Penn Foster Journal Enteries Essay Example

Penn Foster Journal Enteries Essay I am excited to complete this course. Anything that will aid in my personal and professional development is extremely important. I see the advantages of taking a composition course however I feel that some of the material is somewhat redundant. However, I understand that this course is meant for demographic with a wide range of linguistic competencies. I don’t feel that any personal feelings I have will have any negative effects to the quality of work I submit for this module.Inventory: I am an independent learner, so this course is perfectly suited for my learning style. However, I find that I am somewhat of an auditory learner. Reading subject matter that I find difficult out loud, helps overcome the difficulties I may face regarding the medium of which information is presented. One way I would like to improve as a writer, is being able to express my ideas creatively in writing. The second way would be to expand my vocabulary and spelling, as I find I have become useless wit hout spell check. Being bilingual, I actually spell better in my second language than my native one.September 28, 2011 -Entry 2: PREWRITING Brainstorming:Ways computers with friends 1. Professional Networking 2. Globalization 3. Saving work 4. Games 5. Graphic design 6. Recording music/audio 7. Recording movies/video 8. Presentations 9. Digital photo sharing 10. Social Networking 11. Developing programs 12. Developing websites 13. Word processing 14. Blogging 15. Develops technology 16. Developing/Exposing new ideas cheaply 17. Independently developing a business 18. Learning/ Education mediums 19. Wasting time 20. Another expensive 21. Having to keep up with technological inflationThesis:Computers have had the largest impact on my personal life compared to any other piece of technology in existence. September 28, 2011 -Entry 3: DRAFTING Evidence: 1. Advances in Technology: â€Å"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers. † – Thomas Watson, chairman of I BM, 1943. According to Gartner Dataquest’s statistics, in â€Å"April 2002 the billionth personal computer was shipped. The  second billion mark was supposedly reached in 2007. † Technology develops at an exponential rate, and apparently our appetite for it has as well.Computers today, facilitate most aspects of our life, but have currently made the largest strides in our personal lives. Faster processing, more RAM, expansive hard drives, web 2. 0 and more powerful ISP services, allow us to communicate with one another like never before. Hi definition web cams aid in seeing one another internationally, and for free via Skype one can carry out a conversation with a respectable frame rate. Without the ever developing technological landscape, these feats as shown would have been thought impossible.With every advance in computing technology, our social lives seem to further intertwine with computers. 2. Social Media: All forms of modern day social networking mediums exis t because of the development of computer technology. The augmentation of personal computer technology has facilitated the development of such web based applications as Myspace, Hi5, Youtube, Twitter, and of course Facebook. According to Facebook, they have more than 800 million active users, and more than 50% of their active users log on to Facebook in any given day.This means that not only is one seventh of our global population using Facebook, but over half of that demographic uses Facebook daily. 3. Globalization: Computer technology and the various forms of social media have contributed greatly to the phenomenon known as globalization. Wikipedia defines globalization as â€Å"The increasing unification of the world’s economic order†¦ It describes the process by which regional economies, societies, and cultures have become integrated through communication, transportation and trade. Facebook has more than 70 languages and more than 75% of the user base, are located ou tside of the United States according to their website. Conclusion/ summary 3. Globalization Introduction and Thesis Paragraph 2. Social Media 1. Advances in technology Organization: September 29, 2011 -Entry 4: REVISING Purpose and audience:Firstly, there are grammatical changes that need to be made. Instant messages should be pluralized. Also, when writing formally I prefer to use ‘does not’ instead of ‘doesn’t’. The sentence regarding fonts and abbreviations does not seem to have a subject.I am also surprised to find out that my spell check allows the word ‘crayoned’. These are just a few grammatical errors that will aid in conveying a message to your audience, regardless of the intended demographic. I feel that the essay does convey an overall message. The overuse of technology as a medium for communication diminishes the personal touch of the message. Thesis statement, topic sentences, and paragraphs:Though there is a definite messag e in the topic sentences, I feel that the message is rather scattered. The thesis statement seems to be left up to the reader to decipher.The author should have started with the history of letter writing and the introduction of email in mid to late 1990s’. I think the thesis statement in the first sentence, â€Å"Instead of using e-mails, mail a letter to your grandparents. † If that is a case there should be a solid encompassing idea behind why I should write the letter in the sentence as well. â€Å"We use computers to send e-mails and Instant Message. Nana doesn’t lie in that time zone. † Why would that effect the email and not the mailed letter. Evidence:Some of the evidence points don’t even make sense. But they sometimes bleep and blurp in a frustrating conversation your grandparents can’t quite hear or understand. Other sentences are extremely flawed in logic, â€Å"A letter exists in time and space. † Projected images exist i n the same way that radio waves and other electromagnetic radiation exists in time and space. If it did