Make Fireballs You Can Hold in Your Hand

Fire is made up of light and heated gases from combustion. You can control the temperature of fire by selecting a fuel that burns with a cool flame. If you pour the fuel onto a substance that wont burn, you can make a fireball that you can hold in your hand or juggle. Here are written instructions for making your own handheld fireballs. Materials Needed to Make Fireballs 2 x 5 strip of cotton cloth (like from a t-shirt)100% cotton threadNeedleNaphtha lighter fluid (e.g., Ronsonolâ„ ¢)Match or lighter How to Make a Handheld Fireball Thread the needle with cotton thread.Tightly roll the cotton strip into a ball.Pierce the ball with the needle and wrap the ball with the thread. End by running the needle through the ball one more time and break off the thread.Soak the ball with lighter fluid. Dont soak your hands.Dont ignite the fireball while you are holding it. Set the ball on a fire-proof surface. I used a frying pan from my kitchen.If you want to hold the fireball, my recommendation is to pick it up with tongs and carefully/slowly set it on your hand. That way youll be able to tell if you can take the heat or not. Once you gain some confidence, you can pick the fireball up using your fingers. Safety Additional Information Its best to use 100% cotton fabric and thread. If the fiber is synthetic (like nylon or polyester) it might burn or melt, with unpleasant consequences.The trick to this demonstration is the fuel. It needs to be naphtha or kerosene. I have had good luck with Ronsonolâ„ ¢ and Zippoâ„ ¢ (not the butane stuff... read your ingredient list). Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) works, but it burns a little hotter.Its pretty hard to blow the fireball out. You either need to blow hard or else suffocate the flame to extinguish it. You can set a saucepan lid over the fireball.The fireballs are reusable. Put them out when they run out of fuel or else the cotton will burn (you can tell this is happening when the ball starts to blacken and produce sooty smoke). If you get to the point where the cotton itself is burning, the fireball will be too hot to hold. Ideally, you want to extinguish the fireball before it consumes all of its fuel. Simply soak it in more lighter fluid and relight it to reuse it.Regarding holding these in your hand or doing tricks with them... the cone of the flame is hot, especially above the ball, however, the fuel burns at a relatively low temperature. The flashpoint of Ronsonolâ„ ¢ brand of naphtha is 6Â °C or 43Â ° F, with combustion mainly around 400Â °F. To put that in perspective, touching the fireball is a lot like touching a hot pizza right out of the oven (except without the sticky cheese part). Fireballs are great fun to make, but like all fire projects, use proper safety precautions and common sense. Dont get burned or set your house or yard on fire. This is a project which requires adult supervision. Disclaimer: Please be advised that the content provided by our website is for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Fireworks and the chemicals contained within them are dangerous and should always be handled with care and used with common sense. By using this website you acknowledge that ThoughtCo., its parent About, Inc. (a/k/a Dotdash), and IAC/InterActive Corp. shall have no liability for any damages, injuries, or other legal matters caused by your use of fireworks or the knowledge or application of the information on this website. The providers of this content specifically do not condone using fireworks for disruptive, unsafe, illegal, or destructive purposes. You are responsible for following all applicable laws before using or applying the information provided on this website.

SecureTek Security Design - 1243 Words

SecureTek Security Design Security architecture is a major component and part of a system’s architecture and is usually designed to provide important guidance during the development of the system. It usually outlines the assurance level required and in the process outlines the possible impacts that this level of security might have on the development process of the actual system. Since security is a major component for the success of any given business unit, it is necessary to have a fully functional and operative security system that meets all the necessary requirements for any organization. Some leading business firms are usually faced with the task of achieving and maintaining high security measures and methods. SecureTek one of the†¦show more content†¦Key CCTV camera Area restricted from public From above design, there is sufficient placement of CCTV cameras such that every area is covered and thus it will be easy to trace anything unusual that might happen. In addition, use of security doors that require security card authentication in the restricted areas is a strong security measure. Limiting physical access to the areas that store important information is major security measure. Placing physical limit to the servers, routers, server rooms, data centers and other electrical wiring closets can help prevent tampering, misuse and even theft. Servers and network securities are moot points if any unauthorized individual is able to access these areas and engage in malicious actions. In the SecureTek security design, limiting physical access to the data centre, CEO’s office, the IT lab, and the other two labs is important to ensure security. This protection can be archived by operational access control and authentication mechanisms that can be provided in the firmâ€℠¢s network operating system. It is also advisable to have regular checkups to identify areas that may be routes to insecurity. Since money is not a problem for the SecureTek Company and the resources to conduct the research are available, proper security measures ought to be identified and implemented especially the secure software. It is clear that

Case Study of the Spanish Retail Chain Zara Free Essays

The Spanish retail chain, Zara, owned by Inditex is a retailer that has been so successful in our world of globalization and new technologies today by simply adopting a new approach in the industry. With their simple business model of speed, flexibility, and high fashion, Zara has the competitive advantage to be sustainable. Zara was founded by Amancio Ortega Gaona (Ortega), in 1975 and went on to become the flagship brand of the holding company, Industria de Diseno Textil, SA, popularly called Inditex, which was founded in 1979. We will write a custom essay sample on Case Study of the Spanish Retail Chain Zara or any similar topic only for you Order Now As of 2002, Inditex operated six separate chains, that being, Zara, Massimo Dutti, Pull Bear, Bershka, Stradivarius, and Oysho. However, each chain operates independently and is responsible for its own strategy, product design, sourcing and manufacturing, distribution, image, personnel, and financial results. Zara, which contributes around 80 per cent of group sales (Grant 2005, p. 398), is by far the largest, most profitable, and most internationalized of the chains. Its stores can now be found in the most important shopping districts of more than 400 cities in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa. With year-on-year sales increasing at around 25% over the last 5 years, it has become one of the world’s fastest growing retailers (University of Cambridge Institute for Manufacturing). Discussion The global apparel market is a consumer-driven industry (Criag, Jones Nieto, 2004) in which profits derived from â€Å"unique combinations of high-value research, design, sales, marketing, and financial services that allow retailers, branded marketers, and branded manufacturers to act as strategic brokers in linking overseas factories†Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ with markets (Collins 2003, p. 44). Zara’s business model can be broken down into three basic components: concept, capabilities, and value drivers. Zara’s fundamental concept is to maintain design, production, and distribution processes that will enable Zara to respond quickly to shifts in consumer demands and tastes. The main business tactics of the company in context of its business model is:- (i) Short lead time: More fashionable clothes and embracing quick changing customer’s tastes. (ii) Decentralized Management: Taking advantage of the intelligence and trust the judgment of employees. (iii) Lower quantities: Inventory will be formidable burden in perishable products. (iv) More styles: Providing more choices for customers and more chances of meeting the customers taste. At the heart of Zara’s success is a vertically integrated business model spanning design, just-in-time production, marketing and sales. The distinctive vertical integration feature of Zara’s business model, has allowed the company to successfully develop a strong merchandising strategy. This strategy has led Zara to create a climate of scarcity and opportunity as well as a fast-fashion system. Currently, HM is Inditex’s major competitor. Swedish retailer HM has been growing at an average rate of 20% annually in the past two decades. These two European retailers are known for their ‘fast fashion’ had unique business models and growth strategies which have enabled them to expand quickly and successfully beyond their own borders. With the European markets becoming saturated, Both companies are expanding outside Europe and establish their hegemony in the world market. Yet what is it that distinguishes Zara from HM and its other competitors? In its process of expanding globally, Zara, unlike its competitors such as Gap, Benetton, and HM, does not use cheap Asian outsourcing. Eighty percent of Zara’s materials are manufactured in Europe, with fifty percent made in Zara controlled facilities in the Galicia region of Spain near headquarters. Though the cost of production in Spain more expensive compared to Asia, Zara still manages to maintain competitive advantage over its competitors in regards to operations. Zara maintains local strategic partnerships with manufacturers and suppliers in Europe and this proximity gives Zara great flexibility in adapting their product lines based on up to date market trends and consumer behaviour while decreasing costs of holding inventory. This proximity effect and the flexibility give Zara its competitive edge in comparison to their peers. However, the business strategies adopted by Zara, does have its setbacks to Zara’s success. The vertical integration concept often leads to the inability to acquire economies of scale, which means Zara cannot gain the advantages of producing large quantities of goods for a discounted rate which leads to higher costs being incurred as they have to set a higher pricing of Zara products outside of Europe in order to cover supply costs. Zara has not invested in distribution facilities to support their global expansion. As a result, despite being able to quickly supply their stores at present, they may not be able to supply to a larger number of retail locations due to their â€Å"centralized logistic† model. Even though Zara has been successful at scaling up its distribution system, the centralized logistics system might eventually be subject to diseconomies of scale as Zara continues to open stores all around the world and ships product from its single Distribution Center in Europe. This system may work well with the current number of stores because majority of the stores are centralised in Europe. However, Zara won’t be benefiting from short lead times and low operational cost with a single central Distribution Center model in terms of globalisation and branching out into other countries. Conclusion To successfully expand globally, Zara should focus on one country at a time. Our team concludes that Zara’s current focus should be international expansion in a country that has an open trade market with well formed trade regulations as this provides a safer business environment. During the globalization process, Zara should maintain short lead time, quick inventory turnover, leading fashion brand and low advertising cost as its competitive advantage. As a result of their product cycle, Zara gives their customers the feeling of scarcity because new items are presented weekly and are often not restocked, and this encourages customers to come to the stores and buy frequently. As such, Zara invests more in their store layouts as compared to marketing. Their cost advantage and ability to maintain brand recognition and customer loyalty along with other factors such as regional distribution center, vertical integration, outsourcing and eye-catching window displays are essential elements for Zara to build value in the company and to continue to re-invent and innovate themselves to stay fresh in the apparel industry. How to cite Case Study of the Spanish Retail Chain Zara, Free Case study samples

Measuring Industry Digitization Leaders and Laggards

Question: Discuss about the Measuring Industry Digitization Leaders and Laggards. Answer: Introduction: Porters Five Force model had been established primarily in order to analyze the structure of competitive environment of a particular industry. Friedrich Grne and Kster (2011) stated that by analyzing the bargaining power of the suppliers and power of customers, the model evaluates the demand of the industry in current market. If the industry has to face high supply power and low power of buyers, the current demand of the industry would be high automatically due to the high range of customer demand. Porters five forces successfully evaluate how the threat of substitutes and the competitors rivalry enhances the entire flow of business within a particular industry. The industry in order to enter into the new market has to face several new market entry threats initially. Merchant (2012) stated that porters five forces evaluation is outdated for making an effective industry analysis in current scenario due to several reasons. By evaluating this particular tool, the business experts can sh ow a simple market structure based on which people would get an in-depth overview about the current needs and demands of this industry in the present market. Grundy (2006) strongly opposed the point of view of previous scholar. As per the opinion of this eminent scholar PEST analysis is important for making effective environmental analysis. Like the similar way, by using the tools of Porters Five Forces, the businesspersons would get a deep insight about the suppliers and buyers power. After getting an in-depth overview, the industry would like to form business strategy and policy for drawing the attention of customers. Therefore, Porters five force is not outdated for making an effective industry analysis. Reference List: Friedrich, L. Grne, M. and Kster, A. 2011. Measuring industry digitization Leaders and laggards in the digital economy. Retrieved 15 December 2016. Fromhttps://www.strategyand.pwc.com/media/file/Strategyand-Measuring-Industry-Digitization-LeadersLaggards-Digital-Economy.pdf Grundy, T. 2006. Rethinking and reinventing Michael Porter's five forces model. Strategic Change, 15(5), 213-229. Merchant, N. 2012, February). Why Porters Model No Longer Works. Harvard Business Review .

Canterbury Tales And Prioress Essays - The Canterbury Tales

Canterbury Tales And Prioress Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, written in approximately 1385, is a collection of twenty-four stories ostensibly told by various people who are going on a religious pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral from London, England. Prior to the actual tales, however, Chaucer offers the reader a glimpse of fourteenth century life by way of what he refers to as a General Prologue. In this prologue, Chaucer introduces all of the characters who are involved in this imaginary journey and who will tell the tales. Among the characters included in this introductory section is a Nun, or a Prioress. Throughout Chaucer's tale, there are characters which he seems to admire greatly, such as the knight and then there are characters that he makes fun of. The prioress, with her false sense of airs and piousness is one of these. Throughout Chaucer's prologue and the prioress' tale, we are shown what this so-called religious person is really about. Chaucer's initial introduction to the Prioress is as follows: "There was also a nun, a prioress, Who, in her smiling, modest was and coy; Her greatest oath was but "By Saint Eloy!" And she was known as Madam Eglantine. Full well she sang the services divine," (118) At first, one would think that Chaucer's description will be as flattering as that of the knight but soon enough we see the total opposite because at first Chaucer describes her as a delicate and well-mannered woman. "At table she had been well taught withal, And never from her lips let morsels fall, Nor dipped her fingers deep in sauce, but ate With so much care the food upon her plate That never driblet fell upon her breast. In courtesy she had delight and zest". (127) But soon Chaucer's description turns to one of sarcasm because the prioress is pretentious and is trying very hard to look the part of refinement, when it is all clearly superficial. "She was at pains to counterfeit the look Of courtliness, and stately manners took, And would be held worthy of reverence." (139) This is especially bad, because nuns are not supposed to act this way. You can clearly tell that although she was brought up in a well-to-do family, there is no connection between how she acts and the religious dedication she is supposed to be showing. The Prioress wore a coral trinket on her arm, had a rosary that was colored in green, and a gold broach which said "Amor Vincit Omnia (Love Conquers All)", depicting a nun who still had many valuable possessions. Also, the Prioress traveled with another nun and three priests, showing she was respected. Chaucer states that she speaks school-taught French instead of "Paris style" French. She would like to appear sympathetic and tender and charitably solicitous. "That she would weep if she but saw a mouse, Caught in a trap, though it were dead or bled". (144) This appearance will soon change as soon as we hear the tale she tells. The tale she tells is about the murder of a small child at the hands of Jews who loathe the child for singing about the Virgin Mary. "In Asia, in a city rich and great There was a Jewry set amidst the town, Established by a rich lord of the state For usury and gain of ill renown, Hateful to Christ and those who are His own;" (203) The Prioress tells a tale set in an Asian town dominated by Jews. The Christian minority in the town opened a school for their children in this city. Among these children was a widow's son, a seven year old who was, even at his young age, was already deeply devoted to his faith. At school he learned a song in Latin called the Alma Redemptoris. The song was meant to praise the Virgin Mary. As he was walking home from school one day singing this song, he provoked the anger of the Jews of the city, whose hearts were possessed by Satan. They hired a murderer who slit the boys' throat and threw the body into a cesspool. The widow searched for her missing child, begging the Jews to tell her where her child might be found, but they refused to help. When she found him, although his throat was slit, he began to sing the Alma Redemptoris. The other Christians of the city rushed to the child and carried him to the abbey. The local provost cursed the Jews who knew of this murder and ordered their death by hanging.

