Jules Winnfield and Vincent Vega

The first scene that will be analysed is the one where Jules Winnfield and Vincent Vega are going to fulfil their duties as gangsters (0:06:45-0:20:12). The scene shows how normal it is for the main characters to have a job as gangsters and kill people on command of their boss. While watching it, the viewer has the impression that the world in the film is absurd, but it is a perfect example of a social satire. The main characters live in a world full of violence, drugs, but they find themselves perfectly suitable in it. Also, the verbal humour has a crucial role here; lots of comical ornaments of the speech, curses, irony and sarcasm create the whole background of this environment. Basing on the benign-violation theory, the whole scene evokes amusement, because characters present quite controversial behaviour. For the purpose of the forthcoming analysis, the scene will be divided into three parts:1) Jules and Vincent's dialogue in the car (0:06:45-0:08:43); 2) The conversation about the foot massage (0:08:43-0:13:46)3) The score of gangsters and debtors (0:13:46-0:20:12). As the first part of the scene begins, Jules and Vincent drive a car and the main focus here is on the dialogue between the characters; they talk mostly about Vincent's journey to Europe. He mentions many cultural differences: the policies of hash bars, the law of policemen, beer in cinemas, or mayonnaise on fries in Holland, how a Quarter-Pounder with cheese is called a Royale with cheese in France. At this point, the viewer has no idea where the main characters are driving or what the purpose of their mission is. It can be only assumed that they are partners and that the circumstances are quite amusing, because they seem serious, but their conversation is completely ridiculous. This contrast is highly intriguing and introduces the viewer to the world full of absurd.

Porters Generic Strategy Essay

Introduction It is clear that competing for sustainable and superior performance enhances a firm’s profitability. Equally, this same level of profitability depends largely on the attractiveness of the industry which is easily measured using the Porter’s 5 tools and more importantly, the position the firm takes within the industry to leverage on its strengths. To compete properly, a firm must address two fundamental questions. Should it focus on identifying a microcosm of the industry or serve the entire market? According to Michael C. Porter, the porter’s three (3) generic strategies are very important strategies, which can be applied to products and services in any industry or organization regardless of its size. The Three Porter’s Generic Strategies In order to gain competitive advantage, Michael Porter developed three generic strategies that a company could use; The Cost Leadership Strategy, The Differentiation Strategy and the Focus Strategy. These strategies have been used by various organizations to become more competitive in the market. Below is a representation of these strategies. 1. Cost Leadership Strategy: This strategy is all about minimizing the cost of creating/delivering the firm’s products or services. It means having the lowest average cost of production compared to relative competitors and still not compromise on quality. There are two main ways the strategy can be achieved; a. Increasing profits by reducing costs while charging industry-average prices. b. Increasing its market share by charging lower prices while making profit on each sale through economies of scale While this approach might be attractive because of its obvious advantages like the entry barriers that result when competitors are not able to produce at the same low level of cost or size of the market share the company gains, there is still the risk of losing the advantage when other rival firms begin to cut costs as well by using advancement in technology to enhance their production capacity. The cost leadership strategy is also broad in scope as it sells to different customers in its industry. Firms looking to use this strategy must be able to; i. Access the capital needed to invest in new technology, which will lead to a larger market share in the long run. ii. Provide continued capital investment to maintain its cost advantage through  economies of scale. iii. Develop cheaper ways to produce existing products and. iv. Maintain a tight control of its overhead costs. 2. Differentiation Strategy: This strategy allows companies to produce products and services that offer unique attributes that customers can perceive to be better than what the competition offers. It can be seen as a way for firms to compete by creating a completely new market and dominating it. The extra value the product or services provides to the market allow the firm to charge higher prices (premium) which then compensates the increase in costs used to provide that extra service. The differentiation strategy is achieved by using any combination of the following approaches; a. Different design. b. Different brand image. c. Different product or service features. d. Different and more advanced technology. 3. Focus Strategy: This strategy is a slight variation of the other two generic strategies. However, as the name implies, the focus strategy allows firms to focus on a particular niche market and provide uniquely low costs (cost focus) or uniquely different products (differentiation focus). Since the strategy is targeted to a select part of the market, it creates a strong loyalty for its brand from its customers, which helps to further reduce the threat of rivalry. Porter’s Generic Strategies in Action: Apple Inc. Founded on April 1, 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne, Apple Inc is a multinational corporation that designs and leads innovation in the consumer electronics, computer software and personal computer’s industry. Apple Inc. traditionally focused on personal computers but later shifted its focus to consumer electronics. It now has a range of high-end products including the Macintosh line of computers, iPod, iPhone, and the iPad. They are also involved in developing innovative operating systems and browser. Its main competitors are Microsoft, Samsung, HP, Blackberry, Acer, Toshiba,  Nokia and Dell. Apple Inc. leads the competition by implementing a Differentiation Strategy. Apple Inc. sets itself apart from its competitors by providing unique features for its products, which the customers really cannot get anywhere else. These unique features include design, functionality, durability and consistency. Also, Apple electronic products are known to be sleek, simple and minimalist. It’s MacBook and iMac products have a reputation for long battery life and completely zero tolerance for viruses, which are known to plague other competitor’s products that run either Windows or Linus operating systems. Another aspect of differentiation that Apple utilizes well is its amazing customer service. Through its Apple Stores worldwide, Apple creates a very interactive forum where customers can come to purchase new devices or fix faulty ones. These unique aspects of its differentiation strategy are what give Apple the right to charge higher prices, thereby commanding a premium for their services. This strategy has proven to work well for the company because its market share has constantly been increasing since it released the iPod in 2005. The following diagram illustrates Apple inc’s strategic position relative to two of its competitors in the mobile industry; Apple inc. implements a number of strategies that makes it different from its competitors. It is more focused on meeting the customer’s needs than anything else, so they didn’t need to compete on price, and could set their own prices, because they were delivering something much more valuable to the consumer. The following are some of Steve Job’s quotes that reflect Apple Inc’s focus on the differentiation strategy; â€Å"If it could save a person’s life, could you find a way to save ten seconds off the boot time?† â€Å"You’ve got to start with the customer experience and work back towards – not the other way around. â€Å"Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me. Going to bed at night, saying we’ve done something wonderful; that’s what matters to me.† One of Apple Inc’s business strategies is to release few but highly anticipated high-end products while others like Samsung focused on releasing a wide variety of products to the market. Apple Inc. allows for long development cycles that grow anticipation and showcased new innovations with each new release under Steve Jobs whose strategy was develop and sell brand new, innovative products which blended art and  technology in order to provide a simple and streamlined user experience. After its initial release of the iPod and iPhone, Apple Inc. continued to innovate in the mobile device market through smartphones and then tablets which began to create a loyal customer base around their brand. Conclusion Since inception, Apple Inc carved its own market by creating unique products that targeted a specific market. The company continuously innovates to produce the best products in the market and strategically rolls them out so that its customers appreciate it even more. The following are its production and marketing emphasis: Production Emphasis: Nobody does it better Marketing Emphasis: Ours is better than theirs Apple Inc. focused on making technology more artistic with design features that catch the eyes of the customer. The efficiency of its products also makes customers want to pay a higher price. The company differentiated itself and its products from the competition and ensured that its loyal customers were always satisfied. References Chris Nosal. â€Å"Apple’s Marketing Strategy – Sell On Value, Not Price.† Web. 25 Mar. 2014. < http://www.chrisnosal.com/apples-marketing-strategy-sell-products-on-value-not-price/> Dan Mcgaw. â€Å"7 Key Strategies That You Must Learn From Apple’s Marketing.† Web. 28 Mar. 2014. < http://blog.kissmetrics.com/7-strategies-apple-marketing/> Fion McCormack. â€Å"Apple’s IPhone Marketing Strategy Exposed.† Yahoo Small Business Advisor. Web. 20 Mar. 2014. Grobart, Sam. â€Å"Apple Chiefs Discuss Strategy, Market Share-and the New IPhones.† Bloomberg Business Week. Web. 23 Mar. 2014. < http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-09-19/cook-ive-and-federighi-on-the-new-iphone-and-apples-once-and-future-strategy> Jerry Alison. â€Å"Business Strategy: The Three Generic Strategies.† HubPages. Web. 30 Mar. 2014.

Explore how managers can use specific communication models to create Essay - 1

Explore how managers can use specific communication models to create more effective working teams - Essay Example Key communication models are helpful towards creating more effective working teams. The Claude Shannon’s model is the simplest model of communication that is utilized in a traditional organization. In this model, there are two parties to communication. This involves the idea of the source and the receiver. The source initiates communication by sending a message to the receiver. The sender encodes a message into a form that the receiver can interpret. On the other hand, the receiver decodes information given one’s disposition. The encoded message is the signal while the decoded message is the received signal. The communication model is simplistic and it teaches a manager how communication is basically structured. The model, however, seeks to reinterpret rather than inform about an effective way of communication. This theory of communication reflected the context in which it sprang. This was the genesis of mass communication exemplified in items such as the radio and the television. In the end, it unified all later communication theories since it interp reted the basics of communication. It, therefore, teaches managers that communication involves two parties that deserve attention. This model, however, is a minimalist representation of an actually complex reality. In the real organizational environment, both the source and receiver can interchange roles. In the organization, communication may either begin from the managers or emanate from the employees and departments towards the opposite party. Communication also occurs within departments and take place between departments. In most cases, the department acts as a communication party, especially when it collectivize the opinions of the employees (Baran & Davis 2010, P. 111). Due to its simplistic mode, the model is useful in instruction giving. A manager should ensure that

