Abstract This paper examines how, like television, video games have been seen to have negative effects on the players - mostly children. It asks how do violent games effect children's behavior; and is there any effect from autonomous play verses cooperative play. Gender issues are also analyzed showing differing levels of violence between boys and girls. The paper provides a general background and history of the development of video games. Commentary on the outcome of these effects are also discussed, primarily the rating system introduced in the early 1990s.
From the Paper "In 1971, Arthur Bushnell, the inventor of Atari, came up with a revolutionary game: Pong. Pong was a lot like Ping Pong with simple rules: Get the little ball passed your opponents paddle. It became extremely popular. After Pong the next hot game was Space Invaders which was released by Taito in 1979. It was a ?shoot "em up" game that also was loved by millions worldwide and soon gained a massive following. Soon after this Pac Man became the most popular game. Pac Man was a simplistic game: Take Pac Man around the maze and eat all of the dots, but avoid the ghosts: Blinky, Inky, Pinky and Clyde. If you get a power capsule you can eat the ghosts. Pac Man was an overnight success that really established the future for video games."
Tags: atari, violence, gender, rating, play, nintendo, playstation
Abstract Scholars in the area of ethics have long sought the answer to the idea of privacy as one's right to be left alone. This paper asks questions such as: Is it a person's right to decide who gets his or her personal information? Does a company have the right to sell a person's private information to a third party without consent? This paper examines some aspects of privacy such as policies and the practice of said policies, fraudulent use of identification and the censorship of privacy.
Table of Contents
The Origins of Privacy
Privacy Policies vs. Practice
ID Fraud by Hackers
Censorship and Privacy
Conclusion
From the Paper "Maintaining privacy while online is considered to be one of the biggest worries of Internet users. So, in order to decrease the concerns of privacy invasion among consumers online, privacy policies were created. What exactly are privacy policies? Privacy policies are policies designed to protect the privacy of people online who are visiting a company or an organization's web site. Privacy policies are usually posted for web sites in which users are purchasing products because personal information is collected. Privacy policies are not generally required for informational web sites. There is a big debate about company privacy policies. Do these policies really protect our privacy? Many say that there is no such thing as online privacy and that these policies do very little to insure secrecy."
Abstract This paper examines how computers have transcended most cultural and social barriers and shows how teaching methods that employ computers and technology driven aids are today one of the most effective ways of imparting knowledge. The paper explores the use of advanced technology in several spheres of education, including students with learning disorders, special needs and distance learning. The paper also discusses several tools used such as spread sheets and digital photography.
From the Paper "Properly used, technology can enhance student achievement. At a basic level, students are exposed to computer-aided instruction to "drill" or to learn by rote; they can use videodiscs that help strengthen math skills or to learn new words, and multimedia software to accelerate their learning curve. At the other end of the spectrum, students learn to organize complex information, recognize patterns, draw inferences and communicate findings; they can learn better organizational and problem-solving skills using computer-generated simulations, videodiscs, the Internet and CD-ROMs."
Abstract This paper debates the growth of cyber terrorism and the different forms and dangers of this trend. It discusses how e-mail bombs and attacks on internet servers are the lowest forms of informational terrorism in terms of destruction. Higher forms of informational warfare include using the internet as a catalyst to produce physical terrorism on a higher scale.
From the Paper "The Department of Defense definition of terrorism is "the calculated use of violence or the threat of violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological." (Research, 1) While in physical terrorism, the perpetrator must come in contact with the target, in informational terrorism the perpetrator only needs a computer connection. Not only are the tools of information terrorism more accessible but the implications can be more devastating."
This paper discusses using the internet for at least part of the supply chain management --- getting the product from the point of origin through the intermediate businesses to the end purchaser .
2,150 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 6 sources, 2002, $ 67.95
Abstract This paper defines "supply chain management" as being the process of planning, implementing and controlling the efficient, effective flow and storage of goods, services and related information from point of origin to point of consumption conforming to customer requirements. The author states that Internet E--Hubs, which are "electronic marts" where customers and suppliers interact, enable B2B [Business to Business] consumers to engage in an active and explicit dialogue with companies.
