Analysis Of Alan Turing s Can Machines Think - 1587 Words

On his essay â€Å"Can machines think?† Alan Turing, a great mathematician, and creator of the Turing Test presents us with the initial concept of what is now considered artificial intelligence. He states that eventually, as time progresses, machines will be able to think like humans. But, can a machine really think like a human? Can a machine even think on its own, or it is just based on human science and engineering to make computer systems perform tasks that require intelligence when done by humans? Substantial studying has been made on the subject and Turing’s overly optimistic point of view, yet, we experience difficulty when trying to combine idea of advancement in technology and what makes us humans: the capability of thinking. Conventionally, we have firmly grasp to the idea that the act of thinking is the official stamp of authenticity which differentiate humans from the rest of beings, and so while trying to decide if a computer can think or not, we are closely scrutinizing the foundation of our nature as beings to its core. But before we dive into the subject matter of why I disagree with Turing, we must inquire about what exactly is thinking. Some have tried to define thinking as having conscious thoughts; but thinking and consciousness are not terminologies that are mutually exchangeable. While thinking is a state of consciousness, consciousness is not thinking. Even as we process information necessary for reasoning, much of our brain activity and processing ta kesShow MoreRelatedFrank Jackson Functionalism Essay1403 Words   |  6 Pageslifestyles. Putnam’s theory is a brilliant theory, but has its flaws, which will be explained in more detail down below. The philosopher Frank Jackson has an objection towards functionalism and theory of the mind as a whole. I do believe that functionalism can provide a complete account of the nature of mind, but Putnam has minor flaws in his theory and my reasoning’s come from Jackson’s theory, which will be down below to justify my opinion. Functionalism is the doctrine that makes something a thought, painRead MoreArtificial Intelligence Is The Intelligence Exhibited By Machines Or Software1621 Words   |  7 Pages Artificial intelligence (AI) is the intelligence exhibited by machines or software. It is also the name of the academic field of study which studies how to create computers and computer software that are capable of intelligent behavior. Major AI researchers and textbooks define this field as the study and design of intelligent agents, in which an intelligent agent is a system that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its chances of success. John McCarthy, who coined the termRead MoreEssay on Our Posthuman Future: The Philosophical Implications2960 Words   |  12 PagesIntroduction This essay is about the philosophy of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and it will delve deep into the question of the many philosophical implications of AI. In this paper, I will argue that a machine being able to think and the possibility of an emerging post human future due to the hypothetical invention of AI has philosophical implications for the future of humanity. The intersection of strong and weak AI with human consciousness is also explored through the examples of IBM’s AI systemsRead MoreIntroduction Of Natural Language Processing3416 Words   |  14 Pages INTRODUCTION TO NATURAL LANGUAGE PROCESSING What is NLP? Natural Language Processing can be defined as the use and ability of systems to process sentences in a natural language such as English, instead of using a specialized artificial computer language such as C, C++ etc. The systems used for NLP are a digital computer which is similarly resemble to mainframe and personal computers. The digital computer systems in this fifth generation possesses artificial intelligence technique and thus able toRead MoreComputers7651 Words   |  31 Pagesa general purpose device that can be  programmed  to carry out a finite set of arithmetic or logical operations. Since a sequence of operations can be readily changed, the computer can solve more than one kind of problem. Conventionally, a computer consists of at least one processing element, typically a  central processing unit  (CPU) and some form of  memory. The processing element carries out arithmetic and logic operations, and a sequencing and control unit that can change the order of operationsRead MoreThe Artificial Intelligence Program For Integrating English Oral Practice And Writing Skills2070 Words   |  9 PagesArtificial Intelligence Program for Integrating English Oral Practice and Writing Skills Abstract Oral language proficiency is highly essential for all language learners because it is eventually the skill they mostly use to express their observations, analysis, outlooks and views. Oral interactions remain the primary mode of discourse