The Rehabilitated Magwitch in Great Expectations Essay

The Rehabilitated Magwitch in Great Expectations A warmint, dear boy is the answer that Magwitch gives Pip when asked what he was brought up to be (305; ch. 40). This is what any person would expect from a man who has lived a life of crime. With further exploration, however, one will see that it is deeper than petty theft and prison. By using a character such as Magwitch, Dickens suggests the implications of using the Australian penal colonies as a way of rehabilitation for criminals. It is quite possible that Dickens has portrayed a view of penal colonies in a very positive way. After all, Magwitch is a successful, even famous, ex-convict who is responsible for Pips wealth. By exploring the character Magwitch, one†¦show more content†¦The irony in Dickens portrayal of the criminal is that he was rehabilitated and he did return. It is obvious that Magwitchs crime was deemed bad enough to be sent to Australia, however, not bad enough to have served the toughest form of servitude in the chain gangs. Magwitch was given the sentence of a laborer on a sheep farm. This is where he eventually gains his wealth. Dickens, however, created quite an irony in the fact that the master of Magwitch was an ex-convict himself. In fact, Magwitch gains his freedom at the death of his master. Not only is Magwitch left with freedom but also a large sum of money and land. This gain of money and land is the source of Pips expectations: It was the money left me, and the gains of the first few year wot I sent home to Mr. Jaggers (299; ch. 39). Obviously, Magwitchs master was a successful ex-convict which reappears with Magwitch. The theme of successful convicts illuminates Dickens view of the penal system. By having a convict work for an ex-convict, the reader is under the impression that life in the penal colonies was n ot so bad, therefore portraying the colonies in a positive light. Australia, during the reign of the penal colonies, was known to have an overabundance of convicts and ex-convicts as members of the society. Those that were not forced immigrants, such as Magwitch, did not like their fellow society members. Magwitch remembered being

The Effect of World Heritage Site Designation on...

1. Introduction The city of Bath has become a World Heritage Site (WHS) since 1987, identified as â€Å"a place of outstanding universal value for its architecture, town-planning, landscape, archaeological remains and its role as a setting for social history†, which is a unique WHS in Britain covering the whole city scale instead of only historic core part (UNESCO, 2009). Following the inscription of Bath from UNESCO (2009), which is â€Å"astonishingly, undertaken with no boundary†, WHS designation became a remarkable label for Bath. A large increase in the number of tourists to Bath after the designation, which makes Bath to be recognized by historic attractions covering from Roman origins bath to Georgian developments collections of 18th†¦show more content†¦As Howard (2003) suggests that maintain heritages empty and change it to museum may the available way in the future, even it might harm the benefits of operators. 2.2 Changes in Local community 2.2.1 Overcrowding and local people’s life Poria(2013) claims that some of the currently designated WHS, since they are recognized as part of heritage, an increase in demand explosion and tourist boost would be happened. Visitors normally attracted and associated by the iconic words â€Å"World Heritage Site†, and treat this site as a culturally famous and major significance to world (Tucker, 2010). Therefore, the status of overcrowding in Bath has drawn people’s attention. In order to balance the distance between the increasing tourism demand and the carrying capacity in Bath, the living cost in bath has to increase, the local surrounding tends to be crowded. WHS designation attracts more and more visitors to Bath, at the same time, it is creating troubles for residents or people who need to living in Bath (Poria,2013). The increasing popularity pressure could not only make house price, living cost increase, but also lead to the heavy tourism traffic. As one of the symbols of modern tourists, most joyful travels possibly rely on cars (Howard, 2003). This change could also be a challenge for Bath tourism, which is hard to spare enough space for affording the increase-parkingShow MoreRelatedExploring Corporate Strategy - Case164366 Words   |  658 Pagescan small players survive changing markets? Amazon (B) – latest developments in a successful dot.com. Formula One – developing the capabilities for competitive success in a hi-tech industry. Manchester United – clash of expectations in the football world. Salvation Army – strategic challenges for a global not-for-profit organisation with a mission. Bayer MS – corporate social responsibility in the international development of a German company. Eurotunnel – clash of cultures threatens to derail Anglo–Fr enchRead MoreProject Mgmt296381 Words   |  1186 PagesProcess Analysis and Improvement, First Edition Simchi-Levi, Kaminsky, and Simchi-Levi, Designing and Managing the Supply Chain: Concepts, Strategies, Case Studies, Third Edition Sterman, Business Dynamics: Systems Thinking and Modeling for Complex World, First Edition Stevenson, Operations Management, 10th Edition Swink, Melnyk, Cooper, and Hartley, Managing Operations Across the Supply Chain, First Edition Thomke, Managing Product and Service Development: Text and Cases, First Edition Ulrich and

