The Search Continues

The Search Continues So I will elaborate on this entry later this evening, but for now, Ill describe to you my morning. I woke up this morning at 8.50 AM to a phone call from Procter and Gamble alerting me to the fact that I had an interview at 3.45 PM. Now do keep in mind that I went to sleep at about 4 am because I decided to stay up late and continue working on my critical review of The compressive properties and function-composition relationships of developing bovine articular cartilage. So needless to say hopping out of bed at 10 am and figuring out what tie to wear this morning was a bit of an adventure, but then again, its college, am I supposed to expect anything else? EDIT: As promised. So currently, Im trying to figure out what Im going to do with my summer. Last year, I started off my search a little late, but still managed to find a pretty good internship. But this year, Im starting early so I can have time to make my decision and figure out a number of logistical issues like housing, etc. So how do I go about finding a summer internship? So one of the services MIT provides is the Career Office. They help to you write a resume, practice mock interviews, etc. They even help with study abroad options. In addition, theres also MonsterTrak, which is a version of Monster where companies will post their openings for full time and internship positions. After applying online, companies will review your resume and after they review your resume, they may pre-select you for an interview which are typically held in the Career Office. In addition to the Career Office, theres also UPOP, a program for engineering sophomores. UPOP takes place over IAP where you have workshops that help you practice your interview skills, skills for the workplace, etc. I have a few friends who participated in UPOP. Some ended up working at Boeing, Broadcom, and other pretty big name companies. So far Ive had three interviews this semester, some have gone better than others, but I do have a couple offers already so thats exciting. Itll be pretty tough deciding which one Id like. The allure of one offer is that their offices are within walking distance of this monument. There are a lot of other ways to find pretty cool internships as well. Departments oftentimes email out to their students about opportunities. Alumni are also great resources as well. Theres also the IAP Externship program where students are hosted by companies during IAP. PS. For all of you who emailed me with questions, Ill be responding to those questions via an entry tomorrow. For those of you with questions who havent asked me yet, post a comment or email me at [emailprotected].

Poverty in South Africa Essay - 475 Words

Poverty is one of the greatest problems facing South Africa. South African families live in very unsatisfactory conditions. The South African government works hard to bring down the rate of poverty but it also seems to increase as they try. The majority of the South African people are unemployed or else the breadwinner of the family looses the job or dies. In that situation the family has nobody to provide them with the basic needs of life. The children have no money to go to school and that alone increases the rate of poverty as it is known to everybody that if u is uneducated, you have no good chances of getting a well paying job that will sustain you for the rest of your life. In those situations people turn to crime. They believe†¦show more content†¦Their clients refuse to use condoms and they feel that they have no option but to proceed with everything because they are in desperate need of money. They also fear that they will be attacked if they do not agree with their clients. Some women tend to get multiple sexual partners because they are in desperate need of money. Those partners refuse to use condoms and the woman feels that she has no choice in the matter because she is dependent on her partners for a living. Even if the woman has only one sexual partner, if she is dependent on him for a living and if he refuses to use a condom she will not have anything to do or say as he has power over her. If most people have sex without using a condom there will be a multiple number of unplanned pregnancies. Those children will have to suffer the consequences of being born in a society that is stricken by poverty. This also increases the rate of people who are living with HIV and AIDS. The statistics shows that the higher percentage of people living with aids is women, I fell that this is because of poverty. If a woman dies of AIDS and she had had children those children will have no one to take care of them and they will also be affected by poverty. They can not go to school and obviously they will be uneducated. The lack of education can also be a strong influence of poverty. People have noShow MoreRelatedThe Poverty Of South Africa1509 Words   |  7 Pagessuffer without a chance to truly achieve their potential. In South Africa it became extreme to the point where certain races could only live in certain areas; clearly it lasted much too long.The main reasons why it lasted so long was because of the segregational laws, failed rallies; and lack of a leader. First we need a basic understanding of the apartheid system in South Africa. Apartheid was the structure of government in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. It was Established by the National PartyRead MoreRacism And Poverty : South Africa1640 Words   |  7 PagesSince it’s foundation, South Africa has faced significant issues with racism and poverty. 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With all of these factorsRead MoreThe Gretest Poverty of All: Bieng Unwanted, Unloved and Uncared For 1042 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty.† (Mother Teresa) South Africa’s poverty affects the country in numerous ways; however and the most vulnerable margin in the country is the most effected. Children are the most vulnerable aspect in any country, as they are still developing, and don’t have the resources to be independent; they are also only able to take what the y are given withoutRead MoreGender Roles And Gender Inequality1576 Words   |  7 Pagesgender roles and gender inequality that persists in South Africa help not only to explain their unbelievably difficult daily burdens but it also aids in the understanding of the lack of economic and political representation of women in the region (Bentley, 2004). 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South Africa is integrated highly into the world economy. South Africa is the strongest African economy and has attained positions like being a member of G8 .All these are as a result of globalization. Globalization has had an impact on the economy, the government and social nature resulting to some effects. The paper will look at how globalization has affected South Africa under several categories. It will also give an explanation onRead MoreFreedom Of Choice : South Africa1241 Words   |  5 PagesLibertaria seeks to create absolute freedom for its people. In South Africa, people are free in numerous ways for instance South Africans are free to express themselves, go wherever they want, and follow any religion. Furthermore, Libertarians believe in freedom of choice which is the same belief occurring in South Africa. Freedom plays a major role in South Africa’s Bill of Rights, and is a reoccuring theme throughout South African laws and politics. The economic issue in Libetaria is that theRead MoreTo what extent is reducing the number of people living in absolute poverty sufficient to achieve economic growth and development?1222 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿To what extent is reducing the number of people living in absolute poverty sufficient to achieve economic growth and development? Absolute poverty measures the number of people living below a certain income threshold or the number of households unable to afford certain basic goods and services. Much of the poverty in developing countries, such as South Africa, tends to be absolute poverty. Economic growth can be defined as steady growth in the productive capacity of the economy. Short term growth

