Algebra Writing Assignment

Joey Dolce Mr. Moore Algebra 2 28 September 2012 Algebra Writing Assignment The articles written by Roger C. Schank oppose the standard way of educating the young minds of America. The articles explain why, Algebra, Chemistry, Physics, History, and more academic subjects are useless in developing a young teenagers mind and growth. Although Roger C. Schank makes valid points about his arguments, I disagree with him on most of his opinions. Even though math is not a strong subject of mine I think math is used in someone’s everyday life.When making a decision math helps me think of the different possibilities and outcomes to make the best possible decision. Math is involved in many of the jobs society has to offer today. Engineering, construction, computer programmer, financial advisor, market analyst, and many more all include the involvement of math. Roger C. Schank criticizes the way subjects are taught in school. I think he forgets that since our nation has instituted the ide a of curriculum into the classrooms in 1892 America has advanced tremendously.We would not have advanced this much if the subjects taught in the classrooms were so useless and unimportant. Furthermore, Math is heavily involved in a nation’s economy and finances. Almost all economic decisions regarding a nation has math included in it. Whether to produce more of one good then another or how much money a nation should spend on its military is based off equations that math has given us. Not only does math help a nation but it also helps in small ways, such as in a family. If a couple decides to have kids, they should decide if they are financially ready for the kids.Will they have to make sacrifices on vacations or new appliances to have a child? All these decisions are solved through some sort of math. In, conclusion I believe that algebra is a very important part of life. Not only does algebra help you with life but mostly of all the subjects taught in school help you in some shape or form. In each subject, you learn new vocabulary, build on your writing skills, and learn better ways to study and prepare. All these skills taught in these subjects can help you prepare better for your future. Test: â€Å"Study Guide Algebra†

Term Paper on Imc Analysis of Robi

Term Paper[pic] on IMC Analysis of Robi April 26, 2010 Principal of IMC Analysis on Advertisement Principal of Marketing(MKT-101) Prepare For: Kashfia Ahamed Lecturer Department of Business Administration Prepared By: Faqurel Hasan 2009-1-10-299 Arifur Rahman Khan. 2009-1-10-145 Sifat Ahsan 2009-1-10-062 Md. Shariful Islam 2009-1-10-154 Fayaz 2009-1-10-150 Letter of transmitter April 29,2010 Ms. Kashfia Ahamed Lecturer Department of Business Administration East West University 43,Mohakhali C/A,Dhaka-1212. Subject: Submission of report on IMC on Robi.Dear Madam, It is of great honor and delight to us to present you our term paper, prepared as a part of MKT 101 . When I do this job I feel me as a marketer it is a new experience to me and this paper will help me and also Robi. We are grateful to you for giving us the basic knowledge to prepare this kind of hard work. We wish we will get always support from you and you will also get development from us. On the behalf of the group Arifur Rahman Khan†¦.. 2009-1-10-145 Acknowledgement: Firstly we would like to give thank to almighty allah.We believe that behind every success there is some inspiration and cop-operation of some special person who never appear in the picture but always provide support to make this term paper. secondly I would like to thank Ms kashfia Ahmed for giving us endless support . We work this promotional project in 5 ways ? Magazine ? Billboard ? Newspaper ? Radio ? Television Executive summery : Robi was Aktel and this company was started there journey on 1997. This is a 40:60 joint venture company . Bangladeshi TM and Singaporean telecom was the owner of this company.This company serve telecom services around Bangladesh . There technology is from Germany and there Cards are from China. This company holds the 235 of its telecom market of Bangladesh. Communication process for TV Advertisement: [pic] 1. Sender: Here Robi is giving the massage that they are changed as Aktel to Robi. 2. Encodin g: Robi is advertising them as a newer in market with latest tec 3. Message:This add provide the message that as sun is powerful we are also powerful with our technology. 4. Media: In this case robi is selecting this as a right media to reach them. 5.Decoding:Target consumer of this service will see this tv add and understand about this message. 6. Recever: All urban class people are our targeted customer who will understand this message. 7. Response:Targeted customer will understand that what we want to say to them. 8. Feedback:Finally when they show there responses to us and purchase this product then we will get our result. 9. Noise:Consumer may distract while watching this tv add. Communication process for Newspaper Advertisement: [pic] 1. Sender: Here Robi is giving the massage that they are changed as Aktel to Robi. . Encoding: Robi is advertising them as a newer in market with latest tec 3. Message:This add provide the message that as sun is powerful we are also powerful with our technology. 4. Media: In this case robi is selecting this as a right media to reach them. 5. Decoding:Target consumer of this service will see this Newspaper add and understand about this message. 6. Recever: All urban class people are our targeted customer who will understand this message. 7. Response:Targeted customer will understand that what we want to say to them. 8.Feedback:Finally when they show there responses to us and purchase this product then we will get our result. 9. Noise:Consumer may distract while watching this Newspaper add. Communication process for Magazine Advertisement: [pic] 1. Sender: Here Robi is giving the massage that they are changed as Aktel to Robi. 2. Encoding: Robi is advertising them as a newer in market . 3. Message:This add provide the message that as sun is powerful we are also powerful with our technology. 4. Media: In this case robi is selecting this as a right media to reach them. 5.Decoding:Target consumer of this service will see this Ma gazine add and understand about this message. 6. Recever: All urban class people are our targeted customer who will understand this message. 7. Response:Targeted customer will understand that what we want to say to them. 8. Feedback:Finally when they show there responses to us and purchase this product then we will get our result. 9. Noise:Consumer may distract while watching this Magazine add. Communication process for Billboard Advertisement: [pic] 1. Sender: Here Robi is giving the massage that they are changed as Aktel to Robi. . Encoding: Robi is advertising them as a newer in market . 3. Message:This add provide the message that as sun is powerful we are also powerful with our technology. 4. Media: In this case robi is selecting this as a right media to reach them. 5. Decoding:Target consumer of this service will see this Billboard add and understand about this message. 6. Recever: All urban class people are our targeted customer who will understand this message. 7. Response:T argeted customer will understand that what we want to say to them. 8.Feedback:Finally when they show there responses to us and purchase this product then we will get our result. 9. Noise:Consumer may distract while watching this Billboard add. Communication process for Radio Advertisement: [pic] 1. Sender: Here Robi is giving the massage that they are changed as Aktel to Robi. 2. Encoding: Robi is advertising them as a newer in market . 3. Message:This add provide the message that as sun is powerful we are also powerful with our technology. 4. Media: In this case robi is selecting this as a right media to reach them. . Decoding:Target consumer of this service will see this Radio add and understand about this message. 6. Recever: All urban class people are our targeted customer who will understand this message. 7. Response:Targeted customer will understand that what we want to say to them. 8. Feedback:Finally when they show there responses to us and purchase this product then we will get our result. 9. Noise:Consumer may distract while watching this Radio add. References: 1. MKT101 (Kotler). 2. Robi web sight. 3. Newspaper . 4. Magezine.

Andrew Grove

They have tied up with search engine Google for the wireless application as an example. Basically, Intel operations are divided into two sections: the communications group, known as ICG or Intel Communications Group; and the other section consists of the Intel Architectural business. The architectural section is responsible for the production of â€Å"platform† boards that consists of chipsets and microchips, which are used in desktop processors; including the Intel Pentium 4 processor and the Celeron. On the other hand, the communications section deal mostly with the production and development of wireless technology. They are mostly concerned with flash memory and cellular base-band technology. Intel is also known for large-scale tie-ups with other firms. Example of such is their tie-up with search engine Google for development of wireless technologies. They are also know to be connected with other firms like Microsoft and Dell. However, competition has been seen to catch up on the leadership oh Intel. Recently, a lot of clamors have been heard in the recent decision of present CEO Paul Otellini unveiled his plan to ship the micro-chip corporation to another industry. While the rest had their problems with it, former CEO Andrew Grove is all praises for it. The present CEO’s vision is to generally change the image of Intel starting from what Andrew Grove practically built. Starting from the scrapping of the famous â€Å"e† trademark of the logo, the company motto and even the brand, the company has been envisioned to undergo a transformation. A lot of managers seem to be against the changing of such things that made Intel a household name. Even the logo has been widely known in all parts of the globe. Meanwhile, Andrew Grove has been vocal about his approval of the said changes. In his opinion, they are of the same line of thinking that the present CEO has, that the company really has to undergo these changes in order for the to tell the world that even Intel is adjusting to the fast-paced growth of the industry and that they, as a company, should be at equal footing with the rest of the companies in the same industry.   He further stresses that it is a imperative for the company to show that the company exhibits a show of risk-taking and result orientation, accompanied also by the value of discipline. Before, under Grove’s supervision and Craig Barrett (Grove’s successor), the company focused on the production of microprocessors and took the lead in that industry for years. They helped give birth to the Information Age by producing more microchips and therefore, producing faster computers and ending in the development of micro processing. However, what Otellini had in mind is far from the former image of Intel, considering that he even wanted to change the logo and company symbol. He wanted to venture into uncharted regions of digital health industry and that of â€Å"platform† inventions. Despite the negative views about Otellini’s decision, Analysts from outside the company have cited other views about the subject, stating the fact that sometimes, change is needed for a big company to maintain solid advantage. They also added that other companies that survived the changes maintained industry leadership, just like what happened to Texas Instruments. However, the other side notes that it is not really that advisable to change their target industry and find a niche in other markets, although they have leadership in the industry they would leave. Adding firepower to the firepower of the critics, Intel’s competitor, AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) Inc., have scored a major point against Intel as it topped the company in terms of consumption as AMD Inc rose to a higher percentage in 2003 and analysts view that it would continue to rise against Intel unless Intel releases a new competitive line of processors in the future.. In the wireless communications field, Texas Instruments and Qualcomm Inc are still standing their own ground against Intel’s advances. Also, the two companies are planning to release their own versions of the platform that they assured, would gain more shares of the market than the new Intel is trying to build a niche on. On the other hand, many people are applauding Otellini’s vision of the new Intel, stating that they have never seen so much innovation in technology with respect to their fields, especially that of medicine. Also, people have actually seen the growth of the company, showing promise for a whole variety of new plans that are underway. Not only did the plans boost company ties with other companies, but also made their partner companies believe in the new flexibility of Intel. They promoted closer ties with cellular phone conglomerates Nokia and Samsung; had present tie-ups with Google; ties with Sony and Philips; and with those ties, Intel was able to produce and release different types of innovative products. There different developments have different market reactions. Some producing great results, others not. However, analysts are right in pointing out that other companies that are industry leaders also experienced changes that looked like they are headed nowhere, although in the end, they have proven that their change would actually pay off. And now, Intel took their lead and eventually took some changes in themselves as well. The problem would be, if they can maintain the positive effects and eliminate the negative effects of the changes. As for their decision of making the company over, It is. The industry’s reaction to it seemed to treat the decision as a smart move as well. Rival AMD Inc made some deals with ATI, and this showed that Intel produced a bigger threat than before. Also, the result of other marketing strategies in the release of the new products proved that Intel can really hold its own against the rivals in the industries that they have entered. They also showed that they can maintain the leadership in their industry, and even remodeled themselves into a more serious threat than that of before. However, not all decisions solely produce good effects. The negative effects therefore should be dealt with accordingly. Otellini did not make a bad move and he assured that he would produce good results which he did, although in the process nearly humiliating the company as he suffered near losses and continue to be behind Texas Instrument in the other fields. Intel not only made a good decision externally but also made breakthrough decisions internally, taking care of their employees better and giving chances to other fields like medicine to be at the same level as that of the engineers, the firepower of Intel before. May be this was a factor in Otellini’s equation that he devised for company growth. All in all, Intel has made a remarkable shift from the way it was thirty seven years ago. It also departed from the household figure that we recognized. Although this a bold move in there part and a rather risky one considering the old model is one of the main reasons why Intel made it to the top. In Otellini’s, and now Intel’s belief, It is one risky move that was designed to maintain leadership and gain advantages in other fields that they would pursue in the future. The market and business world would have to look out as Intel’s new look is bound to stay, and so is their new outlook in the business battles. BIBLIOGRAPHIES Intel Corp. Company Profile. Yahoo! Finance. Retrieved October 26, 2006. (http://biz.yahoo.com/ic/13/13787.html) Intel Corporation. Computer Business Review Online. Retrieved October 26, 2006. (http://www.cbronline.com/companyprofile.asp?guid=E82C088A-0488-4DB5-8953-9E316C2B44D1CType=Background)

Comcast voip telecommunications Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Comcast voip telecommunications - Research Paper Example This age is known as the age of information technology and we see information technology everywhere. In this scenario, Comcast based VoIP is completely an innovative and high-tech technology for the superior management of business and corporate issues. Additionally, Comcast Digital Voice presents a completely new set of alternatives for our home telephone service with the Comcast superior broadband network. For example, Comcast Digital communication and phone service allows us to choose unlimited local as well as long distance communication plans through which we can keep our present telephone number as well as touch-tone telephone. Moreover, we can enjoy all of our preferred options similar to call waiting, voice mail, caller ID and a lot more (OnlineComcast, 2011). This paper outlines strategic Implications of information technology on COMCAST with a focus on VoIP Telecommunications over the next three years. This paper will also present a recommendation on what Strategic Action sh ould be taken. Technology Overview Comcast VoIP has emerged as a modern and high-tech technology service that offers a lot of facilities for the business management. Presently Comcast VoIP service is attracting a large number of VoIP clients every quarter and has extremely quickly turned out to be the nation's (US) 4th major phone carrier. However, they are not only one of the major VoIP communication service providers, but they also present the maximum quality local and international calls. Additionally, the Comcast VoIP Digital phone service offers a range of improved telephone characteristics with cost savings that exceed a lot of customary telephone services. In addition, the modern services of Comcast VoIP technology based service allows its users to keep their present telephone number as well as touch-tone telephone thus offering advantages of countless characteristics similar to improved Voice Mail that allows the users to get and send their messages through online or phone s ystems. Moreover, digital phone service as well allows the users to take pleasure of unlimited local as well as nationwide long distance calls, such as calls to Puerto Rico and Canada at least monthly price. Thus, people are able to save money. It also allows its users to connect TV and Internet service with Comcast phone service and take pleasure pay less for the entire Comcast communication services (Bode, 2008) and (OnlineComcast, 2011). Company  Background For this report I have selected Animusoft Company that is making use of VoIP services offered by ActivePBX. While using traditional VoIP services, Animusoft Corporation faced a lot of problems regarding internal communication of business and departmental interaction. The business is aimed at improving its overall services and potential working capability with new VoIP services. In this way the company will be able to achieve high level performance (Animusoft Corporation, 2011). Current Business Issues of VoIP   VoIP is a c omparatively modern technology. In this scenario, the research work shows that a lot of corporations are now making use of VoIP technology to reduce costs, tonnage efficiency and maintaining strategic position.

