Examine strategies adopted by the directors studied on the course to depict marginality in modern French society

Marginality within a society speaks of something or someone that is not important which results in them being excluded from society and leaves them feeling alienated. ‘La Haine' and ‘Sans toit ni loi' are two films developed around the period of ‘la fracture sociale', the former centred on the community in particular and the later centred primarily on the individual. The 1980's saw the rise of civil unrest in inner cities, which similarly led to a rise in unemployment and educational problems. There was also the perceived threat of national identity, and at the same time worries about Muslim integration had commenced. It was at around this time that there was the ‘affaire du foulard,' a very controversial period as the French republic separates the church and the state. The difficulty of integration and threat of national identity, developed into the French media using the ‘la fracture sociale. ‘ ‘La Haine,' was brought out at a moment in France during the Mitterrand period, where serious questions were being asked about integration and immigration. A controversial film, Mathieu Kassovitz' film ‘La Haine,' represents an account of ‘la fracture sociale,' or rather divisions within a society. Marginality is a result of divisions within a society, and in the case of ‘La Haine', these divisions are due to social and racial conflict. Because of such conflicts and divisions it results in certain social, as well as ethnic groups, being excluded from society as a whole. ‘La Haine,' is set in Paris and more specifically in the ‘banlieu's' of Paris, the outskirts of Paris. The fact that it is set on the outskirts of Paris already brings a long with it certain connotations, the fact that it is set a part from Paris itself, all of which are negative. A term particularly used to describe the people within les banlieus is ‘les exclus. ‘ This term quite clearly depicts that they are excluded from the rest of Paris. Kassovitz has translated this problem of exclusion by reinforcing its universal aspect, which represents a principally masculine world. La Haine is centred on a group of friends, all three of a different race, religion and ethnicity. They have been excluded by society and made to become the margins of society because of their accent, their geographical and economic isolation. They are three characters that have not been accepted into society, even though they were born in France and are not immigrants. Almost all the characters in ‘La Haine' are male and female characters; â€Å"underlining their disempowerment† (1) often boss the three main characters around. The citi is divided along gender lines as well as lines dividing social class. The interiors are home to the woman as is the middle to upper class, and the outside is masculine as well as working class. This is quite clearly creating margins for division within the French society as a whole. Paris is a tool that plays a part in upsetting spatial relations with the three friends, not only in the male-female sense, but it also causes them to be separated from Paris and the middle class of society. They feel that presence is not accepted within certain places in Paris â€Å"the spaces become prisons of one kind or another. (2) In this case it is the banlieue that is their prison, it is this space that is excluding them from the rest of society and thus alienating them. ‘La Haine is constructed around the opposition between Paris and the banlieue The exclusion and enclosure that this group of friends faces appears to have forced them to turn and adopt a different identity. The influence of the American culture, via movies and gangster films, is evident from the use of the informal language and slang which convey a feeling of the ghetto. They have practically been rejected by their own society/identity and they appear to have no other choice but to adopt certain American attributes. This is not only emulated in their use of slang, but also in their clothes and the music that they listen to. All of which are typical traits of the American culture. ‘La Haine pushes the idea of assimilation of immigrants into French society throughout the film, resulting in them having to cut off any links they have with their country of origin. Youth in the film are very distant from their parents and also their traditions. This may be because of the struggle; they face on a day to day basis, to fit in. They are considered insiders because they are resident in France while fitting into the youth culture of the banlieue while being outsiders because of racism because of their country of origin. This indicates that they must reject both heir parents and their country in order to survive, otherwise they will be unsuccessful in their assimilation. Lack of identity because of young age is often the case, but with the youth of the banlieue do not really have that reasoning behind their exclusion. It is perhaps the message behind the film that the youth of the banlieue are being forced into criminal and violent actions, because the French society is unwilling to acknowledge the predicament in which they are in. It then becomes a vicious circle, and this predicament into which the are forced becomes their destiny. It is just that the audience feel a degree of sympathy towards these main characters, s they are not necessarily violent, nor are they particularly involved in drugs or crime but due to their social situation they have been branded as ‘les exclus', the excluded ones of French society. Kassovitz offers his audience, through the space of ‘La Haine,' an experience, which is familiar to contemporary France either through personal experience, politics or more recurrently through the media. The portrayal of marginality in contemporary France and its problems, are often the result of the mediatisation of the banlieu and its social problems, which then creates a specific image of the banlieu and its habitants to the rest of society. At this time there were several films that were produced based largely upon the banlieue, and this emergence of films was labelled by critics as he cinema de banlieu. All of which tended to focus on social exclusion within the deprived boundary of cities within France. The effect of space appears to particularly poignant part in the film. The movement of the camera into certain spaces, alongside the sense that they are being forgrounded into the space immediately forces them to the front of the screen; this is created through fuzzy and unclear backgrounds. Another effect used to make a space feel in enclosed is the use of mirrors. All of which communicate the feeling of an enclosed space. Rather than the three friends being liberated, and being allowed to move freely in an open space, they appear to be trapped in such an enclosed space. This may be compared to Nikita, where we find Nikita herself moving in very elaborate spaces, she is not being restricted whereas the groups of friends are. In ‘La Haine' community members are linked by their own exclusion. What we see in ‘Sans toit ni loi,' presents a different form of marginality, that of a homeless woman roaming the streets. Its is normally perceived that when a person is hitch-hiking or even travelling by road that he/she will form certain friendships along the way. Mona represents not only a female figure, but also one of who is travelling alone. Not only is she reflecting her alienation from society by firstly being alone, but also by defying traditional female expectations of how she should be living. It puts into question her Feminine role, which is explored through Mona's life on the road after her death. To those who meet Mona along her journey, they find her radical and out of the ordinary. They are not used to meeting people, and woman of this nature and this prevents her from forming any sort of bond with those that she meets as they are incapable of understanding her. Mona also possesses an indifference to any forms of normality, and it is this indifference to normal social relations that enamours her to some while at the same time others find repelling. The people that appear to be enamoured by her are those that wish to be in her position, free to have the space to do what they want to do, those that are enclosed and caged in their traditional and suffocating female roles. These women at first sight see Mona's braveness and rebellion, and contemplate what it would be like to be in her position. Her presence affects middle-aged housewives, schoolgirls, truckers, mechanics, construction workers, academics, and domestics. Each reacts to her in a way that is indicative of her or his social position in the community. For example, a young farm girl helps Mona fill her water bottle at the family pump and later, during a family dinner, she tells her parents she wants to be free like the camper. When her mother asks who would make her dinner every night, the girl quietly replies, â€Å"At times it would be better not to eat. † To this girl, who lives a sheltered life with her parents in a tiny village, Mona represents the freedom to go where she pleases without answering to anyone, a life full of excitement. Other parents worry that their daughter will turn out like Mona. In reference to Mona, a wife tells her husband, â€Å"She's got character. She knows what she wants. Marry the wrong man and you're stuck for life. I liked that hippy. † To this middle-aged matron, Mona represents the freedom of choice. From these short observations on Mona, frequently given by witnesses who appear only once and are not involved in any of the more complex social relationships in the film, a complete range of views on Mona is expressed. Otherwise others find her, and this is for the most part, offending and disgusting. All owing to her smell, dirtiness and her appearance, all of which normal women who fit into society find disgusting and it is these women that are the main cause of excluding her from society. Not only is it the vagabond role or image that which excludes a person from society, but it is also these liberating and rebellious characteristics that cause Mona to be alienated from society. Mona has five significant relationships throughout the film. She has two female â€Å"friends,† Madame Landier and Yolande, two lovers, David and Assoun, and one intellectual partner, the Goatherd. Through encounters that Mona has along her travels and the relationships which she develops, Varda explores Mona's capacity for emotional warmth, her intelligence, and her independence, but more specifically these relationships explore other people's views of Mona and they express who she â€Å"should† be. It is society that imposes these views on people, forcing them to have certain expectations and notions about others. Madame Landier and Mona are societal opposites. Madame Landier has a career, she has a home, and she is clean and well fed, while Mona does not possess any of these qualities. Mona is a drifter, an outsider, and as such it is her role â€Å"†¦ to provoke self-examination and doubt in the minds of those who ‘belong'. † (3) We never really understand Mona or who she is, and perhaps this is because of the way in which she detaches herself from others. But it is more probably because we are incapable of relating to Mona, and this forms a kind of block in our thoughts and feeling towards her. We cannot understand her perhaps because we are unwilling to. We possibly in effect learn more about the interviewees and in particular ourselves as spectators. It is Mona's detachment from others leads to her deterioration in her health and her ability to read social situations in which she finds herself, and which eventually leads to her death. ‘Sans toit ni loi,' represents a woman's escape from patriarchal control, through utter braveness and rebellion, and an indifference to what is considered the norm amongst society. It is her death that is the first sequence in the film, and it is particularly shocking. The question may be asked whether Mona's life would have been cut so short, had she been accepted by society for her unique qualities. Mona faces several rejections in her journey, the harshest of which is the rejection given by the Goat-herder. In his own words he chose a â€Å"middle road between loneliness and freedom,† when he decided to reject mainstream society but to keep a family. The morning after Mona's arrival his irritation with her begins to show. He thinks she has slept long enough so he makes a great effort to wake her. As they speak he learns that she lives for the complete freedom of the road, that she has no desire for anything and that she is lazy and ultimately ungrateful too. He moves her out of the house and into an abandoned trailer in the yard in order for her to start a potato farm. To disguise her hurt at being moved away from him and his family, Mona exclaims, â€Å"You three and the herd are a crowd† as she moves into her tiny new home. Once in her new home Mona forgets about her potato farm. She stays in her trailer reading, smoking and sleeping. The Goatherd, in frustration, finally kicks her off his property telling her it's not fair that all she does is sit around all day while he and his wife work. During the conversation when he asks her to leave, Mona tells the Goatherd that if she had the chances he has had (he has a Master's degree in Philosophy) she would not be living in the squalor in which he exists. ‘You live in filth just like me, only you work more,† she tells him. Later when he offers his â€Å"testimony,† (which immediately follows Mona's rape) the Goatherd says: â€Å"By proving that she's useless, she helps the system she rejects. That's not wandering, that's withering. † The Goatherd is â€Å"†¦ till in the thrall to the work ethic of the society which [he] affects to despise,†(4) and cannot endure Mona's laziness. According to Varda the Goatherd is â€Å"†¦ the worst judge of all because he wants to be marginal but in his way. He doesn't accept other people. â€Å"(5) The Goatherd lives in some sort of system, although it too is marginal, whereas Mona has rejected the system entirely and functions in an even bigger margin of society. Mona's rejection of social and sexual productivity is counter the idea of women. Her identity as a woman stops her from having fixed identity, along with her constant moving about. â€Å"Mona's independence from a fixed identity is an assertish of her altiriti (otherness). â€Å"(6) In ‘Sans toit ni loi,' Tracking shots are very important, the importance of direction moving from right to left giving the impression of backward movement which may be interpreted as moving against the culture and the tide, which reflects Mona's character. Even her degree of independence is emphasised by the tracking shots; they do not follow her exactly, as the camera either overtakes her or she overtakes the camera. Although we consider Mona as part of the marginal of society, throughout the film we also see her interacting with other groups of marginals: the Mahgrebian migrant workers, the homeless and also the goatherd. Yet Mona also finds exclusion amongst these groups too, this is particularly obvious when the goatherd says to her: â€Å"You're not a drop out, you're just out. You don't exist. † This may as well be the case because although Mona is alive, it is as though she is not really living. La Haine' and ‘Sans toit ni loi' are two films which present the theme of marginality, the former questioning marginality in terms of femininity and female marginality and the later concerned with marginality within the community. ‘La Haine' and â€Å"The Banlieue is presented as a dessert, with no feeling of public space and precious little private space either; Paris where Vinz, Said and Hubert spend almost half the film, is rejecting and alienatory. † ‘La Haine' is in fact, to quote Olivier Mongin, â€Å"the impossibility of developping an identity, personal or collective. This film is concerned In ‘Sans toit ni loi,' the interviews function almost as verbal testimonies; they are not chronologically placed fading in and out, an unconventional style. They also create distance for the spectator, and it is this effect that allows us to judge Mona in some way. We also are able to judge Mona through Varda's use of art. When Mona comes from the sea it recalls the myth of Venus, but in reality Mona is the total opposite of this. Mona is dark from the dirt, smelly and of ‘undefinable shape. ‘

