Bad Credit Cards

A few Americans have been under the feeling that Mastercards are an important money related instrument since charge cards give them influence with their FICO ratings and furthermore can make it conceivable to buy and do things they may not in any case have the option to do. Despite the fact that this might be valid for some this isn't generally the situation. Charge cards are unsafe not exclusively to the American people’s funds yet in addition the economy. Charge cards are the main purpose behind close to home obligation and insolvency in America today due to almost no comprehension of loan costs and the incorrect conviction that all is well with the world that claiming numerous cards gives. Most Americans have the craving for an increasingly advantageous way of life and charge card organizations make it so natural to get their cards that it has become a pattern in America for most families to have in any event at least five Mastercards per family. The high significance society has put on setting up credit has begun to open Americans’ eyes on how Mastercard use has affected their pockets monetarily just as the pockets of the main three significant credit agencies. Its an obvious fact that without Mastercards it is practically inconceivable for Americans to get certain things like holding lodgings, leasing a vehicle and, buying aircraft tickets. Americans have been sucked into the approaches of the Visa organizations. The tops three credit agencies, Transunion, Experian and Equifax all exist due to the necessities society puts on creating credit. These authorities have the ability to decide how much credit an individual has and if that individual is qualified for get any more credit. Credit departments decide if an individual gets a vehicle, home, or business advance creation it a need for the American buyer to achieve credit height by getting charge cards. In today’s society they are an unquestionable requirement have. Studies show that the United States family units have gotten roughly 5. billion new charge card offers in 2009. This push from the Visa organizations is forcing Americans to place such a high significance on utilizing Mastercards that numerous Americans are not halting to peruse and comprehend the agreements that they are marking. The stunning truth is that regardless of whether Americans were setting aside the effort to peruse the agreement, some would at present not comprehend what the agreement was really saying. On normal the United States charge card understanding is composed at a 12 evaluation level, if you don't mind note that most Americans who get a secondary school recognition read at a ninth grade level despite the fact that they got 12 years of instruction. The hardest card consent to peruse is from GTE Federal Credit Union. Their agreement is set at 18. 5 understanding level, which is the perusing level likeness somebody who has gone through over six years in school. The Mastercard organizations have such huge numbers of rules and difficult to comprehend terms with their card gets, that most Americans don't set aside the effort to investigate and comprehend the principles; this causes obligation and a lot of it. When the obligation is there the credit departments are bringing in cash since Americans need to pay to check their financial assessment. Americans today have a powerful urge for the straightforward way of life; charge cards give them the inclination that they are accomplishing this in view of the simplicity of spending and bogus thoughts of monetary security. The pitiful truth is that Visas are the main source of high obligation and chapter 11 in America. Indeed, on the off chance that somebody has great credit and are on time with the installment consistently they pay high intrigue if the full parity isn't forked over the required funds every month, which most Americans can't bear. A few Americans pay the insignificant sum every month. This is the credit companies’ greatest mess. The base installment is an intrigue just installment and doesn't diminish the loan’s head. On the off chance that they would crunch the numbers they would see that it would take 180 years or more to take care of their Visa obligation. That is a ludicrous measure of time. The United States absolute spinning obligation is $852. 6 billion as of March 2010, of which 98% is comprised of charge card obligation. The normal charge card obligation per family unit is $15,788. These insights are very high. This makes it more obvious how obligation is the main explanation Americans are enduring monetarily. The complete liquidation filings in 2009 arrived at 1. million, which is up from the 1. 09 million that was recorded in 2008. Americans are so consumed by the charge cards that an examination was done in 2006 by the United States Census Bureau that decided there were almost 1. 5 billion charge cards being used in America. A pile of every one of those cards would arrive at in excess of 70 miles into space and be nearly as tall as 13 Mount Everest as detailed by the New York Times on February 23, 2009. A significant factor in Mastercard obligation is the punishment expenses Americans are getting from card organizations. In 2009 punishment charges signified be 20. billion dollars as indicated by R. K. Mallet, an expert to the charge card industry. Beside the horrendous obligation cycle, another issue with Visas is misrepresentation. In today’s culture, individuals are not finding the fair neighbors and reliable dealers, found in past ages. Presently Americans have the World Wide Web or Internet, where buyers can purchase nearly anything they like with a few ticks, and, obviously, a Visa or MasterCard. This fast Internet has given today’s hoodlums a rapid way to take Visa data and transform a 780 FICO rating into a zero in practically no time. In 2009 the quantity of recognizable proof extortion casualties in the United States rose 12% to 11. 1 million, which is the most elevated level sense the Javelin review started in 2003. This misrepresentation has Americans picking their main dread today not as psychological oppression, wellbeing infections or individual security; it is extortion that they dread and worry about the most. This is negatively affecting Americans and gradually making them mindful that not every person is overall quite trusting. That, however it is executing the economy gradually. Americans are buying less in light of the fact that the dread of falling into obligation or turning into a casualty of extortion is turning into an undeniable situation. In an ongoing report done by Consumer Report Magazine in November 2009 studies demonstrated that 21% of customers said they were dealt with unreasonably with Visa organizations and 32% have paid off and shut their records. Half revealed the purpose behind dropping the records was the card backers climbing up their financing costs and forcing high record expenses. Likewise in the report 45% of all buyers said they are utilizing their cards less in light of the fact that they trust the charge card organizations less. A Javelin study acted in 2009 demonstrated Mastercard use has dove from 97% in 2007 to 72% in 2008, which is a 25% drop inside longer than a year. This obligation and misrepresentation is negatively affecting Americans and the economy, gradually Americans are buying less in light of the fact that the dread of charge card obligation or turning into a casualty of extortion is an undeniable life situation. Americans are beginning to gradually recollect and understand that what was once acquired must be taken care of and that on the off chance that they don't have the money for it, at that point maybe they needn't bother with it.