Transformational Leadership Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Transformational Leadership - Dissertation Example   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  __________________ Date  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dean, School of Advanced Studies University of Phoenix Table of Contents Table of Contents 3 Abstract 5 1.0. Introduction 8 Problem Statement 10 Purpose Statement 11 Significance of the Study 12 Nature of the Study 13 1.1.1.Design of the study 13 Justification for the chosen methodology 13 1.5.1 Characteristics of the sample 13 1.5.2. Data collection 14 1.5.3. Data analysis 14 Hypothesis/Research Questions 14 Theoretical Framework 15 1.1.2.Definitions of Terms 17 1.1.3.Assumptions 20 Scope of Study 21 1.1.4.Limitations 21 1.1.5.Delimitations 22 1.2.Summary 22 2.0. Chapter 2: Review of Literature 24 2.1. Historical Overview 24 2.1.1. Empowerment Through leadership 26 2.1.2. Leadership Development 31 2.1.3. Academic Achievement 37 2.2. Summary 47 3.0. CHAPTER 3: METHOD 49 3.1. Research Design 49 3.1.2. Appropriateness of Design 51 3.2. Research Questions 52 3.3. Population 53 3.4. Informed Consent 54 3.5. Sampling Frame 54 3.6. Data collection 54 3.6.1. Confidentiality 56 3.6.2. Geographic Location 56 3.6.3. Instrumentation 56 3.7. Data Analysis 57 3.7.1. Validity 58 3.7.2. Reliability 58 3.8. Summary 58 Reference 60 Abstract This study takes an in-depth look at transformational leadership and how effective this model of leadership is when implemented. The study is conducted in the context of Schools to explore how principals and the management achieve transformational leadership, how it is nurtured and developed and the benefits derived from implementing this model of leadership. The main aim of this study is to identify how transformational leadership has enhanced school teachers and administrators’ effectiveness in managing and improving schools through educational reforms and other improvement practices. The study identified that leadership in a schools is not much different from leadership in private sector companies and is thus very critical to the effectiveness of learning. One of the major problems identified in this study is lack of well developed leadership that could enable leaders to address the challenges that are currently faced at schools. Effective leadership as mentioned in this study is essential for the transformation of the organization and it is fundamental for driving the strategic and cultural plans that are used to enhance improvement in parental involvement, technology and academic achievement. This research has identified that transformational leadership is the most effective leadership model in guiding organizations through significant changes. The study has taken quantitative research approach focusing on public schools in the United States as the

Abuse of the Elderly in Nursing Homes Research Paper - 1

Abuse of the Elderly in Nursing Homes - Research Paper Example It is hard to identify elderly abuse in nursing homes since old and frail people are prone to various accidents (Bonnie, 34). Residents in nursing homes normally have very poor safety awareness and therefore there many injuries and falls. It is normally hard to know whether their injuries are caused by incidents that cannot be prevented or from negligence and abuse. This paper explores deeply the types of abuse that elderly people go through in nursing homes and what should be done to alleviate this problem. According to studies, almost one in three nursing homes has had a case of abuse of the residents in US (Waxman, 1). Elderly abuse comes in various forms there are however two main types of abuse, physical and sexual. However, I have classified types of abuse as, financial abuse, sexual, neglect, false imprisonment and actual physical abuse. Financial abuse occurs whereby staff members at nursing homes abuse the residents by stealing their properties. They can also be able to access their bank details and use them to withdraw their money from the bank. There have been reported cases of this kind of abuse, in some cases staff take residents’ financial resources. Since most elders in nursing homes are sick and frail, the staffs know that their actions cannot be reported unless a relative of the victim realizes and takes action. Sexual abuse for seniors living in nursing homes involves unwanted, inappropriate touching, and sexual activities. Most residents of nursing homes are weak, frail, and therefore vulnerable to sexual abuse. Nursing homes staff members, visitors as well as residents who are sexually active can commit sexual abuse. Nursing homes can be held accountable for reported sexual abuse in their residence if it is proven that they failed to do a proper background check to an abusive staff. They can also be held accountable if it is proven that they do not supervise their employees adequately. Failures to

Impact of World War II on the United States Essay

Impact of World War II on the United States - Essay Example Prior to the war, the New Deal was not able to overcome the stagnant state of the US economy despite the concerted efforts of the Roosevelt government. The unemployment rate remained steadily above 14 percent despite having considerably fallen since the darkest years of the depression. A consideration of a more penetrative government fiscal intervention gave way to speculations about real economic recovery in which it was posited that the recovery would become elusive if given to the care of the private sector (Vatter 1985, p. 7). Such recovery required much more Keynesian doses for the New Deal to finally affect full employment (Vatter 1985, p.11). Political impacts include several pursuits that aimed to repair a damaged economy during the New Deal era and the war itself. A political, psychological, and economic shift was a product of the New Deal and World War II in the United States. These concerns troubled the American government during the war years and immediately afterward: big government, the economy, and communism at home and abroad. It was inferred that the bourgeoning bureaucracy that ensued in the United States during the WWII was one characterized by the mounting of commissions, agencies, and administrations, aiming to serve the legal and political necessities of the period. Examples of these are the Foreign Economic Administration, Maritime Commissions and the War Shipping Administration, Selective Service System, US Employment Service, War Manpower Commission, War Labor Board, and War Food Administration (Vatter 1985, p. 87). Each of these had their on designated purposes in which central is the organizing and carrying out of American war-time economic production and output. All of these bureaucratic organizations formed a government front aiming to push through all forms of opposition in the interest of allied victory. The War Production Board (WPB) was established in order to distribute strategic materials as well as suspend the production of consumer products. The WMC attempted to balance the appropriat e distribution of men and women in military, industry, and agriculture during the war (Maddox 1992, p. 193). There was no questioning that the United States placed itself in a hegemonic position as a world power after the war, which may be referred to as one of its political impacts. Likewise, America's preoccupation with the promotion of democracy is essentially an idealist stance that emerged from the moralism and exceptionalism of the America political tradition (Ikenberry 2000, p. 103). This tradition is manifested through actual foreign policy, often carried out at the expense of more sober American international interests (Ikenberry 2000, p. 103). It is for the pursuit of making foreign policy commitments more acceptable to American public that the American democratic stance becomes a minor distraction. The American promotion of democracy after World War II reflects a pragmatic and evolving understanding of creating a stable political order in the international arena, which was later called "an American liberal grand strategy"

Reflections on World's Leadership Research Paper

Reflections on World's Leadership - Research Paper Example (page 6) iv. What I have learnt from her†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ (page 7) V. George W. Bush- A Demonstration of BadLeadership i. His Actions †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. (page 7) ii. His Leadership Style†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ (page 8) iii. Reasons underlying My Perception of Him†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦... (page 9) iv. What I have learnt from him†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦... (page 9) VI. Conclusion_________________________________________(page 10) VII. Bibliography________________________________________(page 11) Introduction Who is a â€Å"Leader†? Does it refer only to those who rule the masses by virtue of their political authority? Do the activists who never held office but had the ability to move the masses through their ideas and visions also deserve inclusion? Does it include only those who had a positive influence on the world or also those who brought about damage and destruction? Moreover, what is Leadership? Such eternal questions concerning the mystery of great leadership have fascinated men ever since the creation of mankind. The world has always stood in awe of the leaders thriving within it. Great Western scholars like Plato, Aristotle, Plutarch and Machiavelli have reflected, in their works, upon leaders and their use of power. In fact even the Bible can be regarded as a treatise on leadership in human and divine form. But for the early civilisations, leadership was one of the most observed and least understood phenomena on earth. It was finally in the eighteenth century that man could actually figure out a discrete sense of the word â₠¬Å"leadership†. With the dawn of Enlightenment, man started applying reason and science to concepts that were till then explained by religion. The advent of the various branches of social science such as evolutionary history, political science and psychology helped to frame general theories and models of leadership. Trends in Leadership Studies The first dominant framework on leadership was the Trait Theory or the â€Å"Great Men† Theory which was proposed in the early twentieth century. It focussed on the five central traits possessed by leaders- intelligence, self-confidence, determination, integrity and sociability. The theory claimed that leaders are born, not made. Galton (1869) contributed to this theory by stating that â€Å"no man can achieve a very high reputation without being gifted with very high abilities†. Carlyle (1910) also asserts that â€Å"the history of the world is the history of great men†. Mid-twentieth century saw the rise of the Be haviourist school of leadership which emphasized on the actions and dominant behaviour of the leaders. This period was marked by a parallel research at Ohio State and Michigan University that highlighted the leaders’ behaviour on the job, use of authority and task-relationship orientation. Later, scholars such as Fred Fiedler realised that a leader must match his/her situation and leadership style should vary depending on the situation and context. This gave way to a third phase of leadership studies, known as the Contingency school, which focussed on task structure, leader-member relationship and power position (Shoup, 2005, pp. 2-4). The modern proponent of leadership studies is James McGregor Burns who has brought about a marked transition in this genre through his classification of the transactional and transformational leader. According

Competence destroying vs enhancing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Competence destroying vs enhancing - Assignment Example There are two types of innovations which are architectural innovation and generation innovations. Architectural innovation is characterized by fundamental changes in the linkages between existing subsystems in an organization. The modifications are made to ensure that the organization achieves its goals and objectives much faster with minimal expenditures. Generational innovations were involved with changes made to the already existing linked subsystems hence it is much broader. Assessing the effects of an innovation to a business is very important since it will determine whether the organization will carry on with the innovation or stop it. At the same time it can be used to point out the weak points of the innovation so as to aid with the process of improving it. The level of competence enhancing and destroying are the major concepts used to determine the effect of an innovation. For instance, in e-business, can be assessed whether it is appropriate to the organization being on a number of factors. For instance, the innovation should cost effective in the sense that there is minimal time spent and financial input towards achieving the organizations

