Engineering disasters :: essays research papers

On February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia was lost due to structural failure in the left wing. On take-off, it was reported that a piece of foam insulation surrounding the shuttle fleet's 15-story external fuel tanks fell off of Columbia's tank and struck the shuttle's left wing. Extremely hot gas entered the front of Columbia's left wing just 16 seconds after the orbiter penetrated the hottest part of Earth's atmosphere on re-entry. The shuttle was equipped with hundreds of temperature sensors positioned at strategic locations. The salvaged flight recorded revealed that temperatures started to rise in the left wing leading edge a full minute before any trouble on the shuttle was noted. With a damaged left wing, Columbia started to drag left. The ships' flight control computers fought a losing battle trying to keep Columbia's nose pointed forward.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It’s very hard to say what steps, if any, could have been taken to prevent the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster from occurring. When mankind continues to â€Å"push the envelope† in the interest of bettering humanity, there will always be risks. In the manned spaceflight business, we have always had to live with trade-offs. All programs do not carry equal risk nor do they offer the same benefits. The acceptable risk for a given program or operation should be worth the potential benefits to be gained. The goal should be a management system that puts safety first, but not safety at any price. As of Sept 7th, 2003, NASA has ordered extensive factory inspections of wing panels between flights that could add as much as three months to the time it takes to prepare a space shuttle orbiter for launch. NASA does all it can to safely bring its astronauts back to earth, but as stated earlier, risks are expected.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  On August 14th, 2003, a major blackout swept across portions of the northeastern United States and Canada. It was reported that a series of equipment outages in the Midwest led to uncontrolled cascading outages of power transmission lines and generators serving parts of the Northeast, Midwest and Canada. Automatic protective systems operated to open circuits and shut down power plants to prevent further spread of the outages. This is very similar to what happened in The Great Northeast Blackout of 1965. In both situations, the â€Å"grid system† shut down one generator in line at a time to protect a surge from the station before it.

A Risky Decision

Decision making is an important aspect of human life. The success of a person or country remains in how smartly they take decision at the appropriate time. This paper examines a possible risky decision which may be taken by the Indian government to declare war against Pakistan in order to destroy the terrorist camped in Pak territory.IntroductionSome decisions are easy to make while others may be difficult to take and implement. For example, it is easy for the Indian government to take a decision about preventing the Indian cricket team from touring Pakistan because of the recent attack by terrorists against the Sri Lankan cricket team. But it might be a risky decision to declare war against Pakistan on the basis of the recent Mumbai terrorist attack.â€Å"The Mumbai attack is uniquely different from past terror strikes carried out by Islamic terrorists. Instead of one or more bombings at distinct sites, the Mumbai attackers struck throughout the city using military tactics† ( Roggio, 2008)An overview description of the decision to be madeIndian government is under tremendous pressure from the public and the opposition parties’ because of their failure in preventing the Mumbai terrorist attack in 2008 which killed around 179 people.Moreover in 2001, the Pak terrorist group, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed were succeeded in attacking the Indian parliament in which a dozen of people were killed. (Indian parliament attack kills 12) The repeated attack made by Pak terrorist group on India, forced the Indian government to take a decision in how to destroy the terrorist group located in Pakistan.The primary decisionsThe primary decision is whether to conduct an all out war against Pakistan or not. Another option is limited attack on terrorist camps by the Indian forces which may result in a war between these countries.  The primary objectiveThe primary objective of these decisions is to destroy the terrorist group in Pakistan and also to teach Pak istan a lesson that India may not remain calm if their sovereignty is questioned. The uncertain eventThe uncertainty about the event is the possible consequences of the war. Both India and Pakistan have nuclear weapons in their armory and any war between these countries may be converted into a nuclear war. Moreover the American troops fighting in the Afghan border against the Muslim fundamentalists need the support of Pak troops there. So they will not be much interested in a war between India and Pakistan because it might result the pull out of Pak troops from assisting the American military.

