Recent orders
Corruption Where Corruption Starts
Corruption: Where Corruption Starts
In essence, corruption refers to the misuse of entrusted power for private gain. Over the last decade, Kenyans have witnessed an indication – however slight – of the State’s willingness to combat corruption’s damaging prospects to national development.
Despite concerted efforts to expunge the traces of this longstanding pandemic, it is certain that little progress can be made without a major paradigm shift from a national ethos that seems to expect authority to go hand in hand with corruption, to one that rejects corruption under any circumstances; be it petty or grand, political or police, institutional or corporate corruption. Bloomberg News columnist Margaret Carlson says:
As a columnist, I realize that whatever amount of corruption I expose, half my readers will block it out, although they may get a frisson of joy in the process.
This is very much the situation we find ourselves in, and in my view, the very strength of corruption. Corruption began a long time ago, long before our own independence, and the presidency has done little to improve the situation. It is arguable that the fact that we as citizens are not entirely vigilant in our stance against corruption is where it all begins. Bribes are pretty much a part of our daily life and as such we can hardly mount an effective campaign against it. A violator of traffic rule can collude with the police constable on duty to avoid fine. A politician exercises his or her influence, bribes a government functionary and gets license for doing business in a particular sector (Khan, 2006).
Lobbying against corruption then later backing our hand to find a way out of trouble when it is convenient for us simply amounts to stepping over our own rhetoric (Sirota, 2006). When the government itself is shrouded in continual cases of grand corruption with no seeming end to it all, then charting the way forward becomes next to impossible. From the recent allegations of fraud by suspended Higher Education minister William Ruto to the much more discussed yet still unresolved Goldenberg and Anglo-Leasing scams, what this has generated is a culture of impunity that has if anything encouraged corruption. Essentially, the government must realize that its continuous lack of effect in corruption cases is the very root of corruption in Kenya.
The formation of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) was initially seen as a positive step after the 2007/2008 post-election violence, but it was then dogged by impunity issues on the part of the then Commissioner, Bethwell Kiplagat. Such is the state of the Kenyan fight against impunity. Public trust in the government as regards ethics, integrity and accountability needs to be rebuilt and sustained for any nation to be capable of combating corruption. Only when the rule of the day is seen to be transparent as an institution can there be any justifiable course of reform.
It is worth note that as a result of activist pressures, state institutions are beginning to adapt to changing realities. The pace may be slow, but with the advent of our new constitution, perhaps the executive, judicial and legislative branches of government will all be challenged to redefine their roles and to improve performance. With the looming 2012 elections, however, it would hardly be instructive to read too much into political games that imply accountability.
Bibliography
Khan, M. A. (2006). Role of Audit in Fighting Corruption. Russia: UNMIS. < http://74.6.238.254/search/srpcache?ei=UTF-8&p=government+role+fighting+corruption+pdf&fr=moz2&u=http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=government+role+fighting+corruption+pdf&d=4824622807516162&mkt=en-US&setlang=en-US&w=7edf04ff,4027da17&icp=1&.intl=us&sig=7uJhpfO5VymkzZC9Rk2Eyw–>.
Sirota, David. “The marriage of hypocrisy and corruption in Washington.” The Denver Post 29 Mar. 2007. 19 Nov. 2010: http://www.ehow.com/how_4911245_cite-newspaper-article-mla-format.html.
Definitions Of RAM
Definitions Of RAM
Computers have what is known as random-access memory (RAM) where data is stored as well as programs that perform calculations. This is a high speed form of storing data that has the capabilities of processing a large number of data characters per second. The more RAM that a computer has, the faster the entire system runs. There are various types of RAM that can be found in computers. The random-access memory takes the form of integrated circuits in current times
Most types of RAMS are Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM); they are a compact form of memory that is often inexpensive. The DRAM stores each and every bit of data in separate capacitor that are found within an integrated circuit. There can be discharging or charging of the capacitor; these two states can therefore be taken as a representation of two values of a bit that are conventionally known as 0 and 1.there should be periodic refreshing of the capacitor since it leaks charge least the information stored there eventually fades away this is hence why it is known as dynamic memory. Its advantage is that it is simple structurally with only one transistor and capacitor per bit hence it can reach high densities. Its disadvantage is that it losses data quickly upon removal of power.
