Elements of Security System Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Elements of Security System - Coursework Example In the case of installing a wireless network, updating security strategy should be done in order consider both benefits and associated security risks. Wireless networks would be of benefit due to the associated flexibility, but the network could be exposed to many security risks including those similar to wired networks. Additional risks thus call for security strategy upgrading. Management support is however important in this case (Kairab, pg.50). The radio transmission of data makes the wireless network open to intruders, who can exploit it, destroy it, steal data, or even deny access to authorized users. The strategy upgrade should include the use of risk management processes for assess possible risks, taking necessary steps to reduce the risks, and maintaining an acceptable level of security risks. The strategy should consider the economic side of the installation and in the management of the projected risks. Security strategy upgrade is also important during major company reorga nization. Major company reorganization occurs with both economic pressure and security risks. Major reorganizations include mergers, joint venture, and downsizing among others. Companies have to reveal some of their critical secretes and information, which could pose danger to a firm’s operations or success.

Business Plan for Start-Up

Business Plan for Start-Up The business Plan. Synopsis. For this assignment we as a group have been asked to produce a business plan with supporting analysis and justification. The aim of the business plan is to focus on convincing the company stakeholders of the viability of your company start up. The justification includes evidence relating to the rigour of the product selection and the content of our plan. Introduction. A business plan is a written documentation of which describes the business, the objectives of the business, its strategies, the market of which the business is in and the financial forecasts. The business plan has many functions, from securing external funding to measuring the success with the business itself. It essential when starting up a business for a business to have a realistic working business plan. Our business plan is a statement of intent and provides details on how we as a company are going to develop our business, when we are going to do it, whos going to play a part and how we as a group will manage the money. The Business Plan. The executive summary: Our company is a Young Enterprise company trading in imported and homemade products for the product market. We as a company aim to produce and sell a variety of greeting cards and candles of which are homemade to the general public. An aging population will enhance demand for specific card types. The types of cards that there may be an increased demand of cards that there may be an increased demand for include: Retirements Anniversary Birthdays Christmas Easter Valentines Day, mothers and fathers day cards Handmade cards are likely to continue growing in popularity as card sender seek more and more to express their own individuality. The business, its products and services: The business. ASGO4 is a unique candle and cards selling company we offer a variety range of products which include all sorts of various candles and cards for any all kind of special occasions to meet all needs. The company ASGO4 consists of 5 dedicated members who aim to grow this company to achieve a successful business. Product and services. We have a wide range of cards to suite various needs and for all special occasions, i.e. birthdays, anniversarys, valentine and exams. Exam congratulation cards and best wishes for courses can have a wide range of market; these cards will have a good selling point within Staffordshire University. (Refer to appendix 1.) Competition comparison ASG04 products contain many features that distinguish them from those produced by competitors. ASGO4 products are handmade and are to suite all special occasions. The quality of the candles and cards are produced at a magnificent level, even to the untrained eye, which makes ASGO4 products more realistic. ASGO4 are unique and offer a wide range of candles, not many similar products is available in the domestic market. Technology ASGO4 products are mainly handmade some of the products produce by, ASGO4 will be provided by wholesalers, these products that are produced by wholesalers will be produced at a professional level. Future products ASGO4 aim to turn into a successful business, by providing a wide range of candles and cards to meet all requirements. The candles that are provided by ASGO4 have a potential market, as they can be used for many special occasions. What benefits its offers. ASGO4 products offer great benefits to its customers because what we provide to you cannot be provided to you from else where. Customers would buy our products because our products are different compared to whats already available on the market, so this makes ASGO4 more appealing to its customers. Product facilities The main facility, we will use is the market store, within our market store e will have a wide range of space to display our products, we will use tables and colourful table cloths which we will hire, we will use the table cloths to make our tables of display colourful and