Wednesday, October 30, 2019
To what extent do you agree with free market economies being more Essay - 1
To what extent do you agree with free market economies being more effective than a mixed economy - Essay Example All individuals act on their behalf; however the actions are aimed at satisfying consumer needs. The free market economy is controlled by a price mechanism where the prices of goods and services are not determined by the government (Kates, 2011:34). They are determined by the interchange between the forces of demand and supply whereby price acts as an indicator for the suppliers to decrease or increase supply so as to reach an equilibrium between the forces of demand and supply and the best allocation of resources. Income and resources are distributed and allocated efficiently by using the price mechanism. A free market economy is an economic system that is not influenced by the government or other political forces (Kates, 2011:34). The rate of growth in such an economy relies on the level of consumer activity that is connected to the consumers’ purchases. This means that economic growth is possible in an economy that is not controlled by the government. Free market economies are closely linked with capitalism in the modern-day usage and popular culture. Cooperative members, market socialists and supporters of profit sharing support free markets. Why is a free market economy better than mixed economy? A free market economy is better than a mixed economy in various ways. ... Secondly, free market economies are flexible and therefore adjust freely to change. If there is a change in demand of a certain good or service in the market, companies can increase their production to meet the increased demand in the market. Conversely, in a mixed market economy, the government regulates the quantity that is produced and supplied in the market. There is increased competition among the major producers in the company. This mounts increasing pressure on the producers to improve their products and lower their prices so as to attract a higher number of consumers (Sirico, 2012:14). On the contrary, in a mixed economy a central authority such as the state or the government regulates the quality of goods and services. This means that the competition in the prices of goods and services is minimal hence consumers do not benefit in the long-run. In addition, increased competition among the producers encourages production using the latest technology (Kates, 2011:34). In other w ords, increased competition in the market leads to increased innovation that positively contributes to productivity. A free market economy encourages rational self-interest. People have more freedom to undertake actions that they want and to buy and sell what they want. Consumers have more freedom to produce and sell what they want with minimal government interference. However, in a mixed economy, the government sets the standards to be followed by the producers and consumers. Finally, the consumers determine the success or failure of a products or service in the organisation (Sirico, 2012:14). This means that the consumers have more power to drive the prices of goods and the quantity produced. On the other hand, in a mixed economy, a central planning
Monday, October 28, 2019
Legalism, Taoism and Confucianism Essay Example for Free
Legalism, Taoism and Confucianism Essay All three most influential philosophical schools of thought i.e. legalism, Taoism and Confucianism originate from the same tenet of peace and accord in the Chinese society in particular and in world in general. But their methodologies and philosophical routes to achieve this objective are different. Legalism suggest a strong and central political body as remedy for all the maladies of contemporary Chinese society whereas Taoism and Confucianism do not favor a strong political entity  and reinforce the ideas of individual freedom and social cohesion.            The doctrine of legalism believes that strict laws and punitive measures are preconditions for a strong central government that can bring peace and prosperity in the society. This doctrine is based on the assumption that human nature is irredeemably malicious and is prone to produce conflicts. These conflicts harm the social cohesion and generate panic and disorder in the community. That is the reason that strong laws and punishments can make them (people) in alignment with needs of the political entity.            In total contrast to Legalism, Taoism and Confucianism are of the view that human nature is constituted of moral virtues. Taoism was directly opposed to the tenets of Legalism and believed in a close association between man and nature. They further reinforce that nature is virtuous in essence and intend at achieving greater unity and universal organization. They view man-made laws as artificial and transient that has limited life. So Taoist are against Legalism and believed that these were fabricated to serve the vested interest of the rulers and they have nothing to do with the common good of the people. This basic difference between the philosophical principles leads the Taoist to rebel against the established social patterns as they considered it a tool to perpetuate the regime of the despotic rulers.            