed countries. In the fourth quarter, National Australia Bank (NAB) lowered its crude prices’ forecast from 84 dollars a barrel to an average of 82 dollars. The bank reports that world oil production remains robust, even as growth in the demand in crude oil continues to fade in many developed economies, a situation that has continuously created abundant global supply of oil, particularly in countries where economic activity is still most languid. In another Nymex trading in contracts for October 2010, at 2.121 dollars, heating oil was down 0.76 cent a gallon while gasoline dropped 0.97 cents to 1.959 dollars a gallon. For every 1,000 cubic feet, natural gas dropped 1.4 cents to 3.952 dollars. Additionally, on the ICE Futures exchange, Brent crude dropped 43 cents to 78.84 dollars a barrel in London. The author of this article demonstrates a wavering of oil prices in a relatively tight range. I concur with him that world oil production remains robust despite the fact that growth in the demand for crude oil continues to languish in many developed economies. The article therefore accounts for the constant surplus in oil supply globally. In my view, Kennedy has succeeded in making explicit the factors behind the fall in oil

Facilities Maintenance & Operation Cost Optimization for Commercial Research Paper

Facilities Maintenance & Operation Cost Optimization for Commercial Buildings (this study will be applied for National Commercial Bank Buildings) - Research Paper Example The operational phase of the commercial buildings has proved to be longer compared to the construction and design phase of the project. Such a longer operational phase of the buildings makes it much cost intensive, this gives rise to evolution of high performance buildings so as to meet the sustainability goals, and energy efficiency. Facility maintenance covers all aspects of the proper operations of such commercial buildings in order to create a safe, optimal, and cost affective environment for the employees. The major divisions within the facility maintenance are operations, contracting, and maintenance, custodial, commissioning, and landscaping. The operation cost seems to be an ever increasing factor because of such maintenance facility. This research paper deals with the challenges that come in proper facility maintenance of such commercial National Bank buildings. The paper encloses a literature review on the mentioned topic and even some outline questions that are commonly as ked by the audience. The main goal of this research paper is to analyze the ways in which proper facility maintenance can be conducted in such commercial buildings with a total optimization of the operation cost. The paper deals with the various aspects of proper equipment maintenance and operation system so that it meets the goals of the facility maintenance team. The maintenance of the building equipments such as heating air conditioning, lighting etc and the hospitality for the employees incurs considerable amount of operating cost that can be only optimized through high performance building operations. Hypothesis for a research paper is set of propositions that are constructed as an explanation for some phenomena. It is rather a provisional conjecture in order to guide the investigation for a particular topic. Hypothesis is often termed a mere guess or assumption. The title for the research study is to determine

Violence Against Jews Was the Main Feature Essay Example for Free

Violence Against Jews Was the Main Feature Essay Violence was certainly a part of Nazi anti-Semitic policies, but it can be argued that it was the main feature. The Nazi’s had many other policies against Jews that were not focused on violence, but on other ways to make the lives of Jews increasingly difficult. We can certainly say that violence was a feature of the policies of the Nazi’s. And there was a great amount of violence mainly against Jews but also at other not-Aryan groups. One of the first acts of violence was in 1933, a spontaneous attack and boycott on Jewish shops by Nazi movements that were not totally under the control of the regime. It was known as the revolution from below. We can however argue that this act of violence was not a real policy of the Nazi’s, because it did not come from the Nazi top but from individuals those who supported the Nazi’s. On the other hand, it was later supported by Hitler and his regime and that was the first of the many acts of violence against Jews. A very important move of the Nazi’s against the Jews was the Law for Restoration of Professional Civil Service in 1933, this law dismissed Jews from civil service. It had a big and terrible impact on the economical and psychological state of middle-class Jews. But it did what the Nazi’s intended for it to do, because of this law, 37000 Jews left Germany. Later that year other similar laws were passed, all aimed at excluding Jews from jobs and professions. However passing a law, how discriminating it is, is not violence. It seemed that the Nazi regime tried to bully the Jewish people away from Germany. Without using violence, this proves that there were features of the anti-Semitic policies that did not include violence. Another non-violence but highly important move were the Nuremberg Laws from 1935. This law was a typical anti-Semitic legislation, they banned inter-marriage between Aryans and non-Aryans and they excluded anyone that did not have purely German blood from having German citizenship. These laws are said to be a tactic to replace random violence with controlled legal discrimination. This is a strong argument to say that the main feature of the Nazi anti-Semitic policies was not violence, but more discrimination and making the lives of Jews increasingly difficult through legislation. However, that same year, 1935 attacks on Jewish shops and synagogues started, this increased over the years until the real breakout of kristallnacht, in the night of 9 November, 1938. This night thousands of Jewish shops, homes and synagogues were destroyed and burned down. And Jews were arrested everywhere, this was an organised event and even though the regime pretended like they did not know about this, they were the ones behind it. The Nazi leadership wanted the violence and vandalism against the Jews but was careful to make it seem like they had nothing to do with it. This was a big feature of their policies, encouraging violence, bit making it seem like they knew nothing about it. All these events make up a balanced policy, not totally focused on violence as their main feature but still using violence and discrimination. We can say that violence was not the main-feature of Nazi policies. However it did have a very big role, they did not only use violence to be anti-Semitic. They also used legislation and law very carefully to discriminate the Jews and make their lives much harder. It seems as if they first started out with trying to scare the Jews away from Germany through laws and non-violent boycotts. When this did not have the desired effect, the Nazi regime decided that it was time for more action and harder policies, using more violence against the Jews. Violence might not have been the main feature in the period of 1933-1939, it did become one after this period of time. That leads us to believe that in the ’33-’39 period discrimination through legislation was the main feature and not violence.

