SWOT ANALYSIS ON THE XBOX - 997 Words

Running head: SWOT ANALYSIS ON THE XBOX SWOT Analysis on the XBOX Grand Canyon University AMP 340 22 Nov 2009 SWOT Analysis on the XBOX A SWOT analysis is an examination of an organization’s Strengths and Weaknesses, as well as what are the Opportunities and Threats (Schermerhorn, 2010, p.212). To best do a SWOT, it is important to look at the history of the XBOX. When Bill Gates reveled plans for the Xbox at the Game developer’s conference in San Jose, Ca. in March of 2000 no one knew exactly what to make of it. Was he mad, brave or just plain deluded? With Sony bashing Nintendo into a distant second place and Sega struggling to stay in the console arms race, his plans seemed a little crazy. But†¦show more content†¦Strengths; Superior marketing from two years out building up to the consol release in Times Square, Public recruiting of top game developers, XBOX and XBOX 360 both released over a month prior to Christmas making for outstanding holiday sales, XBOX was designed and manufactured by a leader in technology Microsoft giving it an instant reputation, XBOX liv e functionality lets you play your game on online against other players from around the world, built in hard drive to down load games and as memory storage, aggressive price cutting, and a broad range of quality titles (PS3power, 2008). Weaknesses; Not as many game developers producing game titles for the XBOX, many of the game titles you can get for your PC which would operate better than a game console, and It’s hard to break brand fans like in Japan who stand by Sony (PS3power, 2008) Opportunities; continually expanding in all countries, the technology is expanding in such a way as to be able to use twitter and down load net flix, Strong online services that make it easier for players to connect, interact and do more online. Threats; Life of the consol is approximately 5 years due to constant playability, As soon as any technology is released designers are already thinking and developing the next big thing in the gaming industry, competitors taking a different route as in the Nintendo wii doesn’t support the graphics the XBOX does but it gets gamers off theShow MoreRelated Business Analysis of the Microsoft Xbox Product Essay1672 Words   |  7 PagesMicrosoft Xbox Executive Summary Microsoft Xbox is a company that makes games, gaming systems and accessories. The use of these systems has risen dramatically over the years and the people that use them are always looking for a new great game or accessory to go with it. Also, Microsoft Xbox has launched the new Xbox 360 Elite, the most elite gaming system available today. Back in November 2005, when Xbox 360 first hit the shelves, it was just the beginning. Although the console itself has notRead MoreSony : A Virtual Reality System870 Words   |  4 Pages a handheld device, PlayStation Plus, an online streaming services, and PlayStation VR, a virtual reality system. Their current and most successful console is PlayStation 4. PlayStation faces a lot of fierce competition. Their main competitors are Xbox and Nintendo Wii. However for the past few years PlayStation has had the edge. PlayStation has many strengths including the fact that they are the industry leader and they have a high quality product. Sony has sold over forty-million units and increasedRead MoreCase Study Netflex Essay633 Words   |  3 Pageslate fees, fluctuating monthly fees, predetermined rental periods, instead has a flat fee. Netflix, let customers view unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows for a monthly fee and has also developed platforms to deliver its titles to Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and TiVo. Netflix also supports decks from Panasonic, Insignia, and Seagate, and a number of Android and apple mobile devices including the iPad. Most definitely Netflix has a noteworthy aspect of strategy that would sustainRead MoreSwot Analysis : Microsoft Software1270 Words   |  6 Pages SWOT ASSIGNMENT Microsoft Microsoft is one the world s leading corporations in the field of software, services and solutions in information technology. The Microsoft software products include operating systems for intelligent devices, server applications for environmental information technology, information and productivity applications, business solution and software development tools. It is used by more than 90% of personal computers worldwide. Microsoft became a pioneer in the personalRead MoreNetflix : A Competitive Market Essay1265 Words   |  6 Pagesthe organization to create a SWOT analysis â€Å"which stands for a company s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (Abraham, 2012). Netflix does have a competitive market such as Amazon.com and Hulu that are becoming more popular with their lower monthly pricing. They also have a more simplified catalogue of consumer favorite new titled movies and TV shows. In order for Netflix to stay competitive with a strong strategic plan, let’s take a look at the SWOT to identify what the best courseRead MoreMarketing Plan - Playstation 43832 Words   |  16 Pages...............................................3 Situation Analysis...............................................................................................................4 2.1 Internal Environment...................................................................................................4 General.................................................................................................................4 SWOT Analysis ...........................................................Read MoreMarketing Plan - Playstation 43825 Words   |  16 Pages...............................................3 Situation Analysis...............................................................................................................4 2.1 Internal Environment...................................................................................................4 Ge neral.................................................................................................................4 SWOT Analysis ...........................................................Read MoreMarketing in a Global Economy: Identifying Growth Opportunities for Australian Video Game Developers in South Korea3903 Words   |  16 PagesSelection †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 2.1 Rationale for Choosing South Korea for Product Launch †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 2.2 Plan for Entering South Korean Market †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 3. Situation Analysis †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.... 3.1 Macro-Environmental (PEST) Analysis †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 3.2 Micro Analysis †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 3.3 SWOT Analysis †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 3.4 Justification for Product Launch †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 4. Market Segment(s) to be Targeted and Positioning Strategy †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 5. Three-Year Demand ForecastRead MoreMarketing Plan3452 Words   |  14 PagesToni Hoang, Tim von Oldenburg -1- Marketing Plan – Sony PlayStation 4 Table of Contents Page 1. About the company 2. Internal analysis 2.1. General analysis 2.2. SWOT analysis 2.3. Predecessor analysis 3. External analysis 3.1. PEST analysis 3.2. Porter s 5 forces 3.3. Competitors 3.3.1. Nintendo 3.3.2. Microsoft 3.3.3. PC 3.4. Customer analysis 4. Marketing Mix 4.1. Product details 4.2. Price 4.3. Distribution 4.4. Promotion 4.4.1 Marketing slogans and logo 4.5. Marketing ObjectivesRead MoreVideo Game Industry Analysis Essay1698 Words   |  7 Pagesindustry, but online, mobile, pc software and broadband are some of the fastest growing segments. Industry Competitors by Segment Segment Microsoft Sony Nintendo Console XBox, XBox360 PS2, PS3 Wii Games Third party Third party In-house Handheld devices N/A PSP Game Boy, DS, DS Lite Mobile gaming N/A N/A N/A PC / Online gaming Xbox live N/A N/A Interactive TV N/A N/A N/A Industry’s dominant economic features Market size and growth rate – More than $35 billion was spent on video games consoles

What Makes A Good Ruler - 1411 Words

What constitutes a good ruler? Is it someone that listens ? Or, perhaps someone that gets everything right? Is a ruler someone that gets things wrong sometimes? Does he listen and learn from his mistakes? Is a ruler always born into his position, or is it stolen? According to Machiavelli, the best ruler is the fairest one. The way to the most successful rulership, as Machiavelli describes, is following the steps that are written in his book- The Prince. Personally, I believe that Machiavelli s book is a fair way to distinguish how current rulers should preside over their specific countries. As with anything, not every single part of the book will fit in with everyday life today, but the majority of it fits in with how most rulers-especially presidents run the country. First of all, what is a ruler? According to Merriam Webster’s Dictionary a ruler [is] a person exercising government or dominion. Machiavelli agrees with this definition, but goes into so much more depth in terms of what he expects a ruler to be. Throughout the book, there is a ‘tug of war’ of sorts between what a good ruler should be, and what a bad ruler shouldn’t be. The book also emphasises what a ruler can do to follow said steps to be a more successful ruler, and gives specific examples of empires that have succeeded following the steps as well. Now Machiavelli did not influence every empire of the time with his book. Rather, he took some definitive actions successful (and unsuccessful) leadersShow MoreRelatedWhat Makes A Good Ruler?1506 Words   |  7 PagesThroughout class one of the major themes has been what qualities make the best possible ruler. Two of my favorite philosophers, Plato and Machiavelli, although very different both attempt to giv e an answer of what makes a good ruler. Plato’s Philosopher King and Machiavelli’s Prince share their similarities and differences, but in the end Machiavelli paints a more realistic picture of a ruler which makes his prince more favorable. In order to understand why Machiavelli’s Prince may be more appealingRead MoreJustice Is One Of Four Cardinal Platonic Virtues Essay1298 Words   |  6 PagesJustice is one of four cardinal Platonic virtues. These virtues are said to be good by nature, and so they must be ideals that all individuals strive to demonstrate in their lives. In The Republic, Plato (through Socrates) attempts to find the definition of Justice through dialogue with his colleagues. One of his colleagues Thrasymachus proclaims that: â€Å"Justice is in the interest of the stronger.† (338c) In other words, rulers make laws from which only they reap the benefits of. Fortunately, this dark viewRead MoreThe Republic by Plato1645 Words   |  7 Pagesactual interest of the rulers. Second, by claiming that all craftsmen only consider the welfare of the recipients of expertise instead of their own interest, Socrates asserts that a ruler, having an expertise of ruling, also only cares about the intere st of the ruled, and thus morality is the advantage of the weaker. In this paper, I will show that Thrasymachus only gives an argument about descriptive morality, and Socrates, by using a completely different definition of a ruler, fails to challenge theRead More The prince Essay1526 Words   |  7 PagesNiccolo Machiavelli’s â€Å"The Prince† attempts to explain the necessary tactics and required knowledge a ruler must attain in order to gain and maintain a successful reign. The novel serves as an abstract manual, addressing the definition of a good/bad ruler by placing emphasis on the required military organization, the character a ruler must posses, and the success that could be attained if a ruler should follow the guide. The scope in which the book is written is that of a scholarly observant. MachiavelliRead MoreThe Republic By Plato And The Prince By Machiavelli1617 Words   |  7 PagesMachiavelli offer important views on political philosophies of rulers. Plat o writes of a perfect society where status as ruler is naturally selected through innate abilities. These abilities are used to sustain the society, better it, and preserve it. Machiavelli writes of a society where anyone can be a prince; which for our purposes is a synonym for ruler, if they follow his instructions. These instructions are to ensure a new ruler can take control of new lands and maintain order in them for theRead MoreAnalysis Of Hsun Tzu s Man s Nature Is Evil1720 Words   |  7 Pagesare made because of the environment. Each person believes leaders possess certain characteristics that make them good rulers. I believe leaders are made, they are taught what is wrong and right, and they are taught how to be a certain kind of leader in the context of their environment. I want to discuss what makes someone a good leader. Is a good leader efficient and adaptable or is a good leader born with predetermined qualities that dictate how they will rule over a kingdom or state? In Hsà ¼nRead MoreMacbeth, By William Shakespeare Essay1348 Words   |  6 PagesShakespeare, there is a constant theme of questioning what quantifies a good leader and what qualifies someone to lead. These questions, however, are more easily posed than answered because they change immensely depending upon the individual responding. Some follow the school of thought that a king should be selected based on divine inheritance while others focus more holistically on a king who possesses good qualities that would make them a worthy ruler. In Macbeth there are not many examples of decentRead MoreAccording To Thracymachus Justice Is In The Interest Of1687 Words   |  7 Pagesresponding to the question, â€Å"what is justice?† as put forth by Socrates. An important implication of this response is that justice lies in following the rules and regulations made by the ruler and therefore, doing what is in the interest of the ruler. The problem with this understanding of justice is that for Socrates, justice is a virtue that applies universally everywhere, while for Thracymachus justice would change from city to city depending on the type of ruler. For instance, if gambling isRead MoreComparing Plato s The Republic957 Words   |  4 PagesWhat mix of traits creates the perfect ruler? Some may say charisma, personability, or even good looks. Throughout history, a plethora of leaders with different views have been successful for many different kinds of societies. Depending on what the society needs, rulers change their ways as well as do what they can for the good of their people. In Plato’s The Republic, the character Socrates argues with his peers about what makes the perfect society, as well as the perfect leader. According to PlatoRead MoreEssay on Platonic Justice916 Words   |  4 Pagesand his peers. At the beginning of The Republic, Plato asks the fundamental question of what is justice? Looking to define the ideal state of justice, Plato reasons that he must first define justice in theory before he can use justice practically. Platonic Justice is defined as being a harmony between the tripartite soul in which reasons guide the spirit and appetite. Justice is said to be good in itself and good in its practical ends. It is educating desires, implementing the human faculty of reason

