Netflix’s business model Essay

Analysis part Question 1 In its competition with Netflix, where did Blockbuster go wrong? How was the use of customer data a key differentiator? How might Blockbuster have better positioned itself against Netflix? Answer 3 things that Blockbuster goes wrong are: 1. Slow & Inadequate Response â€Å"No Late Fees† program was misleading â€Å"Total Access† program was not well integrated – customers had to maintain separate accounts for the Web-based system and the store. 2. Structural Issues Stores were franchise-based and Web site was maintained by corporate Capex requirements for starting a separate Web-based logistics system to deliver DVDs by mail 3. Lack of Information Systems Lack of knowledge about its customers’ preferences and behaviors Lack of an appropriate CRM system Question 2 What are the core competencies of Netflix’s current business model (primary DVD-by-mail with an online component)? Assess the value of Netflix’s business as described in the case Answer Core competencies of Netflix’s current business model 1. Flexibility †¢ Subscription model – no late fees! †¢ Customers could rent and watch movies on their own schedules 2. Selection and Logistics †¢ No physical stores †¢ Allowed deep selection in a wide variety of genres 3. Convenience †¢ Mail delivery obviated the need to drive to bricks-and-mortar stores †¢ Queuing system on Web site allowed customers to have a constant flow of movies 4. Customer Insight †¢ Cinematch collaborative filtering algorithms aided the discovery process – better customer experience †¢ Recommendation system and analytics allowed deeper understanding of customer trends, which let Netflix adapt better and more quickly Question 3 What effects will the rise of the VOD market likely have on Netflix’s business model? How does VOD threaten Netflix’s business? What opportunities does it present? For opportunities, Netflix has ability to license its platform, be the benchmark in movie streaming and higher impact of Netflix’s existing CRM system. Therefore, Netflix has to shift organizational focus from logistic efficiency to technology excellence and need to invest in owning a platform to provide the service In terms of threats, the current physical distribution channel will become a liability and competitors like Apple, which has the know-how to sell online and holds a huge customer database and brand equity, will become a threat. Then, Netflix need to shift investment from logistics to technology, continue to build the Netflix brand as an instant provider of movies from studios to customers’ homes and to invest in customer loyalty and CRM solutions Question 4 Which of Netflix’s current competencies can it best leverage as a competitive advantage in VOD? Which might be liabilities (refer to the comparing value drivers in the Video Rental Market) Netflix has three core competencies to succeed in VOD market which are wide selection, brand equity and customer relationships and recommendation tool and customer knowledge. However, there are weaknesses for Netflix in moving toward VOD market, the warehouse and facilities and employee overhead will threaten Netflix in term of cost since Netflix will rely heavily on technology. Question 5 What kind of partnerships should Netflix prioritize: partnerships with content providers or with hardware/device manufacturers? Partnership Prioritization: Parallel Tracking  Netflix should not limit itself; goal is to be a service provider, not a content producer or a hardware manufacturer. Don’t compete in areas where Netflix is at point of parity; compete where Netflix has advantages. Roll up Roku effort under umbrella of device partnerships; devote resources across all initiatives evenly. Becoming the service provider and content recommender on all cable platforms is a top priority. Assume that movie studios and other content producers will want to distribute via Netflix; it is in their best interest. 1) Competition between Netflix and Blockbuster  (where Blockbuster goes wrong): The case revealed that in general without doubt Netflix was much more stronger than Blockbuster. Netflix could carry a much larger quantity and diversity across genders and at the same time Blockbuster was constrained by physical limitations imposed by its bricks-and-mortar stores, generally limited its selection to mainstream titles. Furthermore, Blockbuster made very big inconvenience for the customers who wanted to keep the movies longer time (because it limited rentals from one to five days). Moreover, customers had to pay additional amount of money (a fee) if they returned a video late. Blockbuster’s pricing model meant the customers had to pay each time they rented a video, while Netflix charged a flat subscription and were allowed to rent one to five DVDs at one time with no limit on how many could be rented in a month or no due date. Therefore, Netflix’s pricing schemes gave customers a greater flexibility comparing with Blockbuster’s pricing which was not so attractive for current customers. Also, Blockbuster could not offer for its customers one of the main things in business world – the flexibility , because it was constrained by inventory at its stores, but Netflix was strong enough to provide flexibility for customers. The problem was that main focus of a business model was based not on inventory warehouses what had negative effects for customers limiting them on keeping movies as long as they wanted to have them. However, †no late fee† program , the one Blockbuster was using, later, was also not so successful for the company as it was expected. And finally, the latest one,†¦

