Database Administrator Z/Os free essay sample

Sanders DB2 10 Exam 610 Practice Questions by Robert Wingate For certification test: DB2 9 DBA for z/OS (000-732) DB2 9 for z/OS Database Administration: Certification Study Guide by Susan Lawson and Daniel Luksetich DB2 10 DBA for z/OS (000-612) DB2 10 for z/OS Database Administration: Certification Study Guide by Susan Lawson and Daniel Luksetich For certification test: DB2 9 System Administrator for z/OS (000-737) DB2 9 System Administration for z/OS: Certification Study Guide: Exam 737 by Judy Nall DB2 10 System Administrator for z/OS (000-617) DB2 10 System Administration for z/OS: Certification Study Guide: Exam 617 by Judy Nall (due out in May of 2013) 2)Then there is the following free tutorial: For certification test: DB2 9 Fundamentals (000-730) DB2 9 Fundamentals certification 730 prep series at http://www. ibm. com/developerworks/offers/lp/db2cert/db2-cert730. html For certification test: DB2 10 Fundamentals (000-610) DB2 10 Fundamentals certification 610 prep series at http://www. bm. com/developerworks/data/tutorials/db2-cert6101/index. html 3)$30 IBM practice exams: For certification test: DB2 9

History and Physical Examination Essays

History and Physical Examination Essays History and Physical Examination Essay History and Physical Examination Essay EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT TREATMENT RECORD Patient Name: Putul Barua panent ID: 135799 sex: Male Room NO. : CCU4 Date of Admission/Date of Arrival: 01107/2013 Admitting/Attending Physician: Simon Williams, MD Admitting Diagnosis: 1 . ) Rule out myocardial infarction. 2. ) History of tuberculosis. 3. ) Hemoptysis. 4. ) Status post embolectomy. CHIEF COMPLAINT Tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, fast heart rate. HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS Mr. Barua is a 42-year-old gentleman from Bangladesh who presents with chest ightness, shortness of breath, and tachycardia. Dr. J. K. McClean of cardiology is evaluating his heart condition. The patient has had the recent onset of hemoptysis. He was treated for tuberculosis in Bangladesh 15 years ago. This has prompted the concern of whether his treatment for tuberculosis was adequate or whether there is another cause for his hemoptysis. The duration of his tuberculosis treatment was apparently adequate, according to his wife, but no records are available. In addition, he patient had thrombosis of the axillary artery treated last year at Hillcrest. He had an embolectomy and has been on Coumadin since. INR is significantly elevated at 16. Nonetheless, because of the cavitary lesions that are seen in the right and left upper lobes, the possibility of tuberculosis has been raised. Ancillary history was given by the patients wife, Nupur, with the patient translating for her from the Hindi language. PAST HISTORY Tuberculosis in the past. Embolectomy at Hillcrest last year. continued) Page 2 SOCIAL HISTORY Married, with two daughters. Patient has been in the USA for 10 years. Patient has no recent history of smoking; He smoked in the past, but the amount is unclear. He is a restaurant manager for the Mariette Hotel chain. FAMILY HISTORY No known family history of diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. Mother died of a stroke. Father was killed in a MVA in Bangladesh. REVIEW OF SYSTEMS Negative other than as stated in HPI. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION V ital signs are WNL. Apparently he has had no chills, night sweats, or fevers. Generalized malaise and a lack of energy have been the main concerns. HEART: Regular rate and rhythm with Sl and S2. No S3 or S4 is heard at this time. LUNGS: Bilateral bronchi. No significant amphoric sounds are noted. ABDOMEN: Soft, nontender. No hepatosplenomegaly or masses are detected. RECTAL EXAM: Prostate smooth and firm. No stool is present for Hemoccult test. DIAGNOSIS Hemoptysis with history of tuberculosis. Room No. C Page 3 PLAN I have reviewed the chest x-rays available here and agree with the findings of bleb ormation in the right and left upper lobes. Despite the fact that the patient has had a high INR, because of his history of tuberculosis and hemoptysis, I believe obtaining sputum for TB is very, very important. We should rule out any other endobronchial lesion as the cause of his bleeding. I have discussed this matter with the patient and his wife. I have told them that there is the possibility of observing the condition via x-rays and repeated tests of his sputum. They understand that this is an option; however, they have decided that ecause of the concern regarding his repeated hemoptysis, they would consent to bronchoscopy. We will arrange for the patient to have a bronchoscopy done. He is off Coumadin. 135799 sex: Male Patient ID: Room No. : CCU4 Date ot Admission/Date ot Arrival: O Page 4 We will recheck the prothrombin time and INR tomorrow. Depending upon those results, we will proceed with bronchoscopy and further evaluation. Simon Williams, MD Pulmonology sw:tm D: 01107/2013 -r: 01/08/2013 CC: J. K. McClain, MD Cardiology