appealing. Some candles and cards will be hand made by the members of the ASGO4, but these will be simple products, we will do this simply to widen our range of products. Information technology Information technology is of a part of the almost every business day to day life. We will use a promotional information technology tool which will done by are of our class colleagues, he will promote our company ASGO4 and this will create awareness of our company, what we offer and where we are based in Newcastle. The markets and competitors: There are a number of competitors of which we have to consider, the types of candle competitors of which we have to consider are: Johnson Wax Glade known as air-care candles. Bousius (UK) Ltd. Dane. Yankee Candle Ltd. British Candlemakers Federation. Colony Gift Corporation Ltd. Prices Patent Candle company Ltd. The types of card competitors of which we have to consider are: Birthdays. Clintons. Hallmark. Card Factory. Marketing and sales: Market Segmentation Enhancement candles unscented Retail sales of unscented candles were  £48 million in 2000, a rise of 27% over 1996. They account for 50%, by value, of the enhancement sector, compared with a share of 62% in 1996. Figure 7 provides trends since 1996. Growth within the unscented candles sector is decelerating, as purchase of scented candles becomes more popular. Unscented candles include coloured household candles, which can be used as ornaments as well as for lighting. Many are purchased to match household dÃÆ' ©cor, as well as to create a relaxing ambience during dinner parties. Enhancement candles scented It is the fragranced candle sector which is fuelling growth within the candles market overall. Retail sales of scented candles are estimated at  £48 million for 2000. This demonstrates a rise of 106% since 1996. Scented candles account for an estimated 34% of the total candle market and 50% of the enhancement sector by value. Functional candles tea lights Tea lights have reached the mature stage of the product lifecycle, being one of the first candle variations to be introduced into the UK after traditional white household candles. For this reason, value market growth is set to slow over the next few years, although they remain popular as they are so versatile. In 2000, tea light sales were  £27 million, a 10% increase on 1996. They accounted for some 19% of all candle sales in 2000, which is a decline of 6 percentage points since 1996, reflecting a drop in price points rather than usage. Emergency candles Retail sales of emergency candles (primarily white household candles) are declining slowly and were  £4 million in 2000. This compares to almost  £7 million in 1996. Mintel s consumer research indicates that as many as 18% of housewives had either bought or received white household candles within the six months to January 2001, although not all will have been bought for emergency use only. Figure 10 demonstrates trends since 1996. Air care candles Air-care candles designed for freshening air/masking odours are increasing in popularity. According to Mintel s consumer research, around a third of housewives use candles as air fresheners in 2001 and one quarter claim to have bought or received scented candles made by air freshener companies. The air-care candles market was worth  £14 million in 2000, almost three times the value of 1996 sales. It is still at the growth stage of the product lifecycle, with many of the products being relatively new. Figure 11 provides trends in the air-care candles market between 1996 and 2000. Target market segment strategy Target market: Enhancement candles scented Scented candles have experienced a considerable growth in popularity since 1998, with 63% of housewives having purchased or received them during the six months prior to the survey. This reflects trends within the market place generally. A quarter of candles purchased or received are scented. Consequently, our company aims to import and sell scented candles since the scented candle is the most popular and profitable candle category so far. Candle industry Major factors influencing the market The candles market is influenced by a number of factors. Purchased primarily by women, the growth in the number of women working has impacted positively on candles sales, because of a subsequent increase in discretionary income and financial independence. There has been a shift in lifestyle patterns, with a growing trend towards alternative healthcare and aromatherapy, and a revival in the popularity of pot pourri and incense, all of which have had a positive influence on candle sales, especially within the fragranced sector. There are also seasonal variations, with garden candles naturally performing better in the summer during usage of barbecues, or Christmas candles with special Christmas colours and fragrances for the Christmas period. Changes in the age structure of the population have also served to boost sales of certain candle types. For example, the young age group has expanded, boosting sales of the more fashionable floating candles which have a high purchase rate among this age group. Industry participants (Main competitors) Colony Gift Corporation Ltd Colony Gift Corporation is the UKs leading quality candle manufacturer and claims to be the largest producer of scented candles in Europe. Colonys turnover in 1999 was  £22 million, up 21.5% on 1998 turnover of  £18.1 