Enlarging My Conversation Essay

Abstract The purpose of this essay is to ascertain what needs to be done concerning my personality that will aid in my efforts to become a better-rounded contributing member of society. I will explore several aspects of this journey and lay them out for you, the reader, in order to give you a clear understanding of what is involved in trying to adapt to your surroundings. For example, when I took the DISC test I learned I have an I/C personality. As I read what that means I could not argue the findings because so many of them described me very well. In the body of the following text, I unfold the highlights of what I am expecting to experience, e.g. defining the enlargement of my conversation, how my background and behavioral blend influences my conversation, bring to light potential barriers, develop some solutions for the noise pollution which interferes with my goal, putting together a plan of action to improve myself, and finally, I will map out the procedures needed in order for me to control a better me. Enlarging My Conversation A workable definition of the Title An acronym was created by using a term Dr. Carbonell used in the title of his book Extreme personality makeover: How to develop a winning Christ like personality to improve your effectiveness, using the term makeover. By following the principles of this acronym, I hope to render a definition for the title for the phrase: Enlarging My Conversation. Make the decision to have a makeover Accept the â€Å"way† God made your personality Know your strengths and â€Å"uniquenesses.† Emulate the good traits of all the personality types. Overcome your doubts and obstacles. Visualize what you can become! Expect challenges to your makeover Renew your commitment daily (www.uniquelyyou.com).   I soon discovered that defining my personality was a little more complex than anticipated, and even then the information didn’t fully register. It took a little thought on my part, but I would define the enlarging of my conversation as the action needed to build a better me. However, this is a difficult task at best. How does one go about changing the personality that was developed over a long period of time? Are there sequential steps to follow? Is there a book that can be purchased or read that will set your feet on the path of enlightenment? These are the questions I found myself facing for which I did not have an answer.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To try to find these answers I searched the Internet for literature that would express a similar journey someone else had already taken, and I also asked people I know. The answers I received were interesting yet I wondered how they would apply to my journey. I considered the possibility of asking the wrong questions and actually sat down and tried to make a list from which to choose questions that would supple pertinent information, but I could not come up with a generic set. This still leaves that area open and my hope is that it will become clear to me what I need to do to get the answers to alleviate the struggle for enlightenment.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The DISC test played a huge role in my determination to discover ways to change from who I am now into who God wants me to be. The letters that form the word DISC are an acronym and stand for personality traits:   † D † – Dominant/ Driver; † I † – Influencing/ Inspiring; † S † – Stable/ Steady; and † C † – Compliant/ Correct. My combination of these is I/C which means my personality is best defined as a person who is influential and inspiring and at the same time is compliant and correct. I do find that I fit into this personality trait, and also believe it is the one thing that hinders me from enlarging my conversation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To me, enlarging my conversation entails a deliberate acceptance of others’ view point whether I agree with it or not. It is the idea that I can live with people and have healthy relationships even though my view on life itself contradicts everything they hold as truth. An expert in behavioral sciences, Dr. Mels Carbonell translates the DISC personality assessment in an understandable and useful form. He masterfully explains the links between our unique personalities and spiritual gifts, even showing possible challenges (uniquelyyou.com). If I was as knowledgeable as he is, this might not be such a hazardous journey for me. I am sure, though, that he writes from his experiences in life, and since mine are totally different than his, I will have to approach this from a different angle.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I suppose putting a definition on paper might help in the thought processes required to change a person’s personality, yet rarely can we relegate life down to a science. It is the very nature of life itself that makes it so adventurous and difficult to predict. Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that my definition for enlarging my conversation is the ability to hear the conversation of others and allow it to affect the paradigm that controls me and bring about a positive result. Behavioral Blend Affects Conversation   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"I/C Types are inspiring, yet cautious. They size up situations and comply with the rules in order to look good. They are good at figuring out ways to do things better through a lot of people. They can be too persuasive and too concerned about winning. They are often impatient and critical. They need to be more sensitive to individual feelings. They are often more concerned about what others think. They do not like breaking the rules; neither do they enjoy taking risks. They need to try new things and sometimes go against the crowd. They are careful communicators who think things through† (Carbonell, M. (2005) Extreme Personality makeover. Blue Ridge. Uniquely You Resources.)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To say that things of this nature do not affect people’s lifestyle would be considered naà ¯ve. I understand the task before me, and believe that this understanding affects my present behavior I will be essential in equipping me to make the change a lasting one. So, being the cautious, yet inspirational person I am, I will march forward in search of my holy grail with anticipation and exhilaration. I expect to run into some road blocks and barriers, but this is what it takes if I am to change the way my behavioral blend affects me and those around me.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One of the disadvantages of I/C blend is I tend to be overly cautious. Even in the face of tremendous encouragement from others, I still find myself lagging behind where they think I should be. Given what I know about Christianity, and the potential for change that is a result of studying the lifestyle closely related to Christianity, I am encouraged in my efforts. My experience as a soldier in the military has afforded me the discipline needed to make a change which enables me to find the means whereby this can actually happen. I have noticed how quickly I am to reject something new. This must be due to the way I was raised, yet after experiencing military life I thought it would not be so difficult.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The things I learned as a soldier have definitely had a strong impact on my personality, but I always considered that a good thing. The influence that impacted me to be a disciplined soldier, however, is different from what I need to change so I can better serve the Lord and others. Since being a servant is a priority for me, I am hoping that the journey from who I am to who I can become will be moderately pain free. Given my tendencies to remain like I am, I do anticipate some sort of struggle but I hope my tenacity is steady enough to overcome this barrier.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On the positive side of my behavioral blend is the inspirational me. I have noticed how this has helped others in the past and hope that the change I make will allow me to keep this particular trait. I really don’t know what to expect, neither can I positively define what my goal looks like, but I do know I am experiencing the need for a change. I also feel like I will know what it looks like before I get there, but at this point I think the definition and expression are some representation of what I now know. Of course, all of this will change as I continue the journey into the unknown me. Interpersonal Barriers   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Barriers are only barriers until we notice them and are ready to remove or overcome them. The highest priority given to interpersonal barriers is to the barrier of listening. Madeline Burley-Allen wrote a book on the subject, Listening, the forgotten skill: A self-teaching guide.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A proven program for turning effective listening into a powerful business tool Managers and other employees spend more than 40 percent of their time listening to other people but often do it so poorly that the result is misunderstood instructions, misdirected projects, and erroneous actions— millions of dollars‛ worth of mistakes just because most people don‛ t know how to listen. In this new edition of her classic guide to the art of effective listening, Madelyn Burley-Allen shows you how to acquire active, productive listening skills and put them to work for you— professionally, socially, and personally (Publisher’s comments). This is a barrier we are taught to deal with at a very young age. For me it is the replacement of the ‘filter’ in my mind through which all information travels. By the time my brain has decoded the incoming message, if I am not careful; I will only hear what I want to hear and nothing else. Allen demonstrates how this affects our lives and gives practical advice to help us cut through our own listening bias, or the changing of the filter.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   [active listening] is a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding and trust. It is an essential skill for third parties and disputants alike, as it enables the listener to receive and accurately interpret the speaker’s message, and then provide an appropriate response. The response is an integral part of the listening process and can be critical to the success of a negotiation or mediation (Richard Salem, Empathic listening).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"Listening means better grades,† according to Allen. â€Å"Better grades mean our self- concept will move up a notch or two† (pg 8). This is a very inspiring statement. If I have the opportunity to look at the change I need to make as a positive thing, then statements like the one Allen makes is sure to give me a boost when I’m not sure how to proceed. I hope to be able to say as the quote Allen used on page two says, â€Å"I am more honest with myself now.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I find difficulty arises when I try to picture myself as someone I am not. This is a common role-playing thought pattern that most, who will admit it, play on a daily basis. We are taught from childhood to emulate others’ actions or to refrain from doing the same. The only caution sign I can see in this behavior is the disappointment it can lead to when the desired goal is unattainable. Effective listening involves not only tuning into others, but tuning in to ourselves (pg 6). This remark is profound and life changing, but only as I adhere to the philosophy it represents.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The road to adventure in life is laden with people who have interesting things to say. If we are guilty of rushing our lives to meet some goal we face the possibility of missing out on some things that could enrich our experience and help us in the future. Listening is a huge barrier for all of us to overcome, and the first step in doing so is recognizing that the barrier exists and is hindering our progress.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Listening is not the only barrier I face. I also have difficulty with pride. This is not to say I think I am better than the next man, but it does keep me from experiencing something different because I have already built a paradigm that rejects some particular life experience as judges it as no good. I liked what Cloud had to say about realizing the need for a change and the difficulty in trying to discover how to implement that change. On page five of his book, Nine things you simply must do to succeed in love and life: A psychologist probes the mystery of why some lives really work and others don’t, there is a revelation sandwiched between to double line bars that reads â€Å"People who found what they were looking for in life seemed to do a certain set of things in common† (pg 5). Again, I am approached with the idea that there must be some sort of formula I can follow to reach my still indescribable goal of change. A Solution to Noise Pollution   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It can be quite daunting to face obstacles with a clear mind and set goals, however, if there is outside interference then the job becomes nearly impossible to do. When I think of all the efforts of people who lived before I did, and compare to mine the ordeals they encountered by reading their stories, I find myself wanting to write my journey down so others might gain some insight. People will surprise you; we even surprise ourselves from time to time. I can think of a few times in my past when I was trying to make a major decision and there seemed to be too much information to wade through in order for me to make a sensible choice.