Benefits And Disadvantages Of Internet Banking

Benefits And Disadvantages Of Internet Banking This chapter will review the e-banking system in Malaysia and review the relevant literature on consumer perception towards e-banking. In addition, this literature review also considers the discussion of customer satisfaction and loyalty towards internet banking. 2.1 Benefits and Dis-advantages of Internet Banking 2.1.1 Benefits of Internet Banking Bu using internet, clients can access to their accounts doing transaction or access to other services with cost reduction and more convenience because online bank are operation 24hours per day, 7days per week. Furthermore, banks able to expand their market penetration internationally and offer personalized online services like clients able to check their account balances and monthly statement by login to the secure website of the bank, make payments, and transfer funds to other accounts. The speed of online banking transaction is generally faster than ATM processing speeds. Internet banking also provides advantages likes flexibility, individually and mobility which is a brand new distribution channel for clients to make on-line transaction. The improvement of internet protection through security technologies such as automatic log-off, firewalls, encryption, monitoring tools and authentication to ensure clients trust on internet banking (Banking Info, 2007). Table 1 are the benefits arise are summarized by Thulani et al.(2009) in their research paper on various study of internet banking. Benefits Related literature Cost Reduction Bradley and Stewart (2003), Rotchanakitumnuai and Speece (2003), Jayawadhera and Foley (2000), Nath et al 2001, Al-Sukkar and Hasan (2005) and Singh (2004), Corrocher (2002),Chang (2003), Sullivan and Wang (2005). Increased customer base Bradley and Stewart (2003), Jayawadhera and Foley (2000), Jen-Her Wu et al 2006 and Singh (2004), Corrocher (2002). Enable innovation and development of non-core business services Jayawadhera and Foley (2000), Nath et al. (2001), Karem (2003), Corrocher (2002), Chang (2003). Marketing and communication Jayawadhera and Foley (2000), Karem (2003), Corrocher (2002). Increased consumer loyalty and satisfaction Jen-Her Wu et al 2006 and AL-Sukkar and Hasan (2005), Nath et al. (2001). High profit consumers Jen-Her Wu et al 2006 and AL-Sukkar and Hasan (2005), Nath et al. (2001). Ability to attract new consumers AL-Sukkar and Hasan (2005). Table 1: Benefits of Internet Banking Source: Thulani et al. (2009) 2.1.2 Dis-advantage of Internet Banking AL-Sukkar and Hasan (2005) and Singh (2004) had identify the disadvantages of develop internet banking. They stated clients have to pay indirect cost as some of the internet banking systems charge money on browsing connectivity on personal computer. Moreover, cash are not available through internet. Customers are unable to withdraw cash or deposit cash by using internet banking. They also emphasize on security concerns, the issue of security concerns may delay the clients adoption of internet banking. Before using internet banking, applicant required to go through some procedure in one of the bank branch, especially the clients want to open a joint account. Some of the clients not familiar to internet browsing, they have to go through tutorials to familiarize with the navigation tools. Unfortunately, clients require re-familiarizing the navigation tools to access their account once banks update and upgrade their online system. Last but not least, trustworthiness is the most difficult yet most important issue face by clients. They always wonder whether the transaction or payments have been proceeding to another account accurately. 2.2 Aspect that Influence Consumer Perception towards Internet Banking The financial institutions have been use the Internet as an alternative way in order to provide services and interact with their customers. The electronic banking (e-banking) is no exception. Three of the most important characteristics of financial services to extend e-banking are: High availability, Scalability, and Security. (Antovski and LJ, 2001). According to them, high availability also can define in reliability, availability and serviceability. The e-banking are design for easy and continuous service to customers. Yibin and MU (2003) also stated the three improvements of the system infrastructure which are to build-up the reporting services for online transaction, improve the e-payment system, and improve the telecommunications infrastructure and other forms of electronic transaction. Factors such as the speed of transactions or the cost of using the Internet have little impact on an individuals final decision. After setting up better system infrastructure through Web, the new delivery channel can highly recommended to clients by giving guarantee on security, privacy and trust of Web system to minimize barrier. The adoption of electronic banking forces consumers to consider concerns about password integrity, privacy, data encryption, hacking, and the protection of personal information (Benamati and Serva, 2007). The following research provided the analysis on different aspect that will effect customer perception towards internet banking. 2.2.1 Electronic Security (E-Security) Electronic security is a tool or process designed to restrict entry or prevent unauthorized access to a systems information assets or is a risk-management (Thomas et al., 2002). Mueller (2001) stated that e-security prevents the hacker and others from accessing customers information, security pin number or credit card number. Thomas et al. (2002) highlighted e-security adds value to a naked network. As Internet is a new distribution channel for banking system, it require to providing sufficient security to maintain trustworthiness of clients towards the internet. Any inexpedient of security in Internet usage may lead to increase fear and desperate among the clients and bar them to use the banking system as their private information being hacked. Thomas et al. (2002) stated that although technology offer a new distribution channel for financial institution but it creates opportunities for crimes to be committed very quickly. A criminal can use the tools available on the Web to hack database on internet and steal personal hidden identities in seconds. This is why e-security must be taken very seriously. However, Raigaga (2000) stated that some banker has delay the online banking service due to the security concern. Consumer perceptions of security are measure through the operations and processes of encryption, protection, verification and authentication. The mechanisms of encryption, digital authentication, firewalls, protection, filtering routers, and personal identification numbers influence the internet customers perception towards security and might increase the confidence and trust of consumer. E-security is one of the important factors to be stressed. Most of the customers refuse to use internet banking as the alternative way to carry on transaction and payment because they afraid of losing their private information and data on hacker. 