throughout the world. The development of oral language skill is of major importance for the second or foreign language learners. In addition, English writing course has beenRead MoreThe Development of Monitors Essay2945 Words   |  12 PagesSecurity Agency is only forty-five years old (established by order of President Harry S. Truman in 1952), the functions it performs have been part of human history for thousands of years. The need to safeguard ones own communications while attempting to produce intelligence from foreign communications has long been a recognized part of governmental activity. In the American experience, cryptologic efforts can be traced to the very beginnings of the American nation. George Washington employed ElbridgeRead More4g Communication22481 Words   |  90 Pagescomprehensive and personalized services, providing stable system performance and quality service. 4G doesn t just define a standard; it describes an environment where radio access methods will be able to interoperate to provide communications sessions that can seamlessly hand-off between them. More than any other technology, 4G will have a profound impact on the entire wireless landscape and the total value chain. This paper focuses on the vision of 4G and briefly explains the technologies and featuresRead MoreCognitive psychology  . Essay5542 Words   |  23 Pages and  neuroscience. ------------------------------------------------- History  [edit] Cognitive psychology in its modern form incorporates a remarkable set of new technologies in psychological science. Although published inquiries of human cognition can be traced back to Aristotle’s ‘’De Memoria’’ (Hothersall, 1984), the intellectual origins of cognitive psychology began with cognitive approaches to psychological problems at the end of the 1800s and early 1900s in the works of Wundt, Cattell, and WilliamRead MoreComparative Study of Quality of Work Life Management in Tcs Ibm: a Case Study Analysis14194 Words   |  57 PagesPROJECT REPORT On â€Å"COMPARATIVE STUDY OF QUALITY OF WORK LIFE MANAGEMENT IN TCS amp; IBM: A CASE STUDY ANALYSIS† FOR THE PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF â€Å"MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINSTRATION† FROM GGS IP UNIVERSITY NEW DELHI BATCH: 2011-2013 Submitted by: Submitted to: Sheetal Yadav Dr. Parul Gupta ARMY INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT amp; TECHNOLOGY, GREATER NOIDA (UP) – 201306 BACKGROUND

Nathaniel Hawthorne And Edgar Allen Poe - 1318 Words

Nathanial Hawthorne and Edgar Allen Poe are inextricably connected because of their methodology of works. These two authors of Dark Romanticism, delve into in their writings of pensive mystery and sorrowful characteristics of America’s Puritan thought. Both Hawthorne and Poe apprehend the impact of transgression and evil on humanity. â€Å"The Birthmark† and †Ligeia† both recognize that a yearning for perfection can generate a dark obsession that directs the heart and will of man. â€Å"The Birthmark† is a tale of a youthful woman, Georgina, who has a hand-shaped mark upon her cheek and has been convinced by her husband to get the birthmark removed because in his eyes it limits her perfection. She feels the pressure from her husband to get it removed so she will feel accepted by him. â€Å"Ligeia† is a narrative of a young bride, Rowena, who is intended to be the successor of her husband’s deceased wife, but falls far short of the manâ⠂¬â„¢s ideal image of his first wife. Jeffrey Howard’s analysis of â€Å"Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Birth-Mark† and Jeffrey Howard’s review † Unburying the Wife: A Reflection Upon the Female Uncanny in Poe’s â€Å"Ligeia† correctly interprets the obsession Aylmer has toward the birthmark and the narrator of â€Å"Ligeia† fixation he has towards his deceased wife. The overall outlook of these two author’s writing styles that key in on the darkness of the heart, which is capable of destruction when influenced by fixation and perfectionism. Today, Poe is known for being one of theShow MoreRelatedEdgar Allen Poe And Nathaniel Hawthorne1705 Words   |  7 Pagesthe Romanticism Era, Edgar Allen Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne, how real-life events affected their writings, and how their professional careers affected their writings. Edgar Allen Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 19,1809 to two traveling actors (Poe s Museum). Poe was the second of three children. He had an older brother, William Henry Leonard Poe, and a younger sister, Rosalie Poe. Before Edgar was three years old, both his parents had died (Poe s Museum). Poe was then taken inRead MoreDevelopment Of Narrative, By Nathaniel Hawthorne, And Edgar Allen Poe1302 Words   |  6 PagesJames Kirkpatrick English 231 American Literature I 10 November 2014 Development of Narrative Short stories did not begin to develop as a dedicated, intentional genre until the early 