International Business †Midterm Review Free Essays

string(159) " Reasons to Invest Abroad: – market seeking – efficiency/cost seeking – resource seeking – knowledge seeking Why Internationalize\? 1\." AFM 333 Midterm Review Module 1: – Fall of Berlin Wall 1989 – Two Trends altering global market: globalization of markets and technological advances – Globalization: interconnectedness of national economies, growing interdependence of buyers, producers and suppliers in different countries G6 economies: US, UK, Japan, Germany, France, Italy – Account for half of global consumption with only 1/10 of population – B6 economies: China, India, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea – China is the biggest market for phones, TVs, and cars in 2007 – China and India have more middle class households than all of the households in the United States – Growth in B6 more than 3x the growth in G6 economies 62 Multinationals in Fortune Global 500 20 of these multinationals are in China 12 from South Korea 6 from India 5 from Mexico and 5 from Russia B6 have three times the labour force of G6 countries 33 million university-educated young professionals in developing world compared to 14 million in the developed world 00 000 IT Engineers in India vs. 50 K in US In the decade to 2020, the working-age population of emerging economies is expected to increase by more than 500 million, compared with an increase of only 3. 7 million in developed economies. We will write a custom essay sample on International Business – Midterm Review or any similar topic only for you Order Now Drivers of Market Globalization – 1. Reduction of trade and investment barriers – 2. Market Liberalization: move to market based economies + adopt free trade in China + Soviet Union etc. – 3. Industrialization + Modernization + developing economies creating higher value adding products – 4. Integration of World Financial Markets: international banks, globalization of finance – 5. Advances in Technology: reduces cost and time, improves coordination and communication, facilitates development, helps share information/marketing, virtual space removes distance Dimensions of Market Globalization – integration/interdependence of global economies – increase regional economic integration bloc – growth of global investment – convergence of buyer lifestyles/preferences – globalization of production activities Social Concequences – loss of national soverignity offshoring/outsourcing jobs – effects on the poor, the natural environment and national culture Firm-level consequences – new business opportunities – new risks and rivalries – more demanding buyers (less bargaining power to supplier) – international value chains Phases of Globalization 1. 1830-1880: Introduction of railway and ocean transport (trains and ships) + phone and telegraph invented 2. 1900-1930: increased steel and electricity production + Western Europe most industrialized country so established first multinational subs through colonization (Nestle, Shell, BP) 3. 948-1970: Form general agreement on tariff and trade + high demand for consumer products and input goods to rebuild after the war 4. 1980- now: radical advances in IT, communication, manufacturing, consultation, and privatization. Caused by: †¢Commercialization of the personal computer. †¢Arrival of the Internet and the web browser. †¢Advances in communication and manufacturing technologies. †¢Collapse of the Soviet Union and ensuing market liberalization in central and Eastern Europe. †¢Substantial industrialization and modernization efforts of the East Asian economies including China. GDP growth rates highest in developing economies who emphasize global integration Information travels faster now than ever before (ships/carraiges, steamships/cars, motor vehicles/aircraft, internet (speed of light)). Firm Level Consequences of Globalization – international value chain – demanding buyers – increased rivalry and competition – increased opportunity for business – Management must change focus – Must partner and outsource better – look for productivity and operational efficiency gains – find and measure key global strategic assets of org. International Business trade and investment activities of firms across borders Globalization – economic integration and growing interdependency worldwide Theories of Trade – mercantilism – national prosperity = positive balance of trade (trade surplus) – absolute advantage principle – produce only products for which your country/region has an abso lute advantage – comparative advantage principle – both countries produce even if one has absolute advantage in all products, relative efficiency matters, specialize in what you produce best and trade for the rest you can use scarce resources more efficiently National Comparative Advantages – China low cost labour – India – IT workers in Bangalore – Ireland – service economy – Dubai – knowledge based economy Comparative Advantage = superior features with unique benefits in global market either naturally endowed or put in place through national policy – NATIONAL Competitive Advantage = distinctive competencies of a firm from cost, size, innovation that are difficult for competitors to replicate – FIRM Factor Proportions/Endowments Theory = produce and export products that use abundant factors of production and import goods that use scarce resources Limitations of Early Trade Theories – they don’t account for cost of international transportation – tariffs and import restrictions distort trade flows – economies of scale bring about additional efficiencies – low cost capital now available on global markets How do Nations Enhance Competitive Advantage – governments can proactively implement policies to subsidize and stimulate the economy outside of natural endowments – create national economic advantage through: innovation stimulus, target industries for development, provide incentives and low cost capital National Industrial Policy – economic development plan by public sector to nurture and support promising industries through: tax incentives, monetary/fiscal policy, rigorous educational systems, investment in national infrastructure, strong legal and regulatory systems – Example Ireland: fiscal, monetary and tax consolidation, partnership of gov with unions, emphasis on high value add industry like pharma, biotech and IT, membership in EU, investment in education – improved GDP, Unemployment and National Debt 3x by 2003 from 1987 Porter’s Diamond Model: Firm Strategy, Structure and Rivalry – strong competitors in country serves as national competitive advantage – clusters ? Factor Conditions – labour, natural resources, capital, technology, knowledge and entrepreneurship ? Demand Conditions – strengths and sophistication of consumer demand ? Related and Supporting Industries – availability of clusters and complementary fi rms in the value chain Industrial Clusters: – concentration of suppliers and supporting firms in the same regional area – ex. silicon valley, Switzerland pharma, fashion in italy/paris, IT in Bangalore – export platform for the nation Classical Theories – International Product Cycle Theory: introduction, growth and maturity of each product and its associated manufacturing – INTRO: inventor country enjoys a monopoly in manufacturing and exports – GROWTH: other countries enter the global market place with more standard manufacturing – MATURITY: original innovator becomes net importer of product – Now – hard for innovator to maintain a lead because there is a short product life cycle – New Trade Theory: economies of scale important for international performance in some industries. Ex. high fixed costs = high volume sales to breakeven Reasons to Invest Abroad: – market seeking – efficiency/cost seeking – resource seeking – knowledge seeking Why Internationalize? 1. You read "International Business – Midterm Review" in category "Essay examples" opp for growth through diversification of market 2. higher profit margins 3. new PS ideas and business methods 4. serve customers who have relocated abroad (increase/maintain market) 5. closer to supply sources, use global sourcing advantages, flexibility in sourcing products 6. access to lower cost/better value factors of production 7. evelop economies of scale in sourcing, production, marketing, economies of scale 8. confront international competitors 9. invest in relationship with a foreign partner Nature of International Business – value adding activities can be done internationally (source, manufacture, market) – cross border trade not limited to raw materials, include capital, tech, knowledge, products, services etc. – Internationalize through: Export, FDI, Licence, Franchise and JV FDI – longterm acquisition of productive assets like capital, tech, labour PE etc – large commitment used to manufacture products in low labour cost countries MNE – big company with lots of resources, subs and affiliates in many countries (US, Japan, Germany, France, Britain) SME – small to medium size enterprise, 500 or fewer employees Born Global Firm – young company that initiates business on the global market Risks in International Business: 1. Commercial Risk – weak partnerships, bad timing of entry, high competition, poor execution of strategy, operational problems 2. Currency Risk – tax, inflation, asset valuation, transfer pricing, currency exposure 3. Country Risk – protectionism/gov intervention, bureaucracy, lack of legal safeguards/poor leagal system, social/political unrest 4. Cross-Cultural Risk – cultural differences, negotiation, different decision making styles, different ethical practices MNE Avenues for Involvement: ? Import/Export ? Licencing/Franchising ? Joing Venture ? FDI – get progressively more risky, higher investment, higher potential benefit, higher commitment Intermediaries Include: – Distributor – extension of firm, takes goods under their name to sell – Manufacturer Rep – under contract of exporter to rep and sell merch – Retailer – bypass wholesaler/distributer and sell to retailer to sell to customers – IKEA, WALMART – Trading Company – based in home country, high volume, low margin resellers. – Export Management Company – US, export agent who secures contracts to export goods – usually specialize in industries and areas – Agent – works on commission Licensor – Focal firm grants the right to the foreign partner to use certain intellectual property in exchange for royalties – Franchisor – grant right to use a business system for fees and royalties – ICV – share cost and risk fo new venture with another company – JV – create a jointly owned new entitiy with foreign partners – Project B ased Venture – collaboration with a timeline without creating a new entity, common with RD intensive ventures Facilitator – provide services for cross border transactions: Bank, Lawyers, Freight, Consultants, ad agency, custom brokers, insurance companies, tax accountants, Turnkey Contractor: Provide engineering, design, and architectural services in the construction of airports, hospitals, oil refineries, and other types of infrastructure. †¢These projects are typically awarded on the basis of open bidding by the sponsor. †¢Examples- European Channel Tunnel, the Three Gorges Dam in China, Delhi Metro Rail Ltd. and the Hong Kong Airport. †¢Build-own-transfer venture- an increasingly popular type of turnkey contract in the developing economies where contractors acquire an ownership in the facility for a period of time until it is turned over to the client. MODULE 3 [pic] Advanced economies are post-industrial countries characterized by high per capita income, highly competitive industries, and well-developed commercial infrastructure. †¢Examples- world’s richest countries and include Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United States, and Western European countries. Developing economies are low-income countries characterized by limited industrialization and stagnant economies. †¢Examples- low-income countries, with limited industrialization and stagnant economies- e. g. Bangladesh, Nicaragua and Zaire. Emerging market economies are a subset of former developing economies that have achieved substantial industrialization, modernization, improved living standards and remarkable economic growth. †¢Examples- some 27 countries in East and South Asia, Latin America, Middle East and Eastern Europe- including Brazil, Russia, India, China (so called BRIC countries). [pic] Advanced Economies – 2 – 4% growth rates – mature industrial development – moved from manufacturing to service based economies – typically democratic political systems and capital economic systems – host worlds biggest MNEs – Emerging Economies – 7 – 10% growth rates 40% of world GDP – 30% of exports – 20% of FDI – low cost labour and capital, knowledgeable workers, gov support – fastest growth rate – attractive: growing middle class, manufacturing bases, sourcing destinations – market potential: percapita income, s ize of middle class, GNI, use adjusted GDP for PPP – middle class has some economic independence and discretionary income Hong Kong, Isreal, Saudi Arabia The EMPI combines factors that provide firms with a realistic measure of export market potential: †¢Market Size: the country’s population, especially urban population †¢Market Growth Rate: the country’s real GDP growth rate Market Intensity: private consumption and GNI represent discretionary expenditures of citizens †¢Market Consumption Capacity: The percentage share of income held by the country’s middle class †¢Commercial Infrastructure: characteristics such as number of mobile phone subscribers, density of telephone lines, number of PCs, density of paved roads, and population per retail outlet †¢Economic Freedom: the degree of government intervention †¢Market Receptivity: the particular country’s inclination to trade with the exporter’s country as estimated by the volume of imports †¢Country Risk: the degree of political risk Challenges of doing business with Ems – political stability – hard to forecast in uncertain conditions – beauraucracy/lack of transparency – weak IP rights – availability of good partners – presence of family conglomerates †¢Regional economic integration, refers to the growing economic interdependence that results when countries within a geographic region form an alliance aimed at reducing barriers to trade and investment. †¢40% of world trade today is under some bloc preferential trade agreement. Premise- mutual advantages for cooperating nations within a common geography, history, culture, language, economics, and/or politics †¢Free trade that results from economic integration helps nations attain higher living standards by encouraging specialization, lower prices, greater choices, increased productivity, and more efficient use of resources. 