Research skills Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Research skills - Essay Example The current logistic system at the port relies on the traditional approaches to clearing and forwarding of the goods at the port. The case study company has various logistic resources such as handling equipments, yards and labour. In addition, the company uses two separate logistics approaches, which include the import and export logistic processes. The import logistic process entails different activities such as vessels unloading by quay cranes and vessels anchorage at berths. In addition, it encompasses transportation of the containers to the yard cranes for the purpose of storage (ElMesmary, Song & Dinwoodie, 2014). The customs authorities inspect the containers in the various storage yards in order to provide an exit go ahead. Consequently, the logistics company avails the containers to the respective customers through tracks and railway system (Karmelić, Dundović & Kolanović, 2012). On the other hand, the logistic process for exports includes different steps such as entrance of the customers’ trucks into the terminals and handling of the containers from the trucks by lifters. In addition, the logistics company tractors move the containers to the quay cranes, which load them to the vessels. The logistics company model operates different activities regarding export and import processes. The current model aims at enhancing efficiency in the logistics process by integrating both export and import processes into a pipe flow. The pipe flow model comprises of various activities that link both export and import activities to reduce dwell time of the containers at the terminal. The model starts with vessel, which forms the imports’ process entry point. Three births follow the vessels, which enables three vessels to berth simultaneously at the terminal. In additional, a five quay cranes unload and the load the containers

Execution of Strategy Essay Example for Free

Execution of Strategy Essay Executives, or corporate-level managers, are in charge of many things governing the success of the company as a whole. Among these are developing a strategic vision and business mission, setting objectives, crafting a strategy, implementing and executing a strategy and evaluating the performance of the strategy. Strategies are especially important because of the value-creation process that occurs because of it. Sometimes, though, execution of strategies fail and the question here is â€Å"why? † One possible reason is that the strategies developed by the executives are too broad and do not take into consideration the environment of the firm at the operational level, which is the lowest level and the closest to the markets. One possible way to curb this problem is through a bottom-up approach, wherein the operational-level managers submit their proposed strategies and the corporate-level managers evaluate and approve these, or the top-bottom-top approach, wherein the corporate-level managers forward their suggested strategies to the operational-level managers, who make changes accordingly, and evaluate the said changes before approving the strategy. Supple Supply Chain According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (2007), the term ‘supple’ means to be able to easily adapt to new circumstances. When we say that a supply chain is ‘supple’, we simply mean that a firm is very flexible in terms of its ability to synchronize its functions and those of its’ suppliers to match the flow of service, information and materials with cutomer demand. A firm’s environment is constantly changing, especially in our day and age with the advent of technology which brings about major changes to the flow of communication. A firm that cannot take advantage of these changes is sure to fail. For example, the Daimler-Chrysler Corporation had a major problem with regards to the delay in production when a certain portion of its parts was just a tiny bit too large or too small; it would have taken ages for changes to be made. Today, however, using a program called ‘Powerway’, which ables the firm to collaborate more easily with their suppliers, the firm can now avoid delays by forseeing the problem and adjusting accordingly before it even occurs (Mayor, 2007). The best strategy a firm can employ to ensure a supple supply chain is to take advantage of the advancing technology, as the Daimler-Chrysler Corporation has done. The new programs developed by the IT industries offer a way for firms to know and understand the production and business processes to allow for quick response to changes in the firm’s market (Mayor, 2007). One thing to understand, though, is that one should not confuse a ‘supple supply chain’ with a ‘responsive supply chain,’ because a responsive supply chain is a strategy of the firm to counter uncertain demand wherein a supple supply chain is a characteristic of the supply chain. Reference http://www.cio.com/article/119301/The_Supple_Supply_Chain http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/supple

Ryanair Internal and External Analysis

Ryanair Internal and External Analysis 1.0 Introduction Organisations need to establish clear corporate strategies in order to gain full competitive advantages. This objective report is to carry out an in-depth analysis of the both the internal and external environments of Ryanair by using the strategic models. Ryanair is a low cost passenger airline that operates short haul between Ireland, UK and Continental Europe (Gill, 2005). The analyses are important in order for the company to improve its competitive strategies and also achieve its organisational objectives. This will fulfill Porter (1996) theory that organisations need to continually evaluate their strategies in order to improve their business operations (Richard Lynch, 2000) 2.0 The analysis of low-cost airline environment and industry There are many strategic models that can be used to analyse an organisations internal and external environments (Richard Lynch, 2000). This includes PEST, SWOT, Value Chain, Porters five forces, Porters generic model etc. For the purpose of this report, the appropriate tools would be used in order to identify the problems and issues that are confronting Ryanair and find lasting solutions through the development of appropriate strategies. 2.1 Environment analysis of Ryanair using PESTLE model (P)olitical factors affecting Ryanairs operations Political situation in the Middle East is causing a hike in fuel prices and high maintenance costs which is affecting Ryanairs low price strategy (Penelope Butcher et al, 2005). Other political factors including terrorists activities have prompted Ryanair to increase its security measures thereby increasing high costs. This has adverse effects and impact on its low price objective. The changes in government policies such as the enforcement of climate change charges on airlines is affecting Ryanair business strategies (Penelope Butcher et al, 2005). The European Union (EU) abolished the duty free sales which affected the numbers of tourist passengers (Scholes et al, 2005). In February 2004, the EU ruled that Ryanair has been receiving state subsidies for its base airport at Charleroi Airport and this led to the repayment between à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬2.5 million to 7million to the regional government (Scholes et al, 2005). The EU also devised new rules to cover overbooking of flights and automatic compensation for cancelled flights (Scholes et al, 2005). (E)conomic factors that affects Ryanair operations and strategies Fuel price increases: The continuous increase in the price of fuels has made it difficult to meet it low cost objective (Penelope Butcher et al, 2005). The increase in air-flights price has made passengers to seek alternative cheaper means of transport such as rail thereby leading to loss of earnings. Fluctuating currencies: The instability in the price of US dollars, Euro and the British Pound is affecting the business operations of Ryanair because Ryanair engages in Fuel hedging and this could lead to high business risks. Potential economic recession and downturn: economic recession has had adverse effect on the airline industry due to a reduction in the number of travelers. (S)ocial/cultural factors effecting Ryanair business environments Aging populations: Aging populations travel less and also factors such as cocooning effect have prevented passengers from travelling i.e. terrorist activities countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan etc (Penelope Butcher et al, 2005) Low cost strategy/wider demography: Lower cost of fares provided by Ryanair means that they attract wider demography of consumer The expansion of EU: The EU has increased the number of passengers travelling across Europe and been also been increase in business trips will lead to more customers base. (T)echnological factors affecting Ryanair business environments. Wireless technology expansion: The development of internet has increase online sales of air ticket and it is now used for online checking in Information and communication development: technological developments such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and mobile communications has led to less travelling for business travelers. Other developments: such as high-speed trains i.e. Euro star will lead to a decrease in air passengers and it will affect air passengers (L)egal factors Many new EU laws and regulations have affected the operations of Ryanair air. Other new EU laws which have legal rulings that are affecting the operations of Ryanair include overbooked passenger compensation, cancelled flight compensation and other laws. (E)nvironmental factors The promotion of environmental sustainability by the regulatory, governmental and non-governmental organisation has led to the introduction of other charges on the airline. These include carbon emission charges, climate change protection charges etc. The environmental factor has also lead to the introduction of voluntary carbon-offset charge from the airlines to the passengers. 2.2 Environmental analysis of Ryanair using Michael Porters five forces The first forces is applied to Ryan air and Porter (1996) identified five forces namely; threat of new entrants, the power of buyers, the power of suppliers, the threat of substitutes, and competitive rivalry. Threats of new entrants: New entrants protection by EU regulation- Many new competitors such as BMI, Easy Jet and other European airlines are being protected by the EU laws and price regulations according to European Union101 article 86 regarding competition and fair trade. There are barriers to entry that are faced by Ryanair in the past but some of these barriers have been reduced due to the increase in regional and secondary airports that are very lucrative for Ryanair business operations because the airports are less congested. Bargaining power of suppliers In the airline industry, the aircraft suppliers are two major players Boeing of the US and Airbus (European Consortium). There has been great competition between Boeing and Airbus which has averted price fixing and thus creates advantages for the airlines. In 2002, Ryanair set up a Dutch auction between Boeing and Airbus, and Boeing won the auction based on the fact that it gives better discounts to Ryanair (Stanley, 2005). The power of buyers The customers are more associated with lower costs and the internet has been used to exploit this. The strong desire for customer loyalty because of low switching costs is affecting Ryanair negatively. Threat of substitutes Alternative systems of transportation The alternative systems of transportation affect the market of airlines operations such as Ryanair. These include: Bus services such as Euro lines that have a European network of road transportation (Penelope Butcher et al, 2005) Rail services including Euro Star is creating a stiffer competitive environment for Ryanair. Videoconferencing: Technologies such as video-conferencing, web-mail, etc. have reduced the need for face-to-face meetings. This has greatly affected the turnout of business travellers. Rivalry among existing firms Ryan Air has many rivals including BMI baby, MytravelLite, Easy Jet, and Buzz. This competition has affected Ryanairs markets (Penelope Butcher et al, 2005) The analysis of the fives forces of porter and the PESTLE analysis indicate that Ryanair business environment is dominated by stiff competition which are affecting its operations. This has led to the development of new competitive strategies by the CEO. The strategies are entirely customer focused, based on providing low and competitive prices, excellent quality services and less operational charges on passengers as will be discussed below. 3.0 The analysis of the strategic capability of Ryanair and the identification of the key strengths and weaknesses (S)trengths of Ryanair Low cost due to its no-frills approach High financial capability- Ryanair has good financial capability that has a great impact on its finances and its ability to withstand increasing legislations and unfavourable economic conditions such as fuel price increase, unstable foreign exchange markets etc. (Ryanair corporate report, 2010) Good Customer Service- Ryanairs strategy is to deliver the best customer service performance among its competitors. Based on Association of European Airlines reports and its own published statistics, Ryanair has achieved highest punctuality, fewer lost luggage and fewer cancellations because it operates from low congested airports. Good technological base By utilising the power of Information technology such as internet, in January 2000, Ryanair converted its host reservation system from the BABS (British Airways Booking System) to a new system called Flightspeed, which it operates under a 10 year hosting agreement with Accenture Open Skies (Open Skies). High publicity: due to its chief executive Michael O Learys controversial issues High financial capability: see Appendix 1 (W)eaknesses of Ryanair Legislative issues with authorities Ryanair has been engaged in legislative issues with the Airline regulators and the EU commission. Secondary and provincial airports The use of secondary and regional airports by Ryanair has adverse effects on the passengers who spend more money to get to the cities. Over time customers may find this as big inconvenience. Prone to bad press Ryanair is perceived as arrogant and the slightest incident gets a lot of press coverage. Niche market Restricted expansion possibility 3.3 Ryanair strategic capabilities: value chain and core competences Low fares: The provision of low fare air tickets by Ryanair is the strategy in order to gain full market leadership. The low fares stimulate demand and the targets are business and leisure travellers. Ryanairs frequent Point-to-Point Flights on Short-Haul Routes. Ryanair provides frequent point-to-point service on short-haul routes to secondary and regional airports in and around major population centres and travel destinations has a major impact on the passengers who are keen to take short flights to their destination Low Operating Costs: Ryanair achieves its low operating costs by operating in secondary and regional airports where there are low congestion and less airport charges (Gill, 2005) Maximising and Utilising and the use of the Internet and other technologies: Ryanair has been utilising the internet technologies to improve its sales through online sales and the renting of its own servers for operations (Gill, 2005). This has led to an increase in its sales figures as shown in the account of the company. Improvement of operations by offering ancillary services: Ryanair provides ancillary services such as hotels, car rentals, in-flight sale of beverages, hostel rentals, internet services and holiday bookings in order to increase its sales and customer base. These services have increased the competitive positioning of the company over its main rivals such as BMI baby, easy Jet etc. Contracting out of services. Ryanair only maintained its own staff and services at Dublin Airport, aircraft handling, ticketing, baggage handling and other functions had been contracted out to third parties (Gill, 2005). 4.0 Conclusion Ryanair is a reputable European airline that has gained competitive advantages over its competitors through the implementation of appropriate corporate, business, marketing strategies. The application of low operational costs discussed such as use of regional and secondary airports, customer satisfaction and low price strategies have all made Ryanair a highly competitive airline that will continue to dominate the market. While its external environment has proved to be highly competitive and not very conducive to business, it appears that Ryanair strategic capabilities have helped to build and maintain its success.

