Monday, September 30, 2019

Management of Primary and Secondary Education in Nigeria Essay

Introduction There is no gainsaying the fact that education is very vital to the pace of social, political and economic development of any nation. This is why most nations of the world strive to devote a sizeable proportion of their Gross National Income to develop the educational sector. In Nigeria, between 7. 6% and 9. 9% of our annual expenditure is devoted to education. Management of primary education refers to the process of planning, organizing, directing, staffing, coordinating, budgeting for and reporting on primary education system. Primary education in Nigeria refers to the education which children receive from the age of 6 years to 11 years plus. It is the foundation level of the educational system which runs for six years, and it is aimed at developing basic literacy, numeracy, communication skills and transmission of the culture of the people to younger generations. Information gathered through the education data bank shows that as at 1998, there were 41,814 primary schools with an enrolment of 16,348,324 (13. 75% of these were females) and 468,770 teachers (26. 45%) of these were non-qualified teachers). The teacher/pupil ratio at the level was 1:38 while the completion rate was 64. 1 percent and the Crucial Issues in the Management of Primary Education in Nigeria74 transition rate of products to Junior Secondary Education level was 39. 1 percent. The structure of our population in Nigeria is such that about 45% of the people are within the age bracket of six to twelve years. According to the provisions of National Policy on Education, this is the corresponding age group for primary education. Obviously, the enrolment pattern in the educational system follows the pyramidal structure of the nation’s population distribution. The primary level has the largest enrolment, followed by the secondary level and then the tertiary level. This enrolment structure, no doubt, depicts the structure of our social demand for the various levels of education. The primary education level, being the bedrock of the child’s basic education, is a very vital aspect of the nation’s educational system that deserves to be handled with great care and caution. Any error committed in the organization and management of this level of education may reverberate on other levels and thus seriously mar the lives of the people and indeed the overall development of the nation. This is one good reason why all the stakeholders must show enough concern for those issues that concern the organizing and managing of our primary education system. This paper presents a humble attempt to highlight some contemporary issues and problems facing the organization and management of primary education in Nigeria with a view to proffering possible solutions to them. Contemporary Issues in Primary Education Management No doubt, there are numerous issues and problems involved in the management of primary education system in Nigeria. However, this paper would simply highlight some of the crucial ones. Some of such issues include: a. Policy gap in the management of primary education in Nigeria, b. Data gaps, c. Funding gaps, d. Institutional capacity gaps, e. Expansion of the curriculum to cater for early childhood care, f. Gender balancing in enrolment, g. Quality assurance in Primary Education, h. Improved nutrition/Health of learners and i. Issues of HIV/AIDS pandemic 75D. O. Durosaro Over the last two decades, the management of primary education had been experiencing some problems as a result of policy gaps. Teachers salaries were not paid adequately, schools were not well-maintained and facilities were not adequately provided owing to the fact that management of primary education had to be oscillating among State Government, Local Government and Federal Government. At a time, State Government took control, later it was handed over to the Local Government and then to a Federal Commission. Moreover, it was just until lately that a concrete legislation was passed on primary education in Nigeria – the UBE Bill. Lack of accurate and timely data has long been the bane of policy formulation and management of our primary education system in Nigeria. To obtain accurate data on enrolment, teachers, non-teaching staff and even facilities appears to be a difficult task for the school managers. The school managers and teachers appear to lack adequate cognitive development in the areas of data collection, analysis and storage. Apart from this lack of capacity of the school managers, school data collection and analysis seem to be marred by other socio-politico-economic factors such as fraud, politics of national resource allocation and social apathy. Another issue of concern in the management of primary education in Nigeria is that of inadequate funding. According to a World Bank survey on Nigeria, the federal expenditure on education seems to be below 10% of its overall expenditures. For instance, between 1997 and 2002, the total share of education in total federal expenditure ranged between 9. 9% and 7. 6% with the trend showing a downward plunge (World Bank, 2002). Table 1: Federal Government Expenditure on Education as Percentage of total Federal Government Expenditure 1997 – 2002 _________________________________________________________ Expenditure199719981999200020012002 Area%%%%%% Recurrent12. 312. 011. 79. 49. 59. 1 Capital6. 17. 55. 08. 56. 06. 0 Total9. 99. 69. 09. 07. 58. 0 Source: FGN, Annual Budgets 1997-2002 It would have been more interesting to spell out what proportion of this expenditure on education actually goes to primary education but the non ¬ Crucial Issues in the Management of Primary Education in Nigeria76 availability of accurate data did not permit this. It is even worth mentioning here that the bulk of this meager expenditure shown on Table 1 even goes to recurrent activities. This issue of under-funding of education U so endemic that it has now encompassed series of other problems of shortages of human and material resources (Durosaro, 2000). The current pattern of investment within the education sector is such that the tertiary level gets the lion share while the primary level gets the least. This pattern is inversely related to number of institutions, enrolment and teachers at the different education levels. Table 2 presents the data on the pattern of funding of the educational levels by the Federal government. Table 2: Pattern of Federal Government funding of Education by levels, more 1996 – 2002 ____________________________________________________________ __ Educ. 1996199719981999200020012002 Levels%%%%%%% Tertiary79. 978. 968. 469. 175. 868. 176. 9 Secondary10. 411. 314. 618. 715. 315. 515. 6 Primary9. 79. 816. 912. 28. 916. 47. 5 Total100. 0100. 0100. 0100. 0100. 0100. 0100. 0 The issue of gaps in the institutional capacity to deliver primary education of a sound quality is also crucial in the management of primary education in Nigeria. It is a known fact that most of our institutions do not have vision whether written or unwritten nor a mission statement to guide their activities. There is widespread shortage of qualified teachers, shortage of even classrooms, shortage of both pupils’ and teachers’ furniture and a dearth of required fund, teaching materials and textbooks. In a survey conducted on primary education cost, financing and management in Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Kwara and Niger States, it was discovered that only f9. 57% of the schools in Kwara and 27. 08% of the schools in FCT had school libraries while none of the schools in both Kogi and Niger States had any school library. It was also found that 24% of schools in Kogi State, 21% of schools in Kwara State, 40. 3% of schools in Niger State and 16. 75% of schools in FCT were not using any form of wall charts teaching aids (Abdulkareem and Umar, 1997). All these gaps have combined with frequent teachers’ strikes and absenteeism in recent years to weaken the capacity of the institutions to deliver sound primary education. 