Debate topics

Technology and people’s ability to communicate

Disadvantages

The mobile technology and internet seems to be slowly destroying the interactions among people by disconnecting them from the surrounding world which is causing a feeling of isolation in the current society (Cecilia, 2013).

Past research done by Robin Dunbar, a British psychologist and anthropologist has shown there is limitation of about 150 stable and supportive connections that one can develop with others through social network (Student admin, 2012).

The use of texting as the primary and regular form of communication is dangerous because there is a lack of conversation flow that comes with changes in tone, subtle nuances, the chase and the banter. The leads to lack of connection and intimacy make people colder and detached from one another (Student admin, 2012).

Use of technology for communication can lead to misinterpretation of messages given that there are little chances for people to express themselves and receivers of the messages take things out of context. This can be related lack of aspects such as facial expression and this present a challenge for interpersonal relationship (Cecilia, 2013).

Advantages

Technology is important because it helps in meeting and developing relationships to some extent. It makes it easier to others online ,keep in touch with friends and partners are able to familiarize themselves with each other as online communication is initially honest and open (Baran & Davis, 2015).

It is also important in conflict management since the communication is asynchronous. It allows the conflicting parties to think before reacting and taking their time in preparation of responses (Drago, 2015).

Conclusion

As technological communication is becoming more diffused into the world culture, it is having both positive and negative effects on communication.  Technology can be a very great tool for networking if it is used appropriately but its misuse of overuse can affect our ability to have an interpersonal and intimate communication with others.

Insects versus meat

Advantages

• Insects have more nutritional values than insects than animal meat since they good source of protein and can supply all the essential amino acids not made by the body on its own. Most are also rich in calcium m iron, magnesium and B vitamins (Huis, 2013).
• Unlike animal meat insects are normally ingested whole meaning that one eats the organs and exoskeleton rich in nutrients in addition to muscles packed with protein (Huis, 2013).
• Insects can be sustained naturally and most survive on wastes from foods such as wheat chaff, instead of feeding them with grain like animals, the sources of meat (Jansson & Berggren, 2015).
• Consuming insects is friendly to the environment given they can farmed in large scale space and feeds  small percentage of water as compared to the amount used in raising animals for meat (Jansson & Berggren,2015).

Disadvantages

• The employment of Wrong husbandry could lead to risks related to chemical and biological hazards in farming insects and using them for human consumption (Kinver, 2015).
• Wrong selection of production methods, substrate, harvest stage and insect species and methods used for processing can have effects of chemical and biological contaminants in the feed products and final insects. Moreover, some insects such as crickets may not have enough proteins to warrant resources in rearing them (Lundy &Parrella2015).

Conclusion

Insects provide better sources of proteins and diverse variety of nutrients as compared to meat from mammals and birds. This means that to some extent, insects are good substitutes for meat given few resources are required to rare them and releases less pollutant gases than animals. However, there can be chemical and biological contamination risks related to wrong lection of species methods of raring them.

References

Drago, E. (2015).The Effect of Technology on Face-to-Face Communication: The Elon Journal of Undergraduate Research in Communications, Vol. 6,(1). Retrieved from: https://www.elon.edu/docs/e-web/academics/communications/research/vol6no1/02DragoEJSpring15.pdf

Student admin, (2012).Technology is destroying the Quality of Human Interaction. Retrieved fom: https://thebottomline.as.ucsb.edu/2012/01/technology-is-destroying-the-quality-of-human-i

Cecilia, B. (2013) Are We Becoming More Socially Awkward? An Analysis of the Relationship between Technological Communication Use and Social Skills in College Students. Psychology Honors Papers. Paper 40. Retrieved from: http://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1030&context=psychhp

Baran, S. J., & Davis, D. K. (2015). Mass communication theory: Foundations, ferment, and future. 21

Lundy ME, Parrella MP (2015). Crickets Are Not a Free Lunch: Protein Capture from Scalable Organic Side-Streams via High-Density Populations of Acheta domesticus. PLoS ONE 10(4): e0118785. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0118785

DEBATE

1. Is technology ruining people’s ability to communicate?

Advantages of technology in communication

• It has created an easier accessibility to the people. This is because people can communicate at any time despite the location (Pentland, 2016).
• It has reduced pressure for people as they can communicate from the comfort of their areas to give the relevant information needed (Ganju, Pavlou & Banker, 2016).
• It has saved time and resources. It has cut short long travels that were used to fetch information (Pentland, 2016).

Disadvantages of technology in communication

• There has been lost the art of conversation. Emails and text messages are short which makes them lack contextual information, body language and tone of the voice. This creates a misunderstanding as there is non-verbal cue and there is no face to face contact that cannot be altered, filtered or edited (Admin, 2012).
• There has been deteriorating language. Technology has made people deviate from proper language as it encourages slang language that can extremely confuse others. The language used is informal and this has been seen students essays and business messages (Sun-Mee & Munoz, 2014).
• Technology has enabled rudeness. Due to the barriers created people have found it easy to be aggressive and rude especially on social media platforms such as Facebook where people pick up arguments easily (Bowman, 2016).
• There has been a constant disruption. Technology creates a vicious cycle of anxiety and stress as people feel the pressure to answer text messages, emails, and incoming calls (Bowman, 2016).

Technology has changed how people communicate as it has continued to grow and advance by bounds and leaps which in return have continued to affect the life of the society. The impact of technology in communication can be considered to be largely and extensively positive as it has helped people to keep in touch despite the distance in a more effective and efficient manner. However, it is true to say that it has had a negative impact, especially to the teenagers as they are always glued to their cell phone worsening their ability to communicate with others.

SHOULD PEOPLE EAT INSECTS OVER MEAT?

Advantages

• Insects could be a solution to hunger. This is because they require less food to feed on compared to cows.
• Insects are naturally sustainable as they survive on waste wheat compared to meat sources that are mostly guzzling grains (Loo & Selibach, 2013).
• Insects are readily available as it is easy to farm in large scale without damaging the environment like the meat sources (Loo & Selibach, 2013).
• Insects are unique compared to meat as they provide unusual flavors and texture (Defoliart, 1999).
• Insects are highly nutritious compared to meat as they provide more iron and proteins (Defoliart, 1999).
• There are many insects variety compared to meat which can offer a wide range of vitamins and other health benefits (Defoliart, 1999).
• There is no emotional attachment to insects as compared to meat sources (Loo & Selibach, 2013).