The Book of the Duchess, the Parliament of Fowls, and the House of Fame

The Book of the Duchess, the Parliament of Fowls, and the House of Fame The Parliament of Fowls and the House of Fame are closely related to each other and to the Book of the Duchess, as all three of the poetry share several similar themes. Written between 1368 and 1380 they are some of Chaucer’s earliest works in which aspects of some of the great writers of his time are evident. There are three major themes intertwined within the three works, which Chaucer has added to the Dream Vision genre. The first work, possibly written from 1368-1372, the Book of the Duchess begins with the love-sick narrator finally falling asleep as he reads the sad love story of Seys and Alcyone (originally written by Ovid). He dreams that he is in bed early in the morning, then out hunting in the forest. He follows a dog down a path and finds a knight dressed in black who laments the loss of his lady. The narrator forces the knight to tell him about her, eventually learning that she is dead. The other hunters reappear, a bell strikes, and the narrator awakes. Written in the late 1370’s, the House of Fame consists of three books, and unfortunately is incomplete. A short prologue on dreams and an invocation to sleep precedes book one, which tells of the narrator’s visit to the Temple of Glass where he finds images, suggested by book four and other parts of Virgil’s Aeneid. Seized by a chatty golden eagle at the start of book two, he is carried up into the House of Fame, which is located in the heavens. There he sees, during book three, images of famous writers; in particular he sees how arbitrary Fame is. Beside the House of Fame he sees the Labyrinth, representing all the complexity of human existence. â€Å"A man of gret auctorite† (H... ...ay. Through the use of several references to famous texts, Chaucer helped explain his poetry to his audience at the time and to us now. Sources Cited Anthony. â€Å"http://www.sogang.ac.kr/~anthony/books/Med4.htm†http://www.sogang.ac.kr/~anthony/books/Med4.htm (3 May, 2003) Boitani, Piero. The Cambridge Chaucer Companion. ed. Boitani, Piero & Mann, Jill. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1998. Psonak, Kevin. â€Å"The Geoffrey Chaucer Website Homepage† Mar 5, 2003. http://www.courses.fas.harvard.edu/~chaucer/ (3 May, 2003) Robinson, F.N., ed. The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1961. Stanbury, Sarah. â€Å"Prior† http://www.holycross.edu/departments/english/sstanbur/Prior.htm (3 May, 2003) Thundy, Zacharias P.. â€Å"THE BOOK OF THE DUCHESS: AN ELEGY OR ATEDEUM?† http://www.nd.edu/~zthundy/BD.html (3 May, 2003) Lohr 1 The Book of the Duchess, the Parliament of Fowls, and the House of Fame The Book of the Duchess, the Parliament of Fowls, and the House of Fame The Parliament of Fowls and the House of Fame are closely related to each other and to the Book of the Duchess, as all three of the poetry share several similar themes. Written between 1368 and 1380 they are some of Chaucer’s earliest works in which aspects of some of the great writers of his time are evident. There are three major themes intertwined within the three works, which Chaucer has added to the Dream Vision genre. The first work, possibly written from 1368-1372, the Book of the Duchess begins with the love-sick narrator finally falling asleep as he reads the sad love story of Seys and Alcyone (originally written by Ovid). He dreams that he is in bed early in the morning, then out hunting in the forest. He follows a dog down a path and finds a knight dressed in black who laments the loss of his lady. The narrator forces the knight to tell him about her, eventually learning that she is dead. The other hunters reappear, a bell strikes, and the narrator awakes. Written in the late 1370’s, the House of Fame consists of three books, and unfortunately is incomplete. A short prologue on dreams and an invocation to sleep precedes book one, which tells of the narrator’s visit to the Temple of Glass where he finds images, suggested by book four and other parts of Virgil’s Aeneid. Seized by a chatty golden eagle at the start of book two, he is carried up into the House of Fame, which is located in the heavens. There he sees, during book three, images of famous writers; in particular he sees how arbitrary Fame is. Beside the House of Fame he sees the Labyrinth, representing all the complexity of human existence. â€Å"A man of gret auctorite† (H... ...ay. Through the use of several references to famous texts, Chaucer helped explain his poetry to his audience at the time and to us now. Sources Cited Anthony. â€Å"http://www.sogang.ac.kr/~anthony/books/Med4.htm†http://www.sogang.ac.kr/~anthony/books/Med4.htm (3 May, 2003) Boitani, Piero. The Cambridge Chaucer Companion. ed. Boitani, Piero & Mann, Jill. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1998. Psonak, Kevin. â€Å"The Geoffrey Chaucer Website Homepage† Mar 5, 2003. http://www.courses.fas.harvard.edu/~chaucer/ (3 May, 2003) Robinson, F.N., ed. The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1961. Stanbury, Sarah. â€Å"Prior† http://www.holycross.edu/departments/english/sstanbur/Prior.htm (3 May, 2003) Thundy, Zacharias P.. â€Å"THE BOOK OF THE DUCHESS: AN ELEGY OR ATEDEUM?† http://www.nd.edu/~zthundy/BD.html (3 May, 2003) Lohr 1

Difference Between Upload and Download

Difference between Upload and Download Introduction In computer networks, data is always transferred from one place to another in order to accomplish various tasks. This can be easily performed using Uploading and Downloading. These are the two processes which are used for transferring data between a client and a server. Uploading is the process of sending files including documents, pictures and videos from a client computer to a server. Downloading is the process of transferring files from the server to the client. UploadUploading means that sending files from our local system to another remote location such as a server, over the network. For an example, if we want to build a website, we should upload the required files, images and other content to the relevant server where we host the website. When considering the Internet, every time we send a request for a web page using a browser, the data containing our IP address and the web page we have requested, is uploaded to the server wh ere the requested page is available. The time needed to upload depends on the size of the file we send.Small text based files can be sent quicker than the larger music files, heavy video files, images or other large multimedia files. Most probably, uploading can be performed while doing other tasks on the computers. After uploading files to a server, it will be available for the other users, too. Download Downloading is transferring data or information from a server to our client computer. For example, the same files which have been uploaded to the server can be downloaded by another user to the hard disk of a local system.When considering the Internet, in order to view the content of a requested web page on a browser of the user’s PC, the web page content including the images are downloaded first from the particular server. The time cost for downloading a file depends on the size of the file. When the file gets larger, the time takes to download the file also increases. As t hese files are downloaded to a personal computer, only the user of the machine can access those files. Compare and ContrastBoth Upload and Download are used to share the required data within a computer network. The primary difference between these two terms is that the direction of the data is being transferred. In uploading, the data is sent from our system to another remote system while in downloading, the data is received to our system from a remote system. So download is the reverse of the upload process. In uploading, there should be enough storage space in the server or other remote system to keep the uploading files.In downloading, there should be enough free space in the hard disk of our personal computer to save the downloaded files. In uploading, the files may be accessed by all the users who have access to the server but in downloading, the files can be used by only the owner of the local system, who has the interest for those files. There are some risks in use of downloa ding because some files available for downloading may come from untrustworthy sites and so they can harm our computers. So we have to be careful when downloading from unknown sources.

