The Final Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Final Project - Essay Example The argument of the author evolves in the following manner. In Chapter 1, Zakaria presents a main thesis of the book, according to which we will witness the emergence of a â€Å"post-American† global order, within the framework of which the USA will retain its predominance but lose an ability to determine the attributes of international system unilaterally (Zakaria, 2008, pp. 1-5). He compares the change in power dynamics that is taking place currently to the shift in predominance from the Oriental empires to the proto-capitalist West in the 15th to 16th century, arguing that a similar process can be identified nowadays with regard to the rise of Asian nations (Zakaria, 2008, p. 2). Somewhat counterintuitively, Zakaria claims that globalization which led to the dissemination of Western models of capitalist system and mass consumption culture allowed the potential contenders of the U.S., such as China and India, to increase their competitiveness and present an economic challeng e to the American role in the world (Zakaria, 2008, pp. 20-21). Nevertheless, according to Zakaria, the political limitations will not allow either India or China to become real rivals to the U.S. in the short-term future, as the uneven economic development and internal social tensions undermine their potential (Zakaria, 2008, p. 97; p. 132). ... Zakaria ends the book with guidelines for the future U.S. foreign policy that may be summarized as commitment to multilateral policies, creation of broad alliances with the other great powers, and an emphasis on legitimacy as a ‘soft power’ of the USA (Zakaria, 2008, pp. 235-250). For all the arguments presented by Zakaria in his book, the over-optimistic assumptions about the continuing political predominance of the United States in the new globalized world seems the weakest. Zakaria seems to overlook the fact that the loss of economic hegemony was invariably followed by the corresponding weakening of the political role of respective nation in the world, as the examples of Holland in the 17th century and Great Britain in the 20th century demonstrated. His optimism on the alleged lack of strong competitors to the U.S. dominance seems misplaced as well; even if no single state would match the economic and military-political potential of the U.S., the coalition of them cer tainly might, and the rise of BRICS (Brazil, India, China, Russia, South Africa) nations shows that some newly industrialized countries, together with the former contender to the U.S. might, may be not too much content with the global order determined by the Western geo-economic and geopolitical interests. In addition, Zakaria’s naive enthusiasm about the financial globalization as the driving force of supposedly even economic development may be seen as the greatest problem of the book, as his praises for neoliberal restructuring, especially in India, were contradicted both by the events of the Lehman Brothers crisis of September 2008 and the overheating processes in the economies of India and China that led to inflationary pressures and rising social

Thesis On E-Government In Jordan Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 20000 words

Thesis On E-Government In Jordan - Dissertation Example E-government is the short form of electronic government, also known as the â€Å"e-gov† and has a number of other names in digital government, the online government, and even transformational government. E-government discusses the manner in which government makes use of the exchange of information and services that are pertinent with regards to the citizens, individual businesses, and other governmental agencies to name a few. E-government thus takes care of information and communications technology, which in this paper we will call as ICT. All these processes are carried out to ensure that there is improvement within the processes, efficiency is achieved, public services are better managed and delivered and there are plenty of tasks that are done in the right manner as far as processes of democratic governance are concerned. Thus to add to the same discussion, we see that the E-governments encompass a number of different models including the Government to Citizen, also known as the Government to Customer, Government to Business and lastly Government to Government. However, to coin the most significant of these activities that E-government does in the related scheme of things, we see that E-government increases efficiency between the tasks ensure there is convenience all around and there is a better accessibility factor related to the provision of basic public services. Hence the interaction between the private sector and that of the public sector is also improved as a result of the very same.

