HSBC is the world's local bank Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

HSBC is the world's local bank - Essay Example Through an international network linked by advanced technology, including a rapidly growing e-commerce capability, HSBC provides a comprehensive range of financial services: personal financial services; commercial banking; corporate, investment banking and markets; private banking; and other activities. HSBC starts offering its e-banking since several years ago among other pioneers in banking services such as Citibank. Firstly, with regardless of absolute convenience of using online services, many existing clients of HSBC treated with suspicious, but later lots of customers started using it. Besides e-banking helped HSBC to attract new customers, who were pleased of arrange for different payments via Internet, mobiles etc. HSBC specialists analysed, and then approved, that remote e-banking operations were cheaper comparing with using classic method with bank clerks' client servicing at the bank's branches. Surely, reliable and fast-acting e-bank system costs rather expensive, and should be constantly upgraded to reflect the new services, security requirements, the possibility of servicing growing customers' data base. But nevertheless it became bore profitable and allowed customers to have full secure access to their personal accounts. The work entitled: "European Online Banking Strategies" published by Business Insights (2006) states that "eBanking is viewed as a 'must have' by retail banks across Europe. The need to keep up with competitors, retain existing customers and attract new ones has drive the market forward." (Business Insights, 2006) Figure 1 - Total Internet Banking Customers as a Proportion of Retail Banking Population Source: Business Insights (2006) The Business Insights Report 2006 states that: "Overall Internet banking customers will grow from 2% of the European retail banking population in 1999 to 9% in 2004" (Business Insights, 2006) Figure 2 - European e-learning IT expenditures 1999 & 2004 Source: Business Insights (2006) Further related by the Business Insights (2006) report is that: "European eBanking IT expenditure will grow from $302m in 1999 to almost $1.4bn in 2004 a CAGR of 30.9%. The most significant country market in terms of eBanking expenditure in 1999 was the UK which accounted for 27.3% of expenditure." (Business Insights, 2006) Figure 3 - Growth of European ITV Banking Users, 1999-2004 Source: Business Insights (2006) Business Insights also reveals in its report that: "As premium becomes more established, the demand for increasingly indulgent and sensory tastes will become a more important driver, while income-related factors will decline in importance. (Business Insights, 2006) Figure 4 - European e-baking IT expenditures, by project type Source: Business Insights (2006) Finally related by the Business Insights Report (2006) is the fact that: "A key element of expenditure on developing full banking services was the integration of additional lines of business to allow online application, authorization and management. For example online approval in principle for loans, mortgages and

E-business models Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

E-business models - Essay Example HTML code is the underpinning of every button that one clicks, every link one sees, how every link works, how every link leads to other pages, and how graphics and text are displayed on a page. Using a complex structure based upon how a page is organized and read, HTML code basically has several different elements which make it a valuable and widely-read and widely-accessible computer language, even for people who are not advanced coders by any means. HTML helps one distinguish where the header of a page is, where the footer of a page is, and other elements such as where paragraphs, graphics, and any buttons should be put on the page. Any kind of features that would be displayed on a website’s pages must be written into the HTML code, otherwise they won’t show up on the pages themselves. HTML code, therefore, is the bread and butter with which the Internet is composed. For, if we didn’t have HTML, there would be no ways to code in and allow for certain new elemen ts to be present on the web pages. Now, what if certain things had to be added onto the web page that had never been added before? In this case, we would have to build in some type of elements into the code that would allow for new features to be added onto the web pages. ... E-Payment ? -Online Credit Card Hosts Online credit card hosts basically take credit card numbers for clients or customers that are utilizing their services. â€Å"In general there is no obligation on hosts to take formal identification of their subscribers. Where the host charges for Internet access, it is probable that credit card details will have been taken and checked† (Reed, 2004, pp. 142). Basically, online credit card hosts have to have a number of detailed security checks that ensure that the people who are accessing these hosts are legitimate individuals and not people who have some type of skullduggery up their sleeves. Identity thieves will stop at nothing in order to fleece people of their hard-earned money, and, in short—separate them from it, ultimately. So, what online credit card hosts have to do is ensure that there are multiple security checks and code words entered—in some cases—in order to verify the identity of the person who is tryi ng to access the account. Of course, it only makes sense that online credit card hosts with more prestige probably have access to more online resources in order to make their systems safer. Therefore, the highest-quality card will probably offer the best protection, without a doubt. - Debit Card Consumer Protection ? Debit card consumer protection—in the past—has not been very good, but it is slowly improving. â€Å"In spite of the fact that there are difficulties involved in the use of debit cards, it is heartening to note that two big institutions in the USA have voluntarily extended some amount of credit card protection to [debit card owners]† (Gurusamy, 2009, pp. 58). In fact, debit card fraud is prosecuted more harshly even than credit card debt that is accrued fraudulently. This