77D. O. Durosaro Furthermore, there is an emerging issue of great importance in the management of primary education in Nigeria. This is that of restructuring the level by expanding it to accommodate both the early childhood care and the pre-primary education curriculum. This is now a burning issue in view of the level of social poverty and the need for poverty alleviation by economic empowerment of women. Stakeholders in primary education are now being mobilized towards this direction with a view to encouraging both public and private participation. This issue will however have grave implications for funding, personnel, facilities, curriculum development and monitoring. A related dimension of this issue is that of expanding and restructuring the system to also cater adequately for the almajiris, area boys, street children and disabled school-age populace across the nation. Furthermore, the issue of poor enrolment in primary schools in some special areas should be of great importance to primary education management in Nigeria. This issue has three major dimensions. The first is that of how to ensure gender balance in enrolment in some parts of the country. Owing to some socio-cultural factors in some parts of the country, female enrolment needs to be improved. In another part, it is the male enrolment that needs improvement. But in majority of cases, the second dimension is that of non-enrolment in public schools. Parents prefer the private school since they appear more effective. The third dimension of this issue is ensuring retention and completion once enrolled. Resolving this issue is closely connected to the next issue of poverty alleviation and provision of good nutrition for children. The issue of poverty alleviation is more about the parents and the wider social constituency of primary education. This phenomenon impacts greatly on schooling particularly at the primary level. Owing to poverty, parents cannot afford to buy school uniforms, books, pay transportation cost and even provide good nutrition for their children. These impair both teaching and learning. There is no doubt that the primary school management should find a way of intervening in assisting the pupils within the national framework of poverty alleviation scheme. Some States have already introduced free mid-day meal service to primary schools. This meal service has some implications for school management to ensure it is . not counter-productive. Nutritional well-being in childhood has been shown to have large benefit on school performance as well as physical and mental capacity in later life (World Bank, 2003). Crucial Issues in the Management of Primary Education in Nigeria78 A similar issue which could also impact seriously on primary education is that of HIV/AIDS pandemic. This could have impact on both teachers and students and its effect on parents or guardians of the pupils could spill ¬over to the school. It was reported in 2001 that the prevalence rate was 5. 8% of teachers nationally (World Ban, 2003). Across the federation, it was found to range between 1. 8% of teacher population in Jigawa and 13. 5% of the teacher population in Benue. This disease was found to be prevalent in the age-group 20 – 24 years which forms the core age group from which primary school teachers are recruited in Nigeria. Table 3: Projected Teacher Attrition due to HIV/AIDS Pandemic in Selected States of Nigeria, 2003 ____________________________________________________________ __ StatesNo. of TeachersPrevalence rateAttrition of % of HIV/A IDSTeachers Benue1384813. 5185 Lagos180405. 590 Plateau175265. 098 Rivers83215. 542 Table 3 presents the projected attrition of teachers due to HIV/AIDS disease in some selected States of Nigeria. This projection is based on the rates found for these States in a previous survey reported by the World Bank. Given the clear fact that AIDS is real and the spread is growing, there is the need to estimate its likely impact on the primary education management in Nigeria and ensure the problems are contained. This could be done through creation of HIV/AIDS awareness programmes on the school curriculum for both learners, teacher and even parents. Expert could be invited to assist in enlightening the school community on how to combat the spread of this pandemics. Conclusion It is quite clear from the foregoing that for primary education in Nigeria to achieve its stated objectives, these crucial issues of policy, funding, data, curriculum review and capacity buildings gaps must be squarely addressed by education managers in Nigeria. In addition, the issues of genderization, poverty alleviation, pupils’ and teachers’ health and nutrition need prompt attention of the stakeholders and managers of 79D. O. Durosaro the system. Primary education is central to the achievement of the overall national educational goals. The primary education managers, in their quest to continue to meet the national demand for primary education quite efficiently and effectively, must constantly device new and improved ways of managing the system. The following recommendations are put forth: There is need for the creation of more social awareness on the recent Ube Bill to ensure compliance. The various States and Local Governments should also back this up with edicts and byelaws where necessary. Various tiers of government should also formulate clear policies on enrolment of pupils, funding, provision of facilities as well as quality assurance. There is the urgent need to set a national minimum standard for primary education which must be followed by all providers of primary education in Nigeria whether private or public. Since the government is still the major source of found to education in Nigeria, there is the need to change the pattern of funding so that provision for primary education should adequately match its needs, To be able to take sound decisions on the management of primary education in Nigeria, there is the need to ensure availability of accurate data on the system. The present effort of the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with both the UNESCO and UNDP on the creation of an Education Data Bank is highly commendable (FGN/UNE SCO/UN DP, 2003). The government should give the data bank all the enabling environment required to generate and analyse and bank the data. The institutional managers and teachers should be constantly trained and retrained in the modern data management techniques. There is the need to step up the institutional capacity building. The school managers should be mandated to attend training workshops and conferences to improve their managerial skills. Organizations like the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration, which have been set up for capacity building in educational management, should be empowered to start some annual training programmes towards this end. Concerted efforts by ways of quality control and monitoring would improve the quality of public schools and the drift from them to private schools would be checked. Effort should also be made to promote gender balance in schools Crucial Issues in the Management of Primary Education in Nigeria80 through gender sensitivity of the teachers, curriculum and teaching materials. The school environment should be made more child-friendly. The government needs to step up its poverty alleviation process by rendering assistance to parents indirectly through provision of free books, uniforms and even free mid-day meals to the children of the poor. There is need to embark more aggressively on the public enlightenment on the HIV/AIDS disease control. This would help reduce both pupil and teacher loss that this disease could cause. References Abdulkareem, A. Y. and I. O. Umar (1997) Follow-up Study on Primary Education Cost, Financing and Management in Kogi, Kwara and Nigeria States and the Federal Capital Territory. National Primary Education Commission Project. Durosaro, D. O. (2000) Resource Allocation and Utilization for University Education in Nigeria, Trends and Issues in E. G. Fagbamiye and D. O. Durosaro (eds,). Education and Productivity in Nigeria, N AEAP 51-67. Federal Government of Nigeria (1997 – 2002) Annual Budgets World Bank (2003) School Education in Nigeria: Preparing for Universal Basic Education. , (Human Development II, African Region), September 1. FGN/UNESCO/UNDP (2003). A Decade of Basic Education Data in Nigeria (1988-1998).