not exist in time and space in a significant way, we would not have the sensory abilities to perceive it. Another example of nonsense written as evidence of an undefined point is, â€Å"They may get a paper cut from your letter, but sucking on a finger while reading makes their experience more memorable and satisfying.The cut heals; the letter remains alive. † The first part of the sentence is almost a counter argument to the point, â€Å"The letter remains alive. † Does not make sense and is a terrible way to conclude the essay. Organization:Conclusion/ summary 3. Memories 2. Simple Medium 1. Personal touch Introduction and Thesis Paragraph There is no real organizational pattern shown throughout the essay. There would need to be a complete overhaul for this essay to read as an essay should. There does not seem to be a true introduction or thesis statement.There als o does not seem to be three different paragraphs with three different ideas to support the thesis statement. I would re organize the essay into five paragraphs as shown on the figure below. September 30, 2011 -Entry 5: PUBLIC SPACE ExploreBeing a black male who lives in a 2011 Canadian province, I have not experienced the same level of racial profiling as Brent staples. However that is not to say that it has not happened to some extent. Walking downtown at night I feel that as I pass another individual they become more apprehensive than they would if they had passed another person.At the same time though, passing anyone downtown at night could cause that reaction. Either way, I consciously try to give the individual a great personal space, or smile as we walk passed one another to reduce the perceived tension. In the end, I feel fortunate to have had a different life experience. The United States from my experience is a much more aggressive country. Rampant economic diversity which easily correlates with various ethnic groups results in enforced stereotypes and racial profiling. Racial profiling was even worse in previous generations.My younger cousins in New York thought I dressed and spoke funny as I did not share their accent or Afro American slang. It was funny how alienating it was at the time. During my time in New York and Miami I noticed people predominantly socialize with those of the same race which is something that I am not used too. The only time I have truly noticed such public segregation that before is in the youth gangs in Canada. Free writeGrammar, spelling, and punctuation absolutely dictate the degree of communication and influence the ‘public space’ between the author and the reader.Without the use of proper grammar a certain text could lose all meaning. Spelling can change the meaning of a word. Whole and hole have too completely different meanings. Without proper punctuation, the intonation of the text will change altering t he tone or pace of the piece for the reader. September 29, 2011 -Entry 6: NARRATION Scene Key actions Key participants Key lines of dialogue Feelings September 30, 2011 -Entry 7: DESCRIPTION Sensory Details:The event was a provincial swimming competition that I had a few years ago. Sight The pool looked much longer than it does during a normal practise.The stands which were situated well above the pool were packed with family and friends of all the competitors as it was a provincial competition. Sound Above all the noise from the crowd I could hear my coach and team mates cheering me on from the side of the pool. Each time my head came above water to breath I could make out their voices and their chants. Smell You get hit with the powerful smell of chlorinated water from the moment you enter the building. By the time I stand on the starting blocks I can no longer smell the chlorine from the water.Maybe it’s nervous, or maybe it is desensitization, but it smell just like warm humid air. Taste Though the humidity within the complex saturated my skin, my mouth was dry as I stepped up to the starting blocks. This all changed after race began, as I was quickly reminded of the taste of chlorine. Touch The surface of the starting block was rough against my feet as I stood atop the starting blocks awaiting the electronic beep to signal the beginning of the race. As the race began and my body entered the pool the brisk chlorinated water rushed over my body in an awesome wave.The nervous listless feeling vanished as my whole body began to pulsate with adrenaline. Comparison The race was my mountain, and I it’s climber. Evaluation Sight was definitely the easiest sense to write about. The hardest sense to write about was probably taste. For me, the senses that would hold the most weight over my memories would be the ones that I use the most. Our memories and dreams our filled with images, so one could reason that it is the more dominant of the senses and he nce the easiest to write about. Conversely, I cannot remember a dream I have had about the taste of something.September 30, 2011 -Entry 8: ILLUSTRATION Feeling and situationsProactive, hard work, patience, organization, difficult, acceptance, poise, strength, persistence, perseverance, When I was in high school, I was extremely busy. I was on every team plus I ran track and field with the junior university team. It was very difficult to balance sports, school and a job when I was younger. I currently am a manager at a small oil and gas company, train in kick boxing and continue my studies. My days are really long, and since each one of those responsibilities are important to me, they require my full attention and effort.It takes a lot of hard work to do this program, manage at my work, and keep up with my training. It is important to be proactive when trying to balance all the things in my life. Leaving things to the last minute is never a good idea if you want to produce the best r esults. Proactivity is an essential characteristic to achieving a balanced life. ThesisTo handle the stress of distance education while maintaining a balanced successful