Banyan Tree Essay Example for Free

Banyan Tree Essay Minimal advertising, still high level of brand awareness through company’s public relations and global marketing programs. Faced the challenge of translating and maintaining the success of a niche Asian hospitality brand into various market segments on a global scale ‘Innovative niche product that could also bridge the price gap in this market’ Building a resort comprising individual villas with locally inspired architectural design and positioned as a romantic and intimate escapade for guests; ‘Sanctuary for the senses’. Banyan Tree Gallery: ‘local culture and heritage and promoting cottage Crafts, retail outlet showcasing indigenous crafts, works closely with village cooperatives and not-for-profit craft marketing agents.   Marketing: high-end travel magazines in key markets – public relations – global marketing programs (increase editorial coverage) – few key wholesalers in each targeted market – agents specializing in exlusive luxury holidays targeted at wealthy customers – membership in the Small Luxury Hotels and Leading Hotels of the World – GDS cose ‘BY’ (own global distribution system used by travel providers to process airline, hotel, car rental and other distribution partners around the world. Actively caring for the natural and human environment, revitalizing local communities, worked actively to preserve, protect, and promote the natural and human environments in which BYT resorts where located. Minimizing the impact on the environment Green Communities = planted trees, engage local communities, associates, guests to share the causes of climate change and actions that can reduce our collected carbon footprint. Green Imperative Fund to further support community-based and environmental initiatives in the regions where it has a presence. The company believed in building profitable resorts that would benefit the surrounding environment and contribute to local economies through the creation of employment and community development projects. Businesses with local farmers and traders by making it a point to purchase fresh produce from them. Community Relations Department was set up to develop and manage community outreach programs. Seedling: BTHR’s formalized program which aimed to help oung adults from local communities and motivate them and provide the means for completing their education to successfully enter the labor force as adults. Future: openening city hotels and angsana hotels in Dubai and London (angsana brand in response to the demand for hotel operators in Asia that were keen to introduce spa services in their hotel, it is more contemporary and affordable brand. Musem Shop by banyan tree: joint partnetship with Singapor’s national heritage board to showcase Asi’a rich and diverse cultural heritage through unique museum-inspired merchandise. Banyan Tree Holdings (Banyan Tree) is an investment holding company involved in managing and developing premium resorts, hotels and spas in the Asia Pacific. To date, the Banyan Tree Group manages and/or has ownership interests in close to 36 hotels and resorts, around 73 spas, 91 galleries  and 3 golf courses in 28 countries The company operates in Asia, Mexico and Morocco, New Zealand, Africa, Dubai, and the UK. Banyan Tree operates through three business segments: hotel investment, property sales, and fee-based. The hotel investments segment relates to hotel and restaurant operations. : The property sales segment comprises hotel residences, Laguna property sales and development project/site sales. Hotel residences business relates to the sale of hotel villas or suites which are part of hotel operations, to investors under a compulsory leaseback scheme. Laguna property sales business relates to the development and sale of properties which are standalone vacation homes in Laguna Phuket. Development project/site sales relates to pure development land sales or development land sales which are fully or partially developed with infrastructure. The fee-based segment comprises the management of hotels and resorts, the management of an asset-backed destination club, the management of private-equity funds, the management and operation of spas, the sales of merchandise, the provision of architectural and design services, the management and ownership of golf courses, and rental of retail outlets and offices. The company’s subsidiaries (dochterbedrijf) include Banyan Tree Spa Bangkok, Banyan Tree Spa Bintan, Banyan Tree Spa Ringha, Banyan Tree Spa Phuket, Banyan Tree Sanya, and Banyan Tree Macau, among others. Banyan Tree Holdings (Banyan Tree) is engaged in the management and development of premium resorts, hotels and spas. The companys key services include the following. Hotel and restaurant operations Sale of hotel villas or suites Development and sale of properties Pure development land sales Management of hotels and resorts Management of an asset-backed destination club Management of private-equity funds -Management and operation of spas Architectural and design services Management and ownership of golf courses Rental of retail outlets and offices. The following companies are the major competitors of Banyan Tree Holdings Limited: Central Plaza Hotel Public Company Limited Four Seasons Hotels Inc Associated International Hotels Ltd In the past few years, such events risks as the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, bird flu, floods and riots in Thailand have been hard on our industry, causing tourism as a whole to dry up in their wake. By comparison, economic recessions are part and parcel of the business cycle, which we are able to take in our stride and counter with a variety of measures. During the year, the world remained mired in the European sovereign debt crisis and American economic weakness. Although these conditions affected our arrivals primarily from Europe, we were able to capitalise on the flourishing Chinese market. At our four resorts in the Maldives, for example, the number of Chinese guests surpassed those from Europe. In our continuing efforts to rebalance the Group’s assets, we made the bargain purchase of Banyan Tree Seychelles which gave rise to a net gain. We also sold and leased back Angsana Velavaru in January 2013. The hybrid structure of this deal is a first for Banyan Tree, and we are pleased with how it allows us to rebalance our portfolio while still participating in the profits from the operations of Angsana Velavaru. 