Product Quality an Example by

Product Quality by Expert Jayjay1 | 22 Dec 2016 Multiple Award ID/IQ Contracts: Perfected yet Unspecific In the Article Current Problems with Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Contracts: A Primer, I found most interesting is the manner by which the contract of sale is perfected. A contract of sale is defined as an agreement whereby the seller transfers the property in goods to the buyer for a consideration called the price (MacCluney v. Kelsey-Hayes Wheel Co., 87 F. Supp. 58), it normally involves a specific subject matter or good. In ID/IQ contracts, the subject of the sale is not specific as to the manner of delivery and quantity, it strikes me as odd since in order to perfect the contract, all that is needed is a minimum or maximum order amount. I believe that these types of contracts are open to dispute as to the quality of the good. Need essay sample on "Product Quality" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed The quality of the good in these types of contract are never mentioned, only the quantity. The quality, which is the most important aspect of the subject good, is left to future agreements between the parties. However, the problem arises when by virtue of a perfected ID/IQ contract, the supplier is bound to produce goods for the government and the supplier cannot back down from its obligation even if it is detrimental to its business. An example of this is when the government requires a certain good from the supplier, which is very costly to make or to import, the supplier cannot tell the government that since it would be detrimental to its business, it cannot get that particular good for the government. If the supplier argues it that way, then he shall be liable for breach under the perfected contract. This is only one of the problems that may arise from a perfected contract where the quality of the good is not particularly specified. False Statement Statute: A Good Defense Against Misrepresentation yet is Easily Manipulated Misrepresentations in the commercial world abound, sellers are willing to make false representations or convenient omissions just to make a sale. In these commercial transactions, the buyers are being induced to buy the good not because of the true quality of the good but because of its alleged superior attribute. Sellers normally do not choose who they defraud, even the government is sometimes subject to this type of tactic especially on their contracts. In the Article Business Ethics in Government Contracting by Claude B. Goddard, Jr., he mentioned a statute which is being used by the Government in order to protect itself from this type of fraud. The False Statement Statute, which makes it illegal for sellers to make false representations, is one of the governments aces to prosecute sellers with golden tongues but with brass goods. By invoking the False Statement Statute, the government is able to hold sellers liable for all their representations as to the quality of the goods that they sell to the government, however, this will not completely eliminate disputes regarding product quality. According to the statute, only statements that were made by sellers which they willfully gave despite the fact that they knew it to be false are punishable. In such cases, the seller may claim that he did not know that what he uttered was false and this defense may stand in court. In the end, the courts are still given the burden of examining whether the statement was willingly given and was known as false. Dealing with Disputes on Product Quantity or Quality Arising from Different Warranties. Implied Warranty of Mechantability In all cases of sale, except if expressly stated that there is none or is modified, there is an implied warranty that subject goods are merchantable (UCC 2). This warranty attaches if the seller is a merchant with respect to the goods of that kind (Williston on Contracts, 1979). Despite the clear intention of the law that there must be an implied warranty, it is still a source of discussion and dispute. The primary problem with the implied warranty of merchantability is on whether the subject good can be considered merchantable. The courts in addressing this problem, has enumerated several elements that may guide a party on determining whether the good is merchantable or not. For a good to be merchantable, it must be at least such as (a) pass without objection in the trade under the contract description; (b) in case of fungible goods, are of fair average quality within the description; (c) are fit for the ordinary purposes for which such goods are used; (d) run, within the variations permitted by the agreement, of even kind, quality and quantity within each unit and among all units involved; (e) are adequately contained, packaged, and labeled as the agreement may require; and (f) conform to the promises or affirmations of fact made on the container or label if any (Williston on Contracts, 1979). Express Warranties Express warranty has been defined as an affirmation of the quality or condition of the thing sold, (not uttered as matter of opinion or belief,) made by the seller at the time of the sale, for the puspose of assuring the buyer of the truth of the facts affirmed, and inducing him to make the purchase, if so received and relied on by the purchaser (Distillers Distributing Corp. v. Sherwood Distilling Co. 180 F2d 800). A common dispute arising from express warranties is whether the declaration made by the seller is an affirmation of fact or a statement of opinion. This is a source of misunderstanding because of the fine line that differentiates an opinion from a statement of fact especially if the seller is pretty convincing. Also, in other jurisdictions, there is a term called dolus bonus which are the normal exaggerations of merchants to induce buyers (Sefton-Green,) which sometimes is also a source of dispute. When these exaggerations are so subtle that they may pass off as true, they tend to cause confusion and sometimes court action. In addressing these issues, the courts are now moving towards making the sellers liable for their statements even when these statements are sometimes considered puffing (Hansen Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. 276 Fd 254). Representations expressed and disseminated in the mass communications media and on labels that are proven to be false and a resulting damage to the buyer is caused, then the sellers generally cannot escape liability (Randy Knitwear, Inc. v American Cyanamid Co. 11 NY2d 5). Warranty Against Infringement The law provides that a there is, in all sales, an implied warranty against infringement. The doctrine states that the seller warrants that the goods he is selling is free from any third-party claim, to wit: Unless otherwise agreed a seller who is a merchant regularly dealing in goods of the kind warrants that the goods shall be delivered free of the rightful claim of any third person by way of infringement or the like but a buyer who furnishes specifications to the seller must hold the seller harmless against any such claim which arises out of compliance with the specifications. (UCC 2 312 par. 3). Disputes regarding warranties against infringement commonly arise when because of the buyers negligence, he is unable to ascertain, through careful examination, the status of the goods. This is common when the good bought was fenced. Letters of Credit: Their Importance and Inner Workings It is now commonplace to transact business using documents rather than money, one of the most used commercial documents is the letter of credit. A letter of credit is an instrument issued by a bank on behalf of its customers, the buyer, authorizing a seller of merchandise to draw drafts on the issuing bank (or one of its correspondents) for the issuers account, provided the seller complies with the conditions agreed upon by the buyer and the issuing bank (Rabkin, 1978). In this type of transaction, the bank uses its reputation in place of its customer since the latter is less-likely to be well-known, to guaranty the fulfillment of a transaction (Rabkin, 1978) Basically, a promise by a reliable third party (the bank) to pay the seller if the latter performs its obligations to a buyer, is what a letter of credit purports to be (Rabkin, 1978). This promise is enforceable by the seller against the bank even if he is not privy to the bank and buyers agreement. After the transaction, the buyer shall then reimburse the issuing bank based on the manner they have agreed upon. The buyer may either deposit