Arranged Marriages

Masterminded relationships: the issues that emerge from orchestrated relationships Arranged relationships. It has been a dubious subject all through time however many don't know about the issues that can emerge from them, yet in addition the preferences that masterminded relationships can bring. Initially, I might want to pressure that numerous individuals don't really comprehend the contrast between constrained relationships and orchestrated relationships, yet they are actually, two altogether different things. A constrained marriage is when (normally) a young lady is compelled to wed another man, regardless of whether she wouldn't like to, and regularly with a man she has not met with before.An orchestrated marriage is the point at which a marriage accomplice is chosen numerous years prior to the real marriage, however frequently the pair have met a few times previously and most young ladies are permitted to ‘pick’ their accomplice. In this sense, organized relationshi ps are significantly more liberal than constrained marriage, and we will be concentrating on these today. As indicated by insights, the normal level of organized relationships in the UK is around 5%, which is really a huge number looking at the situation objectively, yet why?Many individuals really think orchestrated relationships are more fruitful than standard relationships as everything is deliberately arranged out before hand, the relationship should be ‘more stable’. Separation rates inside organized relationships are additionally ordinarily lower than standard relationships. One specific news story recommends this is the situation due to the numerous elements that the guardians have thought of, for instance, life objectives, normal interests, and so on. Since the relationship isn't completely fuelled by affection and enthusiasm, masterminded marriage connections are regularly progressively steady, and frequently better long-term.Many guardians (not really in the U K) feel that orchestrated relationships are ‘safer’, as the guardians realize the accomplice better, and this assists with having the option to pick the most good accomplice for their youngster. Watching these numerous advantages, by and by I believe that this training ought to be permitted to proceed in the 21st century. The proof is certain that masterminded relationships don't in reality all outcome to aggressive behavior at home, no science or love between the couple, and so on however, can be a more secure and more sensible decision to marriage than ordinary marriages.Although this way isn't for everybody, I figure orchestrated relationships will work for other people, and really bring about lower separate from rates, and so forth. In any case, what precisely are the drawbacks and favorable circumstances of orchestrated relationships? As referenced previously, the upsides of orchestrated relationships incorporate a progressively steady relationship (prompting lower separate from rates), the danger of contrary connections are totally decreased, and the guardians on either side both realize every life partner better, which has numerous benefits.Although there are numerous focal points, there are likewise a couple of weaknesses, really including contradiction! Since the marriage isn't really an adoration marriage, it is anything but difficult to do not have the affection that may prop a marriage up! Additionally, numerous accomplices inside a masterminded marriage may really be more enticed to undermine their life partners, as there is no adoration or science inside the marriage! A masterminded marriage may likewise mean more impedance from the group of the accomplice, which could cause inconvenience and reluctance.Also, on the grounds that the overall population don't have a generally excellent assessment about organized relationships, this could cause mischief and low-self-assurance of the individual, as they could be looked downward on, and c rippled, through no deficiency of their own. Presently we have all the points of interest and weaknesses of masterminded relationships, the time has come to discover the real sentiments and contemplations of somebody who is in an organized marriage. For this reason, we have talked with somebody who is entirely a masterminded marriage, Aishwarya Dutta, 45, and who had an organized marriage in the UK.US: So you have had an orchestrated marriage? Promotion: indeed, I have in certainty been hitched, by an organized marriage. US: were you very against the thought from the outset? Advertisement: well, I was really not very energetic about the thought from the start, yet slowly, I understood that masterminded relationships were simply progressively consistent and basic you know the individual that you are going to remain with for a mind-blowing remainder, you know their folks, and I figured it would be much more agreeable for me than if I had an ordinary marriage? US: what's your opinion a bout your relationship?AD: I think our relationship is quite durable, it is absolutely not about affection and enthusiasm, yet that doesn't mean we are in a cold relationship! I feel truly good with my significant other, and I unquestionably have known him now, for an exceptionally lengthy timespan. I think an organized marriage positively has some drawn out advantages, for example, an increasingly steady relationship, and a relationship that is much progressively secure. Since we know the sentiments of somebody who is entirely an orchestrated marriage, it is the ideal opportunity for somebody who is foreseeing a masterminded union with be interviewed.We are going to talk with Heera Ahuja, 21 and in the blink of an eye wedded in 3 months. US: hi Heera, so what age did you discover you would have an orchestrated marriage? HA: so I discover I would have an organize marriage at 18, as I was leaving secondary school. US: what were your underlying musings when you discovered you would ha ve a masterminded marriage? HA: Honestly, when I initially discovered I would have a masterminded marriage, I was not actually very excited.I felt somewhat stunned, and I felt frustrated, nearly, in light of the fact that I had consistently envisioned wedding the adoration for my life, rather than somebody who I definitely know, and don’t precisely have affections for. US: have your musings changed in any capacity from that point forward? HA: indeed, they have unquestionably changed. I no longer feel miserable about this marriage, I think there will be some positive long haul benefits, in spite of the fact that I don’t feel the most energized for my marriage, I have no clue what it will resemble yet, so I will simply need to pause and see!Arranged relationships in the UK appear to be much increasingly liberal and loose, however we will view the masterminded relationships around the globe, and how they vary. Initially in India, the vast majority follow the orchestrated marriage framework, since they trust it ensures the family, economic wellbeing, and so forth. In spite of the fact that kid relationships used to be normal, they are presently canceled by law. Additionally, up until the 1950s, masterminded relationships were the standard in most Asian nations, in any case, during the ongoing 40 years, they have quickly diminished and love-relationships have increased.There are many organized relationships inside Jewish religions, Islamic religions, and so forth and most include meeting the accomplice in advance, gatherings with potential accomplices, and so forth. These relationships are regularly really fruitful, and have numerous upbeat endings. By and large, I think masterminded relationships are a bit much a terrible thing. By and by, I incline toward adoration marriage since it appears to be increasingly customary and directly for me, however I do think there are numerous points of interest to masterminded relationships that were referenced pre viously. I am not against orchestrated relationships, yet not really for it. Organized Marriages Organized relationships: the issues that emerge from masterminded relationships Arranged relationships. It has been a disputable subject all through time however many don't know about the issues that can emerge from them, yet additionally the favorable circumstances that organized relationships can bring. Right off the bat, I might want to pressure that numerous individuals don't really comprehend the distinction between constrained relationships and organized relationships, yet they are truth be told, two altogether different things. A constrained marriage is when (generally) a young lady is compelled to wed another man, regardless of whether she wouldn't like to, and regularly with a man she has not met with before.An orchestrated marriage is the point at which a marriage accomplice is chosen numerous years prior to the genuine marriage, however frequently the pair have met a few times previously and most young ladies are permitted to ‘pick’ their accomplice. In this s ense, organized relationships are much more liberal than constrained marriage, and we will be concentrating on these today. As indicated by measurements, the normal level of organized relationships in the UK is around 5%, which is really a huge number things being what they are, however why?Many individuals really think orchestrated relationships are more fruitful than customary relationships as everything is painstakingly arranged out before hand, the relationship should be ‘more stable’. Separation rates inside organized relationships are likewise ordinarily lower than normal relationships. One specific news story recommends this is the situation as a result of the numerous components that the guardians have thought of, for instance, life objectives, regular interests, and so forth. Since the relationship isn't completely fuelled by adoration and energy, organized marriage connections are regularly progressively steady, and frequently better long-term.Many guardians ( not really in the UK) feel that masterminded relationships are ‘safer’, as the guardians realize the accomplice better, and this assists with having the option to pick the most good accomplice for their kid. Watching these numerous advantages, by and by I believe that this training ought to be permitted to proceed in the 21st century. The proof is certain that orchestrated relationships don't in reality all outcome to abusive behavior at home, no science or love between the couple, and so on however, can be a more secure and more legitimate decision to marriage than customary marriages.Although this way isn't for everybody, I figure masterminded relationships will work for other people, and really bring about lower separate from rates, and so forth. However, what precisely are the detriments and points of interest of organized relationships? As referenced previously, the upsides of masterminded relationships incorporate an increasingly steady relationship (prompting low er separate from rates), the danger of contradictory connections are totally decreased, and the guardians on either side both realize every mate better, which has numerous benefits.Although there are numerous preferences, there are likewise a couple of drawbacks, air conditioning