Nike Cost of Captial - 777 Words

Nike Cost of Capital I. Single of Multiple Costs of Capital Since Nike has multiple business segments it is appropriate to question whether to use single or multiple costs of capital for the analysis. Kimi’s assistant Joanna went ahead and chose to use one cost of capital for Nike. We agree with her decision because Nike’s different segments are all generally sports related and are susceptible to the same market risks. For example, Nike’s footwear and apparel lines, which make up a combined 92% of their revenue, are segments that complement each other and are sold through the same marketing and distribution channels. Non-Nike products made up only 4.5% of Nike’s revenue including the Cole Haan brand, a company that sells casual dress and†¦show more content†¦Instead of deriving the amount of equity from book values, we calculated Nike’s current market capitalization by multiplying the stock price by the number of shares outstanding and arrived at $11,427,435,000. According to our new calculations, d ebt is now 10.1% and equity is now 89.9% of Nike’s total capital. III. Cost of Debt By using the yield to maturity approach, we were able to calculate the cost of debt of Nike. Examining the information provided through exhibit 4, a 20 year bond was issued with an interest payment of 6.75% semi-annually. With this semi-annual status, I=3.375% and N would be equal to 40. Lastly, the current price of the bond (P1) is $95.60 and the par value (P0) is $100. Taking in to consideration the corporate tax rate of 38% and using the redeemable bond formula, we found the cost of debt to be equal to 4.5%. IV. Cost of Equity We estimated the cost of equity using both the capital-asset-pricing model (CAPM) and the dividend growth model (DGM). Two separate WACCs were calculated on separate sheets simply for comparison reasons. We choose to take the WACC using the cost of equity derived from the CAPM method however, since it is known to be the superior method. Our estimate of Nike’s cost of equity using the DGM method is 6.64%. This was achieved by taking the .48 dividend payment, dividing it by the current share price of $42.09 and adding it to the dividend growth rate of 5.0%. Our estimate of Nike’sShow MoreRelatedNike vs. Under Armour Essay2943 Words   |  12 Pagesindustry are the companies in? Nike; one of the most well known companies across the globe today is most known for being the world’s #1 shoemaker. They design and sell shoes for a variety of sports including baseball, golf, tennis and football. Nike also sells dress and casual shoes as well as athletic apparel and equipment for almost every sport imaginable. In addition Nike also operates NIKETOWN shoe and sportswear stores, factory outlets along with Nike women shops. One of Nike’s biggest competitorsRead MoreContemporary Issues in Management Accounting211377 Words   |  846 Pagesanalysis, contingency frameworks, performance measurement systems, and strategic cost management, which are considered from the perspective of changing concerns facing modern organizations and present-day management thought as well as in the light of some of their historical dimensions. Other chapters deal with newly emerging concerns in management accounting, including network relations, digitization, integrated cost m anagement systems, knowledge management pursuits, and environmental managementRead MoreFundamentals of Hrm263904 Words   |  1056 Pages134 Factors That Affect Recruiting Efforts 134 DID YOU KNOW?: Something for Everyone 135 Constraints on Recruiting Efforts 135 Organizational Image 135 Job Attractiveness 136 Internal Organizational Policies 136 Government Influence 136 Recruiting Costs 136 Chapter 7 Foundations of Selection 154 Learning Outcomes 154 Introduction 156 The Selection Process 156 Initial Screening 156 Completing the Application Form 157 DIVERSITY ISSUES IN HRM: Interview Questions 158 Key Issues 159 Weighted Application

Manipulatives Material and Students Free Essays

7 Musts for Using Manipulatives By Marilyn Burns 1. I talk with students about why manipulatives help them learn math. These discussions are essential for first-time users and useful refreshers to refocus from time to time. We will write a custom essay sample on Manipulatives: Material and Students or any similar topic only for you Order Now I precede discussions by giving children time to explore a manipulative. Then we talk about what students noticed and I introduce the concepts they’ll learn with the material. 2 . From day one, I set ground rules for using materials. We talk about the similarities and differences between using manipulatives in class and playing with toys or games. With toys or games, children can make up their own rules. With manipulatives, they are given specific problems and activities. I do make clear, however, that they’re free to make discoveries and explore new ideas. It’s also important for students not to interfere with one another. I step in when I hear a howl of protest as a student who needs one more yellow tile takes it from another group’s table. Sometimes I open up the discussion to the entire class. These impromptu reminders help keep students on track. 3. I set up a system for storing materials and familiarize students with it. It’s important for students to know where and how to store materials. A clear system makes the materials more accessible. Some teachers designate and label space on bookshelves. Others use zip-top plastic bags and portion materials into quantities useful for pairs or groups. Still others place a supply of each material at students’ tables so they’re always within reach. 4. Time for free exploration is worth the investment. Whenever I introduce a new material, I allot at least one math period for this. Teacher demonstrations alone are like eating a papaya in front of the class and expecting children to know how it tastes. Free exploration time also allows students to satisfy their curiosity so they don’t become distracted from the assigned tasks. Expect children to see if tiles can fall like dominoes; build tall towers with rods; or construct rockets out of cubes. After children have explored a material, I ask what they’ve discovered and record their observations on a chart so their classmates can get insights from their ideas. Then I assign a specific task. 5. For easy reference, I post class charts about manipulative materials. Charts not only send students the message that I value manipulatives, but also help students learn materials’ names and how to spell them. In September I post a chart that lists all the materials we’ll use during the year. For some materials, I post separate charts to list their shapes and colors. And I leave posted charts of students’ discoveries about materials. 6. Manipulatives are a natural for writing assignments; having students write in math class has many benefits. Manipulatives provide concrete objects for children to describe. 