funds in the issuing bank or he might already have funds with the bank and the price shall be deducted from his account with the bank. The buyer, however, shall only reimburse the issuing bank after the seller has complied with all the terms of the agreement between the seller and the buyer. If the issuing bank pays the seller, regardless of whether the seller has complied with all the terms of its agreement with the buyer, the buyer shall not be liable to reimburse the bank since reimbursement is preconditioned on the faithful compliance of the seller of all the terms of the agreement. Delivery Term: Free On Board Free on Board (FOB) is a delivery term used in shipping goods. Free on Board in modern times may either be Free on Board Shipping Point or Free on Board Destination (Ivey). There is a huge difference between the two terms since the liabilities of both buyer and seller are determined by the term used. FOB Shipping Point means that the Buyer pays the freight for the goods, consequently, he also assumes liability for the good while it is in transit. All loss that may occur to the goods, fortuitous causes notwithstanding, shall be for the sole account of the buyer. The seller assumes no liability until he acquires possession of the property or it has been delivered to his warehouse. On the other hand, FOB Destination means that the Supplier pays the freight of the goods, which consequently imputes on him all liability for any loss suffered by the goods while it is on transit (GSA.gov). The reason for the liability of the seller in FOB Destination and the buyer in FOB Shipping Point is based on ownership. In these two cases, the ownership of the goods is transferred from one party to the other on the point indicated in the FOB, thus FOB Shipping Point means that the ownership from the buyer to the seller is transferred on in the point where the goods are shipped, whereas, FOB Destination, means that the ownership of the goods is retained by the supplier until the goods arrive at the port of destination agreed upon. References Distillers Distributing Corp. v. Sherwood Distilling Co. 180 F2d 800 Hansen Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. 276 Fd 254 Ivey. Free on Board (FOB). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.ivey.uwo.ca/academic/pre-business/bus257/First%20Term%20Lecture%20Notes/Free%20on%20Board%20Lecture.pdf MacCluney v. Kelsey-Hayes Wheel Co., 87 F. Supp. 58 Rabkin, J. & Johnson, M.H. (1978). Current Legal Forms with Tax Analysis.. New York, New York: Matthew Bender. Randy Knitwear, Inc. v American Cyanamid Co. 11 NY2d 5 Uniform Commercial Code of the United States Williston on Contracts (1979). Rochester, New York: The Lawyers Co-operative Publishing Co.

Estimating lines and angles Essays

Estimating lines and angles Essays Estimating lines and angles Essay Estimating lines and angles Essay We were set a piece of coursework that involved asking people to guess the line and the angle size that were drawn on a piece of paper. We had to collect data, analyse it and then draw up a conclusion. The method- I drew a line on a blank piece of paper and on another blank sheet I drew an angle. I then asked 15 girls and 15 boys from y10 to estimate the line and angle. I didnt know the sizes at this point so that there was no way I could give people any clues. When I collected my data it was randomly stratified. This was because I asked any body in my year that I came across I didnt choose. But it was also stratified in that I made sure I asked 15 boys and 15 girls. This is the table I will use to collect all my results on: The hypotheses- I made three hypotheses and I will try to carry out two of them if I have time. Hypothesis 1: I think that more people will do better at guessing the angle because you can work out 90 degrees and then guess the last bit. Estimating a line is much harder as it is harder to imagine a centimetre or say 15 centimetres. Hypothesis 2: I think that girls will be better at estimating than boys estimate as girls are normally more careful then boys. They will probably take more time to estimate, so there estimate will be more accurate. Hypothesis 3: I think that older people will be better at estimating as they will be wiser and more familiar with estimating lines and angles. Method (continued): I gathered all my results then typed them out on the computer so it could work things out for me. Here are my results: sex age line est. true line diff. % error abs. angle est. true angle diff. % error Abs. f 15 9 8.5 0.5 5.9 5.9 105 122 17 -13.9 13.9 f 15 9 8.5 0.5 5.9 5.9 125 122 -3 2.5 2.5 f 15 10 8.5 1.5 17.6 17.6 120 122 2 -1.6 1.6 m 15 7 8.5 -2 -17.6 17.6 110 122 12 -9.8 9.8 m 15 8 8.5 -1 -5.9 5.9 140 122 -18 14.8 14.8 m 15 6 8.5 -3 -29.4 29.4 162 122 -40 32.8 32.8 m 15 6 8.5 -3 -29.4 29.4 110 122 12 -9.8 9.8 f 15 8 8.5 -1 -5.9 5.9 150 122 -28 23.0 23.0 m 15 7 8.5 -2 -17.6 17.6 160 122 -38 31.1 31.1 m 15 8 8.5 -1 -5.9 5.9 120 122 2 -1.6 1.6 m 15 10 8.5 1.5 17.6 17.6 145 122 -23 18.9 18.9 m 15 7 8.5 -2 -17.6 17.6 160 122 -38 31.1 31.1 f 15 10 8.5 1.5 17.6 17.6 167 122 -45 36.9 36.9 f 15 7 8.5 -2 -17.6 17.6 135 122 -13 10.7 10.7 f 15 7.5 8.5 -1 -11.8 11.8 150 122 -28 23.0 23.0 f 15 7 8.5 -2 -17.6 17.6 150 122 -28 23.0 23.0 m 15 8 8.5 -1 -5.9 5.9 130 122 -8 6.6 6.6 m 15 9 8.5 0.5 5.9 5.9 120 122 2 -1.6 1.6 f 15 9 8.5 0.5 5.9 5.9 115 122 7 -5.7 5.7 f 15 7 8.5 -2 -17.6 17.6 120 122 2 -1.6 1.6 f 15 10 8.5 1.5 17.6 17.6 120 122 2 -1.6 1.6 m 15 11 8.5 2.5 29.4 29.4 140 122 -18 14.8 14.8 m 15 17 8.5 8.5 100.0 100.0 93 122 29 -23.8 23.8 m 15 8.5 8.5 0 0.0 0.0 139 122 -17 13.9 13.9 m 15 6 8.5 -3 -29.4 29.4 145 122 -23 18.9 18.9 m 15 7 8.5 -2 -17.6 17.6 135 122 -13 10.7 10.7 m 15 7.5 8.5 -1 -11.8 11.8 120 122 2 -1.6 1.6 f 15 9 8.5 0.5 5.9 5.9 160 122 -38 31.1 31.1 f 15 12 8.5 3.5 41.2 41.2 125 122 -3 2.5 2.5 f 15 7 8.5 -2 -17.6 17.6 120 122 2 -1.6 1.6 I have included an absolute value of percentage column in my table so I could work out the percentage error correctly. If I just used the percentage error my results wouldnt be accurate. This is because if people guessed below then a minus sign was in the column. These minus signs would cancel out some of the positive numbers when I was working out the average. I then did two graphs for the percentage error of the line and the angle: I can see from these graphs that someone did actually estimate the angle correctly. This was a shock to me as it goes against my hypothesis that it is easier to estimate lines than angles. Many people were close to zero for both the line and the angle. But I didnt think these graphs were very useful as they had different scales so visually they werent very accurate. I worked out the range for both the line and the angle percentage error: Line: 129.4 Angle: 60.7 This supports my first hypothesis, but as it is clear from the graphs there were a few anomalies from both the line and the angle estimates. This could have made the range in accurate. I have done both the results on one graph as well so can see which ones were closer to zero with them both on the same scale: I supported my hypothesis further by calculating the average percentage error for the angle and the line. I did this by using the absolute value columns in my table, here are the results: Line: 18.2 Angle: 14.0 As you can see the average percentage error for the angle was lower than the average percentage error for the line. This does support my hypothesis further and proves people do find it easier to estimate angles than lines. I think the person who estimated the line correctly was just lucky rather than skilled because the line wasnt a whole number so it shouldnt have been easy to estimate. However, it was a simple decimal with it being 5 which is a sensible decimal to estimate. I dont think that the angle wasnt very easy to estimate either as I put it on a slant so that it would be harder to work out 90à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½

He implications of asymmetric information for the function of markets Essay

