Reflection On Literacy Observation - 1546 Words

My placement, at Alexander Goode Elementary School, is in Kindergarten and does not have a Science curriculum. While talking to my cooperating teacher, Ms. Gifford, she informed me they are so focused on getting behavior under control in the beginning of the year. Also, students enter the classroom with little phonemic awareness and prior knowledge to literacy concepts. The first lesson I observed was from 9:00 to 10:30 in the morning. The students began with morning meeting. They determined the day of the month, day of the week, and the month. While determining the various parts of the month, week, and days, Ms. Gifford related these back to a pattern and everything repeats eventually. She demonstrated this by singing the months of the†¦show more content†¦When everyone was sitting on the carpet, Ms. Gifford demonstrated how to cut the booklet out by cutting on the solid lines. Students helped her know when to stop cutting by saying, â€Å"Go, go, go, stop!† When Ms. Gifford was finished, she relisted the instructions. She called the students back to their seats and began cutting their booklets out. Once the booklets were complete, the students sat at the carpet and Ms. Gifford read the book, â€Å"David Goes to School,† by David Shannon. While reading this book, she prompted scientific questions, such as making predictions and analyzing the pages to understand the situation. For example, one question was, â€Å"Is David happy or sad?† Once students answered this question, she asked how they know this and they had to analyze the picture and words to show evidence for their reasoning. Although there is not a science curriculum, Ms. Gifford began some standards. The first standard is 1-ESS1-1, which is to, â€Å"Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.† Ms. Gifford did not address the astronomical part of this standard, although she does address the patterns section in the first lesson when she was explaining the days of the week and the months of the year are a pattern. The second standard Ms. Gifford taught was ETS1-1, which is to, â€Å"Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can beShow MoreRelatedLiteracy Instruction Data Collection Tool Essay1275 Words   |  6 PagesLiteracy Instruction Data Collection Tool This lesson observation data tool is for the observation and support of literacy instruction and learning. Any data collected is to be used for instructional planning, modification, and/or reflection upon instructional practices. Data collected is based upon observation of a single literacy lesson. Teacher: _________________________________ Date: _________________________________ Instructional Objective(s): Read MoreScience, Math, And Music Centers1634 Words   |  7 Pagesteachers observe and can respond to the child’s strengths and their needs. Science helps in language and literacy by adding non-fiction books that are a foundation for children to communicate in conversation with peers and their adults. The children’s vocabulary growth is increased by their knowledge and the child’s experience of the everyday world around them and it also is combined with observation and hand-on activities. The receptive language which is also the listening comprehension is fosteredRead MoreAssessment And Intervention Of Print Knowledge1705 Words   |  7 PagesPersonal Reflection of Action Assignment: Assessment and Intervention of Print Knowledge to Students with Severe Disabilities Breannah Davis-Bloom Radford University â€Æ' Introduction Emergent literacy development is a foundational principle commonly acquired prior to inclusion into a formal educational setting. Literacy development is a uniquely dynamic concept, consciously and unconsciously embedded in the everyday lives of children. As a result of diversity in family dynamics, literacy levels canRead MoreLiteracy Is The Key For Future Success Essay948 Words   |  4 PagesLiteracy is the key to future success. We have all heard this clichà ©, but as a future English teacher I passionately believe literacy is the key to success! When students become good readers, the door to a world of information is opened, and I want to see that door open for my students. As an English teacher who would like to work at the middle school level, I know the value of literacy and I hope to promote the best literacy practices in my classroom. This will not be an easy task, as readingRead MoreLiteracy Observation Report Sample1260 Words   |  6 PagesI completed my literacy fi eld experience at Isanti Intermediate School/School for all Seasons in Isanti, MN. I was able to complete my 20 hour observation in a 1st grade classroom (primary), a 3rd grade classroom (intermediate), and conducted fluency tests in a 5th grade classroom. Each class had approximately 22 to 25 students. Also during this literacy class, I was also able to spend a few days observing a 3rd/4th grade classroom and a kindergarten classroom through a couple of sub jobs I completedRead MoreThe Development Of Bilingual Literacy Practices771 Words   |  4 Pageslanguage are not themselves fluent in the language of instruction? In order to answer this question, the researchers performed a series of observations and video recording over a period of one year. This observations took place during various community events. The discussion of the findings develops through a framework to understand the development of