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Chicano essays

Chicano essays In the film Bordertown (1950) there are many issues that are present from a Chicanos point of view. The misrepresentation of Chicanos can be seen from the very beginning to the very end of the film. The role of Johnny Ramirez, the protagonist of Bordertown (1950) was portrayed by the famous, but nonetheless Caucasian Paul Muni. This is an example of one of the problems emphatically brought up by Charles Ramirez Berg, regarding the male Chicano protagonist, they are portrayed by non-Chicanos, when a Chicano can be found to portray the role. This shows that audience could not see a very successful man without somehow relating his success to his actual ethnicity, Caucasian. This helps society cope with the ever changing melting-pot, which is our society in fact. Berg also states that the absence of a father in Chicano films, such as Bordertown (1950), is typical and quite disturbing. The father's absence in Chicano films is almost always unexplained so the character personality could never be complete because he does not have a role model. The son has no knowledge why he behaves the way he does or likes the things he likes, he is forever living an unsatisfied and sometimes troubled life. The most significant and troubling issue is stated by Berg as "the absence of the Chicana." The Chicana is never a major figure unless she is playing the role of a mother. The Chicana is seen as a mediocre part of life and is never given a role of power. Caucasian women are usually given the roles of power and assertiveness to portray a special type of women, while Chicanas are given roles as mothers, housekeepers, and girlfriends. ...

Term paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 4

Term paper - Essay Example Currently, technology has developed to invent mobile phones which can access any information with convenience. As a result of easy access to information, there has been significant change in how people view information. The use of internet has not only made life more convenient but also changed the entire world. The network has become a major platform of mainstream media unlike previously when the media was just newspapers, televisions, and radio. The network has facilitated saving of resources besides availing more information in less time. Today, more and more people are able connect to people from across the world through social networks. Numerous social platforms have emerged with Facebook being the most famous. Facebook has evolved since its creation in 2004 by Zuckerburg, to become party of people’s daily lives. People access the application through laptops, computers, iPad, and smartphones. Through this application an individual can publish their real names, images, emails, relationship status, as well as birthdays. Various people have understand privacy in varying perspectives, particularly the youth. Most young people have an immature and incomplete understanding of the world. Currently, the main challenge that needs to be addressed is whether the online article about Facebook has an impact on college students’ understanding on personal confidentiality problem. Facebook offers a great platform that allows individuals to interact with more people online as well as know themselves better. However, sometimes too much personal details are exposed to the public. This excessive exposure results to too many negative consequences. Although the laws stipulates the right to freedom of expression, instances of cyber bullying, phishing, as well as, malicious slanders have increased at an alarming rate in people’s daily lives. These consequences will normally emerge since the application user’s privacy is not adequately

The Cold War and Ray Bardbury's Fahrenheit 451 Essay

The Cold War and Ray Bardbury's Fahrenheit 451 - Essay Example The story is narrated by a third party with access to Montag’s thoughts and feelings; through this, the reader can easily relate to Montag’s transformation and the sentiments that drive his character. Montag has become a staunch book burner but this is not his own conviction and within no time, he must rediscover himself. The book explores the central theme of censorship and its impact on the individual as well as the community as a whole. The Cold War was an era of great tension and suspicion between democracy and communism. There were deep-rooted ideological, economic and political differences between the United States and its allies on one hand and the Soviet Union and its allies on the other. This was the time immediately before the start of the Second World War. In the novel, books have been banned in society and those that are found are burned along with the homes in which they are found. It is worth noting that the destruction of books began as self-censorship. B eatty explains to Montag how people lost a desire in books and instead opted for instant gratification in the form of television and fast cars. By illustrating censorship as a phenomenon that emerges from culture itself, the author expresses a concern that the evolution of the media is as good as a totalitarian regime in the suppression of free speech. Bradbury Ray. â€Å"Fahrenheit 451.† (New York, NY: Random House Print. 1996.) As highlighted in the book, the degree of mimetic dependence on historical experience creates a picture of the American context in the years following the end of the Second World War and the beginning of the cold war. It represents the widespread influence of the Soviet communism in eastern countries in Europe and the overreaction of America to it. This can be summed up as the fear of communism in American circles and the subsequent atmosphere of deeply rooted suspicion and political persecution in the form of witch hunt. The period represented in Fa hrenheit 451illustrates the overarching response to this pervasive paranoia in American society. This prompts the need to apply censorship in a bid to foster n all-pervasive environment of conformism and apathy.2 Given the suppression of individual thought, Fahrenheit 451 addresses the conflict between individuality and conformity. The characters’ lives revolve around pleasure-seeking and distraction. This culture does not seem to accommodate a broad range of self-expression. In fact, hedonism is the norm, coupled with mindless entertainment. When people try to question this kind of life, they are considered as threats to society. Clarisse, the young seventeen-year old girl and Montag’s friend, symbolizes expression of free thought and individuality. Once when going home from the fire station, Montag meets Clarisse who questions the nature and motivation of his job. At one point she asks him, â€Å"Have you ever read the books you burn?†1 Her questions and opini ons on life are disturbing and confusing to Montag. According to him, reading books is against the law. Bradbury Ray. â€Å"Fahrenheit 451.† (New York, NY: Random House Print. 1996.) 2 Tindal George B. and David Shi. â€Å"American.† W.W. Norton and Company, New York and London: 1997. This implies that Montage is doing this because the law demands so; Montag has to conform to this order, his own feelings and convictions

Difference Analysis Between IS And IT

