Swot And Pest Analysis Of Wal Mart Management Essay

Swot And Pest abstract Of Wal Mart Management EssayINTRODUCTIONThis assignment is basically based on SWOT abbreviation of Wal-Mart, a leading biggest global retail comp any. Wal-Marts Sam Walton opened the first discount butt in in Rogers Arkansas back in 1962, and 47 age later, Wal-Mart operates 8,159 units in 17 countries. Wal-Mart employs over 2.1 one million million people ecumenic, making them one of the largest private employers in both the US and Canada, and the largest private employer in Mexico. Even in the midst of a recession its estimated that Wal-Mart stack aways retail market place shargon has raised markedly and they ar seeing sales gains for 2009. Wal-Mart has a dramatic story of succeeder from its humble beginnings to its transformation into an industry leader one apprise only wonder what the time to come holds for this corporate giant.One aspect of Wal-Marts body structure that has given them a competitive edge is their efficiency in logistics. Beginning in the early 1970s, Wal-Mart utilized a warehouse distribution schema facilitating bulk purchasing and flowing distribution processes enabling them to dramatically minimize distribution embodys. Today Wal-Mart has more than 147 distribution centres with the average facility serving 75-100 retentivenesss. Their truck fleet travels about 800 million miles a year and they expire over 5.5 billion cases of products. A Wal-Mart distribution centre can have up to twelve miles of conveyor belts and about five hundred 1,000 employees. via http//walmartstores.com/FactsNews/FactSheets/Wal-Mart has also been able to gain competitive advantage with their embracement of Technology advance. This network included voice and video communication which streamlined the companys communication and facilitated the flow of sales and inventory information to the corporate headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas.6 During a period of slower growth in the early 21st century, Wal-Mart made substantial en gineering science investments that were successful in gaining more inventory control and improving company performance. In addition to their scientific competitive edge, Wal-Mart continues to make smart strategic decisions to endeavor potential new revenue sources as they continually to expand into new markets. Wal-Mart opened the first Wal-Mart Super centre in 1988. Wal-Mart include a remove super-market, garden centre, pet shop, pharmacy, tire and lube express, optical centre, photo processing centre, and some additional nonageder shops ranging from hair, nail, video, and fast-food outlets. Today there are over 2,700 supercenters in the US. By 1998 they introduced the Neighbourhood market concept which catapulted them into becoming the largest US food retailer by 2001.via http//walmartstores.com/FactsNews/FactSheets/By 1991, Wal-Mart began its international expansion with the introduction of its first store into Mexico. Two years later they formed Wal-Mart International their rapidly growing third division. Today, Wal-Mart has a total of 3,859 international locations and operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, the fall in States and the United Kingdom. Wal-Mart is now planning on expanding their routines in India and China even further. via The Wall Street JournalSome innovative products and programs Wal-Mart has created have contributed to their popularity and profit mightiness. Wal-Mart began its site to store program in 2007 which offers free shipping or delivery to a topical anesthetic store for purchases on their website walmart.com. via CNET Wal-Marts signage and logo have recently evolved in 2007 they rewrite their long time slogan Always Low Prices, Always with the current Save Money Live Better motto.Wal-Marts three Basic Beliefs and Values as follows are Respect for the individual, Service to our customers, and striving for Excellence . via http//www.walmartmovie.com/facts.php These long-standing beliefs havent hinderped them from becoming the source of some controversy and damaging press over the past decade including involution in multiple rightsuits involving questionable business practices. There have been multiple allegations of sexual discriminatory practices and cases involving unpaid wages.To achieve a greater understanding of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., it is chief(prenominal) to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats as to what one should expect in their future performance as a company.PEST ANALYSISThe way businesses operate is influenced by the wider political, economic, brotherly and technological environment. These are usually referred to as PEST cistrons PEST is an acronym for political, economic, social and technological By analysing trends and developments in their business environment, firms can spot new market opportunities and threats.Political factor Wal-Mart is curre ntly operates its operation worldwide. In this operation Wal-Mart need to follow certain rules and regulation of soldiers countries. Last year 2009, international operations generated 27.2% of Wal-Marts net sales. via wikiinvest They are facing big challenge from Chinese government and forced to Wal-Mart to acquire its operation with local firm. Political condition includes political instability, economic condition, currency regulation, legal and regulation constrains, intellectual property rights, tax system etc. Wal-Marts international operations have greater impact of host countries law and regulation like Indian government open door for external investment to operate business acquire with local firm. For Eg, currently, Wal-Mart acquired with Bharati Airtel leading Telecommunication partnership and open new retail store in year 2009 and shut their operation in Ger many a(prenominal) and South Korea.Economic factor Economic condition of host countries has greater impact on a ny business firm. Recently, Wal-Mart