Market share of banglalink

Market share of banglalink 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Origin of the Report This report is the accomplishment of the class assignment program as required for the completion of the PGDBA TERM 2 course at College of Technology London.Project for the program was assigned by the institutions course teacher Carole Still 1.2 Objective of the Report Objective of this report is to give a general idea about the organization, business and operations of Banglalink, a mobile telecommunication company and to explore information about the market position, Marketing strategy and measures to improve the product and services of Banglalink. 1.3 Company Overview in Brief Banglalink was formed in 2005 by the Orascom Telecom Holding (OTH) under the registered name â€Å"Banglalink. Before that it was called Sheba Telecom Ltd. In February 10, 2005 the company changed its name to Banglalink, as a part of global think process. In Bangladesh Banglalink is a very fast growing telecommunication company. The major products and services of the company are listed below: General prepaid Ladis first prepaid Misti Kamala Upper Class Professional SME and SOHO Package Corporate post paid package. The company has customer care center in Dhaka and Chittagong. The corporate Head Office is located at 28, Gulshan, Land View Tower, Gulshan Circle-2, Dhaka. Banglalink is a subsidiary of Orascom Telecom Holding (OTH) which is a leading mobile telecommunications company operating in nine emerging markets in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. Established in 1998, the company has acquired nine operating licenses in this region. With nearly 520 million people and an average mobile telephony penetration of only 5% falling under these licenses, Orascom Telecom has positioned itself as a leading telecommunications conglomerate in the emerging markets of this region. The organization has managed to build an amazing subscriber base of around 15 million in just a short span of six years by the end of 2005. 1.4 Methodology Both primary and secondary sources of information were used for this report. For the organization part secondary sources were the major source, whereas for the project part primary sources of data had used. Primary data were collected through personal interviews to target groups, which include Banglalink employees, distributors and customers. Open ended, close ended, structured questionnaire were used for collecting information at different stages of the report for different groups. For example, interviews with employees for organization part included open‑ended nonstructural questions, but for project part close‑ended structured questions were the majority. However, most of the questions were direct and non‑disguised in nature. Stratified random sampling method was used in the survey. Sample size was 75. Data analysis techniques used for the project part included graphical presentations, frequency distributions, percentage ranking, cross tabulations and normal distributions. Data was analyzed by MS Excel. 1.5 General Limitations Resource Constraints Efforts have been made to accomplish the project according to the objectives. But as the research team consisted of only one member, therefore, it was difficult to cover areas in detail. Moreover, there was constraint of other resources also. Time Limitation The type of study required a detail interview of customers and retailers. Difficulty was faced in getting access to this different group of people. Manpower Limitations This type of work requires extensive fieldwork. Due to lack of adequate manpower it was very difficult to work with large sample. Efforts have been made to accomplish the project in accordance with its objectives. But as the research team it consisted of only one member, therefore, there were difficulties to cover more details. 1.6 Report Preview The report is divided into two different parts. First part of the report is the organization part, which will give a general picture of the organization Banglalink as a whole, including the businesses it does. The other part is the project part, is assigned by the organization to fulfill the requirement of the internship as well as the need of the company. The topic is â€Å"Analysis of Marketing Strategy, Market Share and Future Action Plan of Banglalink. In this regard, four packages namely; Ladis First, Misti Kamala, Upper Class and SOHO-SME were considered. VIEW OF BANGLALINK 2.1 General Information The company aims to make a difference in the lives of the people. Its vision is to â€Å"understand peoples needs best and will create and deliver appropriate communication services to improve peoples life and make it easier†. Their mission is, therefore, to reduce the total cost of ownership of buying and using a mobile phone. Moreover, to achieve this vision, the company has established some values that it tries to instill in its employees. They want their employees, and the company as a result, to be straight forward, reliable, innovative and, above all, passionate. As Sheba Telecom, the worst performing network operator in the industry, the company had only 30,000 subscribers. To dispel this image, OTH had re-branded Sheba as Banglalinkâ„ ¢ in an attempt to give it a completely new image. Finally, they have successfully achieved their goal. With that kind of a reputation at its disposition, the Banglalinkâ„ ¢ management has placed one of the highest priorities on improving its network. In this respect, they have installed state-of-the-art equipment from Siemens and Huawei and brought in over 1,000 people, including experts, from 15 countries around the world to set up the required infrastructure. The system took a record of four months (less than half the normal time) to build. In 2005 alone, Orascom plans to invest $120 million, earmarking close to another $300 million for future investments. 2.2Vision Banglalink understands peoples needs best and will create and deliver appropriate communication services to improve peoples life and make it easier 2.3 Values They have the following four underlying organizational values. Straight Forward Reliable Innovative Passionate 2.4.1Marketing The Marketing team also consists of several teams, which includes PR Communications, VAS, Loyalty Retention and International Roaming. The teams all report to Omer Rashid, the Marketing Director. The Loyalty Retention team is responsible for the designing of the special offers launched from time to time in an attempt either to increase customer base or to increase ARPU. The VAS division is responsible for the continuously adding valuable services to provide a complete solution to existing customers, for example, for making conference calling ring tone/logo downloads possible. These two teams together are in charge of making the customers experience with our network more satisfying. PR Communication is responsible for designing and developing all promotional materials for the marketing of any new product/package and any other activities. They coordinate and work directly with the advertising agency and other vendors. While other companies have an entire department for promotions and branding, at Banglalinkâ„ ¢ this division, consisting of only a handful of people is responsible for this task. Although Banglalinkâ„ ¢ does not have any International Roaming facility now, this team is working on developing the service soon for post-paid subscribers. 2.4.2Human Resources Aside from recruiting and training employees, the HR department is also responsible for disseminating internal communication to all users and in the process of developing compensation packages for its employees, such as medical insurance under the group plan, life insurance and running several activities such as the Vaccination Program for all. Training activities are continuously taking place to develop and hone the skills knowledge of the personnel, such as the English Language MS Project Courses for selected employees and conducting a GSM Orientation session for all employees, especially the Sales, Marketing Customer Care Departments who have to deal with customers. 2.4.3Customer Care Rumana Reza, the only female director in the organization, is the head of the Customer Care department. This too is segmented, consisting of the Customer Care division itself, and then there is Care Line, Credit Management Unit and the Support Services Unit. They are responsible for handling customer queries and providing solutions to any problems faced by the subscribers. While the above departments are all located in the headquarters in Gulshan 2, the Customer Care people are divided between the head office and the Call Center (Star Tower) between Gulshan-1 and Gulshan-2. 