Women in Technology Essay -- Technology Technological Computers Essays

Women in Technology Women have played a major role in computing for centuries as well as men. The purpose of this paper is to gain knowledge on women involved in technology who for some reason do not gain as much recognition as do men. There are numerous women within this field worth talking about, but the ones chosen were Ada Byron, Grace Hopper, Evelyn Granville, and Krisztina Holly. The history of each individual will be discussed as well as what form of influence they had in computers. Introduction The revolution of computers had begun centuries ago. It has been the work of many over the course of years to bring computers where they are today. For quite some time it entailed people with bright imaginations to come up with technological inventions. These inventions were then taken and built upon to improve its functionality. Finally, computers were no longer a revolution but an evolution since the 1950’s. During the course of this time many men as well as women had influenced technology. Unfortunately, women have not received the same form of recognition as the men have in this field of study. After carefully researching women in technology, it was observed on how true this was. It was difficult to find the names of women who were influential in computing let alone their biographies. On the other hand, finding men who were involved in this field were numerous. After spending time finding a list of women who were instrumental in computing, it was then narrowed down to four women of interest. The first woman to be discussed is Ada Byron. Following her will be Grace Hopper, Evelyn Granville, and Krisztina Holly. Ada Byron, Lady Love Lace Ada Byron, also known as Lady Lovelace, was born on December 10, 1815. She was the daughter of the famous poet, Lord Byron. Shortly after Ada was born, her mother asked for a separation from Lord Byron out of fear her daughter would become a poet like her father. Because of this, she was taught to be a mathematician and scientist. Ada at the age of 19 was having dinner at her friends’ house when she first heard of Babbage’s idea to invent a new calculating engine. According to Toole, â€Å"Babbage wanted a calculating engine that could not only foresee but could act on that foresight† (2000). Ada was very intrigued by his ideas and began a friendship with Babbage shortly after. â€Å"Ada predicted that a machine l... ... Each one of these women has had a tremendous role with computer advancement and deserves equal recognition for their accomplishments. It is up to computer science professors and major computer corporations to help get the word out on how women had a part in computer technology and still do. Maybe this will help take away many of the stereotypes and more women would have the desire to follow a career in computer technology. The time has come for major corporations to highlight noteworthy talents and insights of women, which have remained relatively unknown outside the workplace. References Danis, S. (1997). Rear admiral grace murray hopper. Retrieved February 10, 2006, from http://ei.cs.vt.edu/~history/Hopper.Danis.html Granville, E. (2000). My life as a mathematician, by evelyn boyd granville. Retrieved February 10, 2006, from http://www.agnesscott.edu/lriddle/women/granvill.htm MIT. (2002). Krisztina holly engineer, entrepreneur. Retrieved February 10, 2006, from http://web.mit.edu/invent/www/inventorsA-H/holly.html Toole, B. (2000). Ada byron, lady lovelace (1818-1852). Retrieved February 10, 2006, From http://www.cs.yale.edu/homes/tap/files/ada-bio.html

