Wednesday, July 31, 2019
The Twilight Saga 2: New Moon Chapter 19 HATE
WE MADE OUR FLIGHT WITH SECONDS TO SPARE, AND THEN the true torture began. The plane sat idle on the tarmac while the flight attendants strolledso casuallyup and down the aisle, patting the bags in the overhead compartments to make sure everything fit. The pilots leaned out of the cockpit, chatting with them as they passed. Alice's hand was hard on my shoulder, holding me in my seat while I bounced anxiously up and down. ââ¬Å"It's faster than running,â⬠she reminded me in a low voice. I just nodded in time with my bouncing. At last the plane rolled lazily from the gate, building speed with a gradual steadiness that tortured me further. I expected some kind of relief when we achieved liftoff, but my frenzied impatience didn't lessen. Alice lifted the phone on the back of the seat in front of her before we'd stopped climbing, turning her back on the stewardess who eyed her with disapproval. Something about my expression stopped the stewardess from coming over to protest. I tried to tune out what Alice was murmuring to Jasper; I didn't want to hear the words again, but some slipped through. ââ¬Å"I can't be sure, I keep seeing him do different things, he keeps changing his mind A killing spree through the city, attacking the guard, lifting a car over his head in the main square mostly things that would expose themhe knows that's the fastest way to force a reactionâ⬠ââ¬Å"No, you can't.â⬠Alice's voice dropped till it was nearly inaudible, though I was sitting inches from her. Contrarily, I listened harder. ââ¬Å"Tell Emmett no Well, go after Emmett and Rosalie and bring them back Think about it, Jasper. If he sees any of us, what do you think he will do?â⬠She nodded. ââ¬Å"Exactly. I think Bella is the only chanceif there is a chance I'll do everything that can be done, but prepare Carlisle; the odds aren't good.â⬠She laughed then, and there was a catch in her voice. ââ¬Å"I've thought of that Yes, I promise.â⬠Her voice became pleading. ââ¬Å"Don't follow me. I promise, Jasper. One way or another, I'll get out And I love you.â⬠She hung up, and leaned back in her seat with her eyes closed. ââ¬Å"I hate lying to him.â⬠ââ¬Å"Tell me everything, Alice,â⬠I begged. ââ¬Å"I don't understand. Why did you tell Jasper to stop Emmett, why can't they come help us?â⬠ââ¬Å"Two reasons,â⬠she whispered, her eyes still closed. ââ¬Å"The first I told him. We could try to stop Edward ourselvesif Emmett could get his hands on him, we might be able to stop him long enough to convince him you're alive. But we can't sneak up on Edward. And if he sees us coming for him, he'll just act that much faster. He'll throw a Buiclc through a wall or something, and the Volturi will take him down. ââ¬Å"That's the second reason of course, the reason I couldn't say to Jasper. Because if they're there and the Volturi kill Edward, they'll fight them. Bella.â⬠She opened her eyes and stared at me, beseeching. ââ¬Å"If there were any chance we could win if there were a way that the four of us could save my brother by fighting for him, maybe it would be different. But we can't, and, Bella, I can't lose Jasper like that.â⬠I realized why her eyes begged for my understanding. She was protecting Jasper, at our expense, and maybe at Edward's, too. I understood, and I did not think badly of her. I nodded. ââ¬Å"Couldn't Edward hear you, though.'â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"Wouldn't he know, as soon as he heard your thoughts, that I was alive, that there was no point to this?â⬠Not that there was any justification, either way. I still couldn't believe that he was capable of reacting like this. It made no sense! I remembered with painful clarity his words that day on the sofa, while we watched Romeo and Juliet kill themselves, one after the other. I wasn't going to live without you, he'd said, as if it should be such an obvious conclusion. But the words he had spoken in the forest as he'd left me had canceled all that outforcefully. ââ¬Å"If he were listening,â⬠she explained. ââ¬Å"But believe it or not, it's possible to lie with your thoughts. If you had died, I would still try to stop him. And I would be thinking ââ¬Ëshe's alive, she's alive' as hard as I could. He knows that.â⬠I ground my teeth in mute frustration. ââ¬Å"If there were any way to do this without you, Bella, I wouldn't be endangering you like this. It's very wrong of me.â⬠ââ¬Å"Don't be stupid. I'm the last thing you should be worrying about.â⬠I shook my head impatiently. ââ¬Å"Tell me what you meant, about hating to lie to Jasper.â⬠She smiled a grim smile. ââ¬Å"I promised him I would get out before they killed me, too. It's not something I can guaranteenot by a long shot.â⬠She raised her eyebrows, as if willing me to take the danger more seriously. ââ¬Å"Who are these Volturi?â⬠I demanded in a whisper. ââ¬Å"What makes them so much more dangerous than Emmett, Jasper, Rosalie, and you?â⬠It was hard to imagine something scarier than that. She took a deep breath, and then abruptly leveled a dark glance over my shoulder. I turned in time to see the man in the aisle seat looking away as if he wasn't listening to us. He appeared to be a businessman, in a dark suit with a power tie and a laptop on his knees. While I stared at him with irritation, he opened the computer and very conspicuously put headphones on. I leaned closer to Alice. Her lips were at my ears as she breathed the story. ââ¬Å"I was surprised that you recognized the name,â⬠she said. ââ¬Å"That you understood so immediately what it meantwhen I said he was going to Italy. I thought I would have to explain. How much did Edward tell you?â⬠ââ¬Å"He just said they were an old, powerful familylike royalty. That you didn't antagonize them unless you wanted to die,â⬠I whispered. The last word was hard to choke out. ââ¬Å"You have to understand,â⬠she said, her voice slower, more measured now. ââ¬Å"We Cullens are unique in more ways than you know. It's abnormal for so many of us to live together in peace. It's the same for Tanya's family in the north, and Carlisle speculates that abstaining makes it easier for us to be civilized, to form bonds based on love rather than survival or convenience. Even James's little coven of three was unusually largeand you saw how easily Laurent left them. Our kind travel alone, or in pairs, as a general rule. Carlisle's family is the biggest in existence, as far as I know, with the one exception. The Volturi. ââ¬Å"There were three of them originally, Aro, Caius, and Marcus.â⬠ââ¬Å"I've seen them,â⬠I mumbled. ââ¬Å"In the picture in Carlisle's study.â⬠Alice nodded. ââ¬Å"Two females joined them over time, and the five of them make up the family. I'm not sure, but I suspect that their age is what gives them the ability to live peacefully together. They are well over three thousand years old. Or maybe it's their gifts that give them extra tolerance. Like Edward and I, Aro and Marcus are talented.â⬠She continued before I could ask. ââ¬Å"Or maybe it's just their love of power that binds them together. Royalty is an apt description.â⬠ââ¬Å"But if there are only fiveâ⬠ââ¬Å"Five that make up the family,â⬠she corrected. ââ¬Å"That doesn't include their guard.â⬠I took a deep breath. ââ¬Å"That sounds serious.â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh, it is,â⬠she assured me. ââ¬Å"There were nine members of the guard that were permanent, the last time we heard. Others are more transitory. It changes. And many of them are gifted as wellwith formidable gifts, gifts that make what I can do look like a parlor trick. The Volturi chose them for their abilities, physical or otherwise.â⬠I opened my mouth, and then closed it. I didn't think I wanted to know how bad the odds were. She nodded again, as if she understood exactly what I was thinking. ââ¬Å"They don't get into too many confrontations. No one is stupid enough to mess with them. They stay in their city, leaving only as duty calls.â⬠ââ¬Å"Duty?â⬠I wondered. ââ¬Å"Didn't Edward tell you what they do?â⬠ââ¬Å"No,â⬠I said, feeling the blank expression on my face. Alice looked over my head again, toward the businessman, and put her wintry lips back to my ear. ââ¬Å"There's a reason he called them royalty the ruling class. Over the millennia, they have assumed the position of enforcing our ruleswhich actually translates to punishing transgressors. They fulfill that duty decisively.â⬠My eyes popped wide with shock. ââ¬Å"There are rules?â⬠I asked in a voice that was too loud. ââ¬Å"Shh!â⬠ââ¬Å"Shouldn't somebody have mentioned this to me earlier?â⬠I whispered angrily. ââ¬Å"I mean, I wanted to be a to be one of you! Shouldn't somebody have explained the rules to me?â⬠Alice chuckled once at my reaction. ââ¬Å"It's not that complicated, Bella. There's only one core restrictionand if you think about it, you can probably figure it out for yourself.â⬠I thought about it. ââ¬Å"Nope, I have no idea.â⬠She shook her head, disappointed. ââ¬Å"Maybe it's too obvious. We just have to keep our existence a secret.â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh,â⬠I mumbled. It was obvious. ââ¬Å"It makes sense, and most of us don't need policing,â⬠she continued. ââ¬Å"But, after a few centuries, sometimes one of us gets bored. Or crazy. I dor't know. And then the Volturi step in before it can compromise them, or the rest of us.â⬠ââ¬Å"So Edwardâ⬠ââ¬Å"Is planning to flout that in their own citythe city they've secretly held for three thousand years, since the time of the Etruscans. They are so protective of their city that they don't allow hunting within its walls. Volterra is probably the safest city in the worldfrom vampire attack at the very least.â⬠ââ¬Å"But you said they didn't leave. How do they eat?â⬠ââ¬Å"They don't leave. They bring in their food from the outside, from quite far away sometimes. It gives their guard something to do when they're not out annihilating mavericks. Or protecting Volterra from exposureâ⬠ââ¬Å"From situations like this one, like Edward,â⬠I finished her sentence. It was amazingly easy to say his name now. I wasn't sure what the difference was. Maybe because I wasn't really planning on living much longer without seeing him. Or at all, if we were too late. It was comforting to know that I would have an easy out. ââ¬Å"I doubt they've ever had a situation quite like this,â⬠she muttered, disgusted. ââ¬Å"You don't get a lot of suicidal vampires.â⬠The sound that escaped out of my mouth was very quiet, but Alice seemed to understand that it was a cry of pain. She wrapped her thin, strong arm around my shoulders. ââ¬Å"We'll do what we can, Bella. It's not over yet.â⬠ââ¬Å"Not yet.â⬠I let her comfort me, though I knew she thought our chances were poor. ââ¬Å"And the Volturi will get us if we mess up.â⬠Alice stiffened. ââ¬Å"You say that like it's a good thing.â⬠I shrugged. ââ¬Å"Knock it off, Bella, or we're turning around in New York and going back to Forks.â⬠ââ¬Å"What?â⬠ââ¬Å"You know what. If we're too late for Edward, I'm going to do my damnedest to get you back to Charlie, and I don't want any trouble from you. Do you understand that?â⬠ââ¬Å"Sure, Alice.â⬠She pulled back slightly so that she could glare at me. ââ¬Å"No trouble.â⬠ââ¬Å"Scout's honor,â⬠I muttered. She rolled her eyes. ââ¬Å"Let me concentrate, now. I'm trying to see what he's planning.â⬠She left her arm around me, but let her head fall back against the seat and closed her eyes. She pressed her free hand to the side of her face, rubbing her fingertips against her temple. I watched her in fascination for a long time. Eventually, she became utterly motionless, hei face like a stone sculpture. The minutes passed, and if I didn't know better, I would have thought she'd fallen asleep. I didn't dare interrupt her to ask what was going on. I wished there was something safe for me to think about. I couldn't allow myself to consider the horrors we were headed toward, or, more horrific yet, the chance that we might failnot if I wanted to keep from screaming aloud. I couldn't anticipate anything, either. Maybe, if I were very, very, very lucky, I would somehow be able to save Edward. But I wasn't so stupid as to think that saving him would mean that I could stay with him. I was no different, no more special than I'd been before. There would be no new reason for him to want me now. Seeing him and losing him again I fought back against the pain. This was the price I had to pay to save his life. I would pay it. They showed a movie, and my neighbor got headphones. Sometimes I watched the figures moving across the little screen, but I couldn't even tell if the movie was supposed to be a romance or a horror film. After an eternity, the plane began to descend toward New York City. Alice remained in her trance. I dithered, reaching out to touch her, only to pull my hand back again. This happened a dozen times before the plane touched town with a jarring impact. ââ¬Å"Alice,â⬠I finally said. ââ¬Å"Alice, we have to go.