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Outside, external barriers include such overwhelming information. This can be quite debilitating if you happen to be the person who loves research and tends to overdo the research end of writing. Finding a balance between reading and writing brings a wonderful feeling of satisfaction. However, when trying to determine which pieces of data to use in the document needed it can get frustrating. External ‘noise pollution’ unbalances the healthy breakdown of communication as described by Allen. The only means I have discovered to this point that helps me overcome external noise pollution is brainstorming my data on paper. I do this by writing everything that comes to mind around a central topic. From that I choose which pieces of information to include in my document and then I can formulate a useable outline to create my document.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Inside conflict is ‘noise’ within itself that is able to trap your thoughts into a loop where you end up ‘spinning your wheels’ and ultimately never make a choice. Allen breaks down the time we spend in communication into four divisions. They are Listening, Talking, Reading, and Writing. These are the four main avenues of communication. Forty percent is the allotment given to listening. In a world where it seems people really love the sound of their own voice, I’m wondering how we survive as long as we do. Allen precedes these percentages by stating that we spend nearly seventy percent of our waking hours communicating (pg 2).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This leaves us with a dilemma: If it takes more listening for us to be better rounded individuals and we are prone to do more speaking how can we find a balance? What’s more; are we searching for a balance? As I stated a few sentences before, people love the sound of their own voice. There are psychiatrists that will tell you the only thing they did to help some of their patients is to just let them talk. I find that when I am in anguish or stressed out the best therapy for me is to talk it out. Some people talk to themselves for this very reason. They do it to remove the noise pollution in their minds.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   If there is noise pollution in the thoughts we think, where does it come from? It seems to me that if we can discover what triggers the noise pollution maybe we can take some preventative measures and avoid it all together. Unfortunately, I have not found the individual who can lead me into this level of discipline, so I struggle with this facet of changing my conversation until I come to the point of revelation that explains what to do about it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This leaves an empty space that continually gets filled with junk and emptied when I prove it to be of no value. I realize there is a way to reduce, and in some cases remove noise pollution but it seems that just as soon as the noise is removed it immediately gets replaced by something else. I have come to the conclusion that this facet of my conversation will constantly need my attention, which I suppose, would keep me on my toes in regards to bad information. Plan of Action   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Devising a plan of action to help me enlarge my conversation means I will have to endure some needed changes until I am comfortable using the new methods in such a way that enables the needed change. The old clichà © â€Å"Change can be a good thing† rings true in the effort to enlarge my conversation. Changing something that is as complicated as your set paradigms takes a great deal of self-effort. This doesn’t come easy, of course, and all the expert help we can get will not replace the role we must play.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   My plan of action is to try to be more open-minded about things on a personal level. I believe when I really ‘hear’ the different viewpoints on a given topic and make a rational judgment concerning the same, I will have the beginning of a new paradigm; one that will enlarge my conversation. This is probably the most difficult thing for a human to do because we are all raised in different homes and all have different paradigms upon which we build everything that develops our conversation. I have heard people say that if they had the chance to just sit and listen to others they could tell you what sort of person they are. If this is true, then our words, and the way we use them, are tell-tale signs of who we really are.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Therefore, for us to develop a plan for change, we will have to discipline ourselves to accept things we would not normally accept; even if these things are contradictory to what we describe as truth or real. The healthy change will not include merely accepting new input as much as it is the possibility that we would at least examine it. Before I can establish a plan of action I must accept my new role in accepting new input. I find a little consolation in the fact that I do not have to accept input simply due to it being something I have never done before; I am actually given the opportunity to explore it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Exploration was the founding principle of the United States, or any other country. If not for this facet of life there would be no technology to boast about, and life, as we know it, would not exist. This begs the question, â€Å"Why is it so difficult for us to accept change?† If exploration has brought us to where we are socially, it stands to reason that it will be exploration of the world around me that helps enlarge my conversation. Challenges of this nature are the very reason why people do not change. It is a matter of personal involvement and most are just too comfortable in their present state.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The fact that I am achieving a higher education means that I am willing to accept new things as long as they apply to my priorities. If I can use the same thought pattern that makes me accept this, I stand a better chance of enlarging my conversation with a minimal amount of pain. So, I have set out to devise a plan of action that I will describe in the next section as I map out the procedures I believe it will take to initiate this plan. Mapping it Out   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To achieve my current level of education I had to lay out a map. To reach my ultimate goal in education I must follow the map I have laid out. If I deviate from it will it will affect more than just not going to that class. It will affect what I learn and when I learn it which means I may have a difficult time in a subject that could have been avoided by following the map.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The same is true for enlarging my conversation. As hard as it may be, I must lay out a map defining the steps needed and in what order they need to be taken. As I see it, and as I mentioned earlier, the first destination on my map is listening. The effort I must make in this endeavor is to open myself to new ideas. As this becomes more common place it will be easier for me to figure out how to productively use that new data. Some of it will not be worth much, but it still adds to the data base from which I draw my logic.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After accepting new data I must analyze it. This will help me determine the usefulness of the data. Once this is done I can store that away in the corners of my mind to pull out when it is needed. Although our brains are very complicated, we can still compare this process to the computers we use every day. The only information you can get off of the hard drive is what has been stored there.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As people grow older I hear the common complaint of not being able to remember things from their past. I am amazed that they can recall as much as they do given all they have learned and the time frame that is involved. The size of the computer that would store the information of just one human in their life-span would be enormous. It is absolutely mind boggling to think about the many millions of pieces of information stored in a human’s brain over the course of seventy years. Life spans are growing larger all the time, so the technology it would take to record all that information would also need to increase in complexity.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On my journey to enlarge my conversation I have already encountered some struggles, and I expect there to be more. However, if I do not start I will never finish. Mapping out a game plan will aid in my attempt. Accepting more information, filing it away properly, and recalling it when needed is just the beginning stage of it. After all this takes place I have to interpret the information in a manner that is conducive to my goal. For example, I can learn how many shots of whiskey it takes for me to get drunk, but that data would not provide much in the way of enlarging my conversation. Getting drunk may cause me to talk a lot, but it will not enlarge my capacity to engage in healthy conversation with a contradictory view.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   My over all goal from this lesson is to become a better person. If I can achieve that before my life is over I will be able to lay my head on my pillow, pull my feet up in the bed and say â€Å"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness†¦ (2 Timothy 4:7,8). Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Finally, I have come to the end of the road, as it were, and I am ready to depart on this journey of a life time. I realize that no matter how long I live this journey will continue. It is one of the most encouraging things about life. There is always a new adventure around the corner, and there is always a mind-blowing piece of information awaiting an open mind. There is the endless possibility of changing into the person we actually want to become. There are all the people we want to meet, and those we do not expect to, both with anecdotes that encourage us to live life to the fullest.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I have discovered the definition of enlarging my conversation as it applies to my personal variables in life. I have explored the behavioral blend of my personality that describes me fairly well; I recognize the barriers impeding my progress and what I need to do to overcome them; I have learned what noise pollution is and what to do to remove or reduce it; I have explained my course of action that invites others to render input; and I have also laid out a map to follow to help keep me on this path of change. With these areas of my conversation being covered so well, I believe there will be no way to stop my conversation from enlarging. In fact, I will admit to looking forward to not only enlarging it, but also to record how it gets done.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Enlarging my conversation places me on a new plateau from which I can launch into the unknown; the mysterious; the vastness of person-hood that has yet to be explored. From the launching pad of fervor, intellect, idealism, and curiosity I will rocket into new ideas, personality traits, and positions in life other wise unattainable. I welcome the journey. References Extreme Personality Makeover. (n.d.) How to develop a winning Christ-like personality to improve your effectiveness. Retrieved January 25, 2007 from,   http://www.uniquelyyou.com/newsite/pdf/Cat0306/pg8.pdf. Carbonell, M. (2005) Extreme Personality makeover. Blue Ridge. Uniquely You Resources. Salem, Richard. (July 2003).  Empathic Listening.  Retrieved January 25, 2007, from   http://www.psywww.com/psyrelig/psyrelpr.htm Allen, Madelene Burley. (1995). Listening, the Forgotten Skill:: A Self-Teaching Guide. 2nd edition. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1995. Cloud, H. (2004). Nine things you simply must do to succeed in love and life: A psychologist probes the mystery of why some lives really work and others don’t. Nashville, TN:Integrity Publishers. Holy Bible. (1611). II Timothy 4:7,8. Cambridge University Press. London, England.