The author warns that, to use the Internet for B2B efficiently, companies must reduce the interaction costs, automate transactions and redesign their pattern of workflow.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Traditional Supply Chains and How they Function
Supply Chains and the Internet (Overview)
Business Purchasing -- Diverse Set of Products and Services
Types
Manufacturing Inputs
Operating Inputs
Spot Sourcing and Systemic Sourcing
MRO Hubs
Yield Managers
Exchanges
Catalog Hubs
Conclusion
Reduction of Interaction Costs
Automating Transactions
Workflow Redesign
From the Paper "Multiple supplier sites also may play a role in building the popularity of the Internet as an MRO [Maintenance, Repair and Operating] supply channel. Only 10% of Internet users reported having ordered from "a site offering multiple suppliers where you can get only one invoice and your standard pricing." But fully 68% of Internet users say they would be interested in ordering from such a site. Nearly half (46%) of Internet non-purchasers said that a multiple supplier site offering one invoice and standard pricing would increase their likelihood of purchase."
Abstract Dell Computers is one of the great success stories of the microcomputer revolution. The paper first traces the founding of Dell Computers by entrepreneur Michael Dell. It then analyzes the general computer industry, focusing on five factors: threat of new entrants, rivalry among existing firms, threat of substitute products, bargaining powers of buyers and bargaining powers of suppliers. Finally, the paper performs a STEP (social, technological, economical and political factors) analysis of Dell Computers.
From the Paper "The American economy is enjoying a period of stable growth that is characterized by stable interest rates and low inflation. Prices for personal computers have been dropping as manufacturers are eager to gain market share and are able to take advantage of declining cost schedules. In 1998, personal computers could be found in 43 percent of American homes; this represents a substantial increase from the 40 percent for the three years previous. It is estimated that 60 percent of American homes will have personal computers by 2002 as prices continue to decline. The decline in prices makes it possible for increased numbers of Americans to afford the machines; the attractiveness of the Web and other benefits fuels the demand for these lower-priced computers (Burrows, 1998, p. 28)."
Abstract For many businesses today, having an electronic-commerce, i.e., e-commerce, website is critical to profitability. Simply having an online presence, however, does not necessarily translate into sales, much less profitability. The paper shows that a strategy that links together the tasks of an enterprise via digital automation is vital in today's world of electronic transacting. It shows that in order to manage processes such as marketing, sales, customer service, inventory and purchasing in the real-time environment that e-selling demands, management must select and implement a suitable Enterprise Resource Planning -- or ERP --software system to work with the company's database management system. The paper concludes that although implementation is time-consuming and often expensive, an ERP system streamlines work, increases capacity and allows for better decision-making, all of which increases e-commerce profitability.
From the Paper "The first step to effective e-commerce is a careful and complete "needs" assessment to determine 1) which departments should be integrated into the site; 2) what systems those departments are utilizing; and 3) whether these systems can be easily integrated into the infrastructure or should be rebuilt (Borck, 1999, p. 52). "[M]anagers [must] have the appetite to eliminate the complexity in their businesses and some of the useless tasks they perform" (Champy, 1999, p. 44), in order to fully exploit the capabilities and potential of e-commerce. To better understand the business rules and needs of each department, Borck (1999) advises administrators to involve key management personnel from various departments (p. 52). Then, once the needs assessment is completed, it should be well-documented for analysis and referral (Borck, 1999, p. 52)."
Tags: security, human, resources, management, billing, systems
Abstract This paper examines how the emergence of the Internet as a locus for commercial activities in the form of "e-commerce" has led some economists to conclude that new possibilities for development of a truly and generally efficient marketplace are being created. It analyzes how the e-commerce environment has a direct impact upon overall sales for any company that depends on sales as a means of enjoying a return on investment (ROI). It shows how e-commerce has the potential to create an entirely new sales environment that will adjust the ways in which a myriad assortment of activities are undertaken and organizations themselves structured. Financial management activities - ranging from investment decisions to capital resource allocation to inventory control and distribution channels - will all be impacted more and more as e-commerce becomes integral to business activities.