2.4.4T Billing The IT Billing department, as is evident from the name, is in charge of all the hardware, software and program requirement of the other departments. They also generate the bills for the company subscribers (post-paid). 2.4.5Administration Apart from the Administration division, the department also consists of the Legal division and the Project Management Office. 2.4.6Finance The finance department is the largest department at the head office with an entire floor devoted to their needs. They consist of the Procurement Cash Management divisions among many others. 2.5 Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threats (SWOT) Analysis 2.5.1 Strengths Huge capital investment: As mentioned earlier, Orascom Telecom has great plans for Banglalinkâ„ ¢. Wherever OTH has gone, it has become the industry leader there or is on its way there. A possible explanation is that the organization kicks of its companies with a huge capital outlay to help get rid of or solve all the hitches. In 2005 alone, Orascom will invest $180 million, earmarking close to another $300 million for future investments. Expertise: As mentioned earlier, OTH had over 1000 people, including 15 experts, working on the infrastructure to get the company started in a record four months. These experts, with several years of experience in the telecom industry, now help in the day-to-day operation of the business. Tight control over sales process: Many people in the industry do not know the sales process, since its is dealt by their distributors and dealers. However, with the Direct Sales Booth, the people involved know the sales process intimately and are responsible for achieving the sales target and project implementation, thus giving the company a strong control over the process. 2.5.2 Weaknesses Network: The greatest weakness of Banglalinkâ„ ¢ and also the most widely criticized service is its network. While the reception is quite clear when the user is out of doors, once inside, the reception breaks up. The worst part is the company has entered a market where the industry leader has been reigning supreme for years now and people are bound to compare the leaders services with Banglalinks performance, even if it is fairly new to the market. People tend to forget that it had taken the leader more than three years since its start to provide its subscribers with a decent connection; hence it is with Grameens present performance that Banglalinkâ„ ¢ is compared and sure enough the latter does not fare well. Unorganized structure: OTH bought off Sheba (Pvt.) Limited last September and immediately started changing the structure of the loosing concern. They are constantly recruiting people, adding/deleting levels to the organogram. Thus, the environment is constantly chaotic, with many people not knowing who to contact or whom to report to and who is responsible for what. This takes away time and energy away from the selling activities. Inadequate human resources: While many people drop off their CVs at the office on a regular basis, finding sufficient numbers of people, with the correct qualifications, has become hard to find. Hence, a handful of people are doing the work of many leading to back log of work. Bureaucracy: The new management is trying to create a system where each individual is responsible and accountable for his duties. While it is a good idea, it has also created a bottleneck at the administrative financial level, where work gets stuck and stays stuck until all papers are properly signed and taken care of. 2.5.3 Opportunities Re-invent itself: As mentioned earlier, the company created a strong buzz when it entered the market. Previously an unknown entity, many people now know of the existence of Orascom Telecom. They have done their studies and know that OTH stands for success. Thus, the people are ready to see Banglalinkâ„ ¢ as a total different entity from its predecessor and are willing to give it another chance to re-invent its image in the market; not an issue to be taken lightly by the company. 2.5.4 Threats Price wars: While in the true sense it had been Banglalinkâ„ ¢ who started this price war with its M2M package, it has created a series of price cuts that many cannot afford. After eight years of high call charges, Grameen has finally decreased its rates. BTTB has also entered this battle with Teletalk Bangladesh Limited. With free TT incoming and outgoing, this is sure to become popular once it gains access to other operators networks. 3.0 INTRODUCTION OF PROJECT 3.1 Background of the Study Bangladesh has one of the lowest tele-density and the lowest telephone penetration rates in the world and even in the South Asia. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) report, the telecommunication revenue as a percentage of the GDP is also low in Bangladesh compared to the other regional countries. Among the SAARC countries per 100 inhabitants Maldives has the highest tele-density while Bangladesh has the lowest. There are five telephone operators in Bangladesh at the moment. Among them one is Government owned telephone operator: Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board (BTTB) and the other four are privately owned companies namely Grameen Phone Ltd. Telecom Malaysia International Bangladesh (TMIB) Sheba Telecom Ltd and Pacific Bangladesh Telecom Ltd. (PBTL). Banglalink is a subsidiary of Orascom Telecom Holding (OTH) which is a leading mobile telecommunications company operating in nine emerging markets in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. Established in 1998, the company has acquired nine operating licenses in this region. With nearly 520 million people and an average mobile telephony penetration of only 5% falling under these licenses, Orascom Telecom has positioned itself as a leading telecommunications conglomerate in the emerging markets of this region. The organization has managed to build an amazing subscriber base of around 15 million in just a short span of six years by the end of 2004. The present situation of market share, marketing strategy and action plan of Banglalink is the basis of this study. 3.2 Problem Statement The problem statement of the research is, â€Å"analysis of marketing strategy, market share, future prospect and action plan of banglalink† 3.3 Scope of the Study The research is limited within the some selected product of Banglalink and it is confined in Dhaka city only. There are number of product of existing telecom operators having varied features. This study covered some fast moving products namely; Ladies first, Misti Kamala, Upper Class and SOHO-SME packages of Banglalink. 3.4 Limitations of the Study The area of the research was too scattered to reach conveniently for gathering information within the specified time of the internship. However efforts were made to limit the area of observation through sampling method and experience judgment. Target populations of the research were not enough knowledgeable to understand and explain the required information needed from them. The studies were carried out on four products namely ladies fast, upper class, orange sweated and ipack. The researcher scope was not enough to amalgamate the whole strategy including all products. 3.5 Exploratory Research To formulate research objectives an extensive measure to unearth the real situation was under taken in the form of exploratory research. The secondary data analysis and the pilot survey i.e. the interviews with the company people, dealers, retailers and customers were the major types of exploratory research that were followed to reach the research objectives. This research is based on qualitative method. After formulating the problem statement, a detailed background study was conducted. This background survey helped to determine the specific objectives. 3.5.1 Checklist Keeping the problem statement in view and the preliminary research being an unstructured one, a number of questions in the form of checklist had been formulated. This checklist had been the main tool for asking relevant questions to the primary data sources to formulate the operational definition of the problem statement and precisely find out the area of study. Perception of customers about different operators of Bangladesh and the selected products of Banglalink were found from the checklist. 3.5.2 Exploratory Research Findings From of exploratory research the following points were discovered: Banglalink made a huge splash in the Bangladesh mobile industry on February 12, 2005. Banglalink made the mobile service affordable to the general people at a cost of only Tk 3400, which is the lowest in the market. About 12% of the market share is occcupied by the Banglalink. Presently, Banglalink is selling SIM at a price of Tk. 132 only, which is the lowest in the industry. The Banglalink connections also allow subscribers 125% credit limit where all other counterparts allow only 100%. It means that a client can talk upto 125% of his deposit in case of postpaid connection. 