Disadvantages

• Insects pose a threat of allergens (Isaksson, 2015).
• Some insects are toxic which is harmful to the human health (Isaksson, 2015).
• Most insects look weird and they can really have a disgusting taste (Isaksson, 2015).
• Insects are not very satisfying as they are small in size which requires larger intakes (Starks & Slabach, 2012).
• Insects are troublesome to prepare (Isaksson, 2015).

In the recent past, there have been many discoveries that educate people on the importance of eating insects as they are considered to be highly nutritious and because of their economies of scale compared to the meat sources. Despite the encouraging discoveries of the health benefits that can result with the association of insect eating many people have opted to remain with the traditional meat sources as it is what they have been used to. Cultural belief has also played a big part that has made many people be resistant of trying out on the new meals.

Reference

Admin, S. (2012). Technology is destroying the quality of human interaction. Retrieved from https://thebottomline.as.ucsb.edu/2012/01/technology-is-destroying-the-quality-of-human-interaction

Bowman, D. D. (2016). Electronic Communication Application in Business and the Deterioration of Interpersonal Skills. Proceedings For The Northeast Region Decision Sciences Institute (NEDSI), 1-12.

Brown, C. (2013). Are we becoming more socially awkward? An analysis of the relationship between technological communication use and social skills in college students. Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1030&context=psychhp

Defoliart, G. R (1999). INSECT AS FOOD: why the western attitude is important. Retrieved from http://labs.russell.wisc.edu/insectsasfood/files/2012/09/20_WesternAttitude_savedReducedSetting.pdf

Ganju, K. K., Pavlou, P. A., & Banker, R. D. (2016). DOES INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY LEAD TO THE WELL-BEING OF NATIONS? A COUNTRY-LEVEL EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION. MIS Quarterly, 40(2), 417-A10.

Isaksson, C. (2015). Urbanization, Oxidative Stress And Inflammation: A Question Of Evolving, Acclimatizing Or Coping With Urban Environmental Stress. Functional Ecology, 29(7), 913-923. doi:10.1111/1365-2435.12477

Loo, S., & Selibach, U. (2013). Eating (with) Insects: Insect Gastronomies and Upside-Down Ethics. Parallax, 19(1), 12-28. doi:10.1080/13534645.2013.743290

Pentland, A. (2016). Betting on People Power. Scientific American Mind, 27(5), 32-37.

Starks, P. B., & Slabach, B. L. (2012). The Scoop on Eating Dirt. Scientific American, 306(6), 30-32.

Sun-Mee, K., & Munoz, M. J. (2014). Preference for Online Communication and Its Association with Perceived Social Skills. Individual Differences Research, 12(4-B), 198-208.

Automobile Industry

Introduction

Ford is the second largest company in the sale of automobiles in the United States and ranked as the fifth company globally in the sale of vehicles during the year 2010. With its Headquarters in Michigan, Ford Company is one of the leading multinational corporations in America and specializes in making automobiles. It was founded by Henry Ford and basically it sells automobiles and vehicles by the brand Ford and sells luxurious cars as well by the brand Lincoln. Ford Company is in the process of going green with the aim of conserving the environment and the natural resources as well. The company has introduced vehicles which consume gasoline and natural gas instead of carbon fuels which are not environmental friendly. The company has come up with vehicles which consume ethanol but it is a challenge to people who got these vehicles since the fuel stations are less compared to petrol and diesel stations. This makes customers prefer vehicles which use carbon fuels since the fuel stations are readily available and accessible at any given place. The company together with Toyota has come up with electric hybrid vehicles which can use both electricity and gasoline and are environmentally friendly though very expensive thus discouraging customers from purchasing them. The vehicles have low costs of maintaining them but the rate of sales is low compared to sales of vehicles which use the carbon fuels. Therefore this paper aims at studying automobiles in relation to the ford company focusing mainly on the production of electric cars and how the production of these green cars have impacted on the productivity and of the company.

SWOT analysis of Ford Company

The SWOT analysis of Ford Company is accessible to all investors so that they can understand Ford more and the automotive industry at large. Ford has a number of strengths which include it has a strong position in the American automobile industry. It is the second largest organization after General Motors (Anderson & Anderson, 2005). In addition the company has a number of car models which are not common in other companies such as Explorer SUV. Ford has proven to be an industry which carries out research and is an expertise in marketing and manufacturing thus its vehicles reach a wide range of people. It is therefore known for manufacturing the best vans which are mainly used for commercial purposes all over the world. Vans are being demanded lately since companies need to deliver services because the economy is growing at a high rate. The financial position of Ford is strong therefore indicating the company makes good profits and provides employment opportunities to most people all over the world.

The company has several weaknesses which have denied it the position of being the leading company in sale of vehicles globally.  Ford has not been able to meet the sales made by its major competitors who are above it. Toyota and Volkswagen produce more sales compared to Ford indicating that the company is still lagging behind its major competitors. American auto products are considered inferior compared to automobiles manufactured by Japanese and Europe industries. Thus Lincoln is therefore considered to be poor quality compared to those cars from Japan and Europe (Anderson & Anderson, 2005). The company suffers since it does not relate well with the investors thus the company does not raise enough capital. In addition the company relies mostly on sales made from pickups unlike its competitors who are all round and sell all car types.

Ford has several opportunities which if carried out well will ensure the company outdoes its competitors. Ford has not been hit by the diesel consuming cars scandal which hit Volkswagen in America. Thus Volkswagen will lose its customers and on the other hand Ford will gain more customers since it will be trusted as a good company unlike Volkswagen which is hit by the scandal. Ford is growing its markets in countries such as China and India which previously relied on Japanese and European vehicles. Ford uses app based services such as Uber which will ensure its vehicles are marketable (Anderson & Anderson, 2005). E commerce is on the rise thus commercial cars such as vans are on demand indicating that Ford manufactures and delivers these types of vehicles.