Business Now: Change Is the Only Constant Essay

Review Questions What factors contribute to the rapid pace of change in business? Is the pace likely to accelerate or decrease over the next decade? Why? Financial Institutions got a bailout By President Obama in 2009, Mortgage values dropped, financial institutions begin to Feel the pressure especially firms such as Bear Stearns that specialized in trading Mortgage backed securities. There was $61.7bn in losses with AIG, strong economy Out of more jobs can accelerate the next decade, there be a budget deficit. AIG got A $180bn bailout; while Bank of America got $45bn as well as JP Morgan Chase $25bn, Goldman Sachs got $10bn. The Rapid pace of change in business is the Internet, Cellphones and exposure on television. What role does entrepreneurship play in the economy? Who stands to gain from the success of individual entrepreneurs? How do other parties benefit?People risk their Time, money and other resources to start and manage a business. But, They also Give hope to a better workforce. A lot of people; who are unemployed such as myself Right now will find jobs that are more flexible and challenging, working for big and Small business owners. When did American business begin to concentrate on customer needs? Why? Value of Certain Products begin to go up. High Gas Prices from $1.25 to $4.25, The Cost of a loaf Of Bread is $2.79, the cost of dishwashing liquid about a $1.00, Purchase of products, By Consumers. How do nonprofit organizations compare to businesses? What role do nonprofits play in The economy? How do they interact with businesses? Nonprofits help you learn and Grow. Other businesses turn profit on sales and smart-buying. Nonprofits being Organizations such those with Computers would be nonprofit. Consumer goods help the Community. What are the factors of production? How can economies grow when one or more of the factors is weak? Strong Communication, partnerships, Business Plan and Ethics. Some Businesses fall, because of greed or a scandal, based upon greed or otherwise, more so, Lack of Strong Communication, partnerships, no business plan, no Ethics. What are the 5 dimensions of the business environment? Discuss the key elements in each area as they relate to U.S.-based businesses. Dimension of Business Environment | Key Elements | The Economic | Jobs,Income, Inflation, Interest rates, Productivity, and Wealth that influence the buying behavior, of Consumers and institutions. | The Competitive The Workforce Advantage | A part of the Company’s External Environment Yield’s Tangible, bottom line results. Consisting of other firms Trying win customers in the same market. It is the Segment of the Industry that includes all immediate Rivals. | The Technological Environment | Includes any tools that business can use to become More efficient. Change in Technology can affect The Company. Any tools, be Computers, Telecommunications, and other digital products. Motivated Apple Employees help create satisfied Apple Customers. | The Global Environment | The U.S. Economy operates within the Context of the Global Environment, interacting continually with other Economies. | The Global Environment/ Ethics and Social Responsibility | In fact, over the last two decades, technology and free Trade have blurred the lines between individual Economies around the world. Technology has forged Unprecedented links among countries, making it cost Effective-even efficient to establish computer help Centers in Bombay to service customers in Boston, or To hire Programmers in Buenos Aires to make websites For Companies in Stockholm. Plus, Global Trade has Forged unprecedented links among nations such as Los Angeles, New York, London, Moscow and Tokyo. | What are some key strategies for developing a competitive edge in today’s competitive global market? How important is customer satisfaction? Plans for Globalization and Global Reach, Region-Specific Marketing to name a few strategies. How has the rise of the World Wide Web changed business practices? What are the benefits and drawbacks for business? For consumers? How has the definition of diversity changed over time? Can a diverse workforce help a company compete more effectively? How? How has the global free trade movement impacted business? Who benefits? Why? Who loses? Why? Application Questions Take a moment to jot down 5 things that you love to do. Think broadly (but keep it clean). Your list could include anything from posting pictures on Facebook to listening to your favorite music. Then brainstorm a list of business careers that could encompass two or more of your passions. A position in nightclub marketing, for instance, could include surfing on Facebook and listening to great music. What skills would you need to succeed in each position? Which skills do you have and which would you need to develop? Most successful businesses today actively develop loyal customers who buy their brands again and again. After all, getting current customers to buy more is much easier than constantly seeking new customers. Think of three brands that you buy on a regular basis. Why do you stick to these products? How could another company dislodge you? Entrepreneurship has clearly transformed the world economy. Choose 3 successful entrepreneurs, and use research to compare and contrast their management styles and philosophies. While you can certainly use local entrepreneurs—or even family members—some higher profile (and rather colorful) entrepreneurs include: Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon; Debbi Fields, founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies; Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group; Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop; and Vishal Gondal, founder of Indiagames. If you were an entrepreneur, what approach do you think would be most effective for you? Why? Brainstorm a list of industries that the Internet has transformed. What are the reasons behind the changes? How do you anticipate that technology will transform business in the future? Use research to develop a list of companies where you believe you would like to work. What qualities do these companies have in common? Does a great work environment lead to success, or does success create a great place to work? When employees enjoy the work environment is a company more likely to succeed? Why or why not? Team Project Companies that constantly innovate are clearly more likely to succeed in today’s hyper-competitive, global environment. Breakthrough ideas tend to come from business owners and employees who regularly exercise their creativity. This team project is meant to help you work with your classmates to flex your creative muscles. Break into groups of 3 to 5 people. Choose a product or service that you all buy on a regular basis. (Possibilities could include anything from a movie studio to a local pizza place.) Write a brief description of how the product is positioned in the marketplace relative to its competition. Then work together to figure out why you are loyal customers and how the competition could dislodge you over the next five years. Write a one page plan to solidify your position in the market place Consider changing everything from the product features to the advertising venues. Share your plan with the class and gather feedback about how well it might work. Case Connections Do the good guys really finish first? Unfortunately, at one time or another, pretty much everyone has experienced the energy-sucking downer of working for a mean boss, or playing on a team with a cranky coach, or even just hanging out with a friend or family member in a rotten mood. Research in the Harvard Business Review points out that moods are highly contagious and that moods that start at the top are the most â€Å"catching† of all because everyone watches the boss and tends to take their emotional cues from him or her. In fact, research shows that work teams across diverse industries end up sharing moods – both good and bad – within two hours. Interestingly, genuine cheerfulness and warmth spread most quickly, irritability more slowly, and depression most slowly. While few can argue that working for an upbeat, inspirational, optimistic boss is more fun, positive experience, there is less agreement about whether the boss’s mood impacts the organization’s bottom line. The key arguments: The boss’s mood matters: The Harvard Business Review reports that â€Å"A cranky and ruthless boss creates a toxic organization filled with negative underachievers who ignores opportunities; an inspirational, inclusive leader spawns acolytes for whom any challenge is surmountable. The final link in the chain is performance: profit or loss. Earlier research conducted at Cornell found that an upbeat environment fosters mental efficiency, making people better at taking in and understanding information, at using decision rules in complex judgments and at being flexible in their thinking. Sometimes it takes a kick in the pants†¦ Some people argue that a more â€Å"rough and tumble† leader scares people out of complacency and into a high performance zone that they might not otherwise reach. Oft-cited examples: Bill Gates, one of the richest, most successful people in the world, was widely known for his harsh (practically abusive) management style at Microsoft, but no one can deny the extraordinary dominance of Microsoft products over the course of decades. Steve Jobs, the creative genius behind Apple, is reputed to have been a nightmarish boss. According to Stanford management professor Robert Sutton, â€Å"The degree to which people in Silicon Valley are afraid of Jobs is unbelievable. He made people feel terrible; he made people cry.† You decide: After reading both set of arguments, which do you find most compelling? Why? Knowing that at the very least, an upbeat, inspirational, optimistic boss is more pleasant, what concrete steps can a grumpy manager take to change his or her temperament? Solicit feedback on your temperament from your friends, family, classmates, peers, and co-workers, analyze the feedback and develop an action plan to make any changes that you believe might be helpful to you in your career. Sources: Primal Leadership: The Hidden Driver of Great Performance by Daniel Goleman, Rihard Boyatizis and Annie McKee, Breakthrough Leadership, Harvard Business Review, pages 42 – 51. December 2001; The Trouble with Steve Jobs, by Romain Moisesoct, allaboutstevejobs.com, accessed August 17, 2010.