Two cheers for anarchy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Two cheers for anarchy - Essay Example From the book, it is evident that hierarchy is common in everyday life and in many situations. As such, it ought to be considered and the role it plays given undivided attention. The book also provides an argument of Scott’s view of freedom. Based on the arguments that he presents in the book, it can be concluded that the state does not always oppose freedom. According to the author, the state can play a role of emancipation whereby it can free people from injustices that deny them freedom. Through democratic representation of the citizens, the state strives to ensure that all people are equally represented and that no person enjoys freedom at the expense of others. Scott argues that anarchism teaches people about revolutionary and reformist political changes in society and how they tend to happen. Based on the arguments provided in the book, it can be concluded that protests and movements are not necessarily supported by organizations. Rather, it is the other way round whereby protests and movements enhance the functioning of organizations (Scott 10). Scott also discusses the aspects of structural change in society and the factors that determine such changes. From the book, it can be concluded that structural change is witnessed when there is mass destructions that happen as a result of riots, arson, theft, as well as unorganized demonstrations and mass actions, which threatens the existence and functioning of the institutions that the state has already established. Scott notes that, from an anarchist’s point of view, subordinate members of the society such as artisans and peasants were considered thinkers who shaped the political views of their respective regions (Scott 22). All chapters in the book start with a story about anarchism; in each of the book chapters, there is a representation of an element of truth about anarchism. While narrating his stories, the

Equal and Superior Services of Restaurants Research Paper

Equal and Superior Services of Restaurants - Research Paper Example This concept of equality and superiority can easily be understood by the example of restaurants. Most of these restaurants are providing services but very few of them are capable of providing superior services with equality. People visiting restaurants are from diverse environment settings and have dissimilar needs. Thus a restaurants need to achieve the status of being superior by providing equality in outcomes of experiences of different individuals. Like:Ambiance/ decoration: People who wants to dine out definitely requires something especial to feel and eat. Efforts should be made to impress the customers by providing them relax and pleasant environment. Furnishing should be comfortable yet functional.Waiting Staff: Few things that make the first impression about the restaurant, waiters/waitresses are among them. Hiring trained staff proved to be the backbone of the restaurant business. Customers expect friendly, polite and professional treatment from the waiting staff. Healthy F ood: If customers have caloric information of the meals on the menu card or on request, it will be an additional service on behalf of the restaurant. Trying to have variety and creativity in the recipes of meal prevent customers to feel boredom from same kind of menu. Use of Advance Equipments and Technology: Restaurants should accept the credit cards to provide ease to the customer in payments. In addition, restaurants should have their own website in order to display their latest packages, new recipes.

Volcanic Smog in Hawaii Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Volcanic Smog in Hawaii - Essay Example The volcanic smog created by Kilauea volcano is hazardous to the surrounding population as well as the whole island, economically, socially, environmentally, and physically. A volcanic smog results when sulfur dioxide mixes with different other gases, moisture, and sunlight in the atmosphere. Sulfur dioxide is produced, whether the volcanic activity was small or big. The effects of volcanic smog are greatly felt by those people living very close to the volcano. However, those living far away from the volcano are still affected, though in a lower measure. This is mainly because of the action of winds, which transfer the smog to different areas. In Hawaii, it is estimated that there has been approximately 50 volcanic eruptions in the twentieth Century only (Rado Web). Water in the area is greatly affected by the volcanic smog. First, there is the formation of acidic rain when sulfur dioxide in the gases emitted reacts with Oxygen in the air. The acid rain is lethal to plants, animals, and human beings. This therefore leads to other major effects. People in Hawaii Island mainly depended on rooftop rainwater for drinking and domestic and farm use. Therefore, when the volcanic smog results in acidic rain, this means the people cannot benefit from this water, as it is not safe for any use. This water cannot be drunk as it is contaminated. Therefore, they have to look for alternative sources of water for domestic use. Similarly, the acidic rain is not good for plants and other organisms. Most people in Hawaii Island practise farming as their main source of income. They plant different crops including flowers in plantations. When acidic rain occurs, the crops in plantations are destroyed, and this has forced most farmers living around Kilauea Volcano to abandon farming and look for alternative means of survival (â€Å"NCBCNEWS† Web). The sulfur dioxide in the volcanic smog has had disastrous effects on one Kau district. Many farms and nurseries have been destroy ed, in addition to putting at risk flower and vegetable farms and other crops such as tomatoes, lettuce, medical marijuana, as well as sunflower, and roses. The Hawaii government, because of the economic depression has not been able to compensate farmers for the losses, forcing most farmers to relocate. This has therefore disrupted the economic and social set-up of people, including farmers, as some have been compelled to move out of Hawaii in search of different jobs (â€Å"NCBCNEWS† Web). Apart from the economic effects, volcanic smog also affects the health of people. The volcanic smog comprises a variety of dangerous gases, and small particles and droplets that have high levels of acidity. All these can be inhaled by people, to rest in the lungs. This affects the mucus membrane and lungs, as well as lung function. This is in addition to the worsening of lung conditions such as asthma, and bronchitis, among others (â€Å"MedlinePlus.† Web). In 1997, the National Ins titute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) noted that respiratory problems due to sulfur vapors mostly affect young children (Rado Web).This is because their lungs are still developing and so might have long-term effects on the children. This puts at the risk the future population of Hawaii Island, as these children are the future of the society. Collaborating with the Hawaii Department of Health, the NIEHS conducted a health research in Hawaii to establish the relationship between volcanic smog and

Relationship between Byzantium and Islam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Relationship between Byzantium and Islam - Essay Example According to the research findings, administrative and doctrinal differences caused the Eastern and Western churches to divide in 1054, ending a centuries-long partition between Greek and Latin Christendom.   Byzantium attained its political height through Justinian, who re-conquered the old Western empire parts.   Successive attacks from various peoples, including Latin Christians, made Byzantium weak, finally falling to the Ottoman Turks (1454). As the 7th century began, vast territories that extended from Egypt to Syria and across North African territories were under the rule of Byzantine Empire from Constantinople (modern Istanbul), its capital. Critical to the power and wealth of the empire, these southern territories long influenced by the Greco-Roman traditions held Orthodox, Syriac, and Coptic, Christians, Jewish communities, among other many religions. Great pilgrimage centers engrossed the faithful followers from as far away as Scandinavia in the west and Yemen in the e ast. Major trade routes extended down the Red Sea to eastward past Jordan to Indian lands in the south, bringing ivories and silks to the imperial territories. Key cities made wealthy by commerce protracted along inland trade routes Constantinople north and along the coastline of Mediterranean sea. Commerce carried ideas and images freely through the region. In the same 7th century, the newly founded faith of Islam began from Medina and Mecca along the Red Sea trade way and reached westward to the Byzantium Empire’s southern provinces. Religious and political authority was conveyed from the long conventional Christian Byzantine to the newly founded Umayyad and well along Abbasid Muslim dynasties. These new powers capitalized on the advantage of existing region traditions in developing their compelling religious and secular visual identities. This exhibition shadows the Byzantine Empire southern provinces artistic traditions from the 7th century to the 9th, as they were change d from being fundamental to the Byzantine tradition and beliefs to being a critical Islamic world part.

Explication of the global social issue mini documentary Research Paper

Explication of the global social issue mini documentary - Research Paper Example d in the Middle East as well as criticism that the war targets the Islam community whereby Islamic religion is practiced in the region (Felicity & David, 2004). The war in Afghanistan has been criticized for lack of strategic clarity and over-generalized objectives. Most war analysts believe that the US military administration may learn the significance of strategy from the movie â€Å"300:Rise of an Empire†., the US military department must identify the appreciation for tactical prowess and the insurgency and the significant role of multinational organizations provision of intelligence information (Brad, 2014). Understanding the financial impact of the military strategy on the war against terror has significant benefits, especially to military policy makers in the US and other nations. In this regard, the US military has implemented unique military strategies and limited terrorism fighting objects may annihilate terrorism and promote global peace. However, economics scholars have acknowledged the significance of technology, and adequate funding of the military in the war against terrorism adequate research on the significance of adequate war strategies has often been ignored (Soni, Robin & Janet, 2003). The main objectives of this research are to identify the correlation between adequate military strategies and war success based on the film â€Å"300:Rise of an Empire†. Additionally, the research will also seek to determine the application of the strategies learn in the film about the US war against terrorism. The United States government has initiated several policies in dealing with constantly increasing trade deficits. Recently the president announced that the government would improve the morale and productivity of its employees by maintaining the social safety net for the next twenty years, a step that strains the current and retired employees. Policy that ensures the stabilization of the trade debt through the aging of all baby boomers and individuals

Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) Essay

Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) - Essay Example This is precisely the reason why we have witnessed a shift from bureaucratic approach from the beginning of 19th century, to humanistic approach. While performing literature reviews and discussion with HR/ HC executives to understand strategic human resource management, I have found that SHRM gives a quantifiable value to contributions made by HR teams and helps them develop HR architecture and workface that aliens well to organizational objectives, giving rise to a competitive advantage. Careful analysis of strategic HRM reveals that human capital management is mandatory for today’s rapidly changing environment. In my view, the pace shown by today’s organizations and enterprises demand a fast-responding HR management teams that can alter the orientation of human capital with reference to organizational goals. This analysis of today’s human resource management practices had made me develop an understanding of this basic concept of strategic HRM. Through literatur e review and practical observations, I have observed that SHRM gives a new direction to traditional administrative role of HRM. It is about alienating the role and behavior of the workforce in a manner that corresponds to organizational objectives, mission and vision (Vosburgh, 2007). This is precisely the point where the concept of HR business partnership emerges. Going through present theories and thorough discussion with some of HR acquaintances has helped me develop an understanding that HR business partnership needs capital investment which is a sole decision made by organizational leadership. Without knowing the return on investment, it is difficult for management to provide funds for future developments. Here, SHRM emerges as the crutches that today’s weak Human capital managers need. This concept helps HR managers to analyze the value that they can bring to the business like other strategic functions of the organization (Scott-Jackson, 2009). Further discussions with HR executives helped me gain more insight of SHRM theory. In my view, SHRM defines a road map for HR executives via whom they can devise tools for acquiring and retaining suitable human capital that is well-versed with organizational practices and owns suitable skills set inventory. In addition to that, it is also important to ensure that this human capital is provided with necessary extrinsic and intrinsic benefits in order to keep them motivated. Where HRM has core responsibility of above mentioned functions, SHRM moves one step forward by devising frameworks through which HR systems and practices can actually assist organizational leaders in enhancing organizational performance and development. Hence, in my view, SHRM is a tool for gaining a competitive advantage that allows organizational management to achieve its business targets in an effective manner (Becker & Huselid, 2006). This understanding of SHRM function made me perform further analysis of the techniques used or sugges ted by today’s executives for achieving the objectives of this new regime. In order to gain this understanding, I performed a thorough analysis of various organizational models and live case studies. Through this research, I came to know that the foundation of SHRM is an understanding of the organizational objectives and goals in financial terms (Becker & Huselid, 2006). Once these concrete figures are available, HR executives are required to present HRM

