Charles Babbage :: essays research papers

Charles Babbage Charles Babbage may have spent his life in vain, trying to make a machine considered by most of his friends to be ridiculous. 150 years ago, Babbage drew hundreds of drawings projecting the fundamentals on which today's computers are founded. But the technology was not there to meet his dreams. He was born on December 26, 1791, in Totnes, Devonshire, England. As a child he was always interested about the mechanics of everything and in the supernatural. He reportedly once tried to prove the existence of the devil by making a circle in his own blood on the floor and reciting the Lord's Prayer backward. In college, he formed a ghost club dedicated to verifying the existence of the supernatural. When in Trinity College in Cambridge, Charles carried out childish pranks and rebelled because of the boredom he felt from knowing more than his instructors. Despite this, however, he was on his way to understanding the advanced theories of mathematics and even formed an Analytical Society to present and discuss original papers on mathematics and to interest people in translating the works of several foreign mathematicians into English. His studies also led him to a critical study of logarithmic tables and was constantly reporting errors in them. During this analysis, it occurred to him that all these tables could be calculated by machinery. He was convinced that it was possible to construct a machine that would be able to compute by successive differences and to even print out the results. (He conceived of this 50 years before type-setting machines or typewriters were invented.) In 1814, the age of 23, Charles married 22-year-old Georgina Whitmore. Georgina would have eight children in thirteen years, of which only three sons would survive to maturity. Babbage really took no interest in raising his children. After Georgina died at the age of 35, his mother took over the upbringing. In 1816, Babbage had his first taste of failure when his application for the professorship of mathematics at East India College in Haileybury was rejected due to political reasons, as was his application, three years later, for the chair of mathematics at the University of Edinburgh. Fortunately, his elder brother supported his family while Babbage continued his work on calculating machines. At the age of 30, Babbage was ready to announce to the Royal Astronomical Society that he had embarked on the construction of a table-calculating machine. His paper, "Observations on the Application of Machinery to the Computation of Mathematical Tables" was widely acclaimed and consequently, Babbage was presented with the first gold medal awarded by the Astronomical Society.

Motivating Culturally Diverse Workforce in an Organization Essay

Culturally Diverse Workforce in an Organization Muhammad Junaid Murshed Southern New Hampshire University Abstract In this research paper, I will be discussing some of the methods that may be used to effectively motivate a culturally diverse workforce in an organization. At first, I will present a brief introduction to motivation, some of the well-known motivational theories and cultural diversity. Then, I will look into a few reasons for demotivation among the workforce of an organization, followed by some of the distinguished and effective motivational techniques that may be utilized to ascertain and/or deal with the same, citing real-life examples. Finally, I will conclude the paper with a brief summary of the key points discussed in the paper together-with a personal opinion about the effectiveness of the motivational methods discussed above. â€Å"Motivation is defined as the desire to achieve a goal or a certain performance level, leading to goal-directed behavior† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 97). As can be seen from the above statement motivation may be directly linked to performance. Although the direct correlation, motivation alone may not be sufficient to elicit the desired result. This is so, as, it (motivation) usually is influenced by factors such as an individual’s ability (p. 97) to perform the task and the resources available (p. 97) to him/her to aid in achieving the objective(s). â€Å"Culture refers to values, beliefs, and customs that exist in a society† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 40). â€Å"Diversity refers to the ways in which people are similar or different from each other† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 9). The world consists of various different cultures (p. 40) entailing a diverse (p. 29) population base i. e. in terms of age, gender, race, religion, physical abilities etc. Therefore, motivating (p. 97) individuals require understanding their descent first, as, it is most likely to influence the dominant need in their personality. With the passing of time many scientists, philosophers and psychologists have developed various theories to explain and enhance an individual’s motivational level. For the purpose of my research paper, I will be focusing on some of it, namely, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (p. 00), the ERG theory (p. 101), the two-factor theory, the acquired-needs theory (p. 102) and the self-determination theory to base my comparisons and/or conclusions to cultural diversity. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs â€Å"The theory is based on a simple premise: Human beings have needs that are hierarchically ranked. There are some needs that are basic to all human beings, and in their absence nothing else matters. As we satisfy these basic needs, we start looking to satisfy higher order needs† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 99). Physiological needs: â€Å"The need for air, food, and water† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 100). Safety needs: â€Å"The need to be free from danger and pain† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 100). Social needs: â€Å"The needs of bonding with other human beings, being loved, and forming lasting attachments with them† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 100). Esteem needs: â€Å"The desire to be respected by one’s peers, feel important, and be appreciated† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 100). Self-actualization need: â€Å"The need to become all you are capable of becoming† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 00). ERG theory â€Å"ERG theory, developed by Clayton Alderfer, is a modification of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Instead of the five needs that are hierarchically organized, Alderfer proposed that basic human needs maybe grouped under three categories, namely, existence, relatedness, and growth† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 101). Existence: â€Å"A need corresponding to Maslow’s physiological and safety needs† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 101). Relatedness: â€Å"A need corresponding to Maslow’s social needs† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 101). Growth: â€Å"A need referring to Maslow’s esteem and self-actualization† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 101). Two-factor theory â€Å"By asking individuals what satisfies them on the job and what dissatisfies them, Herzberg came to the conclusion that aspects of the work environment that satisfy employees are very different from aspects that dissatisfy them† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 101). Acquired-needs theory â€Å"According to this theory, individuals acquire three types of needs as a result of their life experiences. These needs are the need for achievement, the need for affiliation, and the need for power. All individuals possess a combination of these needs, and the dominant needs are thought to drive employee behavior† (Bauer and Erdogan, 2010, p. 102). Self-determination theory â€Å"Self-Determination Theory (SDT) represents a broad framework for the study of human motivation and personality. SDT articulates a meta-theory for framing motivational studies, a formal theory that defines intrinsic and varied extrinsic sources of motivation, and a description of the respective roles of intrinsic and types of extrinsic motivation in cognitive and social development and in individual differences†. Bibliography: 1. Bauer T. & Erdogan B. (2010) Demographic Diversity. Organizational Behavior, 29. 2. Bauer T. & Erdogan B. (2010) Cultural Diversity. Organizational Behavior, 40. 3. Bauer T. & Erdogan B. (2010) Theories of Motivation. Organizational Behavior, 97. 4. Bauer T. & Erdogan B. (2010) Theories of Motivation: Need-Based Theories of Motivation. Organizational Behavior, 100-102. 5. Self-Determination Theory: An Approach to Human Motivation & Personality. Retrieved from http://www. selfdeterminationtheory. org/theory

