Research Articles Base

USING JAVA MULTIMEDIA IN THE WEB

Abstract This paper aims to answers the question “Developers tend not to use Java when developing multimedia application (for movies, sound, music, images etc) on the web. Is this statement correct? (Defend your case by using examples or other alternatives)”, through analysis of the advantages and disadvantages, as well as, the features of Java programming language in multimedia application. The solutions to possible disadvantages of Java are explained, and the writer opinion in regards with the topic is also stated. The conclusion the writer derived is based on the findings and analysis of the subject. Some examples of java-based multimedia application are also given for further understanding. Introduction             Multimedia is a concurrent medium used in presentation that combines text, sound, and/or motion video. It can be distinguish either from traditional motion pictures or movies, or possible audience interaction; which is usually called Interactive Multimedia. Interactive multimedia includes voice commend, mouse manipulation, text entry, touch screen, video capture or live participation (in live presentation). Interactive multimedia generally uses sophisticated technology in production and presentation than using simple text and images.             Through new sophisticated technology available, it is now possible to develop high quality multimedia content, in less time, and distribute it to a much wider audience using the Web. The Internet has become a tool in multimedia presentation. Today’s trend in Internet multimedia presentation uses Java programming language as a medium in delivering multimedia materials over the Internet. Java programming language is an object-oriented programming language that is not platform dependent; this means that any Java program can be downloaded and run on all platforms even without modifying the program to suit platform protocol. Java was developed and introduced by SUN Microsystems, and had become a widely used programming language for client and server processing over the Internet. It is developed and modeled after C++ programming language, with added feature that enhances programming such as “garbage collection”, which automatically free unused memory, multithreading, and the capability of a Java program to run using small amount of memory. Opinion on Java             The writer believes that Java can be used in developing multimedia application (audio, video and images) on the Internet. This is because of the powerful features of java programming language, making it an effective language for multimedia purposes. Java is originally designed to run in a distributed network, particularly the Internet. Programs created on Java are portable and is capable to run in any network that has Java Virtual Machine. Java virtual machine is responsible in interpreting java program bytecode into code that will be understandable in computer language or machine language.             Although Java programming language is generally modeled after C++, unlike C++ and other languages, java is robust and contains no references to external data. This feature of java ensures that an instruction cannot contain the particular address of data storage in other application or in the operating system; program instructions that contains either of which can cause the program or the operating system to “crash”. Even more importantly, is the fact that Java was designed to allow secure code execution across a network, even when the particular source is untrusted and may contain malicious codes. A client can download and run any java application, without the need to save and install the application to the client’s hard disk. Unlike C++, Java has no pointer and cannot access arbitrary addresses in the memory.  Also, Java was designed to make program coding easier and bug free. Disadvantages of Java ·         The major disadvantage of Java is the speed of program execution. This can be cause by slow and limited bandwidth of the communications channel and the added delay caused by the network browser translating the byte code. Compiling java codes can consume some time and java as an interpreted language has a major disadvantage when it comes to speed. Java can be perceived to be significantly slower and consumes large memory space allocation when compiled than other programming language, particularly its predecessor C++. ·          (1996) complains that Java lacks templates, overloaded operators, and user-defined conversions. The latter two, he points out, are useful for making a user-defined type behave like a built-in type; although this complaint proves to be wrong in the next years to come. Early versions of Java are predominantly a single-paradigm programming language.     Solution to Java Disadvantages ·         Speed is considered to be a problem in development of java application before. But due to continuous technological advancement in the Information and Communication industry, and with faster computer software and hardware available today; the issue of speed can be easily solve. ·         Early versions of java are indeed a single-paradigm language. However, as the years passed and java matured, new versions of java are now procedural paradigm. As the years passed java programming language is developed and improved to adapt in the changing technology and requirements of the growing market demands. Other Alternative Technologies Mac OS X (QuickTime)             Mac OS is Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based operating system developed and introduced by Apple Computer Inc. for Macintosh Computer Systems; which are also developed by the same company. The latest version of Mac OS is the Mac OS X, which is based in UNIX in terms of memory management and capable of pre-emptive multitasking. The new memory management system of Mac OS X, allowed more programs to simultaneously run and virtually eliminates the possibility of system and operating to crash.             QuickTime is a multimedia infrastructure that is developed by Apple for the Macintosh system. It was introduced in 1991, and can contain any kind continuous motion data such as audio, video, MIDI files, animation, virtual reality, Karaoke text and time-based information.             In addition, QuickTime also supports editing and playback of audio-visual data and streaming of multimedia content over a network. File format and streaming technology of QuickTime adapts MPEG 4 standards that relates to multimedia content. There are huge varieties of products available in the market that supports QuickTime authoring.             MPEG 4 was chosen by QuickTime as the basis of file containment because it was better and well-suited for editing than other file structure such as MPEG 1 and MPEG 2. Also Apple added additional support in QuickTime. QuickTime technology of Mac OS X is consists of the following: <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%; text-autospace: none"> QuickTime Player application, which is a media player. </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%; text-autospace: none"> QuickTime framework provides a common set of protocols for encoding and decoding audio and video. </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%; text-autospace: none"> QuickTime Movie (.mov) file format is an openly-documented media container.</li> </ul>             QuickTime is distributed free of charge or is a free software, includes QuickTime Player application, and can is not platform dependent (it can run on Windows OS as well). QuickTime Player application on Mac OS X or Windows is capable of: ·         Full-screen playback. ·         New movie recordings ·         Editing functions such as Cut, Copy and Paste functions; that can merge separate audio and video tracks, freely placing the video tracks on a virtual canvas with the options of cropping and rotation. ·         Saving and exporting (or encoding) to any supported codec by QuickTime. The latest version, QuickTime 7 includes presets functions for exporting video to a video-capable iPod. Writer’s Opinion             The problems mostly encountered in Java programming language are based on the early years of java. This is because to the immaturity of the programming language that such problems arise, but in today’s trend, where technology is at constant development and improvement, such problems can be easily solve.  