Summary and response Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

Summary and response - Assignment Example This is in contrast to what I have read about student loans since college students in professions such as engineering and medicine borrow larger amounts of loans (Wilson 2). In contrast to Wilson’s statement that students with larger debts find themselves in such situations due to their pursuit f their dream course no matter what, I believe that students understand their borrowing terms when they undertake a course (Wilson 2). College students are well aware of the financial implications their loans will have on their lives later on in life. In the article ‘Two Years Are Better Than Four’, there are believers who say that college education does not matter. The author strongly believes in the value of college education and says that his life became proportional to the education he acquired (Addison 1). The author contradicts Mr. Perlstein theory of the fact that college education does not matter anymore. He believes that community college has had a great impact on the lives of many Americans. Community colleges have made college education accessible to many unprivileged Americans and as such should be hailed as one of America’s greatest institutions (Addison 2). In â€Å"And Yet: Distinguishing What You Say From What They Say†, readers are encouraged to identify voice markers when they read through a comprehension. As a writer, one is encouraged to clearly state his or her stand so that readers do not get confused. First person in writing may or may not make an impact depending on how the writer uses it. As one summarises a text, he or she is encouraged to implement voice markers effectively. Voice markers when used appropriately will help avoid confusions that the reader may encounter. Such confusion is brought about when the reader cannot distinguish whose point it is tat is in the comprehension; the writer’s or the author’s from whose book the writer is

Competetive Strategy - Hansen Natural Corporation Essay

Competetive Strategy - Hansen Natural Corporation - Essay Example An US firm Hansen Natural Corporation which markets soft drinks and beverages is considered for the purpose of our analysis. Soft drinks market is a highly competitive market in US and there are numerous small and large competitors already present in this industry. Policies are also suggested which will be useful for the company in the value creation over the next four years. One of the most critical issues regarding a business is the identification and development of a sustainable competitive advantage. It is much more critical when the business in concern is a small and emerging business where the market is already infested with numerous existent competitors. It has been found that many small businesses have often failed to develop competitive advantage over their competitors in the market. The entrepreneur of the business has to take steps in order to gain competitive advantage in their business. It is noteworthy to mention that the business community never welcomes new entreprene urs with open arms rather prevent the new entries from appropriating the market share from them. Thus development of competitive advantage is critical for a firm right from the entry stage to the end of the life of the business (Bressler, n.d., p.192) . Areas where the firms need to intervene in order to develop competitive advantage Small businesses are unable to compete with the large firms in terms of price as the price mechanism behavior remains in their hand due to market reputation as well as historical sales background. A typical behavior of a small firm can be given by an example in this case. Suppose a restaurant is opening and when asked its entrepreneur about the prospective a common answer is that, â€Å"we will offer good food at good prices† (Bressler,n.d.,p.193). Marketing mix elements can be viewed to deliver competitive advantage to the businesses. The elements of the marketing mix include product, price, place, and promotion. The companies have to concentrat e on these variables in order to gain competitive advantage. Cost also plays an important role in the competitive advantage paradigm (Rothaermel, n.d., p. 201). Big companies can negotiate lower costs and have advantages over the smaller companies. However there are possibilities of lowering the costs with the help of less capital equipment, location, overhead, lower distribution cost, lower labor cost, and lower investment cost. Before explaining them in brief with economic theories first of all we will discuss the characteristics of the market of soft drinks in US and its relevance with the Hans Natural Corporation. Characteristics of the soft drinks market in US In the present situation the soft drink industry is highly competitive for all the corporations involved in this business (Davies, n.d.). The soft drinks industry faces pressure from rival seller, new entrants to the industry, substitute goods, suppliers, and buyers. In the US soft drinks industry Coca-Cola, Pepsi Co and Cadbury Schweppes are the largest competitors. In 2004, Coca Cola’s working capital was around $1.1 billion and Pepsico’s total sales were $18.4 billion. Many small companies are also there like Facedrink, Arcadia Brewing Co, Banko Beverage Company, Carolina Canners Inc etc.( Beverage Companies, n.d.). The market is almost saturated and the growth is small. It is pretty difficult prospect for the new entrants in the industry. Another significant barrier

An Influenced Life Essay Example for Free

An Influenced Life Essay An Influenced Life As people grow and develop in their lives, many factors influence their trajectories. These factors manifest themselves in many ways, but some are more prominent than others. I believe that every person, depending the factors that influenced them most strongly, would place more importance on some factors than others. In other words, my essay will be different than other classmates, because I was raised differently than most of them and different things had impacts on my development. Individuals also probably think some are more important factors than others, and these viewpoints depend solely on their lives and their development thus far. My personal view is that some of the most important factors that influence an individual’s development are their innate temperament, the parents they are born to, the consequent family role they possess, the anxiety they bear in life, and the relationships they make – both forced and by their own volition. Read more: Essay explain how children and young people’s development is influenced by a range of personal factors. Although I believe these are some of the most important factors, they are by no means the only things that influence a persons’ development over time. Also worth noting is the fact that these all impact each other as well as singularly influencing an individual. When combined, many factors cause other factors and all influence a persons’ development trajectory. One of these influences is inborn, not decided by outside forces. Temperament is something every human is born with, and it is shown from the moment they start breathing. My sister and I, for example, have somewhat opposite temperaments. As a child I was very loud and loved to talk (which hasn’t changed), and my sister was much quieter and listened much better than I ever could. She was more patient from birth than I will ever be. This chasm between our personalities provides some definition for our life development. Her calm, quiet manner led to little misbehavior and consequent punishment. My quick, sarcastic temper led to much conflict with parents and occasionally teachers, and required containment. This put me in a different trajectory than my sister, as she became easy to deal with, and easy to please. My parents had to take a different approach with me, as my temperament led me to be harder to discipline, please, and control. The temperament of any individual greatly influences a person’s future life development. It influences the way a person reacts and relates to other people, the way they act alone and in company, and their view on the world. Parents are one of the influences I think most would agree impacts development most. Even people who had parents that were not present might agree that the absence itself influenced their life and development. The techniques parents use vary and are quite different from family to family, and occasionally even within families. Parenting impacts development and views of the world because they restrict or allow activities, and provide moral ideas and values in differing strengths, passing on much to their children. As we grow out of childhood, impressions of our parents from a young age remain with us and impact the way we live, act, and interpret others’ behaviors. The two spectrums for parenting styles measure how demanding a parent is, and how responsive a parent is. To me, these can make or break a child’s development. If either is too low, the child will have problems later in life, but if either is too high, there will also be consequences. High responsiveness may produce a needy, incapable adult, while low responsiveness will result in anxiety about love, and mattering. High demanding parenting may result in a high-strung, over-achieving stressed adult, while low demanding will produce an adult with little motivation and drive. Clearly, parenting impacts development and, if possible, should be controlled in order to help children develop correctly and well. As parents begin to treat children differently due to temperament, and children learn more about their parenting styles, the kids in the family begin to learn their roles in the family. These roles can range from simply the â€Å"quiet one† to â€Å"loud one,† or from â€Å"instigator† to â€Å"peace-maker.† Some of the roles can make children feel guilty, unworthy, or bad about themselves, while others make childr en feel proud, confident, and pleased. These differences start at a young age and continue through their lives, even into adulthood. This will also influence relationships and life plans, causing each person to have a different filter per say, which they view the world through. If an individual follows these family roles into adulthood, individuals follow whatever mold they were shaped into as a young person. This can obviously impact development in frightening ways. One can imagine a forty year-old still following his instilled role of a meek, rule-following, shy six year-old, or a twenty-one year-old still behaving as a reckless, authority defying teenager, but with much more damaging and dangerous rebellions. The types of anxiety that a person deals with on a frequent  basis derive from many sources. These factors come from both developmental sources and environmental sources. While environmental sources are inevitable and cannot be avoided, like natural disasters and wars, the developmental sources can be somewhat traced to other developmental factors. If a person carries too much anxiety, they can then begi n to develop harmful relationships and tendencies. Some anxieties that can hurt a persons’ development are worrying about trust, competence, and mattering. All three of these concerns can come from the way an individual is treated and affected by people close to them, and society as a whole, along with some of the traits they were born with. These main three concerns make or break relationships, another developmental factor. However, they also impact the way we develop in all strains of life, especially cognitive development. If someone has anxiety about not mattering or being competent, and this anxiety is reinforced by their relationships, they may truly begin to believe these things. This will begin to impact their work and productivity, starting to truly render them incompetent. Relationships also play a large role in development over time. Of all the factors discussed, I think this may be one of the most obvious, but also one of the most influential. Depending on the individual someone is relating to, and the impacts other developmental factors have on them too, relationships are the dynamic culmination of influences on human devel opment. Relationship models range from secure to insecure, and someone who forms insecure relationships is unlikely to trust anyone, and consequently bear even more anxiety than what led to the insecure relationship. I think relationships influence development because relationships give us friends, role models, and comfort. Relationships make life worth living, but if they are not healthy and secure relationships, the zeal for life may degrade. There are many factors that impact development in many different ways. These influences can have physical, social, cognitive, and emotional consequences, and help us to become the adults we do in life. They eventually all do interrelate and combine to influence each other and our development in many ways. This being said, it is crucial to development to have consistent, good, controlled factors. Although temperament cannot be controlled, parenting styles, family roles, and relationships can be objectively considered and helped, in order to ensure proper development and a productive, competent adult. If every child had these factors controlled  and watched, in order to help them develop the best they could, there would be much less anxiety, unhappiness, and idleness in our society.