He implications of asymmetric information for the function of markets at both the microeconomic and macroeconomic levels - Essay Example The situation where the market produces more or less than the ideal or the optimal amount of a particular good, it is regarded as the market failure in terms of economics There are several factors that results in the market failure like externalities and monopoly power, and asymmetric information.Еhe implications of asymmetric information for the function of markets at both the microeconomic and macroeconomic levels.In an analysis of the competitive market structure it is always assumed that the buyers and the sellers have perfect knowledge about the market. But in reality this does not happens. When the available information about any product is more with someone than the others then the arisen situation is of market failure and the phenomenon is termed as â€Å"asymmetric information†. The information about the product is an important factor and if the quality of the goods could be judged about whether it being excellent or inferior then the price would have adjusted acc ording to the quality differences. Asymmetry and Market failure and the need of the government intervention A. Market failure and the used car market The situation of information asymmetry leading to market failure is best understood by the example of used cars. In a transaction of a used car, a seller would always know more than the buyer. Considering a case of a second hand Chevrolet Malibu which would cost $15,000 in an ‘average’ condition, if the condition of the car is ‘excellent’, that would cost $18,000 and if the condition of the car is ‘poor’, the car will be priced at $12,000.... without any excellent car will be ready to pay not more than $13500 that is the average price of the cars, which are either in average or poor condition. This in turn will prevent the average car owners from offering their car at such a low price. So at the end the market forces will adjust itself to equilibrium for the poor cars at the selling price of $12000. This is an example of market failure where the market for the excellent and average cars does not exist due to the asymmetry of information. This is a situation of quality uncertainties where the high quality goods are driven out by the low quality goods. (Chauhan, n. d, pp. 224-225) This is explained with the help of a diagram: PH SH P E P’ E’ DH DH’ DH† 0 Q’ Q Figure 1 (a) PL p’ e' SL p e DL’ DL 0 q q’ Figure 1(b) Source: Chauhan, n. d, pp. 224-225 In the diagram Figure 1 (a) DH represents the demand for high quality goods, SH, the supply for high quality goods. They int ersect at the point E where the quantity OQ must be demanded and it must be supplied at OP price. Due to the asymmetry of information, the same amount OQ is demanded at a lower price E†. As the buyers are uncertain about the quality of the product they treat the high quality good as the low quality good and hence the demand curve shifts downwards to DH’. At this lower price some of the seller refuses to sell the product which causes the supply to fall from OQ to OQ’. Hence the new equilibrium is at E’, where the DH’ intersects S H. The OQ amount of high quality goods is sold at a price OP’.As there exists quality uncertainty the demand curve is expected to further slide down to DH† which does not intersect with the supply curve SH at all. This shows how the market for high quality goods fails. In the figure 1(b),

A Case Examination of Policy for Natural Resource Management Essay

A Case Examination of Policy for Natural Resource Management - Essay Example In terms of public sentiment it’s understood that there is substantial public divide in regards to zoning considerations. The older residents of the town generally reject increased zoning and public policy measures, while the newer residents have sought a more structured policy. Adding to the dilemma are two major land use considerations; namely, the land areas in question contribute in substantial ways to the Albany metropolitan region’s water supply, and an impact on the surrounding natural habitat. In addition to these natural concerns, there are concerns related to changes in the social environment and increased need for infrastructure to meet the demands of development. One of the notable features of the public community is that while older and newer residents disagree on the extent of public control the land should be under, they both are in agreement in regards to the sorts of preservation that should occur. In these regards, the question becomes more one of gove rnmental control than it does of disagreements over the types of measures that should be enacted. Even as the older residents oppose government policy measures, it’s clear that they must be enacted; as such, the following policies represent a compromise between desires for land control and the need for regulatory measures. Zoning In terms of zoning there are a number of concerns that must be addressed when deciding on a course of action. The most overarching concern is the balance that must be achieved between land-use and water supply. This policy reports recommends that a comprehensive investigation be made into the proportion of land use and water supply that is necessary for the adjoining reservoir. In developing a suitable compromise between old and new residents a zoning policy were be enacted with different regulations for current and future residents. Upon determining these figures, zoning will be determined along a proportion system. In these regards, there will be established a policy that balances resident seniority and land size, with zoning policy. Transfer and Purchase of Development Rights; Land Trusts; Differential Property Taxation While current landowners will experience a proportionate allotment of land-use within the specified figures, the transfer and purchase of development right s to future owners will be given increased restrictions. In these regards, individuals seeking to purchase development rights for recreational procedures will only be able to do so within the boundaries of the proportionate measures. Current land owners seeking to transfer development rights to outside parties will need to do so within the proportionate standards that are established by the water supply statistics. This will ensure that the base land needs for the adjoining reservoir will never be circumvented through increased land use. Another major concern of current residents was maintaining the current social climate, as well as the increased infrastructure needs brought on by the new residents. As a means of addressing these concerns it’s recommended that the regional authority institute differential property taxation. In these regards, outside of the proportional restrictions put in place for the adjoining reservoir, there will be no zoning that restricts the developme nt of a specific type of use. However, the regional authority will institute a quarterly tax rate that is designed to regulate the transfer, purchase, and development of property. It is understood that increased taxation on recreational land use will slow down development in this zone. This will ensure that a steady social climate is maintained and that the region has the funding to support increased infrast

Analysis of Information Technology in Public Sector

Analysis of Information Technology in Public Sector Chapter 1 Introduction Countries and governments in the world try to develop and extend their business and economies throughout built relation and agreements among them for the exchange and transaction for different kind of trades through out what call e-government to facilitate communicating and transmitting the information between these countries, and to achieve these, they need to adopt the information technology as infrastructure for e-government purposes (Traunmiiller and Klaus Lenk, 2002). So, information technology IT, digital and networking considered a crucial requirements for the companies to extend their operation scope in the global. So organizational spending on information technology (IT) and utilize the technology to support different strategic and operational objectives to give the strength for the competitive strategy (support the different aspects of business), (Venkatesh Morris Davis Davis, 2003). Therefore, Information technology can be defined in various ways Like information technology includes hardware, software and telecommunication equipment which is used to capture, process, and store and distribute information ( Global text -information system-Richard T. Watson -2007Â ¬chapter 1). Also information technology refers to office, computing machines, communications equipment, instruments, photocopiers and related equipment, and software and related services (Brynjolfsson, 1991). Even Information Technology (IT) refers to Any equipment, or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment which is used in the automatic acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission. (DODD 4630.5, January 11, 2002). when the companies attempt to adopt the technology