Discuss the role of the Foot Posture Index in the clinical assessment Essay

Discuss the role of the Foot Posture Index in the clinical assessment of the foot. Is this a reliable measure - Essay Example ric dimensions to predict certain concepts about the foot, and this can be enhanced by using a three dimensional model and approach to the foot (Choie, 1991). Advancements in technology and computers have allowed many to consider replacing the expert last marker with some type of computer design. Some individuals have created presentations of the foot in third-dimensional designs using Bezier curves (Lord, M., Foulston, J., & Smith, P. J., 1991). These types of models can help individuals in the grazing and sizing areas. Yavatkar (1993) created a model of a person’s foot using I-DEAS graphics and programming. He was able to create this third dimensional model of the foot by lofting four segments (forefoot to instep, instep to medial-lateral malleolus level, malleolus to lateral point of heel, and heel part) within the foot. One could determine the accuracy of this model by taking a look at the outside and indsie of the foot form. The volume outside was around 50 000 [mm.sup.3], whereas the amount within the foot was approximately 27 000 [mm.sup.3]. However, whether one can use this model to generalize is not efficiently known overa ll since he only used one foot for the model (DeBor, 1978). It is known, however, that aspects of computer-aided design have been used in order to make orthopedic shoe uppers as well as some custom footwear (Houle, Beaulie, and Liu, 1998). In order to make the approach to foot measuring more efficient, B-spline surface modeling techniques, regression and recursive methods to make a basic third dimensional foot model using basic anthropometric measures can be used. B-splines can be studied in order to create an example for using within the sphere of computer-aided design software. (Choi, 1991). Within this concept. B-splines are generally considered as the best curve or surface representation. This is usually because they have a very helpful set of properties, which include continuity, local shape controllability, spatial

Analysis of an artwork Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Analysis of an artwork - Essay Example Alexandria, a Greek cosmopolitan city wherein dance and mime professions were prevalent during the ancient times1. The dancer is wearing a traditional Grecian dress called peplos with a woolen undergarment called chiton, and a cloak called himation2. Due to the pressure applied by her upper and lower limbs, the himation was drawn taut over her head and body causing the fabric to be draped in realistic folds and pleats imparting a feeling of softness and sheerness of fabrics, which also further enhanced the dancer’s figure which seems to be captured in an exotic and provocative pose. However, the face which was concealed in a veil seems to depict modesty with a hint of mystery. The contrasting emotions made the statuette unique and highly artsy. The dancer’s laced slipper also denotes daintiness and further magnified the femininity of the dancer. In addition, the statuette’s dimensions further established its function as a decorative element or a figurine probably commissioned by a rich patron of the arts. Details of the patron or the one who commissioned the bronze statuette was not disclosed though, but the Greek affluent populace at the time were quite known to appreciate beauty and were quite eager to enhance their homes with luxurious items made of bronze and other expensive materials3. In a comparison with a sculpture mentioned in Kleiner’s book, the â€Å"Peplos Kore† is an example of an Archaic style circa 530-525 B.C. and is made entirely of white marble with blue-grey streaks4. Like the Hellenistic bronze statuette, the material used is expensive. The sculpture also depicts a woman wearing the traditional Grecian dress called a peplos worn over a chiton, but without the himation as seen in the Hellenistic bronze statuette. The woman stands in the typical Archaic style of upright and frontal stance with the dress hanging in rigid and simple lines. The symmetrical patterning

Organizational Behavior in Axle Color Studio Essay - 3

Organizational Behavior in Axle Color Studio - Essay Example The employees are categorized based on the roles performed in the salon. Therefore, the Axle Color Studio workforce consists of two owners namely Jackie Williams and Alex Williams, 1 manager, 1 assistant manager, 5 stylists, and 3 assistants. Further, the team also found out that the workforce was homogenous consisting of 10 women and 2 men from different backgrounds. In addition, the age limit of all the employees was between 19 and 35 years old. Secondly, our team was able to point out several issues regarding how the organization motivates the workforce in the organization. The owners of Axle Color Studio motivate the employees through various methods that include setting and monitoring goals where employees are motivated to know that they can achieve specific goals that are set in the organization, setting performance standards associated with the career path and pay rise of employees and establishment of effective communication channels. The effective communication channels motivate the employees since they can freely communicate to the management in addition to providing a platform for effective conflict resolution in the workplace. Lastly, our team found out that the organization also faces different types of conflicts like other big organization. Through the interview contacted in the organization, Alex and Jackie informed our team that the most common form of conflict in the organization is the relationship conflict. However, the owners of Axle Color Studio were quick to point out that the conflict emanated mostly from personal relationships outside the business. The other type of conflict identified was task conflict where the content of work overlaps with each other. In this case, Alex and Jackie pointed out that there were low levels of task conflict within their organization.

