Thursday, October 31, 2019

The external environment of Manchester United Essay - 1

The external environment of Manchester United - Essay Example Brand image can easily be considered as the greatest strength of Manchester United football club. Its brand image is globally recognized. Millions of fans and followers of the football club are present all over the world. Any type of merchandise available in the market having the logo or the name of Manchester United is easily identified by any of its fans all around the world. However the club needs to live up to the expectations of their fans in order to sustain their brand image. Sir Alex Ferguson, the manager of Manchester United for past many years, is one of the powerful and biggest assets for the football club. Manchester United was managed most effectively and efficiently by Sir Alex Ferguson for more than 25 years now and still continuing to do so (Manchester United Ltd., 2012a). He can be regarded as the most successful manager ever in the history of club football in UK. This type of consistency in performance maintained by the club helps in the decision making process rega rding prospective investments made by the company. Sales ticket is also considered to be one of the greatest strength of the club because of the huge fan base it possesses. There is a huge demand for the match tickets and the revenues generated from ticket sales are expected to increase significantly in the upcoming years. However ticket sales are not the only income source for the club. It has its products in offer too which contributes towards a significant portion of the revenues generated by Manchester United. Huge number of retail stores is run by MU and its distribution channel is also quite strong. The variety of products offered by MU can be considered as one of its major weaknesses. It is true that MU has a wide variety of products in offer for their fans, starting from the merchandise products to credit cards. However an area of concern is whether fans were involved in this type of decisions or not?

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Family Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Family Issues - Essay Example Marriage is one of the most fundamental and indispensable social institutions present in human society. This main purpose of an institution of marriage is to satisfy the sex needs of the individuals in a socio-cultural and legal manner. When I think of getting married, my mind cares about my parents, because I want my wife to deal with my parents as I deal with them or better. My parents are very important to me for many reasons. For instance, my mother carried me for nine months in her womb. Secondly, my father cared about me and paid for everything I needed. As such, when I think of getting married, the first thing I will worry about is my parents. I will live in my parents’ house. Therefore, I will do my best to find the wife who is going to respect and deal with them in an ideal way. The sexual intercourse is one of the most important factors in family’s life. Undeniably, no family can live without it. In absence of sexual satisfaction, the couples will turn immoral. In some cases, it leads the wife or the husband to find another sexual partner. There are many positions some of which are pleasant, painful, and others tedious. I will also try other suitable positions as advised by a private medical doctor when my wife is pregnant. Some are however specific to pregnant women and during menstruation. Others are specific for diseases, and stress positions for heart patients and back pain. I believe having a new sexual experience and techniques will make the sexual intercourse more interesting, spiritual, and fun for both of us.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Lustration In Czech Republic And Slovakia Social Policy Essay

Lustration In Czech Republic And Slovakia Social Policy Essay Twenty years after the Velvet Revolution resulting in the change of regime, common feeling prevailing in both, Slovakia and the Czech Republic is disillusion. According to the latest polls of STEM agency, forty years of communist oppression would not discourage 12.3% Czechs to vote for the Communist Party in next election. In Slovakia, the Communist Party would enjoy only 3.1% support as FOCUS agency discovered. However, it cannot be concluded that Czechs excused leaders and collaborators of former regime whereas Slovaks did not. These figures have to be seen in the light of approaches Slovakia and the Czech Republic pursued in coping with their communist past. Absence of the lustration law in Slovakia caused that leaders and collaborators of former regime pervaded into new political system easily, and now can be found in many other parties throughout the political spectrum, apart from the Communist Party. Thus, their actual support cannot be verified. Whereas, the lustration law in the Czech Republic disqualified leaders and collaborators of former regime from holding public positions. This essay tries to argue that although approaches Slovakia and the Czech Republic pursued in coping with their communist past were completely different, surprisingly, none of them led to satisfactory outcomes. This essay primarily presents strengths and weaknesses of the lustration law adopted in 1991, as it applied to the Czech Republic and Slovakia together until its dissolution in 1993. Moreover, with minor changes, it has been valid since then in the Czech Republic. On the contrary, in Slovakia it expired in 1996. This essay describes unfavourable consequences of absence of the lustration law in Slovakia. However, it also mentions harms its existence and strict enforcement did in the Czech Republic. While being a common state, Czechs and Slovaks pursued the same attitude in coping with their communist past. Its Federal Assembly passed the lustration law as the first post communist government on October 4, 1991. This law stated precisely who can and cannot hold certain public positions. A person who was: member of State Secret Police (hereinafter referred to as StB), resident, agent, owner of conspiracy flat, informer, ideological or conscious collaborator of StB, high-ranked official of the Communist Party, member of Peoples Militias, student, or researcher at one of the KGB universities for longer than three months, was excluded from public employment (Act on Lustration 1991). In addition, this law specified more precisely category conscious collaborator as person recorded in StB files as confident or candidate for collaboration (1991). The lustration law, valid until 1996, obliged everyone holding a leading public position, including public enterprises, courts, media outlets and higher education institutions to require the Interior Ministry for lustration certificate, of 8-euro value (Lustration Act 1991). However, lustrations happened even before putting the lustration law into life. The Federal Assembly already in January that year passed a resolution in accordance with all members of parliament, ministers, their deputies and civil servants had to be screened for StB collaboration. It did not take long until the first ethical concerns were raised about both, the resolution and the lustration law. Roman David mentions that the International Labour Organisation criticized them for being discriminatory towards the expression of political opinion and human rights groups for violating the right to express, associate, be free from discrimination, and participate in public life (2004, 790). The headlines of internationally respected dailies called lustrations in Czechoslovakia Witch Hunts, Hunts for Villains (New York Times 1991) or Grounds for New Injustices (Le Monde 1992), describing them as threats to democracy, fragile anyway at that time. Many scholars mention that new policy makers used exactly contrary argument, defending lustrations as a mean to build and strengthen democracy. They believed if leaders and collaborators with former regime were given public employment, it would undermine democracy. (David 2004, 795; Williams 2003, 2) In this regard, it is difficult, if not impossible to decide who was wrong and right. However, it is possible to define the strengths and weaknesses of the lustration law from 1991. First, the criticism of the lustration law based on the deprivation of political rights does not hold the water. It prevented leaders and collaborators of former regime from public employment, but as Roman David argues the right to public employment was deliberately omitted from the European Convention of Human Rights (2004, 797). Moreover, he adds that the Communist Party in Czechoslovakia from 1948 to 1989 was a monolithic organisation which excluded opposition, prohibited discussion and did not allow free elections (2004, 799). It cannot be considered standard political party as it does not fulfil general criteria of a political party recognized in democracy. Thus, it can hardly claim the same legal protection which is given to other parties. (2004, 799) Furthermore, public employment is identified with certain values. Roman David uses an example of USA where the Supreme Court has confirmed several qualifications for public employees, such as trust, integrity and competency, fitness and loyalty and impartiality, fairness and effectiveness' (2004, 797). This shows that the public employment demands exemplary behaviour. Can someone who contributed to oppression of others be an example for others? Does he hold these values? When identifying former regime and its actors, its crimes should not be overlooked. According to the Czech Office for the Documentation and the Investigation of the Crimes of Communism, from 1948 to 1989, 205 486 persons were imprisoned and 248 persons were executed for political reasons, 282 persons died when trying to cross western borders, and 21 440 persons were placed in forced labour camps from 1948 to 1953. Besides, these figures do not include damages of those, who were deprived from possibility to study, work in their field, and were exposed to constant pursuit of StB and regular interrogations, during which StB members were not reluctant to use violent practices. The Communist Party not only gave consent to these practices carried out by the Peoples Militias that was armed forces of the Communist Party and by StB, it encouraged them to use them. Would not their former members be a threat to unstable democracy in Czechoslovakia, if they were given a chance to participate in public decisions? Knowing the context, is not surprising that after 1989 new policy makers took uncompromising stance towards leaders and collaborators with former regime and dismissed them from political life. However, while one ethical concern was solved, another popped up. If a dismissal from public employment was legitimate, then who to dismiss was in question. As nothing is black and white, simple division on bad and good proved to be impossible for a whole variety reasons. Certainly, thousands of people collaborated with former regime voluntarily for personal gains, fully aware of harms their actions caused to others. However, with new lustrations becoming public, new life stories disclosed proved it was not always the case. Some people seemed to be forced to agree on collaboration. Simply, they had no other choice if they wanted to protect their families and friends, keep their employment, study at universities or even if they wanted to continue dissenting against regime. Who could say s/he was in such situation and decided not to collaborate? A handful could. The political party Public against Violence (hereinafter referred to as VPN), created after 1989 mostly from dissidents was one of the firsts that decided to verify whether their candidates ranked to this handful and screened them for StB collaboration. If they were positive (meaning, they had records in StB files as collaborators), either they resigned or we withdrew them from their position. These were dreadful days. We saw life stories of people who were broken in prisons, uranium mines, during their travels abroad or simply at work. Some of them were our long-time friends, Fedor Gal, Slovak dissident and co-founder of VPN recalls (tyzden 2009). It turned out some of leaders of the Velvet revolution had records in StB files as hostile persons, but as collaborators at the same time. The situation got complicated. Was it right to use the same measure for everyone? Moreover, when the definition of categories excluded from public employment in the lustration law proved to be imprecise . However, no controversy could be found in respect to high-ranked officials of the Communist Party, the same could not be said about StB collaborators and members of Peoples Militias. High positions in the Communist Party were to be queued. Everyone who reached this hierarchic level within the system not only decided voluntarily, but also had to put much effort in order to reach it. As Roman David argues, Only devoted and loyal candidates were granted membership. He stresses these were aware of illicit aims of the Communist Party (2004, 802). The StB collaborators were also conscious members. However, in some cases StB members blackmailed them in order to make them sign the agreement on co-operation. Still, the biggest loophole occurred in the category of Peoples Militias members. As Roman David emphasises, even though Peoples Militias helped to oppress the opposition during the communist coup in February 1948, they did not necessarily know this was its purpose when they entered