The Salomon Vs A Salomon Company Limited Case Essay

The Salomon Vs A Salomon Company Limited Case - Essay Example The irony is that just after the incorporation of business into the private limited company, an array of strikes started in the shoe making industry thus compelled the government to diversify its orders to other contractors in order to ensure uninterrupted supply of boots and shoes to the government. To meet the financial losses and to rehabilitate the company back to business borrowed pounds 5,000 from Mr. Edmund Broderip (Salomon v A Salomon & Co Ltd). Alternatively, the company assigned debentures of the same amount. The loan was acquired on a nominal interest against mortgage of property of the business entity (French, 2009). The losses of the company come to such an impasse that it was not in a position even to pay off the interest amount. Keeping in view the situation, the said creditor sued the company to foreclose the assets of the company. The company went into liquidation (French, 2009). The creditor got back his money from the liquidator. Mr. Salomon received back his secu rity which was held by the liquidator (Salomon v A Salomon & Co Ltd). Later on, the liquidator and Mr. Salomon as defendant counter claimed since debentures become ineffective as a result of the fraudulent transaction. Therefore, liquidator pleaded for all the money back that was invested in the business of Private Limited Company since its formation, revalidation of business contract with the government, call back the payable amount plus void of debentures (Salomon v A Salomon & Co Ltd).... Edmund Broderip (Salomon v A Salomon & Co Ltd). Alternatively, the company assigned debentures of the same amount. The loan was acquired on a nominal interest against mortgage of property of the business entity (French, 2009). The losses of the company come to such an impasse that it was not in a position even to pay off the interest amount. Keeping in view the situation, the said creditor sued the company to foreclose the assets of the company. The company went into liquidation (French, 2009). The creditor got back his money from liquidator. Mr. Salomon received back his security which was held by the liquidator (Salomon v A Salomon & Co Ltd). Later on the liquidator and Mr. Salomon as defendant counter claimed since debentures become ineffective as a result of fraudulent transaction. Therefore, liquidator pleaded for all the money back that was invested in the business of Private Limited Company since its formation, revalidation of business contract with the government, call back t he payable amount plus void of debentures (Salomon v A Salomon & Co Ltd). Initially the High Court accepted the claim of Mr. Edmund Broderip. According to Justice Williams â€Å"it was undisputed that 20,000 shares were fully paid up and the company had a right to indemnity against Mr. Salomon. He said the signatories of the memorandum were mere dummies; the company was just Mr. Salomon in another form, an alias, his agent. Therefore, it was entitled to indemnity from the principal.† The claim was materialized accordingly (Salomon v A Salomon & Co Ltd). While confirming the decisions of Justice Williams on the grounds that Mr. Salomon had misused the authority, responsibility, perks that bestowed upon the genuine shareholders and

Card Skimming Essay Example for Free

Card Skimming Essay Credit Card Fraud is one of the biggest threats to business establishments today. Originally, credit cards simply carried raised numbers that were transferred to a carbon copy with a card-swiping machine. The merchant simply accepted any card presented. Spending limits and printed lists of lost/stolen cards were ineffective in preventing fraud and other financial losses. Merchants were required to telephone a transaction authorization center to get pre-approval of the transaction. The volume of telephone traffic grew too great, and more automated authorization systems allowed faster, easier, and verified transactions. Magnetic stripes on the backs of these payment cards started to appear and that allowed computers to be used at both ends of the call. The raised letters and numbers on the plastic cards are now rarely used or even read. This then gave rise to â€Å"skimming† devices that could be used by some unscrupulous persons to electronically scan and save the information from many customers cards. Techniques such as skimming, in which criminals capture card information and personal-identification numbers, have existed for years, often on a small scale. A growing security concern with Skimming devices is the possible release of the user’s personal information or location to unauthorized parties. So, what is now needed is a way to increase the security of payment card use at merchant locations. Problem Statement Credit Card Fraud poses one of the greatest risks to businesses nowadays. As card business transactions increase, so too do frauds. According to the Jamaica Observer dated March 2010 â€Å"The National Commercial Bank (NCB) yesterday revealed that it lost more than J$100 million to credit card fraud last year, put merchants on guard against what it said was a rising problem†. Most cases of counterfeit fraud involve skimming. The fraudulent activity on a card affects everybody, i.e., the cardholder, the merchant, the acquirer as well as the issuer (bank). Several methods have been proposed in order to stop this. One such method adopted is a method of chips  built into the card adding a layer of protection. The good news is that technology for preventing credit card frauds is improving with the passage of time. Purpose Statement This paper will describe the development of a system to provide real time detection of fraud attempt so as to increase the security payment of credit cards use at merchant POS locations. Research Questions What is credit card fraud? What is skimming? How are cards skimmed and reproduced? What are the implications of credit card fraud? Can this type of fraud be prevented? If so, how can this type of fraud be prevented? Significance About J$245.1 million has been lost to credit card fraud in Jamaica for 2009 (Jamaica Observer). In 2010 Europe, which has faced a bigger problem than the U.S.A saw card-skimming attacks jump 24% in the first six months to 5,743, the largest six-month number since data gathering began in 2004, according to the European ATM Security Team, a non-profit group. Consumers face trouble trying to get fraudulent charges reversed, merchants lose the cost of the products sold have to pay chargeback fees and fear from the risk of having their merchant account closed and loss of reputation. The issuers and acquirers also have to make huge investments in preventing frauds by deploying sophisticated IT systems for detection of fraudulent transactions. They also face financial and product losses, fines, loss of reputation and possibly loss of license if not compliant to credit card standards. This research study could provide information on how to help maintain the cost of fraud and losses due to f raud and help to put this at a manageable level. It will help acquirers and issuers to equip themselves with a counterattack to possible threats and that can help protect the user and the merchant from fraud. Definition of Terms Credit Card Fraud is defined as when an individual uses another individuals’ credit card for personal reasons while the owner of the card and the card issuer are not aware of the fact that the card is being used. Card Skimming is a process where genuine data on a card’s magnetic stripe is electronically copied onto another. References List http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/NCB-puts-customers-on-credit-card-guard_7505969http://online.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703688704575621122308129984http://quotes.wsj.com/IT

Modern History of the Jaipur Textile Handicraft in Asia

Modern History of the Jaipur Textile Handicraft in Asia The Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, led one of the significant struggle movements during the Indian struggle of Independence, the Non-Cooperation Movement. Aimed towards resisting the British occupation of the nation, hundreds of men and women rallied together. Following the ways of non-violence or ahimsa, the protestors actually tried to uphold the values of integrity and Indian honor by not buying British goods. Since local handicrafts were dying a slow death due to persistent and forceful import of British factory-made goods, a mass scale protest was organised to save the local artisans and their artwork. The colonial oppression and the anger of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre were the major reasons behind such a mass led movement. India has always been a traditionally agrarian economy. Inspite of lack of insufficient qualitative assessment of those times, there is an estimation that the countrys reap was quite an income. During the pre-colonial period of India, the raw and finished textile handicrafts like calicos, muslin, handcrafted shawls, along with other agricultural products were exported to Europe, South East Asia, and the Middle East in exchange of silver and gold. As the British colonialism started, the bankruptcy of the Indias handicraft industry took place. The Industrial Revolution in Europe and the policies implemented by the Company rule in India deprived India of its profits. After Independence, the textile handicraft industry has been helped to revive by various initiatives by the government. With such measures undertaken, the industry has spread from the rural areas to the urban areas. The textile handicraft business has become a high paying job and a business option for entrepreneurs in India. Especially, the artisans of the weaker section are profited with such a respectable and dignified profession. Talking about the various textile handicraft art forms that are popular are pashmina shawl, paithani saris, gara saris, and banarasi silk saris. Being a highly labor oriented, textile handicraft industry mainly occupies women artisans. Phulkari, block printing, jamawar, block printing, batik, tie and dye, and resist printing are popularly seen artworks on various textile handicrafts. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan. It is famous for its tourism and world heritage monuments. However, it also attracts tourists and people to its land due to its alluring textile handicrafts. The local artisans also offer colorful textile handicraft fabrics in bright colors with embroidery (zardozi and hand embroidery), prints such as traditional Sanganeri hand block prints, and Bagru prints on traditional dresses such as bandhej, lehriya, pachranga, etc. Ethnic textile handicraft wear such as odhanis, safas, and other dress materials are available in plenty with an amazing play of colors and an exquisite mirrorwork on their surfaces. These actually are an excuse to create a style statement and almost every upscale fashion designer gets inspired with such trendy decorational patterns on their creations. With such a playful experience of patterns, colors and designs with Jaipuri handicraft textiles, you can experience India with a rendezvous with Jaipurs cultural and traditional beliefs that are popular worldwide. The royal Pink City also offers some valuable carpets and rugs. Carpet making has been one of the main occupations in the textile handicraft business of Jaipur. Naming its art form roots since the Mughal era, the skilled carpet artisans are mostly the descendents of the Persian weavers that were brought to India. Since then, the erstwile city rulers have patronized carpet weaving inspired with Persian as well as Turkish motifs and decorations. Some of the carpets and rugs acquired from Jaipur have obtained the title of an antique, possessed. The specialty of such rugs is that they are all hand woven. Hand knotted and hand woven floor coverings have been taken to a next level by Jaipur Rugs Company. The gobally renowned company offers quality and durability along with the traditional and contemporary designs. Being a major exporter of rugs and carpets to most countries in the globe, Jaipur Rugs delivers style with buyer satisfaction. Come to Jaipur and buy these wonderful textile handicraft products at Kishanpol Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar within the walled city. New piece (25 October 2010) After Independence, the textile handicraft industry of India has been revived by various initiatives by the government. With such measures undertaken, the industry has spread from rural to urban areas. The textile handicraft business has become a high paying job and a business option for budding entrepreneurs in India. Especially, the artisans of the weaker section are profited with such a respectable and dignified profession along with many of them setting up small cottage industries together in collaboration. In this direction, the Indian government has set up Khadi Gram Udyog too, to give a boost to various traditional handicrafts of India. The several outlets can be found in many states of India. Especially the khadi cloth and its ready-made garments are popular in the domestic and international bazaar. Jaipurs local artisans offer colorful textile handicraft fabrics in brilliant colors with embroidery (zardozi and hand embroidery), prints and exquisite mirror work that it makes a mini fashion industry of Rajasthans own. Origin of Textile Handicrafts Textiles being a constituent part of any civilization, its origin cannot be marked precisely but started in prehistoric Indian history. Nevertheless, the Hindu civilization being one of the oldest one surviving, its traditional textile forms are very famous worldwide. The state of Rajasthan falls in the Northern region of India. The traditions show an enthralling and colorful culture with awe-inspiring royal architecture as well as textiles. Traditionally, the rich culture and spirit of the Rajasthani native is largely held responsible for the beauty of its cultural attire that is preferred by tourists, home and abroad. Particularly Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and means truly in terms of the availability of various Rajasthani textile handicrafts. Textile Handicrafts in Jaipur Jaipur being a city of an amalgamation of both modern and traditional provides a unique and stunning assortment of cultural attires of Rajasthan. The various textile arts are Handblock Prints, Tie and Dye, Lehariya Prints. Owing to the vibrant bright colors in the clothes, patterned arts such as Samdar Lehar, Chunari and Bandhej are a favorite amongst women and men both. Through tie and dye, splashes of white around the chosen color of the fabric are obtained as a result. Thereafter, the fabric is beautified more with further embellishments. Traditionally, handblock prints are done extensively with vegetable dyes and wooden carved blocks. However, nowadays, chemical dyes are often used for permanency of the prints on the fabric. The most famous gold-like lacework known as Zari, along with gota, zardozi, etc., seemingly cast a spell on eyes as they simply highlight a simple looking piece of cloth to an attractive one. The skillful hands of the craftsmen ably design eccentrically pretty Lehariyas that means the ripples of a shimmering ocean. Each colorfully wavy lehariya is favored by most of the women during a particular festival in Rajasthan. Batik is the freehand color textile form that generously utilises free imagination and big color palette. All blended with the proficiency of the maker turns it into a stylised form of a cloth piece that actually is a head turner. Famous Screen Printing to provide a different type of textile form that is less time consuming to make. With the kind usage of a variety of bright colors on the cloth, the photosensitivity of the color dyes is credited to create wanted pictures or designs. A textile form reflecting the epic story of Pabuji Par, a fourteenth century Rajasthani legendary figure, also exists. Every traditional native of Rajasthan recites his oral recitations and they proudly portray Pabujis heroism on textile forms. Last but not the least, Jaipurs famous Carpets and Dhurries are also one of the textile forms. The village artisans residing near and beyond Jaipur weave them. Most of them practice carpet weaving as an heirloom business since ages. Their ancestors came from Persia during the rule of Mughal ruler Akbar and settled here. Making of Textile Handicrafts Jaipurs textile forms range from clothes, curtains, table clothes, bags, carpets and many more that are known especially for their rich textures and colors. People find them interesting because of the variety of threads or fibres used to reproduce the legacy that the Rajasthani culture essence contains. With a lot of style and grace, textile forms of Rajasthan very well add a lot of personality with an amazing color palette. The rusticity of the Indian rurality with its creativity is present fully within the designs and patterns. Traditionally, every step is carried on by hands and using herbal colors. However, to meet growing demands, machines are also used often. For example, originally, hand block printing was done making patterns through cut potatoes. Later, the potato pieces replaced with teakwood carved blocks created the same magic called as Sanganeri Prints. Similarly, Bagru Prints show that opulence with the red and black combination. Not-to-miss, carpet making has been one of the main occupations in the textile handicraft business of Jaipur. Patronized carpet weaving inspired with Persian as well as Turkish motifs and decorations can still be seen that are hand woven and hand knotted. Some of the carpets and rugs acquired from Jaipur have obtained the title of an antique, possessed. Salability of Textile Handicrafts With such a playful experience of patterns, colors and designs with Jaipuri handicraft textiles, popular ones are pashmina shawl, paithani saris, gara saris, and banarasi silk saris. Ethnic textile handicraft wear such as odhanis, safas, and other dress materials are available in plenty with an amazing play of colors and an exquisite mirrorwork on their surfaces. These actually are an excuse to create a style statement and almost every upscale fashion designer gets inspired with such trendy decorational patterns on their creations. Come to Jaipur and buy these wonderful textile handicraft products at Kishanpol Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar within the walled city.