Design of Mobile Banking Application

Design of Mobile Banking Application Mobile banking is the topic of today as internet banking was a few years ago. [3] Globally millions of people already use mobile devices to do their banking transactions. Mobile phones as a device with high security standards and direct connections, allows customers to access a wide range of services throughout the world. This is due to the success of the mobile and internet banking which the mobile device brings both banking channels together as a compact and highly personal channel to make mobile banking a reality. [31] The mobile device also presents new opportunities in payment structure thereby formulating an easy means for transacting payments through the innovative combination of mobile technology. Mobile devices have greater reach all around the world especially in developing nations with lower knowledge of its existence. At the same time they provide a fast and effective way for customers to send money to dependants in other countries or location. As it is said, Mobile banking is big news in Africa which started out in countries as South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria where mobile phone users especially in the urban areas traded minutes by sending credits to their relatives in villages in order to communicate with them when the need arises. But then these transactions took up an increased trend by building awareness for Mobile banking deriving various mobile banking platforms such as the SMS, WAP etc. [21] In West Africa, there are concerns on how this can be implemented and how the customers would embrace such technology. This will be discussed further in chapter 2 and 5. The mobile banking transaction consists of three main components and these are: The User Customers who make use of the application The Device Mobile handset, PDA etc The Mobile Network Operator (MNO) These can be Financial Institutions, Mobile service provider or combination of both. The user can request for the service using a mobile device which connects the client application and the MNO through a wireless network, GPRS etc. [28] The mobile phone has become an invasive device which has fewer disadvantages than most technologies. The answer to this can be said based on its penetration in poor economies (Africa in particular) and a customers demand for the use of telecommunication. With a mobile phone, people can be reachable and have a secure mobile device in the palm of their hands to easily get information anytime they desire which makes communication easy. The Mobile Network Operator may also be classified as a server supplier which serves as a link between the mobile user and the mobile phone in transacting data. [10] Mobile banking offers the prospect of increasing the efficiency of payment systems and also expanding the access to financial services. These objectives may be in tension based on financial integrity or consumer protection. [31] Mobile banking has also had its criticisms, one being security. The fact still remains that there are measures in place to tackle such risks involved especially in terms of fraud or money laundry. [29] The mobile banking services have expanded in Africa cutting across East, West and the southern region of Africa. In Kenya today, a customer can send money via mobile using the Short Message Services (SMS) mobile banking platform. [24] It has been spoken about the potential expansion for mobile banking as its awareness builds around Africa and how it could lower the cost of banking and build a customer-banker relationship. [6] In implementing a mobile banking structure, there are varieties of mobile banking platforms such as short Message Service (SMS), Mobile web (WAP) and Mobile Client application (J2ME, BREW etc.) and so on. Each Mobile banking platform has its strengths and weaknesses which in effect is important to identify, for this will enhance further development in its future prospect and be appropriate for financial services. [17] SCOPE AND PURPOSE The scope of this project is to implement a mobile client based application using Java application (J2ME) and then determine how effective and secure it will be to a society and users. Questions may be asked why mobile client application. This is because it is at the moment known to be the quickest and easiest way of transacting data on the mobile device in any given time. There should be mobile network coverage for the application to function. Mobile client application also known to be standalone mobile application is most suitable to implement for a complex financial transaction. A basic requirement for mobile client application platform to be implemented is that of the software been required to be downloaded on the mobile device before it could be used, though further requirements will be needed to support the development environment (J2ME) to function on the device. [20] The J2ME client application connects to a server through the wireless enabled device or GPRS which allow customers gain access their bank statements and also perform other banking transactions such as money transfers, pay bills etc. With the support of Nokia Ltd, developers have easy access to development tools by opening an online community for developers focused in developing applications based on J2ME. [29] Therefore the scope highlights a broad view of the project in implementing a mobile banking application using J2ME Java 2 application. The hardware devices to be used are a Mobile device and a PC /Laptop. The software tools used are Sun Java Wireless Toolkit 2.5.2 for CLDC, NetBeans IDE 6.8, MySQL server, Apache web server, Edit Plus 3, Notepad etc. The purpose of this project is to design and implement a mobile banking application demonstrating its benefits and tackling flaws encountered in its implementation, thereby creating an awareness of the banking platforms which best ensures a safe and secure means of transacting data in West Africa. Therefore i embark on implementing the project and then demonstrate how it will function. AIM AND OBJECTIVES The project is aimed at implementing a mobile banking application to develop its technology and then demonstrate how it could be beneficial to developing countries and financial institutions as mobile payment system is one of the biggest hits in Africa. This will enable mobile network operators who connect to the everyday reality of the customers, diversify in what is known as a growing market and also implement security measures to ensure a safe and secure mobile banking transaction. The objectives of this project that has been formulated to aid the implementation and success of the project are: To investigate current Mobile banking platforms, methods and technologies used in West Africa and how effective and productive it has been to the countries/nations. This was carried out with the aid of Journals, articles and information from the internet and media. To investigate and determine the benefits, threats, and weaknesses of implementing a mobile banking application in West African region. To investigate on the security breaches in existence and measures to be taken into consideration when implementing the application due to a high risk of data exposure in that region. To derive techniques to be used to implement the application on a mobile device. To design, test and implement a secure mobile client application to make easy access to customers checking their account balances through Mobile Java enabled devices etc BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT (OVERVIEW) Literature Review (Chapter 2) This chapter will analyze, investigate and discuss views on the methods involved in implementing a mobile client application in West Africa and how this can be implemented. Various challenges that may disrupt the implementation will be discussed thereby formulating a means of solving its challenges and how to improve the current situation. The author will also address general questions arising from exploration of countries in West Africa (Nigeria and Ghana in particular) and how this will be solved. Structure of Mobile Banking (Chapter 3) This chapter will explain the structure, meaning and various types of mobile banking in existence. With a clear structure in place, the project will encompass methods and steps to ensure a successful implementation of mobile banking platforms in West Africa. Mobile Banking Implementation (Chapter 4) This chapter critically examines the implementation process involved in deriving a method that can be implemented, steps to be taken into consideration and testing of the application. The various steps taken will be derived from Unified Software Development Process (USDP). USDP is a generic process for the UML and will apply the iterative lifecycle model of USDP. [17] [10] Project Conclusion and Recommendation (Chapter 5) The final chapter will encapsulate the previous chapters and the author will discuss on further development to ensure the progress of the project, future improvement in the system designed and how it will be beneficial to the case study chosen. The conclusion will talk about the state at which the project was completed and what more can be implemented. CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW AND PROBLEM DEFINITION LITERATURE REVIEW This Literature review is about addressing general questions arising from exploration of countries in the West African region in particular. As i mentioned earlier in the previous chapter, one of the objectives of this project is to investigate the use of mobile banking in West Africa, and then determine which mobile banking platform best suites the economies and masses by further expanding the view based on its availability, accessibility, affordability and security. [29] In carrying out my research, i limited my search on few West African countries to accommodate the time limit and information given in completing this project. There are 15 countries in West Africa; but in my research i will engage on using a sample size (limiting my search to two countries Nigeria and Ghana), whereby i will analyze and investigate the development of mobile banking and its effect caused in the implementation in