Data Mining in CRM Framework Essay

Data Mining in CRM Framework Essay Data Mining in CRM Framework Management Essay Data Mining in CRM Framework Management Essay Data mining can be used to enhance customer relation management. The technique can be used to identify the trends in key business indicators. To do this, the customers will be classified into several clusters using the RFM model in order to identify high value customers. Data mining will be undertaken through association rules algorithms. Data Mining in CRM Framework for a Health Insurance Company We will thereafter measure the similarity, differences and modified differences for the mined data and base them into three sets, that is, emerging pattern rule, the unexpected change rule and added rule. We will utilize matching rule thresholds to derive all the types of possible rules and further explore the rules that exhibit significant change based on the degree of change under measurement. Current paper shall utilize data mining techniques to discover the spending patterns and the prevailing trends of behavior change. It will help the management to identify the potential changes in customer preferences. Identifying customer trends will help the company in decision making especially with regard to the policy preferred by the customers or will offer crucial insights with regard to the possible changes to policies, or the introduction of new product or services in line with the customer preferences identified through the data mining process. Data mining is a computational process aimed at discovering the prevailing patterns from large data set. This approach is very vital in analyzing critical activities for a firm based on the data available from various sources. This project seeks to analyze data mining applications in customer relations management specifically for health insurance company (Rai, 6). Rationale for Choosing the Topic Customer relation management is a management technique that utilizes company’s data banks to identify the preferences exhibited by their customers. This enables companies to better offer services by aligning their product offering to the customer preferences. For instance,health insurance company can utilize data mining techniques to identify key trends such as customer’s preferred insurance policy among other trends. Identifying this crucial trend is critical to a company’s survival. Selling insurance policy is the main business for insurance companies. Therefore, identifying the right insurance policies is directly influential to company survival. This, therefore, necessitates that clear customer relation management strategies are designed (Levy 6). Numerous research findings have shown that utilizing company data banks by deducing critical information about customers and identifying the underlying trends using classification algorithms and other data mining te chniques is the best technique to manage the existing and or prospecting customers. Problem Statement This paper seeks to identify key customer trends in health care insurance company. Specifically, the paper will use data mining techniques to identify preferred insurance policy and customer spending patterns. Further, the paper will show how health insurance company can utilize information obtained through data mining techniques to enhance customer relation management. Finally, the paper will show how this process can be used to ensure the company, not just survives but also succeeds. Customer Relationship Management Customer relation management is a strategy of customer management that integrates data from sales, marketing and other services. The strategy makes use of procedures and technology to help companies understand their customers better. In addition, the available information can be used to show the customer from different perspectives. Rai (4) identified customer relationship management as a customer centric approach that can help identify customer lifecycle. Rai (34) argued that is the best approach that a company can engage in order to retain customers and achieve customer satisfaction. Customer relation management is a concept that has been used for quite a long time now (Rai, 14). Evolution of data Mining Techniques in Customer Relation Management A huge number of businesses in very diverse industries have used this approach albeit, not in the same form as is done today according to Chorianopoulos and Tsiptsis (23). In the past, companies had to identify and keep customer background, spending habits in unconventional ways for instance memorizing by small businesses or keeping hard copy data for large companies. These companies would thereafter choose promotion strategies among other customer related decision based on this information. This is the same principal today. However, the methods of obtaining information and classifying such information have drastically improved. For instance, companies have a lot of information about their customer obtained from various sources which is stored in company’s data banks. This information can further be classified using specialized computer algorithms (Chorianopoulos and Tsiptsis 46). Using RFM models to Select and Segment Data RFM (Recency, Frequency and Money Value) is the most used model for selection and segmentation of collected data in order to make analysis easy according to Chorianopoulos and Tsiptsis (35). A firm can use RFM models to sort out the customers targeted from a huge list of customers to enable informed decision making. RFM models of data mining have the ability to make huge influences on a company’s success if the information made available is utilized well by a firm. Sung and Sang used the non-transformed RFM values as direct input variables for building models and then categorized customers into groups using cluster analysis. From the corresponding information marketing strategies and other customer, related activities can be planned based on the different customer clusters identified. On the other hand, Goldman argued that using data mining techniques, for instance using the RFM model of data mining has the effect of avoiding the time wasting and helps companies conserve †˜energy’ by pursuing the customers that the company who would offer the company little or no profits. By doing so, companies can generate better returns by focusing all their resources on the segments of customers who would give the companies better profit margins (Chorianopoulos and Tsiptsis 78). Role of Information in Fuelling Business Growth Information plays a very critical in the growth and development of businesses according to research finding by Levy (24). Consequently, the information in businesses databases can be very helpful in ensuring the success of the company. However, this information can only if it is utilized, so trends are deduced from the huge amounts of data. The information in the data bases is obsolete unless elaborate measures are put in place to ensure that it is accessed and grouped such that it shows important indicators and trends in relation to customer experiences and preferences. Once the indicators and trends have been identified, a company can use the information to design strategies that ensure they keep the customers and keep them satisfied too. The success in keeping customers loyal to a brand and satisfied has a direct positive relation with a company’s survival and success regardless of the industry in which the company operates (Levy 23). Proposed Project and Purpose The project that I have chosen involves the use of neural networks to predict the customer retention rate and also give the customer insight. The main aim of this because one of the most significant indicators of the marketing campaign is consumer behavior. This project is aimed at studying the behaviors of the customers so as to predict the retention rate. The project is also meant to give the company a model through which it can judge its market position in the future. This calculation gives the company a chance to calculate the profitability margin of all the portfolios that they have invested in. The process involved will be collecting data and then testing the data collected with data mining tools that will be installed in the system of the Java system used. Criterion Used Neural networks will be the process used to calculate the probability of the customer terminating his or her policy. Once the calculation is done, the results will then be categorized depending on the threshold. The calculation that is most significant result in this process is the ability of the project giving an accurate calculation. For the success of this project to be achieved, the project must give accurate results on the probability. This gives the company an accurate calculation of the performance of the portfolio. The performance of the portfolio then helps the company calculates the profit that is expected (Rai 56). I choose Neural networks over decision trees mainly because neural networks are more accurate than decision trees. Neural networks enable the users to come up with a classification of the results obtained. This will be very important in Insurance as the clients of the company can be classified depending on their probability of cancelling their policy. Decision trees do not allow the user to classify the data depending on the results obtained. This means that the first intention of creating a classification has failed. It is also very easy to create decision trees from the results obtained from neural networks. This means that neural networks enable the user to create a further analysis if the need arises. Decision trees though easy to use have a weakness when it comes to accuracy that is why I chose neural networks. Advantages The main reason why am proposing this particular project is because it has been successfully applied in many applications. Neural networks have been applied in learning, supervised and unsupervised applications with excellent results. The project also has a time saving quality. Neural networks do not require excessive training to learn the algorithm. Once the algorithm is installed in the Java application being used, it does not require any too much training. The results obtained are also very comprehensible and do not require a lot of time to comprehend them. Overcoming Challenges It is expected that there may be an objection that may arise if once the project is explained. One objection that may arise will be associated with the cost implementing the project. Neural networks are more expensive to install than decision trees. This means that anyone who looks at the cost may object the project. The response to this will be to explain the limitations that come with decision trees. It will be on no use installing a program that does not meet the needs of the company (Levy 34). The response to this objection will be to explain that the costs of this project will be recoverable easily in the future. All the necessary research has been carried out. I have also considered all the emerging trends that one needs to consider before engaging in any project. Plan of Activities Major Activities There are a number of activities that will be undertaken as illustrated in the work plan below; Data Collection Before conducting the data mining process, we will first schedule an interview with a client attached to the insurance company headquarters in Boston. The aim of this interview will be lay ground work and assess the prevailing conditions of the company’s data. Data Preparation After laying the ground work, all the available data- all the data that is available and authorized by the company- will be integrated and explored to identify how useful it can be in identifying or predicting the indicators required. Building and Validating Models At this stage, the data mining techniques and models will be built based on the available data and the goals for the project. Deploying the Models This task will basically be involved with putting the selected models into practice. Assessing the Identified Trends This process will involve assessing the trends identified by the data mining techniques in order to aid in the decision making. As mentioned earlier, the main aim of the project is to identify how data mining can influence customer relationship management. At this stage, the trends outputted will be assessed by the management. Data Sources The data to be reviewed will be sourced from the health insurance company data bases. There are numerous sources of data for an insurance company. Any data collected and stored by the company is important and will be used for this project. This include all the data stored in the company’s data bases and any other data collected in other ways, for instance interviews for the purpose of this project (Levy, 34). Special Tasks and Needs System Software To establish patterns and trends in a large set of data, in this case from the huge data base of the health insurance company, software with comparatively complex algorithms and data handling techniques are required to be installed in order for them to monitor and highlight the trends. Such software is available in the different operating systems versions. Technical Experts Data mining is a very delicate operation. Its success relies on the ability to identify the critical variables in the data set and the design of the most effective strategies of utilizing these variables to show or predict trends and patterns. Data mining techniques experts will be required so as to help identify and design the best models for the process. Data Mining Modeling This is by far the most important event. Data mining models are the real value behind the whole process. Regardless of the technique used a good data mining models has the ability to provide user-specific solutions. To identify the best model to utilize, the data mining experts sourced earlier will help the health insurance company management to choose the model that best suits their requirements. Items to be Produced For the purpose of this project, illustrations covering various operations of the data mining process and test reports will be provided. Evaluation This project will be judged based on the applicability and the ability demonstrated to solve the problem identified. The main objective of this project is to demonstrate how data mining techniques and tools can be used by a health care insurance firm to manage its customer relation operations, specifically customer retention rates and offer customer insights. The project success will, therefore, be pegged on the ability to demonstrate ability to use data mining techniques to identify patterns and trends using the most effective models of data mining, the effective application of the model, and the successful use of the trends and patterns identified to influence customer relationship with the insurance company (Rai, 34). Features to be Assessed Data Mining Models The model choice is the most crucial part of the data mining process as identified earlier. The justification and the process of identifying the best model and the subsequent successful use of the model can be assessed as an indicator of the success of the project. The overall effectiveness and success of the project is determined by the success in using the best model. Deliverables The outcome of the project will be the production of neural networks with the capability to assess the customer retention rates for health insurance company. The networks will not only have the capability to predict the probability that a customer will continue or terminate a policy, but will also have the capability to indicate the same even with changes to the costs of the premium. Specifically, there will be two neural networks attached to the two clusters of data- the probability contract will be terminated, and the probability contract will not be terminated cluster. Technical Content live CHAT The CRM theory states that the cost of acquiring new customers is always expensive, therefore, the business will always retain their customers by offering them with favorable policies and benefits that are customer friendly. Therefore, the insurance company will use business intelligence theories to ensure minimal cost of operation with increase database of clients. The business intelligence theories help the insurance company to identify new opportunities by developing types of policy covers that ensure customer satisfaction (Provost and Tom, 109). Predicting Customer Retention Rates To predict the chances that the company will retain its customers, the neural networks will be programmed to output a number between zero and one. This will indicate the probability that the holder of a health insurance policy will terminate the contract or not. Data will then be categorized into different sets based on a predetermined threshold of 0.5. Any figure above the threshold will be categorized under a threat of termination while any figure below the threshold will be categorized under no threat of termination (Levy, 34). In this case, the concern is more on the maximization of profitability by selecting the portfolio with the highest returns while at the same time keeping a good market share. To achieve this, the threshold will be set where the predicted rates of termination will be equal to the actual rates of termination. A threshold of 0.204 is set to predict an actual termination rate of 14.7 percent. This will produce an accuracy of 85 %. Further, to enhance the ability of the neural networks to predict the termination rate when premiums are varied, individual clusters will be subdivided into different bands. On the other hand, to improve the accuracy of the predictions, clusters will be split at the point where accuracy starts to reduce. This will isolate the policy holders based on the significance of the increase in premiums. Two separate neural networks will be deployed for each of the clusters to improve the prediction accuracy. Data mining techniques can be successfully used to help the company manages its customer relations. The techniques utilize the huge amounts of raw data which is correlated and segmented using specialized computer software into clusters. From this, patterns and trends of consumer behaviors can be deducted. For this project, raw data from health care insurance company was utilized to identify the rates of customer retention as well as to give different insights into consumer behaviors. This information can then be used by management to design customer relation strategies. The successes of these strategies have a direct impact on the success of the business, in this case, the health insurance company.