the organization. Later on, when they realized it, they could not disjoin the organization, as it was almost impossible with any communist organisation. (2004, 802) Furthermore, not everyone who entered the Peoples Militias even after the communist coup shared its purposes. The circumstances varied from case to case. This essay would use the case of Milan Kuta, published in the New York Times. Milan Kuta was respected oncologist when he was offered to lead the Oncology Centre in not very favourite Czech town Chomutov in 1985. In order to get this employment, he had to enter the Communist Party and provide the Peoples Militias with first-aid courses. Never being active in political life before, he decided to accept the offer, as he knew it was the only way for the centre to get appropriate finances and for him to get more interesting job. However, in 1991, after the lustration law was enforced, he as the director of state-owned medical centre found himself in unpleasant situation. Coming under the category inconsistent with public employment, he had to resign from his position. (New York Times 1992) Nowadays, Milan Kuta still works in the Oncolog y Centre in Chomutov and is considered renowned specialist in his field. If a role of the lustration law were simplified to being a mean inflicting punishment on collaborators with former regime for their past wrongdoings, it would be difficult to say what Milan Kuta did wrong. Furthermore, in this case, it would be also difficult to defend the lustration as a mean to build and strengthen democracy. How would democracy be endangered if Milan Kuta stayed in his post? He was not active in the Communist Party, and he never collaborated with StB. The only criticism could come from giving Peoples Militias first-aid courses. First, was this inherently bad? Second, could this be compared to pursuing people and oppressing their fundamental rights? It hardly could. Thus, was not a burden of collective guilt too heavy for Milan Kuta? Not only he loosed his post in the Oncology Centre, he had to face a disdain of society. Moreover, Milan Kuta was not the only case. Many people were harmed by imprecise definition of some categories inconsistent with public employment according to the lustration law and by the principle of collective guilt, it imposed. Finally, also the credibility of StB files was questionable. Political leaders, old as well as new, in both countries quickly realized these could be useful tools for political blackmailing. Pavel Zacek, the Czech historian from The Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes in Prague claims, StB files were manipulated and thousands of them possibly destroyed by StB, but also the Communist Party, Peoples Militias, and army immediately after the Velvet revolution (SME 2009). This suspicion puts another question mark behind the legitimacy of the lustration law in Czechoslovakia. The lustration law passed in 1991 in Czechoslovakia was important step in preventing leaders and collaborators with former regime from shifting newly built democracy back to dictatorship. However, it was step uncertain, unaware of direction it wanted to take and of destination, it wanted to reach. The categories of people affected by the lustration law were too broad. The public employment covered significant part of the labour market after 1989. Thus, too many people were deprived from public employment and the lustration law did not differentiate among them. A doctor giving first-aid courses to Peoples Militias was in the same position as member of StB pursuing and interrogating innocent people. The lustration law from 1991 was common basis for both countries, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. However, Czechs were initiators and insisted on the lustration law more than Slovaks, which proved to be true after the split of Czechoslovakia in 1993 as well. As Nadya Nedelsky mentions, while the Czech Republic kept the lustration law, prolonged its validity in 1995 and in 2000, though the president Vaclav Havel vetoed its prolongation both times, Slovakia let the lustration law expired in 1996 and never enacted it again. (2004, 76, 66) In the Czech Republic, the lustration law was amended in 2000, granting an exemption to persons born after the 1st December 1972. These, if having interest in public employment were not obliged to submit either lustration certificate or statutory declaration (Amendment of Lustration Act 2000). There are several reasons explaining diverged approaches in dealing with communist past. Most often, scholars argue that the regime was not equally tough in both countries. Nadya Nedelsky confirms it and adds to that that the main reason why both countries were not treated in the same way was different level of dissent. According to her, low level of dissent in Slovakia led to lesser oppression of Slovaks, and consequently after the Velvet revolution to lesser interest in transitional justice as well. (2004, 81) After 1989, Slovak public became divided not only in this matter. Certainly, there was a public support for lustration processes. However, it was not so unite as in the Czech Republic. Significant part of Slovak public was already occupied with the idea of independent Slovak state. This one seemed to prevail. Although, strength of regime or disunity of public in the matter of transitional justice played important role in deciding for and against the lustration law, they do not provide with sufficient reasoning of two contrary attitudes. The character of political scene of that time in both countries should not be omitted in this debate. Nadya Nedelsky mentions, even though Vaclav Klaus and Vladimir Meciar, Czech and Slovak political leader who gained their popularity from playing crucial roles in a split of Czechoslovakia, had several common features, they led both countries to completely different directions. While the government of Vaclav Klaus got the Czech Republic closer to the western democracies, authoritarian government of Vladimir Meciar, breaking fundamental human rights got Slovakia to international isolation. Even though Vaclav Klaus several times expressed his belief that looking back into past can prevent from moving forward in the present and future, he always voted for the lustration law. On the contrary, Vladimir Meciar was strongly against the lustration law, surprisingly referring to violation of human rights. Moreover, regarding Vladimir Meciar, he was accused of stealing and destroying StB files that could discredit him, as he was suspected to be collaborator of StB. As Vaclav Klaus and Vladimir Meciar formed newly created republics for several years after the split to big extent, it is not surprising that the attitude toward lustration turned in the Czech Republic and Slovakia into completely different directions just because they had a different view on it. Nevertheless, surprisingly, different directions these two approaches took did not result in different ends. Harms the lustration law and its strict enforcement caused in the Czech Republic because of its loose definition were described above. Nevertheless, harms its absence caused in Slovakia are not fewer. Lack of public and political interest in settling the past resulted in politics, but also church being riddled by former communists. The most known is the case of Jan Sokol, former Roman Catholic archbishop accused of collaborating with former regime. Even though, his name popped up in StB files several times, never as of hostile person, but as of candidate for collaboration, and later on as of agent, and there was found a record disclosing about whom he informed StB, he never admitted it or offered his resignation. (Nations Memory Institute 2004-2009) Not having the lustration law, Slovakia did not have any mechanisms to withdraw Jan Sokol from his position. Again, similarly as in the case of Milan Kuta, Jan Sokol is not an exception. Slovakia never fully extricated from the influence of leaders and collaborators of former regime. In addition, Slovak political development after 1989 is the case in point, what crucial role the lustration law plays in democratisation processes. Slovakia with its do nothing approach in dealing with the communist past, proved to be weak to protect its young democracy, as Vladimir Meciars government apparently did not comply with democratic principles. Overall, twenty years passed since the lustration law in the Czech Republic has been in force and thirteen since in Slovakia it expired. Certainly, it played important role in strengthening democracy after 1989. A fear that leaders and collaborators with former regime could undermine was understandable. However, is this law tenable in the Czech Republic now being a part of the European Union since 2004? Is not same fear groundless? Who will redress all the damages done to reputations of unjustly accused of collaboration? Vice versa, who will redress all the damages done to dissidents in Slovakia who suffered from oppression of the communist regime, and have to see now their oppressors making public decisions? These unanswered questions did not have to be posed if either the Czech Republic or Slovakia adopted more consistent approach in dealing with their communist past. References Czech Office for the Documentation and the Investigation of the Crimes of Communism. The Number of Casualties of the Communist Regime in Czechoslovakia from 1948 to 1989. http://web.mvcr.cz/archiv2008/policie/udv/popraveni/obeti/index.html (accessed December 4, 2009) David, Roman. 2004. Transitional Injustice? Criteria for Conformity of Lustration to the Right to Political Expression. Europe-Asia Studies. 56, no. 6: 789-812. Engelberg, Stephen. 1992. The Velvet Revolution Gets Rough. New York Times. May 31. http://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/31/magazine/the-velvet-revolution-gets-rough.html (accessed December 4, 2009) Federal Assembly of the Czechoslovak Federative Republic. 1991. Zà ¡kon, ktorà ½m sa ustanovujà º niektorà © d(alÃ… ¡ie predpoklady na và ½kon niektorà ½ch funkcià ­ v Ã… ¡tà ¡tnych orgà ¡noch a organizà ¡cià ¡ch C(eskej a Slovenskej Federatà ­vnej Republiky, C(eskej republiky a Slovenskej republiky. (Act on Lustration) 455/1991. FOCUS (Marketing and Social Research agency in Slovakia). Electoral Political Party Preferences for November 2009, http://www.focus-research.sk/files/110_Preferencie%20politickych%20stran_%20nov2009.pdf (accessed December 4, 2009) Gal, Fedor. 2009. Lustracie III. Tyzden (Slovakia). August 30. http://www.tyzden.sk/casopis/2009/35/lustracie-iii.html (accessed December 4, 2009) Monroy, Catherine. 1992. Difficile lustration en Tchà ©coslovaquie Le sort rà ©servà © aux anciens communistes risque de donner lieu à   de nouvelles injustices. Le Monde. February 24. http://www.lemonde.fr/cgi-bin/ACHATS/acheter.cgi?offre=ARCHIVEStype_item=ART_ARCH_30Jobjet_id=398186 (accessed December 4, 2009) Nations Memory Institute. 2004-2009. Sprà ¡va Ã…  tB Bratislava (The StB Report Bratislava). http://www.upn.gov.sk/regpro/zobraz.php?typ=krajkniha=88strana=62zaznam=82158 (accessed December 4, 2009) Nedelsky, Nadya. 2004. Divergent Responses to a Common Past: Transitional Justice in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Theory and Society. 33, no. 1: 65-115. New York Times, national edition. 1991. A Witch Hunt in Prague? April 6. http://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/06/opinion/a-witch-hunt-in-prague.html (accessed December 4, 2009) STEM (The Centre for Empirical Survey in the Czech Republic). STEM Political Party Preferences for November 2009, http://www.stem.cz/clanek/1884 (accessed December 4, 2009) TASR, Meciar vyuzival materialy StB, tvrdi cesky historik (Meciar abused StB material, says the Czech historian), SME, October 7, 2009. Williams, Kieran. 2003. Lustration As the Securitization of Democracy in Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic. The Journal of Communist Studies and Transition Politics. 19, no. 4: 1-24.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Essay --

1 INTRODUCTION: Haptics is a recent enhancement to virtual environments allowing users to â€Å"touch† and feel the simulated objects with which they interact. Haptics is the science of touch. The word derives from the Greek haptikos meaning â€Å"being able to come into contact with†. The study of haptics emerged from advances in virtual reality. Virtual reality is a form of human-computer interaction (as opposed to keyboard, mouse and monitor) providing a virtual environment that one can explore through direct interaction with our senses. To be able to interact with an environment, there must be feedback. For example, the user should be able to touch a virtual object and feel a response from it. This type of feedback is called haptic feedback .In human-computer interaction; haptic feedback means both tactile and force feedback. Tactile, or touch feedback is the term applied to sensations felt by the skin. Tactile feedback allows users to feel things such as the texture of surfaces, temperature and vibration. Force feedback reproduces directional forces that can result from solid boundaries, the weight of grasped virtual objects, and mechanical compliance of object and inertia. Tactile feedback, as a component of virtual reality simulations, was pioneered at MIT. The term haptics in its broadest sense relates to the study of touch and the faculty by which external objects or forces are perceived through contact with the body. The word itself derives from the Greek haptikos, â€Å"able to touch†. Haptics can be found in wide range of devices. In the extreme with respect to precision, surgical simulators use haptics to provide realistic forces that emulate the feel of a real medical procedure. In the extreme with respect to the magnitude of t... ...lications Design and implement a few haptic related projects for the benefit of physically challenged people. This proposal develops an approach for haptic exploration of unknown objects by robotic fingers. Because haptic exploration is coupled with manipulation and exploration using a sequence of phases is presented. With specialized fingers and sensors and appropriate planning and control robots can also be enabled to explore the worlds through touch. Haptic exploration has applications in many areas including planetary exploration, undersea salvage, operations in remote and hazardous conditions. Application of the human haptic interaction, multi sensory perception, action and multimodal feedback can be applied in the fields of education, rehabilitation, medicine, computer aided design, skill training, computer games, driver controls, simulation and visualization.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Powerplay in Texts – Antony and Cleopatra (Shakespeare), Gladiator (Ridley Scott) & the Statue of Liberty (Warren Brown)