The Four Noble Truths

The four noble truths are considered to be fundamental teachings of Gautama Buddha. These truths lay groundwork on how man should view his existence in this world. Others have viewed these teachings as being too pessimistic. This is because of the focus on suffering/pain as an inextricable component of life. The four noble truths aim at recategorizing man’s experience as cause and effect, skllful and unskillful rather than me/not me and being/not being (Bikkhu, 1999). The first noble truth discusses about the nature of suffering (dukkha).It claims that the latter is experienced through our relations with others, in aging, in birth, in death, and in illness (â€Å"Four Noble Truths,† 2007). In short, it is the case that everyone would encounter some sort of pain whether mental or physical. Gautama Buddha tells us that we must learn to know/understand as well as accept these sufferings as facts of life. The Second noble truth is centered on the origin of suffering/dukkha- samudaya. Accordingly one suffers because he/she craves, this can either be sensual, for eternal existence or for self-destruction.Craving (or tanha) is a corruption of one’s mind and as such ought to be avoided (â€Å"the Second Noble Truth,† 2005). There is a need for us to confront and rid ourselves of attachments, hate, and our delusions. Craving or desire can lead one to lie, cheat and steal— in short to live a dishonest life. Inability to get one’s object of desire also leads to anger and frustration; which would be self-destructive to the individual (â€Å"The Cause of Suffering,† 2007). To be controlled by one’s desire is to remain in ignorance.The latter is considered to be the inability to see the truth about things. In order for one to overcome this he/she must seek wisdom through meditation and study. The third noble truth is the end of suffering. This will be made possible if one is able to rid of his/her ill will, craving, and ignorance. When we are able to end suffering, we will be able to attain full/ultimate happiness. It is the case that as one is able to transcend his/her desires and consequently pain; he/she would be able to become increasingly at peace and happy.Buddhist calls this transcending as supreme enlightenment whereas the person is able to achieve the same clarity as Buddha. The two main features of being enlightened is wisdom and great compassion (â€Å"enlightenment,† 2006). The fourth noble truth tells us how we could end suffering. Buddha teaches us that we must take the middle path in order for us to be enlightened. This goes to say that one should not live the extremes of life. One must not live in total luxury and indulgence but he/she must also not live is pure ascetism.Both these extremes are prone to error, even the one which seeks absolute purification of one’s existence. In line with this middle path, Buddha formulates the systematic cure to suffering which is the eight fold path. The latter could be seen as â€Å"self-help† guide on how to achieve enlightenment by following different steps. I think that the teachings of Gautama Buddha with regards to the four noble truths can be applied in everyday living and modern meditation. I believe that even if one is not an official Buddhist; he/she would find meaning in these teachings.After all if we come to take a keener look at what these truths are saying; we would realize that they can be used to make one lead a more clear and peaceful kind of life. The truths that Buddha speaks of can be used by anyone wanting to achieve clarity of the mind and wishes to lead a life free from internal and external conflicts. It is the case in order for a person to achieve this he must first recognize that he/she is prone to afflict him/her and others. She must take into consideration that the things she does in life would be for the removal of superficial cravings instead of indulging in vanity, greed, and pride.I personally believe that we would be able to apply the teachings of Buddha in our day to day existence. The cessation of over-craving, and suffering would lead to a life of personal illumination. Overcoming these tendencies would not only aid our selves but also influence for the better our relationship with other people. Buddhism gives us a path to spirituality that manifest itself in the way we do and deal with life. References: Bhikku, A. ,(1999). The Four Noble Truths: A Study Guide. Retrieved September 14 2007, from http:// www.accesstoinsight. org/lib/study/truths. html. (n. d. ). Four Noble Truths. Retrieved September 13, 2007, from http://buddhism. 2be. net/Four_Noble_Truths. (2005). The Second Noble Truth. In Access Insight, Retrieved September 13, 2007, from http://www. accesstoinsight. org/ptf/dhamma/sacca/sacca2/index. html. Gyatso, G. K. , (2006). Buddhism and the Four Noble Truths. in Meditate in London. Retrieved September 14, 2007, from http://www. meditat einlondon. org. uk/buddhism-the-four-noble-truths. php

History and Implications including Functionality Essay

History and Implications including Functionality - Essay Example Pascal, whose name was subsequently bequeathed to it though Chinese mathematician Yangsui generated it almost 500 years earlier than that. In China it became known as Yangsui's triangle while Persian astronomer-poet Omar Khayyam also studied it in some details.(Mathworld, Pascal's Triangle, 2006) Indian mathematicians like Pingalacharya also knew of it even earlier than the Chinese and all these shall be discussed subsequently together with some of this number triangle's unique properties. Though not much is known about how Pascal exactly came upon this number triangle it is obvious that since he was well-known as a mathematician, philosopher and religious figure in the France of that time he made it famous. This is one of his lesser-known achievements. He is much better known for his discovery of the constant pressure within a static fluid (Pascal's Principle). (Scienceworld, 2006) The first known description of a binary numeral system, that ultimately generates the triangle, is to be found in the works of Pingalacharya, the famous circa 5th century B.C. Indian scholar on prosody. He is supposed to be the younger brother of the more famous Sanskrit Grammarian Panini, whose grammar is still considered to provide the basic guidelines for that language. Actually, Pingala was exploring the listing of Vedic meters in short and long syllables when he came upon the system of binary numerals. His discussions of the combinations possible for the meters describes the binomial theorem. His works were later taken up by the 10th century Indian mathematician Halayudha whose commentary presents a form of the Pascal's triangle. It is described as the 'Meru-prastaara', as the rudimentary form of the Pascal's triangle was known then in Sanskrit. Pingala was also the first person to make mention of the Fibonacci Numbers, as they are known now. The paper shall touch upon the Fibo nacci numbers later on. In Sanskrit, as Pingala would have it, these numbers were known as 'maatraameru'. (Wikipedia, Pingala, 2006) It is noted here that Indian astronomers and mathematicians were quite advanced in those days and quite a few important concepts such as that of zero, attributed to

Biomedical tecneque and cell biology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Biomedical tecneque and cell biology - Essay Example Animal or plant cells have the tendency to grow if they are kept under specific conditions and grown with the required and exact nutrients that are suitable for growth. If this kind of process is carried out under laboratory supervision it is called as cell culture. Chaudry, Arshad [2004] has to say that â€Å"the culture process allows single cells to act as independent units, much like micro organism such as bacterium or fungus†¦these cells an continue to grow until limited by some culture variable such as nutrient depletion†. Generally speaking a cell culture is carried out with the intentions of either to study the metabolic activity, or to analyze the effect of chemicals and medicine on the cell types. [i]. Producing antibodies: One of the antibodies that is produced using cell culture is the monoclonal antibodies. These anti bodies are very useful in treating human diseases. This could be done by obtaining hybridoma cells from animals. The fusion of two to three more cells of hybrid form derived from animals is capable of producing a single type of antibodies in a continuous fashion. These anti bodies are further useful in diagnostic and therapeutic value. Now a days some bio technicians tried analyzing the activities of the amino acids in the typical mammalian cells. [ii]. Recombinant proteins: these are huge and complex structure proteins that could be produced in bacteria, which later develop the tendency to add sugar to these collected protein. In this method the defensive protein is produced in virto through recombinant method and applied for blistered skin. This is called protein therapy. This could be also applied in correcting deficiency like diabetes, enhance immune response, dissolve blood clots etc. This was done previously by culturing extracts form tissues, urine and blood. [ii]. Virus Vaccinations: The basic cause for the vaccines production werwe found to be