The Strategy Of Merger

Question: Write a report critically analysing how the strategy of merger and acquisition has been used in the energy sector during the oil price drop of 2014 to 2016. Answer: Introduction Mergers and Acquisitions (M A) are the change in business composition, ownership, assets and alliance in a particular industry with a core focus on maximizing the profits and shareholders' value. Therefore, mergers and acquisitions mainly exist with an aim of improving the performance of the companies in the industry by increasing profitability and efficiency of operations in the company (BoÃÅ'ˆsecke, 2009 p.30). Also, a merger can be said to the process of combining more than one firm to form one main firm by dissolving the original individual firms to create a new firm (Depamphilis, 2013 p.450). One of the key things in mergers and acquisitions is the boom and strong financial base that exist whenever two or more companies come together to form a new entity. The boom gives the new firm a more strong capacity regarding resources and bargaining power in the market and therefore the new business can do business more efficiently without financial constraints(Kumar, 2012 p.171). The success of corporations and their management in attaining competitive advantage heavily relies on the efficiency with which the company carries its merging or acquisition strategy (Whitaker, 2012 P.39). In recent years, there has been increased competition among firms to gain market share, and competitive advantage and one of the strategies that companies can employ in order to gain the competitive advantage is through M A. This strategy is best especially if a company targets to enter into new markets or expand its capacity to new boundaries (Campbell, 2011 P.67). Therefore, M A provides numerous opportunities to companies regarding market access, efficiency, financial resources, gaining of expertise that did not exist before, and economies of scale accruing from the process (Whitaker, 2012 P. 41). Mergers in the energy industry "The energy sector is one of the most strategic industries in the world because the industry drives economies in the whole world" (Griffin Pustay, 2015). Due to the importance of the sector, many investors continue to invest heavily in this sector in anticipation of higher returns, but that is not always the case because of the volatility of the oil prices. The volatile nature of oil prices is attributable to overreliance of oil markets on the prevailing market situations (Griffin et al. 2015). Energy sector accounted for more than 30 percent of the total value of mergers and acquisitions as of the last quarter of 2015. "The reason why there is a high rate of M A in the energy sector is that of declining oil prices as from 2014 up to today" (Griffin et al. 2015) Therefore, companies in the energy sector have resorted to mergers and acquisitions as a major strategy that will ensure they survive in the volatile energy industry. Therefore, there are several internal and external factors that contribute to merging and acquisition in the energy sector. Internal and external drivers to mergers and acquisitions Need to develop field In the energy sector, large companies are major focused on the acquisition of more oil reserves so that they may enjoy the economies of scale due to large oil capacities. Smaller companies, on the other hand, are more focused on exploration activities discovering new oil fields which they can invest in and make profits (Leal 2013, p. 69). But most of the small firms focused on oil exploration do not have the requisite expertise, financial resources, and good supplier links through which they can supply their oil. This implies that their reserves remain idle and cannot generate cash, yet they are important assets to the companies. For this reason, small firms accept mergers with large oil companies, or they may decide to sell their assets (oil reserves) to large companies to generate money from their investments (Kumar 2012, p.167). Need to have reserves Energy industry especially oil and gas sector relies on natural resources which are finite in size and subject to depletion due to constant drilling and mining of the oil products. Depletion is thus one major challenge for the oil companies which must be handled carefully if a company must remain operational in the energy industry (Kumar 2012, p.170). Successful companies, therefore, must replenish their oil reserves for them to remain competitive and this is normally done by use of profits earned from the sale of oil products. Most of the companies use the deal making tactic as a means of acquiring proven oil reserves to their assets. Large energy companies avoid the risk of exploration by buying already explored oil reserves that have not been developed by any other company provided they have high expertise and production values to develop the fields (Kumar, 2012 p.168). For instance, most of the acquisitions in 2014 by large companies were through buying of undeveloped but explore d fields. Need to acquire technical know-how. Companies in the energy sector have different core competencies and expertise when it comes to oil and gas exploration. Some are better equipped at deepwater drilling; others are good in horizontal drilling and other companies can carry out deep shale exploration more efficiently (BoÃÅ'ˆsecke 2009). In addition to the technical know-how, some companies are good at research and development. Most businesses desire to have all these competencies so that they can compete more effectively in the industry against other competitors (Corrales Romero 2012, p.197). Therefore, due to the divergent technical knowhow possessed by different companies in the energy industry, companies resort to mergers so as to have a variety of technical skills and competencies that give them competitive advantages. Taxes and regulations Different countries have different modes of taxation, and the policies keep varying from one country to another. Companies in the energy sector conduct their researches and determine the trends in those taxation policies and business regulations and thus make decisions based on anticipated tax regulations (Kumar 2012, p.171). For instance, if oil companies anticipate higher marginal tax rates in future, they rush to make merger deals and acquisitions so as to avoid the fiscal burden in future. This was evident from the 2014 statistics where major deals between companies were struck because most corporations were anticipating a higher tax margin in the first quarter of 2015. Major acquisition deals in the energy sector Since the second quarter of 2014, oil prices has been declining and thus affecting many business operations in the energy sector (Financier Worldwide, 2016). However, the M A in the energy sector remained steady in the second and fourth quarter of 2014 but in 2015 the merger and acquisition deals reduced which affected the sector significantly (Financier Worldwide, 2016). In April 2015 Energy Transfer Partner (ETP) acquired Regency Energy Partners in a deal worth $16.47 which was one of the major acquisition deals in 2015. In this deal, Regency Energy became a wholly-owned subsidiary of ETP and therefore the assets belonging to Regency were acquired by ETP (Depamphilis 2013, p.450). In June 2016, Vermilion Energy Inc purchased production and exploration assets from Engie E P Deutschland, and the deal were worth $47.9 million, and this is a great step ahead in the company's operation. The deal between White Star Petroleum LLC to acquire Woodford Shale assets that were initially owned by Devon Energy. Another deal is that of HRG Energy Corporation sale of its oil and gas business to CPP WI Holding Company. Sanchez Energy Corp. sales 50 percent of its assets to Sanchez production Partners at $7.4 million. The total deals in 2015 picked up after a slow start to hit a record of $3.2 trillion as of the fourth quarter, and this was a major boost in the energy sector. Benefits of mergers and acquisitions Geographic diversification Even though oil and gas are similar products across the world whose price is globally determined, but the market dynamics are complicated to understand and therefore a critical analysis of the market segmentation and reach is important (Kumar, 2012 p.140). Most consumers of oil are sensitive about the quality of oil and gas that they consume because of increased awareness of environmental conservation and desire to avoid environmental hazard risks. Acquisitions have helped companies to locate their oil and gas plants at strategic places in the world where they know they can maximize profits by charging a premium price (Kumar, 2012 p.191). The acquisition has also given large oil companies access to the quality pipeline, refineries, good markets and better transport which have increased their efficiency in operations. Synergies and economies of scale M A deals reduce the costs of administration and governance because in a merger there is less administrative fees and some production increases with fewer personnel. A good example is a merger that was formed between Quantum Resources and Breitburn in 2014 where the two firms combined and the estimated synergies were $23 million during the first year of merger formation. Most of the companies that formed mergers in the year 2015 reported a reduction in administrative costs by approximately 50 percent, and this is all attributed to mergers and acquisitions by companies in the energy sector. Mergers are large and financially sound companies that enjoy a better treatment from authorities in public markets (Kumar 2012, p.171). Better treatment is evident from the way 2015 mergers were treated. For instance, Whiting Petroleum Company moved to acquire Kodiak Oil and Gas and from the time the company made the acquisition its financial strength and business relations with other companies has greatly improved. When Energy XXIs acquired EPL Oil Gas in 2014, the company witnessed a total transformation and management of the company attributes the success of the merger to their economies of scale (Gold 2014, p.303). Therefore, mergers and acquisition strategy employed by enterprises in the oil energy sector plays a critical role by giving companies economies of scale to do more businesses with other partners despite the dropping oil prices. The acquisition strategy gives companies access to new locked up markets that are more profitable. The performance of any company in the energy sector depends on the markets in which the company operates and most of the high-return, high-quality plays in the energy sector is already held up by large companies (Fraunhoffer, 2013). Therefore, if a company wishes to gain core acreage in such plays it must have a well-calculated strategy on how to enter the mature plays of which leasing is almost impossible. The only available option for obtaining acreage is through acquisition, and therefore large corporations in the oil industry continue to use acquisition as a strategy to obtain land in the most profitable markets (Fraunhoffer, 2013). Two companies are good examples where acquisition strategy was used to obtain acreage into new profitable plays. Encana acquisition of Athlon Energy in September 2014 gave the company an entry into a new Midland basin also allowing it to shift production mix towards oil (Fraunhoffer, 2013). Also, Noble's acquisition of Rosetta Resources helped the company to gain access to two new plays enabling the company to increase its profitability. Therefore, companies in the energy sector have used acquisition strategy to gain access to new profitable plays without which they cannot because most of the core areas in new plays are leased to host companies that have consolidated them (Gold 2014, p.78). Therefore, for a new firm that wishes to enter these core areas with high rate of return, it must use acquisition strategy. Gain of technical expertise with ease. Companies use acquisition strategy to gain technical expertise when entering new basins because for any entrant the challenge is normally the steep learning curve regarding the manner in which wells are drilled and operated (Kumar, 2012 p.167). Companies gaining access into new basins using acquisition strategy reduce development costs and maximally use the existing wells because they use already existing employees and resources from the existing company (Kumar, 2012 p.171). Furthermore, the new company does not need to negotiate new contracts necessarily because most employees retain their previously signed employment contracts, and this eliminates the learning curve that is always costly. challenges of mergers and acquisitions Regulatory and compliance challenge During the process of acquisition, companies sometimes purchase other entities in foreign countries with entirely different regulations from the first regulations existing in their host countries which must be complied with for the company to operate legally (PwC 2016). For instance pollution laws and regulations differ from one country to another, and these laws might impact negatively on the company's profits because sometimes it is quite expensive to obtain pollution license from authorities in some countries (Carstensen Farmer, 2008 p.89). Therefore, as much as mergers and acquisitions is a good strategy for companies in the energy sector, some government policies are a stumbling block to the success of those mergers (PwC 2016). A good example is China where the country wants sustainable energy sources while at the same time reduce pollution and therefore all mergers operating in China must comply with pollutions regulations (Knodt Piefer, 2016, p.143). Management of infrastructure and capital projects under mergers is also a big challenge. Most oof the merging companies have large established and ongoing capital projects and infrastructure that must be well handled lest they collapse (Doern Eberlein 2009, p.24). In 2015 separate companies in the energy sector invested approximately $4 billion into new projects and this figure is quite high which implies that if companies form mergers, they must be ready to overcome the challenge of managing such massive projects with little conflicting agendas. Sometimes also, it is a challenge for companies forming a merger, yet the two companies have different or conflicting growth strategies that require compromise to reach an agreement (Gore, 2013 p.72). Human capital challenge: when companies merge there is a high possibility of difference cultural clash because the two companies come together with employees having different cultural views and organization. It takes time for the management of the new merger to integrate these employees fully into one unit with a common culture and agree to the new terms of service (Hitt, Harrison Ireland, 2001 p.38). Some key employees who are very strategic in companies opt out of their positions as a result of mergers because they feel their authority and influence in the company is threatened, or they feel they will not be adequately appreciated (Hitt et al. 2001 p.38). This is a big challenge to the new management because they need to shift their focus from concentrating on the core business of the merger and start focusing on retention of key employees. Litigations arising after a merger is formed also poses a great challenge to companies. Environmental liability and site clean-up may cause the newly formed company to be sued by locals and other stakeholders in a law court because the initial company may have a litigation against it which is then transferred to merged corporation (Findlaw, 2016). Sometimes when forming a merger, oil companies do not fully disclose their assets in the form of reserves because reserves in the form of hydrocarbons have not yet been produced yet the law requires that all the information about reserves must be disclosed (Findlaw, 2016). Conclusion Mergers and acquisitions in the energy sector have become a major strategy by most companies as a means of dealing with the ever dropping oil prices in the global market. Since 2014, the number of mergers and acquisitions in the energy sector has been increasing globally with the majority of the mergers targeting to gain access to new profitable markets. Other drivers of mergers and acquisition include obtaining of proved reserves, taxes, and regulations and development of new oil fields. Companies that use merger and acquisition strategy gain new highly profitable plays, geographic diversification, better treatment by governments and other business partners, and technical expertise thus eliminating the learning curve. Despite the many benefits that accrue to mergers and acquisitions in the energy sector, mergers face challenges of litigation risks, human capital cultural differences, management of large capital projects and legal compliance challenge. References Ashenfelter, O.C., Hosken, D. and Weinberg, M., 2009. Generating evidence to guide merger enforcement (No. w14798). National Bureau of Economic Research. BoÃÅ'ˆSecke, K. (2009). Value creation in mergers, acquisitions, and alliances. Wiesbaden, Gabler Research. https://site.ebrary.com/id/10338389. [Accessed 11 Jul. 2016]. Campbell, D. (2011). Mergers and acquisitions in Europe: selected issues and jurisdictions. Alphen aan den Rijn, The Netherlands, Kluwer Law International. Carstensen, P. C., Farmer, S. B. (2008). Competition policy and merger analysis in deregulated and newly competitive industries. Cheltenham, UK, Edward Elgar. https://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=361496.[Accessed 11 Jul. 2016]. Corrales, J. and Romero, C.A., 2012. US-Venezuela relations since the 1990s: Coping with midlevel security threats. Routledge. Depamphilis, D. M. (2013). Mergers, acquisitions, and other restructuring activities: an integrated approach to process, tools, cases, and solutions. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/book/9780123854872.[Accessed 11 Jul. 2016]. Doern, G. B., Eberlein, B. (2009). Governing the energy challenge: Canada and Germany in a multi-level regional and global context. Toronto, University of Toronto Press. Findlaw. (2016). The Rise of Mergers and Acquisitions in the Energy Sector: What to Expect and How to Be Prepared for Potential Litigation Issues - FindLaw. [online] Available at: https://corporate.findlaw.com/corporate-governance/the-rise-of-mergers-and-acquisitions-in-the-energy-sector-what.html [Accessed 11 Jul. 2016]. Fraunhoffer, R. M. (2013). Mergers and acquisitions in the energy sector: the impact of synergy disclosures on shareholder wealth and operating performance. Gold, R., 2014. The boom: how fracking ignited the American energy revolution and changed the world. Simon and Schuster. Gore, D. (2013). The economic assessment of mergers under European competition law. Griffin, R. W., Pustay, M. W. (2015). International business: a managerial perspective. Harlow, England, Pearson Education. Hassan, I., Ghauri, P. N. (2014). Evaluating companies for mergers and acquisitions. https://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=1712213.[Accessed 10 Jul. 2016]. Hitt, M. A., Harrison, J. S., Ireland, R. D. (2001). Mergers and acquisitions: a guide to creating value for stakeholders. Oxford, Oxford University Press. https://site.ebrary.com/id/10086975.[Accessed 11 Jul. 2016]. Knodt, M. and Piefer, N., 2016. Challenges of European External Energy Governance with Emerging Powers. Routledge. Kumar, B. R. (2012). Mega-mergers and acquisitions: case studies from key industries. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire, Palgrave Macmillan. Leal Filho, W. (2013). Climate-smart technologies are integrating renewable energy and energy efficiency in mitigation and adaptation responses. Berlin, Springer. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truescope=sitedb=nlebkdb=nlabkAN=593047.[Accessed 10 Jul. 2016]. Whitaker, S. (2012). Mergers acquisitions integration handbook. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley Sons. PwC. (2016). Energy industry challenges. [Online] Available at: https://www.pwc.es/en/energia/retos-sector-energia.html [Accessed 11 Jul. 2016]. Financier Worldwide. (2016). Energy sector MA. [online] Available at: https://www.financierworldwide.com/energy-sector-ma/#.V4MwkhLA3IX [Accessed 11 Jul.

Why I Love Pakistan free essay sample

Man is a social animal. He is afraid of living alone. He is bound up in a thousand ways with the people around him. He lives with others in a society. It is but natural that he loves the place where he and his family and the people he loves live. The country is his home and he loves it more than anything else. I love Pakistan because it is my country. It is not only my motherland but also my birthplace. I am born and brought up on this sacred land. I walk on its soil, breathe in its air, eat from the food produced in its fields, wear the clothes made from its cotton, and live in a house made from its mud and clay.The fair land has become flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone. I love it more than my life. I love Pakistan because it is an Islamic state. We will write a custom essay sample on Why I Love Pakistan or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The name of my country is the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. We have got it in the name of Islam. I am a Muslim and like to live with Muslims. There is no check on me to worship my God in this sacred land of Pakistan. I am free to go to the mosque or to keep fast. I am free to recite the Holy Quran. I love my country for its ancient civilization. It is the land of the Indus Valley Civilization. The ruins of ancient civilization at Taxila, Harappa and Mohenjo Daro are a matter of great pride for all the countrymen. Its historical buildings like the great Badshahi Mosque, Shahi Fort, Shalimar Gardens, Minar-i-Pakistan, Tomb of Jehangir, Mahabat Khan Mosque and Hyderabad Fort etc. are worth seeing. The beautiful scenery of different health resorts like Murree, Gilgat, Swat, Kaghan, Dir and Chitral etc. attract thousands of foreigners ever year.I love Pakistan because it is the land of our national heroes. My country is the result of their long period of strife and struggle. Among them Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal are worth mentioning. The brave and courageous soldiers of Pakistan fought so bravely that every inch of its soil is rich with their sweat and blood. The names of Major Aziz Bhatti, Brigadier Shami, Major Tufail, Rashid Minhas, Sarwar Shaheed, Naik Mehfooz and Colonel Sher Khan have become immortal. I am really proud of them.

