Impact of Technology on Customers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Impact of Technology on Customers - Essay Example Technology has greater influence on each of these phases. The first phase of the NPI process includes resource planning and trade off studies which are essential to identify potential outsource and offshore development opportunities (Benchmark electronics). For this purpose, organizations like Sony Corporation depend on highly developed information technologies including the internet. In the business plan development phase, technology has assisted the Sony to evaluate market opportunity, market risk, and other technical risks; hence the company could deliver effective services to its customers by understanding the main business issues behind product launching. Sony Corporation updates project costs and other project parameters in the project execution phase. Technology plays a significant role in the updation of projects parameters and development of deliverables for the next phase. Conducting gate reviews, the final stage of the NPI project makes sure that predefined conditions have been achieved and hence the project development is on track. In short, Sony Corporation greatly depends on technology in order to carry out its new product implementation programs effectively, and this practice in turn provides larger benefits to ultimate customers. Ways that added value from new technology Global organizations like Sony Corporation get ranges of benefits from the fast growing technology. The Sony has an online network presence in several formats. For instance, one of the company’s websites offers different information on its products and services. This website also provides information on corporate applications for its product and service offerings. Similarly, the company provides a Sony Card and PlayStation Card to its customers with intent to allow them in earning redeemable points while they purchase the company’s products and services. Sony’s Rebate Zone website gives rebates by mail following the purchase of a Sony HVR-V1U HDV Camcorder o r a Sony HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recorder/Player (Sony marketing mix). The company’s expenditure of over $5 billion in 2009 can be directly attributed to its focus on research and development (R&D) activities. In addition, the focus on R&D has aided the company to launch technologically improved products in the market. For instance, the introduction of BRAVIA, ZX1, VAIO P series of notebook computer, and the Cyber-shot HX1 compact digital camera can be attributed to the company’s increased concentration on R&D activities. This practice also enables the company to revise its product base periodically. It is clear that R&D activities are largely based on wider application of modern technology. As a result of the faster technological development, the company is able to offer improved services to its customers. Support plan for customers Sony Corporation is a global company that daily deals with millions of customers. Customer satisfaction can be completely met only if customer s are provided with effective after sales services. In order to effectively answer various customer queries, the company must apply improved modern technology. Firstly, it is advisable for the company to establish an effective customer care system that offers 7/24 hours’ service. In addition, the company can offer toll free services to its customers for interacting with its customer care.

History of Photography. Lewis Hine, Steelworkers, Empire State Essay

History of Photography. Lewis Hine, Steelworkers, Empire State Building, New York, 1931 - Essay Example In this essay I will focus on Lewis Hines photographs of men working on top of the Empire State Building skyscraper, which were taken in different years of its construction. I will try to compare the well-known Hines photograph titled as Steelworkers, which he took in 1931, with a number of other similar photographs taken by Lewis Hines atop of the Empire State Building in 1930s. Lewis Hines breathtaking photograph titled as Steelworkers,1 which he took on top of the Empire State Building in 1931, became a hymn to work and splendor of a great deed that a man could do to achieve the goal, no matter how incredible it might seem from the beginning. This amazing image shows two steelworkers on top of the skyscraper and makes one wonder how it is possible at all to work at such height without suffering vertigo. One can see a part of Manhattan on the background; the rest of the buildings down below seem so small comparing to the work place of these two brave men on top of the skyscraper that the image of them doing their ordinary work inspires admiration with courage and self mastery of these steelworkers sitting atop of one of the highest buildings in New York City. This photograph is a manifest of the fortitude of a man and incredible ability to overcome difficulties and dangers, although the scene of men at such height risking their lives to get the work done i nspires with awe. While one of the steelworkers is sitting on the beam holding the screw-bolt, another worker is using the electrical screw-driving machine to screw the bolt into the beam until tight. It is amazing how these men sacrifice their safety and risk their lives to erect the construction, where people would feel themselves perfectly safe one day. The calmness of these two men is an art itself. Both of them smile knowing that Hines is taking a photo of their work, but dont look at the camera as they are