Power is conditional; it’s a measure of one individual’s ability to control the environment around itself, including the behaviour of other entities through manipulation and exploitation. The application of power, whether this be physical or sexual, individual or political, private or public, replicates one’s ability to control, command and influence others. Ultimately, an entity with power is permitted to employ this for the benefit of others, or unfortunately to their detriment. Power is transient therefore, gains or losses in power can significantly impact on an individual’s human experience. Three texts permeated by power struggles include Shakespeare’s catastrophic play Antony and Cleopatra, Ridley Scott’s film ‘Gladiator’ (2000), and Warren Brown’s political cartoon ‘The Statue of Liberty’. Each composer employs a variety of literary and visual techniques including dialogue, symbolism, sound (both diegetic and non-diegetic), mise-en-scene, irony, soliloquy and emotive language, to explore the transformative effect of power on the human experience. These powerplays are extremely persuasive, and thus we are convinced to embrace the perspectives offered in these texts. The major powers examined in the three texts are political, militaristic and sexual. Antony and Cleopatra is a disastrous play that illustrates a chronicle of two leaders from two very different worlds who fall profoundly in love with each other and their endeavor to sustain their relationship against the Roman Empire, however, it ends tragically with their suicides. Antony grapples with the conflict between his love for Cleopatra and his duties to the Roman Empire; the geographical poles that draw him in opposite directions represent deep-seated conflicts between his reason and emotion, his sense of duty and his desire, his obligations to the state and his private needs. Soliloquies are used throughout the play as a means of aiding the audience to understand the subconscious thoughts of the characters. In Act IV, scene 12, Antony states to himself â€Å"O sun, thy uprise shall I see no more†, foreshadowing his own death. Various persuasive forms of power are displayed in this play convincing us to embrace perspectives offered in this text; those forms of power being political, sexual and militaristic. Before Antony met Cleopatra, he held military and political power so great, even his lieutenants were afraid to out preform him, â€Å"But ‘twould offend him, and his offence†¦Should my performance perish. † Antony’s affair with Cleopatra makes him disregard his responsibilities where the sexual power present allows for passion to overtake his reasonable judgement. Antony knew this in his use of fertility and sexual imagery in the metaphor â€Å"These strong Egyptian fetters I must break, or lose myself in dotage. † Sympathy for Antony was formed through his personal conflict between love and duty, thus weakening Antony’s control over himself and his known loss of power. Antony blames himself for the wrong decision â€Å"My very hairs do mutiny, for the white†¦reprove the brown for rashness† Here hair is used as a metaphor for age, and Antony hasn’t acted as a man with â€Å"white† hair should which is with maturity, instead acting on impulse, brown hair symbolising a younger man. We see the enchanting sexual power of Cleopatra when Enobarbus’ explains to Agrippa â€Å"From the barge, a strange invisible perfume hits the senses†, personifying the sexual power held by Cleopatra, not only over Antony, but the radiating power she holds over all who cross paths with her. â€Å"Mardian, go tell him I have slain myself. † This order delivered by Cleopatra herself is the order, which ultimately, brings Antony to kill himself illustrating Cleopatra’s manipulative power over him. When she learns that she’s being taken to Rome, it produces a fear of humiliation for her; accordingly, she ends her life. Caesars’ use of Antony’s own surrendered men in the front battle line creates a psychological advantage over Antony by bringing emotion onto the field, â€Å"Plant those who have revolted in the van†¦that Antony may seem to spend his fury†¦upon himself†. The emotive language manipulates the situation by making Antony feel he is fighting himself when fighting his deserted soldiers through metaphrasing them as himself. The suicide of both Antony and Cleopatra takes away from Octavius because they become tragic lovers who would always be remembered, â€Å"Our army shall†¦in solemn show attend this funeral†¦and then to Rome†¦see†¦high order in this great solemnity. † Irony is used when Caesar parades both Antony and Cleopatra to maximise his gain in power but instead makes the best political move giving them a great ceremony. The varied force of power is extremely persuasive. Throughout the entire play the effects of Powerplay direct the vents of the characters lives and create and destroy relationships between all characters involved, persuading us to embrace these perspectives concerning the significance of power in the human experience. Similarly, Scott’s film Gladiator, Maximus (Russell Crowe), the Roman general turned Gladiator and Commodus, the son of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius manipulates others to gain power in order to fulfill their desires. The dominant po werplays in this text and political and militaristic, and due to the perspectives offered on the significance of power in the human experience, we are persuaded to embrace these perspectives. Maximus is portrayed as a powerful character by Scott through the use of mise-en-scene, in particular Maximus’ costumes, that being of an Upper Class Roman General and props (ie – his Imperial Sword), and the fact that when we see Maximus fighting, whether it be at the beginning of the film with the Barbarians or near to the end in the arena, we see him through a low-angled camera shot, exemplifying his fighting power and knowledge over his enemies. Maximus’ image of power is gained, lost, and then later re-gained through the duration of the film, despite the capturing of this power ultimately leads to his death. Correspondingly, we are persuaded to embrace these perspectives about the significance of power in the human experience in Warren Brown’s political cartoon ‘The Statue of Liberty’. This text uses a number of techniques to convey its political power play perspective including contrast of size between the two personas. It is a widely shared notion that power is associated with size; the greater the size the greater the level of power. Yet, this cartoon chooses to test this and illustrate the idea that Osama holds power over the Statue of Liberty. This is both ironic and a contrast of size. Although America, represented as the Statue, has been damaged to various terrorist attacks, it still aims to protect itself, just as Maximus aimed to protect Rome at all costs, even after he had been captured and sold as a slave and gladiator. The fact that Osama is not present within this frame suggests that he holds power of the statue. The political perspectives offered in this text are persuasive, thus convincing us of the significance of power in the human experience.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Electricity Demand and Supply Pakistan Essay

Electricity load-shedding in Pakistan is one of the biggest domestic problems faced by the country. Along with the problems that the power shortage brings for the society as a whole and for the inhabitants of the society the power failures seriously curbs the economic potential of the economy. Considering most of the medium and large scale industries of Pakistan depend on machinery that is run by electricity they are heavily dependent on the electricity supply, with the electricity supply cut their production capacity decreases dramatically as well. Since most of Pakistani manufacturing industries lack the self generation ability hence this power outage is even more harmful to their business. So eventually what ends up happening is that along with creating general distress among the public this power shortage reduces the production capacity of the firms and hence reduces the aggregate supply. Aggregate supply can be defined as the total supply of goods and services that firms in a national economy plan on selling during a specific time period. It is the total amount of goods and services that firms are willing to sell at a given price level in an economy. It is the total amount of goods and services that firms are willing to sell at a given price level in an economy. In the long run, the aggregate-supply curve is assumed to be vertical In the short run, the aggregate-supply curve is assumed to be upward sloping SRAS (Short run aggregate demand) shows total planned output when prices in the economy can change but the prices and productivity of all factor inputs e.g. wage rates and the state of technology are assumed to be held constant. LRAS (Long run aggregate supply) shows total planned output when both prices and average wage rates can change – it is a measure of a country’s potential output and the concept is linked strongly to that of the production poss ibility frontier The SRAS and LRAS can be graphically represented as follows: SRAS LRAS Now what happens is that firms will have to cut down their production process in order to effectively meet the costs incurred or it will come to a position of losses. The cutting down of the production process means  decreasing the supply of the firm. As a firm produces lesser than it did before, fewer workers will be needed because the excess labor has been made redundant since fewer employees are now needed to produce lesser output. Moreover, the firm can no longer afford to employ as many workers as it did before. Hence this will eventually give rise to over the course of time as many workers have will have to be laid off in industries due to low activity. This will invariably decrease the total consumption of the population because as the unemployment increases the purchasing power of the people also falls. They are now earning fewer wages and the income effect will lead to a drastic decrease in the consumption. Consumption is one of the major contributors in the aggregate demand function. We define aggregate demand as the total demand for all goods and services produced in the economy at a given time and price level. It is the amount of goods and services in the economy that will be produced at all possible price levels. The aggregate demand is usually described as a linear sum of four separable demand sources.