1. Market access. Tariffs and most non-tariff barriers have been eliminated for trade in products and services, and rules of origin favor manufacturing that uses parts and other inputs produced in the EU. . Common market. The EU removed barriers to the cross-national movement of production factors—labor, capital, and technology. 3. Trade rules. The member countries have largely eliminated customs procedures and regulations, which streamlines transportation and logistics within Europe. 4. Standards harmonization. The EU is harmonizing technical standards, regulations, and enforcement procedures that relate to products, services, and commercial activities. 5. Common fiscal, monetary, taxation, and social welfare policies in the long run. The euro (common currency since 2002): †¢Simplified the process of cross-border trade and enhanced Europe’s international competitiveness. †¢Eliminated exchange rate risk in much of the bloc and forced member countries to improve their fiscal and monetary policies. †¢Unified consumers and businesses to think of Europe as a single market †¢Forced national governments to relinquish monetary power to the European Central Bank, in Luxembourg, which oversees EU monetary functions. †¢NAFTA passage (1994) was facilitated by the maquiladora program – U. S. firms locate manufacturing facilities just south of the U. S. order and access low-cost labor without having to pay significant tariffs. NAFTA has: †¢Eliminated tariffs and most nontariff barriers for products/services. †¢Initiated bidding for government contracts by member country firms †¢Established trade rules and uniform customs procedures. †¢Prohibited standards/technical regu lations to be used as trade barriers. †¢Instituted rules for investment and intellectual property rights. †¢Provided for dispute settlement for investment, unfair pricing, labor issues, and the environment. †¢Trade among the members has more than tripled and now exceeds $1 trillion per year. In the early 1980s, Mexico’s tariffs averaged 100% and gradually disappeared under NAFTA. †¢Member countries now trade more with each other than with former trading partners outside the NAFTA zone. †¢Both Canada and Mexico now have some 80% of their trade with, and 60% of their FDI stocks in the United States. †¢Mexican exports to the U. S. grew from $50 billion to over $160 billion per year. †¢Access to Canada and the U. S. helped launch numerous Mexican firms in industries such as electronics, automobiles, textiles, medical products, and services. †¢Annual U. S. nd Canadian investment in Mexico rose from $4 billion in 1993 to nearly $20 billion by 2006. †¢Mexico’s per capita income rose to about $11,000 in 2007, making Mexico the wealthiest country in Latin America. †¢By increasing Mexico’s attractiveness as a manufacturing location, firms like Gap Inc. and Liz Claiborne moved their factories from Asia to Mexico during the 1990s. †¢IBM shifted much of its production of computer parts from Singapore to Mexico. ASEAN – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia APEC – Asia Pacific Economic Coop – Australia, Canada, Chile, US, China, Japan, Mexico CER – Aussie and New Zealand – removed 80% of tarriffs Why Nations Expand? 1. Expand market size  §Regional integration greatly increases the scale of the marketplace for firms inside the economic bloc.  §Example- Belgium has a population of just 10 million; the EU gives Belgian firms easier access to a total market of roughly 490 million. 2. Achieve scale economies and enhanced productivity  §Expansion of market size within an economic bloc gives member country firms the opportunity to gain economies of scale in production and marketing.  §Internationalization inside the bloc helps firms learn to compete more effectively outside the bloc as well. Labor and other inputs are allocated more efficiently among the member countries- leading to lower prices for consumers. 3. Attract direct investment from outside the bloc  §Compared to investing in stand-alone countries, foreign firms prefer to invest in countries that are part of an economic bloc as they receive preferential treatment for exports to other member countries.  §Examp les- General Mills, Samsung, and Tata- have invested heavily in the EU to take advantage of Europe’s economic integration.  §By establishing operations in a single EU country, these firms gain free trade access to the entire EU market. 4. Acquire stronger defensive and political posture  §Provide member countries with a stronger defensive posture relative to other nations and world regions- this was one of the motives for the initial creation of the European Community (precursor to the EU). †¢The value chain can be thought of as the complete business system of the focal firm. It comprises all of the activities that the focal firm performs. †¢The focal firm may retain core activities such as production and marketing, and outsource distribution and customer service responsibilities to foreign-market based distributors, thus the global reconfiguration of the value chain. Dell makes a variety of products, each with its own value chain. The total supply chain for a notebook computer, including multiple tiers of suppliers, involves about 400 companies, primarily in Asia, but also in Europe and the Americas. †¢On a typical day, Dell processes orders for 150,000 computers, which are distributed to customers a round the world, with non-U. S. sales accounting for 40 percent. †¢Shipping is handled via air transport, e. g. from the Dell Malaysia factory to the U. S. Dell charters a China Airlines 747 hat flies to Nashville, Tennessee six days a week, with each jet carries 25,000 Dell notebooks that weigh a total of 110,000 kilograms, or 242,500 pounds. †¢One of the hallmarks of Dell’s value chain is collaboration. CEO Michael Dell and his team constantly work with their suppliers to make process improvements in Dell’s value chain. [pic] Automotive Industry †¢Manufacturing of the Chevrolet Malibu illustrates national and geographic diversity of suppliers that provide content for an automobile, a truly global value chain. †¢Suppliers are headquartered in Germany, Japan, France, Korea, and United Kingdom, and the U. S. , and the components they sell to General Motors are manufactured in typically low-cost countries and then shipped to the General Motors plant in Fairfax, Kansas. †¢The German automaker BMW employs 70,000 factory personnel at 23 sites in 13 countries to manufacture its vehicles. †¢Workers at the Munich plant build the BMW 3 Series and supply engines and key body components to other BMW factories abroad. †¢In the U. S. , BMW has a plant in South Carolina, which makes over 500 vehicles daily for the world market. †¢In Northeast China, BMW makes cars in a joint venture with Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd. In India, BMW has a manufacturing presence to serve the needs of the rapidly growing South Asia market. †¢BMW must configure sourcing at the best locations worldwide, in order to minimize costs (e. g. , by producing in China), access skilled personnel (by producing in Germany), remain close to key markets (by producing in China, India and the U. S. ). †¢Global sourcing is the procurement of products or services from suppliers or company-owned subsidiaries located abroad for consumption in the home country or a third country. Technological advances, including instant Internet connectivity and broadband availability TECHNOLOGY †¢Declining communication and transportation costs †¢Widespread access to vast information including growing connectivity between suppliers and the customers that they serve; and SUPPLY CHAIN †¢Entrepreneurship and rapid economic transformation in emerging markets. GLOBALIZATION †¢Managers must decide between internalization and externalization — whether each value-adding activity should be conducted in-house or by an independent supplier. This is known as the ‘make or buy’ decision: â€Å"Should we make a product or conduct a particular value-chain activity ourselves, or should we source it from an outside contractor? † †¢Firms usually internalize those value-chain activities they consider a part of their core competence, or which involve the use of proprietary knowledge and trade secrets that they want to control. †¢Configuration of value-adding activity: The pattern or geographic arrangement of locations where the firm carries out value-chain activities. Instead of concentrating value-adding activities in the home country, many firms configure these activities across the world to save money, reduce delivery time, access factors of production, and extract maximal advantages relative to competitors. †¢This helps explain the migration of traditional industries from Europe, Japan, and the U. S. to emerging markets in Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. [pic] †¢Outsourcing refers to the procurement of selected value-adding activities, including production of intermediate goods or finished products, from independent suppliers. This practice of externalizing a particular value-adding activity to outside contrac tors is known as outsourcing. †¢Firms outsource because they generally are not superior at performing all primary and support activities. Most value-adding activities — from manufacturing to marketing to after-sales service — are candidates for outsourcing. †¢Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). The outsourcing of business functions to independent suppliers such as accounting, payroll, and human resource functions, IT services, customer service, and technical support. BPO includes:  §Back-office activities, which includes internal, upstream business functions such as payroll and billing, and  §Front-office activities, which includes downstream, customer-related services such as marketing or technical support. †¢Offshoring is a natural extension of global sourcing. It refers to the relocation of a business process or entire manufacturing facility to a foreign country. †¢MNEs are particularly active in shifting production facilities or business pro cesses to foreign countries to enhance their competitive advantages. Offshoring is especially common in the service sector, including banking, software code writing, legal services, and customer-service activities. †¢E. g. , large legal hubs have emerged in India that provide services such as drafting contracts and patent applications, conducting research and negotiations, as well as performing paralegal work on behalf of Western clients. With lawyers in N. America and Europe costing $300 an hour or more, Indian firms can cut legal bills by 75 percent. Best Jobs for Offshoring: Large-scale manufacturing industries whose primary competitive advantage is efficiency and low cost; †¢Industries such as automobiles that have uniform customer needs and highly standardized processes in production and other value-chain activities; †¢Service industries that are highly labor intensive, e. g. , call centers and legal transcription; †¢Information-based industries whose functi ons and activities can be easily transmitted via the Internet, e. g. , accounting, billing, and payroll; and †¢Industries such as software preparation whose outputs are easy to codify and transmit over the Internet or by telephone, e. g. routine technical support and customer service activities. [pic] †¢Cost efficiency is the traditional rationale for sourcing abroad. The firm takes advantage of ‘labor arbitrage’ – the large wage gap between advanced economies and emerging markets. †¢One study found that firms expect to save an average of more than 40% off baseline costs as a result of offshoring. These savings tend to occur particularly in RD, product design activities, and back-office operations such as accounting and data processing. Benefits of Outsourcing: †¢Faster corporate growth. †¢Access to qualified personnel abroad. †¢Improved productivity and service. Business process redesign. †¢Increased speed to market. †¢Acc ess to new markets. †¢Technological flexibility. Improved agility by shedding unnecessary overhead. Disadvantages to Outsourcing: †¢Vulnerability to exchange rate fluctuations †¢Partner selection, qualification, and monitoring costs †¢Increased complexity of managing a worldwide network of production locations and partners †¢Complexity of managing global supply chain †¢Limited influence over the manufacturing processes of the supplier †¢Potential vulnerability to opportunistic behavior or actions in bad faith by suppliers †¢Constrained ability to safeguard intellectual assets Risks in Global Sourcing: 1. Less-than-expected cost savings. Conflicts and misunderstandings arise because of differences in the national and organizational cultures between the focal firm and foreign supplier. Such factors give rise to cost-savings that are less than originally anticipated. 2. Environmental factors. Numerous environmental challenges confront focal firms including: exchange rate fluctuations, labor strikes, adverse macro-economic events, high tariffs and other trade barriers, and high energy and transportation costs. 3. Weak legal environment. Many popular locations for global outsourcing have weak laws and enforcement regarding intellectual property, which can lead to erosion of key strategic assets. 4. Risk of creating competitors. As the focal firm shares its intellectual property and business-process knowledge with foreign suppliers, it also runs the risk of creating future rivals (e. g. , Schwinn). 5. Inadequate or low-skilled workers. Some foreign suppliers may be staffed by employees who lack appropriate knowledge about the tasks with which they are charged. Other suppliers suffer rapid turnover of skilled employees. 6. Over-reliance on suppliers. Unreliable suppliers may put earlier work aside when they gain a more important client. Suppliers occasionally encounter financial difficulties or are acquired by other firms with different priorities and procedures. Over-reliance can shift control of key activities too much in favor of the supplier. 7. Erosion of morale and commitment among home-country employees. Global sourcing can create a situation in which employees are caught in the middle between their employer and their employer’s clients. At the extreme, workers find themselves in a psychological limbo, unclear about who their employer really is. How to cite International Business – Midterm Review, Essay examples