2012: with overall revenue growing 3% to S$338. 4 million. Due to improved results from our hotel investments and fee-based businesses, as well as a higher contribution from completed sales of property units. Group EBITDA was S$74. 5 million, up 51% on the back of higher revenue and a gain on the bargain purchase of Banyan Tree Seychelles. This in turn resulted in PATMI increasing by 856% (S$14. million), tempered by higher finance costs and income tax expenses. HOTEL INVESTMENTS Our hotel investments delivered a stronger performance in 2012, with Group-owned hotels posting total revenue of S$187. 7 million, up 15% from the previous year. This was due to the higher contribution from our Thai properties and the consolidation of revenue from Banyan Tree Seychelles from 2Q12 onwards. These gains were partially offset by lower revenue from our Maldives properties as Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru were temporarily closed for refurbishment. As a result of the increase in revenue, EBITDA for this segment grew by a healthy 69% to S$36. 6 million. PROPERTY SALES Revenue from property sales was S$42. 7 million. The 36% decrease was due to the sale of development sites in Lijiang, Yangshuo and Huangshan to our China Fund in 2011. Excluding those transactions, revenue and EBITDA from property sales saw growth of 43% and 74% respectively, thanks to a higher contribution from completed sales of property units. FEE-BASED Total revenue from our fee-based businesses registered growth of 9% to reach S$108. million. This was attributable to an increase in fees from hotel management and architectural and interior design and other services. Accordingly, EBITDA for our fee-based businesses grew by 23%. 2013 appears to be another challenging year for the global economy. We anticipate continued weakness in our European target markets. In Asia, which has been the world’s economic engine these past four years, growth is likely to moderate. Despite the cooling of China’s economy, the tourism market both inbound and outbound is expected to continue to grow. The Chinese government is aggressively promoting domestic tourism as part of its strategy to increase domestic consumption, thereby cushioning the slowdown in export manufacturing. Banyan Tree’s strong branding and rapidly expanding footprint in China will position us to take advantage of this trend. Our seven regional marketing offices in China will be invaluable in enabling us to tap the vast potential of this market and to enhance awareness of our hotels with key accounts in China. Our strategy going forward will include continuing with our asset rebalancing to unlock value and deploy capital to more promising markets. At the same time, we are exploring the possibility of extending the successful Fund model into other areas. In terms of growing particular segments, we will be focusing on increasing income from our fee-based and property sales businesses. We have built the fee-based segment to a point where it now has an impetus of its own. On the property sales front, we plan to move into selling more primary and serviced residences. Primary residences under the Banyan Tree brand, â€Å"We will also be going forward with the establishment of a third brand of residences to be wholly sold and managed by us. † Rather than compete with local property developers, we will leverage our branding and design skills to market to a niche audience in China. We will also be going forward with the establishment of a third brand of residences to be wholly sold and managed by us. Catering to an entirely new market of price-conscious buyers, these properties will be smaller in size yet deliver the quality and innovation that are hallmarks of Banyan Tree. Strongly associated with our brand is the concept of a triple bottom line. In our pursuit of economic, social and environmental success, we made major investments in resource conservation, training and benchmarking, greening and community efforts in 2012. Under the EarthCheck system of sustainability certification, we also planted in six-year a total to over 220,000 trees. Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts offer an intimate retreat experience featuring its signature blend of romance, rejuvenation and exotic sensuality. Our philosophy is based on providing a place for rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul a Sanctuary for the Senses. Placing special emphasis on providing guests with a sense of place, each Banyan Tree property is designed to fit into its natural surroundings, using indigenous materials as far as possible and reflecting the landscape and architecture of the destination. Pioneering he tropical garden spa concept with Asian health and beauty remedies passed down from generations, Banyan Tree Spa was created as the signature experience in all Banyan Tree resorts, to complement the â€Å"Sanctuary for the Senses† wellness concept. With the emphasis on high service standards and consistency, therapists are professionally trained at Banyan Tree Spa Academies in Phuket, Thailand, and Lijiang, China. The Banyan Tree Gallery supports local communities by exhibiting and retailing indigenous handicrafts, which are also found in the resorts. A quintessential highlight of the Banyan Tree experience, Banyan Tree Gallery aspires to recreate the unique Banyan Tree experience with  its extensive selection of  Asian-style furnishings, Banyan Tree Spa collection, eco-friendly products, indigenous village handicrafts, ethnic apparel and accessories, and objects d’art. Banyan Tree Holdings Limited is a leading, international hospitality brand that manages and develops premium resorts, hotels and spas. Its innovative business model is based on seven business segments generating multiple income streams that is unique in itself within the hospitality industry. This formula of developing and managing complementary product offerings with in-house talent makes it difficult for competitors to duplicate with the same level of success. Banyan Tree’s vertically integrated