â⬠I touched her arm. Her eyes came open very slowly. She shook her head from side to side for a moment. ââ¬Å"Anything new?â⬠I asked in a low voice, conscious of the man listening on the other side of me. ââ¬Å"Not exactly,â⬠she breathed in a voice I could barely catch. ââ¬Å"He's getting closer. He's deciding how he's going to ask.â⬠We had to run for our connection, but that was goodbetter than having to wait. As soon as the plane was in the air, Alice closed her eyes and slid back into the same stupor as before. I waited as patiently as I could. When it was dark again, I opened the window to stare out into the flat black that was no better than the window shade. I was grateful that I'd had so many months' practice with controlling my thoughts. Instead of dwelling on the terrifying possibilities that, no matter what Alice said, I did not intend to survive, I concentrated on lesser problems. Like, what I was going to say to Charlie if I got back:' That was a thorny enough problem to occupy several hours. And Jacob? He'd promised to wait for me, but did that promise still apply? Would I end up home alone in Forks, with no one at all? Maybe I didn't want to survive, no matter what happened. It felt like seconds later when Alice shook my shoulderI hadn't realized I'd fallen asleep. ââ¬Å"Bella,â⬠she hissed, her voice a little too loud in the darkened cabin full of sleeping humans. I wasn't disorientedI hadn't been out long enough for that. ââ¬Å"What's wrong?â⬠Alice's eyes gleamed in the dim light of a reading lamp in the row behind us. ââ¬Å"It's not wrong.â⬠She smiled fiercely. ââ¬Å"It's right. They're deliberating, but they've decided to tell him no.â⬠ââ¬Å"The Volturi?â⬠I muttered, groggy. ââ¬Å"Of course, Bella, keep up. I can see what they're going to say.â⬠ââ¬Å"Tellme.â⬠An attendant tiptoed down the aisle to us. ââ¬Å"Can I get you ladies a pillow?â⬠His hushed whisper was a rebuke to our comparatively loud conversation. ââ¬Å"No, thank you.â⬠Alice beamed at up at him, her smile shockingly lovely. The attendant's expression was dazed as he turned and stumbled his way back. ââ¬Å"Tell me,â⬠I breathed almost silently. She whispered into my ear. ââ¬Å"They're interested in himthey think his talent could be uselul. They're going to offer him a place with them.â⬠ââ¬Å"What will he say?â⬠ââ¬Å"I can't see that yet, but I'll bet it's colorful.â⬠She grinned again. ââ¬Å"This is the first good newsthe first break. They're intrigued; they truly don't want to destroy him'wasteful,' that's the word Aro will useand that may be enough to force him to get creative. The longer he spends on his plans, the better for us.â⬠It wasn't enough to make me hopeful, to make me feel the relief she obviously felt. There were still so many ways that we could be too late. And if I didn't get through the walls into the Volturi city, I wouldn't be able to stop Alice from dragging me back home. ââ¬Å"Alice?â⬠ââ¬Å"What?â⬠ââ¬Å"I'm confused. How are you seeing this so clearly? And then other times, you see things far awaythings that don't happen?â⬠Her eyes tightened. I wondered if she guessed what I was thinking of. ââ¬Å"It's clear because it's immediate and close, and I'm really concentrating. The faraway things that come on their ownthose are just glimpses, faint maybes. Plus, I see my kind more easily than yours. Edward is even easier because I'm so attuned to him.â⬠ââ¬Å"You see me sometimes,â⬠I reminded her. She shook her head. ââ¬Å"Not as clearly.â⬠I sighed. ââ¬Å"I really wish you could have been right about me. In the beginning, when you first saw things about me, before we even metâ⬠ââ¬Å"What do you mean?â⬠ââ¬Å"You saw me become one of you.â⬠I barely mouthed the words. She sighed. ââ¬Å"It was a possibility at the time.â⬠ââ¬Å"At the time,â⬠I repeated. ââ¬Å"Actually, Bellaâ⬠She hesitated, and then seemed to make a choice. ââ¬Å"Honestly, I think it's all gotten beyond ridiculous. I'm debating whether to just change you myself.â⬠I stared at her, frozen with shock. Instantly, my mind resisted her words. I couldn't afford that kind of hope if she changed her mind. ââ¬Å"Did I scare you?â⬠she wondered. ââ¬Å"I thought that's what you wanted.â⬠ââ¬Å"I do!â⬠I gasped. ââ¬Å"Oh, Alice, do it now! I could help you so muchand I wouldn't slow you down. Bite me!â⬠ââ¬Å"Shh,â⬠she cautioned. The attendant was looking in our direction again. ââ¬Å"Try to be reasonable,â⬠she whispered. ââ¬Å"We don't have enough time. We have to get into Volterra tomorrow. You'd be writhing in pain for days.â⬠She made a face. ââ¬Å"And I don't think the other passengers would react well.â⬠I bit my lip. ââ¬Å"If you don't do it now, you'll change your mind.â⬠ââ¬Å"No.â⬠She frowned, her expression unhappy. ââ¬Å"I don't think I will. He'll be furious, but what will he be able to do about it?â⬠My heart beat faster. ââ¬Å"Nothing at all.â⬠She laughed quietly, and then sighed. ââ¬Å"You have too much faith in me, Bella. I'm not sure that I can. I'll probably just end up killing you.â⬠ââ¬Å"I'll take my chances.â⬠ââ¬Å"You are so bizarre, even for a human.â⬠ââ¬Å"Thanks.â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh well, this is purely hypothetical at this point, anyway. First we have to live through tomorrow.â⬠ââ¬Å"Good point.â⬠But at least I had something to hope for if we did. If Alice made good on her promiseand if she didn't kill methen Edward could run after his distractions all he wanted, and I could follow. I wouldn't let him be distracted. Maybe, when I was beautiful and strong, he wouldn't want distractions. ââ¬Å"Go back to sleep,â⬠she encouraged me. ââ¬Å"I'll wake you up when there's something new.â⬠ââ¬Å"Right,â⬠I grumbled, certain that sleep was a lost cause now. Alice pulled her legs up on the seat, wrapping her arms around them and leaning her forehead against her knees. She rocked back and forth as she concentrated. I rested my head against the seat, watching her, and the next thing I knew, she was snapping the shade closed against the faint brightening in the eastern sky. ââ¬Å"What's happening?â⬠I mumbled. ââ¬Å"They've told him no,â⬠she said quietly. I noticed at once that her enthusiasm was gone. My voice choked in my throat with panic. ââ¬Å"What's he going to do?â⬠ââ¬Å"It was chaotic at first. I was only getting flickers, he was changing plans so quickly.â⬠ââ¬Å"What kinds of plans?â⬠I pressed. ââ¬Å"There was a bad hour,â⬠she whispered. ââ¬Å"He'd decided to go hunting.â⬠She looked at me, seeing the comprehension in my face. ââ¬Å"In the city,â⬠she explained. ââ¬Å"It got very close. He changed his mind at the last minute.â⬠ââ¬Å"He wouldn't want to disappoint Carlisle,â⬠I mumbled. Not at the end. ââ¬Å"Probably,â⬠she agreed. ââ¬Å"Will there be enough time?â⬠As I spoke, there was a shift in the cabin pressure. I could feel the plane angling downward. ââ¬Å"I'm hoping soif he sticks to his latest decision, maybe.â⬠ââ¬Å"What is that?â⬠ââ¬Å"He's going to keep it simple. He's just going to walk out into the sun.â⬠Just walk out into the sun. That was all. It would be enough. The image of Edward in the meadowglowing, shimmering like his skin was made of a million diamond facetswas burned into my memory. No human who saw that would ever forget. The Volturi couldn't possibly allow it. Not if they wanted to keep their city inconspicuous. I looked at the slight gray glow that shone through the opened windows. ââ¬Å"We'll be too late,â⬠I whispered, my throat closing in panic. She shook her head. ââ¬Å"Right now, he's leaning toward the melodramatic. He wants the biggest audience possible, so he'll choose the main plaza, under the clock tower. The walls are high there. He'll wait till the sun is exactly overhead.â⬠ââ¬Å"So we have till noon?â⬠ââ¬Å"If we're lucky. If he sticks with this decision.â⬠The pilot came on over the intercom, announcing, first in French and then in English, our imminent landing. The seat belt lights dinged and flashed. ââ¬Å"How far is it from Florence to Volterra?â⬠ââ¬Å"That depends on how fast you drive Bella?â⬠ââ¬Å"Yes?â⬠She eyed me speculatively. ââ¬Å"How strongly are you opposed to grand theft auto?â⬠A bright yellow Porsche screamed to a stop a few feet in front of where I paced, the word TURBO scrawled in silver cursive across its back. Everyone beside me on the crowded airport sidewalk stared. ââ¬Å"Hurry, Bella!â⬠Alice shouted impatiently through the open passenger window. I ran to the door and threw myself in, feeling as though I might as well be wearing a black stocking over my head. ââ¬Å"Sheesh, Alice,â⬠I complained. ââ¬Å"Could you pick a more conspicuous car to steal?â⬠The interior was black leather, and the windows were tinted dark. It felt safer inside, like nighttime. Alice was already weaving, too fast, through the thick airport trafficsliding through tiny spaces between the cars as I cringed and fumbled for my seat belt. ââ¬Å"The important question,â⬠she corrected, ââ¬Å"is whether I could have stolen a faster car, and I don't think so. I got lucky.â⬠ââ¬Å"I'm sure that will be very comforting at the roadblock.â⬠She trilled a laugh. ââ¬Å"Trust me, Bella. If anyone sets up a roadblock, it will be behind us.â⬠She hit the gas then, as if to prove her point. I probably should have watched out the window as first the city of Florence and then the Tuscan landscape flashed past with blurring speed. This was my first trip anywhere, and maybe my last, too. But Alice's driving frightened me, despite the fact that I knew I could trust her behind the wheel. And I was too tortured with anxiety to really see the hills or the walled towns that looked like castles in the distance. ââ¬Å"Do you see anything more?â⬠ââ¬Å"There's something going on,â⬠Alice muttered. ââ¬Å"Some kind of festival. The streets are full of people and red flags. What's the date today?â⬠I wasn't entirely sure. ââ¬Å"The nineteenth, maybe?â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, that's ironic. It's Saint Marcus Day.â⬠ââ¬Å"Which means?â⬠She chuckled darkly. ââ¬Å"The city holds a celebration every year. As the legend goes, a Christian missionary, a Father MarcusMarcus of the Voltun, in factdrove all the vampires from Volterra fifteen hundred years ago. The story claims he was martyred in Romania, still trying to drive away the vampire scourge. Of course that's nonsensehe's never left the city. But that's where some of the superstitions about things like crosses and garlic come from. Father Marcus used them so successfully. And vampires don't trouble Volterra, so they must work.â⬠Her smile was sardonic. ââ¬Å"It's become more of a celebration of the city, and recognition for the police forceafter all, Volterra is an amazingly safe city. The police get the credit.â⬠I was realizing what she meant when she'd said ironic. ââ¬Å"They're not going to be very happy if Edward messes things up for them on St. Marcus Day, are they?â⬠She shook her head, her expression grim. ââ¬Å"No. They'll act very quickly.â⬠I looked away, fighting against my teeth as they tried to break through the skin of my lower lip. Bleeding was not the best idea right now. The sun was terrifyingly high in the pale blue sky. ââ¬Å"He's still planning on noon?â⬠I checked. ââ¬Å"Yes. He's decided to wait. And they're waiting for him.â⬠ââ¬Å"Tell me what I have to do.â⬠She kept her eyes on the winding roadthe needle on the speedometer was touching the far right on the dial. ââ¬Å"You don't have to do anything. He just has to see you before he moves into the light. And he has to see you before he sees me.â⬠ââ¬Å"How are we going to work that?â⬠A small red car seemed to be racing backward as Alice zoomed around it. ââ¬Å"I'm going to get you as close as possible, and then you're going to run in the direction I point you.â⬠I nodded. ââ¬Å"Try not to trip,â⬠she added. ââ¬Å"We don't have time for a concussion today.â⬠I groaned. That would be just like meruin everything, destroy the world, in a moment of klutziness. The sun continued to climb in the sky while Alice raced against it. It was too brigh:, and that had me panicking. Maybe he wouldn't feel the need to wait for noon after all. ââ¬Å"There,â⬠Alice said abruptly, pointing to the castle city atop the closest hill. I stared at it, feeling the very first hint of a new kind of fear. Every minute since yesterday morningit seemed like a week agowhen Alice had spoken his name at the foot of the stairs, there had been only one fear. And yet, now, as I stared at the ancient sienna walls and towers crowning the peak of the steep hill, I felt another, more selfish kind of dread thrill through me. I supposed the city was very beautiful. It absolutely terrified me. ââ¬Å"Volterra,â⬠Alice announced in a flat, icy voice.