2.2.2 Trustworthiness Trust is considered as a strategic variable in current marketing (Selnes, 1998). Meanwhile, the development of internet banking brings new challenges, this lead to an increase of motivation in bank to provide a better service. Bank image will might slightly improve if clients able to enjoy better service. Bank image and consumer trust are significant influence the individual behavior (Ratnasingham, 1998). Bank image and customer trust are significantly affect individual behavior and their level of perception (Ratnasingham, 1998; Rexha et al., 2003; Lehu, 2001; Ba, 2001). Since the online banking give a higher level of risk to the clients, so Gefen et al. (2003) stated that trust is an important aspect to take note when doing internet transaction because it determines the nature of businesses. The issue of trust arises when risk is involved. Trust is the main factor being concern because bank and clients are physically separated from each other and there is a large number of suspicious about the e-security over the Internet. Generally, customers distrust and worries about the reliability of internet banking even the e-security system is good. Apart from this, Chellappa (2002) also emphasize on trust will be favorably influence with the increase in perceptions of security in EC (Electronic commerce) transactions. Furthermore, clients lack of confidence on the e-security is the main obstacle prevent e-banking is being developed further. As William Pitt, the eighteenth century British statesman once said,confidence is a plant of slow growth. Nexhmi et al. (2003) believe that trust and commitment are key relational mediators in the development of customers within the banking industry. According to them satisfaction will have a role in development but a more important element is to maintain close bank-customer relationship. Overall customer satisfaction with the bank will be directly related to the level of trust within the relationship. 2.3 Consumer Satisfaction and Loyalty Towards Internet Banking. For offline environments, it is common knowledge that quality of services and products is a key determinant of customer satisfaction and customer loyalty (Caruana, 2002; Cronin and Taylor, 1992; Kelley and Davis, 1994; Parasuraman et al., 1988). The quality of services delivered through a Web site has become a more significant success factor than low prices or being the first mover in the market space (Mahajan et al., 2002; Reibstein, 2002; Shankar et al., 2003). Research by Patricio et al. (2003) goes one step further to measure service quality of various banking services through different delivery channels, including the electronic and traditional channels. They have found that perceived service quality with one delivery channel has an impact on how another channel is perceived. Moreover, Fassnacht and Ko ¨se (2007) found that high electronic service quality in web-based services had an important role in building overall customer trust for the service provider. Furthermore, Jean-Michel (2003) notes that customer is most important in designing, providing and evaluating the level of service quality. Customers past experience with the service is one of the factors that influence them to use Electronic banking for transaction. According to Vohra (2002), electronic banking makes it easier for customers to compare banks services and products. This can increase competition among banks and allow banks to enter into new markets by overcoming resistance and thus expand their geographical boundary. Banks operate websites through which customers are not only able to inquire about account balances, interest, and exchange rates but also conduct a range of transactions. Shailey et al. (2003) therefore notes that understanding customer requirements and meeting their demands and expectations is becoming a challenge. However, acceptance of this new technology has not yet been found to be equal in all parts of the globe indicating a lack of a common generalizability. Ramayah et al. (2002) suggest that users will eventually lose interest in using Internet banking if they feel that it is not useful to use Internet banking even though the system is rather easy to handle. One of the most important discussions was carried out by Machauer and Morgner (2001), who defined four clusters of German bank consumers. These were transaction oriented, generally interested, service oriented and technology opposed groups. In another study in Singapore, Liao and Cheung (2002) found that individual expectations regarding accuracy, security, transaction speed, user-friendliness, user involvement, and convenience were the most important quality attributes in the perceived usefulness of Internet-based ebanking. Among these, the first five determined the willingness of consumers to use of Internet based banking. According to Zorayda Ruth B. Andam (2003), 42% of respondents said they had access to computers and 7% said they had access to the Internet. Therefore, it can be perceived that this large variance has been found due to security obstacle in Asia and the emerging markets. This may be one of the greatest reasons why people do not initiate online banking or open inve stment accounts. Then, we might draw our concerns on perceived service quality and indeed, access to high quality services and products is another crucial concern. Apparently, there may also be a preference for personal contacts with the banks. customer satisfaction and customer retention are increasingly developing into key success factors in e-banking. http://www.mpexpert.com/images/stories/storydoc/Measuring_the_quality_of_ebanking_portals.pdf Sathye (1999) investigated the adoption of online banking by Australian consumers and argued that the intention of Internet banking in Australia is significantly influenced by variables of system insecurity, awareness of service and its benefits, ease of use, and availability of infrastructure Meanwhile the importance of the Internet to users banking needs relates to the advantages that accrue to the users of the technology in question. As adoption and the usage of the Internet banking services increases, a certain maturation point will be reached in the following years (Mà ¤enpà ¤Ãƒ ¤, 2006). Academicians also take a different stance in the theories they adopt when exploring consumer adoption of electronic banking (Laforet and Li, 2005). This study shows that only protected transaction, have significant impact on consumers perception about e-banking security, followed by service quality and regulatory frame work issues. This study offers an insight into e-banking in Malaysia. http://www.academicjournals.org/ajbm/pdf/pdf2009/Jun/Haqua%20et%20al..pdf African Journal of Business Management Vol.3 (6), pp. 248-259, June 2009 Available online at http://www.academicjournals.org/AJBM ISSN 1993-8233  © 2009 Academic Journals

