Frederick Douglass Essay Example for Free

Frederick Douglass Essay flavour has many a nonher(prenominal) ups and d features. It is like a roller coaster ride in that it takes many exploits. All the way through the flavour of a person, there will be good times and celebrations along with bad times and grief. The most solid thing to remember is to think positive and eer stay strong mentally level(p) at your lowest indicates. Frederick Douglass is a name of struggle.Being innate(p) into sla very(prenominal), he faced many heavilyships through out his life that people of today will never know, al hotshot overcome all of them because of his relentlessness to never stool up, his passion to learn, be his own man, and more significantly staying strong mentally and keeping religion in God. Mental stiffness is when all things seem to be going wrong and there are no signs of hope, but you continue to strive for what you believe in, and Douglass did a good job of that. Douglass never gives up even when there appears to b e no hope, and in the end is rewarded for all of his commitment.After the whole thing Douglass goes through, in the end he is not granted his freedom, but instead takes it on his own and his dream of being free is no longer a dream but in fact reality. Douglass resided in Baltimore intermittently from his arrival in the city in 1826 at the age of eight until he escaped from slaveholding twelve course of studys later. Reflecting the uncertainties of black life in antebellum Baltimore, Douglass could state that a city slave is almost a free man compared with a slave on the plantation and lament that piece of music in Baltimore I often found myself regretting my own existence and wishing myself dead (Narrative 50, 56).Douglasss conflicting impressions of his adolescence as a slave in Baltimore, impressions of comparative liberty and abject despair, reflected the larger paradox of African-American life in the city that claimed Americas largest black population at the time of the Civi l War. Located on the call of slavery and freedom, Baltimore created space for African Americans to develop dynamic institutions that proved very important to their post-emancipation history.Yet these institutions developed under harsh restrictions on the freedom of non-slave African Americans that white Baltimoreans devised to replace the increasingly impractical bonds of slavery. Black agency amid the constraints and opportunities of an urban slave society gave Douglass with his first classroom in the limits of freedom for nineteenth-century African Americans. When Douglasss incur Harriet Bailey died he was hardly affected by the news for the reason that he rarely seen her.Douglasss father was a white man slaveholders usually impregnated their females slaves to increase the fig of slaves they owned. As a child Douglass didnt cast in the fields because children werent strong enough. Therefore, he had free time to do other things besides tasks. Sometimes he would go along wit th e Colonels grandson, Daniel, as a servant when he went hunting. Daniel in time became close to Douglass which was an advantage. But, Douglass still suffered because slave children were only given a long linen shirt, therefore in the winter he would be really cold.When Douglass was eight years old he was selected to go to Baltimore to live with Hugh Auld. Douglass was not sad to leave the plantation because he had no family or any sense of home that children usually had. He believes that if he had not been removed that he would still be a slave today. Douglass was amazed how kind his new was unlike other white women she did not punish him for looking her in the eye. But, later some time, her kindness turned to cruelty, and she completely changed as a person. When Douglass first moved in with the Aulds, Mrs.Auld began teaching him the alphabet and some small words. When her married man found out he ordered her to sop because education ruins slaves, making them unmanageable and unhapp y. Douglass overhears this and comes up with the strategy of what white men use to enslave blacks. From that he now understands what he has to do to win his freedom. Douglass lived in the Aulds household for seven years, he was able to learn how to empathise and write. Mrs. Auld became hardened and cruel and no longer tutored him. But, Douglass already learned the alphabet and was strong-minded to learn how to read.Auld rents Douglass for one year to Edward Covey, who was cognise for breaking slaves. For the first hexad months Covey worked and whipped everything out of Douglass to the point where he no longer cared about reading or freedom. This all changed when Douglass and Covey had a clash and after the fight Covey never touched Douglass yet again. Douglass was then rented to William Freeland, even though Freeland was milder and a fairer man, he was still going to escape. Frederick went on to become a storied orator, U. S. minister to Haiti, and a leader of his people.Dougla ss, like the other slaves is not born with this mental toughness, but acquires it mainly through his faith in God, hard work, and schooling to read and write. Douglass faith in God is crucial because Douglass can turn to God at any point in his life. When Douglass is at his lowest, his faith in God is always there to lift him up. O God, save me God, deliver me Let me be free (72). Their are times where Douglass questions God because of brutal conditions with Mr. Covey, but Douglass still waistband strong mentally and spiritually, and that is key to taking his freedom.Douglass has a strong mind of his own, and does not let anyone or anything change what he believes is right. Conditions for slaves are pretty lots severe everywhere they go. Slaves work long hard hours, for pretty much nothing, and to go along with that are poorly nourished. Douglass is lucky enough to be displace to Baltimore to live with the Aulds because conditions are a slightly easier there, but most important ly because that is where he learns to read and write. Luckily for Douglass, Mrs. Auld teaches him the alphabet and small words in the first place her heart turns to stone. Very soon after I went to live with Mr.and Mrs. Auld, she very kindly commenced to teach me the A, B, C. After I had learned this, she assisted me in learning to spell words of three or four letters. (45). Although reading lessons with Mrs. Auld eventually stop, this does not stop Douglass in trying to acquire as much knowledge as possible. This makes Douglass even hungrier for knowledge because he knows that being literate is key to being free. The poor white children of the neighborhood eventually teach Douglass how to read in return for some food. As many of these as I could, I converted into teachers.With their kindly aid, obtained at unalike times and in different places, I finally succeeded in learning to read. (49). This is crucial for Douglass to gain his freedom, and help him believe in himself. Altho ugh brutal times are shortly ahead for Douglass at Mr. Coveys, the slave tamer, this knowledge and insight is definitely one of the major factors that helps him get through it. Before going to Mr. Coveys, Douglass been through a lot of mental and carnal pain, but he does not know the worst is yet to come. Because of his disobedience and excessive curiosity in Baltimore, Douglass curb sends him to Mr.Coveys, who is one of the cruelest slave tamers around. Douglass states that the first six months with Mr. Covey are unbearable. Douglass first task is to guide the oxen, and when he fails he barely leaves with his life. Covey whips him repeatedly, and continues to do so for weeks. Coveys extreme work and brutal punishments enfeeble Douglass mentally and physically he feels his hope for freedom is slipping away. This is where Douglass faith in God is crucial because he literally has no one else to turn to except God. It seems as if Douglass is about to let Mr.Covey win, and believe th at all he is put on this earth to do is slave for others. But one day as Mr. Covey tries tying Douglass up for another brutal beating Douglass defends himself and finds the courage within him to stand up to Mr. Covey by bit back. Douglass injures Mr. Covey to the point where he is bleeding. Because of his courage to stand up for himself, Covey never lays a finger on Douglass again. This part of the autobiography is indeed a turning point because it restores Douglass confidence that he always had inside of him, and makes him believe that he will one day be a free man.This participation with Mr. Covey was the turning- point in my career as a slave. It rekindled the few expiring embers of freedom, and revived within me a sense of my own manhood. (78). This is indeed the turning point in his life because he stands up for what he believes in and actually wins. After this point Douglass is extremely confident in himself, and out-of-pocket to the knowledge he gains and his mental streng th he is able to get through possibly his hardest obstacle in his life. I did not hesitate to let it be known of me, that the white man who expected to succeed in whipping, must also succeed in killing me. (78). This is such a powerful line in that it put downs Douglass relentlessness to never give up, and it shows that he is once again strong, not necessarily physically, but more importantly mentally. This turning point helps Douglass stay on track, and eventually helps him escape to New York City. After New York Douglass goes to Massachusetts were he meets abolitionist Garrison, and is eventually employed as an abolitionist. All in all, Frederick Douglass achieves his goals due to hard work and his passion to learn.After all, the struggle throughout his life, Douglass dream finally comes true, and it could not have falled to a more deserving man. One more Douglass master was Mr. Gore who was a key example of the many white people who let their power go to their heads. Frederick Douglass lived a hard life as a slave as pretty much all slaves did. He is pushed to the limit mentally and physically, and although there are times Douglass almost breaks down, he never lets that happen to him. By learning how to read and write he realizes that knowledge is power, just like it is today. Ignorance is ugly, and he does not want that to happen to him.Douglass knowledge helps open doors for him that he would never have opened if he was not educated. Frederick Douglass is an amazing man, and shows that if you are strong mentally you can accomplish anything you put your mind too. Douglass accounts in his stimulate and morbid firsthand account of slavery in the south. Douglass lets the reader look at slavery in a style that reflects the desperation of slave life. Points cover range from the exploitation of slave women by their white masters to the violent diplomacyment, and in some cases murder of slaves, to the back-breaking labor and lack of personal time.The biograph y includes shivery accounts of his mother. She walked twelve miles every night to see him, in infancy, and when she died, Douglass was not even allowed to witness her burial. This was common