Marie Curie - Mother of Modern Physics

Marie Curie - Mother of Modern Physics Marie Curie was the first truly famous woman scientist in the modern world.  She was known as the  Mother of Modern Physics for her pioneer work in research about radioactivity, a word she coined. She was the first woman awarded a Ph.D. in research science in Europe  and the first woman professor at the Sorbonne. Curie discovered and isolated polonium and radium, and established the nature of radiation and beta rays. She won Nobel Prizes in  1903 (Physics) and 1911 (Chemistry) and was the first woman to be awarded a Nobel Prize, and the first person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific disciplines. Fast Facts: Marie Curie Known For: Research in radioactivity and discovery of polonium and radium. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize (Physics in 1903), and the first person to win a second Nobel Prize (Chemistry in 1911)Also Known As: Maria SklodowskaBorn: November 7, 1867 in Warsaw, PolandDied: July 4, 1934 in Passy, FranceSpouse: Pierre Curie (m. 1896-1906)Children: Irà ¨ne and ÈveInteresting Fact: Marie Curies daughter, Irà ¨ne, also won a Nobel Prize (Chemistry in 1935) Early Life and Education Marie Curie was born in Warsaw, the youngest of five children. Her father was a physics teacher, her mother, who died when Curie was 11, was also an educator. After graduating with high honors in her early schooling, Marie Curie found herself, as a woman, without options in Poland for higher education. She spent some time as a governess, and in 1891 followed her sister, already a gynecologist, to Paris. In Paris, Marie Curie enrolled at the Sorbonne. She graduated in first place in physics (1893), then, on a scholarship, returned for a degree in mathematics in which she took second place (1894). Her plan was to return to teach in Poland. Research and Marriage She began to work as a researcher in Paris. Through  her work, she met a French scientist, Pierre Curie, in 1894 when he was 35. They were married on July 26, 1895, in a civil marriage. Their first child, Irà ¨ne, was born in 1897. Marie Curie continued to work on her research and began work as a physics lecturer at a girls school. Radioactivity Inspired by work on radioactivity in uranium by Henri Becquerel, Marie Curie began research on Becquerel rays to see if other elements also had this quality. First, she discovered radioactivity in thorium, then demonstrated that the radioactivity is not a property of an interaction between elements but is an atomic property, a property of the interior of the atom rather than how it is arranged in a molecule. On April 12, 1898, she published her hypothesis of a still-unknown radioactive element, and worked with pitchblende and chalcocite, both uranium ores, to isolate this element. Pierre joined her in this research. Marie Curie and Pierre Curie thus discovered first polonium (named for her native Poland) and then radium. They announced these elements in 1898. Polonium and radium were present in very small amounts in pitchblende, along with larger quantities of uranium. Isolating the very small amounts of the new elements took years of work. On January 12, 1902, Marie Curie isolated pure radium, and her 1903 dissertation resulted in the first advanced scientific research degree to be awarded to a woman in France- the first doctorate in science awarded to a woman in all of Europe. In 1903, for their work, Marie Curie, her husband Pierre, and Henry Becquerel, were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics. The Nobel Prize committee reportedly first considered giving the award to Pierre Curie and Henry Becquerel, and Pierre worked behind the scenes to ensure that Marie Curie won appropriate recognition by being included. It was also in 1903 that Marie and Pierre lost a child, born prematurely. Radiation poisoning from working with radioactive substances had begun to take a toll, though the Curies did not know it or were in denial of that. They were both too sickly to attend the 1903 Nobel ceremony in Stockholm. In 1904, Pierre was given a professorship at the Sorbonne for his work. The professorship established more financial security for the Curie family- Pierres father had moved in to help care for the children. Marie was given a small salary and a title as Chief of the Laboratory. That same year, the Curies established the use of radiation therapy for cancer and lupus, and their second daughter, Ève, was born. Ève would later write a biography of her mother. In 1905, the Curies finally traveled to Stockholm, and Pierre gave the Nobel Lecture. Marie was annoyed by the attention to their romance rather than to their scientific work. From Wife to Professor But security was short-lived, as Pierre was killed suddenly in 1906 when he was run over by a horse-drawn carriage on a Paris street. This left Marie Curie a widow with responsibility for raising her two young daughters. Marie Curie was offered a national pension, but turned it down. A month after Pierres death, she was offered his chair at the Sorbonne, and she accepted. Two years later she was elected a full professor- the first woman to hold a chair at the Sorbonne. Further Work Marie Curie spent the next years organizing her research, supervising the research of others, and raising funds. Her Treatise on Radioactivity was published in 1910. Early in 1911, Marie Curie was denied election to the French Academy of Sciences by one vote. Emile Hilaire Amagat said of the vote, Women cannot be part of the Institute of France. Marie Curie refused to have her name resubmitted for nomination and refused to allow the Academy to publish any of her work for ten years.  The press attacked her for her candidacy. Nevertheless, that same year she was appointed director of the Marie Curie Laboratory, part of the Radium Institute of the University of Paris, and of the Institute for Radioactivity in Warsaw, and she was awarded a second Nobel Prize. Tempering her successes that year was a scandal: a newspaper editor alleged an affair between Marie Curie and a married scientist. He denied the charges, and the controversy ended when the editor and scientist arranged a duel, but neither fired. Years later, Marie and Pierres granddaughter married the grandson of the scientist which whom she may have had the affair. During World War I, Marie Curie chose to support the French war effort actively. She put her prize winnings into war bonds and fitted ambulances with portable x-ray equipment for medical purposes, driving the vehicles to the front lines. She established two hundred permanent x-ray installations in France and Belgium. After the war, her daughter Irene joined Marie Curie as an assistant at the laboratory. The Curie Foundation was established in 1920 to work on medical applications for radium. Marie Curie took an important trip to the United States in 1921 to accept the generous gift of a gram of pure radium for research. In 1924, she published her biography of her husband. Illness and Death The work of Marie Curie, her husband, and colleagues with radioactivity was done in ignorance of its effect on human health. Marie Curie and her daughter Irene contracted leukemia, apparently induced by exposure to high levels of radioactivity. The notebooks of Marie Curie are still so radioactive that they cannot be handled. Marie Curies health was declining seriously by the end of the 1920s. Cataracts contributed to failing vision. Marie Curie retired to a sanatorium, with her daughter Eve as her companion. She died of pernicious anemia, also most likely an effect of the radioactivity in her work, in 1934.

MBA Admission Essay

MBA Admission Essay MBA Admission Essay Some of the essay questions hide inside ethical conflicts. Admission committee is not interested in your moral standards and considerations, or in your personal files, above all, they want to understand from your admission essay how you cansettle difficult problems. In other words, business schools are looking for people rather smart and clever than good one. Usually, such types of questions contain dilemmas. You need to keep in mind that there are no right or wrong answers, but there are good or bad college admission essays. For example, if your essay question is to describe how you fought with yourself in a search for the right decision, it isn't a dilemma. The dilemma should have two possible answers, two results, or two argumentations because these two possible answers can be equally strong. The most acceptable way for writing admission essay is to find a compromise which will satisfy everybody. Of course, it is not easy to come up with a compromise, especially when it is not evident, thus, it requires a lot of thinking to find it. Even if you didn't find the compromise while writing an essay, don't be upset. Your points of view raised in admission essay should be supported by reasonable arguments. While writing a college essay, try to justify your own points of view. Describe what would you do in a case of negative circumstances of the decision you've made. MBA admission essays are your chance to demonstrate your unique qualification. MBA admission essay is an essential part of the admission process and you should devote enough time to writing it: Admission Essay Topics The most difficult task of admission essay writing is finding a proper topic. Of course, it is easier to find a solution for a known problem than for a situation you will never face. That is why you need to cover only real situations and provide real example. For example, you work at nonprofit organization which helps people with AIDS disease. There was a transfer of large amount of money and you've found out that this was a result of governmental mistake. What would you do? Would you save this money for the sake of ill people or report about the mistake? Possible answers may be as follows in your essay. You've decided to reserve money explaining that they'll bring more benefits for ill people. And the second one is your decision to report about this mistake because you are not entitled to solve matters governmental money distribution.The compromise may be the following. You write a proposal about how additional money might be used. Then you find generous sponsors and show them your proposal. Finally, governmental money returns to the true owner. If you don't find the compromise while writing a college admission essay, choose the most acceptable decision from your perspective. However, remember that your argumentation has to be strong, interesting, and carefully justified. Order Admission Essay Writing Help If you need an admission essay and do not know how to start writing it, you have found a place to ask for assistance. Ordering custom admission essay writing service at .com, you receive impressive college essay which gains the attention from the first lines! Do not lose this chance to improve your grades without any efforts! Read also: Self Critique Essay Assignments for Sale Custom Beowulf Essay Essay Assignment Essay Company

Darwin, The Final Nail In the Coffin For Newtonian Religion Essay

Darwin, The Final Nail In the Coffin For Newtonian Religion - Essay Example eligion is likewise wrong in its assumption of passive matter needing the Will of God to set it in motion, that gravity is the ultimate proof of the supernatural act of God, and that the design of the solar system warrants a â€Å"providential God† (Olson, 2004, pp. 123-124). My argument, which favors Mechanism instead of Creation and Design, will further be supported by the weakness of William Paley’s watchmaker argument (Bendz, 1996). The publication of Charles Darwin’s writing The Origin of Species in 1859, wherein he proposed his Evolution Theory and evidences that support his findings, sparked the ancient debate between scientists and the religious (ONeil, 1996). Even before Darwin’s controversial publication, Boucher de Perthes has already put forth archaeologocal artifacts that support the Evolution Theory (ONeil, 1996). However, it was dismissed by scientists and the clergy as they go against what has generally been taught and believed—that God was responsible for all Creation (ONeil, 1996). Thus, Darwin had reopened the age-old debate between science and religion—something that was thought to be reconciled once upon a time through the practice of natural theology, wherein Sir Isaac Newton was a proponent and believer. Natural theology is the process of â€Å"moving from the observable and created to the unobservable and uncreated† as a way of establishing the existence of God (Hart, 2002). Until now, there is still a standing discussion among atheists and the religious, with the scientists being caught in the middle—as the religious aims to use scientific findings as a proof of the existence of God and the atheists, likewise, using science and logic to disprove the notion of a Deity. Scientists who have a firm belief in God have been torn between these two separate schools of thought. Hence, there is a need to look back and trace where the argument came from in order to come to a conclusion on whether science and religion can coalesce and form

Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 4

Strategic Management - Essay Example Due to this, the company has restructured its hard lines and homes divisions to team related categories (Freshman 2006, 24-27). Wal-Mart uses the cost leadership strategy in which it fights to be the lowest cost producer in the industry but marinating the greatest quality o its products. In this strategy, Wal-Mart sets its prices quite lower than the average industry prices in order to win greater market share. The firm makes all efforts to improve process efficiencies. Since it is a multinational corporation, it targets the broad market to cover its costs. This cost leadership strategy is very effective at the global level of operations. Wal-Mart re-engineering and E-engineering Wal-Mart strives to be ahead of its competitors by incorporating satellite communication between cash register, distribution centers, and stores. This is something that makes it easy for customers in different areas purchase products from stores in different regions meeting the customers’ needs at the immediate point of demand. ... The general strategy that Wal-Mart has been employing in its operations is the low-cost, high volume strategy that targets its businesses at the global level. Because Wal-Mart has numerous stores in many countries, it therefore successfully undertakes this strategy of lowering its prices and producing in bulk to cover the costs by a considerable amount. It does this to increase its market share. It also manages this because it has lower operating expenses as compared to industry level (Lampel 2002, 51-52). This control strategy aims at ensuring reduced costs, high volume production, and improved quality. It is apparently clear that part of Wal-Mart’s strategy to remain competitive in its operations is to make products that prove to have less negative effects to the environment. In this regard, Wal-Mart regulates what products to sell in their stores. It has also come up with a sustainable waste management strategies aimed at reducing pollutants and ensuring a clean environment . For instance, it takes up proper waste management by implementing strategies to recycle paper products. This is seen through its efforts in the Go Green initiative. Apart from environmental friendliness, it seeks for ways to lower its costs in operations and instead use the saved monies in technological advancement (Massengil 2003, 66). Wal-Mart Reciprocal interdependence and Information sharing Wal-Mart reciprocal interdependence encourages communication from one department to the other whereby an input in one department becomes the input of the other. This means Wal-Mart communication is at highest level of communication or interaction. Reciprocal