55% of the customers expressed that strength of network is the prime factor for choosing a particualr mobile operators among the existing competitors. About 78% of present customer were satisfied with the service of Banglalink. Higherst stisfaction rate found among the GP subscribers. More than 30% of the total customers willing to switch Banglalink from other mobile operators. About 10% of the customers expressed that there is an assoiation between higher sales and lower call charge of Banglalink. 3.3 Research Objectives After considering all the relevant aspects research objectives are formulated as under: Broad Objective Broad objective of the present study is to have an idea about the marketing strategy of mobile telecommunication industry of Bangladesh to survive in the competitive world, especially in the case of Banglalink. Specific Objectives Specific objectives of the study are as follows: To explore the market share and position of Banglalink in the mobile industry of Bangladesh. To explore the business level marketing strategy of Banglalink. To assess the perception of customers toward the product of services of Banglalink. To explore the strength and weakness of Banglalink in comparison of other mobile operators. To explore the growth potentiality of Banglalink To explore the future action plan of Banglalink to be the market leader in the telecommunication industry. 3.7 Literature Review Review of related literature in any research is a necessity in the sense that it provides an opportunity for reviewing the stock of knowledge and information to the proposed research. These knowledge and information give a guideline in designing the future research problem and validating the new findings. With this end in view, literature and research works in line with the present study, were searched in the relevant libraries, research institutes, offices and websites (internet). attractive packages to the customers. A significant change has been taken place in the mobile telecommunication sector after launching the Banglalink in the industry. At this moment, all operators are trying to keep their products at the top position. Present study will help to identify the strategic competitiveness and pitfalls of Banglalink and to find out the new horizon to be the market leader in the industry. 4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROPOSALS 4.2 Recommendations It was found that few operators in the market are trying to meet the growing demand of the city dwellers need for communication. For the high demand of the mobile phone there are many unmeet demand are waiting to acquire. Banglalink has to run to meet those demand of customers by providing the product and services at a affordable and minimal price. People are gradually becoming informed about the value of information and understand the fact that timely access to the right information slants the balance of market information in their favor. Governments of developing countries in general and Bangladesh in particular, have to address this issue of increased basic telecommunication connectivity to keep its population in the fast track of economy. Finally researcher has suggested (Proposed) few points to make telecommunication industry healthy: It is better to Promote competition and investment by private firms. The company has to ensure access to advanced services in rural and high-cost areas. It has to ensure access to advanced services for schools and libraries also. Provide and promote education of what telecommunications and information services can do and how to use them. Banglalink has a threat of price war from its competitors. In fact, mobile telecommunication industry has tremendous competition. All operators are coming up with different attractive products and services. So, it has to consider the following point to be a market leader in future: Strengthening the network system. Expand the coverage as soon as possible. Launch less product rather than multiple products at tie. Add value to particular product. Reduce the call charge. Tariff should be user-friendly and comprehensive. Billing system should be improved. Improve the standard of advertisement. Advertisement should be more appealing. Spend money wisely to minimize the cost which leads to maximize the profit. 4.3 Conclusion With respect to the identification of the market position of Banglalink from the above study it can conclude that Banglalink possesses about 12% of the market share in the telecommunication industry. It was found from the study that 37% GP subscribers want to change because of call charge, 24% GP subscribers want to change for TT connection, 13% GP subscribers want to change for product features. 37% Aktel subscribers reason to change is network coverage, 26% respondents change for call charge, 21% respondents change for product features and rest respondents changes for TT, billing system etc. A large number of CityCell subscribers like 61% subscribers want to change for network coverage, 22% CityCell subscribers change for call charge, rest for other reasons. 71% Banglalink subscribers reason to change is network coverage, 8% Banglalink subscribers change for call charges Bibliography Books: Malhotra, Naresh K. Marketing Reseach, 5th Edition, Prentice-hall of India Private Limited, New Delhi, 2000 Kotler PhilipChase, Marketing Management, Millennium Edition, Prentice-hall of India Private Limited, New Delhi, 2000 Lesikar, Ramond V. Flatley, Marie E. Basic Business Communication: Skills for Empowering the Internet Generation, 10th Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin, 2006-2007. Fred R. David. â€Å"Strategic Management†, 10th Edition, Prentice Hall of India (PHI) Internet Resources: www.banglalink.com

The Evolution of the Existential Psyche of Raskolnikov through Crime an

The introspective and self-scrutinizing nature of Raskolnikov from Crime and Punishment, allows for us to delve into the existential rationales that warrant and influence the decisions and courses of action that he carries out. It is crucial to explore the workings of Raskolnikov’s mind, to understand the motives by which he is compelled by to perform the heinous murder of Alyona the pawnbroker. By examining Raskolnikov’s psyche, characterization, and decision making processes, which are characterized by his constant schisms and dichotomies, we can gain an understanding of how the portrayal of existentialist ideals as represented by Raskolnikov, evolve through the plot of the novel. The changing attitude of Raskolnikov, the environment by which he is surrounded by, as well as the relationships and encounters he has, influence and form the existential tendencies that Raskolnikov personifies. The existential philosophies portrayed by Raskolnikov range from embodying Nietz sche's ÃÅ"bermensch to Kierkegaard’s Christian existentialist theories. To further address and progress the points of emphasis in understanding the evolution of Raskolnikov’s existential psyche, it is crucial that the definitions of existentialism, Nietzsche's ÃÅ"bermensch, Nihilism, and Christian existentialism (as prescribed by Kierkegaard) are established. Existentialism will be defined with respect to the idea that â€Å"existence precedes essence† for consistency’s sake. According to existentialism, there are no established, innate set of truths, meaning there is no established innate sense of morality. Life is, therefore, inherently meaningless in comparison of the vast expanse of the universe that surrounds us (Holmes 146). The discussion of existentialism brings on... ...hat surround him. The schismatic nature of his mind follows him throughout the novel, giving a glimpse of his faltering, indecisive mind which only changes after Sonya humanizes Raskolnikov through her religiosity. In this way, Dostoevsky overtly communicates his belief that Russian ideals, as represented by Christian existentialism, supersede Western ideals, as represented by the nihilist overtones within Crime and Punishment. Works Cited Dostoevsky, Fyodor. Crime and Punishment. Trans. Constance Garnett. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics, 2007. Print. Holmes, Clellon John. Existentialism and the Novel: Notes and Questions. Chicago Review, Vol. McDonald, William. "Sà ¸ren Kierkegaard." Stanford University. Stanford University, 03 Dec. Pratt, Alan. "Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy." Nihilism . Embry-Riddle University, n.d.