Hate Crime Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Hate Crime Analysis - Essay Example Particularly in these cases, the psychological effects are severely visible among the lesbians and gays than they are affected by any other criminal activity (Herek, n.d.). Thus individuals becoming victims in the hands of other individuals and leading to hate crimes can be understood to be a major cause of concern for the society as a whole. Restorative Justice Models: Restorative justice allows a delinquent to realize his wrongdoing and provides him with an opportunity to take measures to refurbish the situation and present himself as a good individual in front of the society. In this case the main aspect of solving the situation is dependent on an apology that the offender requires to ask for from the victim who suffered owing to his actions. There are several models of restorative justice developed with the purpose of addressing the issues relating to victimization of individuals. Of these, victim offender mediation or reconciliation is a model that is used in cases of minor crim inal activities as well as violent measures adopted seriously by individuals. The process would involve solving the issues between the victim and the offender by directly interacting with each other. The primary responsibility in such a situation is that of the offender’s to apologize and heal the pain inflicted on the victim. Other restorative justice models include conferencing models that are similar to the victim offender mediation except that in this case the supporters of the two groups are also involved in the process of healing of pain of the victim. Such supporters include the family members or close friends and they take an active role in the process of mediation. Circle sentencing or... It can here be mentioned that victimization leading to hate crime activities among individuals thereby affecting lives of so many is a matter of serious concern. The different factors that have been observed to be responsible include the differences in the race or religion or sexual orientation. Such factors reflect the negative approach of the society as well that has significant influences over the offender. However, there are restorative models available that might be used effectively to solve the issues between the offender and the victim through mediation processes. Also, different measures have been observed to be available that can aid the measurement of victimization thus helping in the understanding and probable prevention of the hate crime activities. Thus victimization leading to the crime activities can be understood to be a process that can be tried to be prevented if proper measures can be taken on time accompanied by proper understanding.

The Oktoberfest Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Oktoberfest - Essay Example In fact, the city may have visitors coming from as far away as Japan and India when Oktoberfest is in full swing (Mcnabb, 2009). Considering that seven to eight million people come to Munich for the Oktoberfest, it can become quite a difficult task to manage and provide for the needs of so many people. Visitors also consume huge amounts of food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages which are served in both traditional and non-traditional forms. The event itself and the surrounding celebrations are heavily sponsored by local, regional and international companies since they sell and promote their products to millions of people at Oktoberfest (Mcnabb, 2009). Of course the control of the events and the manner in which they are supposed to play out is dependent on the government of Germany as well as the city government of Munich but it must be noted that it is entirely possible for an event such as this to get out of hand. Therefore, there are several event management related considerations for the festival amongst which, the first is the issue of security. Modern recurring events such as the Olympics or sporting world cups may have the advantage of being located in different countries at different times of the year which gives an added layer of security to the event. However, this advantage is not available to the management of the Oktoberfest since it is held every year, around the same dates, at the same place. This means that the security of the event will depend on how well trained are those people who are controlling and managing the security processes at the Oktoberfest. Undoubtedly, the city of Munich is well aware of the issues surrounding the security threat at events such as these since it was the Munich Olympics which resulted in a massacre of innocent Olympians. The city certainly would not want to see such a tragedy take place again therefore the security of the Oktoberfest is