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Challenges in Managing Multinational Company Essay
Assalamualaikum, One of the common challenges faced by Malaysian multinational company is cultural diversity. Culture is the learned, shared way of doing things in a particular society. It is the way, for example in which its member eat, dress, greet and treat one another, teach their children, solve everyday problems, and so on ( Schermerhorn, Hunt, Osborn 2003). Cultural diversity in workplace refers to the range of differences between individuals in an organization. It affects the way in which people feel, think and act, and frequently, people either refuse to see it, or donââ¬â¢t want to see it. People from different countries always have different tradition and attitudes towards business. Some company decides to expand their organization globally but unsuccessful because they fail to realize one important thing. They do not change their organization to adapt to the new country. Malaysian multinational company can be successful if they evolve into a diverse organization which employs people from diverse culture. An international company needs to understand the host market. In order to have better understanding of host market, an international market needs to employ locals. Hence, in employing local resident international organization opens its doors to cultural diversity. When cultural diversity is not properly managed, it caused problem, misunderstandings, and conflicts will arise. I believed that to make Malaysian multinational company successful, it is important that they embrace the fact that the world today has no boundaries. Cultural diversity in workplace and elsewhere should be respected. Employeesââ¬â¢ skills, talents, ideas, and values must be developed and improved. An organization must be able to capture the energy and ideas of all mployees in order to meet the challenges of the competitive marketplace. I also believed that Malaysian multinational company can be successful when it comes to managing diversity if they managed to bring people together from different cultural backgrounds and form a collaborative group. As future manager, the key to manage the cross-culture challenges is through developing respect for every person, regardless of his or her cultural background. They should also learn to be more open-minded. Instead of Judging people, they must learn to accept that every individual is unique and everyone can contribute to the success of the organization. Advancement in science and technology and the liberalization of trade under the Asean Free Trade Area and World Trade Organization (WTO) create an economic opportunity as well as new challenges to Malaysian multinational company. Malaysian nowadays is emerging towards a technology-driven and high-tech production-based pattern of development in order to meet the challenges of the competitive global marketplace. Although Malaysiaââ¬â¢s competitiveness rating has improvements. The availability of skilled human capital in Malaysia is not sufficient for technological development to progress. Malaysian school and universities do not turn out to be problem solver and do not produce skilled, innovative graduates as technology companies demanded. Compare to China and India which produce tens of thousands of graduates per year, while Malaysiaââ¬â¢s talent pool is tiny in comparison. Companies that do not keep up with technological changes soon will find their business outdated. This will result on missing new products and market opportunities. Demographic is the study of human populations in terms of size, density, location, age, gender, race, occupation, and other statistics. The demographic environment is a major interest to marketers because it involves people and people make up market. The worldââ¬â¢s population is growing at a very high rate. The worldââ¬â¢s large and diverse population uncovers great opportunity as well as challenges. Thus, for Malaysian multinational company to enter certain market, they must keep close tracks on demographic trends and development in their market, both home and abroad. In example, if Malaysia multinational were to enter Indian market, they need to understand the trends and dramatic changes in demographic data in determining arketing decisions, to identify opportunities and to anticipate declining demand. The continuously increasing urbanization, rapid growth and use of electronic media have brought changes to the lifestyle and consumption attitudes in urban areas in India, known as ââ¬Ëmiddle-class populationââ¬â¢ which has made some essential socio- economic changes -rapidly increasing emphasis on higher professional education, family system from Joint families to nuclear families (BiJapurkar,2007) and exposure to western lifestyle and customs. These factors created increasing demands of ariety quality of products and services, in example, branded clothing, restaurant, home appliances, travel, and so on. In some countries, government interference affects the operation of the multinational companies. It is a challenge that Malaysia multinational company has to face in the direction of going global. Conflicts and misunderstanding between multinational company and host country government has occurred in recent years.. Government interference takes the form of tariffs, quotas, and other non-tariff restrictions. The threat of nationalization (forcing a company to sell its local assets to the government or to other local ationals) or changes in local business laws and regulations can limit a multinationalââ¬â¢s power. Examples can be taken from the case of China restriction towards multinational company. According to New York Times, companies that have operated exclusively in China for years are being targeted with discriminatory policies. Contracts involving state secrets or business secrets are reserved for Chinese companies and Chinese bureaucrats have been given broad latitude to exclude companies with foreign owners even if the company has been set up in China and have all of its operations in the country. Tenggiling Puitis a. m. n
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Work with Children and Young People Essay
Equality Act 2010 in Schools The Equality Act 2010 is the law which bans unfair treatment and helps achieve equal opportunities in the workplace and in wider society. The Act brings together and replaces the previous anti-discrimination laws, such as the Disability Discrimination, Race Relations and Equal Pay Acts with a single Act. The majority of the Act came into place on 1st October 2010. What the act requires of schools in particular ââ¬â Part 6 of the act states that the responsible school must not discriminate against a pupil ââ¬â a)In a way it provides education to the pupil b)In the way it affords the pupil access to a benefit, facility or service c)By not providing education for the pupil d)By not affording the pupil access to a benefit, facility or service e)By excluding the pupil from school f)By subjecting the pupil to any other detriment In addition to the provisions against discrimination, the Act also protects pupils from harassment or victimisation by a school. A schools duty to its pupils goes beyond just the formal education; it provides and covers all school activities such as extra-curricular and leisure activities, after school and homework clubs, sports activities and school trips, as well as school facilities such as libraries and IT facilities. As stated above a school has a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. Extending the reasonable adjustment duty to require schoolsà to provide auxiliary aids and services to disabled pupils following the recent consultation on implementation and approach, this duty was introduced in September 2012. Who the Act protects- Anyone who has one or more of the following ââ¬Ëprotected characteristicsââ¬â¢ ââ¬â Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage and Civil Partnership, Pregnancy and Maternity, Race (including ethnic or national origin, colour or nationality) religion or belief (including lack of belief, sex and sexual orientation). Protected Characteristics in Schools ââ¬â The Act extends protection against discrimination related to gender reassignment and pregnancy and maternity to pupils in school. However, the Act makes an exception that discrimination on the grounds of age and marriage and civil partnership are not protected in schools. This is because children must be put into age ranging year groups in school and every child and young person is seen and treated as an individual therefor are not entitled to be treated as a married ââ¬Ëcoupleââ¬â¢. Every Child Matters ââ¬â How does this framework support equality, diversity and inclusion? Inclusion ââ¬â Schools are structured so that all students can learn together. Inclusion is about ensuring that children and young people, whatever their background or situation, are able to participate fully in all aspects of the school. Inclusive practises will ensure that everyone feels valued and has a sense of belonging. Equality ââ¬â The state of being equal, in rights and opportunities. Equal opportunity does not mean treating pupils the same, but ensuring the curriculum meets the individual needs of all pupils. This involves understanding the barrier which exists. Intervention strategies, such asà additional support, can then be put into place at an early stage before children fall too far behind. High expectations of all children are fundamental to raising achievement Diversity ââ¬â The state of being diverse variety. Diversity means understanding that each individual is unique and recognising our individual differences. Be Healthy ââ¬â By schools offering free and/or low cost healthy snacks for children e.g. fruit and vegetables, their ââ¬Ëtuc shopââ¬â¢ only offering healthy foods and drinks, by serving healthy and well balanced school meals at lunch time and by offering alternatives for children who have allergies or specialist diets, they are supporting inclusion within the school and also giving children from lower income families the opportunity to still have a healthy well balanced diet. Enjoy and Achieve ââ¬â Allowing certain lessons to be mixed ability gives all children a chance to work together no matter what their ability or level , therefore supporting both inclusion and diversity. For lessons/subjects where children work in set ability groups the class as a whole will still be learning the same things (however worksheets/aims may be discreetly altered for certain children). This means that no child is isolated or excluded and by the ability groups having individual names (e.g. colours) rather than being referred to as ââ¬Ëlower level groupââ¬â¢ and ââ¬Ëhigher level groupââ¬â¢, it means children will not feel they are being ââ¬Ëlabelledââ¬â¢. Making a Positive Contribution ââ¬â By giving every child the opportunity to have their work displayed, take part in school plays, choirs, and assemblies, it is supporting equality and inclusion. Another way of supporting this is by giving all children the chance to answer questions. For example by pulling names out of a hat or using lolly sticks with names on to choose who answers questions so that the children who may not feel confident enough to put their handââ¬â¢s up or thoseà who may be shy, will get as much of a chance as those who volunteer to answer every question. Outcome 1.2 Describe the importance of supporting the rights of all children and young people UN Rights of Children There are 52 articles in the UN Rights of Children. Below are examples of 5 of these rights and how they can be supported by schools ââ¬â Article 2 ââ¬â Non discrimination One of the ways schools can support this article is by ensuring all school trips and activities are priced as low or where possible are available for free so that all children, including those from low income families can take part. Article 12 ââ¬â Respect the views of a child Schools can support this by taking into account childrenââ¬â¢s opinions on decisions that affect them. An example of this is by allowing young people (with guidance from teachers and parents) to choose which subjects they will study at GCSE level. Article 16 ââ¬â Right to privacy Schools support this by ensuring all childrenââ¬â¢s personal information is kept confidential and only shared on a need to know basis. Article 28 ââ¬â Right to education (Discipline in schools should respect childrenââ¬â¢s dignity) Schools can support this by having a structured disciplinary procedure running throughout the school. For example, a 3 strikes or yellow and red card