Kants Ethical Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Kants Ethical Theory - Essay Example A number of great philosophers presented their views in the field of ethics. This paper intends to analyze only one of them, Kan Immanuel. (Hunt, 2009) As stated by Banham (2003), Immanuel Kant was a famous deontologist and holds a famous status during 18th and 19th centuries. Kant was a moderate rationalist, who based his ethical conclusions on reason rather than on empirical research or on introspection into the actual workings of the mind. He refused previous theories and attempted to find a middle way between the empiricists, who thought that all true judgments were either probable or analytic (true by definition), and the extreme rationalists, who thought that all true judgments were analytic. He argued in the Critique of Pure Reason (1781) for the existence of a class of judgments that were synthetic rather than analytic and also a priori rather than a posteriori. Synthetic a priori judgments played a large role in all his thinking. Kant held a theory of value according to which the only thing good in itself and without qualification is a good will. That will is good which acts out of a sense of duty. When we turn to his theory of obligation we find that an act is not judged right by virtue of its consequences, actual or intended; rather it is right if it is done out of respect for moral law. (Banham, 2003) Dickerson (2003) affirms that during 1785 in his Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals, Kant claimed to be seeking "the supreme principle of morality." This he discovered in the "Categorical Imperative": "Act only on that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law." This principle is called an imperative because it tells us what kinds of actions we should perform, and it is called categorical rather than merely hypothetical because it commands actions of a certain kind without any regard for the practical effects they will have. For example, we should not make a deceitful promise to extricate ourselves from a difficulty not because we are likely to be found out or because lying causes harm to ourselves, but because it is logically impossible to will that everyone in such a situation should behave in the same way. It is logically impossible because universal adherence to the maxim to lie under such circumstances would destroy the institu tion of promise keeping. (Dickerson, 2003) Another formulation of the Categorical Imperative, which Kant called the "universal imperative of duty," is this: "Act as if the maxim of your action were to become through your will a universal law of nature." A third formulation, based on the assumption that rational nature exists as an end in itself, is the following: "Act in such a way that you always treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any others, never simply as a means, but always at the same time as an end." Kant identified the Categorical Imperative as an a priori, synthetic, practical proposition that is, a proposition that is necessarily true, though not true by definition, and that pertains to conduct. (Dickerson, 2003) Kant presented two types of free will; 'Autonomy' and 'heteronomy'. Autonomy is the liberty to operate autonomously without any