practice in those times, but to the modern reader, this is quite appalling. Douglass life was only made more complicated by the accusation that his master, Captain Anthony, was also his father. The treatment of these mixed children was often worse than that of regular slave children due to the fact that the mistress of the house felt animosity towards them.As a result, Frederick had to face the wrath of Captain Anthonys wife. What made Douglass experiences truly unique was the fact that he learned how to read and write. Most slaves were killed if they were caught doing so but in Douglass case, he was very lucky. When he was sent to Baltimore, Sophia Auld, his new mistress, taught him how to read a few dim-witted words. From that point, he taught himself new words everyday through The Columbian Orator, a collection of speeches and essays dealing with liberty, democracy, and courage. Douglass saw this as his ticket to freedom.Douglass sheds some light on several areas such as the reason behind the slave songs and what it feels like to watch a family member be beaten and abused. His narrative does a very thorough job of conveying the slave experience to an audience that has no predilection. The image conjured of slave owners and all of southern society in the 18th and nineteenth century is a negative one. This caricature holds shockingly true in Douglass narrative. However, there is a lot more complexity to Southern society show in Douglass well-crafted words. There are different kinds of slave owners in different parts of the south.People like Captain Anthony and Thomas Auld, who reside in the abstruse south, are cruel to the slaves they own, as they are property. Like the cotton gin, they are there to turn a profit. As long as they can work and do work, nothing else rea lly matters. In Baltimore, a different type of slave owner is known. Sophia and Hugh Auld live next to neighbors that do not own slaves and are therefore, conscious of how they treat their slaves in public. Sophia had not even owned slaves before Douglass, so in the beginning, she was very kind and treated Douglass as you would treat any child.The abolitionist movement is a larger concern in Baltimore, because it is in the very streets. In the deeper south, though they are concerned about slaves escaping and abolitionists, the brat is not as axiomatic. Douglass also exposes the false piety of slave owners. Though many of them are bible thumping, none of them truly understands the lessons they are preached. Douglass analyzes the moral woes of slavery and the unnatural state that all involved are subjected to. Douglass words give the reader a depiction of southern life and morality in an mingled and intriguing way, which is fair and abrasively honest.In modern times, people think of slavery and think that it was north against south. In reality, many Northerners were indifferent to the plight of slaves. When Fredrick Douglass first escapes to the north, he finds that there are many people who support slavery and many that oppose it, but most of them are indifferent. This is because most northerners have no idea what is going on in the south. Therefore, they are ignorantly blissful with their lives. Douglass addressed this issue in letter to an abolitionist associate. Douglass moved to New Bedford in the year 1838 and found work as a caulker for whaling ships.In New Bedford, he decided to drop the name Bailey, in order to defend himself from slave catchers, and became famous as Frederick Douglass. Between the time of 1790 and 1860, the institution of slavery declined in Baltimore but the boundaries of African-American freedom narrowed significantly. When free black people posed undersize threat to white people, as in the 1790s, whites imposed relatively few lim itations on them. But as the free black population grew so did racial competition for jobs and social power. White privilege responded to the dynamism of free blacks by circumscribing their liberty.Douglass lived in Baltimore when free African Americans made considerable economic gains and expanded an already powerful network of black institutions. By the time of the Civil War whites rolled back many of the gains of the 1830s and pushed free blacks to the edge of slavery. Douglass first witnessed white racial discrimination towards free black people during this tightening of Baltimores restrictions on non-slave African Americans that coincided with slaverys end.Work citedBrowne, Gary Lawson. Baltimore in the Nation, 1789-1861. Chapel Hill University of North Carolina Press, 1980. Douglass, Frederick. Letter to an abolitionist associate. In Organizing for fond Change A Mandate for Activity in the 1990s. Edited by K. Bobo, J. Kendall, and S. Max. Washington, D. C. Seven Locks Press . 1849 (1991) Douglass, Frederick. Life and Times of Frederick Douglass. 1892. New York Collier, 1962. Douglass, Frederick. My Bondage and My Freedom. 1855. New York Dover, 1969. Douglass, Frederick. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. 1845. New York Penguin, 1968. Fields, Barbara Jeanne. Slavery and Freedom on the Middle Ground Maryland during the Nineteenth Century. New Haven Yale University Press, 1985.Frey, Sylvia. Water from the Rock Black Resistance in a Revolutionary Age. Princeton Princeton University Press, 1991. Gardner, Bettye. Ante-bellum Black Education in Baltimore. Maryland Historical Magazine 71 (Fall 1976) 360-366. Gardner, Bettye. Free Blacks in Baltimore, 1800-1860. Diss. George Washington University, 1974. Garonzik, Joseph. Urbanization and the Black universe of Baltimore, 1850-1870. Diss. State University of New York, Stony Brook, 1974. Graham, Leroy. Baltimore The Nineteenth-Century Black Capital. New York University Press of America, 1982.Maryland. House of Delegates. An Act Relating to Paupers, Beggars, Vagrants, Vagabonds and Disorderly Persons in the City of Baltimore. The Laws of Maryland ch. 116. March 10, 1854. Muller, Edward K. and Paul A. Groves. The ontogeny of Industrial Districts in Mid-Nineteenth Century Baltimore. Geographical Review 69 (1979) 159-177. Steffen, Charles G. The Mechanics of Baltimore Workers and Politics in the Age of Revolution, 1763-1812. Urbana University of Illinois Press, 1984. Wesley, Charles H. Richard Allen Apostle of Freedom. 1935. Washington Associated Publishers, 1969.

Thomas Hobbes Essay Example for Free

Thomas Hobbes EssayThomas Hobbes was an Englishman who wrote the Leviathan during the English Civil War in the 17th century. Naturally Hobbes spends chapter five, and just about of the Leviathan describing how to avoid internal conflict. Hobbes argues that by using logical sympathying and eliminating disagreement a state can avoid internal conflict. Hobbes begins chapter five with a explanation for reason and the operations that are affect. Hobbes continues his explanation of reason by describing the proper practice of cerebrate and how absurdity arises. He elaborates on errors and absurdities, explicitly their causes.Hobbes ends chapter five with his definition of the connection between reason and science. Hobbes describes reason as the burdenmation of information, or the analyzing of the repercussions of the actions to which we are reasoning for or against. Particularly, the consequences others will pay in adepts attainment of their goal. Hobbes describes operations u sed by mathematicians addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division Logicians use the same operations but with words. Politicians use these same operations to delegate duties among men.Hobbes elaborates, In sum whatsoever the matter, a place for addition and subtraction, there is also a place for reason and where these have no place, there reason has nonhing at all to do(32). Addition and subtraction are not caged in mathematics these operations are also the foundation of reason. Hobbes wherefore explains that reason does not exist without fault. Even the most capable, attentive, practiced men can reach false conclusions. Just as mathematicians can make mistakes in their calculations, no mans reason is certain even if approved by many another(prenominal). Hobbes states that reason can be driven by ulterior motives.Men create reasoning that will ease to push their agenda and reach their intended goal. Hobbes explains that when we are using reason we must proceed cautiously. Man must carefully analyze the foundation of his reasoning. Hobbes then describes how an error and absurdity can occur. Relying on knowledge of previous reasoning can lead one to a different outcome this is what Hobbes defines as an error. When one draws a conclusion based on false assumptions, this is what Hobbes defines as absurdity or senseless speech. However, Hobbes further explains that an error is a deception, there is no right smart to truly determine whether it is impossible.Hobbes argues that the phrase free will is absurd. The word free itself is not free from opposition. Hobbes argues that philosophers are the most guilty of preaching absurdities, Nothing so absurd, but may be found in the books of philosophers(34). Unlike mathematics, there is no solid foundation of information to work upon. Hobbes then explains how these absurdities arise. In vii points Hobbes explains that absurdity arises from the preaching of unaccredited philosophies and improper estimation of r amifications of applying said philosophies.Hobbes argues that a man can avoid absurdity by properly analyzing consequences of actions in browse to reach a particular goal. A man must have a good foundation of principles in order to reason logically. Hobbes states that reason is not inherent, nor can it be obtained by experience only. There is no right reason constituted by nature. One must properly identify the components involved in their reasoning and have a solid method of operation to analyze the ramifications of ones actions.Hobbes explains the connection between science and reasoning, Science is manifestly the knowledge of consequences, and dependence of the one fact upon another(35). To Hobbes, the process of science is reason. In practicality man should use prudence in reasoning, however many pretend their sapience, using alternative untested methods to yield the same results. Rather than rely on the credited work by authors, they create their own version of reasoning an d mode of operation. Hobbes argues that this philosophical reformation is necessary to the preservation of peace. This reformed logical reasoning will be easily applicable to everyone.If a state promotes the use of practical logic as definite as geometric logic, the state could avoid internal warfare. Hobbes argues that we must not accept that something is true just because many believe it to be true. In order to properly analyze the truth, the people must appoint a leader to judge and determine the proper way of life to deal with issues that face the state. Hobbes states that the only way to eliminate internal conflict is to eliminate disagreement. By subduing to a higher power that promotes logical reason quite than false philosophies, a state can eliminate internal conflict.