system, resulting in time out, detention and/or parents being contacted. This way all children are treated the same and given a second chance to improve their behaviour. Article 39 ââ¬â Rehabilitation of child victims Schools support this by offering a school councillor, by teachers and support staff being approachable and by having a designated member of staff in school to help deal with any personal situations, for example a Parent Support Worker. D.A.P ââ¬â Disability Access Plan Disability Access Plan is an important document for schools and by law every school must have one. In order to reduce and eliminate barriers to access for pupils (and prospective pupils) with a disability, schools must implement a disability access plan. The plan contributes to the review and revision of related school policies such as schools strategic plan (improvement and development plans), SEN policy, equal opportunities policy and curriculum policies. Why is it important that schools promote childrenââ¬â¢s rights? â⬠¢To stop exploitation of children â⬠¢To protect children from harm and danger â⬠¢To help children feel secure and comfortable to talk and have an opinion â⬠¢To prepare them for adult life â⬠¢To make children more assertive â⬠¢Safeguarding ââ¬â helps to identify people who are taking advantage â⬠¢To help children feel more happy and content therefore are more likely to achieve â⬠¢To help children understand that other people have rights too â⬠¢To give children security â⬠¢To help ensure all children are treated equally Outcome 1.3 The importance of supporting the rights of all children and young people to participation and equality of access It is important to support the rights of all children and young people toà participation and equality of access, as there is no reason in law or practise to leave anyone out. Inclusion is not optional as all children have defined entitlements to education and schools have legal responsibilities to support this. It is important that pupils of all abilities have access to all activities in school. By doing this you are helping to prevent any children from feeling isolated and will also be assisting in creating a happy and positive environment and atmosphere. Outcome 1.4 The importance and benefits of valuing and promoting cultural diversity in work with children and young people It is important to value and promote cultural diversity when working with children and young people for many reasons; it helps prevent discrimination, prejudice and ignorance, teaching them that some cultures and people are different and that it is okay to celebrate these differences. As most schools are multicultural, by valuing and promoting cultural diversity, it will mean that no child will feel excluded or unwelcome. Ways of doing this would be by celebrating and acknowledging other cultures and events such as Christmas, Chinese New Year, Lent, Black History Month, Diwali, Thanksgiving, etc. This could be done by holding an assembly about the event, including it in the curriculum or by teaching a topic around it. It is also important children learn about prominent people in history from a variety of cultures and backgrounds and how they have helped to make a difference and shape the world. Outcome 2.1 & 2.2 The ways in which children and young people can experience prejudice and discrimination and the impact it can have Prejudice: Forming an opinion of an individual or a group which is not based on knowledge or fact. Discrimination: Treating an individual or group less favourably because of personal characteristics such as race, religion or special educational needs. Children and young people can experience prejudice and discrimination in many ways. Below are examples of some ways children and young people can experience prejudice and discrimination and the impact it may have on them ââ¬â â⬠¢A child is unable to access the computer within the classroom, as his wheelchair wonââ¬â¢t fit Impact this may have on them ââ¬â The child may leave school with ICT skills that are less developed than those of his peers. â⬠¢An unidentified dyslexic child being unable to read on white paper with black print Impact this may have on them ââ¬â The child could academically struggle, it may lead to behavioural problems and self-esteem issues. â⬠¢A child in care Impact this may have on them ââ¬â They may become a victim of bullying because of their home life being ââ¬Ëdifferentââ¬â¢. May struggle academically and could fall behind on work due to inconsistency. â⬠¢A child or young person living in financial hardship Impact this may have on them ââ¬â The child/young person may struggle to have a social life due to their responsibilities at home. They may struggle to concentrate at school if they are worried about their home life. â⬠¢A child carer (parents with addictions or disabilities) Impact this may have on them ââ¬â The child may feel isolated and different to others. They may miss out on school trips or activities and their social life may also dramatically suffer. â⬠¢A young person with poor hygiene or poor hygiene practises Impact this may have on them ââ¬â This may be a sign that the young person is suffering from depression. They may become a victim of bullying. Outcome 2.3 Assess how own attitudes, values and behaviour could impact on work with children and young people Children and young people learn through copying adult behaviour, so it is important that you are a good role model within the education setting. Below are examples of four scenarios of when the Teaching Assistantââ¬â¢s attitudes, values and behaviour can have an impact on children and young people and what a young person may do or feel if they see a TA behaving in this way- Teaching Assistant giving praise to children for tidying up ââ¬â By the Teaching Assistant acknowledging and praising this positive behaviour the children will be encourage to behave in this way again. Teaching Assistant standing with hands in pockets, looking uninterested while a child excitedly explains to them how they have just scored a goal from a free kick ââ¬â By using closed body language and by not showing any interest or enthusiasm in the child, they may feel as though what they are saying is not important. They are telling the Teaching Assistant about their achievement as they are proud and looking for praise, but by not getting this they may not try as hard to achieve next time or may feel as though they cannot approach the Teaching Assistant in the future. A young person thanking a Teaching Assistant for their advice ââ¬â This shows that the young person is clearly comfortable talking to the Teaching Assistant therefore must have trust and a good relationship with them. This is very important as it creates a happy atmosphere and means that the young person has someone they are able to go to with their problems. During a lesson 2 Teaching Assistants are sitting at the back of the classroom chatting whilst the teacher has positioned himself at one side of the classroom leaving one child working on their ownââ¬â By the Teaching Assistants sitting at the back of the classroom chatting this is not only promoting bad behaviour but also showing a lack of interest to the children therefore making them very unapproachable. With the Teacher positioned on one side of the class leaving one child sitting on their own it will make that child feel isolated and not included with the rest of class. If they are not able to interact with the rest of the class, the child may easily lose interest in the lesson and may feel as though they are unable to ask questions even if they are struggling to understand the work or tasks being set. Outcome 2.4 & 2.5 The importance of promoting anti-discriminatory practice in work with children and young people and how to challenge discrimination Within the education setting, you must take positive action to challenge discrimination. Why is it important to promote anti-discriminatory practise? â⬠¢To ensure that we are encouraging children to become good citizens â⬠¢To encourage children to make a positive contribution in school and their community â⬠¢To enable children and adults to become positive role models â⬠¢It enables us to provide children with equal opportunities to access the curriculum â⬠¢To create a safe learning environment and community â⬠¢It ensures that barriers to participate are removed â⬠¢To promote equality and diversity â⬠¢To ensure children and young people have confidence and have a high level of self esteem â⬠¢It stops children from feeling isolated â⬠¢Teaches children to accept differences and respect others Scenario: While providing playground supervision one lunchtime, you hear James make a racist comment towards Myra. Myra seems upset by Jamesââ¬â¢s comments and walksà off to the other side of the playground. What can you do to help in this situation? Bring the two children together, let James know immediately that this type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated and that relevant punishment will be issued. Reassure Myra that she has done nothing wrong and give her the chance to tell James how the comment made her feel, then ask James to apologise. How can you challenge the discrimination? Ask James how he would feel if he was picked on, he also needs to be made aware that there are consequences to his actions. Refer him to a senior member of staff and explain to them exactly what has happened and the actions you have already taken. Ensure the incident is logged and monitored. How does your workplace promote anti-discriminatory practise? â⬠¢Posters around the school and staffroom â⬠¢Regular staff training on how to deal with discrimination â⬠¢Bring it into the curriculum â⬠¢Newsletters sent to parents about school policies and procedures on discrimination and other zero tolerance issues (this information is also available on the school website) â⬠¢Assemblies highlighting issues â⬠¢All incidents logged and monitored Outcome 3.1, 3.2 & 3.3 What is meant by inclusion and inclusive practices and what are the features of an inclusive setting for children and young people Inclusion in education is ensuring all children have equal access to the curriculum by removing barriers to participation. Inclusion is not optional: children have defined entitlements in this area and settings have legalà responsibilities. There is a legal framework to which all schools must comply. This framework consists of the following 2 duties ââ¬â No school must discriminate anyone who requires access to the building (staff, parents, carers, children, etc.), all schools must make reasonable adjustments and provide a Disability Access Plan. Barriers to Participation A barrier to participation is something that can stop the child from being included in a lesson or activity, this could be physical, social or emotional or language related. How can you support inclusion and inclusive practice while working with children and young people? You can support inclusion and inclusive practice in many ways; first of all it is important to have a ââ¬Ëcan doââ¬â¢ attitude. If a school has a positive and encouraging attitude then this will also reflect on how the children will behave and feel towards inclusion. If you are working with a child with special needs or a disability do some research so that you are aware of what the barriers may be as you may need to adapt lesson plans, talk to their senco worker, parents, etc. It is also important to talk to the child/young person so that you know what their abilities are and what they feel comfortable with. Observe other schools, find out how they deal with barriers and inclusion. Below are some examples of barriers that may affect children and young peopleââ¬â¢s participation, and the ways in which you can overcome these barriers ââ¬â Barrier ââ¬â Child canââ¬â¢t access table as their wheelchair will not fit under Way to overcome barrier ââ¬â Installing rise and fall desks. Barrier ââ¬â Child with hearing difficulties Way to overcome barrier ââ¬â by sitting child near front of the class so that they have more chance of being able to hear and so that they can see the teacherââ¬â¢s mouth clearly so they can lip read. Barrier ââ¬â Child/young person in a wheel chair cannot open doors Way to overcome barrier ââ¬â by installing doors with motion sensors. Barrier ââ¬â Child with autism does not have a structured behaviour management plan Way to overcome barrier ââ¬â by putting together a structured behavioural plan after discussions with both child and parents. Barrier ââ¬â Playing field used for PE is wet due to rain meaning a child in a wheelchair will be unable to access it Way to overcome barrier ââ¬â by moving lesson to another suitable location e.g. playground.