7. I let parents get their hands on manipulatives, too. It’s important for parents to understand why their children are using materials. Follow up by having children take home materials and activities to do with their families. (Hint: I wait until students have had some experience. )3 Marilyn Burns Answers Your Questions Marilyn Burns Answers Your Questions About Manipulatives Q. Manipulatives help my learners who struggle, but do my better Math students need them? A. Absolutely. The challenge of teaching any subject is to find activities that are accessible to all learners and have the richness to challenge more interested or capable students. Manipulatives are a wonderful resource for this. For example, I introduced fourth graders to Build the Yellow Hexagon. All students found different ways to build the hexagon and recorded their constructions with correct fractional notation. I asked the students who finished quickly: â€Å"How much larger is the red trapezoid than the blue parallelogram? † This challenged them to figure out how much more 1/2 is than 1/3. Q. How often should I use manipulatives in my teaching? A. Ideally, the materials are available for students to use at any time to help them think, reason, and solve problems. When a manipulative material is key to a lesson, I initiate its use. Q. What about students who work well with manipulatives but have trouble with textbooks? A. Showing the bridge from concrete experiences to symbolism is essential. While it may be obvious to adults, it can be a stretch for students to see how a 3-by-4 rectangle built with tiles relates to the textbook explanation that 3 x 4 means three groups of four. I help children make connections by demonstrating how a rectangle can be separated into three rows with four tiles. Q. How many kinds of manipulatives do I need? A. It makes sense to introduce one material and provide time for in-depth exploration. But one advantage of using a variety is that children can think about ideas in different ways. For example, we wouldn’t want children to think of fractions as related only to round pies. Q. Can’t I make cheaper manipulatives? A. For years I’ve had children cut paper cookies to explore fractions, fold shapes for geometry, and use strips for measurement. Students also cut paper squares into the seven tangram puzzle pieces to see that the pieces make a square. However, to create other shapes, compare areas and perimeters, or make observations over time, paper pieces aren’t durable or exact. Manipulatives stand the test of time and are precise. They also allow students to discover the mathematical relationships inherent in them. 4 Q. Where do I fit manipulatives in when there’s so much to do? A. I use manipulatives as a support for teaching the math topics that are in the curriculum. I don’t reserve materials for special days or assignments, but make them a regular and integral part of my general teaching. Q. I worry that children will see the same materials year after year and lose interest. Do they? A. School-wide planning to discuss which manipulatives you’ll use and how to use them can be valuable. However, be careful not to designate certain materials or activities for only one grade. Most are appropriate for different levels, and repeat experiences help students stretch their thinking. For example, asking primary children to find different ways to make trains of six interlocking cubes using just two colors helps them explore different addends of 6. Older students can be challenged to figure out how many arrangements there are, not only for trains of 6, but also for trains of other lengths. Q. I don’t have enough of any one kind of manipulative to use with my whole class. What can I do? A. Some teachers I know organize learning centers and have small groups work at them. Others introduce a few activities to be done over several days, and students make choices based on which materials are available. Still others pool materials for a week with other teachers to create class sets. In all cases, having students work cooperatively not only cuts down on the amount of material you need, but also encourages communication — which in turn promotes learning. Q. How do I know when it’s time for students to put away the materials? A. I let students be my guide. Observing them gives me valuable information. Sometimes I’ve assigned students the problem of finding all of the rectangular arrays using 6, 12, and 24 tiles. While some need to build all of the rectangles with tiles and then record them, other students stop using the tiles and are comfortable drawing the rectangles. Q. I worry older students will complain that manipulatives are babyish. Any advice? A. I rarely get this reaction. Most are delighted to get their hands on concrete materials. If you anticipate naysayers, talk about how, for example, architects often build models of buildings and engineers construct prototypes. Tell students that they’ll use materials to model a problem or situation. Then be sure they first experience something that offers a challenge and that you provide free exploration time. How to cite Manipulatives: Material and Students, Essay examples

Introduction Essays (2296 words) - Guggenheim Fellows, McCarthyism

Introduction Of his time, Talcott Parsons (1902-1979) was considered the most admired American sociologist. Parsons was bread into a well-to-do family and was given a strong educational foundation as a child. Starting as a biologist, Parsons felt out of place and transferred to economics and sociology. As he excelled in these fields, Parsons began studies in Europe, giving him a wide view on different societies. He began teaching at Harvard, and there he exposed his sociological thoughts. Although very controversial, Parsons' works had influences on all aspects of Sociology. He generally focused on social action and systems and believed that morality in social action is the main element to help preserve social order. In The Structure of Social Action (1937), Parsons developed earlier sociologists' views into a theory of social action, or the action theory. These ideas look into today's society and it's institutional structures, which work to clarify action and to gain from it. His second book, The Social System (1951), extends and further explains his prior theories, including a structural-functional strategy. Talcott Parsons' functionalistic ways, influenced by Bronislaw Malinowski, became the center of debate. His beliefs were questioned and challenged by rival sociologists. His studies became even greater and his theories more significant. Until the time of his death, his principal aim focused on the systematic study of social action and it's components. He looked at the surrounding factors and if and why they influenced the social system. As an award before his death, Parsons received high honors for his accomplishments in sociology. Many people considered him the most intelligent sociologist of his era. Methods for Securing Information To gather material on this subject, I used a few research tools. First, I utilized the internet as a source of information. Starting off, I figured I would use search engines, or special programs that find websites concerning your topic, to begin. I listed as many keywords as I could, including Talcott Parsons, Parsons, sociology, sociologists, dead sociologists, and structural-functional paradigm. I then used these keywords in my searches on the yahoo!, excite, starting point, and webcrawler search engines. I passed trough websites, selecting valuable information and printing out what was needed. I looked over the various internet articles, and I highlighted and took notes