Difference Analysis Between IS And IT Introduction: Information technology (IT) and management information systems (MIS) are interchangeable terms (Kearns, 1997). They are a set of interrelated computerized components that work together to collect, retrieve, process, store, and distribute information for the purpose facilitating planning, control, coordination, analysis and decision-making in organizations (Laudon Laudon, 1998). In the foodservice industry IT is commonly used for order processing, marketing, accounting, and site selection of new restaurant units. Whether a small independent or part of a large chain, many restaurants use established point of sale systems and accounting packages to process financial data. The Study is running with fully computerised and IS philosophy based so that the company is controlled in IT infrastructure and IS strategy will be described here for the future benefit of the company. By adopting frameworks necessary in characterising comprehensiveness, focus and formulation, firms may be able to incr ease rationality, while inducing increased participation and enhanced consistency. Improving the planning cycles of IS and SDLC (System Development Life Cycle) activities have also been proven instrumental in enhancing planning effectiveness. In some cases, such difference manifests itself through policies to save all enterprise information indefinitely, or to delete all data after brief periods of time. Traditional approaches to information management are often designed to mitigate risk; firms respond to regulatory and compliance requirements. Information compliance investments, for example, should be cost-managed, as providing compliance in excess generally adds little value and can be an inhibitor. The information to answer such questions often exists within an organizations IT systems, and requires minimal effort to answer once the key questions are identified by the senior executive team and business leaders. Answering key questions often requires minimal information and invest ment. Using an experimental approach similar to statistical sampling can provide the answers to key business questions quickly and dynamically. Aims And Purpose Of The Study: Many firms are focusing on using integrated databases and end-user computing which some experts believe threatens the role of the information provider in organisations. However, providers of data have contributions to make associated with decision making which are beyond just interpreting or supplying information. Some common decision-making-linked roles include facilitating a common database for group decisions; supplying effort and expertise in gathering information; and providing audit trails of data associated with certain decisions. Firms interested in maximising the contributions of information providers are advised to clarify and incorporate providers roles into the development of significant information systems within firms The explosion of data is most apparent in the realm of unstructured data. As businesses strive to automate processes and extend the IT environment to the point of service, an ever increasing amount of data is being retained electronically. Lowering the overall cost of ownership associated with storing and retrieving a growing volume of structured data assets is a challenge, and requires data and content servers that enable innovation while delivering rock-solid reliability. Flexible storage options and the know-how to put it all together round out a solution that helps you leverage information — lots of information. Deploy powerful servers that scale to meet your growing needs. Reduce the time spent searching for information. Escalating information volumes put your infrastructure to the test. Delivering high performance while lowering costs requires. IBM solutions-simple, flexible and optimized-will help you find the right content and get it to the right people and business processes at the right time, so you can improve efficiencies, increase responsiveness, and gain greater insights into your customers, the market and your business. Leverage and analyze information on demand to optimize all transactions in the call centre or in the field, when helping customers or when taking orders. Overcome the complex architectural and usability issues associated with traditional data warehouse and business intelligence approaches. Leverage information for competitive advantage and get more value out of your information Understanding computer hardware When you talk about computer hardware, you have to talk about the specifications. On a given desktop systems describe the speed and capability of that particular computer. If you are about to buy a computer, you should at least understand enough about each heading below to make an informed comparison between two different machines with different configurations. CPU central processing unit At the core is the processor. Speed is measured in Mhz. One other parameter of the CPU to investigate is the L1 cache, commonly from 256 kilobytes and up. RAM random access memory This determines how many files you can open at once; also ram is a form of computer data storage. So if ram is high computer performance should be better. Hard disk capacity Hard disk is measured in MB (megabyte) or GB (gigabyte). With the advent of so many mass-storage devices (zip drive, CD-R, super drive, etc) and networks where files and applications can be archived, huge disks (many GB) are very handy, but hardly necessary for most users. No matter what size your hard drive, you should keep it clean by weeding out outdated, redundant, and useless information (files and folders). Cache memory Check the upgradeability of your cache memory to fine tune your computer. The cache memory is a special type of RAM which the processor uses to store data in while it is working. The level 1 cache (or L1) is physically located on the CPU chip (and hence cannot be upgraded, unless you upgrade the CPU), whereas the level 2 cache (L2) is located on the motherboard, and can be upgraded separately. Video card/VSA card The amount of RAM and quality (and number) of microprocessors on the video card determine things like how big a monitor you can use, how large a window you can display video on, and the speed with which large complex graphic images display. Some of the newer video cards have 4 MB, 8 MB or more. Sometimes it is possible to upgrade a video card by adding a graphics accelerator card rather than replacing the video card with another newer version. Sound card The MIDI standard is used to convey music from computer to computer, (or keyboard to computer etc) and most good soundcards will play at least 32 MIDI voices. The other aspect of a soundcard is how well it plays digital sound files (like from a CD). Most of them do this extremely well also. If you are interested in music or sound, you want to investigate the software that comes bundled with your soundcard (or whatever software you have purchased to work with your soundcard). Traditionally, the sound card also has a port on it to plug in your joystick(s) if you play games on the computer. Removable storage Choices range from 3.5 1.44MB floppy drives, 100MB zip drives, 120MB super drives, 650MB CD-R, and on up to 1.5GB removable hard drive cartridges and higher now. Of course there are thousands of other choices including tape, optical drives, and surely many more available. Remember to price