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Ways

Mtunzini (Mm-tun-zee-nee) is a small coastal town that is situated almost exactly halfway along KwaZulu-Natal's coastline in South Africa approximately 140 km north of Durban. The name is an isiZulu word meaning place in the shade. After the breakup of the Zulu Kingdom after the Anglo-Zulu War, Sir Garnet Wolseley created 13 ‘kinglets' – with two strategically located as buffer zones between Port Natal and Zululand. One of these kinglets was John Dunn who used Mtunzini as his capital.Umlalazi Lagoon at dusk In 1948, 9 square kilometres of dune forests, lakes and lagoon at Mtunzini was proclaimed a nature reserve known as the Umlalazi Nature Reserve. This area falls under the protection of the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (previously known as Natal Parks Board). The Umlalazi Lagoon is a popular tourist attraction for watersports enthusiasts and fisherman alike. Recreational and commercial ski-boat boat fisherman also launch their boats in the lagoon and they then head for the In dianOcean via the mouth of the Umlalazi River. Mtunzini is a bird watchers paradise and is renowned as one of the few places where one of South Africa's rarest birds of prey, the Palm-nut Vulture, is found. These birds feed on the fruit of the Rafla Palm which produces its fruit once every twenty years before dying. Visitors can enjoy a walk through the lush vegetation at the Rafla Palm Monument, which features a raised boardwalk that meanders through to the magnificent palms.Mtunzini Beach Mtunzini boasts, among other attractions, pristine beaches, a 9 hole golf course at the Mtunzini Country Club, AA-Event and Guest House, numerous Bed-and-Breakfast establishments as well as a range of camping, caravanning and other self-contained holiday accommodations. Be warned, the beach is NOT protected by shark nets due to Mtunzini's proximity to a shark breeding ground populated by Zambezi Sharks as well as many others.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

How the banking industry has been affected by online banking Dissertation

How the banking industry has been affected by online banking - Dissertation Example Telecommunication systems and technologies help the bank to reach customers and provide them with not only general information but also the opportunity to perform interactive services of offline banking transactions like payment, receipts and transfer of funds (Aladwani, 2001). However Sullivan (2002) is critical of the technology and advises the banks that adopt internet banking to develop different methods of conducting business and speculates that internet will destroy old models and concepts of banking and will have profound influence on the banking industry. Online banking though offers variety of services resulting in better customer satisfaction giving personal experience (Karjaluoto, et al, 2002), it is often accompanied by risk factors which is why there is a need to carry out a research to study how the online banking has affected the banking industry. Background Traditionally banks used the internet to provide general information about the banks, services offered and other information to the customers. The incredible growth of internet has changed the way banking was processed with the entry of virtual banks like Compubank and Net.B@nk, providing customers with financial services over the internet and low cost or no fees as these banks do not have branches thus reducing the operating and fixed costs by replacing employees with technology (Jun and Cai, 2001). In order to sustain their competitiveness in the market, the traditional banks went online in order to provide better customer service, allow the customer access the services from the internet, make payment, receive and transfer funds online without standing in queue. According to a June 2006 study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 43 percent of internet users or about 63 percent of American adults bank online (Patton, 2006). Online banking allows 24/7 customer service, borderless transactions, speedy service, effective banking transaction assisted with more sophisticated tools and s ervices providing optimum security (Magoon and Vasisth, 2006). According to Plunkett (2008) companies that offer ATMs, physical branches and online services find the combination to be very effective as it costs a great deal less to service a customer who primarily relies on online services to manage accounts and ATMs to withdraw cash. Consumers who use online services seem to be educated, have large bank balances, better credit ratings and create higher levels of profits than customers who opt for traditional banking, the view which is also agreed and found by Sullivan (2000) that bank can generate a large number of Internet transaction if it has sizeable customer base. However, Plunkett (2008) states that maintaining accounts security are the major challenge to online banking as they have often been subject to attacks by hackers, scam artists and virus writers. It is further stated that success in online banking seems to be dependent on physical locations as consumers still wanted a branch to solve their queries. In a study carried out by Rose (cited in Jun and Cai, 2001), it was found that most of the banks, evaluated for service quality, showed an unsatisfactory level of service and argued that online banking has become complicated which may cause many problem than it can solve. Various studies

Friday, September 27, 2019

Human Toxic Chemical Hazard And Risk Assessment Essay

Human Toxic Chemical Hazard And Risk Assessment - Essay Example According to a report produced by Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2008, this chemical toxin is the widely studied and researched toxin, because of its toxicological effect on humans (Abash, 113). However, according to Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), fungi produced mycotoxins are harmless and helpful to human body. In addition, according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Aflatoxins are not harmful if only consumed in very minute quantities. This toxic chemical substance is known to cause acute liver damage and liver cancer (Smith, 33). The cumulative effect of this toxic chemical substance is what is known to cause the liver diseases and damage. A major concern about this toxin is that it is heat stable. Thus, once produced on food substances such as vegetables, seeds, legumes and nuts, they remain permanently, since no extreme temperatures can destroy the toxins. Any heating or freezing has no impact on the toxic chemical substance (Huddler, 8). ii. ... Is this an Acute and/or Chronic threat? The chemical poisoning caused by the consumption of food substances invade by this toxin is acute. Is this a Systemic and/or Target Organ Threat? The poisoning caused by this toxin is both target organ and systematic. The intoxication is target organ since it affects the liver, causing its damage and causing other liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis, hepatic fibrosis and fatty liver disease (Abash, 125). The intoxication is also systematic since it causes a variety of different cancers on the body, affecting different body parts. The poisoning caused by the toxin can also cause the blockage of small arteries, due to blood clots (Bingham, 591). Most important, the infection is systematic since the intoxication causes the malfunction of the digestion system. This affects the absorption of nutrients by the body, subsequently affecting the stability of the brain and eventually leading to coma and death. What Are The More Likely (Probable) â€⠀œ Additional, Concurrent Chemical Exposures That May Interact With The Selected Chemical? The Aflatoxins have a probability of interacting with the alkaline substances of the human DNA, thus causing gene mutation. What Type of Chemical Interactions May Occur With the Additional, Concurrent Toxic Chemicals? The type of chemical reaction likely to occur is intercalation and alkylation of the DNA molecules. iii. Risk assessment This toxic chemical substance cause harm to consumers on the event that they consume food substances, which has this toxic substance in them. The toxin can contaminate the food substance before harvest and during storage (Smith, 27). The