on some important details. I kept the web pages nearby for quick reference. Next, I visited the Boca Raton Public Library to collect more substantial data. I began by using the library's computers to search for information on Talcott Parsons and sociology. I was lead to the International Encyclopedia of Social Sciences, in which I found biographical supplements. I copied specific pages concerning Talcott Parsons, and as I read the text, I choose certain information for reviewing. This information was observantly copied to note cards. I located two other encyclopedias, The New Encyclopedia Britannica and Encyclopedia Americana, and repeated the steps as before, using note cards to take notes. During my search, I found a paperback book on sociology. I studied the section pertaining to Talcott Parsons, and I took careful notes on his works. Afterwards, I researched the historical events happening while Parsons grew up. Initially, I found these events on the Society in History: Time Lines in my sociology text book. I noted the events and relied on the internet. I used the same method as before, search engines and websites. I listed the keywords on the subjects and found many different articles. I printed the useful documents and reviewed them for significant points. Last, I highlighted the main topics and noted the major facts. Biographical Information Talcott Parsons was born on December 13, 1902 in Colorado Springs. His family consisted of five siblings and his mother and father, Mary Ingersol Parsons and Edward Parson. According to the Inter. Encyclopedia of Social Sciences, "His mother...was a suffragist...and his father was a 'social gospel' Protestant of broad academic interests" (610). Parsons was academically pushed by his father, who was the first in the family to attend college. Although of Christian faith, his family was still interested in the sciences of Darwinism, which gave Parsons an early view of science. He attended high school at Horace Mann High School in New York City. After graduation, he started his studies at Amherst College. Parsons majored in biology, but

Solar Photovoltaic (PV)

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Solar photovoltaic (PV) uses solar cells to capture energy from sunlight and converts it to electricity by photovoltaic effect through assembling solar cells. Transmitted through solar modules and solar panels, sunlight is easily converted to solar power that can be supplied to off-grid areas as alternative to power solutions in remote and dispersed communities.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Solar Photovoltaic (PV) specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Solar photovoltaic (PV) project is a predominant technology that consists of 10-100 Wp of solar PV panel that attract solar radiations through daylight and stores the energy in the automobile battery which is then transmitted through cabling and low-wattage Dc lamps (Energy and Mining Sector Board, 2007). Practical application of photovoltaic cells producing electricity from sunlight is applied by connecting a series of modules, interconnected in p arallels or series creating an array of an additive voltage. Photons in sunlight hit solar panels and absorbed by silicon (semiconducting materials) (Shive, 1959). Electrons being charged are knocked loose from their atoms, allowing them to flow through the silicon in a single direction to produce electricity (silicon) (Lorenzo et al, 1994, p.78; Smee, 1849). Arrays of solar cells are convert the solar energy into usable amount of direct current (DC) electricity which could be applied to development activities such as water pumping, small cottage industry, poultry rearing, fish farming among others (Lorenzo et al, 1994, p.78; Anderson 2001). Introduction Science and technology has defined desired service outcome for end users. Use of solar photovoltaic technology has amplified and transformed the rural poor population who can not afford electricity (Wolf, 1976). It requires active participation of community members, who are the end users beneficiaries and the government, should acti vely participate to foresee the project completion. This essay demonstrates how technology sector, for this instance, Solar photovoltaic (PV), a solar energy that is currently processed by World Bank in Bangladesh has incredibly transformed the living standards of the rural poor population.Advertising Looking for essay on other technology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Data obtained for this analysis is culmination research efforts gathered between World Bank projects and extensive assessment performed by a group of industry practitioners in Bangladesh in pursue of project management and Information technology programs. Developing countries have over the years been striving to provide energy solutions to the poor marginalized areas. Despite many projects that have been implemented for years, more than 1.5 billion people in developing countries mostly in the Sub- Saharan African region and South Asia remain without access to electricity services today. In this regard, World Bank continue to implement projects to meet Bangladesh lightening and other basic energy needs since majority of the households in the rural areas depend on expensive fuel based energy power such as kerosene, which are indeed inefficient and polluting. World Bank’s project uses renewable energy-based technologies ranging from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to micro hydropower to off-grid areas as alternative to power solutions in remote and dispersed communities (Lorenzo, 1994). This projected has also been accelerated due to the recent increment of fuel prices. Among the financiers, World Bank is the leading sponsor of the off-grid electrification benefiting more than 1 million households including both small and medium size enterprises. Solar Thermal Power Plant in Bangladesh enabled sustainment of community development activities such as water pumping, small cottage industry, poultry rearing, fish farming among o thers. The study starts by mentioning impacts of solar photovoltaic (PV) on Bangladesh society, problems inherent within the project application of solar photovoltaic (PV) in Bangladesh rural development, national subsidiaries and the government working to meet the basic energy needs. The analysis did however conclude that PV improved living standards and the livelihood of the rural poor population.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Solar Photovoltaic (PV) specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This therefore brings us to the conclusion that technology is indeed a practice that requires testing regimes to arrive at best practices. In this regard, understanding both internal and external processes rather than relying on the prescribed best practices within information technology industry is very important. Overview of Bangladesh Community Many rural communities in Bangladesh require energy solutions to sustain their economic activities. Many of their projects are usually constrained by lack of modern supply of energy and jeopardized their ability to live above poverty levels. Economic activities related to water pumping, small cottage industry, poultry rearing, fish farming among others are very important in sustaining community development. Many of these projects require small amount of power as low as 100w to 3kW, which could be provided by PV. In this case, the government should initiate and enhance productive activities for long-term project sustainability. This brought us to the conclusion