Abstract This analysis focuses on two articles on virtuality or virtual literature, including "The Condition of Virtuality" by N. Katharine Hayles and "The Written Word" by Walter J. Ong. The analysis compares and contrasts the views of Ong and Hayles on computer or electronic literature and conventional printed texts. Both Ong and Hayles maintain that virtual literature expands not limits subjectivity and the learning process from the flow of information.
From the Paper "Meaning is culturally constructed The word first orally transmitted then transmitted through print and now electronically transmitted remains paramount in the creation and transmission of meaning. Walter J Ong suggests that the .."
Tags: perception, Internet, World Wide Web, time, space, meaning, construction, deconstruction, reality, cyborgs, understanding, meaning, reading
Abstract The paper looks at how the virtualworld is becoming part of today's society. The paper relates that America's middle and upper-class young people use social networks as virtual community centers, a place to sit around and communicate. The paper describes the opportunities offered by the MySpace and FaceBook websites but points out that many adult users of these websites expose themselves to risk from identity thieves and hackers. The paper notes other concerns and advises taking safety precautions.
From the Paper "It is not surprising that MySpace and later virtual networking sites, such as FaceBook have become popular. Teens and young adults spend a great deal of time on the computer. This is time where they used to watch TV or get together with friends in person. The controversy about the pros and cons of these social sites continues, as millions more people sign up as members."
"MySpace.com's membership has nearly quadrupled since in 2005 to 2006 to 40 million members. It ranked No. 15 on the entire U.S. Internet in terms of page hits according to Nielsen//NetRatings. Millions also hang out at other up-and-coming networks such as Facebook.com, for college students, and Xanga.com, with shared blogs. There are also 300 smaller sites, such as Buzz-Oven, Classface.com, and Photobucket.com (Business Week)."
Abstract The Internet is one of the fastest growing methods of communications, used for a variety of reasons. The paper shows that wiith the increased growth of internet communication, people find that the Internet is also a way to meet and socialize with new people. This is often done through chat rooms which have many advantages and disadvantages. The paper examines this new type of social interaction by exploring the pros and cons. It shows that people are attracted to this form of communication as it allows them to play with power, anonymity and different identities. The flip side, however, is that this behavior can become addictive.
From the Paper "Because people can remain anonymous in a virtual world they can also feel free to explore with different types of their identity. You can alter your style of being just slightly different or indulge in wild experiments with your identity by changing your age, history, personality, physical appearance, and even your gender. According to the Nua Internet Surveys (2002), the number of women on the Internet is growing fast. However, the majority of the people that participate in virtual worlds such as The Palace are men. When you go through the rooms in The Palace you will notice a lot of feminine dolls. This could be because many men feel free (because of anonymity) to be female.
Gender swapping appears to be commonplace in the virtual world (Suler, 2002). In The Palace, I found more males switching gender than females. This may be because it may be difficult for some men to explore within themselves what society labels as "feminine" characteristics. These males may rely on the anonymity of the Internet to express their "feminine" side, which they feel they must otherwise hide."
Abstract This paper addresses the effects that virtualworlds and, more specifically, massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) have on the individual's social skills. The paper asserts that it is crucial that we gain a better understanding of how such media can be embraced and or rejected by the broader community, or even tailored to better meet the needs of the learner, be it a learner in literacy or any other educational goal, including but not limited to social skills.
From the Paper "The exponential growth of the Internet has created an astronomical number of options for entertainment and knowledge attainment, right at the fingertips of any connected individual. One of the most important functions of the internet is that it creates a virtual world where interaction is possible, be it to seek obscure messages or not so obscure pastime opportunities within the confines of ones own home. The stress of this function is that without leaving home an individual, theoretically could live nearly their entire life. This as a theory has both positive and negative outcomes, many of which are yet to be realized and or studied from a sociological and or psychological perspective. (Williams, Ducheneaut, Li, Zhang,Yee, & Nickell, 2006. pp. 338-339)"
Abstract As technology has evolved, the reality of virtual organizations has begun to take hold in a variety of industries. This paper looks at how it is now commonplace for employees to work, at least in part, from off-site. Telecommuting is a reality that has allowed companies to reduce costs, become more competitive, and facilitate happier, more productive employees. The writer examines how virtual employment, or telework, is one of the most radical departures from standard working conditions in the suite of flexible work practices now gaining widespread acceptance. The paper provides a literature review of this growing trend and the challenges facing human resource managers.