From the Paper "Another way in which e-commerce and the Internet are creating efficient markets is through development of "cost transparency." Sinha (2000) states that economists define cost transparency as a situation made possible by the abundance of free, easily obtained information on the Internet. Seller's production, marketing and distributions costs are made more transparent to purchasers, who can then negotiate favorable purchase prices that more nearly represent an adequate return on cost of production. When it becomes possible to compare the products of Company A to those of Company B in this manner, the balance between costs and prices becomes more nearly that which would be expected in a situation of perfect competition."
Abstract This paper examines the function of computerized management information systems (MIS) and then draws upon the literature to identify the ways in which they are used as a tool for tracking client purchases and profiles, business system operations, inventory management and other record-keeping activities found in virtually all businesses and industries in the contemporary world. It looks at how MIS support the business operations and the management of an organization and how computer and telecommunications systems and technologies have virtually revolutionized the ways in which these organizations function. It uses the financial and securities sector as an illustration of the multiplicity of tools, tasks and functions such systems can perform.
From the Paper "The innovations in inventory control mark a dramatic departure from the more traditional "FIFO" (first in, first out) and "LIFO (last in, first out) systems that some manufacturing industries used prior to the advent of the compact, affordable computer. Today, few manufacturing concerns of any size are without basic (And increasingly more and more complex) computerized inventory control mechanisms and systems. Many of these programs employs the basic techniques of PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) and Critical Path Method (CPM) to track costs and outputs from beginning through to sale and distribution (Smykay, 1991). Though time-event networks such as PERT and CPM are more often associated with the planning and control of production itself rather than with inventory management and stocking profiles, they can be used in this arena as well. Even the warehousing and stacking of finished goods requires network planning if it is to be efficient."
Abstract This study determines how electronic commerce is likely to change business models. It also looks at the character of the effects that e-commerce has on economic growth. The thesis of this study is as follows: The growth of e-commerce will change substantially the business model by directly linking product providers and product consumers. Further, the growth of e-commerce will have overall positive effects on economic growth, although some economic dislocations will occur.
From the Paper "Especially important with respect to the development of the Internet and the WWW is placing this development within the context of the broader history of the development on information technology (IT). Viewing the development of the Internet as a progression in the development of an information system that began with the linking of North America and Europe with the Atlantic cable in 1858 placed the development of the Internet in a perspective that enables one to speculate on future developments in information systems technology that will render the Internet as obsolete at some future time as the Atlantic cable is obsolete in 1999."
Abstract This paper examines the issues concerning the establishment of online distance learning courses at Eujean City Community College. It analyzes how in order to implement the program, several components need to be considered to justify its establishment such as the rationale, the mission, the goals and the resources required. It also considers the program's relevance to the college and the community. It evaluates how the provision of online distance learning courses enables Eujean City Community College to offer more courses to a larger student population and provides an effective tool of meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse student population without incurring excessive expenses.
From the Paper "The establishment of online courses at Eujean City Community College provides a viable solution for the college to deal with the financial constraints caused by reduced state and local government funding. The demand for continuing education has increased nationwide: the number of students needing traditional higher education has risen from 15 million to 20 million in the United States. Entrepreneurs and for-profit schools, as well as other community colleges, are seizing the opportunities to encroach on the traditional student population of community colleges through online courses (Dunn, 2000, p. 38). Therefore, with increasing numbers of people returning to schools and rising competition from a variety of sectors, Eujean City Community College's Online Distance Education Program can increase productivity and efficiency (Callan, 1997, p. 10). "
Abstract The paper looks closely at issues surrounding inventory management and examines the costs and benefits associated with this type of inventory control. The writer then makes a strong claim that the company JIT can be the most cost-efficient and highly effective way for a company to accomplish the complicated task of inventory management, though the use of the ever-growing electronic commerce.