Digital Forensic Case Study Complete Solution by Top Experts

Question - Write a case study on Digital Forensic methodology? Contents Executive Summary. Introduction. Global Finance Background and Concern. Digital Forensic Methodology. Scope of the Case. Digital Forensic Methodology Approach. Investigation Process. PHASE 1 - COLLECTING THE RESOURCES. Volatile Data Capture. Non- Volatile Data Capture. PHASE 2: EXAMINATION.. File System Examination. Windows Registry Examination. Network Forensic Examination. Database Forensic Examination. PHASE 3 - ANALYSIS. PHASE 4 - FINDINGS. PHASE 5 REPORT. CONCLUSON.. REFERENCES. Executive Summary Global Finance company stands to be one of the largest finance company, providing the investment, superannuation and retirement services in Australia. It has a wider range of clients right from individuals to the corporation and superannuation fund investors. Very soon the company has widened its services throughout the globe with information technology support and strives to overcome the security challenges of the company. Introduction Global Finance company experiences a suspect or compromise of the information in one managers computer, working in the Queensland branch. Information security officer is accountable to this challenge and enforced an investigation audit team to investigate the source of the compromise to overcome the challenge. Global Finance Background and Concern The Global Finance Company is in the following state as considered by the audit team. Global Finance is a huge international player company with more than 10,000 employees employed throughout the world, with sector interests. The concern with the security is the compromise of the managers computer, in one of its branches in Australia. Global Finance company has been spread worldwide with the support of information technology. Networking and application infrastructure in the branch offices are missing after 2000, so the there is flat network environment with no access restrictions. Servers and workstations in the head office and all the branch offices are based on Microsoft Windows. Implementation of the network segmentation and firewall is poor. Though instruction detection and logging detection are existing, these are not regularly used. Head office has the necessary information technology infrastructure and technology with potential investigative and forensic capabilities. Information security officer has initiated the investigation by enforcing an audit team for digital forensic investigation. Auditing team has got the responsibilities of digital forensic analysis, documentation and presentation of the same to the information security officer. Digital Forensic Methodology Digital forensic investigation methodology is recommended and employed by the information security officer, as the methodology can find and reveal the source of compromise of the managers computer, by detecting all the workstations and networking among them. Digital forensic investigation methodology involves the sub tasks of data recovery, in case if any of the potential data is lost and network forensic to find if there is any compromise caused through the network. Before the investigation started by the audit team, they need to follow the following principles. Data present in the media should not be modified and the data has to be presented as is to the information security officer. Each team member of the audit must be well acquainted with enough expertise to ensure that the data is handled safely, without loss. The team has to preserve all the relevant documented information done, during the investigation. The whole and sole accountable person in this investigation is the information security officer, so everything has to be communicated and submitted to the information security officer. Scope of the Case Digital forensic investigation done in the Global Finance company has the following scope. Identification of any malicious activities and investigation of 5ws or why, when, what, where and who Identifying the security lapse in the network Identification of all possible digital evidence within the network Finding and estimating the impact of the investigation, if the compromise happened Identification of the legal procedure, in case the misconduct is found illegal The extent of investigation and further security steps are taken by the information security officer, who is whole and sole accountable person Digital Forensic Methodology Approach There are many digital forensic methodology approaches followed according to the situation, so there is no one common approach that fits all the cases. In the case of the compromise of the branch of the Global Finance company, the approach recommended is FSFP or Four Step Forensics Process. The approach has the following processes. The arrow is the indication of preservation of the document evidence throughout the process. Investigation Process Digital forensic investigation is done in the following phases. PHASE 1 - COLLECTING THE RESOURCES Collection consists of identification, labeling and recording the data from all the sources possible, followed by the maintaining the integrity of the data. Data is primarily collected as both volatile and non volatile data. The same LAN connection is to be used to access the forensic workstation of the manager and other workstations. Server of managers computer is taken as the target in this case. Microsoft Windows software is run in this server. To hear from the server, cryptcatp tool is used. The team creates toolset optical drive and opened through a trusted console, comd.exe. The following statements are then executed. Cryptcat 6543 k key Use the following command, for the data capture from the forensic workstation. Cryptcat -1 p 6543 k key Other tools that can be used here are the graphical user interface tools, like Process Explorer, Tcpview and Rootkit Revealer. The other Windows based tools used to capture the data are, Ipconfig for collection of the subject system details HBGrays fastDump to acquire the local physical memory Doskey or history - for collection of command history HBGrays F-Response to acquire remote physical memory Netfile for identification of the drivers and services Netusers and qusers for identification of the logged in user information Other potential data is collected from the clipboard. Other potential data is network connection present, running processes and network data. Volatile Data Capture Volatile data capture involves the data collection from the RAM, registry and cache memory. Non- Volatile Data Capture Potential non volatile data collection involves the collection of the antivirus logs, database logs, windows event logs, IDS logs, domain controller logs, application logs, firewall logs and other online data. Collection of the non volatile data is also called as forensic imaging. The non volatile data collection involves data present in the hard disc and other removable discs, like flash drives, USB drives, CD, DVD, memory cards, remote hard drives and remote computers, in the form of MS Outlook, MS Word and Spreadsheet. Collection continues with the other computers, switches, network topology documentation, network diagrams, routers and servers. Live networking traffic can clue very significant and potential digital data for the investigation. Forensic imaging involves copy of the entire non volatile data from the mangers system and no further alterations are to be done. Various tools used for forensic imaging are FTK, EnCase and ProDiscover with write block. Forensic imaging is better than the hard disc cloning, as it copies the integrated data that includes the metadata, which is significant in the investigation. The audit team does both this offline data and other online data using the tools, ethereal and Wireshrk tools. All the collected data is well documented by the audit team. PHASE 2: EXAMINATION After the digital data collection is done, examination is conducted using forensic investigation tools. Investigation is done for the managers computer, as the following. File System Examination New Technology File System disc or NTFS disc file has MFT or Master File Table information. MFT has all the files and disc crucial information. MFT contains the metadata of the files, which are existing and deleted, noted by the operating system. The data in file is stored as c: echo text_mass file1.txt:file2.txt The following command is used to retrieve the above, c:more file1.txt:file2.txt virus is also another potential data malfunction and so has to be considered for investigation. Windows Registry Examination Windows registry logs can reveal modification of the file information according to the time, lastwrite registry details, precise data in a database for the user application along with the hardware device reference point. The Windows registry structure is HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT HKEY_USERS HKEY_CURRENT_USER HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE The important keys and values are, User Activity: user performed actions and activities over the managers computer can be accessed through HKEY_CURRENT_USER Autostart : This registry is a set that is launched without initiation of the user. MRU or Most Recent Used List: to keep track of the current activities. Other important clues are USB Removable storage, UserAssit, Wireless SSIDs, etc. Network Forensic Examination Tracking of packet forensics or packet mining is tracked via the network to track the network traffic like mails, browsing history, queries, etc. Network forensic tools can be applied in one of the two ways, security related and the other is forensic data according to the enforcement of the law. The team uses many network forensic tools and techniques to discrete investigated data like registry information, process listing, service listing, system information, logged on users, registry users, network connections and binary memory dump to explore and investigate. Packet sniffers help identifying and mapping the fingerprinting, web services and email communication, etc. Database Forensic Examination Database data is tracked through the queries for data identification and then preserved to analyze. IP addresses are tracked for remote connections. Database transactions are tracked though Data Manipulation and Data Definition Languages, DML and DDL. Customized file configuration is used to execute Database Consistency Checker and Distributed Management Views towards intrusion explosion. PHASE 3 - ANALYSIS Detailed data analysis is done after considering each of the digital evidence data. The analysis includes the following actiivites. Unusual application requests Looking the unusual and hidden files along with unusually opened sockets Malicious activies Complete analysis for memory Unusual accounts Malware analysis Complete analysis of timeline Patching level system Updated levels Complete analysis of file systems Complete analysis of event correlation The crucial malware analysis includes various tasks within, like, examining the logs, prefetch examination, search of known malware using either dynamic or static analysis. PHASE 4 - FINDINGS After the analysis the findings are summarized as, Identification of the compromise of the managers computer Identification of persistent remote access or direct access by the attacker Installing OS patch if not done in the target computer Malware that is suspected PHASE 5 REPORT Investigation is done over the managers computer and all other computers and computing devices present in the branch office. Audit team creates a formal report and then submitted to the information security officer. Final Report Purpose The report has the purpose of submission of the formal investigated information, related to the sources of compromise occurred to the managers and all other computers. Author of the Report Information Security Officer Incident Summary All the source of the compromise that are found and suspected on managers computer. Digital Evidences All relevant log files and other potential digital evidences found in the investigation Analysis Analysis of the sources of the compromise Conclusion The managers computer is digitally investigated for the sources of compromise, along with the and other computers in the regional office Supporting Documents Volatile, non- volatile data, registry info, log info and the reports generated from the tools. CONCLUSON The suspected managers or targeted computer is completely digitally investigated using digital forensic technology, from the Queensland branch office and finally the formal report is being submitted to the information security officer. References Cyber Forensic Investigation Plan, International Journal of Advance Research (2008), UOAR.org, Volume 1, Issue 1, accessed on 9 January, 2015. 7safe, (2013) Good Practice Guide for Computer-Based Electronic Evidence. Siti Rahayu Selamat, Robiah Yusof, Shahrin Sahib (2008), Mapping Process of Digital Forensic Investigation Framework, JCSNS International Journal of Computer Science and Network Securit, Vol 8. ACPO (2013), Good Practice Guide for Computer-Based Electronic Evidence, V4.0 Aquilina, M.J., (2003), Malware Forensics, Investigating and Analyzing Malicious Code, Syngress, Kenneth J. Zahn (2013), Case Study: 2012 DC3 Digital Forensic Challenge Basic Malware Analysis Exercise, GIAC (FREM) Gold Certification Fowler, K., (2007), Forensic Analysis of a SQL Server 2005 Database Server. Khanuja, H.K., and Adane, D.S., (2011), Database Security Threats and Challenges in Database Forensic: A Survey, IPCSIT vol.20 (2011), Singapore: IACSIT Press. John Ashcroft (2001), Electronic Crime Scene Investigation, A guide for First Responders, NIJ Guide M Reith, C Carr, G Gunsch (2002). "An examination of digital forensic models". International Journal of Digital Evidence Kent, K., et.al., (2006). Guide to Integrating Forensic Techniques into Incident Response, National Institute of Standards and Technology (Ed.) (Vol. 800-86): U.S. Department of Commerce. Richard Brian Adams (2012), The Advanced Data Acquisition Model (ADAM): A Process Model for Digital Forensic Practice Agarwal, A., Gupta, M., Gupta, S., Gupta, S. C. (2011). Systematic Digital Forensic Investigation Model, International Journal of Computer Science and Security, 5(1), 118-130. Shiner, D.L.D., and Cross, M., (2002), Scene of the Cybercrime, 2nd edn, Syncress: Burlington. Reino, A. (2012), Forensics of a Windows System, Roche. Armstrong, C. (2003), Mastering Computer Forensics. In C. Irvine H. Armstrong, Security Education and Critical Infrastructures Kluwer Academic Publishers.