Confucianism is considered a rationalization of these two extremes i.e. legalism and Taoism. Confucianism neither believed in the idea of harsh punishments, impersonal laws and inhuman rules toward the mass nor it gave approval to absolute individual freedom of thought and action as it would lead to utter anarchy. Confucianism adopted an equidistant approach between the two extremes and propagated a philosophy based on the beautiful combination of individual needs and social needs. Confucianism served as a balance between the extreme centralization of power and subjugation of masses as embodied in Legalism and the utter chaos created by the absolute individualistic approach of Taoism.            Legalism was an advanced political system whereas Taoism was inclined toward primitivism. Taoism reinforced the idea of a personal and individual reaction to the mundane and complex social problems. According to its basic precept of Tao (way), human nature can find its own way out of many. So it negated the formulated laws and established social patterns. Subjective judgments were made according to the needs of the occasions. Mostly these judgments were based on the ancient teachings and traditional principles with outsized personal discretion. In complete contrast to Taoism, Legalism established a complete code of laws and they (Legalists) were strictly adhered to these laws. Instead of personal discretion or subjective interpretation, judgments were made according to written laws. This characteristic of Legalism made it the most advanced philosophy of ancient China as compared with Taoism.            In contrast to abovementioned ways, Confucianism suggested another way i.e. to get social harmony through social cohesion of individuals with the society itself. It took care of individuals’ needs as well as the socio-political needs. To Confucius, society was not a mere collection of individual but is has other internal and external dimensions. Internally, it is the substantial device that moulds our beliefs and attitudes while on the external horizon, it exerts and maintains pressures from the society to facilitate conformity to the above-mentioned collective beliefs and attitudes. Confucius perceived society as a separate and distinguished unit. It is an entity independent of individuals. This argument clearly manifests that social facts i.e. norms, values and institutions, have their independent existence and are not sustained by individual actions but individuals react to them. Confucius also suggests that individual desires are cravings are unlimited and individual hankers after more and more. This natural insatiability produces individual propensities in humans. In order to control these propensities society works as a regulative force. Frederick Cheung has comprehensively summed up the differences and similarities in the doctrines of these major philosophies of Chinese history in this way; If we compare and contrast the three schools of thoughts on individual freedom and control; we would find that Taoism was extremely free, while Legalism was extremely strict (a kind of totalitarian control) with Confucianism in the middle (the golden means or moderation). On political theory and concepts of progress, Legalism was the most advanced and directing to the future; while Taoism was reactionary and returning to the primitive nature; with again Confucianism in the middle. Indeed, moderation and balance were perhaps the major reasons for the eventual triumph of Confucianism in traditional Chinese history. (p.3) References Cheung, Frederick. (2006). The Legacy of Ancient China: The Intellectual Foundations Legalism, Taoism, and Confucianism. The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Website: http. ihome.cuhk.edu.hk/~s050326/legalismtaoismconf.doc
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Adolf Hitler :: essays research papers
Adolf Hitler was born in 1889 in a small town called Braunau, Austria by a loving mother named Klara Poelzl Hitler, and an abusive and alcoholic father named Alois Hitler. After becoming chancellor of Germany in 1933, he would lead one of the most barbaric and inhumane regimes in history. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how isolationism and solidarity played a role in the life of this evil leader, both on a personal and political level.      Although Adolf’s mother was loving, she lived in constant fear of Alois because he often beat her and the children. Adolf’s step brother, Alois jr., was abused so much that he ran away at the age of fourteen. Alois jr. was replaced by Adolf to be used as a human punching bag. His mother could only stand by and watch and then try to comfort her only son. Adolf had a younger sister named Paula who was born in 1896, she never really was beaten and never had to live with her father for very long because her father died when she was six years old, and Adolf was thirteen years old. Although Adolf cried when he saw his father’s body, he never spoke highly of him after his death.      