EFFECTIVENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Introduction

Environmental impact assessment can be defined as the process of assessing the environmental effects that may result from implementation of a project (Lawrence 2003). Environmental impact assessment can also be defined as an instrument of identifying and assessing the potential impacts of the environment as a result of the implementation of a proposed project, evaluation of alternatives and designing of appropriate measures that can help mitigate, manage and monitor the project and its effects (Wood 2003). Environmental impact assessment has been practiced by various nations and has gain popularity among different countries as an effective means of protecting environment. However the effectiveness of environmental impact assessment has been a subject of debate among various professionals and scholars. This report discusses the effectiveness in environmental impact assessment and how the process might become more effective in the future.

Effectiveness of Environmental Impact Assessment

The effectiveness of environmental impact assessment can be defined as the extent to which an Environmental impact assessment process is able to identify, assess and find various means to mitigate the potential negative impacts of a proposed project or development as well as how it helps facilitates environmental management measures (Lawrence 2000). The effectiveness of the environmental impact analysis therefore determines its success in protecting environment from the negative or harmful effects of a project implementation or development (Glasson et al 1999). This can be achieved through evaluating the alternative course of action that can help mitigate the risks that are associated with a proposed project. The effectiveness of the environmental impact assessment depends on various elements that include its ability to mitigate risks associated with environment pollution, ability to identify the effects of a proposed project, appropriate evaluation of alternative projects and proper and democratic process. These conditions can be realized if the environmental impact assessment is based on certain principles that can help it realize its objectives. This makes it important for environmental impact assessment to be based on certain principles so as to ensure its effectiveness. The principles of environmental impact assessment are basically some basic rules that and environmental impact assessment should be based on so as to ensure that it is effective and accomplish its goals and objectives appropriately.

2.1. Purpose of Environmental Impact Assessment

Environmental impact assessment should be able to come up with a specific and definite purpose so as to enable it realizes its objective. The purpose and objective of the environmental impact assessment should be clearly outlined and well understood by all the relevant stakeholders (Cashmore 2004). This can facilitate the effectiveness of the environmental impact assessment since all the stakeholders will be working towards meeting the purpose of the environmental impact assessment. The ability of the environmental analysis to have a purpose is therefore an important measure of the effectiveness of an environmental impact assessment. This is because setting the purpose of environmental impact assessment will make it to be decision centered hence facilitates its effectiveness.

2.2. Participation of the Stakeholders

The effectiveness of environmental impact assessment can also be realized through involving various stakeholders concerned with the project. For an environmental impact assessment to be effective there is a need to ensure that various stakeholders such as professionals, environmental experts, project managers, government and community are informed and engaged in the project (Pimentel et al 2000. Informing and engaging relevant stakeholders in the process can facilitate the success of the environmental assessment as they will work as a group in an effort to achieve a common objective. Again engaging various participants will ensure that different opinions are given and this can lead to provision of amicable solution and alternatives. This can help reduce the chances of the negative effects that the proposed project can have on the community and the environment. Participation of the government in the project is essential since it will ensure that appropriate laws and regulation are observed by different participants hence facilitates effective and efficient environmental impact assessment.

2.3. Credibility of the Environmental Impact Assessment

The effectiveness of the environmental assessment can also be determined by its credibility. This means that environmental impact assessment should be conducted in a professional and accountable manner. All the activities carried out during the environmental impact assessment exercise should be evidence based. The evaluation of the effects of a project should involve the use of qualified professionals who are able to give sound judgment regarding a project, its effect and appropriate recommendations (Glasson et al 1999). This will enable it to come up with accurate and reliable information that is able to help in mitigating the potential negative effects of the project in the environment. If the individuals involved in the environmental assessment lack appropriate knowledge regarding the proposed project, then it is likely that the environmental impact assessment will be subject to failure since they will not be able to identify accurately the impacts of the project on the environment. Accountability is another important component of environment analysis. The manner in which the environmental analysis is conducted should be open to the entire community so as to help sensitize the surrounding community. This can create awareness to the community and also subject the exercise to scrutiny from various stakeholders leading to minimum errors. This can enhance its accuracy hence lead its effectiveness. Accountability of environment impact assessment is also important as it will ensure that proper channel and procedure is followed hence help it realize its objective.

2.4. Transparency of the Environmental Impact Assessment

The effectiveness of environmental impact assessment in the United States of America can be realized by ensuring that the assessment is transparent. This means that the individuals responsible for conducting environmental impact assessment should not be biased in favor of one party or groups that are concerned with the proposed project. The individuals responsible for the environmental impact assessment should make all their findings and recommendations available to all the stakeholders as well as the community (Fischer 2003). Transparency of the environmental impact assessment in the United States implies that the government and various environmental agencies concerned with environmental impact analysis should base their recommendations based on the findings of the analysis. This can help avoid chances of corruption which can lead to favoritism or biasness hence compromising the effectiveness of the exercise. This can expose the environment to negative effects from the proposed project hence making the environmental impact analysis to be ineffective. This implies that an effective environmental impact assessment should be able to be transparent so as to be unbiased.

2.5. Practicality of Environmental Impact Assessment

The effectiveness of the environmental impact assessment can also be measured in terms of its practicality to solve the intended problem. Environmental impact assessment should put emphasis on solution of the identified problems. If the environmental impact assessment is purely based on theories, then its effectiveness can be hindered and this can make it unable to provide the required solution of the identified environmental issue that might a rise from the proposed project. Practicality of the environmental impact assessment can be ensured through developing appropriate policies that guides the processes and procedure involved in the environmental impact assessment. All the essential steps and procedures in the environmental analysis should be evaluated to identify the potential consequences of the project to the public as well as the environment (Brown & Thérivel 2000). This can be done by conducting various environmental analysis, research and experiments so as to determine the practical consequences of the project on the environmental. For this to be achieved, the United States should be able to have policies that are capable of monitoring the process of the environmental analysis so as to ensure that the potential danger imposed on the environment as a result of a proposed project is mitigated or avoided.

2.6. Environmental Impact Assessment Should Be Adaptive

The environmental impact assessment should be able to adapt to any given condition or situations. This implies that environmental impact assessment should be flexible and able to conform to the prevailing conditions and situations so as to be able to solve the identified problems (Jay et al 2007). Rigid environmental impact assessment cannot be able to identify the problems under different conditions. The procedure followed when conducting environmental impact assessment should depend on the nature of the projects and its impacts on the environment. For example, when United States are interested in conducting environmental impact assessment associated with establishing a nuclear plant, then the procedure followed should be adjusted to suit the nuclear assessment needs. This can be significantly different from an environmental analysis that is conducted to establish the effects of constructing geothermal power in the country. In other words the two projects are having different consequences in the environment hence the environmental impact assessment conducted should be able to solve the unique problem associated with each project. This can enable the environmental impact assessment to come up with appropriate strategies that can help mitigate the negative environmental impacts imposed by the proposed project.

2.7. Environmental Impact Assessment Should Be Rigorous

The effective environmental impact assessment should be extremely exhaustive, thorough and accurate. It should be able to apply the best practicable science to enable it cover all the aspects of the project so as to identify all the possible effects of a particular project to the environment (Colvin 2003). This implies that the assessment of the impact of the proposed project to the environment should consider both negative and positive effects of the project. The causes of the negative effects as well as various available alternatives should also be determined. The exercise should also cover wide topics and areas by involving professionals with adverse academic backgrounds so as to help identify various effects of the project to the environment. Having a rigorous environmental impact assessment can enhance its effectiveness as it will help identify all the possible effects of the proposed project hence come up with appropriate recommendation that can reduce negative environmental effects. This can also be enhanced by allocating adequate time for the environmental impact assessment so as to allow for experimentation of the effects of the project on the environment. Allocating adequate time for the environmental impact analysis can make it possible for the individuals involved in the environmental impact assessment to come up with recommendation that are practicable and effective as well as based on experimentation.