The problems arise from the introduction of java to the market, but as the language matures more advance and sophisticated software and hardware became more available for everyone. The main problem is the compilation time of java programs, java is a compiler-based program, and to solve this problem, proper upgrading of the computers systems software and hardware can be done to solve such problem. There is no problem ion using java in multimedia application, the real problem lies in the user and the developer.             Apple’s QuickTime was first introduced for the Macintosh system only, but as the time past and the demand for high quality java-based multimedia application rise, QuickTime was developed to be a platform independent multimedia infrastructure. QuickTime has an extensive support to various file formats available, from audio, video, midi files, animation, virtual reality, Karaoke text and time-based information; it is a suitable multimedia infrastructure in a small package. Advantages of Java Java is a programming language specifically developed for client and server networked computing or distributed environment particularly the Internet. Although, Java is designed and modeled after C++, it is much easier and simpler to use than C++ and enforces an Object Oriented Programming (OOP) model. Java is an object-oriented programming language. Objects as part of a class, can inherit code that is common to the class.  Java applications can run on a single computer and can also be distributed among various servers and clients in a network. It can also be used in building small application module or applet, which is commonly used in a web page. Applets make interaction between the web page user and the web page server possible. Applets are executed at clients rather than the server, making java applet run faster. Advantages of Java in Multimedia Applications             Java is appropriate and an ideal tool for creating interactive multimedia applications that will run on the WWW, this is due to the reason that Java provides a means for downloading data and application software for displaying and processing multimedia file within the Internet. In addition, embedding Java applications (Applets) within HTML documents transforms a static web page into a fully interactive multimedia experience. Applets on Java Virtual Machine (JVM) within browsers allow safe program execution of interactive programs over the WWW. The majority of such programs are written in Java; this is due to the flexibility and interactive user interface and great potential of Java written program.             Java Media Framework API (JMF) is a component of Java programming that allows audio, video, and other time-based media to be embedded to applications and applets built on Java language. JMF includes real-time network protocols that can capture, playback, and stream various multimedia formats; providing a powerful toolkit in developing a scalable and cross-platform Java application. JMF supports multiplexing wide range of codec, players, effects, capture, and other multimedia control mechanism. However, due to the complexity of JMF, it is quite difficult to understand. Features of Java             Java has two main features which particularly makes it suitable in creating web-based applications and other distributed network. The two best feature of java is its platform independence and security features. Other important features of java are: ·         Platform Independence             Java programs can run on any platform without modification; making java            portable. This portability is because of the Virtual machine of java. When a            java program is compiled byte-code is created instead of executable file. ·         Security Java is a secure language; it is actually one of the first programming languages to consider security as part of its design. Java provides a secure execution of program between cross-platforms. In addition to these two best feature of java. The language offers numerous advantages to developers. Java is also considered to be: ·         Simple Java considered a much simpler and easy to use object-oriented programming language if compared with the other popular programming language. It is designed for easy use. Java is easy to write, compile, debug and learn than other GUI-based programming language. ·         Distributed Java is designed to make distributed computing easy with the networking capability integrated into the language. Distributed computing involves several computers that work together in a network. Writing network programs using java is easy as sending and receiving data to and froma file. ·         Interpreted Interpreter is needed by any programming language to run any program. The programs are compiled into Java Virtual Machine code called bytecode. The bytecode is machine independent and can to run on any machine that has a Java interpreter. Java programs are only needed to be compiled once; the generated bytecode by the compiler can then run into any platform. ·         Reliability Reliability and security go hand in hand. Without a reliable framework for program execution security cannot be implemented with any degree of assurance. Java provides multiple levels of reliability measures. ·         Robust Robust means reliable; Java’s emphasis is on early checking for possible errors. Java compiler is capable of detecting errors that would eventually show during program execution. ·         Multithreaded Multithreaded is the capability of a program to perform several tasks simultaneously within a program. Java is integrated with multithreading programming system; which is necessary in visual and networking program. ·         Dynamic The Java programming language was designed to adapt to an evolving environment. New methods and properties can be added freely in a class without affecting their clients.             Because of the capability of java in programming and the features of the programming language in terms of usage and performance; java programming language is indeed became a widely used language for various multimedia application. And also, because of the features of java in programming, the writer believes that java is well-suited to be use for various multimedia application developments. Conclusion             Java is receiving widespread interest in terms of usage, and it will undoubtedly become as an important useful internet development tool. Java supports a new programming paradigm, which allows programmers to create platform independent and web-executable program. Future development on web applications using java is very promising. Since the introduction of Java, major software companies (such as Microsoft, IBM, and Oracle) have been integrating Java programming into their web-based products.             Java in multimedia applications is becoming a common trend; this is because of the capability of java language in multimedia performance and its practical web-based nature. Java makes multimedia application easy and secured.             Java language has significant advantages in many industries not only for commerce but education. It allows students to easily learn object-oriented programming without complexity. It provides rigorous compile-time error checking. And it allows instructors to introduce students to GUI programming, networking, threads, and other important concepts used in modern-day software. Java introduced multimedia as an effective method for teaching; embedding both audio and video educational references in teaching. Java-based multimedia teaching provides an interactive environment that captures the logic of real-time education. Java is an excellent instrument for multimedia.     References: Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