life, one must be proactive, hardworking, and willing to face difficulties head on. October 1, 2011 -Entry 9: COMPARISON AND CONTRASTAs a Canadian citizen my experience with doctors is probably much different in some ways than patients within the American system. This is probably due to the universal healthcare system, though we will undoubtedly move to a two tiered system in time. Our system seems to have both extremes of doctors represented in the text, and everything in between as well. I have had the most caring family doctors, who hold my personal health in the highest regard. And I have also seen specialists who treat me like another part in an endless assembly line of patients.The best experiences were with my childhood family doctor. Dr. Blake was kind, compassionate and always knew the right things to make me feel better when I was ill. He retired when I was six years old and I still remember him and his office to this day. Compare/Contrast Male Doctor Dr. Blake would put in the extra time with me until I felt better unlike the male doctor from the text. He would also stay later than the typical 9-5 work hours if necessary. One thing they have in common however is that they were both very neat. Dr. Blake always looked very professional and proper. I also remember that Dr.Blake loved new electronic gadgets, so one could say that both doctors embrace technology in the workplace. Female Doctor They both were extremely caring. Not to say that the male doctor did not like the job, but truly seemed like the female doctor loved hers. I believe loving being a doctor and having a passion for helping people would be another similarity they both shared. Dr. Blake would also be devastated if he lost a patient. He would make sure I would leave with a candy each visit. Since Dr. Blake was quite nea t and organized their appearances together would have been quite polarizing.October 1, 2011 -Entry 10: COMPARISON AND CONTRAST Fear of failing Lack of preparation -Organization -Laziness Don’t know how to study properly Insecurity Speed up a program October 1, 2011 -Entry 11: DEFINITION PrewriteCheating regardless of the etymology has cheating one’s self as a result. I will however focus on marital infidelity. Trading trust, honor, integrity, and respect for what is in most cases temporary or an illusion. Hurting someone who you chose to let closest to you will end up scarring you as well. When I was younger I saw a close friend’s parents go through a divorce due to an infidelity.It affected him and his sister greatly. They were devastated, and it seemed like they had gone through a death in the family. However, every situation is different. There could be situations of verbal or physical abuse within a relationship that causes the other partner to stray. Octob er 2, 2011 -Entry 12: ARGUMENT AnalyzeHow much is that Kidney in the Window and Strip-Mining the Dead are two polarizing perspectives on human organ trafficking. Though there were many differences in opinion between the two authors, they also shared a few similarities in their thoughts as well.Gottlieb illustrated that the loss of a single kidney is not necessary to the donor’s survival unlike other body organs. Despite Gottlieb’s argument that legislators would be able to allow the sale of kidneys, Meilaender felt that certain things are simply not meant to be sold commercially. Meilaender admits that due to this paradigm, people may die despite alternative methods. Gottlieb felt human life should be prioritized above all other reasons and counterarguments. They both carry their beliefs throughout their respective texts.Gottlieb analyzed the practical medicinal benefits as well as the financial implications of human kidney sale. Meilaender continued to focus on the so mewhat holistic belief of respect for the human body. ReactIt is a natural desire to want to maintain the sanctity of a human corpse. However, if the body contains properties or characteristics that could help a member of the living, then the reverence of the corpse must be disturbed. Think about someone close to you, if a body part from a corpse was the one thing in the world that would save them, would you want it for them. The answer in most cases would be yes.It would be irrational to not use things around you to help yourself, or someone you love. Some people think it is human instinct to respect the dead. However that only came once it was discovered that decomposing bodies can bring disease. Many religions furthered such beliefs when church and state were homogenous. Modern medicinal technology allows for the harvesting of organs from a corpse, and the successful implantation of that organ into a living human being. Why is that worse than letting that same organ decompose? Tr eating our dead with respect and reverence is a beautiful characteristic of any society.By honoring the dead we are cherishing the memory of our loved ones, following paradigms of our various belief systems, and honoring the traditions of previous generations. None of those are time valued traditions hold their value if we do not put a higher value on our living than our dead. Our societies need to move forward, and let go of archaic belief systems that hinder our society and hold our citizens health hostage. October 2, 2011 -Entry 14: NOTES AND CITATIONS October 2, 2011 -Entry 15: COURSE REFLECTION ReflectIf feel that my attitude to writing is relatively the same.My knowledge about writing though has increased substantially throughout this process. I feel a lot of growth has happened as I have made my way through this journey. I know a little bit more about my writing style. I have also learned many essay writing techniques that will prove invaluable as I continue my academic and p rofessional careers. I think I could improve as a writer, by being more patient and allowing more time for my ideas to form. Some I am very thankful for the educational opportunity the English module at Penn Foster College has provided.