those countries. [2] This will enable a fair view recommendation in my conclusion thereby concluding on which mobile platform can best be applied. Both countries (Nigeria Ghana) have active Mobile banking initiatives currently implemented; but as low and middle income countries respectively, they come from different starting points and face different issues. As such, they help to frame the particular questions which are focused to derive a result in the implementation of Mobile banking in West Africa. These few questions are: What is happening to mobile banking in these developing countries, and is it likely to lead to greater accessibility and affordability? Will Mobile banking in West Africa develop spontaneously and will there be an enablement required for it to function effectively? What are the measures in place (if any) to ensure a fast and secure means of mobile banking. Are financial institutions aware of Mobile banking in Nigeria and Ghana and what mobile banking platforms have been applied? What benefit does Mobile banking contribute to the economy and how will the customers embrace such technology? In this project, various investigations are carried out to identify the elements of an environment in adopting Mobile banking methods which would maximize the likelihood of access to financial services and how it will expand greatly in West Africa. Because of its restricted time and focus, the project was designed to be exploratory, rather than definitive (seeking to understand what was happening in both countries mentioned above) and in the process develop an approach towards market development and awareness of which could be of wider value across the continent. The project comprised the following elements: Investigation on existing mobile banking platforms used as mentioned earlier and the different approaches adopted in different Countries. In my research, i realized that mobile banking platforms follow a wide range of mobile application expansion in West Africa where so many banks are embarking on the system. This was because of the success of new mobile devices manufactured to provide excellent characteristics with larger processing power, large amount of memory, enabled Java programming and GPRS/GPS service.[4] Furthermore, mobile network operators in the Western region of Africa adopted 2.5G network, which uses GPRS as an information bearer. With the expansion of 3G networks, it has made mobile banking more productive. These type of networks enable greater amount of data to be transmitted between the client and server applications using much secure and stable connectivity. [4] With the adoption of the 2G network, WAP was implemented and due to disadvantages in terms of security and availability, the development of the mobile client application was introduced. WAP mobile application was useful for less powerful mobile devices. [4] [9]Taking a look at other West African countries like Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Niger etc. in which they know little about mobile banking, with an awareness and banks adopting mobile banking platforms, these nations will adopt mobile banking platforms. The vast major countries in West Africa in which mobile banking is implemented are Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia and few others. [3] In carrying out my analysis on the growth and implementation of mobile banking in West Africa, i looked at developing countries in that region and examined how effective mobile banking can be. In my research, i sampled two countries Nigeria and Ghana and examined all aspects relating to the project topic. RESEARCH ON MOBILE BANKING IN NIGERIA AND GHANA The growth of Mobile banking in Nigeria started in 2006 beginning with the SMS system of banking which is widely common and still practiced. The WAP and Mobile client application system started in 2008 and ever since has been expanding in technology. Internet banking is one of the mobile banking systems that had a low penetration rate in Nigeria due to poor internet facilities and a high cost of acquiring internet service (Table 2.1).[3] Globa Com a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) uses the SMS system of banking in collaboration using some banks in the country. According to the official of Globa Com, in which he stated that Glo Mobile banking subscribers will soon have access to paying bills and other utility bills on their mobile with a collaboration with several financial organizations. This proves the growth and expansion on Mobile banking in Nigeria and the rest of West Africa. As at 2008, the internet banking system had a 6% penetration rate in a population of 140million in Nigeria. In regards to mobile banking, its penetration rate is close to 50% with a prospect for more expansion as analyzed below. [4] One may ask why a large difference between both banking systems. This is due to low infrastructure and technology in satellite transmission across West Africa. In Ghana, There are measures to ensure the wide spread of Mobile banking services for commercial banks have been advised to introduce mobile banking platforms to enable its customers in carrying out banking services even outside the banking premises which was the only way to transfer funds, check balances etc. [5] Mobile banking service penetration As analyzed above in table 2.1, mobile banking services has penetrated in both countries compared to internet banking which has very low penetration. For Mobile client applications to be implemented, a mobile device with GPRS, WAP enabled and java compatibility should be used. These applications implement secure API and web service technology. Mobile banking features on a mobile phone have been provided to users in which it is secure and easy to use. This concept is a competitive advantage on the market of mobile phone manufacturers in which competitive advantage is the possibility of success. [13] Emmanuel Okoegwale stated in his report that offshore transfer of WAP mobile banking was a disaster based on an internet-based technology applied to the mobile which was a slow, unreliable and costly system for customers in Nigeria with poor coverage, handset limitation and inadequate customer awareness to the system. At the moment, the SMS system of banking is dominant for mobile banking transaction. [4] TECHNOLOGY With the standardization of the 3rd generation mobile communication systems in 2000, technology became a vital impart in the world of mobile banking. In 2000, 2.5G 2.75G network increased the data transmission. Then, the 3G network system which transmits wideband TDMA and CDMA, voice and high bit-rate data and portable units. There are speculations of the 4th generation mobile communication systems called the 4G to be implemented in 2010. The current mobile technology used in Ghana and Nigeria are: SMS (The à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“request replyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? text application) WAP (Web application) J2ME (Java application) Short Message Service The Short Message Service system involves a user and a Mobile Network Operator exchanging text messages through a secure encrypted channel. But first, the user needs to be registered with the bank to receive the facility. Once registered by the bank, the user will be advised a text will be sent to him to confirm the registration. The service will then be registered and the user would be able to receive text alert once in a while especially when a transaction has taken place in the customers account. The structure of a secure SMS system is therefore highlighted below. An SMS System of banking With the SMS system, the user can request for his current balance by (requesting) sending a text to a bank message code and then get a response. The message code helps to identify the user and then recognise his request, in which it will initiate a response (sending his current balance). The disadvantage of SMS system of banking is that scammers send SMS messages identifying themselves as the bank, and also request for further bank details from the user such as PIN number, account number etc. This fraud has made the SMS system of banking insecure. This method is still experienced in Nigeria and Ghana respectively as i was able to identify that as a challenge. Another disadvantage is the user cannot store his credit card information on the mobile devices to pay a bill due to poor mobile infrastructure in place in West Africa. Also, no payment history can be derived from the mobile device when using an SMS system of banking. WAP (Web Application) The WAP system uses an internet browser on a mobile device. The user accesses his account from the banks website. This is similar to internet banking practiced on a PC or laptop. A major constrain in the WAP system is old mobile handsets have no built-in mobile browser, therefore restricting users in using such method. In Ghana and Nigeria, most mobile handset users use sophisticated handsets with GPRS, 3G and wireless enabled. Few banks such as Diamond, Intercontinental, Bank PHP and Ghanaian Commercial bank have adopted this method of banking, but yet to completely introduce it to all their customers. This is due to the long wait and procedure their customers have to take in registering for the facility. Some banks have created a special web page which will be suitable for their customers to register on their mobile screens. Mobile browsers are vulnerable to the same security risk been experienced in internet banking. However, there are differences in terms of safer means of transacting data on a mobile device than on the PC or laptop. This is because as at June 2009,[21a] creators of Trojan horses viruses and other types have not fully focused on the mobile market; though viruses still affect mobile devices, but it is not as rampant as the PC or laptop. J2ME (Java Application) J2ME is classified as an application used to implement a mobile client application. This application needs to be downloaded and installed on a mobile device which is java enabled, and then linked directly to a server. The application is said to require an effort to install, but it is known to becoming popular around the world. This is because it is faster than logging into the web browser to access a banks website. With further development in its technology, its user interface will be much easier to navigate.