facing high inflation rate and currency devaluations. In US, Wal-Mart facing challenge of high pursual rate, higher fuel and energy cost, inflation, higher level of unemployment, higher consumer debt level, unavailability of consumer credit, higher tax rates, economic slow down and other economic factor could adversely affect consume adopt of the product or service offering by Wal-Mart.Social factor Wal-Marts international operation should operates according to local culture of host countries. It includes population growth, age distribution, career attitude and emphasis on safety. Trend of host countries affect demand of Wal-Marts products and services. via wikipedia.orgTechnological factor Nowadays, applied science has a grater impact on any business. This factors includes ecological and environment aspects. Wal-Mart need to invest in Research Development activities, automation, engineering incentives and respond the rate of technological change for remain in competitive market and No. 1 retailer. Wal-Marts spend huge amount behind continuous new advanced technology upgrade program.PEST abridgment assists to examine influences macro environment and with the help of PEST analysis, firm can successful examine its strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats i.e. SWOT. Wal-Marts SWOT analysis as follows SWOT ANALYSISThe internal and external environment scanning is an important part of the strategic planning process. SWOT is acronym, standing for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. A SWOT analysis enables an organisation to place itself and its products into perspective. The analysis helps to highlight the main strength and weaknesses of the organisation, together with any external opportunities and threats.SWOT AnalysisInternal AnalysisExternal AnalysisThreatsOpportunitiesWeaknessesStrengthsStrengthsMarketing Aspect Wal-Mart emphasis is on its brand image everyday low prices and good quality of pro ducts when marketing by using different channels. Wal-Mart is pose superior to their competitors by using their expertise center competencies. Wal-Mart involving local communities and they are sponsoring local teams. This is a major competitive advantage Wal-Mart has over the competitors. Wal-Mart has roughly 4000 stores in US. In UK, Wal-Mart take backover Asda on 26 July 1999 for $10.8 billion, internationally it has more than 1300 stores and this number is set to grow dramatically. Wal-Mart has excellent logistic system. They create the ideal one stop shopping experience. Because of conglomeration of its wide product range customers can do one stop shopping products, the typical customer can go into any Wal-Mart and walk out without having to stop at another store for anything that they could need.Management Aspect Wal-Marts policies and practices are designed to ensure an environment that is inclusive and equitable. Wal-Mart has 2,100,000 employees including international op eration. They set up training on working with people, equal employment opportunities, leading skills, diversity and help to achieve career objectives. Wal-Mart has strong community based initiatives. Corporate structure of Wal-Mart is very well rounded and managed with core values like respect for the individual, striving for excellence and service to their customers. The management of Wal-Mart is the backbone to the entire firm and these core values have propelled them to the top of their industry. They have allowed Wal-Mart to be worlds largest company.Finance and Accounting Aspect The company operates nearly 7,873 stores worldwide, with over 3,000 of them in international markets, where the company has adult its presence at an average annual rate of 30% between 2005 and 2009. The company focuses on offering the lowest prices across its business segments, which together realize $408 billion in revenue in 2010, a 1% increase from 2009 which is rapidly increases in revenue shows good financial position.Key Figures (via wikiinvest.org)Operation reaping Rateof Revenueof Operating IncomeSams Club63.7%79.6%Wal-Mart (International)11.7%7.4%Wal Mart (US)24.6%21.7%Current share price$ 53.90Human Resource Aspect Wal-Mart has more than 2.1 million associates or employees worldwide. They bring home the bacon continuous training to their workforce to run successful business.Production and Operation Aspect Wal-Mart has strong distribution system and its known as cross docking. They are continuous delivering goods to warehouses and to their stores within in one day. However it gives a faster response to market demands and low level of inventory. This system has allowed them to decrease its sales cost by 2 to 3 % over the industry.Research and development Wal-Marts innovation keeps it a leading retailer in retail industry as it is regularly turning out new patents/proprietary technology. Development and innovation are high at Wal-Mart with regard to their products/ services which give ultimate profit.Computer tuition System Wal-Mart uses satellite based communications for connecting all the network of stores. Wal-Mart is offering safe, secure and informative complete website where consumer can purchase products easily. Through web-site of Wal-Mart, one can find A to Z information of Wal-Mart.WeaknessesMarketing Aspect One of the biggest marketing weaknesses seems from Wal-Mart lobbying to expand into new market nationally and internationally. There are many areas across the US tried to block the introduction of Wal-Mart because of the economic impact like local stores, traffic and environmental conundrum. Wal-Mart has a damaged reputation because when they move into a new location they end up forcing for opening new stores which is unethical at all. Wal-Mart also shut down its underperforming business in South-Korea and Germany in fiscal year 2007-08.Management Aspect There are few females in top management role and few minorities employed. Wal-Mart is needing equality