History of the Camera

Early cameras of the 16th and 17th century were able to project images onto paper or glass but the study of capturing, processing and printing the images took many more years. Up until the 17th century, scientists believed that light was composed basically of the 'white' that is perceived by the human eye. It took the research done by famous physicist Isaac Newton to discover that light is actually composed of a spectrum of colors. While he made a big contribution to the study of optics (that is at the core of camera advances) with this discovery, Newton did not actually have anything to do with camera development per se.

The early camera that first became a phenomenon was a little more than a pinhole camera and can be traced back to 1558. It was called the Camera Obscura. The Camera Obscura was seen as a drawing tool for a clearer and realistic portrayal of objects. It was in the early 19th century that an invention named the Camera Lucida was introduced by Cambridge scientist William Hyde Wollaston that consisted of an optical device that could help an artist view a distant scene or person or object on a paper surface that he or she was using to draw. In other words the artist gets to view a superimposed image of a subject on paper and this image could be effectively used to attempt to draw, trace or paint it. Both the Camera Obscura and the Camera Lucida provided an image that was temporary, which could not be lastingly captured on to paper for later reference.

Studies however continued well into the 1800's on how to actually capture the image onto material. It was during this time, around 1822 that French researcher Joseph Nicephore Niepce, created the first photograph by using paper that was coated with a chemical. The image would not stay permanently on the paper and would disappear after a short while. Even so, despite the short-lived nature of the image, the concept of photography was born with this experiment and paved the way for further study and development in this field.

History of the Camera

Capturing images to retain them longer and permanently became the next big quest for researchers. Another Frenchman Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre partnered with Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in 1829, to develop the process of creating permanent photographs. Joseph Niépce died in 1833 but Daguerre continued with the work and succeeded in 1837 after many long years of experimentation. The process of capturing photographic images that would not fade away, introduced by Daguerre came to be known as the 'daguerreotype'.

The word 'photography' was coined by scientist Sir John F.W. Herschel in 1839 and it is actually is derived from two Greek words 'photos' meaning light and 'graphein' meaning draw.

A slightly more advanced version of the daguerreotype called the Calotype process that makes multiple copies possible using the negative and positive method became available very soon after. In fact, it was during the 1840's that the use of photographic images in advertisements first started and cameras made their mark on the power of visual communication. It was not much later, in the 1850's that photographers first started experimenting with underwater photography of seascapes.

Up until 1850, the process of capturing images was cumbersome requiring upto half an hour of light exposure. The discovery made in 1851 by Frederick Scott Archer was a blessing since the new method termed the Collodion process called for just 2-3 seconds of light exposure to capture an image.

Prior to 1871, photographers went through a development process where they had to coat the plate with wet chemical each and every time and process the image immediately. With the invention the gelatin dry plate silver bromide process by Richard Leach Maddox, negatives did not have to be developed immediately. This was an important discovery since up until then the captured image had to be processed instantly.

Kodak created in 1888 by George Eastman has been a modern day pioneer of sorts in cameras and photography for the masses. George Eastman and the scientists who worked with him at Kodak developed the photographic film in 1889 and made it available in rolls for the mass use of consumers. An important milestone in our entertainment and communication history was the development of transparent roll film by Eastman. This development led to another key invention - the motion picture camera by Thomas Edison's in 1891.

-->Modern Times

During the 20th century the pace of technology development in cameras and photography continued at an accelerated pace much like many other key technology developments. While several key inventions like car, telephone and the gramophone record happened in the later half of the 19th century, it is the last 100 years that saw major developmental work in many areas of communications technology and as well as in other fields - TV, aircrafts, PCs, digital technology, digital cameras, mobile phones, fax machines and the internet, to name a few.

In the case of the camera, the developments simplified the whole process of photography, making it accessible to one and all at affordable prices and the camera industry denizens of our times made it into a mass phenomenon. The first mass use camera became available at the turn of the 20th century and can be traced back to the year 1900. There are hundreds of models of cameras available today both for the amateur as well as the professional and the camera is an important part of any family's repertoire of must have gadgets.

-->20th century chronology in the history of the camera:

1913: 35 mm still-camera created

1927: The flash bulb introduced by General Electric Co. (The concept of camera flash existed much before but was based on the use of a flash light powder that was invented by German researchers)

1935- 1941: Kodak starts marketing Kodachrome film and subsequently launches Kodacolor negative film. Canon released the Hansa Canon in 1936, the first 35mm focal-plane shutter camera.