1800s, when authors such as Washington Irving, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Edgar Allen Poe began to attract readers with them. These authors were from the Romanticism period. Three characteristics of Romanticism are having a profound love of nature, passionate nationalism, and a fascination with the supernatural. StoriesRead MoreAmerican Authors: Nathaniel Hawthorne and Edgar Allen Poe1470 Words   |  6 PagesNathaniel Hawthorne and Edgar Allen Poe â€Å"To fear death, gentlemen, is no other than to think oneself wise when one is not, to think one knows what one does not know. No one knows whether death may not be the greatest of all blessings for a man, yet men fear it as if they knew that it is the greatest of evils.† Socrates one of the greek philosophers in the 400’s BC, gives a reasonable question about the fear of death. Death affects people and characters very differently in life. In the world of literaryRead MoreRalph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, And Edgar Allen Poe1047 Words   |  5 Pagessimilar. In the late 18th century and early 19th century, many authors successfully could explain the characteristics of human nature and the effects that it has on everyone and everything surrounding human beings. Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Edgar Allen Poe all convey the behavior of human nature in separate ways. These three authors show the curiosity, drive for perfection, and fear of human nature throughout their texts in detail. With these characteristics being prominent in humanRead MoreDifferent Colors Of Darkness By Nathaniel Hawthorne And Edgar Allen Poe995 Words   |  4 PagesCallie Shipley Mrs. Carroll Literature 2326 5 October 2014 Different Hues of Darkness At first glance, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Edgar Allen Poe may appear as though they are two birds of a feather. Their stories are often dark and dismal, and an enduring despair runs through the tales as a common thread. However, their inspirations originate from opposite ends of the spectrum. Hawthorne’s works are the offspring of legalistic Puritan values and beliefs; on the other hand, Poe’s stories reflect godlessnessRead MoreThe Romantic Period Of William Wordsworth, Nathaniel Hawthorne, And Edgar Allen Poe1019 Words   |  5 Pagesthat are leaders at the forefront of this epic social battle such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, John Keats, Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, William Blake, John Clare, Walter Scott, Mary Shelley, Washington Irving, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Edgar Allen Poe. The passive approach of writing allows the Romantic literature produced to transcend throughout history and influence the likes of philosophers, poetics, social activ ists, and other prominent figures of the modern age. These individualsRead MoreThe Romantic Period Of John Dickens, Nathaniel Hawthorne, And Edgar Allen Poe1340 Words   |  6 Pagesfigures that stood out as leaders of this epic social battle such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, John Keats, Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, William Blake, John Clare, Walter Scott, Mary Shelley, Washington Irving, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Edgar Allen Poe. The passive approach of writing allows the Romantic literature produced to transcend throughout history and influence the likes of philosophers, poetics, social activists, and other prominent figures of the modern age. These individualsRead MoreAnti-Transcendentalism in Nathaniel Hawthorne ´s Dr. Heideggers Experiment and Edgar Allen Poe ´s The Fall of the House of Usher569 Words   |  2 PagesAnti-Transcendentalism, including Nathaniel Hawthorne and Edgar Allan Poe.Both writers used their stories as a platform to expose the reality of human nature. Hawthorne discuss the foolishness found in youth in Dr. Heideggers Experiment while Poe writes about the tragedy of not being able to escape your fate in The Fall of the House of the Usher. So essentially, each writer effortlessly demonstrates the traits of Anti-Transcendentalism. In Dr. Heideggers Experiment Hawthorne explores many elementsRead MoreAn Analysis Of Edgar Allan Poe And Ralph Waldo Emerson1090 Words   |  5 Pagesunique textual language. Despite these obstacles, American authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Ralph Waldo Emerson assisted in the emergence of American Literature and the development of the â€Å"American Voice.† Edgar Allen Poe has played a crucial role in the development of the â€Å"American Voice.† Although his work uses the same language as English writers, it is also very different. Edgar Allen Poe was born in 1809 and died in 1849. He was a writer, poet, critic, and an editorRead MoreYoung Goodman Brown And A Cask Of Amontillado Analysis1110 Words   |  5 PagesGoodman Brown by Nathaniel Hawthorne and A Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allen Poe, there are many examples of situational irony that are used comparably in both texts. Dramatic irony is the type of irony that informs the reader of a certain fact that one or more characters in the story may not know. This is quite evident in Young Goodman Brown and A Cask of Amontillado, because of the lack of knowledge that the characters have with their acquaintances. In Young Goodman Brown, Hawthorne plays with the