Birth of Witricity Technology Essay

1. INTRODUCTION In this era of modernization, electricity has become the cup of life. A moment without electricity makes your thinking go dry. The major source of conventional form of electricity is through wires. The continuous research and development has brought forward a major breakthrough, which provides electricity without the medium of wires. This wonder baby is called Witricity. There are certain small but very useful discoveries made in history, which changed the world forever, Newton’s gravitational law, Watt’s steam engine, Thomson’s bulb and many more. But a renaissance occurred with the invention of Electromagnetic Waves by Maxwell. Sir Jagdish Chandra Bose successfully generated electromagnetic waves having wavelength in the range of 5mm to 25 mm. Thereafter an Italian scientist named Marconi succeeded in transmitting electromagnetic waves up to a distance of several miles. And with this there started a new era called WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY. Today, as we can see the word ‘wireless’ is common in day – to – day life. Wireless communication has made the world smaller. Almost each and everything is wireless or cordless. Cordless mouse, cordless keyboard, satellite  communication, mobiles, cordless microphones and headphones, wireless internet service i.e. WI-FI, etc. And these have definitely increased the standard of living. In fact it dates back to the 19th century, when Nikola Tesla used conduction-based systems instead of resonance magnetic fields to transfer wireless power. As it is in Radiative mode, most of the Power was wasted and has less efficiency. Further, in 2005, Dave Gerding coined the term WiTricity which is being used by the MIT researchers today. Moreover, we all are aware of the use of electromagnetic radiations which is quite well known for wireless transfer of information. In addition, lasers have also been used to transmit energy without wires. However, radio waves are not feasible for power transmissions because the nature of the radiation is such that it spreads across the place, resulting into a large amount of radiations being wasted. Witricity is based upon coupled resonant objects to transfer energy between objects without wires. The system consists of a Witricity transmitter, and devices which act as receivers. Like radio receivers, the devices must be in range of the transmitter. Witricity will ensure that the cell phones, laptops, iPods and other power thirsty devices get charged on their own, eliminating the need of plugging them in. Even better, because of Witricity some of the devices won’t require batteries to operate which is a boon for the users of these devices. HISTORY: In 1825 William Sturgeon invented the electromagnet, a conducting wire wrapped around an iron core. The principle of EM induction — that a changing magnetic field can induce an electrical current in an adjacent wire — was discovered by Michael Faraday in 1831. Combining these two discoveries, Nicholas Joseph Callan was the first to demonstrate the transmission and reception of electrical energy without wires. Callan’s 1836 induction coil apparatus consisted of two insulated coils called the primary and secondary windings both placed around a common iron core. A battery intermittently connected to the primary would ‘induce’ a voltage in the longer secondary causing a spark to jump across its free terminals. In an induction coil or electrical transformer, which can have either an iron core or an air core, the transmission of energy takes place by simple electromagnetic coupling through a process known as mutual induction. With  this method it is possible to transmit and receive energy over a considerable distance. However, to draw significant power in that way, the two inductors must be placed fairly close together. If resonant coupling is used, where inductors are tuned to a mutual frequency, significant power may be transmitted over a range of many meters. In 1864 James Clark Maxwell mathematically modeled the behavior of electromagnetic radiation. Some early work in the area of energy transmission via radio waves was done in 1888 by Heinrich Hertz who performed experiments that validated Maxwell’s mathematical model. Hertz’s apparatus for generating electromagnetic waves is generally acknowledged as the first radio transmitter. A few years later Guglielmo Marconi worked with a modified form of the Hertz-wave transmitter, the main improvement being the addition of an elevated conductor and a ground connection. Both of these elements can be traced back to the 1749 work of Benjamin Franklin and that of Mahlon Loomas in 1864. Nikola Tesla also invented radio transmission and reception but unlike Marconi, Tesla designed his own transmitter — one with power-processing capability some five orders-of-magnitude greater than those of its predecessors. He would use this same coupled-tuned-circuit oscillator to implement his conduction-based energy transmission method as well. Both of these no-cables methods employ a minimum of four tuned circuits, two at the transmitter and two at the receiver. As wireless technologies were being developed during the early 1900s, researchers further investigated these different transmission methods. The goal was simply to generate an effect locally and detect it at a distance. Around the same time, efforts began to power more significant loads than the high-resistance sensitive devices that were being used to simply detect the received energy. 2. EVOLUTION OF WITRICITY 2.1 INVENTORS OF WITRICITY The inventors of Witricity are the researchers from the team from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. They are the people who had coined the phrase of Witricity and this invention can change the way electricity is used today. With Witricity, the tangle of cables, plugs and charters that  normally clutter homes can be rid of. Prof. Marin Soljacic provided the inspiration for the experiment and invention of Witricity. It was while standing in the kitchen one night, that on staring at his mobile phone that he had thought it would be nice if his mobile phone would take care of its own charging instead of him having to periodically charge it. He then tried out his experiment using two coils of copper, where one was connected to a receiver, and the other to a transmitter. With the help of these two coils of copper, the inventors of Witricity managed to transmit power across seven feet through the air to instantly light up a light bulb. Though Witricity worked only distances up till 9 feet at its inception, the inventors believed that it was possible to charge a battery that was located at a distance of a few yards from the power source that was connected to the receiving coil. They state that it would be sufficient to place a source in each room to provide power to the whole house. 2.2. BIRTH OF WITRICITY TECHNOLOGY The experimental design consisted of two copper coils, each a self-resonant system. One of the coils, connected to an AC power supply, was the resonant source. The other coil, the resonant capture device, was connected to a 60 watt light bulb. The power source and capture device were suspended in mid-air with nylon thread, at distances that ranged from a few centimeters to over 2.5 meters (8.2 ft). Not only was the light bulb illuminated, but the theoretical predictions of high efficiency over distance were proven experimentally. By placing various objects between the source and capture device, the team demonstrated how the magnetic near field can transfer power through certain materials and around metallic obstacles. Thus Prof. Soljacic’s dream of finding a method to wirelessly connect mobile electric devices to the existing electric grid was realized. Witricity Corp. was soon launched to carry this technology forward from the MIT laboratories to commercial production. 2.3. FUNDAMENTALS OF WITRICITY TECHNOLOGY Witricity technology is transferring electric energy or power over distance  without wires with the basics of electricity and magnetism, and work our way up to the wireless technology. Electricity: The flow of electrons (current) through a conductor (like a wire), or charges through the atmosphere (like lightning).A convenient way for energy to get from one place to another! Magnetism: A fundamental force of nature, which causes certain types of materials to attract or repel each other Oscillating magnetic fields vary with time, and can be generated by alternating current (AC) flowing on a wire. The strength, direction, and extent of magnetic fields are often represented and visualized by drawings of the magnetic field lines. Fig.1 Magnetic Induction Electromagnetism: A term for the interdependence of time-varying electric and magnetic fields. For example, it turns out that an oscillating magnetic field produces an electric field and an oscillating electric field produces a magnetic field. Magnetic Induction: A loop or coil of conductive material like copper, carrying an Alternating current (AC), is a very efficient structure for generating or capturing magnetic field. If a conductive loop is connected to an AC power source, it will generate an oscillating magnetic field in the vicinity of the loop A second conducting loop, brought close enough to the first, may â€Å"capture† some portion of that oscillating magnetic field, which in turn, generates or induces an electric current in the second coil. The current generated in the second coil may be used to power devices. Energy/Power Coupling: Energy coupling occurs when an energy source has a means of transferring energy to another object. One simple example is a locomotive pulling a train car—the mechanical coupling between the two enables the locomotive to pull the train. Magnetic coupling occurs when the magnetic field of one object interacts with a second object and induces an electric current in or on that object. In this way, electric energy can be transferred from a power source to a powered device. Fig.2 Illustration showing resonance Resonance: Resonance can be thought of as the natural frequency at which energy can most efficiently be added to an oscillating system. A playground swing is an example of an oscillating system involving potential energy and kinetic energy. Resonant Magnetic Coupling: Magnetic coupling occurs when two objects exchange energy through their varying or oscillating magnetic fields. Resonant coupling occurs when the natural frequencies of the two objects are approximately the same. Fig.3 Illusration showing the working of WiTricity 3. HOW WITRICITY TECHNOLOGY IS DIFFERENT THAN OTHER TECHNOLOGIES. 3.1. TRADITIONAL MAGNETIC INDUCTION Witricity technology for power transfer appears to be traditional magnetic induction, such as is used in power transformers, where conductive coils transmit power to each other wirelessly, over very short distances. In a transformer, an electric current running in a sending coil (or â€Å"primary  winding†) induces another current in a receiving coil (or â€Å"secondary winding†). The two coils must be very close together, and may even overlap, but the coils do not make direct electrical contact with each other. However, the efficiency of the power exchange in traditional magnetic induction systems drops by orders of magnitude when the distance between the coils becomes larger than their sizes. In addition to electric transformers, other devices based on traditional magnetic induction include rechargeable electric toothbrushes, and inductive â€Å"charging pads† which require that the object being charged be placed directly on top of, or very close to, the base or pad supplying the power. The power exchange efficiency of some induction systems is improved by utilizing resonant circuits. These so called resonantly enhanced induction techniques are used in certain medical implants and high-frequency RFids. Witricity founding technical team was the first to discover that by specially designing the magnetic resonators, one could achieve strong coupling and highly efficient energy exchange over distances much larger than the size of the resonator coils, distances very large compared to traditional schemes. 3.2. WITRICITY TECHNOLOGY IS DIFFERENT THAN RADIATIVE POWER TRANSFER Witricity technology for power transfer is non-radiative and relies on near-field magnetic coupling. Many other techniques for wireless power transfer rely on radiative techniques, either broadcasted or narrow beam (directed radiation) transmission of radio, or light waves. Broadcasted radiation of radio frequency energy is commonly used for wireless information transfer because information can be transmitted over a wide area to multiple users. The power received by each radio or wireless receiver is miniscule, and must be amplified in a receiving unit using an external power supply. Because the vast majority of radiated power is wasted into free space, radio transmission is considered to be an inefficient means of power transfer. Note that while more energy can be supplied to the receiver by â€Å"cranking up the power† of the transmitters in these systems, such high power levels may pose a safety hazard and may interfere with other  radiofrequency devices. Directed radiation†, using highly directional antennas, is another means of using radio transmission to beam energy from a source to a receiver. However, directed radiation—in particular microwave radiation—may interact strongly with living organisms and certain metallic objects. Such energy transfer methods may pose safety hazards to people or objects that obstruct the line-of-sight between the transmitter and receiver. These limitations make directed radio transmission impractical for delivering substantial levels of wireless power in a typical consumer, commercial, or industrial application. In fact, defense researchers are exploring the use of directed energy systems to deliver lethal doses of power to targets in space and on the battlefield. 3.3. WITRICITY TECHNOLOGY IS DIFFERENT THAN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) MRI machines use â€Å"magnetic resonance imaging† to produce diagnostic images of soft tissue. Many people assume that Witricity â€Å"Resonant Magnetic Coupling† must be similar to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, however, the technologies are similar in name only.MRI is, as its name suggests, a technology for using magnetism as a basis for diagnostic imaging of soft tissue in the human body. It utilizes a strong DC magnet to orient the magnetic fields of atoms within tissues, and radio frequency fields to manipulate those atoms in a selective way, so that tissues and structures can be imaged clearly. The â€Å"resonance† referred to in â€Å"MRI† refers to the resonance of atomic structures. MRI is not considered to be a method for wireless power transfer. 