1948: The concept of the Polaroid camera is introduced in the market. American scientist Edwin Land developed the process for instant photography. Later Polaroid Corporation developed the 'instant color' film around 1963.

1957: Frenchman Jaques Yves Cousteau invented the first waterproof 35mm camera for underwater photography named the Calypso Phot. The actual camera was developed by the Belgian airplane technical designer Jean de Wouters based on the blueprint and suggestions given to him by Cousteau.

1972: The electronic camera that does not require film was created and patented by Texas Instruments. This is however not the same as a digital camera though you don't require film in digital cameras as well. The launch of the digital camera is still many years away.

1975: Kodak's experiments with digital imaging kicked off around the mid seventies but it will take another 20 years before a digital camera for the home consumer market is launched.

1978 - 1980: Asian players like Konica and Sony begin to make their mark. The 'point and shoot' automatic focus camera is launched by Konica while Sony starts talking about the camcorder and demonstrates a prototype.

1981: Sony launches a commercially available electronic still camera. Similar to the 1972 invention by Texas Instruments, the Sony electronic camera came with a mini disc on which images were recorded and stored. The recorded images could be later printed or viewed on a monitor using a reader device.

1985: Digital processing technology makes its entry. Digital imaging and processing is introduced by Pixar.

1986: The camera industry becomes even more consumer focused and taps the fun and travel connotations behind camera usage, with the launch of the concept of the disposable single use cameras. Fuji is credited with the development of this concept.

Also in 1986 - 1987, Kodak started taking giant strides in digital development. Digital means, the photographic image is divided into tiny units of dots or squares known as pixels. Pixels are the programmable units of an image that can be processed by computers. Each image could be made up of millions of pixels. The use of pixels in digital technology allows storing large volumes of pixels to deliver high definition print quality.

1990: Kodak introduces Photo CD's. It is a system of storing photographic images on CD and then viewing them on a computer. With this development the user-friendly approach of the camera industry began to take concrete shape.

1991: Kodak introduces a digital camera targeted at professionals and journalists. Kodak is credited with the invention of a pixel based camera technology known to us as the digital camera. Digital cameras don't use film similar to their predecessor electronic cameras but the storage method is entirely different and the final photograph is of much higher resolution. In a digital camera photos are recorded and stored in digital form. This digital data can be transferred to a computer and processed for printing. Kodak and Canon are well known digital camera manufacturers and there are also several other key brands as well.

1994: The Apple QuickTake camera, a home use digital camera is launched. This is followed by the launch of a clutch of home use digital cameras by Casio, Kodak and others in quick succession during 1995 -'96.

-->The digital era:

The development of digital camera technology is considered to be linked to the development of TV and Video technology. The principles of transmission and recording of audio-visual images using digital electrical impulses finds use in camera imaging as well.

Through the 1990's the developments continued in camera technology, the focus now shifting to the field of digital imaging which is where the future lies. Use-friendly features like software that can download digital images directly from camera onto home computers for storing and sharing on the internet is the new norm in the market place.

The camera, the computer, the software industry and the worldwide web are today irrevocably interlinked to empower the user in experiencing the benefits of camera usage to full potential. The innovation that sparked many an invention in the camera industry found its way into the digital world as well and continued among digital camera manufacturers. During 2001, the Kodak and Microsoft partnership ensured that digital camera manufacturers could use the power of Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) standard through Windows. The digital photo experience is a key visual driver in the Internet era. Many of Kodak digital camera models with EasyShare capabilities are compatible with Windows XP. The Kodak EasyShare software enables users to transfer digital camera pictures directly from camera to their computers and then print the pictures or even email them.

Manufacturers in a related industry like the printing industry have adapted their products to be in sync with the images created by digital cameras. Cell phone manufacturers have tied up with digital camera manufacturers to develop new age camera phones in recent years. These camera phones can capture images and share the images through the cell phone.

Among the 21st century digital developments are the advanced product offerings from digital cameras manufacturers and these are sure to occupy an important place in the ensuing history of camera development. For instance, the Kodak Professional DCS Pro SLR/c is a high-end digital camera and the Kodak website calls the DCS Pro SLR models the most feature-rich digital cameras on the market. It has an image sensor that can handle 13.89 million pixels and this makes it the highest resolution digital camera available. High resolution determines the sharpness or level of detail in photographic images. This is just a glimpse of the capabilities that digital technology places in a user's hands. Digital camera sales figures for 2003 show that the two key players Kodak and Canon have recorded impressive growth.