What It Feels Like to No Longer Worry About Money

What It Feels Like to No Longer Worry About Money Growing up in a poor neighborhood with a single mom was not, as they say, childs play. Drinking and drugs and familial anarchy permeated the walls of our cockroach-infested apartment. Not to mention all the baggage that comes with that lifestyle: discontent, anxiety, uncertainty, depression. To add insult to injury, we were broke. Like, flat broke. Dead broke. Poor as church mice. I’d have to remove my shoes to count how many times our electricity got shut off on Warren Street. By the time adulthood was at my doorstep, I thought if I  made enough money, I could circumvent Mom’s path; I could somehow achieve happiness (or at least finance it). So I spent my twenties traversing the corporate ladder. Fresh out of high school, I skipped the whole college route and instead found an entry-level sales job with a corporation that “let” me work six, sometimes seven, days a week, ten to twelve hours a day. I wasn’t great at it, but I learned how to get byâ€"and then how to get better. I bought a big-screen TV, a surround-sound system, and a stack of DVDs with my first big commission check. By 19 I was making over $50,000 a year, twice as much as Id ever seen Mom bring home, but I was spending even more, racking up the credit-card debt.  I obviously needed the three Ms in my life: Make. More. Money. So I worked harder, much harder, and after a series of promotionsâ€"store manager at 22, regional manager at 24â€"I was, at age 27, the youngest director in the companys 140-year history. Id become a fast-track career man, a personage of sorts. Which meant that if I worked really hard, and if everything happened exactly like it was supposed to, then I could be a vice president by 32, a senior vice president by 35 or 40, and a C-level executiveâ€"CFO, COO, CEOâ€"by 45 or 50, followed of course by the golden parachute. I’d have it made then! I’d just have to be miserable for a few more years, to drudge through the corporate politics and bureaucracy that I knew so well. Just keep climbing and dont look down. And so I didnt look down; I looked up. And what I saw was terrifying “You shouldn’t ask a man who earns $20,000 a year how to make a hundred grand, a  successful businessman once told me.  Perhaps this apothegm holds true for discontented men and happiness, as well. All these guys I emulatedâ€"the men I most wanted to be like, the VPs and executivesâ€"were not happy. In fact, they were miserable. Don’t get me wrong, they werent bad people, but their careers had changed them, altered them physically and emotionally: theyd explode with anger over insignificant inconveniences; theyd scowl with furrowed brows and complain constantly as if the world was conspiring against them, or theyd feign sham optimism which fooled no one; they were on their second or third or fourth(!) marriages; and they almost all seemed lonely, utterly alone in a sea of yes-men and -women. Don’t even get me started on their health issues. I’m talking serious health issues: obesity, gout, cancer, heart attacks, high blood pressure, you name it. These guys were plagued with every ailment associated with stress and anxiety. Some even wore it as a kind of morbid badge of honor, as if it was noble or courageous or something. A coworker, a good friend of mine on a similar trajectory, had his first heart attack when I was 28. He had just turned 30. But I was going to be the exception, right? Really? What makes me so different? Simply saying I was different didnt make me different. Everyone says they’re different, says they’ll do things differently, says things’ll be different when I’m in charge, just need to sacrifice a few more weeks/months/years until I make it there. But then we get there, wherever there may be, and then what? We don’t work less. If anything, we work more. More hours, more demand, more responsibility. We are dogs thrashing in the collars of our own obligations. On call like doctors, fumbling through emails and texts and phone calls on the go, tethered to our technology. But unlike doctors, we’re not saving anyone. Hell, we can’t even save ourselves. You see, money didnt grant these men happiness; money didnt bring them a sense of security. The pursuit of moneyâ€"the blind quest for moreâ€"crippled them, transmogrified  them, actually made them less secure. I knew guys who earned half a million a year but who were such a financial mess that they couldnt get a loan for a Toyota Corolla. And all these men had one other thing in common: many moons ago, they too thought theyd be different. Like them, I figured once I achieved a certain level of success, as soon as Id made it,  Id no longer need to worry about money. But the truth is that, back on Warren Street, it wasnt the lack of money that made us poor. No, Mom and I were poor because of poor decisions. Repeated poor decisions. These days I earn far fewer greenbacks, but my decisions are better. Last year, as a 31-year-old indie author, I brought home less money than my 19-year-old commission-check-earning selfâ€"way less actually. But I also paid off debt, traveled the country, felt more secure. Most importantly, I didnt worry about money. So I guess this is what it feels like to no longer worry about moneyâ€"a feeling I didnt need to earn a pile of cash to feel.  It turns out that repeated good decisionsâ€"not moneyâ€"allow us to let go of the worry that plagues us.  Once I let go of the worry, I had nothing to worry about. What It Feels Like is an excerpt from  Everything That Remains.

hiroshima and nagasaki -why did the u.s. use the atomic...

Why did the U.S. use the atomic bomb? The years leading up to World War II and the dropping of the atomic bombs were hectic and disordered, from the rise of Hitler in 1933, U.S. isolationism in 1934, to the death of U.S. President Roosevelt. The war showed no signs of ending and the security and freedom of nations around the world were in danger. Order was nowhere to be found, and the decision to even consider using the atomic bomb was unpreventable. The U.S. used the atomic bomb because it was the only way Japan would surrender, the world wanted to end the war as soon as possible with as little casualties as possible, and because of resentful feelings toward Japan. Japan often fought until the last man standing†¦ the atomic bomb was†¦show more content†¦It is debated however whether Japan would have surrendered without the catastrophic aid of the bombs. There were numerous attacks that would have eventually prompted Japan to give in. Any sane government would have surrendered after Iwo Jima, a deadly battle where 27,000 Japanese fought against 70,000 U.S marines†¦an inevitable loss for Japan. Nonetheless, the power of the bomb had convinced the world of its horror it even amazed its inventors. The surrender of Japan was not the only thing that compelled the use of the bombs. President Truman knew that they would have eventually given in, but he had them dropped anyway â€Å"as a way of scaring the Communist Soviet Union into peaceful post-war behavior† (Collier, 81). The bomb impressed them and stopped them from asking for joint occupation of Japan. This was a major feat because that is the major reason why Russia joined the war hastily in 1945 in the first place. They sensed a victory for the U.S and perhaps the spoils of war for themselves. The Allies agreed to conditional surrender in order to save the lives of thousands of Japanese and Americans. More people would have died if Japan were invaded than dropping the bomb at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Government and military officials knew that attacking on the Japanese mainland would be gruesome because of relentless willpower to win. Kamikaze planes, planes meant to beShow MoreRelatedThe Atomic Bomb Is It Really Justified?1627 Words   |  7 PagesThe Atomic Bomb, was it really justified? On August 6, 1945, after forty-four months of increasingly brutal fighting in the Pacific, an American B-29 bomber loaded with a devastating new weapon flew in the sky over Hiroshima, Japan waiting for a signal. Minutes later the signal was given, that new weapon, the atomic bomb, was released. Its enormous destructive energy detonated in the sky, killing one hundred thousand Japanese civilians instantly. Three days later, on August 9, 1945, the UnitedRead MoreThe Unjustified Use of Atomic Bombs on Japan865 Words   |  4 Pages7, 1941 Japan launched a surprise attack on a U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii with the possibility of forcing the U.S. to join World War II. About 2,400 Americans were dead, 21 ships had been sunk, and 188 aircrafts were destroyed. On August 6 and 9 of 1945, the U.S. retaliated and dropped two atomic bombs called Fat Man and Little Boy on the Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The U.S. was not justified in dropping the atomic bombs on Ja pan because of the locations that were bombedRead MoreThe Nuclear Attack On Nagasaki1315 Words   |  6 Pagesis explore to what extent, the 1945 nuclear attack on Nagasaki was necessary in ending the Asia - Pacific War; to do this, the military grounds of the nuclear attack on Nagasaki will be examined. In order to analyse this, it is vital to highlight President Truman s official military reasons for using the atomic bomb, why detonating the bomb was preferred to invasion, and why Nagasaki was chosen as a target so soon after the first atomic bomb. With reference to opposing views, it s vital to understandRead MoreThe Hiroshima Attack On September 6th Failed1458 Words   |  6 Pageslives; he saw the bombs will completely destroy Japan s power to create war...