Philosophical Analysis Essay Example for Free

Philosophical Analysis EssayHistory of the School matter College of Science Technology (NCST) was born in the historic and progressive Municipality of Dasmarias, Cavite, Philippines in 1998. As a brainchild of a 23-year-old visionary entrepreneur in the mortal of Emerson B. Atanacio, NCST has slowly yet steadily carved its niche in the fast growing and very competitive educational arena non only in the province but in the entire CALABARZON region. With an initial enrollment of 550 students in 1998, the school has like a shot increased tenfold from its original number as it now has a total population of 5,000 students in its conventional programs. The school has been faithful in its mission to provide industry responsive graduates.Thus, in 2005, it ventured into its first institutionally developed course offerings the Certificate in Manufacturing Technology and the Diploma in output Technology. Both curricular programs are under the Dual Training dodge where students are be ing trained in two avenues of elateing the school and the industry. With an initial enrollment of only 18 students in 2005, it has increased to 1,592 in 2008 and 1,026 as of August 2009. The university town of Dasmarias is an inland town located some 32 kilometres south of Manila, and 27 kilometres south of Tagaytay City. As a rapidly developing municipality, it is situated along the westerlyern industrial corridor of the Laguna de Bay basin. It has an area of 234 hectares comprising 6.4 percent of the total area of the province of Cavite.It is bounded in the north and west by General Trias, in the northeast by Imus and east by General Mariano Alvarez and Carmona and in the south by Silang. The National College of Science and Technology (NCST) is wizard of the leading educational institutions in the vast growing locality of Dasmarias, Cavite. NCST has chosen Cavite as its place of birth due to its strategic location having numerous technology-based industries and companies oper ating(a) in the disparate techno parks within the province, which is in cognizant with the institutional commitment of serving the youth of CALABARZON.With its considerable resources, NCST is continuously engaged in the research and development of new courses as well as the enhancement of existing curricula and the further improvement of its facilities to support the various program offerings. Close linkage with the different business and industrial sector has brought forth enhanced training programs where students are simultaneously exposed to both academic and actual work environments ensuring that upon their graduation, they are fit with employable skills, work knowledge and proper attitude. The NCST Campus is located along the stretch of Emilio Aguinaldo Highway and near the Congressional Avenue East in the university town of Dasmarias, which is a strategic location, and makes it accessible to all fails of the provence of Cavite and of Manila.The campus itself has a two buil ding, 4-storey structure, with fifty-seven (57) classrooms inclusive of fifteen (15) laboratories, all of which are fully air-conditioned. In order to urinate the students the relevant training desired in their respective fields of study, a special laboratory for each course is provided and which include a network of tetrad hundred (400) computer systems and was the existence of five (5) servers that guarantees 11 student/computer ratio.Furthermore, Internet access in the World Wide Web is excessively provided in order to familiarize the student with the sophistication of the information super broad(prenominal)way. Skills development is constantly upgraded to meet the challenging demands of the future. As such, technology-based courses in NCST are equipped with progressive technical equipment as well as the backing of personnel with technological expertise who ensure that a well-rounded and comprehensive training program, and responds to the demands of the industry for tint an d productivity.II Philosophical AnalysisThe National College of Science Technology (NCST) systems envision to become one of the nations leading industry-based educational institution with campuses in key areas around the Philippines. NCST leave behind be a top choice for human resources of every industry. NCST aims to become the institute for nation building, where student excellence is not an preposterous achievement but a daily way of life.NCST, in response to the commercial and industrial sectors need of highly professional and skilled manpower, provides progress technology and industry-based education, and sets standard of proficiency and competency compatible to the demands of industry, enduring positive work fosters, competitiveness and quality among its graduates.They aim to contribute to the national development by providing functional and relevant education thereby producing quality and responsible graduates with a strong foundation in character, faith, and love of su rface area. Our graduates will become the change agents who will make a difference for this nation. We will produce professionals, leaders, entrepreneurs or skilled workforce who will become assets to the society and productive citizens of our country.MISSIONNCST undertakes the accountability of providing the country with quality graduates who are trained with industry-responsive knowledge and skills and founded with underpinning honors of faith, love of country and humanity, hope, justice, mutual respect and peace. Their academic community accepts the challenge to work hard as a team in the spirit of excellence to ascertain that our vision and mission turn into glorious reality.Furthermore, NCST has its core values such as MAKADIYOS ,the initiative value that seeks to experience a lasting relationship with GOD. It inspires the people of NCST with courage, spirit and confidence through faith, love and commitment to God Almighty. MAKABAYAN, this value to kindle the jingoistic spi rit of the people. Such aspiration gives the people of NCST a mission and a sense of dedication to work with the best of their skills and abilities by promoting science and technology for the progress of the nation. MAPAGMALASAKIT , this value promotes understanding of the students welfare the NCSTs primary concern by providing caring environment and amenities conductive to learning.MAY PAGKAKAISA , this value lies on the relationship arising from the common interest, purposes and responsibilities of the people. With this, the people of NCST think, feel and act together towards the attainment of the schools mission. MAKAKALIKASAN , this value harbors on the ideal of NCST of having a high regard for the preservation and conversation of the countrys environment and natural resources.Having exposed to the mission, vision and core values of NCST, I could say that the institution altered various ism. First and the most dominated philosophy is the Progressivism, a philosophical whim t hat argues that education must be based on the fact that mankind are by nature sociable and learn best in real-life activities with other people, since NCST aims to become the institute for nation building, where student excellence is not an extraordinary achievement but a daily way of life.The curriculum used by the school are somewhat related or has resemblance with progressivism wherein teachers should not only emphasize drill and practice, but should expose learners to activities that relate to the real life situations of students, emphasizing Learning by doing. Progressivists emphasize the study of the natural and social sciences. Teacher should introduce students to new scientific, technological, and social developments. To expand the personal experience of learners, learning should be related to present community life. Believing that people learn best from what they consider most relevant to