2.8. Interdisciplinary Approach of Environmental Impact Assessment

One of the major characteristics of the environmental impact assessment is that it covers a wide area and involves a number of issues that cannot be handled with professionals from a single academic background (Finnveden & Moberg 2005). For example, an environmental impact assessment of a chemical plant in the United States can be achieved by engaging various professionals such as engineers, scientist, accountants and environmentalist among other professionals. This can allow for the identification of all the possible consequences of the chemical plants hence enables the assessment to come up with appropriate recommendations that can help mitigate the negative environmental effects that a rise as a result of establishing the chemical plant in the United States. Effective environmental assessment should therefore be able to employ both bio physical and social sciences so as to provide appropriate solution hence protects the environment from negative effects as a result of a proposed project (Trtanj 2000).

The Future of the Environmental Impact Assessment

Many countries have not been able to realize the full effectiveness of the environmental impact assessment. This implies that there is potential danger imposed on the environment as a result of various implementation and development of projects (Patz et al 2000). Since the current global world is characterized with various projects due to rapid industrialization, there is significant potential danger to the world’s environments. This make it necessary for countries around the world as well as various environmental agencies to come up with appropriate ways of ensuring that the future environmental impact assessment is effective.

The future environment impact assessment should be designed in a way that ensures that they are able to prevent the environment from any negative effects as a result of a proposed project. This can be achieved by identifying the root causes of the negative environmental effects and providing solution that helps reduce or mitigate them. The environmental impact assessment should therefore prevent the any environmental nuisance from the source instead of trying to deal with their effects. It should also be able to recognize the need of taking effects on the environment at the earliest time possible (Morris & Therivel 2001). This can be achieved by identifying all the possible effects at all the stages of the project such as from technical planning stage and the decision making processes.

The future environmental impact assessment should be able to address some of the current weaknesses that are associated with the process of environmental impact assessment. Some of the common weaknesses on environmental impact assessment include technical weaknesses, procedural weaknesses, structural weaknesses and weaknesses associated with frameworks and follow up processes (UNECE 1998). The effectiveness of the future environmental impact assessment should therefore be aimed at addressing these weaknesses that are associated with its implementation. This can ensure that future environmental impact assessment meets its aims and objectives through identification of the potential negative impacts to the environment and also developing appropriate strategies to mitigate the negative effects on the environment.

3.1. Enacting Appropriate Legislation and Laws

The legislation regarding the framework of environmental impact assessment in the United States is still not adequate enough to address all the issues of environment. The United States should be able to establish strict rules and regulation that will ensure that individuals conducting environmental impact assessment are competent and adheres to specified procedures and rules. The established legislation should also ensure that all appropriate steps are followed in the process of conducting environmental impact assessment so as to avoid any error that might make the exercise to be ineffective. Future legislation of the environmental impact analysis should come up with a unique framework that outlines all the procedure that should be followed as well as elements to be covered during the process of the environmental impact analysis (Ortolano 1997). The legislation should include the role played by the civil society, non-governmental organizations and various environmental agencies. This will allow public scrutiny of the process hence enable the process to be transparent and accountable to the general public.

3.2. Public Participation and Consultation

The future environmental impact assessment in the United States should be able to engage the general public and various experts. Public participation will enable the public interest to be considered in the proposed project. This will facilitate understanding between the public, governments and various environmental agencies involved in the environmental impact assessment (Tukker 2000). The corporation of the various stakeholders of the project can facilitate the success of the environmental impact assessment in the United States hence reduce the negative effects imposed to the environment by a given project.

3.3. Monitoring and Post Project Analysis

To ensure that future environmental impact assessment in the United States is effective, there should be constant monitoring of the process by the relevant government authority. Lack of monitoring of the activities of environmental impact assessment has contributed significantly to failure of various environmental impact assessments in the United States leading to the pollution and degradation of the environment. An independent body should be created in the United States to help monitor the activities of all the environmental impact assessment and ensure that they conform to the stipulated requirement and rules. This can be achieved through monitoring of the processes at all its stages. There should also be adequate post project analysis to ensure that the project complies with recommendation of the environmental impact analysis. Post project analysis can also be used to monitor any deviation of the projects from its core objectives hence helps to rectify the mistakes before the occurrence of negative environmental impacts (Arts et al 2001). Post project analysis is also important since it can be used to help in identifying mistakes of a given environmental impact analysis hence devise appropriate procedure for the future environmental impact assessment.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of the environmental impact assessment is significant in the determination of the success of the environmental impact assessment. An effective environmental impact assessment should be able to identify all the possible effects of a proposed project and come up with appropriate recommendation that can help mitigate the negative environmental effects. The effective environmental impact analysis should therefore be able to identify the causes of environmental pollution that can be caused by the proposed project. It should also be able to identify all the alternative projects that could be able to reduce the negative environmental effects. It is therefore the responsibility of the governments of various countries to come up with appropriate legislation that can help protect the environment from harmful effects of proposed projects. This can be achieved by developing and implementing policies that can encourage effective environmental impact assessment.

Reference Lists

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A Product’s Timeline

A Product’s Timeline

Product

Nokia began as a production plant for papers and grew to become a global mobile phones leader. Nokia has experienced several turbulent years in a bid to come up with an iPhone-killer as well as defeat Samsung and Apple in the smartphone era. This paper aims at discussing the timeline for Nokia phones and the developments or changes that the phone has gone through.

Timeline

1963: the first venture into the telecommunications market involved the manufacture of radio phones that were used by emergency responders and the army.

1982: the first car, Mobira Senator, was introduced.

1987: the company introduced the Mobira Cityman, the first mobile that could be held by a hand. It weighed 1.7 pounds.

1992: the company offered the first handheld digital phone for GSM that became the digital mobile technology’s standard in Europe in 1987.

1994: The Nokia Company introduced 2110 (Charlesworth, 2009). This was the first mobile phone to carry the company’s signature ringtone. This was made famous later by Dom Joly’s Trigger Happy TV antics.

1999: 3210 was released. This phone is acknowledged to be among the most successful and popular phones throughout history. 160 million units of the phone were sold.

Nokia also launched Nokia 7110. This is a mobile phone that had the capability of elementary web-based functions, the email included.

2000: Nokia 3310 was released. This phone has arguably received the largest cult mobile phone status. Even in the present day, this phone is still acclaimed largely.

2001: in November, the company launched the 1^st mobile phone that had a built-in camera; Nokia 7650 (Charlesworth, 2009).

2002: in September, Nokia 3650 was released and it had the ability to capture videos. the company released the 1^st 3G phone, Nokia 6650. This phone enabled its users to browse the internet, watch TV, and download music.

2003: the company launched the Nokia 1100 handset. More than two hundred million units were shipped, which made the mobile phone the best selling of all times. Moreover, it became the globe’s top-selling electronic product for consumers.

2005: The Nokia Company introduced the N-series SmartPhone. This allowed the users to take pictures, listen to music, access the internet, and play games. The N91, N90, and N70 were the 1^st three phones of this series. Globally, the company sold one billion mobile phones.

2011: the company launched the 1^st Windows Phones, Nokia Lumia 800. This was the first Windows phone that targeted the Smartphone marketplace’s high-end.

Nokia Lumia 710 was also released in 2011, October (Charlesworth, 2009).

2012: The Nokia Company released Lumia 920. It refers this as the novel Windows Phone 8 OS (Operating System)’s ‘flagship.’ Before Nokia Lumia 920, there was Nokia 520. After Lumia 920, there was Lumia 1020 that was identified as groundbreaking since it enables photography that has never been seen before from a SmartPhone.

2013: the company prioritized in the Asha devices’ line (Charlesworth, 2009). These phones are acknowledged as affordable. In addition, they offer a localized, compelling experience, intuitive user interface, and a great design. These phones are bestsellers in many nations globally.

The timeline that has been discussed above can be likened to the following pictorial timeline;

From the foregoing discussion, it is evident that the Nokia phone is a product that has undergone through an entirely transformational timeline. The present Nokia mobile phones allow people to do numerous things.

Reference

Charlesworth, A. (2009). The ascent of smartphone. Engineering & technology, 4(3), 32-33.

