Management information system ip2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Management information system ip2 - Essay Example A research conducted by Greasley et al shows that the employees are able to relate to the concept of empowerment in a different way than the supervisors. The employees believe that they are provided with the responsibility of completing a certain task and this inflates them to complete the particular task in a remarkable manner. Other than the sense of responsibility, the employees also believe that they get a ‘control of work’ which provides them to manage their tasks accordingly. In other words the employees are able to work in a manner that is beneficial to both the employer and the employee himself (Greasley et al 2008). Employee Empowerment is considered as a source of high productivity by the supervisors. The supervisors can provide the employees with work and can create a unified goal which helps in increasing the productivity at a large scale. The supervisor is able to motivate the employee and hence optimize the performance in accordance to the needs. The supervisor tends to feel safe when handing the employees work because he/she believes that the employee would be able to take the responsibility on his own. In other words the level of trust increases between the supervisor and the employee (Potterfield 1999 p.123-124; Lashley p. 62-64). The theory X of management and decision-making process revolves around an authoritative form of leadership in which the managers hold the sole authority of making decisions whereas the theory Y states that the employees have an equal say in the decision making process. Employee Empowerment is a concept that relates to the theory Y as the managers give equal options to the employees when it comes to make decisions. Theory Y states that the managers should coach the employees in such a way that they are able to make their decisions with confidence and employee empowerment automatically instills confidence in the employees (Griffin 2012 p.39). Employee Empowerment

Learning Strategies and Information Processing Development Essay

Learning Strategies and Information Processing Development - Essay Example Learning disabilities remain manifest more as students advance through elementary years and get ready to master readiness skills. Their memory difficulties could be attributed to weak information processing relating to retrieval and storage of information, and ineffective strategies for retrieval and storage of messages (Smith, 2003). How attention, memory, recognition and knowledge relate to learning strategies. Delays in learning strategies and information processing abilities, in addition to a deficient knowledge base on which new knowledge could be attached, affect the capacity of students in processing and recalling information. The opportunity to learn would be lost whenever the attention of a student remains free or not maintained. This loss creates a deficiency of skills and knowledge, therefore, making learning less meaningful and forgettable. The learning-disabled students often become more impulsive and distractible compared to their peers. They also use less psychological control procedures to focus their learning (Smith, 2003). Preschoolers with learning disabilities remain more active as well as having difficulty in directing their attention. However, their activity declines from age three into adolescence. In this regard, their learning strategies should incorporate attributes that would appeal to their attention such as shape, color, and uniqueness. An overemphasis on deficit remediation in the school curriculum does not expose the learning disabled to a wide variety of ideas, information, and language with the ability to stimulate cognitive development. Thinking skills need to be developed from the initial stage of a child’s career at school. These include, but not limited to, skills for developing, interpreting, differentiating, testing, memorizing, organizing, managing time, and solving problems. Special education teachers also need to direct these students on how to solve problems and focus on essential concepts (Smith, 2003). In orde r to develop and maintain short and long-term memory, information should be made memorable through repetition or association. The entry behavior of students also influences their capacity to have a focused attention, memorize, and retrieve information. Long-term memory results from intensive and varied information processing in the working memory during the initial stages. However, the learning-disabled students possess inefficient memory since they have difficulty stimulating information from the memory and associating it with new knowledge. Hence, more information could be learnt when a student possesses more knowledge Smith, 2003). An efficient, long-term memory of information should integrate verbal rehearsal and visualization as learning strategies for enhancing memory. Moreover, naming and grouping of information may also be used especially for younger students to enable them verbalize and memorize concepts. These strategies would mature during the middle and high school years . Conversely, it would be worth noting that the identification of visual-perceptual delays in preschool children remains a difficult process since the basic perceptual skills of space and form develop at early stages of growth and development in life (Smith, 2003). How visual-perceptual, motor and language relate to information processing developmen

Food security Essay Example for Free