bilingual literacy practices in a minoritized context. The authors found a blen d of traditional Aboriginal practices with contemporary teaching methodologyRead MoreImproving Instructional Strategies And Student Growth Will Foster A Stronger Plc832 Words   |  4 PagesClassroom Walkthroughs and Observations Classroom walkthroughs can be the success of a PLC. A successful PLC is implemented with brief classroom walkthroughs. Classroom observations that are informal can be vital as they allow for gathering data on instruction and student learning. The school improvement committee and administrator at various schools used a building PLC. The principal collected data during walkthroughs on student learning and reported results for reflection and professional developmentRead MoreEssay Classroom Teacher Observation Report1186 Words   |  5 PagesA. Evaluation Form or Observation Protocol The evaluation form that was used to evaluate a classroom teacher’s performance is a rubric used by the school district (Hillsborough County Public Schools, 2012). A1. Performance Factors The teacher was rated using a rubric with specific criteria in four domains including planning and preparation, the classroom environment, instruction, and professional responsibilities (Hillsborough County Public Schools, 2012). Within each of these domains are componentsRead MoreWk2Assgn706 Words   |  3 Pageschildren under the age of six are capable of making thoughtful decisions about their behavior and environment (Epstein, 2003). They may even try to explain their behavior to others. In the case of Josh, a three year old boy that I will use for my observation and assessment project, social skills are still in the process of being developed and he hasnt begun to really start speaking at this point. After interviewing Joshs parents I was told that Josh says very few words and doesnt speak at all inRead MoreTeaching Middle School English Language Arts1359 Words   |  6 Pages Tracy Dorsey, a Literacy Integration Specialist, provided me with an abundance of information involving her job title. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English Education, as well as, a Master’s in Supervision. Along with being well-educated, she is also highly-experienced after teaching middle school English language arts for 13 years in a Title 1 school. She believes that her past experiences in education have helped her in her position as a reading specialist, because it helped her relate

Moot Court Outline free essay sample

First, [substantive legal argument – strongest point] 2. Second [substantive legal argument] 3. And Third, as a matter of public policy OR as public policy dictates, [policy argument] ARGUMENT 1. With respect to the first point your honors . . . OR First, . . . CONCLUSION Since [first point], [second point], and [third point], Petitioner/Respondent respectfully requests that this Court finds ____ a violation of international law. Thank you. [REBUTTAL (for Petitioner ONLY)] Respondent made one/two point(s) that I would like to address. (First) Respondent stated that . . However, . . . OR Respondent contends that _____. However, . . . MISCELLANEOUS SUGGESTIONS For Rebuttal: o Attack misstatements and glossed-over weaknesses. o Address concerns of the court. o One to two points – most important point first. If you obviously and/or materially misspeak, say â€Å"rather, ____† OR â€Å"pardon me your honors, what I mean to say is ____† and correct yourself. If you are really hard-pressed for a transition, say, â€Å"which brings me to my second/third point† and find a way to fit what you were talking about into that point. We will write a custom essay sample on Moot Court Outline or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page If you are going to quote a case, drop the case language verbatim into your outline and KNOW the pin cite. If you aren’t sure what the judge is asking, seek clarification. o This can also be used as a stall tactic if you are unsure how to answer the question. o Say something like, â€Å"Your honor, I want to make certain I understand your question, would you mind regarding-phrasing? † DON’T: o Say, â€Å"I don’t know† in response to a question. ? If you don’t know the answer, say something more like, â€Å"Your honor, I am unable to fully answer your question at this time. However, I would be more than happy to submit a supplemental brief on the issue/matter/case. † o Smile or laugh or otherwise lose composure during argument (unless the judges are smiling and laughing and you feel it would be inappropriate to NOT smile and laugh). o Take a pen up to the podium. DO: o Outline your argument! ? Try to reduce your argument to 2-3 pages. ? Use headings and sub-heading. Bold, capitalize, etc. for ease of reference. ? Use a manila folder to organize your arguments. †¢ Take nothing but that manila folder up to the podium. Listen carefully to opposing counsel’s arguments and the judges’ questions. ? Take verbatim notes of both. Quote and/or directly address if appropriate. o Know, in advance of the argument, which points you are willing to concede (if any). o Preface your answers with the following: ? Yes your honor, however . . . ? No your honor. †¢ Be cautious using this one – it can appear less-than deferential. ? I (re spectfully) disagree with your honor’s characterization/construction of . . . o Have your introduction, [procedural blurb], roadmap, and conclusion memorized.