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Alternatives to Globalization Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Alternatives to Globalization - Research Paper Example The phenomenon of Globalization is not new and has been around even before the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, however it has been deeply controversial as there have been two schools of thoughts i.e. the advocates of globalization and the opponents; debating over the concept of globalization ever since it has been coined. The advocates of globalization argue that globalization has harnessed various positive initiatives as it allows the developing countries and its citizen to better develop economically and increase their standards of living, as free market allows efficient allocation of resources with which all the countries involved are benefitted. It also perpetuates economic freedom in terms of democracy and capitalism. The integration and interaction that is achieved through globalization, it allows international cooperation in solving major global issues concerning the human rights issues or the environmental issues such as global warming. Globalization also helps in pr omotion of a unified culture and frame of reference thus mitigating the misconceptions harbored and enforcing more understanding of each other.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

How Tibor Kalman Did His Designing Work and how he utilized his Essay

How Tibor Kalman Did His Designing Work and how he utilized his creativity - Essay Example The author of the paper tells how Tibor dropped out for journalism classes. Before joining the journalism classes, he had spent a year picking cotton in Cuba then returned to the US in 1971. Kalman created window displays for a New York University student book exchange which impressed the owner dearly. The owner was known as Leonard Riggio. Later on, he was appointed as the supervisor of the bookstore’s in-house design department by Riggio. This marked his baby steps in his works as an author. Later in the year 1979, Kalman, Carol Bokuniewicz and Liz Trovato came together and established the design, M & Co. firm that faired very well in the field. Kalman left as the supervisor as he proved dissatisfactory. The firm did a lot of corporate work for clients who were diverse including the Limited Corporation, the new wave group and so on. In the early 1990s, on top of that, Kalman was also known to have worked with the interview magazines as the creative director. This shows how a dvanced he was and unique when it came to works of creativity. Perhaps it is one of the traits that contributed to his success in the field of designs (Tibor Kalman). Later on, the Benson sponsored Colors magazine sought his expertise as the founding editor-in-chief and this led to Kalman dissolving the M & Co. firm back in the year 1993 to solely and devotedly work on the magazine, thus he relocated to Rome. He made an effort of moving his family to Rome due to the zeal he had towards working for Colors. The Colors worked with the motto that stated, ‘A magazine about the rest of the world’. With this respect, it narrowed down and focused on multiculturalism and international awareness. It was, therefore, one very important magazine on an international level and was well recognized even externally. Therefore, working here meant Kalman’s growth and advancement as a creative work in the field of design.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Women Expatriates Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Women Expatriates - Research Paper Example This asserts that their main task in an organization is to maintain the structure and philosophy of the organization. However, the women expatriates should have a different cross-cultural training program because of the numerous challenges they face (Ismail & Tahir, 2007). In this program, they are supposed to learn how to interrelate with their male co-workers. This affirms that women expatriates are of high benefit to companies. Recent research confirms that women expatriates have several advantages over the male expatriates. This is mostly attributed to the socialization of a woman with her co-workers. This enables them to understand all the surrounding happenings. Therefore, most women use their socialization ability as an asset over their male counterpart. On the other hand, the men expatriates are regarded as more competent compared to the women (Ismail & Tahir, 2007). In most companies, there are more men expatriates than the women expatriates. Women also face different challenges as expatriates. The most common challenge that women face in their line of duty is the bad treatment which is usually by the male co-workers in the company. The male expatriates mostly face cross-cultural challenges in their new environment. This is because they are faced with ‘cultural shock’ in the new environment. Nowadays, women are faced with various challenges and adjustment problems in the expatriate profession. One of the most common challenges is related to the custom and religion aspect. In most multiethnic countries, women expatriates experience a difficulty in understanding the dress code of local individuals (Haile, Jones, & Emmanuel, 2007). According to various sources, when women expatriates do not understand the proper dress code, they might end up dressing against the social norms thus; the locals can portray negative remarks. Therefore, companies are supposed to provide a cross-cultural training program to the expatriates for

Monday, September 23, 2019

International marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

International marketing - Essay Example The profit margin may not make selling in the domestic market a worthwhile proposition. Moreover, due to immense technological developments, thanks to the contribution of Science and Technology, the global markets have opened up. At times, an organisation may sell globally to achieve competitive advantage. Samsung as a global brand has also transcended all geographical borders and have been able to establish as a brand of international repute. In international marketing the main characteristics encompass the factors such as the world economy is viewed as one market; marketing strategies are tailored to suit the individual market; and there are standardisation and customisation of the products as and when required by the markets. When a firm achieves growth, it sets its sight on overseas soils. Growth makes expansion imperative. This is precisely why a firm sells its goods and services in foreign countries. A firm is confronted with a host of complex issues in international marketing. Marketing in a foreign country is not a simple task. Therefore, the variables that constitute the international marketing environment are local tastes and requirements, local customs and cultures, governments, laws and regulations, technologies and the sizes of the markets. All these variables, which are extremely difficult to predict, have a deep influence on the marketing strategies of a firm (Gogolova, n.d.). This is a unique feature of firms which sells their products globally. Marketing Standardisation signifies that the parent firm will sell the similar product in the foreign countries as it sells in the home country. There is also similarity in all the marketing activities. Marketing control denotes to what extent the domestic company influences power on the management of the companies that are located abroad. The extent of control can range from limited autonomy to absolute delegation of power. The rationale behind this

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Mobile television Essay Example for Free

