The Information Processing Theory

In the early 1990s, many scholars of developmental psychology, disenchanted by the antimentalistic and biases of behavioral psychology and shortcoming of Piaget’s theory, shifted to cognitive psychology and computer science to seek new thoughts and insights about children’s thinking.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Information Processing Theory specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Computer systems that rely on mathematically programmed operations to offer solutions enabled these researchers to formulate a framework for information processing perspective that could explain cognitive development (Shaffer and Kipp 58). According to information processing theory, the human mind is like a computer storage on which information is stored, operated on and converted to answer and solutions to problems. Proponents of this theory assert, using computer analogy, that human mind is a hardware comprising of the brain and nerves as peripherals, and that the mental processes are software. The software exhibits themselves in form of attention, memory, perception, problem-solving and critical thinking strategies (Shaffer and Kipp 58). The theory suggests a connection between biological and cognitive development. Unlike Piaget’s theory, which was vague about this link, information processing theory contend that brain maturation and the nervous systems allows children and adolescents to process information quickly (Shaffer and Kipp 58). Therefore, developing children are able to sustain attention, recognize and store relevant information, and execute mental programs that enable them to process what has been stored to provide solutions to problems.Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Information theorists are alive to the fact that strategies that children develop for processin g information are significantly influenced by the experiences presented to them-that is, they are influenced by the nature of problems presented to them, instructions, and the cultures-specific information they get (Shaffer and Kipp 58). The theory of information processing, like Piaget’s theory, construe that children’s thinking is controlled by internal (biological) systems, as well as culturally specific information. However, proponents of this theory suggest that external elements are more influential than internal systems (Seigler, DeLoache and Eisenberg 265). They contend that biological systems are essential information processing systems that depend on external forces, which are instructions and information obtained or gathered from culturally oriented learning environments (Taylor 89). For this reasons, these theorists believe that natural or biological components, which consist of the brain and the nervous systems, should be secure and functional to gather, s tore, and operate on information and produce desired outcomes. The theory of information process asserts that cognitive development is a continuous process, and is not stage-like. Ideally, the theory postulates that the strategies we adopt to collect, store and operate on information are evolutionary. They change over the course of childhood and adolescence (Taylor 89). As a result, information-processing theorists believe that cognitive development is a gradual quantitative changes rather than large qualitative changes.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Information Processing Theory specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The theory construes cognitive development as constructive waves that overlap, as opposed to a sequence of distinct stages of development. Children’s thinking is a process that incorporates progressive changes in learning strategies. For example, children learning mathematics use st rategies such as finger counting, Min counting strategy, and oral counting. They move from these easier, but less efficient approaches to complex, but efficient, approaches (Taylor 89). The theory suggests that children’s thinking is marked by a slow quantitative change in cognitive development. This means that children’s cognitive development grows from one stage to the other in a uniform manner. As a result, information-processing theorists assert that this process is continuous rather than dramatic shifts. The process does not happen or occur in a bang, but children’s comprehension of the environment follows a sequence of events, including growth of biological components and experiences presented. According to this theory, cognitive abilities of children are task-specific rather than general. Like computers, children’s mind is able to process information based on specific instructions, which provide outputs (memory, attention, problem-solving skills) t hat are specific. Unlike Piaget’s theory, information-processing theory contends that where vague instructions are provided, no accurate solutions can be arrived at. Children’s thinking is governed by several domains that are able to gather, store, operate on, and process information. However, the theory acknowledges that no single domain works in isolation, but as an organized system of dependent variables.Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Instructions should be such that they address specific cognitive skills (McDevitt, and Ormrod, Ellis 145). For example, instructions given for mathematical additions cannot be similar to those provided for language skills. Individualized domains are capable of processing incoming information to yield solutions to problems presented to children (Taylor 89). The theory has a huge bearing on how educationists should proceed to formulate school or learning and teaching curricula to match the needs of different children. Since the theory suggests that information processing is domain-specific process, educators should design curriculum instructions that are specific, rather than general (Seigler, DeLoache and Eisenberg 265). In addition, instructions should be given continuously to enable learners to make sense of the problems that are presented with in their daily lives. The curriculum should also begin with simple, yet inefficient methods and proceed to complex and efficient strategies that build upon each other. This means that learning strategies should not be discrete, but rather continuous to help learners to relate complex problems with simple problems (Shaffer and Kipp 58). Information process theory has had a significant impact on how educators and developmentalists view the thinking process in children. This theory supports rigorous research methods, which have helped teachers to understand how children approach various challenges and reasons why they may make errors as they search for solutions (Taylor 26). Since teachers are aware of how and why children are unable to solve mathematical problems, they are able to develop alternative strategies that can improve the performance of children. Conclusion Although theorists of information processing differ with other theories such as Piagetian thinking, they contend that intellectual development of human mind is influenced by nurture (experiences that children interact with in the environment) and nature (bio logical factors such as maturation). While this theory has been criticized where critics contend that, the framework undermines the diversity and richness of human cognition. Notwithstanding its criticisms, information-processing theory can be used to shape the perception of educators and help in developing relevant curriculum instructions. Works Cited McDevitt, Teresa M., and Ormrod, Jeanne Ellis. Child Development and Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2012. Print. Seigler, Robert S., Judy S. DeLoache., and Nancy, Eisenberg. How Children Develop, New York: Worth Publishers, 2010. Print. Shaffer, David R, and Katherine, Kipp. Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence, Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning, 2010. Print. Taylor, Laura M. Introducing Cognitive Development, Hove, U.K: Psychology Press, 2005. Print. This research paper on The Information Processing Theory was written and submitted by user Karlee O. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Wedding venues Essay Example

