BMG entertainment Essay Example for Free

BMG entertainment Essay Strengths: *First major record label to create websites branded towards different music genres. First major record label to use downloading technology to promote sales of CDs and cassettes. *Merged with AOLAOL has the largest internet service provider in the industry. *BMG was the largest music club in the world, and arguably the leader of the five major labels. *BMG set up a series of websites dedicated to specific genres of music. These sites linked fans to the artists websites, where they could download or purchase CDs. (Another innovative move from BMG) Weaknesses: * Through sites like CDNow and Amazon.com customers had the option of having CDs or cassettes mailed to them. Consumers may not want to deal with downloading music from the net. They may just stick with what they have. Many sites had illegal downloads, so the conventional consumer may not want to bother with this new type of technology. * Although BMG was the first company to create branded websites for specific music genres, they only focused on promotional aspects here, rather than focusing on selling music and in turn making money. Opportunities: * The innovativeness and newness of the digital era could spark a surge of  consumer interest in the music industry. For instance, the CD had a big impact on industry revenue; owners of tapes simply replaced their collections with CDs. * ;BMG is arguably the leader in the music industry, and consequently has the influence to take its existing customers with them into the digital mp3 era. * BMG had close relationships with all the players involved in setting tech standards for downloadable music. This could give BMG the heads up on newest technology, and an advantage for market entry. * If BMG begins to sell music on the internet, they can reduce their costs greatly by doing away with distribution and manufacturing expenses. Threats: * -In 1929 the new technology of radio posed a serious threat to the music industry. Could a similar event take place with Digital music, where BMG loses a lot of money due to a decrease in CD and cassette sales? * -Time Warner had one of the most advanced cable systems in the US. They were experimenting with services such as video on demand and HD TV so the possibility of digital music was definitely there for TW, and they had the internet resources to distribute it too. * -Would conventional music buyers want to go through the hassle of joining a website, installing a media player, and then buying additional software to play the music at their convenience? * -With a 56K modem (one that many still used 7 years ago), a song took roughly 7 minutes to download. Ten songs can take 70 minutes, and that is not appealing or convincing enough for conventional consumers to switch over to mp3s usage. * -Sonys Kiosks in retail music stores posed a threat for BMG. These kiosks  allowed customers to choose from a variety of over 4,000 songs, and create their own CD within 15 minutes. Attacking Piracy at the Source- the CDs In order to attack piracy, record labels must start at the source. Nearly all of the music traded on the Internet originally comes from CDs, which can be easily copied, or ripped, onto any computer as MP3 digital audio files. Most analysts point to CDs as the biggest hole in the music industrys strategy for aiding online piracy. The recording industry wants to make it harder for consumers to directly copy CDs, but it faces enormous hurdles. First, any barriers to copying must be backwards compatiblemeaning the new technologies would have to work on old CD players that dont screen for pirated material, and vice versa. Eventually, the group SDMI was formed, consisting of all the major players involved in setting the technological standards for downloading music.(ATT, Microsoft, Liquid Audio, IBM, etc) SDMIs efforts have focused on installing digital watermarks on CD tracks that would enable copyright holders to trace illegal copies and to create devices that would refuse to play copied tracks. In its first phase, SDMI selected a watermark system created by Verance Technologies as the global standard. Future record releases for BMG- Copy Management. It is the Record labels responsibility to protect the work of their artists. Copy management technology is one of several responses to illegal file sharing and mass copying, which has had a detrimental effect on the music industry (unit shipments have fallen 26% from 1.16 billion units in 1999 to 860 million units last year). There are a few features that are new to this type of technology: Device playability- These discs play just like an enhanced CD. Certain products recently tested had playability issues with DVD players, car  stereos and game consoles, yet these discs play on nearly all DVD players, car stereos, etc. Anywhere an enhanced CD will play, these discs will play. Mac playability The discs can now be played on a Mac like any other CD. Voluntary Collective Licensing- Music Industry and the Internet Many Record Labels have spent countless amounts of time evaluating alternatives that would pay artists while making file sharing legal. One solution that has emerged as the favorite is voluntary collective licensing. The concept is simple: the music industry forms a collecting society which then offers file-sharing music fans the opportunity to get legit in exchange for a reasonable regular payment, for example $5 per month. So long as they pay, the fans are free to keep doing what they are going to do anywayshare the music they love using whatever software they like on whatever computer platform they preferwithout fear of lawsuits. The money collected gets divided among rights-holders based on the popularity of their music. In exchange, file-sharing music fans would be free to download whatever they like using whatever software works best for them. The more people share, the more money goes to rights-holders.