From the Paper "Reduction of inventories is the main reason that companies have sought alternative inventory management methods. The use of smaller batches leads to the need for less inventory at any particular point in the production process. Cash flow is improved due to less capital investment in inventory. Less inventory on hand leads to savings in other areas as well, such as smaller space requirements, decreased materials handling costs, decreased record keeping costs, decreased insurance and tax obligations, and less scrap and obsolescence (Larson, 1998, p. 44)."
Abstract This paper explores the possibilities for vehicles in the future based on the fact that current car models are damaging to the environment. The paper begins with a background on current car models. The paper points out that there is a need for drastic changes to curb the levels of pollution and damage. The paper then suggests some alternative systems and analyzes their advantages and disadvantages. These alternatives include fuel cells, electric cars and hybrid systems.
From the Paper "Efforts to diminish the environmental damage of automobiles for the past fifty years have focused on adding control devices to the internal combustion engine and producing cleaner fuel. However, these gains are being offset by the increasing number of vehicles on the road. Many researchers have concluded that the 100-year reign of the petrol-fueled, internal combustion engine must begin to give way to a cleaner and more advanced technology. The future of automobiles rests in the hands of many competing efforts, fuel cells (hydrogen and methanol), electric cars, and hybrid systems to name a few."
Abstract The internet has allowed much in the way of increased freedom for information collection and exchange. As a public medium of communication, transactions conducted over the internet are often subject to the scrutiny of unauthorized individuals. The paper explains that the ease with which the internet is utilized has forced the issue of secure communication and secure transaction down to the smaller size enterprise. Unfortunately, to obtain the same level of security brings with it a high cost of investment and continued ownership. The Virtual Private Network (VPN) has changed all of this. VPNs are able to connect remote users and remote LANs into functional networks. This paper describes the VPN in terms of what it is, how it functions, the protocols utilized and its future direction.
Table of Contents
Introduction
What is a Virtual Private Network
How it Works
What Type of Protocols are Used
PPTP
L2F
L2TP
IPSec
Socks
The Future for Virtual Private Networks
Conclusion
Endnotes
From the Paper "More specifically, two architectures exist for setting up a tunnel. They are client-initiated and client-transparent. The client-initiated tunnel requires tunneling software reside both at the client end as well as on the associated gateways, although the software could reside as well at the ISP POP that serves as the central site. Client software initiates the tunnel and the gateway-resident software terminates the tunnel. In this scenario, the ISP would not have to support the tunneling and the client and tunnel server establish the tunnel using authentication that is based upon a user ID and password. Similarly, the tunnel server and client can also negotiate an encryption sequence. Regardless, once the tunnel is set up, the communication proceeds as if the ISP were absent."
Abstract After a review of the history of technology, this paper discusses how technology affects the social, political and economic status of a nation. The author goes on to look at whether technology in each of these advanced stages of development are beneficial or non-beneficial to man.
From the Paper "Technology is a term used to refer to the inventions and innovations that are introduced in our society as human needs and wants increase. In fact, technology is technically defined as, "the ways people use their inventions and discoveries to satisfy their needs and desires" (Beaver 1991 76). Although technology was said to have advanced when the Industrial Revolution came into being. However, it can be observed that even in ancient times, technology was already practiced and applied in the everyday activities of the ancient man. The crude tools and weapons that the earliest man had used for his food-hunting and gathering activities show how technology was already in practice, only, it is crude in form and somewhat a lower level in development as compared to technology today. When man discovered how to make fire, technology was advanced further from its ?prehistoric level,? since fire is the essential discovery man has learned to apply as technology because fire is man's ultimate form of survival from the cold climate and food-making of men during earlier times. Through time, as man became more sophisticated, and man's needs and wants increased, the level of advancement in technology also increased."