million. It employs more than 460 people and its brands are available in over 70 countries. Prices Patent Candles Company Ltd The company produces candles and related accessories. It offers a wide range of candles for all occasions, including: scented and aromatherapy; outdoor lighting; Christmas and Easter; as well as decorative candles and the more traditional church-style candles. Yankee Candle (Europe) Ltd Yankee candles are positioned as premium-quality, giftworthy candles for the purpose of home fragrancing. Fragrances are numerous and include sage and citrus, spiced apple, honeysuckle, French vanilla and spiced pear. Bolsius (UK) Ltd Bolsius (UK) Ltd is owned by NLD Bolsius International BV. The company has been active in the UK for over 15 years. Only about 40% of the companys output is sold through retail outlets, while approximately 25% of sales are to religious institutions and 35% to the catering trade. Johnson Wax Johnson Wax is owned by the US company SC Johnson Son Inc and is a major player in a number of household goods products, notably household cleaning agents and polishes. The company leads the air freshener sector, with most of its marketing effort placed behind the Glade brand. (Refer to the business justification Ansoff product/market matrix and Boston matrix to assess marketing and business development strategies). The team skills: Within ASGO4 there is in total five dedicated staff members of whom all have different roles within the business itself. Below is a list of the roles each of the staff members have and also entails a description of what they are responsible for within the roles and what types of skills are required for each of the roles: Team skills should identify the strengths of the teams the plans to deal with any obvious weakness. Leadership. Managing director is ultimately responsible for the other members of staff, shareholders of the business; the managing director needs to exercise all of the leadership skills as well as diplomacy fairness strength. A managing director is responsive for encouraging teamwork. Administration. Company secretary are responsible for the co -ordination, communication organisation of all the areas relating to our company ASGO4. The specific roles of being the companys secretary include the following Completing registration documents Keeping the share register Keep records Administrating company meetings Organising agendas minutes Finance. Finance director is responsible for financial resource management, it is the job of the finance director to keep track of the money and also need to plan, know and record where the money is coming from, whos got it and where its going. All financial transitions should be recorded by the financial director and to communicate financial progress to members of the team. Other roles of the financial director includes doing the banking and work a alongside with the company secretary on the company share and responsibilities to shareholders. The financial director is also responsible for calculating and paying the young enterprise and corporation tax. Marketing. Marketing director need to use their innovation and creative skills in taking a key role in identifying market and opportunities as well as defining product or service charlatanistic. The main responsibilities include PR and advertising for the company, as well as carrying out market research and customer observation to help to maintain customer satisfaction. Operations. Operations director are responsible for product and service development, their role is the ensure that a method of operation is decides and organise the production of the company products and service, an operations director is responsible for purchasing raw materials, stock, supply and demand of finished items. Health and safety of the other staff members and customers should be one of the operation director concerns. The operation: ASGO4 will buy candles from its wholesalers and then put its products on the market, we will use a market store in Newcastle market, and we will display all our products there within the market. Newcastle market is amongst one of the biggest markets in Stoke-On -Trent, so this enables us to target a wide range of audiences this will make our products more appealing as there are huge crowds in the market that we could attract. The main advantage of our locations is that as Newcastle market is one of the busiest markets to people from all background and different social class attend this market and this is a great opportunity to take advantage of this because we will have a wide range of audiences. Financial forecasts: After financial forecast, such as cash flow and Profit and Loss Account, we have just started our business ASG04. And we are only preceded in one month preceded January 2005. Our business is running slow. So, it will take time to pick up. We have a good target market in Newcastle market. We have a wide range of target range in this aspect. Newcastle market is amongst one of the busiest open market in Stoke-On-Trent. We only have a few expenses, such as motor petrol, premises and equipment hire. As our expenses are very low, this allows us to increase our profit margin. Because of low expenditure, we have a low cost that means our price of product will not be set very high. Our business will have enough working capital to survive because of our low cost. We intended to raise a