the storage media per Megabyte when buying. I personally like the CD-R idea since more people have CD-ROMs to read the recorded data. A programmable machine, two principal characteristics of a computer are: It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner. It can execute a pre-recorded list of instructions (a program). Modern computers are electronic and digital. The actual machinery wires, transistors, and circuits is called hardware; the instructions and data are called software. A computer network is a collection of computers and devices connected to each other. The network allows computers to communicate with each other and share resources and information. The Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) designed Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) for the United States Department of Defence. It was the first computer network in the world in late 1960s and early 1970s. Computers can be generally classified by size and power; as follows, though there is considerable overlap: Personal computer: A small, single-user computer based on a microprocessor. In addition to the microprocessor, a personal computer has a keyboard for entering data, a monitor for displaying information, and a storage device for saving data. Workstation: A powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a personal computer, but it has a more powerful microprocessor and a higher-quality monitor. Minicomputer: A multi-user computer capable of supporting from 10 to hundreds of users simultaneously. Mainframe: A powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting many hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously. Supercomputer: An extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of millions of instructions per second. Computer networking is the engineering discipline concerned with communication between computer systems or devices. A computer network is any set of computers or devices connected to each other with the ability to exchange data. Local area network (LAN), which is usually a small network constrained to a small geographic area. Wide area network (WAN) that is usually a larger network that covers a large geographic area. Wireless LANs and WANs (WLAN WWAN) are the wireless equivalent of the LAN and WAN. Difference Analysis Between IS And IT In a general sense, the term Information System (IS) refers to a system of people, data records and activities that process the data and information in an organization, and it includes the organizations manual and automated processes. In a narrow sense, the term information system (or computer-based information system) refers to the specific application software that is used to store data records in a computer system and automates some of the information-processing activities of the organization. Information technology (IT), as defined by the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), is the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware. IT deals with the use of electronic computers and computer software to convert, store, protect process, transmit, and securely retrieve information. The new information technology (IT) infrastructure: The new IT infrastructure links desktop workstations, network computers, LANs, and server computers in an enterprise network so that information can flow freely between different parts of the organization. The enterprise network may also be linked to kiosks, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, PDAs and information appliances, digital cellular telephones and PCS, and mobile computing devices as well as to the Internet using public infrastructures. Customers, suppliers, and business partners may also be linked to the organization through this new IT infrastructure. Understand Computer-Aided tools Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE), in the field of Software Engineering is the scientific application of a set of tools and methods to software which is meant to result in high-quality, defect-free, and maintainable software products. It also refers to methods for the development of information systems together with automated tools that can be used in the software development process. The term Computer-aided software engineering (CASE) can refer to the software used for the automated development of systems software, i.e., computer code. The CASE functions include analysis, design, and programming. CASE tools automate methods for designing, documenting, and producing structured computer code in the desired programming language. This is the model for an extra net. IS (information system) design for a mobile phone company: As I have to design one companys IS design I choice the phone company. In this IS design everything is shown as far I know. This mobile company will be connected intranet system to every department. We know that intranet system will work with the internal system. With the intranet system every department will be very helpful as if they need any information they can easily get via the computer. Also they need the pc to every department. It is also connected to the internet to communicate. Using the internet they also benefitted to get the information. They need to build up a website where they can put all the information. So customer relationship will be build via the internet. Also customer can know the product and offer via internet. 1 a) What information would you require to make such decisions? Strategic planning deals with the determination of the objectives, resources, and policies of the organization. In this case, management has their planning and control of their restaurant business. The system provides up-to-the-minute information on the food items ordered and breaks out percentages showing sales of each item versus total sales. This helps management plan menus according to customers tastes. The system also compares the weekly sales totals versus food costs, allowing planning for tighter cost controls. Managerial Control is one of the managerial functions like planning, organizing, staffing and directing. It is an important function because it helps to check the errors and to take the corrective action so that deviation from standards are minimized and stated goals of the organization are achieved in desired manner. Control in management means setting standards, measuring actual performance and taking corrective action. Thus, control comprises these three main activities. In this case, this system helps management plan menus according to customers tastes. The system also compares the weekly sales totals versus food costs, allowing planning for tighter cost controls. In addition, whenever an order is voided, the reasons for the void are keyed in. This may help later in management decisions, especially if the voids consistently related to food or service. Operational control serves to regulate the day-to-day output relative to schedules, specifications, and costs. The most difficult task of management concerns monitoring the behaviour of individuals, comparing performance to some standard and providing rewards or punishment as indicated. Sometimes this control over people relates entirely to their output. For example, a manager might not be concerned with the behaviour of a salesman as long as sales were as high as expected. In other instances, close supervision