Significance and influences Literature review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Significance and influences - Literature review Example Branding therefor is not a modern business strategy although this is recently subjected into law, not only for regulation but also to institute intellectual property rights to all products introduced in the market (Interband, 2004). Branding is considered very significant for business leveraging. Products are advertised and purchased regularly by consumers using its brand as basis to determine good’s quality and services offered (Interband, 2004).Those brands that have gain significant figures of loyal consumers increased the value of good’s production. Quality clothes, milks, shoes, kitchen wares, appliances and the likes are often the most popular brands, thus, business managers handling these products enjoy high return of investment (Interband, 2004). With very good yield coupled with satisfactory business performance, share price can therefore be positively swayed. Branding commands discrimination of purchase. It also justifies increase of products’ prices us ing the presumption that these are all produced in accordance to quality standards. This experience is true to all pharmaceutical industry, in biotechnology, in liquor and other non-essential goods. At times due to inability of people to purchase these medicines, petitions and protest are done by government by threatening to overrule patents and permit local pharmaceuticals to produce desired medicines (Interband, 2004). Fearing that local competition will affect sales and profit, multinational-pharmaceutical will prefer to cooperate and concede with domestic market requests following negotiations to maintain their leverage and control in the market. Economists have made some guidelines to highlight the significance of branding. Design to protect its brand, trademark polices also include securing the logos, color, names and the features of packaging products, its smells, and even the music used in advertising it (Interband, 2004). Patent and copyright laws have been effective in pro tecting the producer’s universal rights over his products and the method of how these are marketed (Interband, 2004). As customer mostly prefer diversity of products and services that will cater their needs and expectation, companies want to engage in producing different products but are also in consideration to the interest, reputation, and values of its shareholders. Hence, companies work with innovation, accountability and social responsibility to maintain its brand image (Interband, 2004). They treat brand as both an asset and an investment for business sustainability (Interband, 2004). They correlate marketing products with business integrity and effectiveness. In case there is strong market competition, companies also delve at the opportunities of co-branding, franchising and licensing as profitable dealings to exploit their brands (Interband, 2004). A strong and strategic branding is derived from shareholders sense of values. Branding details are also defined by corpor ate business managers and is managed by brand marketers (Interband, 2004). It is often derived from an integrated component of the entire organization and is valued as an investment hence, assessed in financial terms. Nowadays, as branding becomes an international norm, brands can

Effects of the credit crunch in terms of regeneration and redundancies Literature review

Effects of the credit crunch in terms of regeneration and redundancies - Literature review Example This paper endeavors to understand the appropriate meaning of the term credit crunch, prior discussing initiation and implications of the same in the United Kingdom, specifically in Sunderland. Credit crunch is a situation when lenders stop lending, borrowers fail to borrow, builders cease their activities and buyers are forced to exhibit their inability to buy. In specific manner, credit crunch can be defined as a sudden stoppage in availability of credits as well as loans, causing shortage of liquidity in the market. Since 2008, such a situation has resulted in development of a complex set of issues in various countries that is continuously worsening. According to Erkens, Hung and Matos, the present credit crunch was initiated in 2007 in the United States, when lenders were heavily exposed to mortgages worth billion dollars, which turned into bad debts. The authors further added that the viability of the subprime loans related to mortgage has a significant impact on the global fina ncial system. Consequently, banks and other financial systems were no more interested to lend to borrowers, which created a chain reaction reaching national financial system of various nations. By the end of 2008-09, the housing bubble in the United States (US) busted and resulted in collapse of several prominent banks. Interest rates also increased significantly during this period. According to Parkinson, the trend had followed in the property as well as construction industry, bringing about a drastic impact on regeneration.