Mobile television Essay Mobile television is television watched on a small handheld or mobile device. It includes pay TV service delivered via mobile phone networks or received free-to-air via terrestrial television stations. Regular broadcast standards or special mobile TV transmission formats can be used. Additional features include downloading TV programs and podcasts from the internet and the ability to store programming for later viewing. According to the Harvard Business Review, the growing adoption of smartphones allowed users to watch as much mobile video in just three days of the 2010 Winter Olympics as they watched throughout the entire 2008 Summer Olympics – an increase of 564%. [1] DMB in South Korea History The first pocket-sized mobile television was sold to the public by Clive Sinclair in January 1977. It was called the Microvision or the MTV-1. It had a 2-inch CRT screen and was also the first television which could pick up signals in multiple countries. It measured 102Ãâ€"159Ãâ€"41mm and was sold for less than  £100 in the UK and for around $400 in the US. The project took over ten years to develop and was funded by around  £1.6 million in British Government grants.[2][3] Mobile TV is one of the features provided by many 3G phones. In 2002, South Korea became the first country in the world to have a commercial mobile TV CDMA IS95-C network, and mobile TV over 3G (CDMA2000 1X EVDO) also became available that same year. In 2005, South Korea also became the first country in the world to have mobile TV when it started satellite DMB (S-DMB) and terrestrial DMB (T-DMB) services on May 1 and December 1, respectively. Today, South Korea and Japan are at the forefront of this developing sector.[4] Mobile TV services were launched by the operator CSL in Hong Kong, March 2006, on the 3G network.[5] BT in the United Kingdom was the among the first companies outside South Korea to launch Mobile TV in September 2006, although the service was abandoned less than a year later.[6] The same happened to MFD Mobiles Fernsehen Deutschland, who launched their DMB-based service June 2006 in Germany, and stopped it in April 2008.[7] Also in June 2006, mobile operator 3 in Italy (part of Hutchison Whampoa) launched their mobile TV service, but opposed to their counterpart in Germany this was based on DVB-H.[8] Sprint started offering the service in February 2006 and was the first US carrier to offer the service. In the US Verizon Wireless and more recently ATT are offering the service. In South Korea, mobile TV is largely divided into satellite DMB (S-DMB) and terrestrial DMB (T-DMB). Although S-DMB initially had more content, T-DMB has gained much wider popularity because it is free and included as a feature in most mobile handsets sold in the country today. Challenges Mobile TV usage can be divided into three classes: †¢ Fixed – Watched while not moving, possibly moved when not being watched †¢ Nomadic – Watched while moving slowly (e.g. walking) †¢ Mobile – Watched when moving quickly (e.g. in a car) Each of these pose different challenges. Device Manufacturers challenges †¢ Power consumption – Continuous receipt, decoding, and display of video requires continuous power, and cannot benefit from all of the types of optimizations that are used to reduce power consumption for data and voice services. †¢ Memory – To support the large buffer requirements of mobile TV. Currently available memory capabilities will not be suited for long hours of mobile TV viewing. Furthermore, potential future applications like peer-to-peer video sharing in mobile phones and consumer broadcasting would definitely add to the increasing memory requirements. The existing P2P algorithms wont be enough for mobile devices, necessitating the advent of mobile P2P algorithms. There is one start-up technology that claims patentability on its mobile P2P, but has not drawn attention from device manufacturers yet. †¢ Display – Larger and higher-resolution displays are necessary for a good viewing experience. †¢ Processing power – Significan tly more processor performance is required for mobile TV than that used for UI and simple applications, like browsers and messaging. Content Providers challenges †¢ Mobile TV specific content – Mobisodes: mobile episodes of popular shows which are relatively shorter (3 to 5 minutes), to suit the likely viewing habits of the mobile TV user. Digital TV North America As of January 2012, there are 120 stations in the United States broadcasting using the ATSC-M/H Mobile DTV standard – a mobile and handheld enhancement to the HDTV standard that improves handling of multipath interference while mobile.[9] The defunct MediaFLO used COFDM broadcast on UHF TV channel 55. Like satellite TV, it was encrypted and controlled by conditional access (provided via the cellular network). It required a subscription for each mobile device, and was limited to the ATT Mobility or Verizon Wireless networks. Broadcast mobile DTV development While MediaFLO uses the TV spectrum and MobiTV used cell phone networks,[10] mobile DTV (ATSC-M/H) uses the digital TV spectrum. At the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show in April 2007 in Las Vegas, the ATSC and 8VSB methods for delivering mobile DTV were shown. A-VSB (Advanced VSB), from Samsung and Rohde Schwarz, was shown at the previous years show. In 2007, LG, whose Zenith Electronics came up with 8VSB, introduced (with Harris Group) its Mobile-Pedestrian-Handheld (MPH) system. As the broadcast networks began making their content available online, mobile DTV meant stations would have another way to compete. Sinclair Broadcast Group tested A-VSB in fall 2006, and its KVCW and KVMY were participating in the mobile DTV product demonstrations at the NAB show. A-VSB had worked in buses at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Mobile television Show. ION Media Networks started a test station on channel 38, which was to be used for digital LPTV, to use for a single-frequency network (SFN). In some areas, more than one TV transmitter would be needed to cover all areas. Mobile DTV could have been used at that time because it would not affect HDTV reception. A single standard, however, had to be developed.[11] At the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2009, the first prototype devices from LG and other manufacturers were demonstrated, including receivers for cars from Kenwood, Visteon and Delphi. It was announced that 63 stations in 22 markets would debut the service in 2009. Gannett Broadcasting president David Lougee pointed out that many of those attending the inauguration of Barack Obama would likely hear him but not see him; had the new technology been in place, this would not have been a problem.[12] In April 2009, the Open Mobile Video Coalition, made up of over 800 broadcast stations, selected four test stations: Gannetts WATL and IONs WPXA-TV in Atlanta, and Fisher Communications KOMO-TV and Belos KONG-TV in Seattle. WPXA had begun mobile DTV broadcasting on April 1. The others would start in May.