of the salesman might be appropriate if achieving customer satisfaction were one of the sales organizations main objectives. In this case study, acceptance of the system by the users is exceptionally high since the waiters and waitresses were involved in the selection and design process. All potential users were asked to give their impressions and ideas about the various systems available before one was chosen. This is their Operational control part. After studying this case I find that up-to-the-minute information on the food items ordered and breaks out percentages showing sales of each item versus total sales. Whenever an order is voided, the reasons for the void are keyed in. This may help later in management decisions, especially if the voids consistently related to food or service. And all potential users were asked to give their impressions and ideas about the various systems available before one was chosen. b) What would make the system a more complete MIS rather than just doing transaction process? This business can be more MIS if management provide and use more information related to the business. This system helps management to taka decision. Its ‘out of stoke process shows that which items is doing more business and which is doing less. Then they can decide which product they need to emphasize more. End of month they can analyse the data of four week. Other features such as order void system check listing, item sales, total sales, customer opinions etc. can make this system more complete MIS rather than transaction process. c) Explain the probable effects that making the system more formal would have on the customers and the management A waiter takes an order at a table, and then enters it online via one of the six terminals located in the restaurant dining room. The order is routed to a printer in the appropriate preparation area: the cold item printer if it is a salad, the hot-item printer if it is a hot sandwich or the bar printer if it is a drink. A customers meal check-listing (bill) the items ordered and the respective prices are automatically generated. When the kitchen runs out of a food item, the cooks send out an ‘out of stock message, whenever an order is voided, the reasons for the void are keyed in. This may help later in management decisions, especially if the voids consistently related to food or service. All potential users were asked to give their impression and ideas about the various systems available before one was chosen Above mentioned functions make this system more formal on customer and the management. 2 a) What security loopholes come to the fore in the situation described? How can these be plugged? If we plunged in to this case we find that while assessing hardware and software requirements, it was found that out of the 364 desktops at the corporate office; more than half did not have their antivirus software updated with recent virus signature files. Three fourths had not changed the default e-mail password (it was the user name) and no one had installed OS patches. And one of its local mail servers seemed to be an open relay! For a fleeting moment, system manager of SystemX wondered about the situation at the seven branch offices across the country. SystemX used the Net extensively in dealing with its branches, customers and suppliers. Information like contract documents, marketing plans, Cheque and Draft numbers, bank account details and collection details were regularly transmitted by e-mail. These loopholes come into our mind. These loopholes can be plugged, if they update their antivirus which is virus signature files free. Because they use e-mail, and Net extensively so they need strong security measure in order to secure their system. b) What is the importance of a â€Å"security budget† in the context of the given situation? Security budget is one of the important parts of every business. In this context â€Å"Security Budget† is very important. They need to provide security to their system. If manager recommends for appointing a new security consultant then it may not be granted because of budget. Any how they need to provider security. 3 a) What systems propose that would serve the companys need? The multibase company limited has so many manufacturing products. It is very difficult to control the whole companys activities. On the other hand now it is the age of information technology so we should use this technology to everywhere. I propose that we can use the CBIS means computer base information system. b) Complete overhaul of the systems or add functionalities of the existing systems? Justify the line of action. This company has a CBIS which are prepared the performance of every unit though weekly and monthly reports. With this reports headquarters always analyze and make the decision such as capacity expansion, procurement of new technology involving substantial investment, etc. This helps the companies planning and control. c) Justify the requirement of chief information officer (CIO) in the context given case let. The cio of the company has thus propose to develop suitable computer base systems which might be helpful in understanding the current status of various manufacturing units in terms of their overall performance, the type of environment constraints that operate in the three business that exist for enhancing capacity in these business areas. 4 a) Is that digital systems are unreliable and carries enormous risks? Yes. It is. No digital system can be guaranteed to be _PERFECT_ and hence may have any type of problems. This is actually because human beings are not perfect in their design and work. b) Explain three situations to minimize damages due to failure of digital system. For case 1: There should be transaction logging mechanism so that it can roll back upon administrators command. A manual book-keeping can be used too for all types of transactions so that in case of failure it can be used. For case 2: There should be manual communications used when digital systems delay for some reason. For case 3: Enough communications with service users should take place before upgrade policy. In all communication channels there should be advertisements and assumed timeline for the probable disaster. Decision Support Systems welcomes contributions on the concepts and operational basis for DSSs, techniques for implementing and evaluating DSSs, DSS experiences, and related studies. In treating DSS topics, manuscripts may delve into, draw-on, or expand such diverse areas as artificial intelligence, cognitive science, computer supported cooperative work, data base management, decision theory, economics, linguistics, management science, mathematical modelling, operations management psychology, user interface management systems, and others. The common thread of articles published in the journal will be their relevance to theoretical, technical DSS issues. Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS) are a class of electronic meeting systems, a collaboration technology designed to support meetings and group work. GDSS are distinct from computer supported cooperative work technologies as GDSS are more focused on task support, whereas CSCW tools provide general communication support. Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS) were referred to as a Group Support System (GSS) or an electronic meeting system since they shared similar foundations. However todays GDSS is characterized by being adapted for a group of people who collaborate to support integrated systems thinking for complex decision making. Participants use a common computer or network to enable collaboration. Who is the typical user of the system currently? For the organization manager mainly takes the decision. Suppose to open a new account there should be some criteria (credit score). It is also used in agriculture section. Dss is well-established tradition within agriculture. Holsapple takes a different view. Decision-support systems are so pervasive in their use that people dont even think of them as DSS, he says. He points to the spreadsheet as one of the most common ones used in business today. And, he says, most executives use corporate planning tools with DSS capabilities in them. Graphical User Interface Design Process For The Decision Support System In general, the GUI design process can be split into twelve steps (Galitz, 1997): 1. Know your user 2. Understand the ‘business function 3. Use good screen design 4. Select the proper types of windows 5. Develop the system menus 6. Select the proper device-based controls 7. Choose the proper screen-based controls 8. Organize and layout the windows 9. Choose the proper screen colours 10. Create meaningful icons 11. Provide meaningful messages 12. Test, test, and retest Following the design process, a questionnaire was prepared to better understand the ‘typical environmental professional who would be using the GUI. Questions were divided into several Categories: computer hardware and software literacy, user profile, and talk analysis. Some of the questions, although basic in nature, were required to ascertain the type of computer operating system to design for and the types of support system that would be incorporated in the design. I am not using any dss system for my academic career yet. But it will be very helpful to use in my future career. Questions no Questions Answers 1 Employee name: Employer name: Work place address: Work telephone no: Job title: No of years on current job: Years of computer experience: Md. Ayub Ali Saleh Z Rahman 12th floor, national scout bhobon, kakrail,Dhaka-1000. 0088029335395 Chief software architect and developer. Five months 10 yrs 2 What kind of computer system do you use? Apple MacBook Laptop, Mac OSX Leopard, programming software (compiler (gcc) and other Unix system administration tools), printer, Scanner, Mobile phone (for Internet through it), Apple Time Capsule (for backup), etc. 3 What kind of training have you received in order to use computer system effectively? Do you find the IT technical staff in your firm to be helpful and easy to work with? I have received B.Sc. in computer science and Engineering from a reputed university. I am self learner for using computer systems effectively. Our IT Technical Staff are helpful. 4 What business processes are supported by the IT systems in your workplace? Structured model of software development. 5 How does management use the IT system to support their activities? Management use intranet and internet to support their activities. 6 Is your system part of a network? Who is the network administrator? How often do you interact with the administrator? What kinds of issues do you discuss with the administrator? Yes, my system is part of a network. We have more than one network in our office. I am network administrator. There is different system administrator. I dont interact with system administrator that much. Very rare case I need him solve problems. Mainly we discuss about Internet connectivity issues with system administrator. 7 Are your computer systems connected to your customers, suppliers or partners? Describe how the system is used to connect to these entities. Our workstations are not connected to customers. But our servers are connected to mobile operators for providing services to customers. The servers are connected to operators via the Metronet network who provides connectivity with all major mobile companies and content/service providers. 8 As your career has progressed, what changes in IT have you noticed and how have these changes in IT contributed to your performance? Every time IT is changing as the new technology comes. So there need to be trained for the new technology. 9 Has using the computer system at work influenced your life outside of work? What way? Yes, my work has influenced my life outside of work. I have learnt how the telecommunication systems work and how services are provided to customers. Also I learnt how the communication between operator and service providers are established. 10 What advice would you give to a new employee about the IT supported workplace? The new employee should have eagerness to learn the underlying system well to provide good service to customers. Also he should be hard working and should be habituated to self-learning. 11 Which service provider do you use for internet? Grameen. 12 What is internet rate of communication speed? 10-20 kbps. 13 Which search engine do you use? Google. 14 Do you like to use internet for online business transaction? Yes. But security issue is main problem here. 15 Do you think internet is essential for daily life or not? Yes. Everyday life internet is very essential. I can communicate via email trough the world. The assignment is divided into four parts. All the four parts is done in here. I have done this assignment by using the books, lectures and from websites.

Corporate Governance Benchmarking

Running head: CORPORATE GOVERNANCE BENCHMARKING Corporate Governance Benchmarking University of Phoenix Corporate Governance MMPBL 570 November 30, 2009 Corporate Governance Benchmarking McBride Financial Services Inc. is a low cost mortgage provider located in Boise, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, as well as North and South Dakota. Recently, Beltway Investments became the majority investor in McBride Financial Services, Inc. As a result, McBride’s CEO needs the board of directors’ collaboration while setting up internal governance controls and ensuring proper auditing. To secure that corporate governance benefits the company and investors, McBride’s CEO needs to consider benchmarking. Thus, the authors of this paper examine the benchmarking of Adelphia Communications, Tyco, Calpine Corporation, and Tyson Foods to help develop best practices for McBride Financial Services, Inc. Accordingly, Chew and Gillan (2005) state, â€Å"The role of top management is no longer just control and coordination; it is anticipating, leading, and managing change and articulating the rationale for such change to employees† (p. ). Hence, the lack of corporate governance could not be demonstrated better than the rise and fall of Adelphia Communications. Adelphia Communications was at one time the fifth largest cable provider in the United States. The company was controlled by John Rigas, the founder of Adelphia, and his family; they controlled 60 percent of the total voting shares. The family considered Adelphia funds their own personal funds and spent them lavishly on everything from airplanes to professional sports teams. When all was finally revealed, the Rigas family received $3. 