Sophocles’ prolific Essay Example for Free

Sophocles’ prolific Essay Sophocles’ prolific writing has rarely produced a woman of such stern strength of character as â€Å"Antigone†. Inversely the comedy of Aristophanes â€Å"Lysistrat† was among the first to introduce a strong willed female protagonist, who is not a goddess. The treatment of both great writers differs in the fact that the backdrops and the moods are distinctly different. While Sophocles zeroed in on the sombre tragedy, Aristophanes chose to inject feminist revolt against domination through zestful comedy. From a gender perspective it is important to study the motives behind the actions of the lead characters in both the plays. There have been suicides and suicides in Greek tragedies (which almost define Greek tragedies). Sophocles’ Antigone commits suicide in the dark dungeon left to starve to death. But unlike the suicide of their mother Jocasta who decides to end her life when she learns that her marital relationship with Oedipus was incestuous, Antigone’s death is a defiant protest against the tyranny of her uncle Creon and an emphasis of her strongly held belief, that her brother should be accorded a proper burial. There have been few examples of valour from Greek women who defied the norms of either their contemporary society or their king for a symbolic gesture rather than a cause. In the case of Antigone it was the burial rights to one of her two dead brothers which drives her to go against the will of the ruler, Creon. â€Å"Antigone† begins after both the warring brothers have apparently killed each other and since Polynices revolted against the state and led an Argive army to overthrow his brother Eteocles, he is deemed to be a sinner against the state. Thus Creone, brother of Jocasta, who becomes the ruler decrees his body to be deprived of proper burial rites to ensure that his soul rots beyond redemption. Antigone, in the beginning of the play expresses her wish to accord her brother proper burial. It is a symbolic depiction of Antigone’s moral strength that she decides to go ahead in her chosen course though she is unable to enlist the support of her more timid sister Ismene. This is a marked deviation from the depiction of women in Greek literature of the time where women were always looked upon as dependent on others for the strength of their convictions. Antigone succeeds in her stated mission and when this becomes known to Creone, an argument rages on the choice between the natural law and man-made laws. In another daring drift from established norm, the chorus in Sophocles’ play have the moral courage to call the path of their emperor as the more evil. Creone’s son and Antigone’s fiance Haemon comes to her defence and the ensuing debate on the justice of natural laws which should supersede man made laws is a dramatist’s delight. Creone, however, decides to leave Antigone to starve to death in a sealed cave as her prison. The blind prophet Tiresias also advocates against punishment to Antigone and says he will pay â€Å"corpse for corpse, and flesh for flesh†. The declaration of Tiresias that Creon is causing moral pollution causes a change of heart in Creone. His moral dilemma leads him to conclude that Polynices should be buried and Antigone should be pardoned. But by this time, Hameon reaches Antigone’s cave with the intention of saving her only to find that she has committed suicide by hanging herself, much like her mother Jocasta before her. When Creon reaches the cave he finds Hameon grieving over Antigone and he takes his life by stabbing himself as Creon approaches him. This leads Eurydice, Creon’s wife to give up her life in the grief of her son’s untimely death. Thus Creon loses all his loved ones due to his one fatal erring conviction to hold the laws of the state above the natural law. The tragic flaw, is thus justified in Sophocles’ â€Å"Antigone†. It is easy to categorize the play Lysistrata by Aristophanes as a lewd comedy designed to entertain the Greek literature and drama lovers with a lampooning of the results if women begin to take an interest in affairs of national importance. It is also very convenient to visualize male actors playing all the important roles of the play and the â€Å"male† male characters wearing erect phalluses to depict their masculinity might have led to uproarious laughter. However, with passing time and the aid of retrospection help us to begin to understand that Aristophanes might have devoted considerable time and emotional energy in trying to decipher what goes through the hearts and heads of women of his time who were modelled to be subservient and detached from the affairs of the state. Lysistrata leads a domestic and non violent non-cooperation movement (though the medium of non cooperation seldom ventures beyond the conventional sexual subjugation) to convince the men of the time to end the long standing war (apparently the Peloponnesian war) and bring back peace. The play is an apparent comedy that it depicts women as sex crazed and spine less characters for whom rising beyond their daily chores is a daunting task. Except fro Lysistrata, no other woman comes across as strong willed enough to contribute in any way to the cause of the play. One can imagine the gusty laughter the scene involving the swearing of oath by drinking wine from a shield as it was a portrayal of women as being incapable of self restraint (from all good things in life, including wine and sex). Though Lysistrata as a play has a lot of titillate the viewers, it has been seen in modern light as a commentary on the plight of women who have no say in the affairs of the state entirely decide by the men but have to silently suffer the consequences. This has remained unchanged even after the liberation ages of the 20th century. Aristophanes does manage to draw a caricature of Greek women as incapable of with holding sex or thinking beyond sex as the only weapon in her armour to control or change society. It is possible though to excuse this caricature as Aristophanes’ attempt not to ruffle the feathers of his contemporary society while at the same time recording for future history that women did harbour different opinions on the approaches of the state to war and peace. The widowhood and martyrdom of a mother who loses her children to the ravages of war are not mentioned, perhaps because they would have added the much relegated sobriety to this deemed comedy. Gender domination is a visible thread in Lysistrata, but whether Aristophanes designed this play as a comic fiction based on improbable scenarios of liberated women questioning state policies, or as an underhanded attempt to depict female angst of his contemporary Greek society is debatable. However Lysistrata has remained current and meaningful to this date due to its universal themes of Peace being preferred over War and has helped several social commentators put across their point during the several un necessary wars that dot world history to date be it the Vietnam war or the latest invasion of Iraq. Whatever be the motivation, both Sophocles and Aristophanes manage to leave behind a piece of Literature which continues to engage readers and historians in a healthy debate on the premium placed on female equality by writers from the Greek age to the present day. Works Cited or used as reference Henderson, Jeffrey (contributor) Lysistrata by Aristophanes, London : Oxford University Press, 1990 Translated by Gibbons, Reginald and Segal, Charles Antigone by Sophocles, NewYork : Oxford University Press US, 2003

Hamlet Rosencrantz and Guildenstern :: Shakespeare Hamlet

Hamlet Rosencrantz and Guildenstern This procrastination cannot be due to an instinctive and fastidious repugnance to killing, for Hamlet kills Polonius, and Laertes, and in the end the King himself; and he dispatches Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to their doom with true alacrity. Whence then does it come? The answer will be found by examining all these cases. And before them all, let us look at those two lines in 1.4. unhand me gentlemen, By heaven I'll make a ghost of him that lets me! It is one of the key points in the drawing of his character. When it comes to doing what he is determined to do, he will not hesitate to kill even his closest friend, for Horatio is one of the gentlemen whom he threatens sword in hand. Hamlet's spontaneous tendencies are therefore essentially individualistic; and, the point must be emphasized, not even death of others, if need be, will stand in his way. This the Hamlet whose behavior towards Rosencrantz and Guildenstern we are now to study. They were his friends, and we know from his mother that he had much talked of them and that two men there are not living To whom he more adheres. The two young men receive from the King a commission which, whatever the King's secret intentions may be, is honorable. Hamlet, the King in fact tells them, is not what he was. The cause of the change "I cannot dream of." Therefore, I beg you so by your companies To draw him on to pleasures, and to gather So much as from occasion you may glean Whether aught to us unknown afflicts him thus That opened lies within our remedy. Guildenstern's words show that the two young men understand their work in an irreproachable way: Heaven make our presence and our practices Pleasant and helpful to him. They enter upon their new duties at a later stage in the same scene. Cordial and lighthearted, the meeting of the three young men leads to some fencing of wits on ambition; for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, who know nothing about King Hamlet's murder, naturally assume that the trouble with Hamlet is frustrated ambition (and so in part it is): Hamlet, of course, parries, and as he tries to move off, his two companions, in strict obedience to their master, the King, say: "We'll wait upon you.