Law of Defamation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Law of Defamation - Essay Example The reporter told the court that he had not kept the notes. However, since action for defamation has to be initiated within one year of publication of the report, it may not be impossible to keep notes. But it has practical difficulties. The Act does not go in big way in the preservation of the freedom of the speech and press when it comes to the cases dealing with public figures. In fact it is the public servants that should be vigorously chased and made accountable to their deeds. Media, as it exists, is a spontaneous activity. Every word that the media reports cannot be authenticated with supporting documents. Media often relies on hearsay information. This information may be reliable. But reliability in certain cases may not possible to prove. Now, what is said in the media impromptu may not be available in the court for the purpose of evidence. This would make the press and broadcast media excessively cautious which will take away the vigor of news reporting in Britain, while el sewhere the news reporting can go on freely without fearing the legal cudgel. It is unfortunate that the British Parliament has doggedly resisted plans to shift the burden of proof on the issue of truth in the defamation cases. However this did not get much support. The guarded response of the Members of the Parliament to changes in law might have sprung from the fears they have of the British Press running riot like the American journalists.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The peripheral changes that the Defamation act underwent is also due to the economic conditions.... The rapid progress in technology increased the possibility of sending news and view across the globe. The British broadcasting industry is a predominantly a state affair in spite of the much trumpeted independence and autonomy. The defamatory Act if pursued vigorously might ultimately affect even the functioning of BBC. Elsewhere in the world the media can go to big extent in grilling the public servants, celebrities and captains of industry. But in Britain Defamation act is the shield to protect them. But in the globalized scenario if the BBC is going to function as a guarded organization it is going to lose its competitive advantage in the globalized world. So the modification of the defamation act is also a must for the survival of the British Media. So in the print and broadcast media changes were imperative to survive in the globalized world. The Defamation Act of 1996 came out, after much fan fare about the drastic changes that it would bring about in the legal system, the changes were merely peripheral and disappointed those who expected an overhauling of the Act. The marginal provisions in the defamatory act have made many disappointed and consider the reform-exercise as a lost opportunity. There are defenses that address the problems created by the new technologies and fast growing scope of news reporting as an international matter. The other types of provisions are meant to reduce the expenditure in fighting less serious cases of libel and to reduce the immunity enjoyed by the people in power. The Defamation Act of 1996 falls short in addressing the problems created by the globalized context. Especially the provision called "Justification" puts the entire burden of proof on the defendant. In fact, as

Managerial economics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Managerial economics - Assignment Example 6) Firms competing in a perfect competitive market industry in most cases have little motivation for competition due to knowledge on the market dynamics (Baumol 67). As a result, their understanding of the market hampers the growth and need for incentives for developing technology. Changing consumer trends, the stature and change of traditional target markets could encourage development of research so that these trends can be monitored and dealt with effectively. For instance, young people are difficult to understand since they change their trends and preferences dynamically (Baumol  68). 1) a) MTA is monopolistic in the New York Area and it poses a great deal of control over the transport market in the New York Area. This is because despite the drop in the vehicle numbers, MTA still had the opportunity to increase the toll charges for accessing and using the roads and bridges. This strategy and move is a monopolistic move since it does not conform to the rules of demand and supply (Baumol 70). b) MTA could set small toll charges for them to maximize on profit to be realized in using the toll service. This is because this strategy would not increase the expense but it would lead to increased revenue. Increase in vehicles numbers is related to the reduced toll charges (McConnell  46). c) The best decision would be to lower the tolls fees because this would the help in increasing in the customer/vehicle numbers (McConnell  91). On the other hand, increasing the vehicle numbers would make more money through revenues to MTA. 2) a) The strategy of increasing the ticket prices could work for QuadPlex in its push to make more earnings and profit. This is because; QuadPlex theatre enjoys monopoly in the cinema business in Idaho Falls. b) The market power for QuadPlex can be measured through the number of people who visit the cinema hall and the other alternatives forms of entertainment eating on

Smokers in great Britain and USA are increasingly treated as social Essay

Smokers in great Britain and USA are increasingly treated as social pariahs - Essay Example In Britain, following the ban on smoking; merchants have reverted to selling cigarettes in disguise to avoid confrontation with the government agencies who have vowed to eliminate smoking not only in the public places but also in private environments. The book creates scenarios of the possible implications of smoking ban in Britain. This makes the book reliable, authoritative, and objective for the research. Scenarios are conceivably the best practical analysis of social phenomena since it enables the creation of foresight into the societal issues. This literature details the health campaigns by the American Authorities to advocate for the elimination of smoking due to its contribution to cancer. It further depicts the discrimination that smokers encounter in seeking employments and sustaining such jobs. It captures the deliberate denial of civil rights in disguise for health campaigns and the resulting effects of the denial of civil rights on the smokers. In this light, it is reliable, authoritative and objective for the research. In a nutshell, the literature analyses the implications of reduced smoking on the economy, health standards, and the general welfare of the citizens. The book contains the elaborate steps employed by the American Authorities to at least minimize the use of certain drugs such as cigarettes. It recounts the intrigues in the banning of smoking in virtually all public places and that possibly with time, smokers would be registered as pedophiles. Berman, P.S, Neckerman, and K.M &Wright, elucidate the con tribution of health campaigns in changing the societal perception about smoking in America. In more precise terms, the book covers the risk perception about smoking among the early America smokers and the proceeding causes of changes in risk perception currently. The authors expose the earlier misconceptions that predisposed American to smoking such as the use of Menthol cigarettes to

Canon's international market Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Canon's international market - Essay Example Research identifies, further, little to no influence in the country of origin effect for this brand. 1.0 Introduction Canon, founded in 1937, is a Japanese multinational brand that focuses on several different markets. The brand specialises in the production of photocopiers, digital and movie production cameras, printers and household camcorders. In 2012, Canon maintained nearly 21 percent market share among competition for sale of copiers and computer printers (Tonerfabrik 2013). It is through innovation, rather than standardisation, that Canon is able to capture such high market share in computer hardware and peripherals, consistently making improvements to product design and functionality in order to achieve target market interest. Canon operates in a very competitive international market, with major brand-recognised names such as Nikon, Hewlett-Packard, and Samsung maintaining the most prominent competitive forces. Furthermore, Canon provides products to Japanese, Chinese, Europe an and North American consumers, with each market maintaining different needs for functional camera and computer peripheral equipment. Additionally, the businesses’ medical equipment customer segments are drawn to Canon’s recent innovations in providing pioneering medical imaging products which is changing the scope of Canon’s production systems and emphasis on product output. In order to compete successfully in a dynamic and very saturated international market, Canon must identify opportunities to better serve diverse consumers and business customers and consistently innovate as part of multinational strategy. 2.0 Canon 4P marketing analysis This section describes Canon’s approach to the marketing mix that determines its market position among competing brands. 2.1 Product Canon cannot adopt a standardised marketing philosophy as the lifestyles and needs of consumers vary according to cultural characteristics, usage patterns for the products provided by C anon, and their level of price sensitivity. Japanese consumers, according to Geert Hofstede, a famous and respected cultural researcher, score very highly in uncertainty avoidance on Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions scale (Hofstede 2010; Fernandez et al. 1997). As such, consumers purchasing Canon’s computer hardware and cameras will want to be ensured of quality, a proven product superiority that will justify the majority of their decision-making when comparing other technology brands. In Japan, Canon produces products for consumer markets that are largely undifferentiated, meaning that competition continues to replicate existing innovations that make products, competitive, rather homogenous. It is necessary for Canon to position the business as a quality leader for this consumer market, consistently reinforcing that the company continues to produce superior output. Figure 1: Illustrative example of Canon product advertising in Japan Source: Laman, T. (2013). Tim Laman à ¢â‚¬â€œ Wildlife journalist. [online] Available at: http://timlaman.com/#/published-work/commercial/11Canon_Ad-Female_Ibis_2 (accessed 18 May 2013). As illustrated by Figure 1, Canon illustrates the image quality that will be attained by its camera products,

Natural Hazards Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Natural Hazards - Essay Example The natural hazards highlight how man has been able to study the different technological inventions which have been done and how it has fallen short of the remaining expectations which are needed to correct things within the discussion of natural hazards. This means that natural hazards are something that has to be properly forecasted before they could be studied and hence research basis is being drafted all over the world. The role of the meteorological department is of importance here because it points out how these natural hazards are going to be tackled and what efforts need to be made in order to make sure that the people living in close proximity of a natural hazard are dealt with, the sooner the better. This paper discusses natural hazards and the solutions to these problems. It is important to define what a natural hazard is. This is one event or activity which has a very negative effect on the people or the environment under which these people live. Research has proven that many natural hazards are related with one another, and occur on a frequent basis, one after the other. Earthquakes can lead to tsunamis and drought can produce famines. The difference between a natural hazard and a disaster is that a natural hazard is a calamity that is caused due to nature while a disaster is because of the changes that man has brought about on the face of the earth upon which natural hazard has been struck, and which has led to a lot of destruction. What is most important to know is the fact that natural hazards usually produce deaths, loss of property, migration of the people from the place where the natural hazard has struck, and a number of other consequences. Before moving ahead further, it is significant to understand what natural hazards really are (Wisner 2003). The avalanches are natural hazards which come under the geophysical hazards. These avalanches consist of a slide of a large snow rock down from a mountainside which is caused due to a buildup of sno w when it released from a slope. This usually happens within winters when mountains become very dangerous for the inhabitants living on them as well as the climbers who are trekking on them. On the other hand, an earthquake is a natural hazard which is a phenomenon that comes about due to quick release of stored energy and which radiates seismic waves. Earthquakes shake and thus displace grounds which lead into tsunamis. Most of these earthquakes happen every day, where only few of them are big enough to cause serious damage. Lahars are natural hazards which are very closely tied in with volcanic eruptions and result in the emission of mud, rock, ash and other materials to slide down the volcano at a swift speed. These lahars can destroy entire cities and kill thousands of people within a matter of seconds. The sinkholes are localized depressions within the surface topography which happen due to the collapse of a subterranean structure which might include a cave (Smith 2004). Sinkho les are rare though the large sinkholes can develop at a fast pace in areas where there is a lot of population and can result in the collapse of buildings as well as structures which are strongly built. Volcanic eruptions do arise when a volcano is active and is able to release its power. This is apparent through the different forms of eruptions which can come about in the form of lava