Assess critically the contribution Essay Example for Free

Assess critically the contribution Essay Taylorism is a form of job design, which stresses short, repetitive work cycles; detailed, set task sequences; a separation of task conception from task execution; and motivation linked to pay. Taylor argued that the principal objective of management should be to secure the maximum prosperity for the employer, coupled with the maximum prosperity for each employee (1911). Fredrick Taylor’s five principles of scientific management: 1. A clear division of tasks and responsibilities between management and workers. 2. Use of scientific methods to determine the best way of doing a job. 3. Scientific selection of the person to do the newly designed job. 4. The training of the selected worker to perform the job in the way specified. 5. Surveillance of workers through the use of hierarchies of authority and close supervision. Taylor proposed this by measuring what workers did against the time taken, to develop ‘one best way of working’ (1911). By using quantitative methods a workers output could be accurately measured. At the time of its inception Taylor found that firms who introduced scientific management as he prescribed became the worlds most meticulously organised factories (Nelson, 1980). Managers are responsible for identifying the best cost efficient work practices and training workers to become highly productive and affective in their specific work task. Taylor argued that it stands to reason that an employee becomes more productive when working at their speciality and concluded with stating that there are more benefits gained for both employees and employers from dividing workers. With linking pay to each task performed, Managers can thus control the workforce and output and consistently achieve desired goals. The piece rate pay system  pays workers in parallel to number of items each worker has produced, hence also providing employees with an incentive to work. Henry Ford’s theory (Fordism) referring to mass production in industry (Marcouse, 1996) united the idea of assembly line and Taylor’s theory of division of labour and payment. Fordism focused on dividing jobs into unskilled and semi-skilled tasks. Whilst managers at Ford vehemently opposed any relation to Taylorism, it can be said that Fordism retained the faults of Taylorism of an autocratic work environment with little room for creativity as well as the benefits of the piece rate system relying on financial motivation. Criticisms of Taylorism: 1.Assumed that the motivation of the employee was to secure the maximum earnings for the effort expended; and neglected the importance of other rewards from work (achievement, job satisfaction, recognition), which later research has found to be important. 2. Neglected the subjective side of work-the personal and interactional aspects of performance, the meaning that employees give to work and the significance to them of their social relationship at work. 3. Failed to appreciate the meaning that workers would put on new procedures ad their reaction to being timed and closely supervised. 4. Had inadequate understanding of the relation of the individual incentive to interaction with, and dependence on, the immediate work group. Taylor did attribute ‘underworking’ to group pressures, but misunderstood the way in which these worked. He failed to see that these might just as easily keep production and morale up. 5. Ignored the psychological needs and capabilities of workers. T he one best way of doing a job was chosen with the mechanistic criteria of speed and output. The imposition of a uniform manner of work can both destroy individuality and cause other psychological disturbances. 6. Had too simple approach to the question of productivity and morale. It sought to keep both of these up exclusively by economic rewards and punishments. Incentive approaches under the scientific approach tended to focus on the worker as an individual and ignored their social context. Pay system may result in a worker valuing quantity over quality. 7. Functional foremanship was deemed to be too  complex and an unwieldy mode of supervision. (Huczynski, 2013) Ways to alleviate the negative effects of Taylorism especially to worker motivation and performance and find new ways to job designs came about following the introduction of the American psychologists Fredrick Hertzberg two factor theory of motivation. Hertzberg had the idea that there were two sets of factors that affected motivation and job characteristics: Motivators: These factors refer to the extent to which a job offers opportunities for achievement, creativity, responsibility, opportunities for personal growth. These are intrinsic to the job itself. Hygiene factors: These comprise issue as the nature of supervision and supervisory style, the level of pay, working conditions, and interpersonal relations. These are extrinsic to the job. For Hertzberg it was only the motivator factors that have the potential to generate satisfaction and motivation. If hygiene factors are improved, they do not result in improved motivation, but if removed, will result in demotivation. To raise levels of motivation and therefore performance, following Hertzberg theory of motivation, companies needed to ensure that the hygiene factors were in place, and to also ensure that the ‘motivator factors’ (i.e intrinsic motivators) were incorporated into the jobs. In particular, jobs needed to be designed in such a way that workers could be given opportunities for achievement, responsibility and personal growth. Criticisms of Hertzberg two-factor theory: Can job characteristics fall neatly into two categories of motivators and hygiene factors? Can a job characteristic be both? (Example can pay be a motivator as well as a hygiene factor-?) Blunt and Jones (1992) They point out that some studies from Nigeria have indicated that hygiene factors, in particular pay, supervision and working conditions, acted as motivators. Machungwa and Schmidt (1983) reported on a study conducted in Zambia and found that material rewards and the physical conditions of work appeared to have both motivating and demotivating effects. This was interpreted by Blunt and Jones in the following way: if material rewards were inadequate they were demotivating, but they acted as motivators if they were perceived as reasonable. This appears to directly contradict Hertzbergs theory, but Blunt and Jones consider that this is only likely to be the case in less developed countries, as Hertzberg (1987) himself appears also to argue. However, one study does not refute a theory. Hertzberg did his original work on qualified professionals, such as engineers, whereas the people surveyed in the study above were manual workers. This in itself might be enough to account for the difference. In general, we can expect professional or managerial workers everywhere to be more intrinsically motivated than manual wor kers given the different nature of the work that the two groups undertake, but as we shall see the way work is organized may compensate for such differences in the relative interest value of different types of work The theory is regarded as a Universalistic theory; that it will impact all individuals in the same way in all work situations. It does not take into consideration that some people may not have a desire for personal growth, and are therefore unlikely to be motivated by job enrichment initiatives that give them higher levels of autonomy and responsibility. Hertzberg theory was superseded by Richard Hackman and Greg Oldham ‘the Job Characteristics Model’; which argued in a similar respect to Hertzberg theory, that if jobs are enriched this will lead to improvements in attitudinal outcomes (increased satisfaction and motivation) and improvements in behavioural outcomes (higher productivity and lower rates of absenteeism). Three critical psychological states: Hackman and Oldham argued that jobs should be designed in such a way that they are focused on the achievement of three critical psychological states: Workers must experience work as being personally meaningful-something that  they care about. Workers must experience personal responsibility for their work- accountability for their work. Workers must know if their work performance is effective-they must have knowledge of the results of their work activities. If these 3 critical psychological states are achieved, higher levels of satisfaction, motivation and performance will result from the worker. However this theory too has had its criticisms. Current literature now argues the importance and focus on team working, however one should acknowledge that the interest in team working is not something that is new to current times. Autonomous and semi-autonomous work groups were central to earlier theories of the 1960’s and 1970’s. Team working has now re-emerged as part of the lean production flexible working debates. An American Theorist, Harry Bravemen thesis known as the ‘Bravemen thesis argues to counter the popular view in social science and management literature that Taylorism has been superseded by human relations and other more sophisticated approaches; that there is in fact a tendency for workers and their jobs to become de-skilled through fragmentation, rationalisation and mechanisation. This argument of deskilling workers and jobs was continued in the context where it became known as McDonalization a term that came about after the publication of a book by Georg Ritz. McDonalisation is a form of work design aimed at achieving efficiency, calculability, predictability and control through non-human technology, to enhance organisational objectives by limiting employee discretion and creativity. He used the term to refer to the processes used at the growing number of fast food restaurants dominating the American market. McDonalds is a modern example of the Taylorised way of work. The tasks are de-skilled and simplified for an employee at McDonalds and limited by the  sophisticated technology of fast food preparation. Hamburger grilling instructions are detailed and precise, cooking times and the sequence of events dictated to make a burger. Drinks dispensers, French fry machines, programmed cash registers all limit the amount of time required to carry out a specific task and leave little room for the employee to do as they wish, little room for creativity or innovation to processes. This way of working ensures the aims of the organisation to achieve greatest efficiency, calculability, predictability and control all of the key elements described by the Ritzer’s ‘Mcdonalization’. Regardless of the fact that the de-skilling may lead to de-motivated employees, which may result in high absenteeism and high staff turn over; its ability to integrate new workers into the production processes and dismiss employees without losing knowledge form the organization allows the model to still be successful. Taylorism can also be illustrated in modern day call centres. A case study on a customer service call centre run by two British Companies, Martin Beirne, Kathleen Riach and Fiona Wilson found strong continuities with Taylorism, in relation to work design and operation. They found the work to be pressurized and highly paced with managements focus on productivity and cost minimisation. Most of the jobs were narrowly defined and closely monitored. The time duration of each call taken; the content of the conversation with each customer; and the advise also given to the customer was prescribed (from Beirne et al 2004). But modern day illustrations of Taylorism don’t end there. It is also seen in relation to ‘scientific selection training’. We’ve now moved away from an industrial economy towards a knowledge –based economy where an organisations competitive success depends on its talent. Much effort is devoted by contemporary organisations to select and recruit the right person for a role. Taylorism also placed importance and the introduction of scientific selection criteria by management to do a particular task. In line with his emphasis on scientific approach to selection, Taylor advocates scientific training as he argues that â€Å"it is only when business systematically cooperate to train the competent man†¦that it shall be on the road to national efficiency†. (Taylor, 1911: p 98). In the context of the knowledge  economy, organisations are generally encouraged to develop employees’ skills and knowledge. ‘Now one of the very first requirements of man who is to handle pig iron as a regular occupation is that he shall be so stupid and so phlegmatic that he more nearly resembles in his mental make-up the ox than any other type. The man who is mentally alert and intelligent is for this very reason entirely unsuited to what would, for him, be the grinding monotony of work to this character. Therefore the work man who is best suited to handling pig iron is unable to understand the real science of doing this class of work’. (Taylor 1911/1997 pg 59) â€Å"The task is always so regulated that the man who is well suited to his job will thrive while working at this rate during a long term of years and grow happier and more prosperous, instead of being overworked†. (Taylor 1911) Thus scientific management matched the worker to the job and in the process separated the conceptualization of work from its execution. It also provided safeguards against personal bias and individual favoritism, which is something that can still be applied to the current context of contemporary organisations. Taylorism is also found in the Saudi Educational system, for example metaphorically describing students as the ‘raw material’ of schools; controlling the movement of teachers students through class bells; conceiving of the curriculum as a product; dividing students into grades or dividing curriculum into units and individual lessons; describing the school facilities as a ‘plant’ are a result of a ‘factory model’ schooling that has its roots in the adoption of scientific management principles by educational administrators. Contemporary schools in Saudi are still largely influenced with its teaching and learning deeply rooted in ‘scientific management’ as seen with the following: 1. Schools are large and bureaucratized. 2. Students change teachers every year. 3. Teachers plan and teach alone. 4. Curriculum is fragmented. 5. Tracking students by ability levels. 6. Deskilling of teachers through alignment of teaching mandated curriculum and standardized tests. 7. Emphasis on monitoring /surveillance bureaucratic activity-scripted curriculum and scripted tests. Taylorism does not permit autonomy in work. Input by production workers in the organisation, planning, and direction of the manufacturing process was not allowed, requiring workers to do exactly what they were told to do and no more. This authoritarian approach to work can been illustrated in the schooling: That student’s are excluded from the planning, organisation and direction of the educational process. De-skilling of the teachers as their work is conceptualised by others (Ministry of Education who agrees the standard curriculum to be used in schools) and enforced by the bureaucratic outcome of accountability systems implemented in schools. The other way that Taylorism continues to influence the education system is through the use of individual rewards for individual effort (example the focus on a students individual test results). Taylor developed wage-incentive schemes emphasizing piecework and historically assembly line foremen attempted to stop any sort of worker inter action. Elton Mayo who introduced Human Relations theory based on his research at the Hawthorne electrical factory was to see how productivity will improve if the lighting condition changes and he followed Taylor’s scientific principles by testing the changes against a control, with part of the factory lighting being unchanged, (Kelly 1982). This lead him to conduct further experiments which vast doubts on Taylors assumptions about the importance of money in motivation (Marcouse, 1996). According to Huczynski and Buchan, the conclusions which can be drawn from Hawthorne studies are: 1. People at work are motivated by more than just pay and conditions. 2. Their need for recognition and sense of belonging are very important. 3. A person’s attitude to work is shaped strongly by the group in which that individual  belongs within the company. 4. The ability of the informal group or clique to motivate an individual at work should not be underestimated. (Huczynski and Buchanan 1991) . Another contributor to the Human Relations approach is Abraham Harold Maslow, an American psychologist who was best known for creating Maslows hierarchy of needs. They range from physical social to psychological needs. Maslow (1943, 1954) stated that human motivation is based on people seeking fulfilment and change through personal growth. Self-actualized people as those who were fulfilled and doing all they were capable of. The Human Relations models have changed management and how workers are in fact valuable employees and stakeholders of an organisation. The key difference between scientific management and the human relations model is highlighted when analysing the motivational techniques to increase productivity. Scientific management emphasises the use of financial measures in order to secure employers objectives whereas the human relations model argues that management should acquire the insight into the skills that will manipulate social factors in order to harness their employees social needs to managerial ends (Fincham Rhodes, 1999). Thus, behavioural science; motivation theories in combination with the humanistic theories of management, have added to Taylors principles and allowed for contemporary organizations to succeed where scientific management alone failed. Taylorism was an influential management theory of the late nineteenth century. Despite its relevance to its time the influence can still be seen in todays twenty first century: educational institutes, service sector and the manufacturing industries. Though there are limitations to his method, this principle has a considerable profound and lasting influence to all contemporary organizations because of  Taylor’s â€Å"preoccupation with the efficient use of resources†. This philosophy can almost apply to every organization, despite its work structure, such as structures of team working or job enrichment; one of the ultimate goals should be improve efficiency. As Braverman says, â€Å"the principle of scientific management is not a failed system, but a set of guiding principles which continue to inform and influence the role and function of modern management†. Some of the methods he advocates, such as division of labour, scientific selection and training, have become the features of modern society. More primarily, as efficiency is one of the enduring needs of all organizations, his preoccupation with the efficient use of resources thus becomes the driving force behind the evolution of subsequent management theories and the root of management practice. References: Huczynski, A. and Buchanan, D: Organisational Behaviour. Eighth Edition. Pearson 2013. Huczynski, A. and Buchanan, D.,1991. Organizational behaviour An Introductory Text. Second edition. London: Prentice Hall International (UK) Ltd. Hertzberg,F., B.Mausner and B.Snyderman: The motivation to work (New york: Wiley 1959). Taylor F.W (1997): The principles of scientific management. Mincola, NY (original work published 1911). Braverman, H (1974): Labour and Monoploy capital: The degradation of work in the twentieth century. New York Monthly review press. Kelly, John. (1982), Scientific Management, Job Redesign, Work Performance. Academic †¨Press. Marcouse, I. et al. (1996), The Complete A-Z Business Studies Handbook, Hodder †¨Stoughton. Ritzer, George. (2000) The McDonaldization Of Society. Sage Publications Inc. Taylor, Frederick W (1911) The Principles of Scientific Management, Harper Bros. Fincham, R Rhodes, P (1999) Priniciples of Organisational Behaviours, Oxford Univeristy Press. Nelson, David (1980) Frederick W Taylor and the Rise of Scientific Management, The University of Wisconsin Press. Maslow, A. H. (1943). A Theory of Human Motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370-96. Maslow, A. H. (1954). Motivation and Personality. New York: Harper and Row.