4. STRIKING FEATURES OF WITRICITY 4.1. HIGHLY RESONANT STRONG COUPLING PROVIDES HIGH EFFICIENCY OVER DISTANCE Witricity mode of wireless power transfer is highly efficient over distances ranging from centimeters to several meters. Efficiency may be defined as the amount of usable electrical energy that is available to the device being  powered, divided by the amount of energy that is drawn by the Witricity source. In many applications, efficiency can exceed 90%. And Witricity sources only transfer energy when it is needed. When a Witricity powered device no longer needs to capture additional energy, the Witricity power source will automatically reduce its power consumption to a power saving â€Å"idle† state. 4.2. ENERGY TRANSFER VIA MAGNETIC NEAR FIELD CAN PENETRATE AND WRAP AROUND OBSTACLES The magnetic near field has several properties that make it an excellent means of transferring energy in atypical consumer, commercial, or industrial environment. Most common building and furnishing materials, such as wood, gypsum wall board, plastics, textiles, glass, brick, and concrete are essentially â€Å"transparent† to magnetic fields—enabling Witricity technology to efficiently transfer power through them. In addition, the magnetic near field has the ability to â€Å"wrap around† many metallic obstacles that might otherwise block the magnetic fields.WiTricity applications engineering team will work with you to address the materials and environmental factors that may influence wireless energy transfer in your application 4.3. NON-RADIATIVE ENERGY TRANSFER IS SAFE FOR PEOPLE AND ANIMALS Witricity technology is a non-radiative mode of energy transfer, relying instead on the magnetic near field. Magnetic fields interact very weakly with biological organisms—people and animals—and are scientifically regarded to be safe. Professor Sir John Pendry of Imperial College London, a world renowned physicist, explains:â€Å"The body really responds strongly to electric fields, which is why you can cook a chicken in a microwave .But it doesn’t respond to magnetic fields. As far as we know the body has almost zero response to magnetic fields in terms of the amount of power it absorbs.† Evidence of the safety of magnetic fields is illustrated by the widespread acceptance and safety of household magnetic induction cook tops. Through proprietary design of the Witricity source, electric fields are almost completely contained within the source. This design results in levels  of electric and magnetic fields which fall well within regulatory guidelines. Thus Witricity technology doesn’t give rise to radio frequency emissions that interfere with other electronic devices, and is not a source of electric and magnetic field levels that pose a risk to people or animals. Limits for human exposure to magnetic fields are set by regulatory bodies such as the FCC, ICNIRP, and are based on broad scientific and medical consensus. Witricity technology is being developed to be fully compliant with applicable regulations regarding magnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation. 4.4. SCALABLE DESIGN ENABLES SOLUTIONS FROM MILL WATTS TO KILOWATTS Witricity systems can be designed to handle a broad range of power levels. The benefits of highly efficient energy transfer over distance can be achieved at power levels ranging from mill watts to several kilowatts. This enables Witricity technology to be used in applications as diverse as powering a wireless mouse or keyboard (mill watts) to recharging an electric passenger Vehicle (kilowatts).Witricity technology operates in a â€Å"load following† mode, transferring only as much energy as the powered device requires. 4.5. FLEXIBLE GEOMETRY ALLOWS WITRICITY DEVICES TO BE EMBEDDED INTO OEM PRODUCTS Witricity technology is being designed so that it can be easily embedded into a wide variety of products and Systems. The physics of resonant magnetic coupling enables Witricity engineers to design power sources and devices of varying shapes and sizes, to match both the packaging requirements and the power transfer requirements in a given OEM application. Witricity has designed power capture devices compact enough to fit into a cell phone 5. ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES 5.1 ADVANTAGES No need of line of sight – In witricity power transmission there is no need of line of sight between transmitter and receiver. That is power transmission can be possible if there is any obstructions like wood, metal, or other devices were placed in between the transmitter and receiver. There’s no need of power cables and batteries – Witricity replaces the use of power cables and batteries. Does not interfere with radio waves and overall Wastage of power is small – Electromagnetic waves would tunnel, they would not propagate through air to be absorbed or dissipated. So the wastage is small. Negative health implications – By the use of resonant coupling, wave lengths produced are far lower and thus make it harmless. Highly efficient than electromagnetic induction – Electromagnetic induction system can be used for wireless energy transfer only if the primary and secondary are in very close proximity. Resonant induction system is one million times as efficient as electromagnetic induction system. Its less costly – The components of transmitter and receivers are cheaper. So this system is less costly. 5.2. DISADVANTAGES Wireless power transmission can be possible only in few meters. Efficiency is only about 40%.As witricity is in development stage, lot of work is done for improving the efficiency and distance between transmitter and receiver. 6. WITRICITY APPLICATIONS Witricity wireless power transfer technology can be applied in a wide variety of applications and environments. The ability of our technology to transfer power safely, efficiently, and over distance can improve products by making them more convenient, reliable and environmentally friendly Witricity technology can be used to provide: 6.1. DIRECT WIRELESS POWER When all the power a device needs is provided wirelessly, and no batteries are required. This mode is for a device that is always used within range of  its Witricity power source. 6.2. AUTOMATIC WIRELESS CHARGING When a device with rechargeable batteries charges itself while still in use or at rest, without requiring a power cord or battery replacement. This mode is for a mobile device that may be used both in and out of range of its Witricity power source. Witricity technology is designed for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) to embed directly in their products and systems. Witricity technology will make your products: More Convenient: 1) No manual recharging or changing batteries. 2) Eliminate unsightly, unwieldy and costly power cords. More Reliable: 3) Never run out of battery power. 4) Reduce product failure rates by fixing the ‘weakest link’: flexing wiring and mechanical interconnects. 5) More Environmentally Friendly: 6) Reduce use of disposable batteries. 7) Use efficient electric ‘grid power’ directly instead of inefficient battery charging 6.3. CONSUMER ELECTRONICS Automatic wireless charging of mobile electronics (phones, laptops, game controllers, etc.) in home, car, office, Wi-Fi hotspots while devices are in use and mobile. Fig.4 Electronic devices that can be powered up using Witricity. Direct wireless powering of stationary devices (flat screen TV’s, digital picture frames, home theater accessories, wireless loud speakers, etc.) †¦ eliminating expensive custom wiring, unsightly cables and â€Å"wall-wart† power  supplies. Direct wireless powering of desktop PC peripherals: wireless mouse, keyboard, printer, speakers, display, etc†¦ eliminating disposable batteries and awkward cabling. Industrial: Direct wireless power and communication interconnections across rotating and moving â€Å"joints† (robots, packaging machinery, assembly machinery, machine tools) †¦ eliminating costly and failure-prone wiring. Direct wireless power and communication interconnections at points of use in harsh environments (drilling, mining, underwater, etc.) where it is impractical or impossible to run wires. 6.4. TRANSPORTATION Automatic wireless charging for future hybrid and all-electric passenger and commercial vehicles, at home, in parking garages, at fleet depots, and at remote kiosks. Direct wireless power interconnections to replace costly vehicle wiring harnesses and slip rings. 6.5. OTHER APPLICATIONS Direct wireless power interconnections and automatic wireless charging for implantable medical devices (ventricular assist devices, pacemaker, defibrillator, etc.) Automatic wireless charging and for high tech military systems (battery powered mobile devices, covert sensors, unmanned mobile robots and aircraft, Direct wireless powering and automatic wireless charging of smart cards. Direct wireless powering and automatic wireless charging of consumer appliances, mobile robots, etc. Fig.5 Illustration showing Witricity 7. CONCLUSION Witricity engineering is often a non-radiative method of power switch, relying as an alternative within the magnetic close to field. Magnetic fields work together extremely weakly with organic organisms—people and  animals—and are scientifically considered to get safe. WiTricity merchandise are becoming designed to comply with applicable security requirements and regulations. Therefore witricity is know-how safe. Witricity can switch energy is dependent to the supply and receivers. if it really is comparatively shut to one yet another, and may exceed 95%.Efficiency is mostly determined through the length amongst the ability supply and seize machine, about the other hand, the form may perhaps affect the efficiency. it may switch the facility by means of walls also. Conventional magnetic induction calls for that the ability resource and seize unit be quite near to one a lot more typically inside millimeters to exchange ability efficiently. Witricity Technology is depending on sharply resonant sturdy coupling, and is particularly capable to exchange strength effectively even in the event the distances amongst the ability supply and seize gadget are many occasions the dimension of your products themselves. 8. FUTURE SCOPE MIT’s Witricity is only 40 to 45% efficient and according to Soljacic, they have to be twice as efficient to compete with the traditional chemical batteries. The team’s next aim is to get a robotic vacuum or a laptop working, charging devices placed anywhere in the room and even robots on factory floors .The researchers are also currently working on the health issues related to this concept and have said that in another three to five years time, they will come up with a Witricity system for commercial use. TROY, Mich. — Delphi Automotive has reached an agreement with Witricity Corp., a wireless energy transfer technology provider, to develop automatic wireless charging products for hybrid and electric vehicles. The collaboration between the two companies will help establish a global infrastructure of safe and convenient charging options for consumer and commercial electric vehicles. â€Å"This is groundbreaking technology that could enable automotive manufacture rs to integrate wireless charging directly into the design of their hybrid and electric vehicles,† said Randy Sumner, director, global hybrid vehicle development, Delphi Packard Electrical/Electronic Architecture. â€Å"Delphi’s expertise in global engineering, validation and manufacturing coupled with Witricity patented  wireless energy transfer technology uniquely positions us to make wireless charging of electric vehicles a reality.† Sumner said the wireless charging system would involve no plugs or charging cords. Drivers would simply park their electric vehicle over a wireless energy source that sits on the garage floor, or is embedded in a paved parking spot. The system will automatically transfer power to the battery charger on the vehicle. According to Eric Giler, chief executive officer, Witricity, their wireless system can already transfer over 3,300 watts — enough to fully charge an electric car at the same rate as most residential plug-in chargers. â€Å"Charging an electric car should be as easy as parking it in your garage or parking spot,† Giler said. â€Å"Witricity high efficiency wireless energy transfer technology is ideally suited for electric vehicle charging, and our partnership with Delphi will help to quickly get this technology deployed in OEM vehicles and infrastructure projects worldwide.† Delphi can bridge the gap between the laboratory and the highway by providing E/E systems integration expertise, a global manufacturing and engineering footprint and high-voltage, high-power components specifically engineered for the hybrid and electric vehicles of today and tomorrow,† Sumner said. Wireless charging technology will need to co-exist with plug-in charging solutions, Sumner added, so that electric vehicle drivers have the ability to charge their vehicle when they are away from their wireless charging source. Delphi also makes a Portable Electric Vehicle Charger that fits conveniently in the trunk of an electric vehicle. The user-friendly, UL-listed charging system plugs into any standard 120-volt outlet to enable safe electric vehicle battery charging at home or away. The charging unit can also be integrated into stationary charging applications. Fig.6 Delphi’s solution for charging the cars using witricity technology REFERENCES [1] Change your electric vehicle wirelessly with Fulton innovations eCoupled technology by Yuka Yoneda. [2] MIT Witricity Not So Original After all by Gary Peterson. [3] MIT team experimentally demonstrates wireless power transfer, potentially useful for powering laptops, cell phones without cords, Franklin Hadley, Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies. [4] www.witricity.com, Wireless Electricity Delivered Over Distance. [5] MIT Wizards Zap Electricity Through The Air by Katherine Noyes. [6] MIT Makes Breakthrough in Wireless Electricity by Karen M.Cheung.