huge amount of money as our product attracts a wide range of target audience. We expect to make a substantial amount of profit as we proceded without business. (Refer to appendix 2.) Business Justification. A business plan is produced to convince shareholders, banks to invest into our business. The concept of the business is purchasing pre-produced products i.e. candles and some cases producing products. The products that will be sold will be aimed to various age groups. In order for the business to see success and make a profit it is important to ensure that costs are kept to a minimum. the business will focus on selling various types of candles i.e. scented, unscented, floating etc. our products bought from manufactured will not be sold as they are, they will be bundles and sold as gift packs for example. This methods makes the product unique and be able to make a profit. For example, 1 large candle will cost the business approximately 60p. If the product was sold as apart of a set of various candles i.e. sizes, colures and sold for  £5.00. This one candle may make a profit of excess of  £2.00. Researching into this product and market is important, so the company is able to forecast its success. It is clear there is a market for this product. The correct location is also important. As the products will be sold on a market stall, our company will see less overhead costs compared to high street stores. Above shows a table showing the sales of scented candles between 1996-2000. This information is important so that company is able to see the changing trends over time. Un-scented candles are not as popular as scented candles. These products often uses to create a desired atmosphere and also used for show. Increasing sales can only mean that there is a demand for these types of products. This project has no major overhead expenses. Our main expense will be renting the stall that will cost approximately  £16 per week. As no other major resources are required for example water, electric, our costs will be kept to a minimum and be able to transfer bargains to our customers. Analysing the business plan there is a big chance for success with this project. Sales for these products are increasing every year and the public are looking for new products to buy. Demand for candles are created by women and often purchased more by women. With busy, stressful lifestyles combined with working, looking after families has created an environment for candles. The below illustrates UK manufacture sales between 1996 and 1999. It shows that there is a drop in sales in the UK. In 1999 it shows that sales were down to  £1.57 per candle. Source: candles UK April, 2001 Ansoffs product/market The Ansoffs product-market matrix helps to understand and assess marketing or business development strategy. ASG04 is able to use Ansoffs product matrix to see what mix strategic options to use. Product development is developing or finding new products to take to an existing market. This is a strategy if the company has a strong market share in a particular market. Developing products are often a very expensive process. In this case, ASG04 does not have any market share, but with the product being sold are in demand and play apart of the market share in the UK. A business should try not to have any Dogs, but focusing on cash cows, problem child and stars that need to be kept in a kind of equilibrium. Funds generated by cash cows are used to turn problem child into stars that may turn into cash cows. Boston matrix. The Boston matrix model is a tool for assessing existing and development products in terms of their market potential. Our products lay between stars and soon to be turning into cash cows. The market already exists and has various types of candles that are sold. ASG04 is purchasing ready produced candles and developing them by making them more appealing to the public to buy.

The Effects of Text Messaging on Young Novice Driver Performance Essay

Monash University (Melbourne, Victoria) conducted a study on the effects of text messaging on young novice driver performance; the results were published in February 2006 by Simon Hosking, Kristie Young, and Michael Regan. The study was sponsored by the National Roads and Motorists Association (NRMA) Motoring and Services, and NRMA insurance. This essay will cover the background to the study and accompanying information such as the research question, and the objectives. Secondly, this essay will analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the study. Lastly, the findings as a result of the research project and the subsequent conclusions will be discussed. It is estimated that about one-quarter of motor vehicle incidents are caused by the driver becoming distracted. It is expected that with the increased prevalence of mobile phones, there is potential for the number of distraction-related incidents to increase, with this in mind, young drivers need to be educated about the dangers of becoming distracted while driving. It was reported by Telstra that 30% of Australians surveyed had used their cell phone while driving and that one-in-six admit to doing it regularly (Telstra, 2003). The aim of this study was to extend the findings of previous research on the effects of receiving and sending text messages while operating a motor vehicle. The participants to the study were all aged between 18 and 21 years old, and were