Study Notes Lord of the Flies Essay Example

Study Notes: Lord of the Flies Essay All of adult male will destruct itself. Proving this is William Golding’s intent in composing The Lord of the Flies . a narrative about a group of male childs stranded on a abandoned island. When the boy’s priorities clang. a war breaks out between supporter Ralph and shortsighted antagonist Jack. who alternatively of being rescued would instead run. The battle for power between them shortly turns to violence. Golding uses these male childs as a scaled down theoretical account of what the universe is like at war. Golding utilizations symbolism enunciation and fable in The Lord of the Flies to turn out that adult male. non natural causes. will take to his ain death. Symbolism is the most prevailing protagonist of Golding’s intent in The Lord of the Flies . The character of The Godhead of the Flies . which is really merely a hogs caput impaled on a stick sharpened at both terminals is representative of the Satan as shown in the quotation mark The Lord of the Flies is a interlingual rendition of the Hebrew [ Beelzebub ] †¦suggested name for the Satan ( Golding. 205 ) . This quotation mark. coming from the notes subdivision in the dorsum of the text gives a good illustration of symbolism in straight saying the name of the character and rubric of the book are really a name for the Satan. Another character in the book is Simon. the antonym of the pig’s caput ; he is the Christ figure in the book. Simon. an embryo mystic†¦fights with all his lame power against the message of†¦the human capacities for evil†¦the cognition of the terminal of innocence ( Golding. 207 ) . We will write a custom essay sample on Study Notes: Lord of the Flies specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Study Notes: Lord of the Flies specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Study Notes: Lord of the Flies specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Christ’s realisation of wickednesss power drove him to decease. The same is true for Simon. The Lord of the Flies opens Simon’s eyes to the defect of human immorality and this leads to Simons decease. Another powerful symbol in The Lord of the Flies is the conch. The conch is really merely a big shell. that when blown into makes a loud noise. but what it represents are the regulations and order that they had back place. When Jack and his folk of biguns interruptions off they do non denounce the regulations them egos but instead they denounce the conch because it symbolizes the regulations. When Ralph is pleading for the biguns to hold some common sense and believe about being rescued and non merely about runing an being barbarians he says †¦I’ve got the conch ( Golding. 150 ) . Jack replies †¦the conch doesn’t count on this terminal of the island . Jack says this to acquire every bit much power as he can while organizing his new folk. Golding uses these and many other illustrations of symbolism to turn out his point. Another manner Golding proves his point of human suicide is through enunciation. He uses first-class word pick to convey temper and scene. Golding does a great occupation of distinguishing between force and beauty through enunciation. While Simon. Jack. and Ralph are trekking through the forests to find if the island truly is an island they come upon a beautiful glade in the forests. Simon comments on some of the flowers †¦like tapers. Candle shrubs. Candle buds ; the shrubs were dark evergreen. and aromatic†¦Jack slashed at one with his knife†¦ ( Golding. 30 ) . Golding could hold used sliced or cut but he chose slashed because it is a peculiarly violent word. and helps us understand Jack’s personality.

Williams Syndrome essays

Williams Syndrome essays Chromosomal Deficiencies - Williams Syndrome Pg 1 Williams Syndrome is a genetic disorder that was first discovered in 1961. It effects males and females equally. It can occur to all ethnicity and is present at birth. It occurs in about 1/20000 person and it causes both physical and developmental problems. This disorder has a personal touch to me, because my sister suffers from it. I hope to be able to shine some light on how it effects a family, and how it effects an individual on a more personal level. Williams Syndrome is caused by missing genetic material on chromosome #seven including the gene that makes the protein elastin ( a protein that provides strength and elasticity to vessel walls). It is likely that the elastin gene deletion accounts for the physical features of Williams syndrome. Some medical and developmental conditions are caused by deletions of materials near the gene elastin, and can very among individuals. In most families a child with Williams syndrome would be the only one in the entire extended family, but has a 50% chance of passing it onto their children. Many people with Williams syndrome go undiagnosed until a late age. This can be serious as people with Williams syndrome can have serious and possibly progressive medical problems. When the symptoms of Williams syndrome are discovered, the patient is usually referred top a genetic specialist where further diagnostic tests are run. The clinical diagnosis can be confirmed with a blood test. The technique is known as flourescent in situ hybridization (FISH). It discovers the gene elastin deletion on chromosome #seven. Ninety Eight % of people with Williams Syndrome have this deletion. Most children with Williams Syndrome are descried as having the same facial features. They can only be confirmed by a birth defect special, but they usually consist of small upturned noses, A long upper lip, wide mouth, full lips, small chin, and puffiness...

Mothies Comparison Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Mothies Comparison - Movie Review Example Pride and Prejudice penned by Jane Austen, based on the contemporary writing has achieved a huge success and is still under awe by various writers. Bridget Jones's Diary is an aptly justified adaptation of it. The most endearing and realistic characters and events have been screened in the movies with similar names. Both the movies have brought forth the similarities along with huge disparities, reinforcing the similarities all the more. It is evidently clear that Helen Fielding is great admirer of Austen's work and the replicated work is also intentional. These had an outstanding response as it seems very close to the common man depicting middle class life-like friendships, gossips, searching "Mr. Right" and false pride. Apart from the two movies there have been seen the up coming of several other movies with similar subjects "Sense and Sensibility", "Mansfield Park" , "The Edge of Reason" are a few among them.Talking of the similarities between the two movies based on the novels Pr ide and Prejudice and Bridget Jones's Diary would take lots of pages with numerous similar characters and construction of discourses as well. Starting with the theme, husband hunting was the foremost theme of the movies which led to various events. "Both are smart, sassy, and thoroughly enjoyable, and features one of the most endearing and believable characters." The heroes of the two bear significant resemblance to each other, being proud of their class. Both think the heroines to be less than beautiful to tempt them and find themselves falling in love with the least suitable women around with the course of events. Bridget also overhears Mark Darcy calling her "verbally incontinent spinster" while Darcy comments that Elizabeth isn't "handsome enough". Bridget on close look resembles to Austin's Elizabeth Bennet too. Both make false impressions about the protagonists in the beginning. The names 'Pemberley' and Darcy are also repeated in both the novels. Bridget works with the press named Pemberley Press while Mr. Darcy owns Pemberley estate and Darcy is the name of the hero in both the novels. The introductory note of Pride and Prejudice - "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." - is similar to the dialogue of Bridget as she halts at a mall to see her mother and says, , "It is a truth universally acknowledged that as soon as one part of your life starts looking up, another part falls to pieces." But in Pride and Prejudice it is not the blonde who is favored, but the beautiful brunette, Elizabeth Bennet, who is lovely and certainly a woman worth fighting over. ................ woman worth fighting over." Ranson - Polizzotti, Sadi. Blog Critics. 17 August. 2005. Mr. Darcy changes in Pride and Prejudice while Mark Darcy doesn't. He has a conversation with Elizabeth to solve the misunderstanding while Mark Darcy tells Bridget that he loves her the way she is which promises happy ending for both. The movies also have a striking equity with the roles of Mr. Darcy and Mark Darcy played by the actor, Colin Firth. The production team of the movies were influenced by the actor who himself belongs to the elite class and has projected the role without any scar in it. And the main reasons for repetition of the same discourse in several movies are the timelessness of the theme, real-life characters and importance of good life partner which can never be changed. Towards the end, watching both the movies, I would like to say that one should overcome the false notions of superiority interfering true love. The films are true classics and ageless fables close to every commoner. Changes are made and will be made with time but the essence is too strong to rule the hearts

Corporate risk management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Corporate risk management - Essay Example It also aims at keeping exposure to an acceptable level in a cost-effective way. As the nature of risk is highly varying in nature depending upon the context and corporate environment, the case study of any important disaster and the risk management strategies followed before the happening of such incident may be of high relevance. This will certainly through a light on best alternate risk management measures which would have minimized the exposure to the risk. Keeping these points in view, Chernobyl disaster which devastated several millions of human lives has been selected for the case study. Attempt has been made to find out the causes and consequences of disaster, risk management measures taken and lessons learnt from this incident. One of the major objectives of the study is to remember the tragedy of Chernobyl and to make risk management plan in order to improve security of all nuclear power plants all over the world and this horror and pain are not to be repeated. The biggest disaster experienced in nuclear power plant situated in Chernobyl on 25th April, 1986 is named as Chernobyl disaster. It happened due to ill made technology and resulted in killing of several thousands of people. The Chernobyl power station is located near the Belarus-Ukraine border and four kilometres away from the town of Pripyat, which was built especially for the power station employees. At the time of the accident, 45 000 people were housed there. The accident took place in reactor no. 4 at the Chernobyl nuclear power during a test. The operating staff wanted to test whether the turbines could produce sufficient energy to keep the coolant pumps running in the event of a loss of power until the emergency diesel generator was activated. The safety systems were intentionally switched off to prevent the test run of the reactor being interrupted. For conducting the test, the reactor had to be powered down to

Analysing organisation. Wal-Mart Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Analysing organisation. Wal-Mart - Essay Example A firm existence in the American market and exploitation of every opportunity and space during the initial establishment years has enabled Wal-Mart to enjoy a unique brand name. It was a successful strategic move for Wal-Mart to concentrate on the US market, and establish firmly on home soil. From the exploits of the home market, Wal-Mart had enough experience and sufficient resources to make investments abroad. Wal-Mart has coverage for retail business in more than fifteen countries today, with branches in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, South Africa and the UK among many others (Wal-Mart, n.d.). This presentation highlights the various concepts that can be associated with Wal-Mart as a global player in the retail industry. SWOT analysis is relied upon in the design, with the initial part highlighting the strengths and opportunities that an insider at Wal-Mart would quickly give while the second section highlights threats and weaknesses that are critical to the company. General review is a biased outlook on the positives of the company as opposed to the critical review that criticises various business concepts and approaches adopted at the company. Data Collection Information on SWOT from primary and secondary sources made the bulk of research, with an explanation and discussion on the main issues making up the presentation. SWOT as the main theme of the paper identifies with the needs of understanding the operations from an internal as well as an external perspective (Broughton, n.d.). The discussion is not exhaustive on the SWOT analysis but only a selected few items picked formed the discussion on which to base the presentation. General Review (Strengths and Opportunities) Ownership Wal-Mart began and remained as a family business as Walton dedicated his entire to the service and development of the company. Such level of commitment for the management of business usually enables the manager to set organisational objectives above any other interest. Evidently, the success of the corporation as one of the main global players in the retail industry owes much to the man-management techniques that Walton applied (Walton and Huey 1993, p32). As an individual, the president of the United States recognised Walton’s contribution to business and awarded him for his achievement just before his death. This is a milestone achievement for an individual leading an important business player as Wal-Mart in the global economy. Walton retained great influence on the decision making processes at the company in many aspects, despite the fact that the listing of the company implied that he donated some of the leadership to the shareholders. His contribution to the running of the business is undisputed and perhaps, therefore, Wal-Mart’s successes owe much to his roles in the company. The demise of Sam Walton in 1992 paved way for another Walton, Robson who took over as chairperson of the Wal-Mart Board a few days later. Tradition Since its establishment in 1962, Wal-Mart has kept off temptations of changing the market approach from the initial vision of the pioneer (Frank 2006, para.6). Sam Walton envisioned a retailing busines s with a unique pricing strategy that would target the lower end markets by initiating price cuts. Targeting the specific market niche in the retail business and making it possible to stick to it was perhaps the strongest business ideas adopted by Walton. In the modern business strategy applied at Wal-Mart, pricing is a uniquely important tool implemented for the initial objective laid down by Walton several decades ago. In all the retail outlets