Exploring Business, v. 2.0 book Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Exploring Business, v. 2.0 book - Article Example Trade is also measured through the concepts of trade surplus and trade deficit (134). There are tremendous opportunities for a business entity to enter the global markets, such as licensing agreements, contract manufacturing and outsourcing, alliances and joint ventures, FDIs and subsidiaries (140). This provides the business to grow extensively and create a market share on the international market. However, companies must be cautious and carefully consider the global business environment which would be vital for the success of the globalization plan. Companies should be sensitive on factors such as cultural environment, language, sociability, and intercultural communication (152). Trade controls will also play a critical role in engaging in globalization. Tariffs and quotas are present in every country which protects its vital and developing local industries (167). The reduction of trade barriers, such free trade agreements, also helps strengthen the regional trading market by bolstering the import and export between the member countries (171). International business is truly a lucrative field to develop a career, and preparing for such would require early strategic planning (179). Choosing an undergraduate degree specializing of a core business concept would be a strong foundation to prosper in an international business career. Studying international politics, economics, and culture, covering the concepts discussed above, will provide indispensible tools in doing international trades and business. Lastly, is developing the know-how of communicating in foreign languages (179). Being able to communicate with clients in their mother-tongue would definitely increase the changes of successful business

Analysis of Theoretical Framework Essay Example for Free

Analysis of Theoretical Framework Essay The dissertation by Constance L. Pearson focuses on the issue of reading comprehension and the barriers associated with reading comprehension. Pearson identifies a variety of factors that impact reading comprehension. The motivation level of the reader, the reader’s reading level, the level of the content, and the reader’s interest significantly impact an individual’s comprehension ability. (Pearson, 1987). Pearson argues there is a direct relationship between schema and reading comprehension. Schema refers to the background knowledge on a specific topic or idea an individual has, it is all the ideas someone has related to a particular word or concept (Rumelhart, 1980). Pearson claims graphic organizers are an effective tool for measuring and teaching background knowledge, â€Å"reading comprehension appears to be enhanced by the use of advanced organizers (Pearson, 1987). Teaching methodologies and the popular research concerning reading comprehension has changed significantly over the decades. Reading comprehension was initially believed to be a process activated by the text alone. The new popular research indicates reading comprehension is complex and influenced by many variables (Pearson, 1987). The research indicates students need some background knowledge or basic understanding of the topic beforehand to fully comprehend the subject matter. The student’s level of prior knowledge significantly impacts reading comprehension. Pearson uses the term schema to refer to this background information or prior knowledge the reader posses beforehand, â€Å"Schema is all the ideas someone has related to a word or concept (Rumelhart, 1980). Pearson points to the study of Social Studies to demonstrate this point. The study of Social Studies and History is a continuous story covering a wide range of issues and topics, many of which require the reader to have substantial background knowledge to fully comprehend the subject or connect the various pieces of History. For example, it would be extremely difficult for students to analyze the causes and effects of WWI and WWII without any background information on globalization. In order to improve student’s reading comprehension it is essential to ensure students have the necessary background information to be fully comprehend the selection. The dissertation discusses the use of advanced organizers as a tool to help readers connect information,  specifically prior knowledge to newly learned information. Background knowledge or schema has a greater impact on reading comprehension than any other single factor. The theory was introduced in the 1970s and attempts to explain the learning process (Pearson, 1987). Schema refers to the entire collection of information a person has on a specific topic. It describes the collection of thoughts, ideas, images, and beliefs that are automatically triggered when a student is introduced to a particular topic or issue. The greater the students collection of background information or the more prior knowledge the reader possesses on an issue or topic the greater that students level of comprehension when exposed to new materials related to those topics or issues (Turner, 1988). Students often times simply lack the essential background knowledge or schemata to fully comprehend the information (Pearson, 1987). As a result teachers must structure their lessons to provide students with the necessary background knowledge to fully comprehend the subject matter being taught. Teacher must focus on content and then comprehension will improve, â€Å"if teachers focus on helping students understand the content, comprehension skills acquisition will occur almost incidentally† (Pearson, 1987). Expecting students to comprehend a topic or issue they know nothing about is a poor example of responsible teaching. It is the teacher’s responsibility to provide students the necessary information to make informed and reasonable decisions. Pearson argues the advanced organizer is the solution to the reading comprehension problem. The best advanced organizers are teacher created. High quality commercial graphic organizers are not readily available. They are often limited or poorly matched for the topic or lesson at hand and many are outdated as educational research continues to improve. Pearson identifies three types of advances organizers, the verbal organizer, the anticipation guide, and the graphic overview advance organizer. The verbal organizer is the simplest of the three and a reliable tool for introducing new information. The organizer introduces students to new information my associating or linking it with prior knowledge. The verbal organizer has proven an effective tool for increasing reading comprehension (Vacca   Vacca, 1986). The anticipation guide requires students to think about the information before hand by answering a series of true and false questions related to the topic. Students rely on their prior knowledge to answer the questions, then make the necessary changes as they read the selection and learn new information. The guided reading activities that often accompany new content are a perfect example of this. The graphic overview organizer is possibly the most popular of the three and has received a great deal of attention. It is well suited for the visual and tactile learner. The graphic overview organizer focuses on content and key terms. The graphic overview organizer uses pictorial images to connect key terms to the main ideas presented in the text. Pearson provided a good amount of information supporting the effectiveness of the pictorial organizer, the graphic overview organizer proved particularly effective in increasing reading comprehension among students with low levels of prior knowledge (Pearson, 1987). The dissertation was informative and interesting; it helped me to understand a number of issues related to reading comprehension. It clearly explained the huge push for the use of graphic organizers across my district over the last few years. As a Social Studies teacher I will examine more closely how I present information to students. I often take for granted their prior knowledge and then find myself wondering why some are struggling comprehending the main ideas. As Pearson pointed out successfully comprehension of Social Studies curriculum requires the essential background knowledge. The main argument of the dissertation is there is a direct relationship between a student’s level of comprehension of a topic and the student’s prior knowledge in relationship to that subject. Students struggle with new information because they lack the required schema to fully comprehend the subject matter at hand. The use of advanced organizers helps students develop their background knowledge. The more the student knows about the topic, the better the student will be able to understand that topic. Pearson claims increasing a student’s schema will improve the students reading comprehension ability and it is the teacher’s responsibility to provide students with the background information to fully comprehend the topic.