Pros And Cons Of Internet Banking Information Technology Essay

Pros And Cons Of Internet Banking Information Technology Essay The rise of the Internet has fueled an important question across the banking industry of whether it is time to renounce to the branches and provide banking products services solely over the Internet or combine clicks n bricks. The objective of the paper is to compare two business models: the click and mortar model that complements both classical branch banking and online facilities with the one that aims using exclusively cutting-edge Internet technology, the so called: pure Internet banking. Keywords: Internet banking, performance, client orientation Introduction The current global economic situation determined banks to focus on performance and on increasing the revenue brought by the existing customers. Given the context, banks tend to reorient towards the cost effective distribution channels, in order to minimize distribution costs. Probably the most important cost effective distribution channel for the banking sector is the Internet. That is why, since the rise of Internet, bankers had to decide whether it is time to renounce to the branches and provide banking products services solely over the Internet or combine clicks n bricks. Both alternatives have strengths and weaknesses, advantages and disadvantages. The set of advantages that the use of Internet might bring for banks is quite consistent. Among them (see fig. 1), we mention: the almost unlimited mobility that such channel offers to the banks clients; the multiple possibilities that exist in terms of interconnecting the Internet-based financial platforms with other systems; the reduced costs that such a distribution channel implies etc. On the other hand, the complexity and dynamism of the Internet also implies considerable risks. Internet banking products bring a high level of transactional risks, particularly if such a line of business is not adequately planned, implemented and monitored. [2] Transactional risks are mainly arising from fraud, error and the inability to properly manage confidential information. Fig 1. Internet Banking s main advantages [1] Nowadays, all Internet banking applications must meet a minimum set of security requirements, such as: communications confidentiality and integrity datas integrity and confidentiality authenticity for all parties involved in transactions protection of personal data protection against identity substitution and informations transmission under false identity protection against interception of information transferred between the client and the bank traceability of transactions business continuity for all services offered to customers prevention, detection and monitoring all unauthorized access in the system restoration of the systems information in case of natural calamities or unpredictable events etc [3] In considering the merits of branch banking, we cannot do better than remember the advice given to bankers by Mr. Rae in his excellent work, The Country Banker. He remarks that no bank ought to open a branch unless possibly for the following reasons: 1st. It should be advantageous for the customers of that bank. 2nd. There should be a possibility of new business being obtained. 3rd. That the branch may act as a connecting link to other branches. Possibly the greatest use of branches is that they find an outlet for surplus capital. Thus if money cannot be employed to advantage at one branch, yet there might exist a demand for capital at another, and consequently none of the resources of the bank remain unemployed. If the surplus funds of a bank can always be utilised at a profit, it follows that a higher rate of interest can be given for deposits.[4] For small towns a branch is more advantageous than any other method of gaining market share, because a limited customer environment can be better served by a focused and personalized approach. Also, there is no doubt that the establishment of branches by the existing banks can be a method of preventing competition from opening branches in the same area. Above all, security issues can make customers consider that branch banking is superior to Internet banking, because there is better trust in the traditional transactional system. Body of Paper Pros and Cons of Internet banking Pros: Lowered transaction costs: Internet is probably the most important cost effective distribution channel for the banking sector, primarily due to two factors: widespread Internet access and its low costs, which minimizes transaction processing costs, and the reduction of the number of brick and mortars branches required to service an equivalent number of customers, which dramatically lowers overhead costs [5]. Convenience: Unlike a banks branch, Internet banking sites never close; theyre available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and theyre only a mouse click away.   Ubiquity: If a money problem arises while clients are out of their residence state or out of the country, they can log on instantly to the Internet banking application and take care of business-24/7.   Transaction speed: Internet banking sites generally execute and confirm transactions at or quicker than ATM processing speeds.   Efficiency: Clients can access and manage all of their accounts, including Individual Retirement Accounts, CDs, even securities, from one secure site.   Effectiveness: Many Internet banking sites offer sophisticated tools, including account aggregation, stock quotes, rate alerts and portfolio managing programs to help clients manage all of their assets more effectively. Most are also compatible with money managing programs.