Even through the abuse he suffered, He was still an excellent student through primary school. He was a very hard worker and got good grades through Benedictive Monastery School. After primary school Adolf decided that he wanted to become an artist. However he was forced by his father to go to a technical school rather than an art school. At the technical school he did poorly and was a difficult student according to his teachers. They described him as being violent, argumentive, and bad tempered.      Adolf had one teacher that inspired him, their name was Dr. Poetsch. Dr. Poetsch was an anti-Semitic and a fanatical Pan-German nationalist. It was Dr. Poetsch, said Adolf, who inspired him to become a revolutionary.      Adolf isolated himself society; he had only one childhood friend, Gustl. Adolf also isolated himself from his family when his mother died in 1907, and then he moved to Vienna because his family was putting pressure on him to get a job, In Vienna he lived by selling his paintings and drawings. While his time in Vienna he had no relations with anyone accept for his business meetings. His temper is first shown in public when he is trying to sell his art work and it is rejected. Adolf Hitler :: essays research papers Adolf Hitler was born in 1889 in a small town called Braunau, Austria by a loving mother named Klara Poelzl Hitler, and an abusive and alcoholic father named Alois Hitler. After becoming chancellor of Germany in 1933, he would lead one of the most barbaric and inhumane regimes in history. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how isolationism and solidarity played a role in the life of this evil leader, both on a personal and political level.      Although Adolf’s mother was loving, she lived in constant fear of Alois because he often beat her and the children. Adolf’s step brother, Alois jr., was abused so much that he ran away at the age of fourteen. Alois jr. was replaced by Adolf to be used as a human punching bag. His mother could only stand by and watch and then try to comfort her only son. Adolf had a younger sister named Paula who was born in 1896, she never really was beaten and never had to live with her father for very long because her father died when she was six years old, and Adolf was thirteen years old. Although Adolf cried when he saw his father’s body, he never spoke highly of him after his death.      Even through the abuse he suffered, He was still an excellent student through primary school. He was a very hard worker and got good grades through Benedictive Monastery School. After primary school Adolf decided that he wanted to become an artist. However he was forced by his father to go to a technical school rather than an art school. At the technical school he did poorly and was a difficult student according to his teachers. They described him as being violent, argumentive, and bad tempered.      Adolf had one teacher that inspired him, their name was Dr. Poetsch. Dr. Poetsch was an anti-Semitic and a fanatical Pan-German nationalist. It was Dr. Poetsch, said Adolf, who inspired him to become a revolutionary.      Adolf isolated himself society; he had only one childhood friend, Gustl. Adolf also isolated himself from his family when his mother died in 1907, and then he moved to Vienna because his family was putting pressure on him to get a job, In Vienna he lived by selling his paintings and drawings. While his time in Vienna he had no relations with anyone accept for his business meetings. His temper is first shown in public when he is trying to sell his art work and it is rejected.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Oliver Sackss The Man who Mistook his Wife for a Hat Essay -- Oliver
Oliver Sacks's The Man who Mistook his Wife for a Hat As a child, I watched Alfred Hitchcock Theater, The Twilight Zone and other science fiction or horror shows. Often times the storyline was based on a victim's mental problems or their skewed perception of the world. Looking back, I remember the fascination I felt when watching one specific episode of the Twillight Zone. In this particular episode, a man turned into a zombie by some type of poison. Essentially he was still alive, but he was dead to the world. In the end he was embalmed while he was completely conscious yet could not say anything to prevent it. Like this incident, every episode captivated me but when it was over I could sleep easy because there was no possibility of any of it happening. Oliver Sacks disrupts my childhood understanding of what is plausible and what is not in the real world. In his Book, The Man Who mistook his Wife for a Hat, Sacks compiles a group of stories that appeal to the curiosity and compassion of a young boy through his close look at human expe riences in the eyes of science, medicine and new technology. The chapters discussing 'Losses'; and 'Transports'; sparked my interest the most. The first story that caught my attention was about the sixty year old Madeline J. who was suffers from being 'congenitally blind'; and has 'cerebral palsy';(Sack 59). She was a very bright and intelligent woman that gained all her knowledge and learning from listening to books and from talking to people. She had never learned Braille because her hands were 'Useless godforsaken lumps of dough†¦'; Through simple tests, Sacks discovered that her hand recognized light touches, pain, and temperature. All basic sensations and perceptions were in tact. However, when objects were