they face problems about the acceptance of the employees for the technology , some companies still cant predict the success from implementing new technology among the employees, some fail in adopting particular technology and some face resistance for accepting or adopting the technology, another companies didnt get the benefits that they expect from accepting or adopting the technology ,therefore, the companies turn to study the technology users conceptual about technology and the factors that could affect the acceptance for the technology (Alsohybe, 2007). Since information technology is supporting our economy throughout the reductions in the cost of obtaining, processing, and transmitting information are changing the way we do business so no company can escape its effects. General Managers know the importance of information technology and how it effect in the work. As more and more they spend their investment capital and their time in information technology and its effects, an executive have a growing awareness that the technology can no longer be the exclusive area of IT departments or IS departments, Executives recognize the need to become directly involved in the management of the new technology since they see their competitors use information for competitive advantage, These In the face of rapid change, however, they dont know how (S Rivard, L Raymond, D Verreault, 2006). In order to help managers respond to the challenges of the information developing and how will advances in information technology affect competition and the sources of competitive advantage and what are the opportunities for investing in information technology. For that managers must first understand the information technology (Yen Subramanian chino, 1997). So this study is going to examine the factors that influence information technology acceptance in the public sector in the republic of YEMEN to enhance the accepting, adopting and the usage of information technology among the workers in the public sector. Beside facilitate the information transaction between the managements and between the government utilities with spotlight in the role of information technology strategies in these utilities to support the accepting, adoption for the technology. Even this study is going to examine the support of the government to adopt the information technology as government infrastructure toward E-government. Republic of Yemens Background The Republic of Yemen is an Arab country located in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bounded on the north by Saudi Arabia and by the Arab Sea. Oman lies in the west of the Republic of Yemen and the Red Sea lies in the west of the Republic of Yemen. The total area of the Republic of Yemen is about 555,000 square Kilometer, and the population of the Republic of Yemen is 18 million. The official language of the country is Arabic and Islam is the official religion of the country. The ethnic groups in the Republic of Yemen are predominantly Arab, but also Afro-Arab, South Asians, Europeans. The Yemeni Rial (YR) is the official currency unit, but visitors can exchange most of the international currencies in exchange establishments or banks all over towns. Currently, the Republic of Yemen is enjoying a stable political, economic, and social system based on respect and openness with the rest of the world. This stability provides an opportunity for the country to improve its economy and service provision to its citizen and move along with the rest of the world. The Republic of Yemen has three national independence days: September 26, 1962 when the king of North the Republic of Yemen, at that time, was overthrown and making the country a republic instead of a kingdom, November 30, 1967 when South the Republic of Yemen, at that time, had become independent from United Kingdom. The Unification Day on May 22, 1990, when the Republic of Yemen was established by the merger of South the Republic of Yemen and North the Republic of Yemen. The legal system of the Republic of Yemen is based on Islamic law, Turkish law, English common law, and local tribal customary law. The Republic of Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the Arab World. It has reported strong growth since 2000, and its economic fortunes depend mostly on oil. (CIA The World Fact book Yemen profile about Yemen, 2005: Countries, L. D, 2009) Since the unification of the Republic of Yemen in 1990, the president was determined to establish a new way of governance. The government represented by the president initiated a plan to develop the new country infrastructure and build a democratic administrative system, which is responsible for the provision of public services to all Yemenis whether in the country or abroad. Since 1990, the Republic of Yemen has been trying to pursue a clear social strategy for developing new sources of income for its people, find new ways of investment in the country, reform the government, and establish new private sector participation to enhance the economical growth of the country (Ministry of Development, Republic of Yemen, 2000). The main objective of the government now and then was to improve the efficiency of the governmental administrative capabilities for better and improved services. The Republic of Yemen long-terms strategy aimed to develop a reliable and efficient administration and government by improving and reforming its ministries and institutions to deliver better public services for all its citizens and gain recognition around the world. However, not all the goals were aimed at improving the governmental functions were achieved. There are still problems facing the government plan to reform like, inflated bureaucracy, lack of collaboration between ministries and agencies, illiteracy, and a lack of direct vision of the future of the country. In its attempt to overcome these problems, the government of the Republic of Yemen has launched a reform project using information technology to implement e-government in the next couple of Years. The implementation of information technology will lead into collaboration between governmental agencies and lead to integrated databases that can be accessed by any agency any time thus delivering rapid and efficient service to the public. Communication and Information Technology in the Republic of Yemen Comparing to other countries around the world, The Republic of Yemen is still lagging in term of using information technology. Tables 1 and 2 compare the Republic of Yemen to other countries around the world and show that the Republic of Yemen is still one of the lowest countries in term of using computers and Internet, telephone usage, and e government readiness. This study was prepared by the National Information Center of the Republic of Yemen, which was submitted to the Republic of Yemens Presidential Office and to the Shura Council on June 2005 as part of a workshop title E-government between reality and expected goals in the Republic of Yemen (Alsohybe, 2007). Table l : Computers for Every 100 People and Internet Usage per 100 People for the World and for Some Countries Including the Republic of Yemen Country/Group PC Percentage (%) per 100 people Internet usage per 100 people The World 7.74 15.47 Arab World 2.04 5.57 U.S.A 65.89 55.14 Canada 48.7 51.28 Malaysia 14.68 31.97 Egypt 1.66 2.82 Yemen 0.79 0.51 Note: E-Government between Reality and Expected Goals in the Republic of Yemen, by (Yemen, National Information Center, 2005. Sanaa, Yemen, p.10). Table 2: E-government Readiness for Some Countries Including the Republic of Yemen Country Web Measurement Communications Human Resources General Indicator international U.S.A 1.00 .0770 .0970 .0913 1 Canada 0.873 0.668 0.970 0.837 7 Malaysia 0.490 0.302 0.830 0.541 42 Egypt 0.100 0_066 0.630 0.265 136 Yemen 0.054 0.040 0.490 0.195 154 Note: E-Government between Reality and Expected Goals in the Republic of Yemen, by (Yemen National Information Center, 2005, Sanaa, Yemen, p. Background of the Problem In the increasingly global today, information technology (IT) spread unpredictably that because IT considers substantial investment for organizations in all different aspects. Technology used to support the strategy and operational goals Countries and governments all over the world try to develop and extend their business and economies throughout built relation and agreements among them for the exchange and transaction for different trade aspects through out what call e=government to facilitate communicating and transmitting the information between these countries, and