Ford faces a number of threats which include the popularity of Japanese and German vehicles which are more preferred. Nissan is currently competing with Ford in the sale of commercial cars such as the vans (Westbrook & Institution of Electrical Engineer, 2001). In addition Volkswagen is popular in production of the best electric vehicles compared to Ford thus many people would prefer purchasing the cars from Volkswagen instead of Ford. When fuel prices become low, manufactures of electric cars will suffer losses since people would prefer using vehicles consuming cheaper carbon fuels and this will affect Ford. Most people currently do not prefer using private vehicles therefore the sale of vehicles will be low thus affecting manufacturing companies such as Ford. From the research carried out, new technologies such as Uber will overtake the automobile industries thus the demand for vehicles will definitely become low which indicates loses to the car manufacturing industries.

Production and manufacturing of electric vehicles will decrease growth and productivity of Ford since most people prefer electric cars manufactured by Volkswagen which is a Germany company. The sales of the electric cars are less compare to the production costs which indicates that losses can easily be incurred. Electric vehicles are the best vehicles since they do not cause environmental pollution but they are not affordable and accessible to all people because they are expensive. The fuel stations for natural gas and gasoline are rare thus people prefer vehicles which pollute the environment because they are cheaper and fuel stations are readily available (Anderson & Anderson, 2005). The vehicles inconvenience people at times since if they are not well charged, they can end up breaking down due to power problems.

Effects of industry issues and trends on Ford

Most of the automobile industries are now manufacturing carbon free vehicles as one way of promoting and ensuring sustainable development through conserving the environment. Volkswagen started manufacturing the carbon free vehicles earlier than Ford did thus it has established its markets globally unlike Ford. Many customers prefer buying the Volkswagen vehicles which is a German company rather than purchasing the American industry vehicles manufactured by Ford. This affects the image of Ford to the public since Ford will definitely make fewer sales compared to Volkswagen which people prefer most. Ford therefore needs to establish itself well in the global market if it wants to outdo its main competitors who customers prefer most. Unlike Ford, Volkswagen was involved in the diesel car scandal which was a win to Ford since most people would shift and purchase Ford carbon free vehicles since it was not involved in the scandal. The current generation is not much into purchasing vehicles thus the trend will affect sales of vehicles which will impact negatively on the profits generated by Ford. In addition, most people would prefer purchasing cheaper cars which consume carbon fuels rather than purchasing electric cars which are expensive and need to be charged from home which is an inconvenience to most people.

Ford’s key strategies

Ford ensures that it manufactures unique cars which are relatively lower in price compared to Volkswagens prices which are a little higher (Bryan, 2002). Coming up with unique electric cars is a strategy that has enabled Ford make good sales. Ensuring that the cars are of good quality has attracted new customers and retained the existing ones who now believe in the cars manufactured by Ford. Ford ensures it has qualified employees thus customers are served in the best way possible and the organization is run by skilled and qualified top management who are able to make the best decisions which promote generation of profits to the organization. Ford manufactures hybrid electric vehicles unlike other companies which are environmental friendly and are unique. C-Max is the latest model Ford is currently marketing since it is a hybrid electric vehicle which is unique and is not suspicious unlike models manufactured by Volkswagen (Kimes, 2004). The vehicles help curb air pollution since they are environmentally friendly thus does not pollute the environment compared to those vehicles that use carbon fuels.

Conclusion

From the discussion above, it is therefore right to conclude that production of electric vehicles has ensured that Ford remains successful as it competes with its main competitors. The company manufactures unique cars which are purchased by people globally who believe in environmental conservation and sustainable development at large. Regardless of Fords threats and weaknesses it still remains a leading company since it has good opportunities and strengths which help overcome the weaknesses and ensure it remains successful in the manufacture and sale of vehicles, especially the electric cars.

References

Westbrook, M. H., & Institution of Electrical Engineers. (2001). The electric car: Development   and future of battery, hybrid and fuel-cell cars. London: Institution of Electrical Engineers.

Anderson, C. D., & Anderson, J. (2005). Electric and hybrid cars: A history. Jefferson, N.C:        McFarland.

Kimes, B. R. (2004). The cars that Henry Ford built: A commemorative tribute to America's        most remembered automobiles. New Albany, In: Automobile Heritage Pub. and             Communications.

Bryan, F. R. (2002). Friends, families & forays: Scenes from the life and times of Henry Ford.     Dearborn, Mich: Ford Books.

Nanotechnology application

Hypothesis

Nanotechnology mostly involves the manipulation of atoms and the molecules in order to assist in development of efficient and ever ready resources mainly for production industries. Nanotechnology has surely proved to be useful in the society mostly in information technology, medicine, energy, manufacturing, and environmental management. Nanotechnology has improved the livelihood and effective methods of productivity. The research hypothesis includes;

Has nanotechnology positively affected the medical sector?

Is nanotechnology useful in the modern industries?

Has nanotechnology been accepted in the modern society?

Narrative

Discussing nanotechnology will require ample time and resources such as the computers and laptops and to some extent physical approach to fully understand the usefulness and how it is applied in life. Nanotechnology is applied in many areas including the manufacturing, transport industry, medicine, energy, and in information technology. During this research I will use both primary and secondary data as my main research methods. I will use both qualitative and quantitative methods of research. I will conduct surveys and questionnaires where necessary, do observations and interviews as my major primary sources of data in this study.  (Ramsden, 2011). According to my research, the expected results include how nanotechnology is applied in every aspect of life, its advantages and what effects it has to the society.

Review

Information technology has applied nanotechnology in many advantageous and effective ways to improve the productivity and user-friendly environment. The current computers and laptops being used can perform faster and multi-task duties thanks to nanoscale transistors which provide ample space on tiny chips embedded in the computer systems (Ramsden, 2011). These chips enhance the storage of information making it efficient to store information of whatever size on the laptops and computers. During a system crash or urgent shutdown, the magnetic random access memory can save the data and therefore reducing the risk of loss even in cases in vehicles where the cause of an accident can be determined even when the evidence in ashes.