their lives, the curriculum should centre on the experiences, interests, and abiliti es of students.In NCST they not just study mathematics, literature, science but also courses that require students ability to apply what they learned in the four corners of the classroom to the world outside the school courses like their TESDA courses Certificate in Manufacturing Technology, Diploma in Production Technology, etc. In NCST, students are encouraged to interact with one another and develop social virtues such as cooperation and tolerance for different points of view. The core value of being MAKADIYOS is also related to idealism because in idealism, the aim of education is to discover and develop individuals abilities and full moral excellence in order to better serve society. On the other hand, their core value of MAKAKALIKASAN shows that they also adapted the philosophy of Naturalism or the love for nature.III proof/ SummaryNCST is an institution that aims to provide the country with quality graduates who are trained with industry-responsive knowledge and skills and f ounded with underpinning values of faith, love of country and humanity, hope, justice, mutual respect and peace. The educational philosophy of this institution such as Values Formation, where in they aim to build the character of every individual and emphasize mutual respect, we put forth our belief in transforming ordinary students to become extraordinary is highly recommendable. Another thing that is good in this institution is their love for nature for they believe that it is our common responsibility to give environmental consciousness, care and protection.They believe that we are all responsible and should take our place in the ecological balance and management and be part of the solution instead of becoming the problem. We should inspire and influence our community in the implementation of our environment programs. Their program which offers courses that develops practical skills is now a key for the students to like a shot be hired or have works after their graduation.They c ontinuously aims to develop practical skill enhancement programs to sustain competitiveness among their graduates, creating an avenue of cooperation amongst the industry experts and the academic community in crafting a more relevant curriculum and more industry-relevant skills pertaining to the technical training requirements of our students. To sum this up, their Values is their heart, their Environmental reside and Protection represents their Soul, Theoretical Foundation represents their Mind and Practical Skills represents their Body.

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Free Essay on Study Plan Essay1. Do my best to finish all the three tasks in side of meat course2. Enlarge my vocabulary3. Improve my writing and speaking skillsLong-term goalsHave TOEIC and OPlc test in next years winter vacation and get the level at least 900Action planFor short-term goals1. I need to spend enough time on doing the tasks and e-portfolio of the face course. And do my best to work with my partner or group member to complete the tasks. 2. I imbibe some problem about vocabulary which influences other aspects of my English study. So I think it is really important to enlarge my vocabulary. The first way is making a study group in Academy. I have done one and a half of them and find it really helpful because thither are some tasks we can do to use the words so that we can remember the words. Reading the English Articles and watching the English Movies are withal good ways. Another thing I can do is apply the word cards and reviewing them frequently. 3. To improv e my writing skill, write the passage in English frequently and try to prevent the grammar mistakes. To improve my speaking skills, actually there are a lot of opportunities. I can speak English everyday by using telephone English to enhance my pronunciation. And I also need to speak more in class or just chat with exchange students and local students.

Single-Instruction Stream Multiple-Data Stream Architecture

Single-Instruction Stream Multiple-Data Stream ArchitectureIntroduction to SIMD ArchitecturesSIMD (Single-Instruction Stream Multiple-Data Stream) architectures argon essential in the parallel world of computers. Their ability to fudge large vectors and matrices in minimal time has created a phenomenal demand in such areas as weather entropy and lotcer radiation research. The ability behind this type of architecture can be seen when the number of main(prenominal)frame computer elements is equivalent to the size of your vector. In this situation, componentwise addition and multiplication of vector elements can be done concurrently. Even when the size of the vector is larger than the number of processors elements available, the speedup, compared to a sequential algorithm, is immense. There are deuce types of SIMD architectures we bequeath be discussing. The first is the professedly SIMD followed by the Pipelined SIMD. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages but their c ommon attribute is superior ability to manipulate vectors.True SIMD Distributed stockThe True SIMD architecture contains a single contol unit(CU) with multiple processor elements(PE) acting as arithmetic units(AU). In this situation, the arithmetic units are slaves to the control unit. The AUs cannot fetch or interpret any(prenominal) instructions. They are except a unit which has capabilities of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Each AU has access only to its own storage. In this sense, if a AU needs the information contained in a unalike AU, it must put in a request to the CU and the CU must manage the transferring of information. The advantage of this type of architecture is in the ease of adding more(prenominal) memory and AUs to the computer. The disadvantage can be found in the time wasted by the CU managing all memory exchanges.True SIMD Shared MemoryAnother True SIMD architecture, is externalizeed with a configurable association between the PEs an d the memory modules(M). In this architecture, the local memories that were attached to each AU as higher up are replaced by memory modules. These Ms are shared by all the PEs through an alignment network or switching unit. This allows for the separate PEs to share their memory without accessing the control unit. This type of architecture is certainly superior to the above, but a disadvantage is inherited in the difficulty of adding memory.Pipelined SIMDPipelined SIMD architecture is composed of a pipeline of arithmetic units with shared memory. The pipeline postulates different streams of instructions and performs all the trading operations of an arithmetic unit. The pipeline is a first in first out type of procedure. The size of the pipelines are relative. To take advantage of the pipeline, the data to be evaluated must be stored in different memory modules so the pipeline can be fed with this information as fast as possible. The advantages to this architecture can be found i n the speed and energy of data processing assuming the above stipulation is met.SIMD BASICSEarly microprocessors didnt actually consent any floating-point capabilities they were strictly integer crunchers.? Floating-point calculations were done on separate, give hardware, usually in the form of a math coprocessor.? Before long though, transistor sizes shrunk to the point where it became feasible to put a floating-point unit directly onto the primary(prenominal) central processor die, and the modern integer/floating-point microprocessor was born.? Of course, the addition of floating-point hardware meant the addition of floating-point instructions.? For the x86 world, this meant the introduction of the x87 floating-point architecture and its (now hopelessly archaic) stack-based register model.Actually, the addition of SIMD instructions