Islam The Straight Path Essay Research Paper free essay sample

Islam The Straight Path Essay, Research Paper Islam The Straight Path An rating of the book by John L. Esposito: Islam The Straight Path. In this book, Esposito provides a compendious, up-to-date study of the Islamic experience, an debut to the religion, belief, and pattern of Islam from its beginnings to its modern-day revival. He traces the outgrowth and development of this dynamic religion and its impact on universe history and political relations. He discusses the formation of Islamic belief and pattern ( jurisprudence, divinity, doctrine, and mysticism ) , chronicling the battle of Muslims to specify and adhere to their Islamic manner of life. Equally of import is the indispensable information Esposito provides on the modern-day universe of Islam, from Muslim responses to the challenges of colonialism and modernisation to the reaffirmation of Islam in political relations and society. This introductory book in the instruction of Islam and Islamic manner of life by Esposito can be categorized in three different subdivisions with assorted sub-tittles. We will write a custom essay sample on Islam The Straight Path Essay Research Paper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page First subdivision dressed ores on structural elements of Islam that includes Messenger and the Message ; that are Muhammad and the Holy Koran. Second subdivision is about The outgrowth of Islamic individuality, as the Muslim Community, which includes the belief and the pattern of the faith. And eventually the modern Interpretations of Islam. Esposito introduces three constructs ; in the first three chapters he explains what Islam is. I believe that he did an first-class occupation in showing pre-Islamic clip for Arabia and its encompassing part. But I besides believe that concentrating on Muhammad # 8217 ; s ( PBUH ) life has small relevant to Islam. Because Islam is based chiefly on the completion message of God to the World. I believe if a non-Muslim reader attempt were to understand Islam through this book he or she would compare it to the construct of Jesus, or David the Texan cult leader, and many others. I found that Esposito guides its readers to a clear apprehension of Muslims and non-Muslim prospective. However, he is a manager of centre for Muslim-Christian apprehension. Esposito has emphasized on the sanctum Quran, Gods message and the courier. I besides believe that he has introduced a clear guideline for Muslims and their pattern. Puting out their Torahs, beliefs, attitudes, values, and other spiritual duties. I besides found that Esposito writes with good academic purposes and composing on Islam from a western position. Esposito describes the worlds of the Muslim universe in their battle to specify their societal, political, and economical individuality. Although, he points that many of these aspirations are kept short due to miss of strong and faithful governments in the Muslim universe. As Esposito, introduces the religion, belief, and the pattern of Islam from pre-historic times one can clearly see the spiritual events and the battle of a faith through clip. As on page 31, Esposito says, # 8221 ; Muslims throughout the centuries, the message of the Koran and the illustrations of the Prophet # 8221 ; are the indispensable edifice axis of Muslim life. He besides e mphasizes on the importance of Islam history and civilisation, because he believes that they are the † record of that battle to construe and to follow the Straight Path.† ( Esposito 31:1998 ) Esposito besides, introduces the thought of Modernism, that Islamic times have non merely merely brought faith entirely but besides economic and military adversities to the West, as he puts it, # 8220 ; dispute to western engineering # 8221 ; . The impact of western imperialism has besides impacted the Islamic universe. As the book evolves, he talks about Modern states ; secular, Muslim and Islamic. Giving illustrations, such as Turkey being in the layman sector, Iran as the Islamic, and eventually the Muslim sector of modern states including Jordan and Egypt. Coming to an terminal at the Muslims of Western Europe, the presence of Muslims in Europe is non a new force, but a coevals of besieging and conquer. Over the old ages Ottomans and other missionaries have put forward their thought of Islam in many parts of Europe, including Bosnia and Romania. The Importance of Understanding Muslims and Islam: Moslems and Islam are two related footings, at the same clip different in its application. Let us first talk about the importance of understanding the term Muslims. Moslems are people who belong to the faith Islam. Muslims could move in assorted ways, showing their actions otherwise, a Muslim from India or South Africa. Another good illustration of a Muslim position would be, the public presentation of their political and sect actions. For illustration, Saidi Qutb of Egypt believed the West is corrupt in their actions and he has different position of the West. The other illustration would be Saudi Arabia # 8217 ; s credence of United States Forces to set down in the holy topographic point of Islam and welcoming the West. Our 2nd inquiry trades with the apprehension of Islam. The message that this faith brings to the universe is of import to understand that Islam claims the holy message of God, a force that