-->What does the future holds for camera users?

The features offered by digital cameras can be quite mind-boggling for the average user and pretty exciting for most pros. Four key ongoing camera developments that are likely to further improve the process of photography:

1. Greater resolution from even the simplest, low cost camera models

2. Usage in any type of lighting conditions,

3. Compatibility across a range of software, hardware and image types

4. Rich colors and tone

While the higher-end digital evolution continues, the prices of the simple camera have crashed to such an extent that even children and teens are proud owners of uncomplicated cameras. The camera and photography interest starts young and this creates a truly large audience base for the camera industry.

And throughout history, it is evident that the endeavor of researchers and developers has been to make the camera available to a wide section of society. Without camera technology and photography, the other key developments of cinema and TV would have been delayed and what a boring place the world would have been without TV and films!!

History of the Camera
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Best Bundles For Phone, TV, and Internet Service

Your search for the best bundled packages for phone, TV, and Internet has landed you here, but there is a problem. Your search term is too broad. You'll never find the best bundles this way, because services available where you live will be different than those available elsewhere. That being said, how can you find the best bundles if nobody has the same service providers?

Find bundles where you live

I have two questions for you. Who is the major phone company where you live? Who is the major cable company where you live? If you know the answer to these two question, and I'm sure you do, you're one step closer to locating your best bundled service. You'll likely, be able to get bundled services through one of these providers, and if they offer bundled packages you'll most likely be able to get phone, TV, and high speed Internet on the same bill, and for a discount.

Best Bundles For Phone, TV, and Internet Service

Phone company bundles

If you can get service from a telephone company, you'll have more choices than with a cable provider, but phone companies are also notorious for making things confusing. This is not intentional, it's just what has happened in an effort to provide you with more choice. With these bundles there may be a standard bundle, with home phone, cell phone, satellite TV, and high speed DSL, and also a fiber optic bundle option.

Fiber optic bundles

These are offered by the phone company, but it's fairly new and not available everywhere even if that provider offers standard services where you live. Fiber optic packages are very different from the standard bundles. Fiber optic TV quality rivals that of the best cable TV service, and fiber optic internet service allows for the fastest upload, and download speeds available for home use. Home phone service provided by a fiber optic package is generally digital, and allows for unlimited local and long distance calling at cheaper prices than that of landline.

Cable company bundles

Just like with bundles from a phone company, you can get telephone service, high speed Internet service, and digital TV service all on one bill from a cable provider at a discount for bundling those services. One thing cable providers do not, and will not offer for some time that phone companies do is cell phone service. There are some cable operators looking into this, but as it stands today it's just not going to happen, so if you must have cellular service as part of your bundle you'll need to go with a phone company.

How to get the best bundle

I hate to break it to you, but you're just going to have to do your homework on this one. There is no cookie cutter solution to finding the best bundled packages, and there never will be unless one day there is only one provider servicing the entire country, Furthermore, what's important to you, isn't necessarily important to the next person, so when comparing packages take your time.

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Daymon Hoag is the founder of Phone TV Internet where you can shop online for the best bundled packages.

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The Difference Between Formal and Informal Writing

When it comes to writing in English, there are two main styles of writing - formal and informal. Consider these two examples:

Example 1:

This is to inform you that your book has been rejected by our publishing company as it was not up to the required standard. In case you would like us to reconsider it, we would suggest that you go over it and make some necessary changes.

The Difference Between Formal and Informal Writing

Example 2:
You know that book I wrote? Well, the publishing company rejected it. They thought it was awful. But hey, I did the best I could, and I think it was great. I'm not gonna redo it the way they said I should.

The difference between the two is obvious. The first one is formal, and the second is informal. But what is it that makes them formal and informal?

It is the style of writing, or the way we use words to say what we want to say. Different situations call for different ways of putting words together. The way we write in academic and scientific settings differs greatly from the way we write to a friend or close one. The tone, vocabulary, and syntax, all change as the occasion changes. This difference in the styles of writing is the difference between formality and informality, or the difference between formal and informal writing.