Computer-Mediated Communication

Many problems arise when people communicate over the internet. In fact, over the past few weeks, with our class communicating via email and GoogleSites, I encountered a few obstacles. It was difficult to process all the information being sent out. I was wary of reading every single post because it was just so much information. I certainly thought it was a great way to really see how computer mediated communication affected relationships. The interesting thing is that my generation is so keen on using facebook, twitter, myspace, etc. But when it comes to something like email, it feels disorganized or confusing to us.When it came to the GoogleSites, I found it difficult to navigate through everything. I rarely check my email and really just use it to send junk mail to. Relationships develop differently over the internet than in person or over the phone. For one thing, the internet creates a certain veil for people hide behind. Here you can take as much time as you like to think about w hat you will say. You have much more power to direct which way the conversation will go. You have the ability to say whatever you please without much of a consequence. There is also a huge disconnect between the two people communicating.It's not uncommon for strangers to get in heated political debates, saying hurtful things in order to get a message across. It's much less common to lose control of yourself when speaking face-to-face because there are possible consequences if you offend the other person. You may feel more sympathy and guilt. Whereas on the internet, the disconnect is greater. The internet can be very beneficial for relationships, however. For instance, many people who have difficulty communicating their thoughts to people in person, now have the ability to speak freely and comfortably.They often find it easier to talk to another person this way. Another benefit is the easy access to communicating on the internet when no other communication is available. Soldiers acr oss seas may be able to speak daily to their loved ones over the internet. During the wars before the internet, soldiers relied on written letters. This may be a more romantic and story tale way of communicating, but the reality is, the internet brings much comfort to the soldier and his family. There are obvious downsides of communicating over the internet. Relationships may often develop too rapidly or dishonestly because of it.Feedback from one person to the other may become unclear create confusion. In person, because of body language, eye contact, and vocal tone, it is much easier to communicate clearly and express your thoughts. While we can still express our thoughts on the internet, we must take into account that our voice, body language, and tone, are all missing. It is especially important to express your thoughts clearly on the internet so that all audiences and people you are speaking with understand you clearly. The internet is a window to almost all information you cou ld possibly be in search for.It is the world in the palm of your hand. Yet most people do not use it for this purpose. It can be a huge distraction and time waster when it comes to getting things completed. Students often use it as a way to keep their minds off of homework that needs doing. I strongly believe that it contributes to a person's attention span, making it easy to multitask and do a million things at once. Life used to move more slowly, assignments were done thoroughly and thoughtfully with complete attention on the task at hand. Now, students may find it difficult just to sit down for an hour and focus on one thing.When things need doing, they are usually done quickly and thoughtlessly without much effort being put into it. The one thing that makes computer-mediated communication different from any other form of communication is the speed at which you can communicate. There is almost no waiting for the message to be sent, just instant communication. The beauty of commun ication before the internet was how important it was to people. They held it very close to themselves and it was a very personal thing to everyone. Now, communication has lost its quality. Sure, it's communication, but it's not nearly as personal.People speak without thinking, or even feeling. Relationships are diluted because of the internet. They are not as genuine, as rare, as special, anymore. Relationships formed before speaking on the internet may still be genuine and valuable. But relationships formed on the internet often develop too quickly and possibly dishonestly. There is no sure way to tell when a person is telling the truth and it is much harder to get to know a person this way. To overcome the problems associated with computer-mediated communication we must be able to trust what we are reading from the person sending the message.The biggest and most crucial rule I would create would be honesty. It is so easy to form a different identity on the internet. A very extreme example of this would be child molesters pretending they are teens in chat rooms or on facebook to befriend younger children. Though this is a really extreme case, it just goes to show that when people are given unlimited opportunities to do what they please without any consequences, what they may never think to do in reality is now a possibility. By staying honest to the person, as well as that person remaining honest, communication can become much clearer.When we can trust what we read, we can continue on with the relationship. Another rule to ensure clear communication would be the use of proper spelling and grammar. Many messages can be misleading because of misspelled words and can even give the impression to the reader that the person is uneducated. Incorrect spelling can create an image of the speaker that is not a true representation of themselves. I believe these two rules are the most crucial in ensuring that a message via the internet is interpreted correctly.

Prader-Willi Syndrome and its Linkage to Genetics Essay

Prader-Willi Syndrome and its Linkage to Genetics - Essay Example Diagnosis and Treatment of Prader-Willis Syndrome†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.9 7. Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦10 8. References†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..12 Prader-Willi Syndrome and its Linkage to Genetics Prader-Willi Syndrome, moreover referred to as PWS, is a genetically linked disorder that afflicts various parts of the human anatomy. The disorder presents as hypotonia during infancy, coupled to delayed physical development, stunted growth, and difficulties in feeding. The carrier begins to develop an unusually high appetite beginning in childhood, which results in hyperphagia or continuous over-eating, as well as overweight and obesity (Cassidy & Driscoll 2009). For individuals carrying the defective genes that cause PWS, especially those afflicted by obesity, a high prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus II exists. The genetic disorder was first characterized by Heinrich Willi and Andrea Prader before research by Guido Fanconi, Andrew Ziegler, and Alexis Labhart provided more information on the disorder. Prader-Willi Syndrome, as a genetic disorder, involves alterations on chromosome 15(q11-13), whereby seven genes on this chromosome are deleted (Goldstone 2009). Alternatively, the 15q chromosome is not expressed because of a partial deletion on the paternally derived chromosomes. This disorder is prevalent in between 1 in 10,000 and 1 in 25,000 of the population. The origin of the defective genes from paternal chromosomes is especially important since the region of the chromosome involved is affected by imprinting from parent origin. This means that only a single gene copy undergoes expression with the other corresponding gene being silenced via imprinting. For those genes that are affected in PWS, the gene that normally undergoes silencing or imprinting is the maternal copy with the expression of the paternal gene copy going ahead (Goldstone 2009). The result of this is that, the carrier only has one working copy of this gene and these PWS carriers possess one silenced copy and one copy that does not work. Prader-Willi Syndrome has a sister syndrome that is known as Angelman Syndrome, which involves maternally-derived genetic material at the same exact genetic location as PWS. While Prader-Willi Syndrome is considered as a rare genetic disorder, it occurs commonly in a majority of genetic clinics, being obesity’s most common genetic cause as identified to date. Prader-Willi Syndrome is prevalent in people of all races, ethnic backgrounds, and gender (Cassidy & Driscoll 2009). Phenotypic Features Associated With the Disease The basis for most of the symptoms presenting in PWS may be due to the brain’s hypothalamic region’s dysfunction (Gelehrter 2008) . The hypothalamic region of the fetus is vital during child labor and its deregulation may help to explain the high number of post-mature or pre-mature births for children later diagnosed with PWS. Abnormal release of Luteinizing Hormone is thought to cause the decreased amount of sex hormones that result in testes not descending, small sized gonads, insufficient growth over puberty, and amenorrhea. Hypothalamic deregulation causes deficiency of growth hormone that contributes to reduced energy expenditure due to a deficit in lean body mass and excessive body fat. Disturbance of hypothalamus action also leads to daytime hyper-somnolence and aberrant body temperature control. Hyperphagia and insatiable hunger

DNA is the most important for life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

DNA is the most important for life - Essay Example This essay argues the DNA is the most important molecule for life. Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA is a nucleic molecule that functions as one of the most central aspects of living organisms. Contained within DNA are the fundamental aspects of all living things; in these regards, DNA functions as a sort of encyclopedic instruction manual for all elements within the human genetic system. Another way of viewing DNA is as a blueprint for the living organism. When new components, including RNA or proteins need to be constructed, it is the DNA that determines how these elements will be constituted. Figure 1 below demonstrates the basic DNA genetic components. It’s for these reasons it’s clear DNA is more important to the construction of life than these components. While DNA is recognized as an essential blueprint for all living organisms, it all contains a number of important live creating and sustaining functions within these organisms. One such function is that of transcription. Within DNA there are genes, which are strands of material that influence the constitution of living elements (Cooper). These genes contain genetic components influence the organism’s phenotype through transcription processes. This transcription process functions through informing the sequences of RNA and protein. During this process the codons of a gene are implemented in transcribing RNA polymerase (Pollard). This process is then decoded through ribosomes that read the base-pairing messenger elements. This process occurs in a great variety of life producing ways, with sixty-four possible combinations, making DNA a core element for daily life. This process is witnessed below in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 Transcription Another core function of DNA that makes it the most important molecule for life is witnessed in its interaction with protein in the body. All components of protein interaction rely on DNA. Some of the most notable elements in terms of life-producing components occur in the domain of structural proteins. In the interaction between DNA and structural proteins, the important life-producing element of chromatin is produced (Van Holde). This element is used for the important life functions of mitosis and meiosis. Ultimately, it’s the combination of these elements that make DNA the most important molecule for life in living organisms. In conclusion, this essay has demonstrated that Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA functions as the most important molecule for life in living organisms. While DNA functions in countless and complex ways, this essay has considered what it considers to be the most prominent such aspects. In these regards, DNA’s function as the blueprint of the living organism is considered as its primary function. In addition to this component, DNA also functions in transcription processes and in the development of chromatin. Ultimately, it’s the combination of these elements that makes DNA the most important component in living organisms. References Cooper, Geoffrey M. 2000. The Cell, 2nd edition, A Molecular Approach. Pollard, T. 2002. Cell Biology. Saunders. Van Holde KE. 1989. Chromatin. New York:

Democratic and Mutilcutural Classroom Research Paper

Democratic and Mutilcutural Classroom - Research Paper Example In a democratic classroom, it was expected that the class members air out their view on the whole idea without fear of contradiction that maybe negatively geared. In which case, the democratic setting was to demonstrate a high-level participation of students with guidance of the teacher when need arises. For diversity, on the other hand, the students interviewed was composed of students from a diverse community outlook basically consisting of blacks, Latina and whites. The cultural diversity required understanding and appreciation of the diversities. Through this research, it was found out that Hook’s theory applied best in getting the students to share ideas thus democracy was highly advocated for. The diversity to some extent was seen to contribute to the lack of democracy in some cases. Introduction This research was carried on a diverse group of students and minor consideration of the staff. The whole process included the visit to the school and observation of the real sit uation. Other methods were also applied which resulted to a result that was analyzed critically and conclusions drawn. This was done with an aid of some philosophical theory ideas from Bell Hook. This theory highly proposed the democratic setting of a classroom to work better for a learning system. Diversity on the other side was viewed as an asset that could help in having a wider understanding of varied cultural views, norms and diversity hence enriching knowledge. Literature review In this subject education, a class to be handled by a teacher can consist of students from different cultural backgrounds; this can potentially form a basis of discrimination against some students. As such, the minors in the population are most likely to fall a victim of the discrimination. On the other hand, according to Thomas (2003) a democratic class may exhibit fairness to most of the students who make a decision in case of any undertakings. These students, therefore, exercise the full freedom of putting what is in their interest. However, the few who may not be for the same idea may not be considered but forced to join the majority (Amy 46). A class exhibiting such a kind of setting whereby there is diverse cultural outlook expression and a majority preference choice, there may be challenges and merits associated with it. To begin with, multicultural classroom is a can be termed to be sensitive hence prompting the students to achieve their potential (Kymlicka 26). This type of class allows the student to have an understanding of their own culture and appreciate the similarities and differences with other perspectives and cultures in the process of their interaction. The well-known components of such a class are influence of culture in a society, components, which are academic in nature and relevant to the various cultural groups, and the communication skills that can be applied effectively across cultures. In such a case, the teacher can give preparations to all the student s so that they may be multicultural competent ii the diverse society. For a democratic classroom, the students and teachers make a decision on what they feel is right to be done (Portelli & Solomon 33). It is more contribution based than authoritative. Various characteristics may be associated with this type of classroom. This may include hand in hand working of the teacher and student to enable students to apply what they learn in their community, application of the learnt points

Social Media Use and Application of the Company Assignment

Social Media Use and Application of the Company - Assignment Example As the report declares Huawei Company has a Face book page under its name. The advancement of technology has made more people to like Facebook.This site contains most of the target audience group for the company products. Most of the youths are vibrant with new products often want to be updated with the latest phones in the market so that they can purchase. The site has enabled the awareness of the products to be high. This is measured by the likes of the products in the face book page. Recently Huawei Face book page recorded about one and half million likes on the facebook.It has more followers who may want to know the presence of new products. According to the report findings the company also uses YouTube to advertise its products. The platform is used to advertise the three dimension of the product. It is also used to show the customers how to use the product and how their latest features function. This has raised the customers loyalty at a greater extends. This content marketing ensures that the customers are able to get to see the actual products and features like colors and functionality. This influences their desire to buy the products significantly when they see the product. The company has recorded a significant rise of the download of the short clips of the latest phones. This is because the platform enables the customer to share the videos of the products to other customers and therefore more products awareness and thus increased sales.