A Book Review on The Unbearable Lightness of Being misc 12 00 essays

A Book Review on The Unbearable Lightness of Being misc 12 00 essays This International Bestseller is about a young woman in love with a man torn between his love for her and his incorrigible womanizing; one of his mistresses and her humble faithful lover these are the two couples whose story is told in this masterful novel. In a world in which lives are shaped by irrevocable choices and by fortuitous events, a world in which everything occurs but once, existence seems to lose its substance, its weight. Hence, we feel the unbearable lightness of being not only as the consequence of our private actions, but also in the public sphere, and the two inevitably intertwine. This novel revolves around the idea of eternal return as a perspective from which things appear other than as we know them: without mitigating circumstance of their transitory nature. Nietzsche says that a life that is only lived once means nothing. Nietzsche called the idea of eternal return the heaviest of burdens. But is lightness splendid and heaviness deplorable? The heaviest of burdens sinks us, crushes us, and pins us to the ground. But in the love poetry of every age, the woman longs to be weighed down by the mans body. A woman would rather be burdened by the pains a man brings her than to live without any burden at all due to the absence of love. The heaviest of burdens is an image of lifes most intense fulfillment. The heavier the burden, the closer our lives come to the earth, the more real and truthful they become. Having completely no burden would be considered an illusion if ever it is at all possible. The absolute absence of burden causes man to be lighter than air, take leave of the earth, and become only half real, his movements are free as they are insignificant. What is the use of a life without any burdens and trials to learn from? It is through these burdens that we shall find out purpose in life. WHAT THEN SHALL WE CHOOSE? LIGHTNESS OR WEIGHT...

Company's Mission vs Christian Principles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Company's Mission vs Christian Principles - Essay Example As small and startup businesses rarely have the financial resources to carry out market research, this paper assumes that a research firm on the behalf of another firm undertakes the research. The first step is to define the problem, goal and objectives of the research(Kotler & Keller, 2012). Research problems vary from one company to the next and also according to the prevailing situation. For instance, a rival company may introduce a new revolutionary product into the market. This development may force another company to improve its existing product if it is to compete with the new one. In such a case, the goal of the research may be to find out new benefits that consumers would like to enjoy in the existing product. At this stage, there is the risk of the research firm seeing the problem from their perspective not that of the contracting firm. Should this scenario happen, the entire research process could be rendered ineffective. The second step is to design the research. The essence of research design is determining the method of the research(Kotler & Keller, 2012). Among other considerations, the researcher will have to determine the type of research they are going to undertake. Broadly, research can either be a survey or a census. The main loophole at this stage is for the researcher to opt for a census as it will bring in more money by virtue of its scope, even if only a survey meets the needs of the client. This loophole can be sealed by the close collaboration of the marketing department of the client and the research firm. The third step is to design and prepare data collection tools. The most common data collection tool is the questionnaire(Kotler & Keller, 2012). The questionnaire could be sent to a respondent for them to complete and return it. Alternatively, a research assistant could visit the respondent at their residence or place of work and have them complete the questionnaire as they wait. The loophole here is that

Alienation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Alienation - Essay Example Alienation appears in different planes for different societies. Race, Gender, abnormalities, intellectual disabilities, nationalities, creed, and ethnicity etc are few of the themes of alienation. Alienation causes pain, frustration, disappointment, rebellions, fights and several other problems. The society’s strange demand of conformity has destroyed the life of thousands of individuals. Alienation is one of the weakest natures of human society. Alienation has destroyed the life of immigrants in America. Alienation closes the door of opportunity for people of color in different parts of the world. Few are not the negative consequences of alienation. It is high time that alienation be rooted out from all societies. Alienation has been the leading theme of several literary works. Pat Mora’s ‘immigrants’ tells the story of a helpless family seeking acceptance in the new land where they reached. Parents are trying to feed their child with the notion of materia lism. They desperately want to teach cultural American traditions to their child. Event though they make hard attempts to transform their children they are not still sure whether American society will accept them. Children loses their natural and cultural personality and at the same time fails to acquire the culture of the new land where they reached. In the poem ‘Sonrisas’ we find the images of living in two world. Through the poem Mora presents some of the experiences she encounters in her life in the two worlds. Mora describes her working place that is strict, dull and boring. The term â€Å"quiet clicking† explains the quietness of her office. Mora’s words like â€Å"black coffee† and â€Å"budgets, tenure, and curriculum† makes the readers understand how boring her office is. Mora is indirectly presenting the alienation she suffers in her work place. The poem heritage presents before the readers the painful experience of a man of color w ho suffers ill treatment being an alien. He is ridiculed because of his dark skin. An alien in the American land will have the same experience. The poem refugee ship also tells the story of the unfortunate speaker who suffers because of her identity. The speaker presents her sorrow, being alienated from her American and Mexican cultures. Literary works include the theme of alienation to highlight the importance of eliminating alienation. Alienation is a painful experience for immigrants. Alienation disturbs the immigrant children in several ways. The effect of prejudice on immigrant children in public schools is not negligible (Takaki 10). Abuse influences the personality of children. According to Karen Horney, experience in the early childhood influences the character development of a person. Hurting experiences can prepare children with criminal attitude. The childhood experiences create the self or character of child. Children may undergo defective self-development because of the abuse that they undergo in their early life. Abuse negatively influences children’s construction of self. They are thus susceptible to various wrong habits and practices. The practice or attitude of showing discrimination towards an individual belonging to a foreign race, ethnicity and nationality is very common in the United States. It is highly prevalent in work places and educational institutions. These attitudes are quite unhealthy and unjust and are extremely intolerant (Simmel 375). Individuals are discriminated on the basis of nationality, race, ethnicity, color and various other factors and are not allowed to exercise their constitutional rights even (Simmel 375). In the educational insti

Improvement of Writing in the English Course Essay

Improvement of Writing in the English Course - Essay Example   The first aspect of improvement was noted was with regards to use and misuse of certain types of observation. For instance, many of the sentences that were exhibited in the essay in question showed no sign appropriate modulation for defendant and the clauses. This is, of course, a problem due to the fact that without proper punctuation for longer sentences, a danger of run-on sentences is created. Moreover, without clear punctuation on the sentences, it was possible for the reader to become lost in this the main point of what was being stated. A further issue was noted with regards to the way in which, as were used. This was probably partly out of fear that they would be used incorrectly if used at all; however, without utilizing proper comments within the paper, the flow and main points they were attempting to be related to the reader were almost invariably lost. Although these two aspects of punctuation with the most common, there was also the technical problem exhibited on mor e than one occasion of the subject for agreement. This is, of course, an issue that many non-native speakers struggle to exhibit in their work; yet, it is something that I found is been greatly improved during this particular course. More than merely gaining a better understanding of what birds should be used in what way with which subjects, the better identification of how this course is helped educate me is with regards to the fact of how I am almost nearly always aware of the fact that I need to focus upon this aspect of writing.... of what birds should be used in what way with which subjects, the better identification of how this course is helped educate me is with regards to the fact of how I am almost nearly always aware of the fact that I need to focus upon this aspects of writing. From the non-technical standpoint, the writing in the previous essay exhibited a clear lack of flow and organization. It is easy to argue that one of the most important aspects of any essay is not linked nor the level of language that is use; rather, it is the ability to assist sinks we and clearly state what the main points are and relate them in an organized and coherent manner. This is does not mean to say that the essay was completely disorganized or without any sense. Instead, what was noted after a careful review of the essay was the fact that it oftentimes displayed a wondering style and did not adhere to the points of the thesis topics of each and every paragraph. Instead, additional information that was somewhat tangentia lly related to the subject matter was oftentimes included as an aside. More than merely being distracting, this practice led to the essay losing overall coherence and not being able to express itself adequately to the reader. As a means of correcting such a practice, I’ve come to the realization that it is absolutely necessary to outline each and every essay prior to writing and be forever mindful of topic sentence and thesis sentence for each and every paragraph. This helps the writer as a means of staying on point and fully developing the ideas at hand rather than rushing on to new and unrelated information. Another aspect of the students writing that is greatly benefited from the English course is with regards to the level of broad and otherwise unsubstantiated statements that were

Comparison of Financial Reporting Systems

Comparison of Financial Reporting Systems Comparison of financial reporting systems:  UK, France, Germany and Poland Introduction Although recent moves have been made towards the harmonisation of accounting and financial reporting systems within the European Union (EU), there are some differences between the ways that member states treat this issue (Ann Tarca, 2002). This paper compares the systems used in four member states, being the UK, France, Germany and Poland. In addition, it will also provide an evaluation of the harmonisation movement. Financial reporting systems The financial reporting systems of EU member states have evolved from their political, culture histories, and have different levels of regulatory control and responsibility. UK The accounting and financial reporting system in the UK has been developed in the main by accountants (Nobes and Parker, 2006, p.485), although in latter decades the state and EU have had a significant influence upon its rules. Accountants have also been involved with the main legal regulations that apply to audits and reporting, such as the Companies Act 1989 and later amendments, including that of 2006. Historically, the UK reporting system has been geared towards meeting the needs of investors and therefore has a high level of transparency and disclosure. As such, the impact of the taxation system is of less importance than in other EU countries. This has led to some differences between taxable and accounting income (Blake and Amet, 2003, p.213). The thrust of the system is to achieve financial reports that show a true and fair value. Statements confirming this, and that â€Å"applicable accounting standards† have been used, or explanations for deviation from this, must be included within the report (Nobes and Parker, 2006, p.287). Following the introduction of increased legal and regulatory rules of corporate governance, and the formation of the Financial Reporting Council (2004), responsibility for accuracy falls on auditors, directors and shareholders. â€Å"From 2005 UK listed companies must use IFRS for their consolidated statements† (Nobes and Parker, 2006, p.103) France France has a much smaller accounting profession than the UK, with only 45 compared with 352 accountants per hundred thousand of the population (Saudagaran, 2003, p.10). Historically, its accounting system has been dominated by a macroeconomic central system and geared to providing information for government control purposes (Blake and Amet, 1993, p.114). Tax Law is the dominant influence and auditors are responsible to, and regulated by, the Ministry of Justice (Nobes and Parker, 2005, p.236). French accounting falls under the â€Å"National Accounting Plan† regulation, which is administered by the CNC (National Accounting Council). However, a peculiarity of the French accounting system is that the regulations apply to individual companies, but not to groups (Nobes and Parker, 2005, p.226). The regulation requirements call for a uniform chart of accounts with standard bookkeeping procedures, account title and classification numbering. For example, all individual companies must report salary and associated costs under account 641. Similarly, there are standard accounting statement formats as laid down by EU directives and a uniform procedural treatment for items such as fixed asset valuation and creation of legal reserves (Nobes and Parker, 2006, p.301). There are also strict regulations with regard to the methods of depreciation and expense calculation for use in reducing tax liabilities. At present, the detail between French and IFRS reporting details and procedures differs significantly. Germany Like France, the accounting professions influence in Germany is low. Accounting rules are mainly determined by Tax law and Federal fiscal Courts, although these incorporate EU directives. The keeping of books and records is a statutory requirement of the German Commercial Code (HGB 1985) and historical cost accounting is operated with strict revaluation restrictions (Choi and Meek, 2005, p.79). Unlike the UK, the German accounting reporting system is heavily geared towards the protection of creditors and therefore, accruals and provisions tend to be high (Nobes and Parker, 2006, p.301). The income results are also aimed at a conservative position. Asset valuation tends to be reported on a forced sale basis and the financial results must equate to the taxable position. In addition, there is a requirement for a value of one tenth of nominal capital to be held in legal reserves. Whilst the effect of the German accounting reporting system is to protect creditors, because of the impact on results, it has also led to a position that does not encourage outside investment into German Businesses. Whilst IFRS rules apply in Germany, it is only applicable to a limited number of organisations. The majority still use German regulations for financial reporting purposes (Nobes and Parker, 20-06, p.290). Poland Historically Poland, which is the largest ex-communist country to join the EU (Nobes and Parker, 2006, p.229), came from a state dominated economy, where enterprises were not autonomous, with all aspects of business controlled by the state. The accountancy profession was not very strong (Sucher and Kosmala-MacLullich, 2004, p.484) and there is a lacked of skilled professionals that is still being addressed. Since returning to a market economy, Poland has introduced accounting regulations, embodied within the Accounting Act 1994 and subsequent amendments, which are regulated by the Accounting Standards Committee, set up in 1997. Under these regulations, all businesses are required to adopt an accounting plan. Whilst these regulations incorporate parts of the EU directives, it is primarily geared to the protection of the state and tax policies. Like France, the Polish state is the main instigator and influence on accounting reforms (Sucher and Kosmala-MacLullich, 2004, p.438) and, because of this their system is not inherently geared as much towards attracting investors as more market based economies like the UK. Similarly, although IFRS is widely used, there are significant differences in the Polish system (Nobes and Parker, 2006, pp.236-8). Summary As can be seen from the above individual country analysis, whilst accounting reporting systems may all have similar aims, namely to provide financial information to end users, there are a range of factors that influence and create differences in accounting reporting systems between nations. From an internal viewpoint, the differences are driven primarily by cultural, political and economic factors. Added to these are the influence of the accountancy profession, which is greater in some countries than others, and the domination of state taxation requirements. Externally, individual reporting systems may respond to perceived dominant position of the United States and growing stature of the European Union in international trade. From an investment stance, the growth of share ownership that has resulted from the global expansion of financial markets has also had an effect (Nobes and Parker, 2006, p.6). Lastly, the changing face of commercial organisation because of the continuing globalisation of trade has affected their need for differing accounting reporting systems. As has been seen, multinational corporations require a significantly higher level of control in these areas than do nationally focused organisations. As Nobes and Parker (2006) earlier publications (1980 and 1998) have shown over the years, this has resulted in differing reporting classes of nations, between those who are driven by business or state and who have weak or strong equity markets. Harmonisation Historically the EU opposed international reporting standards, partially out of fear of the US dominance in this area. However when, by the early 1990’s it was shown that EU attempts at harmonisation was failing, it took on board international standards and became the most dominant force for change in this area (Nobel and Parker, 2005, p.105), certainly within its own community. Among the areas that the EU has dominated are the legalisation of enforcement, such as those used to support its 4th and 7th directives and the requirement for all corporations to adhere to international standards. By using EU regulations as a vehicle for this legislation, it is incumbent upon member states to incorporate these within domestic legislation. Although such legislation is not compulsory for multinational organisations for reporting, the EU â€Å"transforms them into EU standards,† (Flowers, 2002, p.273). The EU regulation has met with mixed reactions. Sir David Tweedie (2003, p.15) states that it provides the opportunity to â€Å"unite its [the EU’s][1] many national markets.† However, others state, â€Å"the reality is disparity and muddle† (Amat and Blake, 1993,p.5) The International standards are extensive and aimed to cover all aspects of financial reporting within corporations (Flowers, 2002, p.263). In general, they cover five main areas. These include treatment of assets and revenue; liabilities; accounting for groups; the context within which reporting takes place and disclosure statements (Nobes and Parker, 2000, p.6). In reality, the regulations have the effect of moving accounting away from the historical cost accounting format to a more current fair value system. Currently the international accounting and financial reporting system is subjected to thirty seven different standards (Nobes and Parker, 2006, p.6), although this is likely to change in the future as further harmonisation and clarification is sought. Conclusion Despite IFRS and its joining with US GAAP in 2002, individual nations financial reporting differences remain (Nobes and Parker, 2006, p.19). Attempts to harmonise the EU position across its member states are continuing but, until or unless the influences that attach to individual nations are addressed both internally and nationally, it will be difficult to achieve. As Gregoriou and Gaber’s (2006) publication reveals, internationally there are still numerous accounting systems in place. In the opinion of the author, the relevant national and international regulatory and legal bodies will need to be cognisant of national differences as they seek improvements and further harmonisation of the global accounting reporting systems that currently exist. However, it is apparent from the current direction of international standards that they will lead to the end of individual nations reporting standards and influences (Nobes and Parker, 2006,p.103) References Blake, John and Amat, Oriol (1993). European Accounting. FT Prentice Hall. Choi, Frederick D.S and Meek, Gary K (2005). International Accounting. 5th Ed. FT. Prentice Hall. UK. Feature (2003). IAS Who’s Who – setting the pace. Accountancy Age, UK 4th September 2003, p.15. Flower, John (2001). European Financial Reporting: Adapting to a Changing World. Palgrave Macmillan. UK. Gregoriou, Greg N and Gaber, Mohamed (eds.) (2006) International Accounting: Standards, Regulations, Financial Reporting. Butterworth-Heinemann. UK. Nobes, C. and Parker, R. (2006). Comparative International Accounting. 9th Edition. FT Prentice Hall. UK. Saudagaran, Shahrokh M (2003). International Accounting: A User’s Perspective. 2 Rev. Ed. South Western College Publishing. UK. Sucher, Pat and Kosmala-MacLullich, Katarzyna (2004). A Comparative Analysis of Auditor Independence in Economies in Transition. Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, UK. Tarca, Ann. (2002). Achieving International Harmonisation through Accounting Policy Choice. University of Western Australia – Department of Accounting and Finance. Australia Footnotes [1] Brackets added by author