Food security Essay All efforts to bridge the gap between government estimates and the Sonia Gandhi-led National Advisory Council over the Food Security Act are coming up against a central concern posed by the Congress chief: How can the selection criteria ensure the poor and deserving dont get left out? NAC members who interact with the government point out that Sonia repeatedly underlines her personal experience over the years during visits to deprived areas where she has found that the poor are simply not counted in any state survey and are denied any benefits. The Congress chiefs poser that the inability of the poor, particularly tribals and dalits, to access below poverty line cards needed to tap official welfare schemes will defeat the very objective of a law providing 35 kg food grain a month to the widest set of recipients is proving tough to answer. Here, even automatic inclusion parameters may not mean the severely disadvantaged groups will be assured a minimum level of food security, said sources familiar with the Congress supremos thinking. Sonia is keen the proposed law be effective in addressing needs of those who live on the brink and need state support and her conviction that exclusion criteria are applied in a bureaucratic manner and end up leaving the needy out in the cold tilts the scale towards universal eligibility which the government continues to baulk at. Several permutations have been considered including limiting universal public distribution system to districts with chronic poverty or looking for the right urban-rural ratios. But while some campaigners argue that governments fears of having to maintain large stocks are misplaced as universal PDS will be accessed only by those who need it, the government is not quite convinced. The government feels that legal provisions stating population percentages to be catered for will mean it has to provide for adequate food grain for all intended beneficiaries. A law is mandatory and the optimum values have to be factored in. The tussle over selection of beneficiaries has seen populist politics pushing for dilution of criteria like pucca houses or income levels. But the Congress presidents core concern that expanding the net still does not necessarily mean that obvious beneficiaries are being catered for being tossed up and down the table in both formal and informal consultations. Food security act pledge in Prezs address A national food security act to guarantee 25 kg of rice or wheat a month to BPL families, consolidation of rural employment and Bharat Nirman, a focus on terrorism and Indias neighbourhood, initiatives for urban employment and a promise to battle recessionary trends are likely to be part of Presidents address to Parliament. The first meeting of the Union Cabinet after the conclusion of government-formation, scheduled for Saturday morning, may consider President Pratibha Patils speech to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament. The speech, to be delivered on June 4, has been extensively worked on by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Presidents address is expected to highlight areas outlined by the PM like infrastructure and security. High on the governments agenda are plans for a National Counter Terrorism Centre, modernisation of police forces through training and technology and diversified recruitment. It will also speak of pushing programmes like highways that have languished. Some legislations like the Unorganised workers social security bill and Right to Education Bill, National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, expansion of the Rashtriya Swathya Bima Yojana and the National Child Labour Project, integrated development of minority concentration districts and approval of a National Tribal Policy are initiatives the government would like to speeden up. With economy and job losses very much a concern, the address will look to stress development of social and physical infrastructure along with specific plans like an urban employment safety net. The government will work on a comprehensive overhaul of public healthcare, restructuring Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), strengthening implementation of 11th and 12th plan power projects and attention on employment-generating small sector enterprises. The government is planning major efforts to decrease infant and mother mortality rates, bring about accountability in Primary Health Centres, initiate a household survey of the National Rural Healthcare Mission, besides approving rigorous oversight in ensuring dispensation of medicines before expiry dates. In the education sector, the main focus is likely to be on quality education by restructuring SSA, seen as a success story, and on guaranteeing education for all. The government is expected to  restructure SSA into a Mission for Quality Elementary Education to deal effectively with teacher absenteeism and drop out rates. The government has set up a target of adding 78,577 Mw of power generation capacity in the current 11th five year plan which has been raised to 1 lakh MW during the 12th five year plan. A major thrust on the micro small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector hit badly by the global economic slowdown to protect workers and artisans can be expected. Government may insist on use of handlooms and handicrafts in decor for government offices as well as for venues for the forthcoming At the start of UPAs first term in office, the Presidents address had reflected the commitments made in the common minimum programme and this time around, Congresss manifesto is expected to be foundation of the speech. A nation-wide skill development programme and scholarship schemes for needy students and those from the minority communities are on the governments check list. The electoral success in attracting minority votes could see the President refer to Congresss poll promise of taking its minority reservation models in states like Andhra Pradesh, to the national level. The government feels that it has been the recipient of a rural feel-good with the agrarian economy benefitting from higher MPS, NREGA and the loan waiver. With an eye to consolidating its image as pro-farmer, the government is expected to work towards providing interest relief to all farmers who repay bank loans on schedule. The loan waiver has reached 3.68 crore families. In the power sector, operationalisation of the National Electricity Fund, infrastructure implementation in the north-east, faster implementation of flagship programmes and monitoring through third parties and capacity building are on the table. Sanghatana says Food Security Act will ruin farmers The Shetkari Sanghatana has come out strongly against the proposed Food Security Act of the UPA government terming it as anti-farmer and a measure that would fuel inflation, derail countrys economy and produce an army of lazy