Critically assess, compare and contrast the RANDOM NETWORK and the Essay

Critically assess, compare and contrast the RANDOM NETWORK and the SCALE-FREE network proposed by Barabasi and Albert. With the - Essay Example An examination of the vulnerability of scale-free networks is also discussed in this paper, and the effect of power law distribution on the network topology is analyzed. The removal of nodes in these network models and the effects of such removal are discussed. The contrast between Scale-free networks and random networks in the area of resisting failures is analyzed, as it has been suggested that the strongly connected nodes are responsible for the failure of scale-free networks. This paper also includes some theoretical syntheses, the proposal of new and exploratory conceptual models, theoretically grounded discussions of methodology, the analysis of historical developments with clear implications for current and future theory, theoretically relevant discussions of timely and important network issues, and comprehensive literature reviews with strong theoretical implications. INTRODUCTION In recent history, evolving networks have been seen as a relevant and very popular area of resea rch among physicists. Reka Albert and Albert-Laszlo Barabasi introduced a concept of evolving networks that is based on preferential attachment, in order to understand the areas from which the ubiquity of scale-free distributions in real networks originates. Reka Albert and Albert-Laszlo Barabasi studied a highly connected network model which was later called the scale-free network. â€Å"Networks have become a general tool for describing the structure of interaction or dependencies in such disparate systems as cell metabolism, the internet, and society.† (Barabasi A-L, Albert R 2002) With scale free networks, even in very large networks, nodes can be selected arbitrarily and connected through other nodes which serve as the intermediary nodes. â€Å"There are features that the scale-free network contains that are lacking in the random network. In a scale free network, a small number of nodes contribute heavily to connectivity. These nodes are called hubs. In a random network , each node contributes approximately the same to the overall connectivity of the network.†(Barabasi, Albert-Laszlo 2002) In a scale-free network, the network is self-similar, in that different parts of the network are statistically similar throughout the entire network. This self similarity is a major feature of fractals. â€Å"The term "scale-free" was first coined by physicist Albert-Laszlo Barabasi and his colleagues at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. In 1998, they mapped the connectedness of the World Wide Web and found, to their surprise, that the web did not have an even distribution of connectivity (so-called "random connectivity"). Instead, a very few network nodes (also referred to as hubs) were far more connected than other nodes. In general, they found that the probability P (k) that a node in the network connects with k other nodes was, in a given network, proportional to k. They named this kind of network connectivity "scale-free". They also argued that there is a simple explanation for this behavior. Many networks expand through the addition of nodes to an existing network, and those nodes attach preferentially to nodes already well-connected. When this is the case, a scale-free network naturally arises.† (Watts, D.W 2003) Although a scale-free netw

Profiling Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Profiling - Research Paper Example In this case, these experts are expected to undertaking their profiling in a way that do not violate people’s privacy or have an aspect of discrimination. In fact, these practices are applied professionally in order to help people as tools for security, through they are based on historical grounds and statistics. Profiling is perceived to have an aspect of discrimination, thus developing controversy around the issue, whereby people think that it should not be undertaken based on gender, race, color and people’s appearances. Therefore, there is nothing right with condemning due to the actions done by other people in the past, who they share similar patterns. This has resulted to case such as people being stopped in the airport for investigation since they share similarities with people who did wrong in the past. On the other hand, the subjects of the profiling should be treated with respect through the provision of an explanation for the profiling, and unless they have done nothing wrong, they are expected to have nothing to hide. A psychological profile can be created through an investigation in the absence of physical evidence or description of eyewitness to supplement with a description. Therefore, the experts apply their knowledge and the things they know about unknown suspect concerning his actions and try to generate information. For instance, in a case involving serial murderer killing female employees in a certain company, the experts may presume that murder is a male former employee or a client. Other issue that has brought controversy relates to racial profiling, which is a practice that has involved a significant risk to the basic principles of the constitution. Racial profiling is perceived to be targeting people of certain skin color through investigations, thus alienating communities and preventing them from participating in policing efforts. This has also caused the law enforcement to lose credibility and trust in the