Software Process Development: Water Fall Model and the RAD

Software Process Development: Water Fall Model and the RAD Software Process Development Abstract Choosing the best suited Software development system (SDS) for any particular project is the first and foremost thing to do. If this step goes wrong or selecting an unsuited SDS for the project may lead to unsuccessful or incomplete or may be delayed to the time expected. Till now many surveys and investigations are done on finding new processes, rectifying the problems in the pervious projects, etc. the new processes every time comes with a new way of implementation of the software development process. In this project I am investigating on the basic implementation of the SDS with the water fall model and the rapid application development (RAD) model. For this a detailed study of the both the models are done, and then finding out which software development model is best suited for the development of windows applications. For this comparison the yahoo messenger (a windows application) is used as an example. Introduction Software development has become very difficult due to changing requirements, lack of standards, unpredictable schedules, and due to the insufficient training and more than that by the lack of effort by the professionals. After a lot of research, it was clear that the problem is with the process that is used for the software development, rather than the technology, which cause number of the problems in software development and in the maintenance phase. A new terminology is introduced with five levels of the SEI which is known as capability maturity model (CMM). Most of the software life cycle includes six processes they are: requirements engineering, design, programming, integration, delivery, and maintenance. Each of these phases in brief: Requirements Engineering In this phase first all the requirements that are required by the client a0re designers of the site collectively. Then the technique of rapid prototyping in which a prototype program is built that can illustrates the functionality of the desired software model. Using this prototype, clients can understand better how the final product would be, how would be the functionality and from that they can find out whether this is what they really need. If the requirements engineering process is not done properly, the resulting software product will not be useful to the client and it may not run correctly. Design In this process, the analysts and developers decide how to construct the software with the requirements specifications agreed in the requirements specification document. This way of designing is called stepwise refinement, and this allows the developers to control the complexity of the software. After completing the design, it is recorded in design specification document. Programming In this phase, programmers are divided into groups who write the actual code of the software. Before coding starts, the software is divided into separate units called modules. This modularization is done to reduce the complexity of the programming process. This is also responsible for proper documentation that describing the code and for testing the code to ensure that the code is free of bugs. Integration In this phase, the individual modules of the software are combined to form the complete software product. As the modules are developed separately, testing is very important in this integration process. Even when the design is good, some times incompatibilities between modules are likely to exist. All these problems are identified and corrected to complete the integration. Delivery In this phase, the developers deliver the completely working software product to the clients. Usually the clients will test the software to determine whether all the specifications agreed upon in the requirements specification document are fulfilled or not. If the client is satisfied with the software he accepts the software and installs it or else gives back for modifications. Maintenance In this phase, the software undergoes many changes after delivery in order to change the features or to fix the bugs, add new functionality, port the software to new platforms. Its not true that the work is over after delivering the product to client. Actually more work is to be done, after delivering the product, in this maintenance phase. From the investigation done the experts it is surprised to discover that of all the processes, the maintenance phase has the more cost of the life cycle. The diagram below shows the expected costs that are likely to be spending on each of the processes in the software life cycle. As maintenance cost is more, many developers started to use the design approaches that result in software, which is easier to maintain. History of Software Process Models The Software Engineering Institute was established at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1984, under a Department of Defense contract. The mission of this institute is to provide the leadership in advance state of the practice of software engineering that helps to improve the quality of systems that are developed which depend on software. After two years the software process work has began. One of those results was the software process maturity model. In the year of 1987, the Software Engineering Institute and MITRE Corporation produced the first questionnaire on the maturity of a software in general, a set of question that has the options as yes-no are prepared that address organization, management issues and the technical software development process. In the next few years, the Software Engineering Institute developed two methods that are used for the questionnaire to test and conclude the report of an organizations software process. After many reviews, the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) for software was developed which replaced the software process maturity model in the year 1991. The CMM gives the detailed information of the levels of the firms that best suites for the general software process practices that are followed by the firms which are divided into five maturity levels. The questionnaire that are to be satisfied by the firms at there CMM levels , once the current level of operation is attained using the maturity, for further improvement of a companys software process involves in the implementation of the software engineering practices that are needed to reach each of the five levels in an order from the lowest to the highest level. Water Fall Model The water fall model is first and the basic model of software development. From this basic model only all other models were developed. The necessity of developing the water fall model was, until it was developed there was no model or software process work flow model. Thats the reason the water fall was the basic model for software development. Water fall model is divided into separate phases of software development. The phases in Waterfall model are: Requirement Specifications phase, Software Design, Implementation and Testing Maintenance. . All these phases are cascaded to each other so that second phase is started as and when defined set of goals are achieved for first phase and it is signed off, so the name Waterfall Model. All the methods and processes undertaken in Waterfall Model are more visible. All possible requirements of the system to be developed are analyzed in this phase. Requirements are set of functionalities and constraints that the end-user (who will be using the system) expects from the system. The requirements are gathered from the end-user by consulting the customer who have requested for the product. These requirements are analyzed for their validity and the possibility of incorporating the requirements in the system to be development is also studied. Finally, a Requirement Specification document is created which serves the purpose of guideline for the next phase of the model. Next comes the system and software design phase. In this phase, before starting for actual coding, it is highly important to understand what we are going to create and what it should look like? The requirement specifications from first phase are studied in this phase and system design is prepared. System Design helps in specifying hardware and system requirements and also helps in defining overall system architecture. In this phase the estimation of cost for developing the product is also analyzed depending on the requirements. The system design specifications serve as input for the next phase of the model. The next sequential phase is the implementation (coding) and unit testing the software. On receiving system design documents, the work is divided in modules/units and actual coding is started. The system is first developed in small programs called units, which are integrated in the next phase. So that it would be easy to develop the code by dividing the work into small units. Then each unit of work that is divided from the total work is developed individually by each developer and tested for that particular unit of work is done properly or not. This type of testing the individual unit code is called unit testing. In the next upcoming phases the small units of code is to be integrated into one single code and should be tested for the over all functionality. As specified above, the system is first divided in units which are developed and tested for their functionalities . These units are integrated into a complete system during Integration phase and tested to check if all modules/units coordinate between each other and the system as a whole behaves as per the specifications. After successfully testing the software, it is delivered to the customer. The maintenance phase is the most important and it is almost 70% of total software process life cycle. This phase of is virtually never ending phase (Very long). Generally, problems with the system developed (which are not found during the development life cycle) come up after its practical use starts, so the issues related to the system are solved after deployment of the system. Not all the problems come in picture directly but they arise time to time and needs to be solved; hence this process is referred as Maintenance. On the time ruin the problems may occur and the code may not accept the new type of data, and then there is the need to change the part of the code or correct that part of code. Due to some disadvantages of the water fall model later some other models are developed. The disadvantages are The main drawback of the waterfall model is the difficulty of accommodating change after the process is underway. One phase has to be complete before moving onto the next phase Inflexible partitioning of the project into distinct stages makes it difficult to respond to changing customer requirements. Therefore, this model is only appropriate when the requirements are well-understood and changes will be fairly limited during the design process. Few business systems have stable requirements. The waterfall model is mostly used for large systems engineering projects where a system is developed at several sites. Rapid Application Development (RAD) RAD is a software development process initiated by James Martin in 1980s. It is a very high level of application development techniques that uses prototype, iterative customization and CASE tools. RAD is a software development methodology that focuses on building applications in a very short amount of time, traditionally with compromises in usability, features and execution speed. Figure-Traditional RAD The traditional RAD software development cycle follows a rigid sequence of steps with a formal sign-off at the completion of each. RAD is not appropriate for all projects. This is bet suited for the projects that can be divided into small chunks and where scope is small. RAD has many core elements which make it unique are prototyping, iterative development, time boxing, team members, management approach and RAD tools. Prototyping: This part of the RAD can be done by the Computer Aided Software Engineering that focus on capturing requirements, converting them to a data model, converting the data model to a database, and generating code all in one tool. Iterative development: Iterative development means creating increasing functional versions of a system in short development cycles. Each version is reviewed and approved by the client to produce requirements that feed the next version. This process is repeated until all functionality has been developed. Time boxing: Time boxing is adding features to future versions of the software and developing it no time. It is very important aspect of RAD to complete the job in less time and get the best product out than other competitors. Team members: The RAD methodology recommends the use of small teams that consist of experienced, versatile, and motivated members that are able to perform multiple roles. As the client plays a vital role in the development process, dedicated client resources must be available during the initial Joint Application Development (JAD) Management approach: Active and involved management is required to reduce the risks of lengthened development cycles, client misunderstandings, and missed deadlines. In addition to enforcing a strict timeline, management must focus on team member selection, team motivation, and on clearing media or political obstacles. Coding phase: Developing Code in RAD process model takes very short span. At the time of development of these types of projects the there is no need or no time to make the code future enhancements. So the code developed using this process is not the most reliable code. Testing phase: In the testing phase the developed software or website is tested in two ways i.e. alpha testing and beta testing. Alpha testing is the testing done by the developers before delivering the product. This alpha testing can be done in two ways i.e. white box testing and the black box testing. The testing of all the models that are working properly or not and to ensure that each function is fully operational while at the same time searching for the errors in the code is called white box testing. Testing the internal and primitive operations and to sure that all are working according to the specification is called black box testing. Testing done by the customer to check weather all the specification requirements are working properly is called beat testing. If any problem occurs, then the error is set up and just added to the code at the appropriate position. Advantages: Speed and quality are the main advantages of Rapid Application Development, while potentially reduced scalability and feature sets are the disadvantages. The main goal of RAD is the speed delivery of the product using CASE tools, which helps in converting the requirements to code automatically. The speed delivery is the main feature of RAD because the product has the competitors and demand in the market. The software developed by the RAD has versions and each version is better, has new features or at least overcomes the defects of the previous versions. Disadvantages: Scalability and the reduced features are main drawbacks of the RAD Due to very less time using the time boxing the development of the product that can construct the advanced features is not possible. By using time boxing we have very less time to develop much more features and more enhanced features. Yahoo Messenger The versions of yahoo messenger that are developed with the features are: Version 3.0: Yahoo Messenger 3.0 (1.3 MB) The first basic yahoo messenger was version 3.0 with basic features of chat, webcam, file transfer and emoticons that can incorporate in between the text in chat box. Version 3.5: Yahoo Messenger 3.5 (1.9 MB) This version has the new features of mail updates of the user account and the option of my display image. This feature enables the user to show his picture to the person with whom he/she chatting. Version 4.1: Yahoo Messenger 4.1 (2.3 MB) In this version the send contact details, message archive are introduced. Send contact details option enables the user to send the messenger list in his account to others. If message archive option is set then all the conversations done by the account user can be stored in the local system where person chats. Version 5.0: Yahoo Messenger 5.0 (2.2 MB) This version has the new feature of photo share through which two persons can share the pictures by just dragging and dropping the pictures into the sharing box. This is the great feature that had made yahoo! messenger more popular. Version 5.5.1228: Yahoo Messenger 5.5.1228 (2.6 MB) This version has the option to change the skins and the option to join the chat rooms all over the world. Version 6.1922: Yahoo Messenger 6.1922 (4.5 MB) This version ahs the feature of play game with the other person in the chat. And the other new feature is buzz which alerts the with a sound. The chat box is provided with the text format tool bar. Version 7.0: Yahoo Messenger 7.0 (8.2 MB) This version has the drastic changes and much new features than the previous versions. The IM environment option that changes the backdrop of the chat box. Version 7.426: Yahoo Messenger 7.426 (8 MB) This version has the new feature called the voice chat. With this option a person can record his voice message and send it to this other person in the chat. This feature revolutionized the yahoo! Messenger and made popular. Version 7.437: Yahoo Messenger 7.437 (8 MB) In this version we have the plug-ins of yahoo! Games, yahoo! Music and yahoo! Weather. These features enable the users to play the games, listen to music and see the weather report in certain areas all over the world. Version 7. 