Thursday, October 31, 2019

The 7-S framework model is suggested as a tool for identifying the Essay

The 7-S framework model is suggested as a tool for identifying the interrelationships between different aspects of corporate str - Essay Example The core notion behind the model is that effectiveness in an organization is a result of several interrelated factors (Waterman, Peters & Phillips, 1980). The framework aids to take all the knowledge of the above mentioned organizational variables which are informal, soft or does not require the purview of the senior management team. The model suggests that other than structure and strategy, style, superordinate goals (shared values), systems and skills are also important for aligning the staff to perform certain aspired organizational activities. The model thereby urges users to focus on the interactions between the 7S and propose to bring about a balance in the organization (Bhatti, 2011). Effectiveness of the 7S framework Effectiveness is perceived in diverse manners. This is possible as every individual in a team may have a distinct idea of the meaning of being effective. The task of the management in a firm is to recognize an issue which is already present in the firm. However, the issue is related to effectively diagnosing the problem. The 7S framework is effective in this case as it helps in acting as a guide to taking and making decisions as it aims to provide several suggestions and consultations with respect to issues with respect to structure and organization. This is especially necessary during the change management situations when firms need to restructure the three hard variables, systems, strategies and process. The other soft variables like style, staff, structure and superordinate goals are often neglected by the organization during the change management process and this result in failure. The model, on the other hand, serves as a useful connection to identify certain weaknesses and strengths within the 7S framework. The 7S framework highlights the fact that a change in any one of the 7S affects the other variables in the organization. It helps business leaders to understand that the manner in which interrelated elements come together during th e stage of strategy implementation (Choi et al. 2011). The 7S framework has not only been successful in helping to reorganize structures for enhanced organizational performance but also has proved to be effective in destination management. This is because the McKinsey 7S model helps in effectively implementing strategies – be it in the perspective of an organization or to enhance the image of a destination. This is because it helps in suggesting and arriving at a balance between seven interdependent factors (Oakley & Sugarman, 2013). The effectiveness of implementing the 7S model in destination management is to strategize and implement enhanced plans for marketing and changing the image of a particular place or destination. The same model was used in changing the image of Czech Republic by ably defining and explaining certain soft and hard variables like shared values or superordinated goals, strategy, system and structure, style and staffs and skills (Palatkova, 2011). In to day’s changing world, many business and management models have been rendered obsolete; but there are a few which are still practiced by most business organizations. The 7S framework is one of them. This is mainly because the model focuses on the significant function played by coordination between the hard and soft variables and thereby bringing about a balance during the stages of strategy formulation and implementation. This

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Macbeth and Free

Macbeth and Free Will Essay In Desiderius Erasmus’s Defense of Free Will, he refutes Martin Luther’s creed that God predestines everyone’s lives and instead asserts that man alone possesses the power to choose his own path to either salvation or damnation. The play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, raises similar questions – did the protagonist, Macbeth, willingly choose to commit such atrocities as killing the king and his court to feed his own ambition, or did he merely play the role of a pawn, performing that which fate bade him do? Amid much controversy over this issue, evidence both in Erasmus’s critical essay and in the play itself affirms that Macbeth cognitively decides to act as he does in the play, confirming Erasmus’s perspective and suggesting that people have the ability to dictate their own fate through their thoughts, decisions, and actions. Through his interpretation of the Old and New Testaments in the Bible, Erasmus writes in favor of free will over predestination, a concept that, when applied to the character Macbeth, raises questions about the motives behind his detestable actions. In his essay, Erasmus explores the â€Å"power of the human† (46) to â€Å"turn away from what leads to eternal salvation† (46). According to this opinion, Macbeth makes a conscious choice to pursue a life of crime and sin, instead of simply following his fate. Macbeth’s plea that the â€Å"stars hide [their] fires† (1. 4. 57) so that â€Å"light [would not] see [his] black and deep desires† (1. 4. 58) indicates that Macbeth remains aware that his â€Å"wicked, rebellious will† (Erasmus, 48) lies within himself, and he fears the consequences of his sinful deeds. This very fear of punishment reflects the existence of free will in Macbeth as Erasmus inquires, â€Å"why [should God] curse me, when I sinned through necessity? † (47). Macbeth’s clear understanding of the evil that he plans to commit and his fear of divine punishment suggest that characters in Macbeth choose their actions as opposed to following their destiny. Macbeth’s evil actions, however, are not completely driven by an inherent evil nature; although he does have free will in the play, he becomes a slave to his ruthless ambition because of his own moral weakness. As Erasmus writes, â€Å"there are certain seeds of goodness planted in men’s minds† (50), although â€Å"the will is perhaps more inclined to evil than to good† (50). In other words, everyone possesses both good and bad within them, and it is up to the individual person to â€Å"[turn themselves] towards, or away from, faith† (48-9). Macbeth’s apparently latent moral code surfaces occasionally throughout the first act in his moments of wavering in his violent resolve; he tells Lady Macbeth that they â€Å"will proceed no further in this business† (1.7. 