and hardware to a modern, superscalar CPU is a bit more drastic than the addition of floating-point capability.? A microprocessor is a SISD device (Single Instruction stream, Single Data stream), and it has been since its inception.As you can see from the above picture, a SIMD machine exploits a property of the data stream called data parallelism.? You get data parallelism when you have a large mass of data of a uniform type that needs the very(prenominal) instruction performed on it.? A classic example of data parallelism is inverting an RGB picture to produce its negative.? You have to iterate through an array of uniform integer values (pixels), and perform the same operation (inversion) on each one multiple data points, a single operation.? Modern, superscalar SISD machines exploit a property of the instruction stream called instruction-level parallelism (ILP).? In a nutshell, this means that you execute multiple instructions at one time on the same data stream.? (See my other articles for more detailed discussions of ILP).? So a SIMD machine is a different class of machine than a habitual microprocessor.? SIMD is abo ut exploiting parallelism in the data stream, while superscalar SISD is about exploiting parallelism in the instruction stream.There were some early, ill-fated attempts at making a purely SIMD machine (i.e., a SIMD-only machine).? The problem with these attempts is that the SIMD model is simply not flexible enough to accoodate general purpose code.? The only form in which SIMD is authentically feasible is as a part of a SISD host machine that can execute conditional instructions and other types of code that SIMD doesnt handle well.? This is, in fact, the situation with SIMD in todays market.? Programs are written for a SISD machine, and include in their code SIMD instructions.SIMD appliancesThe three SIMD machines covered in this paper are the Connection Machine by Danny Hillis, the Abacus Project at the MIT AI Lab, and the CAM-8 machine by Norman Margolus. These three machines give a pretty accurate sampling of the type of SIMD machines that were constructed as well as an idea of the motivations for creating the machines in the first place.The Connection Machine was composed of 65,536 bit processors. Each die consisted of 16 processors with each processor unresolved of communicating with each other via a switch. These 4,096 dies formed the thickeners of a 12th dimension hypercube network.Thus, a processor was guaranteed to be within 12 hops of any other processor in the machine. The hypercube network also facilitated communication by providing alternative routes from source processor to destination. Each node was given a 12-bit node ID, and different paths between two nodes in the network could be traversed based on how the node ID was read. The network allowed for both packet and circuit-based communication for flexibility.The second machine discussed is the Abacus machine created at the MIT AI Lab. This machine was constructed primarily for vision processing. The machine consisted of 1024 bit processing elements set in a 2D mesh. The primary excogitati on of interest from the design was that the processing elements were configurable, and used reconfigurable bit parallel RBP algorithms instead of traditional bit serial computation. This means that each PE emulated logic for part of an arithmetic circuit (be it an adder, shifter, multiplier,etc) based on a RBP algorithm. The motivation for having these configurable processingelements was to save on the silicon area needed to implement arithmetic. However,because there was a necessary smash-up for reconfiguration and the implementation did not easily allow for pipelining due to data dependencies, it was not clear that having configurable processing elements was a definite win.SIMD versus Loop PipeliningWe can consider two different models for mapping spirals onto coarse-grained reconfigurable architecture SIMD and loop pipelining. SIMD computation model is efficient for computation intensive,data-parallel applications requiring less context watchwords to configure reconfigurable processing elements. Since data load and computation are temporarily separated in this model,array elements are not efficiently utilized. In the case of loop pipelining, different operations in a loop can be executed simultaneously in a pipeline. With this flexibility, data load and computation can be simultaneously executed and all reconfigurable array elements can be efficiently used. In some loops, the performance of pipelining is roughly the same as the performance of SIMD. However, if a loop has frequent memory operations, the pipelining will render much higher performance.Reconfigurable ArchitectureThe reconfigurable architecture that we propose consists of an ARM 926EJ-S processor, an SDRAM, a DMA controller, and a coarse-grained Reconfigurable Core staff (RCM) template, which is similar to Morphosys and specified in the DSE flow. The communication bus is AMBA AHB ,which couples the ARM 926EJ-S processor and the DMA controller as master devices and the RCM as a slave device. The ARM 926EJ-S processor executes control intensive, ir first-string code segments and the RCM executes data-intensive, kernel code segments.Design Space ExplorationThe design lay exploration (DSE) flow of coarse-grained reconfigurable architecture. A design starts from profiling and partitioning of target application and defining an architecture from the tem plate. Data intensive, regular loops are selected from the profiling result and the rest of the application is modified to take care of synchronization. The selected loops are analyzed to determine the RCM structure from the template and the configuration words are generated. Design space exploration flow From the architecture specification, we can generate a SystemC description for fast architecture evaluation . Then the loop pipelining model is applied to the SystemC description. Binary configuration data are include in the executable code and overall performance of the application is evaluated on the transaction level pla tform. The transaction level modeling enables fast design space exploration at early stage . Finally, the architecture is designed at the RT level from the SystemC model and the performance is evaluated on the RTL platform. The RTL architecture is verified by FPGA prototyping.RCM usher ArchitectureRCM specification starts from the template architecture similar to Morphosys. Whereas the memory structure (frame buffer and configuration cache) of Morphosys support only the SIMD model, we support both SIMD and pipelining by modifying the memory structure.Types of memory-Frame BufferFrame buffer (FB) of Morphosys does not support concurrency between the load of two operands and the store of result in a same column. It is not needed in SIMD mapping. However, in the case of loop pipelining, concurrent load and store operations can happen between mapped loop iterations. So we modified the FB and bit-width of data bus is specified in the DSE flow. We simply added a bank to each set. Therefo re, a bank can be connected to the economise bus while the other two banks are connected to the read buses. Any combination of one-to-one mapping between the three banks and the three buses is possible. pattern CacheContext memory of Morphosys is designed for broadcast configuration. So RCs in the same row or column share the same context word for SIMD operation. However, in the case of loop pipelining, each RC can be configured by different context word. So we modified the context memory and designated it as Configuration Cache. Configuration cache is composed of 64 Cache Elements(CE) and Cache Control Unit(CCU) for controlling each CE. Each CE has enough layers that enable moral force reconfiguration and the number of layers is specified in the DSE flow. CCU supports 4 configuration