Globalization Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Globalization - Annotated Bibliography Example th and early twentieth centuries due to European imperialism and colonialism but it continues in todays global environment due to new information and communication technologies. A firm aspiring today to be successful must be adaptable and flexible in a globalized environment. Most businesses today place globalization as one of their top concerns. This is because globalization is the future of any successful business; it is a rapidly-growing challenge as the world economy gets more integrated due to the accelerating trend of globalization. Any firm that aspires to be successful must tackle the issue of globalization, in particular the cultural or local characteristics of a foreign national market. This means management must consider the local context when making vital decisions such as on strategy, hiring or marketing. Although global markets can be considered as borderless, there are local issues that need to be solved or considered when entering or penetrating a new market (OMeara, Mehlinger, & Krain 101). It may be incorrect to adapt a one-size fits-all global strategy when it comes to national markets because countries can differ significantly on cultural practices and beliefs. There is truth to an old adage when it concerns globalization and is a goo d warning: Think global but act local. Perhaps the most challenging part of globalization is the management of people who belong to various ethnic groups. Cultural diversity presents special challenges to management with the main task of bringing out the best in people coming from various backgrounds. It is a difficult task of unifying people towards a common corporate objective. Modern globalization is evolving and the new paradigm today is â€Å"Think local, act global† (Park & Hirowatari 238). Understanding foreign cultures is essential to everything. It is the key to successfully entering a new market or introducing a new product or service to existing markets. It is easy to adapt a general global strategy

Nigerias Growth and Economic Experience Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Nigerias Growth and Economic Experience - Essay Example overty in Nigeria can be attributed to a shortage of vital resources and the endurance of harsh and inhospitable conditions including the breakdown of economic, demographic, ecological, cultural and social systems and bad governance. A community living in the oil producing areas in south of Nigeria displaced by pollution or the migration from rural to urban areas which undermines infrastructural facilities is a good example. A publication courtesy of the UNDP categorised Nigeria as one of the poorest countries in the world. Moreover, there also came a report of the central bank of Nigeria reporting 69.2 per cent of the population being poor. Proportionally this statistics will conclude that two thirds of the Nigerian population are experiencing income poverty. As well in the remote areas of the country, to be specific those in the north east felt that 50 per cent of them were poor and the corresponding figure for the south east was 54.5 per cent (United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), 2009). The poverty gaps are widening and a greater proportion of the wealth is being concentrated in the hands of the wealthiest 20 percent.it is thought that the highest income earning statues is enjoyed by just 10 per cent of the population who have a 31.4 per cent share of the total national income. Nearly 50 per cent of the total income is owned by the twenty per cent of the highest income earning group. Only an insignificant ten per cent of the national income is owned by an estimated 20 per cent of the poorest portion of the population. Reports done by organisations such as UNDP highlights how the poor in Nigeria experience and understand their poverty as quoted by (Pyke and Ali-Akpajiak, 2003). This is so despite the fact that Nigeria’s average growth rate between 2003 and...The country embarked on tenure of democratic change through repeated elections and competitive political structures set in place. However, the new institutions are weak and inchoate, politi cal allies appear divided and self-serving, popular legitimacy is fragile at best and these fledging regimes face numerous challenges including detrimental economic conditions, (Lewis, 2007). The economy had a detrimental decline due to slow growth, joblessness; slack investment, institutional disarray and fitful policy changes. These pressures have contributed to mounting trends of ethnic, religious and local conflicts. Economic outlook A critical look at poverty measurements shows a grim picture. Statistics focus on just 0.2 per cent of GDP on health care and 0.7 per cent on education. Though the country has its own share of problems, external investors have the capacity to contribute positively to its share of long-term investment through joint ventures. A huge beneficiary as an asset is the current high price of crude oil. Proper management and governance has the potential of sustaining Nigeria’s development and prosperity in this century and far beyond.