Coping With Stress In An Organization :: essays research papers

Coping With Stress In An Organization Table of Contents   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I. Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   II. Defining Stress   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  III. Types of Stress   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   IV. How to Handle Stress   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   V. Recognizing Stress   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   VI. The Military and Stress   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  VII. Summary I. INTRODUCTION   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Since the beginning of mankind there has always been some kind of stress affecting how people feel, act and cope with situations. In this paper we will look at the definition of stress and what causes people to have stress. Then we will see how different people handle stress and show how not all individuals have the same tolerance for stress. The next thing that will be discussed is how managers in organizations can recognize and reduce the negative effects that stress has on the worker and the organization. Finally we will consider what kind of stresses there are in military organizations and how they can be controlled. II. DEFINING STRESS   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Robert C. Dailey, in his book Understanding People In Organizations, defines stress as â€Å"any demand made on the body that requires psychological or physical adjustment.† Many people think of stress as always being something bad. However, stress sometimes can be good. Stress is part of our every day life. It can have a motivating effect or a demotivating effect. Each of us have our own level of how much stimulation or stress we need in our lives to keep us from getting bored.1 Others however, have a much lower tolerance for stress stimuli. So managers must be able to look at each individual and decide if the individual has a high or low tolerance for stress. Managers can do this only if they have a good understanding of what causes stress. III. TYPES OF STRESS   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Stress can come from a multitude of different reasons, but for simplicity lets break it down into two forms: individual induced stress and physical environment stress. Individual stress includes things such as role conflict, role ambiguity, work overload, and responsibility for others. Role conflict occurs when accomplishing one job inhibits or greatly reduces the chance at completing another assigned task. In this case the person who is tasked to do the jobs will incur some type of stress while trying to figure out how to get both tasks accomplished in the given amount of time. How much stress and if it will impact the individual positively or negatively will depend on the experience level of the individual. Role ambiguity is when an individual is not sure of what their job entails. It makes it hard for a person to decide on what their priorities are and how to manage their time. Ambiguity can come from a

“Ships at a Distance”: Dreams in Their Eyes Were Watching God Essay

Zora Neale Hurston opens Their Eyes Were Watching God with an eloquent metaphor regarding dreams: â€Å"Ships at a distance have every man’s wish on board. For some they come in with the tide. For others, they sail forever on the horizon, never out of sight, never landing until the watcher turns his eyes away in resignation, his dreams mocked to death by Time (Hurston 1).† Hurston describes here how some dreams are achieved with time while others lurk out of reach until the dreamer gives up. Janie Crawford, protagonist of Their Eyes Were Watching God, encounters numerous ambitions throughout her life, mainly concerning a desire to somehow achieve something in life, and to not just go through the motions. While Janie’s dreams and my own do not exactly correspond, we both aspire to discover a greater passion in life and find a voice that will enable us to make a difference. When Janie is growing up, she is eager to become a woman and is ready to dive into the strain, maturity, and exhilaration of adulthood. In the beginning of Janie’s life story, Hurston introduces the metaphor of the pear tree, a symbol of Janie’s blossoming, and describes how â€Å"she had glossy leaves and bursting buds and she wanted to struggle with life but it seemed to elude her,† which successfully captures her excitement and perplexity of entering the adult world (11). Janie’s anxiety of growing up is also articulated with the image of her â€Å"looking, waiting, breathing short with impatience. Waiting for the world to be made† (Hurston 11). In her teenage years, it seems as if her life revolves around the anticipation of womanhood. Even as Janie grows older, she continues to hold on to her aspiration of living an adventurous, invigorating, and passionate life. In criti... ...le. Their Eyes Were Watching God. New York, NY: HarperCollins, 2006. Print. 4 Jordan, Jennifer. "Feminist Fantasies: Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God." Tulsa Studies in Women's Literature 7.1 (1988): 105-117. JSTOR. Web. 25 Mar. 2012. 464063>. 7 Kubitschek, Missy Dehn. â€Å"’Tuh De Horizon and Back’: The Female Quest in Their Eyes Were Watching God.† Black American Literature Forum 17.3 (1983): 109-115. JSTOR. Web. 28 Mar. 2012. . 8 Rosin, Hanna. â€Å"New Data on the Rise of Women.† Dec. 2010. TED Talks. Web. 28 Mar. 2012. . 2 â€Å"Their Eyes Were Watching God Reader’s Guide - Introduction.† The Big Read. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2012. .

Did September 11 Kill Democracy? :: September 11 Terrorism Essays

Did September 11 Kill Democracy? Â   The September 11 terrorist attack on America has provoked a strong response. Americans are at war. On television, from the mouths of politicians, in newspapers, this response is portrayed as unequivocal. As with Pearl Harbor, war has been declared on America. We have no choice but to respond with unpresidented military force. Other considerations might give us a pause, if they were not being quietly swept under the rug by those eagerly pressing for war. Isn't war and violence precisely what terrorists are after? Rather than pitting ourselves against the Arab-Muslim world and lumping every Muslim in with the terrorists, shouldn't we draw closer to those elements in the Arab world that reject terrorism? Most importantly, shouldn't we attempt to fully understand why America was targeted? Do Americans truly appreciate the role of the United States in the Middle East? Are our politicians and news media attempting to increase our understanding of events in the Middle East before we plunge headlong into war? None of these questions are being addressed. Â   This is why the past few days have been so terrifying. A catastrophe can happen to any nation, but a democracy requires thoughtful debate and exposure to the necessary information before a democratic decision can be made. To quote Representative Lee of California, "We've got to bring these perpetrators to justice. But I'm saying that I have not yet seen the evidence. And until then, in Congress, we must show restraint." Representative Lee was the only Representative who voted against authorizing military force on Friday. This fact alone is shocking and should be worrisome. Where is the democratic debate when, a scant 4 days after the events, all of Congress decides for the nation that there is no alternative to military action? Â   Without full knowledge of who was involved in the events, and careful consideration of all possible alternatives, what are they basing their decision on? Â   The messages from network television has been similarly alarming in its uniformity. Already on Tuesday, newscasters were not presenting democratic alternatives, but speculating about military targets. Is that the best that we can do as a nation, reach for our guns, striking out in anger rather than justice? If CNN starts an article with "The questions are only when and where," isn't CNN is deliberately encouraging its audience not to ask other questions?