4 billion in loans from Adelphia. The company eventually filed for bankruptcy and was split up in a buyout by Time Warner Cable and Comcast (Comcast, 2006). McBride Financial Services, Inc. (MFSI) is a small company controlled by McBride, the CEO. He is looking to move to the next level, like Adelphia. MFSI has recently formed a partnership with Beltway Investments to allow growth into a regional financial services provider and form a board of directors. It is not a partnership. It is a corporation and owned by Hugh and Beltway. They are not partners which is a different legal form of business. The company needs to embrace the board of directors as an independent oversight committee and not as rubber stamp committee, yet this is the initial direction the CEO wants the board to take (University of Phoenix, 2009). Adelphia Communications failed because the board was part of the corruption and independent from the daily operations of the company. The CEO needs to also allow an external accounting firm to conduct regular audits, regardless of the results, of the company to ensure the corruption of Adelphia is not duplicated because â€Å"The way boards are structured, meeting every other month, they have to rely on outside advisers† (Patsuris, 2002). Another situation to consider is the decline of the stock prices for Tyco, turning out to be quite detrimental because of the same actions of Kozlowski, the former CEO; he failed to lead the company affectively. Kozlowski was found guilty of using company funds for his personal expenses (Cummins, 2006). Even though he was found guilty, the company’s image is still flawed and questioned, the same as the value of company stock prices. Nevertheless, Eric Pillmore is in the process of reclaiming the company’s image by reconstructing and communicating a well built ethical atmosphere. Pillmore may be strict and enforce control to help the company; perhaps if the control had been maintained through corporate governance in the past, and if employees had been at ease in bringing issues to the fore front, Kozlowski would not have been able to send the company into the tailspin it has experienced (Cummins, 2006). MFSI can learn valuable lessons from Tyco; in conjunction with legal action and a marred company because of inadequate corporate governance, Tyco has made strides in changing its business environment. Tyco has managed to make improvements, from restructuring the company ethics statement, to meeting each employee personally, supplying them with a company ethics statement, and publishing a quarterly report on any problems employees brought to the company’s attention, and compiling the findings and disciplinary actions (Cummins, 2006, para. 3). Pillmore may be strict and controlling but he has turned Tyco around by improving employee behavior, creating a trustful environment and communicating with Tyco employees. MFSI’s CEO needs to consider such changes as Tyco has implemented, to be in compliance with federal guidelines, build trusting relationships with his employees and change the tone of MFSI’s corporate culture by adhering to a new corporate governance plan. Basically, in critiquing and analyzing the roles of the key leaders of corporate governance to assess the function of ethics in compliance, key concepts and the best practices of Calpine Corporation have also been considered to help MFSI. According to Chew and Gillan (2005), â€Å"During the past decade many CEOs of large companies have become highly visible public figures,† and while MFSI is still evolving, pressure to act appropriately exists (p. 1). This visibility increases accountability for leaders’ corporate governance. In the case of MFSI, the CEO is faced with critical decision making. MFSI’s CEO’s corporate governance has the potential of creating undesirable outcomes. However, to help MFSI, the best practices of Calpine demonstrate how decision making can be executed through the code of conduct guidelines. Calpine is a successful company that despite its business strategies, it was challenged with uncontrollable environmental forces. In 1998, Calpine experienced the effects of deregulation; yet leadership followed the company’s good corporate governance to address the issue. Hence, in comparing MFSI with Calpine, it is noted that Calpine’s leadership is committed to act with integrity and transparency while MFSI’s CEO is behaving unethically by disregarding the board of directors’ and shareholders’ input. Chew and Gillan (2005) declare, â€Å"The performance of companies, good or bad, is often attributed—not only by the press, but by the directors and shareholders of the companies—to the CEO’s personal business savvy and leadership† (p. 2). Therefore, in providing MFSI with good corporate governance best practices, Tyson Foods is also considered. Tyson is a company from which MFSI can learn. MFSI’s CEO wants to control the board of directors. He tells them not to worry about doing any work or meeting more than a few times a year; â€Å"I will handle the real work,† exclaims the CEO (University of Phoenix, 2009). Tyson entered into a settlement agreement that not only cost them a considerable amount of money but also required them to practice proper corporate governance. By trying to control the board of directors, and by not offering incentive compensation and stock options, MFSI’s CEO may soon find that investors do not appreciate his self serving financial gain at the cost of their right to a good return n investment. MFSI’s CEO must take seriously, as Tyson now takes seriously, the need to allow the board of directors to be active in the business of the company and to carry out their duty to protect shareholders’ interests (Friedlander, 2008). Also, MFSI’s CEO must set up proper audit procedures, using an impartial outside aud itor while setting up internal controls. MFSI’s CEO needs to understand that corporate governance procedures are not only for his benefit but also for every investor’s welfare. The CEO needs to include others in the decision making, helping to enhance every stakeholder’s benefits. By creating transparency in their procedures and corporate governance, MFSI can help encourage the board of directors to work collaboratively to provide a good return to investors while creating long term gains that will keep the company running strong. If MFSI’s CEO continues to try to circumvent the company’s processes and make the board of directors a powerless figurehead, his investors might soon become disgruntled and take their investments elsewhere. Conclusion Maintaining state and federal guidelines and staying within the company’s code of conduct can be challenging. Thus, top leaders need to delineate the roles of each person in charge of decision making and correct any incompatible behaviors contrary to good corporate governance. In the case of McBride Financial Services, Inc. , for instance, corporate governance was identified as incongruent with the overall ethical code of conduct and responsibility of top leadership. While the best practices of the companies mentioned in this paper offer fundamental principles to executing decision making in managing the interests of stakeholders, it is also critical to adhere to all Federal ethical guidelines to help mitigate any potential undesired outcomes. Synopsis of Adelphia Communication by Michael Gillespie Issue in the Scenario that is facing the company Adelphia Communications was a publicly held company owned mostly by the founder John Rigas and his family. Adelphia had a board of directors the consisted of nine people, five of them appointed by the Rigas. Over a five year period of time the Rigas family â€Å"loaned† $3. 