The Media And Entertainment Information Technology Essay

The Media And Entertainment Information technology EssayThe Media and Entertainment industry is that sector of production line which provides consumers the service and products which keep them updates as well as busy. This sector includes print media, television, radio, film entertainment, video games and casinos.Today this industry can is heavily dependent on the technology. Thus, media and entertainment industry and technology grow overturn in hand. The evolution of this industry has brought into practise new business practises and technologies.Enterprise Resource PlanningEnterprise Resource planning is a computer establish system to integrate business management practises and latest technology. The system integrates various processes of an organisation and helps to achieve the goal of the organisation. Thus, ERP includes the following components Business counseling Practises, Information Technology and Business objectives.In other words, ERP is package that helps in collectin g and distributing scattered information across the various departments of an organisation. Thus, at the heart of ERP is centralized information horde to acquire information from and supply information to other servers in each department.ERP software architecture includes the various enterprise functions. It includes military man Resources, Supply Chain Management, customer Relationship Management, Finance/Accounts and Manufacturing.Formerly, ERP were used in large ordered series industries. But today ERP is used in all kinds of organisation irrespective of field and scale of operation.AdvantagesIt establishes a perfect integration of all the functional areas.The system streamlines various business processes and workflows. in that location is smooth flow of information across various departments of the organisation.There is an increase in efficiency, performance and productive levels by the use of ERP.It helps in taking decisions, thus enhances forecasting.Improve customer ser vice and satisfaction.The Ideal ERP SystemAn ERP is considered to be ideal if it integrates all the below mentioned processes of the organisationManufacturing Engineering, material planning, production processes, resource planning, workflow management, quality control etc.Financials Accounts, fixed assets, ledger, cash management and billing.Human Resource Recruitment, training, stab rules, attendance, payroll, compensationsSupply Chain Management -Inventory management, sales order administration, supply chain planning, supplier scheduling, supply transportation and distribution.Customer Relationship Management Service, commissions, sales and marketing, customer contact and sales support.Data Warehouse Information storehouse that can be accessed by organisation, suppliers, customers and employees.ERP VendorsCase StudyCompany Melco exceed EntertainmentERP Software Microsoft propellings AX 2009 ERP SolutionCompany OverviewMelco treetop Entertainment is owner and developer of casino resort in Macau. The companionship got listed in NASDAQ in 2006 raising in excess of US$1.14 billion in the process. The company aims to provide the best entertainment experience in Macau. It has 40 different business entities. The company has various properties like City of Dreams, which fulfils the companys goal. The company is one of the largest employers in Macau with more than 10,000 employees.Business ChallengeThe company had no prior experience in using a ERP system for all its 40 business entities. Each department functioned on its own.As Melco got listed on NASDAQ it faced strict requirements to meet in the global market. Further, Melco had to meet the requirements of Macau gambling regulations. Thus, Melco Crown Entertainment Needed an ERP which could comply to all this rules.The companys HR and Finance faced challenges due to the heterogeneous nature of business. The prison term consumed was more and increase in the number of employees made it difficult and costl y to support.Further, the nature of business made the company realise the need of better selective information visibility and management. Thus, the company needed a centralised knowledge management and timely access to business data.Also, the company wanted to improve its productivity and security.The company had a very short time meet all these challenges and implement a ERP solution due to its other on-going projects.SolutionThe company studied and analysed trio different ERP products. But it was Microsoft Dynamics AX that suited the most for Melco Crown Entertainment.In the words of Mr. Roger Seshadri, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Melco Crown Entertainment, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 ERP Solution has all the ingredients of a world-class enterprise product. We wanted an ERP system with excellent usability and good bang for our buck. Dynamics was the clear choice.Microsoft Dynamic AXMicrosoft Dynamic AX is the most easy to use enterprise resource planning s olution for small and large scale organisation. It provides the user with software tools which are compatible with tools used every day like MS office. This ERP software makes people in organisation work more efficiently, manage data and gives a competitive edge in global market.For companies in the media and entertainment business, the advancement in technology and era of digital media has brought immense complexity to the industry. Organisations that exsert with outdated business management solution may fail to survive in this market. Thus, Microsoft Dynamic AX is one business solution that has helped this industry in the following mannerIt manages resources more efficiently. It helps in keeping track of production crew, talent, and other tangible resources more efficientlyIt reduces cost of operation by minify the manpower.Various business intelligence tools help produce project report, graphs easily.The software integrates data from all the various aspects of media industry. T hus, giving the company better data visibility and provides information when required.Media industry is constantly in touch with its customers though it products and service. Microsoft Dynamic fosters betters relationship between the organisation and its customers by maintaining proper track of their order and customer satisfaction.Impact on Melco Crown EntertainmentThe implementation of Microsoft Dynamic ERP solution overcame all challenges faced by the organisation. This software was a great success for Melco Crown. Today, success of Melco Crown can also be attributed to this business solution. Thus, benefits provided by the software areIncrease in productivity This ERP significantly increased the employee productivity at Melco Crown Entertainment. Dynamics AX integrated all the application of various business entities, reducing the complexity. The conventional interface of Dynamic AX avoided the complexity of interchange management and training.Improvement in business processes and compliance It has provided business process re-engineering and standardisation across all the entities. Most of the process are automated, making slight labour work. Dynamic AX has provided a robust financial system with process and system controls, security, workflows and audit trial. The payroll for 10,000 employees is executed faster. The system also manages Macau and Hong Kong labour laws and tax requirements.Centralized Information management Real time access to information has made Melco Crown Entertainment a tough competitor in the entertainment industry. With integrated and timely information availability has improved the decision making pocess, which helps in planning future goals.Lower IT costs The company has been commensurate to fulfil the demanding and critical business requirements with less hardware. Thus, IT team can focus on more business value jobs.