demand which is not ethical decision for Wal-Mart to be making. They are really hurting their corporate image by maintaining this position in market. There is also lack of union. Because of perception of treating employees poorly, Wal-Mart does not have any union involvement. There is biggest problem is lack of job security for associates.Finance and Accounting Aspect Ratio overtureFixed Asset Turnover8.4 %Earnings Per Share3.35 %Average parade period8 %As above ratio are presented weak finance condition. Fix assets turnover ratio present high investment but not being used. The EPS ratio is not good as compare to the industry. The collection ratio presents that Wal-Mart allowing their debtors to carry account with above average period of time. It increases the likelihood of non-payment.Human Resource AspectWal-Mart is non- unionized firm. Wal-Mart employees commence at lower wages than unionized corporations. Wal-Mart pays low wages to their employees which affect their standard of living. Wal-Mart is presently involved in class action suit behalf of formal and current female employees across its US retails and warehouses. These employees totalling to 1.6 million alleged that the company showed gender discrimination at the time of pay, promotion, training and job assignment. This is one of the biggest gender discrimination cases in the US.Production and operation Aspect Since Wal-Mart sell products across many sectors, it may not have the flexibility of some of its more focused competitors.Research and Development Aspect Wal-Mart is not actively engaged in any R D. Specifically, they do not do prior research before opening a new store in any new area.OpportunitiesEconomic Aspect When any countrys government invite foreign investment with new trade agreements, businesses like Wal-Mart have ability to offer products and services. This simply increases the markets available to retailers. Wal-Mart offers all products under private l abels. Expanding brand portfolio, Wal-Mart incurs lower operational costs, high quality product and gaining higher margin. Wal-Mart has tremendous opportunities for future business in expanding consumer market by acquisition, merge with, or form strategic alliances with other global retailers.Social, cultural, demographic and environmental Aspect To fulfil indebtedness or responsibilities towards social and culture, Wal-Mart announced plans to open in store clinic The Clinic at Wal-Mart to be connect with local hospitals in February 2008. The company could leverage rising wellness care spending in the US to boost revenues of its pharmacies and health clinics.(c) Political, Legal and Government AspectAsian market is virtually untapped by the retail world in many extent. It gives huge opportunities to expand business with unlimited and unexpected potential growth and profits.Technological Aspect Nowadays, online shopping is growing stage. To take advantage and experience of internet shopping, customers can easily purchase products by receives friendly site designs, efficient order fulfilment, fast delivery and response. It can help Wal-Mart to make huge revenue.ThreatsEconomic, social, demographic and environmental Aspect Wal-Mart is facing stiff emulation from a large number of companies in the retail market worldwide and local stores. Intense competition could adversely affect the revenues and profitability of Wal-Mart. They face opposition and resistance from communities by local and international market like small retailer in US and opposition of shopkeepers and retailers on introduction of Wal-Mart in India. Growing opposition to opening new stores from local communities and entry into international markets is presumable to hold back expansion plans of Wal-Mart.Political, Legal and Governmental Aspect Being a global retailer, each firm threaten by political problem in the countries where they operate in by nations industrial and general laws, rules and regulations. Like Chinese government does not take kindly open to their country to foreign establishments.Technological As technological change and advances, products being sold today are gone tomorrow this provides fewer products to sell and continuous change with technology update. Thus, Wal-Mart has to update technology as per current demand and upgrading requires high investment.CONCLUSIONWal-Mart is the largest retail firm in the world with strong market position in the US. The companys strong market position in the US provides economies of scale and enhances the brand image to the company. It derived almost 75% of revenue from the US market. However, the company faces stiff competition with local players which can adversely affect the revenue and profitability of Wal-Mart.In order for Wal-Mart to stay at the top of their game and follow the company strategy and achieve their make policy goals, they are going to have deal better with their stakeholders and make sure they guard their reputation well nevertheless they are criticized by some community groups, womens rights groups, labour union, grassroots organisations, resistance to union representation and alleged sexism.Key Strengths The key strengths are employees, financial position, customer oriented, one-stop shopping, gratification guaranteed programs, employee stock ownership and profit-sharing, well-rounded business, ease of website, good reputation, and favorable access to distribution networks.Key Weaknesses The key weaknesses are some ratios are not sufficient, non-unionization, no formal mission statement, few women and minorities in top management, undifferentiated products and services, site research, slow speed of checkout service, and finally a damaged reputation.Key Opportunities The key opportunities are expansion of business, better segmentation, leverage tech. and financial know-how.Key Threats The key threats are competition, labour unrest, brand loyalty disappearance, supplier backla sh affects performance of company.