USING JAVA MULTIMEDIA IN THE WEB

Abstract This paper aims to answers the question “Developers tend not to use Java when developing multimedia application (for movies, ...

Emphasizing Education on UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Emphasizing Education on UN Convention on the Rights of the Child     “We must care about the world of our children  And grandchildren,  A world we may never see.”                                                                       - Bertrand Russell     Introduction             The advocacy of UNICEF is to protect every child. They believe that each one of them are entitled to have water, food, shelter, clothing, health care, education and a safety environment to live for. The UNICEF supports the United Nations’ Convention on the Human Rights of the Child and works to hold the international community to be responsible to the welfare of the children. The convention provides a complete set of guiding principle that fundamentally shapes the way in which we view children.             The Education Department of UNICEF UK has regionally-based staff all throughout the country that provides free in-services training to teachers, governor and young people about the relevance and content of the United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child to their school and everyday lives as well as the children worldwide.             All children are entitled to have equal rights and they also should know how to perceive each right. They must learn to respect other people’s rights and value it just like what is being impose to them. But according to the conventions’ principles, the understanding of the children upon this issue may vary on the age of the child. In this case, the guidance of the parents is still very important as they are the one who can initiate these things to their children in a manner that they would appreciate and understand.   UN Convention on the Rights of the Child             It was in 1989, when the government decided that there should be separate rights that will be impose among children. The world leaders believe that they are also entitled to receive a special human right law because their need is not the same as adults do. The articles of the Convention may be categories into four set of guiding principles. First is the Guiding Principle, which represents the underlying requirements of all rights to be realized. This includes the non-discrimination, right to participate, adherence to the best interest of the child, right to life, survival and development.             The second category is the Survival and Development Right. This category comprises all the necessary things that a child needs in order to survive. Adequate food, clean water, clothing, shelter, health care, formal education, recreation, leisure, cultural activities and other information about their identity which includes their name, nationality and  religion.             Protection Right is the third category. This category includes anything that involves safety of the children. They have the right to be protected from harm and all forms of violence like child labor, child abuse, and child trafficking to name a few.             The last category is the Participation Rights. Even if there are still minors, they are also entitled to express their thoughts and opinions about certain matters that can affect their lives, socially, economically, culturally and politically. Their voice needs to be heard at a certain point. At the same time all these things would only be possible with the proper guidance of their parents. Their presence would be a great factor affecting the child’s idea and reasoning about certain issues.             At first, the conventions rights may seem to be complicated for children to understand. However, this is the reason why they still encourage parents and older persons to somehow devote more time on kids especially in providing them the things that they need and the things that they need to understand. The way they perceive things situations depends on their age. Of course, younger kids may really find it difficult to grasp the idea being impose unto them. Hence, guidance of the parents is one of the essential tools on how to make it possible for the kids to understand the rights implemented to them.   Ratification on the Convention              The UNICEF UK, being one of the 36 National Committees of UNICEF, that already extends their support to the convention. The United Kingdom also expresses their support by ratifying the convention in December 1991. The government tends to submit reports on the Committee to show them the progressions of the situation concerning the child’s right in their country. With this, the United Nation can easily foresight the activities being held upon regarding the welfare of their children. The report consists of three parts which focuses on the United Kingdoms’ growth on implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the summaries of the whole progress made by each territory and lastly the annexes.   Right to Education             Part of the rights being implemented by the UN Convention is the equality of the children to have a proper form of education. However, in this particular matter, there are many factors that can affect the right of each child to have a quality education. During the pre-compulsory school age, a child is already encouraged to go to school and have a formal form of education. However, in some cases, this practice is not applicable.             Number one cause is poverty. Children born in poor countries find it hard to enter school because of this insufficiency. Even the parents are incapable enough of providing something for there kids that’s why the children tend to work at an early age just to have something to provide not only for their needs but as well as their whole family. That’s why wealthy countries like United Kingdom can extend their help among these children as part of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child drive for free proper education.             Children who have also encountered such unfavorable phenomenon at an early age also find it difficult to enter school. Kids who have been a victim of child abuse, war and AIDS carrier cannot find enough confidence to be at a normal school mingling with other kids. It was such really a big burden for them not to have a normal life. The UN also wanted to provide something for children who have been a victim of devastating events like this and they want them to have a normal life again just like other children. However, this wouldn’t be possible without the help of the countries like United Kingdom.   Method of Education             The capability of each child depends on his or her mental capacity. In regards with this, a proper method of teaching should be imposed depending on the nature of the behavior of the kid as well as their manner of perceiving things. In the early 20th century, one method was utilized to help kids learn in a way that is easy for them. The Montessori Method that was founded by an Italian educator named Maria Montessori provides an easy way on educating children. The method stresses the significance of adapting the child’s learning environment to his or her developmental level. They discourage the traditional way of measuring the achievements of the child such as with the use of exams and the grading system. For them it will just damage the inner growth of the child. They focus more on the needs of the child and also advocates the child’s right.             This method of teaching is somehow appropriate to the children who have been engage in random situations of their life at an early age. With this they gain their confidence back and slowly they can adapt on their environment again.             Conclusion             Every individual deserves to have a privileged and so are the children in our nation. These kids are the descendants of the next generations that is why we should be able to provide them all the necessary things that they need while they are still young. The adults are essential in shaping their future, to become who they want to be and what they want to be. Let us not take things for granted and as early as now it would be better to come up with things that will further enrich their beings.             There are many organizations world wide that render this type of services, not only the UNICEF that was also part of the United Nations. It is the goal of the Convention to emphasize the worth of freedom among the children now a day because more and more minors are being subjected to a lot of things that they shouldn’t be engage with at an early age. In our own little ways we can help these kids. It doesn’t mean that we have to be a part of any organization, just ourselves is enough to help them. As the older ones, we serve as their guidance to the path where they want to go, the encouragement that we can give and the time that we can share with them while listening to their thoughts and ideas is a big factor that will enhance them to be on the right track.                                               References       Convention on the Rights of the Children. (2008). Encyclopedia,Retrieved July 8, 2008, from http://www.encyclopedia.com     Montessori Method. (2008). Encyclopedia,Retrieved July 8, 2008, from http://www.encyclopedia.com     UNICEF. (n.d.). United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child, Retrieved July 8, 2008, from http:// www.unicef.org/crc/     UNICEF UK. (n.d.). Unite for Children, Retrieved July 8, 2008, from http:// www.unicef.org.uk/           Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Emphasizing Education on UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Emphasizing Education on UN Convention on the Rights of the Child “We must care about the world of our children And grand...