people who get food almost for free without need to work. The proposed law is aimed at only garnering votes in 2014 elections by the ruling parties at the Centre. Providing subsidized food to 67% of countrys population or 81 crore people would cost the country Rs1,25,000 crore. It would have far-reaching implications on productivity and economy of the country and destroy dignity of labour, said Ram Neole, spokesman of the Sanghatana. Providing cheap foodgrains to the disabled, needy people can be seen as a noble gesture of a caring government in a welfare state. But the Food Security ordinance brought in a haste without waiting for a parliamentary clearance to cover an overwhelming majority of population is a cheap political gimmick, said Neole. His Shetkari Sanghatana led by Sharad Joshi favoured free market economy with farmers getting adequate rates for their produce. The Food Act would mean that farmers producing paddy, wheat and coarse grains like jowar would never get the right price as the government that controls pricing and procurement would never allow a hike so as to contain the cost of the scheme, explained Neole. Under the new law those demanding the foodgrains would be given rice for Rs3, wheat for Rs2 and jowar for Rs1 a kg. Of course, when faced with huge budgetary deficit that is bound to happen, the government would increase taxes on traders and salaried classes and businessmen and professionals burdening them further, Neole apprehended. All this will lead to loss of income for farmers, more taxes and non-availability of labour force for productive work at farms and factories, he feared. Contradicting this viewpoint, Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti president Kishore Tiwari has jumped in support of the law. In a statement here, he said: Only those ignorant of hunger and deprivation that kills lakhs of people in villages every year would oppose the law. Such political parties and people would be taught a lesson in 2014 elections for opposing a pro-poor policy, said Tiwari. The poor have a right to food and the proposed law is the first step to acknowledge it, he added. Food subsidy bill may touch Rs 75K cr on back of Food Security Act The proposed Food Security Act may not put additional burden on the government in the current fiscal year as the government can find the resources to fund the plan from the spending outlined for 2011-12, finance ministry officials said. However, the food subsidy bill could soar to as much as Rs 75,000 crore from the estimated Rs 60,572.98 crore for the 2011-12 fiscal year. Finance ministry officials said the government will provide the money for funding this exercise. The ministry has already asked various departments to  tighten their belts and not to undertake any new spending commitments as it sticks to its plan of meeting the fiscal deficit target of 4.6% of gross domestic product. The government is keen to stick to its deficit target as it has embarked on a drive to mend public finances. Earlier, the government had said it was ready to provide for any additional fuel subsidy as result of the spike in global crude oil prices and is confident of finding the resources from within the budget for the 2011-12 financial year. The government has an ambitious share sale programme in state run companies and plans to raise Rs 40,000 crore. Despite volatile stock market and global economic conditions, finance ministry officials are confident of achieving the target. It is also banking on other non-tax revenues to help it keep within it spending limits despite pressure points on the subsidy front. Sources said the ministry of food and consumer affairs was staring at a requirement of over 70 million tonnes of foodgrain to support the food security act. Given the trends in procurement and the need to maintain buffer stocks, it could pose a problem for the government and force it to import from the international market. Any plans to impose large quantities of grains could push up prices in the global market and widen the governments subsidy burden. Some analysts say the food subsidy could touch Rs 1 lakh crore in two years. It remains to be seen how the government balances the demand for the food security act against the backdrop of a tight fiscal situation. Analysts say importing costly food to run the Food Security Act could blow a hole in public finances and reverse the trend in fiscal consolidation. Congress hopes to get food bill passed Conscious that the window to secure passage of the food security bill is narrowing as the scheduled end of the monsoon session of parliament nears, the Congress on Sunday expressed the hope that the landmark measure will get approved during the coming week. We hope the food bill will be passed in parliament on Monday or Tuesday, Congress spokesperson PC Chacko told IANS. The ongoing monsoon session of parliament is scheduled to end on August 30. Though the lower house functioned on Saturday, in lieu of a holiday last week, the food bill was not listed as opposition parties wanted it to be  debated on Monday. The food bill will be taken up on Monday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath had told reporters on Friday. If it gets passed in the lower house on Monday, the bill can be taken up in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. Politics scuttled Congress managers plans to get it passed for the entire week Aug 19-24 as the opposition did not let the house run over the issues of missing coal-block allocation files, statehood for Telangana and high prices of food items. The managers hope that Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs statement in the Rajya Sabha on Monday would end the controversy over missing coal-block files. The speakers suspension on Friday of 12 anti-Telangana members, who had been disrupting the lower house, has sought to address the issue of endorsement for a new state. The Lok Sabha functioned Saturday for the first time since the session began Aug 5 and passed three bills Governors (Emoluments, Allowances and Privileges) Amendment Bill, 2012, The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2012 and Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Second Amendment) Bill, 2012.