Power Theft Detection

1. INTRODUCTION The automatic meter reading(AMR) system as become a necessity for most suppliers as deregulation, free customer choice and open market competition occur in the energy supply sector. Power line communication has many new service possibilities on the data transferring via power lines without use extra cables. AMR is a very important application in these possibilities due to every user connected each other via modems using power lines. AMR is a technique to facilitate remote readings energy consumption.Improving the electrical power supply to households as a big issue. The government has set a specific goal to raise the distribution rate of electrical power supply, which is now around 70% to 80% to 100%. Power companies are plagued by power theft. PLC will play an important role in placing anti-theft power system. Illegal electricity may be a serious problem in many countries . This problem has been attempted to be resolved by special skills of humans, such as the police special security etc. These method could not give optimum solution due to their impracticalities. Similar essay: Essay About Snatch TheftMeter reading has been applied by humans and some electronics solutions such as optical reading methods, creditable utilization of electrical energy etc. Many chips which can be used for digital energy metering and PLC modems. The problem of illegal usage of electricity must be solved electronically, without any human control. 2. POWER THEFT Electrical power by altering, slowing, resetting, swapping, or disconnecting an electric meter. Theft also may occur by rewiring circuits to avoid an electric meter, or by tapping into another customer’s electrical lines.The fraudster might use devices to program the theft of power only during certain periods of theday or week. A fraudster may rewire their property to illegally use power from cheaper sources of power, or from meters that are billed at lower rates. The fraudster risks electrocution and detection. Field employees of the power company are trained to spot problems that result in persons n ot being billed for all the electricity they use. Computerized billing systems are designed to detect erratic electricity use Fig No 2. 1 3. PLC installATION.Power meters with PLC  modules will be installed near the top of the power polls. Previously, it was enough to install power meters in high places, not in low places such as the house wall, to prevent users from using power illegally by connecting cables, or by using tampered meters. However, by doing so, the homeowners themselves cannot check how much electricity was used. Therefore, PLC  technology was chosen. Meters installed in high places will send data of the used amount to each household through power lines. Homeowners can then check the amount used on the displays installed in each house.This means that the measurement function and the display function of the meters will be separated. [pic] Fig No3. 1 †¢Ã‚  Power theft is prevented by installing  HD-PLC-mounted power meters on a high position on power polls, while the amount of power used in each household can still be checked Each power meter is connected to an optical fiber network, and information of the amount used by each household is sent to the power companies. If the power companies find that a payment is delinquent, they can remotely stop the power supply by controlling the meters through the optical fiber network.In this way,  HD-PLC  and optical fiber networks enable power companies to prevent power theft, and to grasp the actual amount of power consumed by district or by each household in real time, and also to control the amount of power supply. The waste of power can also be reduced, another big advantage. Furthermore, wide spread use of the power meters with  HD-PLC  modules is expected to reduce regional disparities in information, or the ‘digital divide’. 4 . DETECTION OF ILLEGAL ELECTRICITY USAGE 4. 1 Methods Of Illegal Electricity Usage:In illegal usage, a subscriber illegally use electricity in f ollowing ways: 4. 1. 1 Using the mechanical objects: A subscriber can use some mechanical objects to prevent the revolution of a meter, so that disk speed is reduced and the recorded energy is also reduced. 4. 1. 2 Using a fixed magnet: A subscriber can use a fixed magnet to change the electromagnetic field of the current coils. As is well known , the recorded energy proportional to electromagnetic field. 4. 1. 3. Using the external phase before meter terminals: This method gives subscribers free energy without any record. . 1. 4. Switching the energy cables at the meter connector box: In this way ,the current does not pass through the current coil of the meter, so the meter does not record the energy consumption. Although all of the methods explained above may be valid for electromechanical meters, only the last two methods are valid for digital meters. 5. DESCRIPTION ON PLC Most economically viable technology for transferring Meter data to DCU. Uses the technique of communicating the data over existing Electrical Lines which carry LT power to the site.PLC is a kind of communication technology, which uses Medium Voltage(MV) and Low Voltage(LV) distribution network as the communication media to implement transmission of data, voice and real time image. The components involved in PLC are the; 1. Power Line Carrier Unit which provides signal transmission and reception. 2. There is a Coupler used for â€Å"clamping† around a live wire thus injecting the communication signals into the power line. 3. PLC modem 5. 1 The monitoring system mainly has the following functions: 1. Remote meter-reading 2. Data acquisition 3. Thread PLC transmissions are synchronized to the zero crossing point of the AC power line. It should be transmitted as close to the zero crossing point i. e. within 200 ? s. Square wave with a max Delay of 100 ? s from the zero crossing point The maximum delay between signal envelope input and 120KHz output bursts is 50 ? s. Therefore, it shoul d be arranged that outputs to the within 50 ? s. 5. 2 CODE TRANSMISSION: A Binary 1 is represented by a 1 ms burst of 120 KHz the zero crossing point and a Binary 0 by the absence of 120 KHz. Therefore only the 1 ms â€Å"envelope† need be applied to their inputs.These 1 millisecond bursts should actually be transmitted three times to coincide with the zero crossing points of all three phases in a three phase distribution system. 6. DIFFERENT COUPLING UNITS. [pic] 7. DEFINITION ON AMR AMR(AUTOMATIC REMOTE READING) automates the process of measurement through digital communication techniques. Bring â€Å"intelligence† into the revenue cycle and manage it: The revenue cycle includes metering, billing operating, customer and the services. 7. 1 ADVANTAGES: 1. Smart automated process instead of manual work. 2. Accurate information from the network load to optimise maintenance and investments . Customized rates and billing dates. 4. Streamlined high bill investigations. 5. D etection of tampering of Meters. 6. Accurate measurement of transmission losses. 7. Better network performance and cost efficiency. 8. Demand and distribution management. 9. More intelligence to business planning 10. Better company credibility. 8. DETECTION AND CONTROL SYSTEM The proposed control system for the detection of illegal electricity usage is: [pic] FIG. 8. 1 PLC signaling is only valid over the low voltage -220VAC power lines. The system should be applied to every low-voltage distribution network.The system given in fig 7. 1 belongs only one distribution transformer network and should be repeated for every distribution network. Although the proposed system can be used uniquely, it is better to use it with automatic meter reading system. If the AMR system will be used in any network, the host PLC unit and a PLC modem for every subscriber should be contained in this system. In fig7. 1 the host PLC unit and other PLC modems are named PLC1A,†¦. ,PLCNA and are used for AM R. These units provide communication with each other and send the recorded data in kilowatthour meters to the PLC unit.In order to detect illegal usage of electrical energy, a PLC modem and an energy meter chip for every subscriber are added to an existing AMR system. As given in fig1, PLC1B,†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦,PLCNB and energy meter chips belong to the detector. The detector PLC’s and energy meters must be placed at the connection point between distribution main lines and subscriber’s line. 8. 1 ADVANTAGE OF THIS SYSTEM : Most economically viable technology for transferring Meter data to DCU. Uses the technique of communicating the data over existing Electrical Lines which carry LT power to the site.Since the connection point is usually in the air or at underground, it is not suitable for anyone to access, such that its control is easy. It is very economical and is reliable solution when it is compared with the economical loss caused by illegal usage. 8. 2 CONDITIONS FOR T HIS DETECTION AND CONTROL: PLC signaling must be in CENELAC standards. CENELAC has formed the standard in which the frequency bands, signaling levels, and procedure are specified. 3-9 khz are restricted for use by electricity suppliers, and 95-148. 5khz are restricted to consumer use. The signal level for the band 95-148. khz is limited as follows. For general use ,the signaling level is limited to 116db µV. 9. DETECTION The recorded data in kilowatt hour meters for every subscriber are sent to host PLC modem via PLC modems which are placed in subscribers locations. On the other hand energy meter chips are located in connection point and read the enrgy in kilowatthours and also send the data to host PLC unit. This proposed detector system as two recorded energy data in host PLC unit, one which comes from the AMR-PLC, and the other which comes from the PLC at the connection points.These two recorded energy data are compared in the host PLC; if there is any difference between two re adings an error signal is generated. This means that there is an illegal electricity usage in the network. After that, the subscriber address and error signal are combined and sent to the central control unit. If it is, requested, a contacter may be included to the system at location to turn off the energy automatically, as in the case of illegal usage 10.. ILLEGAL DETECTOR SYSTEM FOR ONE SUBSCRIBER [pic] Fig No 10. 1 11.SYSTEM SIMULATION AND MODELLING OF THE DETECTION SYSTEM OF ILLEGAL ELECTRICITY USAGE FOR ELECTROMECHANICAL KILOWATTHOUR METERS [pic] Figure 11. 1 A host PLC modem, an energy meter chip and its PLC modem, an electromechanical kilowatthour meter and its PLC modem, and an optical reflector sensor system are loaded at the same phase of the power grid. The energy value at the electromechanical kilowatthour meter is converted to digital data using optical reflector sensor. Disk speed of the kilowatthour meter is couted and obtained data is sent to PLC modem as energy valu e of the kilowatthour meter.At the system model, an illegal load may be connected to the power line before the kilowatthour meter via an S switch. While only a legal load is in the system, two meters are accorded each other to compensate for any error readings. The host PLC unit reads two recorded data coming from metering PLC units. If the S switch is closed ,illegal load is connected to the system. , and therefore two recorded energy values are different from each other. The host PLC unit is generated when it received two different records from the same subscriber. This is the detection of the illegal usage for interested users.In these, the tests, the carrier frequency is selected at 132khz, which is permitted in the CENELAC frequency band. In real application, the AMR system may be designed in all CENELAC bands. The data rate between the host and the other PLC modem is 2400b/s. Data signaling between PLC modems has a protocol which includes a header, address, energy value data, error correction bits, and other serial communication bits such as parity and stop bits. The protocol may also be changed according to the properties of the required system and national power grid architecture.In the digital energy meter system, the recorded energy may be received in the digital form directly using the port of the meter. Therefore, there is no need for an optical reflector system in digital meters. 12. AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED DETECTOR SYSTEM The proposed detector system is the equipment and procedure for controlling more remote stations from a master control station. It includes PLC modems, energy meters, control logics, and the system software . 12. 1 PLC MODEMS: These used for two way communication to and from the host station and the remotely controlled targets. 12. 2 ENERGY METER AND CONTROL LOGIC:Energy meter includes metering chip, and some circuit element. control and logic units compare and generate the error signal in the illegal usage. 12. 3 SYTEM SOFT WARE: Assembler program for the microcontroller and the operating software for the management of the overall system. Operator software may be downloaded from a PC and should be placed in the main center of the system. 13. AN AMR SYSTEM FOR AN ILLEGAL DETECTOR PERFORMS THE FOLLOWING FUNCTONS: 1) 1Every user has two PLC modems; one is for AMR and the other is used to send the data from second energy meter chip to host PLC modem. ) An energy meter must be connected in the connection box between a home line and main power lines. 3) The host PLC unit must be placed in the distribution transformer and the configuration of the addressing format of PLC signaling must be designed carefully. 4. The host PLC modem and its controller must include two addresses per every user: one is the AMR and the other for the energy meter. These two addresses must be selected sequentially. 5. Operating software must designed for the information of every subscriber in every sub power network: subscriber ident ification number, billing address etc. . The system has two values of energy consumption for every user, so if there is a difference between them an error signal is generated for the illegal user. 7. The proposed equipment is the only one distributed in the power network. So this system should be repeated for all distribution power networks. All host units in each distribution transformer maybe connected only one main center station via phone lines, fibre optic cable or RF links. 14. CONCLUSION A detector system to determine illegal electricity usage via power line communication is designed and proposed.The proposed system is examined in laboratory conditions. Obtained results from this study show that if the AMR and detector system are used together, illegal usage of electricity may detected. The system functions with real-time monitoring users and burden forecast, which uses MV&LV PLC as its transmission media. The system is integrated with power management and burden control. Und er power theft, the relay is switched off isolating the area of power theft from the EB side . LCD display also indicates power theft. Energy regulation does not epresent an obstacle, since PLC service does not affect the power supply and maintains separate accounts from the core utility business. Once this proposed system is tried in real power lines, the distribution losses can be reduced effectively. 15. REFERENCE [1]Hakki Cavdar, †A solution to remote detection of illegal electricity usage via power line communication†, IEEE Trans. Power Delivery,vol. 19,no. 4,Oct 2004. [2] T. Y. Lim and T. W. Chan, â€Å"Experimenting remote kilowatt hour meter through low voltage power lines at dense housing areas†, IEEE Trans. Power Delivery, vol. 17, pp708-711,july 2002. [3] J.Newbury and W. Miller,† Multiprotocol routing for automatic remote using power line carrier systems†, IEEE Trans. Power delivery,vol. 16 pp 1-5,Jan 2001. ABSTARCT Power Line Communication (PLC) presents an interesting and economical solution for automatic meter reading (AMR). If an AMR system via PLC is set in a power delivery system, a detection system for illegal electricity usage may be easily added in the existing PLC network. In the detection system, the second digitally energy meter chip is used and the value of energy is stored. The recorded energy is compared with the value at the main kilowatt-hour meter.In the case of difference between two recorded energy data, in error signal is generated and transmitted via PLC network. The detector and control system is proposed. The architecture of the system and their critical components are given. This report describes a prototype of the detector system for illegal electricity usage using the power lines. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I am thankful to Prof. Sukumaran P R ,Head of the Department for providing me with the facilities for the seminar. I would also express my sincere gratitude to Mrs. Rajashree Raghavan ,for her guida nce and mere cooperation for preparing and presenting the seminar.Above all I thank all the faculties of the EEE Department and my friends for their moral support and encouragement. CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION01 2. WHAT IS POWER THEFT? 02 3. How is PLC installed ? 03 4. DETECTION OF ILLEGAL ELECTRICITY USAGE04 5. DESCRIPTION ON PLC:05 6. DETECTION AND CONTROL SYSTEM07 7. ILLEGAL DETECTOR SYSTEM FOR ONE SUBSCRIBER:10 8. SYSTEM SIMULATION AND MODELLING OF THE DETECTION SYSTEM OF ILLEGAL ELECTRICITY USAGE FOR ELECTROMECHANICAL KILOWATTHOUR METERS11 9. AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED DETECTOR SYSTEM:13 10. CONCLUSION:15 11. REFERENCE16

European History Essay

A series of Congress’ and Conferences impacted the political and cultural dealings within Europe. However, it was not necessarily the meetings themselves that drew political conflict, but rather the re- charting of territories that eventually led to conflict, and which even today still garners a small amount of sectional tension. The Congress of Vienna was designed to resolve a series of set issues affecting almost all of Europe. Stemming from the previous defeat of Napoleonic France, which meant redrawing the boundary lines; however, the outcome ended up being extremely unpopular (mostly in France). Included in the Congress were Britain, Austria, Prussia, France, and Russia. These allies could not come to a major decision. While their goal was to draw the least amount of protest as possible, they were forced to bring in both Talleyrand and Spain’s Marquis of Labrador. This was later seen as the Congress’ greatest mistake. However, during the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, real change began to happen. Basically, the goal of the conference was to negotiate a series of set peace treaties that had been introduced by the Allied and by the Associated Powers and the Central Powers. All of these treaties became the groundwork for what later became known as the Versailles-Washington System. However, since the world map was revised to a certain degree during these conferences, many of those involved in the middle became somewhat hostile and embittered. This would eventually lead to World War II. The European conflicts of 1919 affect politics in Europe today, especially in regards to the former Holy Roman Empire. Many problems, resulting from boundary lines and various ethnic groups are in the Central European region. For example, while a series of German provinces existed east of the Oder-Neisse line, which were subsequently lost and annexed via the People’s Republic of Poland and later the Soviet Union, they were also ethnically cleaned from Germans through the national as well as communist forces. This is just one of many examples of the problems associated with the Central European Region. Drawing on outside sources, looking at a map of this area makes it easy to see why the political air was tumultuous after these conferences. For example, while the concept of Central Europe varies from nation to nation, most agree that it includes Austria, Germany, Hungary, Poland, and Switzerland (among others. ) It was usually seen as overwhelmingly conservative, as well as Catholic, which was a huge difference between its neighbors, who were seen as fairly liberal, being influenced by the French Revolution. However, the lines that were drawn in order to rechart territories only added to sectional tensions and conflicts. And, because all of the Central European nations were relatively small, the threat of their larger neighboring countries was all the more threatening. Through looking at maps of Europe pre and post 1919, it is easy to see how the reorganizing of Europe affected almost every major political decision made, and how it still affects decisions being made today.