Abstract
Executive Summary
Literature Review
Discussion
From the Paper "Information Technology team members are particularly well suited for virtual positions. Technology today allows IT professionals to remotely assist users, at any hour of the day. Innovations such as web cams have even added a personal touch to remote IT staff. However, managing virtual employees requires new strategies, to ensure they are performing as effectively and efficiently as possible. Kirkman, Rosen, Gibson, Tesluk, & McPherson (2002) note the challenges virtual employees my face, especially as members of virtual teams. They identify ?five challenges that organizations can expect to encounter in establishing, maintaining, and supporting virtual teams, e.g., building trust, cohesion, and team identity, and overcoming isolation among virtual team members.? Watson-Manheim, Chudoba, and Crowston (2002) note that virtual work environments create ?discontinuities (which) are gaps or a lack of coherence in aspects of work.? "
Abstract The writer explains that virtual teams are making it possible to bring together experts from remote locations so that they can work together electronically as though they were in the same room. This paper discusses the virtual team concept, keys to implementing it successfully, specialized software that can be used to support it, and suggestions from some managers experienced at using it.
From the Paper "Virtual teams are making it possible to bring together experts from remote locations so that they can work together electronically as though they were in the same room. This paper discusses the virtual team concept keys to implementing it successfully specialized software that can be used to support it and suggestions from some managers experienced at using it. Virtual teams are justifiably one of the most lauded ... "
This paper looks at the work of Janet Cardiff, examining the ways in which she uses her voice and other sounds to create a false but convincing "virtual" reality.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 4 sources, 2005, $ 80.95
Abstract This paper examines two of the audio installation works of Canadian artist Janet Cardiff "The Large Slow River" and "Missing Voice" in the context of creating virtual realities. The paper also looks at aspects of the history of recorded sound and voice. In addition, the writer discusses virtual reality as a personal storytelling device. The first page presented in this article is a research proposal.
From the Paper "The creation of virtual reality is an attempt to re-create the world of actual human experiences through digital means, always attempting to make it more and more realistic. Janet Cardiff's work attempts this also, but without using digital visual representations of reality. Instead she uses sounds and words to elicit the memory and pre-existing knowledge of the audience/participant. This process creates an even more realistic "virtual reality," since memory often involves synesthesia, using all five of your own senses and not just the digitally created artificial ones of computer "virtual reality"."
Abstract This paper examines the positive effects of hardware virtualization upon American businesses. Specifically, the paper concludes that the available literature is fairly unanimous in asserting that virtual hardware cuts down on server redundancy, gives organizations greater operational flexibility as it pertains to their operating systems, and ultimately saves businesses money. This paper pursues a qualitative rather than a quantitative analysis of the topic insofar as there is very little available empirical data present in the literature (at least at this time). The paper also finishes with a look at areas which should be explored in future research.
From the Paper "Hardware virtualization has quickly emerged over the last three to four years as a major development in software technology. The following paper will explore this phenomenon by examining the qualitative data which exists on this subject at the moment. More particularly, this study is a qualitative rather than empirical assessment of the available literature and, as such, it explores the general ideas and views of business analysts, business leaders and technicians who will be - or already are - using the technology on a daily basis."
Abstract This paper provides a basic explanation of virtual private networks and how they operate, with an emphasis on their many levels of security. It looks at the problem of security of private data.