34) in one of the scenes preceding the murder. However, the manipulative Lady Macbeth must only mention that which Macbeth desires and question his masculinity to crush Macbeth’s good side and force it to submit to his evil ambition. The ease with which Lady Macbeth extinguishes Macbeth’s doubt of the evil plan highlights Macbeth’s weakness for his ambition. Macbeth becomes a slave not to the devil, but instead to the very evil that resides within himself. Neither heaven nor hell predetermines Macbeth’s actions in the play; it is in fact his inability to compromise his ruthless ambition that ultimately forces him into crime. He chooses to sin of his own accord, and therefore faces his final punishment that sets the world back in order at the end of the tragedy. Through their individual works, Shakespeare and Erasmus imply that humans have free will to determine their own actions, and only the strongest of heart will succeed in accomplishing the work of God.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Import And Export Of Pakistan Commerce Essay

Import And Export Of Pakistan Commerce Essay In todays world no matter how much progressive, successive or superpower a country is, no matter how much investment they made, how much modern technology theyre using in their country still theres not even a single a country who is self sufficient in all his needs without any import from the adjacent or neighboring countries. Who is not in a need to export anything from his country to the out world as he doesnt feel any necessity or required anything from the outer source? Hence every country is in need to import and export some of the things from other countries as thats the way to progress, development and success. These activities are the source of globalization and globalization results in welfare of well being along with fruitful results. Not even a single country is capable to produce or manufacture all the things/commodities by itself. So while producing things countries always look for the source/resources in which they are rich and are helpful in producing things with ease and that are advantageous for them. It produces things in which they are efficient and abundant and then either exchange them with other countries against things which they need or export them against cash and utilize that money as they want. The difference in level of production relatively the equipments that are used for this in different countries like production of things according to taste, requirements, technology factors etc have contributed majorly in import and export around the world and has greatly enhance basis of this activity. The countries are importing and exporting according to their needs and level of progress, development nature like countries that are much developed they export mostly good that are industrial and consumer goods and in exchange acquire primary sort of goods from them. On the other hand countries that are developing they export semi finished/unfinished goods, raw materials etc as they are industrialization base and in place of this import labor, finished goods, technology or services from the countries to run their industry. Now what is left at the end are the countries that have low income they are comparatively in a state of loss but it is a fact that a major contribution in the trade, import and export is by these low income countries that play their part in the economic development as well. On the example of low income countries is Pakistan. The promise and pitfalls of exporting While exporting every country faces and reap some of the advantages for which this activity was performed. Thus we can say that exporting promises some benefits to the exporting country but there are also some disadvantages against exporting activity that has to be faces by the country. Thus in short we can say that a country while doing this must has to keep certain things in consideration that if they are going to have some progress and a success in achieving their task then they also have to suffer some problems with this activity. For example if we take USA its market is very global and is very extensive for almost everything, but inspite of this hugeness it still doesnt facilitate few or more of the entrepreneurs. Who are these entrepreneurs? These are the minds who are interested in more growth. They are in search of place where their business can grow more, have more opportunity to growth and success and thus these minds prefer rest of the world as compared to USA. While doing business in import and export you need to go global obviously and thus this activity ensures some opportunities, benefits along with some drawbacks. Lets consider some of the following; In a country like Pakistan export is very much helpful as it increase the lifetime of a product or offerings by looking out for some new markets The dependence on certain markets that we have developed in some countries can be reduced by going global In a business faces situation of instability, impacts the fluctuations in its performance because of external factors like seasonal, environmental or political factors then its better to export things in new markets. This saves the face to loss moment. Gives an exposure, know-how about different things Going global is a source of fame, recognition and making relation that can be use in the hour of need. Enable them to be competitive, learn how to sustain stress situation and compete. Increase and polish growth potential. Aware