Banning Junk Food in Schools

Banning junk food what’s the point? It would be healthier in school than in McDonalds or the mall. They should not ban junk foods in school. My first reason is that if kept in schools it could make the school a lot more money than the healthy concession that we already have. The money could go to buying new gym/weight equipment and brand new team uniforms for the football team. It could also go to buying laptops for the grade 12 classes. My second reason is that it would keep kids in school at noon hour. If we had junk food in the schools it could keep kids in the school at noon hour which would minimize the # of fights, theft and problems in the streets. Students still may fight but would be less likely to because of all the teachers and supervision in the schools unlike the streets where there is no supervision for the students. My third topic is that we can eat what we want. If there was junk food we could ea what we want instead of just eating healthy food we could have a variety of food to choose from. It should be our choice what we do and do not eat. I say that we are old enough and mature enough to choose for our selves. â€Å"Don’t Ban Junk Food† My main topic. My three topics are makes money for the schools, It Could Keep Kids in at Noon Hour, and That We Can Eat What We Want. All this could happen if they didn’t ban junk food from schools.

Abortion According to Aristotle Essay

Do you believe that abortion is morally correct? That taking away someone else’s life is an option? That abortion is following the Golden Mean according to Aristotle? Currently, many people believe that it can be an option, because the baby hasn’t been born yet. But others, including Aristotle will disagree. First of all, who is Aristotle? Aristotle was a philosopher who thought that an act is morally correct if it follows the Golden Mean. This is an action or a feeling responding to a particular situation at the right time, the right way, the right amount or/and the right reason. See more: Ethnic groups and racism essay Not too much and not too little. The key to the Golden Mean is in moderation. I picked Aristotle because I believe that he has the best ethical philosophy. I agree with Aristotle’s ideas about the Golden Mean because I believe that if you are a moderate person, you will not take anything to an extreme and you’ll make good decisions. He also believes in the Sofia Virtue which is that you have to think straight, learn well and act accordingly. This idea mostly settles in the consequences of actions and how you may respond on them. The Golden Mean also tell us that you need to require virtue because it shows how moral a person is, but what I don’t agree that if a person is virtues, they will know exactly when to stop on their own. I don’t agree with that idea because sometimes virtuous people are forced to do something they don’t like to do so they try to stop it, but they are unable. Currently, abortion is a major issue facing the world, especially for teens. Abortion is when there is a conscious or intentional termination in human pregnancy. There are two types of it: therapeutic and elective. Therapeutic is when the mother needs to abort because of health issues while elective, is when the mother wants to abort because she doesn’t want the baby. The two ways to abort are: medical and surgical. Medical is when the doctor gives the patient some drugs to terminate the pregnancy. The only problem with medical abortion is that it can only function for the first nine weeks after conception and the patient will receive strong cramps. The other way, the surgical is when the doctor removes the fetus by manual vacuum aspiration/dilatation/evacuation. These three different ways are by absorbing the organs or pulling the fetus part by part. This can only be practice for 15 to 24 weeks after conception. According to Aristotle’s thought, abortion is not following the Golden Mean because it is an action that doesn’t respond at the right time by making a decision at a wrong time, in the right way and the right amount of reason, by choosing an excess. Also, abortion is not following the Sofia Virtue because when you are making the decision to abort, you are not thinking straight, acting accordingly, and learning well because you are choosing an option that is an excess. Another idea that abortion is not following Aristotle’s beliefs is that people who are choosing to abort are choosing an excess