Review of Online Learning Platform Instructure Canvas

Canvas Instructure is an online learning platform that allows students to integrate their accounts with social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook. It is one of the top online learning platforms available. Best of all,  students and instructors acting individually (not subscribing  as  an entire school) can use the program for free. Canvas offers some unique  Web 2.0  features. Canvas Instructures best attribute is its ability to convey information intuitively. Canvas Instructure makes it easy for students and instructors to navigate the well-designed site. The platform isnt without its faults, but overall, Canvas Instructure simply feels better to use than most other online learning platforms. Using Canvas Instructure as an Instructor Canvas Instructure solves a lot of problems for instructors. For example, it allows assignments to be quickly created from several places on the website. Information about each assignment is automatically parsed into the course calendar, syllabus, or grade book without any additional action from the instructor. Grading is simple and weighted grades can be created with ease. A speed grader allows instructors to grade more quickly and without the dreaded load time that many other learning platforms require. Using Canvas Instructure as a Student Students can keep track of their progress in the class, complete assignments, and participate in discussions with ease. The grade book allows students to see both their grades for individual assignments and their overall grade. Students can even enter alternative scores for assignments to project how their overall grade would be impacted by a higher or lower score. They can choose to connect their accounts to multiple email addresses, text-receiving phone numbers, and social media pages. Drawbacks fo Canvas Instructure Canvas Instructure does have a few drawbacks. The platform was  known to be a bit buggy and edits sometimes changed back to older versions of a document. Occasionally, the system does something unexpected and leaves instructors worrying about how to fix the problem. Most instructors rely on the dependability of their online learning platform and little issues can end up making a big difference. It would also be helpful if modules could be viewed on stand-alone pages and could be included in the design-your-own front page. Pros and Cons It may be helpful to view a quick guide to the pros and cons of Canvas Instructure Web 2.0, as well as the programs overall features: Basic Information Its an online learning management system.It offers Web 2.0 integration.It is free to use for individuals. Pros It has an intuitive, easy-to-use formatThe design is clean and simple.It makes grading and viewing grades easy.It offers easy social media integration. Cons The site can be a bit buggyThere is no simple way to add one-sentence reading assignments to a calendar.It is not easy to find online information on how to use the platform. Overall, Canvas Instructures Web 2.0 platform allows for real-time collaboration through a variety of social media platforms such as blogs, Google apps (such as Google Docs), and even via smartphones.

The Impact Of Playstation Portable Advertising On The...