An Introduction to Vanitas Paintings

An Introduction to Vanitas Paintings A vanitas painting is a particular style of still life that was immensely popular in the Netherlands beginning in the 17th century. The style often includes with worldly objects such as books and wine and you will find quite a few skulls on the still life table. Its intent is to remind viewers of their own mortality and the futility of worldly pursuits. Vanitas Reminds Us of Vanities The word  vanitas  is Latin for vanity and that is the idea behind a vanitas painting. They were created to remind us that our vanity or material possessions and pursuits do not preclude us from death, which is inevitable. The phrase comes to us courtesy of a biblical passage in Ecclesiastes. In it, the Hebrew word hevel was incorrectly taken to mean vanity of vanities. But for this slight mistranslation, the term would rightfully be known as a vapor painting, signifying a transitory state. The Symbolism of Vanitas Paintings A vanitas painting, while possibly containing lovely objects, always included some reference to mans mortality. Most often, this is a human skull (with or without other bones), but items like  burning candles, soap bubbles and decaying flowers may be used for this purpose as well. Other objects are placed in the still life to symbolize the various types of worldly pursuits that tempt men. For example, secular knowledge like that found in the arts and sciences may be depicted by books, maps, or instruments. Wealth and power have symbols like  gold, jewelry, and precious trinkets while fabrics, goblets, and pipes might represent earthly pleasures. Beyond the skull to depict impermanence, a vanitas painting may include references to time, such as a watch or hourglass. It may use decaying flowers or rotting food for the purpose as well. In some paintings, the idea of the resurrection is included as well. Among these, you might find sprigs of ivy and laurel or ears of corn. To add to the symbolism, you will find vanitas paintings with the subjects placed in disarray compared to other, very tidy, still life art. This is designed to represent the chaos that materialism can add to a pious life. Vanitas is very similar to another type of still life painting,  known as memento mori. Latin for remember  you must die, this style tended to include only those objects that remind us of death and refrained from using the materialistic symbols. A Religious Reminder Vanitas paintings were  meant not only as works of art, they also to carry an important moral message. They are designed to remind us that the trivial pleasures of life are abruptly and permanently  wiped out by death.   It is doubtful that this genre would have been popular had the Counter-Reformation and Calvinism not propelled it into the limelight. Both movements- one Catholic, the other Protestant- occurred at the same time as vanitas paintings were becoming popular. Like the symbolic art, the two religious efforts emphasized the devaluing of possessions and success in this world. They instead, focused believers on their relationship with God in preparation for the afterlife. The Vanitas Painters The primary period of vanitas paintings lasted from 1550 through around 1650. They began as still lifes painted on the backside of portraits and evolved into featured works of art. The movement was centered around the Dutch city of Leiden, a Protestant stronghold, though it was popular throughout the Netherlands and in parts of France and Spain. In the beginning of the movement, the work was very dark and gloomy. Toward the end of the period, however, it did lighten up a bit. Considered a signature genre in Dutch Baroque art, a number of artists were famous for their vanitas work. These include Dutch painters like David Bailly (1584–1657), Harmen van Steenwyck (1612–1656), and Willem Claesz Heda (1594–1681). Some French painters worked in vanitas as well, the best-known of which was Jean Chardin (1699–1779). Many of these vanitas paintings are considered great works of art today. You can also find a number of modern artists working in this style. Yet, many people wonder at the popularity of vanitas paintings by collectors. After all, doesnt the painting itself become a symbol of vanitas?

School Psychology Essay example

School Psychology Essay example School Psychology Essay example 3 March 2014 School Psychology The subject of my attention, my career of choice is school psychology. Over the past few months I have found information in regards to this subject which I will discuss. I will cover all aspects of this career including a definition of what it involves on a daily basis, why I have chosen this career as my subject of interest, common personality characteristics and values that go along with this career. I will also mention the educational requiremnts needed for this field. Lastly I will discuss the job outlook for this career. School psychologists work in both private and public schools. According to Landrum and Davis (2009) â€Å"they help people within the educational system maintain the intellectual, social, and emotional development of children at the school†, they do this by directly assessing and counseling students at their perspective schools. Not only do school psychologists have consultations with students, but they also consult with school staff an d parents while also conducting behavioral interventions when needed. I like the idea of working with various groups of people compared to just with one specific group, which is why I find this field intriguing, because working in a school with children, parents, teachers, and other school personnel seems intresting in my opinion. The main goal of a school psychologists is to create an environment within the school that is both heathy and safe, providing the perfect atmosphere for stimulating the mind.Chester Stanford 3 March 2014 School Psychology The subject of my attention, my career of choice is school psychology. Over the past few months I have found information in regards to this subject which I will discuss. I will cover all aspects of this career including a definition of what it involves on a daily basis, why I have chosen this career as my subject of interest, common personality characteristics and values that go along with this career. I will also mention the educational requiremnts needed for this field. Lastly I will discuss the job outlook for this career. School psychologists work in both private and public schools. According to Landrum and Davis (2009) â€Å"they help people within the educational system maintain the intellectual, social, and emotional development of children at the school†, they do this by directly assessing and counseling students at their perspective schools. Not only do school psychologists have consultations with students, but they also consult with school staff an d parents while also conducting behavioral interventions when needed. I like the idea of working with various groups of people compared to just with one specific group, which is why I find this field intriguing, because working in a school with children, parents, teachers, and other school personnel seems intresting in my opinion. The main goal of a school psychologists is to create an environment within the school that is both heathy and safe, providing the perfect atmosphere for stimulating the English IV 3 March 2014 School Psychology The subject of my attention, my career of choice is school psychology. Over the past few months I have found information in regards to this subject which I will discuss. I will cover all aspects of this career including a definition of what it involves on a daily basis, why I have chosen this career as my subject of interest, common personality characteristics and values that go along with this career. I will also mention the educational requiremnts needed for this field. Lastly I will discuss the job outlook for this career. School psychologists work in both private and public schools. According to Landrum and Davis (2009) â€Å"they help people within the educational system maintain the intellectual, social, and emotional development of children at the school†, they do this by directly assessing and counseling students at their perspective schools. Not only do school