[6] Higher loyalty rates: Pure Internet bankers show slightly higher loyalty rates than their multi-channel counterparts. According to a study conducted in 2000 in the USA, 84 percent of Internet bankers had only one banking relationship, while 79 percent of multi-channel bankers had one relationship.[5] Younger public: Pure Internet bankers are more youthful than the multi-channel bankers. In accordance with the above mentioned study, forty-four percent of pure Internet bankers were 35 and younger, compared to 30% of the multi-channel bankers.[5] Cons: Trust: Trusting an Internet banking system is an issue for two main reasons: identity theft and operator error. If clients use a non-secure wireless Internet connection, it might not be a good idea to use online banking. Its quite easy for a savvy ID thief to view the personal information of the clients. In regards to operator error, some users worry that they might have pushed the transfer button too much, or not enough.[6] Risks: Internet banking sites bring a high level of risks, such as: operational, legal, reputational or systemic risks and even strategic risks. Internet banking does not necessary open up new risk categories, but rather accentuates the risks that any bank faces. Security controls: Security controls need special attention because of the open nature of the Internet and the pace of technological change. Specific focus areas include: Authentication-This means ensuring customers are verified and their identities established before conducting business over the Internet. Passwords, biometric methods, challenge-response systems, public key infrastructure are some of the ways of strengthening authentication. There is a growing trend towards single-sign-on applications, where the customer needs only a single ID to access his entire relationship. These increase the risk of compromise. Nonrepudiation-Banks should make certain that customers who transact on the Internet cannot later deny having originated the transactions. Using techniques like PKI (digital certificates), strong nonrepudiation can be achieved. However, legal enforceability in many countries is still suspect. Segregation of duties-As in any traditional process, segregation of duties is vital to prevent perpetration of fraud by any one individual.[7] Delays in account activation: Customers may need to face a waiting period between signing up for Internet banking and receipt of the ID and password necessary for account activation and also make other arrangements in case their access is temporarily denied because of various reasons. Also, the clients might need some time to get accustomed with the banks website and set up account information. Delays in processing the payments: Even if the Internet banking platforms can be accessed 24 hours / day, the majority of the payments are processed only within the working hours of the banks. That is why, if clients choose to pay bills online, they have to make sure that recipients are capable of processing electronic payments in time. Otherwise, it may take several days for the payments to be credited to the right accounts, which could result in accumulated late charges. Lack of official proof of payment: If something goes wrong with the online money transactions (errors, late charges etc), clients might need official proofs of the payments they did. The fastest way to obtain such a proof is by printing out a hard copy of the payment order directly from the system. Unfortunately, in most of the cases, the printings are not considered official proofs so in order to get some; clients will have to visit the nearest banks branch. Technical problems: Any system that comprises complex technology needs maintenance and it is prone to occasional technical problems. Under such circumstances, Internet banking applications might be temporarily unusable, which means that the clients cannot access their accounts. Rapid obsolescence of the sites layout: Internet banking sites change very fast. Even the largest banks, periodically upgrade their online programs, adding new features in unfamiliar places. In some cases, clients can be perplexed by such changes. Lack of human touch: There are many devotees to community banking to say that such ways to interact with a bank are not successful because people are dependent to face-to-face banking services. In their opinion, the lack of human contact is frustrating to customers.[1] Pros and Cons of branch banking Pros: Security The branch banking is less risky than Internet banking and has greater capacity to handle risks. The losses incurred by some branches may be offset by the profits earned by other branches.[9] Diversification A branch banking organization can easily diversify its sources and uses of funds among various users. It can direct funds into a market requiring financing. Deposits are received from the areas where lots of savings and loans are extended in those areas where funds are scarce and interest rates are high.[9] Large-scale operations Under branch banking system, a bank with a considerable number of branches usually processes huge financial resources and enjoys the benefits of large-scale operations. Over the Internet, clients tend to operate only with smaller amounts of money. Low degree of customers specialization Traditional banking implies less-skilled and less affluent clients than Internet banking. It is a fact that in order to be able to use Internet banking applications clients need the right technical facilities and minimal Internet and computer knowledge. Legislative stability State laws governing the organizational structure of branch banking are stable and clear compared with the legislative framework that governs the virtual environment. In terms of the internets legislative framework things can be radically different from one country to another. Specialized consultancy Community banking implies the presence of highly trained and