Fast Page mode (FPM DRAM) is also known as page mode memory in this page mode, a single row of the DRAM can be kept open through the holding of the random access memory and at the same time perform multiple reads or writes with pulses that are separate. This will ensure that the reads or writes done successively within a row are not affected by delay of recharge and accessing the row. This ensures that the performance of the system will be increased when a lot of data is written or read.
Extended data out DRAM (EDO DRAM) is also often referred to as Hyper page mode that is often similar to the FPM DRAM that has an additional feature that allows new access cycle that can be started while data output from the previous cycle is kept active. Therefore there is overlapping in the operations hence improved performance
Synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM) has seen the significant revising of the asynchronous memory interface that has added a clock line. Other signals are received on the rising edge of the clock. Timing parameters are still under control of the DRAM controller for instance minimum time has to elapse between the activation of rows and read and write command. It has support for multiple internal banks that are found in the DRAM chip that can be alternated hence the data bus is kept busy continuously (Murray, 2012).
Double data rate synchronous dynamic random –access memory (DDR SDRAM) makes it possible for there to be high transfer rates through strict control of timing of electrical data and clock signals this name double data rate implies that this RAM when is at a certain clock frequency can achieve clock frequencies that are nearly twice the bandwidth of a SDR SDRAM that runs at the same clock frequency due to the double pumping feature it posses (Computer memory upgrade, 2003).
Rambus DRAM (RDRAM) is a serial memory technology that has double the maximum throughput of SDRAM but has a higher latency and heat output (Computer memory upgrade, 2003)
References
Computer memory upgrade.(2003).Different RAM types and its uses. Retrieved January 21 2013 from http://www.computermemoryupgrade.net/types-of-computer-memory-common-uses.htmlMurray, M. (2012). DDR vs. DDR2 vs. DDR3: Types Of RAM Explained. Retrieved January 21, 2013 from http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2400801,00.asp
Positioning Analysis D&G
Positioning Analysis – D & G
Student Name
Institution Name
Dolce and Gabbana are a name that represents the eccentric and authentic luxurious products. It signifies the style that shows elegance and manifests itself as contemporary classicism that is based on innovation and creativity. This brand has maintained its identity by remembering the pillars and the roots on which the organization is stands. It has been evolving and growing continuously with the passage of time. This company has sought the help of attractive female and male models in order to position itself. For example Andreea Diaconu, who is a Russian female model who is 22 years old, is a renowned name for Dolce and Gabbana advertisement (Blasberg, 2014). The other female models promoting the brand include Liu We, Jac Jagaciak, Constance Jablonski, and Isabeli Fontana (Blasberg, 2014). The many attractive models used by this clothing company make it attractive to consumers. This is how Dolce and Gabbana have made an identity for itself (Lamb, 2011). Moreover, the company has positioned its brand in a way that the products display glamour, with simplicity and trend. Many music artists display this brand as described, especially rappers who have very flashy lifestyles. The simple designs provide luxury and brand power. This clothing company has adopted this style because of elevated brand recognition. The target market is of course people aged between 15 and 30 years who are keen on trends (Lamb, 2011).
When it comes to tactical decisions and evidence of how the market perceives this brand, we consider opinions of fashion icons like Roberto Cavalli and Giorgio Armani. In the Daily Telegraph U.K. (September 14th 2012), both men praise the brand. Cavalli called it the foundation of fashion whilst Armani said that without the foundation laid by the brand, the fashion sector would be nothing, according to Shea (2013), another opinion that matters in the perception of D and G in the market place is Jeff Poretto’s. The fashion journalist has only positive things to say about the. Shea further says that Dolce and Gabanna is the trendsetter of the fashion industry (2013). These three very significant opinions give the perception of the brand in the market. Therefore, it can be deduced that the market has positive perception about the brand. Before a customer buys a certain brand, he or she must always get the opinions of fashion icons and gurus(Blasber, 2014. Since the above people have positive feedbacks and opinions about the brand, the market also has a positive perception about it (D’Aveni, 2010).
Competitor analysis is of utmost importance because it helps to determine the weaknesses and strengths of the organization. The major competitors of D & G are Gucci, Versace, Chanel, Prada and Dior. Their brand concept is based on the unmatchable quality, strong fashion contemporary that is free from the ostentation (D’Aveni, 2010). Prada’s target, however, is usually more international than American. The brand concept of this company is based on the Italian tradition and culture that does not compromise on the quality and prefers sophisticated designs and styles (D’Aveni, 2013). Gucci, on the other hand, targets celebrities and children. The brand concept of Gucci is exclusivity, craftsmanship of Italy, Italian quality and authority of fashion. For the positioning of brand, the company prefers modernity, trendsetting, sophistication, and craftsmanship. Chanel’s target market is upper class women of middle age that are fashionable. Their brand concept relies on elegance, modernity, luxury and simplicity.