5.0.647: Yahoo Messenger 7.5.0.647 (7.7 MB) This version has very slight difference than its pervious versions with only new feature that is calling pc-to-pc using the VOIP protocol that is developed for voice transmission over Internet. Version 8.0.0.506: Yahoo Messenger 8.0.0.506 (10 MB) This is the very advanced version of the yahoo messenger, which has an option sending the SMS to the mobile directly to the person who has signed in into his mobile device. And the persons who are have the account into the messenger list. The new and smart tool is the audibles tool bar for chat box, which has many prerecorded audibles in different languages and different animated pictures speaking out those audibles. This is how the 11 versions of yahoo! Messenger is developed using RAD. And many other versions are upcoming using this method of software developing such as yahoo! Messenger 8.0(Beta), which is under testing phase. With in 8 years the yahoo had developed 8 versions of Yahoo! Messengers with versions numbered from 3.0 to 8.0.0.506 with pc -to-pc talk and SMS to mobile. Developing Yahoo! Messenger with Water Fall Model The first and the foremost is that in water fall model all the requirements are taken at a time. The design and coding is done in the most common way i.e. from the design phase itself it is designed. Requiremental Analysis and Design: The requirements of the yahoo messenger are the login window, chat window, the server side application for maintenance. All these are the requirements that are required for the development of yahoo messenger. The client application requirements are Login window Frame window Chat window Manage Contacts Authentication message window Then after the language in which the coding is to be done is decided. Data base for the server side application should be developed; the entire design depends on the data base that is structure to store the data of every client. The design of the yahoo messenger is taken up by the minimum and basic requirements. The design is made normally with out nay future plans. Development Diagrams The UML diagrams play an important role in the software development diagrams. These diagrams illustrate the clear cut idea of the software that is being developed. Use case Diagrams: Use cases describe the behavior of the system when one of these actors sends one particular stimulus. This behavior is described textually. It describes the nature of the stimulus that triggers the use case; the inputs from and outputs to other actors, and the behaviors that convert the inputs to the outputs. The text of the use case also usually describes everything that can go wrong during the course of the specified behavior, and what remedial action the system will take. Context diagrams: A context diagram is a data flow diagram, with only one massive central process that subsumes everything inside the scope of the system. It shows how the system will receive and send data flows to the external entities involved. Class Diagrams: Class diagrams are widely used to describe the types of objects in a system and their relationships. Class diagrams model class structure and contents using design elements such as classes, packages and objects. Class diagrams describe three different perspectives when designing a system, conceptual, specification, and implementation. These perspectives become evident as the diagram is created and help solidify the design. Data Flow Diagrams: A data flow diagram (DFD) is a graphical representation of the flow of data through an information system. A data flow diagram can also be used for the visualization of data processing. It is common practice for a designer to draw a context-level DFD first which shows the interaction between the system and outside entities. This context-level DFD is then exploded to show more detail of the system being modeled. Implementation and Coding: In this phase the actually the code is developed. Before that the total code is divided into independent modules, so that the coding becomes easy. So the coding part is divided into modules such as Integration and Unit testing : After the coding is done for individual modules such as data base structure, frame work and the data base or server connectivity module are integrated into one module of code for the code to work with all the functions full. Then this code is tested after the integration is done, to check weather the code is working collectively after integrating the all the modules into one single code. In the testing phase the developed software or website is tested in two ways i.e. alpha testing and beta testing. Alpha testing is the testing done by the developers before delivering the product. This alpha testing can be done in two ways i.e. white box testing and the black box testing. The testing for all the modules is done to check weather all the code is working properly or not and to ensure that each function is fully operational while at the same time searching for the errors in the code is called white box testing. Testing the internal and primitive operations and to sure that all are working according to the specification is called black box testing. Testing done by the customer to check weather all the specification requirements are working properly is called beat testing. If any problem occurs, then the error is set up and just added to the code at the appropriate position. Maintenance Phase: This is phase in which the maximum amount of resources are used. In this water fall model the yahoo messenger requires many changes in the features for adding new features such as the voice chat, video conference, pc to pc call etc. For all these new features the present code is not venerable to add the new models or to integrate, so that the reason why all the code is developed again with new features in the water fall model which consumes more time and resources. Developing Yahoo! Messenger with RAD Instant messenger is first lunched by yahoo named as Yahoo! Messenger on 21 July 1999. The first version of yahoo messenger is version 3.0 for MAC operating system with the features of webcam, file transfer, emoticons. The important requirement of an instant messenger is chat, and this chat is enabled between system to system because the messenger chat box communicate between two systems using there MAC (Message Authentication Code) address. Windows Application version of instant messenger and web messenger are the products of yahoo. Analysis Phase In this phase the requirements such as software hard ware requirements are analyzed and listed for the usage of the development of the product. The main problem is that the windows application cannot be directly connected to the remote database (for authentication, chat, offline message). For that the web service is the best solution that can connect database remotely and can call the methods in the remote classes. Because the web service transmits the data from the remote database, and it is in very robust form to destroy. Then its is to be decided in which platform the project should be developed either in java or Microsoft .net or etc. in some cases the customer itself asks the product to be done in a particular platform. If the customer did not ask for any particular platform we can chose the platform on our own. Estimation of cost is made in this phase itself. The total cost estimation for development, maintenance, etc. the cost for development is calculated in man hours of work. Requirement analysis: Actually the requirement of an software include the requirements of the customer that he want in the software and the other software and hardware requirements that are needed for the software development. The features of the yahoo instant messenger are enhanced form version to version. There are many version of yahoo messenger from version 3.0 to version 8.1. in each version the new changes and features had been added such as voice chat, pc-to-pc call, plug-ins, IM-Environment, SMS to Mobile etc. For developing software or windows application or a web application we need software to develop such as C++, VC++, Java or Microsoft Visual Studio etc. For instant messenger we need to develop a windows application that can be run at the clients pc and we a need a web service to communicate the client-client transaction. The windows application cannot directly communicate with the remote database and cannot communicate with the other client without a web reference. So web service is used a web service for checking the authentication of the users account and his details. The first version of the Yahoo! Messenger 3.0 has only few features such as chat, web cam, emoticons. In the later version the features such as voice chat, pc-to-pc call, plug-ins, IM-Environment, SMS to Mobile added. But all these features are not added at time. They are all added for the future versions of 3.0 to 8.1. With all these requirements a prototype model is prepared. And for designing the software that prototype model should be approved by the client. Hardware Requirements For developing an instant messenger an ordinary system is sufficient. But to make the instant messenger work we need a server that acts as web service for the instant messenger to communicate between the users of the instant messenger. The uninterrupted internet connection to the server is very much important so that no users finds incontinent to work. And steps need to be taken for a fast recovery at the time of crashing of the server. Design phase First the total development of the yahoo messenger is divided into modules. Then the software diagrams are drawn for the convenient for the developing the code. First the context diagram is drawn for the project. Then comes the data flow diagrams in which the flow of the data in the project is shown. The next diagram is the ER-Diagram in which the all the parameters of the total project are represented in diagrams. This diagram is very much useful in developing a database in which a column is made for every single column in the database. In this database the data should be maintained in the tables. And these tables should have the primary keys and foreign keys (primary keys of other table in the current table is called foreign key). In this design phase it self the use case diagrams, activity diagrams and sequence diagrams are developed. Then the use case diagrams which sub parts or modules of the project. Depending on these all diagrams the total project is divided into small modules and these modules are distributed to each team for development. Time boxing is adding features to future versions of the software and developing it no time. It is very important aspect of RAD to complete the job in less time and get the best product out than other competitors. In the design phase a first a prototype model is prepared with all the requirements that are analyses in the requirement analysis phase. And for designing the software that prototype model should be approved by the client. The total project is divided in small chunks so that it would be easy to develop the software in no time. The design phase has many sub phases, they are Software development diagrams: These diagrams are very important and help a lot in the development of the project. The diagrams are Context diagrams, Entity relationship diagrams, Data flow diagrams, Use case diagrams, Collaboration diagrams, Sequence diagrams. All these diagrams act as a blue print of the development of the project and will be very useful at the time of the software development. Development Diagrams The UML diagrams play an important role in the software development diagrams. These diagrams illustrate the clear cut idea of the software that is being developed. Use case Diagrams: Use cases describe the behavior of the system when one of these actors sends one particular stimulus. This behavior is described textually. It describes the nature of the stimulus that triggers the use case; the inputs from and outputs to other actors, and the behaviors that convert the inputs to the outputs. The text of the use case also usually describes everything that can go wrong during the course of the specified behavior, and what remedial action the system will take. The use case diagram gives the details of the requirements, options in the product specified by the client. These requirements dont change whatever the software development procedure used, so that use case diagram is same as that of the diagram that uses water fall model for software development. why in water fall model there is only one main class and all the other sub classes or child classes are developed under it. When a product is developed in .net, default folder AppCode is created in which all the class files, script files are developed. In the figure shown below the the authentication, chat address book, preferences are separate classes developed under the AppCode. Database Design: The design of database consists of making the data tables that are used in the project. Designing the tables includes deciding the primary keys and foreign keys in the tables and the data types of the columns of the tables. After completing all these diagrams and the database design, the project is divided in chunks and distributed among the team members for development of the project. RAD is best