undergraduate students at Monash University. They were asked to take part in a practical driving test, as well as a pre-drive demographics questionnaire, a post-drive questionnaire and a subjective workload inventory. The 20 participants for the study consisted of people who were on their Probationary driver’s license; this... ...elated incidents. MUARC also suggests there should be harsher punishment to assist in deterring drivers from using hand-held cellphones while driving. The research highlighted a need for mobile phone safety awareness; the study provided strong evidence against the use of cell phones, not only for young, inexperienced drivers but for all drivers. The result of less distraction would be heightened road safety, and in turn, a safer community. Works Cited Conaway, M. (1999). Repeated Measures Design. Vanderbilt. Tennessee. Holah, M. (2009, 19 November 2009). Repeated Measures Design Retrieved 16/04, 2012, from http://www.psychexchange.co.uk/glossary/repeated-measures-design-263/ Telstra. (2003). Telsta, Police and NRMA Insurance join forces to target mobile phone use on Australian roads, Telstra News Release. Retrieved from www.telstra.com.au/newsroom

American Way

The present term paper will compare the life struggles of the two totally different American historical figures – Frederick Douglass (1818 – 1895) and Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790). Although the were dissimilar in regard to their social backgrounds and characters, both of them praised knowledge as the most valid source of power, and were perseverant in their strivings for self-education. Both successfully tried their hand in writing. The comparison of Douglass’ and Franklin’s lives will be supported by the quotes from their autobiographies.Before proceeding to the analysis part, it makes sense to overview the contributions which each of the men made to the United States history. Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, more widely known as Frederick Douglass, was born a slave. He managed to cast off that yoke only at the age of twenty when he arranged false identification papers to take a long journey from Maryland to New York. Upon joining various a bolitionist organizations in Massachusetts, Douglass had been delivering lectures on anti-slavery across the Eastern and Midwestern states as well as across the ocean from 1841 till 1846.In the late 1840s, he became active as a publisher. Acknowledging the Emancipation Proclamation (announced by President Lincoln in 1862) to be one of the most prominent documents in the American history since it declared the liberation of black slaves, the prominent abolitionist fought for granting equal rights to all American citizens regardless of sex and ethnicity. Benjamin Franklin acquired prominence as a writer, politician and scientist. Being born in a rather poor large family, he managed to make money on newspaper editing, printing, and commerce in Philadelphia.Franklin founded the first public lending library, fire department, and political discussion club in the United States. He refined the theory of electricity and invented many important utensils and instruments (i. e. the lightning rod , bifocals, the iron furnace stove, a carriage odometer, etc. ). He grew popular as a politician and civic leader after publicly speaking against the Stamp Act. During the American Revolution, Franklin, the diplomat, managed to chaffer military and financial aid from France. In his later period of life he supported the ideas of abolitionism.To return back to the comparison of Douglass’ and Franklin’s views on the importance of knowledge and education, both were never tired of improving their cognitive skills. Despite totally different social backgrounds, Douglass being a born slave, and Franklin, being the youngest son in the family of a tallow chandler of a British ancestry, were similarly deprived of the regular schooling. The wife of one of Douglass’ masters, Sophia Auld, started teaching Frederick the alphabet and elementary spelling. The woman unintentionally broke the law which forbade educating slaves.In his autobiography â€Å"Narrative of a Life,† Douglass reconstructed the speech of Sophia’s husband who raised his voice against literacy for slaves: If you give a nigger an inch, he will take an ell. A nigger should know nothing but to obey his master — to do as he is told to do. Learning would SPOIL the best nigger in the world. Now †¦ if you teach that nigger †¦ how to read, there would be no keeping him. It would forever unfit him to be a slave. He would at once become unmanageable, and of no value to his master. As to himself, it could do him no good, but a great deal of harm. It would make him discontented and unhappy.