Appropriate Technology Essay - 934 Words

Appropriate Technology has been designed with exceptional contemplation to the ethical, cultural, environmental, social, and economic characteristics of the people living a community in which the technology is proposed for. As a result of this goal in mind, appropriate technology advocate a claim that its methods require a smaller quantity of resources that are easy to maintain and have less adverse effects on the environment and social ethics when compare to the more advance technologies. Furthermore, appropriate technology usually describes uncomplicated technologies proponents reflect on suitable for use in developing countries and less industrialized nations. Besides that, appropriate technology further consider the use of†¦show more content†¦all these technologies of renewable energy have both pros and cons. For example geothermal energy is an energy that is generated from the rock mass below the earth’s surface. This type of geothermal energy has been developed by using hydrothermal energy which consists of trapped steam or hot water. The steam or water that is trapped from the earth’s surface is transformed to electricity by closed-loop system however, the amount of electricity produced usually depends on the system is use to convert it to electricity. Nevertheless, the only problem to this type of energy production is water and air pollution. Another method of renewable source of energy is the wind energy. It is the energy derived from the movement of the air to produce electricity. Since wind turbines rely on a constant supply of air masses, it must be position in a place where wind is mostly available. Wind energy has been one of the most beneficial sources of renewable energy. For one reason, it does not produce air or water pollution and does not create threat to the public. However, there are some problem that could face the use of wind energy is technical problems, use of land, and probably noise that might be generated fro m the wind turbines. Appropriate technology has been use in house construction. Such building is often calls green building. The reason why that is because most of the materials that are use are renewed material such as roofing coating, plasticShow MoreRelatedThe Manager Of Haka Chips Essay947 Words   |  4 PagesViability The kumara chips market is estimated to grow by 5% per annum and this is obviously an indication for the increase of future demand. Through the advanced technology, media and internet advertising Haka Chips is hoping to be available on both the physical and the virtual markets. 2.3 Technical Viability Access to the required technology is available as the training will be provided by a third party provider. 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How to carry out effective research free essay sample

Research can be defined as a careful investigation or inquiry especially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge systematized effort to gain new knowledge. It can be considered a movement from the known to the unknown. it comprises defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions; collecting, organizing and evaluating data; making deductions and reaching conclusions; and at last carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis. OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH 1. To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it. 2. To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group 3. To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with something else. 4. To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables. MOTIVATION IN RESEARCH 1. Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential benefits; 2. Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved problems, i. e. , concern over practical problems initiates research; 3. Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work; 4. Desire to be of service to society; 5. Desire to get respectability. TYPES OF RESEARCH The basic types of research are as follows: 1) Descriptive vs. Analytical: Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries of different kinds. The major purpose of descriptive research is description of the state of affairs as it exists at present. Analytical research, on the other hand, the researcher has to use facts or information already available, and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the material. Applied vs. Fundamental: Research can either be applied research or fundamental research. Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or an industrial/business organization, Whereas fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalizations and with the formulation of a theory. â€Å"Gathering knowledge for knowledge’s sake is termed ‘pure’ or ‘basic’ research 3) Quantitative vs. Qualitative. Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or amount. It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity. Qualitative research, on the other hand, is concerned with qualitative phenomenon, i. e. , phenomena relating to or involving quality or kind 4) Conceptual vs. Empirical: Conceptual research is that related to some abstract idea(s) or theory. It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones. On the other hand, Empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, often without due regard for system and theory. It is data-based research, coming up with conclusions which are capable of being verified by observation or experiment. We can also call it as experimental type of research. Research Approaches. There are two basic approaches to research, quantitative approach and the qualitative approach. Quantitative approach involves the generation of data in quantitative form which can be subjected to rigorous quantitative analysis in a formal and rigid fashion while Qualitative approach to research is concerned with subjective assessment of attitudes, opinions and behavior. Research in such a situation is a function of researcher’s insights and impressions. Significance of Research These days nearly all governments maintain large staff of research technicians or experts to carry on this work. Thus, in the context of government, research as a tool to economic policy has three distinct phases of operation 1) Investigation of economic structure through continual compilation of facts. 