† (Harry S. Truman, 1945) The Hiroshima attack on August 6th failed to be decisive: Japan did not surrender, nor did it seemed pressured by the nuclear attack, according to the U.S. (Harry S. Truman, 1945) Nagasaki was considered vital, because it was a major harbour, a densely populated area and residential to a lucrative trade industry, namely, Mitsubishi manufacturing company’s; increasing the bomb s harmful potentialRead MoreAtomic Bombs On Hiroshima And Nagasaki844 Words   |  4 Pagesdropped atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki killing nearly 200,000 people. This resulted in Japans surrender in World War II. J. Samuel Walker analyzes this historical event in his book Prompt and Utter Destruction: Truman and the Use of Atomic Bombs. Over the past 70 years’ extensive research has been conducted and there is an understanding that Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bombs is inconclusive. It is impossible to determine that the use of the bomb was the quickestRead MoreHiroshima And Nagasaki Bombing Of Hiroshima1206 Words   |  5 PagesWar Two Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombing The Bombing In 1945, the US dropped 2 atomic bombs on the cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, causing hundreds of thousands civilian deaths. Some people say that this act helped to end the world war and save more lives, but others think that it was not needed and wasn t the cause of the Japanese surrender. Sequence of Events 5th August 1945 President gives approval to use bombs 6th August 1945 Bombing of Hiroshima 9th August 1945 Bombing of Nagasaki 15th AugustRead MoreThe Atomic Bombs in Japan1373 Words   |  6 PagesOn August 6th, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima without any precedent. The explosion viciously destroyed four square miles of the city and killed 90,000 and injured 40,000. (Weber, â€Å"Was Hiroshima Necessary?†) Three days later, a second atomic bomb stroked the city of Nagasaki which killed approximately 37,000 people and injured 43,000 (Weber, â€Å"Was Hiroshima Necessary?†). These actions of the United States still remain controversial today and the UnitedRead MorePearl Harbor Essay1748 Words   |  7 Pageson Pearl Harbour Focus Question: How did the attack on Pearl Harbour affect WWII? What significant reason did the Japanese choose to start a war with the United States? How did the surprise assault affect the surroundings of Pearl Harbour? The quotation of â€Å"issued Potsdam Declaration† had Japan to surrender, even if they did surrender why are the United States still deciding to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki? How has the results of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombing affect the lives of the survivorsRead MoreThe United States Was Justified For The Attack Of Hiroshima Essay1342 Words   |  6 Pagesattack to Hiroshima, Japan. The nuclear bomb was made in the south western for the sake of the United States under top mystery conditions. The Manhattan Project was constructed by Dr. Robert Oppenheimer who was a German Jew that fled from the Nazi party. For a long time, the Germans and Americans were in a race to finish the bomb first. It was viewed as a stupendous achievement when on July 1945, in the New Mexico betray, the primary nuclear bomb exploded in a trial. On August 6, 1945, an atomic bombRead MoreThe Atomic Bomb Is Not A Military Necessity1210 Words   |  5 PagesAmerican generals, Leahy, Macarthur, and Eisenhower, stated the dropping of the atomic bomb â€Å"was not a military necessity.† Japan was already struggling greatly to maintain itself, and they felt that it would fall soon. Leahy even went as far as to say that a continuation of the blockade of Japan and bombings would have been enough to bring Japan to its knees. These generals acknowledged the efficiency of the atomic bomb, but could not reconcile that efficiency to the devastating consequences. Two

ESL Lesson Plan to Teach the Future Tenses Going to and Will

Making the choice to use will or going to is difficult for many ESL students. This lesson focuses on providing context for students so that they can understand the basic difference between something that is planned for the future (use of going to) and a spontaneous decision (use of will). Students first study a short dialog and answer some questions. After this, students give answers to a number of questions which elicit either will or going to. Finally, students get together for some small talk to practice. ESL Lesson Plan Aim: Developing a deeper understanding of the use of the future with will and going toActivity: Dialog reading, follow-up questions, small talkLevel: lower-intermediate to intermediate Outline: Start the lesson by asking some questions with will and going to. Be sure to mix the questions up. For example:​Â  What do you think will happen at school tomorrow?, What are you going to do after school today?, What will you do if you dont understand this lesson?, Where are you going to travel on your next vacation?Ask students to reflect on the questions you asked. Which forms did you use? Can they explain why?Pass out the dialog and ask the students to read through and answer the questions.As a group, correct the questions and ask students to explain why certain questions used will and others going to. A further possibility is to ask students to highlight the sections of the dialog that used will and those that used going to. Ask them to explain why.Have students write out answers to the question sheet. Go around the room to help individual students and check that students are answering using the correct form.As a class, elicit answers from various students. When appropria te, ask students to elaborate on their answers in order to give them a further chance to use these forms.Ask students to use the small talk questions with each other in pairs or in small groups. Optional homework:Â  Ask students to prepare a short paragraph on their future plans for study, hobbies, marriage, etc. (Use of going to). Ask them to write out a few predictions about the future of their lives, the country, the current political party, etc. (future with will) Dialogue Exercise 1: The Party Martha: What horrible weather today. Id love to go out, but I think it will just continue raining.Jane: Oh, I dont know. Perhaps the sun will come out later this afternoon.Martha: I hope youre right. Listen, Im going to have a party this Saturday. Would you like to come?Jane: Oh, Id love to come. Thank you for inviting me. Whos going to come to the party?Martha: Well, a number of people havent told me yet. But, Peter and Mark are going to help out with the cooking!Jane: Hey, Ill help, too!Martha: Would you? That would be great!Jane: Ill make lasagna!Martha: That sounds delicious! I know my Italian cousins are going to be there. Im sure theyll love it.Jane: Italians? Maybe Ill bake a cake...Martha: No, no. Theyre not like that. Theyll love it.Jane: Well, if you say so... Is there going be a theme for the party?Martha: No, I dont think so. Just a chance to get together and have fun.Jane: Im sure itll be lots of fun.Martha: But Im going to hire a clown!Jane: A clown! Youre kidding me.Ma rtha: No, no. As I child, I always wanted a clown. Now, Im going to have a clown at my own party.Jane: Im sure everyone will have a good laugh.Martha: Thats the plan! Follow-Up Questions What do they think about the weather?What does Martha have to share?What are Peter and Mark going to do?What does Jane offer to do?How does Jane react to the news about the Italian cousins?What special plan is there?Why does Martha want a clown?Does Martha know exactly how many people are going to come? If yes, how many. If not, why not?How does Jane think people will react to the clown?Is there a theme for the party? Dialogue Exercise 2: Questions Tell me about your future plans for work or study.What important event do you think will happen soon?Your friend needs some help with some homework. What do you say?Tell me about your plans for this coming summer.Complete this sentence: If I dont understand this exercise ...What do you think future English lessons will be about?

Erp vs Legacy System Free Essays

string(120) " of the need for legacy systems to persist in the organization according to varying degrees \(Holland and Light 1999\)\." Ng, Martin M. T. , School of Computing, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 2 Singapore 117543, ngmongth@yahoo. We will write a custom essay sample on Erp vs Legacy System or any similar topic only for you Order Now com. sg Tan, Michael T. K. , School of Computing, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 2 Singapore 117543, mtan@comp. nus. edu. sg Abstract Being hailed as possessing the ability to â€Å"drive effective business reengineering and management of core and support processes†, it is not surprising that Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have been adopted by more than 60% of Fortune 500 companies as at the turn of the century.In contrast, negative connotations have been commonly known to be attached to legacy systems and inhouse developed systems. But yet, some of these legacy systems are not replaced when companies adopt ERP solutions while in-house systems still continue to be developed. This research employs symbolic interactionism as the informing theoretical perspective in an ethnography study of a large government authority in Singapore.Our findings surprisingly indicate that the IS professionals supporting the systems tend to attach rather negative symbols to their SAP system, while viewing their legacy system and in-house software development work in a more favorable light. In this paper, we first describe the different symbolism that has been attached over the years to the ERP vis-a-vis legacy system. We then highlight how certain of the early symbols gradually got sedimented over time, while others did not exhibit similar permanence and presence.As a result of such symbolic realities, we demonstrate the consequent differences in attitudes of the staff involved in ERP support vis-a-vis legacy and in-house system supp ort. Keywords: Symbolic interactionism, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), legacy system. 1 INTRODUCTION ERP solutions are commercial software packages (â€Å"integrated suites†) that enable the integration of transaction oriented data and business processes throughout an organization (Davenport 1998).By 2000, more than 60% of Fortune 500 companies have adopted ERP packages and this is a trend that is increasingly embraced by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as they realize the cost effectiveness and competitive necessity to follow suit (Klaus, 2000). Boston-based AMR Research estimates that the ERP market will grow from $19. 8 billion to $31. 