business model comprises: Hotel investment– Banyan Tree owns and manages luxury hotels under its brands, as well as hotels that are managed by other world-class operators. Hotel management– Banyan Tree additionally manages properties under the Banyan Tree and Angsana brands for other owners. Canopy Marketing Group Pte Ltd A company wholly owned by Banyan Tree Services, Canopy Marketing Group Pte Ltd provides high-level strategic insights on various global niche markets to drive top line performance of our diverse range of lifestyle products including hotels, resorts, spas, gallery, destination club and residential ownership. It has a full-suite of marketing capabilities specializing in the branding, marketing and promotion. Spa operations– Banyan Tree Spa pioneered the tropical garden spa concept, and has since grown to over 60 outlets worldwide. Gallery operations– The retail arm is consolidated under Banyan Tree Gallery, which comprises five brand segments located in over 70 stores worldwide. Hotel residences – Hotel inventory are primarily sold under the brand name Banyan Tree Residences. Property sales – Properties that are not part of hotel operations are sold by our subsidiary company, Laguna Resorts and Hotels, and its subsidiaries, in Laguna Phuket. Design and other services – Revenue from design services is earned by Architrave, Banyan Tree’s in-house architectural arm. Other service fees include income from operating golf clubs. Real Estate Hospitality Funds – Banyan Tree Capital was set upto tap private equity and other sources of investments in order to provide a cost efficient structure to fund the Group’s future developments. With about 8,000 associates of over 50 nationalities, the diversity of its workforce is a key feature of the Group and helps to inspire its international outlook. To address its talent development needs, Banyan Tree launched Banyan Tree Management Academy (BTMA) in 2008. This centralised training facility located in Phuket, Thailand will train future Banyan Tree leaders needed to sustain organisational effectiveness and to meet the demands of its rapid global growth. Part of Banyan Tree’s vision has always been to grow into a global business, with a portfolio of properties strategically placed around the world. The Group’s mission is inextricably intertwined with its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable growth, as it continues to expand globally. The launch of Banyan Tree Residences, which allows investors to buy their own signature villa, townhouse or apartment in Banyan Tree resorts. Banyan Tree Private Collection was launched to cater to the growing niche for destination club membership 2005: Marking the group’s long awaited foray into China is Banyan Tree Ringha, in Yunnan. 2001: Banyan Tree established the Green Imperative Fund to formalise its corporate social responsibility efforts. The Banyan Tree Spa Academy was set up to provide training for new therapists as well as research new treatment recipes and techniques. Banyan Tree Capital is a real estate fund management company established by the Banyan Tree group, a renowned luxury hospitality company listed in Singapore, to focus on hospitality-based real estate investment. Banyan Tree Capital raises, develops and manages branded hospitality funds in key development markets of the Banyan Tree group. With a combination of fund management and asset development capabilities, Banyan Tree Capital leverages on the group’s expertise in premium hospitality real estate development and anagement to generate attractive investment returns for its investors. Banyan Tree Capital is headquartered in Singapore with offices in China and Vietnam. We have successfully achieved higher room rates than the existing market in locations such as Lijiang, the Maldives and Seychelles. We have also found that our iconic brands also help raise the value of the surrounding land. Our innovative city products combine all the iconic elements of our brand and differentiat e developers within established, high cost city markets. We have the flexibility and capabilities to adapt our model to various locations so as to maximize returns for the developer As part of our strategy of enlarging our footprint in China, we will also be launching two more hotels in Shanghai and one in Tianjin, adding to our ever growing presence in various gateway cities. We are also employing our capabilities all across China, where large tracts of land are being developed into gated residences and luxury hotels offered to the Chinese elite. One of Banyan Trees prime concerns is its associates. We pride ourselves in providing high levels of service excellence and providing tailor made training and career development programmes for our employees. No stone is left unturned in regards to training and proper introduction before a Banyan Tree is put into operation. Trained to the basic standards of 5 star hotels. Employees were empowered to exercise creativity and sensitivity although the strict administrative rules of the management. Employees were taken to and from work in air-conditioned buses, access to various amenities (good-quality canteens, medical services, childcare facilities). Banyan Tree is one of the world’s biggest and well known spa operators. Our levels of quality and service are unparalleled and uncompromised. We are the only vertically integrated hospitality company with strong capabilities to tackle and anticipate the challenges of master planning and developing an integrated resort. We are able to take a property from inception to delivery with efficiencies that is entirely brand specific. Our n-house design team, Architrave, and project services team are extremely involved in all phases of the development – master planning, designing, developing and coordinating, to ensure developers a timely delivery of their asset. Being experienced developers, we are able to ensure that efficiencies and economies of scale are maximized along with guest experiences. Bintan, the Maldives and Phuket where the Angsana resort is positioned next to a Banyan Tree resort with shared back of house facilities. This model has allowed us to lower costs without cannibalizing rates, thereby boosting returns for our developers.