Battle of the 73 Easting Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Battle of the 73 Easting - Thesis Example The 2ACD and 1ID of the US Army utilized advanced technology and superior military strategy to launch an intensive sustained surprise attack which destroyed the Tawakalna forces. This paper examines the main battles fought by the two US divisions that broke through the central lines of the Tawakalna force and the events that occurred in the two-day duration of the battle. The US-led Coalition Force victory over the elite Iraqi Republican Guard unit, Tawkalna division at 73 Easting is the most decisive ground combat that weakened the Iraqi military and gave way for the destruction of the other Iraqi Republican Guard units which ended the Gulf War (Borque 2). The Coalition victory in the 73 Easting battle is attributed to the superiority of the Coalition military forces, strong and decisive leadership and the utilization of a good battle plan. The victory of the Battle of 73 Easting is the result of the optimum combination of several Army Doctrines (Atkinson 9). First of all, the posse ssion of modern equipment and technology is important in battles. Secondly, a superior military strategy, audacity, effective communication and co-ordination can help defeat the most resolute and bravest army. Surprise, followed by intensive assault is an important tool to destabilize the enemy and prevent them from gaining their tempo and ensure their defeat. Finally, there is the need to use specialized units to execute specific tasks in order to gain military success. The Battle of 73 Easting culminated from the need to destroy and weaken the Iraqi Republican Guard (IRP), which had been a tool used by Saddam Hussein to destabilize international peace by invading Kuwait (Atkinson 2). The battle started on the 26th through to the 27th of February, 1991 at a barren desert just 25 kilometers off the Kuwaiti-Iraqi border. The 7th Corps of the US Army played major role in the Battle of 73 Easting under the command of Lieutenant General Fredrick Franks Jr (McGregor 2). General H. Norman Schwarzkopf held the Central Command of the operation (McGregor 2) . Jointly, the 2nd Armored Cavalry Division of the 7th Corps was the main unit of ground troops that was tasked with facing the Tawakalna central position in the 73 Easting Battle. They were ably supported by the 1st Infantry Division. A total of 4,500 troops made up the core of the 2ACD. However, for the purpose of the battle, 5,500 more troops joined the 2ACD in its three squadrons (Daily 52). Each squadron was equipped with a tank company, howitzer batteries, headquarters troops and three cavalry troops (MacMaster 1). Each troop cavalry had 120 soldiers, nine armored battle tanks and 12 bradley fighting vehicles (Daily 52). The British 1st Armoured Division in the south and the 3rd American Armored Division in the north supported the 2AD in the operation (Donaldson 182). The plan was to encircle the Tawakalna stronghold and meet the 2ACD and 1ID to cut off the Tawakalna stronghold. There is no report of the comma nder of the Tawakalna forces in the war (Adrian 362). It is logically inferred that it reported directly to and took orders from Saddam Hussein. In events leading to the battle, the Iraqi government, in defiance of international law had invaded Kuwait claiming it as an Iraqi territory (Musallam 1). The Tawakalna Division of the IRP was a significant elite unit that played a central role in the invasion and maintenance of Iraqi military presence in Kuwait (Adrian 362). The

Effective team and performance management Essay

Effective team and performance management - Essay Example Performance management is an integrated and strategic approach to deliver flourishing results in organizations, by the improvement of performance, and by building the capability of individuals and teams. Performance management is important in achieving qualitative performance and superior standards. This project deals with the functions of effective team and performance management, and how they weekly reflects on the group exercise explaining the significant success factors in the growth of a team. It describes its reflections on the experience of practical seminar activities of team and performance management. It also explains group experience from the view of group members imaging their experience. This study evaluates the principles of inter-personal relationship, tries to understand group behaviour and dynamics of organizational behaviour, by analysing the various factors that influence individual behaviour in a team. The study evaluates effective management practice and behaviou ral skills in a team environment, which generate personal as well as organisational performance impact. Regarding effective team and performance management, the study classes include four activities, and they are animal survival reflection exercise, the activity can which adapt learning skills with the level of educational achievements. Other activities are egg flying activity, Belbin’s team role and lost on the moon. These activities study group behaviour and group efforts which help n building an effective team. 2.1) Reflect on what you learned from the group exercise in week one - three (Learning outcomes 3 and 4) It was a great experience that I received during the activities in the class as a team. I enjoyed it a lot. In the group exercise, from week one to week three, I learned about the application of organizational behaviour, and the theories of learning in the context of business. I also learned the factors that influence individual behaviour in a team. In the week o ne activity, I came to know the ways to accomplish assigned work, to respect team members, and how to hold on when the group falls beyond its expectations. The team began to perform well in norming stage. â€Å"Groups can also exert enormous in?uence on individuals through the medium of norms† (International Relations and Group Processes n.d) Each individual began by contributing their best for the improvement of the team. As a result of this, more effort was exerted by the group thereby bringing harmonious relation among the team members. All group members presented themselves at the meeting on time, so that they could closely follow the proceedings of the meeting, and no one was supposed to interrupt the meeting by arriving late at the venue. I, as a team member also learned about how to behave in a meeting, when to present our own opinions, if any; and to encourage silent members in the group to speak out. Decisions were made by the unanimous support of the team members. à ‚   A significant factor of success in the growth of a team, depends on the concept that all players in the team are equal in decision making; and that every team member is valued, and that they that contribute well for the team. All members should be honest in their communication, and should speak frankly without hurting the self-esteem of co-members. The active participation of team members in

The Effect of Indian Reforms Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