2) Diagnosis of events that are taking place and the analysis of the forces underlying them. 3) The prognosis, i. e. , the prediction of future developments. Research has its special significance in solving various operational and planning problems of business and industry. Operations research and market  research, along with motivational research, are considered crucial and their results assist. in more than one way, in taking business decisions. Research is equally important for social scientists in studying social relationships and in seeking answers to various social problems The significance of research can also be understood keeping in view the following points: 1. To those st udents who are to write a master’s or Ph. D. thesis, research may mean a careerism or a way to attain a high position in the social structure; 2. To professionals in research methodology, research may mean a source of livelihood; 3. To philosophers and thinkers, research may mean the outlet for new ideas and insights; 4. To literary men and women, research may mean the development of new styles and creative work; 5. To analysts and intellectuals, research may mean the generalisations of new theories. Thus, research is the fountain of knowledge for the sake of knowledge and an important source of providing guidelines for solving different business, governmental and social problems. Research methods This May be understood as all those methods/techniques that are used for conduction of research. Research methods or techniques, thus, refer to the methods the researchers use in performing research operations. In other words, all those methods which are used by the researcher during the course of studying his research problem are termed as research methods. Research methods can be put into the following three groups. 1. In the first group we include those methods which are concerned with the collection of data. These methods will be used where the data already available are not sufficient to arrive at the required solution; 2. The second group consists of those statistical techniques which are used for  establishing relationships between the data and the unknowns; 3. The third group consists of those methods which are used to evaluate the accuracy of the results obtained. Research methodology This is a way to systematically solve the research problem. It may be understood as a science of studying how research is done scientifically. In it we study the various steps that are g enerally adopted by a researcher in studying his research problem along with the logic behind them. Similarly, in research the scientist has to expose the research decisions to evaluation before they are implemented. He has to specify very clearly and precisely what decisions he selects and why he selects them so that they can be evaluated by others also. Importance of Knowing How Research is done The importance of knowing the methodology of research or how research is done stems from the following considerations: 1. For one who is preparing himself for a career of carrying out research, the importance of knowing research methodology and research techniques is obvious since the same constitute the tools of his trade. 2. Knowledge of how to do research will inculcate the ability to evaluate and use research results with reasonable confidence. When one knows how research is done, then one may have the satisfaction of acquiring a new intellectual tool which can become a way of looking at the world and of judging every day experience. 3. In this scientific age, all of us are in many ways consumers of research results and we can use them intelligently provided we are able to judge the adequacy of the methods by which they have been obtained. The knowledge of methodology helps the consumer of research results to evaluate them and enables him to take rational decisions. Research Process Before embarking on the details of research methodology and techniques, it seems appropriate to present a brief overview of the research process. Research process consists of series of actions or steps necessary to effectively carry out research and the desired sequencing of these steps. However, the following order concerning various steps provides a useful procedural guideline regarding the research process: Formulating the research problem: The researcher must single out the problem he wants to study, i. e.  he must decide the general area of interest or aspect of a subject-matter that he would like to inquire into. Initially the problem may be stated in a broad general way and then the ambiguities, if any, relating to the problem be resolved. Essentially two steps are involved in formulating the research problem, understanding the problem thoroughly, and rephrasing the same into meaningful terms from an analytical point of view. The best way of understanding th e problem is to discuss it with one’s own colleagues or with those having some expertise in the matter. After this the researcher rephrases the problem into analytical or operational terms i. e. to put the problem in as specific terms as possible. This task of formulating, or defining, a research problem is a step of greatest importance in the entire research process. The problem to be investigated must be defined unambiguously for that will help discriminating relevant data from irrelevant ones. Care must; however, be taken to verify the objectivity and validity of the background facts concerning the problem. Extensive literature survey: Once the problem is formulated, a brief summary of it should be written down. It is compulsory for a research worker writing a thesis for a Ph. D. degree to write a synopsis of the topic and submit it to the necessary Committee or the Research Board for approval. At this juncture the researcher should undertake extensive literature survey connected with the problem. For this purpose, the abstracting and indexing journals and published or unpublished bibliographies are the first place to go to. Academic journals, conference proceedings, government reports, books etc. Development of working hypotheses: After extensive literature survey, researcher should state in clear terms the working hypothesis or hypotheses. Working hypothesis is tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences. As such the manner in which research hypotheses are developed is particularly important since they provide the focal point for research. They also affect the manner in which tests must be conducted in the analysis of data and indirectly the quality of data which is required for the analysis. In most types of research, the development of working hypothesis plays an important role. Hypothesis should be very specific and limited to the piece of research in hand because it has to be tested. The role of the hypothesis is to guide the researcher by delimiting the area of research and to keep him on the right track. How one develops working hypotheses. 