Wedding venues Essay Example Wedding venues Essay Wedding venues Essay Name: Instructor: Course: Date: Wedding venues The three appropriate venues for wedding are Belhurst, Queensbury and Manhattan bureau all in New York. Since the wedding will have a Hindu theme, the best venue is Queensbury hotel. The hotel has a spacious hall for hosting weddings. The hall is also well garnished with bright colors and architectural designs. It is well lit with colored lights that create an exciting celebratory mood. The hall has adequate space for holding guests and adding decor. This venue is suitable for the vow ceremony as well as the reception. The hotel management provides the seats for all the necessary guests. Where seats are not necessary, they provide the necessary materials. Queensbury Hotel Manhattan Marriage Bureau The venue is available for weddings but couples need to book in advance. This hotel is quite popular and is usually overbooked since it is a favorite for most couples wishing to get married. Therefore, confirmation is required for use of the hall. Booking helps the hotel management to prepare in advance and they brief the couple on any requirements. For example, the couple needs to give an estimation of the number of guests expected. This will allow the catering department to prepare food and drinks adequately. The cost of hiring this hall is relatively affordable. The actual amount of money differs from one wedding to another. This is due to the different arrangements and requirements. This venue gives liberty of using outside decor for weddings. Couples are allowed to bring in any kind of decoration they see applicable in the hall. The management offers decoration services should the couple need them. Hindu weddings are characterized with many flowers and artwork. The artwork may include drawings and paintings. The women can also choose beautiful valances to put on walls and windows. The flowers and valances should be concentrated at the altar where exchanging vows will take place. The hotel has ample parking for wedding guests. The security of the hotel ensures all the vehicles are safe. The hotel’s staff is enough to offer services for a wedding ceremony. The catering department will prepare meals and drinks in accordance to the couples’ instructions. At the time of the wedding, the waiters and waitresses serve the guests. Many types of food are available and if not, the catering department can prepare them on request. Hindus have diverse culinary arts therefore, the couple is required to confirm whether the caterers will provide the food required. The theme colors are chosen by the bride and groom and they should be incorporated in the hall decor. The sitting arrangement is part of decorating the hall. It has to be well organized in a unique design. The design should have a clear view to the front for the guests to follow the wedding program. There should be no congestion and it can be avoided by choosing a design, which will leave ample spaces for people to pass. The altar should be higher than the ground for people to have a better view. It helps to catch the attention of all the guests. A blessing is part of a Hindu wedding and it might last for several hours depending on the beliefs of the couple. It involves a Hindu priest who incorporates other rituals as well. The blessing should be done together with other activities of the ceremony. For example, some of the activities are calling upon Agni to attend the wedding. The couple makes seven steps where each step has a blessing. After the priest has made it official the couple is married, the blessing can be recited. It wishes the couple a good life together and their offsprings. The blessing includes wishes like the couple to remain strong and assist each other in areas of weakness. People wish for the couple to have wealth and prosper through their lifetime. The couple is wished happiness, harmony, friendship forever, and a lovely family. An interesting thing about Hindu wedding is the aspect of divinity. When the couple is at the altar, they are considered as god and goddess. The bride is goddess of fortune and groom is god of preservation. It is an admirable observation where the bride and groom come together as they have a feeling of divinity. A Hindu wedding has long proceedings and more requirements than a modern typical wedding. This is why it is essential for preparations to begin early. The venue should suitable for all the rituals and activities, which take place. Hindu weddings are done indoors therefore; the venue should not be in the open air. Further preparation involves dressing the bride and groom. The bride is the center of attention so she needs to be attractive. Hindu brides are dressed in beautiful dresses and veil. They wear many ornaments and use cosmetics for beauty enhancements. The groom dresses in fine clothes and some like holding flowers. Transportation to the venue and inviting guests should be pre-determined.