has brought a completion to the Hagiographas of the three sanctum books of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Islam is a faith that has brought peace, enlightenment, and integrity to the faithful. I feel that this book could steer Muslims and non-Muslims in organizing clear positions on specific Islamic spiritual issues. In decision, throughout the book # 8220 ; Islam the Straight Path # 8221 ; , many apprehensions come about by looking at the many battles of any peculiar community. For the intent of this book reappraisal, I went through the book to hold on an apprehension of the rubric # 8220 ; The Straight Path # 8221 ; . For many centuries Muslims around the universe have experienced the transmutation of their society. The of import forces that build Islam and Muslims together are the spiritual life, religion, beliefs and patterns. Today Muslims around the universe face many challenges of leaders that build the community whether it is a secular or an Muslim state. As illustrations given earlier about modernisation which includes states such as Turkey and on the other side of the spectrum the pattern of Islamic Shariah. As a concluding note, my chief aim from this book reappraisal is to see Islam from the oculus of Muslims and Non-Muslims alike.

Memory essays

Memory essays What exactly is memory? In Book ten, more specifically, Chapters eight through fourteen of The Confessions of St. Augustine, Augustine examines what he believes the memory to be, and how it functions. Augustine first addresses memory specifically in Chapter eight of Book ten where he describes memory as where are treasures of countless images of things of every manner . . . [and] also whatever we think about . . . (p. 236). He can recall any of these memories that forgetfulness has not yet swallowed up and buried away . . . (p. 236). It may take longer to remember some things than others, for some things may have to be searched for, sifting through other memories that jump into his mind that he must brush away until they are needed. Inside ones memory everything is kept distinct and according to kind . . . (p. 236). Each is obtained through its respective sensory organ and stored for whenever it may be needed. Although the things themselves do not enter . . . (p. 237), images of them are kept. But Augustine ponders how these images are remembered. For when one remembers remembers a sound, he can still hear other things. Also in the memory, Augustine talks of remembering things he has done or others have told him of, and these can be conjured up at any moment in order to influence his many decisions which he must make. Augustine ends the chapter by proclaiming Great is the power of memory, exceedingly great is it, O God, and inner chamber, vast and unbounded! (p. 238). In this final paragraph he amazes at that which is memory. He says that men go to great lengths in order to gaze at mountain heights, at huge waves in the sea, at the broad expanse of flowing rivers, at the wide reaches of the ocean, and at the circuits of the stars . . . (p. 238), but they fail to observe the wonder which is within themselves. They do not appreciate...

Name As Object Of Self-Identical Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Name As Object Of Self-Identical - Essay Example In addition, names are responsible for how we first perceive ourselves. Parents after naming their children interact with them using these names. Names describe a person’s present self and more often than not they help people in forming their own first impressions. Names, whether given by parents or individually chosen are key in developing one’s self-identity. People try to live up or run away from their names. The concept of self-identity, in recent years, has been the subject of many psychological, social and anthropology discussions (Perry, 2002, p4). This essay will analyze the influence a name or names have on the self-identity of a person, culture, organization or country. In anthropology, the term self-identity is usually in the context of ethnic identity. That is the perception of oneself, or self-sameness, in regard to others. Their joint characteristics of language and culture of the group form the group’s identity. Names and identities are peas in a pod. They are similar in nature as people confuse the two quite a lot. Names can refer to identities but they do not dictate an object’s or person’s self-identity. Names, unlike other identifying markers, are not subject to stereotyping. People rarely associate a name with a behavior or reputation; however, the name provides a platform from which a person judges his fellow human. A name, let us say â€Å"John†, quickly resonates with people. From this name, people are able to quickly know your background, compare you to other â€Å"Johns† they know, among other relevant information they have on the name â€Å"John†. These observations summarize the powerful effects a name has on others. After birth, parents spend plenty of time researching and considering the name they will give to their child (Perry, 2002, p5). Several factors are considered when choosing a child’s name as it prepares the child for the future. Parents will give strong names for their boys and feminine names for the boys. Majority of parents will choose names that are not prone to teasing or mocking by other children or people when they grow up.