1. Discussions with colleagues and experts about the problem, its origin and the objectives in seeking a solution; 2. Examination of data and records, if available, concerning the problem for possible trends, peculiarities and other clues; 3. Review of similar studies in the area or of the studies on similar problems; and 4. Exploratory personal investigation which involves original field interviews on a limited scale with interested parties and individuals with a view to secure greater insight into the practical aspects of the problem. Thus, working hypotheses arise as a result of thinking about the subject, examination of the available data and material including related studies and the counsel of experts and interested parties. Working hypotheses are more useful when stated in precise and clearly defined terms. Preparing the research design: The research problem having been formulated in clear cut terms, the researcher will be required to prepare a research design, i. e. , he will have to state the conceptual structure within which research would be conducted. The preparation of such a design facilitates research to be as efficient as possible yielding maximal information. In other words, the function of research design is to provide for the collection of relevant evidence with minimal expenditure of effort, time and money. But how all these can be achieved depends mainly on the research purpose. Research purposes may be grouped into four categories, 1. Exploration, 2. Description, 3. Diagnosis, 4. Experimentation. A flexible research design which provides opportunity for considering many different aspects of a problem is considered appropriate if the purpose of the research study is that of exploration. But when the purpose happens to be an accurate description of a situation or of an association between variables, the suitable design will be one that minimises bias and maximises the reliability of the data collected and analyzed. There are several research designs, such as, experimental and non-experimental hypothesis testing. Experimental designs can be either informal designs (such as before-and-after without control, after-only with control, before-and-after with control) or formal designs (such as completely randomized design, randomized block design, Latin square design, simple and complex factorial designs), out of which the researcher must select one for his own project. The preparation of the research design, appropriate for a particular research problem, involves usually the consideration of the following:1. the means of obtaining the information 2. the availability and skills of the researcher and his staff (if any) 3. explanation of the way in which selected means of obtaining information will be organized and the reasoning leading to the selection; 4. the time available for research; and 5. the cost factor relating to research, i. e. , the finance available for the purpose. Determining sample desi gn: The researcher must decide the way of selecting a sample or what is popularly known as the sample design. In other words, a sample design is a definite plan determined before any data are actually collected for obtaining a sample from a given population. Thus, the plan to select 12 of a city’s 200 drugstores in a certain way constitutes a sample design. Samples can be either probability samples or non-probability samples. With probability samples each element has a known probability of being included in the sample but the non-probability samples do not allow the researcher to determine this probability. Probability samples are those based on simple random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified sampling, cluster/area sampling whereas non-probability samples are those based on convenience sampling, judgment sampling and quota sampling techniques. A brief mention of the important sample designs is as follows: Deliberate sampling: Deliberate sampling is also known as purposive or non-probability sampling. This sampling method involves purposive or deliberate selection of particular units of the universe for constituting a sample which represents the universe. If a researcher wishes to secure data from, say, gasoline buyers, he may select a fixed number of petrol stations and may conduct interviews at these stations. At times such a procedure may give very biased results particularly when the population is not homogeneous. Simple random sampling: This type of sampling is also known as chance sampling or probability sampling where each and every item in the population has an equal chance of inclusion in the sample and each one of the possible samples, in case of finite universe, has the same probability of being selected Systematic sampling: In some instances the most practical way of sampling is to select every 15th name on a list, every 10th house on one side of a street and so on. Sampling of this type is known as systematic sampling. An element of randomness is usually introduced into this kind of sampling by using random numbers to pick up the unit with which to start. This procedure is useful when sampling frame is available in the form of a list. In such a design the selection process starts by picking some random point in the list and then every nth element is selected until the desired number is secured. Stratified sampling: If the population from which a sample is to be drawn does not constitute a homogeneous group, then stratified sampling technique is applied so as to obtain a representative sample. In this technique, the population is stratified into a number of non-overlapping subpopulations or strata and sample items are selected from each stratum. If the items selected from each stratum is based on simple random sampling the entire procedure, first stratification and then simple random sampling, is known as stratified random sampling.