[3] Where: C = Consumption I = Investment G = Government Spending (X-M) = Net Exports – Net Imports The graph for AD is as follows: It is often cited that the aggregate demand curve is downward sloping because at lower price levels a greater quantity is demanded. While this is correct at the microeconomic, single good level, at the aggregate level this is incorrect. The aggregate demand curve is in fact downward sloping as a result of the Pigou’s wealth effect. Pigou effect is an economics term that refers to the stimulation of output and employment caused by increasing consumption due to a rise in real balances of wealth, particularly during deflation. Keynes said that a drop in aggregate demand could lower employment and the price level (deflationary depression). Hence it can be  said that any decrease in the consumption would bring about a fall in the aggregate demand. Consumer demand or consumption, that is also known as personal consumption expenditure, is the largest part of aggregate demand or effective demand at the macroeconomic level. The interaction of the aggregate demand and aggregate supply gives us the market equilibrium. Now as has been previously pointed out, frequent power cuts will mean a cutting down of the production process which invariably brings about a decrease in the aggregate supply. What happens is that as aggregate supply decreases with the aggregate demand being constant (as obviously people would still be demanding the same quantity of products) inflation will increase as shown below: Now here we can see with AS moving to a new point as it decreases it is actually increasing the price level which results in inflation and as a result unemployment increases as well, because when there is inflation in the economy there is a rise in prices hence there is a fall in the demand of goods and services and the producers reduce their production level and as a result they end up decreasing the number of workers which means unemployment increases. Unemployment on the macroeconomic level is a sign that the economy is operating below its full production capacity, this is a sign of inefficiency. Here we can see that inflation is playing a key role in determining the employment level. Hence we’ll have a look at how load shedding gives rise to inflation. Inflation is conventionally defined as a general increase in the level of prices in goods and services. One of the effects of inflation is a decrease in the value of money. During the course of inflation income and prices do not increase at the same rate; the purchasing power of the nation as a whole drops. One of the reasons of inflation is surplus amount of money which causes the prices to rise at an extremely high rate. Other than that, another reason for inflation is the rise in the costs of production which in turn increases the prices of the products. Moreover inflation occurs when aggregate supply exceeds aggregate demand hence increasing the price level. In the context of load shedding though, we see that it has been a triggering stimulus for initiating inflation. The CPI inflation averaged 23.5 percent in July-February 2008-09 in Pakistan as against 8.9 percent in the comparable period of last year. The deficiency of energy sources is causing stir on the demand side of the economic picture causing an increase in the demand for energy sources as it has a huge effect on all spheres of economy of a nation having a primary influence on industry level. The insufficiency of the available energy sources is causing the people to demand more electricity to meet their needs on the individual as well as industry level which in turn when observed in the context of graphical representation shows a shift of the demand curve to the right causing a shift of the equilibrium position increasing the price level. (Demand-Pull Inflation) The increase in level of inflation has also been caused due to an increase in the cost of energy sources. The scarcity of the energy resources available to the industries is making them shift to other sources for the purpose of energy generation which in turn has caused their costs to sky rocket. Now, due to the heavy burden that everyone has to face in this state of affairs is causing a shift of the AS curve in terms of graphical representation of the scenario. The increase in the costs of production for the industries in turn affects the aggregate supply causing it to decline. This shift of the AS curve to the left also then causes the equilibrium price level to rise, in turn stirring up inflation in the society (Cost- Push Inflation). The power tariffs imposed would further increase the industrial input cost which is already very high making the products more expensive in the domestic as well as the international market. As far as the international market is concerned, the competitive edge of a country would be lost as their goods are more expensive in comparison to the other countries.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Free Essays on Once Le Duel De Hamlet

Commonly known as Shakespeare’s best, Hamlet is one of the most famous plays of all time. From the spine-chilling ghost scenes to the astonishing sword fights, on the edge of the chair, you stay while enjoying Hamlet. Shakespeare’s Hamlet has appeared on film since the year 1900 when Clà ¨ment Maurice directed Le Duel d’ Hamlet a silent picture. Ironically, in this film a woman played Hamlet. The play originally appeared in text between 1958 and 1601, when Shakespeare had put the pen to the paper. Over time, Hamlet has transpired to film a numerous amount of times. Once in 1948 staring Laurence Olivier as Hamlet. This film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor. Another version was filmed in 1969 with Nicol Williamson as Hamlet and Anthony Hopkins as the heinous Claudius. The modern Franco Zeffirelli version was produced in 1990 starring Mel Gibson as the honorable Hamlet. A spin off version of Hamlet was also filmed in1990 called Rosenc antz and Guildentern are Dead. In 1992, Hamlet was even animated explaining just the basics of the play. In 1996, Kenneth Branagh directed and starred as Hamlet. Most recently filmed in 2000, a modern version of Hamlet, starring Ethan Hawke. The four versions I was so privileged to study were Zeffirelli, Stoppard, Branagh, and the original text. These four productions appear to be the same play but yet are quite different. The plot of each of these stage shows are base around one story line, on the contrary each version has its own twists and turns though out the dramatic piece. Franco Zeffirelli's film is considerably different from the original text. For instance, he added the funeral scene at the beginning. Zeffirelli also decided to cut most long speeches down, rearrange scenes or parts of scenes and sporadically impart one character's lines to another. He made these changes to build up the action and shorten the plot. As you watch the film, you become aware that th... Free Essays on Once Le Duel De Hamlet Free Essays on Once Le Duel De Hamlet Commonly known as Shakespeare’s best, Hamlet is one of the most famous plays of all time. From the spine-chilling ghost scenes to the astonishing sword fights, on the edge of the chair, you stay while enjoying Hamlet. Shakespeare’s Hamlet has appeared on film since the year 1900 when Clà ¨ment Maurice directed Le Duel d’ Hamlet a silent picture. Ironically, in this film a woman played Hamlet. The play originally appeared in text between 1958 and 1601, when Shakespeare had put the pen to the paper. Over time, Hamlet has transpired to film a numerous amount of times. Once in 1948 staring Laurence Olivier as Hamlet. This film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor. Another version was filmed in 1969 with Nicol Williamson as Hamlet and Anthony Hopkins as the heinous Claudius. The modern Franco Zeffirelli version was produced in 1990 starring Mel Gibson as the honorable Hamlet. A spin off version of Hamlet was also filmed in1990 called Rosenc antz and Guildentern are Dead. In 1992, Hamlet was even animated explaining just the basics of the play. In 1996, Kenneth Branagh directed and starred as Hamlet. Most recently filmed in 2000, a modern version of Hamlet, starring Ethan Hawke. The four versions I was so privileged to study were Zeffirelli, Stoppard, Branagh, and the original text. These four productions appear to be the same play but yet are quite different. The plot of each of these stage shows are base around one story line, on the contrary each version has its own twists and turns though out the dramatic piece. Franco Zeffirelli's film is considerably different from the original text. For instance, he added the funeral scene at the beginning. Zeffirelli also decided to cut most long speeches down, rearrange scenes or parts of scenes and sporadically impart one character's lines to another. He made these changes to build up the action and shorten the plot. As you watch the film, you become aware that th...

Monday, October 21, 2019

Heritage Conservation Collective Memory And Urban Development Tourism Essay Essays

Heritage Conservation Collective Memory And Urban Development Tourism Essay Essays Heritage Conservation Collective Memory And Urban Development Tourism Essay Essay Heritage Conservation Collective Memory And Urban Development Tourism Essay Essay Recently, a well-know film Echoes of the Rainbow has one time once more arouse the populace s consciousness of heritage preservation. The authorities planned to redevelop Wing Lee Street as a home house in order to progress the urban development. However, after Echoes of the Rainbow was filmed at that street and won the award at the Berlin Film Festival 2010, that program was discarded. ( Apple Daily ) This clip, the authorities held the wholly different position point than earlier. Three old ages ago, in malice of the intense protest, the authorities still destroyed Star Ferry Pier, Queen s Pier and Wedding Card Street for accomplishing more new developing countries. From my point of position, I strongly think that if the heritages can be good conserved, it can besides hike Hong Kong economic system. Balancing both our corporate memory and urban development are the occupation of the authorities and the existent intent of heritage preservation. Continuing the heritage is really of import as it has tonss of advantages. First, local heritage possesses symbolic significance to the integrity of a society. Undoubtedly, historical heritage is memorable to the local people in a metropolis. ( Television programmeHong Kong Story of RTHK ) . As urban theoretician Aldo Kossi says, the metropolis is the corporate memory of the people and memory is the footing of ego individuality ( Betty S F Ho, 2000 ) . Local sentiments for the place metropolis bring up self individuality and the integrity of a society. Destroying historical heritage could intend drawing down integrity within a metropolis since the sense of belonging is deteriorated. Keeping the historical heritage can besides keep cultural diverseness for the future coevalss. As suggested by the Conservancy Association, heritage preservation is besides a affair of sustainable development and cross-generational equity. We do non hold the right to consume our natural or cultural resource, particularly if they are non-renewable, to the hurt of our future coevalss ( The Conservancy Association, 2003 ) . Our instruction system chiefly focuses on logical preparation but this is non plenty. Creativity is of import for sustainable development. However, the development of creativeness is non merely about reading different books, but besides to see in individual. We can non number on imaginativeness merely. By maintaining the historical heritage, the new coevals learns that a society can suit different civilization and besides the development from the old Hong Kong to the new one. In an ecological point of position, heritage preservation is an environmental friendly act. Pulling down old edifices for reclamation produces dozenss of waste. As pollution job in Hong Kong is acquiring more and more serious in recent old ages, we should larn to conserve our resources when they are still utile. Reclamation of the old edifices would be better for the Earth and cost-efficient than drawing down them. The advantage of urban reclamation On the other manus, urban reclamation and edifices brings advantages. It decidedly provides more land usage, and there would be less demand for landfill countries, which might farther contract our Victoria Harbour. As a crowded metropolis, a more broad life environment would better the life quality of Hong Kong occupants. Peoples will be more happy and healthy when their life infinite expands. Reclamation of old countries provides better life conditions for occupants. Harmonizing to the Development Bureau, Planning and Lands Branch of the HKSAR Government, at present there are about 9,300 private edifices in the Metro Area ( i.e. Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing ) which are 30 old ages old and above. In ten old ages clip, the figure of edifices over 30 old ages old will increase by 50 % . The job of ageing edifices is most serious in older urban countries ( Planing and Lands Branch Development Bureau, 2008 ) . Old edifices do non merely impact the mentality of a metropolis, they can besides be a menace to the occupants safety. Occasional accidents caused by old edifices can be a cogent evidence of this. Apparently, there is an pressing demand to work on this issue to avoid similar accidents. Urban reclamation creates a new mentality for Hong Kong as a widely distributed metropolis. Pollution job in bedraggled urban countries in Hong Kong is instead serious, which is a large contrast comparison with the developed urban countries. To construct up and prolong the Asia s universe metropolis image, urban reclamation sounds to be a necessary action to be taken. The ways to equilibrate heritage preservation and urban development Heritage saving and urban development may travel manus in manus. The best thing is we can be able to strike a balance between heritage preservation and urban reclamation and edifices. For illustration, more frequent and careful cheque and redevelopment can be a manner to avoid accidents caused by urban decay. Or we can develop different countries harmonizing to their bing alone features, alternatively of characterize different territories in one manner. It is thankful to see the authorities has been seting more attempts in listening to the citizens voices when put to deathing policies refering urban reclamation in recent old ages. But it s a long manner to travel, more channels can be opened to roll up and promote more valuable sentiments. I believe, with our attention and attending, the old edifices can be attractive forces of the metropolis, but no longer dilapidated countries and edifices. In recent old ages, the authorities has been suggesting different development programs of the metropolis and many of them involve the countries, where some historical edifices or backstreets are situated, therefore the destruction of the edifices or backstreets become necessary for the programs. For case, harmonizing to the Conservancy Association, the