No Man is an Island

No Man is an Island Free Online Research Papers As John Donne, the renown English poet once said, No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main, if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were; any mans death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee. Through this insightful quote, it can be learned that no one can be completely autonomous from the rest of society. Every deed, every death, or every mistake of one man alone will affect those around him. This holds true, even in Homers epic poem, The Odyssey, where the actions of one man will bring about either the eminence or the dissolution of many. Even before The Odyssey took place, there were clear examples of how one person can affect a plethora of people. Before the Trojan War, the price of Troy, Paris, had to hand over a golden apple to one of three goddesses, Aphrodite, Athena, and Artemis. Each offered their own reward in turn for the golden apple. The very lustful Paris however, decided to give the apple to Aphrodite, who promised him the most beautiful woman on Earth as his bride. There was only one problem, the most beautiful woman on the face of the planet was Helen of Sparta and she was married to King Menelaus of Sparta, the ruler of one of the most elite factions the world has ever seen. Paris greed and lust sparked a massive war between the two cities, with the end result being the futile death of thousands of innocent men. Throughout The Odyssey, the main protagonist, Odysseus, makes choices that greatly affect not only his life, but the life of all the men serving under his command. In book nine of The Odyssey, In the One-Eyed Giants Cave, it was only through Odysseus decisive action that his crew was able to so boldly blind the monstrous cyclops, Polyphemus, and deter the sudden doom awaiting them, although by revealing himself to Polyphemus, he angered Poseidon, which prompted him to extract his revenge on them, therefore ruining the rest of the voyage to Ithaca. Furthermore, in book ten, Bewitching of the Queen of Aeaea, had had Hermes not provided Odysseus with the drug required to made him invulnerable from Circes food, he would have never have been able to rescue his men, and they would have all been turned into pathetic swines. On the return voyage to Ithaca, there was certainly not a lack of danger, which the cunning Odysseus was able to skillfully evade. In book eleven, The Kingdom of the Dead, Odysseus prevented his men from getting entrapped from the Sirens entrancing song by making ear plugs out of wax, therefore completely nullifying the volume of the singing. Also in book eleven, Odysseus had the choice of sailing through either Charybdis or Scylla. Charybdis is a deadly whirlpool that constantly synthesizes and then releases water. Scylla is a deadly six headed monster that snatches three men at random from a passing ship and devours them without mercy. Knowing that sailing through Charybdis meant definite destruction for the entire ship, Odysseus chose to sail through Scylla and only lose six of his crew, thereby minimizing casualties. Had Odysseus not made the decision to sail through Scylla, then he would have been responsible for the death of his entire crew. Not only has Odysseus actions affected the lives of those around him-specifically the mend sailing alongside him, but the actions of others have also affected the crew. For example, in book twelve, The Sun Gods Cattle, if Eurylochus didnt kill Helions cattle, Zeus would have never struck their ship with a lightning bolt, and they might have lived, and accompanied Odysseus back to Ithaca, where they would be reunited with their family. Furthermore, it was only through Athenas guidance that Odysseus was able to kill all of Penelopes suitors and win back his kingdom, Odysseus alone could not have done it. In conclusion, every action will create a ripple effect, thereby affecting everyone. In The Odyssey, it has become apparent that the consequences of one man will affect everyone around him. This is a concept that no one can escape. If only things were different. Research Papers on No Man is an IslandCapital PunishmentHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Essay19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraQuebec and CanadaThe Masque of the Red Death Room meaningsEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenMind TravelHip-Hop is ArtWhere Wild and West MeetCanaanite Influence on the Early Israelite Religion

Royal Aircraft Factory SE5 in World War I

Royal Aircraft Factory SE5 in World War I One of the most successful aircraft used by the British in World War I (1814-1918), the Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5 entered service in early 1917. A reliable, stable gun platform, the type soon became the favored aircraft of many notable British aces. The S.E.5a remained in use through the end of the conflict and was retained by some air forces into the 1920s. Design In 1916, the Royal Flying Corps issued a call to the British aircraft industry to produce a fighter that was superior in all respects to any aircraft currently in use by the enemy. Answering this request were the Royal Aircraft Factory at Farnborough and Sopwith Aviation. While discussions began at Sopwith which led to the legendary Camel, R.A.F.s Henry P. Folland, John Kenworthy, and Major Frank W. Goodden began working on a design of their own. Dubbed the Scout Experimental 5, the new design utilized a new water-cooled 150-hp Hispano-Suiza engine. In devising the rest of the aircraft, the team at Farnborough crafted a tough, square-rigged, single seat fighter capable of enduring high speeds during dives. Increased durability was achieved through the use of a narrow, wire braced, box-girder fuselage which improved pilot vision while also ensuring a higher rate of survivability in crashes. The new type was initially powered by a  Hispano-Suiza 150 HP V8 engine. Construction of three prototypes began in the fall of 1916, and one flew for the first time on November 22. During testing, two of the three prototypes crashed, the first killing Major Goodden on January 28, 1917. Development As the aircraft was refined, it proved to possess high speed and maneuverability, but also had excellent lateral control at lower speeds due to its square wingtips. As with previous R.A.F. designed aircraft, such as the B.E. 2, F.E. 2, and R.E. 8, the S.E. 5 was inherently stable making it an ideal gun platform. To arm the aircraft, the designers mounted a synchronized Vickers machine gun to fire through the propeller. This was partnered with a top wing-mounted Lewis gun which was attached with a Foster mounting. The use of the Foster mount permitted pilots to attack enemies from below by angling the Lewis gun upwards and simplified the process of reloading and clearing jams from the gun. Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5 - Specifications General: Length: 20 ft. 11 in.Wingspan: 26 ft. 7 in.Height: 9 ft. 6 in.Wing Area: 244 sq. ft.Empty Weight: 1,410 lbsLoaded Weight: 1,935 lbs.Crew: 1 Performance: Power Plant: 1 x Hispano-Suiza, 8 cylinders V, 200 HPRange: 300 milesMax Speed: 138 mphCeiling: 17,000 ft. Armament: 1 x 0.303 in. (7.7 mm) forward-firing Vickers machine gun1x .303 in. (7.7 mm) Lewis gun4x 18 kg Cooper bombs Operational History The S.E.5 began service with No. 56 Squadron in March 1917, and deployed to France the following month. Arriving during Bloody April, a month that saw Manfred von Richthofen claim 21 kills himself, the S.E.5 was one of the aircraft that aided in reclaiming the skies from the Germans. During its early career, pilots found that the S.E.5 was under-powered and voiced their complaints. Famed ace Albert Ball stated that the S.E.5 has turned out a dud. Quickly moving to address this issue, R.A.F. rolled out the S.E.5a in June 1917. Possessing a 200-hp Hispano-Suiza engine, the S.E.5a became the standard version of the aircraft with 5,265 produced. The improved version of the aircraft became a favorite of British pilots as it provided excellent high-altitude performance, good visibility, and was much easier to fly than the Sopwith Camel. Despite this, production of the S.E.5a lagged behind that of the Camel due to production difficulties with the Hispano-Suiza engine. These were not resolved until the introduction of the 200-hp Wolseley Viper (a high-compression version of the Hispano-Suiza) engine in late 1917. As a result, many squadrons slated to receive the new aircraft were forced to soldier on with older types. A Favorite of the Aces Large numbers of the S.E.5a did not reach the front until early 1918. At full deployment, the aircraft equipped 21 British and 2 American squadrons. The S.E.5a was the aircraft of choice of several famed aces such as Albert Ball, Billy Bishop, Edward Mannock, and James McCudden. Speaking of the S.E.5as impressive speed, McCudden noted that  It was very fine to be in a machine that was faster than the Huns, and to know that one could run away just as things got too hot. Serving until the end of the war, it was superior to the German Albatros series of fighters and was one of the few Allied aircraft that was not outclassed by the new Fokker D.VII in May 1918. Other Uses With the end of the war that fall, some S.E.5as were briefly retained by the Royal Air Force while the type continued to be used by Australia and Canada into the 1920s. Others found second lives in the commercial sector. In the 1920s and 1930s, Major Jack Savage retained a group of S.E.5as which were used to pioneer the concept of skywriting.   Others were modified and improved for use in air racing during the 1920s. Variants Production: During World War I, the S.E.5 was produced by Austin Motors (1,650), Air Navigation and Engineering Company (560), Martinsyde (258), the Royal Aircraft Factory (200), Vickers (2,164) and Wolseley Motor Company (431). All told, 5,265 S.E.5s were built, with all but 77 in the S.E.5a configuration. A contract for 1,000 S.E.5as was issued to the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company in the United States, however only one was completed before the end of hostilities. As the conflict progressed, R.A.F. continued development of the type and unveiled the S.E.5b in April 1918.   The variant possessed a streamlined nose and spinner on the propeller as well as a retractable radiator. Other alterations included the use of single bay wings of unequal cord and span and a more streamlined fuselage. Retaining the armament of the S.E.5a, the new variant did not show significantly improved performance over the S.E.5a and was not selected for production. Testing later found that drag caused by the large upper wing offset the gains made by the sleeker fuselage.

Classficatio Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Classficatio - Essay Example In order to classify objects and terms, we need to be able to recognize both what an object or term is and what it is not. One term that we can put through the process of classification is family. We know that families are groups of individuals, and that the individuals in the family are related though blood or marriage. Not all families are the same, obviously; some of the more common ways to classify families are through socio-economic levels, religion, and race. To further define socio-economic categories, we can say that there is an upper class, middle class, and lower class. Of course, within these classifications we can define further, such as upper middle class and lower middle class families. A more common vernacular for lower class families is to call them poor families. The most obvious reason that families are called poor is the amount of money that a given family makes. There is a great deal more to being poor than not having as much money as rich people. To further define poor families, we must talk about what poor families experience. Perhaps the best phrase to describe the situation of a poor family is to say they live "paycheck to paycheck." This means that these families are unable to cover any additional expenses that come up outside of their regular income.

Self Evaluation of Writing Essay in English Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Self Evaluation of Writing in English - Essay Example A Chinese language essay is stylistically like a circle, which means the readers have to figure out the meaning through personal interpretation as they return to the original intention of the author. On the other hand, the American English essay is stylistically like a straight line, which means the reader will find the thesis statement directly given at the beginning of the essay. Even though the process of writing an essay is similar in English and Chinese, it has been difficult for me to change from the Chinese style of writing, presentation, and organization to the American way represented in brainstorming, outlining, establishing a thesis statement, and completing the research in a structured pattern. Because of this, I have reflected on my own experience and mistakes in English composition to formalize a list of issues I need to correct in my own writing and work. When I was studying previously in the ESL program and taking a writing class at Seattle Central Community College, I typically did not â€Å"brainstorm† by writing down all of my ideas as part of my essay preparation. Frankly, I thought to brainstorm was wasting my time. There were only forty-five minutes permitted for an in a class writing assignment, so I always felt that I had no time to brainstorm. However, because of this, I always got stuck on the assignments where I had no idea what I should write next. For example, when I wrote my final, a timed writing assignment for my level three writing class, I did not write enough words because I had nothing prepared in advance that would allow me to continue to write on the topic after the first few paragraphs. After I got a humiliating grade on this final exam, I thought I had made a wrong choice and should have pursued a better topic to write about initially. I asked myself why I did not choose another question for the writing originally. In retrospect, at this time, I did not know the importance of brainstorming. Sometimes my ESL writing teachers would ask me to brainstorm before I started to write, but my brainstorm always was prepared after my rough draft was finished.