Oil and world Economy Essay -- essays papers

Oil and world Economy Question: Examine the oil industry in relation to the world economy, utilising any economic theory / theories you think appropriate. One of the most important energy resources since human invested the machine is oil and its products. But as all resources scarce, oil is limited even more. Only few countries in the world have oil fields and produce oil for the rest. Therefore, in nowadays where factories, cars and oil-fired central heating increased significantly, oil has become a necessity for the society. People’s demands for oil and its products, fuel, gas and oil for central heating is unlimited, but supplier countries produce a fixed number of barrels of oil everyday so as to maintain a technical shortage and, of course, higher profits. These few countries are the oligopoly of the industry, have a market leader and there are barriers to the entry of new countries (Sloman 1997 : p.124). These countries are dominating the market of oil and created the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in 1960’s. OPEC is an intergovernmental organisation that offers stability and prosperity to the petroleum market. Membership is open to any country which is a great net exporter and which shares the same ideas of this organisation. OPEC has now 11 members and supplies more than the 40% of the worlds oil market. The price of oil over the last year has increased approximately over 100%, reaching the highest levels over the la...

Process of Problem Solving and Decision Making

Teamwork is important to organizations in this entire world nowadays to be successful and to have control in the market. Teamwork is basically defined as problem solving group of people who have a variety of skills and strengths to obtain the most perfect solution. Teamwork is one of the main goals for organizations to make sure that they are on the right track in obtaining their visions. There are many ways that organizations put their contributions in increasing the power of teamwork such as team building where it helps the employees to work in groups rather than individuals. Teamwork will help the organizations in the process of problem solving and decision making where it consists of several process that is cause analysis, creative problem solving, decision making and anticipate and plan. Firstly, find and analyse the cause to configure which errors or problems to be corrected or to be improvised. Teamwork is important in this process where it is more effective where it will save the cost and time in finding the cause to the problem. Each members of the team can concentrate in sectors where there they could possibly find the problem that they are searching. There are methods that practiced in some organizations such as the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) where it believes that the optimum solution only can be found if they discovered the root cause. By having the solution with RCA, it can also be used for identifying the immediately obvious symptoms for the future errors. After the cause of the problems have been discovered, the team can proceed to the next step that is creative problem solving. Creative problem solving is founded by Alex Osborn and Dr. Sidney J. Parnes in the 1950s where they made the process of finding and generating creative solutions to produce great ideas in solving problems. Despite that, to generate more ideas in solving the problems, teamwork is needed because generating many ideas must come from more brains and minds. Brainstorming can be practiced in this process where each of the group members in the team who have personal skills and abilities can give their own ideas and thus more ideas can be generated in solving the problem. These may help in having more alternatives to obtain an optimal solution regarding the problem faced. After the team has acquired a number of solutions, the decision making process will start where the team will now select the best alternatives in solving the problem. Decision making can be defined as an outcome of mental process which will lead to selecting the best solution among other alternatives. In order to obtain the optimal solution, the objectives must be reviewed first and the alternative chosen must be evaluated by those objectives. Moreover, a good decision making is essential for the success of the organization where they usually involve in some issues where it makes decision making difficult such as uncertainty, complexity, high risk consequences and also interpersonal issues. The last step in the process of problem solving and decision making is anticipating and plan to assure success. This is important after the alternative has been chosen because the team must further plan to make sure that the alternative goes well while facing the problem. It is a waste of time in the process of decision making when they do not plan on how to use the alternative effectively. After making plans for the alternative, the team can now anticipate the future effects of the alternative to make sure whether it is successful or not. If it does not work out, the team must fall back to the decision making process where they will choose another best alternative to be used. Last but not least, teamwork is a very useful in the process of problem solving and decision making because it helps much in saving the organization’s time and money as there will be more people can use their own point of view based on their abilities and skills in order to find the root of the problem, generating ideas in finding solutions, making decisions on the ideas and anticipate and plan the chosen ideas. Organizations should implement the mutuality among the members because it is very useful to assure their success and to work effectively although it is essential that team members acquire communication skills and use effective communication channels between one another to help in improving their interaction between one and another.