Cryptographic Export Issues

Introduction about Cryptography Export

Cryptography is part of science that deciphers and analyses ciphers, codes and cryptograms. This is more about converting codes to a language considered ordinary and readable. Cryptographic exports involve the transfer of cryptography technology to other countries from the United States. Surveys indicated that since the World War II, the US has regulated export of cryptography. It is not only the US that regulates the export of cryptography, nations allied to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has set the same regulations for security reasons. Cryptography in the US has been considered as an Auxiliary Military Technology according to the 1992 United States Munitions List thus necessitating the regulation of its export.

Issues on Cryptographic Export

Cryptography in the traditional setup has been connected to military intelligence, many governments including United States has a believe that cryptography has a capability of making it hard to gather information related to terrorists and criminal activities, a model that could contribute to difficulty in enforcing law and order. United States restrict use of cryptography as matter of national interest. Legal issues involving cryptography are attached to export control issues, import control issues and on patent related issues.

Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security

Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security has the mandate of controlling exports of cryptography that is non military. The body was given the powers in 2009 (Ferguson et al., 2010). Restrictions exist in the use of cryptography in the mass market particularly focusing on states that harbor terrorist groups. An export license must be obtained for custom cryptographic software, TEMPEST approved electronics, cryptographic consulting services and for militarized encryption equipments (Ferguson et al., 2010).

Other regulations exist for mass market encryption software, commodities and components with sixty four bits encryption that must be registered with the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (Gaines, 2009). Security agents in the United States also facilitate reviews of products and services prior to the exportation. Nations taking part in the Wassenaar Arrangements have similar restrictions, which are complex (Gaines, 2009). However, export regulations on cryptography in many nations are weak as compared to the standards preset in 1996 (Gaines, 2009).

(EAR) Export Administration Regulations

The US non military exports of cryptography are regulated under the (EAR) Export Administration Regulations, which is a short form of the CFR (United States Code of Federal Regulations), which is in the constitution under title fifteen, chapter seven and in sub-chapter C. The Department of State on the United States Munitions List controls all cryptography adapted, configured, designed, modified, and developed for control, command and intelligence applications in the US military (Schneier, 2006).

World War II and Cold War

World War II used cryptanalysis in the transfer of critical military information. Regulations on cryptography focus on denying other nations the technology to decrypt the information; this is part of the strategy to manage threats emanating from potential and current enemies. Such management of information to available to the enemies is influential in defining the value of a military (Gaines, 2009). Cryptography was used by the US among other developed nations in monitoring communications in diplomatic relations particularly with the emerging nations during the post-colonial period. Military information was considered critical in transferring information with issues relating to the cold war.

During the cold war, the United Kingdom and the US had advanced and complex cryptography capabilities compared to other nations. At the time, it was argued that controlling cryptography by the intelligence agencies was critical in the communication processes to prevent third parties from reading the information transmitted since cryptography offered advanced encrypting techniques (Ferguson et al., 2010). The first amendment to the laws made it very difficult for the citizens to engage with the new technology. Cryptography was mainly used by the government in military and development programs where other people could not access critical information. Control of cryptography was not under the influence of the US constitution at that time.

Laws and Regulations on Cryptography in the U.S.

Regulations on cryptography were put in place to strengthen munitions controls. Individuals and organizations exporting cryptography must have licenses and a description on how cryptography will be used. Regulations on cryptography later made it illegal to export technology and devices that related to cryptography (Gaines, 2009). Export of cryptography is allowed on a case by case basis where individuals and organizations exporting cryptography must define the desired application of the technology.

The US government believed that setting cryptography free would result to individuals and organizations accessing government communications, which would not be in the best interests of the nation. Asymmetric key and DES (Data Encryption Standard) techniques faced changes with the advent of the internet (Schneier, 2006). The invention of the internet is believed to have roots in the 1960s and 1970s when cryptography was engaged. The policy on cryptography took a new turn in the 1990s where the government relaxed controls on the use of cryptography not related to military applications. Such relaxation of controls was also observed in other parts of the developing nations.

National Security Agency (NSA) in the United States in the late 1990s expressed concerns with the use of cryptography in the public limelight. It was argued that Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) would be compromised (Katz & Lindell, 2007). SIGINT focuses on gathering information from people and organizations from the traffic analysis, which is part of the intelligence cycle management. NSA believed that public cryptography would facilitate terrorist groups and foreign groups to gather critical information about the United States.

Additional case for regulation of cryptography has been advanced on the aspect of standardization of communication across the world which may lead to ease assess of security information. The US has invested heavily on the American cryptography software and publicizing the software would result to a standard model of communication in many governments around the world (Paar, 2011). The government felt that publicizing the American cryptography could thus jeopardize its national interests (Ferguson et al., 2010).

Encryption in the 21^st century

Encryption in the modern era has been publicized. The twenty first century is characterized by diverse sources of information resulting from the computer technology and telecommunications among other sources. Information may have extraordinary meaning and value depending on context. Robust encryption in the modern era is critical in safeguarding data. Law enforcement stakeholders have indicated that application of encryption in safeguarding data is not disputed particularly in the context of threats posed by unauthorized access to information in the twenty first century (Katz & Lindell, 2007). Professionals in the information security argue that encryption is necessary in stored data and also in contemporaneous communications (Katz & Lindell, 2007).

In cases where encryption is not used, chances are that third parties may access the data, which could have negative effects to national security and public safety. Law enforcement officers over the decades have argued that widespread application of the robust non key recovery encryption in a number of way compromises the fight against terrorism and crime (Ferguson et al., 2010). It is argued that unreachable encryption is used by the terrorist groups, drug dealers, spies and gangs in facilitating impunity through one to one communication with other groups with similar intentions. It is argued that the deteriorating safety concerns in the US may be as a result of public encryption, where groups with ill intentions have managed to develop platforms of communications that escape the law enforcers monitoring.

Conclusion

Encryption presents challenges and opportunities to the US depending on how the technology is used. The law enforcement community in the US is working to develop a more reliable communication channel as a way of curbing the rising crimes in the region. Cryptographic is considered critical on issues pertaining to the security of the US. It can be used to ensure safe communication of government information. However, public encryption may be used by criminals to facilitate their activities. Users of cryptography are encouraged to make sure that the product has complied with the regulations in the United States, for security reasons and also for legal compliance. In cases of doubts, individuals and organizations are encouraged to consult legal counsel to acquire proper guidance on the best cryptography, which binds with the laws and regulations in the land. Laws on cryptography are very complex and keep on changing with jurisdictions.

References

Ferguson, N. et al. (2010). Cryptography Engineering: Design Principles and Practical Applications. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Gaines, H. F. (2009). Cryptanalysis: A Study of Ciphers and Their Solution. Mineola, New York: Dover Publications.

Katz, J. & Lindell, Y. (2007). Introduction to Modern Cryptography: Principles and Protocols. London: Chapman and Hall/CRC.

Paar, C. (2011). Understanding Cryptography. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer.

Schneier, B. (2006). Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and Source Code in C . Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

FIN 301 Case 5-American Superconductor

Introduction

American Superconductor Corporation is a world leader in the development of solutions and manufacture of products using superconductor wires and power electronic converters for electric power generation and distribution. American Superconductor Corporation’s products and solutions improve its client’s efficiency, costs and reliability of systems that are utilized in electric power infrastructure. The company was founded in 1987 and its registered office and headquarters are based in Westborough, Massachusetts in the United States of America (PR Newswire, 2003; Esposito, 2003). The Corporation’s products and solutions including those sold by its business associates using its solutions and products are known to conserve resources used in electric power production, dramatically increase reliability and bandwidth of power delivery grids and reduce clients manufacturing and operating costs (http://www.amsuper.com). The company has made patent applications and obtained licenses covering technologies instrumental to revolutionizing electricity usage in the world and has patented more than 500 vertically integrated portfolios of products in this regard. American Superconductor’s main products include advanced power electronic systems that guarantee reliability and quality of electricity for residential, commercial and industrial customers, HTS motors and generators for ship propulsion, High Temperature superconductor wires for electric power infrastructure and industrial and medical processing applications solutions and products (www.amsuper.com; Esposito, 2003).