experienced staff in the branches. This personnel is appointed to certain categories of clients and contributes directly to an increased efficiency of the bank client relationship. Cash transactions are possible Even perpetual declines in the demand for cash transactions are a reality, such phenomenon pose no real threat to the traditional methods that involve paper money. Those kinds of transactions (cash based) continue to be an important part of each and every economy. Higher rates of deposit attraction: Based on the lack of liquidity that occurs at the international level, one of the highest priority items right now for bankers is the deposit attraction. It is much efficient to attract deposits through physical branches than it is by using remote deposit capture (RDC  [1]  ) systems. Tradition: The classical branch banking is hard to compare with the Internet banking in the field of establishing close personal relationship with the customers, owing to considerations such as: the short term experience and tradition that Internet banking has; the differences in the cultural backgrounds of the clients etc. Cons: Costs bank branches are not cheap to set up. Depending on the  banks development goals and the jurisdiction the bank chooses, new branches may need to be started. Setting up a new branch may mean steep legal fees, corporate or account registration fees and in some cases banks are even required to own property (immobile) in the country in which they intend to operate. Insufficient parking spaces extensive urbanization is largely responsible for one of the most common todays problem: insufficient parking spaces in downtown and suburban areas of cities. If we add traffic congestions to it, we might find a good reason for customers to renounce visiting a banks branch. Personnel risks: The vast majority of staff in any bank is trustworthy and honest. However, banks are now beginning to realize and understand the scale of the threat posed by the small proportion of staff who act dishonestly and defraud their employer [10]. Following recent complaints, Brasov Police (Romania) applied to Credit Europe Bank a penalty of 50,000 lei and ordered to repay the stolen money to the injured clients within 15 days. It has been determined that the local director of operations, three operators and a cashier made fraudulent banking transactions on behalf of the banks clients, diverting more than 2 mil Euros in the past 7 years.[11] Insufficient specialized personnel: Sometimes, the expansion of banks in certain new locations exceeds the possibilities that the local labor markets have in terms of specialized staff. Under such circumstances banks have to headhunt local specialists, relocate internal employees or train new ones. All those solutions involve considerable costs. Conclusions The choice of whether or not to renounce to the click and mortar model of banking in favor of banking online, depends on many variables. Although the benefits of online banking are undeniable, there are some inconveniences and concerns of which bankers should be aware before making such an important strategic move. A comparative study conducted by the Research Institute of Applied Economics in 2008, over four important European countries (Finland, Spain, Italy and the UK) shows that the performance of different online banking models over the period 1995-2004 are not worse in terms of average returns to assets (or equity) than the ones obtained by the branch banking models. The study also reveals the fact that Internet banks are hard to distinguish from banks that adopt both click and mortar strategies. Country specific features appear to be more important in explaining differences across banks. That is why the researchers explain the performance of banks by a group of selected bank-specific features, but also add country-specific macroeconomic indicators and information technology related ratios. The strategic initiative of banking groups to incorporate internet banks seems to reflect some competitive edge that these banks have in their business models. The management of these banks is generally more capable of handling personnel and other costs. Personnel expenses are comparatively low, but the costs for IT are disproportionately high.[12] Others studies show that multi-channel banks draw highest traffic rates on their Internet banking platforms than the pure Internet banks, due to their off-line channels, brand awareness and existing customer base.[5] Under the same current of opinion there is a thesis according to which clients interested in value added products still prefer interaction with a physical branch. It is a fact that Internet banks need to reach a minimum dimension in order to become profitable. That is why good client adoption rate is a must for the Internet banks. Unfortunately this rate does not depend solely on the skills of the initiators but also on some external factors to the banking industry (egg: the percentage of households with access to internet at home, mass access to the specific technology, a higher broadband penetration rate etc). In terms of client adoption rates, trust is also very important. Even if the clients can see the benefits of Internet banking, they may be unwilling to subscribe if they do not trust or have much experience with the Internet. On the other hand, people may only sign up for limited services like account viewing. This will save them from safety concerns but will still give them daily access to account activity.[13]Under the circumstances, we should expect that the impact of Internet banks may not be strong enough to affect the branch banking system as a whole. However, Internet banks certainly contribute to increase transparency on specific products, like current accounts, allowing for comparisons among banks that were previously more difficult. [12]