Factors for Visitor Centre Design Effectiveness

Factors for Visitor Centre Design Effectiveness An investigation and analysis of visitor centres and their use with regard to interpretation. Visitor centres are an important component of attractions or sites. Indeed, their purpose is manifold, ranging from information referencing to travel advisement. Architectural design is also a distinguishing visitor centre feature. Designs range from the traditional to the nuance. Discussed here is a comparative visitor centre analysis based on three general themes: i) General Purposes, ii) Design and iii) Information: A How to Guide. General Purposes The primary role of a visitor centre is to convey information regarding a specific or grouped set of attractions within a defined geographical area to a continual visitor stream. In this sense, visitor centres are designed to act as reference guides both through directions and information sourcing to those interested in a particular site or attraction (England 2005, Florence 2006, Petrilli 2004). An analysis of visitor centres both within the UK and around the world reveals that information is presented in myriad fashion based on general site theme. Several secondary roles are also associated with visitor centres. For example, visitor centres may act as a shelter and hospitality (however limited) provider (Wright 2004[1]). These roles may be especially prevalent among outdoor and/or geographically remote centres relative to more urban-set counterparts. Another secondary visitor function may involve travel advisement (Rompf et al. 2005). For example, visitor centres of specific towns or cities may offer services such as road-maps sales, hotel and restaurant directories and weather advisories. These functions exist to minimize the time and financial effort expended by an individual who possesses specific queries regarding personal travel plans. It is important to note that regardless of specific function performed by a given visitor centre, each serves to provide primary informative or logistical services with time and cost-efficiency to individuals. Design There are several elements that contribute to visitor centre design effectiveness. These elements include primary structural design, accessibility and invasiveness. It should be noted that within certain categories there are several variations. For example, primary structural designs may consist of simple, traditional enclosures or complex, nuance architecture. Evaluation of design effectiveness is based not on preconceived notions simply of what is good vs. what is bad, but rather overall appropriateness relative to primary mission of the visitor centre. Discussed below are examples of high vs. poor quality visitor centres. Under each heading, primary examples are listed and discussed. Each example is discussed relative to the main criteria within the design realm (i.e. structural effectiveness, accessibility and invasiveness) that characterizes a visitor centre. High Quality Designs Sydney Visitor Centres, Sydney, Australia Structural designs of the Sydney visitor centres are large and open (see visitor centre, The Rocks, right). The Sydney Visitor Centres are situated in the downtown precinct. Accessibility is excellent given proximity to commercial, entertainment and transportation hubs (i.e. Circular Quay). Also, the centers are well marked to the public. For example, the visitor centre situated in The Rocks (see right) is marked with a large yellow pillar denoting the information symbol. The degree of invasiveness is minimal because the centres exist within already developed commercial areas. Poor Quality Designs Stonehenge Visitor Centre, England The Stonehenge Visitor Centre designs are sound in structure, but poor in accessibility and invasiveness. For example, early renditions of the visitors centre reflect its use as a modern facility wherein visitors can become engaged in Stonehenge’s historical significance. However, a new visitor centre demands motor-based transportation between the centre and Stonehenge monument itself (BBC Online). Critics assert the environmental damage sustained with building of new road infrastructure to facilitate such transfers (BBC Online). Also, the centre is placed such that traffic is bottlenecked along a major interstate motorway (BBC Online). Information: A How to Guide Information presented within a visitor centre is critical to the user’s overall experience and satisfaction. There are three primary elements of information presentation that act not in mutual exclusivity, but in coordination to provide a comprehensive learning experience for a given individual. The first element is information accuracy. Information must be presented with high accuracy to must lucidly inform individuals of what and why a certain site bears historical, cultural or economic significance. The second element is presentation style. Critical to this element is a balance between detail and restrain. Information is most effectively presented if it enables satisfaction among users of a variety of ages, intelligence and general interest levels. The final element involves integration. This refers to the ability to present various different information pieces (i.e. historical accounts, vegetation descriptions[2], maps etc) in