Essay examples --

Hacking has been around for more than a century. Members of the public have had their personal information stolen and passed all over the internet. A hacker is a person who uses computers to gain unauthorized access to data. Like for an example in October 2011 Sony the company that owns PlayStation was hacked by some intruders. The intruders staged a massive attempt to access user accounts on its PlayStation Network and other online entertainment services (Hosaka,2011). ; this is also an example of port scan. Port scans and ping sweep, is very dangerous for companies because it will allow people to hack your network or personal information and create viruses that could do a lot of damage to your computer or network. Port scan is a very popular tool that many hackers use to get unauthorized access to a lot of networks across the world. A port scan is a series of messages sent by a hacker that is attempting to break into a computer to learn which computer network services have an open port. Usually when hackers have a plan to hack a company’s network they usually use port scan or sometimes ping sweeps because it’s a very great tool to use in a hacking process. Ping sweeps and port scans are very dangerous but can be preventable for most companies. Also port scan and ping sweep can impact a company in a negative way that can cause personal information to be given out to the public. If this happen to a company this can cause emergency shutdown and possible shutting down the company until the hackers are identify. (Jr. Pyles,n.d.). In the late 1980’s Kevin Mitnick a 25 years old veteran hacker secretly monitors the emails of MCI and Digital Equipment security officials. Kevin Mitnick successfully did this by using the port scan to fi... ...st couple of years. In order to prevent intruders from using port scans or ping sweep to enter a network, companies must have an antivirus software that fights off any intruders’ commands or entrance attempts because if companies do then they wouldn’t have a problem with hackers trying to hack their network system. References Hosaka, T. (2011, October 12). Sony hack october. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/12/sony-hack-october-2011-playstation-network_n_1006661.html Jr. Pyles, G. (n.d.). Ping sweeps and port scans. Retrieved from http://gregorympyles.wordpress.com/information-systems/case-studies/ping-sweeps-and-port-scans/ Ward, M. (2011, June 9). A brief history of hacking . Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-13686141 A history of hacking. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.sptimes.com/Hackers/history.hacking.html

Back Belts

Back belt, also known as â€Å"back support belt† is a lightweight, elastic belt worn around the waist. It becomes popular due to the medical assumption that it protects the back and many workplaces acquire the use of back belts to avoid injuries among the workers. Sakol Trading and Engineering Co. , Ltd. , a Thailand-based manufacturer of medical equipment like back belts and safety slings, guarantees that the back support belt has the comfort and durability to prevent lower back and abdominal pain and injuries during lifting of heavy loads.The belt also reminds the wearer to lift properly, offers extra support to a person’s back during prolonged sitting position and repetitive bending. However, these claims are not supported by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the federal institute responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses. According to NIOSH, None of the s tudies they conducted provides sufficient evidence or data to support the claims that back belt reduces the load force, prevents back and abdominal injuries or stiffens the spine.Therefore, NIOSH does not recommend the use of back belts to the workers. There are several concerns that the controversial belt creates: it restricts the mobility of a person thus reducing the elasticity of the muscles and tendons; it cause strain on the cardiovascular system and; it creates a false sense of security that may make the wearer to lift excessively heavy load. It also causes muscles to be dependent on external support. Companies should not rely solely on the back belts as a safety program.They should let their workers undergo trainings about proper lifting and back support. The workers can be allowed to use back belts if they want to since wearing of it is voluntary. However, they should remember that there is no scientific evidence to support that back belts really work. Reference: †¢ At kinson, Williams. Back Belts: Useful or Not? LP/Gas, Vol. 65, Issue 3, p. 46-47 (March, 2005). Retrieved May 28, 2009 from http://web. ebscohost. com/ehost/pdf? vid=5&hid=4&sid=d76b81c5-3c37-451b-9278-484eeeb125cb%40sessionmgr2#db=bth&AN=16409961

Artifacts and Technology essays

Artifacts and Technology essays An artifact is any object that was made by or altered by humans for some purpose or task. I personally think that all artifacts can be classified as technology. One article that I have found, entitled Analyzing the Past, talks about stone artifacts. These stone artifacts date back some 2.6 million years to the Stone Age. The people of this age forged these new items out of stone. This was something that had never been done before, so it was a new technology. Today, we may not consider this stone work as technology because we have become further advanced. These artifacts help us to better understand the way things were used and the way people lived in these past times. We of course cant talk to anybody that lived back then, so we have to use the technologies that we have today to help us to identify technologies that were used then. Many years from now, when people may possibly find artifacts at Ground Zero in New York City, will they classify this as technology? I think yes, even though the way they build their buildings in future times will more than likely be far more advanced, they will see that our people had become more advanced when those buildings were built than say the times when the Carlyle House in Alexandria, Virginia was built in 1752. The World Trade Centers had a new technological design that was to make them collapse in upon themselves if they were to ever fall. This technology held true when they did collapse. ...

Copmare Example

Copmare Example Copmare – Coursework Example Ebay and Amazon are two of the largest online retailers in the world. In order to compare the financial performance of both these companies a ratio analysis of its financial statements was calculated. The ratio analysis is illustrated in the table below.The net margin of Ebay is 17.80%. Ebays profitability is outstanding considering the fact that Amazons profitability was only 0.37%. One of the reasons that Ebay has a higher profitability is because the company incurs in lower operating costs. Return on assets shows how effective a company has been at generating profits from its assets. In 2013 Ebay had a return on assets of 6.88%, while Amazon had a much lower ROA at 0.68%. Return on equity measures a corporations profitability by revealing how much profit a company generates with the money shareholders have invested (Investodepia). Ebay had a return on equity in 2013 of 12.08% which is higher than Amazons result of 2.81%. The total asset turnover measures how efficient a company i s at generating revenue from its assets. Ebay had a total asset turnover in 2013 of 0.39. Amazon had a much better total asset turnover in 2013 with a result of 1.85. The times interest earned measures the amount of income that can be used to cover the interest expense of the company. A high times interest earned is the desirable outcome. Ebay had a times interest earned of 35.48. Amazon had a much lower times interest earned at 19.61. The current ratio shows the ability of a company to pay off its short term debt. The formula to calculate current ratio is current assets divided by current liabilities The current ratio of Ebay was 1.84, while Amazon had a current ratio of 1.07. Ebays current ratio is better. The quick ratio is another short term solvency metric that is similar to the current ratio, but it eliminates inventory from the numerator of the formula. Ebay does not hold any inventory, thus its quick ratio is the same as its current ratio at 1.84. Amazon had a quick ratio in 2013 of 0.75. Based on the ratio analysis performed Ebay is a better investment option because the company has superior profitability and liquidity. Work Cited PageInvestopedia.com. 2014. Return on Equity – ROE. 14 November 2014.

How Consumer Attitudes & Behaviors Affect Their Purchases Essay

How Consumer Attitudes & Behaviors Affect Their Purchases - Essay Example These savvy marketers understands their consumers’ behavior and thus able to distinguish between attitudes and beliefs. Every year, firms (through their marketing departments) heavily invest in researches to identify consumers’ attitudes which are more likely influence their purchasing behavior. Marketers go ahead to persuade consumers through promotions and advertising in order to win consumer loyalty. Consumer Attitudes In marketing, attitude is defined as â€Å"the general evaluation of a product or service formed over time† (Maxfield, 2012). Attitude greatly affects the purchasing and buying habit of consumers as well as satisfying personal motives of the consumers. As such, consumer attitude is defined as a composite of beliefs, behavioral intention and feelings. On the other hand, behavioral intention of consumers is defined (in marketing content) by consumers’ beliefs and feeling about a given product. Consumer feeling and behavior are treated toget her as they are relatively interdependent, thus collectively representing purchasing force of the consumer. This relationship and interdependency can be represented as below: Attitude is majorly a psychological term that applies in all fields involving human beings. Attitude refers to the inner feelings and understanding of individuals towards certain object or concepts. Attitude may be either negative or positive depending on the existing environmental factors triggering the feeling. Behavior on the other hand, refers to individuals’ reactions or actions towards certain environmental elements in response to the internal or external stimuli. Attitudes and behaviors of customers have almost similar effects on the buying trend of certain product. Attitudes exist in three main components that include cognitive, affective and behavior. Cognitive component of consumer attitude relates to the general consumer’s belief about a certain product. Affective component of the consu mer attitude attributes to feelings and emotional response of customers towards particular objects. Behavior component on the other hand, entails learned tendency by consumer to react in particular manner towards particular activity or objects. In this way, the psychological effects that drive the understanding of consumer/rational choice are clearly understood and noted. Beliefs Belief is a fundamental component of consumer’s purchasing powers and influences. A consumer may either hold a positive or negative belief towards a product or a store. For instance, some consumers may belief that coffee tastes good while those with negative belief towards this product will say that it stains papers and is easily spilled. Though rare, some consumers have a neutral belief on a product (e.g. coffee is black). Other group of consumers may have an indifference belief about a commodity. Notably, the beliefs consumers carry on products have no to be accurate and at times may be very contra dictory. Since consumers hold a number of beliefs towards the range of products, it is quite had to reach the ‘bottom line’ of such variations in beliefs. Brand equity and consumer attitude Brand equity is an important concept in building and developing marketing strategy. Brand equity is an indication of profitability index as perceived by marketers. However, brand equity depends on brand attitude. From consumers’ point of view, brand equity entails positive brand attitude founded on

Democracy History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Democracy History - Essay Example This is the belief on the right of every citizen who are above a certain age bracket to participate effectively in political meetings and vote on matters discussed in the meeting. Direct democracy believes that all people who are within the rights limits should participate in the system to represent the people and ensure majority sound has the course. This participation should be regardless of the religious beliefs, gender, sexual preference, or physical well-being. The democratic right of a person can however be denied if one goes against the constitutional order (Citrin and Egan 112). The prisoners, for example, have suspension over their rights as long as one remains behind bars. Democracy applies only to those who have the right to but how many people bother to attend meeting especially if they are on working hours or after work? The most common system of democracy is the parliamentary democracy where individuals vote for leaders of their interest who represents them in the legis lative assembly. This is the indirect form of democracy and is also known as representative democracy. In this type of democracy, people elect representatives who take decision for which they are answerable at the expiry of the contract. The voters thus have the opportunity to change their government although the extent of public opinion remains subject to debate (Constant 14). It is true that some people or specific groups of people have more weight in the voting or decision making of a country in the elections of a given country. Participatory democracy is globally acceptable; however, it is hard to practice in large countries, which are highly populated. Promoting democracy Parliament is the most central institution through which all people have their interests represented and expressed. In order, for the parliament to promote the rights of the entire population effectively, it must have had democratic election and should represent the interest of majority. The parliament should have the requisite power and means to represent the interest of the people in law making and oversight functions. Generally, institutions should reinforce political culture and guarantee the rule of law in ensuring that policy follows the preferred public sentiment. Democracy models that mimic the other democratic attributes are always under pressure of lapse or authoritarianism (Dworkin 187). Democratic institutions and political cultures should engage in public opinion to create transparency in the public business as well as debates that mark a liberal regime. Democracy is transferrable because it develops from a supportive political culture. However, democratic regimes can source without long preparation or development of a sophisticated political culture. The states are other bodies that can promote democracy of its citizens. Government has the duty to ensure that its citizens enjoy democratic rights. Different countries use different method to ensure democracy prevails in the c ountry. Some countries use military force through diplomacy whereas others use ideological arguments. Generally democracy is a universal value and all people posses the right to govern themselves democratically. Good governance comes out of democracy and democracy facilitates prevention of human rights as well as economic growth (Shklar 35). Democratic organizations within a country promote good relation between the citizens. Generally, democratic peace hypothesis suggests that democracies are free of war to each other. Democracy