to achieve these, there is need to adopt the information technology as infrastructure for E-government purposes. (Traunmuller and Klaus Lenk, 2002) But unfortunately acquiring appropriate IT is not a sufficient condition for utilizing it effectively. Information technology importance for adopt E-government and in order to avoid the failure in adopting E-government. Also because the change in the environment and technology the companies trying to keep going with these changes. The companies spend a lot in investing in the technology in order to empower its internal, external performance and the productivity (Alsohybe, 2007). Some employees in the organizations not used the IT effectively or are not used, despite the extending in the investment in IT. This led the organization to inappropriate investment and west the opportunities even remain the company undeveloped. So the workers in IS and the management under pressure to locate the financial and organizational benefits from the IT investment. In order to help managers and IS practitioners to determine the factors or the motivators for IT usage and the acceptance of individuals for IT usage in order to reduce the cost and attain the maximum return of the investment in IT from the beginning (Lopez Manson, 1997; Dadayan Ferro, 2005). Problem statement The problem statements is that it is expected that all companies adopting, using effectively and having information technology, however, in the reality, not all the companies adopt, use effectively or use the information technology. However, in the reality, not all employees in those organizations accept, adopt, use effectively or use the information technology. That means there is a gap between the ideal or the maximum usage for the information technology among the Yemeni government employees and the reality or the actual usage for the information technology inside those organizations. This leads to investigate or examine the determinants and characteristics such as (individual characteristics, system characteristics, social characteristics, institutional characteristics) which are of effecting in using or adopting such technology. Many researchers in information technology IT and information system IS support the necessity for study the factors affecting the IT acceptance and its relation with the employees performance: The study was conducted by (Venkatesh Morris Davis Davis, 2003) to compare eight models and validate the new theory named the unified model The study recommended that: Future research should identify the underlying influential mechanisms potential candidates here include computer literacy and social or cultural background, among others. Even The role of social influence and its change over time and may help explain some of the equivocal results helping to clarify the contingent nature of social influences. Current theoretical perspectives on individual acceptance are notably weak in providing prescriptive guidance to designers. For example applying any of the models might inform a designer that some set of individuals might find a new system difficult to use. Even the study recommended future study include system characteristics and self-efficacy And task technology fit. The study said that further work should attempt to identify and test additional boundary conditions of the model UTAUT in an attempt to provide an even richer understanding of technology adoption and usage behavior. Even different user groups, individuals in different functional areas and other organizational contexts (public or government institutions) Another study was conducted in SAUDIA ARABI (AL Gahtani, 2004) to examine the technology acceptance theory in their culture recommended more studies in the technology acceptance with focusing in the social and culture factors and using different methodologies. Also the study which conducted by (Gorke, 2006) mention about the important of farther research for determining the factors influence the decision of using particular system and the acceptance for any new system. Even the study (Yalcinkaya B.A M.S, 2007) which conducted in TURKISH in police office recommended for more studies considering other possible psychosocial or contextual variables that may affect behavioral intention of information technology usage. Beside The study (Almutairi, 2007) which conducted in Kuwaiti ministries to examine the technology acceptance theory in their culture found that there is needed to test the TAM in other culture to insure is it globalization of the model and the possibility to use in different cultures. More over The study was conducted in china (Kim lee law, 2007) This study makes an attempt to investigate the relationship between antecedents including information system quality, perceived value, and users acceptance of hotel front office systems (HFOSs) and the Results show information system quality affects users beliefs in HFOSs, it is important to realize that other factors may also play an important role in user beliefs. These factors include computer use experience and the study suggested Different studies can be performed on IT, targeting other technology systems .it is important to find factors other than perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived value that can affect the attitude towards technology acceptance. A few areas can be further examined in future studies in hotels as well as in other organizations. Even the study was conducted by (Smith, 2008) recommended more study for the technology acceptance within the private and the public sectors. According to (Agarwal, 2000) the importance of individual differences as a significant theoretical construct in technology acceptance is indisputable. Also, he recommends for farther studies in the training as individual difference variables. Even, the study supports that technology acceptance can be facilitated by utilizing other interventions that directly affect beliefs such as training and developing a learning culture. Also, in YEMEN the usage of the information is 10% from the system capability and that was not expected. So, there is need for investigate the reasons which inhibited the organization from getting the ideal usage from the system (wards from the minister of information technology and the vice general manager of the PTC public telecommunication corporation in Yemen KAKAL AL JABRI KAMAL HASAN, 2007). Therefore, there is a concurrent need to develop and gain empirical support for models of technology acceptance within the public sector, and to examine technology acceptance and utilization issues among public employees to improve the success of IS implementation in this arena and to explore the government role to support the adoption for information technology within the public utilities employees even as strategy or as logistic support. Even examine the role of the information technology strategy in controlling the factors influence the acceptance for technology to develop and improve the employees performance. This paper presents more comprehensive, by using model of technology acceptance and suggest testing it in public sector (Alsohybe, 2007). Research Objectives 1. To examine the status of technology acceptance and utilization issues among public employees to improve the success of IS acceptance and implementation in the following theory: To examine individual differences which are effecting on the acceptance for any new technology among the employees in the public sector. To examine which of system feature that influences in acceptance the technology To examine the social factors that influences the acceptance for any new technology among the employees in the public sector. To examine institutional factors which are influencing the acceptance for any new technology among the employees in the public sector. 