The initial stages of big business Essay Example for Free

The initial stages of big business Essay While the initial stages of big business trace back to pre-Civil War America, it was not until the post-Civil War time period that large corporations effected on American society. From Rockefeller to Vanderbilt to Carnegie and all in between, these men and their businesses had unprecedented influence on American life. John Rockefeller created the Standard Oil Trust, with the intention of his business, Standard Oil Company, becoming the oil monopoly; short after, The Homestead Strike against Carnegie Steel aroused massive public support for unions. Likewise, big businesses’ growth and influences brought about a decline in the cost of living and the birth of a new political party. As a whole, the rise of big business in post-Civil War America caused a downward economic spiral while simultaneously increasing American hostility toward government and corporations, ultimately leading to the birth of new political and philosophical movements. The growth of corporations in post-Civil War America led to economic deflation which subsequently widened the gap between the rich and the poor, paving the way for a change in labor and the relationships between social classes. The chart form Historical Statistics of the United States depicts the connection of the increase in big business with the improved innovations of mass production in agriculture. While improved farming equipment increased the crop production, the demand for produce declined, creating economic deflation. In response to the farmer’s plight, Charles Macune came up with the idea of the subtreasury plan, a plan that would allow farmers to store their nonperishable commodities in government warehouses until the market prices rose. Also, as a response to the farmer’s struggle the Farmer’s Alliance was created with the intention of alleviating farming hardships. Similar to agricultural mass production, Theodore Dreiser’s Sister Carrie demonstrates how the rise in big business contributed to the mass production that spurred department stores. Department stores like Macy’s and Wanamaker’s sold mass amounts of the same product for rock-bottom prices. As opposed to the few that could afford the pricey handmade garments in years prior, these prices allowed the masses to engage in commercial activity. The growth of big businesses clearly goes hand-in-hand with consolidation, where there is an increase availability of consumer goods for society. In order for there to be department stores and an increase in agricultural innovations, there need to be a transition from specialized labor to mass production. David Well’s, Recent Economic Changes†¦ asserts the opinions of a corporation leader on the switch to mass production by comparing its effectiveness and necessity to that of a military. While Wells believes specialization of labor left workers unskilled and useless, mass production stripped the worker of his independence and decreased the worker’s pride in his craft. The economic demands for mass production created sweatshops as opposed to the one-man-owned small businesses that operated prior. The rise of big business changed labor production and impacted the economy with mass production; it also changed the labor force, allowing more opportunity for employment. Prior to this time, women generally were not active in the work force, yet the picture of female typists depicts a slew of women preforming the same task. Mass production allows for more labor opportunities because unspecialized labor entails little skill. By requiring more workers, big businesses have opened the doors for women in the workplace. Andrew Carnegie’s, â€Å"Wealth† displays how the general population felt the impact of big business through the theories of â€Å"Social Darwinism† and â€Å"Social Gospel. † Carnegie believed that the wealthy were fit for success and money which is why they should handle the finances as opposed to the poor, who were subject to elites’ decisions. However, the rich needed to use their surplus funds to better the community and the lives of the less fortunate because, â€Å"He who dies rich dies in disgrace. Carnegie was a model of â€Å"Social Gospel,† considering munificent donations to parks, universities, and museums. Due to these theories, the poor experienced a new financial relationship with the wealthy, where they received generous luxuries. The impacts of big business influenced the economy and lead to deflation, a larger economic gap between the rich and the poor, a change in labor, alterations in relationships between social classes , and ultimately contributed to shifts in government that spawned new political ideals. Similar to the economic alterations brought about by the growth of corporations, big businesses contributed to a corrupt government and a wave of unprecedented political movements. The cartoon, â€Å"Big Bosses of the Senate illustrates the public’s view of government being run by the leaders of large corporations and senators aligned with trusts. The issue with the senate was that senators were not directly elected by the people and the senate was close to less powerful citizens. This allowed men with their own financial goals ahead of the welfare of the people to be elected. Cartoonist Thomas Nast earned fame with a portrayal of senator â€Å"Boss† Tweed, New York City’s wealthy convicted fraud and extortionist, as a vulture devouring the city’s bones. In 1869, Tweed proved he was a corrupt politician when used his power to ensure his protege, John Hoffman won governor, bribed Republicans, and was convicted of forgery and larceny. Due to the corruption in government, the Sherman Anti-Trust act was created; this legislation outlawed trusts and monopolies that fixed prices. In response to the corruption the Congress passed the Pendleton Civil Service, where candidates for federal positions were thoroughly examined, and the Interstate Commerce Act, where the Interstate Commerce Commission oversaw the interstate practices of the railroad industry. Another issue with government that was directly related to big business was the lack of organized labor. George McNeil’s, The Labor Movement, explains how helpless laborers felt about the excess power of those in charge of large companies. To challenge the unrestrained power, Oliver Kelley founded the Grange, an organization intended to help farmers, â€Å"buy less and produce more, in order to make famers more self-sustaining. † The Grange focused their wrath on attacking railroads which charged higher rates for short runs as opposed to long hauls. In 1877, the Grange brought the court case Munn V. S. Illinois to the Supreme Court; the Supreme Court declared the â€Å"Granger Laws† (there appeals to the railroads) as constitutional and upheld the law that set a maximum rate for the storage of grain. While the Grange targeted some of the public’s issues with leader’s unrestrained power, most people felt like they were being exploited by large firms and wanted a way to stand up to the leaders. Samuel Gomper’s, What Does Labor Want addresses the public’s desire for unions that will ensure adequate wages and compensation for company’s negligence. Since so many American’s desired the right to directly elect senators and have the right to organize, the political party, the Populist Party, was formed with a platform containing the direct election of senators, civil service reform, and an eight-hour workday. The document, â€Å"People’s Party Platform,† discusses how the Populist Party was dedicated to returning the government to the people, ending oppression, injustice, and poverty, and strengthening central government. The Populist Party supported referendum, the policy where voters could enact a law or express their views a proposed measure, and the subtreasury plan. Major advocates of the Populist Party included James Weaver who was the president of the party and a presidential candidate in 1892, galvanized supporters, and forefront speaker Mary Lease who spoke about big businesses making Americans â€Å"wage slaves. Henceforth, the growth of big businesses’ contributions to a corrupt unrestrained government and newfound political movements consequently produced a plethora of sentiments from the American people. The effects of big business in post-Civil war America roused avid opinions from citizens in response to the third-class population and corporation leader’s excessive power. Carnegie’s â€Å"Wealth† exhibits the prominent turn-of-the-century philosophy of â€Å"Social Gospel,† the belief that great wealth comes with great responsibilities. The belief came about in response to the unprecedented surplus of wealth the wealthy acquired through their profitable business endeavors. Carnegie warned the public the, â€Å"The man who dies thus rich dies disgraced,† because men have the duty to regard their surplus fortunes as a trust to be administered for the benefit of the community. Despite the fact that Carnegie responded positively to the impacts of growing corporations, many people found themselves dissatisfied with their new working conditions. McNeil’s, Labor Movement, demonstrates the laborer’s belief that the leaders of big business obtain too much power and control over the workers. The leaders placed unfair monopolies on the food and fuel industries, corrupted the government, withheld lawful wages, and discharged and employee without cause. If employers tried to organize, corporation leaders could resort to blacklisting, a method in which he would close a factory to break a labor movement before a union could form. The majority of citizens did not respond well to the unrestrained power; Gomper’s, What Does Labor Want, documents labor’s demands for the right to organize, adequate wages, and compensation for company’s negligence. In response to the people’s demands, Terrence Powderly founded the Knights of Labor, an organization which attempted to unify all working men and women. The Knights of Labor denounced â€Å"wage-slavery† and encouraged workers to combine their wages so that they could collectively purchase mines, factories, and stores. After declining in national importance, the American Federation of Labor (AFL), an alliance of skilled workers in craft unions, began to grow. The AFL opposed political activity not directly related to the union and advocated its â€Å"bread and butter† goals such as higher wages, shorter hours, and better working conditions. Over time, the AFL grew to be America’s most powerful labor union and in 1904, Samuel Gompers was recognized as the national spokesman for American laborers. While many people’s plights were alleviated by these organizations, some people still were devastated by the expansion of big business. George Rice’s â€Å"How I was ruined by Rockefeller,† demonstrates how Rockefeller’s monopoly on oil poked major holes in Rice’s wallet. Rice could only by the Standard Oil Company’s oil, as opposed his prior oil that was not only the same quality oil, but also, it was three cents cheaper. This practice exemplified the â€Å"American Rose Theory,† where in order for a gardener to have the best rose, he needs to cut all the other roses; in order for a company to be the best, it needed to eliminate all of its competition. This theory also plays into vertical integration, where a company buys out its competitors in order to ensure that it is the greatest. As a whole, the growth of corporations’ effects on the economy and politics were the main reasons for new philosophies pertaining to the social classes and new political demands and ideals. From the severe economic deflation, to the increased political tensions, to the birth of new political and philosophical movements, the impacts of growing big business on all aspects of post-Civil War American life are truly evident. Had mass production not contributed to agricultural innovations, then the economic deflation would not have had such a profound effect on farmer’s livelihoods. If the government was not controlled by large corporation leaders and senators aligned with trusts, then there is a large possibility that the Populist Party would have never been born. If the people were not perturbed by leader’s power, then labor movements such as the American Federation of Labor would not have occurred. Overall, the rise of big business completely changed the face and functions of American society.

Factors that are Affecting the Environment

Factors that are Affecting the Environment 1D.8  Identify the human activities that affect the Earth and its environment. There are various human activities that affect the Earths environment these are : Air Pollution from burning of Fossil fuels Water Pollution from use of fertilizers and dumping of trash 2D.P8  Describe the human activities that affect the Earth and its environment. Air pollution from burning of Fossil Fuels The transportation used in day to day life produces a lot of smoke and harmful gasses such as Carbon Monoxide, Carbon dioxide Sulfur dioxide. It is released in the air from the combustion of fossil fuels; this pollutes the air. Inefficient engines release excess carbon monoxide ; a poisonous gas harming organisms in that environment. Sulfur dioxide can mix with water in the clouds and form an acidic solution which contributes to acid rain, this acidity damages plants and aquatic ecosystems as some organisms cannot survive in acidic environments. Acid rain also damages and erodes some man-made structures such as limestone statues etc. Carbon dioxide emissions also contribute to the global warming of the planet, as it builds up in the atmosphere it gradually traps heat which over time raises the temperature of the planet; this can be fatal to all ecosystems and environments. Water Pollution from use of fertilizers and various waste materials The rise of capitalism and consumerism has led to a growth of various products and food being produced at a faster rate. Modern Agriculture uses many synthetic fertilizers which dominantly contains the essential nutrients for plant growth such as nitrogen, potassium phosphorus. They are given to plants to enhance their growth maximize their yield. When applied, the excess fertilizer or nutrients can leak from the soil into nearby water sources as the minerals are very soluble in water; this pollutes the water and starts the process of eutrophication and harms the aquatic ecosystem.   Eutrophication starts when Excess fertilizer enters a water source such as a lake The excess fertilizer in the lake boosts the growth of all the aquatic plants at an elevated scale Algae overtime covers the surface of the lake preventing sunlight from reaching the plants underneath, in turn, the plants die and oxygen is no longer produced from them. The dead plants in the lake then are decomposed by aerobic bacteria which use the oxygen up while doing so, this leads to a gradual decline of oxygen in the lake. Over time the lake goes lifeless as there is no longer enough oxygen to sustain the aquatic organisms in it Fertilizers are fatal to aquatic ecosystems and environments in excess. In addition sewage and waste products can also runoff or end up in aquatic environments and either kill the organisms in it or pose a serious hazard to its inhabitants. 1D.9  Identify natural factors that have changed the surface and atmosphere of the Earth. The Natural factors that have altered the earths surface and atmosphere are : Earthquakes from the movement of tectonic plates Volcanic Eruptions from Volcanic activity 2D.P9  Describe natural factors that have changed the surface and atmosphere of the Earth. Earthquakes from the movement of tectonic plates An earthquake is a sudden violent movement of the upper crust caused by either the movement of large tectonic plates or heavy volcanic activity. When the tectonic plates suddenly move it   causes the entire ground to shake and break apart. some earthquakes make the ground shake so violently that it destroys entire landscapes and environments. However, earthquakes can also cause landslides and tsunamis, change geology and ruin natural habitats of many living creatures. For instance, when an earthquake happens in the middle of the ocean, it can create waves that are so large that they destroy coastlines, cities, and forests hundreds of miles away. Earthquakes have helped to shape the Earths landscapes, but they also continue to alter those landscapes. Earthquakes are dangerous to human, plant and animal life, and when large earthquakes occur, they have the power to drastically change the surface of the Earth. Volcanic Eruptions from Volcanic activity Volcanic eruptions involve the incursion of liquid magma into a physical environment, and the effects include major transformations, ranging from the formation of new land to the destruction of the viability of an existing environment. Just one example of the creation of new land comes from the Hawaiian Islands, which appeared as magma cooled into land after eruptions. As lava flows across the ground in the wake of a volcanic eruption, any existing plant life is at risk of immediate destruction. When lava mixes in with melting snow or rain water, the flow speeds up, and the environmental effects accelerate as well, because the destructive effects of the lava largely remain, but the spread is generally wider and takes place more quickly. An example of this took place in Montserrat when Chances Peak entered a phase of eruption between 1995 and 2000. In 1995, the mountain began giving off signs of coming activity through eruptions of ash and dust. The most intense eruptions took place in 1997, and 11,000 people were evacuated to the northern end of the island as well as to other islands. The result of the eruptions involved the covering of the capital in mud and ash, and the destruction of more than a dozen settlements which have been rendered uninhabitable.        Ã‚  

Cannabis Sativa: Why Hasnt It Been Legalized? :: essays research papers

What if we were able to legalize a drug that works more efficiently on some diseases than any legal drug on the market today? This drug can help to aid such notorious diseases as AIDS and glaucoma. The name of this drug is cannabis sativa, or its more well-known name, marijuana. Cannabis sativa should be legalized for its medicinal uses. This paper will state the different types of diseases that marijuana may be used for, the current steps towards the legalization of this drug for medicinal purposes, the reasons for the use of this drug not to be exploited, the positive and alleviating effects of its use, and the non-addictive attributes of the drug itself. There are many reasons to show why the illegal drug, marijuana, should be legalized solely for its medicinal uses and benefits. Marijuana can be used for such things as glaucoma, controlling seizures, arthritis, the side effects of cancer chemotherapy, such as vomiting and nausea, asthma, anxiety, convulsions, AIDS and depression (Cohen, 1985). "In glaucoma, it reduces the pressure in the eye, for instance, and it also causes a slight increase in appetite in people suffering from AIDS wasting or those undergoing chemotherapy" (Medical Experts, 1997). Marijuana has been widely touted as a treatment for the drastic weight loss associated with AIDS (Levine, 1997). Cannabis sativa reduces the vomiting and nausea caused by chemotherapy, and alleviates pretreatment anxiety. It reduces the muscle pain and spasticity caused by the disease, but it may also help some patients with bladder control and the relieving of tremors (Facts & Stats, 2001). There are a number of peopl e who have severe mental illnesses. When they feel like they are becoming mentally ill, they start self-medicating with cannabis to help them to relieve the symptoms of the illness they are having (Jamaica, 1997). In the study on rats, a research team from Complutense University and Autonoma University in Madrid found that marijuana's active ingredient, called THC, killed tumor cells in advanced cases of glioma, a quick-killing cancer for which there is currently no effective treatment. The team reports that the treatment works by stimulating the cancer cells to commit suicide in a natural process called apoptosis. The effect occurs in cancer cells but not in normal ones and, they say, "could provide the basis for a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of malignant gliomas". (Rea, 2000) But anytime there is an upside, there is always a downside.