Analysis of debt versus equity financing

In the financial year 2003, the then American Superconductor Corporation’s chief executive officer, Gregory J. Yurek, announced that the company under the then prevailing market conditions had decided to forego its earlier decision to finance its future business operations using secured debt and was instead going to use equity financing. The secured debt financing package was to be made up of a $ 10 million credit facility extended by the firm’s bankers, subordinated notes of $ 10 million and financing from three institutional investors totaling $ 30 million (Esposito, 2003). This decision by the company to either use debt or equity financing to finance future business operations was an important decision that must have been made after careful analysis of the risks involved (Chiang & Hanke, 2010). Debt financing involves payment of scheduled installments to the lenders as per agreed lending terms. Debt financing in most cases involves creation of a security interest over a company’s specific asset portfolio which may limit their future use during the tenure of the debt instruments. In the case of American Superconductor Corporation; had the firm chosen debt financing, one of the lending terms and conditions could have been creation of a legal charge over several prime assets such as prime land which may have included the land on which it operated on(Young, 2007). This would have meant that the company could not charge the land to any other lender without knowledge and permission of the secured creditors to secure additional financing (Esposito, 2003).

Another important condition would have been that the secured debt providers would have insisted on taking a floating and fixed debenture over the company’s assets. This would have given the lenders a number of advantages which include the right to put the company into receivership should the need arise in future and also a security interest over any other assets that the company may acquire in future during the term of the loan. Under the provision of a debenture agreement over the company assets, should the secured lenders in future feel that their interests in the company are at risk they could put the company into receivership (Esposito, 2003). This involves essentially taking over the company and appointing their own managers to run it. This puts the current owners at risk of losing their equity stake in the company. Debt financing reduces the amount of money that is distributable to stockholders at the end of the financial year as dividends (Chiang & Hanke, 2010). This is because interest expense is included in the financing costs of the company which is expensed in the statement of comprehensive income at the end of the financial year. This treatment of financing costs reduces the amount recorded as earnings after taxes, interest and depreciation & amortization. This earnings figure is the one that is transported to the cash flow statement and is used to calculate free cash flows from which dividends are paid to shareholders (Young, 2007). It therefore follows that attaining optimum debt financing is undesirable for stock holders. Another major disadvantage of debt financing is that the company must make scheduled payments which puts pressure on the cash flows. Debt financing however, has tax benefits in that revenue authorities calculate tax payable by a company after deducting financing costs which include interest expense on running loans. Firms that attain optimal debt financing are able to pay reduced taxes than those that rely on equity financing (Chiang & Hanke, 2010).

According to Fosberg (2004) the decision whether to rely on debt financing or equity financing in a company is at times influenced by agency problem. Agency problem refers to the separation of control between management and shareholders. This is because in a company where managers are shareholders or are allowed stock options as one of the incentives, the decision to use optimal debt financing is compromised. This is because managers just like shareholders would make decisions that enhance/increase their dividend payout at the end of the year. Manager ownership stake in the company motivate them to pursue wealth maximization in this case. Manager ownership inhibits the ability of the company to make risky but lucrative decisions which could enhance the returns of the company remarkably (Young, 2007). As shareholders, managers become risk averse and as such only make investment decisions that prevent bankruptcy of the company. This however makes the company uncompetitive as it increasingly makes risk averse and conservative investment decisions. The company in this case risk losing business to more aggressive risk taking competitors (PR Newswire, 2002). Eventually as the company continues to lose business and its future viability become increasingly uncertain managers opt to sell off their shares and opt out before the sheep sinks which compromises the position of the main shareholders. Equity financing has been known to be costly in the long term as the founder members lose control of the business over time. Equity financing involves ceding control of the businesses to the new financiers (Boudreaux, Rao, Underwood & Rumore, 2011). This therefore implies that the original shareholders will not be in a position to make decisions affecting the strategic direction of the company solely. This poses the risk of losing the original vision and inspiration that informed the formation of the company. Equity financing cannot be pursued indefinitely and is only ideal when business future is uncertain as was the case in American Superconductor Company. When a business environment is uncertain a company can rely on equity financing to ease pressure on cash flows. This is because unlike debt financing which requires scheduled loan repayments equity financing does not and the only time the company pays equity financiers is at the end of the financial year when dividends declared are paid out (Young, 2007).

In order to determine a firm’s cost of equity we use the capital pricing model (CAPM) equation follows;

K_c = R_f + beta x (K_m – R_f)

Where

K_c is the risk-adjusted discount rate (also known as the Cost of Capital);
R_f is the rate of a “risk-free” investment, i.e. cash;
K_m is the return rate of a market benchmark, like the S&P 500

Once we determine the risk free rate which is normally the government bond rate and the market rate which is normally the market benchmark like S&P500 and the company’s beta coefficient we can calculate the cost of equity which is the risk adjusted rate (CAPM Calculator retrieved from http://www.moneychimp.com/articles/valuation/capm.htm)

References

American superconductor announces plan for common stock offering. (2003, Aug 25). PR

Newswire. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/451870365?accountid=45049

American superconductor announces restructuring, consolidation and cost-cutting measures. (2002, Mar 26). PR Newswire. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/449096691?accountid=45049

Boudreaux, D. O., Rao, S., Underwood, J., & Rumore, N. (2011). A new and better way to

measure the cost of equity capital for small closely held firms. Journal of Business & Economics Research, 9(1), 91-98. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/848788678?accountid=45049

Chiang, W., Di, H., & Hanke, S. A. (2010). Debt or equity financing? analyzing relevant factors. The Tax Adviser, 41(6), 412-417. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/521247918?accountid=45049

Esposito, A. (2003, Aug 26). American superconductor switch ; westboro company plans to raise money through a stock offering. Telegram & Gazette. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/268865037?accountid=45049

Fosberg, R. H. (2004). Agency problems and debt financing: Leadership structure effects. Corporate Governance, 4(1), 31-31+. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/205137312?accountid=45049

http://www.amsuper.com

http://www.moneychimp.com/articles/valuation/capm.htm

Young, V. M. (2007). DEBT, EQUITY FINANCING QUESTION BECOMING MORE DIFFICULT. WWD, 194(59), 20. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/231195416?accountid=45049

FIN 301 SLP 5 –FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Introduction

Ford Motor Company is a multinational corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan in the United States of America. The principle business activity of the company is to manufacture, distribute and sell a wide range of vehicles. The company was founded by Henry Ford and on 6^th June 1903 was incorporated as a limited liability company as per the then existing laws. The Company manufactures and distributes the Ford range of vehicles, trucks and buses and also Lincoln brand of vehicles (www.ford.com). The company also manufactures fuel efficient vehicles which include electric cars and other fuel efficient cars. The company has expanded globally and currently has operations in major countries of the world which include China, Japan, South Africa, Australia, Brazil, Norway, United Kingdom, Argentina etc. The current executive chairman of the board of the company is Mr. William Clay Ford who is a great grandson of Henry Ford the founder of Ford Motor Company (www.ford.com)

Financing options

The company is currently undertaking several activities and projects which require financing. One of the short term projects that require financing is research on developing and installing drive assist technologies in vehicles. Recently the company unveiled an automated Ford Fusion Hybrid research vehicle that was to test and promote Ford Motor Company’s model for drive assist technologies. The company envisions manufacturing vehicles which provide autonomous functionality and advanced technologies (www.ford.com). These functionality and advanced technologies are to be developed in conjunction with the University of Michigan which has been carrying out research for the last 10 years. Several vehicle brands have been fitted with earlier versions of drive assist technologies which have been boosting sales. Drive in technologies enables cars to park on their own, assist with emergency braking, detect dangerous driving and recognize and understand the driver’s voice commands. The company’s dream on these technologies is to ultimately develop technologies which enable cars to be connected and are able to communicate with each other (www.ford.com). The company is confident that this functionality will provide safer driving, conserve the environment and lastly ease traffic congestions. The most appropriate source of funding for this type of activity is debt financing. This technology will enable the company to use differentiation as it strategic option once it succeeds. This is a blue ocean strategy which will enable the company to create its own market and make competition irrelevant (Saa-Requejo, 1996).