[21a] Applications as this are highly secure due to its implementation and information designed to function with a security algorithm, whereby all banks use different security algorithms. The disadvantage in using this method is programs downloaded on a mobile device can be stored and if not signed or logged out, it could be vulnerable to security risk. This can be tackled by introducing a timeout system method when implementing the code.[21a] CONNECTIVITY There are various network connectivity used in mobile transmission. Network Connectivity Mobile device users communicate using wireless networks anywhere at any given time. Mobile devices can be connected as well at any place and at anytime to the wireless network. Wireless network connectivity are regulated by frequencies. The user receives wireless network connection on his mobile on the frequency and wavelength of the antenna. Signal problems may occur based on the blocking and reflection of large buildings, the size of wavelength may be too small and the distance of the wireless antennas (mast) may be too far. This has been further tackled in developed nations, but West African countries still experience these problems. Signals can take many different paths and may case delay (3-12 micro seconds). [17] The effects of low or no signals in West Africa are based on short and long term fading of the signals. The short term fading can be classified as buildings, hills, trees etc., while the long term fading can be said to be the distance between the sender and the receiver, for it may change when the user moves to a different coverage area. MOBILE PLATFORMS Mobile devices come in different ranges, shapes and sizes. This is why mobile developers cannot system the same mobile platforms for another mobile device. For example, mobile applications developed to function on a Nokia handset will not function on a Windows Mobile/ Windows CE handset, though some applications may function on handsets manufactured by different companies. An example is the snake game on a Nokia and Sony Ericsson handset. This is due to the specification in both devices which will be further explained. Also, these devices are manufactured by different companies using different techniques. Mobile devices are categorised into: Microsoft PDA and Smart phones These devices use a mobile 5 and 2003 pocket edition platform to function. Types of devices in these categories are XDA, SPV-M, MDA, I-MATE, HTC S623 etc. Nokia and Sony Ericsson Devices These devices use a Symbian platform to function. Types of devices in these categories are P900, N series, W series, 9300 communicator etc. RIM Blackberry Device The blackberry device is a unique kind of device, for it has its unique platform and for such features (such as push e-mails) to function, it will need to register with RIM company, and then be connected to the blackberry enterprise server (BES). With other devices such the HTC device you can download the outlook e-mail feature from the mobile web. Palm Smart phones The palm device also uses Microsoft mobile 5 platforms along with the palm Operating System (OS) platform. Devices in this category are Treo 600, Treo 650, Centro, Palm pre etc. Microsoft PDA phones, smart phones are also manufactured by Sony Ericsson, Nokia, Palm and other mobile companies. These devices have similar functions which are: They have the push e-mail function You can create, edit and read on the device using applications such as word, powerpoint, spreadsheets etc. There are differences between using a blackberry device and other devices. As mentioned earlier, the blackberry device is a unique kind and this has made its devices more demanding and competitive in the mobile market. Analysing these mobile devices in terms of usage in Nigeria and Ghana, most people are so focus driven when new kinds of mobile handsets are introduced into the market. They look forward to having one without the knowledge of its features or technology. The mobile platforms in use are listed and some are explained below: Symbian platform Palm OS platform Java platform RIM (Blackberry) platform Windows Mobile platform Linux platform Symbian platform The name Symbian was derived based on Microsofts domination in the mobile market, therefore making four mobile companies ( Ericsson, Panasonic, Motorola and Nokia) along with the development team of Psion (a UK based company) form a new company called Symbian. The Symbian platform was also called EPOS. Symbian is known to be an open source operating system (OS) specifically designed for mobile devices and smart phones with frameworks, libraries and user interface originally developed by the company Symbian LTD. [29b] The Symbian platform is specifically engineered to handle error (which is similar to Java) and uses the concept of a server rather than traditional device drivers. The Symbian platform uses an SDK development environment. Figure 2.3 shows the architecture of the Symbian platform. Java platform Java was developed as a language for embedded programming of washing machine, microwaves etc. In 2000, Java language became sophisticated with large classes supporting desktop like application and requiring memory resources and significant processing. The growth of mobile devices reached the critical mass which made Sun re-launch a smaller version of their SDK called J2ME (Java 2 Micro Edition). J2ME now retains integration with larger SDK Sun like Palm OS and Symbian platforms. The architecture of J2ME (as shown in figure 2.3) was further partitioned into the virtual machines, configurations and profiles(as shown on figure 2.4). The J2ME also has support for OTA provisioning. Java ME technology was created in order to handle the constraints connected with building applications for small devices. Palm OS The Palm was launched as a software house developing handwriting recognition software for some manufacturers handheld. In 2001, palm split to become two companies, one responsible for development of operating systems and the other PDAs. Palm functions with a single -tasking third -party kernel which was developed by KADAK. It has a real-time operating system which is able to handle hardware interruption while task switching. EVALUATION AND FINDINGS A search was carried out to analyse the current Mobile banking Structure in West Africa and what banking strategies have been implemented to ensure customers have a safe and secure means of Mobile banking. Before implementing a Mobile client application, such evaluations should be carried out by using SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis, this will enable me carryout a proper implementation of Mobile banking in West Africa. In achieving my findings, I carried out various objectives which are listed below: I carried out a search to analyse the current Mobile banking Structure existing in West Africa and how effective, accessible and affordable it has been to the economies or nations. This was carried out with the aid of Journals, Articles and information from the internet and media. Results: The mobile banking platforms in existence are SMS, WAP and Mobile client application. An evaluation of my findings from my literature search was carried out to determine the benefits, threats, and the weaknesses of implementing a mobile banking application in West African region. Results: The benefits are greater expansion in banking facility and the economy at large. Security measures were derived when implementing the application due to a high risk of data protection in that region. What techniques were introduced in current mobile banking platforms? Results: Techniques derived to implement the application on a mobile device are SMS alert system, banking advertisement and customer-to-bank relationship. ANALYSIS AND INVESTIGATION Analysis and investigation are issues that may arise when implementing a mobile banking platform. To investigate the above given aim and objectives, ill be using a range of resources, like books, journals, but the main source of my information will be the Internet; resources from news websites, white papers and government publications etc. thereby providing an up-to-date information to carryout my research. This method was adopted due to constrains in distance and information from West African countries. According to Sola fanawopo(2008) on the growth in mobile banking services in Nigeria, he stated that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“some of the transactions that can be conducted with Glo Mobile banking include checking balances, viewing of the last five transactions on account. He also stated Glo Mobile (Owner by Globa Com) subscribers can transfer money from one account to another within the same bank.[23] Emmanuel Okoegwale in an article went further to elaborate on when Nigeria started using Mobile banking system which he said started by transaction based activities whereby customers were notified through the SMS system of banking in respect to the recent banking transactions done on their account.[3] With the recent penetration of internet and Java enabled mobile devices, Nigerian banks deployed full fledged banking through mobile device with various means of services made available, but this was made possible in the bank. The internet being a channel to mobile banking had penetration rate of 6 percent (%) in a population of 140million,with mobile technology been close to 50 percent (%) penetration with prospect for growth.( see table 2.1) [4] The banking sector in Ghana has witnessed a significant amount of transformation in the adoption of banking which also known in Ghana as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"m-banking.