Election Fraud in the USA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Election Fraud in the USA - Essay Example Being a democratic state, it is of paramount importance for America that the elections must be fair, neutral and faithfully conducted. The US constitution empowers the federal government to conduct the presidential elections. Their role is, however, very questionable. In 2000, the butterfly ballots were modified with new electronic voting machines to avoid accidental votes but it failed to generate any document that proved voter’s intent to vote. Besides that, in Florida alone, a list of 50,000 ex-felons was compiled with a directive to bar them from voting but it turned out that the list had the names of almost 20,000 innocent people. That list was discarded and a new list was generated which also turned out to be flawed. Furthermore, many votes were uncounted till at the very last time. With unsatisfactory results, a recount was held which did not make much difference. According to D. Margolick, E. Peretz and M. Shnayerson, â€Å"†¦many of Florida's 67 counties "recoun ted" merely by looking at their previous tallies†¦Ã¢â‚¬  In the state of Ohio, which has always played a decisive role in presidential elections for more than a century, the results shifted dramatically in the favor of Bush. Most of the Americans living abroad did not receive their ballots or received them too late. It is alleged that many voters who applied for registration were not registered and many fake votes were cast. From the results of exit polls, it looked like Kerry would win easily as he was ahead in the polls in 10 states out of 11. It is generally the case that the outcomes of the exit polls do not deviate very much from the actual polls. Exit polls are conducted because of their brilliant accuracy. Great deviation from the exit polls means that there has been a sudden and dramatic change in the general public opinion in a very short period. The political campaigns attempted to mould the public opinion as always. In 2004, people were discontented from Bush as the y regarded him to be reason for some troubles that the Americans had. Also, in Ohio, according to Robert F Kennedy Jr, â€Å"(The officials) illegally derailed a recount that could have given Kerry the presidency.† During elections, the people at the structural level might be regarded as those who help in conducting the elections at the very basic level. Many polls were understaffed and it became difficult to keep track of the votes. A lot of news reports and analysis showed that a lot of votes casted by eligible voters were neglected and a lot of them were not registered deliberately. Their dishonest role is evident from the story of two sisters who voted in different lines. The vote in favor of Bush was counted and the one in favor of Kerry was not. If the elections were rigged, the whole system is responsible. Opinion I think that most of the allegations are credible. It is because whenever the questions were raised, for example, when media revealed that almost 20,000 of t hose enlisted in the ex-felon list were innocent, there was no negation of this fact by the higher authorities. They simply compiled another list which was also faulty. Failure to count votes in a timely manner naturally raises some objections. Also, the actual polls deviated too much from the exit polls.  

Biological and Chemical Weapons Essay Example for Free

Biological and Chemical Weapons Essay The Environment is at stake: Weapons that draws the environment into destruction Introduction The most important gift of God would definitely be the environment. Although it does not actually comes to our senses how important this one is, we must understand and accept the fact that we are in need of protection to save the environment. When God created the whole world, he made it perfect for the people and in return, we were asked to take care of it as he did. It may not be that convincing but these worlds would probably help us realize that the environment was not just a simple world we are living in, a part of our everyday lives, not just a place that we can use and later abandon. Environment is a dear gift from the God above thus we, as human beings are in need to protect the greatest and most magnificent work he made. There is a debate when it comes to the proper use and the proper care of the environment. We cannot deny the truth that the environment are now weary and used. None of the people who used it took the chance to stand up and restore its beauty. Instead, we are destroying it more and more thus we end up making harmful things not just to the people but also to the environment. In present, there are two kinds of people in relation with the environment. The environmentalists who would keep on doing what they think is right for the environment while the other one were the people who would not stop doing ill things and would continue putting not just the environment but also the people at stake. At this point of our life, in the 21st century, the people would not stop cutting trees and at the same time killing animals. The environment advocates would also not stop to protect the environment thus they will keep on fighting for the best for the environment but until then, we would not know what will happen. We could not determine and we cannot identify the real end of this destruction. This time, this paper will not talk about the never ending issue of illegal cutting of trees or the pollution there is in the air, instead, we will focus with a much greater threat not just in the environment but also in the human race. It does not limit its destruction to just a single aspect or portion human life or life existence on Earth, instead, it broadens its purpose and further makes people realize that we are indeed intelligent individuals. The development of Nuclear Weapons and also both the Biological and Chemical Weapons mostly used in wars are now the greatest threat existing in our generation. The use of these weapons would result to several effects and problems which will need the help of most of the people in the world. Although the use of these weapons were long been banned by the United Nations, another problem exist. This time, it has nothing to do with war but instead, with the environment and the disposal of the wastes it gives to the whole world. In here must we argue that the countries who kept on making and producing these weapons and at the same time, nuclear energy does not think of what could happen with the whole world because of their greediness or perhaps their love of money and power. Not that we are actually contesting their ideologies but we are actually thinking of what could have been in the near future if these wastes will not be disposed properly. It will lead into harmful incident thus it will endanger both the people and the environment.

Googles Recruitment And Selection Process Commerce Essay

Googles Recruitment And Selection Process Commerce Essay Google Inc., the worlds largest and most popular search engine company, is also one of the most sought after companies in the world. According to Young, C. (2009), due to the popularity of the company caused by its highly attractive compensation and benefits packages for its employees, millions of job applications are constantly received by Google on an annual basis. While other companies envy Google for attracting and acquiring such highly-talented and highly-skilled individuals from all over the world, the company finds it as a serious cause of dilemma. When Google Inc. topped the ranks for the most popular companies in the world, it could no longer contain the number of applications it receives from thousands of job hunters from all over the globe. And since the company aims to hire only the best employees that fit the organizational culture and standards of Google, the company started thinking of ways to better improve its recruitment and selection process for its would-be employees (Young, C., 2009). In an article released in New York Times in 2007, Google Inc shared its non-traditional, highly creative and unconventional approach of selecting and hiring employees. Initially, the Google management sought the aid of its highly-competent and well-skilled technical staff in order to find ways to quickly go through and review the millions of applications it stored in its recruitment database (Young, C., 2009). The Google Inc management also decided to focus on the distinct behavioral characteristics and personality that separates Google employees from any other employees in other known companies. It shifted its focus from academic qualifications and technical experiences to the applicants personality, creativity, leadership capacities, innovative and non-conventional ways of thinking and the applicants overall exposure to the world. The academic qualifications and the intensive job experience just came in as second priorities of the company in choosing the best candidates for any open positions. Since then, the Google Inc company not only became known for its outstanding and luxurious job compensation and benefits packages it offers its employees, but also in making use of some of the most powerful recruitment assessment tools capable of picking the best employees in the world that fit the standards set by Google. The Google Recruitment Process One of the most notable statements of Eric Schmidt, the CEO of Google Inc. is that Google invests in people. The main reason why people from different cultures, have been dreaming of being recruited and hired by Google is that the company offers possibly the most outstanding job compensation packages any normal employee could ever enjoy. In order to attract the best employees, Google draws them by the promise of wealth and luxury, providing their employees with almost everything an employee could possibly need, from absurdly high compensations to extravagant and luxurious benefits like gourmet food, carwash, gym, snacks, exercise classes, dry cleaning services, car services, haircuts, oil changes, massages, checkups and many more, all for free (People Professionals, 2009) Nevertheless, the recruitment process was also far beyond ordinary. Several people who have had experience in the Google recruitment process narrates that the experience was totally nerve-wracking. One applicant who underwent interviews for Google has had five to seven interviews in one day for two to three straight days. That applicant claims that the interviews were really tough with some of the brightest people in the world, conducting the interviews filled with brain teasers, algorithmic problems, and IQ tests (Psabilla, 2006). Another applicant who also have had experiences in the recruitment process of Google claims that his Google experience was one of the most nerve-wracking adventures of his life. The interviewers were looking for extremely bright individuals and so the recruitment method was filled with IQ tests, brain teasers, algorithms, data structures, and a lot of mathematics involved in it. The Google Selection Process According to Sullivan (2007), Google is no doubt the worlds best recruitment leader. Google is known for various unique approaches that it has utilized in order to attract the cream of the crop or the best of the bests. One way is through employment branding. Google has so successfully utilized their brand in order to attract the most talented and highly-competent individuals in the world. Because of their claim of providing the best employee-employer experience supported by the many perks, benefits and high salaries that Google employees get to enjoy, Google became the most desired companies for men and women in the world. While the work and job responsibilities in Google are not that easy, the stock options benefit is one of the key drivers of retention and continuous acquisition of the best employees for this company. In 2007, employee turn-over at Google was reportedly less than 5% which was simply phenomenal. People didnt want to leave the company because the amazing provisions and benefits that the company offers its employees. Moreover, the creative approaches of Google when it comes to hiring and retaining employees were simply exceptional. Employees claim that money was never an issue for Google in terms of utilizing it to take care of its employees (Sullivan, 2007). One notable recruitment technique that Google utilized in 2006 was the targeted and unobtrusive approach to sending recruitment messages. Sullivan (2007) states that Google crafted a simple technique to recruit the best students in certain schools and universities to work for them. They allowed people from these schools to access the search portal of Google wherein the students IP address would be identified to see from what organization the person belongs into. The technique was successfully executed using a minimalist and unobtrusive style of recruitment wherein below the search box, the Google system would know whether the targeted student is graduating or not and whether or not they intend to work for Google after graduation. The approach was definitely a successful micro-targeted approach. It was also in the same year when Google opened up to the idea of an Employee Referral Program. In putting up this program, Google made sure that it would deliver them a world-class employee w hose personality, qualifications and work ethics reflect the Google standards. A year passed by and Googles attempts for recruitment innovations continued to improve. In 2007, Google developed a simple and effective assessment tool to screen its millions of applicants all over the world via an algorithm assessment tool. The algorithm technique effectively separated the top and the best performers from thousands of candidates vying for a position. Moreover, the assessment tool was made sure to successfully predict the best possible candidates from the least and the average and has managed to resolve the issue on the usual assessment tools being used by most companies, relying mainly on the academic qualifications and intensive industry and job experience. Truly, what separates the Google recruitment process from the typical and the usual recruitment methodologies that other companies employ is its ability to accurately identify the best candidates for the position using a more data-based and scientific approach to the recruitment process. Also, it has significantly reduced the reliability of interviews, which for most companies, serves as the final indicator of how well an employee will perform at work. Furthermore, the algorithm approach which is a common business model that the company employs was effectively used to assess whether potential candidates can indeed perform given the high performance standards of Google. Deutschman (2005) wrote in an article that the secret to be selected as a Google employee is that one has to think a lot like an engineer. Apparently, Google expects their employees to be highly quantitative and highly analytical as well as highly capable of dealing with too many data all at the same time. During the interviews, an applicant must also be able to demonstrate his skill or capacity by writing codes, intelligently analyzing case studies and brain teasers and solving algorithmic problems on the spot. Also, Google is searching for applicants who are highly practical and are capable of making something out of nothing that people can make use of. The Google Interview Process Since Google is known to be the ultimate recruitment and selection machine, its interview processes are also the most grueling experiences an applicant could ever have. Usually, the interviews begin using the telephone. Once the phone interviews conducted have been successful, the applicant would be scheduled by the recruitment officer and be invited for a series of five to ten interviews in one day with ten different people. For some people who have successfully undergone this process, they described it as the most excruciating employment experience of their lives as a lot of mental gymnastics were necessary to prove your skills (Kopytoff, V., 2005). There were many instances when the applicants were asked to write codes, brain storm, role play or solve mathematical equations on the spot just to prove that they are highly-skilled and competent. In other instances, the applicants are even tested of their marketing skills even though the position an applicant is applying for is highly technical. The interviewers seem to have control and power over the applicants letting them do everything just to prove that they are worthy for the position. Common questions involved computer network problems, Java programming and algorithms by which Google is known for. Moreover, other applicants can rate and share comments on another applicant which Google can track and use as another basis for hiring or not hiring an applicant. Overall, the process was a lengthy, tedious and nerve-wracking experience which can possibly traumatize anyone whose dream is to work for one of the most prestigious companies in the world. Nevertheless, the perks and benefits are limitless and are more than enough to compensate for such a tough employment experience.

Dances With Wolves Essay -- Movie Film Native Americans Papers

Dances With Wolves Dances with Wolves offers a cinematic portrayal of Native Americans that is quite contrary to the stereotypical norm. In this film, John Dunbar, goes out to the west where he meets and becomes friends with the Sioux Indians. He is drawn more and more into their community and eventually chooses to side with the humane Indians over his fellow cruel white Americans. In an attempt to change stereotypical views, director Kevin Costner through Dunbar, presents to the audience a different perspective of Indian removal. The film allows viewers to identify and sympathize with the Indians and thus causes a shift of perception towards the Indian problem. Movie critic Ariztlan, in a review of the film, states that Dances with Wolves "showed the Indians as human beings with a culture and way of life that had the full breadth of human dignity, humor, spirituality and family values (http://www.ariztlan.org/mov/wolves)." The stereotypical view of Indians as savage inhumane beings is strategically dw indled in this movie. This film was set around the time of the Civil War which took place from 1861-1865. It was during this time that acts of Indian removal were common. The prevalent attitude of Americans at the time was that of expansion into the west. The primitive Indian inhabitants of the western territory proposed a problem for the Americans. To settle into the west, they had to remove the Indians to other places. In a lecture on the place of the west in American history, Dr. April Summitt addressed the historical framework of Indian removal. The first major Indian removal took place in 1830. They were further removed to smaller reservations in the 1870's and 1880's. With this knowledge of the historical setting, we c... ...m. Dunbar was named Dances with Wolves because he was literally caught prancing around with a wolf. Beyond this literal interpretation is the symbolic one of Dunbar's dance with the Indians. The gist of the film is encapsulated in this one metaphorical story line. The film, Dances with Wolves, is masterfully produced to change the stereotypical view of Native Americans as brutal savages to a fixed view of them as normal human beings. Shift in perception is achieved by first grabbing the audience attention with an initial matched stereotype of cruel Indians. The audience is carried to a new frame of thought through the trustworthy character of Dunbar and his developing relationship with the Indians. In the end, Dunbar's dance with the wolves becomes a great learning experience for him in his life, as well as an eye-opening tool for the humbled American audience.