Following is a list of some of the main differences between informal and formal writing:

Informal: May use colloquial words/expressions (kids, guy, awesome, a lot, etc.)

Formal: Avoid using colloquial words/expressions (substitute with children, man/boy, wonderful, many, etc.)

Informal: May use contractions (can't, won't, shouldn't, etc.).

Formal: Avoid contractions (write out full words - cannot, will not, should not, etc.).

Informal: May use first, second, or third person.

Formal: Write in third person (except in business letters where first person may be used).

Informal: May use clichés (loads of, conspicuous by absence, etc.)

Formal: Avoid clichés (use many, was absent, etc.)

Informal: May address readers using second person pronouns (you, your, etc)

Formal: Avoid addressing readers using second person pronouns (use one, one's, the reader, the reader's, etc.)

Informal: May use abbreviated words (photo, TV, etc)

Formal: Avoid using abbreviated words (use full versions - like photograph, television, etc.)

Informal: May use imperative voice (e.g. Remember....)

Formal: Avoid imperative voice (use Please refer to.....)

Informal: May use active voice (e.g. We have notice that.....)

Formal: Use passive voice (e.g. It has been noticed that....)

Informal: May use short and simple sentences.

Formal: Longer and more complex sentences are preferred (short simple sentences reflects poorly on the writer)

Informal: Difficulty of subject may be acknowledged and empathy shown to the reader.

Formal: State your points confidently and offer your argument firm support.

These are just some of the differences between formal and informal writing. The main thing to remember is that both are correct, it is just a matter of tone and setting. Formal English is used mainly in academic writing and business communications, whereas Informal English is casual and is appropriate when communicating with friends and other close ones. Choose the style of writing keeping in mind what you are writing and to whom. But whichever style you write in - formal or informal - be sure to keep it consistent, do not mix the two.

The Difference Between Formal and Informal Writing
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Anis Siddiqi is an accomplished writer and has several published works to her credit. She is a regular writer for http://www.word-mart.com

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Intercultural Conflict in the Workplace: every Organization's Nightmare

Conflict is a clash of values that is a common occurrence in the workplace. Add ethnic, geographic and lingual diversities to the conflict, and it will become the stuff of every organization's nightmare. Not to mention, the International Assignee's too.

More and more executives are expected to work internationally, hence business and social contacts between people of various nationalities increased. As these people come from disparate cultural backgrounds, geographical barriers gave way to communication barriers that lead to tensions and conflicts.

Intercultural Clash comes about when the initial stages of conflict experienced by members of a multicultural team were not sufficiently or soonest addressed. There are many reasons to this, for instance: the reluctance to confront the issue with the other party; nipping the problem in the bud soonest possible; and by allowing a trivial matter to fester. Also, there are team members who refuse to accept their failings; instead blaming others - and the entire host society for that matter - for their problems.

Intercultural Conflict in the Workplace: every Organization's Nightmare

As expounded further below, International Assignees and their fellow team members can minimize Intercultural Clashes by recognizing the contributing factors. It is entirely not possible to eliminate conflicts as there are people who flourish, or thrive, under pressure.

One may argue that I am biased against the International Assignee as evidenced under Factors Leading to Conflict below. However, studies had suggested it was mostly unhappy Assignees who cause premature repatriation. That is surely unnecessary costs to the organization; including additional expenses to expatriate replacements.

A. FACTORS LEADING TO CONFLICT

Assignees' Attitude and Mindset

1. Assignees' lack of cultural sensitivity impedes adjustments to their environment

2. Assignees' unwillingness to adapt and accept both host and other team members' cultural value systems

3. Assignees' lack of preparation for differences in cultural practices prior to assignment

4. Perceived hostile and harsh host environment that conflicts with Assignees' home values

5. Assignees imposing their assumed superior cultural values and practices onto other team members

The Environment

1. English is not the first or native language of team members which lead to a breakdown in communication

2. Corporate culture that Assignees find bewildering and illogical; or perceive as inferior

3. Team members' cultural practices contradict Assignees' deeply-held personal values or convictions

4. Assigned roles do not encourage Assignees to modify presumptions and assumptions made prior to engagement

5. Failure of [host country] Human Resources - and to a lesser extent, Assignees' Immediate Superior - for not assisting Assignees in integrating and adjusting to the environment