[3] According to Daniel Nonors report on mobile banking in Ghana, he said à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“subscribers to the facility in Ghana still account for a tiny percentage of the banking public, but fast gaining groundsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?. He went further to explain the use of advanced mobile phones and services by Ghanaians who have embraced the mobile technology. [1] One of Ghanaians top banks à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"Ghana Commercial bank GCB is yet to introduce the mobile client system of banking to their customers in 2010. [24] MTN ( one of West Africans mobile service operators launched mobile banking in Ghana called MTN Mobile Money which will allow customers pay for utility services, transfer money and other banking services. For this to function, customers will have to register with authorized mobile money agents or partnership banks. [5] Ivatury and Mas (2008) predicted that poor people in developing countries are more likely to use mobile phones in undertaking financial transactions. [8] However, there exists poor internet connectivity in most countries in West Af Design of Mobile Banking Application Design of Mobile Banking Application Mobile banking is the topic of today as internet banking was a few years ago. [3] Globally millions of people already use mobile devices to do their banking transactions. Mobile phones as a device with high security standards and direct connections, allows customers to access a wide range of services throughout the world. This is due to the success of the mobile and internet banking which the mobile device brings both banking channels together as a compact and highly personal channel to make mobile banking a reality. [31] The mobile device also presents new opportunities in payment structure thereby formulating an easy means for transacting payments through the innovative combination of mobile technology. Mobile devices have greater reach all around the world especially in developing nations with lower knowledge of its existence. At the same time they provide a fast and effective way for customers to send money to dependants in other countries or location. As it is said, Mobile banking is big news in Africa which started out in countries as South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria where mobile phone users especially in the urban areas traded minutes by sending credits to their relatives in villages in order to communicate with them when the need arises. But then these transactions took up an increased trend by building awareness for Mobile banking deriving various mobile banking platforms such as the SMS, WAP etc. [21] In West Africa, there are concerns on how this can be implemented and how the customers would embrace such technology. This will be discussed further in chapter 2 and 5. The mobile banking transaction consists of three main components and these are: The User Customers who make use of the application The Device Mobile handset, PDA etc The Mobile Network Operator (MNO) These can be Financial Institutions, Mobile service provider or combination of both. The user can request for the service using a mobile device which connects the client application and the MNO through a wireless network, GPRS etc. [28] The mobile phone has become an invasive device which has fewer disadvantages than most technologies. The answer to this can be said based on its penetration in poor economies (Africa in particular) and a customers demand for the use of telecommunication. With a mobile phone, people can be reachable and have a secure mobile device in the palm of their hands to easily get information anytime they desire which makes communication easy. The Mobile Network Operator may also be classified as a server supplier which serves as a link between the mobile user and the mobile phone in transacting data. [10] Mobile banking offers the prospect of increasing the efficiency of payment systems and also expanding the access to financial services. These objectives may be in tension based on financial integrity or consumer protection. [31] Mobile banking has also had its criticisms, one being security. The fact still remains that there are measures in place to tackle such risks involved especially in terms of fraud or money laundry. [29] The mobile banking services have expanded in Africa cutting across East, West and the southern region of Africa. In Kenya today, a customer can send money via mobile using the Short Message Services (SMS) mobile banking platform. [24] It has been spoken about the potential expansion for mobile banking as its awareness builds around Africa and how it could lower the cost of banking and build a customer-banker relationship. [6] In implementing a mobile banking structure, there are varieties of mobile banking platforms such as short Message Service (SMS), Mobile web (WAP) and Mobile Client application (J2ME, BREW etc.) and so on. Each Mobile banking platform has its strengths and weaknesses which in effect is important to identify, for this will enhance further development in its future prospect and be appropriate for financial services. [17] SCOPE AND PURPOSE The scope of this project is to implement a mobile client based application using Java application (J2ME) and then determine how effective and secure it will be to a society and users. Questions may be asked why mobile client application. This is because it is at the moment known to be the quickest and easiest way of transacting data on the mobile device in any given time. There should be mobile network coverage for the application to function. Mobile client application also known to be standalone mobile application is most suitable to implement for a complex financial transaction. A basic requirement for mobile client application platform to be implemented is that of the software been required to be downloaded on the mobile device before it could be used, though further requirements will be needed to support the development environment (J2ME) to function on the device. [20] The J2ME client application connects to a server through the wireless enabled device or GPRS which allow customers gain access their bank statements and also perform other banking transactions such as money transfers, pay bills etc. With the support of Nokia Ltd, developers have easy access to development tools by opening an online community for developers focused in developing applications based on J2ME. [29] Therefore the scope highlights a broad view of the project in implementing a mobile banking application using J2ME Java 2 application. The hardware devices to be used are a Mobile device and a PC /Laptop. The software tools used are Sun Java Wireless Toolkit 2.5.2 for CLDC, NetBeans IDE 6.8, MySQL server, Apache web server, Edit Plus 3, Notepad etc. The purpose of this project is to design and implement a mobile banking application demonstrating its benefits and tackling flaws encountered in its implementation, thereby creating an awareness of the banking platforms which best ensures a safe and secure means of transacting data in West Africa. Therefore i embark on implementing the project and then demonstrate how it will function. AIM AND OBJECTIVES The project is aimed at implementing a mobile banking application to develop its technology and then demonstrate how it could be beneficial to developing countries and financial institutions as mobile payment system is one of the biggest hits in Africa. This will enable mobile network operators who connect to the everyday reality of the customers, diversify in what is known as a growing market and also implement security measures to ensure a safe and secure mobile banking transaction. The objectives of this project that has been formulated to aid the implementation and success of the project are: To investigate current Mobile banking platforms, methods and technologies used in West Africa and how effective and productive it has been to the countries/nations. This was carried out with the aid of Journals, articles and information from the internet and media. To investigate and determine the benefits, threats, and weaknesses of implementing a mobile banking application in West African region. To investigate on the security breaches in existence and measures to be taken into consideration when implementing the application due to a high risk of data exposure in that region. To derive techniques to be used to implement the application on a mobile device. To design, test and implement a secure mobile client application to make easy access to customers checking their account balances through Mobile Java enabled devices etc BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT (OVERVIEW) Literature Review (Chapter 2) This chapter will analyze, investigate and discuss views on the methods involved in implementing a mobile client application in West Africa and how this can be implemented. Various challenges that may disrupt the implementation will be discussed thereby formulating a means of solving its challenges and how to improve the current situation. The author will also address general questions arising from exploration of countries in West Africa (Nigeria and Ghana in particular) and how this will be solved. Structure of Mobile Banking (Chapter 3) This chapter will explain the structure, meaning and various types of mobile banking in existence. With a clear structure in place, the project will encompass methods and steps to ensure a successful implementation of mobile banking platforms in West Africa. Mobile Banking Implementation (Chapter 4) This chapter critically examines the implementation process involved in deriving a method that can be implemented, steps to be taken into consideration and testing of the application. The various steps taken will be derived from Unified Software Development Process (USDP). USDP is a generic process for the UML and will apply the iterative lifecycle model of USDP. [17] [10] Project Conclusion and Recommendation (Chapter 5) The final chapter will encapsulate the previous chapters and the author will discuss on further development to ensure the progress of the project, future improvement in the system designed and how it will be beneficial to the case study chosen. The conclusion will talk about the state at which the project was completed and what more can be implemented. CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW AND PROBLEM DEFINITION LITERATURE REVIEW This Literature review is about addressing general questions arising from exploration of