2 To evaluate the role of strategy in affecting on the factors that influence the acceptance for any new technology. Research questions To examine the status of technology acceptance and utilization issues among public employees to improve the success of IS acceptance and implementation in the following theory: Is there effect for individual differences on the acceptance for any new technology among the employees in the public sector? Are there effects for the system feature on the acceptance for any new technology? What are the influences of the social factors on the acceptance for any new technology among the employees in the public sector? Is there effect for the institutional factors on the acceptance for any new technology among the employees in the public sector? What is the role of strategy in affecting the factors that influence the acceptance for any new technology? Purpose of the study The study plans to examine the status of technology acceptance and utilization issues among managers and employees in the public sector as individuals to~ improve the success of IS acceptance and implementation in this area. This study aims to explore the government role to support the adoption for information technology within the employees in the public sector. Even, the study will evaluate the strategy role in controlling the variables that influences the acceptance for the information technology, and explore the information technology company characteristics that have been used in public companies in Yemen. The government of the Republic of Yemen has an opportunity to improve the progresses and prepares its people to meet the challenges of accepting and implementing information technology in the work place to provide information and services for its citizens from any place at any time. By using IT, government of the Republic of Yemen will be able to overcome the communication problem, improve government efficiency, develop alternative sources of income, and improve the livelihood of all its citizens. The Yemeni government is committed to improve the way it is conducting its day-to-day work by adopting an information technology. Scope of study The study will conduct in the public sector in the republic of Yemen. The study target will be the managers and employees as individuals in the ministries and some utilities belong to the government. This will be achieved by survey Significance of the Study According to the study (Smith, 2008) which aimed to delineate IT differences between the public and private sectors. The study argued that private sector using the information technology more than the public sector that due to many reasons individual differences is one of these reasons, so this study was encouraged to study the acceptance and implementation of the information technology among the individuals in the public sector. Even, this study is trying to add the culture as independent variable for the technology acceptance model TAM, TAM2 and TAM3 as empirical study and contribution, this research will examine the acceptance and implementation of technologies in a very conservative and traditional society like The Republic of Yemen society where culture and religion dominate the way people live and perceive changes around them and can affect their acceptance or resentment of such innovation. Also, the study combined TAM, TAM2 by setting the attitude as mediated in the relation between the believes perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and the intention to use which was deleted in the technology acceptance model TAM2 and TAM3. Also, many studies were conducted to examine three variables affecting the technology acceptance such as individual differences, system feature and social influence and some studies examine individual differences, system feature and institutional factors, however, this study aims to examine the four factors because of the effect of each variable in the acceptance of the technology and its effect on the other variables. Also, this study uses mixed theories to give more explanatory power for the technology acceptance. Also, this study aims to predicting the behavior of the managers and employees for accept the information technology is critical issue for the companies because the important of the information technology in the government utilities in order to enhance its internal and external performance in facilitating the work flaw and smooth transferring of the information among the individuals in the different department in one unit even between the units in the public sector. Chapter 2 Summary for chapter 1 From-the -previous chapter which presents the problem statement, accept, adopting, using effectively and using information technology, however, in the reality, not all employees in those organizations accept, adopting, using, effectively and using the information technology, his means there is a gap between the ideal usage for the information technology among the employees of the Yemeni government and the reality of the usage for the technology inside those organizations. This leads to investigate and examine the determinants and characteristics (individual differences, system characteristic, social characteristics, institutional characteristic) which are effecting in accepting, adopting for such technology. 2.1 Introduction 2.1.1- The importance of Information Technology Rapidly advanced scientific and technological innovations, economic turbulence and uncertainty are some factors that underlie the importance of information technology investment. IT enables organizations to have the capabilities to do some adaptations proactively, so IT becomes an integral part, even a pivotal part of business activities and processes undertaken by any organization (Chau Hu, 2002), from that, question appears about the necessity to invest in IT in order to the organizations can get the benefits from adopting the information technology and to insure the success in the adoption, Agarwal and Karahanna (2000) see the success in this investment will be a valuable when IT utilized by the intended user in the way that contributes to the strategy and the operational goals of the organization, so the user acceptance of IT is the fundamental for the success of IT investment. The importance of technology comes from that Technology has an important impact on innovation and the development of societies and economies. This impact can be observed in three steps, the first step is substitution, new technology substitutes for the old. For example, consumers start substituting their fixed telephone lines with mobile telephones. The second step is the diffusion, when adopting the new technology is widely across society because it is law cost or better or more effective than the previous technology. The final step is transformation when the new technology ways start working and emerging because the new technology is diffused so widely in society. For example, the widespread adoption of the networking has led to interesting innovations in the communication patterns of individuals such as executives conducting business while waiting in airport lounges or traveling in trains DUTTA MIA, 2006)World Economic Forum. ICT offers more opportunities for economic development and plays very important role in international competitiveness, rapid economic change, and productive capacity of improvements for developing countries. ICTs offer the developing countries many opportunities, as it has done in the developed world, when it created unprecedented possibilities for them. Studies have emphasized that there is evidence of a strong linkage between GDP growth and ICT investment showing the importance of ICT investment for development. Acquiring IT to support business needs is clearly a crucial prerequisite to exploiting the potential of IT. Unfortunately acquiring appropriate IT is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for utilizing it effectively. Organizations (i.e., leaders and managers) make primary adoption decisions, yet it is individuals within the firm who are the ultimate users and consumers of IT. Thus, it is evident that true business value from any information technology would derive only through appropriate use by its target user group. In other words, systems that are not utilized will not deliver the returns anticipated by managers. Evidence suggests that individual users can exhibit a variety of different behaviors when confronted with a new information technology: They may completely reject it and engage in sabotage or active resistance they may only partially utilize its functionality, or they may wholeheartedly embrace the technology and the opportunities it offers. Obviously, each behavior has some consequential outcomes both negative and positive for managers (Agarwal, 2000). Also, Organizations have increased their investment in information technology IT for planning in order to increase the efficiency of their business processes. Support management decision making and improve productivity. So IT become important tool to attaining competitive advantage for the organization and improves employees productivity and efficiency (Kim Lee Law, 2007), besides, -Many researches investigate the relation between IT investment and increase the productivity and the performance in the