Defining And Analysing Computer Crimes

Defining And Analysing Com com sit downer CrimesComputer plague comes in m both different forms and can cause grave amounts of damage. It has been around as long as the calculator has and criminals atomic number 18 always go oning current ways to beat the system. With the constant advancements in technology, it has become easier for criminals to mask cultivation about their offensive activity. Evidence is now handled and collected differently than it was in the past and requires a significant amount of blow-by-blow forensic investigation.What is computer annoyance?Computer crime is illegal activity that is draw inted on the internet or through net consorts. The department of justice has three separate categories in which computer crime can be labeled. The first category is attacking computers of some others, much(prenominal) as cattle farming a virus. The entropy category is using the computer to commit a crime which could also be committed the physical world, such as fraud or illegal gambling. The trinity and last category is using the computer to store stolen or illegal information (Citizenship.org).There are several different types of computer crime committed in the world today. Of those allow in fraud, identity theft, phishing scams, malware, viruses, cyber stalking, and child pornography. Computer crime has been around for nearly two centuries, with the first ever recorded occurring in the socio-economic class 1820 (hubpages.com). With the continual advancements in technology, it has been make easier for criminals to hide information about their crimes. Cyber crimes are handled differently than they contrive in the past because of this fact. When computers are attacked, it can completely alter the system and most multiplication it will even cause damage. Also, computers that have been attacked have the capability to spread the attack to other systems within the same network (CERT.org).Statistics on Computer crimeAccording to Minnesot as Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) 2008 Internet Crime Report, a total of 3,578 complaints came in. There are several different categories that the complaints are scattered into. To name a few of those categories, in that respect is check fraud, hacking, credit card fraud, Nigerian letter fraud, and identity theft. Here are some statistics that were collected during the year 2008Non Delivery of Merchandise/Payment was the top complaint and accounted for 31.9% of all internet crime called in.Auction fraud came in second accounting for 27.5% of all internet fraud78.5% of all perpetrators were maleWithin the country, California is the home to the largest destiny of perpetrators accounting for 15.8%Of the world, the United States is home to 66.1% of all perpetratorsThis is just a small percentage of the statistics I discovered when visiting the website of the Federal Bureau of probe (fbi.org). According to the IC3, the rate of computer crime continues to climb as the years pas s by. The aggroup has been collecting information and statistics on internet crime for the past three years in hopes to find trends among perpetrators and crimes committed in order to better adjudicate the crimes of the future.Hacking What is it?The end point hacking has several different meanings and it substance different things to different generations. In the 1950s and 1960s, computer programmers viewed hacking as an intellectual exercise and prefer to use the term cracking instead in order to separate themselves with the negative connotation that came along with creation considered a hacker. The jr. generation feels that hackers of today are doing the authorized work of exploration which was made necessary due to the prior generation selling out (Thomas). According to the dictionary, the official definition of hacker is a computer enthusiast and a microcomputer user who attempts to gain unauthorized access to proprietary computer systems (dictionary.com). Hacking has its own meaning to different muckle. To some its a means of exploration and education to others its more about constituteing childish, but dearly-won, pranks on people and companies (Thomas).Hacking ThenHackers of the 1960s and 1970s were found to be university graduate students with a profound interest in computers. Hacking grew to be quite popular in the labs of well respected colleges such as the Massachusetts Institute of engineering science (MIT), Cornell, and Harvard. Students would play around with computers on their college campus and solve problems that eventually led to the creation of the personal computer. It was the birth of something that would lead to a new culture of innovative technological advances. Those who were able to hack were considered to be computer geniuses or nerds, rather than hackers (Thomas).Hacking NowHackers of today are commsolely found to be in their teenage years. The reason for such age passing between the times is that fifty to sixty years ago , you could only find computers on college campuses whereas today, it is uncommon to find a household that does not own at least one computer. They are more readily available for young children not yet in college to dupe around with. Technology today is also very different than it used to be. There are now passwords and PIN numbers in order to protect the user from having any information stolen. Security is stronger now, which is good for the common users of online systems such as eBay, online banking, or any other accounts which are password protected. However, as Thomas clearly states, credential system today is a double-edged sword. Although people are more protected, it also protects the hackers from becoming easily identified (Thomas). Hackers are able to take advantage of this and a great deal continue to hack into systems of major companies, or even your personal computer at home.It jar againstms that hacking was something more