The environment is at the risk of being swept out together with whatever it carries meaning humanity mostly. Exposing dangerous chemicals to the environment is a risk that has since brought global warming to the surface of the earth (Ramsden, 2011). This is the reason a more efficient energy creating method has been developed where less gas is emitted and the use of natural resources has been applied to eliminate the chemicals obtained from gas combustion. The use of solar driven equipment and lighting is efficient rather than using fuel generators which emit dangerous gasses to the environment.

Conclusion

Nanotechnology has enhanced information technology through the production of efficient computers and laptops.

Nanotechnology has improved the energy industry through the elimination of gas emitting substances.

Reference

Ramsden, J. (2011). Nanotechnology: An introduction. Norwich, N.Y: William Andrew.

The Effect of Technology on Learning

According to Marshall McLuhan technology was not an impartial medium of media as it had an impact on the mental process of human beings (Greenfield, 2015). In order to have an understanding of the media through technology McLuhan developed a process that would distinguish it into hot and cold media. The hot media requires passive recipient such as radio and television while the cold media such as telephone requires participation (Greenfield, 2015). Cyber experiences are regarded as both hot and cold their display leaves nothing to the imagination as well as they command interactivity and participation. The notable difference between a book and a screen is the availability of opportunity to multitask, hypertext and a chance of engaging the brain training (Greenfield, 2015). A text usually has a well lit hard surface which is based on the concept of affordance. A thin, light, opaque and a porous paper are easy to grasp, fold, carry and write on compared to the hard one. Laptops and the mobile phone affordances are very different to that of a text.

According to Anne Mangen electronic reading results to poor comprehension due to the physical limitations found in a text that pushes the readers to scroll up and down resulting in a disturbance with a spatial unsteadiness (Greenfield, 2015). Better reading comprehension is brought about by a good spatial mental stability. A better understanding is significant as it enhances remembrance and the relocation of spatial order of the text. The visual capability is also affected more when there is a significant use of a screen compared to that of a printed page causing visual fatigue (Greenfield, 2015).

Hanho Jeong assessed the usability of paper and electronic books aimed at measuring the eye fatigue together with the reading comprehension with students in their sixth year. The book effect was more significant in that there was less eye fatigue compared the electronic books although they were more satisfied with the eBooks (Greenfield, 2015). With time most of the readers preferred to read paper books. The analysis carried out identified showed that the critical remarks by the electronic readers were based on the screens rather than the text itself (Greenfield, 2015).

Technology offers multitasking opportunities where individuals can switch from emails to instant conversation, texting while watching television or from one website to another. This causes shifting of attention as it is subdivided between the multiple sources (Greenfield, 2015). As a result of multitasking e-reading takes more time to complete compared to paper reading. Instant messaging has been found to have a negative relationship in the grading point and the time spent on Facebook as they spared few hours of studying.

Printed books have incorporated visual arts which tend to have a detrimental effect on the students as they tend to deviate from the path of the text reading. Reading at your own pace is important as it helps an individual to monitor and access their cognitive performance (Greenfield, 2015). There has been a decrease in sustained attention as people are adapting to the digital environment with an increase in a more screen-based reading behavior such as browsing, nonlinear reading, and scanning. Franziska Kretzschmar’s team assessed the brain wave and the tracking of an eye in order to identify the cognitive effort that is involved in reading. They were able to identify that many people identified that they preferred paper reading. Face to face discussions are beneficial in problem-solving hence a real student-teacher conversation in a classroom will achieve more (Greenfield, 2015). Despite the increase adoption of computers and tablets in school the conventional teaching method of pen and paper is equally important.

Reference

Greenfield, S. (2015). Mind Change; How Digital Technologies Are Leaving Their Mark On Our Brains. Random House, New York

Roots & Dynamics

According to the author, Dynamic System Theory is associated with behavior and biological system. The dynamic system is interconnected with action system and both works together to create the meaning-making (McConachie, Syler & Appler, 2015). The author asserts that in bio-cultural dynamic system, the spectator is able to interpret the meaning using culture and cognition.  He argues that, in spectating system, a person uses the approach of dynamic system to create cognition and achieve goals during performance. The author states that, the body and brain are used to create meaning in performance.  People use different perception which shapes the experience and dynamic cognition (McConachie, Syler & Appler, 2015).  He argues that the dynamic interaction can lead to misconceptions and misinterpretations during performance. During the performance event, people understand the cognition through neuro-cognitive resources which guides in meaning-making. In, spectating system mind, and emotions controls the system and both crates a linguistic meaning (McConachie, Syler & Appler, 2015).

 The film connects with authors ideas on Dynamic system and it explains the important of emotions in sense-making. The emotion is interconnected with cognitive process in order to achieve the goal.  In this episode, the actor uses emotional energy to provide a sympathetic response. The film consist general simulations and explains the nature of memories and emotions (McConachie, Syler & Appler, 2015). The spectator creates a coherent narrative through imaginarinary transposition.  In addition, the play performances are interpreted through social construction by the use mind and body. The spectator applies the Inter-modernism ideas which differ with Binoche’s image (McConachie, Syler & Appler, 2015). In addition, the spectator also uses self-reflexive concern to show the spectatorship ethics. In dynamic system, the spectator uses emotions to express his ability and to achieve the goals. The dynamic system creates the set of possibilities and supports the physical performance of the spectator.

Reference

McConachie Bruce,Claire Syler & Appler  Vivian (2015). The Roots and Dynamics of

Performance: A Biocultural Approach to Performance Studies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDiTRCRMuG0

Design and Planning of a Closed-loop Supply Chain (CLSC) Article Review

This article’s purpose was to address the upward trend that notably that occurred leading to more focus on reverse logistics and in accumulation to the forward chain. This because of all that have happened over the past decade the likes of economic benefit and social responsibility. This has led to a comprehensive review on the CLSC literature and reverse logistics (Pankaj, Debabrata, Frank, & Magnus, 2015). Majorly the outcome was expected to an effect by supporting a variety of the support in future research concerning what direction to be taken. There on this note the article is much centered on the design and planning of a CLSC in the presence of the mentioned three way recovery options and the buy-back offer.