that the major ingredients to providing off-grid require technical assistance and adequate financing from the government, private subsidiaries and international donors. Therefore the costs of PV built to serve the off-grid community need to be justified in its productive loads especially in daytime when the sunshine is out enough to supply nighttime household loads, otherwise the wall project would not be cost e ffective (Cabraal et al, 2008, p.15). Bangladeshi government should ensure that regulatory requirements designed for off-grid markets are appropriate, devise reporting and service quality standards in rural areas and set lower costs that can be redistributed over an extended period (Reiche et al, 2006). For PV services for instance, Reiche et al (2006) argues that the only regulatory body that would foresee the completion of the project would be the government that provides subsidies for system purchase and installation.Advertising Looking for essay on other technology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Reiche and his colleagues (2006) add that regulatory actions involve accreditation of participating companies, settings and enforcing standards (preferably adopting internationally accepted standards), verification of installation, and random monitoring of system performance-actions that World Bank-supported projects usually require of counterpart government agencies (p.7). Impacts of solar photovoltaic (PV) on Bangladesh society Solar photovoltaic (PV) and SHS technical options enhance affordability and provide smaller, lower-power solar systems that offer lower quantity of service without compromising its quality (Cabraal et al, 1996). For example, Cabraal and his colleagues (1996) analysis demonstrate that a solar panel costing $ 50 to $75 would provide 3-4hours of lighting on a daily basis. Also, the SHS costing $ 600 can operate up to 3-4 hours of lighting and radio daily. LED technology advances are also cost efficient and can also be adopted into the most marginalized and ret ail infrastructure. Overall, adequate attention to SHS products and services are needed lead to reduced costs and replacements less expensive (Cabraal et al, 2008, p.19). World Bank investment projects have over the years made impressive gains in improving electricity access specifically in developing countries. It’s estimated that majority of Bangladesh population both in rural and marginalized areas has no access to electricity. Poor household here are defined as people living in off-grid areas with low-income levels. Government programs in Bangladesh should in this case prioritize allocation of scarce resources. This is because unprivileged populations are found to be concentrated in the rural communities. However, the costs required to electrify this places vary significantly. Marginal areas have been without electricity for sometime since private organizations are unwilling to connect customers because if the inherent high costs installation and with lower tariffs. In re ality, private sectors prefer to concentrate on grid intensification due to lower cost per connection and easier to implement. Government projects are rarely off-grid decisions and its time they supported energy initiatives that would stimulate the growth of micro-enterprises that would benefit the economy. For these reasons, some off-grid projects have been neglected hence the need for World Bank sponsorship. The spatial-analysis of power line being plotted in Bangladesh is one of such example (Cabraal et al, 2008, p.4). Rural renewable electrification programs such as solar photovoltaic (PV) are increasingly becoming popular in developing countries as a means of providing alternative energy sources to rural poor population. PV technology varies significantly in design and implementation as well as its degree of success. Lorenzo and his colleagues (1994) argue that sustainability of this programs are widely successful with collective participation from the local government, donor f unding and the community. Solar photovoltaic tends to be a technical demonstration project and relies totally on funding from donor organizations and local governments. In this regard, World Bank projects aimed at mainstreaming sustainable development principles into development aspects, is projected as a primary donor for community sustainment. It mobilizes efforts from community, the government and private-sectors to improve coordination among environmental institutions both internationally and locally. World Bank projects have over the years been accredited with increasing the capacity of environmental issues and awareness of community on environmental issues by encouraging their active participation to monitor environmental quality. According to Yongxoue et al (2003), World Bank’s main objective is to â€Å"integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programs and reverse the loss of environmental resources† (p.10). It’s quit e clear that access to energy solutions would incredibly improve Bangladesh’s welfare. According to Cabraal et al (2008) research, there are about 260 million rural household without access to electricity. It is evidenced that majority of these households reside in either dispersed or small villages far form the city centers. World Bank is therefore trying to bridge this gap by implementing projects that provide electricity to such neglected areas using technology options approaches such as solar photovoltaic that have attained commercial maturity over the past 15-20 years. Based on practical knowledge gathered from various literatures and international experience accumulated through the past and on going World Bank operations, World Bank’s unique projects offer basic design principles of project management and sound practices and prescribe solutions for success (Cabraal et al, 2008). Solar photovoltaic projects aimed at improving lives and livelihood opportunities hav e helped those who can not afford personal house connections. From the perspective of data gathered from various literatures, such technological applications increase the economic attractiveness of the community. Issues surrounding solar photovoltaic (PV) It’s evidenced that a station with 2kw capacity charged battery can serve up to 50 households. The only disadvantage is that the solar powered batteries can only serve people living near the station since the battery must be transported to and from the charging station once a week. On the other hand however, Barkat (2003) argues that â€Å"in some projects, quality systems were installed without providing for longer-term maintenance, which harmed the reputation of the project and technology† (p.6). Also,lack of donor funding and the inability to reach the off-grid areas due to poor infrastructure has always been a major obstacle in realizing rural solar electrification objective. Bangladesh management team on the othe r hand lacked awareness in decision making level. The country had not prioritized solar development plan and poor coordination among line agencies at local levels to foresee the project completion were evident. There were so many undergoing projects, but locals lacked understanding of the project activities and how it would benefit them. Locals assumed that the project only targeted long term impacts which made them less motivated and more concerned about short term direct impacts. This brought us to the conclusion that complex issues in developing countries require more practical solutions to solve the problem in the community in a short-term basis. Even though, solar energy projects have been stated as one of the Bangladesh’s national development plan priority, in fact, it’s shocking to realize that the country has given the project less priority since its implementation (Yongxoue et al, 2003, p.3). Sibanda and Mahbub (2003) states that World Bank acted as an adminis trator for the Global Partnership on Output-Based Aid (GPOBA) with grants of a total of $8.3 million to sponsor part of the costs for installation of Solar Home Systems (PV) and renewable energy mini-grids for poor households located in Bangladesh rural areas (p.2). The projects benefited more than 14,000 households and over 5000 small to medium enterprises. Some of the projects included irrigation pumps, poultry farms and as well as timber mills in the rural areas. The ongoing project is expected to enable majority of poor rural population and dispersed areas have access to affordable energy through the PV and mini-grid projects. Zafrul Islam as quoted in Sibanda and Mahbub (2003) states that the GPOBA projects will support the Government of Bangladesh’s goal to ensure that the entire country has access to electricity by 2021. 