Brennaghs Hamlet Essay -- essays research papers

Often when a movie is adapted from a play, there are several aspects which are adjusted or completely lost. This often depends on the directors point of view as well as the casting director. In Kenneth Branagh’s movie “Hamlet'; only a small number of aspects were lost from the movement of the play to the movie. The movie was ‘word for word’ of the play with the exception of a few moved silique. Therefore, the plot or order did not change. The scene where Hamlet meets his father, 1.5, was very well done; conjuring great emotions of fear and suspense. In addition, the final scene was adequately performed evoking anxiety and thrill for the viewer. The ghost of Hamlet was very disappointing at first but later developed into and excellent portrayal. The characters who played Marcellus, the first Grave digger and Oris, Jack Lemmon, Billy Crystal, and Robin Williams respectively, were fairly poor selections by the casting director. They lacked a certain Shakespearian character as famous comedians. It could not be forgotten making the choices dispiriting.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  “You tremble and look pale'; (1.1.53). The first viewing of the ghost causes the guards great fear. They are unsure if what they have seen is “something more than just fantasy'; (1.1.54). It appears to be the body of the late King Hamlet but perhaps it could be their boggled minds. When the ghost enter a second time, they confirm that it was in fact the ghost of Hamlet. This terrifies and mystifies Bernard, Heratio, and Marcellus. The reader feels all of the emotions along with these characters, as it is expressed through the dialogue.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Act 1 Scene 4 and 5, when Hamlet meets and speaks with the ghost of his father, the fear increases. You begin reading faster and feel like you are running after the spirit with Hamlet. The actual conversation between the two is very fast and flows very nicely. Once agin making the scene more intense. Throughout the scene the dramatic effects are heighten by the ghost’s long lamented speeches to his son. The entire scene is one of climactic drama.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the movie, the ghost first appears to be a statue. He brings about no feelings of horror in the viewer. This sets the viewer up for grave disappointment as in the play it is s... ...p;  Ã‚  Perhaps Branagh used these actors for their names to help pull in the ratings. If this is the case, the ratings would have been high without them. Perhaps, he used them to get the image of them as “uneducated stars'; out of peoples’ minds. Or perhaps they used him for the dame reason. Either way, their parts do not fit the roles they played. Regardless the movie was excellent and it was immensely enjoyed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The movie kept you at the edge of your seat from the ‘ghost scene’ on. Although it was four hours, it seemed to go by much faster. It is always interesting to see a director’s interpretation or portrayal of the play. Kenneth Branagh did an excellent job. “2 thumbs up!';   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As an amazing play is moved to a movie, it is very sad to see characters or scenes lost. In Branagh’s “Hamlet'; very little is lost in his adaptation. This is very pleasing as the play is sensational The only problem faced is that of the comedic actors. This did not effect the outcome of the movie and many are looking forward to more of Branagh’s work.

John Dillinger :: Essays Papers

John Dillinger On June 22, 1903 a man named John Dillinger was born. He grew up in the Oak Hill Section of Indianapolis. When John was three years old his mother died, and when his father remarried six years later, John resented his stepmother. When John was a teenager he was frequently in trouble. He finally quit school and got a job in a machine shop in Indianapolis. He was very intelligent and a good worker, but he soon got bored and often stayed out all night. His father began to think that the city was corrupting his son, so he sold his property in Indianapolis and moved his family to a farm near Mooresville, Indiana. John reacted no better to rural life than he had to that in the city and soon began to run wild again. At the age of 21 he attempted his first robbery, robbing a grocery store, in his home town. He was caught and imprisoned for nine years until 1933. Soon after he was released, Dillinger robbed a bank in Bluffton, Ohio and was arrested by the Dayton police. He was put in Lima county jail to wait for his trial. The Lima police found a document on John which seemed to be a plan for a prison break, but he denied everything. Four days later, using the same plans, eight of Dillinger's friends escaped from the Indiana State Prison, using shotguns and rifles which had been smuggled into their cells. During their escape, they killed two guards. On October 12, three of the escaped prisoners and a parolee from the same prison showed up at the Lima jail where Dillinger was. They told the sheriff that they had come to return Dillinger to the Indiana State Prison for violation of his parole. When the sheriff asked to see their credentials, one of the men pulled a gun, shot the sheriff and beat him into unconsciousness. They took the keys, freed Dillinger, locked the sheriff's wife and a deputy in the cell, and left. Leaving the sheriff to die on the floor. These four men’s fingerprint cards were pulled, indicating that they were wanted.