In as much as competitors are concerned, I think that Dolce and Gabanna have an extensive advantage. Gucci is a brand that bears the most competition to this brand. This is because of its celebrity advertising style which makes it very expensive. Though D and G also use celebrity advertising, its products are very affordable. This gives it a niche above the rest of its competition.
Versace has recently adopted brand expansion strategy in order to give it a big market share (Shea, 2013). The company went public to boost its popularity. This is something that D and G did a long time ago. Therefore, Versace cannot be considered to be a worthy competition for the company. The going public by the company can benefit in several ways. One, it will boost the sales that will translate to more revenue than others. Capital that gives it the opportunity to expand and grow will be available. Furthermore, there is an advantage that the public become aware of the products and the company can acquire novel group of the potential customers. Finally, the brand becomes capable of maintaining competitive advantage with its diverse and new product lines (Shea, 2013).
Whilst Chanel has adopted reduction strategy i.e., improvement of exclusivity and individuality of the brand, the company has decreased the number of licensees. They are focusing on expertise building and their dominance in the particular products (Blaberg, 2014). The company has focused on this strategy due to reason that the wealth distribution among the rich remains stable, and the brands utilizing this strategy focuses on separating them exclusively from the lower end (Blasber, 2014). However, this strategy can be successful to the extent that it can reverse the worsening by improving the market condition.
Still on the analysis of other competitors, Prada and Dior’s strategy has speed and innovation in order to imitate the fast market players of the economy (Christersen and Montgomery, 81). They are introducing and re-positioning the products rapidly in order to have a strong position. They also want to have a defined segment of the customers to get a firm grip on the market. They have realized the fact that customers are now moving towards a recognized uniqueness and intangible image or brand. Consumers also want products that they are attached to emotionally.
In conclusion, all the brands such as Gucci, Dior, Dolce and Gabbana and the other brands discussed have all flourished the on franchising in order to outdo each other. Furthermore, all the companies are making their efforts for expansion. However, D and G stand above the rest. It is expanding its boutiques that are company owned in order to make its position strong and to compete in a better way with the competitors (D’Aveni, 2013).The company has arranged specialized stores that target distinct segments such as accessories, and children. This is what makes this brand better than the others. Being rather a veteran in the market has helped it to have customer loyalty. The company’s products appeal both to the older and younger generation. This is because “though fashion changes, it remains the same”. Dolce and Gabanna have been able to maintain its original customers as well as add the new generation customers. Its products are trendy and very appealing. The market, therefore, sees it as a bridge between the older and the younger generation.References
Blasberg, Derek. (2014). Andreea Diaconu’s Model Behavior. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from:http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303933104579304763970245636
Lamb, Rachel. (2011). Dolce & Gabbana to strengthen brand affinity with line absorption: experts. Luxury Daily. Retrieved from: http://www.luxurydaily.com/dolce-gabbana-to-strengthen-affinity-with-line-absorption-experts/
Christensen, H. Kurt., & Montgomery, Cynthia A. (1981). Corporate Economic Performance: Diversification Strategy Verses Market Structure, Strategic Management Journal, 2(4), 327-343
Shea, Erin. (2013). Versace’s possible sale could spur more growth. Luxury Daily. Retrieved from:http://www.luxurydaily.com/versace%E2%80%99s-possible-sale-could-spur-more-growth/
D’Avene, Richard. (2010). FASHION CONSCIOUS: LESSONS IN COMMODITIZATION FROM THE FASHION INDUSTRY. Ivey Business Journal, Retrieved from:HYPERLINK “http://iveybusinessjournal.com/topics/strategy/fashion-conscious-lessons-in-commoditization-from-the-fashion-industry” l “.UuavfdKDrIU”http://iveybusinessjournal.com/topics/strategy/fashion-conscious-lessons-in-commoditization-from-the-fashion-industry#.UuavfdKDrIU
D’Aveni, Richard Anthony. (2013). Beating the Commodity Trap: How to Maximize Your Competitive Position and Increase Your Pricing Power, Harvard Business Press, USA