One, this covers the process involved in the collection of the products that are to be used. The recovery activities of the CLSC program is dependent on the efficient and effective collection of the used products. Subsequently to realize this, introduction of acquisition and financial incentives played a big role. However it involved some study to understand the relationship between the process and the introduced incentives (Pankaj, Debabrata, Frank, & Magnus, 2015). Currently, the conducted studies about the TPRL network design hiccups and their association with quantity of the returns realized. The CLSC performance have been presently conducted in two cases. This is through the buy-back offer by the collection of used products. Similarly, through collection of the product collection without the third-party. Altogether the design integrated forward and converse logistics net which has a resilient impact on the presentation of the headfirst logistics and the contrary.

The achievement of the used produces over the buy-back proposal from the consumers which is one of important areas which is highly looked into by decision makers. Doing this is dependent on several issues which with description are clearly worth. Calculations for this are done and proof is done to affirm them. Optimization of the same in the presence of the three way discovery and buy-bark offer are also looked into and simply expressed in a summarized table (Pankaj, Debabrata, Frank, & Magnus, 2015). The way all this functions have been verified and quantification of undefined constraints using chance embarrassed programming. However the business capacity on the making policy and collection. To choose also there is a comparative analysis through third-party versus buy-back offers. This is quite a fruitful innovation with great impact on the dispersed demand for a new and re-produced products. This has really added on the way the market has viewed all products with respect to the reformed methods of creating the recycled products for resell.

Reference

Pankaj, D. Debabrata D. Frank S. & Magnus F. (2015). Design and Planning of a Close-loop Supply Chain with Three Way Recovery and Buy-back Offer.

Understanding Forecasting Techniques

It is true to say that businesses conduct their activities in an uncertain environment where they rely on forecasting to aid their managerial decision making. This has in a big way reduced the uncertainty they are subjected to. For this to be effective there are some very specific prerequisites that should be considered to get the best forecast. One, it must be internally consistent with output and capacity (Dwivedi, & Dwivedi, 2009). It should also be cost effective and timely where fore the forecast to be done some accuracy is to be sacrificed. This is important because it ensure security for the business facilities and activities. Most importantly the forecast should have a good sense of history to at least create some accuracy in whatever measurements and forecast is made.

Reference

Top of Form

Dwivedi, D. N., & Dwivedi, D. N. (2009). Essentials of business economics. Noida, U.P: Vikas Pub. House Pvt. Ltd.

Bottom of Form

HYPERLOOP TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY

Introduction

Hyperloop is basically a trade name as well as a registered trademark of the space exploration technology corporation (SpaceX) which entirely entails the transportation of goods and passengers in tubes. With this technology, capsules remain to be propelled by the induction of motors linearly and air compressors.  This is to say that it is a reinventing transportation technology which is aimed at eliminating all the barriers associated with distance and time through the use of Hyperloop transport in moving passengers and cargo efficiently, safely, immediately and sustainably (King et al, 2016).

Economic consideration

As far as this technology is concerned, what should be noted is that it comes with both positive and negative economic impacts. From the positive side of it, Hyperloop technology is in the position of ensuring goods and people are moved from one place to another safely, immediately and sustainably. This is to imply that one possibility of this technology is that it will spur even extra on-hand transportation options. Moreover, as an environmentally friendly means of transport, the Hyperloop will have the capacity of pulling cars off the road as well as planes out of the air hence keeping the ticket prices as low as possible (King et al, 2016).

Contrary to that, the negative impact of it is that not only the costs of the trains are extremely high, the operating costs of this technology is going to be high. The reason for this is because usually managing the train network is difficult and costly and in doing so efficiently is typically tough. Furthermore, the mass transit of cargo is does not guarantee the making a lot of money. This is based on the views that usually mass transit is perceived as being a public service hence costing money to run it rather than receiving it (Van, 2015). This then means that there will be the need of seeking government support so as to ensure that the project is viable and profitable.

Political considerations

From the political perspective, what is not is noted about this means of transportations is that it will end up saving costs as compared with the existing or conventional rail. The reason for that is because it has the capacity of coming up with combination of several factors. This is to say that, politicians assert that the small profile as well as the elevated nature of the alpha route will possibly allow the construction of the Hyperloop primarily in the median of the interstate, tunnels and so on (Sultana & Weber, 2016). Regardless of that, whether this assumptions remains to be truly feasible, it still a matter of debate.

Conversely, although the low profile is perceived as being in the position of reducing tunnel boring requirements as well as the construction expenses over the conventional commuter rail due to the light weight of the capsule, politically it is perceived that there would still be less right-of-way resistance and other environmental impacts because of its small, sealed, elevated nature as compared to that of a rail easement. It is still contended that the existence of a small footprint does not necessarily guarantee less opposition. This thus remains to be a bug to others rather than a feature (Van, 2015).

Nonetheless, political impediments to the general construction of the Hyperloop project, for instance in California, is perceived to be large. This then will mean that as much as there technology is under testing, it will be tied up with extensive or great deal of political and reputation capital which will be largely invested in it from such an existing mega-project like the California High-Speed Rail. Therefore, replacing the existing rail network with a different design would not be straightforward given the political economy of different developing states.

Social consideration

Regardless of the positive impacts which are perceived to be brought by the Hyperloop transportation technology, the low-pressure tubes are prone to such setbacks for instance being breached in certain rare circumstances. Such circumstances are brought by things like terrorists attacks, natural disasters like landslides and so on.

Moreover, socially it is entirely claimed that the quick re-pressurization of the Hyperloop tubes as well as the debris which will be carried with it will have the possibility of putting nearby pods at a higher risk of destruction. This then might require the general re-pressurization of the whole risk of the Hyperloop tubes hence putting it out of action for longer periods.  Consequently, since majority of people feel that the risks as well as the safety mechanisms which would be deployed in such an event remains to be a matter of public debate of this project (Sultana & Weber, 2016).

On the other hand, at a speed of about 280m/s, deviations of about 1mm from its straight path will add extra vibration and buffering with no provisions for space for commuters to stand, use the restroom during the trip or seek relief in case of motion sickness. Socially, this is thus an additional logistical and practical question which explores the best means of dealing with the malfunctioning of its equipments, accidents, or emergency evacuations (Woodrow,  & Grant, 2016).