us with different opportunities on international level that can be achieved. Similarly there are some pitfalls that we have to face while going globally; While going global and practicing export game one needs to have a very effective strategy which is not easy to plan in this aspect thus have to face failures and problems. Poor market analysis also cause huge problems while going global Ignorance of the difference in cultural is another pitfall thats been faced while exporting thus need to be keen in observing this difference Ignorance of host country language While exporting out things one needs to have a very strong and effective distribution chain. Managing the finance is another important factor that needs focus (John E. Cleek) Regulatory Bodies in Pakistan Some of the regulatory bodies for import and export in Pakistan are; TDAP (Trade Development Authority of Pakistan) EPB (Export Promotion Bureau) Improving Export Performance Exporters who are new they can improve their performance by using different techniques and avoiding pitfalls. There are certain ways in which export performance in Pakistan can be improved and are helpful for the exporters. Urge more investment in trade and try to make liberalized policy Try to control the shortfalls of accounts and reduce tax rate on exports. Built suitable tariffs for international trade. Resolve gas and power supply issues with firm policies Stabilized political environment An International Comparison One of the biggest problem in the way of successful exporting is the lack of knowledge about different countries we are going to deal and thats simply because of the reason that we have difference in our cultures, traditions, environments, requirements, time, language and are far apart from each other. We dont have much of the interaction with each other and lacks information about each other thats why most of the organizations in Pakistan seeks to have hesitation in export with other countries. This situation can simply be resolved by attaining information about other countries or countries we are going to deal with. Information Sources The Pakistani firms can increase their knowledge and awareness of export while doing business in various countries by gathering export information about them through various means. Like the organization of international trade centre (ITC) is a very useful source of providing information about export when were doing with different countries as it deals with exporters, the policy designers and institutions of trade support. To understand the foreign culture, trade aspects and other things organizations like this are very helpful to improve the export performance. Besides other organization include SECP, Chamber of Commerce along with some private organizations. Utilizing Export Management Companies This is another source of improving the export. In Pakistan institutions; like this who are working for the support and purpose of providing valuable information to export companies and their management skills playing their part in improvement. The exporters should gain advantage from their services, knowledge and skills. One of the very famous export management companies working in Pakistan is ITC that provides links and information related to policy formers, export management institutions. Exporting Strategy Exporting strategies are helpful to reduce the risks to export. By carefully manipulating and implementing these strategies they can prove beneficial for exporters. There are few guidelines, strategies and points that can be prove advantageous for the exporting businesses in Pakistan. In order to improve the export performance in Pakistan the skills development should be carefully observed. We are living in a era which exhibits rapid innovational techniques everyday in various fields of life, so expose new ideas and fulfill the demands of seekers in a effective and rapid way every day. To overcome the competitiveness in export skills in different aspects like labor, services, supply, quality etc should be improved. Pakistan has labor/human force that is young and energetic building their skills will obviously results in improved export performance. Try to reduce the cost of doing business especially when we are exporting. The high cost is usually because of two reasons, Unfavorable business environment Inadequacy of infrastructure Effective policies and strategies should be adopted and framed to overcome these problems. Provide a workable business environment that practices cooperation. Trade should be facilitated through trade supportive policies that urge the exporters to export more and more. As compared to other countries the export time taken by Pakistan is much more that shows the attitude of government policies, support and interest in this aspect. This area should be observed carefully and try to efficient the way of exporting by stating new policies. Export and Import Financing This term has to do a lot with import export as it exhibits the attitude when one businesses with someone who is stranger for him. He has to carry out export or import with him but is in a situation of total dis-trust. It creates lack of trust when doing import export. There are some financial devices used in Pakistan and internationally that has solved this matter and help to ensure the delivery of goods and payments while doing business across the border. It involves the following financing elements like letter of credit (LC), Bill of lading (BL), drafts. Lack of Trust Lack of trust is a huge hurdle in the way of import export. Firms doing business globally most of the time has to trust someone who is unseen and unknown. So it creates a level of lack of trust between both of them. One feels stress about the completion of his job by the other and other has a feeling about the receiving of payment against his services after completion of work that he may or may not receive his charges after accomplishing the task. Thus both the parties are in a state of confusion and