modes(three broadcast modes and one individual mode) for efficient data assignment.RC raiment Execution Control UnitIf the main processor directly controls the RC array execution through AMBA AHB, it will cause high overhead in the main processor. In addition, the latency of the control will degrade the performance of the whole system, especially when dynamic reconfiguration is used. So we implement a control unit to control the execution of the RC array every cycle. The RC Array Execution Control Unit (RCECU) receives the encoded data for controlling RC execution from the main processor. The encoded data includes execution cycles, chip select, read/write mode, and addresses of FB and CCU for guaranteeing correct operations of the RC array.RCM judicial admissionFrom profiling result, we find that ME and DCT functions occupymost of the execution time ME takes about 70% and DCT takes about 7.40%. Specifically, Sum of Absolute Differences (SAD) function called by ME takes about 47.7%. Furthermore, the two functions have regular loops that fit well with the RC array. We determine the RCM structure by analyzing the DCT and ME functions. The structure is similar to Morphosys but the bit-widthof the data bus is extended to 16 and some interconnects between RCs are added for the DCT function. In the case of Morphosys, horizontal and vertical express lanes exist to guarantee connectivity between quadrants but express lanes dont support concurrent data exchange between symmetrical RCs in the same row or column. Therefore the interconnects are added for removing data arrangement cycles . We do not expect much increase in the area with this modification but need quantitative analysis to see the effect.

Corporate Social Responsibility in the ICT Industry

Corporate Social Responsibility in the ICT Industry1. IntroductionICT exertion has downstairsgo rapid growth characterised by strong competition in which companies are increasingly focussing in improving their core competencies such as innovation, marketing, and stigmatization to maintain competitive advantage. Manufacturing and tot up chain are usu in everyy outsourced to ontogeny countries sending to complex multi dimensional relationships between companies. To maintain operational efficiency companies a lot of times dont pay heed to environment and low power stakeholders such as employees, NGOs etc., and therefore lack a systematic CSR (corporate kindly responsibility) framework. tally to a finding by Forrester Group (Figure 1), 34 % of organizations are now pursuing a CSR action plan and about 13% have already implemented one (Forrester, 2009). CESR framework enables identification of calm causes of issues, establishes remedial processes and supports continual improve ments. Companies already use business management systems (BMS) and utilizing CSR management standards such as ISO 26000 and ISO 14001 should not be troublesome to adapt. These standards will act as performance indicators for companys CSR. Having an integrated betterment towards business and CSR ensures companys long term viability by not only addressing environmental and societal issues but also develop business process, improving quality, and controllability.This paper will show that despite organizations being reluctant in realizing the not so visible returns by investing in CSER, it is increasingly becoming critical to incorporate the social and environmental strategies within the business structure. This paper analyses the major challenges, root causes for these challenges faced by ICT industry, and concludes by recommending a series of procedures that bear be adopted by companies to ensure their viability and sustainability in the present and future.2. Prevalent CSR issues in the industryThe major CESR (corporate environment and social responsibility) issues identified in organizations, especially in developing countries that manufacture 45% of all ICT products are excessive working hours, player health and safety, poor employer-employee relationship, e-waste and pollution (Janco Associates Inc., 2009).2. 1 Poor employee engagementMany workers in the ICT industry, especially in the manufacturing sector, are hired regularly on bunco term contracts and laid off at the end of their term. Under this set up employers get away without hiring full-time employees thereby, avoiding higher wages and benefits, which would have been incurred some otherwise. This happens sooner often in developing countries such as China and Philippines. This prevents workers from actively partaking in companies growth and decreases loyalty. In addition, the manufacturing industry is plagued with workers having to work mandatory everyplacetime in order to meet high production demands at varying times. This requires flexible as well as long working hours for employees. In many developing countries, workers are threatened to be fired in case they do not travel along with these work schedules. Long working hours can also be highly detrimental towards the morale of the workers and spites the motivation of the labour force.2.2 Health and safety issues (U.S. Geological Survey, 2008)Majority of electronic products manufactured by ICT industry contain nearly form of hazardous substances. Workers in developing countries are constantly exposed to these materials that pose significant risks to their health hazards. According to Ladou (1994), ICT manufacturing workers are exposed to more toxins than workers in the chemical or pesticide industry are.2.3 Electronic Waste (E-Waste)One of the superior environmental issues the ICT industry currently faces is inconsistent e-waste policies adopted not just by companies but governments across the world. http//www.pcij. org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/e-waste-dumping-routes-large.jpgFigure 2 Sources and destinations of e-wasteDue to rapid technological developments and newer design models of cell straits, the average lifespan of a cell phone is only 18 months in OECD countries (U.S. Geological Survey, 2008). This creates tremendous amounts of e-waste generated that is exported in tonnes on a daily basis to developing countries. Many times this waste is exported under the category of workable conditions though it is dysfunctional. Many recyclers are not certified and do not follow environmental or social standards to recycle. Figure 2 identifies sources and destinations of most of e-waste. It is unsurprising to see that developed nations are using developing countries as their e-waste graveyard. Most companies use third party contractors, who form part of a nascent industry, to handle product presidency and recycling.3. Root-causes of the challenges in the ICT sectorInformation and Communicati ons Technology (ICT) companies are constantly bombarded by protests from the public, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and governments with respect to their inattention towards social and environmental responsibilities. There are several reasons why these companies are unable to adequately execute their aforementioned responsibilities. The following paragraphs will highlight some of reasons and appoint the root causes of the challenges ICT companies face in this regard (FIAS BSR, 2007).3.1 Significant upfront costs without tangible benefitsAccording to FIAS and BSR (2007), ICT companies are constantly challenged by issues of feasibility when considering an investment to fire their corporate social responsibility (CSR), due to the uncertain return on investment (ROI). Financial return through CSR is usually intangible and therefore difficult to keep a track of and measure, hence heightening the risk perceived by managers. However according to FIAS and BSRs (2007) survey, inves tments in CSR can result in demoralise employee attrition rates, increased process efficiency, healthier business relationship with customers