International Marketing Strategy for Multinational Company Essay - 1

International Marketing Strategy for Multinational Company - Essay Example This paper illustrates that the global expansion helps a company in many ways. It increases the brand value in the global market, due to globalization an organization can earn huge revenue and can maximize the profit. Moreover, global expansion can give a huge market share to the operating company. The companies may face several internal and external challenges while practicing international business. Depending on the core competency, strengths, and competitive advantages the particular organization has to develop their global business plan. Wal-Mart is the largest American multinational retail chain established in the year 1962 currently headquartered in Bentonville, United States. The company has ranked top in the list of fortune 500 in two consecutive years. It is the third largest public limited company in the global market. The employee strength of Wal-Mart is more than two million internationally. Wal-Mart has made its position on New York stock exchange in the year 1972. The c ompany operates on their own in countries like Canada, Brazil, and Argentina. They have the outlets in China, South America, UK. They have ventured into countries like South Korea and Germany. ASDA, one of the leading UK based retail chain is the Subsidiary of Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart offers different luxurious and consumer durable goods to its customers. The broad range of different product categories that include crafts, movie DVDs, gift items, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, garments, home appliance, video games, outdoor living, grocery, college essentials, toys and much more are available in a Wal-Mart outlet globally. The various product ranges have increased the core competency of Wal-Mart in a global market.

Volvo Group Of Companies and the challenges it faces

Volvo Group Of Companies and the challenges it faces 1 Introduction AB Volvo is the mother company of the Volvo Group of companies with its head office in Gothenburg, Sweden. The company was formed in 1924, with the first Volvo truck rolling off the production line in Sweden in 1928. The Volvo Group is one of the worlds leading suppliers of transport solutions for commercial use, also providing complete solutions for finance and servicing. This mission statement for the company is ‘By creating value for our customers we create value for our shareholders. We use our expertise to create transport-related hard and soft products of the superior quality, safety and environmental care for demanding customers in selected segments. We work with energy, passion and respect for the individual (AB Volvo Group Presentation 2011). Volvo as a group is tremendously proud of the core corporate values of, Safety, Quality and Environment and has retained and lived by these values from the start of the organisation. These three values are evident in every aspect of the business. The Volvo Group has now grown to become the second largest manufacturer globally of heavy trucks, and as illustrated in Figure 1.1 incorporates many different brands. As illustrated in Figure 1.2 , the Volvo Group is separated into business areas and business units. The business areas are responsible for generating revenues for the company and the business units are the recognised support units to support all business areas. Volvo Information Technology (Volvo IT) is the recognised support business unit for information technology strategy and systems support. Volvo IT does not confine their business to the Volvo Group, outsourcing their expertise to such organisations as the Ford motor company and the Stockholm Government. This ensures the Volvo IT is continually benchmarking the Volvo Group to other businesses in the open market to stay in the market forefront. Volvo Group works with external interest groups to continue to develop and drive progress in the transportation industry, especially on projects that align with the corporate values of quality, safety and environmental care. An example project requiring the key involvement of Volvo IT is the Alternative Fuels project. This project is examining a viable replacement of fossil fuels for commercial applications (Alternative Fuels 2011). In the Alternative Fuels project, the Volvo Group is working with customers, suppliers and governments to investigate workable fossil free fuels, with all business areas and units working towards making this possible. Volvo IT is involved to introduce software changes for engine management systems to ensure clean burning of these fuels. The solution is to utilise a centralised and shared IT infrastructure, platform and software application serving content to authorised users over the web. In this report we discuss the IT infrastructure issues and challenges for the Volvo Group and the business benefits and costs of a modern IT model called Cloud Computing. Recommendations are provided as to the adoption of Cloud Computing by the Volvo Group followed by concluding statements. 