Monday, July 29, 2019
Module 7 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Module 7 - Essay Example The biggest similarity between the three religions is that they are all monotheistic, but all other practices and beliefs are either entirely different or only bear minimal similarities. The paper discusses the similarities and differences among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Judaism, Christianity and Islam, fall under the classification of monotheistic religions, meaning that they believe in one God. Muslims and Jews mostly emphasize the unity and oneness of God. The acclaim is at times misunderstood, as Christians go ahead to state that God is triune. However, this does not indicate that the religions are in denial of monotheism. Instead, it is only an affirmation of the intricacy of God. The three religions believe that God created and made everything in the world. They believe that God cares about the world and every creature that He created and desired that they all have a good life. According to the three religions, God is just and he instituted ground rules for the guidance of man so that humans can be righteous and good (Volf 8). In addition to that, the three religions believe that God is merciful and offers strength to people to do different things. Judaism, Islam, and Christianity believe that humans are supreme creatures on earth. Humans are the descendants of Abraham, who God blessed and gave the promise that his descendants would be great. The three religions also hold the perception that God created humans full of mystery, which implies that humans have the potential for perpetual growth, both as individuals and as a species. Humans are capable of being both good and evil. When humans grow in righteousness, goodness, and love, they become more like what their creator intended them to be. On the other hand, when they abuse their freedom and do evil things, they go against Gods will (Volf 9). Judaism, Christianity, and Islam religions hold almost similar views regarding the future. Although the past has
Sunday, July 28, 2019
How each film uses aesthetics to offer a truth about the world Essay
How each film uses aesthetics to offer a truth about the world - Essay Example There are some documentaries that unsettle you to the deepest core of your being, putting you right off your brunch. I'm looking at you, capturing the Friedmanââ¬â¢s. There are others that remind you that though the world can be a place fraught with suffering, it is also replete with miracles. Searching for Sugar Man is definitely in the latter category. The 2012 film (and that year's Best Documentary Feature winner) chronicles the rise and fall and unexpected re-rise of a Mexican-American singer-songwriter with all of Bob Dylan's poetic lyricism and righteous anti-establishment rage and none of his success: Rodriguez. After a couple of years in the late 60s and early 70s playing gigs in places named thing like, unironically, The Sewer, Rodriguez returned to a job in construction and a brief flirtation with local politics, surrendering his hopes of a musical career. Haven't heard of him? You must be American. What neither he, nor his producers, nor (probably) his record label knew was that while he was demolishing buildings and doing whatever one does with drywall, his music was fueling the anti-Apartheid movement in South Africa, and the artist himself had become a quasi-mythical figure around whom rumors of a spectacularly gruesome onstage suicide were as widely and ferociously traded as the bootleg copies of his two albums. Because of the nature of a dictatorship, South Africans had very little unsanctioned information about the world outside their borders. But even though his fans (which, it seems important to note, seem to be largely white) didn't know who or where Rodriguez was, they did know that his lyrics criticizing unjust economic and social practices (inspired by his native Detroit) gave them a vocabulary with which to resist and begin to dismantle the cruelties and perversions of human dignity they were witnessing. And when a couple of musicians and writers try to hunt down the true biography of their poet and prophet, a pretty magical reunion t akes place. One of the journalists interviewed by the filmmaker describes this unlikely series of events as sounding like "a bad PR campaign" because it was so unlike how he understands the world to work, and Searching for Sugar Man feels like a myth while watching. Rodriguez remains an elusive figure throughout, even after he is rediscovered. He slides through different names and identities as purposefully and smoothly as he walks through the largely abandoned streets of the working-class neighborhood where he still lives in Detroit, and is clearly uncomfortable talking about his remarkable story. But it's a story that makes poets of his fellow construction workers and family as they marvel at how their unassuming friend and father live a dual life as a South African rock star. Though not quite reaching the heights of exuberant aesthetic grace achieved by man wire, Searching for Sugar Man will make you believe in fairy tales. Bernie is a 2011 black comedy film directed by Richard L inklater, and written by Linklater andSkipHollandsworth. The making of the film, based on an article in Texas monthly magazine by Skip Holland worth, whom also co-wrote the comedic film with Linklater, divided citizens ofCartharage, Texas, the small town in East Texas where the Nugent murder occurred. In the film, Linklater includes interviews with several Carthage residents about
Saturday, July 27, 2019
Contemporary Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words
Contemporary Management - Essay Example In this study, we will tackle how Amazon.com, a leading online seller of books and reading materials, advance its business strategies in a global scale applying theory contemporary management in reaching its market goals effectively. This paper will specifically (a) analyze effective management and the evolution of managementââ¬â¢s ideation; (b) analyze effects, influences and changes from numerous factors using theory of contemporary management; (c) examine how management theory can be optimized in Amazon.comââ¬â¢s organization; (d) evaluate the significance and impact of information technologies in contemporary business operation; and finally, (e) appreciate how information systems are optimized to support Amazon.comââ¬â¢s managementââ¬â¢s decision-making. Theories of Management Contemporary business management is distinguished by some significant factors with other theories of management. The latter is inclusive of scientific, bureaucratic management, human relations m ovement and progressive management development (McNamara, 2012, p. 1). Scientific management theory, which is more widely practiced in the 18th to mid-19th centuries by then emerging large industries, deals with routinary tasks in the manufacturing industries (McNamara, 2012, p. 1). ... 1). The dehumanizing and enslaving relations at workplaces under these management theories motivated workers to deliberate their rights and fought for human relations movement to improve their situations in work places (McNamara, 2012, p. 1). Impelled by labor unrest and uprisings, workers demanded for business management that respects their skills, capacities and intelligence (McNamara, 2012, p. 1). They asserted, as reflected with corporate behaviorism, that organizational integrity and development could only be attained if workers rights and needs are considered by the companies (McNamara, 2012, p. 1). Bolstered by these movements, workers were capacitated, coached, and mentored for their career development and supervisory skills acquisition (McNamara, 2012, p. 1). Most workers were sent to school to acquire knowledge on effective business operation and human resource management (McNamara, 2012, p. 1). Nowadays, companies embraced contemporary management which is featured with con tingency, systems and chaos theories (McNamara, 2012, p. 1). The first theory contended that the management assume the power of decision-makings using frameworks and approaches with better leadership styles (McNamara, 2012, p. 1). Contemporary leadership adopts the confluence of transformational, transactional, principle-centered and charismatic styles to manage human resources to ascertain that they are well-motivated to meet goals while engaging clients for their respective service satisfaction (McNamara, 2012, p. 1). On the other hand, systems theory extols functional systematic operational procedures laid for workers in business operations and in human resource management (McNamara, 2012, p. 1). The system includes regular meetings, planning, implementation, monitoring,
Friday, July 26, 2019
Qatar cinema and film distribution Company Research Paper
Qatar cinema and film distribution Company - Research Paper Example In the year ending 2011, the company realized an increase in revenue through improved sales as compared to 2010 (Kotler, 2009). Its sales improved from QAR 16.28 million of the previous year to 17.30 million Qatari Riyals, though remained a little lower than the QAR 17.33 million of the 2009 (Ehrhardt and Brigham, 2009). Several factors; both micro and macroeconomic factors might have led to this. Macroeconomic Variables Macro-economic variables are the environmental factors that affect the production and income of a business entity. They include variables as inflation, unemployment income, global financial conditions, and industrial production among other factors (Sale, 2006). One of the most notable macroeconomic variables that have continued to influence the company is the global financial conditions (Ehrhardt and Brigham, 2009). During the period of 2008, the company recorded poor sales due to the global financial recession that rocked the whole of the world markets. The company wasà not able to import and distributeà (Bricault, Hodgson, and Gulczynska, 1978)à products at affordableà costà and cost effective.à A number of the companies that it was associated with decreased their production capacity in order to respond to the capital market conditions. When there the rate of production goes down significantly, there is a buildup of pressure for the respective industries to satisfy the larger market. This could be due to high interest rates, global financial problems (Kotler, 2009). The increase in sales in 2009 was due to the reformation that was taking place in the market after the recession. Positive economic growth has also contributed to its continued resilience in the market economy. Industry Analysis The industry has continued to build up because of Qatarââ¬â¢s positive economic growth. The market has been favorable for the company (Ehrhardt and Brigham, 2009). However, challenges like high competition brought in by companies like Jarir marketing company, Saudi hotels and Resort Areas, Al-tayyar travel group, IFA hotels and Resort, Al-Othaim Holding Company, the Saudi Research and marketing group. All these companies produce and engage in almost the same line of business like that of Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution Company (Bricault, Hodgson, and Gulczynska, 1978). These alongside the diversification of the market, increases the level of competition the company faces. Market regulations that increase the costs of operation have also contributed to financial challenges the company has faced in the past. However, there are regulations that have sought to expand and protect the local business in relation to the international counterparts have helped the company to stabilize and continue to grow in the competitive environment (Kotler, 2009). The industry enjoys a large market both at the local and international levels. This has enhanced importation and distribution of the cinema and movie distribution. Market Valuat ion Ration Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution Co. Benchmark EV/EBITDA next 12 month Company Qatar Cinema and Film ... N/A Pee Qatar Cinema and Film... excluded 52.0 Qatar Cinema and Film ... included 53.0 Sector Film and cinema distribution equipmentââ¬â¢s and services (Close) 57.80 S&P 500 16.78 STOXX Europe 600 8.58 Country QAT 6.98 4- Determine the optimal price of the stock, by employing the equation we talked about (constant
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Adding value through marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