instead the mean. In this case, the deficit will be keeping the baby and the mean will be giving the baby for adoption. Adoption will actually be a mean because it is what is morally correct and is the best for the baby because he/she will be with a family that will love them instead of a place where they won’t be loved. While keeping the baby will be a deficit because they might know that they weren’t wanted and that will harm the baby. Aristotle also thought that if someone was virtuous, they would know when exactly to stop on their own or begin. When we relate this thought with an example of rape and adoption, many people disagree because many girls want to stop the rape, but they can’t. Later, their consequences are that they are expecting a baby from someone who rapes them. According to Michael Smith, rape is the reason for 13,000 of 1. 3 million annual abortions (Smith, â€Å"Women’s Health†). It may not be too many people but you can ask yourself about how many babies are being aborted. 13,000 have been killed because of it, and I believe that it is morally incorrect, that the safest thing to do is give it to adoption. Instead of going to an excess, these girls should use the Sofia Virtue and think straight and make an appropriate decision that will not affect anybody. Based on the moral reasoning of Aristotle, the correct ethical response to abortion is abstinence. To have sex at the right time, in the right way by protecting yourself, and with the right amount of reason so that if there is an unexpected baby, you will be prepare for it. So when, you are in a situation that you’ll need to choose between an excess, mean, and deficit, you should consider the Golden Mean because it will make you think straight and act accordingly while making the decision and learning the consequences that it may bring. Work Cited 1. Aspiration. †08 Feb. 1009. Web. 05 Apr. 2012 http://www. rhtp. org/abortion/mva/. 2. Hill, Peter. â€Å"Contact Medical News Today. †Medical News Today. MedLexicon International, 27 Feb 2004. Web. 23. May. 2013 http://www. medicalnewstoday. com/contactus. php. 3. â€Å"What is Abortion? † What is Abortion? N. p. , 08 June 2010. Web. 22. May. 2013 http://www. bpas. org/bpasyoungpeople/what-is-abortion 4. Smith, Michael, W. â€Å"Woman’s Health. †Abortion- Reasons Women Choose Abortion. Healthwise 22, Feb. 2011. May 23, 2013 http://women. webmd. com/tc/abortion-reasons-women-choose-abortion.

Sustainble business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Sustainble business - Essay Example Social, economic, and environmental issues caused by businesses have prompted firms to act against the negative impacts of their operations (Folke & Gunderson, 2010). In essence, businesses are increasingly embracing green operations and/or strategies. The idea of sustainability is to ensure that business decisions account for the welfare of the entire society. In this respect, businesses are developing green products, employing sustainability-driven production mechanisms, or promoting environmentally friendly means of doing business. The ultimate objective is to shift from traditional competition practices to contemporary and greener modes of business within a highly competitive setting. The theory of sustainable business is subject to the influence of four major pillars, namely: economics, ecology, social science, and evolution (Holling, 2000). These pillars inform the completeness of sustainable business theories. The economic factor is critical in explaining both business and social welfare in the society. Business operations that negate the economic welfare of the masses fail to account for sustainable business practices. Drawing from principles of economics, sustainable business has to be financially viable and most importantly fit for future generations. Ecology and sustainable business connect based on maintaining, conserving, and protecting dynamic systems that define environmental relationships. Ecological systems host diverse and dynamic species, all of which compete with one another in many different ways. In this respect, sustainable business cannot afford to destroy ecological relationships that define people-nature interactions. Moreover, social science and evolution also play a central role as far as sustainable business is concerned. The interaction of people and nature crates many different developments that subsequently result in evolutionary processes (Penfield, 2008). For example,