countries in the West African region in particular. As i mentioned earlier in the previous chapter, one of the objectives of this project is to investigate the use of mobile banking in West Africa, and then determine which mobile banking platform best suites the economies and masses by further expanding the view based on its availability, accessibility, affordability and security. [29] In carrying out my research, i limited my search on few West African countries to accommodate the time limit and information given in completing this project. There are 15 countries in West Africa; but in my research i will engage on using a sample size (limiting my search to two countries Nigeria and Ghana), whereby i will analyze and investigate the development of mobile banking and its effect caused in the implementation in those countries. [2] This will enable a fair view recommendation in my conclusion thereby concluding on which mobile platform can best be applied. Both countries (Nigeria Ghana) have active Mobile banking initiatives currently implemented; but as low and middle income countries respectively, they come from different starting points and face different issues. As such, they help to frame the particular questions which are focused to derive a result in the implementation of Mobile banking in West Africa. These few questions are: What is happening to mobile banking in these developing countries, and is it likely to lead to greater accessibility and affordability? Will Mobile banking in West Africa develop spontaneously and will there be an enablement required for it to function effectively? What are the measures in place (if any) to ensure a fast and secure means of mobile banking. Are financial institutions aware of Mobile banking in Nigeria and Ghana and what mobile banking platforms have been applied? What benefit does Mobile banking contribute to the economy and how will the customers embrace such technology? In this project, various investigations are carried out to identify the elements of an environment in adopting Mobile banking methods which would maximize the likelihood of access to financial services and how it will expand greatly in West Africa. Because of its restricted time and focus, the project was designed to be exploratory, rather than definitive (seeking to understand what was happening in both countries mentioned above) and in the process develop an approach towards market development and awareness of which could be of wider value across the continent. The project comprised the following elements: Investigation on existing mobile banking platforms used as mentioned earlier and the different approaches adopted in different Countries. In my research, i realized that mobile banking platforms follow a wide range of mobile application expansion in West Africa where so many banks are embarking on the system. This was because of the success of new mobile devices manufactured to provide excellent characteristics with larger processing power, large amount of memory, enabled Java programming and GPRS/GPS service.[4] Furthermore, mobile network operators in the Western region of Africa adopted 2.5G network, which uses GPRS as an information bearer. With the expansion of 3G networks, it has made mobile banking more productive. These type of networks enable greater amount of data to be transmitted between the client and server applications using much secure and stable connectivity. [4] With the adoption of the 2G network, WAP was implemented and due to disadvantages in terms of security and availability, the development of the mobile client application was introduced. WAP mobile application was useful for less powerful mobile devices. [4] [9]Taking a look at other West African countries like Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Niger etc. in which they know little about mobile banking, with an awareness and banks adopting mobile banking platforms, these nations will adopt mobile banking platforms. The vast major countries in West Africa in which mobile banking is implemented are Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia and few others. [3] In carrying out my analysis on the growth and implementation of mobile banking in West Africa, i looked at developing countries in that region and examined how effective mobile banking can be. In my research, i sampled two countries Nigeria and Ghana and examined all aspects relating to the project topic. RESEARCH ON MOBILE BANKING IN NIGERIA AND GHANA The growth of Mobile banking in Nigeria started in 2006 beginning with the SMS system of banking which is widely common and still practiced. The WAP and Mobile client application system started in 2008 and ever since has been expanding in technology. Internet banking is one of the mobile banking systems that had a low penetration rate in Nigeria due to poor internet facilities and a high cost of acquiring internet service (Table 2.1).[3] Globa Com a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) uses the SMS system of banking in collaboration using some banks in the country. According to the official of Globa Com, in which he stated that Glo Mobile banking subscribers will soon have access to paying bills and other utility bills on their mobile with a collaboration with several financial organizations. This proves the growth and expansion on Mobile banking in Nigeria and the rest of West Africa. As at 2008, the internet banking system had a 6% penetration rate in a population of 140million in Nigeria. In regards to mobile banking, its penetration rate is close to 50% with a prospect for more expansion as analyzed below. [4] One may ask why a large difference between both banking systems. This is due to low infrastructure and technology in satellite transmission across West Africa. In Ghana, There are measures to ensure the wide spread of Mobile banking services for commercial banks have been advised to introduce mobile banking platforms to enable its customers in carrying out banking services even outside the banking premises which was the only way to transfer funds, check balances etc. [5] Mobile banking service penetration As analyzed above in table 2.1, mobile banking services has penetrated in both countries compared to internet banking which has very low penetration. For Mobile client applications to be implemented, a mobile device with GPRS, WAP enabled and java compatibility should be used. These applications implement secure API and web service technology. Mobile banking features on a mobile phone have been provided to users in which it is secure and easy to use. This concept is a competitive advantage on the market of mobile phone manufacturers in which competitive advantage is the possibility of success. [13] Emmanuel Okoegwale stated in his report that offshore transfer of WAP mobile banking was a disaster based on an internet-based technology applied to the mobile which was a slow, unreliable and costly system for customers in Nigeria with poor coverage, handset limitation and inadequate customer awareness to the system. At the moment, the SMS system of banking is dominant for mobile banking transaction. [4] TECHNOLOGY With the standardization of the 3rd generation mobile communication systems in 2000, technology became a vital impart in the world of mobile banking. In 2000, 2.5G 2.75G network increased the data transmission. Then, the 3G network system which transmits wideband TDMA and CDMA, voice and high bit-rate data and portable units. There are speculations of the 4th generation mobile communication systems called the 4G to be implemented in 2010. The current mobile technology used in Ghana and Nigeria are: SMS (The à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“request replyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? text application) WAP (Web application) J2ME (Java application) Short Message Service The Short Message Service system involves a user and a Mobile Network Operator exchanging text messages through a secure encrypted channel. But first, the user needs to be registered with the bank to receive the facility. Once registered by the bank, the user will be advised a text will be sent to him to confirm the registration. The service will then be registered and the user would be able to receive text alert once in a while especially when a transaction has taken place in the customers account. The structure of a secure SMS system is therefore highlighted below. An SMS System of banking With the SMS system, the user can request for his current balance by (requesting) sending a text to a bank message code and then get a response. The message code helps to identify the user and then recognise his request, in which it will initiate a response (sending his current balance). The disadvantage of SMS system of banking is that scammers send SMS messages identifying themselves as the bank, and also request for further bank details from the user such as PIN number, account number etc. This fraud has made the SMS system of banking insecure. This method is still experienced in Nigeria and Ghana respectively as i was able to identify that as a challenge. Another disadvantage is the user cannot store his credit card information on the mobile devices to pay a bill due to poor mobile infrastructure in place in West Africa. Also, no payment history can be derived from the mobile device when using an SMS system of banking. WAP (Web Application) The WAP system uses an internet browser on a mobile device. The user accesses his account from the banks website. This is similar to internet banking practiced on a PC or laptop. A major constrain in the WAP system is old mobile handsets have no built-in mobile browser, therefore restricting users in using such method. In Ghana and Nigeria, most mobile handset users use sophisticated handsets with GPRS, 3G and wireless enabled. Few banks such as Diamond, Intercontinental, Bank PHP and Ghanaian Commercial bank have adopted this method of banking, but yet to completely introduce it to all their customers. This is due to the long wait and procedure their customers have to take in registering for the facility. Some banks have created a special web page which will be suitable for their customers to register on their mobile screens. Mobile browsers are vulnerable to the same security risk been experienced in internet banking. However, there are differences in terms of safer means of transacting data on a mobile device than on the PC or laptop. This is because as at June 2009,[21a] creators of Trojan horses viruses and other types have not fully focused on the mobile market; though viruses still affect mobile devices, but it is not as rampant as the PC or laptop. J2ME (Java Application) J2ME is classified as an application used to implement a mobile client application. This application needs to be downloaded and installed on a mobile device which is java enabled, and then linked directly to a server. The application is said to require an effort to install, but it is known to becoming popular around the world. This is because it is faster than logging into the web browser to access a banks website. With further development in its technology, its user interface will be much easier to navigate.