2 IT Infrastructure: issues and challenges 2.1 IT infrastructure challenges Two of the major components {Laudon, 2010 #159}of an IT infrastructure that must be coordinated by a firm include computer hardware platforms and enterprise software applications ( Laudon Laudon 2010, p. 203). These two essential components of an organisations IT infrastructure ecosystem ( Laudon Laudon 2010, p. 203) are concentrated on in this report as they exhibit the most risk to the Volvo Groups business, but they also provide the most opportunities for an information technology strategy to add business value to the Volvo Group. An information system is defined by Laudon Laudon ( 2010, p. 46) as ‘a set of interrelated components that collect (or retrieve), process, store, and distribute information to support decision making and control in an organisation. In modern organisations, most information systems are implemented via IT infrastructure that includes computer hardware platforms and enterprise software applications. These systems are ‘typically the backbone of an organisations information flow and the main vehicle for consolidating business information ( Bisbal et al. 1999, p. 103) and their failure can have a significant impact on the business. 2.2 Legacy information systems Information systems that have been in existence for a long time and continue to be resistant to modification and evolution due to a high replacement or redesign cost are called legacy information systems ( Brodie Stonebraker 1995, p. 103; Laudon Laudon 2010, p. 634). The evolution or appearance of legacy information systems in an organisation can also typically occur due to mergers and acquisitions ( Macknight 2005, p. 14). As described by Bisbal ( 1999, p. 103), legacy information systems can cause an organisation a number of problems: Running on old or obsolete hardware. Expensive software maintenance. Inflexibility in extending the systems. Difficult to integrate with other systems. Long failure or disaster recovery times. Old and obsolete hardware can be power hungry. Replacement can be expensive or sometimes impossible due to lack of skills or unavailable parts. Some organisations need to maintain spares holding and skills within their organisation to mitigate such risks. Similarly skills in software maintenance and fault-finding may be hard to out-source or outsourced service levels may not align with the needs of the business. The system may need to be flexible and able to integrate with other systems in order to respond to changing business requirements ( Bennett et al. 1999, p. 153) 2.3 The evolution of Volvos global information systems strategy Volvo Group has seen an increase in their legacy information systems mainly due to the impact of company acquisitions over the years. Many areas in the IT infrastructure ecosystem ( Laudon Laudon 2010, p. 203) required particular attention during acquisitions to ensure compliance through coordination of the many components of the ecosystem. Hardware platforms differed as did internet platforms. Data management and storage needed to be centralised. The need to change and centralise was evident. Throughout these acquisitions, the focus of the information management strategy of the Volvo Group has been to ensure key enterprise systems are incorporated into the acquired organisations. The ERP system based on SAP is an example one of the key enterprise systems common throughout the entire Volvo Group. In contrast, supply chain systems have remained as point solutions unique to each business area and physically deployed on a geographically separated basis. As specified by ( Ives Jarvenpaa 1991, p. 34), a ‘global information technology application contributes to achieving a firms global business strategy by using information technology platforms to store, transmit and manipulate data across cultural environments. With AB Volvo being a true global corporation experiencing ongoing growth through acquisition, challenges have presented themselves in most countries with legacy systems across the supply chain. Cultural diversity such as different languages utilised from regional area to regional area continue to discourage the upgrade of legacy supply chain systems. Also, the resultant point solutions all require local IT support. Evidently, having multiple point solutions poses many challenges for the Volvo Group, but it also causes misalignment with their core corporate values. For example, the Volvo Group core value of environmental care leads to goals to reduce energy usage in efforts to reduce the companys carbon footprint. With the multiple point solutions, and many of these being legacy systems, there would be a propensity for excessive energy usage due to the hardware platforms not complying with environmental requirements and other inefficiencies. There are better solutions available. Hospitals in the USA have started to use energy efficient, environmentally friendly hardware, as well as using cloud like technology for patient files access and program access ( Does Green Really Pay Off? Ideas from Hospitals That Say Yes!   2009). 