Personal statements Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Personal statements - Essay Example I have advanced proficiency levels in the use of basic computer programs which can assist in business applications like writing business correspondences and computing through spreadsheets. I am genuinely interested in pursuing higher education in business to harness my professional skills and keep me abreast on contemporary applications of management of global organizations. By applying in this institution’s business program, I am optimistic to gain a more comprehensive approach in managing business organizations through the development of leadership, entrepreneurial, interpersonal, negotiation, conflict-resolution, information technology, electronic business applications and research skills and abilities that are needed in business organizations in the future. As more organizations become global enterprises, I would like to improve my skills in becoming part of a global organization that could give me opportunities to experience other cultures and contribute to its growth and advancement.

Setting Up a Joint Venture in China

Setting Up a Joint Venture in China FDI into China: Brief history Before 1980, under the presidency of Mao Tse Tong, China was a country completely closed to the world with a rigid and communist government. After that date, Deng Xiao Peng and the post-Mao government established a new foreign economic policy and announced that China would open to the outside world (Pearson, 1991). This new open-door policy only allowed contractual JVs (as lower risks) and China provided foreign investors with a specific partner. In the first years of the countrys opening, only  ¼ of contractual FDI where realized as investors were uncertain of this completely new environment. Moreover, many FDI were fraudulent (Fung, 2002). From 1992, FDI doubled and China started to welcome western multinational enterprises in specific sectors: automobile, petrochemical, telecommunicationsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ but only in selected zones of the country (SEZs: Special Economic Zones). China has quickly become the fastest growing economy and possesses 25% of the worlds population. FDI to China represents more than $80 billion in 2007 which shows that a decline in the economy is almost impossible ($130 billion in 2009) in comparison, FDI to India represent $3 billion per year (Lau, 2007). China: the best place to invest? However, despite the many attractive sides of China as a FDI destination, many western companies have faced failure when doing business in China. Indeed, in the case of JVs, the government provides a Chinese partner to the foreign investors that can face many different roadblocks: unfamiliarity with the business environment, corruptionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Yallapragada, 2003). In front of the rapid and unique economic development of China, some investors have rushed into investing in this promising country that seemed to offer so many advantages, ignoring some essential facts, (that will be developed later in the study) critical for the success of an investment. Since 1990, broad researches have been conducted concerning FDI and more particularly JVs in China and there is a good understanding of FDI mode decisions, the behavior to adopt to lead to a JV, inter partner concernsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ More research needs to be done concerning the factors that lead to success or failure of JVs Dissertation background The main reason behind the topic selection is that it is an area of interest to the author who can research what makes companies chose China as an FDI destination but more specifically what should be looked at to avoid the multiple failures that foreign companies have faced by developing a JV with a Chinese partner. The author aims at giving a more definitive picture of the Chinese FDI environment and that behind the image of China as a very attractive place for FDI, there are complex laws, regulations and a multitude of other factors that are not necessarily looked at by foreign investors and cause failure. Another reason is that this topic covers issues which are very relevant in todays business environment. It is a topic of interest for many business people and more and more academics around the world due to its unique development: 9% growth of the GDP per year since 1978 and 15% growth of the foreign trade per year (Lau, 2007). There is a belief that China could become the worlds largest economy in 25 years. Aims and objectives The overall aim of the dissertation is to study and critically analyse the foreign direct investment (FDI) environment of China by focusing on market-seeking joint-ventures (JVs) in a specific industry: food and beverage (soft). This study will be carried out using and appraising current academic literature and theories on JVs forming in China. Both secondary and primary research will be used. This critical study will be carried by tempting to achieve the following objectives: Identify the motives and determinants of FDI, focusing on market-seeking joint-ventures (JV) in China Identify the environmental regulations that facilitate or slow JVs down in China Identify the barriers to JVs in China and the main causes of failure Identify the key success factors (KSF) of western companies forming JVs with a Chinese partner and how barriers can be overcome The main focus will be on Western companies, especially French firms in the food and beverage industry. Structure of dissertation The study will be divided in 7 chapters: Chapter 1 is an introduction to the dissertation, explaining the background of the topic, the aims and objectives Chapter 2 is a review of the existing literature: journals, newspaper articles, books and Internet-based sources giving more insight into the topic of setting up an  IJV in China Chapter 3 explains the methodology that has been adopted to research and write the dissertation, including secondary and primary research methods Chapter 4 provides with findings and analysis trying to answer the aims and objectives of the dissertation Chapter 5 is a discussion of the findings Chapter 6 concludes the study and gives some recommendations. The author will in this part develop a model for successful IJV setting up in China Chapter 7 is a reflection on learning Chapter 2: Literature Review The following literature review is based on existing sources coming from a hybrid of academic books, journals, newspapers and credible Internet-based sources. This literature review will allow giving more insight into the topic and will also allow identifying any gaps in the existing literature to be covered in further primary research. The literature review will provide the author with a stronger base on which to develop a theory at the end of the dissertation. 2.1 Chinese investment environment 2.1.1 China, the fastest-growing economy The Chinese investment environment has been widely reported in the literature. Most of the authors agree that the Chinese government has made great achievements in terms of FDI since 1980. Lau Bruton (2007) describe China as the fastest-growing economy which can be explained by greater economic liberalization and easier repartition of profit by foreign investors. Fung (2002) explains that the promotion of FDI by the Chinese government has been an important part of the economic reforms since the open-door policy and made China the most important destination for FDI. The authors explain how China has gradually evolved in terms of FDI policy: Stage 1: Gradual and limited opening Stage 2: Active promoting through preferential treatment Stage 3: Promoting FDI in accordance with domestic industrial objectives Ng Tuan (2002), describe China as a FDI-friendly environment that possesses very attractive environmental factors such as the size of the Chinese market, its potential to growà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Argawal Wu (2003) describe China as a key player in the global economy and that its high economic growth has transformed China into one of the worlds largest economy. The transition from a command economy to a market-based economy has been incredibly and remarkably successful. Another factor that made China even more successful in terms of FDI is its entry to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Fung (2002), Ng Tuan (2002), Yin (2009), Hoa (2010) and many other authors agree to say that China has had many difficulties to become a member of the WTO. After 15 years of high improvements, by reforming its economy and trade to be more market-oriented, by reducing tariffs and non-tariffs barriersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦China finally accessed the WTO in 2001. This accession gave remarkable benefits to China, who was promoted by the organization as a central stage in international trade. The Chinese battle to enter the WTO is described as an example that other nations (eg Russia), could learn from in order to access this organization. 2.1.2 Problems More and more authors in the literature insist on the difficulties to enter China. Being the fastest-growing economy does not mean that any MNE can enter the market easily and without any risk of failure. In front of all the attractive sides of the Chinese investment environment, and after its accession to the WTO that gave trust to foreign investors, many western MNEs (eg: Pepsi) have rushed into entering China and have faced insurmountable problems such as corruption, absence of trust and transparencyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Yallapragada, 2003). Zhang Fu (2008) describe China as a stringent environment that can have a negative impact on FDI. They remind us that even if China is the first recipient of FDI, there is a high disparity in geographical distribution. It is important to determine which region the foreign company is to invest. Indeed, the remarkable economic development of China has developed major problems such as extreme pollution. Because of the environment deterioration caused by FDI in certain regions, the government has put in place very strict laws that foreign investors are not necessarily aware of before setting up their business in China. While many countries in the world are facing an economic downturn, Chinas economy is still expecting to grow by 11% in 2010. However, Tse (2010) explains that despite this fact, the Chinese market is really tough. He explains how the recent clash of Google and the Chinese government; the vulnerability of property rights; the remaining restrictions on foreign ownershipà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ are good reasons that CEOs should take into account before deciding if entering China is a risk worth taking. The authors explain that the decision to physically enter China must be taken really carefully; a lot of research must be followed and more importantly companies must be ready to compromise and comply with Chinese laws. 2.2 Joint-ventures in China 2.2.1 Definition of a JV There is no legal definition of a JV in the literature. A JV is commonly defined as a partnership between two or more companies who create a legal entity to undertake economic activities. In this dissertation, the author focuses on international JV that necessarily includes two or more parties from different countries. Hollensen (2007) defines a JV as an equity partnership typically between two partners. It involves two parents creating a child acting in the market (Hollensen: 339). Figure 2: Equity Non-equity JVs by Hollensen (2007) A non-equity JV is defined by Hollensen as a strategic alliance between partners who do not commit equity or invest into the alliance. It is also called Contractual JV and does not involve the creation of a third entity. This form of JV will not be taken into account in this dissertation. Fung (2002) mentions that CJV were the vehicle of choice in the early opening of the Chinese market as it lowers the risks for the foreign partners. An EJV is a third entity formed by firm A and B. Both firms contribute equity to firm C. This form of JV allows international marketers to access complementary skills and resources, share risks and costs (Clarke Wilson, 2009). According to Hollensen (2007), the JV can be: resource-seeking and based on upstream collaboration (RD and production) market-seeking and based on downstream collaboration (marketing, distribution, sales, service) Both upstream and downstream-based collaboration 2.2.2 JVs in China It is widely reported in the literature that JV has been, from the opening of the Chinese market, a vehicle of choice. Yallapragada et al (2003) define JV in China as a sort of arranged marriage as the government provides a Chinese partner to the foreign investor. The authors mention that most of the JV failed and sustained huge losses or just abandoned the project because of the lack of understanding of the Chinese partner. EJV became increasingly important from 1987, representing more than 60% of all FDI. This tendency is now decreasing as the government encourages FDI in the form of wholly foreign-owned enterprises (Fung, 2002). The literature insists on the cultural differences leading to failure when forming a JV in China. However, there are many other factors to consider, the main important one being the law. The JV laws and regulation are different in China and in Western countries. Indeed, if we take the example of Europe, the regulations are different from a country to another: in France, a JV exists if a new juridical personality is created, has means and capital. In Anglo-Saxon law, a new created entity does not necessarily have juridical personality but is however considered a JV (ChinaOrbit.com). The country of origin of the foreign partner is an important determinant of success or failure of a Sino-foreign JV (Osborn Hagedoorn, 1997; Lin, 2004). Several case studies in the literature give example of the importance of country of origin as a determinant of IJV success in China. Those studies will be used as examples by the author to answer objectives 3 and 4 of the dissertation. The case studies include giants in the FB industry: Coca-Cola (Datamonitor, 2009; Mok, 2002), Pepsi-co (Yallapragada, 2003), Danone-Wahaha (Dickinson, 2009), Carrefour (Child, 2006). 