Management information and communications systems - MICS Essay

Management information and communications systems - MICS - Essay Example The rapidly advancing MICS has presented the organizations with immense benefits in terms of efficient data collection, processing of data to support managerial decision making, problem solving processes and enabling a highly collaborative work environment. Transformations in business processes and managerial strategies have been guided by the developments in MICS for enhanced productivity, performance and competitive advantage. However, the challenges exposed by such systems cannot be ignored since it requires in-depth understanding and effective policies to control the ill-effects of MICS. Organizations make use of various techniques like data mining and warehousing to analyse online user behaviour and accommodate strategic practices to achieve higher traffic to their websites. Personal information and vital data related to financial transactions are exposed to threats of misuse by fraudsters. Thus, privacy and data protection issues are some of the vital challenges to which indivi duals are exposed today and this is one of the primary factors guiding online user behaviour. Issues like online frauds, identity theft, information leakage, and hacking have become the buzzwords for Internet users. How vulnerable are we to such frauds and invasions on our personal spaces and what measures can we take to protect ourselves from such incidents? These are some of the vital questions that are faced by the Internet users. Organizations and institutions are grappling with the challenges of protecting customer data and ensuring ethical practices while dealing with sensitive personal information provided by users. The paper provides an in-depth assessment and analysis of these issues by highlighting key aspects of MICS and the ways in which information is handled in today’s world. The report identifies common practices adopted by online websites and organizations to tap into individual information easily available on the Internet and use it to promote its business go als and objectives. The ethical concerns raised by such practices has become the focal point of quite a lot of research studies and efforts are on to control the negative impacts of MICS through efficient practices and policies that guide online behaviour. MICS and privacy – an overview of current and traditional theories The global economy is deeply influenced by innovations and technology breakthroughs that have opened new opportunities and new models of operating in an increasingly complex environment. The complexities arising from globalization of economies and opening of markets to foreign trade and capital have created new possibilities for organizations, despite the fact that this has also presented new challenges and difficulties for managers in devising effective strategies for promoting business goals. Technology in such instances has proved itself a boon in assisting managers to pursue international marketing goals and objectives. Businesses are driven by profits a nd goals that constantly seek new markets and opportunities for growth. However, this is not an easy task given the wide diversities existing in global regions and markets. One of the popular means of exploring new markets and business growth potentials is the Internet that has provided the global managers with an innovative tool to assimilate vital data and statistics that aid in faster decision making and accurate problem solving mechanism. Organizations thus rely on information transfer and knowledge processing

Exploring the interest Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Exploring the interest - Essay Example Both Baca and Lu assert that language skills can be used for a variety of purposes and to advance causes which cannot be advanced otherwise. Reading books can play a phenomenal role in a person’s life and the power of writing is such that it can cleanse the wounds and quench the maddening thirst. Baca’s description of what he experienced while writing and how writing relates to thinking suggests that the power of words cannot be denied as it helps transform all the hidden thoughts in black and white. Lu also suggests the same idea but in a different context. She claims that there is a conflict between the world of home and the world of schools. Things we learn at home can potentially conflict with the literacy taught in schools (xxx 372). Baca (cited in xxx 390) expresses in his autobiography how his interest in writing eventually helped him immensely in developing language skills which are important to come out to strangers. Good language skills and writing talent play an immense role in ensuring safety and happiness. While imprisoned, words of the poets like Neruda, Paz, and Hemingway brought life to Baca who thrived for such things as they made him feel liberated and rescued from the unfortunate circumstances which targeted him. Power of the words was such that it transformed Baca into another person whenever he listened to the poetry of great poets from other prisoners. Baca expresses how their poetic language used to enthrall him and carry him to places far away from the gloomy prison cells where he was captivated. That power rescued him from the highly unfortunate inability to defend himself by way of words. Nothing is as humiliating as not being able to express himself (Baca, cited in xxx 387). Lu, in similar context as Baca, express how words helped her to fill up the silence which always haunted her throughout her childhood due to not being able to speak up to her mother how overtly

With reference to your own research, do you think that the ability of Essay

With reference to your own research, do you think that the ability of a business to act successfully in a socially responsible manner is mainly determined by the products it produces - Essay Example The concept of CRS rose in the 1960’s after World War II (Carroll & Shabana 2010, p. 86). The primary cause of increased concern in the CSR concept is due to consumer concern social behavior of firms. The concept of CSR has faced both favors and objection. The main objection of CSR is that the primary concern of a business is to improve the profit of its stakeholders. Social issues are the interest of the government and corporations ought not to be involved. Business is also thought not to be capable of handling social issues. According to Carroll & Shabana (2010, p. 87), business has acquired enough power and the social power should not be entrusted to it. Embracing CSR concept in businesses will reduce the national competitiveness both at local and global level. On the other hand, CSR concept has been accredited as the source of business success in various ways. First, CSR determines business viability that consequently determines its future operations and success. CSR concept is also believed to offer a platform to enable business institutions to shun influence and regulation by the government. According to Carroll & Shabana (2010, p. 88), use of CSR will help business to anticipate and initiate social events. Such pro-action is less costly than reacting to than responding to social problems encountered. The significant influence of a product to business performance lies in customer awareness. Products highly affect customer’s top of mind awareness that, consequently affect their loyalty. Top of mind awareness depends on customer’s perception of the ethical values of a firm’s product and services. In determining the relationship between product and business performance, this paper explains the corporate social organization and its outcome of different companies. However, business success in penetrating the market is mainly affected by its quality, price and convenience (Vogel