placed in her hands, she could not identify them. She did not try to search and explore the object; 'there were no active 'interogatory' movements of here hands. Sacks concluded that her hands were fine functionally; she did not know they were there. Madeline had to discover her hands and make the neural connection before she woul d be able to use them (Sacks 59-61). In an effort to get Madeline to use her hands, he asked her nurses to put her food slightly out of reach and leave the room on occasions. Sacks hope that due to the hunger, she would reach out for the food and use her hands. One day 'impatie... ...Bhagawhandi's tumor was found in the frontal lobe. DNT have many intracortical nodules that vary in size. Its cells resemble 'well-differentiated oligodendroglioma';. However the cells are often found in clusters and other intricate shapes. Because of the tumor the 'adjacent cerebral cortex often exhibits cortical dysphasia with disturbed lamination and disarray in architecture (Final). Oliver Sacks does an excellent job of writing about that appeals to all walks of life and a diverse set of cultures. He translates topics that would take a doctorate degree to understand and presents it in a way that is entertaining and a joy to read. In the story of the blind sculptress he gives us hope, feeds our curiosity with the phantom finger, and finally touches our heart in our trip with the Indian girl back home. Works Cited Carlson, Neil R. Foundations of Physiological Psychology. Allyn and Bacon. London. 1999. 'Case Eight - Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor';. http://www.uhrad.com/mriarc/mri008.htm 'Introduction to Cerebral Palsy';. http://www.islandnet.com/~aclemens/intro2.htm Sacks, Oliver. The Man who Mistook his Wife for a Hat. Touchstone Book. New York. 1985.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Marketing Mix Essay
Product refers to the creation or design of a good or service. It is here that the process begins in the life of a product. In this part of the marketing mix the design is made, the name is created, and even the packaging of the good is decided upon. This is where a product needs to be created in a way that makes the product marketable for its intended target. (Manktelow, 2013) Place is the process in when it is decided where the product is going to be sold and how the product will be distributed. Many questions are answered in this part of the process such as â€Å"Where do buyers look for this product? , â€Å"What channels of distribution should be used? †, â€Å"Do we need to use a sales force, attend trade shows, or send samples to companies? †, and â€Å"What are competitors doing? †(Manktelow, 2013) For example, a company producing power tools would not want to distribute their goods in a boutique. The intended customer base is not likely going to be found here. The correct distribution would be in a store where power tools are sold like Home Depot. While having a great product is important, you need to get it to the consumer in the most efficient manner. Price is where the value of the product is determined. Pricing is just as important as the product itself. No matter how great a product is, it needs to be priced so that consumers will be willing to purchase it and so that it will make a profit that is worth investing in. Pricing also can offer a chance to get a leg up on the competition. In order to gain an advantage in market share a company may decide to price their product slightly lower than their competitor’s price. (Manktelow, 2013) Promotion is how a company creates their promotional strategy, advertising, and public relations. Promotion is extremely important in making the consumer aware of the product. It is also very important that the promotional strategy is aimed at the target audience. (Manktelow, 2013) For example, to promote a new basketball shoe advertising could be created featuring a professional basketball player and the product could be heavily advertised during basketball games on television when the intended audience is going to be watching the game. PayPal, Inc. is a payment processor that operates primarily in processing payments on the internet. In 2010 PayPal began to push a new motto of â€Å"Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow†. PayPal was taking their online payment services and moving them into the physical world. In order to achieve this PayPal began pushing their mobile payment services to develop products that would help to achieve this vision. PayPal required a product that would allow people to truly use PayPal anywhere at any time. In 2012 PayPal launched PayPal Here. PayPal here is a product that connects to a smartphone to allow merchants to accept credit card payments wherever their business may take them. To allow buyers the convenience of using PayPal anywhere, PayPal revamped the PayPal Mobile App. The PayPal Mobile App allows a person to send funds at any time using their smartphone. Whether it is sending money to a friend or paying for an item on eBay, the PayPal Mobile App allows buyers to use their PayPal account without having to be in front of their computer. The other product PayPal created for both merchants and for buyers is PayPal’s in-store checkout. In December of 2011 