Free Essay on Nathaniel Hawthornes Scarlet Letter - The Character of Pearl :: Scarlet Letter essays

The Character of Pearl in The Scarlet Letter One of the most complex and elaborate characters in The Scarlet Letter is Pearl, the daughter of Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale. Pearl, throughout the story, develops into a dynamic individual, as well as an extremely important symbol. Pearl is shunned because of her mother's sin. Pearl is a living representation of the scarlet letter - acting as a constant reminder of Hester's sin. Hawthorne uses vivid descriptions to characterize Pearl. She is first described as the infant; "...whose innocent life had sprung, by the inscrutable decree of Providence, a lovely and immortal flower, out of the rank luxuriance of a guilty passion." (81). From the beginning of her life she is viewed as the product of a sin, as a punishment. Physically, Pearl has a "beauty that became every day more brilliant, and the intelligence that threw its quivering sunshine over the tiny features of this child." (81-82). Pearl is ravishing, with "beauty that shone with deep and vivid tints' a bright complexion, eyes possessing intensity both of depth and glow, and hair already of a deep, glossy brown, and which, in after years, would be nearly akin to black." Combining with her extreme beauty, are the lavish dresses that she wears. The exquisite dresses and her beauty cause her to be viewed as even stranger from the other typical Puritan children, whom are dressed in traditional clothing. As a result, she is accepted by nature and animals, and ostracized by the other Puritan children. "Pearl was a born outcast of the infantile world... the whole peculiarity, in short, of her position in respect to other children." (86). Pearl was not accepted by the children; her unavoidable seclusion was due to the sin of her mother. On the rare occasion that the children would show interest in Pearl she would "grow positively terrible in her puny wrath, snatching up stones to fling at them..." (87) As a result of Pearl's seclusion from society nature sympathizes with Pearl, which can be seen with the role of the sunshine in the forest. "The light lingered about the lonely child, as if glad of such a playmate," (168). The sunshine is grateful for Pearl, accepting her as an equal. Hawthorne describes another sign of acceptance as the "great black forest...became the playmate of the lonely infant." (187).

how simple love can be :: Personal Narrative Essays

how simple love can be    I imagine slipping out of my dress and into the tub, lying in the gentle light from the window, my eyes closed against the insistence of the mid-summer heat. I allow my body to remember the rhythms of the water, and I dream of the green spring which first drew people to this city and centuries later still bubbles up between the stones and the sand. I can hear those first horses and men snort as they drink, so near death and then saved by a crevice in the earth that sings of a cool darkness and a hundred thousand rains.  Ã‚  Ã‚      But the heat of this August night pulls me back.   Reality is a street cafà © in Nimes, where Cam is nursing his last cup of coffee. As I struggle to let go of the daydream, a young dark haired girl with chubby arms and tired eyes places a card and a small, stuffed blue bear beside my cup. After looking for a moment into our faces, a moment when no one's expression changes, the child quietly makes her way to the next table. When all the tables have been served, she rags her feet to go stand by her brothers and father who wait on the sidewalk. At the sound of the father's mandolin and a nod of his head, the brothers join in on a rough rendition of an old Spanish folk song.  Ã‚      The cafà ©'s patrons, in deference to the little girl or in a desire for the music to stop, begin to lay money down on the cards, and after a few moments of voiceless scuffling with her brothers, the young girl is pushed toward the tables. Once again wearing a blank but intense face, she gathers the bills and coins into her hands, then quickly walks back and hands them to her father. He nods at his inattentive audience, touches his hat, and without a word, he and his family drift down the street to the next cafà ©.    I reach for the bear, study its polka dot bow tie and swing it on my finger by its gaudy golden thread while smiling at Cam. He tears it out of my hand to throw it after the family, but I hold on to his wrist, and still smiling, open his palm, take the bear back and drop it into my pack.

Personality Development Case Essay

Success in business and personal life is determined by one’s ability to communicate effectively with others. â€Å"Social intelligence,† or the ability to interact, converse, negotiate with, and persuade others, is the most highly paid and respected form of skill one can have, and this can be developed. Students participating in this program will experience a drastic transformation in terms of personality, communication skills, confidence level and the way of looking at life. The entire program is based on the concept of learning and acquiring skills most effectively when one is not under any pressure. The whole process of acquiring skills is like a game – entertaining and exciting. It is similar to the way a child learns to communicate and acquire skills, but with greater awareness. Basic Personality Development Workshop A wholistic workshop focused on the person’s appearance, social graces, and personality. This workshop will help the participants to project themselves in a corporate setting thru social graces and etiquette. Presence, Polish, and Power Workshop This workshop aims to help participants project a confident, professional and polished image. The Art of Business Dining This is a comprehensive session on everything one needs to know about fine dining: from use of basic tools to engaging in table talk. The objective of this course is to help the individual create a positive impression with others and enhance the image of the company he or she represents. Wellness in the Workplace This workshop was designed for leaders and persons who will eventually manage teams. Stress affects productivity and teamwork. It’s therefore important for a leader to address actual and potential stressors in the office and at home. Creating Lasting Connections This workshop serves as an introduction to the science of social intelligence – it will help you gain insights on human relations; how to better â€Å"read† people, situations and react accordingly. Key Topics * Personality Development * Confidence Building * Business Etiquette * Corporate Grooming * International Etiquette * Social Etiquette * Dining Etiquette / Table Manners * Gentlemen Etiquette * Ladies Etiquette * English Voice / Accent * Dress Code * Presentation Skills * Personal Counseling

As I Walked Out One Evening †W.H.Auden Essay

The poem in say is As I Walked push with nonp areil Evening by W.H. Auden. His views projected in this poem are suggested to have non varied since the condemnation he collected this piece. Un uni course of action his other poems, this piece was never revised. Here, Auden exposes the two sides of grind finished and through the usage of autobiography voices, the poet, the write outrs c both option and the chiming of the quantify personified.As I walked out single evening is composed in a traditional ballad form. Its consists of 15 quatrain stanzas conforming to an abcb rhyme scheme. The manful end rhyme employed gives more freedom of wording. It is through these settings that exhibits the striving-like quality of a ballad and by this lyrical tune, Auden suggests the extraction and theories examined in the poem are of simple logic and k straightwayledge.With reference to the structure of the poem, it comprises of 15 stanzas split into three distinctive voices. The p rimary and last being the narration by the poet himself, framing the cheatrs outcry and the menacing voice of the clock. Through the beginning narration by the persona, W.H. Auden sets the essence of nostalgia with a walk d take Bristol Street. The recognition of Bristol Street creates the tone of reminiscence as it is a venue of Audens childhood. The assembly air travel of crowds upon the pavement that use to be palm of harvest wheat showcases the change taken place during term-lapse.Down by the brim river, the poet hears a discernr sing fuck has no ending. The transition of narrative position from the initial persona to the Love Song takes place through the bulls eye of inverted commas. The rhythm of the poem overly changes away from iambic tri-meter when the get it on song begins. The love song is hyperbolized, injected with imageries and unconventional similes to exaggerate the affections of a nave lover. With suggestions of the un freighterny mightiness to love t ill China and Africa encounter, Auden captures their simplistic and unrealistic minds. The silly and light-hearted tone shown through the alliteration of the line salmon sing in the passageway.In addition to undermining the forces of nature, the lovers song bet to believe its love to be pure and immune to time, for in my arms I hold The elevation of the Ages, And the first love of the military personnel. This love is expressed to be ageless, the Flower of the Ages a Biblical reference to the year of adulthood in which a woman can marry. In a sense, the song provokes that the incredibleness of love is beyond human entity, just now of something greater.However, the tone shifts in the 6th stanza, routine to the narration of the clock and time personified. They seem to be rebuking the ideals embodied by the devotees Song as they began to zoom along and chime, an onomatopoeia that creates the image of violent and unsettling wrap. The wind that could break them apart, hit their hardinesss with a chill. The clock conveys the prohibit perception of nave love as it rings out a series of advice to the lovers.The Clocks advice is like a progression of a 4 session counselling, speaking to us readers as if we are the young lovers. Marked by the phrase O, he begins with a gentle coaxing. O let not time deceive you, the idealism borne by the love song shall break through times passing. O soak up your hands in the water as if washing ones face in the morning. Wake up from the hyperbolized world of love to reality. Stare, stare at the basin, shine on your past actions and their indications, what youve missed. O number, look in the mirror examine your constitute self. Finally O stand, stand at the window, see your partner through the barrier of glass. Unclouded and unaffected by cruel words of a quarrel, in the peace of ones own mind, then we shall see that we are all hypocrites in love.The overall tone of the clock is quite dark and Auden uses the technique of severalize metaphors to develop the negative effects of time in idealism. The green valley and solemn snow signifying the presence of time get out eventually break momentary joy. The glacier knocks in the cupboard, the desert sighs in the bed, the consequences of time will invade ones privacy and comfort, perhaps even home. Until it becomes overwhelming, one should break down, itll open a channel to the land of the dead where qualities of life we at once known are twisted into a paradoxical world embodied by stanza 12.There is however, a consolation to these negative aspects, that if we wakeup in time, we shall hear to love truly, for life remains a blessing, even when were too focussed on our distress. Throughout this entire process, the spoken language suggests the lack of presence of the first persona. barely this theory is contradicted by the last stanza where the poet narrates. It was of late, late in the evening, the repetition a habit picked up from the clocks speech. The persona was watching the whole time, now knows better, that the overflowing love of the brimming river, in truth has a lot more depth.W.H. Auden through the shift of narrative voices explores the different attitude of love. This technique shows us not precisely one sided opinions but various views. And readers are shown, that perhaps what is right in the minds of one, whitethorn vary to the eyes of another. The image of romance is often twisted to extremes by society. As human beings, we have the tendency to form opinions based on our own favours. To an extent, this poem may resemble a ridicule to society. Humans tend to be hypocrites and really good liars to even our own minds to loose our wrongdoings.