(Douglass 36) Although in a racist and humiliating form, the slave master emphasized the great role of knowledge and education for a human being. Having learnt to put letters into words, Frederick understood how right his master was concerning the importance of studies: It was a new and special revelation, explaining dark and mysterious things, with which my youthful understanding h ad struggled, but struggled in vain. I now understood what had been to me a most perplexing difficulty — to wit, the white man's power to enslave the black man. It was a grand achievement, and I prized it highly.From that moment, I understood the pathway from slavery to freedom. It was just what I wanted, and I got it at a time when I the least expected it. (Douglass 36) These thoughts of the famous abolitionist prove that literacy could expand mental horizons of Afro-Americans so that they were able to trace inequity in social life of the United States in the early 19th century. There colored people were degraded to the position of hard-laboring and powerless beasts. A talented boy had to continue his studies in secrecy, opposing to his masters’ intention of â€Å"shutting [him] up in mental darkness† (Douglass 36).Being sent on errands, Frederick used every opportunity to learn letters from the white poor boys in the neighborhoods. The young slave enjoyed read ing because it â€Å"gave tongue to interesting thoughts of [his] own soul, which had frequently flashed through [his] mind, and died away for want of utterance† (Douglass 42). This happened when Frederick managed to read one of Sheridan's speeches which inspired him to think over the nature of truth and its impact on conscience. Possessing a sharp wit, Douglass learnt to write as he watched the ship carpenters marking timbers.He also copied the Italics in Webster's Spelling Book and finally succeeded in producing the letters correctly without peeping into the copy-book. Frederick dared even to take the copy-books of his masters’ son to practice in handwriting. One would admire the strong will and courage of the young slave who progressed in learning at the risk of being severely punished. Franklin’s path of education started in a less secret way. His father hoped that his son would make a career of a clergyman and sent the boy to the grammar-school at the age o f eight.Benjamin showed a quick progress in learning so that he managed to jump from the first to the third class within one year. However, the senior Franklin found the cost of studying at that educational establishment too high and placed his son to another school where the latter succeeded in writing but failed in arithmetic. At ten Ben was taken home to assist his father in candle business. As Franklin recollected, he used to have â€Å"a thirst for knowledge† (14) and used every opportunity to expand his father’s small library by buying new books. He mentioned Plutarch's â€Å"Lives,† Defoe's â€Å"Essay on Projects,† and Dr.Mather's â€Å"Essays to do Good† as the books which influenced his mind in the earlier period. The boy continued his self-education when he was made a printer’s apprentice. He borrowed books from booksellers’ apprentices and used to read at nights so that he could return them the following morning. When a we althy tradesman Adams by name invited Benjamin to his library, the boy showed interest in poetry and attempted to write his own ballads. In the autobiography Franklin called his earlier verses â€Å"wretched stuff† (15) and explained that he preferred to master his writing skills in prose.Benjamin wrote a few letters to his friend to share some thoughts on women’s abilities for study, and the senior Franklin happened to read those letters. He praised the son for â€Å"correct spelling and pointing† but criticized for the flaws regarding â€Å"elegance of expression, †¦ method and †¦ perspicuity† (Franklin 16). The younger Franklin decided to train himself by imitating the style of the Spectator magazine that focused on political and current events and by turning some tales into poems. Thus Benjamin made a progress in expanding his vocabulary and arranging his thoughts in the better structured phrases.Finally the future ‘Founding Fatherâ₠¬  of the United States became satisfied with the results of his efforts: By comparing my work afterwards with the original, I discovered many faults and amended them; but I sometimes had the pleasure of fancying that, in certain particulars of small import, I had been lucky enough to improve the method or the language, and this encouraged me to think I might possibly in time come to be a tolerable English writer, of which I was extremely ambitious. (Franklin 17) Around the same period Franklin studied arithmetic and navigation.By attentively reading Xenophon's â€Å"Memorable Things of Socrates† he practiced in the Socratic method of conducting disputes and refined his grammar. Benjamin aimed at â€Å"expressing myself in terms of modest diffidence† (Franklin 18) in his writings so that the argumentation contained both pros and contras related to the main thesis. At that time the perspective political theorist and polemicist designed an original concept of a good and authentic manner of writing. In his autobiography, Franklin emphasized that knowledge brought power to an educated man.Literate people could use their aptitude in eloquence and writing to persuade people into the things that would otherwise have been neglected or labeled as wrong. Since the scholar believed that â€Å"the chief ends of conversation are to inform or to be informed, to please or to persuade†, he warned the men of letters against the whim of â€Å"express[ing] [themselves] as firmly fix'd in [their] present opinions† in â€Å"a positive and dogmatical manner† (Franklin 19). He suggested instead analyzing the issues under research in a critical and modest manner so that audiences were stimulated to think independently and freely without prejudices and cliches.It should be noticed that despite different manners of acquiring knowledge, Douglass and Franklin learnt similar lessons from their earlier