Case Study-Critical thinking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Case Study-Critical thinking - Essay Example This action has made the airline compete effectively in an industry faced with stiff competition. This paper examines the factors that have contributed to China Southern Airlines’ competitive advantage. In addition, the paper looks at how its growth affects other airlines. Andrade and Stafford (2013) say that in the year 2000, the Civil Aviation Administration of China declared its intention to merge the 10 airlines it managed into three airline groups. Later CAAC merged the airlines into Air China Airline, China Eastern and the airline under study China Southern (AmCham China News 2004). Following that merging, China Southern has since become one of the three largest carriers in the country (AmCham China News 2004). According to China Southern Airline (2013), Southern Airline serves over 193 destinations in 35 different countries across the globe. The company is a regular in the local market with its main hubs being at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport just to mention a few. In the year 2012, China Southern Airline (2013) reported that China Southern Airlines carried over 9.1 million local and international passengers which translates to an average load factor of 81%. Such a huge number of passengers car ried by the airline clearly show it controls the airline industry in the Asia-Pacific. Following the merging of the airlines, it remains, therefore, that China Southern has two main competitors i.e. Air China and Eastern China. Air China, a major carrier in the People’s Republic of China, has its headquarters in Shunyi District in Beijing (China Tours n.d.). The airline’s flights are mainly out of Beijing Capital International Airport. According to China Southern Airline (2013), the airline carried an average 51 million local and global passengers in 2012. China Eastern, on the other hand, has its headquarters based at Changning District in Shanghai. The airline’s focus is at

Accounting Information Systems (AIS) And Telecommunicating Accounting Essay

Accounting Information Systems (AIS) And Telecommunicating Accounting Information - Essay Example This paper stresses that using Accounting Information System (AIS) is not risk-free. Any data that can be communicated across the internet or through satellite can be viewed and interrupted by a third party without main party’s prior consent. Such unwanted intrusion is also known as hacking into unauthorised systems. Every organization that has globalized over the years must ensure the safety of data of their customers when they operate. With thousands of new software built across the globe every day, the loop holes of the system penetration is getting more visible. Sometimes, it so happens that some hackers work so swiftly that even the organization to which they target to hack, cannot find out that they are being hacked until it’s too late to recover actual losses. This essay makes a conclusion that this unsecured public network connection becomes vulnerable to such attacks frequently so the organizations decided to work under secured private networks with B-2-B and B-2-C network architecture. These are basically electronic commerce concepts that incorporate AIS and enable the organization to communicate in secured zones where third party cannot intrude as the network is privatised. In short we may say that with little responsibility on organizations’ behalf, if the AIS are implemented in secured private networks, its benefits outweigh risks for the customers as well as the organizations.

Media production Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Media production - Essay Example The film opens with a school boy, Shaun, starting a fight after one of his classmates, Havey, jokingly hurls an insult. Harvey annoys Shaun by insulting his father who had earlier passed on during the Falklands war. Shaun later leaves school and meets a group of skinheads among them Woody who pities Shaun and welcomes him to join in the crew. With time, Shaun finds comfort under the umbrella of this crew after Woody offers him a shoulder to rely on. A striking feature among the group is the only black skinhead, Milky, who seems quite pleased to share with the group despite all the others being white. As the film advances, more characters such as Meggy, Trevy, Smell, Kes, Kelly and Woody’s girlfriend Lol are revealed as members of the group (Meadows, 2006, Para. 1-2). An old skinhead member of the gang, Combo, has just completed a jail sentence and returns to the group with a new member, Banjo. Combo, a rather transparent character, expresses the differences between English nat ionalists and the racists as a way of inspiring leadership within the group. Resultantly, the group breaks into two and Shaun is attracted into Combo’s group as he regards Combo as an image of change and a mentor. Together with Combo, they attend meetings that are meant to sensitize the whites against the existing prejudice. Those who are opposed to the political ambition of this group, like Pukey, are rejected by the group (Fradley, 2006, para 5). As the group wages a war against racism, they have a chance to face harsh members of the nation such as the likes of Mr Sandhu who had warned Shaun against visiting his shop. This war against racism marks the climax of the film as the members of the Combo’s group fly the flag of change high despite Woody’s group remaining apolitical. At the denouement of the film, Combo suffers from depression after his old love, Lol, turns him down at such a critical time. To cure his stress, he buys bhang from Milky and they both pa rty under intoxication and learn more about one another. When Combo learns that Milky has a rich background, he develops bitterness and beats Milky to a coma when he invites him for a family gathering. The sense of guilt wears Combo up and he resolves in violence and fights his friends including Banjo and Meggy. As he and Shaun drag Milky to hospital, they lose their calmness and cannot avoid crying out of fear (Ferreira, 2000, para 1). Later, the camera catches up with Shaun as he laments over the whole experience and his Mother, Cynthia is the only icon of hope as she assures him that Milky will recover. As the film ends, the disappointed face of Shaun cannot be mistaken as he roams near the Sea beach where he throws the Saint George flag. Themes In the film â€Å"This is England† a number of themes are well pronounced by the vivid and lively coverage of the various scenes in the film. The main theme of this film is cultural bias or racism as pointed out by its main charact ers. The antagonist of this film is Combo as he organizes a gang that would fight against the racial prejudice that is exhibited by characters like Mr Sandhu who denies Shaun the right to buy in his shop. The words of Combo â€Å"this is England†

Lean Manufacturing--Mass Customization & Marketplace simulation Assignment

Lean Manufacturing--Mass Customization & Marketplace simulation - Assignment Example Knowing what the clients or rather what the customers want is very essential. Thus, the company should be in a position to understand the need for market segmentation. This is because, in today’s marketplace, it is necessary for a company to understand the need of market segmentation because of market fragmentation. In addition, the company should be in a position to explain how the marketers evaluate segments and choose a targeting strategy. In order to choose more segments and to target more clients, the company should be able to evaluate the potential for and success in the marketplace (Cagan, & Vogel, 2002). The process to which a computer producing company needs in order to have a good and continuous improvement is by knowing how much, and the quality and stability of computers the company supplies to the market. The computer company should be able to isolate and validate the goods they process, for instance: keyboards mouse, monitors, and processors among others. While in the market place target other markets. This particular computer company should not only focus on the current marketplace, and it should try to reach out to other markets for more profits. If the computer company invest in more designs and improve the quality and the designs of the machines it produces, it will be able to accomplish the market business stimulation it needs in the

Impact of a Risk Premium on the Empirical Testing of FOREX Essay

Impact of a Risk Premium on the Empirical Testing of FOREX - Essay Example In line with this, the empirical tests test for the availability of atypical or risk –accustomed earning opportunities. However, in the case of ambiguity and uncertain venture such as spot and forward (JACQUE, 2014) speculation, it is complex to interpret the empirical tests relative to the market efficiency. The fundamental model applied in testing marketing efficiency is the joint hypothesis, which means that two hypotheses are tested at the same time. In such cases, when the risk premium is in existence it creates an impact which shifts the equilibrium return on currency trading toward a high point. This implies that, the profits attributed to the currency trading do not show market inefficiency if these returns are fewer than the suitable risk premium (ULLRICH, 2009). This impact can be explained by an example of a corporation, which hedges, and in return, its financial experience to the currency risk reduces. This implies that, in the absence of a risk premium, the firm d oes not sacrifice any return in the process of risk reduction. If the corporation faces high cost of financial misery, then this nature of reduced volatility will benefit its operations (RECORD, 2003). This implies that the effect of risk premium on a firm is immensely attributed to the hedging of a corporation when the risk premium exists. In addition, the risk premium on empirical testing invokes significance and negative relationship with the expected future spot rate. In addition, the premium risk offers a more explanatory note relative.