Teen Suicide…Enough Is Enough

Teen Suicide†¦Enough Is Enough One day I will be getting a tattoo on my right shoulder that contains the phrase, â€Å"Live For More! † I want the words to be in an old-fashioned, yet fancy, script and the letters will be both black and bold. My reason behind that specific font is to make the phrase stand out as much as possible, so that whoever reads my arm can see exactly how meaningful life really is to me, as a teenager living in today’s highly competitive, responsible, and stress filled world! Teen suicide attempts and completions are at an all time high in these present days and there are many reasons contributing to its growth as years progress. I am sick of adolescents ending potentially happy and successful lives. Now is the time to address not only its growth and statistics throughout the years, but also to reveal the underlining causes and warning signs of suicide. Essentially, it is also the most opportune moment to discuss the many possible life saving solutions to end this serious, yet popular, problem. It is official that today teen suicide is at an all time high. Surveys have shown that more than 25 percent of high school students and 10 percent of college students have seriously considered taking certain actions to end their lives. This unfortunate problem has grown a rate four times that of 1950. In present days, girls are about twice as likely to attempt suicide, whereas boys are actually four times more likely to complete the act. To prove wrong the assumption that the problem is mostly based upon economic terms, statistics show that rich teens kill themselves as often as poor or middle-income adolescents. Statistics even state, â€Å"Today, an estimated 276,000 kids between the ages of 14 and 17 try killing themselves each year, and more than 5,000 succeed† (Roleff). Studies also show that, at one time or another, every person has already thought of or will think about suicide. These numbers are very disturbing, and yet they only partially convey the ultimate tragedy that each teen suicide victim truly contributes to the aching hearts of their family and community. The only possible way to stop this travesty starts with understanding the pain that the suicide holder possesses and to force them to understand that the juice really is not worth the squeeze. Due to these statistics, a culmination of confusion tends to ensue. The big question is, why are teenagers so willing and eager to end the most valuable thing that a person can possibly possess, which happens to be their life? I am sure you have asked yourself this question once before, I know I have. The truth is that stress is the most contributing factor to suicide. The fact is that growing up is more stressful in present times than it’s ever been before. Other reasons include the death of a loved one, overpopulation and the break down of family, obesity, increased parental pressure to excel, and the easy access to drugs, alcohol, and firearms. Personally, I view romantic relationships to also be a huge concern within this problem. It is commonly seen, that following a break-up, teens choose suicide to impose a point or to just cause the most severe form of guilt. Stress is the number one cause of depression. â€Å"Suicide is a major danger associated with depression. Because of the associated shame and secrecy with suicide, many fail to get or give help. † (Carpenter 353). There are three main warning signs and symptoms pertaining to the act of suicide. The first is behavioral changes, which include changes in eating and sleeping habits, social isolation, drinking or drug use, or the giving away of valued possessions. The second is personal changes, which includes the appearance of common moods associated with anger, anxiety, or depression. These moods lead to aggressiveness, hopelessness, hypersensitivity, boredom, or difficulty concentrating. The final symptom includes health problems, such as frequent headaches, weight loss or gain, or fatigue. â€Å"It has been proven that two-thirds of those who commit suicide give some warning signs first† (Gorman). It is really up to us†¦as friends, relatives, teachers, and parents to recognize these signals and symptoms. We must all work together to react and respond quickly and strongly, person to person! Furthermore, once we all understand the warnings and overall reasons behind teen suicide, many steps can be taken to prevent future cases. Overall the ultimate aim is to make suicide more difficult and less likely. Researchers say that suicidal impulses usually last only about fifteen minutes and making it past that time may be just enough to defuse the whole situation. This is obviously easier said than done! First of all, never keep suicide a secret. If there is ever suspicion, immediately seek parental assistance. â€Å"The use of a therapist is the most popular solution, yet sometimes money is a huge issue. In that case, get somebody involved whom you can fully trust, that will charge very little to nothing† (Manning). Another very simple prevention is the denying of availability of prescription drugs and alcohol by keeping them out of easy access. Since about half of all young people who kill themselves do it with guns kept at home, one solution is for parents to keep guns hidden and unloaded, with bullets stored separately† (Roleff). My personal solution would be that of bringing about the most apparent, yet hidden, importance and splendors within life. I would forcefully exp lain and emphasize that it is a blessing and privilege to be alive, and that people must make the most out of what they have. Of course it is easy enough to just give up, but there is really no point. Once you are gone then you can never again see the beauty of a sunset or the magic of growth in all living things, never again feel the excitement of a shooting star, never again smell the sweet scent of spring air, or never again experience the splendor of romance. After one is all said and done, then there is no coming back! Finally, I would ask once again†¦is the juice really worth the squeeze? Now is time for teens to stop committing the morbid sin of suicide! Cases have grown drastically throughout the years, mainly due to all of the stress that teens are forced to face each and everyday. The only true way to stop this grievous problem is to eliminate all depressants, such as alcohol and drugs, and to promote motivation and confidence to succeed no matter what obstacle stands in the way. The key is to live for more†¦to take what you have and make the most that you possibly can, which I do everyday of my life! If you ever prevent somebody from committing suicide, he or she may be upset with you for a while. But chances are they won’t be upset for too long. At least they will have a lifetime to change their mind!