exercises in reading and writing. Douglass observed that in a course of studies he started contemplating about human rights and the abnormal distribution of power between the master and the slave. On the one hand, as the author recalled, reading was a blessing because it enabled him to get the better command of the train of thoughts.On the other hand, however, it appeared to be a curse since it â€Å"had given [him] a view of [his] wretched condition, without the remedy† and â€Å"opened [his] eyes to the horrible pit, but to no ladder upon which to get out† (Douglass 42). It became evident to the boy that knowledge by itself could not ensure a person’s happiness and well-being and had to be supplied by civic acts. In his turn, Franklin arrived at the strong conviction that â€Å"truth, sincerity and integrity in dealings between man and man were of the utmost importance to the felicity of life† (58).He had the enough independent mind to understand that †¦ certain actions might not be bad because they were forbidden by [Revelation], or good because it commanded them, yet probably these actions might be forbidden because they were bad for us, or commanded because they were beneficial to us, in their own natures, all the circumstances of things considered. (ibid. ) In other words, Franklin opposed the social structure as based on traditions and rigid rules which were imposed by the elite on the rest of citizens.Later those thoughts made the author of â€Å"Autobiography† to fight against any immorality or injustice caused by rich whites to people of another skin color. Douglass and Franklin displayed similar manners of life-long self-education and educating other people, although the results of those efforts for the each were different. Douglass became enough skillful in reading to teach other slaves to read the New Testament, and he was lucky to do that at a Sabbath school on Mr. Freeman’s plantation (the man who hired Douglass from his master).Over forty slaves had been attending lessons for about half a year. Freeman did not object to Douglass’ initiative but other slave-owners hated the very idea of Afro-Americans â€Å"behaving like intellectual, moral, and accountable beings† (Douglass 82). One Sunday a gang of whites attacked the pupils of the Sabbath school during their meeting and put a violent end to the enterprise. Franklin’s attempt to found a public subscription library ended more happily. In 1731, he and his colleagues from the Junto club created the Library Company of Philadelphia to engage people into reading.They sold the so-called â€Å"shares† to shareholders to buy books so that members borrowed them to their convenience. The goal Franklin et al. pursued was very noble: These libraries have improved the general conversation of the Americans, made the common tradesmen and farmers as intelligent as most gentlemen from other countries, and perhaps have contributed in some degree to the stand so gener ally made throughout the colonies in defense of their privileges. (70) In a course of time, another three public libraries emerged, thus forming a strong educational network in the United States of the 18th century.The foundation of the library provided Franklin with more opportunities to immerse into â€Å"constant study, for which [he] set apart an hour or two each day, and thus repair'd in some degree the loss of the learned education† (79). As it is evident from researching Franklin’s autobiography, this prominent scholar possessed a skill of self-discipline and high self-organization. At the age of 27, this man of knowledge started learning French, Italian, and Spanish. He did it in a peculiar manner: one of Franklin’s friends often tempted him into playing chess, which game Benjamin was fond of.The scholar agreed to do it on the following condition: †¦ the victor in every game should have a right to impose a task, either in parts of the grammar to be got by heart, or in translations, etc. , which tasks the vanquish'd was to perform upon honour, before our next meeting. As we play'd pretty equally, we thus beat one another into that language. (Franklin 99) His own linguistic experience gave Franklin the right to criticize the traditional approach to teaching foreign languages specifically and education in general.I would †¦ offer it to the consideration of those who superintend the education of our youth, whether, since many of those who begin with the Latin quit the same after spending some years without having made any great proficiency, and what they have learnt becomes almost useless, so that their time has been lost, it would not have been better to have begun with the French, proceeding to the Italian, etc. ; for, tho', after spending the same time, they should quit the study of languages and never arrive at the Latin, they would, however, have acquired another tongue or two, that, being in modern use, might be service able to them in common life.