The Silver Linings Playbook Chapter 42 Free Essays

string(152) " but eventually many of the guys admit they too have New Year’s Eve plans with their wives, and I take the Asian Invasion bus home to New Jersey\." I Need a Huge Favor On New Year’s Eve day, after agreeing to buy unlimited beer for our neighbors, Jake manages to trade seats with the season-ticket holder in front of me – and once Jake is seated, he props my cast up onto his shoulder so I am able to sit down during the Falcons game. A few minutes into the first quarter, head coach Andy Reid pulls the starters, and the game announcer reports that Dallas has somehow lost to Detroit, which means that the Birds have clinched the NFC East for the fifth time in the last six years and the current game is meaningless. Everyone in the Linc cheers, high fives abound, and it is hard to stay in a seated position. We will write a custom essay sample on The Silver Linings Playbook Chapter 42 or any similar topic only for you Order Now With the starting wide receivers out, I get my hopes up for Hank Baskett, and he actually does catch a few balls in the first half, each of which Scott, Jake, and I celebrate excessively because I am wearing my Baskett jersey over my winter coat, and we all like to root for the undrafted rookie. It’s 17 – 10 Eagles at halftime, and Scott actually leaves the game, saying that he promised his wife he’d come home for New Year’s Eve if the Cowboys lost and the Eagles game became meaningless. I give him a hard time about leaving and am surprised that my brother does not join in with the ribbing. But shortly after Scott takes off, Jake says, â€Å"Listen, Pat. Caitlin has me going to this black-tie New Year’s Eve party at the Rittenhouse Hotel. She was mad at me for going to the game today, and I was sort of thinking about taking off early so I could surprise her. But I don’t want to leave you here with the cast and all. So how do you feel about leaving early?† I’m shocked, and a little mad. â€Å"I want to see if Baskett gets his second touchdown,† I say. â€Å"But you can go. I’ll be all right here with all the real Eagles fans – the people who are staying to see the whole game.† It’s not a very nice thing for me to say, especially since Caitlin is probably already dressed and waiting for Jake to come home, but the truth is, I need my brother’s help getting out of the Linc on crutches. I have a feeling that Baskett will get the ball a lot in the second half, and I know Jake really wants to see the game anyway; maybe he’ll be able to use his mentally ill brother as a good excuse for missing the first part of Caitlin’s New Year’s Eve party; maybe this is what Jake really wants and needs. â€Å"Beer man!† I yell to the Coors Light guy who is passing our row. When he stops, I say, â€Å"Only one beer because this guy here is leaving his crippled, mentally insane brother to go to the Rittenhouse Hotel so that he can swill champagne with non-Eagles fans in tuxedos.† My brother looks like I punched him in the gut, and soon he is pulling out his wallet. â€Å"All right. Fuck it. Make it two beers,† Jake says, and I smile as my brother sits down in Scott’s seat and helps me prop my cast up onto the back of the empty seat in front of me. Through the second half, Baskett continues to catch A. J. Feeley’s throws, and early in the fourth quarter my favorite player runs an out, catches the ball, and runs down the sideline eighty-nine yards for the second touchdown of his young career. Jake helps me stand, and then everyone in our section is high-fiving me and slapping my back because over my coat I am wearing the Baskett jersey my brother gave me when I first got out of the bad place. I would later learn that Baskett is the first Eagles player to catch two touchdown passes longer than eighty yards in the same season – which is an accomplishment, even if number 84 has only been a marginal player this year. â€Å"And you wanted to leave,† I say to Jake. â€Å"Go Baskett!† he says, and then gives me a one-armed sideways hug – shoulder-to-shoulder. After the Eagles’ backup players win the last regular season game, the Birds finish their season at 10-6, locking up at least one home play-off game in the process. I crutch my way out of the Linc with Jake as my fullback, parting the crowds, shouting, â€Å"Cripple coming through! Cripple coming through! Move out the way!