Professional and academic background Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Professional and academic background - Essay Example I was enrolled for leadership in teaching advanced writing class to enhance workshop learning for students. I am working as a personal tutor and as a tutor for the university-tutoring program at the University of Rochester; my courses as a tutor include Introduction to Economics, Economic Statistics, Econometrics, Calculus I & II, Theoretical Linear Algebra, Probability. This experience has improved my knowledge requirements in the interdisciplinary subjects of the course. I have thus the strong knowledge and skills for mathematics, economics and interdisciplinary subjects like econometrics, economic statistics that I deserve admission for the course. I published one article per day in a local business page in Chinese Taipei in the summer of 2005; I also attended press conferences and wrote some reports in special columns. I participated in some copy desk editing work, and helped with translating between Mandarin and English. I also made money by doing online business especially in a dvertising field for different Internet sites. In this course once in a week seminars are conducted with the people from the financial world like Wall Street etc, to know about the happenings in the financial world. My skills will be highly helpful to understand the situations. I worked for a library as a Circulation Desk Student Supervisor, Project Supervisor, Stack organizer, this is helpful to complete the assignments related to the library work fastly. Academic background I have a bachelor of science degree in mathematics, Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and minor in philosophy with the GPA of 3.93, 3.91,3.9 respectively. These are the basic requirements of the course. I have a good GPA for the subjects. I have a GRE score of 630 out of 800, which is relatively a good score to get admission. In addition to this I have done some research papers in mathematics of political modeling, on measurements of power, and fairness of voting at the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. I have done honors senior thesis in Macroeconomic Forecasting, subtopics were Research into the mechanisms and programming techniques of modern forecasting, development and construction of a unique macroeconomic forecasting model. I have received the awards as the Deans list recipient. I am currently member of University of Rochester's Economic council and International Ambassadors Organization. My professional and academic background is such that I can surely get admission into the Advanced degree in Financial Engineering at Columbia

Lean Manufacturing--Mass Customization & Marketplace simulation Assignment

Lean Manufacturing--Mass Customization & Marketplace simulation - Assignment Example Knowing what the clients or rather what the customers want is very essential. Thus, the company should be in a position to understand the need for market segmentation. This is because, in today’s marketplace, it is necessary for a company to understand the need of market segmentation because of market fragmentation. In addition, the company should be in a position to explain how the marketers evaluate segments and choose a targeting strategy. In order to choose more segments and to target more clients, the company should be able to evaluate the potential for and success in the marketplace (Cagan, & Vogel, 2002). The process to which a computer producing company needs in order to have a good and continuous improvement is by knowing how much, and the quality and stability of computers the company supplies to the market. The computer company should be able to isolate and validate the goods they process, for instance: keyboards mouse, monitors, and processors among others. While in the market place target other markets. This particular computer company should not only focus on the current marketplace, and it should try to reach out to other markets for more profits. If the computer company invest in more designs and improve the quality and the designs of the machines it produces, it will be able to accomplish the market business stimulation it needs in the

Professional and academic background Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Professional and academic background - Essay Example I was enrolled for leadership in teaching advanced writing class to enhance workshop learning for students. I am working as a personal tutor and as a tutor for the university-tutoring program at the University of Rochester; my courses as a tutor include Introduction to Economics, Economic Statistics, Econometrics, Calculus I & II, Theoretical Linear Algebra, Probability. This experience has improved my knowledge requirements in the interdisciplinary subjects of the course. I have thus the strong knowledge and skills for mathematics, economics and interdisciplinary subjects like econometrics, economic statistics that I deserve admission for the course. I published one article per day in a local business page in Chinese Taipei in the summer of 2005; I also attended press conferences and wrote some reports in special columns. I participated in some copy desk editing work, and helped with translating between Mandarin and English. I also made money by doing online business especially in a dvertising field for different Internet sites. In this course once in a week seminars are conducted with the people from the financial world like Wall Street etc, to know about the happenings in the financial world. My skills will be highly helpful to understand the situations. I worked for a library as a Circulation Desk Student Supervisor, Project Supervisor, Stack organizer, this is helpful to complete the assignments related to the library work fastly. Academic background I have a bachelor of science degree in mathematics, Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and minor in philosophy with the GPA of 3.93, 3.91,3.9 respectively. These are the basic requirements of the course. I have a good GPA for the subjects. I have a GRE score of 630 out of 800, which is relatively a good score to get admission. In addition to this I have done some research papers in mathematics of political modeling, on measurements of power, and fairness of voting at the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. I have done honors senior thesis in Macroeconomic Forecasting, subtopics were Research into the mechanisms and programming techniques of modern forecasting, development and construction of a unique macroeconomic forecasting model. I have received the awards as the Deans list recipient. I am currently member of University of Rochester's Economic council and International Ambassadors Organization. My professional and academic background is such that I can surely get admission into the Advanced degree in Financial Engineering at Columbia

The most successful stage effects and language techniques used to create dramatic tension Essay Example for Free

The most successful stage effects and language techniques used to create dramatic tension Essay Introduction Macbeth is at first seen as a courageous soldier who is loyal to his King, he and the King have a close relationship, the King loves him almost like a son. So, why should he murder the man who thinks so fondly of him? I believe Macbeth to be an intelligent man but he is corrupted, by his own ambition, greed and by his wife Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth initially appears as a kind wife but we soon learn underneath lies a scheming and manipulative woman. We see Lady Macbeth take control of the situation as Macbeths weaknesses begin to unfold. Macbeths character dramatically changes as this scene progresses as the realization of what he has done dawns on him, he becomes more and anxious and hysterical, everything troubles him; Whence is that knocking? How ist with me, when every noise appalls me? The scene begins with Lady Macbeth anxiously waiting for her husbands return, tension is created because we are unable to see or hear Macbeths actions. This is an example of Shakespeares skill with stagecraft. Lady Macbeth pretends to be in control of the situation when in actual fact she is far from in control. This is given away by her reaction to An owl Shrieks; Hark, peace! It was the owl that striekd, the fatal bellman. Which gives the sternst good-night. He is about it. The sound of the owl is a simple but effective stage effect, creating tension. This is because the owl shrieks symbolised the night watchman who would ring the bell outside the cells of prisoners condemned to death. A 16th century audience would have been recognised what Shakespeare meant, creating an image in peoples minds building up more suspense within the play. Lady Macbeth also says; I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry Crickets were also believed by the Elizabethans to be the messenger of death, which is another effective stagecraft using imagery. I believe the mention of the owl also symbolises darkness, as the owl is a creature of the night, giving the scene a darker more chilling edge. Macbeth crys out Whos there? What ho? This offstage noise leaves the audience thinking that Macbeth has been caught Shakespeare uses monosyllabic language in this quote to enhance the feelings of urgency and panic, which is a good use of language to create dramatic tension. Lady Macbeth does not immediately see her husband, this could be because of the imagery of darkness or maybe because Macbeth enters elsewhere. She hears his cry and doubts him; she thinks he has disturbed someone Alack, Im afraid they have awakd, And tis not done; thattempt and not the deed Confounds us. Hark! I laid their daggers ready, He could not miss em. There is urgency and panic in her speech and a sense of desperation, this creates dramatic tension for the audience as you can feel Lady Macbeths worry. Macbeths anxiety prevents him from going back to the scene of the murder Ill go no more. I am afraid to think what I have done; Look ont again, I dare not. Lady Macbeth shows here frustration (anxiety) at Macbeths attitude and takes the daggers from Macbeth Infirm of purpose! Give me the daggers. The sleeping and the dead Are but pictures; tis the eye of childhood That fears a painted devil. It is obvious from this quote that Lady Macbeth is angry with Macbeth, she is in a rage, probably because she to struggling to stay in control of the situation and because the thought of them both being discovered scares her. She is however under the infuence of alcohol, so has courage That which hath made them drunk, hath made me bold; to take the daggers back. She views Macbeth as being week minded and childish. This allows Shakespeare to take Lady Macbeth from the stage and create another stage effect leaving Macbeth to become even more hysterical. He is standing in the courtyard where anyone could catch him generating more tension. Then there is a knock at the gate, which makes the already jumpy Macbeth even worse; Whence is that knocking? How ist with me, when every noise appals me? The knocking gives the audience reader a feeling that the discovery of the murder is only being delayed by Macbeths anxious talk. What hands are here? Ha: they pluck out mine eyes. Will all great neptunes ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand? No: this my hand will rather The multitudinous seas incarnadine, Making the green one red. In this quote Shakespeare applies the imagery blood. This has connotations of treason, guilt, murder and death. Macbeth wants to cleanse his hands from the blood to rid him of any evidence connecting him to the murder and perhaps clear his troubled mind. Also the punctuation Shakespeare uses makes Macbeth seem even more troubled as he talks to him self. The use of colons makes it seem as if Macbeth is having an argument within himself almost verging on schizophrenia. Shakespeares use of language and structure manages to create tension throughout this act. He manages to gradually build up stage effects and language little by little, increasing the use of monosyllabic language and imagery taking the reader/audience on a roller coaster of emotions. His use of language and effects in the right places helps the characters and the play to become really believable. I believe this scene is designed with the sole intention of creating tension and to make the reader/audience believe the Macbeth will be caught, creating dramatic tension for the acts which follow.