In an era of multimedia convergence and freedom of expression, opinion is published and spread freely online. This kind of freedom also been used by advertisers to promote their product, and sometimes advertisers take it too far. This essay will be analyzing the PlayStation Portable advertising that was released in Dutch with the tagline ‘White is coming’, and arguing about the racism and culture issue that will be addressed in regards to the concept of essentialism and non-essentialism. This essay will also clarify how racism is still a big issue that will affect the young generation. As a result, advertising propagates existing racial symbols while denying it, as part of a strategy of disrepute. Sony, the company that produce PSP, is known as the undisputed leader in graphics and computing (Bogner et al. 2007). PlayStation Portable or PSP is a smaller, lighter version of Sony s PlayStation. This gaming console is made not only for gaming; users can also store and play their music, videos and still images. The advertisement for the new colour of PSP called White is coming that was released in Dutch, were making some people angry. The advertisement displays two women, black and white, fighting each other in black background. It is shown that the white is more dominant and aggressive; the hairstyle, the way she grab the black women and also her face expression demonstrating anger. This advertisement can also be define as a hatred toward black people because, it shows thatShow MoreRelatedEssay on Rapid Growth of Nintendo Video Games2304 Words   |  10 PagesHowever the console failed to gain momentum at the beginning, and ultimately botched, 2013 year ended with the Wii U sell ing only 2.8 million consoles. The Xbox One and PlayStation 4 sold 3million and 4.2 million consoles respectively (CNN, 2014), despite only going on sale in November 2013. The lack of sales had a negative impact on profitability, with Nintendo reporting an operating loss of  ¥36.4 billion at year end (Forbes, 2013). Nintendo attributes the lack of Wii U sales with the delay of strongRead MoreEb Games Business Plan Essay12098 Words   |  49 PagesDistribution 15 Describe the methods that will be used to sell and distribute the products or services 15 Discuss the advantage and disadvantage of the selling methods chosen 17 6.Advertising and Promotion 17 Advertising and promotion approach 17 Basis of the approach 18 Outline of costs 19 Competitors’ advertising and promotion 19 7.Customer Relations 19 Maintaining customer relations 19 Customer services policies 20 Dealing with complaints 23 Terms of payment 24 Monitoring andRead MoreWhy Women Should Not Be Sexualized And Objectified The Way They Are Video Games3095 Words   |  13 Pagesthe world and the stereotypes that have been created about what women should be doing and how women should be submissive and helpless etc. Video games have had a huge impact in creating and pushing some of these stereotypes and still today are placing emphasis on them to the next generation of players. How this will impact on young players exposed to these fantasies and their perception of women’s role in society is yet to be determined. Games like Tomb Raider (Eidos Interactive, 1996–2009. SquareRead MoreComment on How Changes in Macro and Market Environment Forces Impact on the Level of Competition in an Industry.18606 Words   |  75 Pages † The marketing environment LEARNING OBJECTIVES After reading this chapter, you should be able to: describe the nature of the marketing environment explain the distinction between the microenvironment and the macroenvironment discuss the impact of political and legal, economic, ecological/physical environmental, social/cultural and technological forces on marketing decisions explain how to conduct environmental scanning discuss how companies respond to environmental change PoliticalRead MoreNintendo Marketing Plan8431 Words   |  34 Pagestime watching television, 24% on socializing, 22% on sport and hobbies and 10% on other activities. Some popular sports in UK are rugby, tennis, cricket and football. Meanwhile, average of only 15 minutes a day are spent on doing sports by the either young or old British people. 3.1.4 Technological The technology sector has shown big changes through the years. The use of mobile phones as well as internet services has increased dramatically in the last ten years. For example in the UK there is a significantRead MoreNintendo10466 Words   |  42 Pagesbusiness model of the video game industry. In 2000, when Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo (the â€Å"big three† of the video game console manufacturers) released their latest products, Sonys PlayStation 2 (â€Å"PS2†) emerged as the clear winner, outselling Microsoft’s Xbox and Nintendo’s GameCube. In 2006, a new generation of video game consoles was introduced by these players, precipitating a new competitive battle in the industry. 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The advertising campaign was developed to position the Cafà © Series range as a high-performing premium brand. Sunbeam focused on magazine advertising and point of purchase displays. In addition to the magazine print campaign, supportive materials were developed— such as a 12-page brochure, in-pack cross-selling leaflets, on-pack/productRead MoreAnalysis of the Music Industry30024 Words   |  121 Pagesfor years to come. Recent growth in recorded products has also come from music on digital versatile disc (DVD), which are rapidly replacing videocassettes, and this marks a shift towards a more `visual appreciation of music and its performers. Young consumers are spending more time accessing music through their computers or televisions, having been brought up on MTV and other music channels in the new digital media environment of multi-channel television and radio. Although radio is now peripheralRead Moreâ€Å"a Study on Consumer Behaviour with Reference to Sony Vaio Laptops†14338 Words   |  58 Pagespaid whenever someone clicks on the advertiser’s ad). Now her friend has returned with the coffees and pastries. Her friend is eager to show off her parent’s gift to her on her birthday-a ruby ring and A220 Samsung cell phone created by a team of young Korean designers after months of market research and focus groups. The phone resembles cosmetic compact and dispenses dieting tips as well as advice on how to dress for the weather. The two girls are oohing and aahing over the tiny display that doubles