† We don’t meet up with Cliff’s gang until we get back to the fat men’s tent and the Asian Invasion bus. But when we do, our friends greet us with a Baskett chant because number 84 had a career-high 177-yard day and an 89-yard TD. With play-offs to discuss, everyone is reluctant to leave, so we drink beers and discuss the 8-8 Giants, whom the Birds will play in the first round. When Cliff asks me if I think our team will beat the Giants, I tell my therapist, â€Å"Not only will the Eagles win, but Hank Baskett will catch another touchdown.† Cliff nods and smiles and says, â€Å"You called it before the season even started: Hank Baskett is the man!† Jake leaves first because he and Caitlin have that hotel New Year’s Eve party to attend, so we all make fun of him and call him whipped – but even though he is leaving us for his woman, I give him a hug and thank him again for staying, getting me a season ticket, and paying for the play-off tickets too, which are pretty expensive. And I know Jake has forgiven me for making him miss the second Dallas game, because he hugs me back and says, â€Å"No problem, brother. I love you. Always. You know that.† After Jake leaves, we drink beers for another half hour or so, but eventually many of the guys admit they too have New Year’s Eve plans with their wives, and I take the Asian Invasion bus home to New Jersey. You read "The Silver Linings Playbook Chapter 42" in category "Essay examples" The Eagles have won the last five games and the NFC East, so there’s no stopping Ashwini from blowing the Asian Invasion bus horn when he pulls up to my parents’ house, and when he does, the chant blares loudly – â€Å"E!-A!-G!-L!-E!-S! EAGLES!† – which brings my mother to the door. Standing on the front step, Mom and I wave as the green bus pulls away. We eat a late New Year’s Eve dinner together as a family, but even after another Eagles win and with Super Bowl hopes alive, my father doesn’t say much, and he heads for his study before Mom finishes her meal, probably so he can read historical fiction. Just before the ball drops on Dad’s huge flat-screen television, Mom asks me if I want to go outside and bang pots and pans like we used to do when I was a kid. I tell Mom I don’t really want to bang pots and pans, especially since I am tired from spending the day outside in the cold, so from the couch, we watch people celebrating in Times Square. Two thousand and six becomes 2007. â€Å"It’s going to be a good year for us,† Mom says, and then forces a smile. I smile back at Mom, not because I think it is going to be a good year, but because my father went to bed an hour ago, Nikki never came back, there’s not even the slightest inclination to suggest that 2007 is going to be a good year for either Mom or me, and yet Mom is still trying to find that silver lining she taught me about so long ago. She is still holding on to hope. â€Å"It’s going to be a good year,† I say. When Mom falls asleep on the couch, I turn off the television and watch her breathe. She still looks pretty, and seeing her resting so peacefully makes me angry at my dad, even though I know he can’t change who he is, but I wish that he would at least try to appreciate Mom more and spend some quality time with her, especially since he doesn’t even have the Eagles to be grumpy about anymore, because the season is already a success regardless of what happens in the play-offs, especially after making it this far without McNabb. And yet I know my father is not likely to change, because I have known him for thirty-five years, and he has always been the same man. Mom tucks her knees and elbows in close to her body and begins to shiver, so I push myself up, grab my crutches, and crutch my way over to the closet. I pull a blanket from the bottom of the closet, crutch my way over to Mom, and cover her – but she continues to shiver. Back at the closet, I see a heavier blanket on the top shelf, so I reach up and pull it down. It falls on top of my head just after I hear a little crash. I look down, and by my feet is a videocassette in a white plastic case that has two ringing bells on the cover. I crutch my way over to my mother and cover her with the heavier blanket. It is hard to pick up the cassette with my cast preventing me from squatting – I actually have to sit down on the floor to pick it up. After sliding over to the TV, I slip the cassette into the VCR. I look over my shoulder, checking to make sure that Mom is sleeping soundly, and then turn down the volume before I hit PLAY. The video is not completely rewound, and the part that pops up on-screen is the beginning of the reception dinner. Our guests are seated in the banquet room of the Glenmont Country Club, which is near a golf course in a swanky little town just outside Baltimore. The camera is focused on the entrance doorway, but you can see the dance floor and the band too. Using the microphone, the lead singer says, â€Å"Let’s introduce the wedding party Philly style,† at which point the horn section of the band begins playing the opening notes of â€Å"Gonna Fly Now!