Cell Phones with Wireless Connectivity essay

Cell Phones with Wireless Connectivity essay Cell Phones with Wireless Connectivity essay Cell Phones with Wireless Connectivity essayThe problem considered in this paper is the choice of a cell phone with support of wireless technologies for business purposes.Description of possible solutionsThere are numerous smartphones with full-scale support of wireless technologies which can be used for business purposes. The choice of two key alternatives was done basing on the phones popularity and rating according to phone reviews. The alternatives include Apple iPhone 6 and Google Nexus 6. Purchasing any of these phones will help the buyer connect with a variety of wireless networks and get access to various data transmission technologies.The first alternative is purchasing Apple iPhone 6. This phones display size is 4.7 inches, the screen is built using IPS LCD technology, the phone operates using iOs 8x, has 128 Gb of built-in storage, 1024 MB RAM, dual-core 1.4 GHz Apple A8 processor (CNet, 2014). Wireless networks supported by this phone are CDMA, GSM, UMTS and FDD LTE (CNet , 2014). Wireless data transmission technologies embedded in this phone are HSPA, LTE category 4, GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, EV-DO Rev. A and B (CNet, 2014).The device is capable of Wi-Fi positioning, has GPS, A-GPS, Cell ID and Glonass technologies for positioning. With regard to wireless connectivity options, this alternative has Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi support a/b/g/n/, n for 5 GHz frequency and ac and NFC (CNet, 2014). Manufacturers suggested retail price of this phone is $849 (CNet, 2014). The device was released on September 9, 2014.The other solution is Google Nexus 6 phone. The characteristics of this device are the following. Display size is 6 inches, and display technology used for this device is AMOLED (CNet, 2014). Operating system used for the phone is Android 5.0 (CNet, 2014). The devices hardware includes 64 GB of built-in storage space, 3072 MB RAM, CPU used in this phone is quad-core 2.7 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon (CNet, 2014). With regard to wireless networks/technologies, this phone supports GSM, UMTS, FDD LTE and TDD LTE (CNet, 2014).Data transmission technologies included in Nexus 6 are LTE-A, HDSPA and HDSPA+, HSUPA, GPRS and EDGE (CNet, 2014). The phone is capable of GPS and A-GPS positioning. Wireless connectivity functions supported by the device include Bluetooth 4.1, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/n 5 GHz and ac, NFS and tethering (CNet, 2014). The device was announced on October 15, 2014. Retail price suggested by manufacturer is not known yet, but will soon be announced by Google.Criteria for measuring alternativesThere might be different phone selection criteria basing on the purposes of buying a phone and the tasks that will be completed using the phone. In the context of business use of cell phones with emphasis on wireless connectivity, the following criteria for choosing a smartphone can be used (Abbott, 2013).The range of wireless technologies and data transmission technologies supported by the phone.Since business people have to travel a lot and interact with various wireless networks, the range of technologies supported by the phone and the versions of these technologies are important. These technologies define the range of locations where the owner can use the phone and the speed of data transmission.Battery life.Active use of phone and data exchange with wireless networks will lead to quick battery discharging, so battery life is an important factor for business use.Operating system and related appsBusiness people are likely to perform a variety of automation, scheduling and other work-related tasks using their phones (Baldauf Stair, 2010). Convenience of the operating system and availability of business apps are important in this case.Price.It is desirable to choose a phone with optimal balance of price and functionality.Collaboration with wireless carriersThe choice of phone might depend on the existing bundling options. Most wireless carriers partner with phone manufacturers and offer attractive contract options (Baldauf Sta ir, 2010). The match between the best suitable carrier and mobile phone manufacturer might be an important criterion for choosing the phone.Process of conducting researchThe research will be conducted using websites and journals with technical characteristics of smartphones, smartphone reviews, offers of wireless carriers associated with the alternatives considered in the previous sections. Analysis of the match between operating system and business needs will be performed using a survey of key employees and comparing the results of the survey with other business reviews.