EURO

OBJECTIVES As a person with knowledge of international finance, the author has always brought up to his superiors the viability of strategy formation regarding the analysis of this topic and at times fails to understand the reasons or logic behind certain strategic implementations imposed on it. By delving into this project paper, the author intends to have better insights into how the euro was thought up, formulated and then imparted down into the European continent. The author hopes to have an in-depth understanding as to how the introduction of the euro enabled European countries to compete effectively and profitably in this era of internationalization where competition is extremely intense. In order to reinforce the learning objectives, two key focal issues were focused upon i.e. innovation and diversity. Innovation was discussed with regard to the introduction of euro where it was renowned for its developmental capabilities to constantly innovate. Diversity came under strategic thinking and formation as the author considered the diverse culture, political climate, economic surroundings, social environment, technological settings, government policies and legal systems in order to better understand the issues being discussed.     EXECUTIVE BRIEF This essay utilized the euro as the model currency to review its present impacts and how it dealt with critical situations. From the analysis, key trends in the introduction of the euro were then identified, how it worked and its effectiveness in dealing with critical situations was ascertained. The paper then moved on to assess the euro with regard to its suitability to critical situations, during which the internal capabilities of the euro in relation to the strategy being followed by most European countries was determined also. An overall analysis of the performance and effectiveness of the euro was also conducted to assess and compare the capabilities of this currency with those of others. Gaps in the capabilities of the euro were then identified. Finally, several choices of strategies to strengthen the euro as effective means in critical situations were recommended and evaluated in terms of appropriateness to the issues reviewed, feasibility in carrying out the options and acceptability within the key stakeholders and decision makers. Several key implementation issues related to managing strategic change were also addressed as well.           INTRODUCTION The euro is the official currency of the European Union member nations. It was introduced in 1999 in order to contribute to the efficient and effective implementation of the policies and tasks necessary to satisfy the European citizens, workers and government officials. The introduction of the euro focused on the careful management of the processes involved in the production and distribution of products and services within the Eurozone (2002). More often than not, countries outside the Eurozone don’t really have the capabilities to compete against the strength of the euro. Instead, these countries engage in activities that various schools of management typically associate with trading with the strength of the euro. These activities include the manufacturing of products, product development, production and distribution. However, the euro deals with all operations done within member countries of the European Union. Activities such as the management of purchases, the control of inventories, logistics and evaluations are often the introduction of the euro. A great deal of emphasis lies on the efficiency and effectiveness of processes. Therefore, the introduction of the euro includes the analysis and management of internal processes.             The Euro and its Objectives   The euro’s introduction has four main objectives: A)   Remain one of the top currencies in the world. Being one of the top currencies enables the euro and the Eurozone countries to command the respect and confidence of other nations. Thus, the Eurozone countries are able to expand their operations through the continued strengthening of the euro. B)   For the European Union countries to gain more profit than other non-member nations. The euro currency that is being used in the trading process used all over the world is able to meet high quality standards. As a result, the European Union member nations which use the euro are able to earn more profit as against other non-member nations (Bhattacharya, 2000). C)   Build the best currency portfolio, with the euro as the international currency of flagship; and D)   Maintaining its independence. Being an independent currency allows the euro to continue its tradition of excellence in both its ability to purchase products and services by setting new trends and standards. In order to achieve these objectives, the European Union implements a strategy of selling a combination of local brands and international brands, but maintaining the euro as the flagship currency. The European Union also aims for broader positions as well as either the top or secondary positions in any market. Any of these positions would be enough for European Union member nations to deliver a high level in terms of production, marketing and distribution using the euro. Moreover, these positions create a platform from which the European Union member nations can sell or trade their premium and other specialty products. With a continued focus on the structures of the costs, the above mentioned objectives should undoubtedly be reached. The Euro and the European Union The European Union (EU) member nations experienced electoral and political transitions and crises following the introduction of the euro.  There have been at least four political trends that have emanated from these events. These are: (a) the cry for democracy and reforms in most industries; (b) increased popular and local-level assertiveness; (c) greater public accountability; (d) re-definition of the concepts of power and politics. Also, the forms of political economies have slowly shifted from a bipolar (big government-big business) to a tri-polar structure (authorities – private sector – civil society).               The implementation of the Free Trade Area, or FTA, which laid out a comprehensive program of regional tariff reduction in the European Union, will be continuously implemented in phases through the year 2008 ( 2003). Over the course of the next several years, the programs in tariff reductions were made broader. Efforts to eliminate non-tariff barriers and develop common real estate market standards were initiated. In addition, the European Union also was able to formulate framework agreements for the intra-regional liberalization of trade using the euro in markets. Industrial complementation schemes meant to encourage intra-regional investment were also approved. Long-term Trends Despite the adverse economic trends in the first half of the year because of the introduction of the euro, European member nations as a whole still experienced a relatively robust economic growth. It is estimated that the European Union, taken together, posted a better-than-expected GDP growth of 4.5% last year, slightly higher than the 4.1% growth that they achieved in 2002 (2004). It is a common knowledge that the euro is still a relatively new currency and is still in its early stages of development. However, it has shown signs of rapid growth and it is being estimated that there will be more entrepreneurs that will invest in various industries using the euro within the year. And it is further being expected that within the next years the tremendous growth and technological advancements will continue to help the prosperity of the euro. E-commerce and multimedia terminals are just some of the technological advancements already being expected. Therefore, the continued growth and development will also make it imperative for localization to occur in the process of the introduction of the euro in the years to come.   