Debt financing will assist in protecting the invention and keeping the invention as a trade secret which will be revealed on a need to know basis. This is because debt providers will not be involved in the daily operations of the company. The company is currently manufacturing cars fitted with different capabilities provided by this technology. This is likely to increase sales levels which generate enough cash flow to repay the monthly loan repayment installments.

Equity financing on the other hand will is not ideal for this project (Saa-Requejo, 1996). This is because equity financing terms and conditions require the original shareholders to cede some of their stake to the equity financiers. This can let so many people into the new technology which will increase the risk of the technology being copied by the competitors. Again this is a big source of competitive advantage and offers lucrative investment opportunities. The projected sudden growth in sales once the completed drive assists revolutionary technology is unveiled far outweighs costs incurred in developing it (Saa-Requejo, 1996). It may also not be easy to raise equity financing since investors are generally risk averse and will shun away from untested technology since they are not sure whether it will be bought (Chiang &Hanke, 2010).

The second project that the company is currently undertaking is manufacture of electric cars. This is an eco-friendly project which will resonate well with equity financiers. This is because many people in USA are constantly reminded about the devastating effects of global warming. Global warming is caused by chlorofluorocarbons released into the atmosphere by companies of which Ford Motor Company is one of them. Some of the adverse effects of global warming include super storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, droughts and famines. In recent year the United States of America’s government has been demanding that companies economize on fuel usage and adopt technologies that save on fuel (www.ford.com).

The company assumes that sales of the electric cars will make up a big portion of its revenues in future and will enable the company to stop relying on pickup trucks and SUVs for a big portion of its annual revenues (Saa-Requejo, 1996). The company has already partnered with Coulomb Technologies in this regard. Coulomb Technologies has undertaken to provide about 5000 free in-home charging stations to enable customers recharge their batteries. The most ideal financing is equity financing. This is because this project requires large amounts of capital outlay and will require a large source of financing which can be availed by equity financiers (Young, 2007). The duration of the project is projected to be up to 2035 which will hold assets for far too long in case of debt financing. These assets are needed to raise working capital to smoothen operations of the company and it would not be prudent to charge them for too long to one financier. The certainty of cash flows from the electric cars is not certain and as such cannot be relied upon to settle large loan repayment installments. It is not clear whether there will be adequate demand for the new cars. Equity financing is ideal because it does not require scheduled loan repayment as investors share dividends at the end of the trading period (Chiang &Hanke, 2010;Young, 2007).

References

Chiang, W., Di, H., &Hanke, S. A. (2010).Debt or equity financing?analyzing relevant factors. The Tax Adviser, 41(6), 412-417. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/521247918?accountid=45049

www.ford.com

Young, V. M. (2007). DEBT, EQUITY FINANCING QUESTION BECOMING MORE DIFFICULT.WWD, 194(59), 20. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/231195416?accountid=45049

Saa-Requejo, J. (1996). Financing decisions: Lessons from the spanish experience.

Financial Management, 25(3), 44-56. Retrieved from

http://search.proquest.com/docview/208178576?accountid=45049

Project Accountability

Project Accountability

Any project can be rendered successful if set goals and objectives have been accomplished or exceed the anticipations of the stakeholders; people with certain interests in the project. Project management is literally about adding lanes to a highway, where vehicles have a stake and hence positively impacted. Nevertheless, highway construction would negatively impact the population that stays around it. Distraction can also be quantified in terms of noise and toxic emissions caused by increased number of vehicles plying the highway (Barron & Barron, 2011). The project guarantor who in this case is a corporate director, has the power to allocate resources and implement decisions concerning the project, is also an interested partner. The client, subcontractor, supplier and the government in most cases are also interested parties. The project administrator, associate members and managers from various departments in the company are equally interested parties. It’s pertinent to determine all interested parties in the event of a project upfront. So project accomplishment is anchored on all these individuals, when one department is lacking, the project might fail woefully (Renz, 2007).

Figure 1: Showing parties interested in a given project.

The figure one above is a simple depiction of a typical project environment that exhibits the various parties interested in a given project. In this representation various issues concerning a given project come out. To start with, the number of interested parties involved in the whole process indicates that the project manager has a taunting task through the project timeline. What’s also visible is the fact that anomalies that come with these stakeholders can derail the project. It also confirms that people in charge of the project cannot underestimate the fact that they have to deal with both external and internal partners. External forces in this case are likely to present a complex scenario contrary to what the manager is used to. For instance suppliers who are late when it comes to delivering critical parts might interfere with the project timeline. In most cases, managers have little control on such entities.

Top Management

The company chairman, vice chairman, directors and departmental heads and all committees constitute the top management. These are some of the people that direct corporate approach and development of the company. The advantage that comes with the top management is anchored on the fact that selecting the best team for manage the project becomes an easy thing. Getting required materials and resources can equally enhance project management’s professional position in the company. The downside of it all is that the project would be large and expensive, in which the cost of failure can be more evident than in a small project. One of the approaches when it comes to dealing with the top management would include; creating in-depth schemes and essential milestones that should be sanctioned by top management during the design period. Top leadership relating to the project should substantiate their information disclosure requirements and regularity. A condition reporting approach should be developed and distributed at a given time period. Projects threats and prospective effect should be communicated in good time (Renz, 2007).

Project manager Basically the project manager decides the roles of project members and who to include in the project. Ensuring that the manager is well informed helps in ensuring that all the necessary resources to accomplish the project are available. Nevertheless, if things are not working well in the project, it is important to have a supportive project manager who will go for a bat on behalf of the team. Being supportive to the project manager, guarantees that that manager in turn supports the team regularly and finds out how assess performance of the team. Therefore, the project team should communicate regularly and develop a schedule that is acceptable to the project manager (Garland, 2009).

Peers In project management, peers are individual within the team at the same level. Actually peers are stakeholders in the project. Nonetheless, they do not have leadership or accountability roles in the achievement or failure of the project like the project manager. As such, the project manager’s relationship with peers can be hindered by several aspects including; sabotage; individual or technical conflict; confliction instructions from project and peer managers; poor control and resentment. Support from the peer is paramount. Since, in project management people are concerned about their individual interest, thus the project manager can use politicking, investigation abilities to ensure support and cooperation from peers. The project manager can go a step further by getting support from project funders or senior management to have more authority. It is essential that funders indicate to project members that their support as well as cooperation with regards to project activities is necessary. Project manager can also confront the peers if they observe dysfunctional characters. Additionally, set up frequent review meetings; goals and required performance standards for project member.

Resource Managers Owing to the fact that project managers can borrow resources, other managers should control such resources. Therefore relationship with resource managers is particularly important. If at all the association is good, project managers can consistently get competent staff and appropriate equipment for the project. And when the relationship is poor, it will be difficult for the project managers, necessary individuals and equipments required for the project (Gunlach, 2009).

Internal Clients These are group of individuals in the organization that fulfills internal demand requirements. However, the customer has the ability to accept or even reject the work. Before the beginning of the project, project managers should negotiate, spell out, and provide specifications as well as project deliverables. Once the project commences, project managers should understand clients’’ concerns and keep them always informed. Some of the challenges when dealing with clients are;

Inadequate clarity concerning client requirements
Poor documentation of what is required
Inadequate understanding of client’s operating features
Not viable deadlines, resources and terms
Adjustments in the scope of the project
To be accountable of the clients needs, the project manager should;
Understand culture and business of the client
Explain all the project specifications in writing
Specify a change process
Be the main communicator in the project

External client

These are clients that projects are marketed to. For instance, with Apple Company, the external clients are buyers of the company’s products.

Government

Project managers operate in regulated environment as such; they have to deal with government departments either all or some levels such as county, state or national governments.

Contractors, sub-contractors, and vendors

In some cases, organizations lack the necessary expertise or resources and work is outsourced to external contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers. Management of these people in project management requires skills just like managing other project team members (Directing Change, 2004). A number of projects largely depend on goods offered by external vendors. When these goods are supplied late, not enough, poor quality or high price than original requirements, the project may be affected adversely.

References

Barron, M. & Barron, A. (2011). Project stakeholders. The Project Management Hut. Retrieved 2014/01/16 from http://www.pmhut.com/project-stakeholders-2.