Factors of Planning and Other Functions of Management Essay

With over 300,000 people world wide, AT&T is truly a global Fortune 500 company with a significant presence in the communication industry. With impressive growth, executives and managers need to develop a strategy that allows AT&T to connect with their customers and manage the contributing factors to their success. As stated in the AT&T Annual Report (2007), â€Å"AT&T was able to increase their annual income by 98.3%.† This amazing growth occurred in all sectors of their revenue stream and made 2007 a historic year financially for AT&T. AT&T Chairman, CEO and President, Mr. Randall Stephenson also states in the annual report (2007, p. 8) â€Å"there is one word that best describes what AT&T does and it is connected.† A simple vision that clearly describes what AT&T does for their customers to drive growth in their organization. In order for a company to succeed in today’s market, the product appeal to a global audience is imperative. Although AT&T did not begin as a business that offered products and services globally, AT&T’s network now includes 38 internet data centers on four continents across the globe (AT&T, 2008). AT&T offers a variety of communication products and services that appeal to individuals and companies. The demand for these types of products and services is on the rise, especially within major corporations. Given this demand, AT&T has developed and maintained an advanced and powerful communications network. AT&T is an industry leader of communication services, which serves millions of individuals and businesses on six continents (AT&T, 2008). The economy is an external factor that influences how AT&T manages rapid change. For example, with home foreclosures at a record high, the demand for landline telephone service is decreasing. Meanwhile the demand for wireless service is increasing. AT&T continues to focus on advancing wireless products (AT&T, Vonage, 2008). AT&T has acquired many smaller wireless providers, which allows them to become the top provider of wireless services in the United States. Cingular wireless is one of the wireless companies that AT&T bought out. After the purchase of Cingular wireless, AT&T began, promoting the â€Å"new† AT&T, the one-stop shop for all kinds of communications  and entertainment services (Goodbye Cingular, 2007). As early as 1885, AT&T began providing telephone service in the United States. To see the vast growth in their technology over the past 100 years is amazing. The service initially started with one-line calls or the ability for only one person to make a telephone call at a time and it now services over 70 million customers. The costs have decreased significantly over the decades as well. In 1892, a long distance phone call from New York to Chicago would cost about $9 for the first five minutes; rather expensive for that period in time. Today, AT&T has grown to be the world’s largest communications carrier and provides services for a broad spectrum of customers from residential to commercial, like the Fortune 1000 companies. Other than the typical local and long distance voice services for the residential customer, AT&T also provides high speed internet access, home networking, Wi-Fi, and wireless voice and data services. According to AT&T’s website (2008), they provide businesses with â€Å"access to one of the world’s most advanced IP networks.† AT&T provides the corporate community with technologies, such as, Voice over IP (VoIP), enterprise mobility solutions and Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections. To keep up with today’s vastly growing field of technology, AT&T (2008) â€Å"†¦recently switched on the nation’s first coast-to-coast IP/MPLS network†¦Ã¢â‚¬  In the United States alone, AT&T’s wired network encompasses 61.6 million access lines and has 14.2 million high speed internet subscribers. In 2008, AT&T plans to expand their current 64,000 Wi-Fi hot spots to more than 70,000 locations also launch more of their multi-screen services. AT&T embraces technological innovation to convert ideas rapidly into useful products and services. AT&T’s management and planning functions focus on the company and its customers while applying principles of sound, responsible and forward-looking stewardship to the needs of society. Today, AT&T is rethinking management functions and planning in terms of the Internet and new culture and capabilities. E-business (electronic business), derived from  such terms as â€Å"e-mail† and â€Å"e-commerce,† is the conduct of business on the Internet, not only buying and selling but also servicing customers and collaborating with business partners. E-business allows AT&T and other companies to use the Web to buy parts and supplies from other companies, to collaborate on sales promotions, and to participate in joint research. AT&T’s involvement with technology innovation such as e-business influences a range of criteria, including customer relationship performance, sales-based outcomes, and a general measure of organizational performance. The moderating role of AT&T’s management team’s involvement suggests that management â€Å"championing† the initiatives is crucial for successful results of the e-business market tendencies and new business development possibilities (AT&T, 2008). Alexander Graham Bell made the first telephone call to Watson about 150 years ago. One century ago, there were 10,000 telephone companies battling for their share in the voice communication market. AT&T battling in the communications market, realized in order to continue innovation, a sustained research and development component was needed. Early in 1925, AT&T determined they could not do this alone and made a series of strategic acquisitions and uniform standards. In the late 20th century, AT&T acquired Bell Labs that focused on computers, information and communications science. According to AT&T (2008), â€Å"Recognized as a pioneer in the IT revolution of the late 1990s, direction of innovation at AT&T Labs influences not only the ways we live and work today but our lives and the workplace of the future. With these guiding principles, our work in development, creativity and innovation lead to improved social, economic and environmental opportunities for AT&T communities.