The Negative Effects of Alcholism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Negative Effects of Alcholism - Essay Example This study is hereby written with the objective of presenting relevant issues confounding alcoholism, specifically, the negative effects of this illness. It further aims to determine various solutions to address this preventable dilemma. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services define alcoholism, also known as â€Å"alcohol dependence,† as â€Å"a disease that includes four symptoms: craving: a strong need, or compulsion, to drink; loss of control: The inability to limit one’s drinking on any given occasion; physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, occur when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking; and tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to â€Å"get high.† (2001, par. 1) â€Å"The American Medical Association and the World Health Organization have both recognized addiction (including alcoholism) as an illness, not a lack of willpower†. (Dossey, Keegan, & Guzzetta, 2000, 514). Definitely, this is a fact that pervades people from all walks of life depending on diverse factors. According to Dossey, et.al. (2000), â€Å"although there are many types of addictions to various substances, alcohol addiction is the most prevalent in the United States, afflicting at least 11 million people†. There are a multitude of scholarly researches written on alcoholism and diverse concerns related to it. This paper aims to delve into the negative effects of alcoholism to individuals. Through secondary sources from books, journals and electronic references, appropriate materials would enable one to proffer a comprehensive and objective view of the topic. Starting with a background of alcoholism, a general view of the illness is presented. The findings would initially proffer the rationale for drinking. It would determine how one is considered to be addicted to alcohol. Then, the negative effects of alcoholism would be presented. Finally, key facts and

Dow Chemical Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Dow Chemical - Research Paper Example In addition, Dow has announced plans to invest in facility in Saudi Arabia for DOWâ„ ¢ FILMTECâ„ ¢ reverse osmosis elements. The company is also considering building two new plants in Map Ta Phut, Thailand, and Schkopau, Germany. To reflect Dow’s disciplined portfolio management and strategy to focus on higher-value performance businesses, the company has decided to sale its global Polypropylene business to Braskem SA and in the third quarter of the financial year Dow AgroSciences and M.S. Technologies LLC have announced a submission to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for approval of the first-ever three-gene herbicide-tolerant soybean. Dow is named to Dow Jones Sustainability World Index 11th time since the index was launched. Dow has improved its rating from last year and has thus achieved the highest score in the chemical sector. In the last quarter of the financial year, Dow launched its DOW POWERHOUSEâ„ ¢ Solar Shingle to U.S. markets, starting in Colorado and expanding into targeted states through 2012. Joint venture of Dow, SCG-Dow Group, has started its propylene oxide facility in Thailand using innovative hydrogen peroxide to propylene oxide technology. To enhance innovation collaboration between two companies, Dow and Haier Group have agreed to establish the Haier-Dow Global Joint Innovation Laboratory in China. Response to Part E Following its strategy of global exposure, Dow Electronic Materials announced the formation of a new business to capture current and future demand for light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and the construction for a manufacturing and testing facility for metallization materials is underway in Korea. To strengthen research in important scientific fields, Dow announced 11 year, $25 million-per-year investment in programs with 11 leading U.S. universities, supporting every individual related to the program and enabling resources to face the world’s leading challenges. Dow Chemicals has developed itself into a b illion dollars worth of Multinational Corporation through its expansion strategy. With wider greater geographic reach, the company is now reaching fast growing markets in various parts of the world. These areas include China, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.  The company has its footsteps in four continents of the world and its business operations appear to be growing at a rapid pace. In the financial year 2011, the company has started project in several parts of the globe to accelerate growth in their downstream business. These projects are turning out to be highly cost savings projects. In the financial year 2011 the company achieved record sales in the developing economies all around the globe. For instance, in China the company’s sales reached a staggering $ 4.5 billion during the last financial year which is the best figures yet for the country from any offshore operations. Moreover, the company is steadfast and committed to its goal of 35% of revenue s from developing economies of the world by the end of the current financial year. Currently the major chunk of the company’s revenue comes from Europe, Middle East and Africa which accounts for 35% of the global sale of the company having more than 57 manufacturing sites all across these areas. Another 35% of the revenue is generated through North America where the company has 65 manufacturing sites and has employees more than 26,000 employees. The last thirty of the revenue comes from