Why South African Constitution is better than the United State's Essay

Why South African Constitution is better than the United State's constitution - Essay Example The constitution also provides for the bills of right, how it enshrines bills of right is one of the most important issues that are being looked for in the constitution to demonstrate its efficacy. One can make a conclusion whether the constitution is meant to suppress its citizen or for their prosperity. How it recognizes the freedom and the rights of the citizen for economic growth is also a factor to consider in assessing the accommodative nature of the constitution.1 Difference in the US and SA Constitution Mark Kende in his writing has compared the constitution of the US and that of South Africa with assertion that the South African constitution in this regard remains detailed and inclusive than that of the US. Kende posits that the US constitution provides more for the negative values as compared with the South African constitution, this he summarizes in his theory that liberty should presume subsistence.2 Kende also urges that the human right experts have caste the fundamental human rights in to three generations; the political and civil rights, socio-economic rights, and green right. In this reference of human rights classification, Cass Sustein also resonates with Kende that in the consideration of the three classifications, the South African constitution remains admirable compared with that of the US.3

Valuation and Investment Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Valuation and Investment - Term Paper Example More than 60 percent of the potential customers come from US alone. Carnival is a 23.78 billion company by market capitalization. It has 100 ships in its possession and runs 15 hotels comprising of 3420 guest rooms. The company also possesses 395 motor coaches. The company markets its vacation tours through travel agents and operators. The company gets competition from several smaller cruise liners but due to scale of operations the company is in better position to weather them. (Carnival Corporation 2011) Compared to Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean (RCL) is a smaller company with market capitalization of only $5 billion; however, RCL claims to have the newest fleet in the industry that provides a lot more open space in their fleets. Operationally, they are smaller than Carnival Cruise but hope to pick them fast. Royal Caribbean manages 40 ships and handles traffic of almost 4 million passengers. The Celebrity Cruises segment is meant for premium customers. This segment comprises 9 shi ps and offers some of the premium services. (Royal Caribbean 2011) Financials It will be appropriate to go through the financials of both the company. The following table shows side by side some of the important key parameters. Some Key Financials Cruise Corporation (CCL) Royal Caribbean (RCL) Market Cap (intraday) 23.78bn 5.06bn Current Ratio (mrq) 0.23 0.40 Total Debt/Equity (mrq) 41.26 103.7 Operating Cash Flow (ttm) 3.82billion 1.42billion Qtrly Earnings Growth (yoy) -18.30% 74.0% Trailing P/E (ttm) 12.53 8.71 200-Day Moving Average 38.41 38.41 52-Week High 48.14 49.99 52-Week Low 29.36 23.03 Beta 1.53 3.19 Source: http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/q/ks?s=CCL http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/q/ks?s=RCL Liquidity The above table displays some of the important liquidity ratios for both the company. On liquidity ground the Cruise Corporation stands better than Royal Caribbean as debt-equity and current ratio both are higher in the case of Royal Caribbean; however, the reason for this lies in the recent addition of some of the luxury ships in its fleet increasing its long term debt. Obviously, this has also reflected in its earnings growth too. Earnings Growth As per the quarterly earnings growth, Royal has displayed an impressive 74 % year to year growth against the negative earnings shown by Cruise Corporation. This indicates that though Cruise has larger fleet to cater to the vacation needs, the segment to which it serves is price sensitive and the Cruise is unable to raise its effective rates due to recessionary conditions. The situation for the CCL may improve with the change in economic conditions as being envisaged after nine months and then higher vacation charges may improve the earnings. Nevertheless, robust growth of the economy is not envisaged in near future so the advantage of booming economy that CCL may have because of its larger fleet and capacity to handle larger traffic is several years away. Risk Perception by Market CCL commands higher P/E compared t o RCL as can be seen from the above table. Risk perception (Beta) by market for RCL is much higher than CCL as later commands smaller Beta of 1.53 against 3.19 of RCL. High Beta indicates high volatility in the market price of the stock. In case of some adverse market conditions or due to some other eventuality the price of RCL may see the vertical fall; however, that also indicates that substantial rise in stock price is possible with