Mendels Law of Independent Assortment

Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment In the 1860s, a monk named Gregor Mendel discovered many of the principles that govern heredity. One of these principles, now known as Mendels law of independent assortment, states that allele pairs separate during the formation of gametes. This means that traits are transmitted to offspring independently of one another. Mendel discovered this principle after performing dihybrid crosses between plants that had two traits, such as seed color and pod color, that differed from one another. After these plants were allowed to self-pollinate, he noticed that the same ratio of 9:3:3:1 appeared among the offspring. Mendel concluded that traits were transmitted to offspring independently. The image above shows a true-breeding plant with the dominant traits of green pod color (GG) and yellow seed color (YY) being cross-pollinated with a true-breeding plant with yellow pod color (gg) and green seed color (yy). The resulting offspring are all heterozygous for green pod color and yellow seed color (GgYy). If the offspring are allowed to self pollinate, a 9:3:3:1 ratio will be seen in the next generation. About nine  plants will have green pods and yellow seeds, three will have green pods and green seeds, three will have yellow pods and yellow seeds, and one will have a yellow pod and green seeds. This distribution of traits of typical of dihybrid crosses. Mendel's Law of Segregation Foundational to the law of independent assortment is the law of segregation. Mendels earlier experiments led him to formulate this genetics principle. The law of segregation is based on four main concepts. The first is that genes exist in more than one form or allele. Secondly, organisms inherit two alleles (one from each parent) during sexual reproduction. Thirdly, these alleles separate during meiosis, leaving each gamete with one allele for a single trait. Finally, heterozygous alleles exhibit complete dominance, as one allele is dominant and the other is recessive. It is the segregation of alleles that allows for the independent transmission of traits. Non-Mendelian Inheritance Some patterns of inheritance do not exhibit regular Mendelian segregation patterns. In incomplete dominance, for example, one allele does not completely dominate the other. This results in a third phenotype that is a mixture of those observed in the parent alleles. An example of incomplete dominance can be seen in snapdragon plants. A red snapdragon plant that is cross-pollinated with a white snapdragon plant produces pink snapdragon offspring. In co-dominance, both alleles are fully expressed. This results in a third phenotype that displays distinct characteristics of both alleles. For example, when red tulips are crossed with white tulips, the resulting offspring sometimes have flowers that are both red and white. While most genes contain two allele forms, some have multiple alleles for a trait. A common example of this in humans is ABO blood type. ABO blood types have three alleles, which are represented as (IA, IB, IO). Some traits are polygenic, which means that they are controlled by more than one gene. These genes may have two or more alleles for a specific trait. Polygenic traits have many possible phenotypes. Examples of such traits include skin color and eye color.

Research funding(granting) agencies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Research funding(granting) agencies - Essay Example The National Institute of Health is a federal agency that operates to support research activities for better health standards. The mission of the National Institute of Health is to â€Å"seek fundamental knowledge about behavior of living systems,† use the developed information to promote health, increase life expectancy, and reduce rates of illnesses and disability (National Institutes of Health, n.d., p. 1). The mission outlines a research-based initiative for knowledge development and application of research findings for better health among citizens. The mission scope also identifies the agency’s resources for funding research and possible collaboration with other research institutions. The National Institute of Health has institutes, centers, and offices that implement the agency’s mandate. Some of its institutes that are relevant to health system management, through informing management, are the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Engineering, Natio nal Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institute of Mental Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (National Institute of Health, n.d.). ... It further outlines the mode and dates of application, and indicates a formal approach to the agency’s funding announcements and procedures for applications and consideration of the applications. The institute supports grant applications from organizations that conduct research to help address needs for existence and application of new technologies and techniques for care provision (National Institute of Health, n.d.). The agency’s mission is to facilitate and improve health at different levels of the society such as â€Å"individuals, families, communities, and populations† (National Institute of Nursing Research, 2011, p. 1). Pursuing the mission involves the institution’s direct and indirect engagement in clinical and basic research and through trainings. These initiatives aim to â€Å"build the scientific foundation for clinical practice, prevent disease and disability, manage and eliminate symptoms caused by illness, and improve palliative and end of life care† (National Institute of Nursing Research, 2011, p. 1). The institution’s areas of research emphasis are â€Å"health promotion and disease prevention, quality of life, health disparities, and end of life† (National Institute of Nursing Research, 2011, p. 1). Funding announcements are made through the National Institute of Health and only links and brief descriptions appear on the agency’s web site. The purpose of Healthy People 2020 is to achieve high living standards with a prolonged life expectancy among people. Its vision, mission, and initiatives communicate this, and its established standards that promote joint strategies among communities and sectors, â€Å"empower individuals toward making informed health decisions,† and determine effects of prevention measures support this. The