this is because of lack of trust. In order to resolve this problem the concept of third party has been introduced and used here which is trusted by both the parties. The third party involved is bank. Letter of Credit Its a import export financing instrument that helps to carry out the international transaction with trust. It is issued by the bank on request of the importer that he will pay a particular amount of money sanctioned by the importer to the exporter on the delivery of the prescribed items or shipment under the conditions specified. This amount is paid to exporter on the presentation of specific legal documents that ensures that the party is eligible for this sum. Most of the time, this transaction is carried out by banks of importer and exporter on their behalf. In Pakistan majorly this instrument is used by the shipping lines to carry out their every day transactions. Like safemarine, Maersk, Rafey internationals etc Draft Draft is also known as bill of exchange. This financing instrument is used in international trade transaction to facilitate the payments with surety and trust. It its written by the exporter to other party importer that include the information to pay a particular amount of sum on a specific time. It can also be written to agent of exporter. It involves two parties Maker: the person or party who initiate the draft, it is usually exporter Drawee: the person or party to whom draft is send, it is usually importer There are two categories of drafts presented Sight Draft: it is payable on presentation to the drawee Time Draft: it is for a delay in payments Bill of Lading Its the third mode of financing import and export use. It is used by the common carrier for transporting merchandising issued by the exporter. It usually supports three purposes; it serves as a receipt, document of title and contract. Receipt show that the merchandise specified on the document has gained/received by the carrier, the term contract states that the carrier/transporter is oblige and bound to deliver services against the service charges, and the document of title is used to receive the payment/written promise before releasing the merchandise to the importer. Export Assistance The export assistance helps exporter to finance their export activities. Through this they are able to get finance help and also export credit insurance. Export assistance is provided by following bodies. Export-Import Bank The basic purpose of export-import banks is to make financially strong the exporters and importers to facilitate their export and import activities and strengthen the rate of exchange of commodities between countries. Recently the ministry of commerce in Pakistan, Islamabad has announced to establish an EXIM bank in the strategic trade policy framework to boost the exporters and make them competitive. According to director general trade policy Safdar Sohail it is the need of hour to establish such institution that support exports if we need Pakistan to boost its trade with international standards. Export Credit Insurance These are the institutions that have been known to serve the exports as collateral to meet their needs. It usually consists of those private commercial institutions who are working under the supervision of import-export banks to facilitate the exporters. If the importer defaults in his payment then it provides the credit insurance. Countertrade Countertrade is a bit different to trade in a meaning in terms of money, as it refers to the process of carry out trade in terms of good/services or commodities instead of money. We can say that when conventional means of payment are difficult like payment in the form of money is not possible or difficult then this way is structured to carry out international sale in terms of other commodities that are used against money. Types of countertrade There are few types of counter trade which are as follows Barter It is an old system of carrying out transactions when there was no money. Good used to be exchange against goods without involvement of cash. Here those goods are exchanges which have equal value. As it was an old technique it has two problems, One of the parties involved in trade end up to finance other if the goods that are traded are not exchanged simultaneously Commodities that are used may not have a re-sale value, they may be un-useable or unwanted. Counterpurchase Its a sort of transaction that includes two separate simultaneous transactions between the two parties that either involves cash or not Offset Here it involves an extensive arrangement in such a way that seller is needed to assist in or have to make arrangements for the marketing of the goods that produced by the purchasing country. Sometimes it also allow the purchasing country that they can produce a portion of the product in their own country Switch trading It occurs when the counterpurchase of a firm is buying by the third party and then sold them to some other firms that can use them effectively. It involves a change in the destination of goods exported with reference to their destined country Compensations or buybacks It involves the repayment in the form of goods/services that are produced by the technology or instruments provided by the seller of those goods. Pros and Cons of Countertrade Countertrade helps a firm to finance its export deal in the absence of other means It helps those countries who lack adequate foreign currency stock/reserves Attractive to huge multinational enterprises Benefits Helpful to make entry possible in difficult markets Source of companies increase sales Reduce currency exchange problems Enhance sales and reduce credit problems Disadvantages Costs increase Risky when involves commodities Time taking Conclusion The overall discussion simply narrated the importance of exports in Pakistan with imports. It shows the problems we are facing and government needs to have strong policies to overcome these issues if they want to attain a sustainable place in international business marketing. To grow our exports strong policies should be designed by the ministry of commerce and other trade supportive organizations. If trade provides benefits then it also brings some issues and problems it is up to the decision and abilities of the government what they want to have. Import and exports of a country plays a vital role in the economic development of a country thus this fields a hell lot of concentration.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Workaholism, Leisure And Pleasure Essay -- essays research papers