The Cradle Will Rock Review Theatre Essay

The Cradle Will Rock Review Theatre Essay The show The Cradle Will Rock written my Marc Blitzstein is a piece of work that reflects the struggles and politics of its time. In researching this show and it original production, one has to also know about the events in history surrounding and affecting the lives of every-day Americans. Then one must realize how these experiences influenced and inspired the creativity and brilliance behind Blitzsteins vision and the creation of The Cradle Will Rock. It is in specific events of the nineteen thirties that sparked, what was for its time, a controversial incident in the history of theatre had never before transpired. When the Depression began Herbert Hoover was the President and then in 1932 Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected President. Roosevelt, seeing his country in a state of decline, lunched what is referred to as The New Deal, a series of economic programs to get American back on its feet. One of these programs was The Works Progress Administration or the WPA which aimed to find jobs for the unemployed. The WPA consisted of five Federal One projects and the Federal Theatre Project or FTP was one designed for employment of out-of-work artists, writers, and directors, with the secondary aim of entertaining poor families and creating relevant art. Other event s that lead to important plot points of Blitzsteins The Cradle Will Rock where the forming of unions and labor strikes. In Scott Millers An Analysis of The Cradle Will Rock he writes: The political atmosphere in America in 1937 was ripe for a show like The Cradle Will Rock. In 1936 not a single employee at U.S. Steel belonged to a union, but by February 1937, just five months before Cradles premiere, the steel workers had unionized and forced U.S. Steel to sign a collective bargaining agreement. In response to this new movement, anti-labor organizations were springing up all over America. With all this going on Blitzstein felt the need to express the frustrations of the union workers, but the creation of The Cradle Will Rock first began with a single song call Nickel under the foot. It was performed for Bertolt Brecht a German poet, playwright, and theatre director. It was Brechts idea to take the song further into a full length show. Brecht said, Why dont you write a piece about all kinds of prostitution the press, the church, the courts, the arts, the whole system? (John Jansson) While he did not get to work on it right away the idea never left his mind. It was not until the death of his wife that he dove headfirst into the writing of the musical. It took him all of five weeks to complete his work of art, that of which he dedicated to Brecht. Troubles for Blitzstein came when it was time for him to find a company that would accept his piece. Many companies though it to be too sensitive a subject with the recent troubles in America and its large political statement, all in all for many it seemed too risky. But that would not stop Blitzstein in finding a way to get his play to the people; he would not give up his quest to make his message heard. A message many Americans needed to hear. The plot of The Cradle Will Rock as explained on Musical Heaven is as follows: Moll, a streetwalker in Steeltown USA is arrested and finds herself in Night Court witnessing the arraignment of The Liberty Committee, a handful of distinguished citizens who are opposed to organizing activities by the Steelworkers Union. In an ironic twist of fate, they have been mistaken for union organizers and arrested. A drunken vagrant, once a prospering pharmacist, explains to Moll how this minister, newspaper editor, doctor, college president, professor and artist have all sold their principles for money and power. The wealth and authority of Mister Mister, a leading industrial boss, has corrupted the city, and the process is also revealed in the committee members furtive dialogues and strained efforts for release. Ultimately the chief union organizer, Larry Foreman, is brought into court. An uncompromising and charismatic man, he exemplifies how one person can make a difference and gives hope to the bitter prostitute and druggist. When Steeltowns boss, Mister Mister, arrives at the courthouse to rescue his lackeys, he attempts to buy Foremans loyalties but is rebuked. At the conclusion, word arrives that other unions have joined with the Steelworkers struggle. Even the Liberty Committee, sensing the drift of things, abandons its rich patron. Mister Mister, cowardly and alone, realizes that working people have finally developed a backbone and that he has met his match. It was not until Orson Welles, an actor and theatre director who was working for the WPA at the time, had Blitzstein play it for producer John Houseman. This finally gave Blitzstein his big break. Houseman loved the concept and put it into production straightaway. With Orson Welles as the director the vision of the show started taking shape, perhaps it was a vision that Blitzstein was not expecting. Blitzstein believed in his characters two-dimensionality. He viewed them more as cartoon characters, larger than life. But with the direction of Welles he wanted a spectacle. As read in the article The Cradle that Rocked America Joseph Gustaitis writes: As director, Welles launched himself into The Cradle Will Rock with characteristic Wellesian style, promising Houseman a grandiose production that would be extremely elaborate and expensive. It was. Welles vision would expand to include a 44-member chorus, a 28-piece orchestra, and a set design that used large glass carts to shift scenes. (20) At this time The FTP, and its director, Hallie Flanagan began experiencing pressure from conservative congressmen. Although not directly some congressman had even enquired as to whether