Cultural considerations

Culturally, there exist various examples of depressurized tubes both in media and literature which dates back in the late 19^th century. For instance, Harry Harrison’s “Tunnel Through the Deeps” of the 1972 is an early steampunk book which ends up giving the explicit details about the working mechanisms of the Hyperloop transportation system on sea and land – which includes the entire usage of the underwater bridges for the purpose of floating the Hyperloop tubes across the depths just past the continental shelf.

Moreover, this means that the evolution of this technology or the transportation through the means of evacuated tubes dates back when the atmospheric railway never used to be a commercial success. Therefore, Elon Musk’s Hyperloop transportation system borrowed its concept from the name “fifth mode of transport” hence later termed as hyperloop because it was to move in a loop.  Similarly, the hypothetical high speed of this means would then be associated with characteristics such as free from collision, immunity to weather, twice as faster as a plane, energy storage for at least 24 hours and low power consumption rates.

Nevertheless, Gene Roddenberry’s follow-on to Star Trek Genesis II ended up making use of the same concept termed as subshuttle in his program so as to move characters quickly and safer from one place to another (Judith, 1997).

 Environmental Impact

Hyperloop communication system currently is perceived as being an environmentally friendly means of communication. The main reason for that is because it will end up reducing the number vehicles on the roads or air hence reducing traffic congestion. With respect to that this will be beneficial in the sense that the amount of crude oil to be consumed will reduce hence eliminating air pollution because of such fumes (Woodrow,  & Grant, 2016).

Despite that one, the main focus of some environmental critics is not only on experience- possibly frightening and unpleasant but also comes from not only the effect of travelling in small, windowless sealed capsule which is inside a sealed steel tunnel but also cause of its high acceleration forces, vibration and jostling and high noise which is to be brought about by the compression and ducting of air around the capsule. Some individuals also feel that although the tube will be smooth, there is the possibility of the ground shifting because of the seismic activity (Van, 2015).

Referenc

King, B., Lark, A., & Lightman, A. (2016). Augmented: Life in the Smart Lane. SG: Marshall Cavendish International.

In Sultana, S., & In Weber, J. (2016). Minicars, maglevs, and mopeds: Modern modes of transportation around the world.

Van, T. S. (2015). The advent of unmanned electric vehicles: The choices between e-mobility and immobility.

Woodrow C II & Grant C, (2016). Smart Green Cities: Toward a Carbon Neutral World. Routledge Press

Judith R. S, (1997). The Star Trek: The Art of Star Trek. Simon and Schuster Press.

Bright Light Innovations: The Starlight Stove

Introduction

            Starlight stove is a user friendly product that is developed by a group of people from the Colorado State collage and its market targets on those people who live in Nepal in places where there is no electricity. The stove has unique features that make it distinct from other stoves. It produces a lot of light after the thermoelectric generator converts energy that is used in cooking so as to produce electricity that is used in lighting a room for some hours. This paper therefore will focus its argument on the critical issues facing the sale of the star stove, the alternatives that the management can use and the recommendations that the company needs to implement so as to achieve their objectives.

Critical issues

The starlight stove is quite a unique product that makes it more competent in the market. The innovation and development of the starlight stove has led to much advantage in the market since the product is economical. The stove consumes less fuel as compared to the regular stoves and it also produces electricity from the thermoelectric producer (Pandey 2016). This feature makes it a better product in the market among the various competitors found in the market offering the same product but with regular features. This therefore assists the customers to save on their income since the stove is cost effective and allows them to focus more on earning money than spending it on heat production.  The management of the company is also the Strength of the starlight stove since the top managers are made up of professionals that are the engineers and businessmen. They have thus developed the stove with an aim of improving the overall quality of life for the less fortunate people.

            The company however, has some weaknesses that affect the operation of the company. One of the weaknesses is that the university that develops these stoves operates as a non-profit organization thus making it difficult to find finances to fund their operations as the adults in Nepal earn very little. Less than half of the Nepalese citizens are able to read and hence this reduces the number of potential customers. The company faces technological limitations and thus they are facing a lot of challenges as the management is using distinctive cultures with economic insecurity. Another weakness is on the setting of prices which is a difficult task by the company which is caused by the poor location of the business within an area where people cannot be able to afford the product. Product awareness is not available since the product is new in the market.

            With the increase rate of globalization, there are more and more companies that have emerged so as to seize the opportunity to involve them in the international trade. Therefore most of these companies focus on maximizing their profits and expanding their market shares. The Bright light: starlight stove innovation is one of the companies that have realized this opportunity and they are working hard to seize the opportunity so as to globalize their operations. Thus the company offers stoves that are safe for consumption by the consumers as it offers safe cooking with no emission of carbon gases in the environment (McKay 2010). Thus due to its sustainability in the climate it has enhanced the promotion of the new product. The targeted market in Nepal amounts to 89% of households that are in need of electricity thus the use of this stove will enhance the conservation of forests hence reducing flooding as well as erosion. This can therefore increase efficiency in terms of education as the children from these households are able to read using the electricity.

Stream and water sources in Nepal can be used to create micro-hydropower and the solar energy from the sun offers electricity in many households in Nepal with no additional cost poses a threat to the company. In Nepal there is the market segregation which poses a threat especially during the introduction of new products.

Alternatives

            There are so many essential factors such as the culture and the populations which should be considered and evaluated before the company can reach to its final decision. Social and climatic factors are factors make Nepal a strong market that is used to market and introduce the star stove business. Though the business has so many strengths and so many opportunities, its biggest concerns in the business involve the funding and the household incomes. The management aims at making profits in the business by selling their products at affordable prices so as to be able to cover a wide range of customers. The management is evaluating the option of micro-financing but they have to consider the fact that the Nepalese people have fixed income and this makes it difficult for finance institutions to give those people loans. The management therefore is focused on getting donations; grants and government support which will enable them carry out their operations. They thus create connections with other business leaders and Nepal government officials as well as other institutions that assist them to advertise and to expose the products and its benefits. 