Directing Change (2004). A guide to governance of project management, Association for Project Management

Garland, Ross (2009) Project Governance – a practical guide to effective project decision making, Kogan Page, London, Philadelphia.

Gunlach, M. (2009). Understanding how project monitoring and controlling integrates to other processes. Bright Hub. Retrieved 2014/01/16 from http://www.brighthub.com/office/project-management/articles/40904.aspx

Patrick S. Renz (2007) “Project Governance: Implementing Corporate Governance and Business Ethics in Nonprofit Organizations.” Heidelberg: Physica-Verl.. (Contributions to Economics)

Starting a Business Online

Starting a Business Online, Part 1

Executive Summary

E-Commerce business is promising to be lucrative for merchants who have their customers located in diverse areas. However, E-commerce experiences a hybrid of problems, common examples being environmental, legal and safety concerns. The commencing discussion will attempt to explore on the possibility of conducting a Small online clothes store, and how to use the SWOT analysis tool to structure down potential problems. The document will as well provide that; abidance to the law is an essential factor in managing an online market store. To achieve this, the paper is structured into four main parts. The first part will critically examine how the SWOT tool is essential in testing feasibility test for the business. The second part will attempt to examine logistical determinants courtesy of culture, language, government, and infrastructure and how these factors will influence the online venture. The third part will look into mechanisms of complying with the law, and diverse interests of stakeholders. The fourth part analyzes safety precaution mechanisms, which can be applied to ensure cybercrime does not affect Jersey Shore boardwalk market venture.

Advantages and disadvantages of taking Jersey Shore boardwalk online by performing a SWOT analysis

The Strength Weakness Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis tool will determine whether Jersey Shore boardwalk is in a position to handle challenges accustomed by online businesses. Primarily, the SWOT tool will specify objectives of the business, and inversely identify internal and external determinants; which influences the various factors in favor or against the objectives of the business. The strengths included in taking a business online, is firstly ease-of-management. It is easier to upload new product on the online shop, and inversely subcontract delivery companies to deliver clothes for customers. Secondly, an online business attracts quite a significant potential to get reliable customers. Shepherd (2010, p. 102) argues that online business platform provides equal opportunities for all; therefore, in most situation legitimate factors; for instance, quality and ease of shipping dominate buyers decisions. Other advantages include; ease of accessing business information and ease of access to diverse areas. However, looking on the demerits, there are weaknesses associated with an online business venture. Firstly, the seller will not be able to interact with the buyer; thus, the buyer can leave the shop before making a buying decision. Secondly, online businesses are constantly faced by hacking and fraudsters threats. Other demerits associated with online business include copyrights laws. Based on this, it is clear taking this business online will be for the greater good of the business.

How to address related culture, language, government, and infrastructure you would address each of these issues.

This business models targets diverse customers in different regions globally. To achieve this, the business should be prepared to face culture, legal and infrastructure challenges. To manage this, the business tackles a vibrant privacy policy, one that details company views and visitors. This will be vital in tracking spy robots and Trojan horses, which will break the trust-code severally (PrivacyTrust, 2013). Secondly, the issue of culture and language is an eminent concern in setting an international business. It is suggestive to have a multi-lingua website one that feature primary languages; for instance, Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German and Portuguese. These options can be customized on the home page of the new guest.

Similarly, the issue of culture should be taken into close consideration taking to account the business will be attempting to trade clothes, which are not widely acceptable in various cultures. To ensure the business meet the demands of various cultures, each language will load a complete customized Graphical User Interface (GUI) based on the region and language of the visitor. For, instance, the Arabic version customized load GUI will depicts the presence of Mosques and trade items in Jersey Shore boardwalk will include amongst others a Kanzu.

Thirdly, observing the government laws and other regulations will be very essential. Since the business operates online, there is no much evidence of sales. However, the clothes that the business is re-trading are bought somewhere from another merchant in bulk. This proves that Jersey Shore boardwalk is a commercial business, which will require filing of tax returns, either Value Added Tax or Export Tax or any other tax relevant to the jurisdiction.

Lastly, the infrastructure debate has continued attracting concerns about how substantial it is in online business. Nonetheless, the consideration that Jersey Shore boardwalk operates in procurements, stores and delivery mechanisms. For instance, if a customer is located in challenging terrain with no proper reliable transport mechanism, and then the cost of delivery is inclusive, which was not actually included in the original shipping bill.

How to Comply with the Law and respond to interests of Stakeholders

There is a close consideration that technology changes the face of business development. This phrase affects the legal environment of e-commerce business on several accounts. The problem with web businesses is because they attract quite a significant number of diversified stakeholders. Courts (local or foreign), have found it harder to impose jurisdiction over web transactions. However, for the purpose of business decorum it is essential to comply with stipulations of the law. The stakeholder involved in Jersey Shore boardwalk are; Customer (local or foreign), employees (local or foreign), the governments (local or foreign), and investors. It is good to ensure that demands of each stakeholder and are met. Customers need reliable services, once they make an automated pay, a good need to be derived promptly. To achieve this, the company will contract reliable companies; for instance, DHL who have a reliable delivery mechanism globally. Secondly, to ensure that stakeholder stipulations are met, Jersey Shore boardwalk will require orienting a payroll mechanism, one which will look on the micro-economic performance of the company. Thirdly, the government laws (local or foreign) vary differently. This can only be achieved by proper signatories of contracts. Contract will oblige Jersey Shore boardwalk to comply with environmental, tax and work conditions regulation and requirements. Jersey Shore boardwalk will be issued with a tax compliance certificate. Fourthly, investors will require scoping their initial investment fund. This will be achieved by ensuring that Jersey Shore boardwalk has professional staff on board. Staff will be oriented to ensure they understand the dynamics of the business on several accounts.

Online crimes prevalent in e-Commerce and what I would do to prevent these crimes

Online cyber crimes refer criminal exploitation over the internet. Mann & Sutton (2010) argues that Net-crimes are offences that are committed against an individual by an individual with a criminal motive to defraud the victim. The range of attacks varies from soft or hard approach. Hard approach is the real hacking of the DMZ and server rooms while soft approaches is the usage of treachery techniques; for instance, phishing language through chat rooms, emails, groups’ forums or notice boards. Research has also attempted to associate the forwarding of obscene or offensive content to cyber crime since after all cybercrime in definition; is significant mental harm to a victim. In all situations, Jersey Shore boardwalk is vulnerable to activities of cyber crime, and to manage this, I will personally ensure that Jersey Shore boardwalk is registered to appropriate pays systems. Paypal, Mastercard and Payoneer are reliable platforms which ensure customers are well protected. Secondly, suspicious customers will be disconnected from Jersey Shore boardwalk. These are customers who are insisting on lengthy talks with our staff. Thirdly, I will ensure that our systems are well protected. First, I will perform essential security updates on all computers anti-viruses to ensure malware, spyware or Trojan horses are not present. Secondly, if Jersey Shore boardwalk happens to have a working LAN, I will install a firewall and a small DMZ, where packets will be sniffed by entering and exiting the network, and as well, hire a professional to build the TCP/IP security addressing system. In this case, I will install packet sniffers tools to ensure that packets are well investigated. Thirdly, I will ensure that passwords are updated regularly; these are mail, and application passwords. Fourthly, I will keep mails cleaned; spam and unknown destination will be dealt on first arrival. Finally, I will involve the local police if suspicious attempts are identified.

Conclusion

This document has attempted to examine the possibility of taking Jersey Shore boardwalk online. The discussion has centered to focus more on environmental, legal and safety factors and the SWOT analysis mechanism. In particular, the document has stipulated on the prudent inter-relation with legal factors, and how authorities are essential provides safety concern for online business. Also, the document has provided technical measurements that the business may apply to avoid challenges associated with cybercrime.

References

Mann, D., & Sutton, M., (November 6^th, 2010). “Netcrime”. Bjc.oxfordjournals.org. Retrieved January

14^th, 2014, from http://bjc.oxfordjournals.org/content/38/2/201.abstract

PrivacyTrust. (September 26^th, 2013). Importance of a Privacy Policy. Retrieved January 14^th

2014 from http://www.privacytrust.org/guidance/privacy_policy.html

Shepherd, J. (2007). How to Start a Home-Based Online Retail Business. New York: Globe

Pequot 13 (4) 102-103.