Woodside in Quarry Bay was planned to be pulled down in 2005 for the development of high rise residential utilizations. Fortunately, due to the petition of the Conservancy Association and the support of the community, the Woodside was preserved in the terminal ( Conservancy ) . Another illustration is the destruction of the Queen Pier. Due to the Central and Wan Chai Reclamation Project of the authorities in the 1990s, the Queen Pier was planned to be pulled down in 2006. The purpose of the undertaking is to widen the waterfront from Sheung Wan to Causeway Bay, so as to better the traffic in these territories. But it arouses tonss of public concern and expostulation when it came to the measure that the 50-year-old Queen Pier had to be pulled down. As Hongkongers can see that, the authorities is holding different sorts of renovation programs in the metropolis so as to hike the economic system and fight of Hong Kong. But one time these programs are announced or progressed, expostulation and negative remarks come quicker than the ultimate consequence as all these programs have one common demand the scarification of the heritage sites. It seems that this is a large job that all these programs bring along. It is clip for the Government and citizens to believe about whether economic development and saving of heritage sites are reciprocally opposed, or can be reciprocally good. Economic development and saving of heritage sites can be reciprocally good, because historical edifices and backstreets can assist hike our touristry industry. As they are all of high historical value and feature of our civilization, they can, in fact, pull a batch of foreign visitants. The aliens would love to understand Hong Kong civilization and history more through looking at these edifices and backstreets. Some of these edifices and backstreets may even demo some of the alone Chinese traditional patterns and imposts, such as the Wedding Card Street that do concern by assisting people to plan traditional but particular nuptials cards ( Tourism Board ) . If these heritage sites are successfully restored and much better preserved, they could be converted into more popular and attractive tourer s musca volitanss, such as the Wedding Card Street, Queen s Pier, Ladies Street, etc. In this manner, it is an of import economic pulsation and we would all profit from it. On the other manus , if the historical edifices and backstreets are demolished, the aliens would so lose the chance to understand the civilization of Hong Kong and therefore they may lose their involvement in sing Hong Kong. Hence, it harms the touristry industry and the economic system of Hong Kong every bit good. A good illustration about a better policy in continuing the heritage sites so as to do them go celebrated and attractive tourer musca volitanss is Macau, as more than 30 % of its economic income comes from the hotel and catering industry ( Macao ) . On the other manus, merely about 20 % of Hong Kong economic income comes from the hotel and catering industry ( Census statistics ) . Harmonizing to the Conversancy Association in Hong Kong, the Macau Government has been giving much attending to heritage sites preservation since the 1970s ( Conservancy ) . The authorization looking after preservation policy and execution is the Cultural Institute ( Conservancy ) . In the policy, non merely the single heritage site is preserved, but besides the whole territory around a cardinal square, or along a street, and all these historical involvements are so linked up with prosaic paseos ( Conservancy ) . In that manner, tourers and visitants can look into out all those historical edifices or backs treets one by one harmonizing to their ain involvement and therefore understand more about Macau s background. While Macau and Hong Kong both rely much on their touristry industry, Macau has already proved that continuing its ain heritage sites does profit to the touristry industry and therefore assist hike the economic system. Therefore, Hong Kong Government should truly get down larning from Macau. While continuing the heritage sites can continue the history and civilization, aid hike the touristry industry and therefore better the economic system, the destruction of them, on the other manus, brings expostulation from Hongkongers and some related jobs. Hongkongers object to the thought of pulverizing the historical edifices and replacing with new developments. They besides object to the Government s position, that the heritage sites are of no importance, and that the value of each heritage site can be ignored. The ground why Hongkongers object to the destruction of the historical edifices and interesting backstreets is that the heritage sites are of high historical, cultural and architectural value and importance ( Conservancy ) . They witness the alterations of Hong Kong ( AMO ) and are exposing the history, people behaviour and civilization in the yesteryear. They represent a span between the present and the yesteryear of the metropolis. Government House in Central is one o f the illustrations, which is representative in witnessing the political alteration in Hong Kong. The heritage sites are unreplaceable landmarks that symbolize the image and civilization of a metropolis. In other words, they are stand foring Hong Kong and assisting us to construct up Hong Kong s image! Apart from the historical and cultural value ( Conservancy ) , these historical edifices and backstreets besides help heighten the sense of properties of Hongkongers. You may be surprised to cognize that there are tonss of historical bequests in Hong Kong and they can be found in about every territory. For case, Wong Tai Sin Temple in Kwun Tong territory, clock tower in Tsim Sha Tsui, Old District in Tai Po, etc ( Tourism Board ) . Therefore, people populating in different territories, are holding some particular corporate memories with different of these heritage sites, which means they portion a aggregation of memories with a common civilization about the heritage sites and they would so be able to retrieve the events related to those heritage sites in the hereafter ( Answers ) . Therefore, the historical edifices and backstreets in bend provide people with alone societal roots. These built heritage sites besides help cultivate people s civilization individualities and even enter some important historical events. That is why people would hold a strong sense of properties due to their corporate memories with these heritage sites and they besides pick up their individualities through these memories. By continuing what remains, it can besides function instruction intents by giving our following coevals opportunities to see and research. Of class, some people, particularly the business communities, enterprisers and industrialists, would back up the development programs proposed by the Government and think that it is deserving to pulverize the heritage sites when necessary. The first statement that they would raise is, of class, saving of heritage sites would impede the economic development in the metropolis. As a first metropolis, Hong Kong should and had better have sustainable economic developments so as to keep its fight among different renowned trading metropoliss. Yet, as Hong Kong is such a little metropolis with a peculiar and rugged landscape, there are limited topographic points or countries for farther economic development. Besides, due to the high denseness of population of Hong Kong, there is a demand or demand for more lands. Therefore, these grounds prompt the geographic expedition of lands and development of more high-rise edifices ( Conservancy ) . For certain, historical edifices busying some possibl e sites, which are planned to be developed, become barriers. A recent good and controversial illustration should be the Fa Yuen Street ( South ) , which is normally called the Sport Shoe Street. It is located on a possible site in Mongkok which has already been planned for the development of a trade name new Sports City. However, one time the program was announced, the store proprietors and citizens populating about instantly showed their involuntariness to be removed. They objected to the program due to their corporate memories related to the street. For this ground, the undertaking is now hindered and could nt be progressed swimmingly. In fact, the undertaking can be cancelled, because it is non necessary to hold this renovation program if the Government wants to hike the economic system. Better saving of the Fa Yuen Street and doing it go a more popular tourer topographic point can besides assist hike the economic system by bettering the touristry industry, so do the other herita ge sites. In add-on to the hit with the economic development, the Hong Kong Government would besides reason, that the preservation of these cultural and historical heritage sites makes the load of the Government even much heavier. As citizens all know, saving of heritage sites is non an easy or inexpensive undertaking, it requires tonss of money and resources. As there is non equal outside funding for saving of the historical edifices and backstreets, the authorities is in fact paying most of the cost in the preservation procedure of the historical edifices, including the care fee, mending fee, Restoration cost and direction cost. This is, in fact, every bit good, impeding the development of other facets in the society, like instruction or environment protection. While we are speaking about disbursement more on better saving of those cherished heritage sites, there are, as good, unequal resources available for the development for a better instruction system, or for better environment protectio n in Hong Kong so as to contend against the planetary heating. The Hong Kong Government should, hence, believe carefully about what their concluding pick should be. Yes, it is true that saving of heritage sites requires tonss of money and resources. But if the heritage sites can be converted into popular tourer musca volitanss, they can assist hike the touristry industry and therefore the economic system. Then they are no longer the load of the Government, since the economic income they bring would far outweigh the saving fee they require. In add-on to the business communities, enterprisers and industrialists, some Hongkongers are besides opposed to the saving of the heritages and backstreet. The ground buttocks is that the populating status of them may be adversely affected due to the heritage sites. In Hong Kong, the land usage in the historical countries like Sheung Wan, Sham Shui Po and Yau Ma Tei were non well-planned many old ages ago. Lots of assorted commercial and residential countries can be found in these urban countries. Problems like congestion, serious noise and air pollution are normally found in these territories and are acquiring worse bit by bit. In that manner, saving of the historical edifices in these territories does non favor the efficient urban planning of relieving the hapless life status. On the other manus, destruction of edifices and renovation of these countries seem more of import and necessary since more unfastened and green countries, and a better program of land usage are needed. Theref ore, occupants in these territories would back up the Government proposal of pulverizing the heritage sites and redeveloping the country as they would wish to hold a new and better life environment. While it is necessary to work out the life jobs in the urban countries, it does non intend that pulverizing the heritage sites for renovation is the lone solution. Reallocation of the population in the urban territories is a more effectual and a win-win solution to the job, as it can non merely work out the job but besides allow the heritage sites escape from the destiny of destruction. All in all, whether to continue the heritage sites in Hong Kong depends major on its influence on the Hong Kong economic system. And from the statements mentioned above, you can see that saving of the cherished and memorable heritage sites would non impede the economic growing in Hong Kong, but in fact aid hike the economic system by hiking the touristry industry. Furthermore, it can assist conserve the history and civilization of Hong Kong s yesteryear. Therefore, the historical edifices and backstreets are truly deserving preserving and should be better protected. However, in Hong Kong, there is merely 85 historical edifices are good preserved now ( AMO ) , when comparing with approximately 600 in entire. It seems that the organisations responsible for this, which include the Antiquities and Monuments Organization ( AMO ) and the Home Affairs Bureau, are non making plenty. Other states and metropoliss in the universe, such as Macau, have already established their ain system in cont inuing heritage sites and keeping a balance between the saving work and the economic system. Hong Kong, as an international celebrated and first metropolis, should catch up with them and get down puting up its ain system about conserving the heritage sites so as to run into the international criterion. Economic development is non the lone factor that determines Hong Kong hereafter and position, saving of historical and cultural heritage sites besides counts. They can even be reciprocally good. Hongkongers should seek their really best to keep a balance between these two key factors. It is hoped that Hong Kong Government would shortly recognize this and make more on continuing the of import parts of Hong Kong s yesteryear before it is excessively late!