Managing Information 2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Managing Information 2 - Assignment Example If considering the enterprise government, focus on executing management actions is required to support the strategic goals of the organization (JOHNSTON et al. 2009). It has been calculated approximately half of the breaches to the security of the information systems are made by the internal staff or employee of the organization (Spears et al. 2010). Security incident management facilitates the development of security incident handling and planning including preparation for detection and reply to information security issues. The standard of the incident management primarily relates to ensure the existence of processes rather than the contents of these procedures. The security incident of different computing systems will have dissimilar effects and escort to different consequences, bureau, departments the organization need to tailor the security incident handling plan according to specific operational requirements. Organizations invest enormous money to buy and install computing e quipments for securing their networks. Information systems security is a challenge for executives and the information technology professionals (Dhillon et al. 2006).Organizations focus on performance and efficiency of the security equipments. This is not enough, as human intervention and a proper plan need to be defined. The information technology professionals are not only responsible for securing the information systems, all the employees of the organization are responsible (Rotvold 2008). One needs to know what an incident is, before making a plan for dealing with the computer incidents. A simple definition is available in network dictionary which says â€Å"An incident as an adverse network event in an information system or network or the threat of the occurrence of such an event.† For organizations to be competitive with network incidents, they must lay a foundation within the organization for incident handling. The incident handling procedure refers to an action pla n associated with security breaches, thefts, distributed denial of service, fire, floods etc. Incident handling consists of six-step process: research, classification, restraint, purge, revival, and lessons learned. The information security should be handled internally and externally by the employees of the organization. They will be supported by the security teams with high-powered information security officers. The employees who do not have insufficient skills in dealing with information security, they can perform well in reducing risk factors (Bulgurcu et al. 2010). In each major business unit, an employee with a skill set of solid risk management and project management can be a good choice to be an information security officer. Likewise, the primary objective is to enforce policies and train the end users for following the procedures made for each policy. Moreover, acceptable use for networks and data on information systems must be communication, as end users can download susp icious codes or emails from the Internet etc. furthermore, if the company decides to outsource its security operations to another company, this will save cost but at the same time increase risks to critical information if no care has been taken for choosing a reliable business partner. Non disclosure agreement must be signed by the service organization and skill evaluation of the staff should also be considered. Furthermore, service level agreements

The Oktoberfest Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Oktoberfest - Essay Example In fact, the city may have visitors coming from as far away as Japan and India when Oktoberfest is in full swing (Mcnabb, 2009). Considering that seven to eight million people come to Munich for the Oktoberfest, it can become quite a difficult task to manage and provide for the needs of so many people. Visitors also consume huge amounts of food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages which are served in both traditional and non-traditional forms. The event itself and the surrounding celebrations are heavily sponsored by local, regional and international companies since they sell and promote their products to millions of people at Oktoberfest (Mcnabb, 2009). Of course the control of the events and the manner in which they are supposed to play out is dependent on the government of Germany as well as the city government of Munich but it must be noted that it is entirely possible for an event such as this to get out of hand. Therefore, there are several event management related considerations for the festival amongst which, the first is the issue of security. Modern recurring events such as the Olympics or sporting world cups may have the advantage of being located in different countries at different times of the year which gives an added layer of security to the event. However, this advantage is not available to the management of the Oktoberfest since it is held every year, around the same dates, at the same place. This means that the security of the event will depend on how well trained are those people who are controlling and managing the security processes at the Oktoberfest. Undoubtedly, the city of Munich is well aware of the issues surrounding the security threat at events such as these since it was the Munich Olympics which resulted in a massacre of innocent Olympians. The city certainly would not want to see such a tragedy take place again therefore the security of the Oktoberfest is

Hydraulic Fracking Essay Example for Free