Adding value through marketing - Essay Example In todayââ¬â¢s world, consumers are being bombarded with a multitude of products and services with the entailing cacophony of messages that vie for attention. The result is an increasing confusion and indifference on the part of the buying publicEvaluate the extent to which a sustainable and green approach to marketing can add positively to the bottom line in an age of consumer confusion and possible indifference. In todayââ¬â¢s world, consumers are being bombarded with a multitude of products and services with the entailing cacophony of messages that vie for attention. The result is an increasing confusion and indifference on the part of the buying public. This can breed consumer discontent that, in itself, is becoming increasingly difficult to address. According to Kaptan (2003), if this confusion, indifference and discontent are not dealt with successfully, any relief created will be transitory and that later on new symptomatic issues and complaints would arise. (p. 45) Ther e is, hence, a need to introduce products and services and build brands that aim to rise above the rest. This objective is best served by adopting sustainable and green approach to marketing. The Concepts Essentially, green marketing is the holistic marketing concept wherein production, marketing consumption and disposal of products and services happen in a manner that is less detrimental to the environment, especially with growing awareness and consideration to prominent environmental issues like global warming, non-biodegradable solid waste, harmful impact of pollutants, and so forth. (Chandrasekar 2009, p458) Sustainability follows and reinforces the same principle, and is characterized by activities that seek to change existing framework in favour of sustainability. (Saren et al., p205) Pursing this strategy is significant to consumers for several reasons. The most important of these include: its contribution to the consumerââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"empowermentâ⬠since it allows the consumer to make a difference by using ââ¬Å"greenâ⬠products and services; and, it provides credibility since sustainability related claims can make consumers believe and trust in the product. (Ottman 2011, p110) The gist of the benefits of sustainable and green marketing is that their associations with the positive impact to environment provides a product or brand a mantle of uniqueness and responsibility that adds value in the eyes of the buyers. Successful sustainable and green campaigns include the Leviââ¬â¢s recently launched Eco line of 100 percent organic cotton jeans; Wal-Martââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"Greenâ⬠push consisted of diverse initiatives such as reducing energy waste, opening green supercenters, stocking more organic products, and working with suppliers to get them on board as well. (Hawkins & Mathersbaugh 2010, p102) Ottman emphasized that sustainable and ââ¬Å"greenâ⬠products offer tangible and direct benefits that are actually meaningful and importa nt to a number of consumers. (p110) Making a Difference The principles at work here is that green products can rise above the din of commerce that are peppered with superficial solutions to individual needs. Slater pointed to the social dilemma that emerges as a consequence. In his view, the production of more goods and services that provide false satisfactions to human needs in greedy pursuit for profit contribute to the increasing disorganization, disorientation and confusion not just with regards to their needs but also their identities. (p126) In the past, marketing and advertising could have gotten away with it with what Slater called as: an innumerable series of images are forced upon the individual, like mirrors, seemingly empathetic and totally credible, which bring their secrets to the surface and display them there. In these images, people are continually shown the unfulfilled aspects of their existence. The illusion ingratiates itself, promising satisfaction; it reads des ires in oneââ¬â¢s eyes, and brings them to the surface of commodity. (p126) The problem now is that consumers have been satiated with these messages and strategies. This and the crass materialism had not satisfied many peopleââ¬â¢s innermost desires. (Sattar 1992, p. 41) One may say that, today, the average buyer is both aware and confused about the way products are pandered to him. Slater
Investigate the impact e-commerce has on SMEs (Small and Medium Essay
Investigate the impact e-commerce has on SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) and explore the perceived benefits gained by operating online - Essay Example There are four major categories of e-commerce, namely, Business-to-Business (B2B), Business-to-Consumer (B2C), Peer-to-Peer (P2P) and Consumer-to-Business (C2B) (Rayport & Jaworski, 2003). In addition, there is also government involved in some instances, so that there are actually three parties in such cases. This makes the total number of categories equal to nine; however, it is often omitted due to rarity of such situations ever arising (Schniederjans & Cao, 2002). Quite clearly, electronic commerce enables a two-way communication between various ports involved in a financial transaction. The history of online business can be traced back to that of the invention of World Wide Web, although, it was the least important of all causes that operated behind the invention of the latter (Chan, Lee, Dillon & Chang, 2009). In fact, it was only when researchers were contemplating different areas where the new invention could prove to be beneficial, that the concept of introducing electronic commerce was paved (Oââ¬â¢Regan, 2008). The Internet is a common platform for a large quantity of information. Not only has it helped to make communication faster and cheaper, but has also facilitated in building up of a large database including different hardware and software sourced in different networks. This was one of the primary features of Internet that attracted firms from all over the world to try their hand in e-commerce (Schniederjans & Cao, 2002). However, as its use became more and more popular among the firms and their customers, more benefits of using the technology started peeping out. Two of the key advantages of adopting electronic commerce in making financial transactions are ââ¬â reduction in the cost of accomplishing transactions and enhancing productivity of the firms. Introduction to online technology has helped in lower recruitments and lower cost of maintenance indicating a reduced cost of
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Research Proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 2
Research Proposal - Essay Example The particular market will be examined as of its performance through the years in accordance with a series of data released by firms that operate in the specific sector of British economy. The methods used for the retrieval of the necessary info are the following ones: a) study of the financial reports of firms that operate in the specific market (only the most successful retailers will be examined ââ¬â approximately 5 of them), b) survey of customers of British retailers (customers of retailers that are based in Oxford Street, London will be used as participants in the relevant research) and c) review of statistical data related with the performance of firms operating in the British retail industry; these statistical data can be published either by governmental organizations or by private institutions. All the above methods will be evaluated as of their effectiveness regarding the target of the research: identification of the performance of British retailers through the years. A part from the analysis of the research methods used towards the completion of the study, a series of other issues will be examined in the context of this paper at the level that the reference to the these issues is necessary because of the importance of the subject, the turbulences of the market (which can cause severe delays in the completion of the research) and the unexpected changes in the conditions under which the research is conducted. Because all the above factors can alternate the conditions of the research, they are examined trying to focus on their relevance with the successful completion of the research under evaluation. The research is based on a series of questions that should be divided into two main categories. The first category includes only the main question of the research while the second category includes the secondary questions of the project. The projectââ¬â¢s main question is the following one: which are the trends (in terms of
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
The importance brunttland report conncetion with tourism and travel Research Paper
The importance brunttland report conncetion with tourism and travel agency - Research Paper Example The report on the world tourism analysis of 2007 shows the number of international travelers had to increase enormously from 25 million in 1950 to 800 million currently. Brundtland report provides some analysis and recommendations for the sustainability of developments within the societies. This paper, therefore, will be highlighting the importance of the Brundtland report in connection with the tourism and travel agency (McChesney 43). Several governments have had to meet and approve Agenda 21 and the Rio declaration. The agenda 21 had to offer some blueprint on the sustainable development, while, on the other hand, the Rio Declaration had to articulate the vital principles for the sustainable development in the 21st century. The two documents enable the governments, organizations, and industries to work towards attaining the highest levels of sustainability as the Brundtland report defines that the development meeting the needs of the present without conciliating the ability of the coming generations to meet their own needs. However, the challenge is finding the balance between the sustenance, prosperity, and the peopleââ¬â¢s desire to be stable in financial, material well being with the underlying need for community, identity, home, and religion. Tourism and travel agencies, hence, plays a significant role in bringing some balance in these forces. Tourism and travel provides the livelihoods for the urban and the rural communities. It also enhance the community relations and make up the bridges of understanding and peace between countries, in which case it is possible when there is proper planning development and management (Sigala et. al. 43). The Brundtland Report considers the tourism and travel sector as the largest in contribution of the economy in the whole world. The report reiterates the main qualitative trends that one observes in the industry through the forms of increased market segmentation, development of new forms of tourism and the influenci ng of traditional package tours. Therefore, tourism and travel sectors have had to increase the market demand in various ways, in which case it has had to contribute the social, environmental and the economic sustainability. This has been possible by proper planning and management of the pressures from growth. The preservation of the tourism product, hence, helps in securing the future for many people. Many companies have had even to create stable responsible behavior. This is by ensuring they use their product and services to educate and inform their customers. This is in response to the need to safeguarding the natural resources (Sharpley 15). Tourism and travel, if utilized effectively, will go along the way in bringing a growth and economic success in the countries, both developing and developed. There is the potential that the markets enhance lives in a sustainable structure via providing the wealth creation, innovation, competition, and choice among others. The tourism and tra vel sector have these and other elements, in which case it enables it to be a vibrant market force for the future sustainability. The sector has the probability to increase exports, boost the economies GDP, bring in capital investment, and create employments. Tourism and travel creates jobs throughout the economy, both in organizations that get to involve directly in business and in the associated supplier industries,
Monday, July 22, 2019
A historical perspective on the Western civilization Essay Example for Free
A historical perspective on the Western civilization Essay In our day, we instinctively associate Western Civilization with liberty, individualism and reason. However, liberal democracy is more recent phenomena. Many crucial aspects of the civilization of Western countries of today developed from the time of French and American revolutions. The nineteenth century laid a strong foundation to the twentieth century Western civilization. Before 1800 CE, however, the modern Western civilization was in many ways in formative stages. For example, the radical belief in human equality, under the premise that all men are born equal, was framed in the American constitution only in the last quarter of the eighteenth century. From its origins in the aftermath of the fall of Roman Empire to the beginning of the nineteenth century, Western Civilization had experienced two radically different phases, the one preceding Renaissance, and the one during and following Renaissance. The beginnings of the age of Renaissance mark a clear break from the Dark Ages in the thinking, attitudes and world-view of the people. The gradual emergence of logical and analytical thought, the blossoming of rational and a rigorously scientific world-view is a most unique phenomenon in the whole history of humanity. It is this most fundamental characteristic of the Western vivilization that has paved the way for technology and progress, creating the modern world. The outburst of rational thinking in Europe during the four hundred years from 1400ââ¬â1800 CE is chiefly responsible for taking humanity to the next stage of evolution. It was the most defining period not only of Western vivilization, but of human civilization as such. Although there is a tremendous contrast between the Medieval Ages and the Age of Renaissance, it has come to the light of modern scholarship that the cultural achievements of the so-called Dark Ages in Europe, lasting for roughly thousand years between 400 1400 CE, have been many and varied. This period, particularly during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, has witnessed great cultural flourishing in its own right. Those times were not lacking in significant events and meaningful and though-enriching contributions to Western civilization. It is nevertheless justifiable to call them the Dark Ages, because, despite an interesting measure of cultural efflorescence, those periods were not marked by the freedom of the human mind, something that has become the quintessential characteristic of the Western civilization in more recent centuries. Most civilizations all the world over have witnessed an outburst of art and creativity at some period or other. However, except for Athens in the 5th century BC, Alexandria just before the commencement of Dark Ages, and Baghdad during 8th and 9th centuries A. D. , all of which had been stifled enterprises, no civilization in history of mankind launched a systematic and sustained quest into the reality of man and the natural world. It is this Socratic quest for knowledge, truth and meaning of human life that lies at the heart of the precious and unique phenomenon that the Western civilization is.