4 billion in 2006 at a compound annual growth rate of 10 percent (Surmacz, 2002).This widespread adoption is largely the result of ERP packages being hailed as possessing the ability to â€Å"drive effective business reengineering and management of core and support processes† (Al Mashari, 2002). In fact, Davenport (1998) describes them as being the â€Å"most important development in the corporate use of in formation technology in the 1990s†. In contrast, legacy systems have been described as having a â€Å"consequentially negative impact on competitiveness† (Brodie and Stonebraker, 1995) while being â€Å"non-maintainable and inflexible† (O’Callaghan, 1999).As more organizations follow the trend of implementing ERP packages, there is increasing interest to study the factors determining the places that existing legacy and in-house developed systems are left to occupy within the organization. This is made all the more relevant in view of the negative connotations often attached to these systems. However, it is a well-known fact that some legacy systems are not replaced when companies adopt the ERP solutions (Themistocleous and Irani, 2001), while in-house systems still continue to be developed.While risks and time involved have been highlighted as possible reasons for the non-replacement of legacy systems, little attention has been paid to the process issues (Markus and Tanis, 2000) as well as the sym bolic meanings attached to the ERP vis-a-vis legacy systems. Many researchers have highlighted the fact that extant literature has focused on the early stages of the ERP lifecycle – the implementation phase (Esteves and Pastor, 2001; Bancroft, 1996).While it is recognized that there are many stakeholders involved throughout the ERP lifecycle, as more organizations go live, they face â€Å"the challenge of maintaining these costly systems† (Ng, 2001). This has resulted in increased recognition for research effort to be placed on the impact of the relationship between IT support staff and their information systems. As such, this study will focus primarily on the perspectives of the IT support staff. In this study, we investigate the relative positions of the ERP ackage vis-a-vis the legacy and inhouse developed systems existing within a large government authority in Singapore by noting the difference in attitudes of IT support personnel towards the systems. In particular, we adopt symbolic interactionism as the informing theoretical perspective. Doing so allows this study to differ from prior research, providing valuable insights through the use of a fresh perspective that has been underutilized in IS research, in spite of its obvious theoretical strengths (Prasad 1993). THE ERP VERSUS LEGACY SYSTEMS DEBATE Over the years, ERP has served as a powerful and comprehensive tool in aiding organizations on managing their businesses. In fact, it can be regarded as one of the most innovative developments in the information technology of the 1990s, exhibiting both pervasiveness and prominence. Despite the large installed base of ERP systems, academic research in this area is relatively new and related publications within the IS academic community are only now emerging.Much of the existing literature consists of articles or case studies in business press or in practitioner focused journals, while new fields of knowledge remain yet to be explored – with â€Å"process† and â€Å"human† issues being especially pertinent. 2. 1 The Issue of Legacy Systems Given the potential benefits of ERP, many firms have been trying to standardize their IT environment by deploying ERP packages to replace legacy systems that had been built on outdated technologies (Ross and Vitale, 2000).Further accentuating this trend is the conventional view that such systems â€Å"resist modification and evolution to meet business requirements† (Brodie and Stonebraker, 1995). On the other hand, it has also been argued that ERP packages have in fact failed to achieve application integration and 38 percent of companies who adopt these ERP solutions do not replace their legacy systems (Themistocleous, Irani and O’Keffe, 2001).Specifically, ERP packages do not seem to be able to â€Å"cover all the business processes of an enterprise† and as such, organizations typically do not â€Å"abandon all their existing applications when adopting ERP solutions† (Schonefeld and Vering, 2000). Indeed, there is an increasing recognition of the need for legacy systems to persist in the organization according to varying degrees (Holland and Light 1999). You read "Erp vs Legacy System" in category "Papers" In spite of this need for co-existence between the systems, ERP packages are however not designed to be incorporated with existing systems (Schonefeld and Vering, 2000). . 2 Symbolism at Work? Against this paradoxical backdrop, it is common knowledge that many ERP implementations are associated with a â€Å"mythmaking† process whereby the incoming ERP package is usually slated to be the â€Å"ideal system† while the outgoing legacy systems are usually attached with the title of a â€Å"dying system† (Alvarez, 2000). In fact, during the implementation process of the ERP packages, legacy systems have sometimes been â€Å"constructed† by the organization to assume such a â€Å"dying system† identity in order to facilitate the transition (Alva rez, 2000).In the same way, it is frequently thought that IT support personnel would view being assigned to provide ERP support as â€Å"ideal† while doing in-house development work and providing legacy system support would be a â€Å"dying† responsibility. Clearly, there is much symbolism at work in the implementation, use and support of ERP systems within organizations. Gaining an appreciation of such symbolism may therefore yield new and interesting insights in this ERP arena. 2. 3 Roadmap of PaperTo further contribute to the ERP-legacy systems debate, the rest of this paper will proceed as follows. We first elaborate on our choice of symbolic interactionism as the theoretical perspective for this study. Next, we outline the research questions and explain our choice of ethnography (appropriately informed by the symbolic interactionism) as the strategy of inquiry for this study. Our case study findings of a large government authority in Singapore are then presented.We conclude with implications for research and practice. 3 SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM Over the years, there has been increasing interest in the role of symbolism within organizations in general (Turner, 1990) and of the symbolic nature of computers and IT in particular (Prasad, 1993). In IS literature, prominent researchers have also similarly recognized the importance of symbolism when organizational and technological contexts intersect (e. g. Hirschheim and Newman, 1991). However, symbolism interactionism as a theoretical perspective has been largely underutilized and there have been few noteworthy organizational studies in IS literature that explicitly use the interactionist perspective (e. g. , Gopal and Prasad, 2000). Together with phenomenology and hermeneutics, symbolic interactionism is one of several interpretive approaches to social science research. Developed largely by Blumer (1969) and Mead 1934), symbolic interactionism is a long standing methodological tradition described as a study of the ways in which people assign meanings to objects and events in the course of everyday social interaction. Having evolved over the years by researchers like Maines (1977) and Stryker (1981), symbolic interactionism is now an influential school of thought in social science research (Prasad, 1993) and is employed in multiple fields of management including organizational behaviour (Vaught and Weihagen, 1991) and organizational change (Prasad, 1993).Such a perspective recognizes peoples’ capacities for adjustive reflectivity with 3 basic assumptions (Blumer 1969): †¢ That human beings act towards things on the basis of the meanings that these things have for them †¢ That the meanings of suc h things are derived from, and arise out of, the social interaction that one has with one’s fellows †¢ That these meanings are handled in, and modified through, an interpretive process used by the person in dealing with the things he encounters In this research, symbolic interactionism is particularly appropriate as a theoretical perspective to study the ERP versus legacy system issue because it â€Å"simultaneously emphasizes both process issues and the roles of meaning and symbols† (Prasad, 1993). These process issues are important when considering how the symbols and meanings attached by IT support personnel to the various systems come to be â€Å"sedimented† over time. The sedimentation process itself is worth investigating because how these symbols come to be impressed upon the actor is usually as important as, if not more so than, the symbols themselves. 4 RESEARCH STUDY This paper reports on a field study in which the first author was immersed in the organizational context of a large government authority (henceforth referred to as the â€Å"Authority†) in Singapore during a critical decision-making period. 4. 1 Research SiteSince beginning operations in the mid 1900s, the Authority has prided itself in being recognized as a major global hub in the transportation industry. Having more than 10 divisions, the Authority employs around 2000 people. Given the increasing need to integrate their operations, the Authority implemented the SAP R/2 system in the early 1990s to replace some functions of its legacy system. Only the Materials Management (MM) and Finance modules were implemented. Certain core modules like the Human Resource (HR) applications were not incorporated into the package. Instead, this functionality was left to the responsibility of the in-house developed legacy systems. In 1998, the Authority upgraded the R/2 system to the newer R/3 system in view of the impending Year 2000 (Y2K) problem. Even then, the HR functionality was still left unimplemented. In early 2003, the decision to upgrade the R/3 package to a newer version was shelved, in spite of requests to do so to accommodate communication with external government systems. Instead, the Authority has taken upon itself to do in-house development of a scheduling system whose functionalities can actually be provided by the SAP system with some customizations made. It is said that management will review the decision to upgrade the SAP system sometime in the first half of 2004. 4. 2 Research Questions The following research questions were developed after two weeks of reliminary observations at the Authority with the intention of addressing the aforementioned gaps in the existing literature: 1) What symbols did the IT support staff attach to the ERP package vis-a-vis the legacy and inhouse developed sys tems? 2) How did the manifestation of the symbols impact the organization as a whole? 4. 