companies one of studies (sircar et al, 2000) which found several organization success with the spending on the IT but others were failed. (Agarwal karahanna, 2000) argue in this result that IT investment will be successful when IT utilized by the organization intended user in the way contribute to the strategy and the goals of the firms. Thus user acceptance is the key for the successes of the IT investment (Darsono, 2005), Even, for more than two decades information technology has be en the focus for researcher in information system this is because IT considers as the key to lead the organization for the good performance so many researches focus in the initial usage for IT or continuous usage for IT. 2.2- The advantages and disadvantages from adopting informationtechnology 2.2.1 The advantages Information technology uses to support the competitive strategy in helping the companies to reduce the costs of the company to give special offer for its products and services and give better care about customers and suppliers and to develop unions among the company and the company with the environment around the company and increase the virtue of its investment in IT resources. By using the information technology the organization or the companies will be able to develop the value of its business throughout making the customer value the focus of its strategy which is to keep track of its customers preferences to supply its products and services anytime anywhere by using the internet or intranet and extranet(e-commerce websites). A lot of organizations/companies use information technology and internet to reengineering its business process because information technology can make integration for the organization to work for the same goal of the organization and this improves the design of the work flows or the requirements of the job even the organization structures even improve the efficiency and the effectiveness. Information technology provides the communicatio

Egoism in Crime and Punishment :: Crime Punishment Essays

Egoism in Crime and Punishment An egocentric attitude can be seen in Fyodor Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment. Dostoyevsky's young Raskolnikov is staggeringly arrogant. Raskolnikov commits a murder and a failed robbery in the story. His journey in overcoming his ego can be seen through his initial crime, denial of failure, and acceptance of mistakes. Raskolnikov commits his initial crime out of arrogance. "The old hag is nothing.... I killed not a human being," he says. (245) Raskolnikov feels that he has justification for killing the pawn broker. He thinks that the woman has no reason to live. He believes that the woman is less than a human, and that he is a superior being. Raskolnikov thinks that he has a right to kill. After the botched crime Raskolnikov is plagued his failures. "He was conscious at the time that he had forgotten something that he ought not forget, and he tortured himself." (107) After he carelessly kills both women, and allows for the evidence to be found, Raskolnikov realizes he did not commit the perfect crime. This devastates his ego, so he tries to cling to his previous self perception. He is also plagued with feelings of guilt. His guilt, combined with the mistakes he made during the crime, shatter his self perception of perfection. When Raskolnikov surrenders he accepts his mistakes and rejects his self-centered attitude. "It was I who killed the old woman and her sister, Lizaveta, with an axe, and robbed them," Raskolnikov confesses. (476) With his surrender he not only accepts his methodical mistakes in the execution of the crime, but he sees something beyond himself. He begins to see the magnitude and horror of his act. He had taken a life. By realizing the immorality of his crime and rejecting his self glorifying mind set, Raskolnikov accepts his own humanity. In Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment, Raskolnikov's initial crime, failure, and acceptance of mistakes are his road to overcoming his ego, as well as self discovery.

Landscape Architecture

BUILD ENVIRONMENT The term built environment refers to the human-made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity, ranging in scale from buildings and parks or green space to neighborhoods and cities that can often include their supporting infrastructure, such as water supply, or energy networks. The built environment is a material, spatial and cultural product of human labor that combines physical elements and energy in forms for living, working and playing. It has been defined as â€Å"the human-made space in which people live, work, and recreate on a day-to-day basis†.The â€Å"built environment encompasses places and spaces created or modified by people including buildings, parks, and transportation systems†. In recent years, public health research has expanded the definition of â€Å"built environment† to include healthy food access, community gardens, â€Å"walkabilty†, and â€Å"bikability†. Early concepts of built environments w ere introduced thousands of years ago. Hippodamus of Miletos, known as the â€Å"father of urban planning†, developed Greek cities from 498 BC to 408 BC that created order by using grid plans that mapped the city.These early city plans eventually gave way to the City Beautiful movement in the late 1800s and early 1900s, inspired by Daniel Hudson Burnham, a reformist for the Progressivism movement who actively promoted â€Å"a reform of the landscape in tandem with political change†. The effort was in partnership with others who believed that beautifying American cities would improve the moral compass of the cities and encourage the upper class to spend their money in cities. This beautification process included parks and architectural design. Modern built environmentCurrently built environments are typically used to describe the interdisciplinary field that addresses the design, construction, management, and use of these man-made surroundings as an interrelated whole a s well as their relationship to human activities over time (rather than a particular element in isolation or at a single moment in time). The field is generally not regarded as a traditional profession or academic discipline in its own right, instead drawing upon areas such as economics, law, public policy, public health, management, geography, design, technology, and environmental sustainability.Within the field of public health, built environments are referred to as building or renovating areas in an effort to improve the community’s well-being through construction of â€Å"aesthetically, health improved, and environmentally improved landscapes and living structures†. Urban planning The term â€Å"urban planning† indicates that much of the environment we inhabit is man-made and that these artificial surroundings are so extensive and cohesive that with regards to the consumption of resources, waste disposal, and productive enterprise, they are similar to organi sms.Public health In public health, built environments refer to physical environments that are designed with health and wellness as integral parts of the communities. Research has indicated that how neighborhoods are created can affect both the physical activity and mental health of the communities’ residents. Studies have shown that built environments that were expressly designed to improve physical activity are linked to higher rates of physical activity, which in turn, positively affects health.Neighborhoods with more walkability had lower rates of obesity as well as increased physical activity among its residents. They also had lower rates of depression, higher social capital, and less alcohol abuse. Walkability features in these neighborhoods include safety, sidewalk construction, as well as destinations in which to walk. In addition, the perception of a walkable neighborhood, one that is perceived to have good sidewalks and connectivity, is correlated with higher rates of physical activity. Assessments of walkability have been completed through the use of GIS programs.One such program, Street Smart Walk Score, is a walkability assessment tool which determines distances to grocery stores and other amenities, as well as connectivity and intersection frequency using specific addresses. Assessments such as Street Smart Walk Score can be utilized by city and county planning departments to improve existing walkability of communities. Public health also addresses additional components of built environments including â€Å"bikeability† and healthy food access such as proximity to grocery