The Negative Effects of Alcholism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Negative Effects of Alcholism - Essay Example This study is hereby written with the objective of presenting relevant issues confounding alcoholism, specifically, the negative effects of this illness. It further aims to determine various solutions to address this preventable dilemma. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services define alcoholism, also known as â€Å"alcohol dependence,† as â€Å"a disease that includes four symptoms: craving: a strong need, or compulsion, to drink; loss of control: The inability to limit one’s drinking on any given occasion; physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, occur when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking; and tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to â€Å"get high.† (2001, par. 1) â€Å"The American Medical Association and the World Health Organization have both recognized addiction (including alcoholism) as an illness, not a lack of willpower†. (Dossey, Keegan, & Guzzetta, 2000, 514). Definitely, this is a fact that pervades people from all walks of life depending on diverse factors. According to Dossey, et.al. (2000), â€Å"although there are many types of addictions to various substances, alcohol addiction is the most prevalent in the United States, afflicting at least 11 million people†. There are a multitude of scholarly researches written on alcoholism and diverse concerns related to it. This paper aims to delve into the negative effects of alcoholism to individuals. Through secondary sources from books, journals and electronic references, appropriate materials would enable one to proffer a comprehensive and objective view of the topic. Starting with a background of alcoholism, a general view of the illness is presented. The findings would initially proffer the rationale for drinking. It would determine how one is considered to be addicted to alcohol. Then, the negative effects of alcoholism would be presented. Finally, key facts and

Apology by Plato Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Apology by Plato - Essay Example Socrates on page three denies practicing this type of philosophy, although he does not want to disrespect its practitioners. 2) â€Å"Socrates makes the worse argument into the stronger argument† (Apology,2). Socrates maintains that men of position who are examined by â€Å"young men of the richer classes† (6) who have learned his methods are humiliated. Their response is to slander Socrates: â€Å"Those who are examined by them [the young men] instead of being angry with themselves are angry with me. This confounded Socrates!†¦--and then if somebody asks them, why, what evil does he practice or teach? They do not know†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (6). In order to save face, these men accuse Socrates of sophistry.(6). 3) Socrates is guilty of corrupting the young. I will summarize Socrates’ examination of Meletus concerning this accusation: The laws improve the youth. All of the judges know the laws. Therefore, all the judges improve the youth. All Athenians improve the youth, according to Meletus. Socrates is an Athenian. But, according to Meletus, Socrates alone is their corrupter. This is an invalid argument. If all Athenians improve the youth, and Socrates is an Athenian, then he should also improve the youth. I understand the second argument as follows: It is better to live among good citizens, because they do good. Everyone wants to be treated well. Socrates corrupts the youth intentionally, turning them bad. Bad people do evil. Therefore, Socrates wants to be treated badly. (Apology,7-9). â€Å"But either I do not corrupt them† says Socrates,† or I corrupt them unintentionally†¦If my offence is unintentional, the law has no cognizance of unintentional offenses† (Apology, 9). 4) Socrates does not believe in the gods of the city. Socrates out-argues Meletus on this accusation: M: â€Å"you are a complete atheist† S: â€Å"Do you mean that I do not believe in the godhead of the sun or moon†¦Ã¢â‚¬  M: â€Å"I assure you, judges, that he does not believe in them; for he says that the sun is stone and the moon earth† S: â€Å"you have but a bad opinion of the judges, if you fancy them ignorant to such a degree as not to know that those doctrines are found in the books of Anaxogoras† (Apology,9). The argument continues: S: â€Å"can a man believe in spiritual and divine agencies, and not in spirits or demigods?† M: â€Å"He cannot† S: â€Å"You swear in the indictment that I teach and believe in divine or spiritual agencies†¦but if I believe in divine beings, I must believe in spirits or demigods;--is that not true?† M: â€Å"Yes, that is true† (Apology,10). On the first charge, that of Socrates practicing natural philosophy, I would find not guilty. Socrates is falsely characterized in Aristophanes’ play. He is falsely accused by Meletus of believing that the sun is stone, etc. Meletus did not bother to get his facts straight. The natural philosophers at that time were trying to explain phenomena in terms of quantities that could be studied, i.e.: Anaximenes’ theory that â€Å"all things were made of air through expansion and condensation† (http://www.academic.mu/phil/jonesj/). This type of early scientific inquiry was seen by those in power as a threat to the theocracy. The belief that the gods ruled the earth, and that the politicians could trace their lineage to the gods was a stabilizing force in society. Socrates maintains that God and the gods are wise, and that his actions are dictated by his belief in them. On the second charge, that Socrates makes the worse argument into the stronger argument, I would find not guilty. Socrates does not practice sophistry, which is a form of argument used for persuasion. The Sophists used this form of