there was Communist Ideals in the FTP. It seemed that there would soon be budget cuts made in the WPA Federal theater program. On June 12 word from Washington came through that budget cut were indeed a reality. It read, any new production scheduled to open before July 1, 1937, must be postponed(Gustaitis). This news fell hard upon Welles and Housemen. They then hear news Actors Equity would not permit any of their members to appear on stage, and that the Musicians Union had imposed conditions making it impossible to have an orchestra in the pit (Jansson). They believed that they show would now never open. When they arrived at the Maxine Elliott Theater they found armed guards surrounding the entrance and a pad lock on the door. People in the streets gathered to see what all the commotion was all about. Seeing the crowd wells and housemen realized that, as the saying goes, the show must go on. All they needed was a venue and a piano, and since Blitzstein was not part of any union he could play, sing and act out all the parts. With the Venice theatre willing to open house to them for a small fee and the piano found and on its way, Welles song out to the crowd that The Cradle Will Rock will open as planned in the new location featuring Marc Blitzstein himself. The people gathered and begin to follow them some twenty blocks to the Venice Theater. Onlookers joined the parade, and the crowd grew larger. By nine oclock every one of the Venice theatres 1742 seats were filled (Jansson).

Electronic Payment System Essay -- Technology Essays

Electronic Payment System I. Introduction With the continuing rapid growth of E-commerce, transactions on the Internet have been increasing exponentially. And such transactions require some reliable and secure payment systems. In fact, one of the key factors in the success of E-commerce is the development of convenient, reliable and secure electronic payment system. To understand the issues and current activities regarding the development of electronic payment system, I discuss the following in this paper.  · Existing paper-based payment system  · Major issues in designing an electronic payment system  · Electronic payment system II. Existing paper-based payment system The existing paper-based payment system can be largely classified as paper checks and credit card systems. In a paper checks processing system, the cost of normal operations is frequently outweighed by the costs associated with exception handling. If a typical transaction costs US 5 cents to process, and the manual labor associated with handling errors and exceptions comes to an average of $25, even with an error rate of only two per thousand, exception costs will equal normal processing costs. As electronic processing drives down the cost of normal transactions, exception handling becomes relatively more significant. Payment systems must therefore be implemented to the highest standards of reliability, with automated procedures for recovering from errors whenever possible. On the other hand, the credit card system was designed to provide immediate gratification of the wants of consumers by allowing them to purchase goods or services on credit... ...tions of functions, price, and performance. The paper world, after all, has many different instruments, which embody different tradeoffs among risk, cost, complexity, responsiveness, and the time until the transaction is final. The same variety should be expected in electronic credit and debit systems. Yet new technologies uncover new ways to distribute risk, liability, and cost among the parties to a transaction. They will take somewhat longer to develop, however, as they require changes in regulatory assumptions, case law, and participant behavior, all of which evolve much more slowly than technology does. Reference 1. Credits and Debits on the Internet, Marvin A. Sirbu, Carnegie Mellon University, 1997 2. http://www.cybercash.com 3. http://www.setco.org Electronic Payment System Essay -- Technology Essays Electronic Payment System I. Introduction With the continuing rapid growth of E-commerce, transactions on the Internet have been increasing exponentially. And such transactions require some reliable and secure payment systems. In fact, one of the key factors in the success of E-commerce is the development of convenient, reliable and secure electronic payment system. To understand the issues and current activities regarding the development of electronic payment system, I discuss the following in this paper.  · Existing paper-based payment system  · Major issues in designing an electronic payment system  · Electronic payment system II. Existing paper-based payment system The existing paper-based payment system can be largely classified as paper checks and credit card systems. In a paper checks processing system, the cost of normal operations is frequently outweighed by the costs associated with exception handling. If a typical transaction costs US 5 cents to process, and the manual labor associated with handling errors and exceptions comes to an average of $25, even with an error rate of only two per thousand, exception costs will equal normal processing costs. As electronic processing drives down the cost of normal transactions, exception handling becomes relatively more significant. Payment systems must therefore be implemented to the highest standards of reliability, with automated procedures for recovering from errors whenever possible. On the other hand, the credit card system was designed to provide immediate gratification of the wants of consumers by allowing them to purchase goods or services on credit... ...tions of functions, price, and performance. The paper world, after all, has many different instruments, which embody different tradeoffs among risk, cost, complexity, responsiveness, and the time until the transaction is final. The same variety should be expected in electronic credit and debit systems. Yet new technologies uncover new ways to distribute risk, liability, and cost among the parties to a transaction. They will take somewhat longer to develop, however, as they require changes in regulatory assumptions, case law, and participant behavior, all of which evolve much more slowly than technology does. Reference 1. Credits and Debits on the Internet, Marvin A. Sirbu, Carnegie Mellon University, 1997 2. http://www.cybercash.com 3. http://www.setco.org