Central Ethical Beliefs essays

Central Ethical Beliefs essays What are the central ethical beliefs that sustain you in your life? In my life I hold a high value for my family. I wish to maintain a happy, healthy family life, and therefore try to act so as to best promote a good family life. However, I am human, and therefore I do sometimes fall short. While I try to act in the best interest of my family, sometimes my own selfishness causes me to act in a way that is not in the best interest of my family. I do have ethical guidelines that I try to follow. The first of these guidelines is the golden rule. "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." I do not like to be treated badly and therefore I try to treat others in the way I want to be treated. I also do not enjoy treating others badly because it does not make me feel good to hurt others. I am sensitive to the feelings of others. On occasion, I lose site of this rule, and treat others in a way that I know I would not want to be treated. This causes conflict and unhappiness, and I then realize that it was not worth it for me to act selfishly, because while it made me happy temporarily, it made me unhappy in the end to hurt another person or people. The consequences of violating the golden rule cause discord and unhappiness. I would rather act so as to maintain happiness and harmony in my family and with others. I also feel that it is important to learn from my own mistakes, although some mistakes I do repeat. When I make a mistake, I am unhappy with myself for doing so. Because my ultimate goal is to be happy, I prefer not to repeat my mistakes. I already know that the last time I made that mistake, I was displeased with myself and my family was also displeased with me. I want to be happy, and therefore try not to act in a way in which I already know the consequences have made me unhappy. Like Socrates, I also believe that we should seek truth in life. Socrates encouraged people to seek new ideas and...

Brown vs. Texas

Brown vs. Texas Criminal Procedure and the Constitution Due date 5/May/2012 Brown vs. Texas was a case heard by the Supreme Court in 1979. It determined that the defendants arrest in El Paso Texas, for refusal to identify himself in a high crime area, was not based on a reasonable suspicion and violated Mr. Brown’s fourth amendment rights. This was an important case for the stop and identifies statutes in the United States. One afternoon a police cruiser was driving downtown and noticed two men walking away from one another in an alley in an area with a high incidence of drug traffic. The Officer stopped Mr. Brown and asked him to identify himself and explain why he was in the alley. Mr. Brown refused to identify himself and was arrested for violating a Texas statute which makes it a criminal act for a person to refuse to give his name and address to an officer who has lawfully stopped him and requested the information. Mr. Brown was convicted and fined for violating the Texas statute. Mr. Brown appealed his case to the Supreme Court on the grounds that the Texas statute that required him to identify himself to the Officer was a violation of his fourth Amendment rights. The officers did not have any reasonable suspicion to believe that Mr. Brown was engaged or had engaged in criminal conduct. The Supreme Court heard the case and overturned the decision citing the precedent set in the Terry vs. Ohio case. It stated that Detaining appellant to require him to identify himself constituted a seizure of his person subject to the requirement of the Fourth Amendment that the seizure be reasonable. (Cf. Terry v. Ohio). The Supreme Court also stated that the officer’s actions were not justified on the ground that they had a reasonable suspicion, based on objective facts, that he was involved in criminal activity. The Supreme Court overturned the conviction.

Critique of Systematic Research Review (SRR) Assignment

Critique of Systematic Research Review (SRR) - Assignment Example Levels of evidence explored in Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt’s SRR vary in research designs of the literature used. The SRR utilized evidence from research articles and books. First, reliable applications of evidence-based practices in healthcare frameworks formed a level of evidence. Nurses in Magnet organizations reported these applications in higher levels. Magnet organizations were the designs of the first research works used by Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt (Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt, 2011). Second, the accessibility of professionals of evidence-based practices was proof of the SRR’s viability. Third, organizational cultures that supported evidence-based practices were proof of the SRR’s flexibility and comprehensiveness. In addition, there were no substantial differences in items associated with the requirements and access to sustenance of evidence-based practices. Critique of the Clarity with Which the Studies are Presented and Critiqued The clarity that Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt use to present and critique the studies in the SRR is exceptional. The researchers provide a discussion of the variances between research designs of study application and models of evidence-based practices. Both ideological variances, as well as the variances in physician competencies required and critiqued. Study models of evidence-based practices used by the writers are debated in differing levels of detail. For instance, Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt discuss the Iowa Model, Larrabee's model, and Kitson's model differently.