† ( ¶13)AT&T has made significant innovative contributions to the history of American business and global technology. Listed are a few of these accomplishments including:High-fidelity recording (1925), First TV transmission (1927), Trans-Atlantic radiotelephone (1929), Radio astronomy (1933), The transistor (1937), The first computer (1939), The laser (1960), Optical fiber communication (1977), Cellular technology (1983), Speech recognition and synthesis (1992), Voice over IP technology (1995), Quantum computing (1999), Internet Project predictive and proactive  network security (2005) (AT&T, 2008). AT&T noted on their website (2008), â€Å"Despite its pioneering efforts in other areas of the company, including diversity, customer service and human resources, AT&T’s reputation for innovation remains closely tethered to AT&T Labs.†( ¶ 4)AT&T realizes that diverse, talented and dedicated people is key to the company’s success. In fostering diversity and inclusion, AT&T has created a better business environment, one that makes the company an employer of choice, a preferred business partner and important contributor to the community. The company’s philosophy is to provide employees with continued opportunities to grow and develop their careers. Management is charged with successful implementation of various diversity initiatives as part of this philosophy. AT&T leaders are expected to understand the importance of cultural competency. To support this principle, AT&T provides career development initiatives. AT&T’s commitment to diversity remains a top priority for the company. AT&T’s diverse workforce is an asset to the company and a result of its commitment to recruit and hire the very best talent. AT&T currently conducts business in more than 150 languages and advertises in top languages in selected states. AT&T leaders and employees practice respect for differences in their daily interactions. By understanding the various regions served, AT&T management is better positioned to plan for and meet the unique needs of customer’s wherever it does business (AT&T, 2008). With over 300,000 working for AT&T ensuring ethical behavior is very important. Ethics and Governance are the standards in which the company, including all employees, must adhere to in all aspects of conducting business internally and externally. AT&T has adopted a simple statement â€Å"Do what is right† as their motto for ethical conduct by all employees and directors. (Governance, 2003-2008)AT&T has four guiding principles stated in their Code of Ethics and Guiding Principles manual on how to treat customers, investors and employees. Those principles are; Talk straight and Follow Through, Lead by Example, Work Together, and Deliver our Future. These four statements are the fabric to AT&T’s principles and make it clear as to what is expected when working for or dealing with AT&T. In today’s  environment, ethics have become a serious issue. Directors and managers, as well as employees, are becoming more liable with respect to moral decisions they make at work. Enron is an example of how deceit by a few individuals caused such a ripple effect on the finances of many. Companies like AT&T need to touch the moral being of each employee to ensure its customers, shareholders and all parties vested in them are not affected by one’s poor judgment. In concluding, with this impressive growth, executives and managers needed to develop a strategy that allowed AT&T to connect with their customers and manage the contributing factors to their success. Through innovation and diversity, AT&T has grown from a company that started with one-line calling to a multi-million conglomerate, servicing millions of customers around the globe. In keeping up with technology and continuing to implement new corporate strategies, AT&T will continue to grow both financially and globally. AT&T will continue to be a leader in their field for many years to come. References AT&T Inc., (2008), All about AT&T Company, Retrieved April 8, 2008, from att.comAT&T Inc. (2007) Annual Report, p. 8, 29. AT&T, Inc. (2008), retrieved April 8, 2008, from att.com/gen/investor-relationsAT&T. (2008). Enterprise Services. Retrieved April 6, 2008, from att.com/gen/general/AT&T Governance, Corporate Social Responsibility (2003-2008). AT&T Knowledge Venture, Retrieved April 10, 2008, from att.com/corporate/citizenship/htmlAT&T, Vonage, Comcast spool the economy. (2008, January). TelecomWeb News Break. Retrieved April 6, 2008, ProQuest database, University Library. Goodbye Cingular, hello again AT&T; AT&T’s acquisition of Bell South began process. (2007, May 21). The New York Times, Grand Rapids Press, Grand Rapids, MI, Retrieved April 9, 2008, from ProQuest database, University Library,

A Comparative Analysis of Digital and Offset Printing