Radiography Diagnostic Imagery Program Scholarship Essay

Radiography Diagnostic Imagery Program - Scholarship Essay Example When a person gets an illness there is no greater relief than knowing what disease you are suffering from. This way the medical community can immediately put a treatment plan into action. obtaining the bursary award would greatly help in my aspiration to graduate from the Radiography Diagnostic Imagery program. This program is a tremendous opportunity for me. I know that upon completion of the program I will have all the necessary skills and abilities to succeed in the real world. This career will enable me to become financially independent. The median salary of a radiographer in the United Kingdom is over 38,440 pounds per year. I would like to gain experience to eventually open up my own clinic. One of my aspirations upon graduating from this program is to go back to my homeland of Africa and give back to the community.In the current global medical environment, there is a shortage of talented professionals across the world. The shortage of manpower is evident in both develop and un derdeveloped countries. In the underdeveloped parts of the world such as Africa, the need for healthcare professionals is greater than any other part of the world. One of the problems in the African region is that there are very few educational institutions, thus the country is not graduating enough professionals to keep up with the demand for these services. Due to the fact that the salaries in Africa are very low in comparison with the United Kingdom or other parts of the world, it is hard for Africa to recruit talent. This is one of the reasons why supporting my educational goals can benefit society. I want to go back to Africa upon graduation in order to help out the community. I am a very giving person that believes in the value of helping others. Before the industrialized world took over our lives our ancestors lived in a society in which everyone depended on the efforts of each other. In order for the world to become a better place, more professionals have to dedicate themsel ves to social causes. I want to help others as much as possible. In the past, I have been involved in various volunteer and community service initiatives including scorekeeping at junior basketball games. Now that I’m about to become a resident of the United Kingdom I plan on reaching out to the local churches, non-profit organizations, and governmental institutions in order to find volunteering opportunities. The bursary award would be a blessing for me because I am in need of financial assistance in order to finance my graduate studies. I am not a native resident of the United Kingdom since I was born in South Africa. This fact implies that I am not eligible for the financial assistance scholarship and loan programs United Kingdom residents are entitled too. This places me at a competitive disadvantage in comparison with British residents. The tuition expenses to enroll in the university are very high and for me, the costs are much higher because I’m an international student. When I save money for tuition the economic laws hurt my position because the currency of South Africa is extremely devalued in comparison with the British pound. The conversion rate between the British pound and the South African rand is currently valued at one pound to 11.15 rand.

The Dynamics of Elite Politics during the Jiang Era Article

The Dynamics of Elite Politics during the Jiang Era - Article Example The article notes that there was a transformation under Jiang Zemin in Chinese elite politics from the previous political regimes. Jiang managed to bring reconciliation and ensure that the elites are on the same book and line of thought. This is evidenced by the few personal rivals or outspoken critics of his leadership (Shambaugh 4). Largely, Jiang managed to build on the policies set by other regions well. The manner of policymaking in the Jiang era was more of a direct deviation from the previous administration. In the process of policymaking, the leader prioritized consultation rather than imposing of particular policies. I think this approach showed the dimension that the leader wanted China to take for the sake of the future. For a leader who was criticized for not being as visionary as the others, Jiang clearly paved the way for a more liberal China that was ready to adopt the inclusive model of decision-making. By harmonizing the political elites, he was creating an open system that encouraged sharing of ideas for the development of the country. He borrowed the concepts of inclusion from other leaders who had attempted it but was keen to make it a success. That said, it shows that his focus was streamlining elite politics to accept the concepts of inclusion politics fully. He achieved this goal to a large extent in his leadership. The composition of the political elites in Jiang Era demonstrates a mixed composition and a wealth of ideas from both the old policymakers and new entrants (Shambaugh 7). Both bear different ways of tackling problems, but critics argue that the new entrants were raw in terms of decision making and experience. However, it appears as necessary for the change in composition of the top brass of politicians so that there can be different views that achieve modern approaches. The fact that the military composition, in terms of military leaders has taken another dimension shows the desire of the leader to