Dynamis Fund case study Essay

Compared to individual portfolios, such funds woo investors by offering several advantages namely: professional asset/money management, liquidity and more diversification than most individuals can create or afford in a personal portfolio. The brokerage’s motivation in recommending energy investments can be explained by the high commission that could be earned. Hedge funds charge a fee for assets under management and incentive fees based on a certain percentage of the profits earned. With good stock picking, the brokerage would be able to earn profits in both up and down markets. A regional broker would want to offer hedge funds because they are only lightly regulated and thus the fund managers can use more advanced investment strategies such as a leveraged and derivatives positions. It is stated in their selling memorandum that their mission is to exploit investment opportunities in publicly traded companies in the energy sector. Hence, the fund seeks to generate above average returns relative to both S&P Energy composite and the broader market through a variety of investment instruments. Also, the fund’s use of various strategies will be designed to minimize risk while maximizing potential return, again increasing the commission that could be paid to the hedge fund managers. This potentially high level of compensation helps the brokerage retain talented brokers and specialists, raising the reputation of the firm. Furthermore, investing in energy funds serves as a diversification tool. This is because from historical records, energy prices have had a high correlation with inflation. In times of rising inflation, energy funds have been found to perform better than the market. Thus, they are able to act as a source of risk diversification. This explains the presence of a market for such energy funds. 1 In addition, energy funds have been a very popular fund with investors. The high dependence on oil in all parts of the world has made energy stocks a hedge for emerging market portfolios. With a demand for such energy stocks, a regional brokerage will want to cash in on this opportunity and offer energy funds. In order to cater to a larger crowd of investors, the brokerage firm will offer energy hedge funds to sophisticated investors and energy mutual fund to general public who will like to invest in energy fund, but are unable to do so given their smaller amount of capital. Investing in energy funds is often complicated and risky, given the volatility of such commodities. Brokerage firms have a fiduciary responsibility to research on such funds before recommending them to their clients. They have to ascertain if the investments are suitable for the clients based on their age, investment experience and tolerance for risk. In view of this, investors prefer a firm that can provide them with personalized services suited to their needs and risk tolerances. To be able to get these services, most of these investors go to regional brokerage firms. Such regional brokerages can deliver the attention to their clients due to their small size. Thus, with such demand in energy funds, regional brokerage firms would be able to make a profit out of offering such instruments. It will allow them to better position themselves in the market. 2. Why did S&S start a hedge fund in addition to its energy portfolio The Energy portfolio is essentially a long equity fund for investors to buy stocks. It is stated that in their selling memorandum that the Energy Portfolio will seek to earn above average returns by investing in smaller and medium-size companies that are growing earnings and cash flow in a dramatic way. Therefore, it can only stand to gain when the market goes up. On the other hand, the introduction of the hedge fund will provide benefits to both its investors and the fund manager in the following ways: 2 For the investors, the hedge fund acts as a better investment for reaping returns in both bull and bear markets by having both long and short positions. Also, hedge funds are lightly regulated as compared to mutual funds and thus the fund managers can pursue more advanced and a wider range of strategies including leverages, derivatives, short sales, options and futures contracts. The flexibility in managing the hedge funds allows fund managers to exploit opportunities within the energy sector. The potentially higher returns attract investors with higher risk tolerance. Hedge funds cater to sophisticated investors who earn a minimum amount of money annually and have a certain amount of net worth, along with investment knowledge. It helps to cater to the needs of the sophisticated investors and target a substantially different market from the mutual funds. This is in line with S&S’s corporate strategy of providing the best possible service to its retail customers and continuing to grow the asset management business. As for the fund managers, a hedge fund provides a radically different incentive package than the typical mutual fund. The fees paid by investors are higher as compared to that for mutual funds, including additional fees that mutual funds do not charge. There are no restrictions on the fees a hedge fund manager can charge, as compared to mutual fund fees which are regulated and transparent. The energy hedge fund charges a 1% management fee, which is for the same service that the management fee covers in mutual funds. This fee alone may form a substantial part of the fund manager’s profit, thus making the management of the hedge fund attractive to the fund manager.