Shadow Kiss Chapter 21

Twenty-one I COULD HARDLY WAIT for my day to end. I'd promised Lissa I'd hang out with her and the others after school. It should have been fun, but the minutes dragged by. I was too restless. When curfew came around, I split off from them ran back to my dorm. I asked the woman at the front desk if she could call up to Dimitri's room – off-limits to students – because I had an â€Å"urgent† question for him. She had just picked up the phone when Celeste walked past. â€Å"He's not there,† she told me. She had a large bruise on the side of her face. Some novice had gotten the better of her – some novice who wasn't me. â€Å"I think he was going to the chapel. You'll have to see him tomorrow – you can't be there and back before curfew comes.† I nodded meekly and acted like I was heading for the student wing. Instead, as soon as she was out of sight, I headed back outside again and ran to the chapel. She was right. I wasn't going to make curfew, but hopefully Dimitri could make sure I got back without getting in trouble. The chapel's doors were unlocked when I reached them. I walked in and saw all the candles lit, making all the gold ornaments in the room sparkle. The priest must still be working. But, when I stepped inside the sanctuary, he wasn't there. Dimitri was, however. He sat in the last pew. He wasn't praying or kneeling or anything. He just sat there, looking quite relaxed. Although he wasn't a practicing member of the church, he'd told me he often found peace there. It gave him a chance to think about his life and the deeds he'd done. I always thought he looked good, but just then, something about him nearly made me come to a standstill. Maybe it was because of the background, all the polished wood and colorful icons of saints. Maybe it was just the way the candlelight shone on his dark hair. Maybe it was just because he looked unguarded, almost vulnerable. He was normally so wound up, so on edge †¦ but even he needed the occasional moment of rest. He seemed to glow in my eyes, kind of in the way Lissa always did. His normal tension returned when he heard me come in. â€Å"Rose, is everything okay?† He started to stand, and I motioned him down as I slid into the spot beside him. The faint smell of incense lingered in the air. â€Å"Yeah †¦ well, kind of. No breakdowns, if that's what you're worried about. I just had a question. Or, well, a theory.† I explained the conversation with Alice and what I'd deduced from it. He listened patiently, expression thoughtful. â€Å"I know Alice. I'm not sure she's credible,† he said when I finished. It was similar to what he'd said about Victor. â€Å"I know. I thought the same thing. But a lot of it makes sense.† â€Å"Not quite. As you pointed out, why are your visions so irregular here? That doesn't go along with the ward theory. You should feel like you did on the plane.† â€Å"What if the wards are just weak?† I asked. He shook his head. â€Å"That's impossible. Wards take months to wear down. New ones are put in place here every two weeks.† â€Å"That often?† I asked, unable to hide my disappointment. I'd known maintenance was frequent but not that frequent. Alice's theory had almost provided a sound explanation, one that didn't involve me being insane. â€Å"Maybe they're getting staked,† I suggested. â€Å"By humans or something – like we saw before.† â€Å"Guardians walk the grounds a few times a day. If there was a stake in the borders of campus, we'd notice.† I sighed. Dimitri moved his hand over mine, and I flinched. He didn't remove it, though, and as he did so frequently, guessed my thoughts. â€Å"You thought if she was right, it would explain everything.† I nodded. â€Å"I don't want to be crazy.† â€Å"You aren't crazy.† â€Å"But you don't believe I'm really seeing ghosts.† He glanced away, his eyes staring at the flickering of candles on the altar. â€Å"I don't know. I'm still trying to keep an open mind. And being stressed isn't the same as being crazy.† â€Å"I know,† I admitted, still very conscious of how warm his hand was. I shouldn't have been thinking about things like that in a church. â€Å"But†¦ well†¦ there's something else†¦.† I told him then about Anna possibly â€Å"catching† Vladimir's insanity. I also explained Adrian's aura observations. He turned his gaze back on me, expression speculative. â€Å"Have you told anyone else about this? Lissa? Your counselor?† â€Å"No,† I said in a small voice, unable to meet his eyes. â€Å"I was afraid of what they'd think.† He squeezed my hand. â€Å"You have to stop this. You aren't afraid of throwing yourself in the path of danger, but you're terrified of letting anyone in.† â€Å"I†¦ I don't know,† I said, looking up at him. â€Å"I guess.† â€Å"Then why'd you tell me?† I smiled. â€Å"Because you told me I should trust people. I trust you.† â€Å"You don't trust Lissa?† My smile faltered. â€Å"I trust her, absolutely. But I don't want to tell her things that'll make her worry. I guess it's a way of protecting her, just like keeping Strigoi away.† â€Å"She's stronger than you think,† he said. â€Å"And she would go out of her way to help you.† â€Å"So what? You want me to confide in her and not you?† â€Å"No, I want you to confide in both of us. I think it'd be good for you. Does what happened to Anna bother you?† â€Å"No.† I looked away again. â€Å"It scares me.† I think the admission stunned both of us. I certainly hadn't expected to say it. We both froze for a moment, and then Dimitri wrapped his arms around me and pulled me to his chest. A sob built up in me as I rested my cheek against the leather of his coat and heard the steady beating of his heart. â€Å"I don't want to be like that,† I told him. â€Å"I want to be like everyone else. I want my mind to be †¦ normal. Normal by Rose standards, I mean. I don't want to lose control. I don't want to be like Anna and kill myself. I love being alive. I'd die to save my friends, but I hope it doesn't happen. I hope we all live long, happy lives. Like Lissa said – one big happy family. There's so much I want to do, but I'm so scared †¦ scared that I'll be like her†¦. I'm afraid I won't be able to stop it†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He held me tighter. â€Å"It's not going to happen,† he murmured. â€Å"You're wild and impulsive, but at the end of the day, you're one of the strongest people I know. Even if you are the same as Anna – and I don't think you are – you two won't share the same fate.† It was funny. I'd often told Lissa the same thing about her and Vladimir. She'd always had a hard time believing it, and now I understood. Giving advice was a lot harder than following it. â€Å"You're also missing something,† he continued, running a hand over my hair. â€Å"If you are in danger from Lissa's magic, then at least you understand why. She can stop using her magic, and that'll be the end of it.† I pulled away slightly so I could look at him. Hastily, I ran my hand over my eyes in case any tears had escaped. â€Å"But can I ask her to do that?† I said. â€Å"I've felt how it makes her feel. I don't know if I can take that away from her.† He regarded me with surprise. â€Å"Even at the cost of your own life?† â€Å"Vladimir did great things – so could she. Besides, they come first, right?† â€Å"Not always.† I stared. I'd had they come first drilled into me since I was a child. It was what all guardians believed. Only the dhampirs who'd run away from their duty didn't subscribe to that. What he said was almost like treason. â€Å"Sometimes, Rose, you have to know when to put yourself first.† I shook my head. â€Å"Not with Lissa.† I might as well have been with Deirdre or Ambrose again. Why was everyone suddenly challenging something that I'd held as absolute truth my entire life? â€Å"She's your friend. She'll understand.† To make his point, he reached forward and tugged at the chotki peeking out underneath my sleeve, his fingertips brushing my wrist. â€Å"It's more than that,† I said. I pointed to the cross. â€Å"If anything, this proves it. I'm bound to her, to protect the Dragomirs, at all costs.† â€Å"I know, but †¦Ã¢â‚¬  He didn't finish, and honestly, what could he have said? This was becoming an old argument, one without a solution. â€Å"I need to get back,† I said abruptly. â€Å"It's past curfew.† A wry smile crossed Dimitri's face. â€Å"And you need me to get you back or you'll get in trouble.† â€Å"Well, yeah, I was kind of hoping†¦.† We heard some rustling near the door of the sanctuary, and Father Andrew walked in, which definitely ended our session. He was getting ready to shut down the chapel. Dimitri thanked him, and then the two of us headed back to the dhampir dorm. Neither of us spoke along the way, but it was a comfortable silence. It was weird, but since his outburst outside the med clinic, I felt like something had intensified between us, as impossible as that seemed. Dimitri got me past the woman at the front desk, and just as I was about to head off for my wing, a guardian named Yuri walked by. Dimitri called to him. â€Å"You've been working with security, haven't you? When was the last time they laid new wards?† Yuri considered. â€Å"A couple days ago. Why?† Dimitri gave me a meaningful look. â€Å"Just curious.† I nodded to Dimitri to show that I understood his point, and then I went off to bed. After that, the next week or so played out in a repetitive pattern. I followed Christian for three days a week, had my counseling sessions, and trained with Dimitri. During those times, I could see the concern on Dimitri's face. He always asked how I was but didn't push me to talk about anything I didn't want to. Mostly, it was all physical training, which I liked since it didn't require too much ruminating. Best of all, I didn't see Mason during this time. I also didn't witness any attacks – of either the Man? type or the guardian type. We were in full throes of the field experience, and every other novice in my class was having regular fights. The tests grew intricate and more difficult, and everyone had to stay on their toes. Eddie seemed to have to defend Lissa every other day from some guardian playing Strigoi – but it never happened when I was around. In fact, no attacks at all happened to anyone when I was around. After a while, I began to get the idea. They were going soft on me. They were worried I couldn't handle it. â€Å"They might as well have cut me from the field experience after all,† I grumbled to Christian one evening. â€Å"I'm not doing anything.† â€Å"Yeah, but if you still pass, why worry about it? I mean, do you actually want to get in a fight every day?† He then rolled his eyes. â€Å"Never mind. Of course you do.† â€Å"You don't understand,† I told him. â€Å"This job isn't about taking the easy way out. I want to prove what I can do – to them and to myself. You can never get enough practice. I mean, Lissa's life is at stake.† And also possibly my future with her. I'd worried before that they might decide to replace me – and that was before they thought I was nuts. It was nearly curfew time, and I was dropping him off for the night. He shook his head. â€Å"Rose, I don't know if you're crazy or not, but I'm actually starting to think you might be the best guardian – or soon-to-be guardian – out there.† â€Å"Did you just give me a serious compliment?† I asked. He turned his back on me and headed inside his dorm. â€Å"Good night.