and high influx of customers among other various benefits. Neverthe slight, the perceived financial indecision inherent in CSR investments leads many companies to overlook the benefits highlighted by the aforementioned survey and simply regard it as a long term schema with no guarantees. Some companies time lag to become late adopters until the impact of CSR is tested and tried in their industry before incorporating it within their business model.3.2 Heavy investmentsFIAS and BSR (2007) found out that companies implementation of a CSR system could increase costs by 3-5% or perhaps even more, in addition to costs incurred through the adoption of new equipment and technologies to promote go environmental or health and safety practices for example. As well, the management has to invest time, effort and other resources to perform training an d develop internal policies. These factors add to the uncertainty and perceived burden of CSR investments and whitethorn further act as deterrents for companies to invest significant resources.3.3 Complexities related to overtimeUnmanageable excess overtime is one of the greatest CSR challenges ICT manufacturing suppliers face. According to FIAS BSRs survey (2007), a significant number of suppliers believe that they could fulfill all CSR expectations except excess overtime. The major reason behind this issue is overtime decisions are outside of the suppliers control. The manufacturing industry faces a lot of fluctuation in manufacturing demand that results in a lack of predictable product volumes. Other factors such as changes in the workforce, fluctuations in raw materials prices, evolving labour and environment laws, and even last minute changes in customer orders complicate this process. While companies do collect efforts to responsibly manage workers work-life balance, in the case of suppliers that hire hundreds of thousands of workers, this process may well be extremely challenging.3.4 Implementation of CSR expectations in supply chainsThe CSR efforts of transnational corporations (MNCs) can multiply significantly if they realize the importance of motivating and convincing all of their supply chain partners within the hierarchy to adopt responsibility towards the association and environment they operate in. However, this can be truly challenging and companies typically feel prudent for only towards their next suppliers performance and are not certified of suppliers activities down the supply chain. MNCs outsourcing into developing countries bear the responsibility of ensuring that their suppliers conform to ethical values and international standards4. RecommendationsLeading organizations have embraced a leadership role in CSR initiatives because they realize that by investing in the community, the environment, and its internal resources they create cost savings, competitive advantages and continued growth (T Systems, 2009).Central to any companys success has been a very trusting working atmosphere that involves open communication between employees and management. Initiatives such as daycare services, preventive back pain workshops, support programs for smokers and subsidized salutary food and gym programs have helped in promoting active employee engagement. Various companies are actively compound in helping non-profit organizations with financial and non-financial measures.A lack of grammatical gender diversity, specifically women in the workforce is a constant challenge for the information and communication technology (ICT) industry as a whole as over 80% of the industrys workforce is male. Another issue is environmental awareness among employees, customers and its supply-chain. For example, employees may not be adopting proper recycling practices or cutting down on wastage. Customers may not be eager to adopt virtualizati on, which is a technology that enables more efficient server energy use, because of a fear of privacy breaches. Similarly, with regards to the supply chain, large e-waste problems may not be addressed adequately, leading to large amounts of waste due to constant hardware turnover that is irresponsibly disposed in the developing world, thereby contributing to pollution and possibly negative health outcomes.Great changes can be brought by adopting small initiatives throughout the industry by every company. Eventually these changes will become the norm of the industry and perhaps transform into standards and laws. Implementation of a split focus between environmental, and internal and international social initiatives is innate to satisfying all key stakeholders. The following table highlights some of the positive and negative aspects of adopting such an approachPROSCONSBuilds and maintains stag imageConsoli attends approach and addresses key areas of corporate concernsCan choose fro m a wide array of projectsNo catch-up required for upcoming industry/regulations for environmental/social practicesSatisfies all stakeholders inevitablyHigh resource needsSplitting corporate focusTakes focus away from customer acquisitionTherefore as the table indicates, this option addresses some(prenominal) social and environmental factors however it lessens the overall effect on both areas compared to if they were pursued individually.4.1 Create an enabling ICT policy framework that incorporates a holistic CSR strategy within the business modelCompanies need to create and integrate a CSR strategy within their existing business model to be able to to the full engrain CSR into their company. This strategy recognizes and addresses issues independently on a priority basis. Every company will find different issues it needs to address for instance, a chemical bear on plant will have to find the best possible way to dispose off waste responsibly, whereas, an electronics manufacturer will address the issue of venomous metals being used in production. Once the company is able to establish and adhere to its CSR mission, it then can communicate these values among its supply chain and members of the ICT industry. The final stage is to adopt a strategy that maximizes sustainability in the following areas brand image, stakeholder satisfaction, and long term viability.4.2 Create incentives for suppliersSuppliers consider incentives from customers as being a strong inducement to improve their CSR performance. Therefore, companies should determine which incentives would help their suppliers perform better in meeting CSR expectations. Some examples of incentives could be a combination of longer contract terms, increased grease ones palms volumes, higher prices and public recognition through awards and certificates. The amount of incentives can be linked to different levels of performance shown by the suppliers. Companies need to realize that providing these incentive s may hurt their profits initially, but in the long run the advantages derived from better CSR performance, such as less need for monitoring, reliable supply chains, diminished risk to brand image, improved product quality, and better operated facilities, could effectivenessly counter the initial reduction in profits.4.3 Implement Standard industry-wide codesA common industry standard is essential to guide and monitor compliance for companies. Codes such as the Electronics Industry Code of Conduct are universally identified and accepted as being a tool to improve processes and methodologies. Additionally the presence of one industry standard increases documentation and reporting efficiency as there will be less duplication, inconsistency and confusion.4.4 Conduct audits for improvement rather than complianceCompanies perform audits merely as a responsibility to get over with. However, audits are to serve as a learning opportunity by identifying issues and areas for improvement. Aud its should be able to not only tell companies the degree of compliance with the standards but