Annotated Bibliography the relationship between online games and it players

Annotated Bibliography the relationship between online games and it players Ahn, Jae-hyeon and Park, Bong-won. 2008. â€Å"Imposing Tax and Rebate Policy for Game Addiction Problem.† Paper presented at the annual International Conference of the System Dynamics Society, July 20-24, Athens, Greece. This article introduces the relationship between online games and its players, and attempts to explain the possible social problems online gaming has caused among some players. Ahn and Park address the problem of gaming addiction and its effects on society as a whole. They investigate interested parties of online gaming to create a base model to help explain the increase or decrease of the participants over time with consideration to the positive/negative images of the activity. In addition to their investigative studies, Ahn and Park also propose a possible solution to the game addiction problems. They suggest implementing a tax and rebate policy which they believe will better the social image of online gaming while simultaneously decreasing the number of g ame addicts. This paper is an especially interesting source as it provides contrasting views on the advancement of technology (in regards to online gaming) compared to other sources, and proffers a most curious solution to the gaming addiction dilemma. This article was found through Google with the keywords: â€Å"Korea† and â€Å"game addiction.† Borries, Friedrich von, Matthias Bottger, and Steffen P. Walz. 2007. Space Time Play: Computer Games, Architecture and Urbanism : The Next Level. Berlin: Burkhauser Verlag AG. The authors illustrate how the revolution of the computer and video gaming age are changing the lives of people today. The authors have compiled a great selection of writings regarding the process of altering our perception of reality and virtuality. There are several selections articulating issues related to game players’ ability to discern real and imaginary spaces, such as â€Å"Creating Alternate Realities† and â€Å"Life is Not a Gam e.† These writings will help to support my thesis that online gaming and technology diffusion has indeed impacted society’s male youths. Another crucial aspect this book covers is found in the â€Å"Competing Metagame Space,† where the chapter specifically communicates the seriousness of online gaming, namely Starcraft, in Korea. This book was found through the Gleeson Library online catalog when I searched the keywords: â€Å"Korea† and â€Å"online gaming.† Ess, Charles and Fay Sudweeks. 2001. Culture, Technology, Communication. Albany: State University of New York. Focusing on theoretical approaches and case studies, the authors of this book offer insightful perspectives on the ideas of culture, communication, and technology as it discusses cultural values and technological communication of today’s modern society. The authors have gathered sources from diverse cultural domains to investigate the relation between cultural values and communi cative preferences with respect to genders. This book is another compilation of analytical essays that examine how technology diffusion has affected local cultures. In the chapter, â€Å"Culture, Computer Literacy, and Media,† the study focuses on the statistics of Korean computer users and how the media influences people to utilize it to its utmost extent. This chapter entertains a possible idea why people in Korea are heavily absorbed in computer usage. This book was found through the Gleeson Library online catalog when I searched the keywords: â€Å"Korea,† â€Å"technology,† and â€Å"culture.†

Strategic Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Strategic Management - Assignment Example 4.3 billion (Argos website, n.d.). In order to achieve this result the company has employed about 33,000 people across the business (Argos website, n.d.). While the company has not presented its mission as a separately identified statement, its strategic vision and mission could be derived from the information given on the website; it follows that: â€Å"we are extending our product range to help you make more responsible choices, conserve resources and save money† (Argos website, n.d.). Additionally, the company is concerned about the environmental issues and is striving to run the business in a sustainable way. Therefore, it is possible to say the main organization’s purpose is based on three key organizational values, which include not only supply of the customer with an extensive assortment but also conserving of the buyer’s resources and saving their money in sustainable way (Argos website, n.d.). While reviewing the official information presented at the Arg os’ and Home Retail Group’s website, it is possible to summarize the key strategic issues and objectives which the company faces. These include (Home Retail Group, n.d.). Leadership in multi-channel retailing The company’s strategy is based on the idea of becoming the market leader in multi-channel retailing and maintaining of this status (Home Retail Group, n.d.). In order to achieve these heights, Argos, being a part of the Home Retail Group is working under the development of highly successful mobile and internet channels to reach its customers and meet their demand (Home Retail Group, n.d.). In future, the company’s management is planning to introduce such developments as: mobile apps for the iPad and Android, and TV shopping channel apps (Home Retail Group, n.d.). However, an integral part of the Argos strategic model is continuous investment in its stores (Home Retail Group, n.d.). Differentiated and market leading formats The company strives to dif ferentiate its form from other retailers. In order to achieve this goal, Argo refreshes its brand and refurbishes its stores (Home Retail Group, n.d.). Product ranges and related services Expansion of the product range enables the company to grow its market share and to drive the leadership in its core markets (Home Retail Group, n.d.). Therefore, Argos is keen on the development of the ways of choice expansion. Delivering value to the customer As a part of its strategy, Argos is aimed at maintenance of highly competitive price position by comparing the price levels, organizing regular promotions to attract more consumers, and designed (and continues to work on) sourcing opportunities through direct sourcing and importing (Home Retail Group, n.d.). By introducing special lines, as â€Å"WOW† and â€Å"Argos Value†, Argos continues to deliver the best value to the customer. Leveraging scale and infrastructure Efficient cost base The Company seeks the opportunities of bo th cost reduction and business flexibility (Home Retail Group, n.d.). Financial strength Financial strength of the company is the vital characteristics which is necessary for the further growth and development of business. Thus, for example, the company plans to open about 20 stores during this financial year (Argos