80% of Bangladesh’s population live in rural areas and are also the group most affected by a lack of sufficient electricity generation. These p rojects will help 140,000 more households gain access to affordable electricity (p.1). Sibanda and Mahbub (2003) continue that the proposed PV project will reduce PV installation costs benefiting off-grid areas. Mr. Islam Sharrif as quoted in Sibanda and Mahbub (2003) adds that our mission at IDCOL is to encourage private sector investment in energy and infrastructure projects,† said Mr. Islam Sharif, CEO of IDCOL. The output-based aid approach has an impressive track record to date because it helps low income households gain access to electricity and makes it attractive for the private sector to offer services to the poor (p.2). In his statement Mr. Islam Sharrif concluded that the amount paid by GPOBA was seen as an incentive for business in the country to offer services to the poor people and the World Bank out-put based approach will ensure that payments made go directly to the qualifying household access to PV installation (Sibanda and Mahbub, 2003, p.2). Since its establ ishment in 2003, GPOBA has sponsored various projects including education, infrastructure and health designed to create incentives for efficiency and long-term development projects. Bangladeshi government should play an active role by funding and inviting proposals from private sectors, rural energy fund and support such investments on qualifying bidders. In either case, the governments sound practice to subsidize a portion of the capital costs while the community and private sectors balances the investment costs and full cost of the operation and maintenance. The third approach calls for active participation of government-contracted projects or public utilities operating in marginalized areas. Here, the government takes full charge by regulating tariffs which is an equivalent to the lifeline tariff of rural grid customers. In other words, utility operator is provided a subsidy from a public source as part of capital operations and maintenance costs. This model is also evident in th e Philippines where the government funds its micro-operation projects. For Bangladesh case, World Bank project centered on off-grid SHS has enabled rural electrification. With regard to World Bank projects, the dealer aspect often incorporates micro-finance assistance, which deals with the initial high upfront costs (Cabraal et al, 2008, p.20). In this case, mobilization of both government and sponsoring agencies is required since off-grid electrification is difficult to implement. Persistence and efforts from the government in support of World Bank projects are very important in ensuring completion of the projects. Government commitment to revive subsidiary slack when external financing ends to ensure the completion of the project is also required. Alternative Views After extensive research, I realized that long-term sustainability of the project will depend on many factors either than just technology. First of all, Cabraal and his colleagues (2008) argue that Bangladesh will requi re effective prioritization and adequate planning to ensure implementation of technological solutions, infrastructure and financial are provided for long-term purposes. Drawing on World Bank’s experience in design and implementing off-grid electrification projects, rural electrification solar projects guidance and insights into fundamental design principles for sustainability and sound practices for effective decision-making in Bangladesh will an effective solution (Cabraal et al, 2008). Secondly, active participation of government-contracted projects or public utilities operating in marginalized areas. World Bank projects should incorporate micro-finance assistance to deal with the initial high upfront costs. It has often been argued that reduced capital costs subsequently improve affordability of capital-intensive off-grid technologies. Some countries oppose the off-grid technologies, encouraging further consumption of high fuel. The implementation of solar PV have simplifi ed energy solutions and enabled Bangladesh to build long-term relationship with its donors and subsidiaries hence reducing the share of costs attributed to management and overhead costs (Cabraal et al, 2008, p.20). To ensure the likelihood of sustainability of the projects, Cabraal and his colleagues (2008) argue that Bangladesh government should play a role of off-grid options by simplifying regulations, appointing competent and dedicated project management staff to foresee the completion of the project. Since the project is technology driven, the project should include cost effective analysis to determine the least-cost solutions and our technology choice will be based practical considerations. Deliverance mechanisms and consumer service for off-grid projects specifically rely on private sector participation in line with local realities which enable access to quality and affordable products and services in the long-term. In order to increase affordability, Sibanda and Mahbub (2003 ) argue that off-grid electrification project in the rural Bangladesh must include subsidiaries, low-cost energy options like PV for this instance, consumer financing and finally polices and business practice. Role of subsidiaries in this case would be to foresee the completion of grid-based rural electrification to off-grid areas that have poor and dispersed population. It has also been argued that technologies for decentralized service have the ability to configure individual units that have higher investment costs to low fuel and operating costs compared to fuel-based supply systems. In some cases, the resulting energy costs may be higher that what a potential customer is willing to pay and subsidiaries in this case help off-grid consumers afford the upfront costs of access (Sibanda and Mahbub, 2003, p.17). Subsidiaries provided by PV in World Bank projects in Bangladesh reflects wide variations of systems costs, government attitudes towards subsidiary support and willingness to pay levels. For example, the PV subsidiary projects known as the RERED include PV system size of 20-70 WP with approximately 12 % cost in subsidiary range. Subsidiary financing can be gained from micro-financial institutions, banks and leasing companies. Such arrangements can increase affordability by spreading first costs over several years. Therefore strong partnership between microfinance institutions and energy