From the Paper "With the advent of globalization many companies now have wide area networks WANs for communicating with their offices and customers around the world. WANs are superior to public networks in terms of reliability performance and security but they are expensive due to the cost of the leased lines used to support them. Now that the Internet reaches around the world therefore many companies are reducing costs by using it as a virtual WAN instead of installing a physical WAN. These virtual private networks VPNs are ..."
Tags: VPN, virtual private networks, encryption, IP security, firewall
Abstract This paper considers training and development for a virtual team concept for a beer company expanding operations in Italy and Germany, noting how the team concept has become more common in recent years. It looks at how it has been used with problem-solving teams, cross-functional planning teams, sales teams, technology integration teams, with teams serving to improve coordination and cooperation, empower people, direct creativity and innovation and cut costs.
From the Paper "The move by this beer company to expand operations in Italy and Germany will follow the virtual team concept and requires particular emphasis on training and development, especially with reference to the creation of virtual teams. Italy and Germany are selected for their particularly advanced status as countries with strong brewing culture and so with an already-trained workforce for this sort of expansion. Longenecker and Neubert (2000) note how the use of teams has become more common in recent years and has been seen with problem-solving teams, cross-functional planning teams, sales teams, technology integration teams, and so on. Teams serve to improve coordination and cooperation, empower people, direct creativity and innovation, and cut costs. "
Abstract A discussion about the controversies surrounding the IMF and World Bank. The debt trap, the (Structural Adjustment Plans) SAPs and the unequal distribution of the votes are the main criticisms among IMF and World Bank opponents. The paper shows that there is need for reforms and change, and it also explains that both institutions are necessary in today's globalized world as they did help and improve living standards in many cases. The writer points out, however, that both institutions, especially the World Bank have already started to reform its organization as a response to the protester's demands. This means that the World Bank realized that some arguments of the opponents actually do concern. It concludes to explain that the World Bank now is among the world's largest external funder of education, health (HIV/AIDS) and environment projects.
1. Introduction
1.1. The Rise of the IMF and World Bank
1.2. The International Monetary Fund
1.3. The World Bank
2. Why are the Activities of IMF and World Bank so Controversial?
2.1. Poverty
2.2. The Debt Trap
2.3. The Structural Adjustment Plans (Saps)
2.3.1. Austerity Programs
2.3.2. Privatisation
2.3.3. Environment
2.4. Voting Rights
2.5. The Human Rights Issue
3. Conclusion
4. Reference List
From the Paper "In July 1944 the so-called Bretton Woods Conference in New Hampshire, USA established the IMF together with the World Bank, originally called the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). These two organisations were the outcome of long negotiations between 44 nations during World War II in order to ensure post-war global economic growth and to eliminate the aggressive exchange rates politics of the 30s. "The task of the IMF would be to maintain order in the international monetary system and that of the World Bank would be to promote general economic growth" (Hill, 2003:340). Furthermore, with the establishment of both organisations the member states aspired for reforms of international economic relations and an expansion of world trade."
Tags: adjustment, bank, debt, economy, fund, global, globalisation, globalization, imf, international, monetary, plans, poverty, structural, trap, world
This paper analyzes the impact of 'globalization' on labor conditions in third world countries in reference to the work of the World Bank, the International Labor Organization and 'anti-sweatshop' campaigners.
Abstract This paper examines how global economic forces enable sections of third world society to be more easily exploited. It investigates how the first world does not play on a level playing field by using the Multi-Fibre Agreement. The views of protesters, the World Bank, and others are reviewed. The paper ends by touching upon future developments, such as the impact of China becoming a full member of the World Trade Organization.
From the Paper "During the past three decades, remarkable internationalisation of the world economy has taken place. This process has become known as globalisation. Globalisation can be defined as "The increasing integration of national economies into expanding international markets" (Todaro: 1997). Neo-liberal authors and institutions, such as the IMF, state that globalisation is driven by four main factors; free market ideology; technological breakthroughs in communication; the shifting of economic activity to the developing world; and the opening up of previously closed borders. These factors of globalisation have inevitably led to changes in conditions of labour in third world employment. Here we will look at what the changes have been. We will then examine the views taken on these conditions by 'anti-sweatshop' campaigners, and the response of the International Labour Organisation and the World Bank."