[13] Later in 2009, ION said it was making available HDTV, standard definition and Mobile DTV streams using its affiliates in New York City and Washington, D.C. The triple-play concept was part of an effort to create a Mobile DTV standard. At the time, only those with prototype receivers could pick up the streams. ION Chairman and CEO Brandon Burgess said mobile DTV lets stations think beyond the living room and bring live television and real time information to consumers wherever they may be.[14] The Advanced Television Systems Committee started work on mobile DTV standards in May 2007, and manufacturers and sellers worked quickly to make the new technology a reality. The OMVC persuaded LG and Samsung to work together starting in May 2008 so that differing systems (possibly a self-destructing format war) would not delay or kill the technology. Early in July 2009, the ATSC Technology and Standards Group approved the ATSC-M/H standard for mobile DTV which all members green-lighted October 15. The public could be using the new devices by 2010, though watching TV on cell phones seemed unlikely in the near future since telephone manufacturers did not yet include that capability. The technology was expected to be used for polls and even voting.[15][16] By the end of the year, the ATSC and the Consumer Electronics Association began identifying products meeting the standard with MDTV.[17] Paul Karpowicz, NAB Television Board chairman and president of Meredith Broadcast Group, said This milestone ushers in the new era of digital television broadcasting, giving local TV stations and networks new opportunities to reach viewers on the go. This will introduce the power of local broadcasting to a new generation of viewers and provide all-important emergency alert, local news and other programming to consumers across the nation.[16] Later in July, the first multi-station tests began in Washington, D.C., while single stations in New York City and Raleigh, North Carolina already offered mobile DTV. The OMVC chose Atlantas WATL and Seattles KONG as model stations where product testing could take place. 70 stations in 28 media markets planned streams by the end of 2009. The Washington test would involve WPXW-TV, WUSA, WDCA, WRC-TV, WHUT-TV, WNUV in Baltimore, and WNVT, a part of MHz Networks, a multicasting service. All of the stations would have two of more channels each, with electronic service guide and alert data among the services. 20 sellers of equipment would use these stations to test using the existing standard, but testing the final standard would come later, and tests by the public would happen in 2010, when many more devices would be ready. Obviously, manufacturing large numbers of the devices could not take place without the final standard. LG, however, began mass-producing chips in June. ION technology vice president Brett Jenkins said, Were really at a stage like the initial launch of DTV back in 1998. There are almost going to be more transmitters transmitting mobile than receive devices on the market, and thats probably what youll see for the next six to nine months. Devices would eventually include USB dongles, netbooks, portable DVD players and in-car displays.[18] White House officials and members of Congress saw the triple-play concept in an ION demonstration on July 28, 2009 in conjunction with the OMVC.[19][20] Another demonstration took place October 16, 2009 with journalists, industry executives and broadcasters riding around Washington, D.C. in a bus with prototype devices. Included were those who would be testing the devices in the Washington and Baltimore markets in January 2010.[21] On August 7, 2009, BlackBerry service began on six TV stationsWISH-TV in Indianapolis; WAVY-TV in Hampton Roads, Virginia; KRQE in Albuquerque, New Mexico; WANE-TV in Fort Wayne, Indiana; WALA-TV in Mobile, Alabama; and KXAN-TV in Austin, Texas. 27 other stations will eventually offer the service, and LIN TV, which developed the BlackBerry service, has an iPhone application planned.[20] By October, 30 stations were airing mobile DTV signals, and that number was expected to be 50 by year-end. Also in the same month, FCC chair Julius Genachowski announced efforts to increase the amount of spectrum available to wireless services.[16] Also in August, WTVE and Axcera began testing a single-frequency network (SFN) with multiple transmitters using the new mobile standard. The RNN affiliate in Reading, Pennsylvania had used this concept since 2007.[22] Richard Mertz of Cavell, Mertz Associates says VHF wont work as well for mobile DTV because a 15-inch antenna or some other solution would be required, although he has heard from people who had no problems. An amplified antenna or higher power for the transmitting station would likely be needed, as well as repeater stations where terrain is a problem.[23] Lougee, whose company planned testing in its 19 markets in 2010, said the chip designs with the new devices made targeted advertising possible.[21] In December 2009, Concept Enterprises introduced the first Mobile DTV tuner for automobiles. Unlike earlier units, this one will provide a clear picture without pixilation in a fast-moving vehicle, using an LG M/H chip and a one-inch roof-mounted antenna. No subscription wil be required.[24] Also in December, the Consumer Electronics Association hosted a plugfest in Washington, D.C. to allow manufacturers to test various devices. More than 15 companies, and engineers from different countries, tested four transmission systems, 12 receiver systems, and four software types.[17][25] On December 1, News Corp. chairman Rupert Murdoch said mobile DTV would be important to the future of all journalism, and he planned to offer TV and possibly newspaper content in this way.[26] At the January 2010 Consumer Electronics Show, NAB head Gordon H. Smith disputed the idea that broadcastings days were numbered, calling mobile DTV the proof over-the-air television would continue its popularity. He said people would use cell phones and other devices to watch, and broadcast technology would be the best way to do this. Wireless broadband, which some wanted to replace broadcasting, would not be able to handle the demand for video services.[27] IONs Burgess showed off one of the first iPhones capable of receiving mobile DTV, while IONs Jenkins showed an LG Maze and a Valups Tivit; the latter sends signals to the iPod Touch and will soon work with the Google Nexus.[28] Sinclair Broadcast Group director of advanced technology Mark Aitken said the mobile DTV concept of multiple transmitters would help free up spectrum for wireless broadband in rural areas but not large cities. He also explained to the FCC that mobile DTV was the best method for sending out live video to those using cell phones and similar devices.[29] The OMVCs Mobile DTV Consumer Showcase began May 3, 2010 and lasted all summer. Nine stations planned to distribute 20 programs, including local and network shows as well as cable programs, to Samsung Moment phones. Dell Netbooks and Valups Tivits also received programming.[30] On September 23, 2010, Media General began its first MDTV service at WCMH-TV in Columbus, Ohio and had plans to do the same a month later at WFLA-TV in the Tampa Bay, Florida area and five to seven more stations in its portfolio.