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Assess factors influencing adoption and use of ICT in Kenyan University Libraries

Assess factors influencing adoption and use of ICT in Kenyan University Libraries Information Communication Technology (ICT) is the process of accessing or getting, storing, transferring, processing and transferring ideas and information through computers and other communication facilities (Fabunmi, 2012). Wikipedia defines ICT as the hardware and software of electronic devices such as computers, radio, television, digital camera, telephone, computers networks to improve communication. ICT has played a critical task in the development of any nation; it has been a tool for achieving social, economic, educational, scientific and technological development (Adedeji, 2010). The development of science and technology has made incredible improvement in the lifestyle of the society today. It has Influence almost all walks of life, especially, the magnetic words; Information Technology has been chanted in all corner of the world and has been incorporated in organization, managerial, development and marketing sectors. These are services offered with the aid of Information Communication Technology (ICT) which are faster and more effective. Libraries have not been exempted from the impact of the ICTs. The implementations of ICT in the library and Information Centers have made great improvement in the management of these centers. These have made libraries users friendly and have improved the efficiency of the library professionals (Kumar, 2011). According to Khan et al, (2012) Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have impacted greatly on many fields including teaching, learning, research, and school management in a many ways. In libraries ICT has made information faster from acquisition, organization, storage, retrieval. Also it has improved the service delivery of library and information services reducing time, distance and other barriers. However, it is extensively settled that ICT adoption in libraries is not a solution for all library problems as initially assumed. Regardless of their remarkable potential, ICTs have also brought different challenges that must be dealt with to boost the efficiency of libraries in unindustrialized countries. Avemari, (2011) describes library automation as computer use and general/ customized software designed for library and information services procedures that are used to perform specific information services deliver. Globally automation in libraries first began in the 1960s. According to Muhammad (2014) Libraries automation began in the 1970s, where libraries began adopting software applications and Machine Readable Cataloguing (MARC). In 1980s, network technologies, optical discs, CD-ROMs and communications technologies were introduced. The major goal of the early technology applications was used in automation circulation, acquisitions and the catalogue to make library operation and services efficient and effective. The 1990s witnessed radical changes in the application ICTs in libraries such as the Internet, World Wide Web protocols. The 2000s is an era of digital libraries, virtual collections, paperless environment and 24/7 instant remote access to unlimited resources. In Africa it began in 1950s, however, there were several challenges which were making it harder for academic libraries to adopt it, thus depriving them of the several touted benefits a library stands to gain from automating its services. In Kenya, most libraries, especially universities, schools, private organizations and little-funded institutions, were using Computerised Documentation System/Integrated Set of Information System (CDS/IS) library software. CDS/ISIS was used mainly for maintaining databases. For instance, the University of Nairobi maintains a list of research theses in Kenyan institutions of higher learning and a list of publications held in libraries in Kenya using Computerised Documentation System/Integrated Set of Information System(CDS/IS)(Mutula, 2012). Kamba (2011) also noted that Information Communication and Technologies are not well spread and utilized in African higher learning institutions, mainly due to poor communication network, inadequate ICT hardware and software and government s ineptitude to provide adequate funds to run the libraries. Inadequacy of skilled staff, lack of theoretical knowledge, lack of computer culture, lack of knowledge on the importance of ICT, lack of funds were among other factors have been cited by several authors. 1. 2 Statement of Problem ICTs have become an important subject for all information providers. This is because of its relevance and application to tasks in the library such as quick and easier access of information and performing of library tasks with greater efficiency. Despite these benefits of ICT use many libraries are still not automated. Most of the problems faced by these libraries include; lack of sufficient funds to support the purchase of the technology, lack of qualified library professionals, lack of motivation and poor remuneration need among librarians to adopt ICT in their daily operations, lack of awareness of ICT potential users and poor attitude of library staff on automation. Other problems such as government policies, maintenance and security issues also consist of challenges faced by the libraries in the adoption of and implementation of ICT. Libraries need adequate finances to obtain current ICT facilities such as scanners, photocopiers, computers, servers, software and paying of online and offline services such as e- journals and digital libraries which are very expensive to be purchased, and this has made many libraries lag behind because of insufficient funds. Lack of qualified professional has been a great hindrance to adoption since most of the staff do not have adequate skills to handle computers and other information technologies. Staff motivation, poor remuneration and attitude have also been considered as factors affecting adoption in libraries. This has contributed to migration of skilled labor in search of better job opportunities abroad thus affecting the adoption of ICTs. Staff attitude has also been considered as problem since most staff feel that automation of libraries will take away their jobs. Lack of sufficient information on the potential user has also been a problem that hinders adoption, since most users had bad perception on ICT. University libraries need to sensitize their students and library staff that ICTs are very important part of library and library systems. They make it possible for information to be easily accessible, available with minimal effort. Given that libraries are the physical foundation of knowledge. It is therefore critical that they are equipped and every opportunity to make them efficient explored. However various factors impede the progress for the adoption of ICTs in uni versities. Therefore the study will assess the factors that influence the adoption and use of ICT in the university libraries in Kenya. 1.3 General Objective of the Study This aim of the study is to assess the factors influencing adoption and use of Information Communication Technology in the Kenyan University Libraries. 1.3.1 Specific Objectives of the Study The objectives of the studies were: i. To determine whether students and staff perception and attitudes towards ICT has influence adoption and use of ICT in at the University of Eldoret library. ii. To analyze effects of perceived benefits of ICT in the adoption and use ICTs at University of Eldoret library. iii. To establish how the availability of ICT technologies has influenced the adoption and use of ICTs in University of Eldoret library. 1.4 Research Hypotheses i. Ho1: The students and staff perception and attitude towards ICT has no significant influence on the adoption and use of ICT at the University of Eldoret library. ii. Ho2: Perceived benefits of ICT have no significant effect on the adoption and use ICTs at the University of Eldoret library. iii. Ho3: The availability of ICT technologies has no significant influence on the adoption and use of ICT at the University of Eldoret library. 1.5 Assumption of the Study The study assumes the respondent selected to participate in the study were honest and truthful and they represent the population of the study. 1.5 Significance of the Study i. The study findings were beneficial to the library staff and users of the University of Eldoret to acknowledge the benefits of ICT usage in the library. ii. The study findings will be of useful to the entire university as it will provide sufficient information on ICT and it will make them have positive attitude towards ICT use in the library. 1.7 Scope of the Study The study was carried at the University of Eldoret Library. The research concentrated on factors influencing the adoption and use of ICT in the university library. 1.8 Limitation of the Study The limitations of the study were the area of study; the study was carried out at University of Eldoret Library. Secondly, the researcher had no control over the sincerity of the respondents in giving accurate and reliable responses. This also depended on individual capacity to read and understand the English language in a way that conveyed the same meaning to every respondent. 1.9 Conceptual Frame Work of the Study The conceptual framework is used to show the association linking the dependent and independent variables. CT adoption is the dependent variable in the study. The dependent variable provides the solution to the problem i.e. what contributes the University to adopt ICT in their Libraries? In this situation, the study has tested three independent variables i.e. perceived benefit of ICT, user and staff perception and attitude towards ICT, and availability of Technology. These factors are believed to have some influences towards the dependent variable (ICT adoption) either in positive or negative way. Figure 1 Conceptual Framework 1.9.1 Perceived benefits of ICT One of the factors that might affect ICT adoption in the firms is the benefits. Peyala (2011) asserts that computerization of acquisition unit enhances funds control, quick and easy checking of approved books, devoid of duplication is managed. There are several benefits that have been made accessible through ICT adoption and there are still several organizations that are not taking advantage of ICT. Therefore, perceived benefits are taken into consideration as one of the factors that affect ICT adoption in Libraries. 1.9.2 Students and staff perception and attitude on ICTs Attitudes of librarian are crucial in the adoption and use of ICTs in the libraries because they librarians affect the adoption if they are not checked properly. The acceptance of the ICTs by library professional is a crucial factor in the realization of the mission of the university library. For successful utilization of technologies in university libraries librarian should change their attitude toward these ICT tool. 1.9.3 Availability of ICT Technology The availability and utilization of ICT facilities is essentially to fast track the processes about and to ensure that information resources spend the least period of time in library. Use of ICT technologies in the libraries provides most effective and efficient retrieval option to the library clientele. In computer system and network, availability has been described as the amount of time facility is available in the wake of components over a specified period of time. 1.9.4 Management Support Management support refers to the degree to which an individual believes that management has committed to the successful implementation and use of a system. Duan (2012) Believes it ensures the limited resources and technological expertise are allocated for the embracing of new technology. Many university libraries are still lagging behind in terms of technology adoption due to lack of management commitment to support the technology both financially and formulating pertinent policies that provide the essential infrastructure for adoption of ICT. 1.10. Operational Definition of Terms Adoption: In the study adoption is used to show how libraries are changing functions of the library from manual paperwork to the use of machines. Attitude: in the study attitude has been used to show how user feels about ICT use in the libraries. Perceived benefits: In the study benefits has been used to show the how ICT has influenced the service delivery in the library easy. ICT: In the study ICT has been used as technologies used to generate process, store and disseminate information. ICT application: it has been used in the study to show ICT based serviced in the Library. Library Automation: In the study it has been used to define the application of ICT in the day to day operations of the library. Library Networking has been used in the study to show a group of Libraries and Information Centers that are interconnected for some common pattern or design for information exchange and communication with a view to improve efficiency. Library Management Library Management includes the following activities which are geared up by the use of these fast ICT based developments, Classification, Cataloging, Indexing, Database creation, Database Indexing. Digital library: has been used in the study to mean a library in with a significant proportion of the resources that is available in machine-readable and accessible by means of computers. E-reference services: has been used to show how electronic references services that has been enhanced with the use of ICTs. Online Searching: has been used to refer to searchable information o on line. Which includes electronic resources and databases can be searched using the Internet through search engines. Virtual library: has been used in the study to mean access points as well as the graphic records are in electronic/digital form when these electronic/digital libraries are connected via various networks, particularly the internet, this is called virtual library. CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Introduction This chapter presents a review of the related literature by various researchers, scholars, analysts and authors. The researcher has drawn materials from several sources based on the theme and the objectives of the study. 