Levi Strauss

Levi StraussLevi Strauss condition studieInquiry 1) What environmen tal variables contributed to the 1998 position of Levi ?Levi Strauss is the worlds best-known jeans mark off, however its rigid to see much chance of the tie-in regaining its former doughnut without a substantial overhaul. Iconic or not, what kind of outlook lies in store for a tie-in which derives encircling 85% of its annual revenues from selling shorts? And only really two sorts of pants at that, which ar also sold by just about every new(prenominal) clothing buzz offr on the planet. Either Levi Strauss needs to diversify substantially, and bolt on other brands or more likely needs to sacrifice its lenghty cherished however overage independence and become part of someone elses larger multi-brand portfolio. These years of struggle against a vast array of competitors have merely added to the gradual erosion of the brand. The growth of value path Signature has helped, nevertheless despite doubling in amount during 2004, its contribution has steady decreased ever since.In the late 1990s, Levis became a victim of their own success. As well involved in corporate restructuring, the corporation effectively ignore a seismic shift in the young market. In the 1980s and early 1990s, Levis 501 jeans had managed to dominate the market for everyday clothing as a result of high quality manufacturing and smart marketing. on that point were legion(predicate) a(prenominal) kinds of jeans, went the accepted perception, however Levis was the brand to which all others aspired. A brilliant marketing course, chiefly in Europe, reinforced the brands hip status. However in the late 1990s, Levis jeans of a sudden became a victim of its own success. They were seen by the advanced generation of teenagers as the jeans my Dad wears, and that lay them completely gone of form. Fashions in divide came and went nevertheless Levis failed to respond, exit the market gigantic open for competitorsThe compa nys biggest mistake, arguably, was to ignore the baggy divide, which rode in on the back of the mid-1990s grunge movement, and remained the bringing fashion style for the rest of that decade. While Levis stuck smack with the 16-inch straight-leg divide that appealed to the instantly ageing market who had rediscovered the brand in the 1980s, stock-still the least hip of US retailers began selling extreme-cut. Millers Outpost, Tommy Jeans, JNCO and much JC Penney and Sears were selling jeans with legs as wide as 23 or 40-inches. The fashion-conscious teenage market began buying their jeans from other manufacturers, while a advanced breed of retailers, led by The wisecrack, captured the middle ground. protect their premium status, Levis refused to chase the market and strictly adhered to their long-established policy of only selling through specialist outlets and emptying discount stores including Wal-Mart. Although this held the brands perceived value it also restricted gross rev enue to only encircling half(prenominal) of the US retail market. Worse still, later that decade the market as a whole began moving away from dung aree altogether as combat and cargo pants became the advanced fashion Charles Boisson Leaf 3Interrogation 2) How could a sensitive and informative Marketing Facts outline (MIS) have helped Levis to identify these environmental variable and form outlook strategies ?THE Demand FOR MARKETING SUPPORTIn 1986, Levis relaunched the 501 with the Launderette and Bath commercials. The tremendous success of these executions and the campaign that developed from them has been well documented. All of the commercials featured the 501 jean and most stated 501 specifically in the end frame.The advertising success was not restricted to the 501 alone. There was a halo effect on the whole Levis range. However naturally the 501 took on a dominant share of Levis business.This dominance was intended. The 501 was positioned as definitive. It is an anti- belo ng jean which is mediocre for most serviceman, and, in a sense, 501 for most human beings took fit outside of the purchasing equation.Despite this, there were (and still are) a significant number of globe who, for reasons of personal frame or style, did not get hold of the 501 as the correctly fit for them.Moreover, a brief for range advertising can often lead to productive cul-de-sacs a row of products and an invitation to the consumer to create his or her own choice etc.Consequently, although the butt of the advertising was not to establish individual fit identities, we did line that each execution should feature one fit only and would talk about the benefits of that fit. Across a range of executions we aimed to establish a sense of the numerousness of the fits, thereby addressing the key objective.Fit adverting Fit messages also pose a strategic and creative challenge. Human beings choose different jeans fits for reasons both of personal physique and contemporary fashio n. If advertising addresses one motivation, it struggles to communicate the other. And the more obvious creative solutions tend not to be challenging or motivating. Charles Boisson Sheet 5 For example, a tight fit can be communicated by showing a thin person and a loose fit by showing a fatter person. Nevertheless the latter expression clearly does miniature for loose fit. And what of the mankind who wear loose fit for style rather than physical reasons?Alternatively, a fit message can be conveyed by showing the overall style or fashion of the wearers of different fits. For example, a punk in tight jeans and a hip-hop fan in loose jeans. However youth fashion cannot easily be compartmentalised into discrete tribes with conveniently different jeans fits. Moreover, young mankind quite naturally recoil from any cynical attempt by advertisers to mirror their own street-level cultures. And, as with the above, what of the human beings who do not choose fits for fashion reasons?We conclude d that these more vocal expressions of fit were not worth exploring and we directed the team to seek outside more lateral solutions.THE CREATIVE SOLUTIONThe creative team, conscious of the objectives of the advertising and the strategic and executional minefields to be avoided, came up with an innovative solution to the brief.They developed a range of executions each employing a black and white still from the respected photographer Bill Brandt to deal with one rosy-cheeked Tab fit message.They did not talk about fit in a literal path. Rather they implied the sundry(a) fit messages.Moreover the images employed were not completely unrelated to fit. (They were not vegetables or fruit) Rather all the executions focused on the human form, which is after all the basis of any fit choice.ADVERTISING EFFECTThe poster campaign ran nationally for four weeks only in April 1993.Millward embrown tracking showed very high advertising recognition over 40% of a sample of 17 to 29-year-olds recog nised the posters.More importantly, spontaneous and prompted awareness of Red Tab rose from 35% to 45% and from 57% to 75% respectively. Thepercentage of respondents able to quote any non-501 fit number rose from 50% to 60%.We are unable to divulge actual sales data.SUMMARYThe planners role does not only entail pointing the creative team in one particular proposition direction it can also involve illustrating to them the strategically unsound and creatively fruitless routes.In advertising non-501 Red Tab fits for the first date, Levi Strauss were entering a minefield. By identifying the best role for advertising and mapping gone the geography of that minefield, the planner was able to play a part in the development of advertising which maintained Levis best standards of creativity and effectiveness.CREATIVE BRIEFWhy are we advertising?To raise awareness of the range of Levis Red Tab jeans by demonstrating that Levis produce different fits to compliment different body shapes and pers onal styles.Who are we talking to?Boys and girls, 15 to 19 years ancient. They are aware of Levis advertising and recognise that 501s are the original, definitive jeans. In circumstance, they whitethorn already own a pair of 501s, nevertheless find certain aspects of 501s either inconvenient (ie button fly) or uncomfortable. They are at the Charles Boisson Sheet 6 middle end of the market (early/late adopters) and are often insecure and lack confidence. They therefore demand to be calm down that they can acquire into the imagery associated with 501s, while having a pair of jeans that fits comfortably and flatters their individual shape.The campaign must employment as both posters and press. The campaign should avoid analysis of, or comparison with, 501s. This is not an opinion leader campaign, and is aimed at a younger, more mass-market consumer. Charles Boisson Leaf 7Interrogation 3) Analyse the importance of the various marketing mix elements in the success failure of Levi, how e ssential is design?Levis share of the denim market plummeted. In 1990, according to Tactical Retail Monitor, more than 48% of men chose Levis as their preferred choice of jeans. By 1998, this had tumbled to 25%, while Lee and Wrangler had risen from 22% to 32%, and private articulate brands including Gap from 3% to more than 20%. In sales terms the brand slipped from a 30% US market share to 14%. (Upmarket former labels such as Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein got a great deal of publicity however never achieved more than envelopment 7% of the market). The percentage of teenage boys who thought Levis was a really cool brand had dropped from 21% in 1994 to just 7% by 1998. Levis position has, for the most part stabilised since then, nevertheless competition remain intenseThe Levis brand instantly houses distinct sub-brands. Chief amongst these is Levis Red Tab, which includes the legendary 501 button-fly design. (The number 501 was originally the products stock number, first adopt ed in 1890 the red theoretical account tab was first used in the back pocket from 1936). Levis Vintage features a broader range of classic retro designs. In pursuit of the youth market, the railroad tie has tried to turn back the tide with more extreme cuts, such as Levis Engineered Jeans, introduced in 2000 and supposedly designed ergonomically to fit the bodys contours. Some cuts are much pre-stained with oil. Another stylised fresh design launched in early 2003 as Levis Type One. These offered exaggerated versions of traditional features such as rivets, stitching and the tab, blown up in extent. However sales were slow to capture off, chiefly in the US, despite high profile marketing, including a Super Bowl ad (which the association later claimed admitted was unsatisfactory). They, along with another stylised border known as Silvertab, were replaced by the Levis Capital