B. WAYS TO RESOLVE CONFLICT

Support from Human Resources and Immediate Superior

1. Encourage Assignees to talk about the conflicts; and advise them they are of Personality rather than Cultural by nature

2. Advise Assignees to work on a solution

3. Organize Team-Building indoor / outdoor courses where team members get to mingle and learn about one another

4. Organize intra-departmental social events where team members get to mingle and learn more about one another

If all else fails

1. Register Assignees for e2m Cross-Cultural Coaching

Intercultural Conflict in the Workplace: every Organization's Nightmare
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Multi-ethnic and polyglot Ange Teo is the Founder-Managing Director of e2m expat etiquette mentoring, a Singapore-based Cross-Cultural Communications Solutions Provider.

Having worked with some of the world’s leading Multinational Companies and Singapore-based Small Medium Enterprises for over 20 years; Ange Teo specialises in the areas of Information Technology, Secretarial/Administration, and Human Resources specifically Executive Search / Headhunting.

For more information about e2m Cultural Intelligence [CQ]-focused Communications Solutions, please visit http://e2mentoring.tripod.com

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How To Watch Satellite TV On Computer Through Internet

It should not come as a surprise to those interested to watch satellite TV on computers that there are already millions doing so. Billions of video streams are watched every single day and people are getting used to watching entertainment media using their PCs online. Basically, the easiest way around it is to power up your computer with a special satellite TV software. We will find out more in this article about this unique software that can enable you to watch satellite TV on computer through the internet and how it compares with the services you are using today.

The software can be downloaded from retailers online and installed quickly. There are clear instruction manuals that take you through a step-by-step approach. Even the most technically challenged can install software in a few steps. The usage is simple since the navigation is user-friendly. Once you are done with the installation, you can instantly check out the TV channels they offer and find the desired TV program you can watch.

If you have been a satellite TV subscriber for the longest time, you would be glad that there are no monthly costs involved at all. The only cost ever is the one time payment for the software which works out to less than for most software versions and brands. When new programs are added, you also need not top up or pay anything extra. These are all included in the software package.

How To Watch Satellite TV On Computer Through Internet

Since the software is receiving free to air TV feeds from FTA TV stations, the TV channels you can watch on computer are entirely free. A quick comparison between satellite and cable TV versus PC satellite TV would reveal that you are catching maybe 700 channels at max with the monthly services but getting access to over 2000 TV channels with the software. This is the one main reason why people love to use the PC satellite TV software.

Other than the software, you do not need extra equipment or hardware, just a good internet connection will do, be it broadband or dial up. Ideally, you should use broadband for faster speeds of TV feed transmission. You also need to have Macromedia Flash and Windows Media Player installed before you can watch satellite TV on computer.

The software has an intelligent user interface that makes it a breeze to use to search and find TV shows to watch. Once you watched it, click to save the TV channel so that you can come back another day to watch. The whole process is as hassle-free as it can get.

Looking at the software side by side with monthly TV services, it outshines services in terms of affordability, the number of TV channels available and the userability. This probably is the reason why more TV viewers, especially the younger folks now watch TV in this way. Learn more about this new technology and how you can make use of PC satellite TV software to watch satellite TV on computer at home from my TV blog.

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Problem Solution: Global Communications Corporation

Global Communications feels the pressures of the industries with trying to keep up with its competitors and watching its stock prices fall. Yet the stockholders are giving them a lot of pressure to correct the problem. They need to offer better services than what their competitors are providing to their customers. This paper will discuss the background, the problem, the end goals, alternative solutions, risk assessment, the optimal solution, and lastly the implementation plan.

Situation Background (Step 1)

The entire telecommunications industry has fallen into hard times due to the Cable Companies entering the competition but Global Communications has been hit hard with not just the increased competition but smaller profit margins, the costs of doing business, and have realized that they need a new strategic plan, but will need help in implementing this.

Problem Solution: Global Communications Corporation

The problem is not really obvious, as one may think. It is easy to say that there is too much competition and blame outside entities for their woes. Ultimately, the real issue is GC's inability to effectively compete with new players in the market (i.e. cable companies). Often this is the secondary to a failure to differentiate their offerings from those of the competitors. It sounds as if their attempt at differentiation has been "Our Edge is People". This has two obvious flaws. First, it is in contrast with the apparent reality that their people lack the technical skills to perform the job. Second, differentiation must take the form of something that really matters to the customers. They have already identified the competitive points that seem to be hurting them (new features, televisions, computers, phone service, etc) of and it has little to do with the people. Outsourcing the support jobs may improve the people quality, but unless this is a competitive issue, it may not have a significant effect beyond the reduction in costs.