† My life was still in chaos, but I couldn't help a small grin as I headed back toward my dorm. The walk always made me nervous since I now lived in perpetual fear of seeing Mason. There were other people scurrying back before curfew too, though, and he mostly tended to show up when I was alone, either because he preferred the privacy or because he really was a figment of my imagination. Talking about Lissa reminded me that I'd hardly seen her today. Comfortable and content, I let my mind slip into hers while my body continued its walk. She was in the library, hurriedly trying to finish up some notes. Eddie stood near her, glancing around. â€Å"Better hurry up,† he said teasingly. â€Å"She's making another round.† â€Å"Almost done,† Lissa said, scrawling a few more words. She shut the textbook just as the librarian came by and told them they had to leave now. With a sigh of relief, Lissa stuffed her papers into her bag and followed Eddie out. He picked it up and carried it over his shoulder as they went. â€Å"You don't have to do that,† she said. â€Å"You aren't my valet.† â€Å"You can have it back as soon as you fix that.† He gestured to where she was tangled up in her coat. She'd shoved it on while trying to get out of the library on time. She laughed at her own disorderliness and adjusted the inside-out sleeve. â€Å"Thanks,† she said when he handed it back. â€Å"No problem.† Lissa liked Eddie – though not in a romantic kind of way. She just thought he was nice. He did things like that all the time, helping her out while still doing an excellent job in his duties. His motives weren't romantic, either. He was just one of those rare guys who could be both a gentleman and a badass. She had plans for him. â€Å"Have you ever thought about asking Rose out?† â€Å"What?† he asked. What? I thought. â€Å"You guys just have so much in common,† she said, trying to sound casual. Inside, she was excited. She thought this was the best idea in the world. For me, it was one of those moments where being in her mind was being too close to her. I would rather have been standing beside her so I could shake some sense into her. â€Å"She's just my friend,† he laughed, his face taking on kind of a cute shyness. â€Å"And I don't think we'd actually be that compatible. Besides †¦Ã¢â‚¬  His expression fell. â€Å"I could never go out with Mason's girlfriend.† Lissa started to say what I always told her, that I hadn't actually been Mason's girlfriend. Wisely, she instead chose to let Eddie keep believing the best. â€Å"Everyone has to move on sometime.† â€Å"It hasn't been that long, not really. Just over a month. And it's not really something you get over quickly.† His eyes had a sad, faraway look that hurt both Lissa and me. â€Å"I'm sorry,† she said. â€Å"I didn't mean to make it sound like something small. What you saw – I know it was horrible.† â€Å"You know what's weird? I actually don't remember much of it. And that's what's horrible. I was so drugged out that I had no idea what was going on. I hate that – you have no idea. Being helpless like that†¦ it's the worst thing in the world.† I felt the same way. I think it was a guardian thing. Eddie and I had never talked about it, though. We'd never even talked about Spokane much. â€Å"It wasn't your fault,† Lissa told him. â€Å"Strigoi endorphins are strong. You couldn't have fought against them.† â€Å"I should have tried harder,† he countered, holding the door to her dorm open. â€Å"If I'd been even a little more conscious †¦ I don't know. Mason might still be alive.† Eddie and I, I realized, should both have been in therapy as soon as we got back from winter break. I finally understood why everyone said blaming myself for Mason's death was irrational. Eddie and I were both holding ourselves responsible for things that had been beyond our control. We were torturing ourselves with guilt we didn't deserve. â€Å"Hey, Lissa. Come here.† The serious subject was put on hold as Jesse and Ralf waved at her from across the dorm's lobby. My defenses immediately went up. So did hers. She didn't like them any better than I did. â€Å"What's this about?† asked Eddie warily. â€Å"I don't know,† she muttered, walking over. â€Å"I hope it's fast.† Jesse gave her a dazzling smile, one that I had once found really hot. Now I saw it for the fake piece of crap it was. â€Å"How's it going?† he asked. â€Å"It's going tired,† she replied. â€Å"I need to get to bed. What's up?† Jesse looked over at Eddie. â€Å"Would you give us a little privacy?† Eddie looked at Lissa. She nodded, and Eddie backed up enough to be out of earshot but still watch her. When he was gone, Jesse said, â€Å"We have an invitation for you.† â€Å"To what, a party?† â€Å"Kind of. It's a group †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Ralf wasn't so good with words, and Jesse took over again. â€Å"More than a group. It's only for elite people.† He gestured around. â€Å"You and me and Ralf†¦ we're not like a lot of other Moroi. We're not even like a lot of other royals. We have concerns and issues that we need to take care of.† I thought it was funny that he'd include Ralf. Ralf's royalty came from his mother, a Voda, so he didn't even carry one of the royal names, even if he technically had the blood. â€Å"It sounds kind of †¦ snobby,† she said. â€Å"No offense. Thanks for the offer, though.† That was Lissa. Always polite, even to creeps like these. â€Å"You don't understand. We aren't just sitting around. We're working to get things done. We're – † he hesitated and then spoke more softly, † – working on ways to get our voices out there, to make people see our way no matter what.† Lissa gave an uncomfortable laugh. â€Å"Sounds like compulsion.† â€Å"So?† I couldn't see her face, but I could feel her working hard to keep it as straight as possible. â€Å"Are you out of your mind? Compulsion's forbidden. It's wrong.† â€Å"Only to some people. And apparently not you since you're pretty good at it.† She stiffened. â€Å"Why would you think that?† â€Å"Because someone – a couple people, actually – hinted at it.† People? I tried to remember what Christian and I had said in the feeder room. We'd never mentioned her by name, though both of us had bragged about having seen someone use compulsion. And apparently, Jesse had noticed other things about her. â€Å"Besides, it's actually kind of obvious. People love you. You've gotten out of so much trouble, and I finally figured out why. You've been working people over this whole time. I was watching you in class the other day when you convinced Mr. Hill to let Christian work with you on that project. He never would have let anyone else do that.† I'd been with them in class that day. Lissa actually had used compulsion on her teacher to get help for Christian. She'd been so caught up in her pleas that she'd compelled Mr. Hill without even realizing it. Compared to other things I'd seen her do, it had actually been a pretty weak show of compulsion. No one had noticed. Well, almost no one. â€Å"Look,† Lissa said uneasily, â€Å"I seriously have no idea what you're talking about. I need to go to bed.† Jesse's face grew excited. â€Å"No, it's okay. We think it's cool. We want to help you – or actually, we want you to help us. I can't believe I never noticed it before. You're really good at it, and we need you to show us. Plus, none of the other Man? chapters has a Dragomir. We'd be the first to have every royal family represented.† She sighed. â€Å"If I could use compulsion, I'd make you guys go away. I told you, I'm not interested.† â€Å"But we need you!† exclaimed Ralf. Jesse shot him a sharp look and then turned his smile back on Lissa. I had this weird feeling he might actually be trying to compel her, but it had absolutely no effect on her – or me, since I was watching through her eyes. â€Å"It's not just about you helping us. There are groups of Man? at every school,† said Jesse. He was leaning close, and suddenly, he didn't look very friendly anymore. â€Å"Its members are all over the world. Be a part of it, and you'll have the connections to do whatever you want with your life. And if we can all learn to work compulsion, we can stop the Moroi government from doing stupid things – we can make sure the queen and everyone else make the right decision. Everything about this is good for you!† â€Å"I'm doing fine on my own, thanks,† she said, stepping back. â€Å"And I'm not really sure you know what's best for the Moroi.† â€Å"Fine? With your Strigoi boyfriend and slutty wannabe guardian?† exclaimed Ralf. He spoke loudly enough to get Eddie's attention, and Eddie did not look happy. â€Å"Be quiet,† Jesse told him angrily. He turned to Lissa. â€Å"He shouldn't have said that†¦but he's kind of right. Your family's reputation is all on you, and the way you're going, no one's taking you seriously. The queen's already trying to keep you in line and get you away from Ozera. You're going to crash and burn.† Lissa was growing angrier and angrier. â€Å"You have no idea what you're talking about. And – † She frowned. â€Å"What do you mean she's trying to get me away from Christian?† â€Å"She wants to marr – † Ralf started to speak, but Jesse immediately cut him off. â€Å"That's exactly what I'm talking about,† said Jesse. â€Å"We know all sorts of things that could affect you and help you – you and Christian.† I had a feeling that Ralf had been about to mention the queen's plans to marry Lissa off to Adrian. I was puzzling out how he would know about that until I recalled again that Ralf was related to the Vodas. Priscilla Voda was the queen's adviser and best friend. She knew all of the queen's plans and had probably told Ralf. His relationship to her must have been closer than I'd realized. â€Å"Tell me,† Lissa demanded. The thought of using compulsion on him actually crossed her mind, but she dismissed it. She wouldn't lower herself to that. â€Å"What do you know about Christian?† â€Å"No free information,† said Jesse. â€Å"Come to a meeting and we'll tell you everything.† â€Å"Whatever. I'm not interested in your elitist connections, and I don't know anything about compulsion.† Despite her words, she was insanely curious about what he knew. She started to turn away, but Jesse grabbed her arm. â€Å"Damn it! You have to – â€Å" â€Å"Lissa's going to bed now,† said Eddie. He'd shot over as soon as Jesse touched her. â€Å"Remove your hand, or I'll do it for you.† Jesse glared at Eddie. Like most Moroi-dhampir matchups, Jesse had height, and Eddie had muscle. Of course, Jesse had Ralf's bulk too, but it wouldn't matter. Everyone there knew who would win if Eddie went up against them. The beauty of it was that Eddie probably wouldn't even get in trouble if he claimed he'd done it to save Lissa from harassment. Jesse and Ralf slowly backed off. â€Å"We need you,† said Jesse. â€Å"You're the only one. Think about it.† When they were gone, Eddie asked, â€Å"Are you okay?† â€Å"Yeah†¦thanks. God, that was so weird.† They moved toward the stairs. â€Å"What was it about?† â€Å"They're obsessed with this royal society or something and want me to join so they can have every royal family in it. They were kind of fanatic about it.† Eddie knew about spirit, but she wasn't comfortable reminding him what a badass she was with compulsion. He opened the door for her. â€Å"Well, they can annoy you all they want, but they can't make you join something you don't want to.† â€Å"Yeah, I suppose.† Part of her still wondered what they knew about Christian or if it had been a bluff. â€Å"I just hope they don't get too annoying.† â€Å"Don't worry,† he told her, his voice hard. â€Å"I'll make sure they don't.† I slipped back to my body and opened the door to my own dorm. Halfway up the stairs, I discovered I was smiling. I certainly didn't want Jesse and Ralf bothering Lissa, but if it came down to Eddie having to rough them up? Yeah. I wouldn't mind seeing them get a little payback for what they'd done to others.