context of the site’s general theme or purpose. For example, the Centre for Disease Control in Atlanta, US, hosts an exhibit entitled â€Å"The World Ahead† (CDC 2003). The exhibit incorporates several presentations dealing with real, modern risks and threats to global health such as bioterrorism and infectious disease (CDC 2003). Information integration is highly effective as the exhibit exists on the premises of one of the most advanced health laboratories in the world. Discussed below are two examples of visitor centres that convey information with high effectiveness. Each example is discussed relative to main criteria within the information realm (i.e. information accuracy, presentation style and integration) that characterizes a visitor centre. As well, visitor centres are examined based on inclusion of essential issues – who, what, where, when, why and how – related to a specific site. Sydney Visitor Centres, Information Services Consider this example that uses a template for information services offered by the Sydney Visitor Centres Online. The following is an exert taken from Sydney Visitor Centres Online website (Information Services, http://www.sydneyvisitorcentre.com/content/dyncontent.cfm?pg=100360) that explains the range of services available within or facilitated by each of its two downtown visitor centres: â€Å"Sydney Visitor Centres offer a comprehensive information service, which includes: Conveniently located centres at The Rocks (9.30am- 5.30pm) and Darling Harbour (9.30am- 5.30pm) open every day of the year except Christmas Day and Good Friday Expert Visitor Services Advisers many of whom are multi-lingual Free information brochures and tourist guides A real-time Booking Service for accommodation, day tours, cruises and other activities in and around Sydney Exclusive souvenirs and gifts, postcards, phone cards, travel cards, tickets and passes for purchase† (Information Services, Sydney Visitors Centres 2006) Consider this outline of information services in the context of satisfying the essential criteria behind any marketing piece – answering the Who, What, Where, Why, When and How regarding the visitor centres and their services. First, the ‘who’ is clearly outlined in the heading, avoiding confusion among individuals as to who to consult vis-à  -vis Sydney attractions and sites. The ‘what’ is explained in terms of each service offered by the visitor centres (i.e. service advisers, booking services, amenities such as phone cards, tickets etc). Heritage and Leisure, Cork, Ireland Information and links distributed through the Heritage and Leisure Department of Cork City council highlights the city’s most famous attractions. For example, links are provided to the Cork Museum, Blarney Castle and Cobh Heritage Centre, each of which possesses a unique significance to Irish culture and history (Cork City Council 2006). The Cobh Centre is particularly well advertised and explained as a sea-farers port, in past for Irish emigrants and in present for cruise liners (Cork City Council 2006). This centre also satisfies the essential information criteria regarding the subject of the site – ‘who’ (Cobh Heritage Centre), ‘what’ (past port for Irish emigrants), ‘where’ (Irish southeastern coast), ‘why’ (drought), ‘when’ (mid 19th to mid 20th century) and ‘how’ (via ship). Conclusions Visitor centres are most effective when blended into respective surroundings and when information is most aptly presented and explained based on site theme. Planners and contractors should heed such fundamental criteria such that future visitor centres accentuate, not dominate specific sites. References BBC Online Version. ‘Visitor Centre â€Å"Will Never Happen†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢. Undated, Anonymous. Accessed online at http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/stoned/countess.shtml>, April 17, 2006 CDC Hopes to Draw Crowds of Tourists to New Visitors Center. Anonymous. 2003. Physicians Financial News. 21(13): 25 Cork City Council, Ireland. 2006. Heritage and Leisure. Accessed online at http://www.corkcorp.ie/strategiccorkguide/our_city/heritage_and_leisure.shtml, April 16, 2006 England J. 2005. Historic Wood Used in Nature Preserve. Rocky Mountain Construction. 86(16): 42 Florence B. 2006. ‘Quill Lakes Prepares for Hordes of Spring Visitors’. StarPhoenix, 10 April, p. A3 Information Services, Sydney Visitors Centres. 2006. Accessed online at http://www.sydneyvisitorcentre.com/content/dyncontent.cfm?pg=100360>, April 17, 2006 Petrilli PE. 2004. River of Life. Consulting-Specifying Engineer. 36(4): 48 Rompf P., DiPietro RB and P. Ricci. 2005. Locals’ Involvement in Travelers’ Informational Search and Venue Decision Strategies While at Destination. Journal of Travel Tourism Marketing. 18(3): 11 Sydney Visitors Centres (SVC). 2006. Sydney Visitors Centres. Accessed online at http://www.sydneyvisitorcentre.com/content/dyncontent.cfm?pg=100355>, April 17, 2006 Wright G. 2004. Capitol Visitor Centre Project Nears Halfway Mark. 2004. Building Design Construction. 45(6): 7 Footnotes [1] Note that the Capitol Visitor Centre in Washington, DC, holds a capacity of ~600 for dining events (Wright 2004) [2] See Petrilli (2004) for description of Sandstone Visitor Centre, US, and connection to eco-friendliness