Engine Management Essay

Engine Management System ensure that engines run cleanly and efficiently in a wide variety of conditions, they are for the most part reliable and require little or no maintenance. Two basic functions performed by an EMS: (1) to meter fuel to the engine in the right quantity and (2) to provide a spark at the right time. An EMS is a self contained custom built computer which controls the running of an engine by monitoring the engine speed, load and temperature and providing the ignition spark at the right time for the prevailing conditions and metering the fuel to the engine in the exact quantity required. There are two discrete subsystems in operation within the EMS The fuel or injection system and The ignition system. When the engine is running its requirements for fuel and ignition timing will vary according to certain engine conditions, the main two being engine speed and engine load. This Map injection gives the appropriate fuel or timing setting for each possible speed and load condition. There will normally be a map for the injector timings (fuel map) and a separate map for the ignition timing settings (ignition map) within the EMS. Each map has entries for a pre-determined range of engine speeds (called speed sites) and a predetermined range of engine load conditions (called load sites), which generally indicate how far open the throttle is. The EMS knows the engine speed (derived from the crank sensor or distributor pickup) and the engine load (from the Throttle Position Sensor or airflow meter) and will use these two values to ‘look-up’ the appropriate fuel and timing settings in each map. If the current engine telemetry falls between the sites in the map then the value is interpolated between the nearest two sites. Normally there will be speed sites every 500 or so RPM and 8 to 16 load sites between closed and open throttle. In the example below speed sites are spaced every 1000-RPM and the eight load sites are numbered 0 to 7. An all-new line of V6 engines, with more horsepower, powers the 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and more advanced technology than before. The luxury models feature a high-tech seven-speed automatic transmission, and the C350 Luxury sedan has the classic Mercedes balance of ride quality and handling. The line also includes sport models for those who want a sportier driving experience. Inside, the C-Class cars look and feel like a Mercedes-Benz, with firm, supportive seats and mostly high-quality materials. The C-Class delivers Mercedes engineering and safety technology, with optional all-wheel-drive that will improve traction in wet or wintry conditions. New engines for 2006 complement the substantial C-Class updates made just a year ago.   Mercedes redesigned the C-Class interior for 2005, freshened the exterior styling and further distinguished the sport models from the standard luxury sedans. A new six-speed manual transmission greatly improved shift action. New paint technology imbeds microscopic ceramic flakes in the clear coat finish, increasing its resistance to chipping and degradation over time. Aerodynamically, the C-Class cars are among the most efficient in the Mercedes-Benz family. The C-Class boasts a drag coefficient of 0.27, which helps minimize wind noise and improves fuel efficiency.   Interior Features The C-Class interior looks like the inside of a Mercedes-Benz should, and for the most part, it feels that way, too. A model re-alignment for 2006 has increased the level of luxury in the least expensive models. Fabric upholstery and manually operated seats can no longer be found in the C-Class line. The C-Class got a thorough interior re-do for the 2005 model year so the 2006 models benefit from that. The dashboard, instruments and seats were redesigned, and materials were revised throughout. The instrument cluster now features four gauges, with a chromed-ringed tachometer and speedometer of identical size sitting front and center. To the left and right of these are smaller fuel and temperature gauges. In the middle sits an LCD display with various system and trip functions. Fashioned in the mold of the larger Mercedes E-Class, the instrument cluster is deeply hooded and virtually eliminates glare on the dials. The backlit script is clear and easy to read. Audio controls are now located in what we consider the optimal spot: above the climate control switches, which sit at the bottom of the stack. Both audio and climate knobs are large and easy to locate. The switchgear is, for the most part, easy to use and understand. The stalk controls have a beefy feel with positive detents. Redundant buttons on the steering wheel let the driver operate the audio and telephone functions without removing a hand from the wheel. Lighting inside is effective, with good illumination for entry in the dark and excellent map lights for reading. The C-Class glove box is a good size, unless you order the CD changer, in which case you lose most of its storage space. In general, the C-Class sedans are trimmed with good-quality interior materials. Driving Impressions The 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedans have been improved across the board, thanks to a new family of V6 engines. The least powerful of the new C-Class engines, the 2.5-liter V6 in the C230 Sport sedan, rated at 201 horsepower, offers more power than the supercharged four-cylinder engine it replaces. As important, it is far smoother at all speeds and generally, fewer courses in feel, sound or the amount of vibration it generates. The 228-hp 3.0-liter V6 in the C280 Luxury sedan is much more powerful and satisfying than the anemic 2.6-liter V6 in the 2005 C240 (previously the best selling C-Class). Even the biggest V6, which was our favorite engine on the 2005 models, is much better for 2006. The 3.5-liter V6 in the C350 generates 268 horsepower, 20 percent more than the 3.2 in the 2005 C320, which improves acceleration performance considerably. Matched with either the six-speed manual or the high-tech seven-speed automatic, the new engine makes the C350 more responsive than the 2005 C320. The 3.5-liter V6 has fully variable valve timing to deliver an impressive amount of torque from idle all the way to the red line. The C350 responds more immediately than the C320, no matter how fast it is already traveling when the driver presses the accelerator. The new engine is also noticeably smoother, particularly at high rpm. In addition, thanks the seven-speed automatic, the improved performance comes without a corresponding decrease in fuel mileage. All of the C-Class cars offer nice steering, effective