Sexual Attraction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Sexual Attraction - Essay Example Therefore on our biological level sexual attraction is a display of reproductive abilities; on psychological level we want to support that spiritual bond among individuals and reveal our emotions; in sociological frames sexual attraction is caused by cultural, legal and other aspects of our lives; from the point of view of philosophy, sexual attraction has prints of all the aspects of inner and outer worlds. Different societies have different mechanisms and criteria of sexual attraction. Historical and cultural backgrounds of our lives create stereotypes of what good and bad is, what sexual and what is not †¦ A complex bundle of personal preferences, experiences, genetic information, moral values of the society determine what is sexually attractive for any individual. First and most common idea is that sexual attraction should be considered in terms of physical appearance of a person. Whether this statement right or not, we’ll consider in this section. Furthermore it is relevant to give a brief overview of historical roots of sexual attraction if any. Thus in prehistoric age a woman with broad shoulders, big belly and flabby breasts considered to be sexually attractive (Buss, 1994). The epoch of Renaissance renovated this tendency and this image followed its existence. Nevertheless it’s hard to imagine that modern society could accept this image as an attractive one. Nowadays in order to be sexually attractive, a modern woman should be tall, slim, have good-looking face, proportional breasts and full lips. Following this criterion, we can conclude that sexual attraction is differentiated on a visual level. But female sexual image discussed above can be transformed in accordance with subjective attitude and imagination of an individual. Another question appears at this point: who is the individual deciding what is sexually attractive and what is

Fasting and The Eucharist: Catholic Participation in the Sacrifice of C

Fasting and The Eucharist: Catholic Participation in the Sacrifice of Christ Christ, as the ultimate sacrifice in Christianity, gave his own life for the benefit of others. His self-sacrifice continues to this day to be celebrated in the Catholic Mass. Through communion, or receiving the Eucharist, one is able to actively partake of the fruits of that sacrifice. But how does one follow Jesus’ example? One surely cannot strive for the same kind of physical death that Jesus experienced. Thus, practice of another form of self-sacrifice becomes necessary. To eat, to nourish one’s self is an act that is essential for human life. What could cause more pain in this life than to deny one’s self sustenance? The practice of fasting, as one form of self-denial, can serve to bring one closer to identifying with the sacrifice of Christ. This is especially evident when fasting is examined in relation to the Eucharist in the Catholic tradition. But before we continue, a distinction must be made between two different types of self-denial. To fast, and to not eat do not constitute the same act. My own personal experience while exploring the topic of fasting has deeply colored my view of the practice of fasting. Many personal interests led me to pursue the question of fasting as a form of self-sacrifice. One was my personal engagement with and interest in the Roman Catholic tradition. Another, much more personal influence is my personal relationship with food. To stop eating is one of the (unhealthy ways) in which I personally deal with stress or depression. In reading Caroline Bynum’s book on the relationship medieval women mystics had with food I was able to identify on many levels. These women, in some cases, lived for... ...5 At the request of my friend, her name has been changed, in case her mother really does have spies everywhere. 16 Nussbaum, Melissa. â€Å"Your paper on fasting.† Email to Lorena Dremel. 03/06/2003 17 Dugan, Kathleen M. â€Å"Fasting For Life: The Place of Fasting in the Christian Tradition.† Journal of the American Academy of Religion. Vol. 63 Issue 3 (Fall 1995): 547 18 Repohl, Roger F. â€Å"Hungry Together.† Commonweal. Vol. 124 Issue 3 (02/14/1997): 9-10 19 Several articles including: Orsy, Ladislas. â€Å"Holy Days of Obligation? Holidays of Celebration?† America. Vol. 166 Issue 2 (01/18/1992-01/25/1992): 28-29. Rogers, Carole Garibaldi. â€Å"Why Catholics Fast: Searching for the Tradition.† America. Vol. 186 Issue 6 (02/25/2002): 6-10. Sherry, Mary. â€Å"Fasting? But That’s So Mortifying.† America. Vol. 186 Issue 7 (03/04/2002): 21-22. Fasting and The Eucharist: Catholic Participation in the Sacrifice of C Fasting and The Eucharist: Catholic Participation in the Sacrifice of Christ Christ, as the ultimate sacrifice in Christianity, gave his own life for the benefit of others. His self-sacrifice continues to this day to be celebrated in the Catholic Mass. Through communion, or receiving the Eucharist, one is able to actively partake of the fruits of that sacrifice. But how does one follow Jesus’ example? One surely cannot strive for the same kind of physical death that Jesus experienced. Thus, practice of another form of self-sacrifice becomes necessary. To eat, to nourish one’s self is an act that is essential for human life. What could cause more pain in this life than to deny one’s self sustenance? The practice of fasting, as one form of self-denial, can serve to bring one closer to identifying with the sacrifice of Christ. This is especially evident when fasting is examined in relation to the Eucharist in the Catholic tradition. But before we continue, a distinction must be made between two different types of self-denial. To fast, and to not eat do not constitute the same act. My own personal experience while exploring the topic of fasting has deeply colored my view of the practice of fasting. Many personal interests led me to pursue the question of fasting as a form of self-sacrifice. One was my personal engagement with and interest in the Roman Catholic tradition. Another, much more personal influence is my personal relationship with food. To stop eating is one of the (unhealthy ways) in which I personally deal with stress or depression. In reading Caroline Bynum’s book on the relationship medieval women mystics had with food I was able to identify on many levels. These women, in some cases, lived for... ...5 At the request of my friend, her name has been changed, in case her mother really does have spies everywhere. 