Agamemnon Essay -- essays research papers

In Aeschylus’ Agamemnon there are many different opinions about what kind of king and commander Agamemnon was. Some argued that he was good, while others dispute that his motives were wrong. Clytemnestra, Agamemnon’s wife, gained a strong hatred for him, after he sacrificed his own daughter so he could go to war. Many believe that this was not necessary and could have been overcome. The chorus seems to agree with this to an extent, and feels that Agamemnon could have prayed and requested that he not sacrifice his daughter.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Clytemnestra, after Agamemnon was at war for a few years, began to cheat on Agamemnon with his cousin, Aegisthus. When the two got word of Agamemnon’s return from Troy they began to plot against Agamemnon. Clytemnestra prayed to the Gods to let Agamemnon make it home because she wanted to punish him herself. Even though most of the other ships did not make it home after the storms, Agamemnon’s did. Many believe this is because of the prayer that was prayed by Clytemnestra.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Clytemnestra first set Agamemnon up by placing a purple carpet on the ground for him to walk on. By doing this Clytemnestra was hoping to get Agamemnon to upset the gods so it wouldn’t be a sin for her to carry out her plan. Agamemnon even acknowledges that he shouldn’t walk on the carpet saying that, were he to walk on it, he would display unseemly pride and incur the wrath of the gods: â€Å"Such state becomes the gods and none be...

Gaps of Service Quality

Measuring Perceived Service Quality Using s e rv q ua l: A Case Study of the Croatian Hotel Industry ? s u z ana m ar k ovi c Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Opatija, Croatia s an j a r as p o r Polytechnic of Rijeka, Croatia The purpose of the study is to examine customers’ perceptions of service quality in the Croatian hotel industry. The aim is to assess the perceived service quality of hotel attributes and to determine the factor structure of service quality perception. A modi? d s e rv q ua l scale was used to assess service quality perceptions from the perspective of domestic and international tourists. Data were collected in 15 hotels in the Opatija Riviera (Croatia), using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis, exploratory factor analysis and reliability analysis were conducted. The study results indicate the rather high expectations of hotel guests regarding service quality. ‘Reliability,’ ‘empathy and com petence of staff,’ ‘accessibility’ and ‘tangibles’ are the key factors that best explained customers’ expectations of hotel service quality.The results of the quantitative assessment of perceived service quality may provide some insights on how customers rate the service quality of a particular hotel. Thus, the ? ndings can be used as a guide for hotel managers to improve the crucial quality attributes and enhance service quality and business performance. Key words: service quality, servqual, factor analysis, reliability analysis, hotel industry Introduction In the highly competitive hotel industry, service becomes one of the most important elements for gaining a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace.Consequently, the efforts of service managers and academic researchers are directed towards understanding how customers perceive the quality of service. Customers are likely to view services as a variety of attributes that may, in d ifferent ways, contribute to their purchase intentions and perceptions of service quality. Although researchers (Gronroos 1984; Parasuraman, Berry and Zeithaml 1985, Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry 1988; Zeithaml, Parasuraman and Berry 1990) have focused m anag e m e n t 5 ( 3 ) : 195–209 195 ?Suzana Markovic and Sanja Raspor on different aspects of service quality, they all agree that the emphasis should be on customers. The most common de? nition of the concept is attitude, which results from a comparison of customers’ expectations with perceptions of performance (Parasuraman, Berry and Zeithaml 1985, Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry 1988). What is more, customers perceive service quality as a multidimensional concept. The speci? c nature of services makes it dif? cult to provide, measure and maintain their quality.However, Parasuraman Berry and Zeithaml and Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry (1985, 1988) presented the s e rvq ual scale, which became the most popular ins trument for measuring service quality. The model has been applied in various service industries, including tourism and hospitality. In most of the researches the instrument was modi? ed to suit the features of a speci? c service. The study has several objectives. The ? rst objective is to determine the level of perceived service quality in Croatian hotels.The second aim is to establish the number of dimensions of perceived service quality in the hospitality industry, using the modi? ed s e rvq ual model. Finally, the third objective is to test the reliability of the modi? ed s e rvq ual model. Conceptual Background p e r c e i ve d s e rvic e q ual i t y The service quality construct is mostly conceptualized in the context of service marketing literature (Lee, Lee and Yoo 2000). Therefore, it deals with the concept of perceived service quality. According to Zeithaml, Parasuraman and Berry (1990), perceived service quality is the extent to which a ? m successfully serves the purpose of customers. Customers determine the perceived or cognitive value of service based on their experience with the service delivered. Ghobadian, Speller and Jones (1994) stated that customers’ expectations, service delivery process and service outcome have an impact on perceived service quality. Yoo and Park (2007) found that employees, as an integral part of the service process, are a critical element in enhancing perceived service quality. Furthermore, Edvardsson (2005) pointed out that service quality perceptions are formed during the production, delivery and consumption process.The author concluded that customers’ favorable and unfavorable experience, as well as their positive and negative emotions may have an important impact on 196 m anag e m e n t  · vo lu m e 5 Measuring Perceived Service Quality Using servq ual perceived service quality. Similarly, O’Neill and Palmer (2003) have reported that customers’ perceptions of service quality may, to a la rge extent, be in? uenced by the degree of their prior experience with a particular service. In the hospitality industry, several studies have examined hotel attributes that guests may ? d important when evaluating the performed service quality. Literature review suggests that cleanliness (Atkinson 1988; Knutson 1988; Gundersen, Heide and Olsson 1996), security and safety (Atkinson, 1988; Knutson, 1988; Gundersen et al. 1996), employees’ empathy and competence (Atkinson 1988; Knutson 1988; Barsky and Labagh 1992; Gundersen, Heide ? and Olsson 1996; Choi and Chu 2001; Markovic 2004), convenient location (Knutson 1988; Barsky and Labagh 1992), value for money (Atkinson 1988; Gundersen, Heide and Olsson 1996; Choi and Chu ? 