Hydraulic Fracking Essay This paper explores the hydraulic fracturing process, exactly what it is, what the fracturing process does to the earth and the surrounding environment in addition, to the consequences. Hydraulic fracturing is fracturing of rock by pressurization. This process by which oil and natural gas can be forced from the earth. The hydraulic fracturing process takes millions of gallons of clean water, sand, chemicals and pumps them underground at high pressure to break apart rock to release gas and or oil. My research has led me to the discovery that there are as many proponents for fracking as that are those that oppose the process. One thing no-one can deny or easily hide is that once the damage is done and something has gone wrong, the evidence usually speaks volumes that this is not something we should be doing to our planet or its people. The diagram on page 3 outlines the process defined as fracking for an easier understanding of how invasive the process is to the environment. Hydraulic Fracking Research Paper and Why the process of Fracking is bad for our environment Hydraulic fracturing experimentation started in 1947 and it had its first commercially successful applications by 1949, so it has been around for a long time. In twenty-thirteen, it is estimated that well over sixty five percent of all new oil and gas wells worldwide are using the process of hydraulic fracturing. Hydraulic fracturing, has allowed the United States to tap into domestic sources of natural gas and oil that were previously not economical to extract from such as shale beds. This has created numerous economic benefits for communities and governments in a time of economic instability. Hydraulic fracturing Scientists are worried that the chemicals used in fracturing may pose a threat either underground or when waste fluids are handled they are sometimes spilled on the surface which can cause site contamination or find its way back to water clean water. The natural gas industry defends hydraulic fracturing, or fracking as safe and efficient. Thomas J. Pyle, president of the Institute for Energy Research, a pro-industry non-profit organization, claims fracking has been â€Å"a widely deployed as safe extraction technique,† dating back to 1949. What Mr. Pyle fails to explain is that until recently energy companies had used low-pressure methods to extract natural gas from fields closer to the surface than the current high-pressure technology that extracts more gas, by digging to deeper levels and it also uses significantly more water, sand and chemicals. There have been serious environmental impacts associated with the process which has raised public concern. At this point, a causal relationship has not been established but increasing attention opens the possibility that further government action could be imminent regarding the practice. According to Baumgartner and Jones’s Punctuated Equilibrium theory, policy processes are generally characterized by stability and incrementalism in the subsystem level of government, but occasionally if enough attention can be garnered toward an issue, then large scale change can occur. Thus far, policy regarding hydraulic fracturing has been incremental and mainly consists of agency rules and state regulations. However, it can be argued that if a definite relationship can be established between fracking activities and public health risks, then the likelihood of a major punctuation occurrence would increase and allow for significant policy change on a national level regarding this issue. The issue is being brought to the forefront due to the changes in the fracking process, the original method forced fluid down a vertical shaft to create fissures in the bedrock to release more gas or oil but this method limited extraction to directly under the well. Now, the current method forces fluid under extreme pressure down a vertical shaft with horizontal or directional sections that allows for extraction from a wider area within the formation. The pressure and fluid create fracture systems that allow the natural gas or oil to move more freely from rock pores to production wells that bring it to the surface. The fluid used is mainly composed of water (ninety percent), propping agents (such as sand account for nine percent) and chemicals (point five percent). The specific make-up and combination of chemicals is often considered confidential or a â€Å"trade secret† by many companies. The Democratic Congressional Committee on Energy and Commerce found that 750 different chemicals are used in fracking and range from harmless substances such as salt and citric acid to extremely toxic ones such as lead and benzene. Assertions have been made that the chemicals used may be contaminating water sources and causing air pollution however, confirming the pollution is a result of fracking has been difficult. The line is very light gray it has been difficult to prove the relationship which has contributed to allow the industry to operate with minimal regulations until recently. According to the American Petroleum Institute (API), fracking has produced 600 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 7 billion barrels of oil and is projected to account for 70% of future natural gas development. Natural gas is considered by some to be a â€Å"bridge† fuel that will allow for the transition from petroleum to alternative fuels. Over its full cycle of production, distribution, and use, natural gas emits just over half as many greenhouse gas emissions as coal for equivalent energy output,† wrote the Worldwatch Institute. The promise of a significant domestic energy supply is extremely attractive as the nation strives to find a way toward energy independence. Fracking has also been touted as a job creator and economy stimulator. American Petroliem Institute (API) estimates that the development of the Marcellus fairway (which covers Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia) could generate 300,000 new jobs, over $6 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue and nearly $25 billion