PayPal partnered with The Home Depot to unveil this new product and feature. Customers of the Home Depot no longer need to bring their wallet to the store with them. By simply entering their mobile number and PIN number they can pay with their PayPal account. Upon checking out the customer receives a text message and email receipt of their purchase. This video demonstrates the PayPal in-store checkout process. http://www. youtube. com/watch? feature=player_detailpage&v=Q8P9qT9EIVk PayPal’s placement of the product was not as complicated as many companies selling a product like a hammer or shoes. The PayPal Here product is a way to use the PayPal Here service. Customers simply have to go to the PayPal website or PayPal Here App and request the PayPal here dongle. It is sent to the customer at no cost because the value is in the customer accepting payments using the PayPal Here service. This benefits PayPal in that they do not have to deal with major distribution channels in getting their product into the right store. They simply need to ship the product to the customer that asks for it off of the PayPal website. PayPal has structured their pricing to remain ahead of their primary competitor Square. PayPal charges 2. 7% per transaction to receive payments using the PayPal Here product. Square has a similar product and charges 2. 75% per transaction. The cost of the phone attachment for PayPal Here is free. This has allowed PayPal to keep up with their competitor. In order to effectively market this product PayPal needed to have a price that at least met that of their competitor in order to get people to use the product. PayPal decided to charge slightly less than their competitor in order to gain customers new to this technology and to sway some customers away from Square. Had the service not been available through a competitor, PayPal’s pricing may have been different. Having a price that meets or beats the competition shows that PayPal is marketing their product to not just to customers new to accepting mobile payments, but to those that are already accepting them which expands the market they are targeting. PayPal also offers other types of services other than just accepting payments on a mobile phone which creates more value for potential customers. PayPal has launched aggressive marketing campaigns through email and through banners on their website. PayPal has never advertised their products on television or radio and they did not start with the launch of PayPal Here. PayPal announced PayPal Here at a media event and let the media spread the word along with the advertising occurring through email and on the PayPal website. This helps PayPal save money in advertising and promotion while still promoting their product efficiently. PayPal’s intended targets for PayPal Here are small businesses and people who sell at events like trade shows, service (lawn care, plumbing, etc. ) who would like to be able to give their customers more options to pay for their services. The marketing mix is an effective way to help successfully market a product or service. It addresses every aspect that is needed in order to successfully prepare a product to be launched. The four P’s work together to help a company provide the consumer with what they want, get the product to the consumer that demands the product, sells at a price that benefits the company and the consumer, and will promote the product to the right audience. Without the proper use of the marketing mix a product could easily fail. A company could design a new product that may seem great, but if they do not market the product correctly the right people will not see it, buy it, or be aware of it. Without the sales, the life of a product can be short lived because of ineffective marketing. PayPal has shown an effective use of the marketing mix. PayPal identified a consumer need, PayPal designed a product and service that would meet the needs of the consumer, PayPal found an efficient way to deliver the product and service to the customer, PayPal provided a price that was slightly better than the price of their competitor to gain a market advantage, and PayPal effectively used word of mouth promotion and promotion through their own website to make consumers aware of this new innovative product that can meet their needs. It has been effective use of the marketing mix that has helped PayPal remain on top of the online payment processing world.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
The Red Badge of Courage - A Literary Critique essays
