...very fabric of cultural experience and, indeed, affect our sense of what culture actually is in the modern world. Both globalization and culture are concepts of the highest order of generality and notoriously contested in their meanings. This book certainly does not aim at an exhaustive analysis of either: more modestly it tries to grasp the main elements of globalization in what might be called a cultural register. In this first chapter I offer an orientating understanding of the concept of globalization within this register, and then try to show why culture and globalization matter intrinsically to each other. Globalization as Complex Connectivity To construct this argument I begin with a simple and relatively uncontentious basic understanding of globalization as an empirical condition of the modem world: what I shall call complex connectivity. By this I mean that globalization refers to the rapidly developing...
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...In recent times, driven by the momentum of connectivity and cognitive technology the nature of work is changing. Cognitive technologies and artificial intelligence are making consistent progress and growing in sophistication. This emphasizes the crucial need for Enterprises and their HR leaders to design and manage the future of work, workforces, and workplaces accordingly. Technologies such as mobility, cloud computing, web conferencing and tele-presence are powering connectivity across the globe and allowing people to work remotely. Thus, increasing the opportunity to utilize people capability without requiring people to move, today employees are not bound by four walls or to an office to do their work, they can obtain and share knowledge easily 24/7. And this exchange is happening at a fast rate as mobile and internet devices are becoming more accessible in emerging markets and from remote locations. The right technological competence liberates us from any confines, be it geography or time. Work has become complex and is changing at a much higher gear. Today, work is conducted across an increasingly broad range of settings, geographies,...
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...Brain connectivity is one of the most enigmatic question posed to neuro-biologists. The establishment of this intricate network in prenates and neonates brain is influenced in equal measures by environmental and biological factors. In it's extension, certain environmental stimulation boost the parameters for improved brain connectivity. One such factor is auditory stimulation. It is widely believed that use of such stimulation increases cognitive functions. With the present understanding of the underlying mechanism use of auditory stimulation can be used for reprogramming brain connectivity. Studies indicate the effective reprogramming in psychiatric disorders such as autism and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and ALS, where...
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...cognition distinctly a human phenomenon?” Turing may have been one of the first to promote intelligent capabilities in machines. As technology increases, it seems that Turing may have been right. Today, it is unclear that intelligence and cognition are strictly human. Some of the most heated arguments against science, particularly psychology and biology, seem to center around a perceived threat against humanity. For example, evolution was and still is challenged, in large part, because to believe in evolution means accepting natural selection and similarity among evolved species. Evolution threatens the uniqueness and even the superiority of humankind, according to many opponents. Similarly, the possibility of language in primates is refuted by many, I believe, in large part because this cognitive ability has been believed to be reserved only for humans. John Searle seems to be making a similar argument against what he refers to as “strong” artificial intelligence. Searle argues that “instantiating a program” (422) cannot lead to understanding as a human, or even an animal understands. Searle argues that machines or programs lack “intentionality”, and are meaningless. I sympathize with Searle that it is difficult to accept a machine that shares cognitive capabilities with a human. Such a hypothesis seems to challenge the core values of humanity, such as our individuality and our unpredictability, or diversity. The rational human mind is something that has set humans apart from all...
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...applies to everyday running of life and other systems that relate to life especially in India. There are many researchers that have come up with different components of resilience depending on where it is to be applied but in this paper there are five components that have applied in a general context. The application of these components will determine if the result of resilience will be positive or negative. This paper will discuss redundancy, diversification, network connectivity, feedback and recovery and how they have been practically applied to various places to build resilience especially in India and Punjab, Pakistan. It will further discuss two other components of resilience that is strongly related to the named components. Finally it will conclude on the basis of choosing the components and the importance of those components. Application of the components of resilience There are many systems that interact in their functioning. The world functions due to interactions such as humans and the eco-system and humans and the climate. The components of resilience determine the how the interaction will occur and what will it result in. As stated there are many...