3 Cloud Computing and its business benefits and costs 3.1 Cloud computing explained Cloud computing is referred to as a ‘model of computing by Laudon Laudon ( 2010, p. 196) ‘where firms and individuals obtain computing power and software applications over the Internet, rather than purchasing their own hardware and software. Typically ‘cloud computing infrastructure resides in a large data centre and is managed by a third party ( Jaeger et al. 2008, p. 270). Gilbert ( 2010, p. 1) states that ‘Cloud computing has been recognised as one of the most important developments in information technology in the past 60 years. Globally, organisations are implementing cloud computing solutions in order to reduce costs; be more responsive to market demands; to share information more readily and rapidly; ( Gilbert 2010, p. 1); to provide better customer service, and much more. Cloud computing has been enabled through technological drivers such as reducing communication costs, the internet and its growing speed, smaller footprints required for more processing power and data storage, advances in internet security, virtualisation and much more. Figure 3.1 describes further characteristics of the cloud environment. 3.2 Cloud computing service models Cloud computing services can be provided in three models ( Gilbert 2010, pp. 18-9) Infrastructure as a service (IaaS), Platform as a service (PaaS), and Software as a service (SaaS). These models are described in more detail in Figure 3.1. For organisations such as Volvo, the cloud computing service models tend towards the use of IaaS and SaaS. The staff of Network World ( 2007, p. 28) quote eBays Paul Strong as stating ‘companies must decide what is core to their business and what can be commoditised as a utility served up by a SaaS (software as a service) provider. Cloud service providers are able to consolidate computing resources enabling cost reductions derived from centralised management and economies of scale, passing on these cost savings to the user of the cloud service who can utilise the service without the initial capital outlay and maintenance of a dedicated infrastructure ( Jaeger et al. 2008, p. 270). 3.3 Cloud computing delivery models Cloud delivery models can be public, private, hybrid or community ( Gilbert 2010, p. 19). These are described in more detail in Figure 3.1. For organisations, cloud computing ‘presents many major problems of information policy, including issues of privacy, security, reliability, access and regulation ( Jaeger et al. 2008, pp. 269-70) with legislation lagging commercial interest in this computing model. In evaluating their potential utilisation of a cloud computing service, organisations would need to consider a range of issues. Two typical issues revolve around trust in the integrity of the service provider. Organisations would need to trust in the ability of a cloud service provider to ensure the security of their valuable private information. There must also be trust in the business continuity of the service provider, along with the ability of the service provider to maintain their quoted service levels ensuring the appropriate access and reliability of the service. Subsequently organisations are more likely to take up a private cloud delivery model for enterprise software applications and computer hardware platforms. For larger global organisations with multiple business units, such as Volvo, a hybrid model of a private cloud and community cloud delivery model would be more desirable. Such a model is illustrated in Figure 3.2 3.4 Cloud computing business benefits to Volvo The Volvo Group can benefit greatly from the use of cloud computing. With the group having its own business unit that handles and manages IT requirements, Volvo Group has an opportunity to reduce costs from infrastructure and hardware duplications, have competitive advantage via speed to market of new services for customers and reducing the costs of good sold into markets via supply chains. Other benefits to the group include much lower cost of entry and capital expenditure, low and transparent cost of ownership, and tax advantages ( OSullivan 2009, p. 21). The supply chain systems within the Volvo Group are characterised as legacy point solutions with regionally located and managed data centres housing multiple software applications and hardware platforms, each providing the same business function. These legacy supply chain information systems would appear to be prime candidates for replacement by a cloud computing solution. Indeed, supply chain systems are one of the types of systems that are quickly moving from their traditional platforms to the cloud computing model ( OSullivan 2009, p. 20). 4 Recommendation of cloud computing adoption/adaptation 4.1 Volvos five year strategy The five year strategy from the Volvo Group is to continue to reduce their environmental impact, produce quality products in all areas of their business and continue to create value to customers and shareholders. A key aspect of the Volvo Groups five year strategy is to continue to reduce the carbon output in all areas of the business (Volvo Truck Corporation Sweden 2011). Laudon Laudon ( 2010, p. 223) provide six factors that should be used to answer the question â€Å"How much should our firm spend on IT infrastructure?†. They are: 1. Market demand for Volvos services These are ever increasing with more services being provided to Volvo Truck Customers through the complete life of the vehicle. 2. Volvo Business Strategy The group will continue to develop services and vehicles that reduce CO2 footprint and lead to better ways of commercial transportation. 3. Volvo information technology strategy, infrastructure and cost A cloud computing model should be considered for the replacement of supply chain information systems and considered for further system replacements and introductions. 