Segmentation and Market Target Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Segmentation and Market Target Paper - Essay Example The essay discusses Apple’s criteria for market segmentation as well as market segmentation mediums. The main approach that the company uses is market segmentation. The management’s market segmentation is based on concepts of economics while dividing organizations and people into categories with a derivative of similar products. According to Hiebing, Cooper & Wehrenberg (2011), the concept responds positively to the marketing messages of the product. In achieving this, Apple eliminates wasted resources with an attempt of marketing to consumers without interests in the company’s product. The different segmentation types used by Apple include Demographic, Psychographic, Geographic, and Behavioral Segmentation utilized in creating effective marketing campaign. According to McDonald & Wilson (2011), Apple’s demographic segmentation involves division of the company products based on characteristics of certain market. The approach includes income, age, sex, race, and education. The geographic segmentation concepts are differentiated on the basis of physical locations in potential consumers. Further, Apple’s psychographic segmentation involves the lifestyles or personalities of potential consumers. Behavioral segmentation for the Apple Company is based on the analysis of consumers’ actions. According to Estelami (2009), market segmentation in has narrowed from complicated processes that required significant research on consumer behavior. Currently, the firm has in-depth understanding of company objectives and goals. The initial step for market segmentation involves identification of broad markets that are attained through existing channels. For instance, Apple Inc. has produced the iPod as one of its fast moving consumer goods. On the other hand, prior the start of research and development for the product, the department identified broad markets used by the iPod within music markets. The

Native Americans and European Colonists Essay Example for Free

Native Americans and European Colonists Essay At the start of the seventeenth century, Native Americans greeted European settlers with much excitement. They regarded settlers as strange, but were interested to learn about the new tools and weapons Europeans brought with them. The native people were more than accommodating to the settlers, but as time passed, Europeans took advantage of their generosity. â€Å"Once these newcomers disembarked and began to feel their way across the continent, they forever altered the course and pace of native development. † Native Americans and Europeans faced many conflicts due to their vast differences in language, religion and culture. European settlers’ inability to understand and respect Native Americans lead to many struggles that would eventually erupt into violent warfare. Many natives thought the armed Europeans would be able to protect them from their more powerful native enemies. In many cases, Europeans did help natives in warfare. Samuel de Champlain, a critical figure in the establishment of the New France colony, aided the Montganais, Algonkaian and Hurons in their fight against the Iroquois. Champlain and his tribes used European firearms to frighten and defeat their enemies. â€Å"The Iroquois were much astonished that two men should have been killed so quickly, although they were provided with shields made of cotton thread woven together and wood, which were proof against their arrows. † In decades to come, Europeans were not be so friendly toward Native Americans, using firearms to take native lands and resources. Native Americans relied on â€Å"gift exchange† system that allowed different tribes to specialize in the production of a certain goods. They would trade their goods with other native tribes. Native Americans hoped to incorporate Europeans into this system. For a while, natives did trade skins and hides, receiving wampum, sacred blue and white shell beads, in exchange from the settlers. â€Å"Exchange is meant not only the trading of material goods but also exchanges across community lines of marriage partners, resources, labor, ideas, techniques and religious practices. † Natives generously shared their belongings, supplies, food, and the skills necessary for survival in the New World with the settlers. In exchange, settlers gave Natives disease, death and robbed them of their lands. Within ten years of the first arrival of European settlers, the Natives welcome had worn out. The settlers had appeared on the scene with two objectives in mind in regards to the Native Americans: obtain their land and convert them to Christianity. Europeans judged natives for their different language, their lack of clothing, and the absence of government and religion in their society. The Europeans established their own set of laws on native soil and held natives accountable to these laws. Any breach of European law by Natives residing in the area resulted in public humiliation, a practice unfamiliar to Native society. More complications accumulated due to their vast differences in language, religion and culture, but it was the differing views of land, that caused violent conflict. With more and more Europeans arriving in America, they needed more land to settle and grow crops. Also, at this time, the demand of tobacco was greatly increasing. The tobacco industry amounted for most of the settlers’ exports. To grow tobacco, settlers needed large plots of land. In the Native American’s eyes, the land was to be shared with the European. Natives had no understanding of the selling of land to European settlers. Europeans used this to their advantage, acquiring large plots of land without fully explaining the terms of the negotiation to the natives, or properly paying them. At first, natives sold land to Europeans, believing that this agreement would still allow them to use the land. Later, they realized that Europeans were rapidly establishing private uses on these lands. Colonists strongly objected to native settlements on the lands that they hoped to establish businesses on. Many more problems arose since the arrival of Europeans in America. Europeans introduced a variety of deadly diseases to North America that Native Americans had never been exposed to before. The colonists and explorers brought measles, smallpox, cholera, and yellow fever, which drastically devastating the Native American population. â€Å"The collected wisdom of generations could vanish in a matter of days if sickness struck older members of the community who kept sacred traditions and taught special skills. † Not only did the natives fear for their own lives, they feared for the future generations of native people. They feared that their traditions and culture would be forever lost. The relationship between Native Americans and Europeans began as a way for Europeans to learn about the lands they wished to inhabit. Natives can be given credit for teaching the first settlers how to survive in the new land. Due to the greed and arrogance of the European settlers, relations with natives turned sour. This struggle of co-existence would continue into the nineteenth century, resulting in the devastating mistreatment of Native Americans. [ 1 ]. James H. Marrell, â€Å"The Indians New World,† Major Problems in American History, (Boston: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2012), 17. [ 2 ]. Samuel de Champlain, The Works of Samuel de Champlain (Toronto, 1925), 89–101. [ 3 ]. Neal Salisbury, â€Å"The Indians Old World,† Major Problems in American History, (Boston: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2012), 25. [ 4 ]. Collin G. Calloway, â€Å"Voices from the Shore,† The World Turned Upside Down, (Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 1994), 21. [ 5 ]. Marrell, â€Å"The Indians New World,† 18.