E path. Levis ICD, a partnership with Philips to market workwear with integrated electronic devices such as m obile phones, MP3 players etc, was withdrawn in 2002. The crowd also licenses gone the Levis brand to other manufacturers for branded T-shirts and accessories. Combined sales of the core brand improved in 2007, reaching almost $3.2bn. Levis is primarily a menswear brand, with just under three quarters of all pairs sold bought by men.After its many attempts to introduce more stylized or fashion-oriented designs had failed, the association agreed to abandon its premium positioning and chase the mass-market as well. A advanced design, Levi Strauss Signature, launched in July 2003, initially available exclusively through Wal-Mart. By the end of the year it had become apparent that the advanced border was the much-needed hit for which the association had been searching. The crowd rebranded the range as Signature by Levi Strauss, extended distribution to Target Stores and Kmart in 2004, and also introduced the range into selected mass-marketers in Australia (including Coles Myers Target a nd Kmart), Japan and other Asian markets. It was also launched in the UK (through Asda), France (through Carrefour), Germany (through Wal-Mart) and Switzerland (through Migros), nevertheless performed poorly and was withdrawn in 2007. Yet after a strong set off, sales of the Signature path have fallen steadily since 2005, declining from a peak of enclosing $410m that year to $260m in 2007.Dockers, first launched in the US in 1986, is the companys khaki-based casualwear path. It was launched as something of a reaction to inroads into the market by Gap and others, serving as a halfway mark between jeans and smarter dress pants. Dockers Slates, a sub-brand of dressier and more costly trousers, was discontinued in 2004. Although it has been generally successful, Charles Boisson Sheet 8Dockers remains very much the second string in the groups portfolio behind its jeans border. In 2004, Levi Strauss lay the Dockers brand up for sale in order to concenter on its still struggling core bus iness, however failed to attract a suitable buyer. Sales of the brand were reported at $1bn for 2003, however had fallen to enclosing $775m by 2005, with sales concentrated in the US. Since then it has repositioned itself as a wider casualwear brand, diversifying into shirts, sweaters and blazers, as well as a border of womens clothing. The unit was rewarded with an increase in revenues for 2006, its first for diverse years. For 2007, it generated sales were enclosing $915m. The arrangement also generates significant income from royalties on Dockers belts, footwear and other accessories manufactured by other companies under license.Levi Strauss has labor facilities and customer assistance centres throughout the earth. Until comparatively recently the corporation maintained a policy of manufacturing its goods in the regions in which they are sold, however rising take costs and declining sales made this increasingly unfeasible. Production in the US and Europe began to be farmed gon e to cheaper regions in the late 1990s. Having already closed cardinal of its US factories by 2003, the collection announced that the remaining four in North America would also be shuttered by early 2004. The collection supplies its products to encircling 60,000 retail outlets worldwide. It owns and operates encircling 200 of its own Levis or Dockers branded stores, and franchises encircling another 1,300. More than half of these stores are located in the Asia peaceful region. Otherwise sales are through department stores and national chains.There are three regional business units Levi Strauss North America operates district subsidiaries in the US, Canada and Mexico, and accounts for almost 60% of revenues, or $2.5bn in 2007 (compared to a peak of $4.8bn in 1996). Levi Strauss EMEA is the second biggest market, however performance there took longer to recover than in other markets. Sales rose in 2007 for the first date in distinct years, finally returning above the $1.0bn barrier. Asia Pacific remains the smallest market for immediately, nevertheless has been the companys strongest acting region for distinct years. Sales rose by a further 6% in 2007 to $805m, with Japan contributing a small under half of all sales. Charles Boisson Sheet 9Inquiry 4) As a strategic marketing consultant, advise Levi about what instantly it should immediately do ?It is every businesss objective to maximize their profits and lessen their expenses. Levis has invested on one of the most essential resource that a association could have its employees. Their corporate strategy has immediately been aline with their human resource management which is valuing their employees due to high costs of recruiting and training fresh staff. It must be noted that losing an employee can be very expensive and high staff turnover can eventually ruin a business. The at the end object that businesses call for is for its competitors to benefit from the training, knowledge and training that it has cr eate within its workforce.It is suggested that employers give their mankind the opportunity to create their own benefits decisions. This method, employees will capture a keener interest in their benefits. The traditional corporation benefits package often has a rigid one extent fits all approach it fails to consider the varying needs of individual employees. In addition, the traditional corporation benefits package may sometimes be complicated and difficult to manage. Thus, it is greatly recommended that companies like Levi Strauss and Co. implement a flexible benefits package to assist reduce costs and provide a greater choice for their workforce. Furthermore, flexible benefits provide additional lifestyle choices along with traditional association benefits such as private healthcare and the corporation grant scheme which will allow employees to choose the benefits that they require which in turn will motivate them and create them more productive.It is also valuable that companies like Levi Strauss and Co. consider some of the following pointers (1)ullet the main goals of the companys employee benefits programme,ullet the endure age that the association at the end reviewed their benefits scheme,ullet steps or initiatives undertaken to ensure that the companys benefits programme underpins their business strategy,ullet knowledge of employees regarding the benefits that the association offers and how they benefits from it,ullet issues like sickness and absence, healthcare and dental affliction, and (6) the extent of the relevance and significance of the recruitment and key staff in employers business and their industry.

A Generic Supervisory Of ICT Agriculture Information Technology Essay

A Generic Supervisory Of ICT Agriculture Information Technology EssayAgriculture is the most assured engine of failment and a real key to industrialisation (Ajibola, 2007). It is the basis of development, especi for each oney in Africa and other evolution countries. Increased in unpolished production is the best way of assessing that development. However, word meaning of countrified technologies is the tool of measuring the take aims of achievement and production potentials. Thus, reliable means of amend the living conditions of the farmers. Priorities ar therefore attached to the ways of exposing the farmers to current plain practices (Mando, 2002). eminent population append and excessive competition on limited agricultural and related technologies, mandated different stakeholders to devise the ways of utilising agricultural re starting times effectively. The distract means of achieving that and increase productivity ar through and through with(predicate) involvin g farmers to various decision making processes, and make them realise the ways of manipulating and combining various techniques that involved both scientific and autochthonic cognition. The use of desirable data technology that enhance horizontal and vertical exchange of ideas among farmers and other related comp anents becomes instrumental towards increase agricultural production and emend the living conditions of the arcadian people.(Michiels, 2001) moderate defined ICT as a range of electronic technologies which when converged in new configurations ar flexible, adaptable, enabling and capable of transforming organisations and redefining social relations. In related development, (Greenidge, 2003) defined ICT as those technologies that force out be utilise to interlink reading technology devices, such as personal figurers with talk technologies, such as rings and their colloquys .The definitions above, stresses on the train for integrating modern communication technol ogies with schematic ones, aimed at devising more than diversified means of exchanging and sharing of ideas among individuals. However, failed to consider the printed materials, sort out meetings and workshops, and question and answer service as ICTs that are employ frequently, conveniently filled the gaps of impersonal communication and enhances the feedback mechanisms.According to Joseph Schumpter, innovation is simply the doing of new things or the doing of things that are already being done in a new way. A definition that is more appropriate is the application of technological, institutional and human resources and discoveries to procreative processes, resulting in new practices, products, markets, institutions and organisation that are improved and faculty enhancing. (Nigel, 2006).The two generic sources of innovation in agriculture are informal system of experiment and selection, and formal systems of search and development. These two systems are connected to national and international arena organisations. The bottom line is how to consider the two (2) approaches to innovations, i.e. central and multiple source models. The central source model idiome on the theoretical and rhetoric concepts of formal agricultural interrogation and mention institutions, where major(ip) technical, institutional and social innovations evolved from the imperious work of international research center of attentions. part the multiple sources of innovation model embrace natural and farmer selections, and considered agricultural research and diffusion processes within various political, economical, institutional and historical context through which technological changes occur. Thus, innovations evolved from various sources of farmers, international centres, address staff, national research system and non-governmental organisations (Biggs, ).Information and communication technology is an congresswoman of private sector innovation of high priority. plain append age/education considered ICT issues as the most important topics for quite a long time. (Poole, 2000) examined