Netflix Project

NETFLIX INC systema skeletaleReport) 10-K (yearly Filed 02/01/13 for the Period Ending 12/31/12 Address coke WINCHESTER CIRCLE . LOS GATOS, CA 95032 408-540-3700 0001065280 NFLX 7841 icon Tape Rental Broadcasting & C equal-bodied TV function 12/31 Teleph oneness CIK sign SIC Code Indus emphasise Sector financial Year http//www. edgar-online. com Copyright 2013, EDGAR Online, Inc. on the whole Rights Reserved. Distribution and intention of this document restricted below EDGAR Online, Inc. Terms of Use. card of confine UNITED STATES second baseURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D. C. 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One)ANNUAL REPORT consistent TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE fiddle OF 1934 For the fiscal year terminate declination 31, 2012 OR TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition percentage point from to Commission File chassis 000-49802 Netflix, Inc. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) Delaw be (State or sweet(prenominal) jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 77-0467272 (I. R. S. Employer assignment Number) 100 Winchester Circle Los Gatos, California 95032 (Address and zip cypher of chief(prenominal) exe p atomic number 18ive offices) (408) 540-3700 Registrants telephone number, including field of trading trading trading functionings code) Securities registered pursuant(predicate) to Section 12(b) of the Act Title of severally class Name of interchange on which registered joint rootage, $0. 001 par prise Preferred Shargon corrupt Rights The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act None (Title of Class) insinuate by manipu new-made chump if the registrant is a hearty-k nowadays season issuer, as defined in ruler 405 of the Securities Act. Yes advise by tablet mark if the registrant is non indispensable to file reports pursuant to Sect ion 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.Yes No No evoke by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports necessitate to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for much(prenominal)(prenominal) shorter period that the registrant was regardd to file much(prenominal) reports), and (2) has been eccentric to much(prenominal) filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and bet on on its corpo set entanglement site, if whatsoever, every interactional Data File required to be submitted and affix pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (229. 05 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such(prenominal) shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files. Yes No Indicate by check mark if disclo true of delinquent filing clerks pursuant to stage 405 of Regulation S-K is non contained h erein, and entrust non be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive procurator or information statements take inive by traverse in spokesperson ternary well-nigh of this knead 10-K or some(prenominal) reformment to this Form 10-K.Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a ample accele prized filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a little reporting comp whatever. view definition of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting comp whatsoever in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer speed filer Non-accelerated filer (do non check if smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a pound company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act) Yes NoAs of June 30, 2012, the nitty-gritty foodstuff value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, bestiald upon the closing sales disturb for the registrants common stock, as reported in the NASDAQ ball-shaped Select Market System, was $3,278,134,336. Sh atomic number 18s of common stock beneficially owned by from each(prenominal) one executive officer and ac personifyor of the Registrant and by each person known by the Registrant to beneficially own 10% or to a greater achievement of the outstanding common stock realise been excluded in that such persons whitethorn be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is non unavoidably a conclusive determination for any opposite purpose.As of January 31, 2013, there were 55,993,477 shargons of the registrants common stock, par value $0. 001, outstanding. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Parts of the registrants Proxy rehearsal for Registrants 2013 annual shock of sh atomic number 18owners argon incorporated by reference into Part III of this annual Report on Form 10-K. flurry of Contents NETFLIX, INC. TABLE OF CONTENTS pageboy PART I detail 1. gunpoint 1A. feature 1B. gunpoint 2. head 3. Item 4. PART II Item 5. Item 6. Item 7. Item 7A. Item 8. Item 9. Item 9A. Item 9B. PART III Item 10. Item 11. Item 12. Item 13. Item 14. PART IV Item 15.Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 39 Directors, executive Officers and Corporate Goernance Executive Compensation Security Ownership of Certain sound Owners and Management and relate Stockholder Matters Certain Relationships and associate Transactions, and Director Independence Principal Accounting Fees and work 38 38 38 38 38 Market for Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Selected Financial Data Managements preaching and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of trading mathematical trading operations Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market take chances Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure Controls and Procedures Other di scipline 17 19 20 34 35 35 35 37 logical argument find Factors Unresolved Staff Comments Properties Legal Proceedings exploit Safety Disclosure s 1 5 15 16 16 16 mesa of Contents PART I Forward-Looking Statements This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains advance(a) statements inside the meaning of the federal securities laws.These forwardlooking statements involve, but atomic number 18 not detained to, statements figureing our core scheme the bring aboutth of ne twainrk spoken communication of surfeit the originateth in our cyclosis subscriptions and the eliminate in our television systemdisk subscriptions the commercialise place opportunity for float electrical capacity piece adjustments voice salary ( expirationes) runniness relax exchange emanates taxs net income take-headed represents operate(a) cash flows electric shocks relating to our pricing strategy our inwardness program library and get by investments, including investments in fender programing signifi washbowlce of future contr veritable agreements actualisation of future deferred tax assets seasonality method of essence pitching and worldwideist expansion. These forwardlooking statements tummy be identified by our wont of words such as expects, leave alone, forewarn, whitethorn, could, would, should, intend, remain, and derivatives thereof.These forward-looking statements be compositors case to risks and uncertainties that could ca riding habit actual payoffs and lawsuits to differ. A detailed discussion of these and separate risks and uncertainties that could cause actual get outs and events to differ materially from such forward-looking statements is include throughout this filing and accompanimently in Item 1A Risk Factors section set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. only forward-looking statements included in this document ar based on information available to us on the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to revise or u niversally release any revision to any such forward-looking statement, yet as whitethorn oppositewise be required by law. Item 1. About us Netflix, Inc. Netflix, the order, we, or us) is the worlds in the lead meshing television web with much than 33 million members in over 40 countries make happying much than than(prenominal) than one billion hours of TV shows and motion-picture shows per month, including overlord serial publication. For one low monthly price, our members evict watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any net- affiliated screen. Additionally, in the United States (U. S. ), our lecturers pile bugger off burgeon forther definition telecastingdiscs, and their high definition successor, Blu-ray discs (collectively referred to as impressiondisk), featureed quickly to their radicals. Our core strategy is to baffle our cyclosis subscription handicraft domestically and internationally.We ar continuously upward(a) the guest experience prolonging our drift cloy, with a contract on programing an overall miscellanea of subject that delights our guests, including exclusive and original essence, enhancing our substance ab exploiter interface and extending our blow dish up to even more meshwork-connected devices while staying inside the parameters of our consolidated net income (loss) and operating sh ar contribution lolly (loss) targets. Contribution changement (loss) is defined as revenues less follow of revenues and merchandiseplaceing expenses. We be a pioneer in the net profit saving of TV shows and movies, forwarding our blow serve in 2007. Since this launch, we pick out developed an ecosystem for meshwork-connected devices and hasten attestd change magnitude amounts of kernel that alter submitrs to enjoy TV shows and movies promptly on their TVs, computers and industrious devices.As a result of these efforts, we necessitate experienced growing consumer acce ptance of and interest in the pitch of TV shows and movies directly over the Internet. In family 2010, we began international operations by offering our cyclosis run in Canada. In the past two eld, we bemuse proceed our international expansion and now excessively offer our be adrift assistant in Latin America, the United Kingdom (U. K. ), Ireland, and the Nordic countries of Finland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. prior(prenominal) to July 2011, in the U. S. , our blow and exposuredisk-by-mail operations were combined and indorsers could clear some(prenominal) swarming subject matter and photodiscs under a single hybrid plan.In July 2011, we separated the combined plans, making it necessary for referees who wish to receive some(prenominal) videodisks-by-mail and stream subject to relieve oneself two separate subscription plans. Business Segments Beginning with the poop quarter of 2011, the Company has three operating incisions interior(prenominal) streaming, external streaming and internal DVD. The Domestic and International streaming surgical incisions derive revenues from monthly subscription work consisting solely of streaming meat. The Domestic DVD segment derives revenues from monthly subscription work consisting solely of DVD-by-mail. For surplus information regarding our segments, see Note 10 of Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . Domestic streaming 1 Business tabular array of ContentsThe Domestic streaming segment issues our more than 27 million members with main course to a broad range of exclusive, non-exclusive and original study delivered over the Internet to a host of connected devices including PCs and Macs, game consoles such as PlayStations, smart TVs, Blu-ray players, home theater systems, Internet video players such as Apple TV and Roku, digital video recorders, and mobile devices. We save a leading market invest in domestic streaming, having grown by more than 5 million subscriptions in 2012 an extend of 25% from 2011. International Streaming The large numbers game of knuckle under television and broadband households outside the U. S. try our International streaming segment with a large long step-up opportunity through crucially poke outing our base of possible indorsers. From our sign international market launch in Canada in September 2010, our international streaming emolument has grown to be available in more than 40 countries outside of the U. S. as of December 31, 2012.We look at that international markets allow for be a significant etymon of harvest and cash flow in the long term, and as a result we are strategically investing internationally today. Our focus in international markets is to countenance a obligate helper offering to readers, which allows us to gain market share in the near term. We view long-run international success as consumer ad alternative and contribution margins at the levels of our domestic market. Domestic DVD Our Domestic DVD rail line launched in 1999 with DVD-by-mail subscription plans. As engine room has changed and consumer preference has shifted, we fork over seen subscribers move away from DVD rental and toward streaming their video sum. Competition The market for merriment video is intensely war-ridden and subject to rapid change.Many consumers curb simultaneous dealinghips with multiple pastime video allowrs and can advantageously shift disbursement from one provider to an some former(a)wise. Our principal competitors vary by geographic region and include Multichannel video programming progressrs (MVPDs) with free TV Everywhere applications such as HBO GO or Showtime Anytime in the U. S. and SkyGo or BBC iPlayer in the U. K. , and other on subscribe to subject from cable providers, such as Time Warner and Comcast direct broadcast send providers, such as DIRECTV and Echostar and telecom providers such as AT&T and Verizon wicked Internet movie and TV mental obj ect providers, such as, Amazon. coms Prime Video, Hulu. om and Hulu Plus, LOVEFiLM, Clarovideo, Viaplay, and Googles YouTube Transactional mental world power providers, such as Apples iTunes, Amazons pulsation Video, GooglePlay, and Vudu DVD rental outlets and kiosk function, such as Blockbuster and Redbox Entertainment video retailers, such as Best Buy, Wal-Mart and Amazon. com Competitive Strengths Netflix contraryiates itself from the competition and has been able to grow its commerce through the spare-time activity staged rummy competitive strengths Leading Scale Advantage Builds compel Content Leveraging our substantial home of measurement and significant discipline budget, Netflix has built a broad and involved content library.Our licensing teams are expert programmers cognizant by more than a decade of rich entropy on viewer preferences and viewing habits which uniquely enables them to independence a compelling mix of TV and movie content to efficiently provide Netflix members with compelling content. To besides assortediate our content offering from our competitors, we have progressively libertyd exclusive and original content. Outstanding particle Experience Attracts and Retains Subscribers We provide our members with innovative and impelling user interfaces that up give rise their Netflix experience and back up increase holdment. Netflix leverages its large global scale and billions of hours of subscriber viewing information and algorithms in order to tailor the Netflix testimonys and merchandising to each individual user.We swear that, our user experience, mountn by our focus on innovation and applied science, help knife thrust subscriber viewing, engagement, keeping, and overall customer joy. Relative to the competition, we bank we are further along the experience reduce when it comes to improving our user interface and delivering great prize streaming. Brand Clarity and Focus Increases Pace of conversio n for Members We are focused on making subscription streaming video great. Nearly all of our notable competitors in the space today have umteen other product lines and runs that require carry offment assistance and resources. We call back that our focus on streaming video pull up stakes help us innovate scurrying and 2 remit of Contents satisfy our consumers offend than our competition.We alike believe that our focus pass oning provide a level of clarity to our stake that leave help consumers more easily discover, understand and rate our service offering. Growth Drivers Our core strategy is to grow our streaming subscription commercial enterprise domestically and internationally, and is built upon the following drivers Investment in Streaming Content We believe that our investments in streaming content lead to more subscriber viewing, delight, and positive consumer word-of-mouth. This, in turn, leads to subscriber accomplishment and revenue offshoot, which allows us to invest in more streaming content, which enables the growth cycle to continue. With more than 33 million global ubscribers and our increasingly exclusive and original programming that differentiates us from competitors, we believe we are well up positioned to capitalize upon this virtuous cycle. Continuous do Improvements Weve ensnare that incremental improvements in our service and quality intensify our member satisfaction and guardianship. We continue to refine our engineering science, user interfaces, and delivery foot to improve the customer experience. For example, victimisation our adaptive streaming applied science we automatically and forever optimize the streaming bit-rate to each users Internet speed. This minimizes onus and buffering times, delivering the best click-and-watch experience.We have conducted programs in Super HD and with Dolby digital Plus 5. 1 surround sound for a high quality, immersive delight experience. We believe that improvements s uch as these go out help us retrace a great streaming service Overall credence and Growth of Internet TV Domestically, cable and satellite pay TV subscriber numbers have stagnated, while DVR penetration has continued to climb. We see this as indicative of consumers desiring more control and freedom in their cogency to watch what they want, when they want, where they want, and how they want. We are leading this gesture of consumer change and growth of Internet TV by providing broad, click-and-watch video put ontainment video.Future of the Consumer Electronic Ecosystem Internet on Every Screen We intend to broaden our already expansive partner relationships over time so that even more devices are capable of streaming content from Netflix. By making Netflix introductionible on a broad array of devices, we believe that we call down the value of our service to subscribers as well as position ourselves for continued growth as Internet and mobile delivery of content rifles more popular. We are pioneering the use of tablets and smartphones as second-screen choosing devices for TV viewing, and are energeticly employed with all of our device partners in evaluating how Netflix can enhance and improve the user experience in conjunction with their product innovations.International Market Expansion The international streaming segment represents a significant semipermanent growth opportunity as people near the world discover the benefits of Netflix. We plan to continue our international investment strategy of upfront investment in content and merchandising to build out scale required for profit susceptibility. We believe that scale advantages increase barriers to insertion for our competitors. Today, 18% of all of Netflixs global streaming subscribers are outside of the US. Operations We maintain content from versatile content providers through streaming content license agreements, DVD direct purchases and DVD revenue manduction agreements.We market our s ervice through various impart, including online advertising, broad-based media, such as television and radiocommunication, as well as various strategic partnerships. In liaison with selling the service, we offer free-trial memberships to sassy members. Rejoining members are an pregnant source of subscriber additions. We use the services of third- society defile calculate providers, more specifically, Amazon wind vane Services, and utilize both our own content delivery interlocking ( commit yoke) and third-party content delivery earningss, such as take 3 Communications, to help us efficiently stream content in high mass to our subscribers over the Internet. We also ship and receive DVDs in the U. S. from a nationwide network of tape transport centers.Seasonality Our subscriber growth exhibits a seasonal pattern that reflects variations when consumers grease ones palms Internet-connected devices and when they tend to increase video watching. Our domestic subscriber gro wth is generally greatest in our fourth and first quarters (October through March), slowing in our second quarter (April through June) and wherefore accelerating in our third quarter (July through September). We expect each market in our international segment to demonstrate more predictable seasonal patterns as our service offering in each market becomes more established and we have a longer floor to assess such patterns. Additionally, the variable expenses associated with shipments of DVDs are highest in the first quarter ascribable to the seasonal disposition of DVD work. 3 Table of ContentsIntellectual Property We regard our trademarks, service marks, copyrights, patents, domain names, trade dress, trade secrets, proprietary technologies and uniform clever belongings as important to our success. We use a combination of patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws and confidential agreements to protect our proprietary intellectual stead. Our competency to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights is subject to certain risks and from time to time we attend disputes over rights and obligations cin one caserning intellectual property. We cannot provide presumption that we lead prevail in any intellectual property disputes.Employees As of December 31, 2012, we had 2,045 full-time employees. We also utilize part-time and temporary employees, primarily in our DVD fulfillment operations, to respond to the fluctuating remove for DVD shipments. Our use of temporary employees has decreased significantly due to decreased DVD shipments in 2012, as well as increased automation of our shipment centers. As of December 31, 2012, we had 384 parttime and temporary employees. Our employees are not cover by a collective bargaining agreement, and we train our relations with our employees to be good. Other information We were incorporated in Delaware in August 1997 and completed our initial public offering in May 2002.Our principal executive off ices are located at 100 Winchester Circle, Los Gatos, California 95032, and our telephone number is (408) 540-3700. We maintain a Web site at www. netflix. com . The contents of our Web site are not incorporated in, or otherwise to be regarded as part of, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, Netflix, the Company, we, us, our and the registrant refer to Netflix, Inc. Our investor relations Web site is located at http//ir. netflix. com. We use our investor relations Web site as a operator of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.Accordingly, investors should monitor this portion of the Netflix Web site, in addition to following press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts. We also fixate available, free of charge, on our investor relations Web site under SEC Filings, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on For m 8-K and amendments to these reports as soon as reasonably practicable subsequently electronically filing or furnishing those reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission. 