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...Spencer Rohatynski Professor Zang Theory Application Paper December 3, 2015 The Perfect Combination “The human mind is everywhere one, and the same in that it has the same capacities.” Strauss uses the article “‘Primitive’ Thinking and the ‘Civilized’ Mind” to get a vast, relatable, and timely point across to readers. He discusses his thoughts on the differences between the ‘primitive’ mind, and the ‘civilized’ mind... The reason this article resonates so deeply with me, is because it relates to our current culture, and lifestyles in a way that is so obviously correct. I’ll be using this paper to discuss the relation between Strauss’ article, and our lives. Strauss would describe our current minds, as ‘civilized’ minds, as a scientific way of thinking. Strauss says, “It’s a step by step way of thinking, trying to give explanations for very limited phenomena, and then moving on quickly to a new phenomenon.” A kind of thinking focused on numbers, length, things that are able to be measured, like Instagram likes or Facebook comments. Strauss stated, that “We only use enough mental power for what is needed by our profession…” In our lives we do what is needed, and no more. Strauss says what we lack though, is the Savage mind, or a ‘primitive’ way of thinking. A type of thinking focused more on feelings, descriptions, and observations. He says, “We use more mental power, but considerably less of our sensory perceptions.” We’re no longer as aware as we once were, no longer as...
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...Supplemental In-Depth Integrative Case Nokia Targets the Base of the Pyramid One of the most widely used clichés in the world of business is the so-called 80/20 rule. In the realm of sales, the rule is sometimes interpreted as “80 percent of our sales come from 20 percent of our customers.”1 One recent business theory that has challenged this rule is the so called BOP or Bottom of the Pyramid perspective, developed and popularized by C.K. Prahalad.2 It refers to the around 4 billion people at the bottom of the economic pyramid with a purchasing power of US$2,000 per year or less. Prahalad and colleagues have proposed that these low-income consumers represent great potential but require a unique mix of pricing, promotion, low cost delivery, and effective communication in order to successfully reach.3 The key to selling to BOP consumers is that an MNC strategy be affordable, accessible, and socially driven. Nokia is one company that is taking this perspective seriously. Business interest in BOP markets is rising. Multinational companies have been leaders in this trend, especially in food and consumer products. And large national companies have also taken a leadership role, proving to be among the most innovative in meeting the needs of BOP consumers and producers, especially in such sectors as housing, agriculture, consumer goods, and financial services. And small start-ups and social entrepreneurs focusing on BOP markets are rapidly growing in number. But perhaps the strongest...
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...Supplemental In-Depth Integrative Case Nokia Targets the Base of the Pyramid One of the most widely used clichés in the world of business is the so-called 80/20 rule. In the realm of sales, the rule is sometimes interpreted as “80 percent of our sales come from 20 percent of our customers.”1 One recent business theory that has challenged this rule is the so called BOP or Bottom of the Pyramid perspective, developed and popularized by C.K. Prahalad.2 It refers to the around 4 billion people at the bottom of the economic pyramid with a purchasing power of US$2,000 per year or less. Prahalad and colleagues have proposed that these low-income consumers represent great potential but require a unique mix of pricing, promotion, low cost delivery, and effective communication in order to successfully reach.3 The key to selling to BOP consumers is that an MNC strategy be affordable, accessible, and socially driven. Nokia is one company that is taking this perspective seriously. Business interest in BOP markets is rising. Multinational companies have been leaders in this trend, especially in food and consumer products. And large national companies have also taken a leadership role, proving to be among the most innovative in meeting the needs of BOP consumers and producers, especially in such sectors as housing, agriculture, consumer goods, and financial services. And small start-ups and social entrepreneurs focusing on BOP markets are rapidly growing in number. But perhaps the strongest...