Issue Identification

- Maintaining employee morale and preventing "brain drain" to competitors, this often occurs following layoffs.

- Maintaining a working relationship with the union and making sure that Maria gets back into good graces with her boss. Maria seems to have a generally favorable attitude toward the company and she could be important.

- Differentiating their new offering from existing competitive offerings. Adding 1000 new sales people are not going to sell a product that has no appeal to the potential customer.

- Maintaining cohesion among top management

- Converting the proposed changes into profit

- Effectively competing more locally and globally...very different games.

- Managing new partnerships effectively and profitably

Opportunity Identification

- Identify markets not currently served (or not served well) by their major competitors and fill that niche.

- Assisting the employees that get laid off.

- Nothing generates future success like current success. If their cost cutting and new competitive plan can improve the numbers, even for a quarter or two, the stock price should rebound a bit.

- Improve their relationship with the union (long term) Identify markets not currently served (or not served well) by their major competitors and fill that niche.

- Increase profits

It is apparent that there is no concern, in the fact that the plan is to grow by serving current customers and that there is no mention of gaining new customers. How important is access to "company information hosted in mainframes" is to a small business owner, because the chances that any small business would have a mainframe computer would be slim. These new partnerships may hold the key, but again, they must be able to differentiate their offering or it will have little effect.

Stakeholder Perspectives/Ethical Dilemmas

Senior management presented the Board of directors a plan in which they are expecting to be implemented as proposed after it has been researched and analyzed sufficiently to ensure success, even if problems have occurred, they just need to inform the board of the adjustments that need to be made

The union has an obligation to the employees, to protect their benefits, their rights and to ensure that they have a job. It is important and the union be informed every step of the way, what is going on with the agency and what is expected of the employees as the change is implemented.

Problem Definition (Step 2)

Global Communications has a lot of issues and opportunities, that can be focused on but there are a couple that could be focused in on the problem statement. In three years, Global Communications will be the leader in the industry by increasing their stock prices, lowering their over head costs, and showing a commitment to their customers as well as their employees. This will also help them meet their end state goals.

End-State Goals (Step 3)

When looking at the end-state goals the first would be profitability, because a business needs to succeed to survive. What may set Global Communications apart from its competitors is by establishing a new product. It is important of the organization to maintain employee morale, union relationships, as well as partner relationships, as they become the leader in the telecommunications industries.

Alternative Solutions and Benchmarking Validation (Step 4)

The alternative would be to minimize the number of jobs that are outsourced to India and keep as many of the jobs in house with the use of better communication skills.

Employee Communications and Development

Understanding the importance of excellent communication and development within a corporation is crucial. Global Communications needs to reestablish and open a line of communication within their organization and the Technologies Workers Union. This communication could resolve internal issues without destroying the organizations commitment or the employee commitment, if implemented properly. When employees feel that their psychological contract has been breached, especially involving issues around pay, communications and development a lower-level of job satisfaction and organizational commitment has been indicated (Pate, 2000).

Employer/Employee Trust

Communication and compromise are the keys to strengthening the bond between the stakeholders. Involving the stakeholders will immediately address any ethical dilemmas that may arise and ensure a successful strategy.

Management needs to enhance the integrity and competence in trust level with employees and all stakeholders. Studies have shown that although employees have an accurate understanding about managers thinking that their relationships with the employees are positive, while managers have an inaccurate understanding about employees feeling negatively about their relationships with managers (Kim, 2003).

High Performance Employees

To ensure high performance in the work-place there needs to be high levels of adaptability, flexibility and involvement by both the employees and the employers, enhancing the contributions of everyone. Creating a positive work environment is crucial to obtain and keep high performances employees. High performance employees are attracted and kept by a company's culture as well as high pay and benefits. By implementing programs to help the employee become more successful the employee will feel more bonded to a company (Ioma, 2004).

Employee Satisfaction and Security

Employees have a need for job security and the right to have fair wage and benefits. Employees should be able to trust their employers to protect their rights and needs (Boeree 2006). Global Communications has demonstrated poor communication about reducing costs by outsourcing, involving layoffs, and downsizing domestic calls centers, involving pay-cuts. This poor communication has eroded employee trust that somehow needs to be reestablished.