Software Security Risk Analysis Using Fuzzy Expert System

| | |Software Level of Security Risk Analysis Using Fuzzy | |Expert System | |[ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENT] |UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA FACULTY OF INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SESSION 2 – 2010/2011 |NURUL AZRIN BT AIRRUDIN – B031010343 | |SITI NURSHAFIEQA BT SUHAIMI – B031010313 | |NUR SHAHIDA BT MUHTAR – B031010266 | | | |LECTURE NAME: DR ABD.SAMAD HASSAN BASARI | | | |[12th APRIL 2011] | SOFTWARE LEVEL OF SECURITY RISK ANALYSIS USING FUZZY EXPERT SYSTEM ABSTRACT There is wide concern on the security of software systems because many organizations depend largely on them for their day-to-day operations. Since we have not seen a software system that is completely secure, there is need to analyze and determine the security risk of emerging software systems.This work presents a technique for analyzing software security using fuzzy expert system. The inputs to the system are suitable fuzzy sets representing linguistic values for software secu rity goals of confidentiality, integrity and availability. The expert rules were constructed using the Mamdani fuzzy reasoning in order to adequately analyze the inputs. The defuzzication technique was done using Centroid technique. The implementation of the design is done using MATLAB fuzzy logic tool because of its ability to implement fuzzy based systems.Using newly develop software products from three software development organizations as test cases, the results show a system that can be used to effectively analyze software security risk. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN The design is basically divided into four stages: 1) DESIGN OF THE LINGUISTIC VARIABLES The inputs to the system are the values assumed for the software security goal thru confidentiality, integrity and availability. The goals are assumed to be the same weight and a particular valued is determined for each of them based on questions that are answered about the specific software.Also the values determined for each of the inpu t are defined as a fuzzy number instead of crisp numbers by using suitable fuzzy sets. Designing the fuzzy system requires that the different inputs (that is, confidentiality, integrity, and availability) are represented by fuzzy sets. The fuzzy sets are in turn represented by a membership function. The membership function used in this paper is the triangular membership function which is a three point function defined by minimum, maximum and modal values where usually represented in 1. [pic]Figure 1: Triangular Membership Function 2) THE FUZZY SETS The level of confidentiality is defined based on the scales of not confidential, slightly confidential, very confidential and extremely confidential. The level of integrity is also defined based on the scales very low, low, high, very high, and extra high. Also, the level of availability is also defined by the scales very low, low, high, very high and extra high. The levels defined above are based on a range definition with an assumed int erval of [0 -10]. The ranges for the inputs are shown in tables 1 and 2. DESCRIPTION |RANGE | |Non-Confidential |0-1 | |Slightly Confidential |2-3 | |Confidential |4-6 | |Very Confidential |7-8 | |Extremely Confidential |9-10 | Table 1: Range of inputs for Confidentiality Very Low |Low |High |Very High |Extra High | |0 – 1 |2 – 3 |4 – 6 |7 – 8 |9 – 10 | Table 2: Range of inputs for Integrity |Very Low |Low |High |Very High |Extra High | |0 – 1 |2 – 3 |4 – 6 |7 – 8 |9 – 10 |Table 3: Range of inputs for Availability |DESCRIPTION |RANGE | |Not Secure |0 – 3 | |Slightly Secure |4 – 9 | |Secure |10 – 18 | |Very Secure |19 – 25 | |Extremely Secure |26 – 30 | Table 4: Level Of Security RiskThe fuzzy sets above are represented by membership functions. The corresponding membership functions for confidentiality, integrity and availability are presented in figures below [pic] Figure 1 : Mem bership functions for Confidentiality Similarly, the output, that is, the level of security risk is also represented by fuzzy sets and then a membership function. The level of security risk is defined based on the scales: not secure, slightly secure, secure, very secure, and extremely secure within the range of [0- 30].The range definition is shown in table above. The membership function for the output fuzzy set is presented in figure below. [pic] Figure 2 : Membership functions for Integrity [pic] Figure 3 : Membership functions for Availability [pic] Figure 4 : Level Of Security Risk 3) THE RULES OF THE FUZZY SYSTEM Once the input and output fuzzy sets and membership functions are constructed, the rules are then formulated. The rules are formulated based on the input parameters (confidentiality, integrity, and availability) and the output i. e. level of security risk.The levels of confidentiality, integrity, and availability are used in the antecedent of rules and the level of sec urity risk as the consequent of rules. A fuzzy rule is conditional statement in the form: IF x is A THEN y is B. Where x and y are linguistic variables; and A and B are linguistic values determined by fuzzy sets on universe of discourses X and Y, respectively. Both the antecedent and consequent of a fuzzy rule can have multiple parts. All parts of the antecedent are calculated simultaneously and resolved in a single number and the antecedent affects all parts of the consequent equally.Some of the rules used in the design of this fuzzy Systems are as follow: 1. If (Confidentiality is Not Confidential) and (Integrity is Very Low) and (Availability is Very Low) then (Security Risk is Not Secure). 2. If (Confidentiality is Not Confidential) and (Integrity is Very Low) and (Availability is Low) then (Security Risk is Slightly Secure). 3. If (Confidentiality is Extremely Confidential) and (Integrity is Extra High) and (Availability is High) then (Security Risk is Slightly Secure). †¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 125.If (Confidentiality is Not Confidential) and (Integrity is Very Low) and (Availability is high) then (Security Risk is Extremely Secure). The rules above were formulated using the Mamdani max-min fuzzy reasoning. DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION The linguistic variables were determined with the extent of the positive and negative responses to a well constructed security questions that are presented in form of on-line questionnaire. As it was mentioned earlier, MATLAB was used for the implementation. The linguistic inputs to the system are supplied through the graphical user interface called rule viewer.Once the rule viewer has been opened, the input variables are supplied in the text box captioned input with each of them separated with a space. a) THE FIS EDITOR The fuzzy inference system editor shows a summary of the fuzzy inference system. It shows the mapping of the inputs to the system type and to the output. The names of the input variables and the processing methods for the FIS can be changed through the FIS editor. Figure 5: The FIS editor b) THE MEMBERSHIP FUNCTION EDITOR This can be opened from the command window by using the plotmf function but more easily through the GUI.The membership function editor shows a plot of highlighted input or output variable along their possible ranges and against the probability of occurrence. The name and the range of a membership value can be changed, so also the range of the particular variable itself through the membership function editor. [pic] Figure 6: The Membership Function editor c) THE RULE EDITOR The rule editor can be used to add, delete or change a rule. It is also used to change the connection type and the weight of a rule. The rule editor for this application is shown in figure 7. pic] Figure 7: Rule Editor d) THE RULE VIEWER The text box captioned input is used to supply the three input variables needed in the system. The appropriate input corresponds to the number of YES answer in the questionnaire for each of the input variables. For example, in the figure 8, all the input variables are 5 and the corresponding output is 13. 9, which specified at the top of the corresponding graphs. The input for each of the input variables is specified at the top of the section corresponding to them, so also the output variable.The rule viewer for this work is presented in figure 8. [pic] Figure 8: The Rule editor e) THE SURFACE VIEWER The surface viewer shown in figure 9 is a 3-D graph that shows the relationship between the inputs and the output. The output (security Risk) is represented on the Z-axis while 2 of the inputs (Confidentiality and Integrity) are on the x and y axes and the other input (Availability) is held constant. The surface viewer shows a plot of the possible ranges of the input variables against the possible ranges of the output. 4) EVALUATIONThe security risk analysis system was evaluated using three newly completed software products from three different s oftware development organizations. The output determines the security level of software under consideration. The summary of the evaluation is given in figure 11. For product A, 5 is the score for confidentiality, 5 for the integrity and 5 for the availability. |Software |Input |Output |Significance |Security Level | |Product A |5 5 5 |13. |45% slightly secure, 55% secure |46. 33 % | |Product B |8 7 8 |24. 2 |20% secure, 80% very secure |80. 60 % | |Product C |10 10 10 |28. 4 |35% very secure, 65% extremely secure |94. 67 % | Table 5 : Evaluation of Different Input Variables [pic] Figure 9 : The Surface Viewer [pic] Figure 10 : Histogram & 3D CONCLUSION AND FINDINGThus, this work proposes a fuzzy logic-based technique for determination of level of security risk associated with software systems. Fuzzy logic is one of the major tools used for security analysis. The major goals of secure software which are used as the inputs to them system are the preservation of confidentiality (preven ting unauthorized disclosure of information), preservation of integrity (preventing unauthorized alteration of information) and preservation of availability (preventing unauthorized destruction or denial of access or service to an authentic user).It might be necessary to redesign this system in a way that it will be deployable and will be without the use of MATLAB. It might also be necessary to use an adaptive fuzzy logic technique for security risk analysis. We have been able to design a system that can be used to evaluate the security risk associated with the production of secure software systems. This will definitely help software organizations meet up with the standard requirements. A technique for assessing security of software system before final deployment has been presented.The result of this study shows that if the software producing companies will incorporate security risk analysis into the production of software system, the issue of insecurity of software will be held to the minimum if not eliminated. This study has also revealed that if each of the software security goals can be increased to the maximum, then the level security will also be increased and the risk associated will be eliminated. Finally, security risk analysis is a path towards producing secure software and should be considered a significant activity by software development organizations.