2.3 Doing business with China 2.3.1 The cultural gap The unique culture of China is widely reported in the literature as being the main cause of failure for Sino-foreign JVs. It is really important to understand the Chinese culture before investing in China (Stark et al, 2005). Chinese business people are described as being extremely tough negotiators. Some authors in the literature think that negotiating is an art for Chinese business people (Pye, 1982; Lee Lo, 1988; Graham et al 1994). China has a really unique view of the world and if the foreign partner is ignorant of the other parties views of the world, it will create a major problem in the negotiation process (Stark, 2005). For example, Tuttle et al (2009) explain that business in China is more to serve the interest of the state rather than the owners of the business. Mc Kenna Sun (2007); Woo (1999); Herbig Martin (1998); Trombly (2006) and many other authors explain different aspect of Chinese negotiation such as the issues for women to participate in negotiations, the saving-face concept of China, the attitude to adopt when negotiating business (eg: building trust as a first step)à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ The authors are only describing the Chinese way of doing business. In the framework of this dissertation those information can be used as tips for foreign investors willing to invest in China. Katz (2006), founder of Leadership Crossroads has had a successful experience in productive cooperation across cultures. He has interacted in China with employees, customers, outsourcing partnersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Katz describes in his book the best ways to negotiate international business with China. His study is based on his experience but also on the work of Trompenaar (1997) who divided culture into seven dimensions (Appendix 1). Once again the author describes the unique Chinese culture and the best ways to approach it in a business environment. Using both authors theories together with Hofestede cultural differences, the author will consider wether western culture, especially French culture give the firms an advantage in dealing with the Chinese as many studies shows that cultural misunderstanding causes major problems in IJVs. 2.3.2 GUANXI In the literature, some authors insist on the Guanxi concept when establishing business relationship with China. Zhu Zhang (2007), define Guanxi as the need to establish a relationship either with someone or something (e.g a brand-name). Guanxi mainly is a relationship building and according to the authors, it takes into account several notions: Jianli ganqing: developing connection between people Jiao pengyou: making friends Yanxuing touzi xingwei: continual investment behaviour Chinese business leaders such as Mr. Chang and Mr. Cao, CEOs of telecommunications companies based in Zhengzhou and Xian indicate that the action word for developing Guanxi is Jianli meaning establishing the connection with people but not forcing it by dishonest means. For some Chinese business people, Guanxi is an essential element when doing business in China and is strongly related to the Confucian tradition and collectivist culture (Xin Pearce, 1996). However, other authors in the literature have reported that even if Guanxi has long been the best approach to successfully set up an IJV in China the effect of Guanxi are not only positive. Rahman (2008) explain the risks that exist when establishing a Sino-foreign IJV based on Guanxi (high performance, resource and trade-off risks). The author reminds that Guanxi is necessary when collaborating with a Chinese partner but not sufficient. When a Western company chooses a local Chinese partner according to the size of its Guanxi, it will be beneficial for the companys short term goal of market entry, but its long term goal of succeeding in the IJV will encounter problems. Gu et al (2008) define Guanxi as the durable social connections and networks a firm uses to exchange favors for organisational purposes. The authors draw the benefits and risks of Guanxi and show that Guanxi can be necessary but does not always matter. Even if personal networks are popular all over the world, the authors insist on the uniqueness of China who has distinct ways of operation. 2.4 Critical literature conclusion The literature widely mentions that JV in China fails because of the huge cultural differences between China and the western partner. However, there is a gap in the literature as there are many other aspects that can cause failure and that are not deeply taken into account in the literature: law, bureaucratic roadblocks, corruption, management controlà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ The literature tends to concentrate on Sino-American/ Japanese/ British JVs, there is a lack of information about Sino-French JV and the primary research of this dissertation will mainly aim at filling this gap by focusing on the food beverage sector which is not widely reported in the literature. Moreover, the literature describes that ignorance of the other parties culture, regulations, the non-establishment of Guanxià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ are main causes of failure but fails to explain how a two-way dialogue can be established between Chinese and Western leaders to make the JV successful. The dissertation will also point-out what makes cross-cultural relationship successful as it is not clear in the literature. Chapter 3: Methodology 3.1 Data requirements To recap, the overall aim of the study is to acquire a better understanding of the Chinese business environment for a Western company to successfully set a JV up with a Chinese partner. After examining the literature review, the author has identified key research questions that will be answered in chapter 4 of the dissertation to meet the objectives stated in chapter 1: What makes a western MNE chose to deal with a Chinese partner to set up a JV in China? What factor is the most determinant: political, economic, demographic, labour (cost, productivity, education level), ease of access (market, suppliers) etc? What western investors should be aware of before setting up a JV in China in terms of legislation and regulation? Will the JV be private or state owned? What are the positive factors of setting up a JV in China (law, regulation, policies)? What are the negative factors that investors must be aware of to be best prepared? Why culture seem to be the main cause of JV failure? What western investors must know about the Chinese business culture? Does Guanxi always matter? How to overcome the cultural differences and set-up a two-way dialogue? What were the main causes of failure and KSF of Sino-French JVs? What contribution is put by each party in the JV? How each party value the JV? Is it more beneficial for the French firm to own more than the Chinese partner? To answer those questions, the author will analyse the existing academic literature, including articles and case studies that will be used to provide issues and/or solutions that exists in the food and beverage industry. Case studies such as PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Carrefour, etc. will be analysed. To feel the gap in the literature, the author will also implement real world researches to have an in-depth understanding of the Chinese culture and also, to have a better understanding of Sino-French business relationships as it is not widely reported in the literature. By this mean, the author will be able to collect major primary data provided by experts that have experience in doing business with China. 3.2 Research Design 3.2.1 Review of the fundamental research methodologies 3.2.1.a: Exploratory, causal and descriptive research Wrenn et al (2007) states that there are three main categories of research design: exploratory, causal and descriptive, the can use both qualitative and quantitative methods. An exploratory research design is used to gain more insight and understanding into a topic. It is described by some authors as a detective work when the author as to look for clues to find out what happened or is currently taking place. It required the author to adopt a very flexible attitude to collecting information. Wrenn et al (2007: 34) state that an insatiable curiosity is a valuable trait for exploratory researchers. This type of research is needed when the author has an objective of depth interviews, one of the best ways to acquire desired insight, clarificationsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Exploratory research is a type of qualitative research. A Causal research design is used when there is a need to determine whether two or more variables are causaly related and to what extent. When using causal research, the researcher manipulates the independent variable, measure the dependant variable and control other variables that could have an impact on the dependant variable. This type of research requires the use of quantitative research methods such as statistics (Chi-square analysis, correlation, regression testsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦). A descriptive research design seeks to describe a phenomenon. It is used when the researcher has an objective of describing the characteristics of a specific group, estimate the percentage of the population that act, thinkà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the same way, make specific predictions (Wrenn et al, 2007). Descriptive research is the most rigid research design and needs to be very structured. This type of research implicates that the author already have a major knowledge of the topic or research. Descriptive research uses quantitative research methods. 3.2.1.b Qualitative v. Quantitative Qualitative research is defined by Schimdt Hollensen (2006) as an investigation to help understanding and answering questions by collecting evidences. This type of research method allows conducting exploratory researches and requires the use of: Observations: observing and analysing behaviours in their usual contexts Focus groups: group discussion to collect effective data about a group of individuals having the same cultural norms In-Depth interviews: usually individual face-to-face interview to understand what is in a specific persons mind about a specific topic Qualitative research allows the researcher to collect open-ended data and develop themes from the data collected. Quantitative research can be both descriptive and causal. Aliaga Gunderson (2002: 1) define quantitative research as explaining phenomena by collecting numerical data that are analysed using mathematically based methods (in particular statistics). Because quantitative research involves numbers, statistics it is seen as a more realist research method. Quantitative methods are good at looking at cause and effect relationships between two or more variables. The majority of researchers talk about paradigm war when it comes to differentiate qualitative and quantitative methods. They are seen as incompatible (Muijs, 2004). However, more and more commonly, researchers use mixed-method approach. It is a more pragmatic way to collect data, using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. In order for a mixed-method approach to be efficient, the researcher needs to consider all the relevant characteristics of both quantitative and qualitative methods. Table 1: Comparison of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods QUANTITATIVE QUALITATIVE MIXED METHOD General Framework Aim at confirming a hypothesis about a phenomenon Predetermined Rigid style of categorising responses to questions Structured methods  : questionnaires, structured observfations, surveys. Aim at exploring and understanding a phenomenon Emerging Flexible style of categorising responses to questions Semi-structured methods  : participant observation, depth interviews, focus groups Both exploring and confirming a phenomenon Both predetermined and emerging Both rigid and flexible Both structured and semi structured methods Objectives of type of research Descriptive: To describe and quantify a phenomenon Causal  : to predict causal relationships To describe the characteristics of a population Explanatory  : To explain a phenomenon Exploratory  : to describe and explain relationships To report individual experiences To both quantify and describe a phenomenon To both causal and exploratory To both describe a population and an individual Question type Closed-ended Open-ended Both closed and open-ended questions Format of data Numerical data (statistical, assigning values to responses)  : performance, attitude, observational and census data Textual data from interviewees,observations, case studies analysis, video/audio tapes Multiple form of data drawing on all possibilities  : Statistical and text analysis Flexibility of each methods The response of participants does not influence which question is to be asked next The design of the study remains stable Subject to statistical assumptions and conditions The response of participants influences which research question to ask next Some aspects of the study are flexible  : wording (addition or exclusion) of a particualar interview Data collection and research questions are adjusted according to what is learnt Can be both flexible and rigid Table 1 has been realised following two authors theories: Creswell (2003) and Bernard (1995). According to them, it is useful to first consider qualitative and quantitative possibilities for data collection before selecting one, to which the dissertations author has added mixed-method approach. 3.2.2 Choice of research method and justification Desk research has first been used to collect information that already exists in the literature. This information was both internal and external to organizations and help having an in-depth understanding of the subject. Primary research has then been used to fill the gap that secondary research cannot fill. Quantitative methods have not been used as the author wants to explore the topic in depth. According to Muijs (2004), quantitative methods fail when an in depth understanding is needed, when the author wants to really get under the skin of a problem. Moreover, quantitative methods require the author to define the variables to be studied whereas in the authors topic area, unexpected variables can emerge. The author chose to use qualitative research only. Indeed, the dissertation topic requires to specifically knowing what is going on in peoples mind, what are their views and opinion about doing business in China. More specifically, exploratory research has been used as the author needs to gain broad inside into the dissertation topic and achieve a better feeling when investigating. According to Schimdt Hollensen (2006), the most used qualitative research method is focus-group. However, the author chose to make use of individual depth interviews as current information is needed by directly asking questions to specific persons. Depth interviews allow the respondent to openly talk about his/her experience of doing business with a Chinese partner. Depth Interviews can be: Non-directive: the respondent is given freedom to answer by staying within the bounds of the topic Semi-structured: a specific list of topics is covered. The author is looking to establish the meaning of Sino-western/French business relationships from the views of experts. Indeed, in order to understand those relationships better as the literature fails to explain it in depth, the author seeks to listen to different individuals who have experience in the topic area and build an understanding based on their ideas. 3. 3 Research Approach Conclusion Recommendation Diagram 1 shows the plan followed by the author. In stage 1, the author research academic literature in accordance with the topic and develop research questions. Stage 2 is an in-depth analysis of the existing literature to help answering the research questions developed in stage 1. Stage 3 is what the author called real world analysis. This stage will allow the author to collect primary data to fill the gap of secondary research and bring a creative thinking input to the dissertation. Stage 4 consists of an analysis of the theoretical findings and real world findings. By combining both secondary and primary research, the author will be able to answer the research questions and to meet the dissertations objectives. Those findings will then be discussed and the author will conclude by providing western investor with recommendation by drawing a model including all the variables to take into account to successfully set a JV up in China. 3.4 Data collection methods and analysis As mentioned above, the author chose to use exploratory qualitative research only. In exploratory research, the main methods of data collection that is potentially suitable for collecting data are observations, focus groups and depth interviews. Observation is used to understand a phenomenon by observing it in its natural setting. The topic area does not belong to a phenomenon that can be observed by the author. Focus group involves a group of persons that discuss a subject under the direction of a moderator. The author is willing to distinguish individuals as opposed to groups and have the opinion of individuals. The author has selected in-depth interviews as the only method for data collection. As mentioned earlier, this method involves conducting intensive individual interviews with a small number of persons. The reason is that the author wants detailed information about doing business with a Chinese partner, the different stages in the JV forming, the advantages, difficultiesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Acquiring detailed information about a specific persons opinion, behaviour, will allow the author to explore new issues in-depth. The sample is divided in two categories and includes: Individuals having experience in doing business with China: executives from French MNEs having formed IJVs in China, Juniors working in China for a French company. Chinese business people. The author has divided the s