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The California Dream in Nathanael Wests The Day of the Locu essays

The California Dream in Nathanael Wests The Day of the Locu essays All four of Wests novels are in some way or another a reaction to the Great Depression. Of these four novels, The Day of the Locust has been the most influential. At the time of its publication, it was not appreciated very much, nor was it understood. It was not until the 1950s that it became a valued novel, and nowadays it is regarded as one of the best Hollywood novels ever. In The Day of the Locust, West makes clear that besides the American Dream, there is also a California Dream. The two are closely linked together. According to the Longman Dictionary of English Language and Culture, the American Dream is the idea that the US is a place where everyone has the chance of becoming rich and successful. The California Dream, however, is more or less the Hollywood image, anyone can make it in Hollywood. Jim Tejani explains in his essay: Into this admixture of cultural tumult, West arrived in 1938. Its mood and nuance were to become the subject of his lifes final work, initially entitled The Cheated but renamed The Day of the Locust. By the time West started writing the novel, he had not been living in California for a long period of time, but his impressions must have been so striking that he was able to judge it quite strongly. Wests commentary on the California Dream is the main theme of the novel, it brings an apocalyptic message. Tejani also has a v iew on this: Observing the ascendant film and mass cultures of the thirties, West confronted in California the empty promise of consumerism and predicted that the resulting alienation and boredom would midwife society's destruction. Turning to the novel itself, the apocalyptic message is very much present. The title of the novel reveals much of this. The Longman Dictionary explains that the locust is an Asian and African insect which flies [...] in large groups, eating and destroying crops over ...

Case Study Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Case Study Analysis - Assignment Example Analysis In the first case analysis the company under consideration is Charles Schwab. There are a number of key issues facing this organization. One of the predominant considerations is related to online trading, namely the e.Schwab product. Charles Schwab is an equity brokerage firm and a significant amount of this business occurs through online trading options. One of the main questions that the organization faced in relation to its online trading platform was whether to offer all customers significantly discounted trades while at the same time provide the same amount of service options that had previously provided. The organization had considered two solutions to this quandary. The first solution involved potentially granting customers complete access to the organization’s services, while at the same time offering a 20% discount on trades. The second solution involved granting customers an even greater discount on trades, but at the same time curtailing the services provid ed. The major dilemma was whether it was worth sacrificing service for price discounts. Another prominent consideration was challenges from outside organizations. A great amount of discount brokerages emerged that challenged Schwab’s position as one of the preeminent stock traders. In response to these challenges the organization was to work towards differentiating itself through innovative product design and services. The main backbone of this innovation was rooted in technology that, â€Å"to both generate productivity improvements and to develop superior customer service† (‘Charles Schwab Corporation.’ 2001, p. 3). As such, a multi-channel strategy was implemented. Still the organization was faced with further questions of whether to expand deeper into Internet trading. While organizations such as E*Trade had been coming on strong, Schwab recognized that they retained significant portions of the market. These considerations factored into whether the org anization should assume a lower pricing strategy per trade or if they should continue with the traditional mode of business based heavily on attention to service. Fig. 1 Charles Schwab In the second case analysis the company under consideration is Zara. There are a number of key issues facing this organization. Zara is recognized as the chain of stores of the main organization Inditex. One of the main issues facing Zara specifically is whether the point-of-sale (POS) terminals should be upgraded. One of the negative aspects of the current point-of-sale (POS) terminals is that they run on DOS. While DOS was once the major language used by computers, in the current environment it had become outdated and was no longer even compatible with Windows. Even as members of the organization believed an update was necessary these individuals were challenged on the grounds that even while the point-of-sale (POS) terminals are outdated they still function to maximum effectiveness. Still, individu als in the organization that support the implementation of new point-of-sale (POS) terminals argue that store managers within the organization have been accessing for updated software, as it would greatly contribute to functionality and ease of use. However, this poses a challenge. If the organization were to update the software to Windows there would be compatibility issues between antiquated hardware