also give a larger picture of companys fulfillment of its commitment to CSR. Following the audits company can arrange training sessions to remedy the weaknesses identified in the audits (FIAS BSR, 2007).4.5 Involve and implement responses from all stakeholdersIn order to achieve this, companies can implement the CSR strategic process that TELUS has been able to utilize successfully. This process engages internal and external stakeholders to develop a CSR strategy that is continuously reviewed and realigned to achieve results. Involving stakeholders during various stages of strategy incorporation enables development of a wholesome strategy, which satisfies needs of all social and environment aspects. Typically, NGOs and environmentalists are not involved in companys CSR strategy framing, thereby, limiting companies performance in green sector.CSR4.6 E-waste Management SystemWith regards to e-waste management, the goal is to find a clean, economical and constructive means of disposal. As such, the adoption of an e-Market for Returned Deposit system similar to the model outlined by Kahhat, Kim et.al is recommended (Kahat, Kim, Xu, Allenby, Williams, Zhang, 2008). This system will consist of the development of a database that will act as a gathering for suppliers and organizations looking for cheap, reusable and recyclable hardware. This database provides suppliers with an outlet to dispose of their grandfathered and unusable hardware in a responsible and economic way. As well, e-waste disposal companies (who meet WEEE standards) could access the forum to look for hardware that they may need. There could also be a separate section for donation to schools and non-profit organizations. The hope is that this forum will help shrink the digital divide and decrease pollution from e-waste.This site would be directly influencing their customers as well as their suppliers to di spose of their e-waste in a constructive and responsible manner while assisting in the further development of the communitys technological know-how, thereby shrinking the digital divide.Finally, companies can begin fling their expertise in environmental efficiencies in order to create an ethical supply chain. This process will start by educating suppliers and moving on to educating other organizations and may represent a future revenue stream.4.7 Employee EngagementAs part of an initiative to increase employee engagement while addressing companies strategy of socially responsible behaviour, the development of a cross-functioning CSR Task Force in every company is recommended. This groups mandate will be to initiate, develop and implement new CSR initiatives designed to stir and add to the companys current CSR strategy. A senior management director, who will act as a facilitator for the committee, will champion this task force. Beyond this role, he or she will act merely as a symbol ic head of the committee. The idea behind this arrangement is to ensure that upper management is kept au courant of homegrown ideas and developments and to make sure they remain engaged in the overall CSR strategy. Members of the task force will be employees selected from different functional areas of the company. Intra-company elections will be held on an annual basis to select a committee head (non-management), who will be the main driver and coordinator of new CSR ideas and strategies. By having non-upper management employees lead this task force, a way for employees to gain valuable leadership experience will be realized. Cisco Systems has implemented a similar program and to date they have experienced very successful results (Creary, 2010). This project allows Host Europe to engage its employees and involve them in a strategically important initiative all while reaping the benefits of new and innovative CSR ideas derived from a CSR think-tank at a low cost.Such a task force wi ll also act as CSR consultants that hopefully will educate and help implement CSR strategies that mirror leading companies strategies up the supply chain. Depending on how the CSR consultants are received by suppliers, there is potential that this could become a new revenue stream as suppliers try to reach the customers position.In order to encourage engagement from all employees we suggest that, in conjunction with the newly appointment CSR Task Force, companies begin an employee efficiency reward system where employees are rewarded financially for the degree of environmentally efficient measures they take. These measures would be persistent by the CSR team and could include anything from car-pooling to personal contribution to community programs geared at environmental clean-ups, to outside education of local businesses. Employeess CSR commitment can be measured in their annual performance review. At the end of the year, the CSR Task Force can vote on the top CSR performers at t he company and bonuses can be given out to them.4.8 Focus on DiversityTo address the lack of pistillate representatives in the ICT industry, companies can seek membership in local female associations like Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) and Association for Womens Rights in Development (AWID). These organizations concentrate on developing womens technical skills, offers networking opportunities, career focussing and increase awareness and interest in the field of ICT. Through these channels, companies can attract top students to through internships or executive hiring programs. Other senior female executives in the ICT industry can act as champions for the overall initiative by participating in information sessions, mentorship programs and initiatives like job shadowing.4.9 Effective piece Resource PlanningTo ensure that the company has the right people in the right place at the right time, I would suggest the adoption of strategical Workforce Planning (SWP) ( Conference Board of Canada, 2009). This involves identifying hiring needs based on the projects companies plan to undertake in the next 3-5 years, evaluating their options to fill those positions based on skills, identifying gaps and finally developing a plan to tackle them. SWP will help companies meet talent needs based on different market conditions, account for new opportunities and projects that may be implemented in that timeline. The SWP incorporates initiatives that develop talent internally as well as develop a recruitment plan to attract external talent.5. ConclusionCSR needs to be fundamentally integrated into business operations and relationships. In many companies, CSR is the absent link that could potentially help companies grow responsibly and sustainably along with its stakeholders. Increasingly CSR is becoming more and more critical to a companys success as customers become more aware of their surroundings. Deployment of CSR adds incredible value to a companys busin ess while also supporting communities and the environment. Adopting CESR policies will also equip companies to readily conform to impending legislations and regulations and organizations will be well prepared to comply with standards. During the process of implementing these CSR initiatives, companies should start with easily adoptable features such as energy efficient usage of resources at work. Many of the recommendations made in this paper do not require extensive capital commitments rather, attitudinal changes in the way companies operate. Other recommendations however, such as building energy efficient data centres and other ICT infrastructure, may require a considerable amount of time and financial investments (Fernando Okuda, 2009). Through partnership, organizations can encourage and support one another to adopt and adhere to their commitments. If consistently approached and consolidated, these initiatives will definitely provide companies with excellent and far-reaching im provements (T Systems, 2009).