[21a] Applications as this are highly secure due to its implementation and information designed to function with a security algorithm, whereby all banks use different security algorithms. The disadvantage in using this method is programs downloaded on a mobile device can be stored and if not signed or logged out, it could be vulnerable to security risk. This can be tackled by introducing a timeout system method when implementing the code.[21a] CONNECTIVITY There are various network connectivity used in mobile transmission. Network Connectivity Mobile device users communicate using wireless networks anywhere at any given time. Mobile devices can be connected as well at any place and at anytime to the wireless network. Wireless network connectivity are regulated by frequencies. The user receives wireless network connection on his mobile on the frequency and wavelength of the antenna. Signal problems may occur based on the blocking and reflection of large buildings, the size of wavelength may be too small and the distance of the wireless antennas (mast) may be too far. This has been further tackled in developed nations, but West African countries still experience these problems. Signals can take many different paths and may case delay (3-12 micro seconds). [17] The effects of low or no signals in West Africa are based on short and long term fading of the signals. The short term fading can be classified as buildings, hills, trees etc., while the long term fading can be said to be the distance between the sender and the receiver, for it may change when the user moves to a different coverage area. MOBILE PLATFORMS Mobile devices come in different ranges, shapes and sizes. This is why mobile developers cannot system the same mobile platforms for another mobile device. For example, mobile applications developed to function on a Nokia handset will not function on a Windows Mobile/ Windows CE handset, though some applications may function on handsets manufactured by different companies. An example is the snake game on a Nokia and Sony Ericsson handset. This is due to the specification in both devices which will be further explained. Also, these devices are manufactured by different companies using different techniques. Mobile devices are categorised into: Microsoft PDA and Smart phones These devices use a mobile 5 and 2003 pocket edition platform to function. Types of devices in these categories are XDA, SPV-M, MDA, I-MATE, HTC S623 etc. Nokia and Sony Ericsson Devices These devices use a Symbian platform to function. Types of devices in these categories are P900, N series, W series, 9300 communicator etc. RIM Blackberry Device The blackberry device is a unique kind of device, for it has its unique platform and for such features (such as push e-mails) to function, it will need to register with RIM company, and then be connected to the blackberry enterprise server (BES). With other devices such the HTC device you can download the outlook e-mail feature from the mobile web. Palm Smart phones The palm device also uses Microsoft mobile 5 platforms along with the palm Operating System (OS) platform. Devices in this category are Treo 600, Treo 650, Centro, Palm pre etc. Microsoft PDA phones, smart phones are also manufactured by Sony Ericsson, Nokia, Palm and other mobile companies. These devices have similar functions which are: They have the push e-mail function You can create, edit and read on the device using applications such as word, powerpoint, spreadsheets etc. There are differences between using a blackberry device and other devices. As mentioned earlier, the blackberry device is a unique kind and this has made its devices more demanding and competitive in the mobile market. Analysing these mobile devices in terms of usage in Nigeria and Ghana, most people are so focus driven when new kinds of mobile handsets are introduced into the market. They look forward to having one without the knowledge of its features or technology. The mobile platforms in use are listed and some are explained below: Symbian platform Palm OS platform Java platform RIM (Blackberry) platform Windows Mobile platform Linux platform Symbian platform The name Symbian was derived based on Microsofts domination in the mobile market, therefore making four mobile companies ( Ericsson, Panasonic, Motorola and Nokia) along with the development team of Psion (a UK based company) form a new company called Symbian. The Symbian platform was also called EPOS. Symbian is known to be an open source operating system (OS) specifically designed for mobile devices and smart phones with frameworks, libraries and user interface originally developed by the company Symbian LTD. [29b] The Symbian platform is specifically engineered to handle error (which is similar to Java) and uses the concept of a server rather than traditional device drivers. The Symbian platform uses an SDK development environment. Figure 2.3 shows the architecture of the Symbian platform. Java platform Java was developed as a language for embedded programming of washing machine, microwaves etc. In 2000, Java language became sophisticated with large classes supporting desktop like application and requiring memory resources and significant processing. The growth of mobile devices reached the critical mass which made Sun re-launch a smaller version of their SDK called J2ME (Java 2 Micro Edition). J2ME now retains integration with larger SDK Sun like Palm OS and Symbian platforms. The architecture of J2ME (as shown in figure 2.3) was further partitioned into the virtual machines, configurations and profiles(as shown on figure 2.4). The J2ME also has support for OTA provisioning. Java ME technology was created in order to handle the constraints connected with building applications for small devices. Palm OS The Palm was launched as a software house developing handwriting recognition software for some manufacturers handheld. In 2001, palm split to become two companies, one responsible for development of operating systems and the other PDAs. Palm functions with a single -tasking third -party kernel which was developed by KADAK. It has a real-time operating system which is able to handle hardware interruption while task switching. EVALUATION AND FINDINGS A search was carried out to analyse the current Mobile banking Structure in West Africa and what banking strategies have been implemented to ensure customers have a safe and secure means of Mobile banking. Before implementing a Mobile client application, such evaluations should be carried out by using SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis, this will enable me carryout a proper implementation of Mobile banking in West Africa. In achieving my findings, I carried out various objectives which are listed below: I carried out a search to analyse the current Mobile banking Structure existing in West Africa and how effective, accessible and affordable it has been to the economies or nations. This was carried out with the aid of Journals, Articles and information from the internet and media. Results: The mobile banking platforms in existence are SMS, WAP and Mobile client application. An evaluation of my findings from my literature search was carried out to determine the benefits, threats, and the weaknesses of implementing a mobile banking application in West African region. Results: The benefits are greater expansion in banking facility and the economy at large. Security measures were derived when implementing the application due to a high risk of data protection in that region. What techniques were introduced in current mobile banking platforms? Results: Techniques derived to implement the application on a mobile device are SMS alert system, banking advertisement and customer-to-bank relationship. ANALYSIS AND INVESTIGATION Analysis and investigation are issues that may arise when implementing a mobile banking platform. To investigate the above given aim and objectives, ill be using a range of resources, like books, journals, but the main source of my information will be the Internet; resources from news websites, white papers and government publications etc. thereby providing an up-to-date information to carryout my research. This method was adopted due to constrains in distance and information from West African countries. According to Sola fanawopo(2008) on the growth in mobile banking services in Nigeria, he stated that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“some of the transactions that can be conducted with Glo Mobile banking include checking balances, viewing of the last five transactions on account. He also stated Glo Mobile (Owner by Globa Com) subscribers can transfer money from one account to another within the same bank.[23] Emmanuel Okoegwale in an article went further to elaborate on when Nigeria started using Mobile banking system which he said started by transaction based activities whereby customers were notified through the SMS system of banking in respect to the recent banking transactions done on their account.