Dr. Martin Luther King’s Why We Cant Wait Essay - 531 Words

Dr. Martin Luther King’s Why We Cant Wait While reading Dr. King’s novel, I was able to get an uncensored idea of what African Americans went through in their struggle for civil rights. I cannot comprehend the extent to which they suffered while protesting, and it would be ignorant of me to think that I could understand. The many people who fought with Martin Luther King, Jr. for civil rights understand something about this country that I am only beginning to discover. I can only hope this shameful part of our history is never repeated. I felt a sense of disgust and shame while reading about the events of the Civil Rights struggle in Birmingham, Alabama. I have always heard that they would used dogs and water hoses to push†¦show more content†¦How could people think that this kind of oppression was tolerable and that the blacks did not have a right and freedom to protest? Part of me wanted to be there to help make a difference and join in the struggle, but part of me was also really afraid just by reading about the events in Birmingham. The people who protested with Dr. King showed a tremendous amount of courage and passion that could not be put out by fire hoses or dogs. I do not think that anyone, who has not been the victim of the extreme oppression that the blacks were victims of for hundreds of years, could understand why the civil rights movement was necessary at that time. Dr. King realized that you cannot wait for people to change their attitudes or beliefs, you have to help them see the error of their beliefs. It is easy for someone who is not being oppressed to tell you to wait. When you and your families are the victims of oppression and violence, you reach a breaking point when you realize that things need to change now. Dr. King had the courage to say that publicly, and people followed him in the struggle because of that cou rage. When you believe in something that much nothing, not even death can stop the struggle. Even after Dr. King was assassinated, his legacy lived on. His legacy was something that wasShow MoreRelatedEssay on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and The Civil Rights Movement2125 Words   |  9 PagesMartin Luther King jr. was one of the most influential persons of the 20th Century. He is the father of the modern civil rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is recognized around the world as a symbol of freedom as well as peace. King practiced everything that he preached, he did not preach or speak values that he himself did not follow. He established himself as a pastor that was not afraid of hard work, guiding the middle-class congregation to public service. For example, Peake, Thomas