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Cash Flow Management and Forecasting | Case Study
Cash Flow Management and Forecasting | Case Study Cash flow management Cash flow management is the process of monitoring, analyzing and adjusting businessââ¬â¢ cash flows[1]. ââ¬Å"Cash is kingâ⬠is the often heard business clichà ©, yet it is borne out of reality. It is monitoring of actual cash flows against the cash flow projections for the period, analyzing the reasons for variation and then implementing the necessary actions to manage business financials. Cash flow management is based on cash flow projections which is different than profit and loss account and, in times of cash shortage, may be more important (Oxford, 1997). Importance of preparing a cash flow forecast A cash flow forecast shows the projects in flows and out flows of cash in a business. It is an important tool in cash flow management as it helps to identify the gaps in cash over the projected period. Letââ¬â¢s look at the importance of cash flow forecast for different stakeholders Owner / investor. Cash flow forecast shows the maximum shortfall in cash during the projected period and gives idea about maximum capital funding is required. Banks / lenders. It helps in analysing the credit worthiness of the business and matches it with lendersââ¬â¢ appetite for risk. It also shows whether business will generate sufficient cash over time to meet repayments. Creditors. If business is not in a strong position, creditors like to see cash flow forecast to analyse whether to give stock on credit and under what terms. Cash flow forecast Annexure I shows the cash flow forecast for the year ending 31 Dec 2004. It shows minimum cash balance of à £0 in February 2004 and is based on the following assumptions: Sprint X is a high street sport shop with no sales on debtor accounts. All sales immediately result in cash in flows. The profits generated are small and hence company pays no tax. The projected bank balance on 31st Dec 2004 is à £26,500. This is because Sprint X has yet to make the stock payments of à £12,500 for December 04 as these are due in January 2004 only. Though the minimum balance is à £0 in February 2004, in reality it might be even lower. The intra-month cash position could be even worse because of the following: The above cash flow forecast of à £0 in February 2004 is based on month end. Monthly rent of à £2,500 for March is due on 1st March 2004. So the cash balance on 1st March 2004 could be as low as -à £2,500. Payment terms and dates of utility providers and suppliers. Payment dates of bank charges. Advantages of using a spreadsheet for cash flow forecasting Spreadsheet software for personal computers is a powerful tool for cash flow forecasting. Its major advantages are: Arithmetic errors are virtually nonexistent (Horngren, Sundem Stratton, 1998) It is easier to operate and understand than using professional financial packages. Small business owners donââ¬â¢t need to understand financial jargon for building and updating cash flow forecasts. It reduces the tedium of carrying out repetitive calculations. If actual cash flows in a month are different from the projections, it would change the following month end cash flows. Spreadsheet model makes it much easier to update cash flow forecasts. Sensitivity analysis. Spreadsheet cash flow model also makes it more convenient in analysing the impact of variation in different sales and cost elements on the cash flows. Bankruptcy due to cash flow problems Sprint X could go bankrupt if runs out of cash to make payments to its creditors. Creditors can then take force Sprint X into liquidation. Sprint X has to order supplies before it can sell them and once it orders and receives deliveries, it is liable to pay whether or not it is successful in selling them. Based on the cash flow projections in Appendix I, John and Mary expanded the business with à £2,500 additional capital for rent payment on 1St March 2004. Suppose sales in both February and March 2004 are à £5,000 less than the budgeted amount. The cost of goods is 60% of sales on average (based on ratio of annual cost of goods to annual sales). Though the cash receipts are lower in February and March, the benefit of lower cash outflows would be seen in March and April only due to one month lag in credit payments. Appendix II shows the revised cash flow forecast. Sprint X has a negative cash of à £5,000 at the end of February 2004. Even after adding an initial capital inflow of à £2,500, the company is no cash to meet full supplier payments for February and rent on 1st March 2004. Under such scenario, both suppliers and landlord can take the company to liquidators. Even though the company may end year with more cash than initial capital inflow, yet its inability to tide through emergencies may force it into liquidation. Strategies for effectively controlling cash flow problems Regular entry of receipts and payments will keep the cash flow updated and will give owners sufficient time to take care of shortfalls, if any. Analysis of trends will help in taking timely decisions of cost cutting to reduce cash outflows or to plan for higher sales. Owners shouldnââ¬â¢t take out cash from the business based on single monthââ¬â¢s net cash flows. The picture may be distorted due to one month delay in higher stock payments. They should look at the year end figures and maximum cash requirements before taking out any earnings. The company should establish a line of credit with a bank which will not only take care of maximum cash requirements but also leave some headroom for any emergencies. Owners should keep business account separate from personal accounts to get clear cash position of the business. Reconcile monthly bank statements for both deposits made and cheques drawn. Use of financial recording system to manage Sprint Xââ¬â¢s business finances Sprint X should fortnightly look at the sales trends and plan future expenditure accordingly. Regularly updation of cash flow forecast based on the latest trends will help in planning for any shortfall in funding gap. It should also use financial recording system to keep a tab on inventory to prevent excess inventory build-up. This will prevent unnecessary goods write-off and losses. Trends in fashion change very fast and a good company should keep an eye on what is selling and what is just occupying shelf space and requiring unnecessary working capital. Appendix I ââ¬â Sprint Xââ¬â¢s cash flow forecast Jan-04 Feb-04 Mar-04 Apr-04 May-04 Jun-04 Jul-04 Aug-04 Sep-04 Oct-04 Nov-04 Dec-04 Jan-05 Receipts Invoiced sales 15,000 20,500 35,000 35,000 35,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 0 15,000 20,500 35,000 35,000 35,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 0 Payments Stock (3,000) (17,500) (17,500) (17,500) (12,500) (12,500) (12,500) (12,500) (12,500) (12,500) (12,500) (12,500) (12,500) Telephone (1,000) (1,000) (1,000) (1,000) Electricity (1,500) (500) (500) (500) (500) (500) (500) (500) Rent (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) Wages (2,000) (2,000) (2,000) (2,500) (2,000) (2,000) (2,000) (2,000) (2,000) (2,000) (2,000) (2,000) Bank loan (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (10,500) (26,000) (26,500) (25,500) (21,000) (20,500) (20,500) (21,500) (20,500) (20,500) (21,500) (20,500) (12,500) Net cash flow 4,500 (5,500) 8,500 9,500 14,000 (500) (500) (1,500) (500) (500) (1,500) (500) (12,500) Opening bank balance 1,000 5,500 0 8,500 18,000 32,000 31,500 31,000 29,500 29,000 28,500 27,000 26,500 Closing bank balance 5,500 0 8,500 18,000 32,000 31,500 31,000 29,500 29,000 28,500 27,000 26,500 14,000 Appendix II ââ¬â Sprint Xââ¬â¢s cash flow forecast with reduced Feb and Mar sales Jan-04 Feb-04 Mar-04 Apr-04 May-04 Jun-04 Jul-04 Aug-04 Sep-04 Oct-04 Nov-04 Dec-04 Jan-05 Receipts Invoiced sales 15,000 15,500 30,000 35,000 35,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 0 15,000 15,500 30,000 35,000 35,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 0 Payments Stock (3,000) (17,500) (14,500) (14,500) (12,500) (12,500) (12,500) (12,500) (12,500) (12,500) (12,500) (12,500) (12,500) Telephone (1,000) (1,000) (1,000) (1,000) Electricity (1,500) (500) (500) (500) (500) (500) (500) (500) Rent (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) Wages (2,000) (2,000) (2,000) (2,500) (2,000) (2,000) (2,000) (2,000) (2,000) (2,000) (2,000) (2,000) Bank loan (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (3,000) (10,500) (26,000) (23,500) (22,500) (21,000) (20,500) (20,500) (21,500) (20,500) (20,500) (21,500) (20,500) (12,500) Net cash flow 4,500 (10,500) 6,500 12,500 14,000 (500) (500) (1,500) (500) (500) (1,500) (500) (12,500) Opening bank balance 1,000 5,500 (5,000) 1,500 14,000 28,000 27,500 27,000 25,500 25,000 24,500 23,000 22,500 Closing bank balance 5,500 (5,000) 1,500 14,000 28,000 27,500 27,000 25,500 25,000 24,500 23,000 22,500 10,000 Bibliography Horngren, C.T., Sundem, G.L. Stratton, W.O.; ââ¬Å"Introduction to management accountingâ⬠, Eleventh Edition, Prentice Hall International, Inc., 1998 Oxford (1997); ââ¬Å"Dictionary of Finance and Bankingâ⬠, Oxford University Press, Second Edition, 1997. [1] http://sbinfocanada.about.com/cs/management/g/cashflowmgt.htm
Review Paper on Fault Tolerance in Cloud Computing
Review Paper on Fault Tolerance in Cloud Computing A REVIEW PAPER ON FAULT TOLERANCE IN CLOUD COMPUTING Deepali Mittal Ms. Neha Agarwal Abstractââ¬â Cloud computing demand is increasing due to which it is important to provide correct services in the presence of faults also. The Resources in cloud computing can be dynamically scaled that too in a cost effective manner. Fault Tolerance is the process of finding faults and failures in a system. If a fault occurs or there is a hardware failure or software failure then also the system should work properly. Failures should be managed in a effective way for reliable Cloud Computing. It will also ensure availaibility and robustness .This paper aims to provide a better understanding of fault tolerance techniques which are used for managing faults in cloud. It also deals with some existing Fault tolerance model. Index Termsââ¬â Cloud Computing, Fault Tolerance, Dependability. I. Introduction Cloud computing is new method which can be used for representing computing model where IT services are delivered via internet technologies . These have attracted millions of users. Cloud storage not only provide us the massive computing infrastructure but also the economics of scale. Such a trend, requires assurance of the quality of data storage services which involves two concerns from both cloud users and cloud service providers: data integrity and storage efficiency. It is much more simple than internet. It is a service that allows user to access applications that actually exist at location other than userââ¬â¢s own computer or other devices on network. There are many benefits of this technology. For example any other company hosts user application. Cloud computing is nothing new as it uses approaches, concepts, and techniques that have already been developed. But on the other side everything is new as cloud computing changes how we invent, develop, deploy, scale, update, maintain, and pay for applications and the infrastructure on which they run. Cloud Computing is an efficient way of computing as it centralizes the storage, memory and processing. Fault tolerance has the property to assess the capability of the system to react graceciouslly to a hardware and software failure which is not expected. In assortment to attain robustness or raptness in cloud computing, failure should be determined and handled carefully.This paper will give basic knowledge about Fault tolerance Approaches.The Methods used for fault management in cloud We also study some existing fault management models which tolerates fault in cloud environment. Then figure out the best model of fault tolerance. Fault tolerance deals with all different approaches that provides robustness ,availaibility and dependability .The major use of enforcing fault tolerance in cloud computing include recovery from different hardware and software failures, reduced cost and also improves performance . Robustness is the property of providing of with an accurate service in an unwanted situation that can arise because of an unexpected system state. Dependability is something that need to be achieved.It is one of the very important aspects for cloud provider.It includes dependability as well as availability.It is related to some of the Quality of service issues delivered by the system. Fault tolerance intent to accomplish robustness and dependability in the cloud environment.Fault tolerance techniques can be classified into types depending on the policies of fault tolerance viz, Proactive Fault Tolerance : Proactive fault tolerance simple means early prediction of the problem before it actually arises. Reactive