4 Table of Contents Item 1A. Risk Factors If any of the following risks actually occurs, our furrow enterprise sector, financial condition and results of operations could be impose on _or_ oppressed.In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. Risks Related to Our Business If our efforts to take up and hold open subscribers are not favored, our crease will be uncomelyly actuateed. We have experienced significant subscriber growth over the past several years. Our cogency to continue to appeal subscribers will depend in part on our ability to consistently provide our subscribers with a worth(predicate) and quality experience for selecting and viewing TV shows and movies. Furthermore, the congeneric service levels, content o fferings, pricing and colligate features of competitors to our service whitethorn perversely daze our ability to retract and stay subscribers.Competitors include multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) with free TV Everywhere and other on demand content, Internet movie and TV content providers, including both those that provide healthy and illegal (or pirated) diversion video content, DVD rental outlets and kiosk services and recreation video retail stores. If consumers do not grasp our service offering to be of value, or if we state innovative or adjust subsisting features or change the mix of content in a air that is not favorably original by them, we whitethorn not be able to deplume and retain subscribers. In addition, many of our subscribers are passing our service or originate from word-of-mouth advertising from animate subscribers.If our efforts to satisfy our animate subscribers are not successful, we whitethorn not be able to attract subscr ibers, and as a result, our ability to maintain and/or grow our origin will be adversely come acrossed. Subscribers remove their subscription to our service for many reasons, including a perception that they do not use the service sufficiently, the need to cut household expenses, availability of content is unsatisfactory, competitive services provide a better value or experience and customer service issues are not satisfactorily resolved. We must continually add new-fangled subscribers both to replace subscribers who cancel and to grow our business beyond our current subscriber base.If too many of our subscribers cancel our service, or if we are otiose to attract new subscribers in numbers sufficient to grow our business, our operating results will be adversely affected. If we are futile to successfully fence with current and new competitors in both retaining our animated subscribers and attracting new subscribers, our business will be adversely affected. Further, if excessi ve numbers of subscribers cancel our service, we may be required to cause significantly high merchandise expenditures than we currently anticipate to replace these subscribers with new subscribers. If we are unable to compete efficaciously, our business will be adversely affected. The market for entertainment video is intensely competitive and subject to rapid change.New technologies and evolving business models for delivery of entertainment video continue to develop at a quick pace. The growth of Internet-connected devices, including TVs, computers and mobile devices has increased the consumer acceptance of Internet delivery of entertainment video. Through these new and existing distribution channels, consumers are afforded various means for go through entertainment video. The various scotch models underlying these differing means of entertainment video delivery include subscription, transactional, ad-supported and piracy-based models. All of these have the potential to capture substantive segments of the entertainment video market.Several competitors have longer operating histories, larger customer bases, greater brand recognition and significantly greater financial, marketing and other resources than we do. They may arrest better terms from suppliers, adopt more infrangible-growing pricing and devote more resources to engineering, fulfillment, and marketing. New entrants may enter the market with unique service offerings or approaches to providing entertainment video and other companies also may enter into business combinations or alliances that strengthen their competitive positions. If we are unable to successfully or fruitfully compete with current and new competitors, programs and technologies, our business will be adversely affected, and we may not be able to increase or maintain market share, revenues or profitability.The increasingly long-term and fixed toll paper of our content acquisition licenses may limit our operating fl exibleness and could adversely affect our liquidity and results of operation. In connection with obtaining streaming content, we typically enter into multi-year licenses with studios and other content providers, the allowance terms of which are not tied to subscriber usage or the size of our subscriber base (fixed cost) but which may be tied to such factors as claims licensed and/or theatrical expounding receipt. Such contractual commitments are included in the Contractual Obligations section of Item 7 Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . given(p) the multiple-year time and largely fixed cost nature of content licenses, if subscriber acquisition and keeping do not garner our expectations, our margins may be adversely force. recompense terms for streaming licenses, especially programming that initially airs in the applicable territory on our service (original programming) or that is considered siding content, will typically require more up-front cash payments than other licensing agreements. To the result subscriber and/or revenue growth do not meet our expectations, our liquidity and results of operations could be adversely affected as a result of content licensing commitments and accelerated payment requirements of certain licenses.In addition, the long-term and fixed cost nature of our streaming licenses may limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to changes in our 5 Table of Contents business and the market segments in which we officiate. As we nail internationally, we must license content in advance of entering into a new geographical market. If we license content that is not favorably received by consumers in the applicable territory, acquisition and retention may be adversely regarded and devoted the long-term and fixed cost nature of our commitments, we may not be able to adjust our content offering quickly and our results of operation may be adversely shamed.Changes in consum er viewing habits, including more far-flung usage of TV Everywhere or other similar on demand methods of entertainment video consumption could adversely affect our business. The mode in which consumers view entertainment video is changing rapidly. digital cable, wireless and Internet content providers are proceed to improve technologies, content offerings, user interface, and business models that allow consumers to access on demand entertainment with synergetic capabilities including start, stop and rewind. The devices through which entertainment video can be consumed are also changing rapidly. Today, content from MVPDs may be viewed on laptops and content from Internet content providers may be viewed on TVs. Although we provide our own Internet-based delivery of content allowing our subscribers to stream ertain TV shows and movies to their Internet-connected televisions and other devices, if other providers of entertainment video address the changes in consumer viewing habits in a manner that is better able to meet content distributor and consumer needs and expectations, our business could be adversely affected. If we are not able to manage change and growth, our business could be adversely affected. We are currently busy in an effort to expand our operations internationally, scale our streaming service to effectively and reliably wield anticipated growth in both subscribers and features related to our service, as well as continue to operate our DVD service within the U. S. As we expand internationally, we are managing our business to address varied content offerings, consumer customs and practices, in particular those dealing with e-commerce and Internet video, as well as differing legal and restrictive environments.As we scale our streaming service, we are developing technology and utilizing relatively new third-party Internet-based or cloud figuring services. We have also chosen to separate the technology that operates our DVD-by-mail service from t hat which runs our streaming operations. If we are not able to manage the growing complexity of our business, including maintaining our DVD operations, and improving, purgation or revising our systems and operational practices related to our streaming operations, our business may be adversely affected. If the market segment for online subscription-based entertainment video saturates, our business will be adversely affected.The market segment for online subscription-based entertainment video has grown significantly. Much of the increasing growth can be attributed to the ability of our subscribers to stream TV shows and movies on their TVs, computers and mobile devices. As we face more competition in our market segment, our rate of growth relative to overall growth in the segment may decline. Further, a decline in our rate of growth could indicate that the market segment for online subscription-based entertainment video is beginning to saturate. date we believe that this segment will continue to grow for the foreseeable future, if this market segment were to saturate, our business would be adversely affected.If our efforts to build strong brand identity element and improve subscriber satisfaction and loyalty are not successful, we may not be able to attract or retain subscribers, and our operating results may be adversely affected. We must continue to build and maintain strong brand identity. We believe that strong brand identity will be important in attracting and retaining subscribers who may have a number of choices from which to obtain entertainment video. To build a strong brand we believe we must continue to offer content and service features that our subscribers value and enjoy. We also believe that these must be couple with effective consumer communications, such as marketing, customer service and public relations. If our efforts to promote and maintain our brand are not successful, our ability to attract and retain subscribers may be adversely affect ed.Such a result, coupled with the increasingly long-term and fixed cost nature of our content acquisition licenses, may adversely affect our operating results. From time to time, our subscribers express dissatisfaction with our service, including among other things, our title selection, pricing, delivery speed and service interruptions. Furthermore, third-party devices that enable gross streaming of TV shows and movies from Netflix may not meet consumer expectations. To the extent dissatisfaction with our service is widespread or not adequately addressed, our brand may be adversely force and our ability to attract and retain subscribers may be adversely affected.In 2011, we made a series of announcements regarding our business, including the separation of our DVD-by-mail and streaming plans with a corresponding price change for some of our customers, the rebranding of our DVD-by-mail service, and the subsequent retraction of our plans to rebrand our DVD-by-mail service. Consumers reacted negatively to these announcements, adversely impacting our brand and resulting in higher than anticipate customer cancellations, which negatively affected our operating results. spell we have seen significant improvements to our brand since the events of 2011, we all the said(prenominal) believe that it will continue to take time to exalt our brand to the levels we enjoyed prior to the events of 2011. 6 Table of Contents With respect to our expansion into international markets, we will also need to establish our brand and to the extent we are not successful, our business in new markets would be adversely wedge.Changes in our subscriber acquisition sources could adversely affect our marketing expenses and subscriber levels may be adversely affected. We utilize a broad mix of marketing programs to promote our service to potential new subscribers. We obtain new subscribers through our online marketing efforts, including paid search listings, banner ads, text links and p ermission-based netmails, as well as our affiliate program. We also engage our consumer electronics partners to generate new subscribers for our service. In addition, we have engaged in various offline marketing programs, including TV and radio advertising, direct mail and print campaigns, consumer package and placard insertions.We also pay back a number of subscribers who rejoin our service having previously cancelled their membership. We maintain an active public relations program, including through social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, to increase awareness of our service and drive subscriber acquisition. We opportunistically adjust our mix of marketing programs to acquire new subscribers at a reasonable cost with the intention of achieving overall financial goals. If we are unable to maintain or replace our sources of subscribers with similarly effective sources, or if the cost of our existing sources increases, our subscriber levels and marketing expenses may be a dversely affected.We may not be able to continue to support the marketing of our service by current means if such activities are no longer available to us, become cost suppressive or are adverse to our business. If companies that currently promote our service decide that we are negatively impacting their business, that they want to compete more directly with our business or enter a similar business or decide to all support our competitors, we may no longer be disposed access to such marketing channels. In addition, if ad rates increase, we may curtail marketing expenses or otherwise experience an increase in our marketing cost. Laws and regulations impose restrictions on or otherwise prohibit the use of certain acquisition channels, including commercial e-mail and direct mail.We may limit or give away use or support of certain marketing sources or activities if we become concerned that subscribers or potential subscribers deem such practices intrusive or prejudicious to our bra nd. If the available marketing channels are curtailed, our ability to attract new subscribers may be adversely affected. If we become subject to liability for content that we distribute through our service, our results of operations would be adversely affected. As a distributor of content, we face potential liability for negligence, copyright, or trademark infringement or other claims based on the nature and content of materials that we distribute. We also may face potential liability for content used in member reviews. If we become liable, then our business may suffer.Litigation to defend these claims could be dear(p) and the expenses and damages arising from any liability could stultification our results of operations. We cannot fit that we are indemnified to cover claims of these types or liability that may be imposed on us, and we may not have insurance coverage for these types of claims. If studios and other content providers refuse to license streaming content to us upon delicious terms, our business could be adversely affected. Our ability to provide our subscribers with content they can watch like a shot depends on studios and other content providers licensing us content specifically for Internet delivery. The license periods and the terms and conditions of such licenses vary.If the studios and other content providers change their terms and conditions or are no longer willing or able to license us content, our ability to stream content to our subscribers will be adversely affected. foreign DVD, streaming content is not subject to the head start Sale Doctrine. As such, we are completely helpless on the various content providers to license us content in order to access and stream content. Many of the licenses provide for the studios or other content providers to withdraw content from our service relatively quickly. Because of these commissariat as well as other actions we may take, content available through our service can be withdrawn on short notice. In addition, the studios and other content providers have great flexibility in licensing streaming content.They may elect to license content exclusively to a particular provider or otherwise limit the types of services that can deliver streaming content. For example, HBO licenses content from studios like Warner Bros. and the license provides HBO with the exclusive right to such content against other subscription services, including Netflix. As such, Netflix cannot license certain Warner Bros. content for delivery to its subscribers while Warner Bros. may nonetheless license the self selfsame(prenominal)(prenominal) content on a transactional basis. Conversely, content providers may license the same content to multiple subscription-based services and may do so on different terms and conditions.As such, Netflix and its competitors may offer consumers many of the same content titles but license these at different rates. As competition increases, we may see the cost for progr amming increase. As we seek to differentiate our service, we are increasingly focused on securing certain exclusive rights when obtaining content. We are also focused on programming an overall mix of content that delights our members in a cost efficient manner. Within this context, we are subtile about the titles we add and renew our service. If we do not maintain a compelling mix of content, our subscriber acquisition and retention may be adversely affected. 