Short-term Trends There have also been social and cultural trends that have been evident over the last 12 months after the introduction of the euro. These include: (a) the irreversible rise of civil society against the restrictions; (b) the rise of civil society blends perfectly with a tri-polar structure of political economy; (c) the increase in the roles of intellectuals; and (d) the beginning of a period of introspection (2004). The creation of restrictive policies, commercialization, and protection has been a significant source of comparative advantage of most enterprises and economies and a major driver of their competitive strategies. Indeed, the European Union is fully aware of the pressing need for a long-term policy commitment to collectively transform the euro into a currency which is largely based on knowledge, driven by innovation and sustained by the active participation of all major sectors. The European Union has pledged to work together to help accelerate the pace and scope of euro policy formulation, euro commercialization and protection; to improve the regional framework of policies and institutions relating to the development of euro, including the development and harmonization of enabling monitoring and evaluation systems; to promote cooperation and dialogues within the European Union member nations; to strengthen euro-related human and institutional capabilities in the region, including fostering greater public awareness of issues and implications relating to the euro’s development. The Euro and its Impact on the US Dollar After the introduction of the euro, its exchange rate against the U.S. dollar was not very impressive at all. At the onset of 1999, the euro’s exchange rate against the U.S. dollar was at US.18, and even went to the lowest exchange rate of .8228 the following year. The year 2001 brought some optimism for European Union member nations because the exchange rate rose to a respectable .96 (1994). On the contrary, it was the US dollar that suffered a huge decline that year as the U.S. trade deficits increased tremendously. Modern economists and experts hypothesize that a significant decline in the value of the US dollar and a significant increase in the value of the euro would eventually result to a significant gain in U.S. exports and a significant loss in U.S. imports, as the US exports becomes less costly and the US imports becomes more expensive. Therefore, a significant decrease in the value of the US dollar makes foreign investment in the U.S. a lot less expensive. In the year 2001, in an effort to contend with the growing strength of the Euro, the US based its pricing strategies on several key trends that continuously shaped the global marketplace. One particular trend was labeled as “premium-tization” (1981). This phenomenon caused the polarization of different markets. This then triggered the consumers to demand and pay much higher prices for perceived quality. However, discounting in prices was also simultaneously taking place, therefore squeezing out the middle range. More often than not, the US business sector underwent internationalization which led to a tighter squeeze for shelf space. This in turn left the US as a winner. It is for this reason why the US valued the “premise sector” so much because this allowed consumers to try their products and services at low risk and price. In terms of growth rate, the US dollar had a disproportionate share of growth at an estimated 4-5% per year since 2001, as against the 2-3% overall growth rate for the euro. These rates come up as a result of both the rise in GDP among developing markets and consumer demands for higher value propositions, which is obviously dominated by international brands. Therefore, the US has to increase its portfolio and operate globally to become competitive against the euro. The euro practically operates on a relatively fragmented market, with the top four Eurozone nations accounting for 22% of global growth five years ago and only about 28% today. RECOMMENDATIONS The euro has been able to remain one of the world’s leading currencies since its introduction in 1999 primarily because of the execution of the European Union’s strategies to perfection. Add to the mix the euro’s mark of dedication to high quality of service and the formula for success is at hand. However, I am not totally convinced that the strategies that the European Union implements currently would be as effective as before. For one, consolidation and globalization are taking place across most countries and their currencies, and the euro is not excluded. The European Union has implemented various strategies to fully adapt for the need of the euro to become competitive globally.  I suggest that the European Union should implement a more sober approach to maintain consumer loyalty with their member nations. There is nothing wrong with building new loyalties with the other global consumers. But there are instances, for example, in the Netherlands, where the local market is often neglected. As a result, local consumers will tend to develop a bad impression about the European Union and its roles. While it is good to make moves to strengthen the euro, it is even better to keep and maintain the older and more established markets within the member nations. This way, the European Union will remain unscathed amidst the advent of consolidation and globalization. CONCLUSION There is definitely a need to reconcile both the inside-out and outside-in capabilities of the euro. While most of the European Union’s practices regarding the introduction of the euro involve focusing on the euro’s core competencies with market position following its resource base, the European Union and its member nations will be put into a disadvantageous position should they choose to neglect both the macro as well as industry environment. Therefore, the European Union has to be aware of the latest technological changes, as well as changes in political, economic, legal and even demographic trends in order to develop the outside-in capabilities, such as market sensing, customer linking, channel bonding and technology monitoring. The advantages enjoyed by the European Union member nations through the use of the euro currency may come in the form of increased revenues. Knowing what the market demands and the latest trends could help the European Union fully exploit its research and development capabilities to come out with economic strategies meant for the prosperity of the euro which are not only cost-effective but also high in quality and performance. This is how marketing communication can significantly contribute to the strategic management of the euro. The strategic option can even be used as marketing tool where the focus is on staying close to the European citizens and listening to their feedbacks. On the flip side of the coin, there will be huge mobilization of resources involved, and the associated risks bestowed on the European Union. Nevertheless, the mentioned strategic option seems the most practical in the wake of globalization, since there is a sudden shift towards a more integrated and independent world economy. The key stakeholders too should not have any objections so long as the euro’ core strengths are not threatened. By virtue of the European Union’s centralized control of its member nations, it is being expected that major barriers should not exist in carrying out such an option except additional time may be required given the scope and span of these operations.   The results of the analysis carried out on the introduction of the euro indicated very significant effects, even amidst the threats of unrest. Therefore, we could conclude that the value of the euro could still be expected to increase faster than average. The review of the euro’s capabilities and objectives revealed very little inconsistencies regarding the European Union’s strategies in strengthening it. This is coherent with its traditional inside-out approach. However, the need to reconcile both the inside-out and outside-in approaches becomes imperative now for the member nations of the European Union. The analysis of the euro’s impacts on the US dollar revealed certain gaps, most of which are biased towards the US environment. However, these gaps paved the way towards determining a number of recommended strategic options to secure the competitiveness of both currencies. Also, the European Union has to find a balance between adherence to internal forces within their member nations and to the changing forces of the environment in order to implement such strategic options.           Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