(Franklin 100) As the abovementioned passage demonstrates, Franklin valued systematic education for its utility in everyday life. In his perception, knowledge was not only a collection of abstract truths about world order or human morals and ethics but also a very important tool in communication and career promotion. To summarize, education and knowledge were highly appraised by both Douglass and Franklin as it was evident from their writings. It is especially interesting that the men of the so different backgrounds arrived at the same conclusions despite living in different periods of the United States history.Franklin was one of the brightest minds of the 18th century when the country liberated itself from the British rule, and the American nation proclaimed its independence. Douglass belonged to the next age when the United States society became segregated by race, sex, and the issue of origin. Franklin represented the most literate and progressively t hinking members of the privileged class which exercised power over poorer classes and people of the races other than White Caucasian. Douglass was the son of the degraded and oppressed folk of Afro-Americans who were formally liberated only upon the end of the Civil War.But, however different were the experiences of these two prominent figures of the United States history, both of them praised knowledge and education as efficient means of destroying inequality, ignorance, prejudice and rigidity of thinking. Both of them emphasized that education liberated the mind and soul from primitivism and barbarism. Both used every opportunity to acquire novel information that would widen their mental horizons and inspire other people to follow the path of knowledge.Douglass â€Å"Narrative of a Life† and Franklin’s â€Å"Autobiography† provide us with vivid and interesting-to-read examples of how human beings could refine themselves and society by being perseverant and ent husiastic in learning. Works Cited Douglass, Frederick. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave. Charlottesville, Va. : University of Virginia Library, 1996. Franklin, Benjamin. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Charlottesville, Va. : University of Virginia Library, 1995.

Economic Crisis in Zimbabwe Essay

Zimbabwe is currently facing the worst economic crisis in its history. The inflationary rates are in an all time high while unemployment rate is more than ninety percent. The current economic crisis has been caused by various factors which can be described as economical, social and political. The land reforms which were undertaken by the government in the early years of this decade have contributed greatly towards economic meltdown in this country. The white owned farms were major producers of the export products in this country which heavily relies on agriculture for its survival. Agriculture and mainly export industry collapsed leading to massive loss of jobs and foreign currency. (Bond, P and Masimba, M, 2002 13) The mismanagement of economy and grand corruption has made Zimbabwe to be shunned by the investors. This has denied the country the much needed direct investment funds which are very crucial in the creation of employment and upkeep of the economy. The prevailing political situation has made the matter worse as the environment is not conducive for investors. Government decision to control prices has made the economic crisis to deepen as producers are have abandoned the manufacturing and production in general in fear of making massive losses due to the government control in an economy which was previously highly liberalized. Natural calamities and diseases have acted as catalyst to the prevailing economic condition as the government spends funds to mitigate these problems. (Richardson, C, 2007 34) Addressing Zimbabwe economic problems may not be an easy task but solutions must be found to save this country from total collapse. Political and economic reforms must be put in place to turn the economic round. Political reforms will go a long way in restoring foreign investors’ confidence helping in bringing in foreign currency and the creation of employment for the people of this country. Inflation need to be tamed down to make this country a haven of investment once again. The government must be committed to implement policies which will work towards turning the economy around. Liberalization of the markets is one policy which might see the economy up again. This will bring competition in the markets something that is crucial towards creating employment and satisfying the local and international demand of the Zimbabwe products. The foreign currency market needs to be freed to address the economic imbalance. Unwarranted printing of the money should be discouraged as a measure to check the inflation. The international financial institutions can save the country from its woes through advancing credit which can help in reduction of inflationary rates. The financial assistance should be properly monitored to ensure that it is used as intended, that means that the government must be accountable to the people as it only through transparency and accountability will progress be realized. Revocation of the land reforms instituted earlier will go along way in boosting commercial farming in this country. The land owners should be guaranteed safety and incentives which will make them undertake the crucial role of providing food for the country and for the export markets. It may take long to bring back the economy on track again but all this can be achieved if there is a will. (Clemens, C and Moss, T, 2005 53) Work Cited Bond, P and Masimba, M, Zimbabwe Plunge, London, Merlin Press (2002) Richardson, C, Linking Rainfall and GDP Growth in Zimbabwe, African Affair, Oxford University Press (2007) Clemens, C and Moss, T, Costs and Causes of Zimbabwe Crisis, Center for Global development (2005)