Marketing Paper Final Exam free essay sample

Final Paper Marketing encompasses the complex cycle of every stage of a product, from conception to the final sale and everything in between. Marketers are challenged with identifying the consumers needs/wants and managing the process to meet those needs. Every product a marketer develops goes through four stages in its life, The Product Life Cycle. Each stage of the product life cycle (Introduction, Growth, Maturity, and Decline) have unique characteristics that a marketer faces as they create utility and try to maintain or grow their market share. Through each stage advertising is critical and marketers try to inform, persuade and remind consumers about their product. The difference is the approach and focus of the advertising. Every product that comes to market enters into the Introduction Stage. This is the stage where consumers are first introduced to the product. â€Å"During the introductory stage of the product life cycle, a firm works to stimulate demand for the new market entry. † (Boone Kurtz, 2006, p. 371) A marketer must connect with consumers to create a market for the new product. Every year hundreds of new products enter the introductory stage. Currently a product that is just beginning to take hold is high-definition televisions (HDTVs). HDTVs broadcast pictures with increased clarity and give the viewer (consumer) options on camera angles and additional information. Currently, â€Å"Yankee Group estimates that 15 percent of American households now own (a HDTV), with Forrester estimating 10 percent at most. † (Crawford, 2005) During the introductory stage, marketers are trying to introduce the product to consumers. One of the ways marketers succeed is in offering promotions or discounts to distributors to get the product in the marketplace. Most of the advertising focuses on informing the public about the new product. While information is key, advertisers also try to persuade consumers to purchase the product and often times remind consumers where they can find the product. The Introductory stage is where all products start. It is in this early stage that products are refined based on consumer and distribution feedback. Often times the numbers of marketers are minimal in the introductory stage as the market is being developed. As a product finds its market and begins to gain acceptance, it moves into the Growth Stage of the product life cycle. The growth stage is where a product sees its sales volumes increase dramatically. At this stage in the product’s life, â€Å"new customers make initial purchases and early buyers repurchase. † (Boone Kurtz, 2006, p. 372) Early marketers find increased competition as their competitors enter the product space to share in the profits. Satellite television has entered into the growth market with the advent of the small dish. Early satellite television was mainly limited to rural areas that were inaccessible to cable television. The dishes were large and unattractive. As the technology has advances and the satellite dish has shrunk to less then twenty-four inches, consumers have rushed to the alternative to cable television. Satellite television marketers are continuing to refine their product in this growth stage. Recently, the top two providers of satellite television signed deals to provide affordable high-speed internet service. â€Å"For satellite-TV providers, the service is another way to offer a full line of products. † (AP, 2006) The growth stage is where marketers move from a heavy focus on information in advertising to a more persuasive approach. The persuasive approach allows the marketers to differentiate from competitors and encourage individuals to not be left behind. If the product space attracts multiple marketers, pricing, features and other differentiators are used in the advertising to help marketers gain or maintain market share. The Growth Stage of the product life cycle is complex and changing. Marketers rely on word-of-mouth, mass advertising and falling prices to sustain the momentum and interest in the product. The goal of the growth stage is to get reluctant buyers to buy and current customers to repurchase. As a product matures and growth stabilizes, the product moves in the Maturity Stage. Sales start to plateau and supply exceeds demand for the first time in the products life cycle. Competing marketers have flooded the field and profits begin to become depressed. All of these factors create pressure on marketers to continue their brands sustainability. Carbonated soft drinks are a very mature product. According to the American Beverage Association (ABA) the beginnings of the modern soda started in the 1830’s. (ABA, 2006) The ABA estimates that there are over 450 brands in the product space. The number of brands creates fierce competition for American’s 65 billion in annual purchases. Adverting in the mature stage of a product’s life is all about increasing purchases, differentiating your brand and finding new uses or markets for the product. In the soft drink space marketers try celebrity endorsements and product differentiation. 7-UP is â€Å"the un-cola†, trying to draw its distinction among more popular cola brands. Whatever approach the marketer takes in advertising, the goal is to extend the maturity stage and maintain profits for as long as possible. A product in the mature stage of the product life cycle does not indicate imminent demise. As illustrated above, soft drinks continue to command consumer’s dollars. Marketers will often look to new markets and changes in the product to extend the life of the product. One of the largest struggles for mature products is maintaining profits as competition drives down prices. As the product leaves maturity it enters the Decline Stage in the Product life cycle. A products decline is most often linked to new technologies. Marketers focus on reminding the remaining customers in the market that they are there for the consumer’s needs. Sales decline, profits decline and the product space eventually looses money. VCRs are a product on the decline in the United States. With the advance of DVDs and the reduction in price of DVRs, VCRs are loosing shelf space and market share. Marketers often times search for new markets as products decline in their existing markets. So while the United States and Europe may transition to a new technology, emerging economies may embrace the â€Å"older† and cheaper technology, thus extending the products life. Advertising a product in the stage of decline focuses on reminding the remaining consumer base the product still exists.