2.2 Overview of ICTs in Libraries ICT is often used as an extended synonym for Information Technology (IT), but is a more specific term that comprises of computers as well as necessary software, storage, and audio-visual systems, which have enabled users to access, store, transmit, and manipulate information. The term and Communications Technology entails the science and skills of computing, information storage, and communications. It is a new, rapidly emergent area that is drastically changing the world by making potential new methods of doing business, entertaining, and crafting art. ICT has plays a crucial role in hastening sustainable development as well as bridging the ever-growing gap in our present-day society. There is, yet, a vital need to channel the immense potentials of ICT in the correct direction for the improvement of the corporation and active human development (Adesoji, 2012). Currently Information Communication Technology has been the latest buzz word in the information and Technology arena. In fact the formal ways of communicating available information to end users from the various sources are among the major challenges nowadays. These days information can not only be stored, retrieved, disseminated in many forms bit also at higher speeds. Information Technology has open unprecedented opportunity in the form in which information is stored, retrieved, manipulated and exploited. There are three key components of the new technology .These are:  ¢ New ways of storing information cheaply.  ¢ New mechanism of manipulating, scanning and research such records  ¢ New facilitates for cheap and rapid transmission of information over long distances. With the hasty development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) the traditional concept of libraries has changed to modern academic libraries which has great potential, energetic and can reach their users without the limitations of geographical boundaries. In this era of internet libraries are fast changing to digital mode which can be accessed collectively. (Kamani, 2011). A study by Oyeyini, (2014) shows that ICT has brought tremendous changes in library and information science by changing the traditional concept of libraries from a store house of books to an intellectual information Centre. It is of no doubt, that it has open up a new stage in library communication and facilitated global access of information crossing the geographical limitations. Libraries now can use various types of technologies to perform some or all basic library procedural operations such as cataloguing, acquisitions, circulation, and on-line information access. Similarly ICTs has impacted in libraries by provide access to information resources and services leading to the disappearance of the notion of a library as have been known for years as a physical structure located in a particular geographical setting. It has changed the nature of library services over time as library â€Å"collections† comprise not only of physical information materials such as books, periodicals, films, videos, and others, stored in physical library structures, nowadays it include digital resources generated locally and those accessed through the Internet from laptops that are managed by other libraries.( Awour Kefah, 2013). 2.3 ICTs application in University Libraries Application of Information Communication Technology is very useful for libraries in creating databases of their own and making them available to users through networks. ICT has also enabled libraries to offer effective and efficient services to the end-users . Nearly all of the library operations like book acquisition, circulation, office management, the information services, are connected together, and are dependant and are mutually supportive for overall administration of library. Emerging of new technology has library revolutionize new ways of information storage and retrieval in university library field. In this technology era more and more libraries in the world make use of these new technologies for storage, retrieval and distribution of information in more effective way. Libraries have ability to store large amount of information using this new technologies and can transmit this information to anywhere anytime without any geographical barrier (Kamani, 2011) Now days there are numerous ICT technologies for various library functions, these includes; housekeeping, organization and managerial functions, which utilize different electronic and digital media equipment, networks and internet which has provide significant role in retrieving and dissemination of information thus playing a vital role by upgrading of libraries. According to Saleem (2013) some of these applications are: i. Library Automation is the concept of changing human involvement in all library services to enable any user to receive preferred information within his comfort and at the lowest cost. Main areas of the automation are classified into organization of all library database and housekeeping operations of library. ii. Library Networking this involves connecting of libraries and information centers to widespread pattern or design to enable information exchange and communication in the common view of improving efficiency. iii. Library Management involves the following activities which are certainly geared up by the use of fast Information Communication Technologies developments, library Classification, Cataloging, Indexing, Database creation, Database Indexing. iv. Digital Library refer to an assembling of digital computing, storage and communication of machinery together with the content and software needed to create, imitate and extend the services provided by conventional libraries v. E-reference services: These are digital reference which are available for the user. This includes Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI and Current Awareness Service (CAS) are enhanced with use of ICTs. vi. Online Searching: ICT has promoted on line searching, electronic resources and databases which can be searched using the Internet through search engines. This has provides a great resource for researchers and general information retrieval. Buarki (2011) in his study on Impact of ICT on library and Library Information System observed that modern library and information system can be grouped into four areas, as follows: a) Computer Technology. b) Communication Technology c) Reprographic Technology d) Printing Technology 2.3.1 Computer Technology Computers are now used extensively in the library operations and have great impact in the management of libraries and information centers. Computer technologies have been used in various fields of library activities. Some of these areas where computer application takes place are: Information Resource Building: This involves acquisition of books, monographs, audio-visual, electronic equipment such as CD-ROM, maps etc. Acquisition process involved the following functions:  ¢ Checking duplicates in book acquisition in library.  ¢ Books supplier selections.  ¢ Preparing and cancellation of orders  ¢ Checking orders which are long overdue.  ¢ Record of items on order of acquisition  ¢ Records of received and non-received items and receipt to the book supplier  ¢ Verification of items with order files and invoice number.  ¢ Inspection of items ordered by the concerned department.  ¢ Preparation of payment after accessioning.  ¢ Preparation budget and maintaining accounts statistics. Data Entry This requires database for each: Books, Clients/Members, Serials, Audio-visuals, CD-ROMS, Floppies, Gifted items, and Maps, Reports etc. Classification and Cataloguing are:  ¢ Catalogue card production.  ¢ On-line cataloguing  ¢ Duplicating and checking of catalogue cards.  ¢ Producing duplicate catalogue cards.  ¢ Preparing authority file subject.  ¢ Catalogue cards checking and filing.  ¢ Automatic generation of added entries  ¢ Generation of monthly accession list. Circulation Control:  ¢ Registration of membership.  ¢ An issue, returns, renews documents reservation and production of the slips for proof.  ¢ Recording charges for late, lost book, binding and production of penalty slip.  ¢ Maintaining of circulation statistics  ¢ Inter -library loan.  ¢ Statistics of circulation report Serial Control:  ¢ Input essential serials data.  ¢ Preparing of new list serials orders.  ¢ Preparing mode of payment,  ¢ Updating and receipting the records.  ¢ Receipting of Book seller or publishers.  ¢ Preparing the list of present holdings, missing, additions, cancellation of serials chronologically, subject-wise, etc.  ¢ Renewing and cancelling of present subscriptions.  ¢ Accessing register of bound serials.  ¢ Preparing budget sand maintaining accounts. Documentation and allied services:  ¢ Indexing and abstracting of micro and macro documents.  ¢ Catalogue compilation  ¢ Current Awareness Services.(CAS)  ¢ Searching of literature.  ¢ Selective Dissemination of Information.(SDI)  ¢ Clipping of newspaper. Information Retrieval:  ¢ Creation of database and maintenance, interactive searching, saving of in house.  ¢ Searching and print outs of queries against specified requirement  ¢ Information about the books (issued, reserved, lost, overdue, weed-out), member-ship, inter library loan, penalty charges, periodicals, etc.  ¢ Retrieval of information alphabetically, chronologically, per-subject members, reserved words with each particulars such as accession no-wise, title, author, call number, edition etc. 2.3.2 Communication Technology Communication is the process of transforming information from the source to the destination. Communication, the exchange of information and the transmission is very essence in a social system or in an organization. Dictionary meaning of communication is news or the act of making oneself understand the means of sending information between one place to another. In modern days, various means of communicating the information came into existence. There is a need to communicate information effectively, efficiently and timely by applying modern technologies such as communication technology. The main areas of communication technology are; Audio-visual technology, Fax, Telex, E-mail, Video text, Tele text, Online search, Tele conference, Voice Mail Box, Satellite Technology, Cellular telephones, Internet, Intranet, Extranet, CD-ROM, and DVD. 2.3.3 Reprographic Technology Reprography is also known as micrography is a reproduction process. It has made a great impact on document delivery system. Nowdays it is possible to record micro images in a range of microforms such as microfilm, microfiche, ultra fiche and COM (Computer Output Microform). Micro-graphics is a powerful micro-force for records management and information control. Reprographic technology covers: a) Photocopying b) Micro-copying c) Optical/Digital process 2.3.4 Printing Technology Printing or Printing Technology has great importance and playing important role in information and communication process. It has various evolutionary changes from making of paper and invention of printing to the modern printing technology of laser printers. Printing Technology covers: a) Technical Writing b) Editing c) Publishing 2.4 Adoption of ICTs in the University Library ICTs have significantly transformed the world, from the time it was discoverers few years ago. Librarians have adopted a range of technologies to provide different types of services. Mairajand El-Hadi (2012) in a study on ICTs in libraries find out those ICTs has not only changes library everyday operations and services, but have also impact librarians with new and active role in the library. It has also change the way in which information is being handled resulting to speedy and accuracy information access, retrieval, stored and manipulating hence disseminating users in different forms. Computer telecommunication and mass storage technologies are main areas of remarkable improvement that have shaped the manner in which librarians obtain, stored, processes, retrieved and disseminate information to their clienteles. (Ogbodo, 2014). Similarly ICTs has also played vital role by changing the conventional methods of library functions by giving new ways for teaching, learning and research in institution of higher education. Through the aid of ICTs tools, it has made it possible to store, retrieve, disseminate and arrange information by developing websites and databases. Information can now be published both by electronic means and by printing making it available to users needs. Oyeyini (2014) noted ICT has impacted on every area of library science especially in the form of library database, improvement of strategies, library structure and consortium. ICTs in libraries has offer access to information resources and services resulting in the fading of the concept of a library being known for decades † as physical building situated in a specific geographic location. ICT has changed the nature of library services over a time. Library collections consist not only of material information resources such as books; periodicals, videos, films, etc are mainly stored in physical library buildings. But now includes digital resources created locally and those accessed online and are managed by other libraries or information service providers (Awour Kefah, 2013). Oyeyini(2014) pointed out that for any library to reach maximum gain in the 21st century, globalization and implementation of information technology will be a great feature of the libraries. The size of libraries or their collections may not be to the standard but rather made it accessible to the major thrust of the library automation. Additionally, Quadri (2012) noted that nowadays libraries are changing their role from the custodian of traditional information resources to the provider of service oriented digital information resources. Extensive use of computers has increased reliance on computer networks, the quality and quantity of information has improved with the use of the internet , thus making university libraries to embrace modern technology for the storing, retrieving and disseminating information. With the inception of various Information and Communication Technologies trends , library operation have undergo restructuring, transformation .From the last many years, librarians have remained unchallenged as the sole custodian and gate keepers of information. But with the introduction of ICTs especially the Internet services, librarians has began to lose the impact of being the sole custodian of information. Krubu Osawaru (2011). Emojorho (2011) also noted that the accelerated adoption and use of information and communication technology (ICT) has resulted in the globalization of information and knowledge resource Islam (2007) .In a consortium, a group of member libraries are linked together via electronic information network and this has tremendously reduces the acquisition costs of information resources and allows users of individual library to have access to numerous information materials that ordinarily one library may not own. Library Automation is required mainly for the following reasons:  ¢ Obtain increased operational efficiencies;  ¢ Relieved professional staff from clerical responsibilities so that they concentrate on user oriented services;  ¢ Improve the services quality, speeds and effectiveness  ¢ Improved access to remote users and other stakeholders (e.g., the general public);  ¢ Improve access of resources on other networks and systems, including the Web;  ¢ Provide new services  ¢ Facilitate large access to information for their clients;  ¢ Facilitate distribution of information products and services;  ¢ Enable library participation in resource-sharing through networks.  ¢ Enable rapid communication with other libraries (including libraries) and professional peers. 2.5 Students and Staff perception and attitude towards ICTs Adekunle (2007) defines attitudes as inclinations and feelings, prejudices or bias, preconceived notions, ideas, fears and convictions about any specific topic .it is chiefly positive attitudes which are assumed to be fundamental in the acceptance, implementation and success of new technologies. Eguavoen, (2011) defined attitudes toward ICT usage as a person s general evaluation or feeling towards ICT, computer and internet service. An attitude has been used to represent perceptions of library staff on the value attached to Information Technology use in libraries-technical processing, collection, organization and user services. It also represents the value of these technologies in the library staff minds. Implementation of information communication technology (ICT) in the university libraries depends largely on the attitudes of librarians to its usage. The application of ICT in libraries has significantly changed libraries operations; which includes automated cataloguing, circulati on, information retrieval, electronic document delivery, and CD-ROM databases etc. Borrego (2010) in his study analyzed on Librarians perceptions on the use of electronic resources at Catalan academic libraries and found that perceptions of the usefulness of bibliographic software management have dramatically increased during the last few years, especially among PhD students. Furthermore he mentioned that librarians have stated that most of the complaints they receive from users were to do with systems breakdowns, inability to access resources off-campus, and discontinued resources. Sachin D. Sakarkar (2013) finds out that the librarians attitude on ICTs depends mainly on trainings which create an ideal atmosphere for ICT orientation of Librarians to change their attitudes favoring ICT amenities. This would certainly minimize the fear of digital divide amongst society and librarian. The ICT adoption and implementation is safe and progressive to the society under the guidance of a well-trained, qualified and positive librarian. Haneefa (2009) in a study of special libraries assesses in detail the application of ICTs in special libraries. The study provides a state of art application of ICT in automated special libraries of premier research institutions. The study identify the factors that promote or hinder application of ICT ,user s satisfaction ,ICT skills of library professionals and the facilities for training in ICT in special libraries. It also assesses the attitude of users and librarians towards the application of ICT. Survey results show that majority of the libraries have basic hardware and software facilities. Majority provide training for their library staff in ICT based services. The librarians and users have a highly positive attitude towards ICT application and the main barrier to ICT application is inadequately trained library professionals. Sagolsem, Purnima Devi Vikas (2009) report a survey conducted among the library professional staff working in public libraries and NGO libraries of Manipur. The main objectives of the study was to find the status of digital environment in Manipur public libraries, The study revealed that public university libraries lack of trained staff with required ICT knowledge. Though most of them had a favorable attitude towards IT application majority were not satisfied with their opportunities to enhance qualifications. The problems in IT application include lack of qualified professionals, high cost of IT infrastructure and insufficient computer facilities. Nair (2009) reports a study of the attitude of librarians in Kerala towards the use of information technology in library and information activities in his thesis. The main objective of the study was to find out the nature of attitude of librarians towards information technology (IT). The study was conducted on a representative sample of 284 professionally qualified librarians in different libraries of Kerala. The results of the study showed that majority of librarians showed favorable attitude towards information technology. They were prepared to accept modern technology in library activities. Librarians considered IT not as a means to reduce their workload but as a device to render effective information service to patrons. Librarians engaged in different professional work were similar in their attitude towards information technology. Kosoko (2014) observed that attitude consists of three main components, these are the affective, behavioral and cognitive, that show how persons feel about a particular issue, what they intend to do about it and what they believe about it. This shows that there is inter-relationship between knowing, feelings and doing. Considering these explanations, attitude can be deduced as a favor or disfavor towards a concept that is positive or negative. Positive attitudes are necessary for the success and significant achievements in an organizations, thus employees are expected to demonstrate positive In addition, a research done by Rajagopal Chinnasamy (2012) on users attitudes and approaches towards e-r-resources and services in academic libraries showed that there was an increasing interest in electronic information resources among the engineering users at associated colleges of Pondicherry University. Olatokunbo (2012) confirmed through his study on electronic information resources awareness, attitude, and use by academic staff members of University of Lagos, Nigeria that 55% of university staff members indicated that the level of awareness of the subscribed electronic information resources by the Library Management is rather low. 2.6 Perceived benefits of ICTs Adoption in the University Libraries In spite of the problems associated with automation, its benefits rather outweigh its disadvantages. It is a known as a fact that automation has enables easy access of library materials, and allows staff to serve users better and facilitate a multitude of tasks such as acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and reference (Egunjobi Awoyemi, 2012). According to (Awuor kefah, 2013) ICTs has managed to changed several library operations and activities which can now be done better at the same times which were previously not easy to carry out are now possible. These days there are many opportunities ICTs has presented to libraries; most current information is recorded in electronic format. ICT has also contributed enormously on the performance of librarians who are discharging of their duties in the library such as in cataloguing, reference services, circulation management, serials control etc. Similarly Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have facilitated the flow and effective means of communication. It provides correct data collection as well as giving strategies for attaining objectives, which would otherwise be reserved for organizational structures. Okonand Iogbodo, (2014) asserts ICTs have become a way of life the world over even though libraries and librarians in Nigeria are still struggling with the traditi onal methods of information processing, storage and delivery. Saleem (2013) noted Computer has brought in a new impact to the library and information usage. ICTs have enabled library staff to provide quality and valuable information service by giving more remote access to the internationally available information resources. Recently highly sophisticated information technology has facilitated the storage of huge amounts of data or information in a very compact space. Jayaprakash Balasubramani, (2011) stated the University Libraries must increase the numbers of computer to enable the users to maximize the usage of ICT-based resources and services. Information and communications technologies are being used by libraries for book and serial acquisitions, classification and cataloguing, reference service, money transition, user orientation service, interlibrary loan, circulation service, electronic contents, document delivery service, e-mail and chat assistance, web 2.0 interactive sharing, photocopies services and bibliographic service. These oppor tunities not only allow libraries to deliver fast information to users but also promoting remote libraries. (Adeleke Olorunsola, 2010). A comprehensive study by (ibianye 2012), (Ghuloum Ahmed, 2011) shows the cost of maintenances costs of digital library is much lower than that of a traditional library especially with regards to space. Traditional libraries are expensive to maintain. Automated libraries on the other have minimum maintenance; the importance of ICTs is characterized by information services format change, contents and way of producing it, method of production and delivery of information products. The onset of internet has made changed on library profession role from intermediary to facilitator, modern tools for broadcasting information and change from physical to virtual services environment and disappearance of some conventional information services and emergence of modern and innovational web based. (Krubu Osawaru, 2011). A study by Okonand Iogbodo (2014) observed that ICTs had benefited university libraries in the following ways; i. Creation of OPAC: Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) which is the computerized form of the library catalogue .OPAC is easy to use, save space and can be used to access even catalogues of other libraries ii. Networking: this involves linking ICT enables libraries to network. Networking can either be local (LAN) or wide (WAN). This will enable libraries to access information from different types of on line databases, in various disciples, on-line magazine and newspapers, e-journals and e-books. iii. Resource Sharing: ICT has enhanced the creation of a central union catalogue which allows libraries to share their resources with other libraries. iv. Institutional Repositories: This involves compilation of publications which originate from scholars within an academic institution. These are academic theses, dissertations, conference and seminar papers, curriculum vitae, reports, inaugural lectures and any other publication emanating from individual scholars within academic institutions. ICT has enabled other libraries to access the information. v. Library Electronic Security system: ICT has enhanced library security through the use of Radio Frequency Identification Detector (RFID). RFID is the latest library technology used for theft detection. RFID combines radio frequency and microchip technology. vi. Creation of a virtual library: ICT has promoted the establishment of a virtual library. A virtual is a library that exists without any physical space or location. Parvez (2011) noted that owed to the automation, circulation is one of the most affected areas of library operations, it has help saved a lot of time for both users and library staff. Dzandu Boateng (2014) noted that with the inception of web OPAC, users can now search information from anywhere at any time; users can also easily do the reservation of library sources and this has helps to avoid or reduce the theft of library resources with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system. In the confirmation he pointed the respondents revealed that borrowing time was short and the OPAC has made library resources accessible from different angles. However, the study could not confirm if the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has reduced theft in that it wasn t operational because the contractor did not finish installing and she abandoned the job. Additionally automation has enables easy access; that is users are able to search for materials within the library and from remote locations v ia search items as author, title, subject, call number and keyword and allows library staff to better serve users and facilitate large number of tasks. Awoyemi (2012) in his study revealed that, the filling of slips for borrowed books were things of the past; books are just scanned during borrowing. Osawaru Krubu (2011) opines that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has brought unprecedented changes and transformation to university library and information services, digital library information systems (LIS) such as OPAC, users services, reference services, bibliographic services, current awareness services, document delivery, interlibrary loan, audio visual services and customer relations can be provided more efficiently and effectively by using ICTs, as they offer convenient time, place, cost effective, quicker and most-up-to-date dissemination and end users involvement in the library and information services process. The impact of ICT on information characterized services by changes in format, contents and production method and delivery of information products. However with the emergence of internet information and knowledge has changed the role of library and information science professionals from intermediary to facilitator, by providing new tools for disseminati on of information and shift from physical to virtual services environment Mutula (2012) presented the experiences and the lessons learned from the University of Botswana (UB) library automation project. He found that the automation has impacted many project hence increasing access to diversity of electronic resources, improved image of librarians, invention of new services, freeing of library physical space, transformation of the library into a social learning environment, access to local content made possible through digitization, new skills acquisitions, remote access to library electronic resources from different sites.