Oppression Remedy vs Derivative Action Essay Example for Free

Oppression Remedy vs Derivative Action Essay Many people from different corporations are engaged in many legal cases, mostly people uses their influence to win cases which leads to the minority being harmed in the process since they have no options of retaliating. For example, directors of corporation can engage in wrongdoing by taking some of the profits of the corporation for themselves. The corporation can therefore sue the directors like a normal person (Smyth et al. 628). The minorities that get harmed are the board members of minority shareholders. There are two remedies that minorities can use in protecting themselves from the power of the majority which include the Oppression Remedy and the Derivative Action. The two remedies that are used by the minorities are similar but defer slightly and therefore people need to understand when to use the different remedies. Oppression Remedy is used by shareholders in bringing actions against the companies that conduct unfair practices towards the shareholders. In cases of oppression remedy, the court is allowed to makes a judgment that is fair and suitable regarding the situation where that complainant has been oppressively and unfairly treated (Smyth et al. 629). The Derivative action is used by the shareholders in taking actions on behalf of the corporation against the top managements of the corporation. When a director of corporation has done any wrong such as violating duties that are fiduciary to the shareholders, the shareholders can take actions by suing the directors of the corporation (Smyth et al. 28). The oppression remedy are usually used when the minority have been frozen out or deadlocked. The oppression remedy is also used when the relationship between majority shareholder and minority shareholder has broken down. The shareholders that own shares in corporation are empowered by the oppression remedy to sue the corporations in cases where the corporations have oppressed and prejudiced unfairly the shareholders interests as stated by Goddard in the article â€Å"Canada: Ontario: The Relationship between the Oppression Remedy and Derivative Action. Minority have also been affected in the corporations that are run by the rules of the majority since the minorities have fewer contributions to the corporations’ business practices and direction. In this case, many corporations have been found be taken over by the majorities’ shareholder. The majorities also make the decisions of the companies leading to oppression of the minorities. Oppression remedies are used to bring justices in the case where the majorities hand over the company to their children leading to oppression to the minorities. The oppression remedy is widely used in places such as Canada (Ellyn 15). The real life cases that will be discussed in this paper include the case of Waxman et al. v. Waxman et al. Others cases that will be discussed include the cases of Alizadeh et al. v. Akhavan et al. , Deluce Holdings Inc. v. Air Canada, Knudstrup v. Superior Court, McRedmond v. Est. of Marianelli, Ford v. OMERS and Foss v Harbottle. Definition of terms of Oppression Remedy and Derivative Action Oppressive conducts are conducts that are committed by the majority to the minority shareholders that lead to the use of the oppression remedy. Court Ordered meetings as stated by the section 106(1) of the Ontario Business Corporations Act are meetings which the court orders to be held as the courts direct when the shareholders have been allowed to be part of the corporation meetings. In the derivative action, a complainant as defined by section 245 of the OBCA is a person such as the director, officer, registered holder who makes the application of bringing the action to court on behalf of the corporation (Ellyn 9). Good faith is a term that has not been defined in the statutes of the corporate law since cases are analyzed on terms of bad faith indications. Costs are defined according to the Canadian common law as the court power to award the legal expenses of the successful party that are paid by the losing party (Ellyn 11). In the oppression remedy, a complainant according to the section 245 of the OBCA is defined as a person who applies an action that has been conducted by the corporation to the court (Ellyn 15). Investigations are effective exercises that are conducted in case of the oppression to find out the relevant information of the case. It is provided by section 161(2) of the OBCA that investigations are ordered by the court when corporations have been engaged in unlawful business practices (Ellyn 22). Appraisal remedy is the shareholders’ appraisal right for the company to purchase the shares of the shareholder at a fair value under some circumstances like when the shareholder is holding 10% or less of the shares that are outstanding (Ellyn 24). Winding-up is courts order under the just and equitable doctrines to dissolute the corporation under certain circumstances of the oppression of the minority shareholders (Ellyn 25). Examples of Oppression Remedy v.  Derivative Action that have succeeded or failed One of the cases where the oppression remedy succeeded was the case of Waxman et al. v. Waxman et al. In this case the minority, Morris Waxman recovered around $50 million from the case after he was dismissed and excluded from the family business by the majorities his brother Chester Waxman and others (Ellyn 15). Another case in which the oppression remedy succeeded is the case of Deluce Holdings Inc. v. Air Canada. In this case, Deluce Holdings the minority shareholder was terminated as the CEO by the Air Canada who was the majority shareholder. The representatives of Air Canada wanted the postponement of the arbitration proceedings of the case but Justice Blair of the Ontario Superior Court ensured that the remedy action was preceded (Ellyn 21). The case in which the oppression remedy failed is the case of Alizadeh et al. v. Akhavan et al. In this case, the minority shareholder was awarded the oppression remedy since the judge of the Ontario Superior Court had restored the management fees payments without making conclusions of the oppression allegations merits (Ellyn 19). The case of the derivative action that has failed is the case of Knudstrup v. Superior Court. In this case, the minority shareholder was not granted the remedy since the case was brought on behalf of the defendant. One of the cases of the derivative action that succeeded is the case of McRedmond v. Est. of Marianelli. In this case the plaintiff was awarded the verdict. One of the cases of the derivative action that failed is the case of Ford v. OMERS. In this case, the supreme court of Canada rejected the motion to appeal (Koehnen 1). Lastly, the case of the oppression remedy that failed is the case of Foss v Harbottle as stated by Griggs in the article â€Å"He Statutory Derivative Action: Lessons That May Be Learnt from Its Past! Analysis of the Results of Aforementioned Examples In the case of Waxman et al. v. Waxman et al. the minority, Morris Waxman recovered around $50 million from the case after he was dismissed and excluded from the family business by the majorities his brother Chester Waxman and others. In this case, the verdict was fair since even though the minority was oppressed, he ended up being compensated for the oppression since he was awarded the oppression remedy (Ellyn 15). In the case of Deluce Holdings Inc. v. Air Canada, Deluce Holdings the minority shareholder was terminated as the CEO by the Air Canada who was the majority shareholder. The representatives of Air Canada wanted the postponement of the arbitration proceedings of the case but Justice Blair of the Ontario Superior Court ensured that the remedy action was preceded. In this case, the verdict was also fair and just to the minority due to the fact the minority was awarded the oppression remedy after being oppressed by the majority Air Canada (Ellyn 21). In the case that the oppression remedy failed which is the case of Alizadeh et al. v. Akhavan et al. the minority shareholder was awarded the oppression remedy. The judge of the Ontario Superior Court had restored the management fees payments without making conclusions of the oppression allegations merits (Ellyn 19). The case of the derivative action that has failed is the case of Knudstrup v. Superior Court. In this case, the minority shareholder was not granted the remedy since the case was brought on behalf of the defendant. One of the cases of the derivative action that succeeded is the case of McRedmond v. Est. of Marianelli. In this case the plaintiff was awarded the verdict. Another case relating to derivative action that failed is the case of Ford v.  Omers. In this case, the supreme court of Canada rejected the motion to appeal (Koehnen 1). Lastly, the case of the oppression remedy that failed is the case of Foss v Harbottle as stated by Griggs in the article â€Å"He Statutory Derivative Action: Lessons That May Be Learnt from Its Past! † Preference of Oppressive Remedy Oppressive remedy intends to correct the anomaly that occurs when minority shareholders are unable to exercise control of a corporation due to nature of these organizations to adopt decisions based on majority shareholder. It allows the minority shareholders to undertake legal action against the company to correct discriminatory practices (Ellyn 15). The minority shareholders must provide evidence to the court presiding over the arbitration that injustice has been done on them through, discrimination, unfair treatment or isolation from decisions of running the corporation (Smyth et al 629). The court exercise great authority on the matter of oppressive remedy at it own discretion once there is evidence that oppression occurred to the minority party as provided by acts specified in oppressive remedy law. The court also allows and presides over oppressive conduct that were committed long before this law was adopted and come into force. Additionally, it provides no time limit on which to file a case after it occurs, thereby eliminating loopholes within the act (Ellyn 15). To this effect, a court in addressing oppression in minority has power to overrule the decision and transaction undertaken by the company, and among other things enforce acts as contained in oppressive law remedy . However the complainant as pertains to oppressive remedy must be able to provide sufficient evidence that proves the company directives or its subsidiaries and affiliates resulted in its oppression, or in the manner in which directors of the company exercised their power (Ellyn 15). The court in oppressive remedy arbitration has the only mandate to determine if oppression occurred to minority party, in so doing; it will disregard actions done in good faith by management in implementing decisions, which can be used as mitigation by the accused. This leeway forms the hallmark in oppressive remedy cases arbitration (Ellyn 15). The court requires that the plaintiff express reasonable expectations while instigating cases, what it calls legitimate expectation of a shareholder in line with oppressive remedy act. Legitimate expectation in this case refers to valid expected outcomes as provided in the company acts and provisions, and based on general trends of the company. This means while instituting a case the claimant should without prejudice seek to address valid issues as contained in companies statutes and memorandum of understanding, which is left for the court to decide. This in essence limits the arbitration redress that is sought to what the court consider legitimate expectations (Ellyn 17). However, unlike derivative action, oppressive remedy provides broad spectrum of ruling that might be sought by plaintiff under this act to include such actions like order to seek an appointment of receiver manager, amendment of company act, appointment of addition directors, orders to seek closure of a company, or suspend company transactions. The court can also award payment and provision of legal fees to the plaintiff if it is sought in the dispute (Ellyn 17). Oppression remedy like, in derivative action provides for proper person to seek a court redress from a company where injustice is committed against. Such circumstances are provided for in the oppression remedy act whereby a creditor or employees sue as proper person. This is allowed when it is shown that the directors of a company engage in illegal activities through the company or where there is contravention of rights to a person by the company (Ellyn 17). Preference of Derivative Action  According to Griggs in the article Statutory Derivative Action, The corporations Act 2001, explains that Derivative action provides shareholders with an avenue to seek redress against company directors based on contravention of companies act and existing memorandum between corporation and shareholders. It allows the plaintiff to seek legal intervention on any company transactions. The underlying conditions of this act require that the plaintiff be able to prove to the court that the management has no freewill to institute any proceedings on itself. The issue under arbitration must be shown to be in the best interest of the company at large and done out of good faith by the plaintiff. The characteristic feature of derivative action as discussed in Griggs work, Statutory Derivative Action, is that it can cause a third party that has no vested interests to cause legal intercept on behalf of a second party that is disadvantaged by lack of will of corporation to act in favour of the second party. Therefore the derivative action provides counter measures of regulating the company’s managerial decisions that are deemed excessive. In the same article by Griggs, derivative action acts provides circumstances under which a suit related to it can be instigated. Unlike in oppressive remedy, the conditions which allow a suit to occur are limited in order to protect the independence of corporation to carry out their mandate and prevent unnecessary litigations. The derivative action is especially relevant when the subjects of the suit are board of directors that are found to be in contravention of a company policy. It is obvious the directors cannot have free will to institute litigation upon themselves. In total, derivative action litigation require the plaintiff to prove that management actions constitutes a fraud to the company or the minority, or there is intrusion on shareholder rights, or an action done by management is deemed as ultra vires in the company acts. Victory Rates of Oppressive Remedy In execution of oppressive remedy arbitration, the court only purpose is to analyze evidence and determine if actually any oppression took place to the minority party, while disregarding purported or otherwise good faith of the management in implementing decisions, which can be used as mitigation by the accused. This leeway forms the hallmark in oppressive remedy cases arbitration and largely determines the victory of a law suit (Ellyn 15). The litigations brought on oppressive remedy require the claimant to provide the court with just sufficient indication that there was cause for oppression to occur. This provides the plaintiff with an edge of favourable ruling over the defender since the burden of proof required is minimal. This characteristic should be a consideration when instituting litigation which requires high burden of proof for achieving conviction (Ellyn 22). Finally suit brought about in oppressive remedy must conform to the general requirements of this act as provided in this law.