Principle of Sovereign Immunity

Principle of Sovereign Immunity It is undisputed that international law is based on reciprocity, and nowhere is this more apparently than in the area of diplomatic relations and immunities. Thus the principle of equality of sovereign states is enshrined in Art 1(2) of the Charter of the United Nations, and the notion of state immunities including those afforded to its sovereigns operates on this principle, specifically â€Å"par in parem non hebet imperium† where since both states are equal, one cannot be subject to the jurisdiction and the courts of another. Furthermore, it is now widely accepted the heads of states and foreign ministers in representing states are also afforded this immunity to allow them to carry out their functions properly. However, modern times which has seen a rise in a respect of human rights has found a new clash with the principle of sovereign immunity. As such, international jurisprudence is now developing and arguably struggling to try and achieve a balance between these two objec tives, a matter which will be analysed in this essay. Ratione personae and Ratione Materiae The two different types of immunities delegated to state representatives will be noted at the outset, namely ratione personae and ratione materiae. The former allows immunities to a particular person from the jurisdiction of a states courts by virtue of the office he holds, for any of his actions whether conducted in an official or private capacity. Since this type of immunity is only required for a practical basis to allow functioning, once the individual leaves office this type of immunity lapses. The second type of immunity is that of ratione materiae, where it is the nature of the act which immunity is afforded to. Here, if an act was carried out in an official capacity it can not be the subject of a court action, based on the principle of the sovereign equality of state as noted above and non-intervention of one state into another states affairs. Since the nature of the act is the determining factor here, the immunity remains even if the official in question has left his post. The distinction is pointed out at the outset since the Courts have dealt with the two different types of immunities differently. Ratione materia will be dealt with in the first instance. The Pinochet Case Ratione Materia The issue of the potential conflict of immunities and human rights violations came to the forefront when the former President of Chile, Augusto Pinochet Ugarte, visited the United Kingdom in 1998 for medical reasons. While there, the Spanish government requested the UK government to extradite Pinochet to face charges of inter alia torture and conspiracy to torture in the Spanish Courts under legislation enacting the Convention Against Torture [CAT] (1984). The issue went to the UK House of Lords where it was held that Pinochet could not claim immunity for his acts as a former head of state against allegations of torture. The immunity claimed in this case was that of ratione materia, since Pinochet was clearly not a current head of state and thus ratione personae immunity was not available to him. Although the House of Lords approved the judgement by a large majority there was only one dissenting Lord a variety of reasoning was employed. Lord Browne-Wilkinson, Lord Hope and Lord Saville found that those who had signed the CAT had impliedly waivered state immunity for their sovereigns. It was noted that the definition of Torture provided for in Art 1 of CAT required for the acts complained of to have either been carried out by or with the involvement of a state official. As such, any allegation of torture would necessarily always be able to be met with a defence of state immunity which would render the CAT meaningless. Such an analysis is quite insightful, but may creates problems of distinction for claimants relying on the customary prohibition of torture rather than CAT. Criminal and Civil Liability Other judges adopted a more broad consideration of the issue, where it was held that due to the heinousness of the act of torture and the jus cogens nature of the prohibition of torture, immunity ratione materia could never be a valid defence. Their Lordships pointed out that the purpose of the immunity is to ensure that the national courts of one state do not adjudicate on the responsibly of another, but in this case they were dealing with an issue of individual criminal liability and to hold immunity existed in this case would go beyond the purposes intended for such immunities, namely stability of international relations. Thus, a distinction can be seen between criminal liability cases and civil liability which would necessarily entail criminal responsibility. This distinction can be appreciated in a later case. In Al-Adsani v UK, the applicant was a dual UK and Kuwaiti national who alleged that on a visit to Kuwait, he was subjected to torture in a Kuwaiti state prison as retaliation for his circulating sexual tapes showing the Emir of Kuwaits brother, the Sheikh. He brought a claim in the UK for physical injuries and mental suffering caused from the treatment he suffered against inter alia the state of Kuwait. The UK Courts however held that Kuwaits claim to the state immunity Act 1978 succeeded. The Court of Appeal referred the case to the European Court of Human Rights where the applicant alleged that in invoking state immunity and not allowing his case to be heard in the UK Courts, the UK violated Art 6, the right of a fair trial. This was a more contentious matter and the Court very narrowly held, with a nine to eight vote majority that the right of access was not violated by upholding the defence of state immunity. Here the European Court pointed out that the nature of jurisdictional immunities acted as a procedural bar, and if waived by the host state a substantive case could be heard. The Court pointed out that sovereign immunity was an essential concept of international law, with a legitimate aim of promoting comity and good international relations. As such, a distinction had to be made with civil suits and criminal cases. A criminal case, as in the case of Pinochet, went to the question of individual criminal liability for acts. A case for civil damages however, would necessarily have to find state responsibility and the Court concluded in its analysis of the case law that an international norm excluding liability for civil damages had not emerged. Such an approach of distinguishing criminal and civil liability was repeated by the UK Courts in Jones v Saudi Arabia, where it was held immunity could not be waived for a claim for civil damages as a result of torture. Some commentators have suggested that the civil-criminal liability is distinguished due to the nature of the crimes in the case. However, the analysis of the Court seems to suggest a different ground of distinction in this case Criminal responsibility is based on individuals, and thus does not involve any question of state liability or state sovereignty. The case of Re Pinochet did not entail any judgement at all in the actions of Chile as a state itself, and render it liable for any reparations for example. If however there was to be no state immunity allowed in Al-Adsani, it would be found that Kuwait entailed responsibility for the actions and liable for damages, thus entering into the realms of state sovereignty and non-intervention in other states affairs. The effect on international relations was therefore clearly a determining factor in this case. Where there was less of an effect on international status in criminal cases, more weight was given to human rights norms. Normative Hierarchy Theory Of course, the dissenting judges in Al-Adsani did not consider that the distinction between civil and criminal liability was important enough when pitted against a prohibition of torture. Many judges pointed out that since the Court accepted that torture was a jus cogens norm, they should also accept that it would always prevail over all other norms including those of state immunity. Thus the status of torture would invalidate immunity laws or its effect at least for that particular case. This has been described as a normative hierarchy theory since torture is a jus cogens norm, it goes above the norm of state immunity. Some of the judges in Re Pinochet also adopted this theory. The Pinochet case is considered by many around the world as revolutionary as it is principally the first case to consider that immunity did not exist for allegations of egregious human rights violations. This approach is attractive from the human rights perspective and does accord well with the prohibition of torture in international law in stating that there can be no justification whatsoever for the use of torture. However, there are relatively few jus cogens norms in international law, and even the status of torture as jus cogens is disputed. Adopting such a theory in absence of other justifications would mean that other human rights violations cannot be pitted against the laws of state immunity. No immunity for ratione personae A further distinction that has been made by Courts is that for existing officials of state, who still hold immunity ratione personae. This can be seen in the Arrest Warrants case held before the ICJ. Under a Belgian law of 1993 Belgian Courts had universal jurisdiction in respect of grave breaches of international humanitarian law and crimes against humanity, irrespective or not of whether the offender has acted in an official capacity. On this basis a Belgian investigating judge issued an arrest warrant in absentia for the then Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Congo. Congo responded by taking the matter to the ICJ, challenging that that the alleged arrest warrant violated the principle of sovereign equality among member states of the UN as enshrined in Art 2(1) of the UN Charter, as well as diplomatic immunity for ministers of foreign affairs for a sovereign state as laid out in Art 41(2) for the 1862 Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations. The majority of the ICJ, thirteen votes to three, held that the arrest warrant was indeed in violation of customary international law laying down rules of absolute inviolably and immunity from criminal proceedings of incumbent foreign ministers, therefore breaching principles of sovereign equality among states. However, no form of satisfaction was awarded other than the judgement which the Court held would make good the moral injury complained of by the Congo. This case thus shows that the doctrine adopted in Pinochet is highly unlikely to extend to existing officials, illustrating that the main rationale behind immunities is to allow international relations to develop. Holding a Foreign Minister liable to prosecution in another country while he is still Foreign Minister would greatly impair this ability as the Court noted in its majority judgement, Foreign Ministers are allowed this immunity to allow them to travel and communicate with other states and allowed effective representation of their State. The Court, like other decisions abovementioned, did emphatically state that immunity did not equate to impunity and the procedural bar of immunity once lifted could hold an individual responsible, such as before the courts of his own country, where the state has waived immunity, after the person in question has ceased to hold public office or perhaps in the future under the International Criminal Court. The Court can be said to show some lea ning towards appreciation of human rights when it did not approve of damages further than the damage being claimed, recognising perhaps that to award damages to someone accused of such egregious human rights violations would exceed the doctrine of immunities and would not serve a beneficial purpose. Judges Higgins, Koojimans and Burgenthal issued a separate opinion in the Arrest Warrants case, where they dissented with the Court requiring a cancellation of the Arrest Warrant issued by Belgium. They noted that the Court noted the provision of immunities to the Foreign Minister in this case was to allow his continue travelling and maintain communication and relations with other states in order to represent his state effectively. However, since he was no longer Foreign Minister at the time of the hearing at the international court there was no longer need for this expansive immunity and as such a cancellation of the arrest warrant would not be required. Such opinions are clearly based on the rationale behind immunity being that of functionality of international relations once this is no longer at risk a whole immunity is no longer required. Judge Van Den Wyngaert went even further and stated that the Court had taken immunities too far in creating a potential violation of international human rights.23 The dissenting judges in this case therefore clearly carried out balancing exercises between the two objectives of functionality of international relations and human rights with some reaching different conclusions to others. It is particularly notable that following this case, under diplomatic pressure from other states Belgium amended its laws on 23 April 2003 and once again on 5th August of that year, holding persons granted immunity under international law will be excluded from the reach of that legislation. Many commentators have regretted that diplomatic pressure and international politics has ‘destroyed the revolutionary character of Belgiums legislation in this case. In conclusion therefore an analysis of international case-law shows that allowing immunity to provide for and facilitate international relations has been seen as a particularly important objective Thus immunities have not been waived with regard to those still holding office. As Judge Van den Wyngaert pointed out in dissenting in the Arrest Warrants case, such an approach is likely to have stemmed from a consideration of avoiding chaos and abuse in international processes. Even where immunities have been waived with regard to those who have formerly held office, as in the Pinochet case for example, this has only been done with regard to individual criminal liability where Courts point out that they are not invoking the responsibility of states. Furthermore, the issue is only ever raised with regard to particularly egregious human rights norms such as those of torture and it seems hardly likely immunity would be waived for a norm perceived to be of lesser value such as an economic an d social right of development. Thus, while international law is clearly developing in the area of human rights, the fact that immunities is based on such an important precept of international law renders Courts very reluctant to waive immunity, and they have only done so on very limited occasions. Many commentators have criticised this Caplan for example points out that a theory of collective state benefit should be employed and granting immunities to human rights violates does not benefit the collective international community.28 McGregor points out that the new UN Convention on Jurisdictional Immunities of States and their Properties does not include any reference to human rights and criticises the lack of a human rights protocol, as does Denza. It is the very nature of international law however that law can only be made when states reach a consensus, and until they reach a consensus to not raise claims of infringement of sovereignty by waiving immunity, it is anticipated that very slow progress will be made in this area.