Creating an implementation plan for the new TUI learning management system, Desire2learn (D2L)

Introduction

The process of implementing the new TUI learning management system, Desire2learn (D2L) involves defining business requirements and an actual projection in terms of costs for the new system while putting in mind present and future needs.

Reviewing System Requirements

Most successful TUI learning management system, Desire2learn (D2L) execution entail a selection process than involves all stakeholder factions such as faculty, educators and learners, representatives from various departments, and even business line that may be impacted positively or negatively with the implementation process. Prioritization of prerequisites should also be made in order to find a system that meets the technical and functional threshold both present and future. This information can be obtained through various conventions, conducting focus groups as well as surveys (Levensaler et al. 2009). By and large, the general process and far reaching directives and detailed functionality should be a consideration. Some of the functional features would include optional and obligatory features. The robustness and reliability of the system will be looked into. The easy of use, when it comes to grading, reporting and support will equally be considered. The system should also be able to present a graphical user interface, to enhance individualized learning and student involvement. Administrative features should also form the basis of the implementation process in terms of what managerial, reporting and systematic features are needed. The question of whether or not the system can be customized to meet institutional needs should be evaluated. The issue of scalability, integration and reliability should also be tested. During the implementation process, it should be determined whether or not the institution requires an external vendor or its own (Expertus, 2009). The environment under which the system runs should be secure. The easy to upgrade and maintain the system should be investigated among other features. The institution should undertake to determine whether or not the vendor is responsive in the event of a technical hitch or any anomaly that arises. The institution should evaluate testimonials from current clients to forge way forward (ELSAP, 2009).

Learning strategy

A learning technique should represent a way in which to offer learning programs to users to realize their academic objectives. In addition, it is essential to concentrate on pedagogical techniques as well as models relevant to the TUI such as collaborative, problem-centered, case centered and tentative learning. It is also vital to assess the learner-learner association and the quality of teaching content including text, video and multimedia (Expertus, 2009).

Request for proposal

This is a widely used approach used by many learning institutions to appropriately choose products. In education, providers regularly use request for proposals (RFPs) as a requirement to acquire a learning management system. This is because; RFPs outline the necessary information regarding the institution that the supplier is required to meet. Integrating scenarios in the RFPs is effective as it presents a clear sign concerning how the learning management plan supplier can meet the requirements of the institution. So as to meet the required buy-in and guarantee user commitment in the selection procedure, it is vital to institute a task force with experts from different academic departments to evaluate submissions. With respect to relevancy, TUI can weight and assess sections of the RFPs in a different way. In addition, initiate a rating structure and use it in the assessment of proposal reliability. Every rating can as well entail feedback section fro definite or wide-ranging views. In this way, TUI will be getting quantitative assessment as well as subjective views of every specification from every supplier. Emphasize on priority specifications; these are requirements should be considered by the supplier (LMS, 2011). In case same of these specifications are not directly fulfilled by the learning management system, it is important to get rid of that supplier. Conversely, the institution may opt to retain the supplier till the one with required specifications is obtained. Nevertheless, a number of institutions organize on-site meetings and demonstrations, this aimed at giving the suppliers a chance to respond to questions. As such, suppliers to be clear on what section of functionality is integrated out-of the box with slight configurations adjustments and what sections call for customization. In most cases, it is informative for the suppliers to answer well-defined use scenarios rather than responding to basic demos of the entire system (Expertus, 2009). The use scenario is a inventory of action-centered activities which demonstrate the capability of the management system to meet the requirements of an institution. In this manner, onsite meeting will force the supplier to concentrate on activities as well as issues the institution has to confront.

Conclusion

Selecting and implementing a new TUI learning management system, Desire2learn (D2L) is a perennial, mission-centered obligation. The learning management system (LMS) should be an extensible system, scalable enough to keep up with institutional needs. The system must be an adaptable and complete solution that is versatile and easily tailored and cost effective. A cautious assessment of vendors’ solutions can lead into implementing a system that can present services to the institution for years (Levensaler et al. 2009).

References

Charter for Enterprise Learning Systems and Applications Procurement (ELSAP) (2009) IMS Global Learning Consortium, Inc.

Expertus (2009) Training Outsourcing, Survey 1: Channel Partner Training, Training Challenges Survey Series, conducted by Expertus and TrainingOutsourcing.com

Learning management systems LMS (2011) What you need to know before choosing a learning Management system.htm LMS Knowledge Base, http://www.brandon- hall.com/store/knowledgebases.html

Levensaler, Leighanne; Laurano, Madeline (2009), Talent Management Systems 2010, Bersin & Associates

Advertisement Campaign for a fictional product

Executive Summary

Fictional product orientation is challenging since it requires substantial creativity in branding and theme orientation. This can used to explain the role of branding in designating the nature and quality of a fictional product. In fact, branding is equally important in determining the sale value of a fictional product. The commencing paper will attempt to examine the influential role of branding and theme orientation in the overall product niche exercise. The paper will deeply related to a fictional product; a T. v series under the apocalyptic fiction subgenre. Genre determination will propose on the sufficient brand title, and inversely development of a theme. The paper will also observe the importance product niche, in market indulgence, survival and command. In encapsulation, the document will endeavor to explain why an advertisement option trailer, is sufficient in explaining brand name and theme in the overall product niche exercise.

An overview of the product

This product will attempt to educate the viewer that; man should be prepared for a catastrophic situation if all water in the world turned acidic – kill. This information will be conveyed inform of a movie in under the apocalyptic fiction subgenre, which is primarily focused in looking at the end of human civilization. The niche that is intended to fulfill will be based on the ability of human beings to survive in a considerate competitive world, where the solution for clean and purified water exist with a few group of people who do not know they have the solution. The niche of this product is based on the ability of the product to draw demand stretching from teenagers to adult generations. Since this product will run as a television series, with a DVD version being released periodically, the price will range depending on box office market stipulations.

There are a number of similar products being released by competitors, however, the strategy of this product is unique based on the fact water is an integral natural product that is dependable not only to mankind but animals and plants inclusive. To ensure primary goals of profit maximizations are met, episodes development will be an essential strategy to ensure that fans are hooked up promptly. To be suggestive, final episodes of each season will be oriented to ensure the viewer will be ready to watch the commencing season. In this case, the episodes will derive guarantees inform of creation of suspense. Close examples, is the eradication of 6 out of 7 chemical solutions to water purifications in the first season, and the remaining one chemical solution is hidden in a pet.

Evaluation of the unfilled product niche

There have been diverse differences in how apocalyptic fiction subgenres are marketed. Primarily, the use of commercial television is most lucrative, because of the advantages associated with commercial advertisement. However, the realization of the influence of product vendors and trade business should be established as a primary consideration. The online niche marketing is lucrative because of its ease in control. This is a reflection that viewers do not need to see the entire content in an online extract. Brief viewership will tempt the viewer to get the DVD version. The advantage associated with this, is the ease to promote the DVD copy using the online niche marketing which is as well profitable. In addition, online niche market is more dynamic compared to street stalls. A good marketing scheme should endeavor to use online tools; for instance, add words and ad sense to add value to the product being searched for. Keyword formulation and SEO content building should be designated to ensure that primary goals of the product are realized. This scheme will deliberate in ensuring that the product is well understood by a diverse population, regardless to gender, age or sex. It is also essential to ensure that the product is sufficiently interpreted to several languages, hence meeting demands in diverse markets. This tailor-made product will ensure that markets are approached depending on the nature of demographics in those particular regions.

The brand image and theme

In making an apocalyptic fiction subgenre brand name, the design is primarily targeted to influence the viewer about a periodical human catastrophic event. Indeed, it is challenging for logo designers to make appealing logos instantly. The logo in this case encompasses four integral things, Brand of the company, which is in the case, is the clean molecule, experience, identity and system. Creative-Market (2013) argues a good selling brand should be appropriate, memorable, simple, timeless and versatile. The logo and brand should be inspired by the product goals, objectives and visions. Pegler (2007, p. 7) notes that an impressive brand name and logo should attempt to introduce new methodology in the market.