3 Symbolic Interactionist Ethnography As mentioned earlier, this study uses symbolic interactionism as the theoretical perspective to guide the research. However, as a theoretical perspective, symbolic interactionism does not offer any guidance as to the actual conduct of the research methods, and this is where we select ethnography as the strategy of inquiry for the study.Ethnographic research comes from the disciplines of cultural and social anthropology. It requires the immersion of the ethnographer into the life-worlds of the people being studied. Observation, participant-observation, and interviews are the three sources of data that an ethnographer will rely on to achieve intimate familiarity within the settings (Prus, 1996). In this study, there is a need for the researcher to be immersed in the naturalistic setting of the research site for a significant amount of time so that he/she can observe the phenomenon in its social/cultural context. Ethnography is therefore an appropr iate approach for such research (Lewis, 1976). With symbolic interactionism as the informing theoretical perspective for this study, it is imperative that the chosen strategy of inquiry respects the intersubjective nature of human group life and maintains a coherence with the researcher’s hermeneutic viewpoint (Prus, 1996). An ethnographic approach satisfies this by allowing the researcher the opportunity to be immersed in the life-world of the actors being studied and hence be appreciative of the interpersonal exchanges on a firsthand basis. This allows for the researcher to be more attentive to the ongoing social interactions of the actors. 4. 4 Research Methods For almost three months earlier this year, the first author was immersed in day-to-day activities at the Authority (he also had a similar immersion the previous year albeit not in a formal research capacity).During this period, he worked in the Information Systems (IS) department, whose function is to oversee project implementation of back-end systems (including the ERP package) and to ensure the smooth daily operations of these systems. Such an attachment provided many opportunities for interactions with IT support staff maintaining the various systems. Data collection consisted of observation, participant-observation and interviews (Prus, 1996). Pre-arranged semi-structured interviews were carried out with 18 personnel consisting of employees from the IS department as well as end-users from the Finance and Internal Audit departments (in particular, focusing on employees who had been present since the pre-R/3 days).The focus was set on trying to understand the interviewee’s experiences with the information systems as well as to identify any symbolisms that they attach to the system. Information was also gathered from informal chats and minutes taken from meetings, memos, correspondence letters as well as other official documents pertaining to the SAP package’s usage and maintenance. This vital source of data, drawn out from the Authority’s archives, was instrumental in providing a valuable insight which allowed for a review of the events that took place during the early years of the SAP package’s usage. The next four months were spent off-site but there were continuing regular interactions with various members of the Authority to clarify various research findings prior to writing this final ethnographic account.Data analysis was performed employing Emerson, Fretz and Shaw’s (1995) recommendations of the initial open coding by going through the fieldnotes in an attempt to identify and formulate ideas and themes. This was followed by focused coding where the core theme was built up and elaborated. 5 5. 1 RESEARCH FINDINGS Multiple Symbols: ERP package vis-a-vis Legacy and In-house developed systems To begin, it is important to note that the IT support staff tends to attach multiple symbols to the ERP package as well as the legacy and in-house developed systems, as tabulated in Table 1. SYMBOLS Misalignment Distrust Uncontrollability Potential Extravagance Hindrance Efficiency Pride Commitment ExclusivityERP PACKAGE PRE-R/3 POST-R/3 Not in line with corporate vision (but in line with work process objectives); Not cost-saving, profit-generating or customer-facing Doubt and disbelief that the ERP package can take on the responsibility of the legacy and in-house systems Inability to customize the ERP â€Å"†¦tied in to the supplier†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Indicates package to fit current user that they are â€Å"at the [supplier’s] requirements, â€Å"like a monster† mercy† Gate way to a better career; Untapped capabilities, â€Å"like an ocean Stepping stone for future [full of possibilities]† organizational/IT improvements Excessiveness and waste of resources Viewed as a major obstacle in the IS professional’s career path Integration; Speeding up of work Similar to the pre-R/3 period, albeit processes; Better use of resources; exerting less prominence, possessing Data collection on site more of a residual impression Recognition as an expert of a highly sought-after system (esp during ERP’s boom years) Obligation to stay on with package, high switching costs, â€Å"marriage without a divorce† – LEGACY IN-HOUSE SYSTEMS – – Capable; Necessary for effective operations Masterpiece; Ownership Sense of responsibility and dedication to its own system Functionalities that cannot be performed by the ERP package, â€Å"the one and only† Table 1. Table of prominent symbols The symbols to describe the ERP packag e can be classified based on two time frames: the pre- and post-R/3 years.The symbols identified during the pre-R/3 years represent those attached to the package during a period of change and transition. In contrast, there was a clear transition to the postR/3 years which represented a time when the system was already well-established within the Authority and there were few major changes made to it. As noted by a senior Information Systems manager: â€Å"Before the system was upgraded to the present R/3 [system], there were so many problems. Users tried to tweak the system and so many changes were made. And even then, it didn’t really come out right. In the end, most of them just entirely left out that function†¦. It took many years after the [initial] implementation before the project could be said to be completed.In contrast, the upgrade to the R/3 system was very fast†¦about 9 months† The symbols from the pre-R/3 days are determined mainly from comments from members of the implementation team as well as from documents obtained from the Authority’s registry. In accordance with the four-phase model proposed by Markus and Tanis (2000), these symbols reflect the sentiments towards the systems mainly during the Shakedown phase of the ERP package, as well as the occasional comments taken during the Project Chartering and Project phases. These symbols were attached to the systems when the ERP package was still in a period of constant change and upgrades. Not surprisingly, the expressed sentiments veered on both positive and negative extremes.Some of the more prominent symbols during this period and as described in greater detail in Table 1: Efficiency, Potential, Uncontrollability and Distrust. The symbols from the post-R/3 years are a reflection of the support staffs’ impressions of the system during the Onward and Upward phase. Some of the symbols exhibit strong levels of permanence, crossing over from the pre-R/3 period to the post-R/3 period. Yet others simply fail to â€Å"sediment† and disappear with the upgrade. These symbols are plainly visible from the speech and behaviour of the support staff – clearly, their sentiments have turned more negative in spite of the system being more â€Å"established†. Prominent symbols: Extravagance, Hindrance and Misalignment.The symbols attached to the legacy and in-house developed systems are representative of the impressions support staff currently have of the systems in comparison to the SAP package. Clearly, they seem to take quite a bit of pride in their own â€Å"handiwork†, in contrast to the failings of the commercially-developed SAP package. Prominent symbols: Pride, Exclusivity and Commitment. 5. 2 Temporal meanings of Symbolic Representations Having identified the multiple symbols attached to the systems, it is imperative to note that different symbols signify different meanings to different people. Symbolic interactionists recognize the need to identify and differentiate these meanings. Mumford Weir (1979) and Pava (1983) have demonstrated this when writing about how the turmoil and chaos people attach to computerization have different meanings. They also give recognition to the importance of identifying the different local meanings of the symbols identified. In this study, we find that beyond such local meanings, different symbols also signify different meanings at different times. Between the pre-R/3 years and the post-R/3 years, the differences in the meaning of the various symbols also serve as a demonstration of the difference in impression of the ERP package during a time of change versus a time when the system is considered generally established.By noting the symbols in the two time frames (tabulated accordingly in Table 1), it can be seen that while some symbols persisted (with/without changes to the meanings), others failed to do so. Such changes, coupled with the fact that there are more negative symbols attached to the ERP package, clearly indicate an im provement of the â€Å"status† of the legacy and in-house systems relative to the ERP package. 5. 3 Sedimentation of Symbols The study of the sedimentation process of the symbols is as important, if not more so, as the identification of the symbols themselves and their temporal meanings. This focus is supported by theorists like Fine (1992) who argue that attention should be directed to the forces resulting in the attachment of the symbols to the various subjects.At any one time, there are multiple symbols attached to the systems (as demonstrated in the earlier section) but only those that exhibit a degree of persistence and presence will develop into organizational realities. Certain symbols exhibit a strong presence within a given time frame, but fail to persist as the system undergoes a transition. In the case of the Authority, there were four main processes and forces that proved to be instrumental in determining the persistence and presence of the various symbols. They are management influence, innovation fit, external forces and interaction with users. 5. 3. 