Abstract This paper studies the conditions in Europe after World War I, which ultimately led to Second World War. The paper focuses on England and Germany as countries representative of the Allied and Axis powers. The paper begins by examining the Weimar Republic of Germany, which had inherent weaknesses that, when combined with economic strife and early political challenges, created a high level of instability. The paper shows how the Nazi Party exploited the Republic's weaknesses. The paper examines in detail Hitler's rise to power, and the culminating impact of world events. Next, the paper turns to Britain, which like Germany was showing signs of great economic stress after World War I. The paper discusses high unemployment coupled with a shrinking export market, which contributed to the downward spiral. The paper also studies the psyche of the British public, which believed that that World War I was the last war -- a belief that was reflected in the government's decision to cut military spending. The paper concludes with an assessment of the U.S.'s Land-Lease program and its positive impact on the economic and military recovery of England.
From the Paper "The conditions in countries where many of the Allied forces resided were similar to those of the Axis forces. One country for each of the allied and axis forces whose history following World War II are similar to the other members of each group will be examined. The British are a good representation of the Allied forces and Germany for the Axis, especially in the European theater. What occurred in each of these countries following World War I laid the foundation for what were to follow in World War II. Each holds some very interesting events, which set into motion what would occur in the future. Mussolini first coined the term "Axis" in a speech he gave in Milan, Italy on November 1, 1936. In this speech, he referred to the Rome/Berlin alliance as an Axis in which all European countries would revolve around. This alliance, however, was a result of forced isolation from the rest of Europe, rather than a sincere Italo-German partnership of mutual respect."
Abstract This eight page undergraduate paper compares and contrasts the novel,"Brave New World", with our own world. The paper describes how there are many disturbing parallels between life in Aldous Huxley classic novel, "Brave New World", and life in our contemporary world. The paper further examines how Huxley's fictional world and our modern world share many social, political, economic, psychological, and totalitarian characteristics.
From the Paper "There are many disturbing parallels between life in Aldous Huxley's classic novel, Brave New World, and life in our contemporary world, for Huxley's fictional world and our modern world share many social, political, economic, psychological, and totalitarian characteristics. These parallels have become more obvious and frightening in recent years as conservative politicians at every level of the federal government have allied themselves with powerful corporations, and as the news we rely upon to understand our world and make decisions is being increasingly controlled by corporate entertainment conglomerates."
A review of the book "The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century" by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and columnist Thomas L. Friedman.
Abstract This paper discusses the book "The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century" by Thomas Friedman, which analyzes the progress of globalization, especially in the early 21st century. The paper explains how Friedman breaks down his argument for this "flat world" scenario by listing the ten forces that have "flattened" the world within the last decade. The writer explores these ten forces in depth in order to fully understand the immense impact of globalization and how it has "flattened" our world as compared to the past when the United States and Europe dominated global trade and economic development. According to the writer, what the future holds as a result of the emergence of these "flatteners" is unknown, yet it is abundantly clear if not undeniable that other "flatteners" will also emerge and thus drastically change once again the world and the people that live in it.
From the Paper "This scenario serves as the foundation for The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and columnist Thomas L. Friedman, the former chief economic correspondent in the Washington D.C. bureau for the New York Times and chief White House correspondent. The editors of Friedman's excellent and intelligently-written book ask the question, "When scholars write the history of the world twenty years from now, what will they say was the most crucial development?" Will it be the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Iraq war, or will it be "the convergence of technology and events that allowed India (and) China to become part of the global supply chain for services and manufacturing?" (1). "
Tags: globalization, economics, World, Trade, Center, Iraq, war, technology