The Red Badge of Courage - A Literary Critique essays The Red Badge of Courage begins with the Youth (Henry) preparing to leave to war. He has fabulous ideas concocted in his mind about victory and heroism. The Youth soon finds that victory and heroism are a small part in the splendor of war. The Youth's mind soon becomes burdened with thoughts of death and running away from a battle. Sure enough, in the midst of battle, the Youth flees the battlefield. The Youth must learn to deal with the shame he feels on deserting his comrades. When he returns to his camp he lies and says that he was separated during combat and was shot. The Youth is given another chance to fight and prove he is not a coward. As the book progresses, the Youth learns to deal with his shame by feeling honored for being a hero.In the end, the Youth becomes a man. He learns that the most important lessons in life can be seen by opening his eyes. I personally was attracted to the Youth. All his thoughts and wild imagination impressed me. He would describe death as a being that could swallow him whole, and ramble on about wonderful sunsets. The Youth was also a very troubled soul. He worried a lot over things he might do and not the things he would do. For instance, on page 34, he questions others in hope that their answers would comfort him. He feels disassociated from others, "The Youth, considering himself separated from the others..." (p29). Page 35 quotes, "He was a mental outcast." He lacked self -confidence and "continually tried to measure himself by his comrades." (p22). Despite his sorrow, the Youth was creative and compared ideas and objects to other ideas and objects. "The battle was like the grinding of an immense and terrible machine." I believe that the Youth brought the book to life through his life. At times I would find myself thinking, "I've thought that too!" For example on page 127, the Youth announces that his life should be lived to his expectations and not everyone else's. I strongly agree wit...
Monday, October 21, 2019
Definition Essay Sample on Information Security A Problem for Large Corporations
Definition Essay Sample on Information Security A Problem for Large Corporations This essay is based on the security of data and how it can be a problem for large corporations, and what can companies do to manage their data and resources properly. Information today has become one of business worlds and societys most important resources, and managing this information has become a major challenge. It is for this reason that the security of data is very important to corporations. The strong desire to protect and control information is rooted in the notion that information has value. The value of quality in information will enable the business to make sound decisions and conversely the presence of errors will undermine the credibility and therefore the value of the information (Marschak 1968). This means corporations must be able to handle and administer information safely and securely. The security of data and information should be very important to large corporations and if it is undermined then they are more likely to be vulnerable to threats, which could result in big problems for companies. To put this into perspective, a survey taken from Bocij et al (1999), was carried out about the extent of these threats with regards to the loss of information in a 1996 Business Technology Survey by Ernst Young. This survey found that 59 % of companies surveyed had experienced a security breach. (Bocij et al, 1999: p538). It may be thought that our society in general is becoming increasingly data-unsafe! However, this is not to imply that we are all exceedingly vulnerable as considerable efforts have indeed been made in this field, and more attention is being focused here. Nevertheless, it must be bared in mind that this does not mean that the situation is in full control. As the dependence of businesses on IS increases, so does the range and severity of the threats which can arise. This can happen for a number of reasons. The first being the scale at which the business is dependent on IS, as systems increasingly operate on a national or international scale. For example, a failure in a banks computer centre can put all its automated teller machines offline. A second reason is the speed of IS in an advanced technological environment. For instance previously, before computer-based information system, it may take for fire, flood or malicious damage to destroy records. Large computer files, on the other hand, can de deleted or corrupted electronically in matter of seconds. Similarly, unauthorised transmission or copying of data can be carried out almost instantaneously. Another reason is technical innovation. New technology changes all the ground-rules, and many employees may not understand them well. Previously, it was reasonable to rely, to a large extent on employeesà ±Ã ¿ good sense (for example, in not leaving filing cabinets unlocked). With IT-based systems, they may not even realise that they are taking unacceptable risks. On the other hand, at the opposite end of the skills spectrum, there are highly talented technicians who regard it as a challenge to invade and disrupt systems. They can conduct their attacks from the other parts of a network-without needing to go anywhere near the premises they are attacking. The fourth reason that may increase the range and severity of threats on IS could be hidden causes. For example, sometimes it is difficult to trace back to cause of a problem in complex systems. For example, on 1 Jan 1985, customers trying to use the cash machines of two major clearing banks, which normally accepted each othersà ±Ã ¿ cards, found themselves getting unpredictable results. The problem was eventually traced to erroneous updating of the magnetic strips on the cards by one of the banks. It seems that some of the bankà ±Ã ¿s software had failed to recognise that 1984 was a leap year, and entered date information