† The guitarist and bassist and drummer soon begin playing, and even though it doesn’t sound exactly like Rocky’s theme song, it’s close enough to get the job done. â€Å"Parents of the groom, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Peoples!† Our guests clap politely as my mom and dad cross the dance floor arm in arm, and the painful expression on my father’s face suggests that this was one of the worst experiences of his life – being announced at my wedding. â€Å"Parents of the bride, Mr. and Mrs. George Gates.† Nikki’s parents do a little skipping routine into the banquet hall, making them look sloshed, which they were, and I laugh thinking about how much fun my in-laws were when they drank. I really do miss Nikki’s parents. â€Å"Bridesmaid, Elizabeth Richards, and groomsman, Ronnie Brown.† Liz and Ronnie come out waving to our guests, as if they are royalty or something, which was strange, and the tactic all but mutes their applause. Ronnie looks young in the video, and I think about how he was not yet a father, how Emily did not even exist when this video was shot. â€Å"Maid of honor, Wendy Rumsford, and best man, Jake Peoples!† Jake and Wendy walk across the dance floor and directly toward the camera until their faces are life-size on my father’s huge flat-screen television. Wendy just sort of screams like she is at an Eagles game or something, but Jake says, â€Å"I love you, brother!† and then kisses the camera lens, leaving a lip-shaped smudge mark. I see the videographer’s hand emerge and quickly wipe the lens with a piece of cloth. â€Å"And now, for the first time ever, allow me to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Pat Peoples!† Everyone stands and cheers as we walk into the banquet room. Nikki looks so pretty in her wedding dress. She’s holding her head in that cute, shy position, with her chin close to her chest, and seeing her now makes me cry because I miss her so much. When we move to the dance floor, the band shifts gears, and I hear those sexy synthesizer chords, faint high-hat taps, and then the soprano saxophonist steps forward and â€Å"Songbird† takes flight. Something in my mind begins to melt, and it feels as though I am experiencing an ice-cream headache – or as if someone is churning my brain with an ice pick. I’m not seeing the television screen anymore, I’m seeing the road through a fogged windshield, and it’s raining something fierce. It’s not even four in the afternoon, but it’s as dark as midnight. I’m upset because we have a big game coming up and yet the gym roof is leaking again like a sieve, which has forced me to cancel basketball practice. All I want to do is take a shower and then watch game tapes. But when I enter my house, I hear a soprano sax moaning, and it’s strange to hear Kenny G’s smooth jazz coming from my bathroom at a time like this. Mr. G’s notes are swirling all about. I open the bathroom door; I feel the steam lick my skin, and I wonder why Nikki is listening to our wedding song in the shower. Kenny G’s solo has reached a climax once more. The CD player is on the sink, and two piles of clothes rest on the floor, and a pair of men’s glasses are on the sink next to the CD player. Sexy synthesizer chords, faint high-hat taps. â€Å"You fucking whore!† I scream as I rip the shower curtain off the rod, exposing so much awful, soapy flesh. I’m standing in the tub. My hands are around his throat. I’m between them now, the shower is spraying the back of my coat with hot spokes, weighing down my sweatpants, and he is in the air, begging me with his eyes, pleading for a breath of air. His hands are trying to break my grip, but he is a tiny, weak man. Nikki is screaming; Kenny G is playing; Nikki’s lover is turning purple. He’s so small, I can hold him up against the tiles with one hand. I cock my elbow back, squeeze a tight, teeth-shattering fist, and take aim. His nose explodes like a packet of ketchup. His eyes are rolling into the back of his head; his hands have fallen away from mine. When I cock back my fist a second time, the music stops playing, and then I’m on my back in the tub and Nikki’s naked lover has fallen out of the tub and naked Nikki is holding the CD player in her trembling hands. When I try to stand, she smashes the CD player over my head once more; my knees giv e out, and I see the silver faucet rise like some fat, shiny snake to strike the hard spot just above my right eyebrow, and then – – I wake up in a hospital and immediately begin vomiting all over myself, until nurses arrive and tell me not to move my head. And I’m crying and calling for Nikki, but she does not come to me. My head hurts so badly. When I touch my forehead, I feel some sort of bandage, but then my hands are being forced to my sides. The nurses are screaming and holding me down, and then doctors are restraining me too. I feel a prick in my arm, and †¦ When I blink, I see my reflection in the