16 Nussbaum, Melissa. â€Å"Your paper on fasting.† Email to Lorena Dremel. 03/06/2003 17 Dugan, Kathleen M. â€Å"Fasting For Life: The Place of Fasting in the Christian Tradition.† Journal of the American Academy of Religion. Vol. 63 Issue 3 (Fall 1995): 547 18 Repohl, Roger F. â€Å"Hungry Together.† Commonweal. Vol. 124 Issue 3 (02/14/1997): 9-10 19 Several articles including: Orsy, Ladislas. â€Å"Holy Days of Obligation? Holidays of Celebration?† America. Vol. 166 Issue 2 (01/18/1992-01/25/1992): 28-29. Rogers, Carole Garibaldi. â€Å"Why Catholics Fast: Searching for the Tradition.† America. Vol. 186 Issue 6 (02/25/2002): 6-10. Sherry, Mary. â€Å"Fasting? But That’s So Mortifying.† America. Vol. 186 Issue 7 (03/04/2002): 21-22.

Information Subsystems for E-Commerce in the Supply Chain of Amazon.com

Ecommerce – has brought about a huge revolution in the global business by incorporating both the use of Internet-based computing and information systems to work out every small business processes. Businesses use the facility of internet to efficiently drive their supply chain management systems, trading with partners, giving back fast response to customer query and to over come resource shortages as well. This paper examines the importance of information based – ecommerce supply chain systems, in the online store likes–Amazon.com.There are four main vital issues that need to be addressed with the aim of the study – information collection, planning, systematized workflow, and modern updated business models. ECommerce business solutions provide the benefits of supply chain with reduction in costs, flexibility, and faster response times. However, the beginning of the ecommerce era, has led along a number of critical issues that determine the success of an eco mmerce business online.The e-supply chains of the online ecommerce websites, which are loaded with information systems have covered every part on the World Wide Web and there are loads of applications that are running with the help of this technology. The organization of an e- supply chain needs a global supply chain transparency, which in turn can only be achieved through incorporation of the various sub-information systems that are present within the ecommerce supply chain.This visibility or transparency can only be achieved if all the parts of the supply chain management system of an eCommerce site come on a common platform to share knowledge and real time information with the help of systems or electronic markets that collect and supply data bases about the transactions. The e-supply chain can be automated and well planned in order to deliver more productivity and increase the response of the eCommerce system. Some of the solutions that have been devised and also used up in the present are examples of electronic marketplaces like e-bay, amazon. com, mutual exchanges and Business to Business process controllers.There are various example of applications and other processes that are used up to form the backbone of any information system for an e-commerce trade, like CPFR, VMI and make to order. This paper is an attempt to decompose the typical nature of an e-supply chain in terms of information systems for an online store – Amanzon. com. In the beginning, we start with the nature of supply chains and later, we will look into the emerging trends with Ammazon. com, which have suitably been adapted to its eCommerce supply chains.Basics of a Supply chain1. PlanningThis is the premeditated segment of Supply chain management. This is the first step of SCM, in which a strategy is prepared for the efficient management of all the resources that are needed in meeting the market demands, less costs, high quality and value to the customer. The business plans are d eveloped in co-ordination with the suppliers who will be a part of the manufacturing process of new products.2. Resource allocationAfter a plan of action has been created, the next step of a Supply chain management is to select the suppliers who will deliver the goods and services. A number of issues arise here – pricing, time of delivery, payment procedures, monitoring, inventory of goods, shipment, verification, authorization and improving the two party relationships. These actions put together, give way to a well managed supply chain.3. Production and commercializationThis is the industrialized manufacturing step included within a supply chain. Most often this is the most complex step that needs first-rate handling at all levels.It consists of scheduling the activities, which form the various stages of production, testing, packaging and the final preparation of a product. The production stage is the most metric-intensive part of the supply chain as it can give vital data a nalysis for measuring the quality levels, cost of production, worker productivity. According to According to Lambert and Cooper (2000), the mangers who are in charge of the product development and commercialization cycle of the product must:synchronize with customer relationship management to recognize client-articulated needs.decide on resources and dealers in combination with procurement.Develop a manufacture technology in developing a proper flow to manufacture and incorporate the best supply chain flow for the product/market combination.4. TransportationThis stage of the supply chain is also referred to as Logistics by many experts. This stage is concerned with the movement of the final finished product to the customer. In physical terms, the customer is the final destination of the product, which is in turn linked through a marketing channel.This stage includes the co-ordination of order receipts, warehousing management, selecting transport carriers, shipment, and distribution of the product to customers and setting up an invoicing