companies would facilitate fast off-grid lending programs (Cabraal et al, 2008, p.19). Implications on Education The main objective of PV electrification is to ensure potential productive applications are likely to be fruitful once the PV is built. For effective implementation, early identification of local participant for the PV project, assisting individuals in developing business plan and identifying financial modalities. Sometimes over optimisms evaluation of potential productive application may be impractical to implement since they do not indicate significant potent ial for utilization. Institutional and community application are also important to ensuring off-grid electrification come to its full potential. For example, community centers around at the projects areas such as hospitals and schools can voluntary give assistance by financing the projects. In a business model perspective, World Bank or donor-funded institutions that have offered critical mass of assistance for PV market packages are offered bidding where the highest bidder is given the right to sell the PV to local households at subsidized rates and even a contract to install the PV systems to selected institutions. An important feature of this model is that the project enables long term maintenance and services that meet specific service standards (Cabraal et al, 2008, p.16). Bangladesh government should be actively involved in decision making, planning and implementation of the program and in selection of the program objectives. Raising community awareness by offering education o n reasons to which the programs are being implemented, the actual benefits of the program and causes of any factors that contribute to their apparent success or lack of success should be highly prioritized. Comprehensive set of success criteria and a road map followed by program planners and implementers should be provided to ensure success of the PV program. Since off-grid projects that rely on private sector participation, Bangladeshi government should employ simplest technological solutions that commensurate with local realities and support donor initiatives to foresee the project success. Lack of education threatens the progress achieved by any development and jeopardizes the main objective of community development. Community members who are not acculturated to technology use must be provided with adequate training and encouraged to participate in development initiatives with the aim of increasing awareness. Community involvement in development initiatives should be incorporated right from the planning phase of development projects, to ensure that their positive impacts can be sustained in the long term. With this regard, Information on ongoing operations, maintenance and replacement costs, alongside national recycling programs must be made and education arrangements made to ensure safe disposal of hazardous waste. Subsidiaries for off-grid populations are often justified on social equity grounds, what Barnes and Halpern (2000) defines as their ability to help rural dwellers to attain a level of parity by extending infrastructure costs and lifelines tariffs. In market imperfection aspect, Barnes and Halpern (2000) states that â€Å"lack of adequate information regarding specific opportunities, true cost of service and unavailable long-term financing often slow down the already economic off-grid projects or those that are close to completion† (p.5). Therefore appropriate designed subsidiaries for off-grid electrification enables the completion of phy sical interventions to occur by providing the otherwise uninterested investors with financial incentives and support. Barnes and Halpern (2000) add that project management mechanisms that mostly target the economic projects of the needy societies are usually effective if they incorporate implementation program that work. For example, it’s considered more effective to subsidize the upfront costs to consumers or business costs in dispersed areas than operating costs (Cabraal et al, 2008, p.18). Conclusion Off-grid projects that rely on private sector participation should employ simplest delivery mechanisms that commensurate with local realities. Here, Bangladeshi government should seek assistance from service providers, assess risks involved, provide technical assistance and provide technical assistance where appropriate. Before project implementation, choice of technologies must be tested for practical considerations like availability of adequate resources, ease of operations and maintenance and access to spare parts. Also, data should be collected across various sectors that would be willing to use the services which would be factored into technology selection process. For PV for example, the govenement should cooperate with World Bank in providing data on energy consumption and income levels’ while the choice on appropriate technologies should be left to service provider with investment parameters to consider. The conception and implementation of the PV project must always be consistence with the overall rural lighting plan for Bangladeshi. In this regard, the project should steer clear of ad-hoc factors that may kill the come to completion. Within early its early assessment phase, the Bangladeshi government should pay highest priority to raising community awareness, involve and support donor initiatives to foresee the project success. Promotion programs and community meeting alongside national recycling programs must be made and education arran gements to ensure safe disposal of hazardous waste. References Anderson, D. (2001). Clean electricity from photovoltaic’s. London: Imperial College Press. Barkat, A. (2003). Rural Electrification and Poverty Reduction: Case of Bangladesh. Paper presented at Sustainable Rural Electrification in Developing Countries: Is It Possible?, International conference of NRECA International, 6, 1-3 Barnes, D. F., and Halpern, J. (2000).Subsidies and Sustainable Rural Energy  Services: Can We Create Incentives Without Distorting Markets? Washington, DC: World Bank Cabraal, A., Cosgrove, M., Schaeffer, L. (1996). Best Practices for Photovoltaic Household Electrification Programs. Asia Technical Department Series, 324, 1 Cabraal, A., Terrado, E., Mukherjee, I. (2008). Designing Sustainable Off-Grid Rural Electrification Projects: Principles and Practice. The Energy and Mining Sector Board, 2, 1-34 Energy and Mining Sector Board. (2007). Catalyzing Private Investment for a Low  Ã‚  Carb on Economy: WorldBank Group Progress on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Fiscal 2007. Washington, DC: World Bank. Lorenzo, E., Araujo, G., Zilles, R. (1994). Solar electricity: engineering of  photovoltaic systems. Spain: Barnes Noble. Lorenzo, E. (1994). Solar electricity: Engineering of photovoltaic systems. Prongesa. Reiche, K., Tenenbaum, B., Torres, C. (2006). Electrification and Regulation:  Principles and a Model Law. Energy and Mining Sector Board DiscussionPaper No. 18. Washington, DC: World Bank. Shive, J. N. (1959). Semiconductor devices. Van Nostrand Sibanda, J., Mahbub, M. (2003). World Bank-administered GPOBA and IDCOL help low-income households in Bangladesh access electricity. News Release, 10, 1-2 Smee, A. (1849). Electro-Biology: The Voltaic mechanism of man. London: Longman Press Wolf, M. (1976). Historical development of solar cells :25th power sources  symposium. C.E Backuss: IEEE Press Yongxue, C., Sunny, G., Giannelia, M., Hughes, A., Johnso n, A., Khoo, T. (2003). Identifying Best Practices in Information Technology Project Management. Organizational Development, 30, 1-22.