on the cards, which then confused other parts of the system. (Hawker, 2000: p18). The security of data can be a big problem for large corporation as, defining the contents of an international information security policy as an associated set of security controls is one problem, however to enforce them may be an even bigger one (Solms,1999). Also another problem that large corporations may face is remaining competitive and having a long-term future ahead with a lack of security of data. Solms states that if an organisation is found secure enough by others, it will be welcomed to join, if not it may be excluded and left in the cold. This discussion proves that in the era of electronic commerce, proper information protection and proof of it may be demanded among business partners. Data and information security can result in a big problem for large corporations if security policies are not implemented in the correct manner. It is very important that firms recognise this, as it may well prove far more expensive not to invest in security measures than the measures themselves would have cost. Increased security means increased possibilities of safe guarding a companys assets, through reducing or eliminating the danger of financial loss. As a result of this companies need to manage their data and resources properly. Information technology does not only bring the benefits of better ways of storage and accessibility of data but with it comes the managerial responsibility, which is control of files and resources. There two major management responsibilities that companies need to manoeuvre in order to control their information so that their data is secure and they can make the most out of the resources they have invested in. These measures and responsibilities are physical and procedural. Under each of these, there are several components that make up these controls. Firstly, physical protection is an important control. Physical barriers are aimed at protecting equipment, accessories against theft and unauthorised access, and so that sources of possible damage are eliminated. If access to rooms with equipment were restricted, the risk of theft and vandalism may be reduced. A second control that could be used by some firms is biometric controls. These controls make use of the unique characteristics of individuals in order to restrict access to sensitive information or equipment. The technique has scanners that check on fingerprints, voiceprints and retinal patterns. Until recently this technique was not accessible to many organisations, partly because of the cost involved and secondly because companies used to have doubts about the accuracy of the technique. Both of these concerns have been addressed and been solved by technological advances in software and hardware. An example of companies that could use this type of control to increase security and manage their resources properly is banks and more specifically their ATMs where customers are able identify customers by fingerprints or retinal patterns. Thirdly procedure controls are also very important to take into consideration. Procedural controls include controls such as data security controls, failure controls, and auditing and security policy. Data security controls help to identify and verify the users. For instance system software can be used so that passwords are assigned to only authorised individuals. No one can log on to the system without a valid password, furthermore additional sets of passwords and security restrictions can be developed for specific systems and applications. Laudon Laudon (2001) give an example, that data security software can limit access to specific files, such as the files for the accounts receivable system. It can restrict the type of access so that only individuals authorized to update these specific files will have the ability to do so. All others will only be able to read the files or will be denied access altogether. Another procedural control is failure controls. These controls are necessary especially in large corporations, to avoid damage caused by failure of an information system. The techniques of failure control are regular back-ups of data and recovery procedure. For example, everyday transactions in a bank such as deposit, and withdrawals are stored on a daily basis as backup. Another recovery procedure which is important to companies is having a disaster recovery or contingency plan which is a strategy concerned with ensuring that a disaster of a information system is restored as quickly as possible, with little disruption to the organisation as possible. Auditing could be another way in which companies may protect information systems against security breaches. Auditing involves making physical checks of hardware, software and data at regular intervals. Audits can be carried out automatically for software and data with an appropriate program. Auditing software works by scanning the hard disk drives of any computers, terminals and servers attached to a network system. As each hard disk is scanned, the names of any programs found are added to a log. This log is then compared to a list of the programs that are owned by the company. The log gives information as to where to find the program. It is then simple to