Women in Education A Look at Southern Arizona in the Early 20th Century

Women in Education A Look at Southern Arizona in the Early 20th Century Once part of the early western frontier, southern Arizona has undergone many changes in regards to its principles and ideals throughout the years. Women have played a large role in this changing of principles and ideals, creating rights that they deserved but did not always have. One such right is the right to present and obtain a good education through the home and the public system. During the early 20th century there has been a conscious move by society to allow for a greater opportunity for women to become better educated and to educate others. This form of a women's movement began in the home and pushed its way through the public system. We have the men and women in southern Arizona of the early 20th century to thank for the opportunities in education presented to both genders, but more specifically women, in the present day. It is important to say why education is such a necessity. History has shown that the more educated person is the one who survives the longest, is more successful in business, and overall enjoys life more than a person who is non-educated. Women have not always been offered a good education because education brings on new ways of thinking, and in a male dominated society (such as the U.S. was in the early 20th century) this can create havoc in the home and in society. Just as slave owners in the south did not want their slaves to become educated for fear of rebellion, this male dominated society did not want women to become educated because they would want more and more of what the men had. In its most basic form, not providing an education to women was a method of suppression. Fortunately though, w... ...d education was available to all genders. "As soon as we got accustomed to our work, the difference of sex had no bearing on our decisions. But it is doubtful if anyone else, besides ourselves, realized this." (Elsie Toles 1974) It was not an easy road to travel but these women took the time to put their hearts into something that was worth establishing - a better system of education for all people in Arizona. Works Cited Arizona Historical Society. Elsie Toles. MS # 789. "Elsie Toles: First Woman State Superintendent of Schools of Arizona." Cochise Quarterly. Dec (1974): 21-25. Peplow, Edward H. "Territorial Arizona's Struggle to Found a School System." Arizona Days and Ways Magazine. (March 6, 1960): 44-45, 47. Wells, Reba. "Cora Viola Howell Slaughter - Southern Arizona Ranchwoman." The Journal of Arizona History. (1989): 391-415.

My Best Memories Essay

Through out my life, I have lived with many special memories, some painful, sad, wonderful and happy. However, of all the memories, only exquisite memories are worth mentioning over and over again. Some people may have experienced similar memories; however, it all depends on how the individual holds a particular memory that matters in this regard. Sometimes, people will claim that their best memories were created with their lovers, traveling with family, or their childhood memories. As for me, my junior year in high school provided a special memorable event that I will always live to remember. There were several memorable instances such as joining the student association, meeting lots of friends at that particular time, everybody offered support to each other and we cared for one another. For me, school is not just a place to learn, but also a home and my haven. In 2004, I was studying at a missionary school called Taiwan Adventists Collage. Even though this was the first time I was living and studying away from home, I still remember that we sang together, cried together, laughed together, learned together and came through together, and sometimes we would hang out with my new friends till midnight. Now when I look back, I realize that it was not only fun, but also crazy and wonderful. At my gr. 10 year, I was really lively at school, and this made the School Student Association leader named Vicky to persuade me to join his group before my second year started. Certainly, YES! Joining this group was a privilege that I could not wish away. For my entire summer break, I worked with them for half a year on the school’s student activity project schedule. Vicky assigned me to the school’s sports day group and appointed me to be the group leader. She told me to prepare sports day with College Student Association and contact them about the first meeting. Nervousness, fear, and excitement described my mood before I met College group leader. It was a nice meeting at least for first time. I remember his name was Xian Sun. We talked about the time schedule, laid out the program, divided duties between his group and my group, and also planned for the next time we were going to meet. I had to inform my group of what had transpired in our meeting and the way forward. I still remember that this was my first time presenting something in front of the people bearing a very important announcement. My teammates were anxious, looking at me eagerly to deliver the message. â€Å"Well, we decided to separate all the teammates to work in different small groups together with the College students. We will become five different