EURO

OBJECTIVES As a person with knowledge of international finance, the author has always brought up to his superiors the viability of strat...

Software project proposal_Tourism Website: Online Travel Agency

Tourism Website: Online Travel Agency Overview             The Internet is considered as one of the most important developments in the entire history of mankind. It had affected both in positive and negative way, many industries and sectors in different field, and tourism is one of them. On the other hand, tourism is considered as one, if not the most important industry in the world. It had helped many countries in terms of economics and social factors.             The Internet has a direct and huge impact over the processes and flow of information in the relationship of different important entities in the entire tourism industry. From the customers who are looking for plane schedule, hotels, car, resort and other important destinations, the Internet had enable all the tourism-based business and organization to be connected with their target or possible customers.             The Internet is considered as a powerful tool because it can help to increase the scope and reach of the effort of the consumer and allow a person to check thousands or options and even research regarding the different destination in depth. On the other hand, the travel agent or travel agency can help to make the Internet work effectively, by having a knowledge regarding the different questions by the consumer that will help to save the time of the consumer surfing in the Internet that will ultimately result in unsatisfactory manner. This is due to the fact that the travel agents have enough knowledge and expertise that will help the consumer to save time and achieve savings (Goeldner & Ritchie 2006, p. 186).             On the other hand, one of the main issues that pertain on e-commerce, particularly the activity of online payment focuses on its security aspect. The said feature is important in order to make sure that both the customers and the company are getting what they paid and served for. Aims/Objective/Assumption             The aim of the paper is to establish, implement and launch an online travel agency with important feature of secured on-line shopping that includes the payment validation.             The specific objectives of the study are: <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> To analyze the impact and significance of the Internet or e-commerce in the industry of travel agency; </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> To evaluate the importance of secured on-line shopping;</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> To tackle the different hardware and software that are needed in order to launch and maintain online travel agency website with the secured on-line shopping and payment validation features;</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> To identify the different procedures and processes that are needed to be done in order to use the hardware and software for user-friendly and customer-friendly website;</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> To produce recommendation regarding how to maintain safeness in online payment or e-commerce. </li> </ul> This study focuses on its assumption that the travel agency already has its company website; however, it is not yet implementing online booking and online payment system. It assumes that it already build its online design that is complemented with the corporate culture of the organization. In addition to that, the website is assumed to be a complex, with database, but does not use extensive or heavy graphics and sounds. Hardware and Software             Behind the friendly face of many websites is a sophisticated system of servers, hardware and software (Reynolds 2004, p. 61).             There are different hardware and software that must have, installed and used in order to make sure that the website will meet the demand of the customers as well as enable it to handle the different online payment transactions that will happen minus the hassle of data loss and other related dilemma.  Hardware Requirements             Server is considered as the backbone of any good website. It is a computer on steroids with a very fast permanent connection to the Internet and subsystems. The raw performance of web servers, application servers as well as HTTP servers, and the database servers are the key to the satisfaction of the customers as well as future scalability. Slow response times are considered as frustrating to the customer, thus can affect the entire flow of data through the transaction-processing pipeline (Reynolds 2004, p. 62).             There are different aspects that must be considered in the hardware factors of server such as the memory. It is important to install as much memory as the business budget will allow, particularly if more than moderate traffic from the get-go, it is also important to consider if the website holds lots of graphics and sound (Reynolds 2004, p. 62).             The space of the hard drive is also important in handling the different software as well as the web pages of the website. Due to the fact that the website have database, and holds different software and applications, it will be important to have larger drive (Reynolds 2004, p. 62).             The processor is another important factor; however, the general rule of thumb is to go to the fastest process that the budget will allow, however, it is important not to go lower than 233 MHz Pentium with MMX because it will cause limitation in the number of simultaneous connections that the web server can handle that will cause longer time to load each page (Reynolds 2004, p. 63). Software Requirements             Software that are needed are the web-server software, traffic analysis software and the operating system (Reynolds 2004, p. 63). In added security, anti-virus and firewall must be installed.             