determine the location of any unauthorised programs. In many organisations auditing programs are also used to keep track of software licences, which allow companies to ensure that they are operating within the terms of their licence agreement. Other types of controls that may help companies to manage their resources properly are legal controls. Legal controls exist to prevent security breaches. Computer Misuse Act (1990), covers unauthorised access to information systems. Unauthorised access to information systems is referred to as hacking, and any breach of security by a third party invokes this Act for which the culprit may be prosecuted. Another legal protection, which companies need to comply with, is the Data Protection (1984). This Act is mainly intended to cover the individuals rights to view the information the company holds about them. For companies this is a strong message that only factual information should be held and the information should be relevant. In addition and also very important the Act restricts disclosure of information about the files a company holds about individuals to third parties. Special rules apply to this clause and it is the companyà ±Ã ¿s responsibility to ensure that these are followed. For example a finance company may request the account holder to set up a passed for a spouse to discuss general information but the liability lies with the company should the information get into the wrong hands resulting in fraud. Formal Security Policy is another way in which companies can protect their data. Companies are now required by law to make existing and new employees sign a security policy. This is a benefit to both the company and the employee if the policy is explained. The security policy document would include things such as what the company considers to be acceptable use of the information system, what is considered unacceptable use, disciplinary action for non-compliance and details of the controls in place. However it important that management support is essentially there to ensure that employees follow the guidelines contained in this policy. An article from the Financial Times (1998) in Bocij et al, hinted that many fraudsters rely on human behaviour rather than technology. A senior manager of a UK based company; Forensic Investigations stresses the importance of the IT department in keeping abreast with the latest developments and maintaining regular security revisions across the organisation. Another example is an UK based company, Priority Data Group (PDG), whose clients include Citibank, computer services company EDS and General Motors has developed a system that automatically blanks a PC screen when the user is away from it and then is reactivated by a password. Also, US based company Finjan has developed a program called Surflinshield Corporate, to protect computers against rogue programs attached to Active X or Java created programs. Surfinshield monitors the behaviour of the downloaded program and if attempts to breach computer security system are found, the program is eliminated. These are all examples of how companies manage their data and resources properly. Increased security means increased possibilities of safeguarding a companys assets, through reducing or indeed eliminating the danger of financial loss. Investment in relevant and suitable security measures can prevent damage to EDP equipment, technical installations and premises, reduce the chances of information being tampered with and fraud being attempted, ensures reliable data processing by seeing to it that errors, inaccuracies, mishaps and omissions are deleted more easily or prevented, and ensure that the situation is revised as soon as possible, should anything happen. All this means that it may well prove far more expensive not to invest in security measures than the measures themselves would have cost. In fact investing in data security should be considered a form of insurance. On the other hand, in themselves security measures can never be a foolproof guarantee against damage and accidents. They will have to harmonize with the companyà ±Ã ¿s overall profile and atmosphere. Both staff and management must have an active, positive attitude towards the security aspect. Such an attitude will in itself have a preventive effect. In working to improve security, it is important to realize that even the most comprehensive measures can never manage to remove each and every possible risk involved in using new technology. Moreover, maintaining a very high level of security is a costly affair. In conclusion, then, a certain degree of risk will have to be accepted, and not every irregularity should be seen as a major problem. Here is a list of possible essay topics on information: The Impact of Information Systems Management for Organisation Operation Freedom of Information Does Information Want To Be Free? Information Literacy Advancements in Information Technology The Impact of IT on Information Services, with special reference to India Data and Information Security Use of Information Technology in Business Information is power Piaget vs. Information Processing Information Warfare The Role of Information Systems in Business Value Chains
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)