The Most Important Element in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein Essay

The Most Important Element in Frankenstein      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When reading a novel or watching a play, most people are deceived into believing that the plot is the most important element.   Many people believe that the characters, setting, and situations simply exist to develop the plot.   It can be argued, however, that the theme is the most important aspect of a given work, and that the plot exists merely to solidify the underlying messages that the author actually intends to communicate.  Ã‚  Ã‚         Theme is the most important element in Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein.   In this novel, Victor Frankenstein's passion for scientific progress leads to the birth of a horrific monster that, in turn, seeks revenge upon Victor and his family.   This is simply the plot.   This plot is used to develop the themes of the potential evil inherent in technological advancement, human prejudice, and the universal desire for love and acceptance.      The novel has deservedly been named "the first true work of science fiction," alluding to the inherent absurdity of the theme of the dangers in technological advancement ("Visions of the Future, 5).   Moreover, since the novel's introduction in 1808, many writers of this genre have built gripping stories around scientific and technological capabilities and the consequences of misusing them.   Nevertheless, in this instance, it is Victor Frankenstein's interest in natural philosophy and chemistry that compelled him to create life and thereby "play God."       In turn, Frankenstein's being, composed of rotted corpses, obviously causes incredible evil and the consequences to man's attempt to master life and death are made evident when, the monster counteracts man's... ... Goodall, Jane.   "Frankenstein and the Reprobates Conscience."   Studies in the Novel.   Spring 1999: 19-44.    McKie, Robin.   "The Week that Dolly Shook the World."   Guardian Weekly.   March 9, 1997: 7.    Mellor, Anne K.   Mary Shelley: Her Life, Her Fiction, Her Monster.   New York: Methuen, 1988.    Patterson, Arthur Paul. A Frankenstein Study. http://www.watershed.winnipeg.mb.ca/Frankenstein.html Shelley, Mary.   Frankenstein.   New York: Modern Library, 1984. Smith, Christopher. Frankenstein as Prometheus. http://www.umich.edu/~umfandsf/class/sf/books/frank/papers/FrankCS.html Spark, Muriel. Mary Shelly. New York: Dutton, 1987. Williams, Bill. On Shelley's Use of Theme. http://www.umich.edu/~umfandsf/class/sf/books/frank/papers/FrankWJW.html "Visions of the Future."   Literary Cavalcade.   January 2001: 5-6.      