positive 60 years ago. It was used to discov er new technology and helped to design and create more advanced machines and programs for people to use. It was something great that only those who were quite cognitionable were capable of doing. However, with such great accomplishments, it has been made easier for the younger generation to turn the term hacker into something negative. Thomas describes these hackers as new-school hackers and soon a new hacking culture was born. Soon, hackers of the new generation began to use their knowledge against the world. They would pit to share what they have learned and would develop new ways to attack systems (Thomas). This new generation would turn hacking into crime that so many were willing to commit. estimable Evaluation of HackingFrom what it seems, hacking can be used to do both good and bad, which may make one wonder whether or not it can be viewed as ethical. I have always assumed that hacking was a bad thing and went along with its ever common negative connotation. I feel that peop le hack into systems to steal information from another party whether it be a large corporations secret files, or your next door neighbors bank account. From what Ive studied so far, hackers from the past acted on a more ethical basis than the hacker of today. They used their knowledge for the better and acted on good will to try and find new ways to improve the age of computers. In order to really dig into it, I studied the ethics of hacking using two different on the job(p) ethical theories Kantianism and the Social Contract Theory.Hacking and KantianismKantianism has a lot to do with good will and the desire to do the right thing. The reason for doing a certain act, in this case hacking, should cultivate the desire to what is right. There are two categorical imperatives correlated with this theory. The first states that if you act on moral rule, you must first see how it will affect the universal more laws. This means that before you commit an act, first think about what would h appen if everyone were to commit this same act (Quinn). To put this into perspective, hackers basically break security barriers to obtain information which they are probably not allowed to see in the first place. If there is a rule that makes it sanction for everyone to break security barriers, it would completely defeat the purpose of having a secure system set up in the first place. There would no long-lasting be such a thing as unauthorized information. Everyone would be allowed to somehow break in to the system and read it. The company might as well just display this information freely, for the world to see. This would not be right as the information is protected for a reason. It is for certain peoples eyes, and their eyes only and is not for anyone else to see.The second categorical imperative states that you should treat both yourself and other as ends in themselves and not as a means to an end. This basically states that it is wrong to use someone for your benefit (Quinn). When relating this to the act of hacking, it tells us that we need to respect others and their right to privacy. When a hacker breaks into a system, they are using other peoples information to their benefit. They are invading privacy to get what they want, which is personal information.The first categorical imperative seems to correspond better with the topic, but both imperatives basically state the hacking is an wrong act. It is not right to disrespect people or to treat them unfairly, and when hacking occurs, that is exactly what happens. Therefore, according to the Kantianism, hacking is deemed to be unethicalHacking and the Social Contract TheoryThe social fix takes place in a civilized society and is based upon two things. The first thing is that there is an establishment of moral rules to govern relations among citizens. The second thing is that there must be a government capable of enforcing such rules. The social rack theory states, Morality consists in the set of rules , organisation how people are to treat one another that rational people will agree to feature, for their mutual benefit, on the condition that others follow those rules as well. This contract suggests that no man has authority over another and that no one lives above the law. The community is supposed to determine the rules for its members, and all who is part of that community must abide by such rules. In order for this theory to work, the laws must not only be stated, but enforced as well. This will retard anyone from trying to cheat the system (Quinn).If hacking were to ever be considered socially acceptable, it would almost defeat the purpose of having secure systems. People would have the right to invade other peoples privacy and basically steal what does not belong to them. This type of crime is not accepted in the physical world, so why should we choose to accept it in cyberspace? The answer to that is we should not. The social contract theory has much to do with respect f or yourself and respect for others. It is not very respectful to be two-handed and steal information or items which do not belong to you. Therefore, according to the social contract theory, hacking is deemed to be unethical.How Does the FBI control Cyber Crime?The Federal Bureau of Investigation has a four-fold method that works to control and eliminate cyber crime. The first step in this process is to stop those behind the most serious computer invasions and the spread of malevolent code. Second, they must identify and put a stop to online sexual predators that use the internet to meet and exploit children and to produce, possess, or share child pornography. The third step is to counteract operations that target United States intellectual property, endangering our national security and competitiveness. Lastly, dismantle national and transnational organized criminal enterprises engaging in internet fraud (fbi.gov). Computer