Stresses for Trainee Counselling Psychologists | Review

Stresses for Trainee Counselling Psychologists | Review Title: A critical commentary on the following research paper: Kumary, A Martyn, B. (2008) Stresses reported by UK trainee counselling psychologists. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, March; 21:19-28 The prospect of entering any postgraduate training program can often be intimidating. Not only due to the academic commitment required, but because of the emotional demands and potential financial stranglehold placed on a student. These issues alone can leave trainees in both counselling and related psychological professions vulnerable to stress, which can not only damage the well-being of the student, but lower the overall quality of care experienced by patients when trainees are on placement (Cushway Tyler 1996; Kumary Baker 2008). Kumary Martyns make the simple argument, based loosely around Crushways (1992) study of UK clinical psychology trainees, that there are key aspects of training that impact on self-reported stress levels. These included poor supervision, financial costs, childcare, personal therapy and extra supervision. Some of these stressors identified cannot be thought of as essential or necessary aspects of training but this in itself is an area of key debate. (Kumary et al 2008). Other research has also highlighted the same key issues within counselling (Szymanska 2002), but has only looked at one issue in isolation and with this in mind, the present study was an investigation of UK counselling psychology trainees self-reports of their experiences of stress when training. One might go as far to question the rational of any study examining potential stress within such professions considering that having gone through an undergraduate degree already, students are already accustomed to a moderate l evel of stress and it simply goes with the territory (Cooper Quick 2003). On the other hand, such a study has never been conducted and may produce compelling results. Subjects were easy to identify and obtain although only UK counselling trainees who were studying for Part 1 of the BPS diploma were recruited. Are we to assume that this is when stress levels are at an optimal level? Questionnaires were sent out to all institutions. While the general characteristics of the sample are well represented, there was only a 41% return rate. This is good, but not outstanding in comparison to research conducted in similar domains, despite numerous follow-up e-mails and telephone calls (Robertson Sundstorm 1990). A financial incentive might have improved this return rate, but pre-paid return envelops were provided. However this data was collected in 2003, but not submitted for publication until 2007. Ethically, this delay in analysis and publication produces results that are already four years out of date in an education system that is constantly evolving (Hadley et al 1995). While such a simple methodology may initially seem sound, on closer inspection, the differences between the training programs of clinical and counselling are only glossed over and there is some evidence to suggest that the disparity between the two hinder a repetition of a seemingly straightforward approach last consulted in 1992 by Cushway. Aside from the time lapse, it is therefore important to consider the other issues surrounding the modification of a methodology previously used to investigate stress in clinical trainees. Firstly, counselling psychologist training tends to be less scientifically orientated than its clinical counterpart and most NHS posts are only open to Clinical Psychologists (Mayne, Norcross Sayette 2000). For example, it is generally accepted that counselling psychologists focus more on the therapeutic alliance with clients having to complete 450 hours of contact by the end of 3rd year training (Hadley et al 1995). While there are considerable similarities between the two disciplines, Norcorss (2000) documents many salient differences including professional activities, theoretical orientations, employment and training settings, graduate admissions and research areas. The question what are the differences in training clinical and counselling psychologists? -does not lend itself to an easy answer because psychology can be applied in so many ways. Traditionally, the main difference is in their training and perspective (Mayne et al 2000). It would appear to be an oversight on Kumary et als (2008) part to use a similar, modified methodology, previously applied to clinical trainees when the stress causing factors may be quite different. With these differences outlined in more detail, the old methodology would appear to require a more radical modification or adaptation from that used previously. Two main instruments were used to examine stress within the sample. The Counselling Psychology Trainee Stress Survey (CPTSS) and The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12) (Wemeke, Goldberg Yalcin 2000). The CPTSS was developed from Cushways (1992) stress survey for clinical psychology trainees with four categories (academic stressors, placement stressors, organizational stressors and personal stressors). What is concerning is the lack of both research confirming the validity of the measure and the small brainstorm session using five trainees under those headings. Furthermore, from their discussion the CPTSS, constructed from 36 items, was only piloted on a further six trainees. This did lead to some changes being made with the authors settling on four descriptive categories slightly different from Cushways; academic demands, lack of support systems, placement stressors and personal and professional development. This displays neither convergent or discriminant validity. Finally, despi te other more valid forms of questionnaires available measuring stress (for example the Psychological Stress Measure (PMS), this study chose one which was quickly devised from a brief investigation and remains untested in the general population (Lemyre Tessier 2003; Trovato et al 2006). The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12) on the other hand has been specifically validated for use in non-psychotic populations (Wemeke et al 2000). Because it is a shortened, 12-item version of the GHQ, it allows for quick completion, is likely to increase participant response, is quick to code and statistical mistakes also become less likely. For the purposes of this study, it appears to be the ideal choice and has been used to great effect in a large body of pervious work (Winefield, Goldney, Winefield, Tiggemann 1989; Vaglum Falkum 1999; Quek, Low, Razack, Loh 2001). A recent review by Jackson (2007) however, pointed out that the 28 item is usually used because the GHQ28 has been more widely used in other working populations, which allows for better comparisons, but the reliability coefficients have ranged from 0.78 to 0.95 in numerous studies and Jackson concludes (2007, p. 57) that: ‘In using this tool with postgraduate students conducting research in many areas of occupational health, the GHQ rarely fails to provide reliable and effective measures of well-being that usually correlate very highly with other measures of working environments or organizations Regardless of how carefully survey data is collected and analyzed, the value of the final result depends on the truthfulness of the respondents answers to the questions asked. Over the last twenty years, researchers have debated extensively about the truthfulness of peoples self-reports, and no clear cut conclusion has emerged (Zechmeister, Zechmesiter, Shaughnessy 2001). If someone is asked whether or not they enjoyed their bath, there is generally no need to question whether this accurately reflects their real feelings. However, in everyday life there are some situations in which researchers should have reason to be suspect. Survey research involves reactive measurement because respondents know that their responses are being recorded. Pressures may be strong for people to respond as they think they should rather than what they actually feel or believe (Zechmeister et al 2001). The term used to describe theses pressures is social desirability and in Kumary Martyns study (2008) the se issues are present in their entirety (Zechmeister et al 2001). For example, a trainee counselling psychologists attitudes towards their own stress and health levels, may be a far cry from their actual stressful behavioural responses. Both the questioners administered rely solely on self report and this gives rise to some further criticism. The approach is straightforward, but there is a trade-off between allowing for a simple analysis and the complex use of questionnaires in any survey based study. It is a fine balance that is difficult to maintain. Self-report questionnaires are all answered at different times and in different locations by each subject. As a result, the measures are vulnerable to inaccuracies caused by confounding variables. For example, a trainee filling in a stress based measure might have just had a particularly stressful day or experience that will effect their score. They could even have exams in a few weeks. Alternatively, reporting the issue of time-management and stress may be meaningless when the respondent evidently has time to sit down and take part in such a study anyway. The results from any self report also lack directness. While there is no ideal direct measure of stress, it is possible to get a better indication by measuring some of the physiological effects in the body. For example, stress might be better measured via heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, brain waves, muscle tension, skin conductance or temperature (Lemyre et al 2003). While more costly, such a study could be replicated using skin conductance monitors, worn by trainee counselling psychologists and correlate daily activities with any changes. This might produce results documenting what aspects of the course give rise to more stress and allow for re-development and changes to be applied where necessary. A more elementary approach might be to use an electronic pager device which asks every hour, how stressed are you now and what are your currently doing? In summary, researchers and clinicians must be careful when adapting clinical tools and methodologies to assess stress. They were designed for pathological disorders and validated using clinical populations and so the statistical distributions are not normal (Trovato et al 2006). As Lemyre et al (2003, p. 1159) state: The concept of stress refers to a set of affective, cognitive, somatic and behavioral manifestations within the range of functional integrity Despite this, thirteen items from the CPTSS were identified as being the most stressful issues in the sample population (none came from lack of support), which were split into two groups. The first included practical issues of finding time, funds and suitable placements. One item was also linked with negotiating these three key areas and could have a subsequent impact on their social life. A second group comprised of more general postgraduate issues: academic pressure and professional socialization. In order to determine a basis for the four groupings within the 37 single items of the CPTSS they were employed as four sub-scales (academic, placement, PPD and lack of support). These also gave acceptable levels of reliability. (Kumary et al 2008). The authors also found some good evidence for demographic variants in stress, with significantly higher stress ratings reported by younger participants and lower for those who were older. The GHQ12 results were in two scoring forms casesness and extend of distress with 54 participants identified as cases had significantly higher CPTSS scores than the 39 non-cases. Key findings from Kumary et al (2008, p. 24) included: The higher the stress rated for an aspect of counselling psychology training, the clearer the indicators of psychiatric distress became older participants had lower CPTSS ratings especially on placement issues men reported lower CPTSS ratings, most notably on academic items The support items attracted less attribution in comparison to academic, placement and PPD issues, despite pilot discussions (Kumary et al 2008), suggesting again that the methodology behind this study was flawed from the start. This does to some extent mirror Cushways (1992) data in that support was viewed by participants as a resource to ease training-induced stress, and participants viewed it as a resource to be used rather than a cause of stress because it was insufficiently provided. Again, with this knowledge available at the outset, why was the same methodology used? At this point, one might mention the issue of correlation and how this does not imply causation, but no profile of a stressed student was possible because most of the results were not significant. The authors admit themselves that the data collected is nothing to be proud of (2008, p. 25). It is difficult to believe that Krumary et al (2008) did not clearly see the unsophisticated and non-standardized status of the CPTSS as a serious issue before conducting such a study particularly when compared with more experimental research methods (Lemyre et al 2003). It is possible that the measures used were not sensitive enough to pick up on individual stress differences between participants. The fact remains however, that the fundamental assumptions were wrong and the question remains, do trainees in professions such as clinical and counselling psychology experience more stress than those within the normal population and if so are such emotional demands a critical part of training? Should t rainees be exposed to unacceptable stress levels and their apparent resilience used as an assessment criterion of professional suitability? (Hadley Mitchell 1995) The basis of this study is not sound enough to warrant any overall generalizations within the target population. The approach was oversimplified at the expense of generalized, poor-quality results. In this sense, the study has contributed little to our knowledge into how trainee counselling psychologists experience stress. The lack of an original approach is a reminder of how academic journals vary in the quality of the research they publish. It is nevertheless important that it was published to illustrate a methodology that clearly failed and thus prevents further repetition. This is the constant winding road of modern applied psychological research. References Cooper, L. C., Quick, C. J. (2003). The stress and loneliness of success. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 16, 1-7 Cushway, D. (1992). Stress in clinical psychology trainees. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 31, 169-179 Cushway, D., Tyler, P. (1996). Stress in clinical psychologists. British Journal of Clinical Psychologists, 31, 169-179 Goldberg DP, et al. (1978) Manual of the General Health Questionnaire (NFER Publishing, Windsor, England). Hadley Mitchell (1995). Counselling Research and Program Evaluation. London: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company Jackson, C. (2007). The General Health Questionnaire. Occupational Medicine, 57, 79 Kumary, A Martyn, B. (2008). Stresses reported by UK trainee counselling psychologists. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 21,19-28 Lemyre, L., Tessier, R. (2003). Measuring psychological stress concept, model and measurement instrument in primary care research. Canadian Family Physician, 49, 1159-1160 Mayne, T. J., Norcross, J. C., Sayette, M. A. (2000). Insiders guide to graduate programs in clinical and counseling psychology (2000-2001 ed). New York: Guilford. Norcross C. J. (2000) Clinical Versus Counselling Psychology: Whats the Diff? Eye on Psi Chi, 5 (1), 20-22 Quek, F. K, Low, Y. W., Razack, H. A., Loh, S. C. (2001). Reliability and validity of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) among urological patents: A Malaysian study. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 55 (5), 509-513 Robertson, M. T., Sundstrom, E. (1990). Questionnaire design, return rates, and response favorableness in an employee attitude questionnaire. Journal of Applied Psychology, 75 (3), 354-357 Szymanska, K. (2002). Trainee expectations in counselling psychology as compared to the reality of the training experience. Counselling Psychology Review, 17, 22-27 Trovato, M. G., Catalano, D., Martines, G. F., Spadaro, D., DI Corrado, D., Crispi, V., Garufi, G., Nuovo, S. (2006). Psychological stress measure in type 2 diabetes. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 10, 69-74 Vaglum, P., Falkum, E. (1999). Self-criticism, dependency and depressive symptoms in a nationwide sample of Norwegian physicians. Journal of Affective Disorders, 52 (1-3), 153-159 Wemeke, U., Goldberg, D., Yalcin, I. (2000). The stability of the factor structure of the General Health Questionaire. Psychological Medicine, 30, 823-829 Winefield, R. H., Goldney, D. R., Winefield, H. A., Tiggemann, M. (1989) The General Health Questionnaire: Reliability and Validity For Australian Youth. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 23 (1), 53-58 Zechmeister, S. J., Zechmesiter, B. E., Shaughnessy, J. J. (2001). Essentials of Research Methods in Psychology, McGraw-Hill Higher Education Schizophrenia: the biological and psychological effect Schizophrenia: the biological and psychological effect The study of psychosis has been much published within the literature. Investigations into the biological, psychological and clinical aspects of the disorder have been greatly seen. An approach which views schizophrenia as a disturbance of information processing appears promising as a way of linking all of the aspects of the disorder. A review of the research in this area led to the suggestion that the basic disturbance in schizophrenia is a weakening of the influences of stored memories of regularities of previous input on current perception. It is argued that the link between information processing disturbances and biological abnormalities may be facilitated by the use of paradigms derived from animal learning theory (latent inhibition and Kamins blocking effect). In a number of animal model studies and indeed human subject studies, on an individuals pattern of performance in acute schizophrenics, the information gained is consistent with the cognitive model. The ways in which such an information-processing disturbance may lead to schizophrenic symptomatology will thus be outlined, with particular reference to the formation and maintenance of delusional beliefs. The core cognitive abnormality may result from a disturbance in any of the brain structures involved in the prediction of subsequent sensory input. The proposed circuit implicates in particular the hippocampus and related areas and is consistent with studies of brain pathology in schizophrenia. Thus, this paper will aim to provide an insight into the biological and psychological effects of schizophrenia and will give an insight into the current treatments available and their effects on the individual and their biological status. Introduction Understanding the varied presentation of the many types of psychotic disorders is still a major challenge within todays scientific capacity. The approaches utilized to clarify their complex nature of such disorders of the neurological system present an ongoing challenge, due to the complexity of the interaction between both biological entities (the brain) and the psychological effects. Thus, the aim of this paper is to review the evolution of our understanding of schizophrenia in terms of the biological and psychological effects of the disorder, based upon a review of the literature findings. Studies, which have been conducted regarding the life-long evolution of mental illnesses, especially schizophrenia, have been publicized for decades and this has managed to initiate the early standing of schizophrenia and of the nature of its chronic states. These experiences have further contributed to the views we hold today regarding the illness, leading in a third phase to the development of a biological-psychosocial model of its evolution which has proved useful for both theoretical and practical purposes. Finally, an understanding of therapeutic experiences and theoretical explorations based on the biological and psychological has helped to minimize the effects of the disease within the patient population. Biological basis of schizophrenia Across the findings within the literature, the question of whether schizophrenia is associated with structural or functional abnormalities of the nervous system, or both, appears to have become the principal focus in many of the biological studies of schizophrenia. A number of different methods of investigation of this system have been conducted including computed tomography studies, which have been able to reveal ventricular enlargement and cortical atrophy in a subgroup of schizophrenic patients. When such enlargement is found within the brain of the majority of patients in the early stages of the illness, they appear to be most severe in patients with negative symptoms and poor outcome. Quantitative neuropathological studies have tentatively demonstrated decreased volume of specific brain areas, neuronal loss, and other changes in the limbic system, basal ganglia, and frontal cortex. Dopamine (DA) remains the neurotransmitter most likely to be involved in schizophrenia, although t here is also evidence for disturbances of serotonin and norepinephrine. Post-mortem and positron emission tomographic studies suggest an increased number of D2 DA receptors in some schizophrenics. Neuroendocrine studies reinforce the role of DA in schizophrenics. Viral infections and autoimmune disturbances may be responsible for some types of schizophrenia, but there is no firm experimental evidence to support either hypothesis. The possibility that mixtures of structural abnormalities and functional changes involving DA occur in the same patients rather than independently as part of two syndromes (Type I, II) seems attractive. The symptoms of schizophrenia patients appear to be diverse, with different elements of the disease having different impacts on different individuals. Since Bleulers (1950) conception of the schizophrenias as a heterogenous disease composed of symptomaticlly different subgroups, attempts have been made to identify biological correlates of specific behavioral dysfunction. Diagnosis of the illness could be seen to have been fraught with difficulties. The initial lack of differentiation between the manic episodes of bipolar affective disorder and schizophrenia still presents as being greatly problematic within studies published within the literature, and subsequent attempts to differentiate between subgroups of schizophrenics have yielded no discrete classification system. The search for an etiology has also been bedeviled by this lack of distinct classification. Nevertheless, the publication of and the conduction of a number of biological theories have contributed to an understanding o f schizophrenia by identifying specific dysfunctional neural areas in determining biochemical changes associated with symptomatology and in formulating new etiological hypotheses. Neurological correlation between neurological studies and the effects of schizophrenia have been examined by research conducted through the use of magnetic resonance imaging, computed and positron emission tomography, and, also postmortem morphological changes (Koning et al, 2010). Studies of cognitive function in association with metabolic and cerebrovascular activity have contributed to the identification of discrete neural dysfunction. In addition, development of the dopamine theory and its relationship to positive symptoms has assisted in diagnostic differentiation, while recent studies on the modulatory role of neuropeptides on neurotransmitters have expanded the scope of the dopamine theory. Several biological theories have been proposed for an etiology of schizophrenia. (Krabbendam et al, 2004) Perinatal complications and viral infection have been suggested either in isolation or in conjunction with genetic factors. Low birth weight has also been proposed as a predisposing or associated factor in the subsequent development of schizophrenia. The viral hypothesis has received impetus from recent research into retroviruses capable of genetic transmission and causing latent disease onset. It is also recognized that factors other than biological, in particular, Psychosocial influences may play an etiological role in schizophrenia. Discussion of these factors, however, will not be discussed in great detail in this paper due to time restrictions. The difficulty of diagnosis As etiological studies rely to a large extent on accurate diagnosis, it is important initially to identify diagnostic problems because this aids an understanding between the interplay between biological and psychological effects, which can be noted in schizophrenics. It has long been recognized that the term schizophrenia incorporates a heterogeneous collection of subgroups, possibly with different etiologies, disease processes, and outcomes. The subsequent categorization of such patients into meaningful groups therefore relies upon differences in symptomatology and long term outcome, and fall broadly into three categories- paranoid versus nonparanoid, negative versus positive, and chronic versus acute (Goldstein Tsuang, 1988) The literature proposes that paranoid groups show a better premorbid adjustment, cognitive performance, and prognosis than the nonparanoid group (Kumra and Schulz, 2008), it has been suggested that this represents a measurement artifact and depends on whether absolute or relative measures of paranoia are used. Studies using absolute predominance measures to the exclusion of other symptoms reject many subjects displaying both sets of symptoms. Many nonpredominance studies show no differences between the groups of an increase in negative outcome as paranoid symptoms increase. Other researchers have proposed that schizophrenics could be categorized into two types placed into their category upon the basis of positive or negative symptom preponderence. Type I, or the positive symptom group, display some of the Schneiderian first rank symptoms of hallucinations and delusions, while Type 2, or the negative symptom group, show affective loss or extinction, speech content poverty, psychomotor deficits, and a general loss of drive or will. One of the problems with this categorization is that many schizophrenics display both sets of symptoms and that schizophrenics with primary positive symptoms often develop negative symptoms over time (Phillips and Silverstein, 2003). This would mean that studies using young subjects showing predominantly Positive symptoms may not be adequately differentiating between groups. Recent refinements of the positive/negative dichotomy have led to a redefinition of negative symptoms congruent with familial genetic factors, developmental dys- function, and the development of psychometric scales to measure relative symptomatology (Pickett-Schnenk et al, 2006). However, the influence of neuroleptic drugs on attentional and extrapyramidal functioning could also contribute to the development of differential symptoms. Furthermore, the effects of early environmental factors, such as perinatal trauma and familial environment, and of concurrent disorders, such as depression, are not adequately taken into account in such studies. Thus, this highlights the difficulties, which can be seen when trying to relate the biological and psychological effects of schizophrenia to a certain pathological aspect of brain development. Within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III-R; APA, 1987) chronicity is defined as persistence of disturbance for more than two years with further residual diagnosis if subsequent symptoms are primarily negative. It is assumed to be associated with negative symptoms within Crows typography (Crow, 1980). This classification is the most common in the literature because of its basis in psychiatric diagnosis and its relationship to poor prognosis and to biological and cognitive deficits. For the purpose of biological research, the argument appears to be somewhat circular however because, for example, research attempts to find biological correlates of subgroups that are often operationally defined by their biological correlates. Moreover, there is significant overlap between the two groups in that many initially acute schizophrenics subsequently become chronic (by definition). While researchers across the literature publications acknowledge the heterogeneity of the disease, they continue to rely operationally on a dichotomous diagnosis. Multiple research strategies on the same subgroup would assist in isolating behavioural and biological attributions and in refining diagnostic criteria. Biochemical research and the impact on our understanding of the effects of schizophrenia Disruptions of neural biochemical processes have been extrapolated both from the effects of psychomimetic drugs and from the actions of symptom-reducing neuroleptic drugs. Drugs such as amphetamine and L-dopa, which cause psychotic conditions (e.g., hallucinations and paranoia), are known to involve excesses of dopamine release (Goodwin, 1972). Although different classes of neuroleptics are known to block acetylcholine, noradrenaline, or serotinin transmission, all of them block dopamine, and symptom reduction is thought to emanate from the latter (Millar et al, 2001). Within the dopamine theory two models of dysfunction have been proposed: autoreceptor excess, and postsynaptic receptor mechanism deficit. Different classes of neuroleptics vary in whether action is pre- or postsynaptic, but an inhibition of dopamine transmission is effected by all classes. Two classes of dopamine receptors have been identified-D1 and DP as previously mentioned, and it is believed that they are related to schizophrenia and neuroleptic effects. Distinctions between the two are based upon their actions on adenylate cyclase: stimulatory for Dl and distinct or inhibitory for D2 (Murray et al, 2008). Dl neurons, which project from the substantia nigra to the corpus striatum, are implicated in Parkinsons disease. Inhibition of Dl receptors is believed to be the origin of neuroleptic side effects, such as tardive dyskinesia and parkinsonianism. D2 receptors are associated with the antipsychotic effects of neuroleptic drugs and form the mesolimbic dopamine system which projects to the frontal cortex and some limbic forebrain structures (Tseng et al, 2008). The proposition that schizophrenic symptoms are caused by an excess of D2 receptors was initially difficult to substantiate due to drug effects and disease process. In most postmortem studies showing higher densities of dopamine receptors, previous antipsychotic drug use is also implicated (Seeman, 1986). However, in several studies subjects had never been treated with neuroleptics and still evinced increased dopamine receptor density (Trower et al, 2004). The role of dopamine receptor anomalies has also been studied using differential effects of classes of neuroleptics on dopamine receptors. In vivo Positron Emission Tomography (PET) research using the ligand [Cl raclopride has indicated that diverse classes of neuroleptic drugs administered in clinically effective doses block D2 dopamine