brakes and a good balance between ride and handling. Before choosing between a Luxury or Sport model, C-Class buyers should carefully consider whether a smooth ride or sharper handling is preferred because the trade-off between comfort and response changes with the model. The Sport models are more firmly sprung than the standard Luxury models. All C-Class models are quiet inside, even when blasting along at 80 mph. These sedans are aerodynamically slippery cars, and very little wind noise penetrates the cabin. As mentioned, the C-Class offers a choice of transmissions. The seven-speed automatic that comes on the C280 and C350 Luxury sedans is superior to five-speed automatics that come on most cars (to say nothing of an old-fashioned four-speed automatic). With more gears, it offers better acceleration performance and responsiveness around town as well as enhanced fuel efficiency. Gear changes are barely noticeable in normal driving, especially in the higher gears. This transmission allows significantly quicker acceleration for highway passing situations, and it does not have to go through every gear. Step on the gas and the transmission will skip down to the appropriate gear, switching from seventh to fifth, for example, and from there directly to third, meaning two downshifts instead of four. As for the manual transmission, Mercedes has lowered the ratio for first gear for quicker acceleration off the line, but kept an overdrive sixth gear for quiet, low-rev highway cruising and better fuel economy. More important, the old cable-operated shift mechanism has been replaced by a solid, direct rod. The result is easier, quicker and more precise shifting, and the improved action contributes greatly to a more rewarding, engaging driving experience. Shift effort is low, and the gears are easier to hit. For manual fans, we can heartily recommend the C230 Sport sedan. If you prefer an automatic but want a Sport model, we encourage you to step up to the C350 Sport sedan with the optional automatic. The optional 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system delivers power to all four wheels. It is fully automatic and on all the time, so there are no buttons to push and no special knowledge is needed; just drive the car. The system uses electronic traction control to vary torque each of the four wheels, diverting power to the tires with the best grip. Even if three wheels lose traction, 4MATIC can direct power to the one remaining tire with grip. The result is better stability and improved handling in slippery conditions, with a greatly reduced chance of being stuck. 4MATIC does dampen engine response and slow acceleration slightly, and lowers fuel mileage a bit. However, for those who drive through harsh winters, all-wheel drive is worth it. All-wheel-drive sedans such as the C-Class are proof that you do not need an SUV to confidently handle rough weather. In fact, a car tends to handle better in icy conditions than a truck. We consider all-wheel drive a valuable asset in the rainy Northwest or for the harsh winters of the Midwest and Northeast, and 4MATIC is priced much lower on the C-Class models than it is on other Mercedes models. Braking is excellent. Every C-Class model has good-sized brake rotors, and the Sport sedans feature cross-drilled rotors in front for better resistance to fade. (Braking effectiveness fades away as brakes get hot from repeated hard use.) All C-Class cars come with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. EBD can reduce stopping distances and improve stability when braking by distributing brake pressure between the front and rear wheels, giving more to the tires that are gripping best. Break Assist senses a panic-braking situation and helps ensure full braking force even if the driver makes the mistake of relaxing pressure on the brake pedal. The net effect is short, no-fuss stopping. In everyday use, the C-Class brakes are progressive in pedal feel. The C55 AMG might be the most impressive C-Class yet. It is a sports sedan in the extreme sense, capable of amazing acceleration, and handling and braking on par with exotic sports cars. It is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in an exotic-grade 4.9 seconds, according to Mercedes. The old C32 was super quick, too, but the C55 is less crude and more refined. Its big V8 engine is smoother, more tractable and less intrusive when a driver is cruising the freeway or just trundling along, and its deep, V8 exhaust note better suits the sportiest C-Class of all. How to maintain the engine of a car If we will take one look, why cars break down? We can see several things. Sometimes cars start having problems after accidents. Sometimes it may be a factory defect or design flaw. Heavy conditions like, for example, driving only short trips without letting the engine to warm up fully also make the engine life shorter. Corrosion is another factor – for example, park the car for a few months in place with high humidity and later it will probably have more problems than the vehicle driven all this time on daily basis.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One of the most reasons for a car to break down is maintenance. There are important remainders to maintain the car in good shape. A regular oil change may keep engine running, avoid overheating the engine, changing spark plug, air filter, timing belt and other items from maintenance schedule may save from money. Fixing a small problem will avoid a serious damage in your car. Engine Oil Change Regular oil change is very important in maintaining a car. Engine oil has limited life – after a certain point, it starts losing lubricating qualities and carbonizes. Once it happens, the engine is contaminated with carbon deposits or sludge that significantly shorten engine’s life. When you change oil at or before manufacturer suggested interval, you change the oil before this â€Å"carbonizing† point, engine remains clean and once refilled with new oil ready to work hard again. If the engine oil has not been changed for long, carbon deposits start clogging the oil pick-up screen decreasing oil supply and increasing friction. Through the engine ventilation system the same carbon, deposits build up inside the throttle body and EGR system causing rough idle and possible check engine light. Compression decreases and engine start wearing much faster. If you do not remember when you changed the oil in your car last time – just check the oil on the dipstick. Moreover, every time you change the oil, the oil filter should be replaced as well. For correct oil type, engine oil capacity, maintenance schedule, etc. check your car owner’s manual or find car technical information. B.