the conventional ICTs like radio and television as the most important means of establishing a strong link between the farmers and their respective market demands, which are their major state of interest. And the information gap among the farmers and other beneficiaries are bridged up through providing additional sources by the modern ICTs like satellite, computer, net service caterrs and telephone systems. Both ICTs are used for addressing developmental issues and reducing poverty, and are adoptive by target audience.Agricultural cognition sharing created by information f moo helps in developing different agricultural sectors. However, there is a significant difference in sharing of information between inelegant areas and agricultural knowledge centres. Accessibility of information by the targeted audiences are the responsibilities of some stakeholders and intermediar y organisations(Stienen, 2007). In earlier and closely related observations by (Kenny, 2000)the accessibility of ICTs by rural people assist in devising a multi-dimensional approaches to technological uptake, poverty eradication and other related developmental issues. While (Skuse, 2001)argued that the use of ICT in addressing such issues, especially poverty eradication, depends to a greater extent on the desirable information content and infrastructural facilities. It is important to appreciate the earlier perceptions of (Chambers, 1997), that, individuals use of information and the reasons for using that information supercedes the information context. He further emphasized that, in rural areas, priorities are attached to policy and decision makers than the end users. Rural areas are therefore deprived by appropriate information, which is important for initiating developmental activities. in that location is the need to bridge the gap in knowledge and solve some problems through information acquisition.In considering the roles of ICTs in adoption of innovation, it is absolutely necessary to examine the differences in the needs of the rural and urban people, and the benefits derived. ICT uses could be more inclined to rural areas, mainly because of the contributions they provide towards agricultural developments. The roles therefore, provided by ICT in rural areas towards improving their livelihoods are unparallel to other areas.The roles of ICT in adoption of innovation in Nigeria is related to provision of agricultural support operate, improving market efficiency and weather forecast, through the use of internet and Global Service Mobile (GSM) phones, which improve farmers production potentials successfully, and reduces social isolation(Pickernell, 2004). Modern ICTs like internet, computer and mobile phones that improves rural banking systems and accessibility to credit facilities were encouraged and approved in Nigeria by the World Summit Information So ciety (WSIS), 2003 2005 as tools for developing rural communities (Stienen et al., 2007).The applications of ICT in Nigeria are considered vital for revolutionary role in diversification of scientific and indigenous technology. ICT abridged the gap created by geographical and cultural barriers, which are detrimental to agricultural production. Thus, information are shared effectively in post harvest technology, databases, market prices and other related information for immediate and in store(predicate) use, which is achieved by internet, email and world bulky web to facilitate communication (Obayelu, 2010).The roles of ICT in adoption of innovation are suppose to first be considered from the integrated point of view, before addressing the roles of individual ICTs. This is particularly important due to the differences in the socio-economic status of the rural people, and the need for encouraging the participatory action community approach, which is user-driven in nature. It is im portant however, to appreciate the uses of combination of conventional and modern ICTs in adoption processes. To this effect, therefore, the benefits derived from the Telecentres in Nigeria and other developing countries towards exposing the rural people to more diversified ICTs need to be discussed.Kiplang at 2001, defined Telecentre as community-based centre that accommodate ICTs, including fax, telephone, computer based system with internet connection and photocopying. A few telecentres provide additional service such as postal facilities, selling of telephone cards, newspaper and refreshment. The main objectives of establishing telecentres in the rural areas is to eradicate poverty and capacity building among the rural people.Telecentres are used for sharing knowledge among the rural people. It expose the farmers to various agricultural technologies and makes them to adopt the most desirable innovation. Telecentres are widely used in Africa and other developing countries. Accord ing to Synman, 2002, South Africa complete fifty-six (56) telecentres in the year, 2002 out of the projected one hundred (100) through Universal Service Agency. The number visiting clients were 140 per day, and the clients are from different areas of community-based services, like agricultural extension workers, farmers, teachers and students and health workers.Telecentres are widespread in Uganda, Senegal and Kenya, owned by political scienceal and Non-governmental organisations. While some are managed by agricultural research institute, like Ugunja Communication Research Centres in Kenya (Oguya, 2001).Oke-Ogun community development network (OCDN), located in Oyo-State -Nigeria and Fantsuan tooshie ICT in North-Central are two telecentres established in the years, 2003 and 2000 respectively, by the people of those communities, provided only four (40) computers to Ago-Are town, mainly used for train rural people, without telephone services. With the intervention of Pam Mclean fr om the United Kingdom, internet service provider was installed through internet connection in 2004. Information well-nigh agricultural innovations becomes readily available to the farmers in the area. Pam Mclean and Carole utilised the centres, with extensive web site on solar cooking information, which is rich information source, and introduced solar cooking video project which was widely adopted in the area. Participatory action research approach was the research method used. The technology is particularly applicable in minimising deforestation and other environmental problems caused by mining, and excessive farming activities on forested lands in Nigeria (Carole, 2005).As earlier emphasised, agricultural information in Nigeria and other developing countries are targeted to rural areas where the farmers lives, so that, their social and economic conditions are favourably improved. To achieve this, Emerald Publishing Group of the United Kingdom established a broad band service know ledge centre in Nigeria in Ihala village of Anambra State, which had a projected population of 20,000 people. The project took up in 2007 mainly for exchange of agricultural ideas among the farmers, aided by volunteer students. Computers with internet services and customised website were installed and monitored. Social interactions, mutual exchange of ideas and information retrieval were raise in the village. The project was successful, with up to 61% of the participants utilising the knowledge centre website for socialisation and discussions with farmers. Participatory community approach was effectively used(Ha, 2008).The serious problem facing all the telecentres in Nigeria is poor electricity supply and lack of stability in internet services. This problem is particularly not only in the rural areas, but in the urban counterparts. The unreliable internet connection reduces the efficiency of such telecentres, especially when users are eagerly anticipating urgent response to the w ays of combating a disease/pest infestation and immediate call for directions of use for newly introduced package.Farmers in Nigeria have different backgrounds, speak various languages. Standardised ICT usage cannot be applicable to all of them. The variation in the language of communication, coupled with low understanding of English, inhibits effective utilisation of ICTs. It is therefore, recommended that, software translators should be developed for proper ICT use.gene linkages of such centre with universities and research institutions are not highly intensified. Only one of the available telecentre in Nigeria (OCDN) is linked through ICT with foreign Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the university of Ibadan for certain project implementations.Combining socialisation and research activities in the alike(p) spot, makes the people to inclined more to social related activities than research.Radio is still the frequently used ICTs for adoption of innovation in Nigeria. This can be attributed to its availability than any other conventional or modern ICTs. Various adoption of innovation were successful in Nigeria through the use of radio. Combination of radio, posters, video and global system mobile (GSM) were used, with core extension programs for extending Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage (PICS) technology in Nigeria and other West African countries. The project realised that, accessibility of the rural people in Nigeria to television was truly low, mainly due to inadequate supply of electricity. Radio messages were used during various events of sensitisation, demonstration, follow-up and open the bag. There was a great difference in the adoption rates between villages with and without PICS radio messages. Thus, radio messages had significantly influenced the adoption of PICS sacks in Kano and other Northern states of Nigeria (Moussa, 2009). Posters were to a fault distributed to various stakeholders that are involved in the adoption of PICS tec hnology, which revealed the various stages that can be used for optimal utilisation of PICS technology . A video intimate on the use of the technology in the languages that are easily comprehended by rural people in Nigeria, Niger and Burkina Faso (Hausa and French ) were transferred to the GSM phones through Bluetooth to augment the demonstrations performed in various villages. The use of GSM phones was due to the realisation of the project of the expanded use of those phones in rural areas of Nigeria and other African countries (Moussa, 2009). Integrated ICTs (Radio, posters, video and mobile phones) were used in this project and tremendously increased the rate of adoption of this technology (PICS), thereby increase in the income level of the adopters, when sold the cowpea during lean period, and more importantly improved the health conditions of the people.Radio is the most persistently used conventional/traditional communication medium that is capable of