<a href="http://www.geocities.com/vaksam/">Sam Vaknin's Psychology, Philosophy, Economics and Foreign Affairs Web Sites The official working week is being reduced to 35 hours a week. In most countries in the world, it is limited to 45 hours a week. The trend during the last century seems to be unequivocal : less work, more play. Yet, what may be true for blue collar workers or state employees – is not necessarily so for white collar members of the liberal professions. It is not rare for these people – lawyers, accountants, consultants, managers, academics – to put in 80 hour weeks. The phenomenon is so widespread and its social consequences so damaging that it acquired the unflattering nickname workaholism, a combination of the words â€Å"work† and â€Å"alcoholism†. Family life is disrupted, intellectual horizons narrow, the consequences to the workaholic’s health are severe : fat, lack of exercise, stress take their toll. Classified as â€Å"alpha† types, workaholics suffer three times as many heart attacks as their peers. But what are the social and economic roots of this phenomenon ? Put succinctly, it is the result of the blurring borders and differences between work and leisure. The distinction between these two types of time – the one dedicated to labour and the one spent in the pursuit of one’s interests – was so clear for thousands of years that its gradual disappearance is one of the most important and profound social changes in human history. A host of other shifts in the character of the work and domestic environments of humans converged to produce this momentous change. Arguably the most important was the increase in labour mobility and the fluid nature of the very concept of work and the workplace. The transitions from agricultural to industrial, then to the services and now to the information and knowledge societies, each, in turn, increased the mobility of the workforce. A farmer is the least mobile. His means of production are fixed, his produce was mostly consumed locally because of lack of proper refrigeration, preservation and transportation methods. A marginal group of people became nomad-traders. This group exploded in size with the advent of the industrial revolution. True, the bulk of the workforce was still immobile and affixed to the production floor. But raw materials and the finished products travelled long distances ... ...eneurs, the managers, the businessmen. They are the movers, the shakers, the pushers, the energy. Without them, we have socialist economies, where everything belongs to everyone and, actually to none. In these economies of â€Å"collective ownership† people go to work because they have to, they try to avoid it, to sabotage the workplace, they harbour negative feelings. Slowly, they wither and die (professionally) – because no one can live long in hatred and deceit. Joy is an essential ingredient. And this is the true meaning of capitalism : the abolition of work and leisure and the pursuit of both with the same zeal and satisfaction. Above all, the (increasing) liberty to do it whenever, wherever, with whomever you choose. Unless and until the Homo East Europeansis changes his set of mind – there will be no real transition. Because transition happens in the human mind much before it takes form in reality. It is no use to dictate, to legislate, to finance, to cajole, to offer – the human being must change first. It was Marx (a devout non-capitalist) who said : it is consciousness that determines reality. How right was he. Witness the USA and witness the miserable failure of communism.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

One of the Greatest American Sacrifices for WWII

The year is 1941 and the United States has managed to remain out of the 2nd World War. But on the morning of December 7th, history was changed for the American people. At 7:55am, Japanese militants dropped the first bombs on Pearl Harbor. This is â€Å"a date which will live in infamy. † Whether we liked it or not, America was now involved in World War II. Americans all across the country had to make many sacrifices to help out with the war efforts. There were restrictions placed on consumer goods such as automobiles, electronics, and nylons. Also, there were limitations placed on housing construction. But the greatest sacrifice of all was made by the Japanese Americans. In Mine Okubo’s book Citizen 13660, she describes as well as illustrates her experience as she, and approximately 110,000 other people, were evacuated from the west coast and sent to internment camps all across the country. The number 13660 in the book title comes from Okubo’s family number that was given to her when she registered for her brother and herself. It was to be used to identify their belongings and them as a family unit. On page 26, as she waits to load the bus to be taken to the camp, Okubo says, â€Å"At that moment I recalled some of the stories told on shipboard by European refugees bound for America. † In this quote, she is referring to the Jews who are escaping Germany. The stories that were being told are of the concentration camps that the Jews had been sent to. Okubo, along with all the other Japanese Americans, had no idea what was in store for them. Many feared that it would be something very similar to that of the concentration camps in Germany. When they arrived they soon learned that conditions were not as harsh as those the Jews were enduring. But still their experience differed