001) and physical facilities (Choi and Chu 2001; Markovic 2004) are attributes that hotel guests perceive as being important. It should be noted that according to some authors, perceived service quality has been accepted as an antecedent of customer satisfact ion (Churchill and Suprenant 1982; Oliver 1997). What is more, Rowley (1998) argued that perceived service quality is an attitude related to, but not the same, as satisfaction. It is evident that the relationship between these two concepts is complex and that they have a causal ordering. e rvi c e q ual i t y m e as u r e m e n t One of the main research instruments for measuring quality in service industries is the s e rvq ual model, developed by Parasuraman Berry and Zeithaml and Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry (1985; 1988). The model contains 22 items for assessing customer perceptions and expectations regarding the quality of service. A level of agreement or disagreement with a given item is rated on a sevenpoint Likert-type scale. The level of service quality is represented by the gap between perceived and expected service. The s e rvq ual model is based on ? e service quality dimensions, namely tangibles (physical facilities, equipment and personnel appearance), reliability ( ability to perform the promised service dependably and accurately), responsiveness (willingness to help customers and provide prompt service), assurance (knowledge and courtesy of employees and their ability to gain trust and con? dence) and empathy (providing individualized attention to the customers). During the last few years a variety of service quality studies have been conducted (Ladhari 2008). Among others, service quality was n u m b e r 3  · fal l 2 0 1 0 97 ? Suzana Markovic and Sanja Raspor measured in: accounting and audit ? rms (Ismail 2006), health spas ? (Snoj and Mumel 2002; Markovic, Horvat and Raspor 2004), higher ? ? education (Russel 2005; Markovic 2006), hotels (Markovic 2003, 2004; Juwaheer 2004; Wang, Wang and Zhao 2007; Raspor 2009), insurance (Tsoukatos, Marwa and Rand 2004), public-transport (Sanchez Perez 2007), restaurants (Andaleeb and Conway 2006; Namkung and Jang 2008), travel agencies (Martinez Caro and Martinez Garcia 2008), and web-sites (Parasura man, Zethaml and Malhotra 2005; Nusair and Kandampully 2008).Despite its wide usage, the model has been criticized by a number of academics (Carman 1990; Babakus and Boller 1992; Teas 1994). Criticism was directed at the conceptual and operational base of the model, mostly its validity, reliability, operationalization of expectations, and dimensional structure. However, there is general agreement that s e rvq ual items are reliable predictors of overall service quality (Khan 2003). As a result of these criticisms, alternative measures of service quality for speci? c service settings were developed.In the tourism and hospitality industry, Knutson et al. (1991) developed l o d g s e rv, a model utilized to measure service quality in the lodging industry. The model is based on ? ve original s r evq ual dimensions and contains 26 items. Getty and Thompson (1994) introduced another speci? c model for hotel settings, called l o d g q ua l, as did Wong Ooi Mei, Dean and White (1999) who de veloped a h o l s e rv model. The l o d ge q ual model identi? ed three dimensions, namely tangibles, reliability and contact. On the other hand, the h o l s e rv model includes 27 items, grouped in ? e original s e rv q ua l dimensions. Furthermore, d i n e s e rv is a model used for measuring restaurant service quality (Stevens, Knutson and Patton 1995). It contains 29 items and ? ve s e rv q ua l dimensions. O’Neill et al. (2000) developed the d i ve p e r f model for assessing perceptions of diving services. The model consists of ? ve servqual dimensions and 27 items. e c o s e rv was introduced by Khan (2003). It was utilized to measure service quality expectations in eco-tourism, using 30 items and ? ve s e rvq ual dimensions. All of these models represent modi? ations of the s e rvq ual instrument, aiming to improve its original methodology. However, Cronin and Taylor (1992) argued that performance is the measure that best explains customers’ perceptions of serv ice quality, so expectations should not be included in the service quality measurement instrument. They developed a performance-only scale called s e rvp e r f and tested it in four industries. Results indicated 198 m anag e m e n t  · vo lu m e 5 Measuring Perceived Service Quality Using servq ual that the s e rvp e r f model explains more of the variation in service quality than s e rvq ual; it had an excellent ? in all four industries and it contains only half the number of items that must be measured. These results were interpreted as additional support for the superiority of the servperf approach to the measurement of service quality. Several authors used the performance-only approach to assess service quality in tourism and hospitality settings. Travelers’ perceptions of hotel attributes were measured in Hong Kong’s hotels (Choi and Chu 2001), hotels of Mauritius (Juwaheer 2004) and Malaysian hotels (Poon and Lock-Teng Low 2005).The question of whether service quality should be measured as the difference between customers’ perceptions and expectations, or whether some alternative approach is more appropriate remains part of an extensive debate in service quality literature. Methodology Hotel guests’ perceptions were measured with a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed on the basis of a literature review and adopted to suit the speci? c features of a hotel setting (Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry 1988; Zeithaml et al. 1990; ? Snoj and Ogorelc 1998; Pizam and Ellis 1999; Markovic 2003). As a foundation or questionnaire development, the s e rvq ual model was used. The original items were slightly modi? ed to suit the hospitality setting. For example, instead of ‘x y z Company has modernlooking equipment,’ the statement was modi? ed to the ‘Hotel has modern-looking equipment. ’ The original item ‘Guests feel safe in their transactions with employees’ was replaced by the item ‘Guests feel safe and secure in their stay. ’ The reason for this change is the confusing meaning of the word ‘transactions’ and the fact that safety and security are regarded as an important factor in a hotel stay. Moreover, in order to measure attributes speci? to the hotel environment, the following items were added: ‘parking area’ (Pizam and Ellis 1999), ‘appropriate location,’ ‘available and clear information,’ ‘variety of facilities’ (Snoj and Ogorelc 1998), ‘clean and tidy hotel,’ ‘feeling safe and secure,’ ‘ease of ? nding a way around the hotel’ ? and ‘typical service quality for hotel category’ (Markovic, 2003). All the statements in the