Recommendations

            It is important that the Bright light solutions should ensure that they understand the difference between market planning and market strategy so as to be able to succeed in the market. Therefore it is recommendable that the company should focus on the market strategy rather than the market plan. This is because a market plan basically refers to a statement that is made for marketing strategy and the related time details that are intended to undertake a market plan (Jain et al 2009). Whereas marketing strategy primarily deals with the targeted market together with an interlinked marketing mix. With this the company will be able to achieve its goals that they set within the marketing effort that it puts in as well as the business objective that shapes the marketing strategy of the company. This will enable the company to identify some of the important strategies that would help them enlarge and increase their customers (Smith 2008). As seen, earlier it is quite evident that the company are having a customer related problems since there are inadequate amount of potential consumers who are unable to read in Napal. This is a great problem to the company as they are unable to make maximum profits due to low demand as a result of reduced customers. Talking to people through personal selling in Napal would be a good start of implementation of the market strategy as it will help in the creation of awareness to the citizens of Napal. This would also enable the sales person to make clarification on the product and can be able to make the people understand the importance of using the stove. Making of contacts with government as well as non-governmental officials will help in the advertising of the products of the company hence resulting to increase in the demographics.

            Observation is another form of marketing strategy that the company is commended to use. This is because observation is one of the practices that enhance practical demonstration and tri-ability which will create a more impression onto the minds of the people thus allowing them to buy the stove as they would have observed how it works. This practice is interesting and it helps reduce the confusion that is within the minds of the people on how the stove can be used to produce electricity. The company is commended to adjust their marketing campaigns so as to increaser the technological management that would enhance the company to launch their products in a unique manner that is better enabling in their success (Cravens et al 2006).

            It is also recommended that the company should have an exit system which they can be able to use when things go wrong in the business hence allowing them to stay in the market. The company should have a clear vision and should have a semi-permanent obligation from the top management. It should also focus on maintaining their business as a customer centric business as this will enable them to produce quality goods thus meeting the customers’ needs. Being customer centric will also entail proper responsiveness to customer’s needs as well as preferences and this will see the company booming with high profits.

            The company should be able to seize the opportunities that unfold to the company while they avoid the various threats so as to be able to overcome their competitors. They are recommended to continually analyze their competitive forces where the market leaders in the company understand the customer’s desires and needs so as to innovate things that would better meet their needs and satisfy their desires.

             The company ought to carry out the market research where they will be able to understand the trends in the market and the changes that would enhance them to be able to be competent and to delight their customers.

 In carrying out the market research the company will be able to realize some of the various market gaps and opportunities so as to be able to take advantage on them so as to maximize their profits. This will also enhance them to realize the threats that face the stoves so as to make changes that would enhance the sale of stove to continue thus avoiding the threat.

            The company is recommended to use marketing mix where the company will use controllable as well as tactical marketing tools that would help them to produce the desired product in the market. This will help the company to impact demand for the star stove product and it will assist in marketing plan and its execution. The company should also use the online platform so as to be able to market their product as the world is globalizing.

References

            Cravens, D. W., & Piercy, N. (2006). Strategic marketing (Vol. 7). New York: McGraw-Hill.

            Jain, S. C., & Haley, G. T. (2009). Marketing planning and strategy. Cincinnati South-Western Publishing Company 1985..

            McKay, K. H. (2010). Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Cluster vs. Single Home Photovoltaic Solar Energy Systems in Rural Nepal. Sustainability, 2(2), 494-504.

            Pandey, A. (2016). Path of Darkness to the Ways of Bright Lights. SM J Public Health Epidemiol, 2(1), 1021.

            Smith, B. G. (2008). Representing PR in the marketing mix: A study on public relations variables in marketing mix modeling. Institute for Public Relations, 1-35.

FIN-FET DEVICE

Introduction

FinFET which is typically termed as Fin Field Effect Transistor is a 3D or a non-planar transistor which is used for the purpose of designing modern processors. Initially, the designing of planar used to be built on silicon on insulator (SOI) substrate. Regardless of that, the designing of FinFET also makes use of the conducting channels which emanates above the level of such an insulator hence creating a thin structure of silicon which shape of a fin termed as a gate electrode (Colinge, 2008). It is this fin-shaped electrode which enables the operation of multiple gates on a single transistor.

On the other hand, what is noted is that the process of this multi-gate extends the Moore’s law thus enabling the manufactures of all types of semiconductors to be in the position of developing CPUs (central processing units) as well as memory modules which are relatively smaller, quick performance and consuming less energy.

History

Basically, the FinFET was initially invented for the manufacture of self-aligned duo-gate MOSFETS. The reason for this is because it is the one which was to be used for the purpose of addressing the need of improving the controlling of the gates in order to suppress DIBL, IOFF as well as process induced variability for the Lg<25nm. Moreover, the Bulk and the Tri-Gate variations of the entire FinFet was in return manufactures for the need of improving the cost and manufacturability.

With respect to that, it should be noted that the technology has taken 10 years for its manufactures to bring into existence or production of the 3-D transistors. With this success, it is realized that the multi-gate MOSFETs has the ability of providing a route or a pathway which achieves a lower power consumption rate and /or improved performance (Han & Wang, 2013).  Conversely, with this success, it is noted that further evolution of this MOSFET technology to the entire stacked-channel structure may typically evolve at the end of the roadmap.

Modeling

In 2012, the UC Berkeley BSIM Group ended up releasing a BSIMCMG106.0.0. This was perceived as being the first FinFET model to be invented. The reason for its manufacture is because, the BSIM-CMG was originally implemented in Verilog-A. Therefore, its physical surface potential based formulations were obtained for not only the intrinsic but also the extrinsic models which comprised of finite body doping. At its source, the surface potential as well as the drain ends remains to be solved analytically through the quantum and poly-depletion mechanical effects (Han & Wang, 2013).  The effects which come from this minute body doping remains to be captured through the perturbation approach. The reason for this in the long run is because it’s the analytic surface potential solution which ends up agreeing closely with all the 2-D device simulation results (Colinge, 2008). For instance, in case the doping concentration channel is low to the extent of being neglected, it then means that some computational efficiency has to be improved further through setting a specific flag for i.e. (COREMOD=1)

Nonetheless, at the end, the essential multi-gate (MG) transistor behaviors will be captured through this model. In the solution of the Poisson’s equation, the inversion of volume is included thus making the subsequent I-V formulation to capture the effect of volume inversion automatically. In the body of the MG MOSFETSs, the general analysis of the electro-static potential is the one which ultimately offers the model equation for the SCE termed as (short-channel effects). Thus, the additional electrostatic control which comes from the top/bottom gates or the triple/quadruple gate (end-gates) remains to be captured in the short channel models of this system.