From 1781 to 1789 the Articles of Confederation Essay

From 1781 to 1785 the Articles of Confederation provided the United States with an effective government. The main goal of the Articles was to allot as much independence as possible to the states compared to the idea of a central government for fear of conflict with Britain. Despite the many advantages of its systematic rule it did not provide enough power to the Congress in order for them to adequately control commerce, land expansion and regulate taxes. This was very expected since the Articles of Confederation were a starting point and this article was used to persuade individual states to adopt a more powerful form of government in the future. After the ratification of the Articles of Confederation, a loose confederation was formed and granted power to a controlled extent. A house of Congress was also established which allotted each individual state one vote. Congress dealt with many important issues such as improving the military and anything relevant to homeland security, declaring wars and loaning money. One prominent conflict was the fact that Congress does not have the adequate power to regulate commerce and trade between foreign countries. This presented a significant problem because states started enforcing individual laws of which Congress had no say in. In turn, this rendered Congress helpless in making laws regarding to taxation and tariffs. In a sense, the Americans were taking full advantage of the lenient government, often passing laws without consulting the Congress. Many states refused to pay tax to the congress stating that it was preposterous and claiming that they saw many similarities to the policies of the British Parliament. In 1782, outspoken representatives from the Rhode Island assembly wrote a letter stating how it was ludicrous that they were subject to paying taxes to the government (Document A). Under the Articles of Confederation the Federal government had no power to coerce the states into complying with their tax demand. This was a dire problem since the government needed to tax the individual states to pay for the debts that were amassed during the war. The Articles of Confederation did not have any control over the economy thus creating much conflict within the states. John Jay, in the year of 1786, tried to negotiate with Spains Minister Diego de Gardoqui because he felt as if it was Americas right to be able to navigate the Mississippi River. This was a difficult feat because not only was America, a newly found nation, going against Spain, a predominant country, but America at that point did not have a strong military to defend their standpoint. The army was growing discontent as the Congress repeatedly failed to pay them. The Articles of Confederation, although flawed, provided a good foundation for the newly founded nation. It was used as a basis in the Constitution and we still feel its effects today. It provided coverage for many important factors in a nation that is ruled based on unity between people and states, independence granted to states, how bills are passed, land dispersion and many other imperative factors. It was apparent that without the Articles of Confederation there would not of been initial agreement amongst the states. Bibliography: 5 Steps to a 5 AP US History. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2004.