blank television screen. The video has ended. I look life-size on my father’s flat screen, and I can see my mother asleep on the couch, just over my right shoulder. As I continue to stare at myself, my little white scar begins to itch, but I do not really want to smash my forehead with my fist. I find my feet and crutch my way into the kitchen. The address book is still in the cabinet above the stove. I place a call to Jake’s apartment. As the phone rings, I look at the microwave and see that it is 2:54 a.m., but I remember that Jake is at a swanky hotel party and won’t be home until tomorrow, so I decide to leave a message. Hello, you’ve reached Jake and Caitlin’s machine. Please leave a message after the beep. Beep. â€Å"Jake, it’s your brother, Pat. I need a huge favor †¦Ã¢â‚¬  How to cite The Silver Linings Playbook Chapter 42, Essay examples

Citi Bank Presentation free essay sample

A REPORT ON Launching the Credit Card in Asia Pacific Countries by Submitted To Mr. Kiran Kumar Pedada Marketing Strategy Submitted By K. V. Ch. Madhu Sudhana Rao (32) R. Avinash Kumar (20) Y. Santosh (11) Indian Institute of Planning Management Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. CITI BANK Introduction Citigroup Inc. is an American multinational financial services company based in New York City. Citigroup was formed from one of the worlds largest mergers in history by combining the banking giant Citicorp and financial conglomerate Travelers Group on April 7, 1998. Citigroup Inc. as the worlds largest financial services network in the world, spanning 140 countries with approximately 16,000 offices worldwide. According to Forbes, Citigroup used to be the largest company and bank in the world by total assets until the global financial crisis of 2008. Today it is ranked 24th in size compared to HSBC which now ranks as the largest company and bank by assets in the world as of 2011. The company employs approximately 260,000 staff around the world, and holds over 200 million customer accounts in more than 140 countries. It is a primary dealer in US Treasury securities. 1 In Asia Citibank started their services in India, Philippines and Hong Kong in 1902. At present they are performing their services in 11 Asian countries. Citibank’s mission in the Asia Pacific region was to be the most profitable provider of a wide array of financial services to an increasingly affluent and middle-income market, and to reach the rapidly growing middle-income households in this region. 2 Objective: Citibank believes expanding their credit card business into Asia Pacific would be a way to increase their revenue, as they are currently restricted on the number of foreign bank branches they can open. Citibank must decide in which countries of the Asia Pacific it should invest, and which countries to target first. 3 Executive Summary We recommend in the first phase to expand the credit card business into India, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. These are fairly stable untapped markets. Our strategy is to focus generally on the high status groups in these markets. The cards should be issued in the local currency but include an option for Taiwan customers to use US dollars. In the next phase enter into Malaysia, Australia and Singapore. Again focus on the high status groups in these markets. We don’t recommend expanding into Indonesia due to the unfavorable economic conditions. Marketing should focus on direct sales and bind-ins for markets high status cards and expands these channels with direct mail and take-ones where a more diversified population is targeted. Problem Statement Citibank believes expanding their credit card business into Asia Pacific would be a way to increase their revenue, as they are currently restricted on the number of foreign bank branches they can open. Citibank must decide in which countries of the Asia Pacific it should invest, and which countries to target first. DATA ANALYSIS Current Performance in Asia Pacific Citibank, with operations in 15 Asia pacific and the Middle East countries, earned $69. 7 million in 1998 and was an undisputed leader in most marketplaces. The table below shows that the profit margins in Asia Pacific are a phenomenal 22% on average. Looking at the performance of individual countries in Asia Pacific (See table below). We can see that Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan and Singapore perform over average while Hong Kong, Philippines, Malaysia and India perform below average. Ranked by performance* | Thailand| Indonesia| Taiwan| Singapore| Hong Kong| Philippines| Malaysia| India| # Of Bank Customers(000)| 12| 21| 16| 18| 130| 46| 29 | 61| # Of Bank Accounts(000)| 16| 25| 30| 67| 250| 85| 58| 165| Net Revenue From Fund| 8| 12| 11| 16| 67| 19| 11| 6| Net Revenue/Customer| 0. 67| 0. 57| 0. 69| 0. 89| 0. 52| 0. 41| 0. 38| 0. 10| Net Revenue/Accounts| 0. 50| 0. 48| 0. 37| 0. 24| 0. 27| 0. 22| 0. 19| 0. 