The Effect of Indian Reforms - Essay Example The Global impact of this change can be assessed from the fact that the Indian economy is now attracting FDI at an increasing speed and it is offering support to world economies through its purchasing power parity and huge market. The reforms have however not yet benefited the entire population and in the interim, the poor-rich inequalities have increased and need to be attended to with speed. Also, the neglected agricultural sector needs to be reformed as well to give a balance to the reform process and the economy at large. It has been concluded that the economy has certainly improved since the reforms were initiated. The days of imperialism and colonialism are pat and in this new age of globalization, the world has veered to the view that all economies are interdependent and that failure of one would have deep repercussion over the rest. This has brought about a spate of reforms that are suggested or forced upon ailing economies, in the overall interest of the world economy. Theoretically, the choice has been, initiated and led by International Financial Institutions, of a big bang and shock therapy. But this formula is applicable in authoritarian regimes that force them on their economies and countries. The other approach, one that has not been largely favored, is gradual and incremental. This has always been looked upon as slow, unwieldy and risky inasmuch that its decisions can be reversed quickly towards status quo on the first signs of failure or strain. India, however, chose the latter method and spread its reforms and the liberalization and globalization process to stretch over almost two decades. In the sixties, it was unimaginable that from a net importer of food, India could become an occasional exporter about forty years later. Similarly, a receiver of foreign aid became a donor, even if a small one. And, foreign exchange, once the great constraint, would eventually become plentiful.  

Assignment 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Assignment 5 - Essay Example â€Å"Bullwhip effect describes how inaccurate information, a lack of transparency throughout the supply chain, and disconnect between production and real-time supply chain information result in lost revenue, bad customer service, high inventory levels and unrealized profits† (Paritosh Agarwal, 2009). The Bullwhip effect can be minimized by studying the drivers of demand and supply patterns. Moreover, companies should try to reduce the cycle time, ensure smooth and quick flow of information and take corrective actions to reduce the impacts of price fluctuations, inaccurate demand forecasts and order batching. Question 2: explain why Volvo manufacturing department believed that customers had started to like green cars in the mid 1990’s. Answer: the demand and supply variations at Volvo resulted in huge stocks of unsold green cars. The overproduction of cars can have a potential impact on unrealized revenues and excessive cost for storing the cars. Therefore, the company planned to offer incentives in order to increase the demand of green cars. On one hand the company was successfully able to sell the excess stock which resulted in the revenue realization of the green cars. However, the production department misinterpreted the sales record and started ordering excessive raw materials in order to produce more cars. This inaccurate assessment of the situation can have a multiplier effect on the profits and production capacity. In future, the company will again have to offer some incentives and attractive deals to deal with the overproduction of cars which will not only reduce the profit margins but it will also lead to increased workload and decline in quality caused by 100% capacity utilization. SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AT WAL-MART. Question 3: Discuss how the Bullwhip effect can be reduced. Explain how Wal-Mart uses IT to reduce the Bullwhip Effect. Answer: the Bullwhip effect can be controlled by accurately forecasting demand by gathering the real-t ime information, which can be acquired by working closely with suppliers and distributors. The regular flow of information combined with the proper management of sales and inventory growth can be helpful in attaining the proposed financial results. From a different perspective, all the parties involved in the supply-chain management process are mutually dependent on each other and they can significantly influence the rest of the industry players with their actions. Therefore suppliers, distributors, production department and customer relationship department should work in coordination with each other in order to improve the business-customers sales record. Apart from this, organizations should try to improve the downstream communication by using the point of sales (POS) data collection method and vendor-managed inventories (VOI) so that demand is not over/under estimated. Also, price fluctuations caused by various discount offers can create variability in demand; therefore, every da y low price (EDLP) should be used to keep the prices stable. Moreover, cycle time should be reduced to make the availability of the product faster and easier and â€Å"order capacity reservations† could be used by production department so that the retailers reserve a specific quantity of items to be purchased in a given time frame which will help to keep the distributor’

Paper 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 12

Paper 2 - Essay Example Therefore Ii is apparent that the difference between compatibilism and hard determinism is that in hard determinism, the unexpected chains are made up wholly of mechanistic cause, blind, non-rational and effect but in compatibilism there is a rational element to the unexpected chain which includes a person’s own motives, dispositions, goals and desires. Harry Frankfurt the author to the book â€Å"freedom of will and concept of a person† tries to show how we can still be free even though we do not have the ability to choose or do otherwise (Lemos 13-5). As a philosopher he thinks that a person is not made up by just a specific species with a genetic code but rather by a complex system of desires and wills. Men for instance, are capable of wanting to be different in their desires and purposes from they are, by wanting and choosing from this or that. He brought up the concept by giving out examples that came out philosophically. According to him, there are two types of motives and desires. The ‘first order’ desires and the ‘second order’ desires. The first order desires are the ones that both persons and non-persons may use. An example would be a Cat wanting to eat food from a dish. This desire for the food is not challenged by the cat so the decision is proceeded on instantly. If there was an applica tion of the second order desire, the cat might have been reading an article and observed other skinner cats getting all the handsome cats to mate with her forcing this cat to question its eating habits. The questioning of a desire is what is referred to as the second order desire which is classified as ‘self-selection’. According to Frankfurt, only man has this capability but it has been discovered that some animals have this capability as well. From his own theory concept, he says that being free is a matter of doing what one is desired to do which is not an adequate condition of having