The Importance of Gender Representations in Spanish Cinema

The different works of art – from paintings to literary pieces – present prevailing themes in the society. They act as small fragments of a comprehensive historical narrative. These fragments, though fictional, are still able to reflect true scenarios, real life stories from which they are based upon. To a certain extent, films serve the same purpose as any work of art – they present the artist’s feelings, thoughts, and reflections on whatever is happening in the society at the time of its creation. The different elements in any film – the social setting and the gender representations do not only bring life to its plot. Rather, these thematic elements of the film contribute fully on its general appeal and overall impact to its audiences. In this paper however, the researcher will only focus on one of these elements – gender representation. Putting a specific focus on this study, this paper will only explore the importance of these representations in Spanish cinema. To perform this purpose, common gender representations in some Spanish films will be revealed in relation to: how it reflects the prevalent issues in Spanish society; how it adds to the film’s appeal to local audiences; and how it provides an imagination of Spanish identities to local and international movie goers. 1st Assumption: Gender representations grant the films the ability to reflect the prevailing issues in the Spanish Society In the past few years, domestic violence has been a prevalent social problem in Spanish communities. Reports show that there is a high count of women who are suffering from the violence and physical abuse posed by their husbands and partners. Based on the report of Emma Daly in Christian Science Monitor, the Spanish society is suffering from a â€Å"machismo culture† where women are treated as inferior to men. (Daly, 1998) In relation to this important social issue, many films also carry domestic violence as significant thematic components in their plots. In such films, women are portrayed as the victims of their husbands’ consummation of their masculinity in a largely patriarch society that equates women to second-class citizens. Solo mia (2001) is one of the films which reflect this social issue. The movie puts into film a typical story that takes place not only in Spain but also in many societies where a once loving and tender relationship goes wrong. As shown in the movie, the relationship gradually transforms into a tale of obsession which prompts the husband to repeatedly subject his wife to domestic violence. (Saenz, 2009) The same social issue envelopes the film â€Å"Princesas† (2005) and El Bola (2000). In the first film, a prostitute suffers from the violence introduced by her lover while in the latter shows that children can also become victims of what is known in Spain as â€Å"Terrorismo Familiar†. Basically, Spanish cinema reflects not just the fact that domestic violence prevails in the real Spanish community. Rather, gender representations in the film also show that such type of violence affects women of all ages, and in different social classes. With the men presented mostly as the perpetrator of the violence, the films further shows that men in Spain often act adversely against the inferior women. nd Assumption: Gender representation increases the film’s appeal to local audiences by reinforcing nationalism and providing greater grounds for linkage and identification. Since Spanish cinema reflects prevalent values, ideas, and practices in the Spanish community, it gives the film a more localized appeal. The tendency to magnify one’s identification with t heir culture further increases the movies’ appeal to the local moviegoers. Basically, most of the Spanish films pose a generic thematic distinction from the mainstream Hollywood movies. While most Hollywood movies take the themes of liberal women who are posed as office workers and even successful professionals, most Spanish movies reflect on the importance of motherhood – a local theme that is common in many traditional patriarchal societies. Solas is one of the most famous films that glorify maternity as the only way for a woman to achieve real fulfillment and happiness. The film revolves around the story of Rosa and her daughter Maria. The two, both victims of domestic violence, are reunited after several years of being apart. Rosa has become a passive victim to her husband’s abuse but Maria refuses to surrender to the despotism and instead, decides to live in the city. However, Maria inevitably ends up in the same situation as that of her mother – being physically and emotionally abused by her boyfriend. To a certain degree, the portrayal of motherhood in the story works in two contrasting ways. Rosa retains the profile of the typical mother. She is portrayed as the submissive and self sacrificing woman who is willing to endure overwhelming hardships – the abuse of her husband – in order to potentially â€Å"save† her family from falling apart. However, she fails as Maria separates herself from the threat that her father poses. Fortunately, in line with Rosa’s angelic qualities as a mother, she is able to â€Å"save† her daughter from leading a devastating lifestyle through her captivating and unrestrained love and care. Following these implications, motherhood is presented in the story as a self-denying role which women must embrace not only to provide a certain sense of accomplishment but also to gain the ability to â€Å"save† people whom they care for. Motherhood is also presented as a Spanish woman’s way toward salvation and recovery as depicted in Maria’s character. Maria’s relationship with his boyfriend reflected a destructive scenario which led to her alcoholism. However, as Maria became pregnant, that signaled her positive transformation from an angry and hostile character to another motherly figure that’s kind, passionate, loving, and forgiving. In essence, Maria’s motherhood became her escape from the destructive factors that formerly consumed her life. Such gender representation embedded in the plot of the movie allows the local audiences – particularly women – to relate to characters and watch the film. 3rd Assumption: Gender representation in Spanish films offers both local and international audiences with an imagination of Spanish identities Gender representation forms a significant part of the local Spanish cultures and traditions. As films carry gender representation which is reflective of a distinct cultural identity, they then achieve significance as cultural accounts. The fact that the movies provide both local and international audiences with an idea of what comprises a real Spanish community qualifies them as relevant educational and enriching artifacts. In addition to that, these artifacts not only promote an imagination of Spanish identities. Rather, the Spanish movies also help people of other cultures in learning, appreciating, and understanding Spanish culture. For example, in the film â€Å"Coma agua para chocalate (1992) or ‘Like water for chocolate’†, the gender representations mirror how important must both men and women adhere to old superstitions and traditions. The film shows that marriage and love are restricted by old Spanish traditions as a young couple – Pedro and Tita – could not get married simply because Tita’s oldest sister has to get married first and because Tita had to first fulfill her domestic roles and â€Å"responsibilities† to her mother. Gender representation in La casa de los espiritus (1993) or â€Å"The House of the Spirits† also offers a glimpse at Spanish culture. This film shows the importance of social class as a local rags-to-riches patriarch does everything to prevent his daughter from marriage a lower class worker who fights for socialism. The same theme inspires the film, The Dog in the Manger (1995). In the movie, a Countess falls in love with his secretary. However, social status stands on their way. Furthermore, this gap in social position increasingly widens as the Countess, as a woman is expected to be submissive to societal expectations. Conclusions Gender representations become important elements to Spanish cinema mainly because they reflect prevailing issues and themes in a natural Spanish community. As these themes are reflected and portrayed, the films gain the local audience’s attention through the formation of linkages and character identification. Gender representations embedded in the plot also qualify the films as cultural artifacts that offer audiences with a glimpse of Spanish culture. On the whole, gender representation promotes the appreciation of not just Spanish movies, but of the Spanish culture as well. Through the gender roles promoted in the films, both local and international audiences learn how Spanish culture must be understood and appreciated.