receptors in the putamen. suggesting increased D2 dopamine density in schizophrenic subjects (Thompson et al, 2001). Research on the role of the atypical neuroleptic, clozapine, on dopamine receptors has however yielded inconsistent results. It is thought that the relative absence of extrapyramidal side effects with clozapine administration is due to a selective effect on D2 dopamine activity in the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens but not in the substantia nigra or striatum. Haloperidol, on the other hand, reduces dopamine activity in both areas. The effects of both drug classes have been observed in rats using in vivo extracellular sing le-unit recordings (Tseng et al, 2009). However, clozapine also acts antagonistically on cholinergic, a-adrenergic, his- tamine, and serotonin receptors and, in addition, the combination of haloperidol with the a-noradrenergic antagonist, prazosin, produces similar effects to clozapine administration, namely, reduced basal dopamine release in the striatum but not in the nucleus accumbens (Thimm et al, 2010). Studies on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of prolactin following clozapine administration have also yielded inconsistent reslults. Prolactin release is inhibited by dopamine and increased by conventional neuroleptics. However, in at least one study it has been found that administration of clozapine to human schizophrenic subjects produced no significant increase in prolactin levels 11 hours after administration, despite moderate to marked therapeutic effects (Meltzer, Goode, Schyve, Young, Fang, 1979). Several recent studies have also implicated Dl receptor blocks in the therapeutic effects of clozapine. A further obstacle to the initial acceptance of the dopamine theory has been the time discrepancy between drug administration and antipsychotic symptomatic effects. PET studies have shown immediate binding to dopamine receptor sites, yet their clinical effect is often delayed for several weeks (Tarrier et al, 1999). There have been suggestions that receptors blocks produce an initial overactivity of dopamine release to compensate for inhibition. Further evidence for the dopamine theory has come from measurements of CSF, and plasma levels of the dopamine metabolite, homovanillic acid (HVA). Although findings in unmedicated patients have not yielded consistent differences in HVA levels between schizophrenics and controls, neuroleptic treatment increases HVA levels (Abubaker et al, 2008). In unmedicated patients, a correlation between low HVA levels and cortical atrophy and ventricular enlargement has been found in at least one study. This has led to the suggestion that dopamine excess is related to Type 1 schizophrenia, an interpretation which is supported by a good response to neuroleptic drugs in this group (Crow, 1985). In addition, Allen et al (2008) has suggested a possible deficiency of dopamine in Type 2 schizophrenics. However, the Type l-Type 2 typography has not been fully supported, and there is evidence that neuroleptic drugs elicit response in negative symptom sufferers (Allen et al, 2008). From the evidence there is little doubt of the biological role of dopamine within some forms of schizophrenia. The influence of serotonin in schizophrenia was suggested by the antagonistic activity of the psychomimetic drug, D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), on serotonin transmission (Addinton and Addington, 1993). This has been studied in CSF by measuring levels of the serotonin precuresor, tryptophan, and the metabolite 5- hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA). At least one study has found reduced levels of 5-HIAA in schizophrenics and no difference between those on and off neuroleptics, but the latter group had only been drug free for a short time (three weeks). Therefore residual effects cannot be discounted. It was not stated whether subjects were also suffering from depression, which is known to decrease serotonin levels (Akbarian and Huang, 2009). Neither increasing nor decreasing serotonin levels have had a beneficial effect on schizophrenic symptoms (Akbarian and Huang, 2009). Monoamine oxidase (MAO) metabolizes dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline, as well as endogenous stimulants or hallucinogens such as phenylethylamine and diethltryptamine. It has therefore been hypothesized that decreased MAO activity could be contributory to schizophrenia. Studies have been conducted into platelet MAO activity in schizophrenics with varying results. Meltzer and Arora (1980) found that decreased MAO platelet activity was positively correlated with paraniod and positive symptoms. Other studies have found no un- usual MAO platelet activity in paranoid or hallucinating schizophrenics (Arts et al, 2008) Recent research has also considered the role of neuro-peptides in modulating CNS functions and the possible implications for schizophrenic symptomatology. Endorphins have been the subject of the most intensive study because of their association to proposed neural deficit areas both in biochemical and neuropathlogical research. The B, y, and (Y endorphins originate in the basal hypothalamus and modulate neurotransmitter activity in several structures of the limbic system and brain stem. Of all the biochemical theories of schizophrenia, the dopamine hypothesis has been the most consistently substantiated in research. The implication of other neurotransmitters, however, suggests a possible diffuse dysfunction with dopamine eliciting the most severe disruption. Efforts have been made to control for medication, but residual drug effects cannot be discounted. Many studies now use chlorpromazine equivalents to control for the effects of varying medication levels. The problem with this method is that, although different classes of neuroleptics all reduce dopamine levels either pre- or postsynaptically, they do not have equivalent effects on serotonin, MAO, or noradrenalin. Further problems are encountered when attempts are made to ascribe an etiological function to neurotransmitter activity. It is equally probable that any such changes are caused by the disease process rather than their being causal. Structual brain abnormalities The neuropathology of schizophrenia has received considerable recent interest in the light of positron emmission tomography (PET), postmortem, cognitive function and cerebral blood flow (CBF) research. While PET scans and postmortem investigation have concentrated on structural measurements, cognitive studies have provided tacit support for such structural changes. It has been hypothosized that neuropathological abnormalities identified in subgroups of schizophrenics could be in vitro developmental disorders either genetically transmitted or resulting from prenatal trauma (Ashburner et al, 2008). The most consistent findings across the publications within the literature have been differences in ventricular size, in some sections of the temporal limbic and nigrostriatal systems and basal ganglia, and in the prefrontal cortex. Measurements of ventricular size have however, shown considerable inconsistency, with some studies finding no significant difference between subjects and non-schizophrenic controls (Bles et al, 2010), and some reporting significant differences between chronic paranoid and hebephrenic subjects and normal controls (Bales et al, 2010). Evidence to date suggests that ventricular enlargement is only salient for a small subgroup of schizophrenics subject to chronicity or other, as yet unidentified, factors. Inconsistency in the results could be due to deviations in subject samples. It has been proposed that atrophy of specific neural areas could account for some schizophrenic symptoms. While some evidence has come directly from postmortem studies. Abnormalities have also been inferred from the results of PET and CAT scans and CBF measurements performed in conjunction with cognitive tasks designed to activate specific neural areas. Postmortem studies have identified significant cortical atrophy in the lateral nigro-striatal area (Birchwood et al, 2004) and in the limbic portions of the temporal lobe, specifically the amygdala, hippocampus, and parahippocampal gyrus (Birchwood et al, 2004). Psychotherapies and social treatments The psychological effects and impacts of schizophrenia must be emphasized. Due to the impact of the different, aforementioned parts of the brain and the CNS in schizophrenia, the psychological impact of the disease is obviously one, which takes great effect as previously mentioned. Psychotherapies are thought to be important within the current treatment lines in schizophrenia and although antipsychotic medications are the mainstay of treatment for schizophrenia, pharmacotherapy alone produces only limited improvement in negative symptoms, cognitive function, social functioning and quality of life. Additionally, it has been found that a great number of patients continue to suffer from persistent positive symptoms and relapses particularly when they fail to adhere to prescribed medications. This underlines the need for multi-modal care including psychosocial therapies as adjuncts to antipsychotic medications to help alleviate symptoms and to improve adherence, social functioning and qu ality of life (Patterson and Leeuwenkamp, 20008). A short review of the evidence that has accumulated on the efficacy of the major modalities of psychosocial treatment highlights that treatments involving social skills training, psychoeducation and cognitive behavioural therapies (CBTs) can all have a role in the treatment of individuals with schizophrenia. The reasoning behind the success of each treatment can give guidance into the psychological effects of the disease. For example, Psychoeducational interventions provide information about the disorder and its treatment to patients and their family members, and additionally inform the patients and family members about strategies to cope with schizophrenic illness. From the literature findings, it is evident that an extensive body of literature has accumulated regarding the efficacy of these interventions. Meta-analyses suggest that these interventions reduce high expressed emotion among relatives, and decrease relapse and rehospita lization rates (Pitschel et al, 2002; Giron et al, 2010). In general, interventions that include family members are found to have a much greater level of success (Pharaoh et al, 2006). Multi-family psychoeducation group approaches, which provide family psychoeducation and additionally offer an expanded social network, are found to reduce rates of relapse as are peer-to-peer education programs for families and patients (Chien et al, 2006). Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) About a third of patients with schizophrenia continue to suffer from persistent psychotic symptoms despite adequate pharmacotherapy. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) has therefore been presented as a system of treatment which has emerged to address this need, and is based on the hypothesis that psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations stem from misinterpretations and irrational attributions caused by self-monitoring deficits. CBT seeks to help patients rationally appraise their experience of disease symptoms and how they respond to them, thereby reducing symptoms and preventing relapse (Turkington et al, 2008). Meta-analytic evaluations of this data have found CBT to be effective in ameliorating positive symptoms (Rector and Beck, 2001) although effect sizes of CBT have been noted to be inconsistent across studies and a recent meta-analysis of six blinded studies (Lynch et al, 2010) found CBT to be ineffective in reducing any symptoms of schizophrenia or in preventing relapse; the fairness of this analysis has been questioned (Kingdon et al, 2010). CBT is reported to be ineffective in targeting negative symptoms and its effects on other treatment domains are not well studied. Although CBT is recommended as a standard of care for persons with schizophrenia (NICE, 2009) the results are thought to give the best outcomes in patients who are willing to comply with treatment. Cognitive remediation A substantive proportion of schizophrenia patients have impaired cognition, particularly in the domains of psychomotor speed, attention, working memory and executive function, verbal learning and social cognition. These deficits are robust and persist during the illness, and serve as rate limiting factors for functional recovery (Tandon et al, 2009). Several cognitive remediation approaches have been developed over the past two decades which involve compensation strategies to organize information, use of environmental aids such as reminders and prompts, and a range of techniques designed to enhance executive function and social cognition (Eack et al, 2010). Earlier reviews and meta-analyses which have been presented and published within the literature findings have suggested that cognitive remediation leads to modest improvements in performance on neuropsychological tests but has limited generalization to functional outcomes (Pilling et al, 2002) One large meta-analysis published by McGurk et al, (2007), however, found that cognitive remediation was associated with significant improvements in cognitive performance and symptoms, as well as psychosocial functioning in schizophrenia. Cognitive remediation has been found to be more effective in studies that provided adjunctive psychiatric rehabilitation in addition to cognitive remediation. Thus, it appears to be the case that the durability of benefits of cognitive remediation are not yet set in stone. Social skills training (SST) Schizophrenia patients manifest deficits in social competence and these contribute to poor outcome. The goal of SST is to improve day-to-day living skills by focusing on components of social competence such as self-care, basic conversation, vocational skills, and recreation. These skills are practiced mostly in group settings using techniques based on operant and social learning theory. Historically, token economy was the first such intervention that sought to improve the social behavior of patients with psychiatric illness. While effective, the results did not generalize beyond the therapeutic setting. A recent meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of social skills training in schizophrenia showed a large effect size for improvement in skills, a moderate effect size for performance-based social and community skills and for community functioning, and a small effect size for symptoms and relapse (Kurts and Mueser, 2008) Conclusions Thus, in conclusion, and in review of the findings published within the literature, it si clear that the impact of both biological aspects of the disease and psychological impacts are prevalent within the schizophrenic population. In summary, research on psychosocial approaches to treatment of schizophrenia has yielded incremental evidence of efficacy of CBT, SST, family psychoeducation, ACT and supported employment. Relatively few rigorously conducted trials of psychosocial interventions have been reported in the early course of schizophrenia, a phase of the illness when effective interventions may yield long-term outcome benefits . More hypothesis-driven research is needed to examine active ingredients of the therapeutic modalities that work, to identify the synergistic effects of combinations of interventions, and to use the knowledge which we have gained from the biological impact of the disease and the understandings of the neurological circuitry and its implications in schizoph renia to aid the development of new methods of reducing the effects of schizophrenia on the patient population.