1 Result of management influence Top management influence has long been an influencing factor on the implementation phases and the usage phases of any organizational system (Nah, Lau and Kuang, 2001).In the case of the Authority, it was apparent among the support staff of the Authority that the sedimentation of negative symbols like hindrance were largely dependent on management’s impression of the system and the subsequent (lack of) recognition for efforts of the support staff. A system analyst commented, â€Å"[The SAP system] is not a good thing to go into because management does not recognize the work that you do. † This impression was the result of attributing the obstacle in one’s career path to that of supporting the ERP package which did not win the favor of management. In contrast, during the boom years of the ERP package, management viewed the system favorably, resulting in the symbolic representation of potential being sedimented as a popular opini on among the support staff. By this, they attached the meaning of a gateway to a better career to the system. One of the visions of the Authority is to provide outstanding service to its customers. Being a backend system, management did not consider the ERP package to be aligned with the corporate vision in contrast with other customer-facing applications which were viewed in a relatively better light. This resulted in the sedimentation of negative symbols like misalignment. This was highlighted when one of the staff highlighted, â€Å"But [the ERP package] is not a customer-facing system and doesn’t help to make the customer’s experience here more pleasant. True, it is important for our work, but it’s not getting recognized [by management] like the rest of the front-end systems. † 5. 3. 2 Result of innovation fitInnovation fit is one of the main factors influencing the implementation of new technologies for improved operational efficiencies (Meyers et al. , 1999). This is also highlighted as one of the factors impacting the sedimentation of the symbolic representations, clearly demonstrated when considering the symbol extravagance. A support staff commented, â€Å"Actually the SAP system is better for manufacturing industries where they actually make use of all the modules throughout the production process. Over here, we only make use of the MM and Finance modules. As for the other modules, [we] never make use†¦very wasted. † 5. 3. 3 Result of external influence A significant number of symbols are the result of external factors like interactions with end-users as well as newspapers and magazines.Though not direct users of the ERP package, the IS professionals themselves were very much influenced by the comments of the end-users, so much so that most of them often consider the position of the end-users and take it as their own. For example, when trying to bring across the idea of efficiency, one senior system analyst stated, â€Å"[The ERP package] is a very efficient piece of software, that’s what all my end-users say†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The symbolic reality, commitment, was attached to the ERP package largely due to the external influence of the SAP vendor. The commitment that support staff attached to the ERP package took on the meaning of an obligation and reflected the high switching costs involved.From interviews with several IS professionals, it was found that a common term used to describe the Auth ority’s relationship with the ERP package was that of a â€Å"marriage which cannot be divorced†. This is in direct contrast to the meaning attached to the legacy system, where commitment was often a result of dedication and responsibility to the IS professional’s own creation. 5. 3. 4 Result of interaction with system The sedimentation of most of the symbols can also be largely attributed to the support staffs’ interaction with the systems. Through such daily interactions, opinions were formed and symbols became attached to the respective systems.A senior Information Systems manager present during the early stages of the ERP package provided an analogy which summarized her experience with the ERP package and clearly demonstrated the reason for her attachment of the symbol uncontrollability to the pre-R/3 package: â€Å"It’s like building a house which rest on the ground (original plan) but [the] owner wanted to modify [the] building by putting on stilts/legs. After much argument with the architect who strongly discouraged him to make the modifications, he got his stilts/legs to the house anyway. But through the months/years, the stubborn owner started to see more and more problems creeping into his modified house, and one day he’d to leave it before it collapsed. † 5. 4 Symbolic ManifestationAs noted by Prasad (1993), the â€Å"process of enactment, whereby symbolic realities mediate meaningful action, is a central concern of any research project† for symbolic interactionists. As such, this section will focus on the pre- and post-R/3 manifestation of the symbolic representations attached to the systems, which contribute to the â€Å"cause† of the events observed in the Authority. During the R/2 to R/3 upgrade phase in 1998, the Authority had the opportunity to incorporate the HR system as part of the ERP package but they chose not to do so. From an interview with an original member of the support team in charge of the upgrade, a reason cited was that they had â€Å"learnt their lesson of trying to customize the system†. This was clearly a case of the manifestation of uncontrollability.During the early implementation and usage of R/2, the Authority had actually attempted to customize the ERP package to fit their wor k processes but realized that the effort to do so resulted in problems which instead caused them to abandon several functionalities. Furthermore, the support staff exhibited a resistance to change because of a strong sense of pride, in this case, a sense of ownership over the particular HR legacy system as well as a belief in the exclusivity of the legacy system’s functionality. As such, the decision to incorporate the HR functionality did not receive much support from the support staff during the SAP package’s upgrade to the R/3 version.During the post-R/3 years, it was decided that an in-house development of a system, whose functionalities could actually have been provided by the ERP modules with customizations done, was to proceed in favor of the upgrade of the ERP package to a later version (which was actually required to facilitate communication with external government systems). On reflection, this decision may not be so surprising after all. The symbolic representation of extravagance tended to be associated with the ERP package. This was clearly the sentiment of a number of staff who comment ed that the upgrade was â€Å"too expensive†¦ no budget. † Furthermore, management felt that the need to upgrade the system could not be justified in terms of the returns they could expect. Another reason for the decision to shelve the upgrade was indicated by a member of the ERP support team.She indicated that one of the reasons acting against the decision to upgrade was because of the â€Å"fear of changing systems and usage of systems†. This is very much the symbol uncontrollability, once again manifesting itself among the support staff. A further demonstration of the manifestation of the symbolic realities within the Authority was apparent in the attitudes of the IS professionals. There was a clear motivation among members of the legacy support team who took pride in carrying out their maintenance job. To them, the system symbolized a commitment which they were prepared to stay back long hours to ensure the proper functioning of the system. In contrast, the support staff in charge of the ERP package failed to display a similar level of commitment. There was a general perception that the ERP package was a hindrance to the career path of the support team and, as a colleague described, that they were â€Å"stuck there†. Though the ERP package was also a commitment, the support staff saw this more as a problem with the lack of vendor support and a high switching cost. It was observed that the level of urgency to solve problems facing the ERP package was somewhat dependent on the ability to obtain vendor support, and it was apparent that these problems did not rank top among the priorities of the support staff. A consequence of this was the delay in conducting a feasibility study of the upgrade of the ERP package. Taking into consideration the negative ymbolisms that the IT support staff attached to their ERP package, further accentuated by the contrasting positive symbolisms attached to their other legacy and in-house developed systems, it is clear that the nature of the symbols attached to the information systems played im portant roles in determining the decisions in the abovementioned events. 6 DISCUSSION In this study, the combination of leveraging the theoretical strengths of symbolic interactionism (as a cognitive lens) and the empirical strengths of ethnography (as the strategy of inquiry) has allowed for a unique comparison of the relative positions of the ERP package vis-a-vis legacy and in-house developed systems within a particular organization. As Prasad (1993) recognized in his employment of symbolic interactionism, theoretical insights offered are more like â€Å"guiding propositions† than â€Å"testable hypotheses†. As such, the findings emerging from this study may not be â€Å"universally applicable statements†, but offer several empirically supported perspectives that aid in the understanding of the co-existence of the ERP package and legacy and in-house developed systems. These findings will be discussed in the context of implications for practitioners as well as researchers 6. 1 Implications for Practice This study suggests that the relative positions of co-existing systems are the result of the sedimentation forces that give rise to the manifestation of the symbolic realities within the organization. Management influence and technological fit have been highlighted as important implementation success factors (Meyers et al. , 1999).This study demonstrates that beyond the implementation phase, these factors are also important factors that management should consider as organizations enter the maintenance and usage phase of the ERP life cycle (Esteves and Pastor, 2001). While See (2001) has proposed a framework for ERP maintenance and upgrade decisions to consist of fundamental factors such as: ERP maintenance, availability of new versions and benefit-realization, this study suggests that symbolisms attached to the systems may constitute another important component of her framework. As demonstrated in this study, the symbols attached to the systems influenced the decision of upgrading and replacing the co-existing systems.Feldman (1989) notes that all too often, managers are liable of focusing on only the technical aspects when considering technological change processes. In doing so, they however, fail to recognize the symbolic aspects attached to the technologies. As such, this study highlights the importance of taking into consideration the social processes surrounding an organization’s information systems. In contrast to the popular belief that IS professionals would exhibit positive attitudes when supporting such high-profile and well-recognized systems like ERP packages, the support staff in charge of ERP support in our study instead reacted negatively to the SAP package.In comparison, the IS professionals supporting the legacy and in-house developed systems displayed positive attitudes, apparent from the high levels of motivation. This proves to be an important issue for organizations to note as the motivation levels of the support staff are usually important determinants of the organization’s productivity. 