1 billion dollars from Adelphia. This was $800 million more than what was initially reported during an SEC investigation (Patsuris, 2002). These â€Å"loans† financed everything rom real estate ventures, airplanes, country club memberships, and operating the Buffalo Sabres hockey team. The Board of Directors fired the auditor of the company, Deloitte & Touche, when they began to question some inconsistencies found during an audit (Farrell, 2002). Ironically, Adelphia sued Deloitte & Touche for incompetence. If Adelphia’s board of directors had been independent, the board would have had to r ely on reports from management, external auditors and consultants, in order to determine the company’s status. Unfortunately, Adelphia’s board was so packed with insiders it was hardly in this position. Company response to the issue Soon after the termination of Deloitte, PriceWaterhouseCoopers was selected as the new auditor for Adelphia. The first step for PWC was to re-audit previous year’s financial statements. Two weeks after the hiring of PWC, Adelphia filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection and was able to secure $1. 5 billion in debt to continue operating. The company hired a new board of directors. To fill these positions the firm went outside the Adelphia umbrella and searched for ethical industry veterans to become board members. John Rigas was sentenced to 12 years in prison and his sons were sentenced to 17 years. Outcomes from the company’s response Adelphia Communications was never able to recover from the lack of corporate governance and the corrupt management of the company. In 2006, Time Warner Cable and Comcast Cable purchased Adelphia for $12. 7 billion in cash and stock options (Comcast, 2006). This deal took over 40 months to complete due to fraud and security investigations and the fact that Adelphia was operating under bankruptcy protection. Synopsis of Tyco by Colleen Holdahl Issue in the Scenario that is facing the company Tyco faced major legal issues in 2002 and was responsible to pay a â€Å"$50 million fine to settle claims that it inflated profits from 1996 through 2002† (Cummins, 2006, para. 3). Dennis Kozlowski, the company’s CEO, was found guilty of embezzling funds to such extravagance as reporting he purchased â€Å"a $6,000 shower curtain† (Cummins, 2006, para. 2) and hosting a â€Å"$2 million birthday party for his wife† (Cummins, 2006, para. 2). With all the turbulence Tyco has gone through, the present leadership is making progress to clean-up the company’s reputation. Eric Pillmore, the current senior vice president of corporate governance, has been the leader of the clean-up. Outcomes from the company’s response Pillmore started ‘cleaning-up’ Tyco by implementing a new corporate governance plan; starting with the replacement of the previous board of directors, developing, and forming a new ethics code. The newly implemented governance plan â€Å"first principle calls for strong leaders who see themselves as stewards of the company and mentors for its future leaders† (Cummins, 2006, para. 9). Pillmore is of the conclusion that some of the former leaders have more concern with their own self significance; seeing themselves as ‘wheeler dealers,’ instead of being responsible and looking out for the best interests of the company. Pillmore also believes one of the most critical functions of his job as chief financial officer is to monitor the finances and act as a mentor to everyone in the company (Cummins, 2006). Among Pillmore’s other philosophies is ‘a web of accountability’ and ‘a robust process to understand why people behave the way they do’. He believes every employee has something to contribute to maintain an ethical business environment and leaders should not be intimidating. Employees should be free to approach their company leaders on ethics and company values issues. Outcomes from the company’s response Eric Pillmore takes the time to meet each employee, supplying them with the company’s ethics statement, and to discuss concerns or issues they may encounter. Tyco â€Å"publishes a quarterly report on any problems employees brought to the company’s attention, then the company’s findings and any disciplinary action- leaving out all employees’ names† (Cummins, 2006, para. 3). After the turbulence and with the help of Pillmore, Tyco has turned around and once again has a positive company image and the stock has recovered most of its value. Tyco received a rating by the Governance Metrics International as â€Å"one of the most improved companies globally; on a scale of one to te n, Tyco rose from a 1. 5 at the end of 2002 to 8. 5† (Cummins, 2006, para. 13). Synopsis of Calpine Corporation by Marisela Jimenez Issue in the Scenario that is facing the company Calpine Corporation is a successful independent power company that has strived to improve its business operations to help it advance its mission, values, and vision. While Calpine has managed to sustain its record high profits, the company, nevertheless, has faced changes in the business environment, particularly in deregulation. In 1998, a national movement, led by state legislation across the country, passed a U. S. Congress bill to accelerate and spread nationwide electric deregulation (FindingUniverse, 2009). This issue affected Calpine’s overall business functioning. Company response to the issue However, Calpine responded to the issue by focusing on the opportunities presented by deregulation. In other words, â€Å"The company’s foundation as a service provider to power plant operators and its subsequent development into a power plant operator itself engendered a vertically integrated enterprise primed for the new competitive era† (FundingUniverse, 2009). Calpine synergized its operations and focused on developing systems to maximize resources by improving conceptual designs, financing, construction, operation, fuel management, and power marketing. Through the synergistic approach to the business of producing electricity, Calpine managed to remain competitive in the market by strategically preserving profits without cutting the highly aggressive rates. The changes in deregulation helped Calpine’s leadership take immediate action by addressing the uncontrollable forces affecting the company. Leadership realized the potential for deregulation and its implications in the company; therefore, when Congress passed the deregulation bill, Calpine’s leadership was competently prepared. Outcomes from the company’s response Calpine’s outcome of the company’s response to the issue helped expedite the acquisition of 46 gas-fired turbines produced by Siemens Westinghouse. This acquisition radically enhanced Calpine’s market presence; leadership identified the opportunity of expansion as a result of deregulation. Basically, â€Å"The combination of Calpine management’s intuitive powers in foreseeing a growing demand for capacity and its willingness to gamble heavily paid handsome dividends,† enabling Calpine to grow into a successful company (FundingUniverse, 2009). Calpine’s leadership, however, ensures that their commitment to good