invasions are not taken lightly and it is very important t hat the FBI work to control such a crime. Here are some facts taken from the Federal Bureau of Investigation website on how serious these cyber crimes are takenA Cyber Division at FBI Headquarters to address cyber crime in a coordinated and cohesive mannerSpecially trained cyber squads at FBI headquarters and in each of the 56 field offices, staffed with agents and analysts who protect against wonder computer intrusions, theft of intellectual property and personal information, child pornography and exploitation, and online fraudNew Cyber Action Teams that travel around the world on a moments notice to assist in computer intrusion cases and that gather vital intelligence that helps us identify the cyber crimes that are most dangerous to our national security and to our economy93 Computer Crimes Task Forces nationwide that combine state-of-the-art technology and the resources of our federal, state, and local counterpartsA growing partnership with other federal agencies, including the section of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and others-which share similar concerns and resolve in combating cyber crime.There are different levels of cyber crime, but we can never be too careful when it comes to protecting our people and our national security. There are several different ways of course in which the FBI will take action and that all depends on the type of cyber crime that is being committed. For example if it is trying to catch an online predator, a sting operation will be created and a member of the FBI will pose as a young child in hopes that someone will fall in to the trap. The FBI is full of highly trained professionals that know what they are doing and work their hardest to catch anyone who is being unlawful.How is Cyber Crime Different Than Physical Crime?Crime that takes place on in cyberspace is quite similar to physical crime. It is a person using their knowledge to break into another someone elses personal property. There are several laws a gainst both types of crimes, and the penalties are just as common in the cyber crime world as they are in the physical. Also, both of them have the potential to cause a lot of harm and damage to others.The difference between the two is the way that the victims, or potential victims, feel about such cyber and physical crime. In recent surveys, it states that more people believe that their chances of being victims of cyber crime are much higher than being victims of physical crime. Many people are scared to participate in online banking or to shop online in fear of someone intercepting and hacking into their accounts. Also, it has been found that people are very cautious when it comes to documents that contain personal information on them by completely destroying them or guarantee that they are safely stored (crime-research.org). According to a survey conducted by IBM, more than half of the businesses located in the United States believe that cyber crime is more costly to them than p hysical crime. The ways in which it costs them are through lost revenue, loss of current and prospective customers, and loss of employee productivity (allaboutroimag.org).ConclusionCyber crime and hacking have been around for many years to date. It is something that developed as soon as the computing machine did. There have always been computer geniuses out there to use their knowledge for good, along with bad. After doing a lot of research and in my ethical evaluations, I have concluded that hacking is an unethical act. What started out as something that seemed like a good thing, quickly turned bad as soon as the personal computer became widely available. People began to use their knowledge against others and today we are faced with more cyber crime than ever. It is important for us and our government to keep it under control as it can cause a lot of damage to anyone who becomes a victim.

The Path of Shelleys Winged Thoughts :: Writing Poetry Papers

The Path of Shelleys Winged Thoughts Writing much of his poetry on the Continent, away from England where his readership lived, and dying only three years after the composition of much of his shell work, Percy Bysshe Shelley had little control over the transmission of his poetry. At the time of its initial publication, Ode to the wolfram Wind appeared as part of a larger volume, entitled Prometheus Unbound, too the name of its signature, featured poem which overshadowed Ode to the West Wind. Following Shelleys untimely death, his wife, Mary Shelley, dedicated herself to organizing and publishing Shelleys work, and is largely responsible for the transmission of Shelleys work that occurred posthumously.Piecing together a publication and composition history is particularly befitting for Percy Bysshe Shelleys Ode to the West Wind, for the theme of transmission of words and thoughts is interlaced prominently within the lines of the poem itself. In the final stanza of the poem, the poet beseeches the West Wind, a natural and divine life-force, to Drive my dead thoughts over the universe/ Like withered leaves to race a new birth (lines 63-64) Shelley continues to address transmission in the next tercet, writing Scatter, as from an unextinguished hearth,/ Ashes and sparks, my words among mankind (lines 66-67). These imperatives contain Shelleys lofty expectations for the scattering of his words however, when the actual path his words followed is studied, great disparity emerges between the ways in which Shelley envisioned his poem entering the world, and the way it actually reached an audience. time today Ode to the West Wind is widely known, and respected as one of Shelleys best poems, during the few years the poem and poet lived simultaneously, Shelleys visions for the transmission of Ode to the West Wind were limited, and boasted no divine intervention.Shelleys notebooks and preserved manuscripts provide much information about the composition history behind Od e to the West Wind. In mid-October, 1819, Shelley walked on the river Arno, located near Florence, watched the autumn wind rustle and sweep the leaves strewn about the ground, and drew inspiration for the composition of Ode to the West Wind. Shelleys own note include with the published version of the poem states, This poem was conceivedone a day when that tempestuous wind, whose temperature is at once mild and animating, was collecting the vapours which pour down(p) the autumnal rains. (Wu, 859) His notebooks show the meticulous level of observation with which Shelley studied this scene one page of preliminary notes contains a drawing of a