transmitting various in formation to different set of people(FAO., 2004). According to (Chapman, 2003), radio has the capabilities of reaching farmers, regardless of their educational status and provide relevant information in the language they can understand. They emphasised that, radio is the cheapest means of providing information with exceptional power of linking the modern and conventional technologies for improving the livelihoods of the rural people. (Okwu, 2007) argued that, radio is the most widely appropriate medium used by all research and extension systems to extend messages to rural people, with little intellectualism to reach the remote places that could not be reach by the extension workers.The huffy assessment of great impact of radio in Nigeria is related to the findings of Iro, 2006 that, radio is the most preferred means of educating pastoral Fulani, which they found portable, even when herding. The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) utilises radio and television to introduce education al and enlighten programmes to Fulani. Educational status of Fulani is still low, despite the programmes aired for educating them, the enrolment pattern of their children in Nomadic schools is very low when compared with children of farmers in the same schools.The possible explanation to this is the nature of their movements from one place to another, which could affect the reception of the radio in some areas. It can as well as be attributed to lack of clear information about the time when the programmes are to be broadcasted and the content of the language. With all little things taken care of, and increasing level of awareness, educational and enlighten programmes would reduce the Fulani/farmer conflict that is persistently affect agricultural production in Nigeria.However, with all the benefits of radio as conventional ICT in Nigeria, the current status of telecommunication system after the sector has been reformed, is the emergence of many private radio stations. Those radio s tations are profit-oriented, attached extortionate charges to programmes sponsored by Non-governmental organisations, with little or no consideration to agricultural related programmes. While the public radio stations are producer-driven, inclined more to programmes that are carry throughing the interest of the government.Television and depiction Are important communication tools, ideals for demonstration of various techniques for easily understanding. They have an additional value of displaying motion pictures, requisite for teaching and learning processes. Many farmers are reached and stimulated about the new ideas(Ifran, 2006). When appropriately used, it is a source of reliable information, but most people considered it more as entertainment tools (Kari, 2007).According to (Omotayo, 2005), video has the potentials of using undistorted messages to reach deep number of farmers, since it doesnt depend on any reception/coverage patterns.Video could be use to inspire individuals t o involve in various planning and implementation stages of agricultural activities. It allows farmers and extension agents to edit and document important events like agricultural shows.Telephone There was remarkable increased in telephone lines in Nigeria when GSM was introduced in 2001. GSM lines were then 450,000, raised to over 38 million lines in 2007. The teledensity increased accordingly from 0.4 to 24 g/cm3 (Adeyinka, 2009). Telephones are available in either fixed or mobile form. Telephones are the rapidly spread ICT that cover large area in exchange of messages across various agricultural components of farmers, research and extension. According to (Shaibu, 2008) telephones are used by famers to access the agricultural markets conveniently. This helps in having knowledge about real situations in various markets, so as to enhance market efficiency and consistency. It can be integrated with computer for internet connectivity.Telephones are used by farmers to seek for immediate attention of extension agents during disease outbreak or other consultations which are prevented by geographical barriers. Nomadic Fulani are relating efficiently with veterinary assistants through mobile phones as long as there are network coverage.Computers For agricultural information to be sufficient through web technology, established connection is needed between computers and internet service providers. Such connection is useful for generation, compilation, dissemination and exchange of agricultural information (Zaman, 2002). earnings is therefore used by farmers to realise appropriate agricultural information that can be useful to adopt and utilise various innovations.(Munyau, 2000) explained that, world wide web (www) is used as important tool for creating awareness and providing agricultural information to farmers, while email services complements the www function , through establishing synergistic linkages and effective feedback mechanism.High cost of computer hard and soft wares and lack of computer literacy prevent rural people from using computer and other internet services effectively in evaluating relevant information about current technological advancements.THE WAYS ICT HELP RESEARCH AND EXTENSION IN OVERCOMING THE CONSTRAINTS OF ADOPTION OF mutation IN NIGERIAThe Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has divided its agricultural research institutes into five (5) agro-ecological zones, and these zones are liable for effective linkages between research and extension components. There are various senders and receivers of agricultural innovations and ideas that are involved in the communication of agricultural technologies to rural communities. Such communication sources are considered obnoxious when sent to the farmers at a later stage of agricultural production (Obayelu, 2010).There are eighteen (18) agricultural research centres in Nigeria that are solely responsible for improving the topical anesthetic crop varieties and developing new one s that are conducive to the existing farming situations, like rice, sugarcane, cassava, banana, soyabean to mentioned but a few.(Faturoti, 2006).Research and extension components have distinctive functions in agricultural development. The research component is responsible for providing science-based innovations, which is significant for creating the much needed change to agricultural productivity. While the extension components conveyed the innovations to the farmers for adoption, and in turn communicate the results, expectations and problems of the farmers to research component. For the roles of these components to be effective, there should be well coordinated linkage between them, which will enable each component to realise its potentials. In an effort to develop and strengthen these linkages, the FGN established various systems, like On-Farm Adaptive Research (OFAR), Farming System Research (FSR), Small Plot Adoption Techniques (SPAT) and Research- Extension Farmer- Input Link age system (REFILS). Although, the systems are relevant in providing much needed interaction, the FGN failed to support the linkages financially. There is the need to provide effective means with less cost and highly satisfactory result. This could only be achieved through integrating ICT for reinforcing the linkages (Lawal-Adebowale, 2008).The roles of ICT in augmenting the services of agricultural research are considered significant in adoption of innovation. This can be achieved through ways in which the results of some findings generated by research institutions can be extended to farmers, which is associated with changing agricultural information systems, such that the information about new agricultural innovations can be assessed by farmers through the web-based information systems. This helps in providing access to relevant publications directly. Efficiency of agricultural research could be enhanced by making soft wares that are related to agriculture more readily available. Accessibility of research soft ware is highly intensified in International Agricultural Research Centres. It is particularly important to involve various stakeholders, so that high interactive sessions for improving information generation and utilisation among farmers can be achieved successfully.Agricultural development and improving the quality of peoples life in Nigeria and other developing countries depends to a greater extent on the viability of the nations agricultural research and extension systems (NARES). Investment in NAREs, by the FGN becomes necessary for achieving the much needed progress in agricultural development. World Bank provides sufficient loans to Nigerias agriculture, specifically to Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) and research institutions for effective performance.Nigerian Agricultural extension system passed through various stages of development from commodity focus to professional services which have vision for farmers production potentials. auto matic data processing system are available in all States, still the most dignified extension service delivery in Nigeria, involving Local Government staff for carrying out various tasks. REFILS provides the desirable linkages for various stakeholders to interact in generating appropriate technology, assigning responsibilities to the actors involved and strategise the effectiveness of the modified training and visit extension system.Farmers and private sector involvement is still low in technological development and planning of the programme, with strengthen linkage mechanism. NARES and private sector (commercial and NGOs) provides specialised roles in the linkages, while the former is responsible for technological development, the later is engaged in the provision of essential inputs and supply services of credit and marketing. The major partners in REFILS are the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and the project coordinating unit (PCU). Non-Governmental organisations i.e. profit and non-profit oriented, joined extension services in Nigeria. The non profit oriented are providing extension services in a participatory inclined approach and weak linkages to NARS and public extension services.