John Jacob Astor - Biography of Richest American

John Jacob Astor - Biography of Richest American John Jacob Astor was the wealthiest man in America in the early 19th century, and when he died in 1848 his fortune was estimated to be at least $20 million, an astounding sum for the time. Astor had arrived in America as a poor German immigrant, and his determination and business sense led him to eventually create a monopoly in the fur trade. He diversified into real estate in New York City, and his fortune increased as the city grew. Early Life John Jacob Astor was born on July 17, 1763 in the village of Waldorf, in Germany. His father was a butcher, and as a boy John Jacob would accompany him to jobs butchering cattle. While a teenager, Astor earned enough money at various jobs in Germany to enable him to relocate to London, where an older brother was living. He spent three years in England, learning the language and picking up any information he could about his ultimate destination, the North American colonies which were rebelling against Britain. In 1783, after the Treaty of Paris formally ended the Revolutionary War, Astor decided to sail to the young nation of the United States. Astor left England in November 1783, having bought musical instruments, seven flutes, which he intended to sell in America. His ship reached the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay in January 1784, but the ship became stuck in ice and it would be two months before it was safe for the passengers to land. Chance Encounter Led to Learning About the Fur Trade While languishing aboard ship, Astor met a fellow passenger who had traded for furs with the Indians in North America. Legend has it that Astor quizzed the man extensively on the details of fur trading, and by the time he set foot on American soil Astor had resolved to enter the fur business. John Jacob Astor eventually reached New York City, where another brother was living, in March 1784. By some accounts, he did enter the fur trade almost immediately and soon returned to London to sell a shipment of furs. By 1786 Astor had opened a small shop on Water Street in lower Manhattan, and throughout the 1790s he kept expanding his fur business. He was soon exporting furs to London and to China, which was emerging as a huge market for the pelts of American beavers. By 1800 it was estimated that Astor had amassed nearly a quarter of a million dollars, a considerable fortune for the time. Astors Business Continued to Grow After the Lewis and Clark Expedition returned from the Northwest in 1806 Astor realized he could expand into the vast territories of the Louisiana Purchase. And, it should be noted, the official reason for Lewis and Clarks voyage was to help the American fur trade expand. In 1808 Astor combined a number of his business interests into the American Fur Company. Astors company, with trading posts throughout the Midwest and Northwest, would monopolize the fur business for decades, at a time when beaver hats were considered the height of fashion in America and Europe. In 1811 Astor financed an expedition to the coast of Oregon, where his employees founded Fort Astoria, an outpost at the mouth of the Columbia River. It was the first permanent American settlement on the Pacific Coast, but it was destined to fail due to various hardships and the War of 1812. Fort Astoria eventually passed into British hands. While the war doomed Fort Astoria, Astor made money in the final year of the war by helping the United States government finance its operations. Later critics, including the legendary editor Horace Greeley, accused him of having profiteered in war bonds. Astor Accumulated Vast Real Estate Holdings In the first decade of the 19th century Astor had realized that New York City would continue to grow, and he began buying up real estate in Manhattan. He amassed vast property holdings in New York and the surrounding area. Astor would eventually be called the citys landlord. Having grown tired of the fur trade, and realizing it was too vulnerable to changes in fashion, Astor sold all his interests in the fur business in June 1834. He then concentrated on real estate, while also dabbling in philanthropy. Legacy of John Jacob Astor John Jacob Astor died, at the age of 84, in his house in New York City on March 29, 1848. He was by far the richest man in America. It was estimated that Astor had a fortune of at least $20 million, and he is generally considered the first American multimillionaire. Most of his fortune was left to his son William Backhouse Astor, who continued to administer the family business and philanthropic endeavors. John Jacob Astors will also included a bequest for a public library. The Astor Library was for many years an institution in New York City, and its collection became the foundation for the New York Public Library. A number of American towns were named for John Jacob Astor, including Astoria, Oregon, the site of Fort Astoria. New Yorkers know the Astor Place subway stop in lower Manhattan, and there is a neighborhood in the borough of Queens called Astoria. Perhaps the most famous instance of the Astor name is the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. John Jacob Astors grandsons, who were feuding in the 1890s, opened two lavish hotels in New York City, the Astoria, named for the family, and the Waldorf, named for John Jacob Astors native village in Germany. The hotels, which were located at the present site of the Empire State Building, were later combined into the Waldorf-Astoria. The name lives on with the current Waldorf-Astoria on Park Avenue in New York City. Gratitude is expressed to the New York Public Library Digital Collections for the illustration of John Jacob Astor.