04| SWOT ANALYSIS Strengths: * Undisputed leader of the marketplace * Hong Kong: people are used to credit cards- relatively affluent population * India: strong economic development in late 80’s * Malaysia: large successful business population * Singapore: â€Å"one of the world’s largest center of traditional trade and services† * Thailand: rapidly growing nation (foreign investment) Weakness: * Undisputed leader of the marketplace * Hong Kong: people are used to credit cards- relatively affluent population * India: strong economic development in late 80’s * Malaysia: large successful business population Singapore: â€Å"one of the world’s largest center of traditional trade and services† * Thailand: rapidly growing nation (foreign investment) Opportunities: * Undisputed leader of the marketplace * Hong Kong: people are used to credit cards- relatively affluent population * India: strong economic development in late 80’s * Malaysia: large successful bu siness population * Singapore: â€Å"one of the world’s largest center of traditional trade and services† * Thailand: rapidly growing nation (foreign investment) Threats: * Malaysia: many other options to choose from in 1989 (MasterCard and Visa) * Singapore: â€Å"high-tech mecca† has attracted many multinational corporations * Taiwan: restrictive laws prohibited thus industry is in early stages * Taiwan: AMEX and Diner’s Club worldwide respected reputation * Citibank’s undifferentiated view of one marketplace Positioning, Segmentation, Target Countries and Marketing We recommend taking different strategy for each county because the economic, political, regulatory and cultural situations are so different from country to country. Generally, Citibank should focus on the upper and middle class customers and segment these two types. By offering multiple brand names. Some should have annual fees and different interest rates and benefits should be offered. To reduce risk and take advantage of the experience one gains by introducing a credit card into a new market, we believe Citibank should not target all the countries at the same time. The cards should be positioned as a middle product between the traditional premium cards such as AMEX and Diners and the local bankcards. Conclusion: From the analysis it is clearly understood that the company can enter into the markets in India, Taiwan and Thailand. Company strategy is to focus on the high status segments in these markets. The only exception is Taiwan where we believe there is demand for a USD credit card, due to the large number of international travelers. Managers in Taiwan need to get the approval of NCCC to launch the credit cards. This is a crucial point that needs to be taken care of in the beginning. Managers in the Philippines need to work closely with Visa to ensure that a large number of merchants will accept credit cards. Recommendations: 1) We recommend that we enter the markets in Indian, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. 2) Entry should be delayed in Malaysia, Australia and Singapore. ) The company should not be enter into countries like Hong Kong, Korea and Indonesia. 4) Sales Managers should be made responsible for expansion in Indian, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. The following table represents various recommendations to be followed by the company in various countries:   | Hong Kong| India| Indonesia | Malaysia| Philippines| Singapore| Taiwan| Thailand| Korea| Current Market Situ ation| Diners | Large potential market| Limited market| Mature market| Emerging market| Almost saturated| Growth market| Emerging market| Diners| Opportunities and Issues| -| Low credit card penetration. Strong economic development. Wealth concentrated. | Poor country, rural population. | Plenty of card options. Used to revolve credit. Favorable legislation| Booming economy. Credit card penetration low. Customer acceptance to revolve credit. | Many players. Bank reputation is important. | NCCC authorization. Industry in relatively early stages of development| Booming economy. Relatively few mayor players| -| Objectives| -| First mover| -| Gain market over local banks. | Develop a new middle-class income market. | Retain present customers. Offer a complete portfolio of services to new customers| Early mover focus on middle income customers. First mover| -| Marketing Strategy| -| Target upper- -class. Offer a product better than the local banks and comparable with Diners| Target professionals and rapidly growing wealthy class. | Offer better service than local banks. Offer high credit limits. | Offer a product between Amex/Diners and local banks. | -| Target upper- -class. | Target professionals and wealthy class. | -| References: 1) http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Citigroup 2) www. personal. psu. edu/users/j/c/jcl12/Citibank_Group7. ppt 3) http://www. businessweek. com/2001/01_09/b3721170. htm 4) http://www. google. co. in/search?