questionnaire were positively worded. Finally, the modi? cation resulted in the deletion of one original s e rvq ual item and the inclusion of eight new items, leaving a total of 29 hotel attributes . These attributes represented seven dimensions: ? e original servqual dimensions (tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, as- n u m b e r 3  · fal l 2 0 1 0 199 ? Suzana Markovic and Sanja Raspor surance, empathy) and two new dimensions, named as accessibility and output quality. The questionnaire consisted of two parts. The ? rst part measured guests’ perceptions of hotel attributes using a modi? ed s e rv q ua l model. Service quality perceptions were measured on a seven-point Likert-type scale ranging from 1 ‘strongly disagree’ to 7 ‘strongly agree. ’ The second part was designed to capture respondents’ demographic and traveling characteristics, hich included country of residence, age, gender, purpose of visit, duration of staying at a hotel, level of education, and hotel category. The target population of the survey was guests staying in hotels on the Opatija Riviera (Croatia) during the summer of 2007. Questionnaires were distributed i n 15 (2-, 3- and 4-star) hotels, after hotel managers agreed to participate in the study. Reception desk employees were asked to administer the questionnaires to guests during their hotel stay, and to collect them after completion. In each hotel questionnaires were randomly distributed to the guests.Of 265 returned questionnaires, 12 were not included in the analysis because of incompleteness. Thus, data analysis is based on a sample of 253 valid questionnaires. The response rate was 26 per cent. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to describe respondents’ demographic characteristics and to evaluate service quality perceptions of hotel guests. An exploratory factor analysis was performed on the 29 perception attributes included in the questionnaire in order to determine underlying dimensions of hotel service quality perceptions. Principal component analysis with varimax rotation was conducted.Items with eigenvalues equal to or greater than 1, factor loadings above 0. 4, and factors which contain at least three items were retained (Hair et al. 2006). Furthermore, a reliability analysis was performed to test the reliability of the scale and inner consistency of extracted factors. For this purpose, Cronbach’s alpha coef? cients were calculated. Results In order to achieve the study’s goals, descriptive analysis, factor analysis, and reliability analysis were performed. The results are presented as follows. First, respondents’ demographic and traveling characteristics are provided.Next, the results of descriptive analysis of guests’ perceptions are presented. Third, the results of factor and reliability analyses are interpreted. The statistical analysis was conducted on 253 valid questionnaires. The demographic and traveling characteristics of the respondents 200 m anag e m e n t  · vo lu m e 5 Measuring Perceived Service Quality Using servq ual tab le 1 Demographic pro? le of the respondents Items Percentage Gender Items Percentage Age Male 51. 8 16–25 3. 6 Female 48. 2 26–35 15. 4 Purpose of visit Business Visit friends, relatives Vacation Others 36–45 26. 1 . 1 46–55 19. 4 4. 3 56–65 25. 7 86. 2 0. 4 Level of education Primary school 66 and above 9. 9 Country of residence Austria Croatia 16. 6 Secondary school 29. 2 Italy 20. 9 Higher education 24. 1 Germany 14. 6 University and above 36. 4 Others 36. 8 Others 3. 6 11. 1 6. 7 Duration of staying at a hotel Hotel category 4-star 53. 3 1–3 days 19. 0 3-star 33. 3 4–7 days 49. 8 2-star 13. 4 8–15 days 28. 1 are presented in table 1. The sample included domestic (16. 6 per cent) and international tourists (83. 4 per cent). There were slightly more males (51. 8 per cent) than females (48. per cent), and most of the respondents (55 per cent) were older than 46 years. More than 60 per cent of hotel guests in the sample had a university or college education. About 86 per cent of the respondents indi cated that the main purpose of their visit was vacation. Most of them stayed at a 4-star hotel, for between four and seven days. The results of the descriptive statistical analysis of guests’ perceptions in the hotel industry are shown in table 2. The range of service quality perceptions items was from 1 (very low perceptions) to 7 (very high perceptions). The mean scores of guests’ perceptions ranged from 4. 7 to 6. 34. The lowest perception item was ‘offering a variety of facilities,’ which indicates that hotels do not provide enough suitable facilities that could enhance hotel quality. On the other hand, hotel guests’ highest perceptions were regarding the ‘ease of ? nding a way around the hotel,’ Furthermore, guests highly assessed the following hotel attributes: ‘feeling safe and secure,’ ‘willingness for helping guests’ and ‘courteous hotel staff. ’ These indicate that a hotel’s staff has one of the crucial roles in n u m b e r 3  · fal l 2 0 1 0 201 ? Suzana Markovic and Sanja Raspor tab le 2Average scores of service quality perceptions in hotel settings Attributes Mean St. dev. v1 Modern-looking equipment 5. 31 1. 48 v2 Visually appealing physical facilities 5. 53 1. 23 v3 Neat hotel staff 6. 13 0. 90 v4 Visually appealing materials (pamphlets, web-sites) 5. 53 1. 23 v5 Clean and tidy hotel 6. 06 1. 05 v6 Appropriate location 6. 19 1. 00 v7 Parking area 4. 96 1. 87 v8 Performing service in the promised time 5. 98 0. 93 v9 Interest in solving guests’ problems 6. 09 1. 00 v10 Performing services right the ? rst time 5. 99 0. 89 v11 Service without delays 6. 02 0. 84 v12 Error-free service 5. 81 . 98 v13 Knowing the exact time when service will be performed 6. 00 0. 90 v14 Hotel staff provides prompt service 5. 98 0. 91 v15 Willingness to help guests 6. 25 0. 80 v16 Hotel staff has time to answer guests’ questions 6. 13 0. 94 v17 Hotel staff instil ls con? dence 6. 14 0. 92 v18 Courteous hotel staff 6. 25 0. 82 v19 Hotel staff has knowledge to answer questions 5. 99 0. 90 v20 Feeling safe and secure 6. 29 0. 81 v21 Providing individual attention 5. 81 1. 03 v22 Convenient opening hours 5. 94 1. 01 v23 Hotel staff provides personal attention 5. 86 0. 98 v24 Guests’ best interests at heart 6. 02 0. 87 25 Understanding guests’ speci? c needs 5. 86 1. 01 v26 Ease of ? nding one’s way around the hotel 6. 34 0. 85 v27 Available and clear information in the hotel 6. 17 0. 89 v28 Offering a variety of facilities 4. 77 1. 66 v29 Typical service quality for hotel category 6. 03 1. 09 Overall mean for 29 attributes 5. 92 performing high service quality. The overall mean score for service quality perceptions items was 5. 92. This score indicates rather high perceptions of hotel guests regarding service quality. The exploratory factor analysis extracted ? ve factors, which accounted for 65. 1 per cent of variance in th e data. Since the ? th factor contained only two items, it could not be considered as a factor and is not interpreted. The results are presented in table 3. Most of the factor loadings were greater than 0. 