Design and Fabrication of a Robot for Training Essays

Design and Fabrication of a Robot for Training Essays Design and Fabrication of a Robot for Training Essay Design and Fabrication of a Robot for Training Essay MOI UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL AND PRODUCTION ENGINEERING COURSE CODE: PRD5 80 COURSE TITLE: FINAL YEAR PROJECT PROJECT TITLE: DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A ROBOT FOR TRAINING PRESENTED BY: Dennis Chesire PRESENTED TO: DR. A. N. MAYAKA Submitted To The Department Of Mechanical And Production Engineering In Partial Fulfillment Of The Requirements For The Award Of Bachelor Of Technology Degree In Mechanical And Production Engineering Academic year 2007/2008 DECLARATION I hereby declare that this is my original work and has not been submitted for any award in any institution or university. SIGN †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ DATE †¦ Dennis Chesire CERTIFICATION I have read this project report and approved its presentation for examination. SIGN †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ DATE †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Supervisor DEDICATIONS I dedicate this design work to my family and all my friends for their inspiration and assistance even in times of difficulty. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The completion of this project would have been impossible without the help received from many people. First I would like to thank the Almighty Father in heaven for having brought me this far. To God be glory forever and ever. I would also like to thank Dr. A. N. Mayaka for the priceless moral and technical advice he gave throughout the design process of this project. Thank you for the shared documents and materials and the precious time you gave, out of your ever busy schedule. I acknowledge the assistance of the Head of Department, Dr. Boaz Korir for coming to my aid when Dr. A. N. Mayaka was away. I would like to acknowledge all my lecturers for the tireless effort they have put in my training. Mr. Kimutai the effort you put towards this project cannot go unmentioned. I want to also extend my sincere appreciation to all the Mechanical Engineering Department technicians, specially mentioning Mr. Akwiri and Mr. Oduor My parents, I will not forget your self sacrifice in an effort to support me all through my college life. Last but not least, all my classmates, I am very grateful. May God bless you all. ABSTRACT In this project an introduction on the need of adequate training on automation in higher learning institutions is looked into in a systematic way. First there is a general introduction of robotics in chapter one, robot classifications and robot applications is in chapters three and four. Chapter five consists of the design alternatives and their analysis. General introduction on component manufacture is given in chapter six. Cost analysis and the conclusion and recommendations are done in chapters seven and eight. TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATIONi Supervisor DEDICATIONSi DEDICATIONSii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTiii ABSTRACTiv TABLE OF FIGURESviii LIST OF TABLESix LIST OF APPENDICESx 1. 0 CHAPTER ONE1 1. 1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION1 1. 2 PROBLEM STATEMENT2 1. 3 JUSTIFICATION3 1. 4 SCOPE5 1. 5 OBJECTIVES6 1. 5. 1 General objective6 1. 5. 2 Specific objectives6 1. 6 METHODOLOGY7 1. 6. 1 Source of data7 1. 6. 2 Target market for design7 1. . 3 Viability7 CHAPTER TWO8 2. 0 LITERATURE REVIEW8 2. 1 Background8 2. 1. 1 What is a Robot? 8 2. 2 ROBOT GENERATIONS10 2. 3 Robot systems10 2. 4 CLASSIFICATION OF ROBOTS11 2. 4. 1 Classification based on structural configuration and robot motion. 11 2. 4. 1. 1 Revolute (jointed arm) robot12 2. 4. 1. 2. Polar (spherical) robot13 2. 4. 1. 3 Cylindrical ro bot14 2. 4. 1. 4 Cartesian (rectangular) robot, sliding type14 2. 4. 1. 5 Cartesian (rectangular) robot, gantry-type14 2. 4. 1. 6. SCARA- type robot15 2. 4. 2 Basic robot motions16 2. 4. 2. 1 Six degrees of freedom16 2. 4. 3 Classification based on path control17 2. 4. 3. Point-to-point (PTP) control17 2. 4. 3. 2Continuous path (CP) control18 CHAPTER THREE19 3. 0 ROBOT APPLICATIONS19 3. 1 General application characteristics19 3. 2 APPLICATION AREAS OF INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS20 3. 2. 1 Material Transfer21 3. 2. 2 Machine Loading21 3. 2. 3 Welding23 3. 2. 3. 1Spot welding23 3. 2. 3. 2 Arc welding24 3. 2. 4 Spray Coating25 3. 2. 5 Processing Operations27 3. 2. 6 Assembly28 3. 2. 7 Inspection29 CHAPTER FOUR31 4. 0TRAINING31 4. 1 INTRODUCTION31 4. 2 APPLICATION OF ACQUIRED SKILLS31 4. 2. 1 Middle managers31 4. 3 TREND IN KENYA31 4. 4 REASONS WHY KENYAN FIRMS NEED WELL TRAINED GRADUATES FROM LEARNING INSTITUTIONS33 4. TYPES OF TRAINING34 5. 0 DESIGN ANALYSIS36 5. 1 DESIGN ALTERNATIVES36 5. 1. 1 Comparison of alternatives38 5. 2 SPECIFICATIONS39 5. 2. 1 Task Specifications39 5. 2. 1. 1 Performance Specifications39 5. 2. 1. 2 Design Specifications39 5. 2. 1. 3 Dimensional Specifications40 5. 3 EXTENT OF THE ANALYSIS42 5. 4 GRIPPER MECHANISM ANALYSIS43 5. 4. 1 Gripping Force44 5. 4. 2 Torque required to produce desired clamping force-Power screws46 5. 4. 3 Power Required49 5. 4. 4 Pins50 5. 5 HOLLOW SECTIONS51 5. 6 BELT51 5. 6. 1 Dimensions of belt cross sections52 5. 7 FASTENERS53 5. 8 WASHERS54 5. 9 COUPLINGS54 5. 9. 1 Flange coupling54 5. . 2 Derivation of flange coupling formula55 5. 10 SAFETY FACTORS57 5. 11 KEYS AND KEY-WAYS58 5. 11. 1Wood ruff key58 CHAPTER SIX59 6. 0COMPONENT PRODUCTION59 6. 1 PARAMETERS FOR OPTIMUM PRODUCTION59 6. 1. 1 Product Analysis59 6. 1. 2 Operation Analysis59 6. 1. 3 Machine Analysis59 6. 1. 4 Operator Analysis59 6. 2 RESOURCE REQUIREMENT59 6. 2. 1 Capital Resources60 6. 2. 2 Tooling Resources60 6. 2. 3 Material Resources60 6. 2. 4 Human Reso urces60 6. 2. 5 Service Resources60 CHAPTER SEVEN61 7. 0 COST ANALYSIS61 CHAPTER EIGHT63 8. 0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS63 8. 1 CONCLUSION63 8. 2. 1 Recommendations for the Government65 8. 2. Recommendations for the university66 REFERENCES67 TABLE OF FIGURES Figure 1. 0: CAD/CAM layout 6 Figure 2. 1: Revolute Robot 14 Figure 2. 2: Cylindrical and Polar Robot 15 Figure 2. 3: Cartesian Robot17 Figure 2. 4: Basic Robot Motions18 Figure 2. 5: Typical Wrist Articulations19 Figure 5. : Alternative Design 138 Figure 5. 2: Alternative Design 239 Figure 5. 3: Shape of Object to be grasped40 Figure 5. 4: Determination of Principal Dimensions41 Figure 5. 5: Gripper mechanism44 Figure 5. 6: End section of Gripper45 Figure 5. : Power Screw Motions48 Figure 5. 8: Woodruff Key59 LIST OF TABLES Table 7. 1 Cost analysis 62 LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX I: Glossary Of Robotic Terms APPENDIX II: Nominal cross-sectional dimensions of Standard V-belts APPENDIX III: Typical coefficients of static frict ion values (Dry conditions) APPENDIX IV: Chain Dimensions and Breaking Loads of Base Chains APPENDIX V: Woodruff Keys APPENDIX VI: Straight Sided Splines for Machine Tools-4 splined APPENDIX VII: Single Thrust Ball Bearings 1. 0 CHAPTER ONE 1. 1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION Robotics is a term describing a new academic and industrial discipline. Robotics is now a well established field of endeavor both in industry and research laboratories. There is a danger that the word may be used even in areas where it is inappropriate, so knowing precisely what a robot is, how it is controlled and how it may be used in specific applications is of the highest importance. As a result of the great advances of the last few years many industrial processes have become largely automated, with the human operator playing an ever decreasing role. The fully automated and unmanned factory is probably now only a few decades away. 1. 2 PROBLEM STATEMENT Many institutions of higher learning in Kenya have incorporated studies on automation in their teaching curricular for example CAD/CAM. Proper grasp of the underlying principles are best demonstrated to the students within a laboratory. It is in pursuance of this need that an effort is being made through this project to produce an automated cylindrical configuration robot model. 1. 3 JUSTIFICATION In the recent past there has been increasing world-wide competitions and many companies see, the use of computer-assisted production systems as giving them a chance of resolving the conflict of objectives between productivity and flexibility by introducing automation in a flexible manner. But it is not only the production techniques that are undergoing a process of change. Computers are also used to assist the functions that precede, accompany or follow production. The key words of this trend are: Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Planning (CAP) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM). CAM means the integration of all planning, controlling, executing and monitoring functions of the production process on the basis of a computer network. Efforts directed towards automation and integration change the work content and working conditions of production. However, the success of a company’s commitment will be determined not only by selecting and applying the best technology but also ensuring that people and machines work together in the best possible manner. It is in this context that training is of paramount importance. There is therefore a need to introduce robotics to all practicing and training engineers so that the technology may be embraced in Kenya to aid in the attainment of Vision 2030. To attain this, a design of a simple configuration robot to aid in the displaying of the basic principles of robotics to training engineers is of great import. It is with this intention that this project is carried out as a follow up to what has been done previously on the subject. [pic] Figure 1: CAD/CAM Layout (courtesy of Robotics for Engineers Pg 308) 1. SCOPE The project will be limited to the design and fabrication of a pick-and-place robot of the cylindrical configuration type because of its relative simplicity. 1. 5 OBJECTIVES 1. 5. 1 General objective To supplement lecture room discussions on â€Å"automated industrial operations† with laboratory work. 1. 5. 2 Specific objectives i. To study the application of robots world wide ii . To develop and design a model of a simple cylindrical configuration robot for training sessions in the School of Engineering of Moi university iii. To fabricate a model of a simple cylindrical configuration robot using cheap available material 1. 6 METHODOLOGY 1. 6. 1 Source of data Development and design of the cylindrical robot is based on: Study of the available automated systems Review of related literature Inspection of layout of mechanical engineering laboratories at Moi University for compatible principal dimensions of the design Insight into the University curricular for suitability of the design needs 1. 6. 2 Target market for design Universities in Kenya Other higher learning institutions including polytechnics . 6. 3 Viability The completed design is intended for installation at the Moi university laboratories for use in demonstrations to augment theoretical lectures on automation. Other institutions should initially see the need to attach their students at Moi University before eventually buying the product to cut down on their training costs. CHAPTER TWO 2. 0 LITERATURE REVIEW 2. 1 Background The word robot exis ts in many languages an evidence of its recent coinage. The term first came in use during the 1920s and 1930s, following the appearance of a play by the Czech author Karel Capek, called R. U. R. (Rossums Universal Robots), in the play small artificial anthropomorphic creatures strictly obeyed their masters orders. These creatures were called ‘robots’, a word derived from the Czech robota, meaning ‘forced labour’. 2. 1. 1 What is a Robot? A wide spectrum of definitions exists though few manufacturers or users will agree on any. In fact none has been accepted as standard. Since there is no standard for defining or for describing the functions of a robot, it would be helpful if consideration is given to the attempts that have been made to provide one. The British Robot Association (BRA) has defined the industrial robot as A reprogrammable device with a minimum of four degrees of freedom designed to both manipulate and transport parts, tools or specialized manufacturing implements through variable programmed motions for the performance of the specific manufacturing task (Chirouze, 1988 pg 17). The Robotics Institute of America (RIA) defines the robot as A reprogrammable, multi-functional manipulator designed to move material, parts, tools or specialized devices through variable programmed motions for the performance of a variety of tasks. Japan Industrial Robot Association (JIRA) and the Japanese Industrial Committee in the ‘Glossary of terms for industrial robots’ defines the robot at various levels as Manipulator: a machine which has functions similar to those of the human upper limbs, and moves the object spatially, from one location to the other. Playback robot: a manipulator which is able to perform an operation by reading off the memorized information for an operating sequence, including positions and the like, which it learned by being taken manually through the routine beforehand. Intelligent robot: a robot which can determine its own behaviour /conduct through its functions of sense and recognition (Chirouze op cit). Computer Aided Manufacturers International (CAM-I) in the USA defines the humanoid aspects of the industrial robot as A device that performs functions ordinarily ascribed to human beings, or operates with what appears to be almost human intelligence. The definition supplied by the Concise Oxford Dictionary is ‘Apparently human automaton, intelligent and obedient but impersonal machine. ’ Another suggestion defines a robot in its developed form as An automatic machine with a certain degree of autonomy, designed for active interaction into the environment (Francis Sieglera, 1987 pg 2-4). 2. 2 ROBOT GENERATIONS There are several more or less clearly distinguished generations of industrial robots. The first generation robots are fixed-sequence robots which can repeat a sequence of operations once they have been programmed to do so. To carry out a different job, they have to be reprogrammed, often by â€Å"training† or â€Å"education† The second-generation robots are equipped with sensory devices which allow a robot to act in a not-completely defined environment, e. g. ick up a part that is misplaced from its ideal position, pick up a needed part from a batch of mixed parts, recognize a need to switch from one succession of motions to another etc. The third-generation robots which are emerging now have the intelligence to allow them to make decisions, such as ones necessary in assembly operations (assembling a prop er combination of parts; rejecting faulty parts; selecting necessary combinations of tolerances etc. ) Robots of first and so called â€Å"1. 5† generation (with some sensing devices) constitute the overwhelming majority of robots now in use and production (Francis Sieglera op cit). . 3 Robot systems However, regardless of the generation, industrial robots are built of three basic systems: The â€Å"mechanical structure† consisting of the mechanical linkages and joints capable of various movements. Additional movements are made possible by end effectors fitted at the arm end. The â€Å"control system† which can be of â€Å"fixed† or â€Å"servo† type. Robots with fixed control systems have fixed (but, possibly, adjustable) mechanical stops, limit switches, etc. , for positioning and informing the controller. Servo-controlled robots can be either point to point (PTP), where only specified point coordinates are under control and not the path between them, or continuous path (CP) controlled, thus achieving a smooth transition between the critical points. The â€Å"power unit(s),† which can be hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, or their combination, with or without mechanical transmissions. 2. 4 CLASSIFICATION OF ROBOTS Robot classification may be considered on the following basis: 1. Structural configuration and robot motion 2. Trajectories based on motion control 3. Performance characteristics of the robot. 2. 4. Classification based on structural configuration and robot motion. For this classification, three basic motions in the operation of robots need to be distinguished. Swivel motion- This is a rotation about the longitudinal axis of a link between two joints. Bending motion-this is a rotation about the transverse axis in the joint. Prismatic motion-this is a linear motion in t he direction of the longitudinal axis, either extensional or constructional (Eugene, 1988 pg 127-128). According to robots joint movements there are the following well distinguished basic robot configurations: i. Revolute (jointed arm) robot i. Polar (spherical)robot iii. Cylindrical robot iv. Cartesian (rectangular) robot, sliding-type v. Cartesian (rectangular) robot, gantry-type vi. SCARA- type robot 2. 4. 1. 1 Revolute (jointed arm) robot This is the type that best simulates a human arm, and is often referred to as an anthropomorphic robot. Because of this it is more easily adapted to an existing human workstation than any other type of robot. [pic] Figure 2. 1: Revolute Robot (Courtesy of; Reinventing Man, Pg 48) The revolute robot consists of three major rotary joints acting as the waist and elbow mounted at the end of the shoulder link. A typical example is Asea (IRb-6 Sweden) 2. 4. 1. 2. Polar (spherical) robot This robot rotates about the axis of its waist on the base. The second axis is a horizontal rotary joint, allowing the arm to rotate in a vertical plane. Making use of all the axes, the arm can sweep through a partial sphere. This mathematically corresponds to a polar coordinate system, thus this kind of robot is classified as polar. The third degree of freedom is provided by a prismatic joint built into the arm which allows it to move in and out. The robot can sweep through partial spheres of radii depending on the length of the prismatic joint. A typical example is Unimation (series 1000, 2000, 4000, US). [pic] Figure 2. 2: Cylindrical and Polar robot (Courtesy of; Reinventing Man, Pg 47) 2. 4. 1. 3 Cylindrical robot This robot consists of a base, a horizontal arm and a prismatic joint built into the horizontal arm. The whole base can move up and down. The horizontal arm swivels around the vertical column, describing a partial cylinder in space. This mathematically corresponds to a cylindrical coordinate system, thus this kind of robot is classified as cylindrical. A typical example is Prab (Model E, FA, FB, FC and Model G Series, Norway). 2. 4. 1. Cartesian (rectangular) robot, sliding type There are three perpendicular traversing axes, realized by an up/down, a left/right, and a forward/backward moving prismatic joint. This mathematically corresponds to a Cartesian coordinate system, thus this kind of robot is classified as Cartesian. Despite the fact that this robot is of high precision, it is not referred for many appli cations because of its difficult adaptability to the existing human- operated workstations. A typical example is DEA robot (Digital Electronic Automation SpA, Model Pragma A3000, Italy). 2. 4. 1. 5 Cartesian (rectangular) robot, gantry-type This type of robot has the same structure as the sliding type Cartesian robot. The only difference is that it has a gantry for keeping the robot in sliding operation. A typical example is IBM (7565, US) [pic] Figure 2. 3: Cartesian robot (Courtesy of; Reinventing Man, Pg 46) 2. 4. 1. 6. SCARA- type robot New robot kinematic configurations can be obtained by combining the properties of the basic robot representatives outlined above. For instance if the revolute and cylindrical robot kinematics are combined, the result will be a new type of robot called SCARA, where SCARA stands for Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm. Its rotary joints have vertical axes, allowing movement in a horizontal plane, which corresponds to both revolute and cylindrical coordinates. The SCARA configuration has vertical major axis rotations for which the gravitational load, Coriolis and centrifugal forces do not stress the structures as much as they would if the axes were horizontal. This advantage is very important at high speeds and high precision. The best examples are IBM (7535 and 7545. US), Meta Machines (adept one, UK) 2. 4. 2 Basic robot motions Whatever the configuration, the purpose of the robot is to perform a useful task. To accomplish the task, an end effector, or hand, is attached to the end of the robot’s arm. It is this end effector which adapts the general-purpose robot to a particular task. To do the task, the robot arm must be capable of moving the end effector through a sequence of motions and/or positions. [pic] Figure 2. 