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Checking the engine oil Check the engine oil at least once a month or even more if the car has a mileage. Driving with extremely low oil level (less than min.) or with low oil pressure warning lamp on may cause serious engine damage. Have your engine be inspected as soon as possible if the oil pressure gauge indicates extremely low oil pressure. Always use the appropriate engine oil type. Change the oil if you notice that the color is black. Check your parking space for leaks. If you find any, fix it before it results in more serious vehicle problem Concerning the type of oil that you will use there are a comparison with synthetic oil and conventional mineral oil. The advantage of synthetic oil is that it can withstand higher temperature and can work longer without losing its lubricating qualities. It does not get thicker at below-zero temperatures providing good engine lubrication at a cold start. However, since it is more â€Å"thinner† a high-mileage engine filled with synthetic oil will more likely to develop leaks and you will more likely to hear lifters tapping noise at a start. Therefore, If you have low mileage or turbo engine and driving under heavy conditions such as high temperature, excessive load, long intervals without an oil change, etc., or simply want to provide extra protection for your engine, synthetic oil may be a good solution. Nevertheless, I do not think it is worth to use synthetic oil in high-mileage engines – thicker mineral oil will provide better protection as long as you change it regularly. C.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Engine cooling system Engine overheating causes serious engine damage. In order to avoid the engine overheating: Check the coolant level periodically. It should be at least at the â€Å"min† mark in the coolant reservoir. If it is lower, add the coolant bringing the level to the â€Å"max† mark. Avoid coolant leak it may cause an engine overheating. The engine temperature start rising higher than the normal, have your engine inspected. Check the front of the radiator – sometimes it may be obstructed with leaves or dust. It is one of the possible reasons for the overheating. Never open the radiator or the coolant overflow reservoir when engine is hot! Tune –up, Timing Belt, Fuel Injector flush There are certain vehicle components that need periodical replacement such as: The fuel filter-dirty fuel filter may cause engine stalling and loss of engine power. Air filter –dirty air filter causes loss of engine power, increased fuel consumption, airflow sensor failure, etc. Engine coolant – old engine coolant loses its anti-corrosive and other characteristics and may cause water pump to fail. Spark plugs – simply spark plugs replacement can significantly improve the engine performance. Timing belt – timing belt failure may cause serious engine damage, especially if it’s diesel engine. Battery The battery filled with harmful acid solution and can produce explosive gases. Handling a battery be careful and always use protective glasses and gloves. Do not use open fire, smoke, or create a spark near battery. Most of batteries nowadays are maintenance free. All you check is battery terminals that should not be loose or corroded. Corroded battery terminals will cause all kind of problem: blinking instrument lights, low charge, no-start, dim headlights, check engine and ABS malfunction light etc. If you see any acid leaks, cracks or any other damage – replace the battery. Acid leaking from the battery destroys everything underneath. If there is any problems with your engine, such as irregular noise or smell, or performance problems, leaks or smoke, or â€Å"check engine† light is on, etc., have your car inspected with a mechanic. It is always better to fix any small problem right away before they can cause engine damage. Be aware, some mechanics will try to scare you because they always want to sell you more job than your car really needs, so always ask to explain everything, to show you what exactly is wrong and why. For vehicles with turbocharger, the Turbocharger serves to pump more air into the engine boosting engine power without increasing the engine volume. This turbo charger works at a very high temperature that why it requires a quality engine oil. Low quality, or old contaminated oil can be easily cooked under high temperature in the turbocharger causing it to fail. Here are some considerations: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   If it is not against manufacturer recommendations, use synthetic oil, or at least be very accurate with regular oil changes. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When you stop the car after hard driving (speeding, accelerating, etc.) do not shut the engine off right away, let it idle for a while to cool down the turbocharger. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Very long uphill driving under constant load may also cause turbo to overheat, try to avoid it if possible. There are few tips on how to improve the emission test result. 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Change oil before testing. For old or high mileage car using thicker oil may help. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Change spark plugs and air filter if it was a while ago since you have changed them last time. Complete tune-up may be an option for older cars. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Flushing the fuel injectors usually help. Before conducting the test you must check and adjust the tire pressure, fill the car with premium gas. Take a car for a spin on a freeway – it helps to clean spark plugs and catalytic converter and make sure, the engine is fully warmed up before test. If you have check engine light on, exhaust leaks, broken gas cap, or any other problem with vehicle emission system it needs to be repaired before the test – all those items will be inspected during the emission test. Reference: Samarins.com ;Illustrated guide to car buyers and owners. (2006)â€Å"Few tips on engine maintenance† http://www.samarins.com/maintenance/engmain.html Aol.com (2006); â€Å"Engine Management†. http://members.aol.com/dvandrews/ems.htm#topics Auto Mall USA (2006) â€Å" Mercedes Benz C-Class† http://www.automallusa.net/1996/mercedes-benz/e-class/reviews.html Horst Bauer   (2004)â€Å"Diesel Engine Management† Robert Bosch GmbH p.9 Horst Bauer (2004)â€Å"Gasoline Engine Management† Robert Bosch GmbH p.9 Hutchinson Education. (2004) †Fundamentals of Automotive Electronics â€Å" V. A. W. Hillier 1987,1996