corporate governance adheres to the highest ethical standards; thus, leadership behaves with integrity and transparency while maintaining strong levels of communication with stakeholders, including the board of directors, employees, and the community. Calpine’s leadership decision making is guided by the company’s code of conduct, helping to discourage any illegal and unethical behavior (Calpine, 2009). Synopsis of Tyson Foods by Carole Kindt Issue in the Scenario that is facing the company Over the years Tyson Foods has handled controversial issues concerning their business practices. They have been questioned over their ties to former President Clinton, unsanitary and dangerous conditions in their plants, plants staffed by low-paid workers, and even questionable campaign contributions (Unknown 1, 2009). In 2008, Tyson entered into a settlement with its investors over questionable practices in a case that named Don Tyson, members of his family, and the Board of Directors. The case alleged misconduct in connection with related party transactions and granting stock options to officers and directors of Tyson (Chase, 2008). The settlement agreement approved by the judge in the case ordered Tyson to pay $4. 5 million to their largest shareholders and forced improvements to Tyson’s corporate governance policies (Chase, 2008). As part of the settlement agreement, Tyson agreed not to engage in any new related party transactions without the approval of the Board and also to hire a consultant to evaluate its internal audit and control processes (Chase, 2008). Company response to the issue Tyson’s Board of Directors immediately began fulfilling the terms of the settlement agreement and they have worked to create a strong corporate governance structure. In 2008, the Board appointed a lead independent director and a new chairman of its compensation committee as well as establishing a nominating committee (Unknown 2, 2008). By focusing on their internal controls and corporate governance, Tyson’s board of directors has returned to their fundamental task, to work in good faith to assure they are upholding their fiduciary duties to the stockholders. Outcomes from the company’s response Tyson’s board of directors received a wake-up call that shook them out of their lassitude and encouraged them to make changes that enhance the long term goals of Tyson Foods as well as the return for their investors (Friedlander, 2008). In this way, Tyson will rebuild its reputation and trust with investors as well as fulfill the company’s long-term goals. By creating committees made up of independent, non-biased members, Tyson will create the transparency necessary to rebuild investor trust and build their company for the future. Good choice of companies and relating some of the take-a-ways to McB. Paper easy to read and follow but you could have worked the lesson into McB in more detail. Grade 96 References Calpine. (2009). Corporate Governance. [Online]. Available: http://www. calpine. com/ About/oc_corpgov. asp (2009, November 25). (Chase R 2008 Judge Approves $4. 5M Settlement Against Tyson Foods Directors. )Chase, R. (2008). Judge Approves $4. 5M Settlement Against Tyson Foods Directors. CNA Insurance Journal. Retrieved from http://www. insurancejournal. com /news/national /2008. thm? print=1 database. Chew, D. H. , Gillan, S. L. (2005). Corporate Governance at the Crossroads: A book of readings. 1 ed. ). New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Comcast Press Release. (2006). Comcast and Time Warner Complete Adelphia Acquisitions. July 31, 2006. Retrieved on November 26, 2009 from http://www. comcast. com/About/PressRelease/PressReleaseDetail. ashx? PRID=55. ComcaCCummins, H. J. (2006). Tyco exec makes the rounds spreading the word on corporate ethics. Star Tribune, p. 1D . Retrieved November 23, 2009, from ProQuest database. Farrell, M. (2002). Deloitte Blasts Adelphia on Audit. Multi Channel News. July 8, 2002. Retrieved on November 25, 2009 from http://www. allbusiness. om/company-activities-management/company-structures-ownership/6355799-1. html. (Friedlander J 2008 Overturn Time-Warner Three Different Ways)Friedlander, J. (2008). Overturn Time-Warner Three Different Ways. Delaware Journal of Corporate Law, 33(3), 631-649. Retrieved November 24, 2009, from Business Source Complete database Web Site: http://support. ebsco. com. FundingUniverse. (2009). Calpine Corporation. [Online]. Available: http://www. fundinguniverse. com/company-histories/Calpine-Corporation-Company- History. html (2009, November 25). Patsuris, Patricia (2009). Adelphia Hypocrisy. Forbes. om. Retrieved on November 25, 2009, from http://www. forbes. com/2002/06/10/0610adelphia. html. (Unknown 2 2008)Unknown 2. (2008). Retrieved November 23, 2009, from http://www. tyson. com//C orporate/PressRoom/ViewArticle. aspx? id-2879 Web Site: http://www. tyson. com. (Unknown 2009 Tyson Foods, Inc. )Unknown 1. (2009). Tyson Foods, Inc. Retrieved November 24, 2009, from http://www. fundinguniverse. com/company-histories. /Tyson-Foods-Inc-Company-History Web Site: http://www. fundi nguniverse. com. University of Phoenix (2009). McBride Financial Scenario. Retrieved November 16, 2009 from rEsource student website.

African American Oral Tradition Essay

Modern African American Literature was formed under a stressful time for Africans, slavery. The only way the stories of the indigenous people of Africa were passed down was through oral recollections, or stories of the events. In America this was especially difficult for the slaves because of laws preventing them from learning English. By not being allowed to learn English, the slaves had to learn English solely on auditory purposes. This essentially made the slaves illiterate. When the slaves transferred the language that they heard to paper, a new style of language was formed which was referred to as dialect. Dialect is what the slaves thought they heard and the correct spelling of those words, not standard English. Dunbar, who wrote fluently in both standard English and dialect was praised by white critics only for his dialect poems, and not praised for his poems in standard English. His literacy works are still alive today, however the dialect works were attached with a stigma. Usually whites despised the African’s dialect. Therefore, the slaves would not try to publish any type of work with dialect because the slaves did not want to be associated with the stigma. In all, by creating a unique dialect gave the slaves a bilingual type of style. By not being able to write, slaves also made Genres such as, spiritual, folk songs and gospels. Songs such as these were ways of passing down stories to the next generation. These songs also contained secret messages. These messages may have contained information about escape routes or even the underground- railroad. However most of the songs were spiritual in nature. The songs also progressed through the years. The originals slave folk songs, spirituals, and gospels are now prevalent in modern day jazz and the blues. Martin even gives the example of Hayden, who mixes his song ideas with the ideas of Bessie Smith. Even though African are allowed to read and write, this is a form how their culture is still expressed today. Martin made the emphasis that the oral tradition is part of the African Americans distinct culture.