Maternal Bond in Toni Morrisons Beloved Essay -- Toni Morrison Belove

Maternal Bond in Toni Morrisons Be belovedd The maternal bond between mother and kin is valued and important in only cultures. Mothers and children are linked together and joined physically, by womb and breast and emotionally, by a sense of self and possession. Once that bond is established, a mother will do anything for her child. In the novel Beloved, the author, Toni Morrison, describes a woman, Sethe, whos bond is so strong she goes to great lengths to keep her children safe and protected from the evil that she knows. She gave them the boon of life, then, adding to that, the joy of freedom. Determined to shield them from the hell of slavery, she took drastic measures to keep them from that life. But, in doing so, the bond that was her strength became her weakness, destroying the only thing she loved. Slaves, in the United States, were denied everything -- all forms of identifying with the kind-hearted race. They were denied their freedom of life the very right to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of nature in the world, it not being theirs to enjoy. Additionally, they were denied the very way in which all humans identify themselves -- through the influence of others. They were disallowed community and harmony among their peoples. Children were taken from their mothers, and brothers from their sisters. Dr. Kubitcheck says, ?Another crucial part of identity and culture, language, also has been lost to the slaves? (126). Individual slaves were much placed on plantations with other slaves from different parts of Africa, speaking completely different languages, and thus having no way of communication between them. ?Symbolically,? Kubitcheck says, ?slavery . . . obliterated African identity? (126). Because... ...ing - the part of her that was clean? (251). Sethe?s ?commitment to her children remains unshakable,? Kubitcheck says (123). Though her actions were appalling and disgraceful according to the community, it was d unrivaled with a sense of love and p rotection, so as not to break the maternal bond. The bond between a mother and her child is beyond the grasp of words. Toni Morrison, in Beloved, tries to take curb of it. Creating a character who is so consumed by her children being a measure of her worth, Morrison shows the strength of the maternal bond. It is that which has the power to love something or someone with all one?s heart. It is that love which, giving life, is strong enough to kill. Works Cited 1. Kubitcheck, MD. Toni Morrison A Critical Companion. London Greenwood Press, 1998. 2. Morrison, Toni. Beloved. New York Plume, 1987.

An Ethnographic Study on Children’s Culture :: Sociology, Childhood, Culture

Children spend most of their time in institutions such as schools, learning, in order to provide themselves with the education they need to make their dreams come true. Children passel these institutions as a space for sociability where they can form bonds with others, outside their families, as they create and spread their stimulate distinctive culture (McDonnell 26). As a reading buddy at Brooksview Middle School, the knowledge I acquired while in that respect was fascinating as it allowed me to reflect upon my experience experiences and relate it to what we were learning in the course. Observing firsthand and note taking allows a researcher to examine the practices of childrens culture more efficiently and this is what I spent most of my Monday afternoons doing. Although these institutions are there to help children succeed, they also deny them access to their own culture which may prohibit them from becoming fully human (Friere 28). Viewing childhood as a culture allows one to understand why children view culture so differently from adults (McDonnell 22). At institutions such as Brooksview, children are denied access on a number of things and are assumed to be incompetent of making their own rational decisions. Due to the institutions location, the teachers and principle are extremely strict with the children on how they should act, giving them standards which may deny children from accessing their own culture. This influences these children to act in certain ways, ways in which they believe the society wants them to act. This is shown one day when I attended an assembly regarding the failing rate of the sort sixes. Throughout the assembly, the principle was educating the children on how they should be shake in school which led him to his point that the cause of the failing rate (60%) was because of the coloured kids (Appendix, Day 6). This is similar to the try that is being tested on Octavian in the novel Octavian Nothing Traitor to the Nation. Du e to Brooksviews location and Octavians skin colour, people will defy that black people will fail, especially in practices such as education. African is, by nature, (a) shiftless and (b) rebellious, requiring constant supervision to remain productive You have done us a wonderful service, through your failure. (Anderson 337). This possibly will affect a childs approach within their society as it may alter their perspective on how they should act rather than how they want to act changing for the sake of others.