Microsoft’s monopoly Essay

The global market economy includes several market structures. One of these structures is the monopoly. Monopoly happens when only one firm provides a specific good or service to the consumers and generally dominates the whole industry by controlling the market. In this case, the dominant firm has the ability to set the price while there are no other rivals to force competitiveness. In order to keep their domination, firms are likely to grow a behaviour that prevents other potential companies from breaking in the industry (Krugman, P. R.et al, 2012). How firms will behave, especially in a monopoly market where the demand is inelastic, is a very significant factor for the public interest. For a firm having no rivals, consumers run the risks of high prices for low quality and quantity products as the dominant firm loses the incentive to satisfy them. Furthermore you will be provided with a brief description on how firms tend to behave in this market structure, together with some information of Microsoft’s behaviour against public interest. Monopoly is a very crucial position to be. A firm wants to maintain this position and keep controlling the market by using as barriers the advantages the monopolistic power offers. Due to their long existence, established monopolies afford to grow special skills that makes their production and marketing very efficient. Together with the good control of their finance and costs they come to great results and supernormal profit in the long-run. Part of this profit is usually spent researches, investments and generally for their further development. The huge amount of output they produce, gives them the opportunity to reduce their average costs and form a low, but profitable price. These factors make the entrance of new firms almost impossible. A new company has to invest gigantic amounts in order to break in, something that is very risky. Even if they do, the firm owning the monopoly position can start a price war or enormous advertising campaigns which will again bring the new firm in a very difficult position (Sloman, J. et al, 2013). Figure 1: (Riley, G. , College E. , 2006) â€Å"Differences between monopoly and perfect competition markets†. Through the diagram above, the main differences of a firm operating in a monopolistic market rather than a one with perfect competition are identified. As stated before, the dominant firms are able to regulate the price of its product according to its marginal revenue and costs as the market appears to be of inelastic demand. This gives them the ability to operate in a profit maximising point (MC=MR) of Pmon-Q2 rather than Pcomp-Q1. As a result, firms are pushed away from the demand supply equilibrium that might had been set if there was competition, creating inefficiency and consumer surplus is lost because less output is supplied in higher price. This brings the reduction of welfare which is likely to be purely transferred to the producer through higher profits, but part of the loss is never reassigned to any other economic agent, bringing the known as â€Å"deadweight welfare loss† which is equal to the area ABC (Riley, G. College, E. , 2006). Inappropriate use of this power can sometimes be considered as consumer’s exploitation and market abuse in general. In these cases, governmental policies are likely to intervene. These can be departments or organizations that enforce the consumer protection and competition law in order to adjust justice and equality in the market. A good example were the US Justice Department took action is in Microsoft’s case. Microsoft is the biggest software company in the planet holding the reins of the industry for many years. Microsoft afforded to have its operating system, MS-DOS, installed in more than 90% of the world’s computers. For more than the half of its lifetime, Microsoft was taken to the courts by the US Government for exploiting its monopolistic power and trying to obliterate all its rivals. â€Å"Microsoft attempted to collude with Netscape Communications to divide the Internet Browser market. Netscape Communications refused† (Sloman, J. et al, 2010:170). Then, using a series of illegal actions, Microsoft tried to force other computer manufactures to promote and use its web browser â€Å"Internet Explorer† rather than Netscape’s Internet navigator (CNN Money, 2002). Microsoft was also sued for illegally restricting the multimedia player market by bundling Windows Media Player with its operating system and making it mandatory for all clients using Windows. (European Commission, 2007). To defend itself, Microsoft pointed that these actions were part their effort further innovation and development of their product, actions that had nothing to do with market abuse and consumer’s exploitation. This excuse was never accepted by the law. It was in the early 2004 when this case finally and Microsoft was forced to pay a fine of 497 million dollars for abusing its monopoly position (Sloman, J. et al, 2010; Sloman, J. et al, 2013). The main consideration is how were consumers affected by these series of actions across the years, was it against or in the public interest? On the one hand, considering what Microsoft stated in the court, this can be deemed to be a good kind of monopoly operating positively for the consumer’s interest. The continuously process of product innovation through research and development offered the ability to the consumer to enjoy an improved and updated product at reliable prices and satisfying quantities. In a market where the demand is so high, and the technology is growing so rapid this is of great importance. On the other hand, some of these actions might considered to be against them. The way Microsoft tried to promote its product, not only left consumers with no alternative choice in the operating system’s market but also forced them to make use its substitute programs (e. g. Windows Media Player). As a result, the consumer was indirectly ‘locked in’ a one way road consuming specified products produced by a single firm. To sum up, as all market structures monopoly carries both advantages and disadvantages. Whether this structure is deemed to be for or against the public interest is in basis of how firms owning the monopolistic position will behave. As for the market outlined above, my opinion is that Microsoft’s behaviour had a good overall approach towards consumers and should be considered as a good kind of monopoly. Relatively low prices on products with excellent quality and performance I think is a fair treatment for them. Especially now, after the entrance and gradual growth of some new players in the industry such as iOs and Android, the market has reached a fair level for the public interest giving the opportunity to the consumers to choose through a wide range of products that still offer good qualities.