Education is Important Because It Develops the Individual Essay

Education is Important Because It Develops the Individual - Essay Example The syllabus itself where learning to read, write, count, draw, take physical exercise, hear music, play games etc., serves to develop the mental and physical abilities. Once basic literacy and numeracy are achieved, many doors are opened for independent thought and action. The imagination expands, the world of books is available and with it, all areas of knowledge. Communication skills also grow, and with these comes the ability to relate to others and the world at large. Of great importance too, are the relationships formed with others in and outside of school. The other children, teacher, janitor, head teacher, classroom aide and so on, a great number of individuals outside of the family are now a part of the child's experience and serve to widen it.Such a world reflects society at large and the learning within is applied outside. The need to be polite to others, to respect those who help, serve or share knowledge, to learn to share, to participate and contribute, all these are vital elements within a good educational structure. Social skills developing thus are taking the child towards becoming an adult who can learn and who can contribute positively to society. Already we can see the value of education, both to the individual and the world. 'Social, emotional and beh... Recent research on social, emotional and behavioral skills suggests that by encouraging the attainment of these, 'Social, emotional and behavioral skills underlie almost every aspect of school, home and community life, including effective learning and getting on with other people' (Developing Children's Social, Emotional and Behavioral Skills: Guidance) The suggestion is that integrating such skills contributes to the individual's 'whole person' development, and their attainment is part of true education, which enables the person to reach their full potential. For example, the skills involved in self-motivation include the practice of sustained effort and learning, belief that a goal is attainable, the ability to deal with setbacks and to be proud of achievement. By using self-awareness too, a child or adult in fact, recognizes how thoughts, feelings and behaviors all interact and affect each other and devises ways to deal with this. Consider a child who discovers a talent or love for music, dance, art or books, or whatever. The good feelings this discovery bring about, encourage them to work at that talent and achieve goals, their potential in this area. Being 'good' at something then spills over into other aspects of life and learning, the confidence gained helps them towards a positivity which can only benefit 3. society. The ethic of working towards a goal, understanding how to deal with what goes wrong and still trying, makes for a rounded, fulfilled adult. Thus a structured education, in which formal knowledge-based education is underpinned by what is often described as 'emotional intelligence' is of vital importance to the individual and the wider society in

Historical Methods-Archaeology Essay Example for Free

Historical Methods-Archaeology Essay Julius Caesar is probably the most famous Roman of all. As dictator, he paved the way for the establishment of the Roman Empire under his great-nephew Augustus, more infamously, had a love affair with Cleopatra of Egypt, and even invented the leap year, before being assassinated by friends and colleagues who had previously supported him. But before his dictatorship he had conquered a vast area of Europe in an incredibly short time. Caesars Gallic War is the most detailed eye-witness account of war that survives from the Greek or Roman world. In Book I, chapter 5 of his Gallic War, Julius Caesar writes of the Helvetiis practice of migrating en masse and of burning down their oppida or walled towns, villages and houses as they went. This would certainly explain the lack of remains of urban construction and monuments, and is likely to have been common to the Celts as a whole. Evidence of the existence of oppida or walled settlements has been found in the Cisalpine area and elsewhere and date to the third and second centuries B. C. Among the most prominent surviving monuments in continental Europe of the late Celtic period are the oppida (sing. ppidum) or large fortified settlements that have an urban character. They were constructed on naturally protected sites, and some remains of the massive original perimeter walls have turned up in Gaul and on the right bank of the Rhine, as well as in Danubia. Together with the rectangular enclosures (Viereckschanzen) that were probably part of the nemeta or