Dubbing and Subtitling

UNIT: Dubbing and Subtitling Structure 1. Objectives 1. Introduction 2. Dubbing in Global Media Industry 1. What is Dubbing 2. Difference between Dubbing and Voice-Over 3. Challenges of Dubbing 4. Necessity of Dubbing in Global Media Industry 1. 3 Subtitling in Global Media Industry 1. What is Subtitling 2. Types of Subtitling 3. History of Subtitling 4. Challenges of Subtitling 5. Necessity of Subtitling in Global Media Industry 1. 4 Difference between Dubbing and Subtitling 1. 5 Necessity of Dubbing and Subtitling in Global Media Industry 1. Summing up 1. 7 Glossary 1. 8 Further Readings 9. Check your Progress: Solutions . 1. Objectives After reading this unit, you will be able to: †¢ Describe the difference between Dubbing and Subtitling †¢ Demonstrate the growing demand of Dubbing and Subtitling in Global Media Industry †¢ Describe the prospect of Dubbing and Subtitling in Global Media Industry 3. Introduction In this unit we will discuss the concept and role of Du bbing and Subtitling in Global Media Industry. We will try to differentiate Dubbing from Voice-Over. We will also discuss the difference between dubbing and subtitling. We will focus on the challenges in Dubbing and Subtitling. Apart from this, we will focus on the necessity and of Dubbing and Subtitling. Pictures have universal language. It is said that a picture is better than 1000 words. Films, Television and other video programs are the forms of pictures in which pictures are moved at a very high speed (24 to 48 frames per second) Since the beginning of Cinema, films have been a global commodity to be exported in other countries. Lumiere Brothers, who were among the pioneers of cinematography came to India to show their cinema to Indians and British. India’s First movie to be released was made by ‘Father of Indian cinema- Dhundiraj Govind Phalke (alias Dadasaheb Phalke). It was in 1913 when his film ‘Rajah Harischandra’ was released in theatres. It was a silent movie with no voice at all. Only pictures with body gestures. It was watched by the people of different states of India speaking different languages. So popular and hit was the movie that Phalke went on to make more than hundred movies. Movies of this silent Era (1913-1930) had dialogues through inter-lines which were often in English and two or three Indian Languages. And making a movie and showing it to the people of different places speaking different languages was not a problem. But when ‘Talkies’ came into the picture the issue of language rose there. Now it was not possible to make a movie in one language and show it to the people of different places speaking different languages. Had there been no voice in the movies, serials and other video format programs there would have not been any need writing this chapter at all. . 2 Dubbing in Global Media Industry 2. What is Dubbing In simple words Dubbing is the process of creating an alternate, synchronized soundtrack of the complete dialogue of any film, Television program or any other video program. Dubbing is the process through which soundtrack of a video production is replaced. The term most commonly refers to the substitution of the voices of the actors shown on the screen by those of different performers, who may be speaking a different language The video can a film or television program or any other video. In most of the cases dubbing is done to provide the new sound track to an already produced video in the language of the targeted audience. While doing so, the synchronization between the visuals and sound track is ensured. Dubbing helps the video to reach to a larger number of audiences of different language spread across the globe. . â€Å"Dubbing† also describes the process of an actor's re-recording lines spoken during filming and which must be replaced to improve audio quality or reflect dialog changes. This process is called  automated dialogue replacement, or  ADR  for short. Music is also dubbed onto a film after editing is completed. For instance, in India, there are hundreds of languages and dialects spoken by people living in different parts of the state. Every producer who produce any film or TV program or video advertisement wants to reach maximum number of audience Films, videos and sometimes video games are sometimes dubbed into the local  language  of a foreign market. Dubbing is common in theatrically released film,  television series, cartoons and  anime  given foreign distribution. 3. Difference between Dubbing and Voice-Over Dubbing is the process through which soundtrack of a video production is replaced, usually in the language other than the language of original production. Dubbing is the exact translation of the dialogues of the original language into the targeted language. For example a movie originally produced in Hindi is translated to Tamil and all the Hindi dialogues of the movie are translated and recorded in Tamil ensuring the synchronisation with the visuals of the original visuals. On the other hand Voice-over is process of provided detail of visuals in the sound track. Voice-Over is done in the language of production. 4. Challenges of Dubbing Languages, understood as the particular set of speech norms of a particular community, are also a part of the larger culture of the community that speak them. A community's ways of using language is a part of the community's culture, just as other shared practices are, it is way of displaying group identity Languages do not differ only in pronunciation, vocabulary or grammar, but also through having different â€Å"cultures of speaking Accent, articulation, enunciation, Intonation, stress, pause, rhythm according to the targeted language†¦. cultuaral aspects ,, different languages have different culture according to the place and society they are spoken in. 5. Necessity of Dubbing in Global Media Industry Glabalisation in late eighties and early nineties has opened the door of most of the countries for business of goods and services including the media business which includes entertainment as well. A movie produced in Hollywood is exported to different countries to be released in the theatres of those countries. The number of audience, who watch English movies, is not as high as the number of audience in local or regional language. In such scenarios it becomes imperative to dub the movie in the local language so that it may reach to larger number of audience. In this way dubbing is beneficial for the producer of the movie, local government and the audience who get the dubbed version of the Hollywood movie in their own language. Producer can maximise his profit, local government generates more revenue as entertainment tax and income tax and the local audience get the opportunity to enjoy the movie in their own language, which otherwise would not have been possible. 3. Subtitling in Global Media Industry 1. 3. 1 What is Subtitling (an abbreviated version of the dialogue, which is projected on the screen) Subtitles  are textual versions of the dialog in films and television programs, usually displayed at the bottom of the screen. They can either be a form of written  translation  of a dialog in a foreign language, or a written rendering of the dialog in the same language, with or without added information to help viewers who are  deaf  and  hard-of-hearing  to follow the dialog, or people who cannot understand the spoken dialogue or who have accent recognition problems. Television teletext subtitles, which are hidden unless requested by the viewer from a menu or by selecting the relevant  teletext  page (e. g. , p. 888), always carry additional sound representations for deaf and hard of hearing viewers. Teletext subtitle language follows the original audio, except in multi-lingual countries where the broadcaster may provide subtitles in additional languages on other teletext pages. Sometimes, mainly at  film festivals, subtitles may be shown on a separate display below the screen, thus saving the film-maker from creating a subtitled copy for perhaps just one showing. Television subtitling for the deaf and hard-of-hearing is also referred to as  closed captioning  in some countries. 2. Types of Subtitling 3. History of Subtitling 4. Challenges of Subtitling 5. Necessity of Subtitling in Global Media Industry Subtitling is the quickest and the cheapest method of translating content, and is usually praised for the possibility to hear the original dialog and voices of the actors. TV subtitles may be primarily for deaf people or those who are hard of hearing, but research has revealed they are used by six million people who have no hearing impairment Research by Ofcom, the media regulator, has found that of the 7. 5 million people who use TV subtitles, six million have no hearing impairment at all. (A BBC report on 31 March 2006) Global Language , Not all the films are made in English neither all the audience know English. Here arises the need for dubbing a movie into different languages so that it may reach to a larger number of audience. 3. Difference between Dubbing and Subtitling Though dubbing and subtitling both are done to reach to the audience of languages other than that in which the original production has been done. In many cases the subtitling is done in the language of production as well. This is to cater the needs of those who have hearing disabilities and for educational purposes. For example government of India promotes the process of subtitling in its programs on Doordarshan. Despite of having the above similarity Dubbing and Subtitling are different from each other in basic concept and activity. Dubbing is a process of creating an alternate, synchronized soundtrack of the complete dialogue on the other hand Subtitling is text version of the dialogue, which is projected on the screen, normally at the bottom of the screen. 1. 5 1. 6 Summing up 1. 7 Glossary 1. 8 Further Readings 1. Zatlin, Phyllis 2005 â€Å"Theatrical Translation & Film Adaptation† A Practitioner’s View. Clevedon, England: MULTILINGUAL MATTERS LTD 2. 3. 10. Check your Progress: Solutions

Conjunction Worksheet

Name ______________________________ Period ______ Date _____________ Conjunctions Practice Worksheet A. Match the sentence halves to make a complete sentence. Draw lines between the two. |Both Peter |but we have enough money. | |Not only do we want to go |neither true nor realistic. | |Either Jack will have to work more hours |and I are coming next week. | |That story was |either his career or his hobby. |Students who do well not only study hard |but also use their instincts if they do not know the answer. | |In the end he had to choose |or we will have to hire somebody new. | B. Combine the following sentences into one sentence using paired conjunctions (conjunctions that go together). Choose from the following options: both †¦ and; not only †¦ but also; either †¦ or; neither †¦ nor 1. We could fly. We could go by train. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 2.She will have to study hard. She will have to concentra te to do well on the exam. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Jack is not here. Tom is in another city. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 4. The speaker will not confirm the story. The speaker will not deny the story. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Pneumonia is a dangerous disease. Small pox is a dangerous illness. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Fred loves traveling. Jane wants to go around the world. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 7. It might rain tomorrow. It might snow tomorrow. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 8. Playing tennis is good for your heart. Jogging is good for your health. ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________ C.Below you will find clauses that need a conjunction to create a compound sentence. Choose the conjunction that makes the most sense in the sentence. 1. You can come to the meeting ____ you can hear all the information. a. So b. Because c. While d. Until e. Nevertheless 2. I’m not leaving _____ I get an apology from you. a. So b. Because c. While d. Until e. Nevertheless 3. I came here _____ you could give me an explanation. a. So b. Because c. While d. Until e. Nevertheless 4. Bob is very tall _____ Bill is very short. a. So b. Because c. While . Until e. Nevertheless 5. You look frightened _____ there is nothing to be scared of. a. So b. Because c. While d. Until e. But 6. I refuse to pay anything _____ you do the work properly. a. So b. Because c. While d. Until e. But 7. I’m going shopping for food this evening _____ I am having guests for dinner. a. But b. While c. Until d. Because e. So 8. You seem happy _____ you are smiling all the time. a. But b. While c. So d. Because e. Nevertheless 9. I don’t mind if you go out for lunch _____ we will take a break at noon. a. So b. Because Conjunction Worksheet Name ______________________________ Period ______ Date _____________ Conjunctions Practice Worksheet A. Match the sentence halves to make a complete sentence. Draw lines between the two. |Both Peter |but we have enough money. | |Not only do we want to go |neither true nor realistic. | |Either Jack will have to work more hours |and I are coming next week. | |That story was |either his career or his hobby. |Students who do well not only study hard |but also use their instincts if they do not know the answer. | |In the end he had to choose |or we will have to hire somebody new. | B. Combine the following sentences into one sentence using paired conjunctions (conjunctions that go together). Choose from the following options: both †¦ and; not only †¦ but also; either †¦ or; neither †¦ nor 1. We could fly. We could go by train. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 2.She will have to study hard. She will have to concentra te to do well on the exam. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Jack is not here. Tom is in another city. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 4. The speaker will not confirm the story. The speaker will not deny the story. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Pneumonia is a dangerous disease. Small pox is a dangerous illness. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Fred loves traveling. Jane wants to go around the world. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 7. It might rain tomorrow. It might snow tomorrow. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 8. Playing tennis is good for your heart. Jogging is good for your health. ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________ C.Below you will find clauses that need a conjunction to create a compound sentence. Choose the conjunction that makes the most sense in the sentence. 1. You can come to the meeting ____ you can hear all the information. a. So b. Because c. While d. Until e. Nevertheless 2. I’m not leaving _____ I get an apology from you. a. So b. Because c. While d. Until e. Nevertheless 3. I came here _____ you could give me an explanation. a. So b. Because c. While d. Until e. Nevertheless 4. Bob is very tall _____ Bill is very short. a. So b. Because c. While . Until e. Nevertheless 5. You look frightened _____ there is nothing to be scared of. a. So b. Because c. While d. Until e. But 6. I refuse to pay anything _____ you do the work properly. a. So b. Because c. While d. Until e. But 7. I’m going shopping for food this evening _____ I am having guests for dinner. a. But b. While c. Until d. Because e. So 8. You seem happy _____ you are smiling all the time. a. But b. While c. So d. Because e. Nevertheless 9. I don’t mind if you go out for lunch _____ we will take a break at noon. a. So b. Because