stores and community gardens.Bikeability refers to the access that an area has granted to safe biking through multiple bike paths and bike lanes. Both walkability and bikeability have been cited as determinants of physical activity. Access to healthy food is also an important component to the built environment. A higher density of convenience stores has been associ ated with obesity in children. In contrast, improved access to community supermarkets and farmer’s markets is correlated with lower overweight status. Specifically in low income neighborhoods, the presence of a local grocery store is correlated with lower BMI/overweight risk.Community gardens are also considered a part of the built environment, and have been shown to increase fruit and vegetable intake among gardeners. Scholars say that community gardens have also been shown to have positive social and psychological impacts that lead to lower levels of stress, hypertension, and an improved sense of wellness, affecting the overall health of the individual and the community. The intersection of public health with other disciplines is evident in the design process of built environments which includes environmental planning, policy development and land-use planning.Research suggests that people are more active in mixed-use communities or those that incorporate retail and resident ial and densely populated areas as well as those with good street connectivity. Those who preferred to walk and live in walkable environments often have lower obesity rates and drive less over those who preferred living in auto-dependent environments. The strength of the evidence for reducing obesity through environment has been highlighted by the Center for Disease Control in its Common Community Measures for Obesity Prevention Project, which includes measures of healthy food access and physical activity environments.Landscape architecture In landscape architecture, the built environment is understood to mean a human-made landscape, as distinguished from the natural environment; for example, a city park is a built environment. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT The natural environment encompasses all living and non-living things occurring naturally[->0] on Earth[->1] or some region thereof. It is an environment that encompasses the interaction of all living species. The concept of the natural env ironment can be distinguished by components: Complete ecological[->2] units that function as natural[->3] systems without massive human[->4] intervention, including all vegetation[->5], microorganisms[->6], soil[->7], rocks[->8], atmosphere[->9], and natural phenomena[->10] that occur within their boundaries.  §Universal natural resources[->11] and physical phenomena[->12] that lack clear-cut boundaries, such as air[->13], water[->14], and climate[->15], as well as energy[->16], radiation[->17], electric charge[->18], and magnetism[->19], not originating from human activity.The natural environment is contrasted with the built environment[->20], which comprises the areas and components that are strongly influenced by humans. A geographical area is regarded as a natural environment. It is difficult to find absolutely natural environments, and it is common that the naturalness varies in a continuum, from ideally 100% natural in one extreme to 0% natural in the other. More precisely, we can consider the different aspects or components of an environment, and see that their degree of naturalness is not uniform.If, for instance, we take an agricultural field, and consider the mineralogic composition[->21] and the structure[->22] of its soil, we will find that whereas the first is quite similar to that of an undisturbed forest soil, the structure is quite different. Natural environment is often used as a synonym for habitat[->23]. For instance, when we say that the natural environment of giraffes is the savanna[->24]. PLANT STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS The â€Å"Typical† Plant Body The Root System (Usually underground)  §Anchor the plant in the soil  §Absorb water and nutrients  §Conduct water and nutrients Food Storage The Shoot System (Usually above grounds)  §Elevates the plant above the soil  §Many functions including:  §photosynthesis  §reproduction & dispersal  §food and water conduction TYPE OF PLANTS Cacti (Cactus) Cactus plants are well ad apted to hot and dry weather by storing water in their succulent stems. They are also known for their spines, for which they are famous. Flowers Flowers are the reproductive part of angiosperms, also known as flowering plants. Herbs Herbs are used for culinary, medicinal and spiritual uses. In cuisine, the leaves of the herb are normally the only part used.All parts of herbs are used in various medical or spiritual practices. Shrubs and Bushes Usually under 6 m tall, shrubs and bushes are categorized as woody plants. Shrubs have multiple stems and many are covered with flowers of all shapes and sizes. Trees Trees are everywhere in the world. Trees are tall, large and some are very old. Trees are important in fighting soil erosion and responsible for the clean oxygen we breathe. Vegetables The term ‘vegetable' is not actually a scientific classification of a plant, but rather strictly a culinary term.Vegetables are parts of plants (flower buds, seeds, stems, fruits, etc) that a re edible and used in culinary dishes. PLANT Plants, also called green plants (Viridiplantae in Latin), are living organisms of the kingdom Plantae including such multicellular groups as flowering plants, conifers, ferns and mosses, as well as, depending on definition, the green algae, but not red or brown seaweeds like kelp, nor fungi or bacteria. Green plants have cell walls with cellulose and characteristically obtain most of their energy from sunlight via photosynthesis using chlorophyll contained in chloroplasts, which gives them their green color.Some plants are parasitic and may not produce normal amounts of chlorophyll or photosynthesize. Plants are also characterized by sexual reproduction, modular and indeterminate growth, and an alteration of generations, although asexual reproduction is common, and some plants bloom only once while others bear only one bloom. Precise numbers are difficult to determine, but as of 2010, there are thought to be 300–315 thousand speci es of plants, of which the great majority, some 260–290 thousand, are seed plants.Green plants provide most of the world's free oxygen and are the basis of most of the earth's ecologies, especially on land. Plants described as grains, fruits and vegetables form mankind's basic foodstuffs, and have been domesticated for millennia. Plants enrich our lives as flowers and ornaments. Until recently and in great variety they have served as the source of most of our medicines and drugs. Their scientific study is known as botany. [-;0] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Nature [-;1] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Earth [-;2] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Ecological -;3] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Nature [-;4] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Human [-;5] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Vegetation [-;6] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Microorganisms [-;7] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Soil [-;8] – http://en. w ikipedia. org/wiki/Rock_(geology) [-;9] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Atmosphere [-;10] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Natural_phenomenon [-;11] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Natural_resource [-;12] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Physical_phenomena [-;13] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Air -;14] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Water [-;15] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Climate [-;16] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Energy [-;17] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Radiation [-;18] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Electric_charge [-;19] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Magnetism [-;20] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Built_environment [-;21] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Mineralogy [-;22] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Soil_structure [-;23] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Habitat [-;24] – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Savanna