in value added to the economy by 2020. In the northern part of South Texas Eagle Ford Shale, Exco Resources will acquire about 55,000 net acres in Zavala, Dimmit, La Salle and Frio counties. The properties contain 120 producing wells that had average net daily production of 6,100 barrels of oil equivalent during May. Chesapeake Energy Corp. plans to sell assets in the Eagle Ford and Haynesville shales to Dallas-based Exco Resources for $1 billion. According to the American Chemistry Council, fracking has decreased the price of natural gas which has resulted in more industrial companies choosing to keep their business in America. Investments from these companies could hit $16 billion and create 17,000 direct jobs and 400,000 indirect jobs. However, these economic benefits need to be balanced against potentially negative environmental impacts including water contamination and air pollution that could cause serious health concerns. Problems with Hydraulic Fracturing Fresh water is one of the most precious resources on earth and also a very scarce one. Fresh water makes up only 2. 5% of all the water on earth and of that, 1. 3% is surface water and 30. 1% is groundwater. The rest is in the form of ice and snow in either glaciers or ice caps, according to the United States Geological Survey. Water is necessary for life on earth, it is extremely critical that it be protected from harmful pollution. Allegations have been made that fracking has led to the contamination of both surface and groundwater sources. Groundwater consists of all water located below the surface. Fracking activities have been linked to ground water contamination in a variety of ways. Most fracking happens at about 8,000 feet below the surface depending on the geological makeup of the area, while most underground water aquifers are located about 1,000 feet below the surface. Fracking proponents argue that there is no way for the contaminants to migrate due to the significant space between the activity and the aquifer. However, the composition of the earth may be extremely porous, have natural fissures or fractures that would allow contaminants to migrate. Combine a porous formation with the extreme pressure used in the fracking process and the potential for migration increases. One particular worry is methane gas, which occurs naturally in the earth, and is released in concentrated amounts when the fracking process breaks apart the rock formations. According to a study done by the National Academy of Sciences, methane gas concentrations in drinking water wells increased with the proximity to the nearest gas well at levels that had the potential to be an explosion hazard, in comparison to dissolved methane samples in wells next to nonextraction sites. In Dimock, Pennsylania, the study found that some residents’ water wells that were in close proximity to where fracking activities were known to be happening had their wells explode or their water could be lit on fire due to concentrated levels of methane gas. In Texas, several cities and surrounding counties of Lubbuck, Weatherford, Beaumont and Ft Worth have complained of methane contamination in drinking water. Levels are confirmed up but the cause has not yet been determined. Another possible point of aquifer contamination is in the construction itself. Oftentimes, the shaft is drilled down through the aquifer on its way to the shale formations below. If the shaft is poorly constructed, there is potential for the fracking fluid to leak directly into the aquifer as it is going down or coming back up as flowback. Contamination to ground water can also come from the fracking wastewater that is brought back to the surface. Once it has been used, it can be disposed of in an injection well. Currently, this waste is considered â€Å"oil/gas waste† and not â€Å"hazardous waste† so it is not subject to the stricter disposal guidelines associated with the hazardous distinction which leaves the potential for hazardous chemicals to reach groundwater sources if the injection well is poorly constructed. Besides ground water contamination, fracking activities have been blamed for surface water pollution as well. Surface water consists of all fresh water on the surface of the earth usually in rivers, streams or lakes. Fracking creates millions of gallons of wastewater that is extracted back to the surface in the recovery of the oil and gas. Typically, the flowback is treated by waste water treatment plants and released back into surface waters but is only tested for tier 1 2 chemicals, not tier 3 which are volatile chemicals. If they cannot dispose of it in this manner, some companies will utilize large â€Å"containment ponds† which are lined and used to hold the wastewater while it evaporates. Recently in Texas fracking operations have been blamed on recent increase in air pollution, perhaps these containment ponds are the issue. The liners are typically plastic and sometimes crack or get damaged which allows the contaminated fluids to leach into ground or surface water. Another potential danger comes from plugged wells. During the fracking process, large amounts of pressure is used and if the cement plug used to close the well is not sealed properly, there is a risk of it exploding and spewing the fracking chemicals into nearby surface water. In some areas, naturally occurring radioactive elements, such as radium, have been found in concentrated levels in local waterways due to fracking activities. In addition to water contamination, there