4: Basic robot motions (courtesy of An Introduction To Robot Technology pg 12) 2. 4. 2. 1 Six degrees of freedom There are six basic motions, or degrees of freedom, which provide the robot with the capability to move the end effector through the required sequence of motions. These six degrees of freedom are intended to emulate the versatility of movement possessed by the human arm. Not all robots are equipped with the ability to move in all six degrees. The six basic motions consist of three arm and body motions and three wrist motions, as illustrated in the figure below for a polar –type robot. These motions are described as follows: Arm and body motions: 1. vertical transverse: up-and-down motions of the arm, caused by pivoting the entire arm about a horizontal axis or moving the arm along a vertical slide 2. radial transverse: extension and retraction of the arm (in-and-out movement) 3. otational transverse: rotation about the vertical axis (right or left swivel of the robot arm) Wrist motions: 4. wrist swivel: rotation of the wrist 5. Wrist bend: up-or-down movement of the wrist, which also involves a rotational movement. 6. Wrist yaw: right- or- left swivel of the wrist. [pic] Figure 2. 5: Typical Wrist Articulations (Courtesy of; Reinventing Man, Pg 49) 2. 4. 3 Classification based on path control There are two basic forms of robot path control: 1. Point-to-point (PTP) control With point-to-point control the robot is programmed to pause at each point to plan the next step in a predetermined manner. Despite the fact that the motion is not controlled between the set points, it usually occurs along a natural path, depending upon the kinematic geometry of the robot. On the other hand the robot under continuous control can follow any arbitrary path accurately. A point-to-point controlled robot offers greater precision in terms of accuracy and repeatability. 2. 4. 3. 2Continuous path (CP) control The continuous path control results in a smoother movement along the defined trajectory but there is a speed penalty, which is a function of the step sizes computed by the master computer in real time using interpolation methods. The penalty may be a 15-25 % speed reduction, resulting in uneconomic control of the process, i. e. the efficiency will be lower compared with the same robot operating in point-to-point control mode. CHAPTER THREE 3. 0 ROBOT APPLICATIONS 3. 1 General application characteristics There are certain general characteristics of an industrial situation which tend to make the installation of a robot economical and practical (Poole, 1989). These include the following. ? Hazardous or uncomfortable working conditions. In job situations where there are potential dangers or health hazards due to heat, radiation, or toxicity, or where the workplace is uncomfortable and unpleasant, a robot should be considered as a substitute for the human worker. This sort of application has a high probability for worker acceptance of the robot. Examples of these job situations include hot forging, die casting, spray painting and foundry operations. ? Repetitive tasks If the work cycle consists of a sequence of elements which do not vary from cycle to cycle, it is possible that a robot could be programmed to perform the task. This is especially likely if the task is accomplished within a limited workspace. Pick and place operations and machine loading are obvious examples of repetitive tasks. ? Difficult handling If the work part or tool involved in the operation is awkward or heavy, it might be possible for a robot to perform the task. Operations involving the handling of heavy work parts are a good example of this case. A human worker would need some form of mechanical assistance to lift the part, which would add to the production cycle time. Some industrial robots are capable of lifting payloads weighing several hundreds (or even more than a thousand) pounds. Multishift operation If the initial investment cost of the robot can be spread over two or three shifts, the labor savings will result in a quicker payback. This could mean the difference between whether or not the investment can be justified. Plastic injection moulding and other processes which must be operated continuously are examples of multis hift robot applications. 3. 2 APPLICATION AREAS OF INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS Industrial robots have been applied to a great variety of production situations (Groover Zimmer, 1984 pg 257). These applications can be divided into the following seven categories: 1. Material transfer 2. Machine loading . Welding 4. Spray coating 5. Processing operations 6. Assembly 7. inspection 3. 2. 1 Material Transfer Material transfer applications are those in which the robot is used to move workparts from one location to another. In some cases a reorientation of the part may be required in this material handling function. Examples of material transfer robot operations include the following: Simple pick and place operations Transfer of workparts from one conveyor to another conveyor (basically a pick and place task) Palletizing operations, in which the robot takes parts from a conveyor and loads them onto a pallet in a required attern and sequence Stacking operations similar to palletizing Loading part s from a conveyor into cartons or boxes (similar to palletizing) Depalletizing operations, in which the robot takes parts which are arranged on a pallet and loads them onto a conveyor Material transfer operations are often among the easiest and most straightforward of robot applications (e. g. pick and place, transfer from conveyor to conveyor). Robots used for these tasks usually possess a relatively low level of technological sophistication. However in other cases the motion pattern can become somewhat complicated. . 2. 2 Machine Loading Machine loading applications are material handling operations in which the robot is required to supply a production machine with raw work parts and/or to unload finished parts from a machine. Machine loading is distinguished from material transfer operation by the fact that the robot works directly with the processing equipment. In material transfer functions it does not. In the typical application the robot will grasp a raw work part from a conv eyor and load it into a machine. In some cases, the robot holds the part in position during processing. When processing is completed, the robot unloads the part from the machine and places it onto another conveyor. Production operations in which robots have been successfully applied to perform the machine loading and unloading function include the following: Die casting Injection moulding Transfer moulding Hot forging Upsetting or upset forging Stamping press operations Machining operations such as turning and milling In die casting and plastic moulding, the robot only unloads the finished parts. For machining processes, the robot both loads and unloads the machine tool. In upsetting and stamping operations, the robot holds the work part while it is being processed by the machine. Some machine loading applications consist of several processing machines in a manufacturing cell, with the robot tending two, three, or even four separate machines. One of the more recent innovations in machine loading applications is to form a flexible manufacturing system using several robots to augment the conveyor system normally used in these production cells. 3. 2. 3 Welding The welding processes are very important application area for industrial robots. The applications logically divide into two basic categories, spot welding and arc welding. 3. 2. 3. 1Spot welding Spot welding is a process in which metal parts (sheets or plates) are fused together at localized points by passing a large electric current through the two parts at the points of contact. The process is implemented by means of electrodes which squeeze the parts together and conduct the current to the point of contact. The typical pair of electrodes have the form of tongs, which can conveniently be mounted on a large robots wrist as the end effector. Using the welding â€Å"gun,† as the electrode assembly is sometimes called; the robot accomplishes a spot weld by means of the following sequence: 1) Position the welding gun in the desired location against the two pieces 2) Squeezing the two electrodes against the mating surfaces 3) Weld and hold, when the current is applied to cause heating and fusion of the two surfaces in contact 4) Release and cool. The electrodes open and sufficient time is allowed to cool the electrodes in anticipation of the next spot weld This is the sequence that has been an ideal task for a point-to- point robot. pot welding has become one of the largest application areas for industrial robots, especially in the automotive industry. 3. 2. 3. 2 Arc welding Several types of continuous arc welding processes can be accomplished by industrial robots capable of continuous-path operation. These processes include gas metal arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding. These kinds of operations are traditionall y performed by welders, who must often work under conditions which are hot, uncomfortable, and sometimes dangerous. Such conditions make this a logical candidate for the application of industrial robots. However, there are several problems associated with arc welding that have hindered the widespread use of robots in this process. First arc welding is a fabrication process often used on low volume products. Hence the economics involved in these cases make the use of any automation difficult, robots included. Second, dimensional variations in the components being arc welded are common. Human welders can compensate for these variations. Robots can not, at least with current technology. Third, human welders are often required to perform their trades in areas which are difficult to access (inside vessels, tanks, ship hulls, etc. . Forth and finally, sensor technologies capable of monitoring the variations in the arc welding process have not yet been fully developed. As a result of these problems, robot arc welding applications have been fairly limited to operations involving high or medium volumes where the components can be conveniently handled and the dimensional variations can be reas onably managed. A typical robotic arc welding station would consist of the following components: A robot capable of continuous path control A welding unit consisting of the welding tool, power source, and the wire feed system A work part manipulator, which fixtures the components and positions than for welding The work station controller is equipped to control the wire feed and arc voltage with the robot’s arm movement the activities of the work part must also be coordinated by the controller. A human worker would be used to load and unload the work parts from the manipulator. There are several advantages attributed to a robot welding station compared with its manually operated counterpart. Among these are the following: Higher productivity Improved safety More consistent welds 3. 2. 4 Spray Coating Many large consumer products and most industrial products require the application of some form of paint. When human workers apply this paint, the most common method is spray painting. However the spray painting process poses certain health hazards to the human operator. Among these are: 1) Fumes and mist from the spr aying operation these create an uncomfortable and sometimes toxic atmosphere 2) Noise from the spray nozzle. This noise is loud and prolonged exposure can impair hearing. 3) Fire hazard. The mist of paint in the air within the factory can result in flash fires. 4) Possible cancer dangers. Certain of the ingredients used in the paint are suspected of being carcinogenic. Because of these health hazards, human workers are unenthusiastic about being exposed to the spray painting environment, and companies have been forced by law enforcement agencies to construct elaborate ventilating systems to protect their workers. For these and other reasons, specialized industrial robots are being used more and more frequently to perform spray painting and related processes. Spray painting requires a robot capable of executing a smooth motion pattern which will apply the paint or other fluid evenly and avoid rums. To accomplish this, the robot is equipped with continuous-path control. The paint spray nozzle becomes the end effector. To teach the robot, the walk through method is commonly employed. An operator-programmer manually leads the robot’s end effector through the desired paint spray path. This defines the motion sequence and relative speed for the work cycle. During playback, the robot repeats the cycle to accomplish the paint spray operation. Among the many advantages of using robots for spray coating applications are the following: 1. Safety: The many safety hazards encountered when human operators perform the spray painting process are reduced. 2. Coating consistency: Once the program is established, the robot will deposit the paint or other coating with the same speed, pattern and spray rate on every cycle. 3. Lower material usage: The robot’s repeatability and consistency reduce wasted paint. Savings in this category seem to range between 10 and 50%. 4. less energy used. This results from reduced ventilation requirements since the human operator is removed from the actual process. 5. Greater productivity: The paint spraying robot can perform the operation faster than its human counterpart. It can also be used at this faster pace for three shifts per day. 3. 2. 5 Processing Operations This is a miscellaneous category in which the robot is used to perform some manufacturing process other than welding or spray painting. Assembly and inspection operations are also excluded, and they are covered in the following sections. Just as in welding and spray painting, the processing operation is performed by specialized tool attached to the robot’s wrist as its end effector. The end effector is typically a powered spindle which holds and rotates a tool such as a drill. The robot will be used to bring the tool into contact with a stationary workpart during processing. In some applications which we will include within this category, the robot’s hand is used for gripping the workpart and bringing it into contact with a tool held in a fixed position. In the latter case, we begin to overlap with the types of machine loading applications covered earlier in this case. Some of the processing operations which have been performed by industrial robots include drilling, riveting, grinding, polishing, deburring, wire brushing, and water jet cutting. 3. 2. 6 Assembly Assembly operations are seen as an area with big potential for robot applications. Batch-type assembly operations seem to offer operations seem to offer the most promise for using robots. The reason for this is based on economics and the technological capabilities of the robot. For mass production assembly, the most economical method involves fixed automation, where the equipment is designed specifically to produce the particular product. A robot would probably be too slow for mass production, and one of the robot’s most important attributes, its programmability, would hardly be used. In batch assembly, there are variations in products and the demand for each product is significantly lower than in mass production. Consequently, the assembly line in batch manufacturing must be capable of dealing with this product variation and the line changeovers that are necessitated. What is basically required for batch production is a flexible assembly system. The term that some companies use for such a system is adaptable-programmable assembly system (APAS), and robot-type arms constitute and important component of these systems. The APAS will be composed of both conventional material handling devices (conveyors, parts feeders, etc) and robot arms probably in an inline arrangement. The robot arms will be used for some parts handling duties, but its main function will be assembly. Robot assembly operation would typically require an extension of the robots material transfer capability. Many sub-assemblies consist of a stack of components on top of a base part. To put together the sub assembly requires the placement of one part on top of the base and then the other part on top of that, and so forth. The robot is certainly capable of this sort of work cycle. Assembly tasks requiring a special skill or judgment which the robot is not capable, would be performed by human workers. The feature of an industrial robot that make it suitable as a component of an APAS line are its programmability and its adaptability. Programmability is required so that a relatively complex motion cycle can be carried out during the assembly operation. Also, the APAS must be capable of storing multiple program sets to facilitate the differences in products assembled on the line. On this sense the system the system would be adaptable to changes in product style. Adaptability is also required in the sense that the assembly system would have to compensate for changes in the environment. These environmental variations include: Variations in the position and orientation of assembly components Out – of- tolerance and defective parts The current state of completion of the sub assembly Detection of human beings or objects intruding on the robot work volume 3. 2. 7 Inspection Like assembly, inspection is a relatively new area for the application of industrial robots. Traditionally, the inspection function has been a very labor intensive activity. The activity is slow, tedious, and boring, and is usually performed by human beings on a sampling basis rather than by 100% inspection. With ever increasing emphasis on quality in manufacturing, there is a trend toward automating the inspection process and toward the use of 100% inspection by machines instead of sampling inspection by human beings. An important role in this area of inspection automation will be played by industrial robots. Robots equipped with mechanical probes, optical sensing capabilities, or other measuring devices can be programmed to perform dimensional checking and other forms of inspection operations. CHAPTER FOUR 4. TRAINING 4. 1 INTRODUCTION General education is received by all during the years spent in school. This is intended to form a basis on which people can build further levels of education and training to suit specific work roles (Timings et al, 1999). As a graduate trainee having first obtained an honours degree in Engineering, on joining a medium or large firm that has suitable training schemes ‘on job’ training will be done and several years of study and training are required so as to attain very high standards. A way needs to be sought to help shorten this period. 4. 2 APPLICATION OF ACQUIRED SKILLS The qualifications and skills gained through the right and relevant training can be applied to various roles of administration in the manufacturing industry. For example; 4. 2. 1 Middle managers These are professionally trained people who are still gaining management training. They are usually university graduates in various disciplines who have passed the qualifying examination of their appropriate professional institution. They assist senior managers by heading the divisions within departments and are to continually update their knowledge of changes in technology 4. 3 TREND IN KENYA In Kenya programmable automation is still at a relatively early stage of development and an even earlier stage of application, but then there is already a discernible trend away from the fragmentation of tasks towards a broadening of technical skills. This trend with the right and timely kind of training will grow stronger and stronger. Among the already discernible trend we have: a) The elimination of the distinction between manual and intellectual work. What is emerging is a division between high-skilled and low-skilled work. b) Need for further training due to the higher skill requirements and the need for flexibility c) Change of manager’s job from one of close supervision of personnel to that of overseeing a complex network of interrelationships within a department and between other departments. d) Decentralization of the functions of management and production control. The work group is being seen as the more desirable form of organization. The challenge in Kenya now lies with the introduction of broad based training at all levels. This will help develop compatible work organization that will bring together programmable automation technology on the one hand and graduates with a broad, general understanding of the production process on the other hand. Graduates need to be well equipped to be able to carry out the challenging tasks, they will find in working environments they will end up in considering the rate at which improved technology is being embraced. 