Regulatory Agency Essay Example for Free

Regulatory Agency Essay The role and responsibility of the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), most importantly, is to uphold the laws dictated by the government concerning products that include drugs, medical products, food, and non-health related products and to protect and promote public health across the country. This essay focuses on several aspects of the FDA, from the role of the agency and its effect on health care in the United States, to the authority this agency carries in relation to health care. There will also be an explanation of how the FDA carries out these responsibilities on a day-to-day basis. The FDA has held a strong presence in the realm of public health since 1848 when it began as a consumer protection agency (FDA, 2013). The FDA, formed after the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act was put in place and inspired by the scientific work of Harvey Washington Wiley, who was the Chief Chemist at the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Wiley worked to eliminate the dangerous practices of marketing unregulated drugs and food products to consumers (FDA, 2013). Since that time, the FDA has become a powerful force, monitoring and working to protect public health in the United States. FDA Role The FDA is an agency that works within the Department of Health and Human Services. The Office of the Commissioner takes the lead role with four other branches that manage other functions (FDA, 2013). The Office of the Commissioner takes â€Å"leadership of the agency’s scientific activities, communication, legislative liaison, policy and planning, women’s and minority health initiatives, agency operations, and toxicological research† (FDA, 2013). The four groups that work under the Office of the Commissioner are the Office of Foods, the Office of Global Regulatory Operations and Policy, the Office of Medical Products and Tobacco, and the Office of Operations. The function of these five entities of the FDA is to protect and promote public health in the U. S. and to uphold the laws dictated by the government regarding public health. This is accomplished through close monitoring and testing of regulated products used by U. S. consumers. These products consist of drugs, food, cosmetics, radiation-emitting products, vaccines and other biologics, veterinary drugs and products, and tobacco products (FDA, 2013). The FDA is also constantly looking for ways to advance public health by assisting other organizations to make medications safe and more effective (FDA, 2013). Not only does the FDA monitor the food supply coming into the U. S. to ensure its safety but also plays a role in counterterrorism efforts by developing products and medications to respond to a public health threat (FDA, 2013). Issuing and enforcing warning labels for drugs and other products is another function in the role of the FDA. The labels serve to educate the public and medical professionals on the use and hazards of using a specific medication or product. However, these labels do not always have the desired effect. Impact on Health Care The efforts of the FDA throughout its history, has created a much safer consumer environment as it relates to food products, cosmetics, and other non-medical items. Foods are carefully scrutinized before they are allowed on the market to ensure these products are safe for the public to consume. Strict guidelines are in place for all types of products that are available to consumers. However, there is some controversy concerning warning labels on prescription drugs. There have been recent reports that communications by the FDA regarding drug risks are not immediately effective (Hitt, 2012). It is the duty of the FDA to monitor and enforce warnings for prescription drugs involving the safety risks to public health. According to Emma Hitt, some of the warnings that recommended increased monitoring of a patient while taking a prescription drug or increase laboratory monitoring generally caused a decrease in the use of the drug and very low increases in monitoring (Hitt, 2012). These types of oversights in clinical practice likely cause adverse effects to patients by not heeding the proper warnings set forth by the FDA. This is just a minute area in which the FDA impacts health care. Just as the FDA is responsible for monitoring drugs, products, and foods, their communications to health care providers and consumers must also be taken seriously. As Hitt states, â€Å"as the goals of risk communication are to minimize potential harms, understanding the impact of an FDA communication’s intended (and unintended) consequences on patient health outcomes should be a priority† (Hitt, 2012). Duties of the FDA The FDA carries an enormous responsibility daily to monitor, investigate, and enforce the safety of the public in general. As discussed earlier, this includes products and medications used by consumers daily. There are times when the regulations and guidelines set forth by the FDA on specific products are not followed and thus the FDA must follow up with inspections, enforce compliance, and conduct criminal investigations (FDA, 2013). The Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) is the lead office in this function of the FDA. It is the duty of the ORA to carry out investigations if a breach in regulation is suspected. Once a questionable observation is made by an investigator of the ORA, a form entitled â€Å"Form 483† is filled out by the investigator (FDA, 2013). On this form, the investigator cites what the law or regulation is and proceeds to list the questionable conditions and what law or regulation is violated. These 483 forms are maintained and revisited periodically. Some of the areas investigated are biologics, drugs, human tissue for transplantation, foods, and radiological health, to name a few. This is a major function of the FDA to ensure compliance to laws and regulations. Regulatory Authority The FDA has regulatory authority provided in the â€Å"Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act† (FDC) passed by Congress in 1983. The creation of this legislation was driven by an incident where more than 100 patients died due to improperly prepared sulfanilamide medications. It replaced the earlier Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 (FDA, 2013). The agency has authority to mandate preventative actions for food facilities to ensure food safety. They also have the power to conduct compliance inspections on facilities the scope of which include access to records and testing by accredited laboratories. The FDA also has several responses it can take to enforce compliance and ensure safety of consumers. It can enforce a mandatory recall of a product, and it can suspend the registration of a facility if it is determined to pose a threat of serious health consequences or the threat of death to humans or animals (FDA, 2013). Accreditation, Certification, and Authorization The FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research is the division of the agency charged with the evaluation and approval of any drug prior to its release on the market. There are three phases in this certification and approval process. The research phase is conducted during the manufacture of a drug, along with the testing, then sent to a review board for recommendation (Writing, 2013). Once the recommendation is given, the drug can move to the second phase, the pre-clinical trials. Here the drug is tested on small groups of humans while measuring interactions and its effectiveness. Once this phase is complete with no adverse issues, the third phase can take place. This is a Phase 2 clinical trial that allows researchers to see if the drug works on a specific illness on patients and allows scientists to determine any side effects that may occur (Writing, 2013). The clinical phases are monitored closely, while working directly with patients to ensure that the testing remain within the standards of medical ethics. Once all of the trials are complete and all recommendations have been given, all of the results are analyzed and only then can be submitted to the FDA for approval to be sold on the market (Writing, 2013). The accreditation and approval process for all products that must be in compliance with FDA guidelines is a rigorous process but necessary for the common good. Conclusion The FDA carries so many responsibilities to provide high quality medications, foods, cosmetics, and many other products. The laws and regulations are complex and detailed. So much, in fact, most people are not aware when a regulation or guideline is being violated. The resources available to research the FDA and their functions and laws are many and well worth the time to gain education on how this enormous entity works to protect and promote public health and safety.