Efficiency of photovoltaic cells

Efficiency of scenevoltaic cellsThis years Nobel Prize has been awarded to an Ameri after part physicist and chemist whose work paved the way to built efficient and piteous-cost polymer photovoltaic cells. professor A. J. Heeger of University of California at Santa Barbara, US received the prestigious Nobel Prize for his research on polymer photovoltaic solar cells over the past two decades.In 1995 Heeger promulgated a paper (science 270 1789), in which he proposed a new approach to fabricate photovoltaic devices, which led to the development of efficient solar cells. This enabled to fabricate renewable, sustainable, and recyclable, low cost photovoltaic devices which are used to convert light efficiency into electric current.This approach is enhanced and widely used in commercial applications to elevate flexible organic solar cells. The increasing demand for energy has created a need for low cost and eco-friendly energy source. Solar power, which is a renewable energy source hol ds good for producing energy at low cost.BreakthroughEfficiency of Photovoltaic cells depends on the energy changeover and charge arrangement of the device, which are exalted in inorganic base photovoltaic device, however organic photovoltaic devices have major advantages over inorganic photovoltaic devices i.e., low-cost fabrication, mechanical flexibleness and disposability. This led many researches to focus on polymer photovoltaic cells, hence several approaches have been proposed for fabricating photovoltaic cells like mono and bilayered organic solar cells by use photo induced electron transfer in composites of conducting polymers as donors(D) and Buckminsterfullerene and its derivatives as acceptors(A). However the conversion efficiency is limited by the carrier collection efficiency at the D-A interface. A major breakthrough in the field of organic photovoltaic cells is achieved by overcoming the limitation of the efficiency in the bilayer heterojunction, which is propos ed by Heeger. A high interfacial area is achieved within a bulk material by carefully controlling the morphology of the phase separation into an interpenetrating bicontinuous D-A network, which yields efficient photo induced charge separation, this obtained interfacial area is known as Bulk D-A heterojunction. Even though the bulk heterojunction is previously proposed by Hiramoto et al, J. Appl. Phys. 72, 3781, 1992 but the fabrication of solar cells is far more difficult than that of Heeger approach.Heeger used composite film of poly (2-methoxy-5-(2-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1, 4-phenylene vinylene) (MEH-PPV) and soluble derivatives of buckminsterfullerene namely 6,6PCBM and 5,6PCBM to form a polymer blend. To overcome the limited solubility of C60, a series of soluble C60 derivatives are used, this concept of soluble C60 derivatives enabled to realize new device concept. The structure of bulk heterojunction consists of metal electrode contacts (Ca or Al) of different work hunt to optimise the efficiency of carrier collection of holes from donor phase and electrons from acceptor phase.Indium tin oxide (ITO) is used as anode and Ca or Al is used as anode which automatically extracts electrons and holes from the polymer blend. The performance of bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells depends on the phase separation in polymer blend devices so much of the research is concentrated on the precise control of the phase separation. The film formation has to be very fast, in order to obtain fine structures i.e., Phase separation has to be arrested earlier, which results in small domains than exciton diffusion length. This can be achieved Adv. Mater. 12, 498, 2000 by spin coating on a heated substrate, so that the solvent evaporates faster.The quantum efficiency (percentage of photos hitting the photo responsive surface that will modernise electron-hole pair) of up to 2.9% is achieved by Heeger, which is further enhanced by using different low molecular weight materials Adv. Mater. 12, 1270, 2000. Quantum efficiency can be improved up to 10% by using different materials.EvolutionA wide range of research is carried out based on bulk heterojunction approach, which resulted in efficient photovoltaic cells however organic solar cells degrade when exposed to ultraviolet light, which effects the life time of the cells. Energy conversion efficiency is also low when compared to its inorganic counterparts. Fig 1 shows the efficiency achieved by different research groups in the last decade. 7.9% efficiency is achieved by Solarmer Company, which is sensible by National renewable energy laboratory (NREL). Whereas Heeger achieved a quantum efficiency of 2.9%, this indicates a rapid development in this field over a decade. Solarmer produce photovoltaic commercial products using bulk heterojunction approach.Another company named Konarka which is founded by Heeger also manufactures plastic electronics and solar cells with bulk heterojunction. Konarka offer convention al products like sensors, takeout battery charging for PDA, mobiles and other small devices, microelectronics, portable power, remote power, building integrated photovoltaic.Plextronics is another company developing and selling pre-formulated inks as well as the know-how to patsy them, which are extensively tested for outdoor lifetime. Device using these products have high lifetimes of the order of years.However the efficiency of polymer photovoltaic cells is low when compared to the silicon based photovoltaic devices. In order to compete with other available technologies, the efficiency of polymer photovoltaic cells should be increased to 15% with a lifetime of 15-20 years Solar energy, 2009, 1224. Heeger make a significant contribution to polymer solar cells field by proposing the bulk Heterojunction approach, which has many potential applications in renewable energy.