John Deere Time line Essay

Deere married his first wife, Demarius Lamb, in January 1827. The newlyweds perceived to have 5 children, Francis Albert, Jeanette, Ellen, Francis Alma and Charles. Demarius’s past away and Deere married Lucinda Lamb, in June 1867. They had four children together Emma, Hiram, Alice and Mary. John Deere was an Illinois blacksmith from the Midwest and inventor. John Deere realized the wood and cast iron plow invention currently being used was weak and not working to its full ability. 1837- John Deere invents the first steel plow in his shop located in grand detour, IL. This let the pioneer farmers cut cleaner and faster furrows through the Midwest’s sticky prairie soils. 1838- John Deere evolved into John Deere, manufacturer co. 1842- John Deere business added retailing, taking orders for the patent Cary Plow. 1843- Deere and Leonard Andrus become â€Å"co-partners in the art and trade of blacksmithing, plow-making and all things thereto†¦Ã¢â‚¬  1848- The growing plow business moves to Moline, Illinois, 75 miles southwest of Grand Detour. Moline offers water power and transportation advantages. Deere chooses a new partner, Robert N. Tate, who moves to Moline and raises the rafters on their three-story blacksmith shop by July 28. 1849 A work force of about 16 builds 2,136 plows. 1852 Deere buys out his partners. For the next 16 years, the company is known variously as John Deere, John Deere & Company, Deere & Company, and Moline Plow Manufactory. 1853 Sixteen-year old Charles, Deere’s only living son, joins the firm as a bookkeeper following graduation from a Chicago commercial college. 1858 The business totters during a nationwide financial panic. Maneuverings to avoid bankruptcy shuffle ownership and managerial arrangements. John Deere remains president, but power passes to 21-year-old Charles Deere. He will run the company for the next 49 years. 1863 The company makes the Hawkeye Riding Cultivator, the first Deere implement adapted for riding. 1864 John Deere obtains the company’s first actual patent for moulds used in casting steel plows. Another follows in a few months and a third the next year. 1867 Charles Deere sues Candee, Swan & Co., a competitor, for trademark infringement. The case has precedent-setting implications for trademark law. Could Deere preempt the word â€Å"Moline† which it has been using in its advertising, so that no similar product could incorporate it? The ultimate answer is no. The Walking Cultivator is patented in August 1867. Although farmers might prefer riding, the lower cost of this unit makes it sell even though the man has to walk in soft ground while straddling a row of corn. 1868 After 31 years as a partnership or single proprietorship, the concern is incorporated under the name Deere & Company. There are four shareholders at first, six within a year. Charles and John Deere control 65 percent of the stock. 1869 Charles Deere and Alvah Mansur establish the first branch house, Deere, Mansur & Co., in Kansas City. A semi-independent distributor of Deere products within a certain geographic area, it is the forerunner of the company’s current farm and industrial-equipment sales branches and sales regions.

Improve implement of transport route planning in SMEs Company in Literature review

Improve implement of transport route planning in SMEs Company in Thailand - Literature review Example This role is thus played by transport route planning players, who get the information to the right people, at the right time, and the right cost – as most of these service packages are offered over the internet and accessible to the general public (Niekerk and Voogd 1999; Paulus, Krch and Scholz 2006; National Public Health Partnership 2001). 1. TRANSPORT ROUTE PLANNING 1.1 Definition of transport route planning A transport route planner is a dedicated electronic search engine system, which is used to find the most appropriate journey between two different locations using some mode of transport. Transport route planners have received wide usage in the travel and transport business and industry in general, since the 1970s. These models are run by booking agents, who are accessed over a user interface model from a computer terminal (Oliveira and Ribeiro 2001; Jassen 1992). The services of these agents are supplemented by call support centers, which offer information on transport means and models. With the continued development and usage of the internet, self-service internet-based transport route planner interfaces have been developed, for use by a given client populations or the general public. Transport route planners are most times used together with reservation systems and ticketing models, or simply to offer information on schedule information. Transport route planning is a model of journey planning, which is carried out to offer information on available transport models (Nelson, Lain and Dillenburg 1993; Powell, et al. 1993). Recently, transport route planning services have been offered over the internet, where the process prompts the entry of information on destinations and places of origin – which are processed using the transport route planning engine to locate a route between the two locations entered into the planning interface. Examples of transport route planning include those of municipal authorities, which oversee the running of rail or bus travel. For instance, there is the case of the London tube route planning, which encompasses the organization of trip planning going through the London tube. In the case of London, there are multimodal route planning services, including those offering cycling travel services. 2. TRANSPORT ROUTE STRATEGY 2.1 Definition of Transport route planning strategy Transport route planning strategy is the formulation of a transport route blueprint, which is created and expected to serve the improvement of the wellbeing and successful everyday travel planning among the community members of a given society, in this case Thailand. The strategy involves set targets related to the development and provision of information on strategic routes, among other available routines along different cities, streets and corridors in the shortest time possible. This involves strategic infrastructure, which covers the area of ensuring that the provision of social and economic infrastructure and information on these resources is adjusted to meet population growth needs and need equitability. The importance of strategic transport route planning is outlined within the context of a number of areas and subjects (Pereira and Perez 2000; Render et al. 2006). These include