Hard Drives :: science

Hard Drives Hard drives have been around longer than you think. In 1956, I. B. M. had invented a disk storage unit that was very large but did not store a lot of data. It was twenty-four inches in diameter and could hold only five megabytes, which is the equivalent to three and one half floppy disks. Originally called â€Å"fixed disks† later became known as â€Å"hard disks† opposed to floppy disks. In 1973, I. B. M. released a hard drive that could hold seventeen and one half megabytes. In 1980 Seagate made the first five and one quarter inch hard disk. In the late 1980’s, three and one half inch hard disks were invented (PCIN). Although there are smaller hard disks as small as two inches in diameter, three and one half inch hard disks have been made a standard and is used most often today. The capacity in hard drives has excelled thousands of times all over from five megabytes to one hundred sixty gigabytes (160,000 megabytes) which is the equivalent to one hundred eleven thousand one hundred eleven floppy disks. The hard drive or hard disk is one of the most critical components in the operation of a computer. It is also one of the only moving parts in the computer. Sadly, many people do not know the important role it has in the storage of their data or how it even works. When you think of your hard drive, think of it as the computer’s electronic filing cabinet. Everything you load, download, or save is stored on the hard drive. In fact, ten percent of your hard drive is already used when you purchase your computer because it needs certain system operating files that are required to make the basics work. Everything you add later such as word processors, antivirus software, e-mail software, games, and internet software are extra, soon leading to an over stuffed filing cabinet (Matthew Ferrara Seminars). However, many people ask, â€Å"What is the hard drive, physically?† The hard drive can be commonly referred to as â€Å"a box†. That is what it looks like, a three and one half inch metal box. It is located inside your mainframe or tower. It sits in what is called a drive bay. Here it is secured with screws. On the bottom of the hard drive is a chip board which is the really technical and complicated pieces of the hard drive.