What photography can and should document

What photography can and should document The social crisis of our time, however, calls for a redefinition of what photography can and should document. Obviously, not all documentary photography has to be didactic in pointing to a possibility of social change. But there is a need for discourse among documentary photographers about the content of work, and its relationship to the social movements of our time. The social movements of our day are more complex. Its often harder to find the sense of political certainty which filled the vision, and inspired the dedication of these artists who came before. Photojournalism relies upon the notion that photography captures an objective record of reality for viewers. Yet, at the same time, a clearly defined system of rules and conventions governs the professional practice of photojournalism, delimiting the range of appropriate images and shaping the form those images take. Paradoxically, news photographs are valued as neutral records at the same time that they are admired as carefully crafted pictures. Photojournalists earn kudos not only for what they show, but also for how well they show it. Documentary photography was tied, historically, to both exploration and social reform. Some early documentarians worked, literally, documenting features of the natural landscape. Others worked, like Lewis Hine for the great social surveys of the early part of the century. Their work was used to expose evil and promote change. Their images were, perhaps, something like those journalists made but, less tied to illustrating a newspaper story, they had more space to breathe in. A classic example is Hines image of Leo, 48 inches high, 8 years old, picks up bobbins at fifteen cents a day, in which a young boy stands next to the machines which have, we almost surely conclude, stunted his growth. Documentary photography supposed to dig deep, get at what Robert E. Park (a sociologist who had worked as a journalist for daily papers in Minneapolis, Denver, Detroit, Chicago and New York) called the Big News, be concerned about society, play an active role in social change, be socially responsible, worry about its effects on the society in which its work is distributed. Photographers like Hine saw their work, and it has often been seen since, as having an immediate effect on citizens and legislators. Today, we see this work as having an exploratory, investigative character, something more like social science. Contemporary documentary photographers, whose work converges more consciously with social science, have become aware, as anthropologists have, that they have to worry about, and justify, their relations to the people they photograph. Photographs get meaning, like all cultural objects, from their context. Even paintings or sculptures, which seem to exist in isolation, hanging on the wall of a museum, get their meaning from a context made up of what has been written about them, either in the label hanging beside them or elsewhere, other visual objects, physically present or just present in viewers awareness, and from discussions going on around them and around the subject the works are about. Documentary projects typically go on for years, often focus on social issues rather than news events, and are usually independently conceived and financed by the photographer, rather than commissioned by a publication. Documentary is often assumed to be subjective, to have a point of view on the subject being investigated, but it is also presumed to be honest reporting and photographers in this mode do not generally resort to setting up shots. These sort of projects are sometimes sold in pieces to magazines but with the decline of mass circulation magazines like Life, the usual goal has become to publish the whole project in book form. Photojournalism is used here to refer to the coverage of current news events in an extended format, both in the investigation and shooting stage and in the final story product which normally consists of more than one photograph. Because these projects are time-sensitive, they may take months but not years to complete. Photojournalism is usually commissioned by a publication, such as a magazine or newspaper, but will sometimes later appear in book form as well. While documentary projects are usually driven by the personal interests or convictions of the photographer, photojournalisms subject matter is generally determined by what is deemed news-worthy by the media. The question of whether an image appropriately â€Å"reflects reality† is an issue that documentary photography and photojournalism has contended with throughout their histories. The global audience is changing, and photography needs to reflect this in order to remain effective. Readers are disillusioned at the manipulation they are slowly becoming aware to via pseudo-documentaries on society and politics by filmmakers. That the camera cannot lie is true only in the sense that the images it captures must have existed in one form or another at some particular time. We are familiar with historical photos that have been retouched to include or exclude political figures. We are less familiar with the potential of new technologies for falsifying images, particularly those that appear in newspapers and magazines. Photojournalism, photography that accompanies stories intended for newspaper and magazine readers, has a long and cherished tradition of truthfulness. The faking of photographs, either through stage direction by the photographer or through darkroom manipulation, unfortunately, also has a long tradition. However, computer technology puts photographic faking on a new level of concern as images can be digitized and manipulated without the slightest indication of such trickery. If the manipulation of photographs is accepted for any image, the public will naturally doubt all photographs and text within all publications. Scoopt, the citizen photojournalism arm of Getty Images, claims to have experts who carefully screen images to ensure no digital tampering has occurred. As Far id points out, however, tampering is becoming increasingly difficult to detect with the naked eye—particularly for understaffed organizations trying to push through photos of breaking events. Yet, human beings continue to die from war, murder, natural disasters; to be born, now in litters as large as seven or eight: to live in harmony and conflict. Newspapers and photojournalism have survived the onslaught of electronic media, continuing to report the human maelstrom of a global citizenry as if it were a vivid reality play m the midst of the non reality o turn-of-the-millennium culture. Almost drowned within media criticism have been the voices of those professionals whose appreciation of the subjective nature of observation and reportage has led to more sensitive and sophisticated practice of visual journalism. In daily practice, digital-imaging technology has led to increased awareness of the ease of manipulating visual reportage, in turn leading to higher not lower ethical standards. At the same time, new technology has made visual coverage faster, easier, and more prolific via digital distribution. More and more photojournalists are asked to also be advertising photographers shooting fashion, food, architecture, portrait, and editorial illustration assignments. These assignments take photojournalists away from doing meaningful documentaries about social conditions in their community. These economically driven assignments are fuelled by news directors, publishers, and photographers who dont necessarily distinguish between magazine and television commercial advertising and classic photojournalism documentation. When a young photojournalist is expected to split her time between news and corporate controlled images, its hard for her to take herself seriously as an on-call visual documentarian. Issues and debates surrounding truth will continue as long as media is reported. Even with the saturation of so-called amateur journalists, there will always be motives of greed, a human trait that is undeniable in our society. Some critics have predicted that in a few years, images whether still or moving will not be allowed in trials as physical evidence because of the threat to their veracity created by digital alterations. Most consumers of the media can easily tell the difference between an advertisement and a news story. But sometimes the distinction is so subtle, only highly observant readers can tell the difference. But no matter how the tools of journalism change, fundamental ethical concerns still apply. Displaying violent, sensational images for economic reasons, violating a persons privacy before the judicial process can function, manipulating news-editorial pictures to alter their content, stereotyping individuals into pre-conceived categories and blurring the distinction between advertising and editorial messages were journalism concerns in 1895, are important topics in 1995 and will be carefully considered issues, no doubt, in 2095. Now, as we witness the dramatic transformations to the print journalism industry, these questions not only reveal how the idea of visual journalism has congealed but also indicate the kinds of issues that both photojournalism practitioners and their audiences will need to resolve in a world in which the printed periodical is no longer the favoured institution through which these images are mediated. Over the last fifteen years or so we have witnessed the emergence of new kinds of visual story-telling. Digital photography gave us instantaneous feedback; camera phones gave us ubiquitous photography; picture-sharing sites gave us a developing social milieu in which these instant and ubiquitous pictures could be shared. As a result we have new formal models for presenting visual information. There is more documentary feature production than ever before. Still images are organized as slideshows, browse-and-enlarge albums, or in an irregular temporal flow. Reuters Bearing Witness: Five Years of the Iraq War is a brilliant use of multimedia that is not a linear display of images. These new formal properties will redefine visual grammars and inform how and of what photographers make pictures, but they will also be subject to the new contexts and frameworks that will continue to emerge. The value of information increases not only when it is controlled and withheld but also when it is given shape and purpose, when value articulates with meaning. We may not remember many of the facts that led to the brief student uprising in Chinas Tiananmen Square in 1989, but you can never forget the image of the lone protester standing defiantly in front of a line of menacing, green Chinese tanks. Words and pictures become one powerfully effective communicative medium inside your own mind. Professional photojournalists cannot be in the best places at the right times in order to capture events as they unfold. The future of photojournalism lies with the new breed of moral and aware consumers. The Internet offers us the chance to reinvent photojournalism by enabling us to blend the best practices from still photojournalism, broadcasting, and independent films. The Internet permits us to blend still photographs with audio, text, video, and databases to make compelling content that is far richer than print or broadcasting typically deliver. This new world of visual story telling gives us a chance to reinvent the form and to adapt integration of various media types to tell the most compelling possible story. Visual journalism on the web offers the chance to tell narrative stories that speak powerfully to underlying truths of the human condition. The traditional model of print distribution and direct editorial funding has been unravelling from the 1970s onwards, ever since weekly pictorial magazines like Life folded. This demonstrates photojournalism that required an editorial paymaster was in trouble long before the Internet was an issue or the global recession added to its woes. It involves seeing oneself as a publisher of content and a participant in a distributed story, the form of which helps reshape the content of the story. Rather than just producing a single image or small series of images to be sold into another persons story, multimedia on the web has numerous advantages for visual storytellers. â€Å"Both media are time-based, as opposed to space-based. A print layout is about space — the eye wanders; the viewer controls the time and rhythm. Time-based, of course, means the show is driven by the audio and is viewed over time,† â€Å"good slideshows, I think, have a very different rhythm than video — less literal. Slideshows need to lean on the strength of the still image — these punctuated moments in time that visually meld with the audio.† As a result, photojournalism at the beginning of the 21st century find itself maturing beyond the naive idealism of early and mid-20th-centur positivism, and even beyond the dark cynicism of late-20th-century post modernism, toward a profound sense of purpose: Good visual reportage may very well be the only credible source of reasonably true images in decades to come. The heart of photojournalism is reporting human experience accurately, honestly, and with an overriding sense of social responsibility. The key to earning and maintaining public trust is increasing awareness of the process of visual reporting and its potential to inform or misinform. Published in Life magazine in 1937, Robert Capas photograph shows in one instant the suddenness and loneliness of an anonymous soldiers death. It has been suggested that the photograph was either a chance occurrence by the photographer shooting blindly, or it was staged for the benefit of the camera. He photographed in China, on the beaches of Normandy, in Israel, and finally in Vietnam, where he was killed by a land mine./10 Capa consistently produced images with strong emotional impact and high technical expertise. Those Capa images that have been chosen by his brother Cornell Capa and by Magnum to represent his lifes work emphasize the qualities of drama and heroism and thus have had a crucial role in sustaining the Robert Capa legend. Robert Capas saying, often quoted, that â€Å"If your pictures arent good enough, youre not close enough,† has helped reinforce the important elements of drama and the heroic photographer that have been emphasized in the Magnum style. Capas most famous photograph, â€Å"Death of a Loyalist Soldier, Spain 1936,† often celebrated as the greatest war photograph of all time, creates drama with a close-up depiction of the moment of death and conveys a macho persona with the clear implication of Capas decision to place himself in close proximity to danger. His choice of a type of lens that closely resembles normal human vision, probably around 50 mm, gives the feeling that we are right next to the soldier as he falls. The fact that the viewer can see the landscape around and behind him indicates that Capa is clearly not hidden safely far away with a telephoto lens (which would compress and narrow our view of the background), but is closely engaged with the action.43 Capas photographs of D-Day where he is obviously in the surf with the advancing troops has a similar effect of dramatizing events by being as close as possible to the action, and thereby also endowing the photographer with even more daring and courage than the heroes of the moment, the invading soldiers, since he had a choice that the soldiers did not: to photograph from up close or from afar. While many of Robert Capas photographs of war, such as â€Å"Death of a Loyalist Soldier, Spain 1936,† do not seem particularly dramatic viewed now, in the 1930s they were hailed as the finest pictures of front-line action ever taken.44 Certainly, this kind of close-up view of war was relatively new to viewers who were more used to images of fightings aftermath. However, captions applied by the picture magazines certainly played an important role in the creation of Capas images as dramatic. As Fred Ritchin notes, Capas Spanish Civil War photographs were often accompanied by captions such as In the Heart of the Battle: The Most Amazing War Picture Ever Taken, and You can almost smell the [gun] powder in this picture, and the most famous, This is War! in the British magazine Picture Post.45 Robert Franks book, The Americans. Frank traveled around the United States on a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1955/56 taking photographs of people at funerals, on the street, at drive-in movies, in restaurants, driving cars. Rather than rely on neat geometrical compositions to create abstract patterns, he focused on fleeting, contemplative facial expressions or included empty space to lend his photographs a sense of sad loneliness and of disjuncture between people. In his photograph Elevator Miami Beach the young elevator girl looks wistfully off into the distance as her rich-looking patrons blur past her out the door. Its not possible to know whether it is her sadness the photograph conveys, or Franks. While the documentary aspect of Franks work in The Americans is highly subjective, like much of Magnums own work, he uses the element of artistic expression to create a whole different visual style, leading viewers to conclusions about his subjects at odds with the conclusions drawn from work in the Magnum style.