system to receive payments.5. Rate of ReturnThis stage concerns with the analysis of the whole activity that has been carried out as different parts of the Supply Chain. Every activity is broken down into sub activities so that the investment and rate of return per activity is calculated. This also consists of creating a network for receiving feedbacks from customers.Therefore as suggested above, any traditional supply chain consists of many stages that include the participation of one or more companies. Any supply chain includes more than one company tied up together in a series of supplier-customer relationships. These relationships define all the activities from the purchase of raw materials to the delivery of finished goods to the end client. The raw materials enter into a manufacturing process and are transformed into finished goods, which are supplied at the distribution centers. The finished goods are then supplied to cu stomers through the market.Supply chain and information Systems Successful trade thrives on information. Any industry that cannot boast of a strong information system for the Supply chain Management will never render the desired results. The importance of an efficient information system and how it works to improve the performance of ecommerce sites, its various applications, thereby giving a substantial improve in rate of return and saving money by utilization of specific applications in receiving, production tracking, quality control, and transport operations.To gain competitive advantage, e-companies have been using a number of schemes to increase their source of information and visibility into their tasks, many of them turned to enterprise resource planning or ERP, customer relationship management (CRM), supply chain and various other management softwares. Definitely, these softwares and their respective applications can be highly effective, but their efficiency is hampered when the data they require is not timely collected and presented before them.That is why the most important concern is providing cost-efficient and effective tools for providing accurate and on time data to enterprise applications to gain advantage. Supply Chain Management and information systems deals with the flow of goods from the firm, along with the facilities, to the final destination – customer. In this new era of intense competition, supply chain efficacies and its efficient implementation are not only necessary, but also the requirements for survival for any industry.A proper performance based supply chain management contributes to higher revenue, low operation cost, better warehousing management, order tracking and processing, packaging, and added satisfaction for the customers. Supply chain management has been engaged in organizations round the world, performing critical tasks. In addition, the rising global economy and the world-wide establishment of e-commerce also sh arpened the premeditated significance of supply chain management and has twisted the old methods so that they take advantage by benefiting from supply chain strategy and planning as a competitive tool.By the integration of supply chain, with customer relationship plans and an effective financial management, it has become easier for any firm to stay in firm control of business activities and generate the results that are aimed for. However, according to the study made, there has been a significant record about the optimal productivity that could have been achieved as compared to what the organizations are achieving at the moment. There are some serious problems that have come to the surface or were known to be existing since a long time, within the Supply Chain Management systems.For example, a problem with the Distribution network in Amazon has been cited at many instances, a many distribution centers, causing difficulties with suppliers, production facilities, and distribution outl ets. At the same time, the inefficient data distribution has been identified as a cause that leads to loss of integration of various processes within the Supply chain and causes the inability to predict demands, forecasts, inventory and transportations needs.The issue of a proper and well defined distribution strategy has also been acknowledged lately by the experts which discusses the option of centralized and decentralized distribution strategies, shipment etc. Due to these and many other factors, it has become vital, that the present practices of Supply chain and information chain management be revised and studied in depth to render the process to become more effective and profitable for the online business sites.The use of Information technology has become unavoidable for imparting solutions for a variety of supply chain management and design problems. These IT skills must work in unison to develop the Business to Business and Business to Customer needs. Various IT solutions tha t have been developed today, implement solutions for e-collaboration, faster response methods, jointly managed warehousing facilities and transportation. One of the most common IT applications within a supply chain is that of bar codes which makes data collection accurate and fast.Most of the enterprises apply the bar code shipping labels or RFID application on their finished goods that are about to leave the company premises. But with changing trends, mangers have learned that if the use of bar codes is pushed back into the production system, then it provides tremendous labor and material savings. These changes lead to less time delays and this times saved can easily be converted into financial benefits and increased productivity.Similarly, the use of Direct Store Delivery (DSD) and other route accounting operations when combined with mobile printing applications saves a lot of time and reduces the cost by a remarkable amount and in turn increases the return on Investment. Likewise , there are a number of IT applications that can benefit eCommerce sites to develop its information system so as to meet the customer requirements. Business information, production reports, warehousing data, inventory problems can be supported with the help of better managed supply chain management solutions coupled with some of these IT solutions.