Of Mice and Men Question “Lennie’s big fingers fell to stroking her hair” Essay

The pathetic figure of Lennie seems to symbolise mankind in its search for love. Do you agree? How does Steinbeck treat this theme in Of Mice and Men? In the book, Of Mice and Men, Lennie an opposite extreme to George; George is quite smart but not very tall or exceptionally strong, Lennie on the other hand is extremely stupid and very tall with exceptional strength. The way Steinbeck writes about Lennie, the audience feels great pity for him; the dialogue is very basic and he has trouble remembering simple tasks like keeping silent. The way he speaks can be related to the same way a three year old speaks; Lennie has the same sort of mind as a three year and is pleased by the same things. He has an affinity to touch everything and that is how he came to be stroking the lady’s hair. The way Lennie acts, speaks and looks creates a strong sympathy for him in the readers mind and Steinbeck plays on this to give the overall plot of the story. The idea that Lennie symbolises mankind in its search for love is what I believe is not a very good theory. The main basis for this is because Lennie does not understand what love is and the idea that man’s job in life is to look for love does not appeal to me. I do not think that a man goes around looking for love but love finds him, George did not ask to be loved by Lennie or to even take him on, he was offered and he made a promise. The only way which I believe that a man looks for love is through what he enjoys doing. If you love playing football then you are in search of your chance to be a footballer, you are in search of your love. This is the only in which I think this theme works in Of Mice and Men. Lennie loves George in a way which he does not understand, but George has grown to love him through their escapades together. In Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck uses love in a lot of ways; one way is George’s love of his dream. George fantasizes about owning his own little cottage with land he can farm on, he loves his dream and wishes it to come true. Lennie loves all creatures be it mice or puppies, he adores them and just loves to pet them and stroke them like a toddler loves to touch anything it can lay it’s hands on. Candy loved his dog and spent all his time with it, Curley loves boxing and spends most of his time practicing with his fists, Curley’s wife loves acting and deeply regrets missing her chance. Love plays a great part in Of Mice and Men, but nothing is as strong as the love between Lenny and George, George only realises how much he loves Lennie when Lennie is under the death sentence. George risks his own life to save Lennie and he realises that he will thoroughly miss Lennie. The theme that man is in search of love is also incorporated into Of Mice and Men by Steinbeck’s pen. George is in search of his dream cottage and every possible way to get it, the cottage is his love and he would go to no extreme to reach it. Lennie’s love is of keeping a heard of rabbits, he is constantly referring to them in the book and would love to have them. However he is letting George pursue the search to get them for him because he is completely incapable of getting them himself. Crooks is in search of finding friends to sit and talk with or being accepted by the other men on the ranch. His love is gain friends and become one of the â€Å"gang† and be allowed to play cards with them in the bunkhouse. Curley is in search of becoming a boxer, he loves using his fists and he is searching for his chance to become a boxer again. Curley’s Wife is constantly searching for her chance to escape from Curley and become and actress, she loves acting so she is in search for a career in acting. The idea of searching for love is incorporated a lot into Of Mice and Men; every main character is in search of his or her love whether it be human, animal or even a career.