In terms of e-commerce software, the online payment system must be installed in order to handle the payment gateway services, online credit card processing, shopping cart software, flexible sales and order reporting, customer database, services database and automatic payment validation.             In summary, the website can use this configuration: <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Dell Pentium III 500 MHz that is equipped with 256 MB PC100 RAM, Dual 9GB Ultrawide SCSI drives;</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Windows NT Server 4.0 or Windows 2000 Enterprise, Internet Information Server 4.0, MDAC 2.1x and ColdFussion 4.0 Professional Server;</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Online Payment System.</li> </ul> (source: Reynolds 2004, p. 68) Development             The development process of this paper will focus on the integration of the online payment system to the current company website of the travel agency website. There are different factors that must be considered in building an e-commerce website. It is important to make sure that the design and development process of the company is following the wants and needs of the company as well as the different demands of each and every stakeholders. Choosing Hardware             Choosing the right hardware is also an important process in the development of e-commerce website. This is due to the fact that not being able to obtain enough platform capacity to do so will not only result in the slow site experience but it can also cause crash or loss of the current and potential customers.             It is important to consider the right-sizing of the hardware platform, and it can be done by understanding the demand that affects the speed of the site. In deciding about the hardware, it is important to consider the number of the possible users who are likely to visit the website and the nature of the online requests of the customers. In the case of the website, it had already been running its company website, that’s why; they will have ideas regarding its traffic (Luadon & Traver 2004). Choosing Software             Choosing software focuses on the different software that are associated with the server such as the architecture, operating system and other application software. There are wide varieties of application servers that are available in the marketplace, and there are thousand of software vendors that are providing application server software, that is why it is hard to choose the right solution for the situation of the developing website. That is this process is important (Luadon & Traver 2004).  Developing Design of Page for E-Commerce Aspect of the Organization             Due to the fact that there’s already a company website for the organization, it will be important to focus on the design of the web page where in the entire e-commerce transaction will take place. It is significant to pattern the physical design of the said page with the current design of the website. Integrating Online Payment System             There are different vendors of software in the Internet and in the entire business world that are offering online payment system that is easy to integrate in any website. In the situation of the online travel agency website, it can use the said features where in online payment system can be automatically integrate in the website, thus enabling to connect all of the other subsystems such as the payment gateway services, online credit card processing, shopping cart software, flexible sales and order reporting, customer database, services database and automatic payment validation. Website Testing             Once all of the steps have been completed, it will be important to test if all of the integrated software and added hardware are working properly. It will involves three types of testing: unit testing or process of testing the individual parts; then system testing by testing the whole website; and then the final acceptance testing that will be done by the personnel and management of the business (Luadon & Traver 2004). Implementation and Maintenance             Maintenance is considered as the most important aspect of any project and system development, due to the fact that any computerized system or website are never finished, because there are always in the process of change, improvement and even correction (Luadon & Traver 2004). Future Enhancement The Internet and other related technologies are changing over time that is why it is important to make sure that the entire Internet and e-commerce technology of the website is following the said flow that will help to maintain the competitiveness of the website. It is important to focus on different activities that will enhance the features and flow of the website (Luadon & Traver 2004).       Time Plan                 References   eCommerce Website Development 2007, eCommerceEduation.com, viewed 3 November 2008, <http://www.ecommerceeducation.com/Basics-of-Ecommerce-Website-Development.asp>   Goeldner, C & Ritchie, J R B 2006, Tourism: Principles, Practices, Philosophies, John Wiley and Sons   Reynolds, J 2004, The Complete E-Commerce Book: Design, Build & Maintain a Successful Web-based Business, Focal Press             Laudon, K C & Traver C G Building an E-commerce Web Site, 2nd ed., E-commerce. Pearson International Edition       Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Software project proposal_Tourism Website: Online Travel Agency