Comparing the Restricted and Non-restricted Carbohydrate Diet Essay

Comparing the Restricted and Non-restricted Carbohydrate DietI compared the physiological, psychological, and physical responses in restricted-carbohydrate feeds and non-restricted carbohydrate diets. These compares are found in various studies summarized into a comparison article written by Brian D. Butki, Jeffrey Baumstark, and Simon Driver called Effects of a Carbohydrate-Restricted Diet on Affective Responses to Acute Exercise Among Physically Active Participants. Throughout the studies compared in the article, subjects who participated as a restricted or low-carbohydrate dieter consumed meals with 20 grams of carbohydrates per day whereas subjects who participated as a non-restricted carbohydrate dieter were allowed to consume 250 grams per day (the recommended amount suggested by the Food and do drugs Administration). Both types of participants were evaluated for their physiological responses (such as the amount of energy the body is able to produce from their diet), their ps ychological responses (such as assessment of their mood), and their physical response (such as their mightiness to do physical activity). The results collected from various studies in this article suggest that the diet directly influences the way the body responds physiologically, psychologically, and physically especially when one is drill to lose weight.The amount of energy the body produces depends on the amount of energy-producing foods consumed these are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. However these types of energy-providing foods also contain the most calories which can turn into stored fat when not all of it is burned off as energy. Therefore the way that the body uses the carbohydrates, proteins, and fats is what scientists try... ...y postulate the psychological response. The significant reports of negative emotions caused by the imbalance between carbohydrates and fats seems to affect the area of the brain where the hypothalamus is located also seems to be associate d with the fatigue and nauseasymptoms of hypoglycemia. The result of the comparison between a restricted-carbohydrate diet and a non-restricted carbohydrate diet shows how manipulations of the diet can affect a number of the important anatomical systems.Works CitedButki, Brain D., Jeffrey Baumstark, and Simon Driver (2003). Effects of a carbohydrate-Restricted Diet on Affective Responses to Acute Exercise among Physically Active Participants. Journal of Perceptual Motor Skills, 96 (2), 607-615. Grosvenor, Mary B. and Lori A. Smolin. Nutrition From Science to Life. Orlando, FL Harcourt College Publishers, 2002.

Jonathan Swifts A Modest Proposal Essay -- A Modest Proposal

In Jonathan speedys essay, A Modest Proposal, lively proposes that the scummy should eat their own starving children during a undischarged a famine in Ireland. What would draw Swift into writing to much(prenominal) lengths? When snips get hard in Ireland, Swift states that the children would make great meals. The key concomitantor to Swifts essay that the reader must see that Swift is not literally ordering the poor to cannibalize. Swift acknowledges the fact of the scarcity of viands and empathizes with the struggling and famished souls of Ireland through the strange essay. Being of high society Britain, which at the time mothered Ireland, Swift utilizes his work to satirically limit much of the blame on England itself. Through his brilliant stating of the fact that the children cost money as well as aid in the drought of food and necessities the reader can get an idea of the suffering on going in Ireland this brings the reader to see that instead of keeping the children t heir parents should either eat them or sell them on an open market. By wasting the scarce food in Ireland, the people are killing themselves thus the children can be consumed sparing food and at the same time making food. It is interesting to see how well Swift conveys his view towards the poor in this odd manor. Swift sees how the poor are treated by the affluent who may cerebrate that the impoverished are the reason for Irelands food problems. In fact, the entire essay is zip more than sarcastic piece that deeply imbeds the blame upon the rich who he feels might have just as much or even more blame on Irelands food problems than the poor ever have. Swift intelligently uses his common sense logic in a strange way of life to convey his feelings about this predicament. Swift goes to great lengths to intelligently show these feelings. The ways at which Swift camouflages his ideas and thoughts throughout this essay brought many readers at the time to think that he actually wanted I reland to revert to eating their children. His employment of such literary elements of badinage, mix cynicism, and pure contextual reaction from the reader help to constitute the entire essay.Thoughout the work, Swift persistently relies upon the use of irony. It is quite apparent that no rational human being would bring themselves to eating the flesh of another, which also adds to the irony of the story. Another interesting point of reflection is ... ...rity. It is his lack of expectations towards a good outcome that exalts the tone of Swifts paper to a higher level. Swift knows that the depression and bleakness of the period will take time in getting better. To the poor it will seem like an eternity thus, giving Swift a reason to write the way in which he does. Throughout his writings, Jonathon Swift has used many different voices to explicate his views on the melancholy time period in which he lived. He uses a totally inverse route in writing his works. Swift brings to light m any aspects of his culture such as greed, poverty, and ignorance. Other writers of the period would probably not even touch such aspects. A Modest Proposal is a prime example of every(prenominal) interesting degree of Swifts writing abilities. Ingeniously, the essay is a collection of these abilities. In conclusion to the story, the reader can scrutinize each condemnation to find a different meaning or interpretation. Clearly, this essay is and should be treated as a work of fiction and cypher more. Though it is nothing more than a fictional work it should be taken into account that the essay carries a deeper meaning to which every reader can find difference.