open-air sanctuaries created by the rural population, the oppida are the most significant group of monuments surviving from this time (Jimene 90). The first surveys were made by Baron Stoffel, an officer under Napoleon III, who embarked on a series of historical investigations into the sites of Julius Caesars battles in Gaul. Since then, knowledge has been based on excavations carried out in the west and east, on the careful assessment of material unearthed, and on the new and painstaking historiographical and philological interpretations of Caesars chronicles of his campaign in Gaul, Gallic War. The derivation of the concept of oppidum from Caesars war campaign chronicles and the progressive extension of its application as archaeological research proceeds make it necessary to explain exactly what is meant by the term oppidum in its more restricted sense. Caesar divides the settlements of Gaul into three categories: oppida (fortified towns), vici (villages) and aedificia or aedificia privata (single farmsteads). This careful subdivision not only gives a clear indication of the different types of settlement pattern, increasingly confirmed by the present-day archaeological campaigns, but also gives an idea of the function of the oppida. Even with their large populations, the oppida cannot have been entirely selfsufficient. To some extent at least, they also served as storage points for crops and livestock, as well as centers for the processing of raw materials to cater for both town and countryside. As a result of this they also functioned as marketplaces, especially once regular coinage came into use in the second century B. C. , when coins of base metals (bronze or those known as potins), and in small denominations, made their appearance. The term urbs is used sparingly in Caesars account to highlight the importance of a handful of larger locations, such as Alesia, Gergovia and Avaricum. Unlike the oppida of free Gaul, the towns of Tolosa ( Toulouse), Narbo (Narbonne) and Vienna, situated in the Provincia, were subject to provincial Roman administration, as implied by their definition as civitates. Caesar also uses this expression to define ethnic communities in Gaul in terms of political and administrative entities. The central role of the oppida in the political, economic and cultural life of the Gaulish groups (and hence their strategic importance as fortified outposts for the Roman armies), is clearly described in Caesar Gallic War, which lists the oppida of twenty-nine different Gaulish tribes, with their names followed by a brief description. Some tribes, however, had control over more than one town (twelve in the case of the Helvetii). But most of the population of the time was scattered through villages and farmsteads. As for southern Germany, the diffusion of nemeta rectangular enclosures that were presumably nature sanctuaries for the rural populations and the proliferation of sites containing graphite-decorated pottery indicate a significant population in the countryside outside and between the large oppida (Zander 2005). Furthermore, over a wide geographical area numerous unfortified settlements in advantageous trading sites have yielded considerable information on the metal and pottery workshops. Some of these sites could be classed as trading posts. Their position along the navigable waterways, at harbors or fords seems to have been decisive in their development. In addition to the civitates or capitals of the separate races, there were also smaller urban-type settlements, presumably the centers of small territories, such as a pagus. It is reasonable to assume that not all these centers were founded at the same time. The location, size and, presumably, the number of inhabitants, varies depending on the political and economic importance of the settlement. Despite their many common features, settlement types are not consistent. Although the information offered by Caesar is sound only where the territories of his military campaigns are concerned, certain basic urban features he mentions have a more general application, as corroborated by archaeological research undertaken in the larger fortified settlements. This is valid if we consider the term oppidum in its broadest sense, that is, an urban settlement with a sizable population, which is both regional center and refuge for smaller settlements and populations over a wide area. None of the definitions that in each case highlight some specific feature can claim to be generally applicable to all late Celtic fortifications. The reason for this lies not so much in Caesars choice of term (which is limited to the campaign in Gaul) or in the variability of his meanings, as in the insufficient development of archaeological research. The details of site position and outward appearance could not be described more accurately than Caesar did in his account of the oppidum of the Sotiates tribe: oppidum et natura loci et manu munitum (â€Å"a fortified town in a natural location and built by the hand of man,† Gallic War, III, 23). For all this, Caesars memoirs are still a lively and informative resource.