An impressive brand name and logo should be seconded by an outgoing slogan, one that attempts look on into triggering supportive viewership in diverse societies and ages. This paper proposes the adoption of satellite theme “you will never know when” since this theme attempts to introduce the concept of time, and as well, integrate the viewership community on an individual level. In developing this theme, these considerations were put in reflection. Firstly, originality- one that attempts showcase that the human catastrophic period of all acidic water has never been done by any media production house. Secondly, the theme is creative; for instance, the usage of time factors attempts to look how man is going to be discontinued from normal livelihoods by the change of all water to acidic water. Thirdly, this theme is concise. Concise themes are memorable, and the viewership community will remember the brand much faster by refereeing to the theme. Fourthly, this theme is relevant to the subject of acidic water and time. The knowledge that the upcoming fictional series is entirely based on time, appeals to the critical viewer emotions inherently. Finally, the theme is positive, it seeks to relate to the original goal of the movie, man should be alert all time about global human changes.

In addition to the slogans, this document proposes the use of slogans sound track. Since this is an apocalyptic fiction subgenre, the relevant composition will come from eclectic assortment of songs. These are rhythms that have deep relation to soft rock and pop. In particular, Soft rock is psychologically proven to a have substantial effect in reducing pressures. Bryant, & Vorderer (2013, p. 377) argues that soft rock has high sensory deprivation as a control for an extreme deprivation of a situation. This is the case, when a viewer has a particular affiliation to liking rock music. Indeed, the viewer will have a special affiliation to the slogan because of the tranquilizing effect that the movie soundtrack has on self.

Sample advertisement in which illustrates both the campaign theme and brand image

In introduce a new product, fictional movie T.V series; there is a close consideration that the market hardly knows about the product. To ensure that the viewers are familiar with the brand name and slogan before box day. It is essential to integrate the role played by advertisement. Chiefly, advertisement will be carried in three primary forms; print media, electronic media and referral. There is always a consideration that; when advertising an apocalyptic fiction subgenre, the campaign should not be directed to the public but to specific target market. Print media, (posters and newspapers) combined with electronic media (websites) still forms a significant traditional backing in advertisement. However, there is a close relation that these methods target the large community. In proposition, this document advocates the use trailers. Trailers are lucrative because of their ability to singular out the target market. The trailer attempts to analyze the Series important features into a single three to five minute play. Gfactor (2007) argues that National Association of the Motion Picture, will on request play a trailer in more that 15, 000 movie theaters distributed in the United States. Besides, a trailer can be portable in road campaigns, for instance, the long-haul tracking which will conduct road shows continuously. Based on this discussion, which attempts to illustrate the interrelation between the brand name (the clean molecule) together with logo and the slogans, it is coherent to concur that the trailer option will have significant impact in showcasing the movie theme before the actual Box office day.

Conclusion

This paper has been significant in interrelating the importance of brand name and theme of a fictional product. The discussion has integrated apocalyptic fiction subgenre as a realistic reflection of fictional movie. As a result, the paper has proposed the brand name “the clean molecule” with a seconding theme “you will never know when” as primary campaigns in rallying the viewership to support the theme. The paper has as well proposed on satellite advertisement strategies, supporting the use of trailers for their essentiality in rallying sufficient support before the actual box office day.

References

Bryant, J., & Vorderer, P. (2013). Psychology of Entertainment. London: Routledge.

CreativeMarket (March 13^th, 2013). Designing a brand identity. Retrived January 13^th, 2014

from https://creativemarket.com/blog/2013/07/23/designing-a-brand-identity

Gfactor. (November 6^th, 2007). “Why are they called “trailers” if they’re shown before the movie?”. The

Straight Dope. Retrieved January 14^th, 2014 from http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2270/why-are-they-called-trailers-if-theyre-shown-em-before-em-the-movie

Pegler, M. (2007). Store Presentation & Design No. 2: Branding the Store. London: Visual

Reference Publications.

Federalism

Federalism is a concept in politics in which members in a group are connected through a covenant or constitution. Surveys have indicated that federalism is a system of government in which a constitution defines the sovereignty, federalism connects political units and the central governing authority. Federalism is attached to democratic institutions and rules where power used in governing the system is shared between state/provincial governments and national governments, which results to a federation.

United States is an example of a federal government. Federalism in the United States is characterized by a relationship with the federal government and the state governments. Federalism in the United States has evolved with time, shaping the American political system. Surveys indicated that the initial government was made of dual federalism, which evolved to single federalism (Burgess, 2006). It is argued that the national government and the state governments are different trustees and agents of individuals, with different powers according to the constitution of the United States.

The national government and the state government have different powers and the powers are exercised by the people living within the jurisdictions. If the rights of people are violated, the constitution allows the people of America to address issues through either of the two governments (Burgess, 2006). In the initial setup, people could not complain to either government. The constitution of the United States has not defined the term federalism, but the constitution has set clear responsibilities and rights attached to the state officials and state governments in connection to the federal government (Gerston, 2007).

Federal government to an extent has some enumerated powers or express powers depending on context, as defined by the constitution. Some of the enumerated powers that have evolved with time are: right to levy taxes, right to regulate foreign and interstate commerce and rights to declare war; other powers have been reserved to the individual states. Amendment of the constitution has led to the different roles played by the national government and the state governments, which has shaped the current political system in the United States (LaCroix, 2011).

Federalism has taken a turn of events in the history of the United States. In the earlier times, the boundaries and balance of state governments and national governments have experienced drastic changes. The roles of the national government have been expanding with time and the expansions are expected to push over to the twenty first century. Dual federalism existed in 1789 to 1945, Fourth Amendment was done in 1861 to 1868 at the time of the civil war, globalization and industrialization were between 1865-1945, cooperative federalism was in 1945 to 1969 and new federalism still exist since 1969 (Ostrom, 2009).

There are a number of factors that have shaped the American federalism, which has been instrumental in shaping the political behaviors of the United States. The Supreme Court has shaped American federalism. In a number of cases, the Supreme Court has sided with the state governments. One of the most influential cases involved the 1995 United States v. Lopez, the Supreme Court argued that the Congress through the creation of gun free school zones overstepped authority, and there are other cases that have shaped the American political system (LaCroix, 2011).

Money is another factor that has shaped the relationship between federal government and the state government. The Congress has the responsibilities of giving money to the state governments, and at the same time the Congress designs and stipulates how the money should be used. It is argued that issues of money are used in forcing the state governments cooperate with federal policies that are set by the federal government. (Burgess, 2006)

Another factor is federal aid that is directed to the state governments. It has been noted that state governments over rely on funds from the federal government; this was after the World War II. The national government on the other side administers federal policies through the state governments, a concept known as fiscal federalism. Grants-in-aid are characterized with categorical grants and block grants (Gerston, 2007).

The creation of American policies is influenced by the federal government and the state governments. It has been noted that the federal government engage diverse modalities in compelling the state governments follow guidelines and policies. Congress uses pressure to the state governments through threatening in funds withdrawal to the state governments that are disobedient (Burgess, 2006). An example of a policy that was distributed to the state government from the federal government, drinking age was raised to twenty one among the young people; state governments that rejected the move were denied highway funds.

The Federal government in some cases uses mandates in forcing state governments comply with regulations. Examples are environmental regulations and housing laws among others. Unfunded mandates are characterized with policies that are not financed by the federal government. Congress passes mandates that are characterized with standards and regulations that must be followed by the state governments and local governments (Ostrom, 2009).

National government is more supreme than other governments in the United States, laws passed by the national governments are applicable in local governments and state governments. Preemption is used in compelling laws made by state governments that are against the national interest.

References

Burgess, M. (2006). Comparative Federalism: Theory and Practice. London: Routledge.

Gerston, L. N. (2007). American Federalism: A Concise Introduction. Armonk, New York: M.E.Sharpe.

LaCroix, A. L. (2011). The Ideological Origins of American Federalism. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Ostrom, V. (2009). The Meaning of American Federalism . New York: Ics Pr.