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...Digital Bangladesh for Good governance Prepared for Bangladesh Development Forum 2010 Venue: Bangabandhu International Conference Centre Date: 15 -16 February, 2010 Presented by Md. Abdul Karim Principal Secretary Prime Minister s Office The Government of the People s Republic of Bangladesh Digital Bangladesh for Good governance 1. The Pledge for a Digital Bangladesh by 2021 Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) were recognized by the world leaders as a key development enabler in World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) in Geneva in 2003 and in Tunis in 2005 (Tunis Commitment). In the Poverty Reduction Strategy of the country called National Strategy for Accelerated Poverty Reduction (NSAPR) 2009, ICTs were similarly identified and given due importance. The current government s Digital Bangladesh by 2021 vision proposes to mainstream ICTs as a pro-poor tool to eradicate poverty, establish good governance, ensure social equity through quality education, healthcare and law enforcement for all, and prepare the people for climate change. Remarkable to mention is the fact that over 50 Secretaries of the government, a similar number of eGovernance Focal Points who are senior policy makers one in each Ministry, all 64 Deputy Commissioners who are heads of district administration, and all 483 Upazila Nirbahi Officers who are heads of sub-district (upazila) administration have attended multi-day long orientation workshops on Digital Bangladesh. These intensive workshops...
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...“Is Google Making Us Stupid?” and “Connectivity and Its Discontents” In the articles, “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” and “Connectivity and Its Discontents” the main core topic of both articles is conveying that the internet is the first place we go to for information. The authors study has shown it affects our way of reading books, articles and research papers. Even though this process may offer knowledge is accurate, it shortens our brain’s learning ability in its process. The first thing Carr addresses is that there is a problem with technology getting way over our heads. He states it is difficult for him to comprehend anything he is trying to read, “The deep reading that used to come naturally has become a struggle” (Cam 2). In this particular article Cam compares how our mind is changing with computers are getting into people’s minds like how time affected us back then. He describes how before the internet, clocks people did things by impulse. He provides example like how people could sleep when they were tired and eat when they were hungry, but after the invention of the clock, people suddenly had certain time intervals to do certain things. “Connectivity and its Discontents” by Sherry Turkle is an article that expresses the unfavorable impacts of the social network and technology in general. Turkle provides us with an example of a conference with its audience having the ability to video call during presentation and socializing. A person could be with a group of people...
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...Brain imaging techniques Introduction to brain imaging techniques and other methods A number of techniques are available to investigate the question of how and where in the brain particular perceptual and cognitive processes occur. Tasks or tests can be devised that place varying levels of demand on the cognitive, sensory or motor capacities of the participant being tested. Performance of these tasks is then correlated with physiological measurements, and on the basis of these results, we may go on to ascribe functions to areas of the brain. Whilst there is a growing fascination with imaging techniques in the popular media (e.g. ‘This is your brain on politics’), it’s important to bear in mind that each technique has limitations that often don’t get picked up on by newspaper editors who themselves have little-to-no experience using them. The most often overlooked limitation is the issue of ‘reverse inference’ – just because cognition X (e.g. using one’s memory) is associated with brain activation Y (e.g. activation in the prefrontal cortex), that doesn’t mean that if a participant displays activation Y, they are necessary engaging in cognition X. Below we highlight some key neuropsychological and neuroscientific techniques, and a few of their limitations. There are also a number of great blogs that deal with issues relating to neuroscience, particularly in the popular press (e.g. Bad Science, The Neurocritic, [citation needed]). Testing brain damaged subjects (Neuropsychology) ...