4. REASONS WHY KENYAN FIRMS NEED WELL TRAINED GRADUATES FROM LEARNING INSTITUTIONS The vision 2030 can only be attained if among other reasons, our country can be in a position to manufacture and sell products within and outside the country and still withstand the various forms of competition from products from the economic giants like China and India. Because emphasis has always been on small an d medium sized companies, use of programmable automation needs to be embraced to help these companies to be motivated principally by a desire to keep with technical change so as to remain competitive. This can also help improve technical quality of products and also ensure faster production. Because of new technology and the economic situation, training methods that have been normal practice are gradually disappearing for example lengthy apprenticeships and in-house training. This now calls for many people, particularly the young people to enter into new areas of study either just at the start or throughout the course of their whole career in educational institutions. This will ensure that future recruits to any job won’t need much in-house training. The current needs’ qualifications and skills will gradually decline as well as the current training methods and career opportunities, therefore educational institutions need to ensure that they don’t just end up in redundancy. Training needs also to be done so as to be an assurance of safety. The number of accidents may fall due to improved technology but the severity i. e. the risk of untrained personnel is greater especially during repairing or maintaining of robots. Most future employees need to fully realize all the benefits envisaged from the implementation of new systems all based on technological advancement. This is with the sole objective of attaining improved productivity and efficiency which might not be attained with the conventional manual methods. This sounds a warning to all trainees that no employee will wish to recruit someone with the full knowledge that one is not having, even in the least, knowledge on the latest technology of automation. 4. 5 TYPES OF TRAINING There are different types of training that can be performed about improved technology. These are: awareness training, basic user training, advanced application user training, manager and supervisor training and system management training. At whatever capacity in industry, knowledge is very important. After college people end up being either direct users of technology e. g. drafters, designers or managers and supervisors working in different areas such as mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, hydraulic and electric circuit design, NC part programming, sheet metal development, piping layout among others. To be fitted for such fields enough training needs to be done in depth and broadly with the knowledge that training is a practical exercise involving real people in the real world and not a theoretical exercise carried out with perfect students having identical and complete knowledge, experience and skills (Stark, 1988). The cheapest source of training is the one offered at educational institutions though the skill gained can range from poor to excellent. To equip the students or trainees with awareness on technology, the following can be used: Journals and magazines, Exhibitions, Conferences and seminars, Courses, Consultants, Open-learning- which allows the trainee the opportunity to learn wherever, whenever and at whatever pace. Awareness programs of seminars, literature, videos sponsored by industry associations, government departments and educational institutions. To offer effective result, coupling all these sources of awareness with practical and hands-on experience is of paramount importance. If one of the main aims of teaching is to build confidence, and confidence is acquired as a result of experience, then it follows that for any teaching process to be effective it has to be about promoting and extending opportunities to experience the subject. CHAPTER FIVE 5. 0 DESIGN ANALYSIS 5. 1 DESIGN ALTERNATIVES Alternative 1 Figure 5. 1 Alternative design 1 Figure 5. 2 Alternative design 2 5. 1. 1 Comparison of alternatives |Parameters |Alternative 1 |Alternative 2 | |1. Complexity of mechanism |simple |complex | |2. Cost at a glance |expensive |cheaper | |3. Technology of part production |involving |simple | |4. Power transmission |Adequate access |Limited means | |5. Safety |safer |Less safe | |6. Gripper mechanism | Simple and efficient |Simple and efficient | |7. Size |smaller |small | |8. Efficiency |More efficient |Less efficient | |9. Performance |excellent |good | |10. Reliability |excellent |good | From this comparison alternative 1 was chosen. Though the cost at a glance is high and technology of part production is involving and a little bit costly, it’s chosen because it is superior in the other comparison parameters. 5. 2 SPECIFICATIONS 5. 2. 1 Task Specifications 5. 2. 1. 1 Performance Specifications The designed system is to grasp a box of shape shown below, from a working table [pic] Figure 5. 3 Shape of object to be grasped Lift it up to gain a clearance from the working table surface Carry it through the required angle to some new position on another table. The load or box should then be brought to the surface of the new table after which the load is released. After release the arm moves to the initial position ready to repeat the sequence. 5. 2. 1. 2 Design Specifications Grasping of box or load is achieved through the gripper shown below. The gripper is operated by a chain and sprocket mechanism which is powered by a motor. The lifting action is achieved through a rack and pinion arrangement. The pinion is driven by a motor via a belt arrangement. Rotation is achieved through a motor driven gearbox. This motion is transmitted to the rotating member (shaft) through a flange coupling and to the entire design through a woodruff key. After rotating, reverse rotation of the motor helps give reverse rotation of the pinion. This helps lower the load to the surface of the second work table. Release of the load is through reverse in rotation of the motor driving the chain and sprocket arrangement. A reverse in the rotation of reduction gearbox helps the entire system back ti the initial position ready for the next task. 5. 2. 1. 3 Dimensional Specifications Figure 5. 4 Determination of principal dimensions Maximum height-1m Maximum reach-0. 5m Maximum lift of beam-0. 4m Maximum opening of gripper-50mm 5. 3 EXTENT OF THE ANALYSIS The more detailed parts of the analysis have been confined to the gripper mechanism. Other design features concerned with functional efficiency are examined and commented on in less detail. Comments on the belts, hollow sections, chains, and sprockets, fasteners, washers, couplings, safety actors, keys and keyways are confined to general descriptive notes. Finally an assessment is made of the whole machine in relation to functional, aesthetic and ergonomic criteria. 5. 4 GRIPPER MECHANISM ANALYSIS [pic]Figure 5. 5 Gripper mechanism 5. 4. 1 Gripping Force Consider the end section of the gripper with all forces indicated as shown below. [pic] Figure 5. 6 End section of gripper Let Mg-weight of object being picked P1 – Gripping force –acting on both sides to ensure no slip. They share the weight of the object. P1 = µN Where N- normal reaction that is perpendicular to the surface of the object  µ-coefficient of friction NB: N=P2 From balancing of forces in the y-direction 2P2 = Mg P2 = [pic]=N Since P1 =  µN Then P1 = [pic] Let the mass of the object = 10Kg. The mass of Most of the components that can be handled in the mechanical engineering workshops during laboratories range between 1Kg and 10Kg. the higher value is taken to even cater for the intermediate weights. From appendix of typical coefficient of static friction values for various material combinations: The value of coefficient of friction,  µ, will range from 0. 30-0. 60 i. e. For steel-woven asbestos. Taking the lower  µ then,  µ=0. 30 P1 = [pic] = [pic] = 14. 715N Total clamping force = P1+ P1 = 29. 3 N 5. 4. 2 Torque required to produce desired clamping force-Power screws Standard bolts with 60? threads are widely used to impart a clamping force T= W [[pic][pic] Where T= torque applied to turning screw W= load parallel to screw axis rm= mean thread radius rc= effective radius of rubbing surface against which load bears, called collar ra dius f= coefficient of friction between screw and sprocket gripper threads fc= coefficient of friction at collar ? = helix angle of thread at mean radius ?n = angle between tangent to tooth profile (on the loaded side) and a radial line, measured in plane normal to thread helix at mean radius. Illustration of edge [pic] Figure 5. 7 Power screw motions Alternatively, The average value of the tightening or clamping Torque, T can be shown to be: For, Course thread,  µ = 0. 15 T= 0. 195dw Course thread,  µ = 0. 10 T= 0. 135dw Fine thread,  µ = 0. 15 T= 0. 189dw Fine thread,  µ = 0. 10 T= 0. 130dw Diameter, d in these equations is the major or nominal diameter (illustration above) Values of coefficient of friction for the threads of translation screws have been determined by investigations and have been found to depend on the quality of materials, workmanship in cutting threads, degree of â€Å"running in† of the threads and lubrication. Published articles on experiments for screw-thread friction indicate that the following values would be a good estimate of the coefficient of friction. * Mean value of  µ = 0. 15 Range of variation  ± 33% Let the nominal diameter = 0. 5† T= 0. 195 x d x w = 0. 195x 0. 5 x29. 43 = 2. 87 Nm The screw threads are on two sides Therefore Total torque =2T = 2x 2. 87 = 5. 74 Nm *Lambert, T. H. , â€Å"Effects of Variations in the Screw –Thread Coefficient of Friction on the Clamping Force of Bolted Connections,† J. Mech. Eng. Sci. , 4, 1962, P. 401. 5. 4. 3 Power Required Let the gripper grip the object in 2seconds Let the smallest component it can hold be 50mm Therefore from the plan view of the gripper above (fig. ) the distance, s it is supposed to cover to clamp the load is: s= [pic] =75mm Since the power screw is double-threaded. Linear speed, ? = [pic] = [pic] = [pic] = 0. 0375 m/s Let the pinion diameter = 20mm Then from, ? =? r ? = [pic] =3. 75 rads/sec Since both sides move. Number of revolutions ?= [pic] [pic] = [pic] =35. 81 r. p. m Power, P P= T ? = 5. 74 x35. 81 = 205. 5W 5. 4. 4 Pins Two pins are used in the knuckle joint connecting the bars of the gripper that is in tension. 5. 5 HOLLOW SECTIONS Hollow sections are used in this design. These sections are more recent than channels, tees and angles. The chief advantage of the hollow form lies in the combination of rigidity, strength and lightness resulting from the metal being distributed around rather than on the axes of the section. Hollow circular sections give great torsional rigidity because of the relatively high polar second moment of area, and equal resistance to bending in all planes because of the symmetry of the cross-section. Another advantage of the hollow section is the smaller external surface area requiring painting (about 30-40% less than an equivalent rolled steel solid section. and hence the lower maintenance costs involved. Also, the convex surface of a tube does not provide recesses in which moisture can be retained, so reducing the possibility of corrosion on the outside. The joining of hollow structural members too, is easy through welding (metal arc welding) 5. 6 BELT A V-belt was chosen for this design because of these advantages: Compactnes s of design-the center distance in this particular design is small. Smoothness which is possible because the V-belt is endless. Bearing life-because of lower belt tensions, lower bearing loads are possible. Also, since this type of belt readily absorbs shock, bearing life is lengthened. Dependability- Maintenance- except for occasional tightening of the drive(required to correct stretching and creeping), little maintenance is required. 5. 6. 1 Dimensions of belt cross sections The V-belt must fit the pulley so that it does not make contact with the bottom of the groove. This arrangement avoids any radially outward reaction from the groove bottom, and eliminates the possible formation of a cushion of air being entrained at high belt speeds, either of which would tend to force the belt away from the groove sides and so slip. Belt dimensions corresponding to their cross section symbols are given in appendix II 5. 7 FASTENERS Fasteners are devices that permit one machine part to be joined to the second part. Hence, fasteners are involved in almost all designs; this design being no exception. The acceptability of any product depends not only on the selected components but also on the means by which they are fastened together. The principal purposes of fasteners are to provide the following design features: ? Disassembly for inspection and repair ? Modular design where a product consists of a number of sub-assemblies. There are three main classifications of fasteners: Removable- this type permits the pars to be readily disconnected without damaging the fastener. An example is the ordinary nut and bolt fastener. Semi-permanent- for this type the parts can be disconnected but some damage usually occur to the fastener. One such example is a cotter pin. Permanent- this type is used when it is intended that the parts will never be disassembled for example rivets. The following factors were taken into consideration in the selection of fasteners for this application: i. Primary function of fastener ii. Appearance iii. A large number of small-size fasteners versus a small number of large-size fasteners ( an example is bolts) iv. Operating conditions such as vibration loads and temperature v. Frequency of disassembly vi. Adjustability in the location of parts vii. Types of materials to be joined viii. Consequences of failure or loosening of the fastener. 5. 8 WASHERS Washers are frequently used with bolted fasteners. The most common type is the plain washer. Such a washer increases the bearing area under the nut or head of a bolt. Hence, plain washers are used to protect mating surfaces of bolted parts. They are especially needed when the parts are made of soft metals that can be easily damaged by a turning nut or bolt head during tightening. Lock washers are used to keep bolted fasteners from loosening. One type provides a spring force that helps maintain the desired bolt tension. In another type the lock washer has protruding teeth that dig into the fastener and mating parts and prevents loosening. Sometimes it is absolutely necessary that a bolted fastener not come loose even as a result of vibration. In such cases, a positive type lock washer is used. This type of washer contains a tab that is bent up against the flat portion of the nut or bolt head. The tab prevents rotational motion of the nut or bolt head. 5. 9 COUPLINGS Coupling refers to a device used to join two shafts. Shaft couplings are also required to couple machines manufactured separately e. g. electric motors with pumps. 5. 9. 1 Flange coupling This is the one that has been used in this design. This is a rigid type of coupling used for connecting shafts; 18-200mm diameter. Two flanges are used to join coaxial shafts; two cast iron flanges keyed to the ends of shafts, fastened together by means of a number of tight fitting bolts. Advantages Simple in design Cheap Dependable Require less maintenance Can transmit high torques The torque is transmitted by frictional forces acting between the faces of the coupling halves or it is transmitted by the connection bolts which are subjected to shear. The bolts work in shear only when they are precisely fitted without any clearance in the mounting holes. Disadvantages Unsuitable for absorbing shock loads No flexibility- incapable of equalizing effects of misalignment Difficult to loosen hence, wheels, pulleys and other mounted parts have to be in two parts. 5. 9. 2 Derivation of flange coupling formula First, it is assumed that none of the torque is transmitted as a result of friction between the interface of two flanges. This assumption is conservative because the clamping force of the bolts is quite large . However, frictional forces are unpredictable especially if the bolts undergo relaxation. We are therefore assuming that all the torque is transmitted through the bolts. For equilibrium, the summation of each bolt shear force multiplied by its moment arm to the centre of rotation equals to the torque, T. The torque is given by: T =Fb xZx [pic] =Ab x ? x Z x [pic] Where Fb –circumferential force on each bolt Z- Number of bolts K- Bolt circle diameter Ab –x-sectional area of each bolt The equation assumes that the load is equally shared by each bolt. That is each bolt must fit tightly in each hole without any radial clearance. The shear stress ? is taken to be 0. 25 the yield strength of the bolt material For calculation purposes, an Impact Factor is taken into account. This is given by: Tmax= C x Tnom Where Tmax -maximum torque Tnom -nominal torque C- Impact Factor 5. 10 SAFETY FACTORS Allowable stress This is the safe limiting stress, which is predetermined by taking cognizance of the operating conditions of the designed part. This strength criterion is also sometimes called working stress or permissible stress. Normally, to safeguard against permanent set or plastic deformation, the allowable stress is kept well within the elastic limit or yield point The following are relations for the static working conditions: Ductile material Allowable stress = [pic] Brittle material Allowable stress = [pic] Where F-factor of safety scf- stress concentration factor The factor of safety is a design criterion. The selection is at the discretion of the designer based on experience, authorities, and level of knowledge. The safety factor is very important as it is used to account for the unknown aspects and the various uncertainties. In this design a factor of safety of 1. 25 has been taken. 5. 11 KEYS AND KEY-WAYS A key is a rigid connector between a shaft and the hub of another component such as a pulley. A key helps prevent relative rotation between the parts. If a key is to be used a key seat must be provided in the shaft and a keyway in the hub of the other part. A key seat weakens the shaft and this forces a reduction in the design stress. 5. 11. 1Wood ruff key This is a spherical type of sunk key. It is semi circular in shape and is cut from a round bar or disk. The key seat in the shaft is also semi-circular in shape in which the key fits. The top of the key fits into a plain rectangular keyway in the hub and the key seat is equal to the thickness of the key. The key way is just half key seat. The key can be easily adjusted in the recess. It is largely used on machine tools and automobile work. It accommodates itself to any taper in the hub of the mating surface. It is used on tapering shaft ends. Figure 5. 8 Woodruff key CHAPTER SIX 6. 0COMPONENT PRODUCTION 6. 1 PARAMETERS FOR OPTIMUM PRODUCTION Optimum production is associated to the following parameters; 6. 1. 1 Product Analysis The elements of product analysis that should be taken into account are: i. Nature, kind and properties of raw materials i. Quality specifications and tolerances iii. Quantity to produce 6. 1. 2 Operation Analysis On the basis of tentative ideas of product analysis operation analysis is done. For operation analysis it is necessary to decide: i. what operation should be done ii. sequence to follow so that the desired product could be made economically 6. 1. 3 Machine Analysis It is necessary to know which machine should be used for a particular operation so that economy of production is maintained 6. 1. 4 Operator Analysis On the basis of the tentative ideas of machine analysis, operator analysis is done. For handling different machines different type of operator is needed. This may be skilled, semi-skilled or unskilled. 6. 2 RESOURCE REQUIREMENT The following resources are needed for the production exercise: 6. 2. 1 Capital Resources The available capital resources include machinery and manufacturing equipment in the mechanical engineering department workshops. These include: lathe machines, drilling machine, milling machine 6. 2. 2 Tooling Resources The available tooling resources are the consumables like the cutting tools which include; drills, lathe tools, milling cutters and the specific jigs and fixtures for machining and/or welding. 6. 2. 3 Material Resources The materials required in the manufacture include: Raw materials like metal bars and metal sheets Standardized finished components such as nuts and bolts, washers, bushes, bearings Subassemblies like the electric motors 6. 2. 4 Human Resources The technicians in the mechanical and production workshops are to be involved directly or ind