Holdens Depression in Catcher in the Rye Essay -- J. D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger, portrays Holden Caulfield as a manic-depressive. Holden uses three techniques throughout the novel to cope with his depression. He smokes, drinks, and talks to Allie. Although they may not be positive, Holden finds comfort in these three things. Holden smokes a lot when he is nervous, or bored. When the stripper is in his room he noticed that she is shaking her foot as if she is nervous. He offers her a cigarette, twice. Both times she says no. Holden offers Sunny the cigarette because he thinks it would calm her down, like cigarettes calm him down when he is nervous. â€Å"I sat in the chair for a while and smoked a couple of cigarettes†¦boy, I felt miserable† (98). The smoking habit may have come from his mother. Holden says his mother smokes a ton when she is nervous (158). Holden does this when he is nervous too. The additive nicotine calms a person’s nerves when they smoke. He continues to smoke when he is nervous, and if one cigarette doesn’t do it, he’ll smoke another making him an avid chain smoker. He smoked two packs in the first few d...

job description :: essays research papers

Medical Bookkeeper Reports to:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Department: Classification:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Division: Date:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Approved: JOB FUNCTION: This bookkeeper position is responsible for pricing of surgeries and other services provided by the physicians and also for telephone collections and patient inquiries. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Pricing: a.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Obtains chart from secretary. b.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Reads the operative report, applies appropriate fee schedule, posts to the batch, secures physician approval of any changes, follows through on the necessary changes, and posts into the system. c.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Prepares a monthly written report of the physicians' totals. d.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Educates new physicians to the Clinic pricing system. e.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Prices new surgeries by comparing with fees from other clinics. f.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Provides an estimate of surgery charges to patients. g.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Enters new patient accounts on computer. h.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Posts all daily charges. i.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Creates and maintains up-to-date procedural manuals for each physician as these procedures affect and are affected by this position. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Collections: a.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Performs all collection functions for the Clinic, including working with the insurance companies and the patients. b.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Turns over collectables to the collection agency with the approval of the physicians and the Business Manager. c.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Checks with attorneys on the status of legal patients every three months. d.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Calls patients and insurance companies for collections. e.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Inquires monthly about the 90-day-and-older accounts from the computer. f.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Obtains the necessary statements from the computer and performs write-offs. g.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Locates patients who have moved. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Patient Inquiries/Patient Relations: a.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Locates charts and X rays. Copies them and sends them to other orthopedic physicians as requested. b.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Updates patients' personal data. c.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Occasionally enters an insurance number for a new patient when it is phoned in. d.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Requests itemized statements through the computer daily in response to patient requests. e.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  With regard to cycle billings, assists the Bookkeeper–Computer in disassembling and preparing them for mailing three times a month. f.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Receives telephone calls from patients inquiring about their accounts. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Other Duties: a.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Opens mail, posts payments, and balances. b.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Handles miscellaneous mail, such as insurance rejections, statements for patients, etc. c.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Helps Bookkeeper–Computer balance at the end of the month and assists in finding errors. ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Functions as a backup for the Bookkeeper–Computer. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Performs other duties as required and assigned by the Business Manager. Challenges Unique to this Position: The fee practices of each of the physicians and the interpretation of charges differ to some degree, and this bookkeeper must be able to recognize possible areas of difficulty and take appropriate steps.

Engineering the Impossible

Cities Inside a City Engineering the Impossible focused on three incredible, yet physically possible, engineering projects: the 170-story Millennium Tower, the nine mile (14 km)-long Gibraltar Bridge, and the 4000+-foot-long Freedom Ship. Millenium Tower Imagine a skyscraper almost twice the size of the Empire State Building. This colossus would be a city within a city, hosting its own hospitals, schools, and a range of entertainment and retail options large enough to attract and keep the traffic necessary for the financial success of such an endeavor. Stats:Height: 2,755 feet, 170 stories Resident Population: 52,000 Elevator Traffic: 100,000 people per day Location: Hong Kong Harbor Closest Living Relative: Petronas Towers, Kuala Lampur (1,483 feet, 88 stories) Construction Duration: Approximately 10 years Cost: $10 billion Beyond the physical challenges of building the tallest skyscraper in the world, it will only be successful if it attracts residents, tourists and offices. The Mi llennium Tower needs to offer many choices to make it a destination of choice. Residents can go to not just one grocery store, but many.Office workers can browse a few clothing stores on their level or the same amount 30 floors up. Tourists can find the movie they want in at least one of the many theaters available. Designers say Millennium Tower will house as many options as you'd find in several city blocks. Construction of the Millennium Tower will include traditional building techniques, that, in this case, will put ironworkers thousands of feet in the air to place 5-ton girders with a minimum of safety gear. But engineers are planning to also use a new technology — building by computer.The Self-Rising Factory is a set of computerized cranes and lifts surrounded by a weatherproof enclosure. According to a precise schedule, the steel beams are essentially handed to the machinery which then places them for workers to bolt together. Once the beams and concrete panels for eac h floor are complete, the machinery hoists the entire structure and the process starts over. Gibraltar Bridge A bridge spanning 9 miles over the Straits of Gibraltar at the entryway to the Mediterranean would be the longest and tallest ever built.It would connect cultures of Christianity and Islam and potentially increase ties between the economies of Europe and Africa. Stats: Location: Strait of Gibraltar. Links Spain and Morocco. Length: 9 miles, Two spans of 4 1/2 miles each Height: Each tower is 3,000 feet tall (twice as high as the world's tallest skyscraper) Width: 5 traffic lanes, 2 breakdown lanes in each direction Road Deck Material: Fiberglass Length of Wire Cables: 1,000,000 miles (Enough to circle the Earth almost 30 times) Closest living relative: Akashi bridge in Japan, world's longest suspension bridge at 12,828 feet.Cost: $15 billion Dangers: Wind speeds of 80 mph at tops of towers, ship collision, ocean currents, traffic, Sahara Desert dust storms Building a bridge the size and configuration of Gibraltar Bridge is usually protected by artificial islands so that ships run aground before they can do any damage to the structure. But building an artificial island in the ocean isn't an option. Instead designers envision a ring of underwater bumpers to withstand ship collisions. This could be impossible to span a 9-mile bridge but actually, they can.When determining the exact size of the bridge, designers had to choose between a shallow area that spanned 20 miles, which would have meant many piers in a busy shipping zone, and a narrow portion that's 2,700 feet deep. But designers lucked out. After closer inspection of the narrow portion revealed an underwater â€Å"mountain† in the center that could hold the center piers, dividing the bridge into to spans of 4 1/2 miles each. 5 lanes of traffic in either direction will flow over a roadbed made of spun glass.Fiberglass materials of this sort are rated 5 times stronger than concrete, and any cr acks or other damage could be isolated due to its web-like internal structure. Engineers say fiberglass bridge materials can last up to 100 years. They're also easier to install. A concrete roadway on the Gibraltar Bridge would take 3 months to pour as opposed to a few days or weeks with fiberglass. Freedom Ship Freedom Ship's designers originally planned to create an island community to provide Hong Kong-based businesses a place to relocate if the handover of that city to China were to make life difficult for them.When they applied the same model to a moving sea platform, they ended up with what would be the largest ocean-going vessel ever constructed — the minimum requirement for a city at sea. Stats: Length: Approximately 1 mile Width: 3 city blocks (4,320 feet) Height: 25 stories Weight: 3 million tons Volume: Titanic, Queen Mary, USS Nimitz and super-tanker Jahre Viking would all fit comfortably inside. Population: 50,000 residents, 15,000 workers, 20,000 visitors/day Co nstruction: Hull composed of 600 120'x100†² steel cells bolted together.Location: Circles globe every two years Closest Living Relative: Japan's Megafloat Airport, Tokyo Bay (1km long, 70 meters wide, 20 meters depth) (Series of interlocking pressurized steel boxes) Power: 100 electric podded propulsers at 3500 horsepower each. Cost: $9 billion Freedom Ship's designers say it will be able to handle tidal waves and large-scale hurricanes by steering out of their way to avoid them altogether. If a confrontation is unavoidable, they'll turn all of the ship's 100 propellers, pointing towards the center of the ship for stability.The ship's hull is composed of 600 huge air-tight steel boxes. A significant number of these would have to be punctured before residents noticed anything amiss. Freedom Ship's designers call it a floating sea platform. In simliar design, Japan's MegaFloat airport id built out of steel boxes bolted together to form a surface on the water. Whereas the airport is moored to keep it from drifting, Freedom Ship would be mobile. A structure this size couldn't be built in a traditional manner at a shipbuilding facility and subsequently be lauched into the sea.The construction on this project would instead take place in the water, with large pieces floated out to be attached on the site. Freedom Ship's designers aim to create a new lifestyle. Residents will have a homelife while constantly traveling. The ship would be like a â€Å"Disneyland† offshore, entertaining tourists with the amenities of a resort while residents enjoy daytrips in each port. If successfully built The Freedom Ship will be the largest ocean going vessel in history, it will become a luxury city afloat travelling the world.