Tourism Website: Online Travel Agency Overview The Internet is considered as one of the most important developments in the e...

Sample Feasibility Study Introduction on the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police

Sample Feasibility Study Introduction on the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police

Feasibility Study 4.1 Introduction In this chapter, I will discuss every single condition laid down by John A. O’Loone...

Roles of an Environmental Health Officer in Planning

Roles of an Environmental Health Officer in Planning   Normally, environmental health officers are assigned by local government to advice on and enforce to the different communities the public health standards in their households and places.    Many of the health officers are employed in the private organizations and in the military service.  Furthermore, the most enthusiastic part of being environmental health officer is that the assigned person has the great opportunity to take charge for the planning, coordination and development of the workplace, in terms of strategies.    The role of this person is to provide advice on the important health strategies that are vital to prevent health hazards in a community.  Primarily, this person’s responsibility is to lead on the planning, coordinating and implementing control   strategy programs for sanitation and hygiene, in order to reduce the adverse health problems in the   households, different communities, workplace and the entire environment.  He or she is in charge of checking up the water safety, food safety, epidemiological studies, occupational hygiene, waste control management, vector control, emergency management, workplace assessments and radiological evaluations.  (http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/airforce/jobs/EnvironmentalHealthOfficer/) Moreover, the areas of employment of the Environmental Health Officers are normally in health support environments.  They commonly help the Defense Operations both local and abroad.  Most of the time, they are carrying out their tasks with minimum supervision from the higher ranks. Relatively, their working conditions are hazardous, that they need to wear personal protective devices in order to do their duties in the field.  They are also helping the ADF operations and disaster relief coordinating agencies during emergency cases such as typhoon, floods, and earthquakes along with other unexpected calamities that many people need all kinds of support from the government sector.  In the same manner, the Environmental Health Officers in the Royal Australian Air Force Active Reserve are well trained officers readily prepared for their major roles as one of the Air Forces Operational Units. They are responsible in the health squads and detachment departments, as well as in the higher command headquarters, expeditionary and in-situ combat support teams.  In Australia, ENVH are assigned to Reserve squadrons that organize their trainings and employment either in squadron or in ADF unit. They have the same duties, plus to manage the impact of military operations or activities in the environment.  (http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/airforce/jobs/EnvironmentalHealthOfficer/) Correspondingly, the Environmental Health Officers are the one who make sure that all high risk food businesses in the city are subject to investigation by them. They are required to inspect the premises of various food businesses such as restaurants, hotels, fast foods, kiosks, coffee shops among others   must be complied with the environmental health standards. Most officers from the Public Protection Service come on a routine visit announced or surprised visit due to complaints from the customers.   Being authorized by the government, they have the right to enter and inspect food premises during operational hours.  The officers are expected to be polite during their visits.  They are   providing the information about the food inspections law about food businesses in different areas. In view there of, the environmental health officers provide advice and help to food businesses to be informed and aware of the food safety laws and maintain a high level of food hygiene in the entire premises.  Similarly, if problems and complaints arise or something must be addressed in the business area, the enforcing authority can initiate action as needed, and in accordance with the environmental health policy. Besides, environmental health officers are the one who investigate food poisoning cases and give precautionary control measures to the community in order to prevent the incident to happen again. As a result, a food sample will be subjected to microbiological testing in the government health agency.  More than that, the EHO must be working closely with the local food businesses, to be able to ensure proper compliance with the establishments with the environmental health laws. (http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/business/4271.html) In addition, the Environmental Health Officers are in charge of reviewing vital information about the food businesses.  Every officer has the duty to know the scope of the business.   They must ensure that the food legislation is applied properly in every food establishment.  The officer is responsible for explaining the procedures and processes of food regulatory law among food handlers, contractors, proprietors and managers.  At the end of the inspection, the environmental health officer should discuss any sanitary intervention, to be able to correct any wrong food practice in any food business; as well as to recommend   further corrective practice for more improvement in the food establishment. Aside from this area, the EHO is also responsible in assisting different communities about drainage, air pollution, land, water problem and noise pollution in commercial, industrial areas. Likewise, he is also in charge of pest control management, health and safety at work, management control of infectious diseases in his area. (http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/business/4271.html) References: (http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/airforce/jobs/EnvironmentalHealthOfficer/)  (http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/business/4271.html)     Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Roles of an Environmental Health Officer in Planning

Roles of an Environmental Health Officer in Planning Normally, environmental health officers are assigned by local government to advi...