4. Information Technology assessment The adoption of a cloud computing model would not be considered to be lagging behind the technology curve, nor would adoption at this stage be considered early. A review of the risks associated with policy associated with the implementation of a cloud computing model should be undertaken before adopting the model. 5. Competitor firms services Many other European competitors are experimenting with cloud computing. 6. Competitor firms IT Infrastructure investments Mercedes Benz are also investing in future services for customers, showing a trend of high IT infrastructure investment for the global market (Daimler Trucks Germany 2011). 7. Investment can be sought into cloud computing on a business case basis, generating revenues for Volvo IT, and reducing costs for Volvo business areas on a user pays system. Investment in IT infrastructure will give a competitive advantage to the Volvo Group. Investment can be sought into cloud computing on a business case basis, generating revenues for Volvo IT, and reducing costs for Volvo business areas on a user pays system. 4.2 Plan to consolidate of legacy supply chain information systems For the replacement of legacy information systems, Volvo Group Australia has the option to upgrade the current local legacy systems and servers. This would result in high upfront and ongoing costs. Another option is to move to centralised systems hosted by Volvo IT with all storage, maintenance and upgrading performed centrally for considerably less cost. Supply chain system workflows typically extend beyond the internal organisation, typically to dealers (retailers). A cloud computing model can connect entire networks of suppliers and service providers providing efficiency and cost savings ( Ford 2010, pp. 57-8). It is recommended that the Volvo IT department adopt a cloud computing model for the replacement of legacy supply chain systems. This model should be based on a global policy taking into account the issues surrounding cloud computing and its characteristic lag behind appropriate legislation and legal precedence. It is expected that the most appropriate model will be a SaaS service model delivered via a hybrid of a Private and Community model with the cloud service provider being Volvo IT. The cloud community members in this model would be the Volvo Groups Business Areas. The recommendation would be to identify all legacy supply chain information systems across the Volvo Group as candidates for replacement by a SaaS solution under the hybrid model. A business case aligning with the Volvo Groups corporate values should be completed for the replacement of each system or groups of systems. A pilot implementation of a cloud computing solution should be utilised as a proof of concept before a larger roll-out. The recommended pilot implementation is the TruckShop SaaS. 4.3 TruckShop SaaS Pilot Volvo Group Australia has the requirement to upgrade an online catalogue purchasing supply chain information system called TruckShop that allows dealers (retailers) to purchase truck parts via suppliers of the Volvo Group. The TruckShop SaaS model would represent the characteristics of Cloud computing, namely on demand service, internet accessibility, pooled resources, elastic capacity and usage based billing ( Goodburn Hill 2010). The service developed for the TruckShop project will be able to be sold to other business areas in AB Volvo to provide similar solutions. TruckShop is currently running on a legacy system platform with local servers in Sydney. Maintenance and upgrade costs are on the increase, with limitations also being evident on performance and capability to meet current user requirements. Energy consumption costs were noted as increasing due to more servers being required to store data. Whilst the costs of hardware had reduced in the last 10 years, the Volvo Group Australia wanted to capture more data to analyse business trends, something evident in most industries globally ( Tallon 2010). The legacy systems also are prone to downtime, costing thousands of dollars in lost revenue while not being available to the dealer network. 4.4 Post TruckShop pilot Should the TruckShop pilot prove successful the system is recommended to be rolled out into other business areas. The continuing success of the TruckShop roll out is expected to result in high availability, high reliability, low entry cost and ongoing cost effectiveness for all users of the system. All new supply chain enterprise system projects, and indeed other candidate enterprise systems within the group would be recommended to proceed with this cloud computing service and delivery model to ensure overall cost reductions, efficiency gains, centralising and amortising maintenance, upgrades and improvements across all business areas. 5 Conclusions For cloud computing solutions, Volvo IT would generate their revenue by charging the Business Area departments based on the number of users. Users could apply for only the access to systems that they required. System updates and improvements would be performed centrally in Sweden, and users would not have to concern themselves with updates nor have to present their hardware to IT to update. The pilot of TruckShop should prove to the company what cloud computing can achieve. Many other business areas in the Volvo Group can benefit from adopting cloud computing practices. With technology being built into Volvo Trucks, and the focus on providing business partnerships more online services will be developed into the future.