fault tolerance: This policy handles the failure. The effect of failure is reduced when the failure actually occurs. This could be further divided into two sub-procedures : 1. Error Processing 2. Flaw Treatment The first process eliminates error from the system. Fault treatment tries to prevent faults from getting reactivated . Fault tolerance is accomplished by error processing. Error Processing has two main phases. The first phase is ââ¬Å"effective error processingâ⬠which means bringing the effective error back to a latent state and if possible it is done before occurrence of a failure.The Second Phase is ââ¬Å"latent error processingâ⬠which aims to ensure that the error is not reactivated. II. Existing Fault Tolerance Approaches In Cloud The different techniques used for fault tolerance in cloud are : Check pointing: It is a good fault tolerance approach .It is used for applications which have a long running time. In check pointing technique , check pointing is done after each change in system state. It is useful when a task is not able to complete. It fails in the middle due to some error. Then that task is made to begin from the most recent check pointed state instead of restarting it from the beginning. Task Migration : There may be a case when a task in not able to complete on the assigned specific virtual machine . When this type of task failure occurs then that task could be moved other machine. This can be performed by using HA-Proxy. Replication: Replication simply means copying. The replica of tasks is executed on distinct resources if the original instance af task fails.It is done to get the actual required result. Replication can be implemented by using various tools. Some of the tools are Hadoop , HA Proxy or Amazon EC2. Self- Healing : A big task can divided into parts .This division is done for better performance. It results in creation of variant application instance.The instances run on distinct virtual machines.In this way automated failure management is done for instances. Safety bag checks: This strategy is quite simple. It blocks the command which does not met the requirements for safe execution or proper working of machine. S-Guard : It is a stream Processing techniques.It makes available more resources. It use the mechanism of Rollback recovery. Check Pointing is done Asynchronously. It is used for distributed environment. S-Guard is performed using Hadoop or Amazon EC2. Retry : A task is made to execute repeatedly .This approach try to re execute the failed job on same machine . Task Resubmission : A task failure can make the complete job also fail. So when a failed task is identified ,it should be submitted to same or either distinct resource for reexecution. Time checker : Time checker is a supervised technique. A watch dog is used. It consider Critical time function. Rescue workflow : This strategy is used for Fault tolerance in workflow execution. Reconfiguration: The configuration of the system is changed in this technique.The faulty component is removed. Resource Co-allocation: It increases the availability of resources. It takes care of multiple resources. Resource allocation is done to complete the execution of task. III. Fault Tolerance Models Various Fault Tolerance Models are designed using these techniques. These techniques are combined with one another and then applied or simply used individually. Some of Existent fault tolerance models are : ââ¬Å"AFTRC A Fault Tolerance Model for Real Time Cloud Computingâ⬠is designed by keeping the fact in mind that real time systems have good computation. These systems are also scalable and make use of virtualization techniques which helps in excuting real time applications more effectively.This model is designed by considering the dependability issue. The model make use of proactive fault strategy and predicts the faulty nodes. ââ¬Å"LLFT Low Latency Fault Tolerance â⬠act as a middleware for tolerating faults. It is useful for distributed application which are running in cloud. In this model fault tolerance is provided like a service by cloud providers. Applications are replicated by middleware. In this way replication helps in handling of faults for different applications. ââ¬Å"FTWS Fault Tolerant WorkFlow Schedulingâ⬠is a model based on replication approach. It also makes use of resubmission technique. A metric is maintained for checking the priority of tasks and they are submitted accordingly. The principle of workflow is used in this model. Workflow means a series of task executed orderly. Data dependency decides the order. Fault management is done while the workflow is scheduled. ââ¬Å"FTMâ⬠is one of the most flexible model. It delivers fault tolerance as on demand service. The user has a advantage that without having known the working of model ,they can specify the required fault tolerance. It is mainly designed for dependability issues. It consists of various components. Each component has its own functionality. â⬠Candyâ⬠is component base availability modeling frame work. It is mainly designed for availaibility issues. System modelling language is used to construct a model from specifications. This is done semi automatically. ââ¬Å"Vega-wardenâ⬠is a uniform user management system. It creates global work space for variant applications and distinct infrastructure.This model is constructed for virtual cluster base cloud computing environment to overcome the 2 problems: usability and security which arise from sharing of infrastructure. ââ¬Å"FT-Cloudâ⬠has a mechanism of automatic detection of faults.It makes use of frequency for finding out the component. ââ¬Å"Magi-Cubeâ⬠is a kind of architecture for computing in cloud environment.It is designed for dependability,expenditure and performance issues.All three issues are related to storage.This architecture provides highly reliable and less redundant storage. This storage system is done for metadata handling.It also handles file read and write. IV. Fault Tolerant Model for Dependable Cloud Computing Fault Tolerant Model for dependable cloud computing is a model designed for dealing with failures in cloud . As we all know Cloud Computing Environment is made up of virtual machines or you can say nodes. The applications run on these nodes. Using this model faulty nodes are detected and replaced by correctly performing nodes. This is done for real applications. Now on what criteria the model can decide a node to be faulty ? There can be various parameters for detecting faulty node but this model makes use of dependability or dependability measurement. The criteria could be changed according to userââ¬â¢s requirement. A. Working of Model The model is designed for X virtual machines. X distinct algorithms run on the X nodes. Input buffer feeds the data to nodes. The input data is then moved onwards to all the nodes simultaneously. When the node gets the input it starts its operation. It performs some functions as designed or stated by the algorithm . In other words , the algorithm runs on nodes and gives a result .The Funtioning of every module is different. Accepter Module This module tests the nodes for correct result. It verifies the result of algorithms. If the result is faultless or as required then the result is forwarded further for evaluation of dependability.The appropriate result is sent to timer module. The inappropriate result is not forwarded instead signal is sent. Timer Module This module has a timer set for every node .It checks the time of result.If the result is generated before the time set or within that assigned time the only it forwards the result. Dependability Assessor This module is responsible for checking of dependability of nodes. At the starting of system the dependability for each node is set to it maximum that is cent percent. When computations are performed the dependability of nodes dynamically changes.The dependability is decided on the basis of time and correctness of result. Dependability increases if the result is accurate and on time. The highest and lowest limit of dependability is set in the beginning. The node with dependability value less than the lowest dependability is replaced. It also sends a message to resource manager. The result of dependability assesers forwards the results to descision maker module. Decision Maker It gets the result from dependability assessors. A selection of node is done from all perfect nodes. The node which has the maximum dependability is selected. It makes the comparison between the dependability level of nodes and system dependability. System dependability is important to be attained by a node. In case all the node fails to achieve the system dependability then a failure notification is issued. A failure notification means that all the nodes have failed for this computation cycle. Now backward recovery is done using check points .Decision maker also asks the resource manager to replace the node with lowest dependability with the new one. Check Pointing Check Pointing saves the state of system. It is done at regular small intervals. It is helpful in a scenario when a system fails completely. The strategy helps in automatic recovery form the check pointer state. This automatic recovery is done only when all the nodes fails. The system continues to work properly with rest of the nodes. Fig .1.Fault Tolerant Model For Dependable Cloud Computing B. Mechanism Of the Model Dependability Assessment Algorithm Begin Initially dependability:=1, n :=1 Input from configuration RF, maxDependability, minDependability Input nodestatus if nodeStatus =Pass then dependability := dependability + (dependability * RF) if n > 1 then := n-1; else if processing node Status = Fail then dependability: = dependability ââ¬â (dependability * RF * n) n: = n+1; if dependability >= max Dependability then Dependability: = max Dependability if dependability Call Add new node ( ); End Decision Mechanism Algorithm Begin Initially dependability:=1, n :=1 Input from RA nodeDependability, numCandNodes Input from configuration SRL bestDependability := find_dependability of node with highest dependability if bestDependability >= SRL status := success else perform_backward_recovery call_proc: remove_node_minDependability call_proc: add_new_node End C. Result In the first cycle, both VirtualMacine-1 and VirtualMachine-3 have the same dependability, but the result of VM-1 has been selected as it has a lower IP address. VM-3 output was selected by DM from cycle 2 to 4, as it has the highest dependability among competing virtual machines. In cycle 5 VirtualMachine-3 still has the highest dependability, but it is not selected. Because its result was not passed by AT and TC, so consequently, it was not among competing virtual machines. TABLE I : Result v. Conclusion and future work Tolerance of faults makes an important problem in the scope of environments of cloud computing. Fault tolerance method activates when a fault enters the boundaries i.e theoretically these strategies are implemented for detecting the failures and make an appropriate action before failures are about to occur. I have looked after the need of fault tolerance with its various methods for implementing fault tolerance. Various called models for fault tolerance are discussed .In the present scene, there are number of models which provide different mechanisms to improve the system. But still there are number of problems which requires some concern for every frame work. There are some drawbacks non of them can full fill the all expected aspects of faults. So might be there is a possibility to carried over the drawbacks of all previous models and try to make a appropriate model which can cover maximum fault tolerance aspect. References AnjuBala, InderveerChana,â⬠Fault Tolerance- Challenges, Techniques and Implementation in Cloud Computingâ⬠IJCSI International Journal of Computer Science Issues, Vol. 9, Issue 1, No 1, January 2012 ISSN (Online): 1694-0814 www.IJCSI.org Sheheryar MalikandFabriceHuet ââ¬Å"Adaptive Fault Tolerance in Real Time Cloud Computingâ⬠2011 IEEE World Congress on Service Ravi Jhawar, Vincenzo Piuri, Marco Santambrogio,â⬠A Comprehensive Conceptual System-Level Approach to Fault Tolerance in Cloud Computingâ⬠, 2012 IEEE, DOI 10.1109/SysCon.2012.6189503 P. Mell, T. Grance. The NISTdefinition of cloud computing. Technical report, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2009. Wenbing Zhao, Melliar-Smith, and P. M. Moser, ââ¬Å"Fault tolerance middleware for cloud computing,â⬠in 3rd International Conference on Cloud Computing (CLOUD 2010). Miami, FL, USA, 2010. R. Jhawar, V. Piuri, and M. D. Santambrogio, ââ¬Å"A comprehensive conceptual system level approach to fault tolerance in cloud computing,â⬠in Proc. IEEE Int. Syst. Conf., Mar. 2012, pp. 1ââ¬â5. M. Castro and B. Liskov, ââ¬Å"Practical Byzantine fault tolerance,â⬠in Proc.3rd Symp. Operating Syst. Design Implementation, 1999, pp. 173ââ¬â186.
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