What is The IFRS

What is The IFRS Free Online Research Papers International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) are the standards which are principal based in nature. These are the standards, framework and the interpretation promulgated by International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), an international standard setting-body based in London. IFRS has a specific structure as it establishes rules and also gives guidelines on the various procedures to be followed for treatment. Started by IASC (International Accounting Standards Committee) for formulating the standards, IASC decided to dissolve itself in 2001 and form a professional board IASB. IASC trustees appoint members for IASB, IFRIC (International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee) and SAC (Standards Advisory Council). IASB emphasizes on developing standards based on sound and clearly stated principles which requires interpretation. During the existence of IASC, it formulated 41 standards which are known as International Accounting Standards (IAS) and the Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements ( Barry J. Epstein Eva K.Jermakowicz). Some of the standards formulated by IASC have been withdrawn since then like IAS 30, Disclosures in the Financial Statements of Banks and Similar Financial Institutions or superseded like IAS 22, Business Combinations was superseded by IFRS 3, Business Combinations. IASB framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements defines the concepts which form the basis of preparation and presentation of financial statements. It includes the objectives, assumptions, characteristics, definitions and criteria that administer financial reporting and the framework is also known as conceptual framework due to these features. The frameworks defines the objective of the financial statement, underlying assumptions, qualitative characteristics that specifies the usefulness of information in financial statements and the definition, identification and measurement of elements used to construct the financial statement. The framework is not a standard and also, it does not have to be implemented like a standard. The sole purpose of framework is to assist and guide IASB while developing new or revising the existing standards, to assist in setting of standards at national level consistent with international principles and to assist during the prepar ation of financial statement in judging the circumstances which are addressed by any standard. The framework inherited by IASB from IASC states that the objective of financial statements is to provide information about the financial position, performance and changes in financial position of an enterprise that is useful to a wide range of users in making economic decisions. Accounting policies are promulgated by IASB by the framework and the standards of IFRS. The framework states that the users of financial statement have to evaluate the ability of the entity to not only generate the income but also the timing and assurance of doing so. The framework also specifies that financial statement should be true and fair. Two differences and similarities between IFRS and GAAP Similarities IFRS and GAAP both have the same approach for treatment of foreign currency translation. The criteria to determine the functional currency of an entity are defined separately in both GAAP and IFRS; however they lead to same determination which is the primary currency of entity. The transaction of foreign currency has to be re-measured in the entity’s operational currency and the amount from translation in currency is booked under income. Also, both IFRS and GAAP state that the operational currency has to be re-measured in operational currency before translation in reporting currency. IFRS and GAAP define that Earnings per Share should be disclosed by the entities which issue shares in market or are in the process of share trading. They require that the diluted and basic EPS should be presented on the face of income statement. Treasury stock method is required for determining the impact of stock options on diluted EPS calculation. Differences In GAAP, the lease for land or building which involves transferring of ownership to lessee or involves the bargain purchase option is classified as capital lease by lessee. In IFRS, land and building are considered as separate while evaluating the indicators. In GAAP if the fair value of land at starting in more than 25% of fair value of lease then the land and building component are considered separately for evaluation purpose whereas in IFRS, there is no condition of 25% and the land and building has to be considered separately only for evaluation In GAAP, equity method investments are accounted at fair value and in case of entity not willing to go for fair value accounting, equity method of accounting can be used as an option whereas in IFRS investors have to use equity method of accounting for their investments. Mutual funds, venture capital entities and unit trusts are excluded from this standard. IFRS also requires the uniformity of accounting policy between the investor and investee while GAAP does not have such requirement, the accounting policy of investor and investee can be different. Work Cited Barry J. Epstein Eva K.Jermakowicz. Interpretation and Application of International Financial Reporting Standards. Wiley, 2010. 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The Future of Information Assurance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Future of Information Assurance - Essay Example It needs a great deal of deeper layering of protection methods within the enterprise and globally it requires major developments to the fundamental information infrastructure in addition to extended collaboration across enterprise and national boundaries (techdigest, N.D). Since networked information systems become indispensable to present living, the need for information assurance in securing accessibility, reliability, and privacy for information become progressively more vital. As science and engineering technologies support the advancement of faster and more capable networks, it is important to develop information assurance concurrently. To advance the state of the art in technologies for future information assurance, it is important to foresee a better understanding of the science that manages networking and assurance, leading to novel technology approaches and a precise engineering discipline for information assurance (Lee and Gregg, 2005). Security measures are mainly concerned with the privacy, accessibility, integrity, and accuracy of an organization’s information and data transfers. Privacy indicates that the particular information can only be made obtainable to correct persons. Accessibility makes sure that data can be used at any established time, in agreed form and quality. Integrity means that data includes only agreed changes. Accuracy ensures the content, in which the designer’s identity is endorsed. In general, these are good enough to believe that organizations need to carry out their dealings within the scope of these standards to safe guard their intellectual property. The security strategy is the thrust behind the planning, accomplishment, and progress of suitable security design. Since the modern aspects of information technology are managed by global standards, security strategy and the consequential architectures are almost unique (Graf and Kneeshaw, N.D). When appraised with the notions of information security and information

Paraphrasing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Paraphrasing - Essay Example The heart of the house is an interior connector located in the hall. The materiality of the house could only be described as massive, timeless and substantive. The vertical design aims to benefit users from the sun. The irregular, thick perforations have been arranged in line with the interior visuals resulting in a non-obvious, primitive order. The principal actor in this house, and also on the land where it occurs, is the tectonics system where an eighteen-meter beam has been suspended, ceiling placed on structural walls and a crack dug in the ground in an effort to save steep drop. 2- A House in a Wine Road – This is an innovative house, a result of the architectural acumen of Lisbon, Portugal’s Plano B. It uses the hybrid earthen wall which combines wattle and daub, cob and rammed earth, resembling the boxed method which was employed in the momentous Briones House, California. This project reconstructs from an existing ruin with the site located in an environmental protection area. Thus, the architects had to keep the use, position and height of previous building, proposing to use previous materials, namely earth, stone and wood, to rebuild, but adopting a different design. The firm developed an intricate building skin, integrating traditional methods of construction with contemporary materials. Wood from the previous construction was used for structural framing while stones were used in laying the foundation. It is a â€Å"do-it-yourself† model where residents are greatly involved in construction works. For effective ventilation and insu lation, cork boards, reinforced by polycarbonate plates combined with natural materials such as stone, wood and earth, were used to construct the exterior skin. Using industrial materials, including concrete, asphalt and polycarbonate, this project could be considered as a model for sustainable practice, upholding an acute approach to expressive