Eating Disorders and the Media Essay -- anorexia nervosa and bulimia n

Eating Disorders and the Media Doctors annually diagnose millions of Americans with eating disorders. Of those diagnosed, ninety percent are women. Most of these women have one of the two most common types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa (National Council on Eating Disorders, 2004). People with anorexia nervosa experience heart muscle shrinkage along with slow and irregular heartbeats and eventually heart failure. Along with their heart, their kidney, digestive system and muscles often fail them. The mortality rate of anorexia is twenty percent, which is the highest of any psychiatric disorder. People with bulimia nervosa experience erosion of their teeth, irritation and rips in their throat, stomach, and esophagus, and develop a dependency on laxatives. These symptoms occur along with the same symptoms that anorexics suffer. One third of people with eating disorders never fully recover. Instead, according to eating disorder researchers, they experience â€Å"repeating wavelike patterns of disease and recovery [and] seldom return to a state of normal eating† (D'Abundo & Chally, 2004; National Council on Eating Disorders, 2004). How can a female choose to force her body into a state of living decay? In this paper, I have discussed the complex interaction of media and young women. I have also proposed solutions that might help activists interested in lessening the chances of girls developing eating disorders. In the literature review, I focus on the scholarly work conducted to understand how consumption of certain media interacts with low self-esteem to cause young females to want to fit the societal norm of being thin. This drive for thinness in young women can cause eating disorders. Th... ...urrent Directions in Psychological Science, 10(5), 181-183. Thomsen, S. (2002). Health and Beauty Magazine Reading and Body Shape Concerns Among a Group of College Women. Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly, (79) 4, 988-1007. Tyner, T. (1992). Implementation: The Next Step. Strategies for Media Literacy Quarterly. Walsh, B. (2004). A Plea for Expanded Media Literacy. Retrieved on December 8, 2004, from http://interact.uoregon.edu/MediaLit/mlr/readings/articles/kubey.html. Wade, T. Davidson, S. & O’Dea, J. (2002). A Preliminary Controlled Evaluation of a School-Based Media Literacy Program and Self-Esteem Program for Reducing Eating Disorder Risk Factors. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 371 – 383. Zajonc, R. (2001). Mere Exposure: A gateway to the Subliminal. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 10(6), 224-228.

European Energy Security Essay -- sustainable energy, coal

The energy sector is one of the columns of growth, competitiveness and development in our modern economy, but just with safe, secure, sustainable and affordable energy, the well-being of the people, industry and economy can be ensure. Moreover, energy-related emissions account for almost 80% of the EUÂ ´s total greenhouse gas emissions which directly contribute to climate change. Therefore, Europe is facing a serious energy security challenge in supporting its demand, at the same time that concerns over environmental sustainability and particularly about the global climate. The question is: how can we secure, produce and consume our energy resources in a sustainable way and ensuring that socio-economic development does not compromise the carrying capacity of natural resources? Hence, the aim of this paper is to present a global vision of the European energy security and its relation with the sustainable development concerning different green perspectives and its social and environmental costs. 2. THE ENERGY MARKET 2.1 EU-27 Energy Consumption In 2011, gross inland consumption (GIC) of primary energy within the EU-27 was 1698 million tonnes of oil equivalent (1). Having the tendency remained relatively unchanged until 2008, GIC considerably decreased in 2009 (1). Much of this change can be attributed to a lower level of economic activity as a result of the financial and economic crisis, rather than a structural shift in the pattern of energy consumption (2). Indeed, in 2010 there was a rebound in the level of GIC of primary energy in most of the Member States with only Greece, Spain, Cyprus, Lithuania and Portugal, possibly reflecting the low level of economic output and consumer confidence in several of these countries. How... ...EA. Energy Security and Climate Policy. Assessing Interactions. Paris : s.n., 2007. 17. Going green & energy security. Molho, Nick. s.l. : The Economist, December 11th 2013. 18. European Council. Presidency Conclusions. Brussels : s.n., 2007. 19. European Commission. Green Paper. Towards a European Strategy for the Security of Energy Supply. Brussels : s.n., 2001. 20. Green Party. Policies for a Sustainable Society. http://policy.greenparty.org.uk/eu. [Online] Autumn 2013. 21. European Commission. Directorate-General for Energy. Report on the Green Paper on Energy. Four Years of European Initiatives. Brussels : s.n., 2005. 22. Rosenthal, E. Europe Turns to Coal Again, Raising Alarms on CLimate. The New York Times. April 23, 2008. 23. European Commission. Directorate-General for Energy. Energy 2020. 2011. 24. Perce et al. Bluepring for a Green Economy. 1989.

Facts and Innovation of Education in China Essay -- Education Chinese

Facts and Innovation of Education in China I lived in a city and had a standard high school student life as others. I got up at 7:00 in the morning and tried not to be late for the morning class which is half an hour later. Then I had 9 classes till 5:00 in the afternoon, during which I could eat my one-hour-long lunch. Even at night and on weekends, I had to deal with tons of homework and tests, or locked myself in the classroom. It sounds crazy to have only one day per week free without classes or to stay at school more than at home, but millions of Chinese students are experiencing both situations. One research reveals that nearly 7 out of 10 students in Beijing have to attend classes during winter breaks. Another says that 67% of high school students have less than 7 hours sleep per day and about 42% students have less than half an hour free time per day. Half of them have no free time at all. For most high students in China, all the hard work aims at one thing, and the thing is called the National College Entrance Examination. In fact, it’s an exam which lasts 2 or 3 days depending individually on provinces, takes place nationally and synchronously, and the final score of the exam determines which college a student may get in. Although students fill out forms indicating several colleges they would like to apply to, the fact is they merely have one chance basically, which is the first choice. And once a student fails to get in his first choice, his chances of getting into other colleges are enormously decreased because the spaces have been filled already. Mostly, the Entrance Examination is the only way a college evaluates and admits a student. And in China, a good college degree more or less guarantees a promisi... ...a crushing fairer education environment. Work Cited: Jiajie Li, â€Å"Yang Zhenning jiaoshou bijiao zhongmei jiaoyu† (Prof. Zhenning Yang compares education between China and the US), Guangming Daily, June 18, 2004. Maolin Ye, â€Å"Dui Zhongguo fazhan mingban jiaoyu de sikao† (Thoughts about developing private schools in China); available from http://edu.tom.com/1050/20031030-1455.html; Internet; accessed December 1, 2004. Chenxin Zhou, Peng Jiang, â€Å"Zhongguo shisheng pubian renwei gaozhong kecheng guoduo guonan† (Students and teachers consider high schoolwork load too much and too hard); available from http://www.wendu.com/Training/11611.html; Internet; accessed December 1, 2004. Guangcheng Liang, â€Å"Jiaoyu buneng mangmu xihua† (Do not westernize education blindly); available from http://maths.guangztr.edu.cn/kcgg/bnmmxh.htm; Internet; accessed December 1, 2004. Facts and Innovation of Education in China Essay -- Education Chinese Facts and Innovation of Education in China I lived in a city and had a standard high school student life as others. I got up at 7:00 in the morning and tried not to be late for the morning class which is half an hour later. Then I had 9 classes till 5:00 in the afternoon, during which I could eat my one-hour-long lunch. Even at night and on weekends, I had to deal with tons of homework and tests, or locked myself in the classroom. It sounds crazy to have only one day per week free without classes or to stay at school more than at home, but millions of Chinese students are experiencing both situations. One research reveals that nearly 7 out of 10 students in Beijing have to attend classes during winter breaks. Another says that 67% of high school students have less than 7 hours sleep per day and about 42% students have less than half an hour free time per day. Half of them have no free time at all. For most high students in China, all the hard work aims at one thing, and the thing is called the National College Entrance Examination. In fact, it’s an exam which lasts 2 or 3 days depending individually on provinces, takes place nationally and synchronously, and the final score of the exam determines which college a student may get in. Although students fill out forms indicating several colleges they would like to apply to, the fact is they merely have one chance basically, which is the first choice. And once a student fails to get in his first choice, his chances of getting into other colleges are enormously decreased because the spaces have been filled already. Mostly, the Entrance Examination is the only way a college evaluates and admits a student. And in China, a good college degree more or less guarantees a promisi... ...a crushing fairer education environment. Work Cited: Jiajie Li, â€Å"Yang Zhenning jiaoshou bijiao zhongmei jiaoyu† (Prof. Zhenning Yang compares education between China and the US), Guangming Daily, June 18, 2004. Maolin Ye, â€Å"Dui Zhongguo fazhan mingban jiaoyu de sikao† (Thoughts about developing private schools in China); available from http://edu.tom.com/1050/20031030-1455.html; Internet; accessed December 1, 2004. Chenxin Zhou, Peng Jiang, â€Å"Zhongguo shisheng pubian renwei gaozhong kecheng guoduo guonan† (Students and teachers consider high schoolwork load too much and too hard); available from http://www.wendu.com/Training/11611.html; Internet; accessed December 1, 2004. Guangcheng Liang, â€Å"Jiaoyu buneng mangmu xihua† (Do not westernize education blindly); available from http://maths.guangztr.edu.cn/kcgg/bnmmxh.htm; Internet; accessed December 1, 2004.