immensely from the rest of the world. They lived in the internment camps and endured the lack of privacy and long lines to get food and to use the bathrooms. In the barracks, they had no choice but to sleep on mattresses filled with hay. â€Å"What hurt most I think was seeing those hay mattresses. We were used to a regular home atmosphere, and seeing those hay mattresses—so makeshift, with hay sticking out—a barren room with nothing but those hay mattresses. It was depressing, such a primitive feeling. † If the men wanted to join the service to show their loyalty to the ountry, they had to serve on the frontlines along with all the other Japanese Americans who chose to serve. The frontlines were extremely harsh conditions and the chance of survival was very low. â€Å"More than 50,000—the children of immigrants from China, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines—fought in the army, mostly in all-Asian units. † Some felt that these things were their way of helping with the war efforts and showing their loyalty to the country, and others felt that their civil rights had been stripped from them. Most of Mine Okubo’s wartime experience was spent in the internment camps. Through her illustrations and the text she shows us the reality of these harsh wartime conditions and how the Japanese Americans managed to make the most of the situation they were placed in. They managed to come together to create their own little community with schools, and visual arts, and even their own newspaper. Okubo’s illustrations allow us to see her emotions as we read her writings. Many of her emotions in the illustrations seem to lack any sort of anger and shed somewhat of a humorous light onto the text itself. I feel like her narrations would take on a more serious tone if her drawings were not present in the book. If I was placed in this same position as Okubo, I am not entirely sure how I would react. A part of me would love to take on the same perspective that Mine Okubo has taken, but as I read her book it is also hard for me to believe that anyone could remain so calm during such an intense time in their life. I would have such a hard time just packing up and leaving at any given moment and not knowing where I was going or what was going to happen to me. Okubo dealt with these undertakings very well and I am not sure I would be able to do the same if put in the same position. This portion in history tells us a lot about the â€Å"limits† of freedom in American history. Although the Japanese-Americans were citizens of the United States and residences within the country, they did not have equivalent rights during this time in history. â€Å"The Constitution makes him a citizen of the United States by nativity and a citizen of California by residence. No claim is made that he is not loyal to this country. † Many Japanese-Americans were being treated as if they had been disloyal to the US and even alienated because of how they looked. Also, the freedom to own land was taken from them as well. â€Å"The Federal Reserve Banks took charge of property owned by evacuees, while the Farm Security Administration took over the agricultural property. † Owning property is one of the greatest freedoms and American can uphold and as history has shown it can easily be taken away in an instant. Japanese-Americans were forced to sell everything because they were very limited in what they could take with them to the internment camps. As we can clearly see, Japanese-Americans had such limited freedom during World War II. Mine Okubo along with Yuri Tateishi gave us an inside look of what it was like for them during this crucial time in their lives and it allows us to see the rights and freedoms that were taken from these American citizens. I was able to more clearly see the actualization of their experiences through Mine Okubo’s illustrations because it allowed me to gain a greater respect for their emotions. Okubo and Tateishi, along with countless others, made some of the greatest sacrifices for the well being of our country during the war and for that they do not get nearly enough credit.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

education on the internet essays

education on the internet essays In today's society, the internet has become a very important learning tool. It is used for day to day activities, such as a place to look up research, a method of getting in touch with friends and family, and somewhere to go to find information about almost anything imaginable. The most popular uses of the internet include entertainment and education. Many people argue that the internet should be used for educational purposes only. The internet is a very valuable resource when it comes to education, but I do not think it should just be limited to that idea. There are many other important qualities the internet possesses. The internet is now used to run businesses, and keep personal business files online. People can go to the business's home page to learn more about the product. One of the most useful and popular businesses online is Amazon. By going to amazon.com, a person can shop without ever leaving their computer. By using a Visa Card, an individual can purchase books, music, clothes, toys, games, electronics, and much more. One of the most popular traits of the internet is entertainment. This can take the form of many different aspects of the net. Many people, especially teenagers, enjoy visiting chat rooms. These are web sites designed for people who like to talk to others. Many times, a person can find someone with similar interests in chat rooms and they become online friends. Not necessarily someone they would ever meet, but someone to talk to and share things with. Other types of online entertainment include games a person can play with other others online, and "surfing" the web to find web pages that strike their interest. The internet is very useful when it comes to research. There are many search engines that can help a person find a related ...