[31] On November 19, 2010, a joint venture of 12 major broadcasters, known as the Mobile Content Venture, announced plans to upgrade TV stations in 20 markets representing 40 percent of the United States population to deliver live video to portable devices by the end of 2011.[32] Brian Lawlor, a Scripps TV senior vice president, said that, in September 2011, Scripps stations would offer an app allowing people with an iPhone or iPad to see emergency information (e.g. weather bulletins) in the event of a power outage.[33] In 2012, a number of stations plan to conduct tests of the Mobile Emergency Alert System (M-EAS), a system to deliver emergency information via mobile DTV.[34] In January, 2012, the MCV announced that MetroPCS would offer MCVs Dyle mobile DTV service. Samsung planned an Android phone capable of receiving this service late in 2012.[35] At the end of 2012, Dyle was in 35  markets and capable of reaching 55 percent of viewers.[36] At the NAB show in April 2012, MCV announced that 17 additional television stations will launch mobile DTV, bringing the total to 92, covering more than 55% of US homes. Included are stations in three new markets – Austin, Texas, Boston, Massachusetts, and Dayton, Ohio.[37] In September 2012, WRAL-TV announced rollout of a Mobile Emergency Alert System based around mobile digital television technology.[38] A process called Syncbak uses cell phones rather than TV spectrum.[39] References [1] [2] [3] [4] Looking for TV Genius? | Red Bee Media (http:/ / www. tvgenius. net/ blog/ 2011/ 01/ 31/ 4-ways-smartphones-save-tv/ ) Clives achievements (http:/ / www. sinclair-research. co. uk/ about-srl. php) Sinclair Research Video and TV gear (http:/ / www. retrothing. com/ video_tv/ index. html), Retrothing.com NYTimes.com via Yahoo! Finance: Mobile TV Spreading in Europe and to the U.S. (http:/ / biz. yahoo. com/ nytimes/ 080506/ 1194771946810. html?. v=18), May 6, 2008 [5] 3G UK: The service is based on the Golden Dynamic Enterprises Ltd. (http:/ / www. 3g. co. uk/ PR/ March2006/ 2732. htm)s VOIR Portal (http:/ / findarticles. com/ p/ articles/ mi_m0EIN/ is_2006_Dec_4/ ai_n16881105) and follows the 3GPP standard 3G-324 M. The same service is also deployed to Philippines in 2007. [6] ZDnet: BT ditches mobile TV service (http:/ / news. zdnet. co. uk/ communications/ 0,1000000085,39288247,00. htm), 26 July 2007 [7] Broadband TV news: MFD hands back German T-DMB licence (http:/ / www. broadbandtvnews. com/ ?p=4682), May 1, 2008 [8] The Register: DVB-H rockets ahead in Italy (http:/ / www. theregister. co. uk/ 2006/ 07/ 28/ dvbh_success_in_italy/ ), 28 July 2006 [9] OMVC announces sizable growth in number of MDTV stations at CES | RF content from Broadcast Engineering (http:/ / broadcastengineering. com/ RF/ OMVC-mobile-DTV-presence-announces-growth-CES-01192012/ index. html) [10] Thompson, Mark (2010-06-03). mobile tv cell phone networks: (http:/ / mobitv. com/ technology/ managed-service-platform). Broadcasting Cable. . Retrieved 2010-06-03. [11] Dickson, Glen (2007-04-14). NAB: Mobile DTV Hits the Strip (http:/ / www. broadcastingcable. com/ article/ 108538-NAB_Mobile_DTV_Hits_the_Strip. php). Broadcasting Cable. . Retrieved 2009-07-21. [12] Dickson, Glen (2009-01-11). CES: Broadcasters Mobile DTV Moment (http:/ / www. broadcastingcable. com/ article/ 161893-CES_Broadcasters_Mobile_DTV_Moment. php?rssid=20102 q=broadcasters+ mobile+ dtv+ moment). Broad casting Cable. . Retrieved 2009-12-03. [13] Dickson, Glen (2009-04-20). NAB 2009: Broadcasters Set Mobile DTV Test Markets (http:/ / www. broadcastingcable. com/ article/ 209447-NAB_2009_Broadcasters_Set_Mobile_DTV_Test_Markets. php?rssid=20068 q=broadcasters+ set+ mobile+ dtv+ test+ markets). Broadcasting Cable. . Retrieved 2009-12-17. [14] Dickson, Glen (2009-06-29). ION Broadcasts Mobile DTV in N.Y., D.C.: Hails Its Digital TV Triple Play (http:/ / www. broadcastingcable. com/ article/ 307120-ION_Broadcasts_Mobile_DTV_in_N_Y_D_C_. php?rssid=20068 q=digital+ tv). Broadcasting Cable. . Retrieved 2009-07-02. [15] Dickson, Glen (2009-07-06). ATSC-M/H voted to proposed standard status (http:/ / www. broadcastingcable. com/ article/ 307463-Mobile_DTV_is_Almost_Official. php?rssid=20065 q=digital+ tv). Broadcasting Cable. . Retrieved 2009-07-08. [16] Dickson, Glen (2009-10-16). Mobile DTV Standard Approved (http:/ / www. broadcastingcable. com/ article/ 358341-Mobile_DTV_Standard_Approved. php?rssid=20292 q=digital+ tv). Broadcasting Cable. . Retrieved 2009-10-16. [17] Dickson, Glen (2009-12-16). ATSC Launches Certification Program For Mobile DTV (http:/ / www. broadcastingcable. com/ article/ 440764-ATSC_Launches_Certifica tion_Program_For_Mobile_DTV. php?rssid=20102 q=digital+ tv). Broadcasting Cable. . Retrieved 2009-12-17. [18] Dickson, Glen (2009-07-13). Special Report: Mobile DTV Heats Up (http:/ / www. broadcastingcable. com/ article/ 314792-Special_Report_Mobile_DTV_Heats_Up. php). Broadcasting Cable. . Retrieved 2009-07-15. [19] Dickson, Glen (2009-07-22). ION, OMVC Organize DTV Showcase in D.C. (http:/ / www. broadcastingcable. com/ article/ 316065-ION_OMVC_Organize_DTV_Showcase_in_D_C_. php?rssid=20068 q=digital+ tv). Broadcasting Cable. . Retrieved 2009-07-22. [20] Eggerton, John (2009-08-07). LIN TV Develops Blackberry App For Mobile TV Service (http:/ / www. broadcastingcable. com/ article/ 326796-LIN_TV_Develops_Blackberry_App_For_Mobile_TV_Service. php?q=digital+ tv). Broadcasting Cable. . Retrieved 2009-08-11. [21] Eggerton, John (2009-10-16). OMVC Does Mobile DTV Tour (http:/ / www. broadcastingcable. com/ article/ 358415-OMVC_Does_Mobile_DTV_Tour. php?rssid=20103 q=digital+ tv). Broadcasting Cable. . Retrieved 2009-10-23. [22] Dickson, Glen (2009-12-18). WTVE Tests SFN For Mobile DTV (http:/ / www. broadcastingcable. com/ article/ 441031-WTVE_Tests_SFN_For_Mobile_DTV. php?rssid=20065 q=digital+ tv). Broadcasting Cable. . Retrieved 2010-01-13. [23] Jessell, Harry A. (2009-09-24). Digital VHF Needs A Power Boost (http:/ / www. tvnewscheck. com/ articles/ 2009/ 09/ 24/ daily. 2/ ). TVNewsCheck. . Retrieved 2009-10-15. [24] Gilroy, Amy (2009-11-09). First Mobile DTV Car Tuner At $499 (http:/ / www. twice. com/ article/ 388144-First_Mobile_DTV_Car_Tuner_At_499. php/ ). TWICE. . Retrieved 2009-11-10. [25] Dickson, Glen (2009-12-02). Mobile DTV Picks Up Speed (http:/ / www. broadcastingcable. com/ article/ 394993-Mobile_DTV_Picks_Up_Speed. php?rssid=20068 q=digital+ tv). Broadcasting Cable. . Retrieved 2009-12-03. [26] Eggerton, John (2009-12-01). Murdoch Says Mobile TV Is Key to Future (http:/ / www. broadcastingcable. com/ article/ 391233-Murdoch_Says_Mobile_TV_Is_Key_to_Future. php?rssid=20070 q=digital+ tv). Broadcasting Cable. . Retrieved 2009-12-03. [27] Dickson, Glen (2010-01-07). CES 2010: Broadcasters Tout Mobile DTV Progress (http:/ / www. broadcastingcable. com/ article/ 442953-CES_2010_Broadcasters_Tout_Mobile_DTV_Progress. php?rssid=20068 q=digital+ tv). Broadcasting Cable. . Retrieved 2010-01-13. [28] Dickson, Glen (2010-01-09). NAB Shows Off New Spectrum Applications (http:/ / www. broadcastingcable. com/ article/ 443352-NAB_Shows_Off_New_Spectrum_Applications. php?rssid=20068 q=digital+ tv). Broadcasting Cable. . Retrieved 2010-01-13.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