[3] With the recent penetration of internet and Java enabled mobile devices, Nigerian banks deployed full fledged banking through mobile device with various means of services made available, but this was made possible in the bank. The internet being a channel to mobile banking had penetration rate of 6 percent (%) in a population of 140million,with mobile technology been close to 50 percent (%) penetration with prospect for growth.( see table 2.1) [4] The banking sector in Ghana has witnessed a significant amount of transformation in the adoption of banking which also known in Ghana as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"m-banking.[3] According to Daniel Nonors report on mobile banking in Ghana, he said à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“subscribers to the facility in Ghana still account for a tiny percentage of the banking public, but fast gaining groundsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?. He went further to explain the use of advanced mobile phones and services by Ghanaians who have embraced the mobile technology. [1] One of Ghanaians top banks à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"Ghana Commercial bank GCB is yet to introduce the mobile client system of banking to their customers in 2010. [24] MTN ( one of West Africans mobile service operators launched mobile banking in Ghana called MTN Mobile Money which will allow customers pay for utility services, transfer money and other banking services. For this to function, customers will have to register with authorized mobile money agents or partnership banks. [5] Ivatury and Mas (2008) predicted that poor people in developing countries are more likely to use mobile phones in undertaking financial transactions. [8] However, there exists poor internet connectivity in most countries in West Af

Analysis of Things Fall Apart Essay -- Chinua Achebe

Different countries have people that hold many different views and beliefs. In Nigeria the Igbo area is located in the southern area of the country. And within this area is Umuofia, which is where the Ogidi tribe lives. These people have beliefs that rest strongly on religion and faith in god. "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe takes a look at the life of an African tribe that has been isolated from the outer more technologically advanced world where science has become a part of religion proving that certain things live sickness are not caused by evil spirits. But the African tribe has no knowledge of this and they live in a society where there traditions, beliefs and there forms of communication differ from are own. In Umuofia, traditions are an important part of their lives. They celebrate festival that has been celebrated by their people for hundreds of years. ?The feast of the New Yam was held every year before the harvest began, to honor the earth goddess and the ancestral spirits of the clan?. They beliefs were that if they prayed to the earth goddess she would give them a good season to grow their crops. They had other traditions in their tribe, like the process you must follow to marry. After coming to the ugi they would bid for the price of the woman in broomsticks because they felt that talking with cowries was insulting to the woman because it was like buying something at the market. ?. Akueke?s bride price was finally settled at twenty bags of cowries?. This tribe believed that the groom must pay to have his wife, which is how they had always done it. To be successful in Umuofia you want to, have many wives and many kids and have many barns full of yams and have titles with the clan. Okonkwo was one of the w... ...e had such a temper he would beat them. And because of his pride he would never stop until he was done beating them. Okonkwo had a very tough personality and was known through out the land as being a fierce fighter who had claimed five heads of his opponents. This culture really varies from ours in many ways because of the ways they communicate is so different from how we would ever consider doing here. The Igbo tribe has values beliefs and ideas that are strongly rooted in the gods. The way in which they communicate and interact shows a lack of respect towards woman and they are treated like slaves to men. Achebe?s novel ?Things Fall Apart? gives a good insight into the aspects a of a culture that before him had never need explored, and it gives the reader a good look at what the beliefs, values and the way the members of the community communicate and interact.

The Immigration And Asylum Debate :: essays research papers

Russian nationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky has once again horrified the politically correct and "culturally sensitive" by suggesting that White people, who comprise only eight percent of the world's population, should unite to keep from being overwhelmed by non-Whites. The reaction from Western governments and the news media to their current archdemon has been predictable. Any attempt to preserve the integrity of the White race, in their view, constitutes the most vile form of racism and bigotry, and anyone advocating such a plan must be pilloried as a dangerous criminal. It is, therefore, no surprise that only a few farsigà itical philosophers have addressed the looming American immigration crisis. Our elected officials have failed for more than two decades to act to control immigration. As a result, demographers are already taking note of the dramatic changes occurring in the population of the United States. Leon Bouvier and Cary Davis, respected demographers with the Population Reference Bureau, prepared population projections demonstrating the changes which large-scale Third World immigration is causing. They warn that projections are not predictions. Immigration could increase or decrease. The future will never turn out to be exactly like the projections. Yet projections by the population experts are important because they give an approximation of future population demographics if immigration continues at current high levels. What do the experts' predictions show? Current levels of immigration are transforming the United States from a predominantly European-descended, English- speaking nation into a melting pot, a land in which Asians, non-White Hispanics, Blacks and Whites are all minorities. This transformation is happening fastest in the states favored by immigrants, such as California, Texas, Florida and New York. The speed with which this change occurs depends on the level of immigration. Because most immigration to the United States is now illegal, no precise figure can be given for annual net immigration. However, Immigration and Naturalization Service officials and leading scholars are able to make educated estimates. Legal immigration is currently in excess of 600,000 persons annually. Illegal immigrants fall into two broad categories: (1) visa abusers/fraudulent document users and (2) surreptitious border crossers. The latter category is well known to the American public. Chiefly Mexicans and others from Central America, these illegal aliens cross the border without visas or other documentation -- usually under cover of darkness. More than 1.2 million such aliens were captured this year, and Border Patrol agents estimate that two to three illegal aliens slip by for each one that is apprehended.

Developmental Psychology and Children Essay

1.1 An explanation of the legal status and principles of the relevant Early Years Framework and why the early years frameworks emphasise a personal and individual approach to learning development. The department of Education have issued a statutory Framework for Nursery settings, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage. The framework sets the legal requirements for the care of young children relating to Learning, Development and Welfare. The EYFS framework sets the UK standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five. The curriculum is built around four principles: 1.A Unique Child 2.Positive Relationships 3.Enabling Environments 4.Learning and Development To give a basic understanding of the four principles, I will explain them below: A Unique Child You should focus on how children develop and recognise they are all different, but should be treated equally. Positive relationships and good communication are vital. Children need to learn about risks and safety, how to make good choices and how to stick to boundaries. Positive Relationships The theme is about children learning to manage their feelings and build relationships. You should respect all kinds of families and aim to develop a positive two-way relationship with parents. You will support, listen and work with the children to help them learn.Have a nominated key carer for each child to ensure they have the opportunity of building a close relationship and are well monitored during their time with you. Enabling Environments Plan and check on each child’s progress and make every attempt to involve parents and the local community. Ensure that inside and outside spaces of the nursery are safe, interesting and engaging. Learning and Development Focus on ensuring young children learn through play and exploration, with support for each individual. You should encourage children to develop imagination, to get actively involved in learning and to make decisions. Make every attempt to develop children’s creative and critical thinking, balancing the need for both the children and adults to lead the learning. Always work towards the following specific goals to help keep within the framework: †¢Personal, Social and Emotional Development, helping to build confidence, concentration, independence and respect. †¢Communication, Language and Literacy, developing speaking and listening skills and beginning to read and write. †¢Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy, focusing on number work, mathematical ideas and thinking. †¢Knowledge and Understanding of the World, helping children investigate and think about their place in the world. †¢Physical Development, relating to developing physical skills and understanding. †¢Creative Development, centred around building children’s imagination. †¢Welfare, ensuring we are all aware of our responsibility for children’s welfare. We will look after your child properly and help them to stay healthy. We also ensure the Red House is a safe and positive place for children