Slumdog Millionaire

Athos, Porthous and Latika ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ directed by Danny Boyle is about a young boy growing up in the slums of Mumbai, India. The idea of hope is developed throughout the film by using visual and verbal features as Jamal Malik faces a life in the slums and working child labour, until he finds love with Latika but the power of corrupt India splits them apart and now only destiny will bring them back together. Jamal to get Latika back goes on the Television show â€Å"Who Wants to be a Millionaire† hoping she will be watching.Colour was used very well in the costumes of Latika and she was often seen wearing a very bright yellow. This is happened at very significant events and was very symbolic. At the start of the movie amongst the riot Latika (Rubina Ali) is about 6 years old and is seen in yellow this symbolises her innocence as she doesn’t know what is happening around her and has no hope of surviving until Jamal and his older brother save her an d run away. Yellow symbolises hope and innocence and makes her stick out amongst the crowd drawing attention to her, she is seen in yellow when she has hope to be set free and be with Jamal.When Latika was forced to work with Javed she wore dull cream colours that were scruffy giving the idea she was trapped and as if she had no hope to be with Jamal. When Jamal’s brother Salim helps her escape and gives her a car to go look for Jamal so they can be together she puts on her yellow scarf symbolising hope. Setting throughout the film developed an important idea about the purpose of the film to show the audience â€Å"the real Mumbai†.The geographical setting of the film largely took place in the slums of Mumbai, India. This showed the audience â€Å"the real Mumbai, India†. The real Mumbai India was shown by Jamal, Salim and their mother sifting through rubbish, washing their clothes in dirty water and selling anything worth money including selling spots in line a t the toilets. All of this showed the audience the poverty in India in reality with 45% of the Indian population living in poverty and the dramatic change Jamal had to go through to get Latika back.However it was this poverty in his childhood that gave him the answers to the TV show who wants to be a millionaire and his destiny to get Latika back. Once Jamal is grown up he is on top of a high raised building where the slums used to be this is a contrast to how much Jamal has changed since he was young and in the slums to now how he is a millionaire, the buildings have changed from slums to high raised buildings. Diegetic music was used a lot throughout the film developing the ideas of hope and freedom.A good example of this was when the two boys were running away from Maman (child slave labourer) and they were traveling by train the lyrics of the song were in contrast â€Å"they cant even catch me† helped give a happy mood as the boys were laughing that they had gotten away. Another use of sound was that of the game show â€Å"Who Wants to be a Millionaire† and its theme music that created tension this helped give the idea of hope in every episode and Latika once said â€Å"It’s the perfect opportunity to start again† talking about the game show it was Jamal’s only chance to get Latika.Throughout the film the idea of hope and freedom was shown by visual and verbal features from the costume worn to create the idea of hope between Latika and Jamal. The setting portrayed â€Å"the real India â€Å"to the audience and showed what it was like for Jamal and gave him the answers to â€Å"Who wants to be a Millionaire† which gave him the hope to be with Latika when he won. Diegetic sound created tension and showed the hope like on the game show. Slumdog Millionaire Athos, Porthous and Latika ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ directed by Danny Boyle is about a young boy growing up in the slums of Mumbai, India. The idea of hope is developed throughout the film by using visual and verbal features as Jamal Malik faces a life in the slums and working child labour, until he finds love with Latika but the power of corrupt India splits them apart and now only destiny will bring them back together. Jamal to get Latika back goes on the Television show â€Å"Who Wants to be a Millionaire† hoping she will be watching.Colour was used very well in the costumes of Latika and she was often seen wearing a very bright yellow. This is happened at very significant events and was very symbolic. At the start of the movie amongst the riot Latika (Rubina Ali) is about 6 years old and is seen in yellow this symbolises her innocence as she doesn’t know what is happening around her and has no hope of surviving until Jamal and his older brother save her an d run away. Yellow symbolises hope and innocence and makes her stick out amongst the crowd drawing attention to her, she is seen in yellow when she has hope to be set free and be with Jamal.When Latika was forced to work with Javed she wore dull cream colours that were scruffy giving the idea she was trapped and as if she had no hope to be with Jamal. When Jamal’s brother Salim helps her escape and gives her a car to go look for Jamal so they can be together she puts on her yellow scarf symbolising hope. Setting throughout the film developed an important idea about the purpose of the film to show the audience â€Å"the real Mumbai†.The geographical setting of the film largely took place in the slums of Mumbai, India. This showed the audience â€Å"the real Mumbai, India†. The real Mumbai India was shown by Jamal, Salim and their mother sifting through rubbish, washing their clothes in dirty water and selling anything worth money including selling spots in line a t the toilets. All of this showed the audience the poverty in India in reality with 45% of the Indian population living in poverty and the dramatic change Jamal had to go through to get Latika back.However it was this poverty in his childhood that gave him the answers to the TV show who wants to be a millionaire and his destiny to get Latika back. Once Jamal is grown up he is on top of a high raised building where the slums used to be this is a contrast to how much Jamal has changed since he was young and in the slums to now how he is a millionaire, the buildings have changed from slums to high raised buildings. Diegetic music was used a lot throughout the film developing the ideas of hope and freedom.A good example of this was when the two boys were running away from Maman (child slave labourer) and they were traveling by train the lyrics of the song were in contrast â€Å"they cant even catch me† helped give a happy mood as the boys were laughing that they had gotten away. Another use of sound was that of the game show â€Å"Who Wants to be a Millionaire† and its theme music that created tension this helped give the idea of hope in every episode and Latika once said â€Å"It’s the perfect opportunity to start again† talking about the game show it was Jamal’s only chance to get Latika.Throughout the film the idea of hope and freedom was shown by visual and verbal features from the costume worn to create the idea of hope between Latika and Jamal. The setting portrayed â€Å"the real India â€Å"to the audience and showed what it was like for Jamal and gave him the answers to â€Å"Who wants to be a Millionaire† which gave him the hope to be with Latika when he won. Diegetic sound created tension and showed the hope like on the game show.

Comparing and Contrast curriculum models

Comparing and Contrast curriculum models In early childhood education, we model our programs after highly respected models such as, Montessori, High Scope, and Reggie Emilia, Creative Curriculum, etc. We all have our own approaches to education. In the following paragraphs I will summarize two curriculum models, compare and contrast two of the curriculum models and compare the one that best matches my own educational philosophy.High/Scope curriculum is based on Piaget's concept that children are asctive learners who construct their knowledge base through playing and experimenting ith hands-on materials (Segal, Bardige, Wolka, ; Leinfelder, 2006). This curriculum framework describes educational ideas and strategies but does not rely on a specific set of materials.The five basic principles that form the framework of the Hlgh/Scope Curriculum are active learning, supportive adult-child interactions, a materials-rich learning environment, a consistent daily routine, and ongoing child ass essment. The Hlgh/Scope educational programming Includes the following elements: a core curriculum that includes specific elements but encourages following children's nterests, a three-phase â€Å"plan-do-review† learning cycle, and assessment tools and strategies (Follarl, 2007).