The advent of the traditional printing was a great reform in the business community. Although a need was always felt for a printing device which can eke the printing process of short-run four-color jobs. Before the era of the digital printing wave in shape of Indigo, Docucolor and Heidelberg, the task was a dream for every business organization as the printing with four colors at small scale was very costly and inefficient to print. With the invention of digital printing technologies the printing was revolutionized and new standards of improved printing quality in a cost-effective manner was settled.   The digital transformation wave included valuable products such as Heidelberg Quickmaster DI.   The invention of the digital press includes cost effective and production efficient products such as HP Indigo and The Xerox iGen 3, which fulfilled the long lasting needs of the businesses.Offset Printing:With the advent of the digital printing although the printing process is revolutio nized but this has not effected the importance of the traditional offset printing.   It is a speculation that the traditional offset printing will become obsolete in future but still it will take years. The importance of the traditional printing depends upon the nature of job as some printing jobs are over sized and cannot be undertaken through using a traditional press.The choice of the technology depends upon the nature and specification of the job. In order to choose the most effective and relevant technology, it is important for the management to choose right and cost effective printing solution for the business with the consultation of specialized printing consultants. (Digital Synergy, 2007)Comparison between Digital Printing and Offset Printing:With the introduction of advance array of printing devices the confusion has also increased. In order to make a choice between the digital and offset technology it is important to understand the characteristics and performance of bot h the technologies. The printing device with more suitable options related features should be chosen in order to find the most appropriate commercial printing device.Method of printing in Offset Printing:â€Å"Offset lithography is the most common high volume commercial printing technology. In offset printing, the desired print image is burned onto a plate and is then transferred (or offset) from the plate to a rubber blanket, and then to the printing surface. The lithographic process is based on the repulsion of oil and water. The image to be printed gets ink from ink rollers, while the non-printing area attracts a film of water, keeping the non-printing areas ink-free.Mechanical Steps Eliminated in Digital PrintingDigital printing eliminates many of the mechanical steps required for conventional printing, including making films and color proofs, manually stripping the pieces together and making plates.† (Pinsonnault Creative, 2007).Advantages of Digital Printing:The advanta ges of the Digital Printing technology includesShorter turnaround. Same result in case of highest and lowest no. of prints. Through digital printing the accurate numbers of prints can be produced with a least amount of wastage and least variation as compare to the Offset printing techniques.Low costs for high volume printing , although the cost per unit is much more than that of the offset printingCheaper low volume printing. While the unit cost of each piece may be higher than with offset printing, when setup costs are included digital printing provides lower per unit costs for very small print runs. Variable Data Printing is a form of customizable digital printing. Using information from a database or external file, text and graphics can be changed on each piece without stopping or slowing down the press. For example, personalized letters can be printed with a different name and address on each letter. Variable data printing is used primarily for direct marketing, customer relatio nship development and advertising. Advantages of Offset Printing:High image quality. Works on a wide range of printing surfaces including paper, wood, cloth, metal, leather, rough paper and plastic. The unit cost goes down as the quantity goes up. Quality and cost-effectiveness in high volume jobs. While today’s digital presses are close to the cost/benefit ratio of offset for high quality work, they are not yet able to compete with the volume an offset press can produce. Many modern offset presses use computer-to-plate systems as opposed to the older computer-to-film workflow, further increasing quality (Pinsonnault Creative, 2007).The one, true choice for offset digital quality:The HP indigo is specially designed in order to meet the quality and color processes demand of offset printing. The easy and instant to dry quality of the ElectroInk used in Hp indigo provides it with cutting edge as compare to other technologies. It is best suited for commercial printing, as it is r elatively cost savvy and efficient in production. The quality of printing is very eye catching and impressive and can be used to attract the customers with a demand of high quality vibrant images.The technology has raised the standard of the print quality, as the advanced pressing power of HP indigo is much more superior as compare to other competing technologies.   The ElectroInk ekes the technology with the production of image with higher resolution, sharp images and vibrant colors. The machine provides the users with the choice of optional 5 and 6-colour inking stations with the luxury of white ink and special invisible inks best suited for the corporate printing.   The Hp Indigo provides an extended array of colors as compare to other digital print technologies.Criticism:â€Å"Early incarnations of the press were prone to suffer from banding and ink adhesion problems, however with newer models these issues have been resolved and would only be seen in unusual circumstances, for example if the operator had the press incorrectly configured.Although, there is still a natural band about 100mm from the trailing edge which can only be seen when printing some colors. To help reduce the band you should adjust the 2nd transfer gap and make sure the press is well greased and lubricated.† (Wikipedia, 2007)