Fabrication

A new complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) which is perceived as being compatible with the Bulk-Si FinFETs fabrication process currently has been manufactured. Comparing it with the contemporary fabrication processes regarding the SOI mentioned above as well as the Bulk-Si FinFET, what has been realized is that this modern approach is relatively simpler and less costly.

Thus, with any form of high performing CMOS-Si FinFETS, the fin which is isolated to the whole Si substrate through the oxide have currently remained to be fabricated through the use of this modern approach. For example, with low body concertration of about (1x15cm⁻³), the whole of the PMOS will end up indicating I_on/I_off ratio of about 10⁴ as well as a short channel behavior which comprises of a SS (subthreshold swing) of about 280 mV/dec or a drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL) of 258mV/V (Han & Wang, 2013).

Simulation

After the generation of a meshed structure through simulation, the next step is the simulation of the device. The simulation of the device is performed through the invoking suitable transport model. The reason for this is because the predictable drift-diffusion model which was typically used as the transport model was never sufficient when it comes to the capturing of the SCEs in the nanometer FinFETs and MOSFETS. The quantum corrections with is associated with the hydrodynamic model for instance density model nowadays has remained to be a popular model amongst the FinFET device simulation (101) researches (I.C.S.S.P.D, 2007). In sequence, simulation circuits which have multiple strategies which of course enable the mixed model simulation of the device.

What this means is that the individual FinFET device is usually connected using cables externally or else other circuit elements which in the long-run forms a netlist as well as combined transport equations which will be solved on the whole netlist. This is to say that it is this feature which will allow the engineers of the device to speculate the extent at which the device will.

Performance

With respect to the performance of the device, at the level of 22nm node, it is estimated that the superior electrostatic as well as the reduced junction capacitance in the respective FinFET would offer a 13-23 percentage reduction in its delay respect to the planar FETs (I.C.S.S.P.D, 2007). Nvertheless, the advantage which comes from this is that it is to be offset through the enhancement of the Cgs (gate-to-source or drain capacitance) in the FinFETs. In this category, the capacitance at the level of 22nm dimensions of the FinFETs  which determines its optimization can be limited  to < 6% hence resulting into the overall advantage which will be up to 17 percentage over the planer technology.

Market

With the market viability of the device, it means that still there are fewer player who are expected to be in the position of delivering the manufacture of the FinFET technology in some years to come. This is to say that there will be two dedicated foundries and IDM/founders (Jerry et al, 2013).

Moreover, in the next few year it means that that the only player in the will be the above. Due to the electronic shift in the market demand for the tablets and smartphones, the entire technology will be applied to the bigger duty unlike the technology itself.

Reliability

In respect to that, the thermal reliability analysis has remained to be the integral portion of the integrated circuit (IC) design ecosystem. With the existence of the FinFET technology node in the mainstream, the empirical models from its foundries will be combined with the whole analysis of the IC-package in order to gain the thermal profiles with the micro resolution (Jerry et al, 2013).

This then means that the reliability of its verification is regarded as the example of the shift to the entire thermal-aware signoff or analysis. Thus the package thermal model with respect to the spatial accuracy of the device is the one which has the ability of bringing newer levels of accuracy which stimulates passively cooled electrical subsystems.

Vendors

The leading-edge foundry business of this device is challenging. For its starters, it is noted that the foundry vendors will need to have diversified resources as well as the technical know-how.  Although it appears that it will be ultimately difficult to make cash in this business, the foundry vendors are currently making some extreme 16nm/nm FinFET processes in the whole market.

Besides that, the industry is still facing a lot of challenges at about 10nm according to the report from the industry itself (F.E.M. L, 2015). For instance, TSMC and Samsung currently are accelerating the whole of their perspective of the 10nm FinFET efforts.

Design issues – minimizing impacts

Due to the fact that the designers of the device are increasingly careless about it, the energy efficiency of the device with the quoting channel lengths is nowadays becoming relatively less relevant. Thus given the availability of the transistors per unit area, its designers will be motivated to the extent of using multi-processors at its lower voltage. The importance of that it is because it will obtain the same voltage at the similar voltage regardless of the number of processors at either low or high voltage (F.E.M. L, 2015).  

Moreover, it’s because the founders of this device desires to make the transition of the FinFET process smooth and transparent to its designing community. Thus the IP and the EDA industries of this device will be force to the work beyond that in order to understand the complexities involved in it. In other words, they will have to make the advantage of its area of benefit, power consumption, and performance while still obtaining the painless costs and the market quickly through the same process of inventing as well as passing it to its implementation process.

Power

With its rate of power consumption, its metric performance per unit power in designing the optional FinFET device as compared to the contemporary technology is perceived as being a better performance is association with its power budget or typically at lower levels (Colinge, 2008). This is to say that in terms of power consumption, it is better improved device as compared to the planar device originally used. Regardless of the wrapping of the gate and channel used around it, the FinFETs ends up creating a depleted channel which in return has the ability of reducing the leakage problem of the whole planar transistors. This results to a lower supply of voltage and threshold frequency.

Reference

Colinge, J.-P. (2008). FinFETs and other multi-gate transistors. New York: Springer.

Han, W., & Wang, Z. M. (2013). Toward Quantum FinFET. Cham: Imprint: Springer.

International Conference on Simulation of Semiconductor Processes and Devices, Grasser, T., & Selberherr, S. (2007). Simulation of semiconductor processes and devices, 2007: SISPAD 2007. Wien: Springer Verlag.

FinFET: Extending Moore's Law (2015). FinFET: Extending Moore's Law. LexInnova Technologies,

Jerry G, Fossum, Vishal & Trivedi P, (2013). Fundamentals of Ultra-Thin-Body MOSFETs and FinFETs. Cambridge University Press.