7 Table of ContentsIf we are unable to stiff and maintain rights to streaming content or if we cannot otherwise obtain such content upon terms that are acceptable to us, including on an exclusive basis in some cases, our ability to stream TV shows and movies to our subscribers will be adversely impacted, and our subscriber acquisition and retention could also be adversely impacted. We rely upon a number of partners to offer instant streaming of content from Netflix to various devices. We currently offer subscribers the abili ty to receive streaming content through their PCs, Macs and other Internet-connected devices, including Blu-ray players and TVs, digital video players, game consoles and mobile devices.We intend to continue to broaden our capability to instantly stream TV shows and movies to other platforms and partners over time. If we are not successful in maintaining existing and creating new relationships, or if we impinge on scientific, content licensing or other impediments to our streaming content, our ability to grow our business could be adversely impacted. Our agreements with our consumer electronics partners are typically between one and three years in duration and our business could be adversely affected if, upon expiration, a number of our partners do not continue to provide access to our service or are unwilling to do so on terms acceptable to us, which terms may include the degree of accessibility and prominence of our service.Furthermore, devices are fabricate and sold by entities other than Netflix and while these entities should be responsible for the devices performance, the connection between these devices and Netflix may nonetheless result in consumer dissatisfaction toward Netflix and such dissatisfaction could result in claims against us or otherwise adversely impact our business. In addition, technology changes to our streaming functionality may require that partners update their devices. If partners do not update or otherwise modify their devices, our service and our subscribers use and delectation could be negatively impacted. If subscriptions to our Domestic DVD segment decline faster than anticipated, our business could be adversely affected The number of subscriptions to our DVD-by-mail offering is declining, and we anticipate that this decline will continue.We believe, however, that the domestic DVD business will continue to generate significant contribution profit for our business. In addition, we believe that DVD will be a valuable consumer proposition and studio profit center for the next several years, even as DVD sales decline. The contribution profit generated by our domestic DVD business will help provide capital resources to fund losses arising from our growth internationally. To the extent that the rate of decline in our DVD-by-mail business is greater than we anticipate, our business could be adversely affected. Because we are primarily focused on building a global streaming service, the resources allocated to maintaining DVD operations and the level of management focus on our DVD business are limited.We do not anticipate increasing resources to our DVD operations and the technology used in its operations will not be meaningfully improved. To the extent that we experience service interruptions or other degradations in our DVD-bymail service, subscribers satisfaction could be negatively impacted and we could experience an increase in DVD-by-mail subscriber cancellations, which could adversely impact our business . If U. S. Copyright law were altered to amend or eliminate the First Sale Doctrine, our business could be adversely affected. Under U. S. Copyright Law, once a DVD is sold into the market, those obtaining the DVD are permitted to re-sell it, rent it or otherwise dispose of it. This is usually referred to as the First Sale Doctrine.While the vast absolute legal age of our DVD content acquisitions are direct from content providers, the First Sale Doctrine provides us with an option to acquire content from other third parties should the content providers refuse to deal with us on acceptable terms. If Congress or the courts were to change or easily limit this First Sale Doctrine, our ability to obtain DVD content and then rent it could be adversely affected. Increased availability of new releases to other distribution channels prior to, or on parity with, the release on DVD, and/or the detain availability of such DVDs through our service, could adversely affect our business. Over the past several years, we have seen content providers adjust and experiment with the various distribution channels and content release timing.Further, our licensing agreements with several studios require that we do not rent new release DVDs until some period of time after such DVDs are first made available for retail sale. These break distribution channels, their associated timing and/or the delayed availability of such DVDs through our service may negatively impact subscribers perception of value in our service, which could adversely affect our business. Moreover, if we are unable to negotiate tender terms to acquire DVDs, our contribution profits may be adversely affected. Any significant kerfuffle in our computer systems or those of third-parties that we utilize in our operations could result in a loss or degradation of service and could adversely impact our business.Our reputation and ability to attract, retain and serve our subscribers is reliant upon the reliable perform ance of our computer systems and those of third-parties that we utilize in our operations. Interruptions in these systems, or with the Internet in general, could make our service unavailable or degraded or otherwise hinder our ability to deliver streaming content or fulfill 8 Table of Contents DVD selections. From time to time, we experience service interruptions and have voluntarily provided affected subscribers with a character reference during periods of extended outage. Service interruptions, errors in our bundle or the unavailability of computer systems used in our operations could diminish the overall attractiveness of our subscription service to existing and potential subscribers.Our servers and those of third parties we use in our operations are vulnerable to computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins and similar lop offions and periodically experience order attacks intended to lead to interruptions and delays in our service and operations as well as loss, misuse or theft of info. Any attempt by hackers to disrupt our service or otherwise access our systems, if successful, could harm our business, be expensive to remedy and damage our reputation. We have fulfiled certain systems and processes to thwart hackers and to date hackers have not had a material impact on our service or systems however this is no assurance that hackers may not be successful in the future. Our insurance does not cover expenses related to such ruptures or unauthorized access.Efforts to prevent hackers from disrupting our service or otherwise accessing our systems are expensive to implement and may limit the functionality of or otherwise negatively impact our service offering and systems. Any significant ruction to our service or access to our systems could result in a loss of subscribers and adversely affect our business and results of operation. We utilize our own communications and computer hardware systems located either in our facilities or in that of a third -party Web hosting provider. In addition, we utilize third-party Internet-based or cloud calculation services in connection with our business operations. We also utilize our own and third-party content delivery networks to help us stream TV shows and movies in high volume to Netflix subscribers over the Internet.Problems go about by us or our third-party Web hosting, cloud computing, or content delivery network providers, including technological or business-related disruptions, could adversely impact the experience of our subscribers. In addition, fires, floods, earthquakes, power losses, telecommunications failures, break-ins and similar events could damage these systems and hardware or cause them to fail completely. As we do not maintain entirely redundant systems, a disrupting event could result in prolonged downtime of our operations and could adversely affect our business. We rely upon Amazon Web Services to operate certain aspects of our service and any disruption of or int erference with our use of the Amazon Web Services operation would impact our operations and our business would be adversely impacted.Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides a distributed computing infrastructure platform for business operations, or what is commonly referred to as a cloud computing service. We have architected our software and computer systems so as to utilize data impact, storage capabilities and other services provided by AWS. Currently, we run the vast majority of our computing on AWS. Given this, along with the fact that we cannot easily switch our AWS operations to another cloud provider, any disruption of or interference with our use of AWS would impact our operations and our business would be adversely impacted. While the retail side of Amazon competes with us, we do not believe that Amazon will use the AWS operation in such a manner as to gain competitive advantage against our service.If we experience difficulties with the operation and implementation of straigh t-from-the-shoulder Connect, our single-purpose Netflix content delivery network (CDN), our business and results of operation could be adversely impacted In addition to general-purpose commercial CDNs, we have enabled Internet service providers (ISPs) to obtain our streaming content from ease up Connect, a single-purpose Netflix content delivery network that we have established. Given our size and growth, we believe it makes economic sense to have our own specialized CDN. We will continue to work with our commercial CDN partners for the next fewer years, but eventually we expect the vast majority of our streaming bits will be served by Open Connect. Open Connect will provide the Netflix bits at no cost to the locations the ISP desires, or ISPs can consider to get the Netflix bits at common Internet exchanges.To the extent ISPs do not interconnect with Open Connect or if we experience difficulties in operating the Open Connect CDN service, our ability to efficiently and effectivel y deliver our streaming content to our subscribers could be adversely impacted and our business and results of operation could be adversely affected. unsuccessful person to implement Open Connect could require us to engage third-party solutions to deliver our content to ISPs, which could increase our costs and negatively affect our operating results. If we are unable to effectively utilize our passport and merchandising technology or develop user interfaces that maintain or increase subscriber engagement with our service, our business may suffer. Our proprietary recommendation and merchandising technology enables us to predict and recommend titles and effectively merchandise our library to our subscribers.We also develop, test and implement various user interfaces across multiple devices, in an effort to maintain and increase subscriber engagement with our service. 9 Table of Contents We are continually refining our recommendation and merchandising technology as well as our various user interfaces in an effort to improve the predictive accuracy of our TV show and movie recommendations and the multipurposeness of and engagement with our service by our subscribers. We may experience difficulties in implementing refinements or other, third party recommendation or merchandising technology or interfaces may become more popular with or useful to our subscribers.In addition, we cannot assure that we will be able to continue to make and implement meaningful refinements to our recommendation technology. If our recommendation and merchandising technology does not enable us to predict and recommend titles that our subscribers will enjoy or if we are unable to implement meaningful improvements thereto or otherwise improve our user interfaces, our service may be less useful to our subscribers. Such failures could lead to the following our subscriber satisfaction may decrease, subscribers may perceive our service to be of lower value and our ability to attract and retai n subscribers may be adversely affected and our ability to effectively merchandise and utilize our library will be adversely affected.We rely heavily on our proprietary technology to stream TV shows and movies and to manage other aspects of our operations, and the failure of this technology to operate effectively could adversely affect our business. We continually enhance or modify the technology used for our operations. We cannot be sure that any enhancements or other modifications we make to our operations will achieve the intended results or otherwise be of value to our subscribers. Future enhancements and modifications to our technology could consume considerable resources. If we are unable to maintain and enhance our technology to manage the streaming of TV shows and movies to our subscribers in a timely and efficient manner and/or the processing of DVDs among our shipping centers, our ability to retain existing subscribers and to add new subscribers may be impaired.In addition , if our technology or that of thirdparties we utilize in our operations fails or otherwise operates improperly, our ability to retain existing subscribers and to add new subscribers may be impaired. Also, any harm to our subscribers personal computers or other devices caused by software used in our operations could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Changes in U. S. Postal rates or operations could adversely impact our operating results and subscriber satisfaction. We rely exclusively on the U. S. Postal Service to deliver DVDs from our shipping centers and to return DVDs to us from our subscribers.Increases in postage delivery rates could adversely affect our Domestic DVD segments contribution profit. The U. S. Postal Service increased the rate for first class postage on January 23, 2013 to 46 cents. It is expected that the U. S. Postal Service will raise rates again in subsequent years, which would result in increased shipping c osts. If the U. S. Postal Service were to change any policies relative to the requirements of firstclass mail, including changes in size, tip or machinability qualifications of our DVD envelopes, such changes could result in increased shipping costs or higher breakage for our DVDs, and our contribution margin could be adversely affected.For example, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia latterly instructed the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) to remedy favoritism by the Postal Service in the processing of DVDs by mail, or to explain adequately wherefore such discrimination is reasonable. While we do not anticipate any material impact to our operations arising from this case, if the PRC institutes a remedy that results in an increase in postage rates or changes the manner in which our DVD shipments are processed, our contribution margin could be adversely affected. If the U. S. Postal Service were to implement other changes to improve its financial pos ition, such as closing mail processing facilities or service reductions, such changes could lead to a decrease in customer satisfaction and our results of operations could be adversely affected.If government regulations relating to the Internet or other areas of our business change, we may need to alter the manner in which we conduct our business, or witness greater operating expenses. The adoption or modification of laws or regulations relating to the Internet or other areas of our business could limit or otherwise adversely affect the manner in which we currently conduct our business. In addition, the growth and development of the market for online commerce may lead to more stringent consumer protection laws, which may impose excess burdens on us. If we are required to comply with new regulations or legislation or new interpretations of existing regulations or legislation, this compliance could cause us to arrive additional expenses or alter our business model.The adoption of a ny laws or regulations that adversely affect the growth, popularity or use of the Internet, including laws limiting Internet neutrality, could decrease the demand for our subscription service and increase our cost of doing business. For example, in late 2010, the Federal Communications Commission adopted so-called net neutrality rules intended, in part, to prevent network operators from discriminating against legal traffic that transverse their networks. The rules are currently subject to legal challenge. To the extent that these rules are interpreted to enable network operators to engage in homophobic practices or are overturned by legal challenge, our business could be adversely impacted.As we expand internationally, government regulation concerning the Internet, and in particular, network neutrality, may be nascent or nonexistent. Within 10 Table of Contents such a restrictive environment, coupled with potentially significant political and economic power of local network opera tors, we could experience discriminatory or anti-competitive practices that could impede our growth, cause us to incur additional expense or otherwise negatively affect our business. Changes in how network operators handle and charge for access to data that travel across their networks could adversely impact our business. We rely upon the ability of consumers to access our service through the Internet.To the extent that network operators implement usage based pricing, including meaningful bandwidth caps, or otherwise try to monetize access to their networks by data providers, we could incur greater operating expenses and our subscriber acquisition and retention could be negatively impacted. For example, in late 2010, Comcast informed Level 3 Communications that it would require Level 3 to pay for the ability to access Comcasts network. Given that much of the traffic being requested by Comcast customers is Netflix streaming content stored with Level 3, many commentators have looked t o this situation as an example of Comcast either discriminating against Netflix traffic or trying to increase Netflixs operating costs.Furthermore, to the extent network operators were to create tiers of Internet access service and either charge us for or prohibit us from being available through these tiers, our business could be negatively impacted. Most network operators that provide consumers with access to the Internet also provide these consumers with multichannel video programming. As such, companies like Comcast, Time Warner cable and Cablevision have an incentive to use their network infrastructure in a manner adverse to our continued growth and success. For example, Comcast exempted certain of its own Internet video traffic (e. g. , Streampix videos to the Xbox 360) from a bandwidth cap that applies to all unaffiliated Internet video traffic (e. g. , Netflix videos to the Xbox 360).While we believe that consumer demand, restrictive oversight and competition will help check these incentives, to the extent that network operators are able to provide preferential wieldment to their data as inappropriate to ours or otherwise implement discriminatory network management practices, our business could be negatively impacted. In international markets, especially in Latin America, these same incentives apply however, the consumer demand, regulatory oversight and competition may not be as strong as in our domestic market. Privacy concerns could limit our ability to leverage our subscriber data and our disclosure of subscriber data could adversely impact our business and reputation. In the ordinary course of business and in particular in connection with merchandising our service to our subscribers, we collect and utilize data supplied by our subscribers. We currently face certain legal obligations regarding the manner in which we treat such information.Other businesses have been criticized by privacy groups and governmental bodies for attempts to link personal identities and other information to data collected on the Internet regarding users browsing and other habits. Increased regulation of data utilization practices, including self-regulation or findings under existing laws, that limit our ability to use collected data, could have an adverse effect on our business. In addition, if we were to disclose data about our subscribers in a manner that was objectionable to them, our business reputation could be adversely affected, and we could face potential legal claims that could impact our operating results.As our business evolves and as we expand internationally, we may become subject to additional and/or more stringent legal obligations concerning our treatment of customer information. Failure to comply with these obligations could subject us to liability, and to the extent that we need to alter our business model or practices to adapt to these obligations, we could incur additional expenses. Our reputation and relationships with subscriber s would be harmed if our subscriber data, particularly explosive charge data, were to be accessed by unauthorized persons. We maintain personal data regarding our subscribers, including names and, in many cases, mailing addresses. With respect to billing data, such as