Analysis of Alternative Solutions (Step 5)

First, they plan to realize growth through the introduction of new services, primarily to its small business and consumer customers, who will now be served in both local and long-distance markets across the country. To compete with the local telephone and cable companies, Global has created alliances with a satellite provider to offer video services as well as a satellite version of broadband. Partnership with a wireless provider will allow the small business owner anytime Internet access using wireless telephone or PC cards. Even company information hosted in mainframes can be accessed remotely (UOP, 2006).
As an alternative to the above, approach would be to keep the current services with a different marketing plan or new services to new customers.

Second, the senior team has identified cost-cutting measures that will improve profitability. To maximize both of these initiatives, the company plans to market itself more aggressively on an international level with the goal of becoming a truly global resource (UOP, 2006).
Global communications could, as an alternative to the above, merge or buy local cable companies. This would give them more access to services they do not currently provide. This move would also improve profit and raise share value.

Narrowed List of Alternatives

Global Communication's best solution would be to merge with an existing local cable company. This venture would give them access to their current customers but expand their customer base by adding the competing company's customers. This merger would increase their competitiveness, while at the same time, increase profit. It would also be beneficial for the organization to retrain as many of the employees they have instead of outsourcing. These employees have the knowledge of the organization and that can be an asset that can be utilized and in laying off the employees the organization would be losing this edge, because the new employees would not have this same knowledge.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation (Step 6)

When it comes to risks, there are little to none in making a more positive work environment, yet this is still not an easy process and can create conflict. The training process could have more of a positive outcome, because the workers are not losing their positions but gaining new skills. In the merging with a cable company, there could only be that added customers as well as gaining new customers.

Optimal Solution (Step 7)

The above paragraphs go over the description of the solutions as well as covering the goals.

Implementation Plan (Step 8)

Global Communications will create or update the companies policies to reflect, there ethics and commitment to their customers as well as to their employees. Setting up training as well as a reward system for the employees who show excellence.
A team will be created to research the surrounding cable companies and which ones would be approachable to merge with, as well what it would take to achieve this and then having them meet with the upper management weekly to give a progress report. They should have all the information gathered and the company should be able to choose and start the process of merging with a company within 6 months.
Another team will be created to go over what type of training the employees would need to gain the skills that they do not have and the time frame needed to train them.

Gap Analysis and Estimated Implementation Costs--Evaluation of Results (Step 9)

There will be costs that will be directly involved in the research aspects, as well as in the training of the employees, and even in the workshops to help the laid off employees get new jobs and then in the merging with another company. After implementation there should be an increase of profit, at which time bonus can be given out.

Conclusion

In going through the background of global communications, looking at the issues as well as the opportunities (Maintaining a working relationship with the union and assisting the employees) verses the stakeholders perspectives (in implementing the plan and raising the stock prices) the best solution and most beneficial for the organization would be to retrain as many of the employees they have instead of outsourcing. These employees have the knowledge of the organization and that can be an asset that can be utilized and in laying off the employees the organization would be losing this edge, because the new employees would not have this same knowledge. We have also looked at the alternatives, risks, as well as implementation and I believe that the solutions that have been presented are the best choices for the company.
Even with the decision that Global Communications made it will not be an easy one, for individuals will still be losing their positions. It is important to look at the view of all parties involved. To see the whole picture, because if the wrong decision is made, the organization could fail or for that matter even if it is the right decision it can still fail. They need to find the right edge that their competitors do not have, which may seem to be a simple solution, but it is only simple in the words alone.

Problem Solution: Global Communications Corporation
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References
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(2003). Retrieved June 18, 2006, from EBSCOhost database. IOMA’S Pay for Performance Report, Case studies: How Culture and Pay Work Together to Keep the Keepers (2004). Retrieved June 18, 2006, from EBSCOhost database. Kim, H. (2003). The effects of downsizing on organization-employee relationship dimensions. International Communication Association, p1-30. Retrieved June 16, 2006 from EBSCOhost database. Martin, Graeme, Pate, Judy & Staines Harry (2000) Exploring the relationship between psychological contracts and organizational change: a process model and case study evidence, Strategic Change, 9, 481-493. Retrieved June 22, 2006, from the EBSCOhost database.

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