6. 2 Implications for Research This study suggests that symbolic interactionism, as a theoretical perspective, can be harnessed to achieve a deeper understanding of the various phases of the ERP package’s lifecycle, and at the same time contribute to the rising interest in the use of symbolism in organizational and technological research.This study also points the way to the employment of complementary theoretical perspectives, particularly those with a focus on community life as suggested by Prus (1996) to shed new light on this phenomenon. For example, interested researchers may wish to further employ the Actor Network, Critical Social and Structuration theories as intriguing lenses to study the complexities of the social processes surrounding the acceptance and resistance to the ERP package. 7 CONCLUSION The central message of the study is that the symbolic representations attached to the systems may have strong implications on the perpetuation and maintenance of the syste m. This is in line with the discussion of Feldman and March (1981) who suggest that â€Å"information technologies are used and introduced primarily for their symbolic value†.This is an especially important factor to consider when studying the legacy and in-house developed systems whose functionalities can be replaced by the incoming ERP package. Though IS literature has recognized the negative connotations usually attached to the outgoing systems, this study finds this to be not always accurate. As demonstrated in this study, the varying degrees of persistence of the legacy systems may not always be a result of time and risks, but could be due to the organizational impact of the symbolic representations attached to the systems. Another important point highlighted by this study is the differing attitudes of the IS professionals towards the support of the co-existing systems, as demonstrated by the symbolic realities they attach to the systems. How to cite Erp vs Legacy System, Papers

Poetry Essay Example For Students

Poetry Essay Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string. Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist. . To what extent are Emerson ideals reflected in contemporary American life (I. E. , movies, television shows, ordinary social behavior)? Are there any well-known personalities in America today who seem to embody Emerson ideal of self-reliance? The Rhoda 1. The poet finds the Rhoda hidden away in the woods, as if to please the desert and the sluggish brook. How do these facts relate to the question that prefaces the poem? The question of why the flower is hidden, its charm Wasted on the earth and sky, seems to be put aside by the poets saying, l never thought to ask, I never knew. Still, there is an answer in the poem. Sonnet 75 Is a lyric because it tells of the poets personal experience. Spencer writes this sonnet in the typical Patriarchal style. It is written in the pursuit of a woman whom he loves. The rhyme scheme coincides with the Patriarchal model. The whole sonnet reeks of the use of Imagery. The very opening lines, One day I wrote her name upon the strand, But came the waves and washed it away: create a Blvd Image of the sea-side. Other excerpts from the sonnet that produce a visual effect are decay, wiped out, die in dust, and in the heavens write your glorious name. While the first three evoke negative images, the last one paints a beautiful, fantastical picture In the mind. The short sonnet Incorporates alliteration very often, for instance, die in dust, verse your virtue, love shall live, later life, etc. The sounds that have been continuously been employed are /d/, w/ and Ill. Alliteration throughout is helping form the Images. The sound in waves and washed it away help create an au dio impact of the swishing waves. The repetitive d/ gives an ominous sound and is used for all such words, for example decay, die, death, etc. There Is also repetition of certain words. Vain appears twice in one line. Then, the concept of mortality is conveyed through mortal, immortality and eternity. The sonnet is rife with symbolism. The sea alludes to the distance that is between the lover and his beloved which Is causing pain to the lover. The writing on the sand refers to the lovers insistence on making a worldly impact on his beloved. The waves are a constant reminder of the cruelty of love, haunting again and again. By washing away the name of the beloved, the waves act as torrents of torture. The sea-side or beach also symbolizes a peaceful, comfortable place where the lover unreservedly expresses himself. The lovers writing on the sand can be a reference to mans inherent desire to eternal his being to be remembered forever. The waves here signify time. The erasing of the name by water signifies the transient nature of human life. It points towards the futility of mans aspirations for immortality, irrespective of how many times he may try to make his life meaningful, it is pointless. Everything is transitory and will eventually be destroyed. Personification is an important element in the sonnet. The sea or waves are given human qualities. It washed, and made my Payne his pray. Washing and preying or inflicting pain upon someone are human qualities. The poet has dexterously presented a contrast between the earthly and the celestial ideas and things. While in the first half of the poem, time and nature destroy the poets writing and attempts to immortality it; in the second half the poet immoralities his eternal, spiritual love through his writings. One of the indirect implications of the typical fifteenth century women being docile and subservient can be found in the waves being given a masculine quality. Chronicle of a Death Foretold EssayNormally, nature is associated with the female entity because both are responsible for giving and sustaining life. Here, however, the authors reason for giving a masculine identity to nature must be because of the malignant role it is playing. Edmund Spenders Sonnet 75 from Amorist is not only an exquisite piece of Elizabethan times, it portrays the quintessential poetry of the time as well. His optimal employment of literary techniques of form, rhyme, imagery, personification and alliteration give the sonnet a wholesome structure and an pleasant quality. Theme : When he writes her name on the sand, her name is washed away by the waves. He tries again and again but his all attempts when the tide is in will be washed. The lover here emphasize that allegorically; The tide represents the time and The sand of seashore represents his memories The word tide refers to the word time also in means of written and sand also refers to his memories because memory is a reflection of the past and it has a particular shape in minds to indicate particular moments and events which we experienced. UT this shape in time becomes uncertain as the time passed memory skips over some important or trivial details. So everything can be forgotten, ,n memory there can be nothing everlasting JUST LiKE HER NAME ON THE SAND OF SEASHORE.. The poet has a great longing to immortality her name. But he deduces that nature wants to explain that love is temporary. Because when he wrote her name the tide ashes it away. Then the lady speaks that his effort is in vain he can not change the intrinsic nature of the mortality. She believes every mortal thing will be perished. She is offended by his attempt to immortality her. But the lover believes when the love becomes immortal her name will be written in heaven. THE AMARETTO Edmund Spencer Sonnet 75 One day I wrote her name upon the strand, But came the waves and washed it away: Again I wrote it with a second hand, Vain man, said she, that doest in vain assay A mortal thing so to immortality, For I myself shall like to this decay, And eek my name be wiped out likewise. Not so (quote l), let baser things devise To die in dust, but you shall live by fame: My verse your virtues rare shall eternity, And in the heavens write your glorious name. Where whens Death shall all the world subdue, Out love shall live, and later life renew. One day I wrote her name upon the strand This a case of Hyperbola because the normal order of wards has been changed . The ordinary syntactic order world have been l wrote her name upon the strand. Again I wrote it with a second hand, But came the tide , and made my Payne his pray This is a case of Transferred Epithet The epithet second properly longs to time rather than to hand . It may also a case of personification since tide is seen as hunting down the efforts of the poet. For I myself shall like to this decay, And eek my name by rupee out likewise This is a case of simile . The poet points to the similarity between the destruction of the engraved name by the sea and the death caused to the lady by time, the similarity is explicitly stated by the use of word like. Not so, quad l, let baser things device To die in dust but you shall live by fame - This is a case of antithesis where two opposed ideas are balanced against each other to the same effect . The two ideas contrasted are the idea of the meaner things being reduced to dust by time on the one hand, and the idea of the superior beloved transcending this by fame , on the other . Where when as death shall all the world subdue, Our love shall live, and later life renew It is a case of Antithesis since the two opposed ideas of the death of the world This is also a cause of Epigram . Ordinarily the idea of the renewal of love after life may seem absurd, but on thinking more deeply one realizes that their love would indeed be renewed by the later generations of lovers who would model their love on the poets.