small groups of graphic/music, shopping, planning, labor, and administration; each group will have five members. Each small group must have a team leader; this leader will have to report the achieved percentage of scheduled plan to me. The leader will also join us in the meeting every time to highlight on the scheduled process,† I said. The first challenge came out when I was dividing the members. Some of my teammates did not agree with my decisions; they did not understand why they cannot work with their best friends in the same group while others did not like staying in the administration group but instead, they wanted to be in the shopping group. Subsequently, they started to threaten me because I was lower team leader in the hierarchy. I had to listen to their point of argument or else, they would tell our leader, Vicky and leave my team. At that moment, I was confused as to why they could not use their mind and understand that this was not for personal gain but for the benefit of the group as a whole? I was angered and had indignation to tell them that whatever I had done was the best way and cannot be changed anymore; if there were any questions then they should go ahead and tell Vicky. I did not care. Allover a sudden, Vicky came to meet me and asked me what had happened with some of my teammates and he offered to teach me on how to solve this problem. I tried to explain to the teammates the reasons as to why I separated friends into different groups. For instance, I put some people in the music group because they are good in music and others are good at planning programs or at administration issues and so on and so forth. In the end, all of them came to understand my decisions and accepted. We were all on the right track and we had to keep going before the second meeting with the college students. I later found out that the administration group was not necessary so I divided all students into four different groups. One of the groups was super strong for every sport. This group had the best players in school sporting disciplines like school basketball or track and field team players. For the other groups, they felt disappointed because they already knew that every sport game champion would come from the strongest group, this is their sport day, and not for other people. At first, I totally overruled their first team list and gave them second chance to change the membership of the group for this reason. They made some changes but still this was not enough to provide a fair playing ground. I was super angry and indignant to get the roll sheet changed to what it should look like. I did not know that they had decided not to do anything expecting that I will change everything unilaterally. I had not listened to them. What a big crime? How can I explain this? The other groups including the shopping group complained about labor group not going to support them in buying staff etc†¦ I tried to mediate and reconcile, oh how I wished sport day could hurry and come to pass! I tried my best to accommodate troubles and everything looked like going back to right way once more. I was busy all the time attending college group to meetings, our group meetings, catching up for support and anything, and reporting to my leader, Vicky. In a little while, I had a short meeting with College group and we kind of differed a little bit at that time. The reason to this was the money expenses were not going to be divided equally; College want high school to pay more because we have more participants than them. They want the high school to account for 65% of the expenses whereas the remaining 35% be footed by the College. â€Å"This is not fair† I told their leader, Xian Sun. I told him that I had to consult preceptor. Consequently, I went back and come back with the answer. â€Å"This is not a good deal for us, but I can agree on 60% for us and 40% for them† my preceptor said. â€Å"Sorry Xian Sun, this is only what we can accept anyway,† I said and looked at him and felt that he was kind of mad at me. Suddenly, I felt that this job was so hard for me. I was a mere 17-years old high school girl and I did not know how to communicate and balance this. I was not an adult enough to understand how to explicitly confer the bill. I did not understand why I had to care about those, why I was an evil being for everything. I felt sad, sorrowful and without confidence in my mind. I really tried to quit this job at that time. Vicky came to me and said, â€Å"Nothing is impossible, see the impossible word can be broken into Im and possible so that it can be, Im possible! Eva I believe you can finish this job and that was one of the reasons as to why I chose you to become a leader at this time. I believe you can do it! Do not worry, everything will be fine. Add oil Eva! Go Eva. † Subsequently this conversation always remind me of forces and dispassionate to govern and be hardy. Finally, the sport day came. Everything was perfect. The program went on unhindered. We were so happy to see this. Every student and the teachers had fun that day. I can see my teammates painstakingly strive with effort, and the fruits of that day. In end in our party, a lot of people turned to congratulate me because they had learnt a lot from me or from this activity. They knew something was wrong but did not want to tell me until I point out to them to their embarrassment. Anyway all passed, we still are friends. From there I learned that to be a leader is important, we can learn a lot from leadership, and according to what teachers have taught us, this process is the foundation of the future. Also being a leader is really good. Even though sometimes it was stressful from flights, reports, meetings†¦ etc, these were our responsibilities for what leaders should do. However, all of these memories will live with my heart forever and ever.