60, implying a rea- 202 m anag e m e n t  · vo lu m e 5 Measuring Perceived Service Quality Using servq ual Factor analysis and reliability analysis results of hotel guests’ perceptions (n = 253) Items (n = 29) Factors f1 f2 f3 f4 f5 Communalities v9 0. 751 0. 688 v12 0. 732 0. 703 v13 0. 671 0. 595 v11 0. 658 0. 675 v10 0. 648 0. 615 v14 0. 623 0. 664 v22 0. 623 0. 557 v8 0. 586 0. 584 v3 0. 505 0. 614 v25 0. 731 0. 793 v16 0. 725 0. 748 v23 . 723 0. 776 v21 0. 713 0. 711 v19 0. 688 0. 616 v17 0. 632 0. 688 v27 0. 622 0. 683 v6 0. 693 0. 580 v26 0. 686 0. 625 v20 0. 618 0. 679 v18 0. 554 0. 685 v5 0. 549 0. 509 v24 0. 537 0. 632 v29 0. 529 0. 447 v15 0. 482 0. 598 v2 0. 784 0. 778 v1 0. 748 0. 723 v4 0. 501 v28 % of Variance Cronbach alpha Number of items 0. 684 0. 675 0 . 669 2. 577 1. 514 18. 879 14. 774 8. 887 5. 222 65. 104 0. 869 0. 785 — 0. 953 8 3 2 v7 Eigenvalue 0. 562 0. 771 5. 551 4. 953 4. 284 19. 142 17. 079 0. 916 0. 917 9 7 sonably high correlation between extracted factors and their individual items. The communalities of 29 items ranged from 0. 47 to 0. 793 indicating that a large amount of variance has been extracted by the factor solution. Only one item (‘typical service quality for hotel category’) was below the suggested value of 0. 50 (Hair et al. , 2006). n u m b e r 3  · fal l 2 0 1 0 203 ? Suzana Markovic and Sanja Raspor The four remaining factors are labeled as follows: f 1 – ‘reliability’ (solving guests’ problems and performing error-free service at promised time), f2 – ‘empathy and competence of staff’ (staff knowledge and ability to provide individual attention), f 3 – ‘accessibility’ (appropriate location of the hotel and ease of co mmunication and ? ding the way around the hotel) and f 4 – ‘tangibles’ (appearance of the facilities, equipment and communication materials). The ? rst factor contains most of the items and explains most of the variance. Thus, hotel service reliability is an important determinant of perceived service quality. The results of the reliability analysis showed that Cronbach’s alpha coef? cients of the extracted factors ranged from 0. 785 to 0. 917. That is well above the minimum value of 0. 60, which is considered acceptable as an indication of scale reliability (Hair et al. 2006). Thus, these values suggest good internal consistency of the factors.Finally, Cronbach’s alpha value for the overall perception scale is 0. 953 and indicates its high reliability. Discussion and Conclusion Perceptions of hotel service quality are the degree to which hotel guests ? nd various hotel attributes important in enhancing their satisfaction with the hotel stay. In the present study, it was revealed that the main dimensions of perceived service quality in hotels are ‘reliability,’ ‘empathy and competence of staff,’ ‘accessibility,’ and ‘tangibles. ’ Two of these are similar to the s e rvq ual model, while others overlap with the original s e rvq ual dimensions.However, the studies conducted in the hotel sector identi? ed different outcomes with regard to the number and interpretation of dimensions guests use to assess perceived hotel service quality. Akan (1995) reported a seven-dimension structure, labeled as ‘courtesy and competence of the personnel,’ ‘communications and transactions,’ ‘tangibles,’ ‘knowing and understanding the customer,’ ‘accuracy and speed of service,’ ‘solutions to problems’ and ‘accuracy of hotel reservations. ’ Wong Ooi Mei et al. (1999) identi? ed ‘employees,’ ‘t angibles’ and ‘reliability’ as key dimensions of service quality in the hospitality industry.Moreover, Choi and Chu (2001) reported the following seven dimensions: ‘staff service quality,’ ‘room qualities,’ ‘general amenities,’ ‘business services,’ ‘value,’ ‘security’ and ? ‘i d d facilities,’ Markovic (2003) identi? ed a three-dimension solution, interpreted as ‘empathy and assurance of hotel staff,’ ‘reliability,’ and ‘physical quality. ’ This implies that the number and de? nition of the dimensions depend on the measurement context. 204 m anag e m e n t  · vo lu m e 5 Measuring Perceived Service Quality Using servq ual Furthermore, the ? ndings of this study reveal that among the four dimensions, reliability’ has emerged as the most important predictor of perceived service quality. In the hospitality industry, this dimensio n refers to solving guests’ problems, performing error-free service at the promised time, providing prompt service, convenient opening hours of hotel facilities. This ? nding is similar to Knutson et al. (1991) and Juwaheer’s (2004) research conducted in hotel settings. The indicators of factor and reliability analyses are also consistent with similar studies conducted in the hospitality industry. The proposed factor structure of the present study, as well as in the studies ? onducted by Choi and Chu (2001) and Markovic (2003) have explained the rather high percentage of variance in original data – 65. 1 per cent, 67. 2 per cent and 73. 9 per cent, respectively. The Cronbach alpha values are 0. 95 (this study), 0. 94 (Choi and Chu 2001) and 0. 92 ? (Markovic 2003) and indicate high reliability of the instruments. It can be concluded that the modi? ed version of the s e rv q ua l model is suitable for use by hotel managers in gaining easily interpretable and reli able data on hotel guests’ attitudes regarding perceived service quality.The results of this study suggest that solving guests’ problems, performing error-free service, employees’ attitude, appropriate location, and the appearance of the facilities are the key attributes for a hotel’s success on the Opatija Riviera. Thus, the ? ndings can be used as a guide for hotel managers to improve crucial quality attributes and enhance service quality and business performance. There are several limitations that need to be acknowledged. The data were collected in a small although important tourist destination in Croatia. The questionnaires were distributed during the summer months.Thus, the results’ interpretation should be limited to this group of hotel guests. It is possible that guests staying in hotels out of the main tourist season might have different perceptions of the service quality. Also, the measurement of hotel guests’ perceptions was limite d to 29 hotel attributes. Even though these attributes were included in other studies as well, there could be other relevant hotel attributes that are likely to in? uence hotel guests’ perceptions. In order to be able to generalize the ? ndings, it is suggested that similar studies be conducted in other Croatian tourist destinations as well.Moreover, this study was focused only on hotels. Future research should test whether the factor structure proposed in this study is valid in other types of accommodation in the region (e. g. camps, private accommodation, hostels). Additionally, future research could also assess hotel staffs’ perceptions of service per- n u m b e r 3  · fal l 2 0 1 0 205 ? 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