The Effects of Global Climate Change on Clark County, Nevada Essay Example for Free

The Effects of Global Climate Change on Clark County, Nevada Essay Global climate change is a growing concern in areas all over the world, especially dry areas like Clark County, Nevada. Clark County is located in Southern Nevada; most people are aware of Clark County because of Las Vegas and the world famous strip of hotels and casinos on Las Vegas Boulevard. What people are not aware of is how rising sea levels can affect fabulous Las Vegas, and the detriment that is in store for Clark County if something big is not done to try and reverse the dangerous effects of global climate change. â€Å"Scientists have high confidence that global temperatures will continue to rise for decades to come, largely due to greenhouse gasses produced by human activities† (NASA, The Current and Future Consequences of Global Change, 2007). Because of rising global temperatures, people all over the planet are plagued by rising sea levels, melting Arctic sea ice, melting glaciers and permafrost, rising sea-surface temperatures, warming lake temperatures, heavier rainfall causing flooding, extreme drought increasing, withering crops, changing ecosystems, changes in the frequency and strength of hurricanes, human health being affected by warmer temperatures, and sea water becoming more acidic. So how does this affect Las Vegas and Clark County? First, Clark County is located in the Mojave Desert, and has a subtropical desert climate. Second, Lake Mead is located in Clark County and is a major source of water supply not only for Nevada, but also for Southern California and Arizona. Third, because of the changing global climate, Lake Mead is drying up. Water levels in Lake Mead have fallen over 100 feet since the year 2000. â€Å"Water levels are falling in America’s largest reservoir. If it dries up, so could power and water for much of the Southwest† (GOOD, Lake Mead is Drying Up, 2009). Currently, the Las Vegas Valley Water District has put watering restrictions in place and has raised the price that citizens of Clark County ay for water to try and fund research for water retention and future supply. Is this enough, though? In the summer months, temperatures exceed 100 degrees in Clark County, and the only relief from the heat is water. What can be done to help reverse or stop the effects of global climate change on Southern Nevada right now? There are a few simple things that citizens of Clark County can do to help stop the negative effects of global warming on their state. First, an act that would promote water conservation should become mandatory for all citizens of Nevada, not just Clark County. This water conservation act would require citizens of Nevada to not only limit their water consumption to a certain amount of gallons per year, but would require them to recycle their water using purification via a state issued water hepa-filtration system. This would require funding, so a water tax should be put in place specifically to pay for these water recycling devices. Once all Nevadans had a state issued water filtration device, they would be required to have five gallons of water per person in their homes at all times, and would be subject to inspection by a state official once a year to ensure they have their required amount. Any citizen not in possession of at least five gallons of fresh water would be subject to a fine for non-compliance by the state of Nevada, which would be used toward water conservation and research. Furthermore, the water conservation act should place limits on the amount of water a household uses per year, especially in the summer months. Just raising the cost of water is not sufficient, as it does not discourage people from using more water because they are not forced to use less. An acceptable, humane amount of water per person should be decided upon by the water conservation act, and if this amount is exceeded, the cost for additional gallons of water should be triple what is normally paid. This would be effective in discouraging people from using too much water and depleting the supply. It might sound harsh, but imagine that Lake Mead actually did dry up because of global warming. The effects of losing a major water supply to the Southwestern United States would be devastating, and would affect many more people than just those living in Clark County, Nevada. The question remains, how will Las Vegas ever become conservative with its water when it is the Entertainment Capital of the World? Yes, the citizens of Las Vegas can abide by the rules and regulations of the water district, and could even be held to the proposed water conservation act, but what about all the millions of tourists who come from all over the world and take from our water supply? Las Vegas needs to come together and soon, or it might end up being a dried up ghost town. Please see the topo map below, showing a close up visual of Las Vegas drying up.