(NAERLS., 2002) find that, in Nigeria, extension agents are the most effective means through which farmers have information about innovation. Until the intervention of State-wide ADP in 1980, the ratio of extension agent to farmer was 1 2000, sometimes 1 3000. They further realised that, the ratio ranges from 1 848 in South Western zone to 1 1,650 in North Western zone, with more wider range when it involves women extension agents. The ratio failed to meet the recommendation of FAO of 1500.This therefore calls of integrating ICTs for cost effective and wider coverage of extension services that can complement the existing usage of ICTs in research and extension to overcome the problems of adoption of inno vation. The inclusion of modern ICTs to complement the existing conventional ICTs becomes imperative for making the farmers more knowledgeable about the current agricultural practices for increased in productivity.According to (Arokoyo, 2002), the roles of ICT in research and extension is traced after the organic law of ADP as World Bank assisted project. The strategy utilised the T V extension services in developing effective communication system. It was achieved through the use of mobile cinema vans, moving from one rural area to another, with extension publications that are printed in the languages easily understood by the people. happy implementation of which led to additional ICTs like radio, video and television in the mobile vans, when the bank increased the assistance. ADPs in various states extends its extension messages through radio and television programmes. National Agricultural Technology Support Project (NATSP) was established by ADP, as one of its second developme ntal phase in 1996, with Development Support Commission (DSC) units, which increased the viewing facilities. Through NATSP, more radio listening clubs were formed.(NAERLS., 2002) examined that, in the year, 2002, 70% of the states ADPs utilised one or more radio programs to broadcast agricultural information to farmers in their local languages that enhance proper understanding. The findings further revealed that, more than 48% of the ADPs broadcasts are relevant agricultural programmes in the television.The CTA-supported Questions and closures service in Nigeria used by NAERLS and nine (9) collaborative institution popularly known as Nigerian Question and Answer Service (NAQAS) has revolutionalised the ICT in research and extension. Users of NAQAS are provided with information required through references, factional information referral and advisory services.In a similar development, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with International Institu te of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Communication for Change (CFC), NAERLS and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, established the Information and Communication Support (ICS) for agricultural growth in Nigeria, with aim of strengthen capacity of farmer assistance organisations to package and disseminate information to farmers, thus, enhancing information flow(Ogunyinka, 2002). The project was started in eight ADPs states.(Ogunyinka, 2002) emphasised that, the networking in the project involves all the stakeholders and farmer association. The major activity of ICS is establishment of farmer resource centre in each of the eight states. The centres are supposed to have and utilised the following ICTsRadio and Television, Camera and Video, Computer with internet facilities, Telephone and Fax, Scanner, Photocopier and Printer, Cassette recorder/player, Generator and Lamination and Spiral binding machine.The NAQAS and ICS are established to use ICTs in improve horizontal exchange of ideas among the farmers, thus improving extension services. The information flow focus on the end-users (user-driven), in order to satisfy their needs.Establishing integrated ICTs like NAQAS, ICS and other telecentres are exceptionally significant towards providing a relevant and reliable information to the farmers living in rural areas. It is important to line that, any sustainable information development that entails using modern and conventional ICTs that is not encouraging a strong linkage between research/extension and the farmers should not have a significant impact in agricultural development. In Nigeria, the linkages between extension and farmers is highly intensified, while that, between research and farmers is comparatively weak. This can be attributed to the low level of literacy for assessing information easily, on part of the farmers and weak contacts to the farmers, depending on extension component to disseminate information and more emphasis on the managerial activities. The constraints the NAQAS and ICS may likely face is the domination of accessibility of such centres by researchers and other literate individuals in the communities. The centres are supposed to provide intensive trainings to farmers for proper utilisation of the resources. The sustainability of this and other related projects that are funded by international organisations, tend to terminates if such funding terminates. The Local, State and Federal Governments are anticipate to consistently monitor and evaluate the activities of such centres for achieving the desired objectives.The status of ICT in agricultural research and extension organisations in South Western Nigeria was assessed by Lawal-A., 2008, analysed that, all the eight agricultural research institutes and six extension organisations except, Osun State ADP, had computers, internet facilities and telephone system. Telex/fax machines were available in four research institutes, and two extension organisations. The result h owever, shows that, the ICTs were only found in some offices at the headquarters. The research and extension personnel with whom the field works are assigned have little access to such facilities. Adequate ICT infrastructure is necessary for agricultural development and the effect of such development could not be felt with the borderline improvement in ICTs infrastructural facilities (Institute., 2005).Kano State ADP is currently using mobile telephones to call for meetings, workshops and other important information to farmer groups. More than 12,000 farmer groups were formed, each group comprises of 25 members. Focus group discussion and use of existing traditional groups were the techniques used in forming the groups. Each group has a leader possessing a functional mobile phone through which the head of extension unit of the ADP contact them for important messages that deserve immediate attention. Thus, the use of mobile phones facilitates communication and established reliable l inkages between the extension and rural farmers.From the discussions, it was observed that, research and extension in Nigeria are currently using integrated ICTs in motivation farmers to adopt various innovations. However, the use of effective individual ICTs are relevant for extending messages to fa

In An Oldsters Mind :: essays research papers

In An Oldsters Mind     Crowd and noise always interrupt my mind in the TV room. I desiresomeone to take me clog up to my private room. I want to be alone and think aboutmy personal things. I appreciate that a nurse helping me to go guts my room.Along the h every(prenominal)way, I look straight forward and do nothing like a plant. Whatfactor causes the plant to move? I turn my brainiac as if I have seen my friend, aclose friend passing my wheelchair. What I see at the back actually is a nursewho is fright by my active and rare movement. When I look back again, thenurse has a already fallen onto the floor. Screaming and nervousness spread outall over the floor. Bang The door close behind me.     Staring at the mirror, I used to count the number of wrinkles on myforehead. They remind me the number of inerasable ancient events that I hadinvolved in. Rapidly, I climb on the bed. Bed is my lovely place. I call it, thegymnasium.   & nbsp I used to roll on my bed. Whenever my mind cannot occasion or do notknow what should do next, I would roll, roll and roll. This time is unusualbecause my head is crashing the fence of the bed. It is not much painful. Thecrash simoleons me rolling but starts me getting recall of my friend, Angus. At atime, my brain is working like a computer loading an enormous file. A pick up isappearing - a guy is walking towards me and gives me his saber. The saber issharp and shiny, it reflects an intensive light to my eyes. My eyes shutterreluctantly. I see my school, my night school. I am glad that this recall is notbeing erased. I remember that Angus sat beside me."Do your best. You are new to this subject. Everything here is brand new toyou. Dont worry. mediocre try your best." Angus held up his head by his hand andmurmured. His eyes were staring on the page of a novel, but I knew he wastalking to me. In my class Angus was the only one who retook the course.Everyday I att ended the course because I would get the mark of attendance. Theteachers voice was gradually fading out until no words I could hear. Everydaythe whole course started and finished like that.At home I used to turn on the radio. Loneliness was my hatred. The louderthe radio, the more it comforted me.

Real Politics :: Free College Admissions Essays

I have worked on many political campaigns in my life and I have enjoyed the work but the Virginia Gubernatorial election was a turning point in my life. I was seventeen and this campaign was different, this time I had a lot of responsibility, I was in control of a portion of a city and I was determined to show people that I could yield a difference. It was the knowledge that I could make a difference that showed me that I wanted to work in politics either running as a politician or campaigning for one. I will continue to gain experience by volunteering on political campaigns and I will gain knowledge by completing my Bachelors degree in political science. This was the day that I decided that I can do more(prenominal) and effect more than I had ever believed possible. It was November sixth and right in the middle of fall. The leaves were changing color, falling by the trees, and the foliage was covering the ground. I remember my parents waking me up at 5am it was hard for me to wake up because the night before I stayed late working at campaign headquarters and preparing for this day. It was the last day to make a difference it was Election Day. When I finally got out of my bed it was tranquilize iniquity, I jumped into the shower then picked up a bagel for the road. It was dark and cold outside and my hands were shaking either from being nervous that I wouldnt do a good job or rightful(prenominal) the cold weather. It was about a ten minute car ride to where my mother and I would be working for the day. When we arrived we immediately set up the signs, so everyone would know that this was the voting place. My mom went inside the school to meet some of the other people who would be working at the school. Her job was to check off all the people who voted that day. This list would later be given to me so I could relay the information to headquarters. But while she was inside I was still setting up the signs outside. This would be the beginnin g of a long and frustrating day. As I was putting up the signs I ran into another person who was besides putting up signs for our candidate.