have been serious allegations of air pollution caused by fracking activities. Natural gas fracking extraction emits greenhouse gases, smog-inducing compounds and potential carcinogens causing health and environmental concerns. Increased levels of methanol, formaldehyde, carbon disulfide, and benzene have been found near fracking sites. These pollutants are known to cause asthma attacks, cancer, and even premature death. Some airborne pollutants from fracked gas wells, like volatile organic compounds, can react with sunlight to create smog. Loopholes The Energy Policy Act of 2005 exempted hydraulic fracturing from the restrictions and standards of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). It created the â€Å"Halliburton Loophole† which prohibited the EPA from regulating the injection of fracking fluids under the SDWA except in cases where diesel is used. Since the exact chemicals used in fracking are often considered proprietary by the industry so it is difficult to ascertain when or if diesel is used in a fracking operation. Some companies have chosen to disclose the chemicals they use on www. fracfocus. org. While this is an encouraging first step, it is entirely voluntary at this time on private land. The Department of the Interior has mandated that companies drilling on public and Indian lands will be required to disclose chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing operations. The new rules also set standards for proper construction of wells and wastewater disposal. These rules could serve as a model for state regulators. Some states such as Wyoming, Michigan, and Texas, have been proactive and required full public disclosure of fracking fluid chemical constituents. The other federal law that governs water is the Clean Water Act which authorizes the National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System to provide permits to companies who dispose flowback into surface waters. Currently, flowback that is released back into surface water is not tested for volatile organic compounds which can cause cancer or birth defects in humans. The Clean Air Act allows the EPA to regulate industry emissions into the air to protect its quality and the stratospheric ozone layer. According to an April article in USA Today, the EPA released first-ever air pollution rules for â€Å"fracking† wells, requiring that drillers burn or capture the gas and its smog-producing compounds that are released when wells are first tapped. The rules went into effect in June of 2012 but have a two year transition period. During that time, drillers may burn off the gas and chemicals but will need to move towards capturing them (called â€Å"green completions†). EPA estimates that this will cut 95% of the smog-related chemicals that are released by fracking wells. Given the lack of a definitive link between fracking activities and public health risks, fracking was allowed to develop with minimal regulations for decades because it was not on the public radar. It has only been in the last few years that the practice has come under scrutiny due to the increased usage of fracking and the undeniable potentially harmful impacts of the practice. Therefore, until it can be proven that the danger to human health posed by the environmental impacts of the practice can be shown beyond a doubt, fracking is going to continue. However, there needs to be more regulation of the industry and monitoring of the impacts of the practice to ensure that it is done in a safe manner. . If this happens, the likelihood for policy favoring more vigorous regulation of hydraulic fracturing is greatly increased. However, if there continues to be ambiguity and questions raised by proponents of fracking the changes will likely be small and incremental on the subsystem level. The response by the industry and its political allies to the scientific studies of the health and environmental effects of fracking â€Å"has approached the issue in a manner similar to the tobacco industry that for many years rejected the link between smoking and cancer,† say Drs. Bamberger and Oswald. Not only do they call for â€Å"full disclosure and testing of air, water, soil, animals, and humans,† but point out that with lax oversight, â€Å"the gas drilling boom . . . will remain an uncontrolled health experiment on an enormous scale. † References Bibliography of Works Cited: http://earthjustice. org/our_work/campaigns/fracking-gone-wrong-finding-a-better-way? gclid=CJ-tqOHWr7gCFWFp7Aod9GAAFw http://geology. com/articles/hydraulic-fracturing/ http://lubbockonline. com/filed-online/2012-10-19/methane-found-drinking-across -us-brings-concern-lubbock community#. UeMaf6Uo5Ms http://psehealthyenergy. net/data/Bamberger_Oswald_NS22_in_press. pdf www. coalitiontoprotectnewyork. org http://www. counterpunch. org/2012/03/19/the-perils-of-fracking/ http://www. marcellusoutreachbutler. org/ http://www. provostumphrey. com/blog/2013/01/texas-man-finds-benzene-and-methane-in-his-drinking-water. shtml http://www. scribd. com/doc/97449702/100-Fracking-Victims http://stateimpact. npr. org/texas/2012/08/07/frackings-link-to-smog-worries-some-texas-cities/ http://www. propublica. org/special/hydraulic-fracturing-national http://frack. mixplex. com/content/scientific-study-links-flammable-drinking-water-fracking http://www. hydraulicfracturing. com/Pages/information. aspx http://www. epa. gov/hydraulicfracture/ http://www. usatoday. com/money/industries/energy/environment/story/2012-04-18/fracking-pollution-