Strategic Management as a Science

Introduction Today, most of the organizations believe in the ability of strategic management to deliver toward achievement of organizational goals. Strategic management refers to an art and science of designing, implementing, and evaluating cross –functional decisions that aim at achieving the long-term objectives of an organization.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Strategic Management as a Science specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It deals with the process of redefining the organizational mission and vision, designing policies and programs, which translate into strategic projects and allocating resources necessary for the achievement of goals and objectives (Davenport, 2011). The question of whether strategic management is an art or science has preoccupied the discussions for many years. Varied views have yielded a wide range of differences relating to categorization of strategic management. Although the field of management in general and strategic management, in particular, has traces of artistry, it is exclusively important to note that the scientific nature of management prevails to a greater extend. In this paper, the discussion ventures to examine how strategic management exhibits scientific traits in the manner of approach. Literature review, debate, discussion and self-position The process of evaluating the efficacy and effectiveness of an organization’s strategy as some of the elements of strategic management are critical to an organization (Davenport, 2011). The process of evaluating an organization in respect of the strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities demands of the organization to pursue it objectively and exclusively. According to Davenport (2011), this process requires to answer the three fundamental questions. These questions include sentiments of â€Å"would this work? Can the process be functional? Will they work towards accomplishing its agenda ? In his study, Foss (2008) noted that measuring the success of an organization based on the prevailing organizational rubrics demand that the organizational achieves an objective approach necessary for this process.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Numerous surveys demonstrate the significance of evaluation and measurement as critical components of strategic management. Measurement requires critical scientific methods and tools in order to arrive at an exclusive outcome that can explain a given phenomenon. Therefore, strategic management achieves its objectives through the application of scientific methods. Strategic management deals with the methods of apportioning human, economic, and capital resources and monitoring the entire process with an aim of achieving the preplanned goals. To achieve these noble procedures, strategic management must be ready apply the necessary t ools in equitably and efficiently allotting these varied resources. In a bid to establish the fundamentals of proper management, it is critical for managers top design methodologies capable of harmonizing resources, evaluating, and selecting feasible alternatives. According to Foss (2008), researchers of strategic management consist of practically oriented folks who engage in scientific approaches in the view to determine solutions to management problems. In his study, Foss (2008) suggested that scholars of strategic management immensely preoccupy themselves with the concept of theoretical change within their field while holding reasons for such change. In the process of debating change, scholars in the field of strategic management do so in the spirit of science. For instance, they debate on whether the adoption of specific concepts of strategic management would lead t a loss of content. Additionally, they may engage in discussions of old and new theoretical underpinnings (Raduan, Jegak, Haslinda Alimini, 2009). Essentially, all these discussions employ the concepts of science as a key concern of theory and criteria of practice (Davenport, 2011). The theory of strategic management deals exclusively with the most neglected aspect of management, notably the mechanism-oriented explanation and the relevance of micro-foundations. The theories and discussions of science-based approaches in strategic management have undergone a rigorous and informed growth through arguments aimed at enriching the scientific literature (Cravens, 2010) and (Raduan, Jegak, Haslinda Alimini, 2009). Scholars of scientific management have noted that strategic management is an empirical field always employing practical application of knowledge, concepts, and philosophies. Since its inception, strategic management through scholars such as Henry Porter, it has influenced the general field of scientific management as espoused by Taylor, the father of scientific management (Cravens, 2010). R ecommendation In this study, the paper recognizes the need to appreciate strategic management as a science as well as an art. However, the critical role that the strategic management, especially its empirical approaches demands that we allot most of the scientific theories and practice in a bid to facilitate its mandate (Raduan, Jegak, Haslinda Alimini, 2009).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Strategic Management as a Science specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Informed by this recognition, organizations that employ the principles of strategic management have the role to play in ensuring that the essence of management is achieved through practical application of scientific modes without relying on the theoretical underpinnings (Dauda, Akingbade, Akinlabi, 2010). Conclusion In conclusion, the theory and practice of strategic management borrow immensely from the field of science. Although the concept of management in general and strategic management in particular, is inherently born of the art, the application of theoretical and scientific principles by strategic management scholars lends it toward a scientific orientation. It is arguable that the concerns of strategic management such as performance appraisal and people management remain critical in establishing the role of science in driving the core of strategic management. References Cravens, D. W. (2010). Management framework guiding strategic thinking in rapidly changing markets. Journal of Marketing Management, 25 (1/2): 31-49. Dauda, Yunus, D. A., Akingbade, W. A., Akinlabi, H. B. (2010). Strategic Management Practice and Corporate Performance of Selected Small Business Enterprises in Lagos Metropolis. International Journal of Business Management, 5(11): 97-105. Davenport, T. H. (2011). Rethinking knowledge work: A strategic approach. McKinsey Quarterly, 1, 89-99. Foss, N. J. (2008). Theory of Science Perspectives on Strategic Managem ent Research: Debates and a Novel View. SMG working paper.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Raduan, C. R.,Jegak, U., Haslinda, A., Alimini, I. I. (2009). Management, Strategic Management Theories and the Linkage with Organizational Competitive Advantage from the Resource-Based View. European Journal of Social Sciences, 11(3): 402-413. This report on Strategic Management as a Science was written and submitted by user Crosby Snow to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.