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...The European Dream: How Europe's Vision of the Future Is Quietly Eclipsing the American Dream is a book, by Jeremy Rifkin published in September 2004. Rifkin describes the emergence and evolution of the European Union over the past five decades, as well as key differences between European and American values. He argues that the European Union, which he describes as the first truly postmodern governing body, is already an economic superpower rivaling the U.S., and has the potential to become a full world superpower. According to Rifkin, the "European Dream" is one in which individuals find security not through individual accumulation of wealth, but through connectivity, sustainable development, and respect for human rights. Rifkin's concept of connectivity is displayed in the Dutch people's quest for gezelligheid (meaning a cozy, inclusive environment), as well as the social market theories that have dominated French and German economic planning since WWII. Rifkin argues that this model is better-suited to 21st-century challenges than the "American Dream". Rifkin explains Europe's opposition to the death penalty in a historical context; after losing so many lives to wars in the early and mid-20th century, Europe is opposed to state-sponsored killing as a matter of principle. He also discusses the European commitment to "deep play" a notion which is absent in the United States. To support his thesis, Rifkin notes[1] that in addition to the European Union having more people and...
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...Information Technology and Rural Development in India – Nirvikar Singh, University of California, Santa Cruz, USA Information technology and rural development in India* Nirvikar Singh University of California, Santa Cruz, USA April 2004 Abstract How can information technology (IT) contribute to rural development? What are the channels through which impacts can be realized, and what are the practical means for realizing potential benefits? This paper examines several ongoing projects that aim to provide IT-based services to rural populations in India. These projects are distinguished by the goal of commercial sustainability, which supports scalability and, therefore, more widespread benefits. The analysis highlights the common building blocks required for successful implementation, and the relative strengths and weaknesses of different approaches. Keywords: India, information technology, Internet, rural development JEL codes: O12, O3, L31, P2 Contact: Professor Nirvikar Singh, Department of Economics, Social Sciences 1, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA, ph: 1-831-459-4093, fax: 1-831459-5900, email: boxjenk@ucsc.edu. 1 Information Technology and Rural Development in India – Nirvikar Singh, University of California, Santa Cruz, USA 1. Introduction It may seem paradoxical that modern information technology (IT), associated in our minds with developed country markets and capital-intensive methods of production, has any relevance for a country where...
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...difficult in a region of the world where the Internet has not reached every sector of the population. However, Kenya is leading the way in transforming information technology usage in Africa. Creative talent, curiosity, and innovative entrepreneurial spirit have helped shape the Kenyan technology community. Constraints to technology growth in Kenya 1. Lack of Connectivity Local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) generally do not offer connectivity in the remote areas and mobile phone data networks often have limited reach and can be prohibitively expensive. 2. Expensive Electricity Rural and other underserved locations rarely have a reliable electrical power infrastructure that can support a standard ICT implementation. Traditional computing systems are therefore cost-prohibitive because they require so much electricity. 3. Lack of technological skills Lack of properly trained staff with the right technological skills has derailed technology growth since there are no people to diffuse the technology and also to train the targeted audience on how to use the new technology effectively. The quality and quantity of available human resource can directly affect the growth of technology. 4. Lack of funds This is one of the main issues affecting technology growth in Kenya. Many people come up with new ideas every day but are hindered from implementing them dye to lack of resources. There has not been enough government support in terms of finance until recently. It's also hard for innovators...
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...done via a technological interface, be it the coffee maker or the internet. Even further, daily chore duties such as washing dishes, clothes and mowing the grass have become very simple with the use of technology to an extent that you really do not feel that you are doing anything. All you are doing is place a basket of clothes in your dishwasher, press two buttons, and then come back in two hours, where the clothes are clean and dried. A duty that used to take one or two days to complete and a copious of efforts can be completed successfully with two buttons pressed and two hours effortlessly and with minimal discomfort. One aspect of technology advancement requires more attention that others that is communication. Communicating with humans, be it as home, school or work, is one of the most important necessities of human’s social need. People need to talk to each other to feel good, feel existent, productive and sociable. There is no way you can get anything done at school without having a discussion or a one-to-one chat with your peers, students or administrative staff. Likewise, at work, without meetings and briefings, managers cannot communicate with staff to get work done. Clients cannot talk to stores to tell them about their needs, etc. etc. Communication is a key. Technology...
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