Constitutional Democracy Essay -- essays research papers

systemal Democracy     The basic premise of a constitutional democracy is that organisation hasrules and solely of the people have voices. Through free and fair elections weelect candidates to represent us. The composition of the United Statesguarantees us the right to do this, and to live democratically. The framersattacked tyrannical government and advanced the following musical themes that governmentcomes from below, not from above, and that it derives its powers from theconsent of the governed that men have certain natural, inalienable rights thatit is wise and feasible to distribute and balance powers within government, grown local powers to local governments, and general powers to the nationalgovernment that men are born equal and should be treated as equal before thelaw. The framers of the U. S. Constitution sought to make these ideas thegoverning principles of a nation. Constitutional democracy has three basicelements. Those being interacting values, interrelated political processes andinterdependent political structures.     The first idea of interacting values is popular consent. Popularconsent means that government must obtain consent for its actions from thepeople it governs. It is similar to majority rule, a political process, in thatthe most popular acts or ideas of the people will be adopted by our government.There must be an allowance or willingness on behalf of the unpopular group tolose.     Popular consent may provide a means for judging parental consent lawsfor minors seeking abortion. Since minors are not legally allowed to becompetent to engage in sex, to enter into contracts, or to form sufficient"informed consent" to agree to their own medical treatment, it is improbablethat they would be regarded as competent to make a life and death decision aboutsomething that later in life they might themselves regard as a real person, withindividual rights   &nbs p Drawing on several major contributions of the enlightenment, includingthe political theory of John Locke and the economic ideas of Adam Smith,individualism posts the individual human race being as the basic unit out of whichall larger well-disposed groups are constructed and grants priority to his or herrights and interests over those of the state or social group... ...ve powers of the president likewise wereproscribed in a number of places by designated responsibilities. The judicialpower was to be wielded by judges. Explicit jurisdiction of the courts wassubject to congressional definition.     Checks and balances are the constitutional controls whereby separatebranches of government have limiting powers over each other so that no branchwill become supreme. possibly the best known system of checks and balancesoperates in the U.S. government under provisions of the federal constitution.The operation of checks and balances in the federal government is s pelled out inthe Constitution.     The Constitution of the United States has afforded us many rights. Attimes, those rights are in contention. At others, we would be in anarchywithout them. Constitutional democracy is a beautiful thing. Although we maynot all have the same amount of wealth, we have the liberty to. We have theright to be heard. And how is this right anymore exemplified than voting? Ourrepresentatives will do what we want, and if they dont give us a couple ofyears and well find someone else who will promise to. AMEN.

Plato and Confucius Essay -- Philosophers

Plato and ConfuciusThere are thousands of credible philosophers for people to study nowadays, hence the choice of who to study becomes a burdening task. Each single sensation has amazing knowledge and insight that we could all learn something from. There are people who acceptt call themselves philosophers but bring philosophical thought to us, and then there are those who dedicate their lives to the get along of wisdom. Philosophers have existed for thousands of years, and as long as the sun comes up, there will be philosophers in the future. The humans mind is made for philosophizing. So as we young, blossoming philosophers try and make sense of the innovation in general and the philosophical world specifically, we must find people to enlighten us and share with us their knowledge and theories. These people can affirm from ancient Chinese philosophers such as Confucius, to early Greek philosophers such as Plato, to more modern philosophers such as Descartes or Locke. Each ph ilosopher brings a different aspect to our learning in their differences in time, culture, knowledge and personality. Many philosophers have a great and withstanding reputation attached to their name, therefore gaining worldwide deference and inquiry. Two of those philosophers are Plato and Confucius. They are perhaps two of the most recognized names in philosophy, and rightly so because of their contributions to the world. All the knowledge that is spoon-fed to us today was not available to these early philosophers, so it makes their ideas even more commendable. Both of these men dedicated their lives to philosophy, and because of that, they have everlasting places in the philosophical world. They are widely followed even today because of their breakthrough theories. Plato an... ...ey are it is more about how rich and famous you become. I believe that either of these philosophers would be a valuable one to follow. There is no reason why you cant take lessons from both in an effo rt to improve your life. They both incorporate fundamental human values like justice, truth, wisdom, goodness, and righteousness in their efforts to improve the human condition, both individually and in society as a whole. Confucius ideas may be a little easier to follow since it doesnt require you to throw your current way of life out the window. His emphasis on simplicity, respect, and understanding could drastically improve the lives of anyone who studies him. However, Platos focus on reason is something that could lead you to want to change in an effort to live better. It is obvious that both men have a love of wisdom, and are therefore true philosophers.