Influence of Cinema on Youths today

Influence of Cinema on Youths today Nowadays, movies in some ways affect people lifestyles especially teenagers. Movies are popular among teenagers. Most of the teenagers are influence by the movies and addicted to some illegal activities. This is one of the major problem faces by our country because of the teenagers behavior. Movies are one of the most entertainments in today world. So that, a question given to me to conduct a survey among movie goers to find out their views on the influence of the cinema on youths today. 2.0 Small introduce about movie Watching movies increase rapidly. Most of the people addicted to watch movie in cinema, especially teenagers. There are so many advantages and disadvantages about watching movies. The productions spend billions of money to produce and direct a new movie. 2.1.1 Influence of Cinema on Youths today Movie is well-known among teenagers. Movie affects teenagers in different kind of ways. One of the reasons for the popularity of the movie is that it entertains all types or people, young and old, literate and illiterate. Most of the teenagers watching movies are for relaxations. Sometimes, they feel stress, so that teenagers spending their time in watching movies in cinema. First, movie influence youth negatively and positively. This is because; teenagers will imitate their favourite actor and actress to follow exactly their styles such as, dressing styles, hair style, character of the actor or actress act in the movie, language and so on. Movies affect teenagers in their attitude. Teenagers watch too much movies and its influence their attitude change. They might admire the character, their thoughts, or ideas. They decide to do the same as them. Does movie contain any moral? For this question, most of the people answer is neutral. This is because; some of the movie contains moral value, but some movie does not contain moral value. Most of the movie is about love stories. Love stories make the teenagers mind change and they will follow exactly what the actor or actress act in the movie. Watching movie in cinema affect interacting with family? Most of the people strongly agree for this question. This is because, if teenagers addicted to watching movie in theater, they will forget to back home. Most of time, they will be at Cinema, so that it will affect the beautiful relationship between parents and children. It also will affect teenagers to influence in bad habits. Besides, cinema influence in youths culture? Most of the people agree for this question. This is because, teenagers watch movie and follow others such as foreign culture. They forget about their own culture and the important of the culture. Teenagers will follow exactly foreign culture such as, wear ring at eyebrow, tongue, mouth and so on. They thought its beautiful and stylish but actually its really dangerous for health. If we didnt take care well, we will get serious sick such as mouth cancer and sometimes will cause death. Teenagers have to be careful and should not follow others even though it is attractive. Besides, violence in the movie affects teenagers minds? Based on my survey, some agree and some of them answer is neutral. Violence in the movie affects teenagers to do the same. This is because, usually in movie, they will do illegal activities such as smuggling, robbery, drinking, smoking, taking drugs and so on. In a movie, they act but it looks exactly real. So that teenagers get interest and involve in negative activities such as I mention before. Finally, watching movies is simply for the pleasure. Teenagers can watch movie but do not follow or imitate exactly what happen in the movie. Be smart in watching movies, take the good things and throw away bad things. 2.1.2 Conclusion For the question 1, I prepare a questionnaire and distribute to people according to age and ask their opinion that does movie influence on today youths. Based on my survey, most of the people agree that movie influence on youths today. Questionnaire is a list of a research or survey questions asked to respondents. Questionnaire is easy to design and distribute to people. Watching movie is just for entertainment so that, teenagers can watch movie but do not exactly imitate the character. 3.0 Introduction to question 2 Should teaching Mathematics and Science in English? Teaching Science and Mathematics in English help students to increase their extra knowledge. Learning in Science and Mathematics in English can prepare us to face challenges in this globalization era. I had been given a question; write a letter to Prime Minister to convince him support my stand on Teaching Science and Mathematics in English. So that, in my letter I write: 1. Advantages of teaching Mathematics and Science in English 2. The standard of education level increase 3. My personal conclusion teaching Mathematics and Science in English give benefits 3.1 Teaching of Science and Mathematics in English (write letter to Prime Minister) Dear Sir, Teaching Mathematics and Science in English Mathematics and Science are core subject which in every country including Malaysia. As concern youth of the loving nation, pertaining to the above subject, I would love and agree Mathematics and Science to be taught in English language. 2. English as an international language would have greater impact on our student to master English language as well if both subjects taught in English. This will not jeopardize our National Language since other subjects like Moral, Sejarah and Bahasa Malaysia still being taught in our National language. In class, teachers still can explain the mathematic theory or science mechanism in Malay even though English is the medium for the subject in order to enhance students understanding in both languages. 3. The standard of our education level in increase on par with international syllabus, once they have pursued their further studies at overseas. Concepts taught at Malaysian School level are still applicable for their higher studies. English language has been used as communication medium in every conference regarding Mathematics and Science at international level. So the participation of our own Malaysian students at international level is seen as good platform if we do continue our Mathematics and Science in English. 4. Furthermore, we will have most of our students are well verse in English language and the steps taken to master English by our own government will be successful. Our Nation will be sought after by many Multinational Companies (MNC) to employ Malaysian citizens and invest in Malaysia which will help the growth to Malaysian economics. This will also help Malaysians earning per capita to increase and eradicate poverty. 5. Last but not least, teaching Mathematics and Science in English will get more benefits. We will able to preserve our National language and master language as well. Thank you Sincerely ____________ 3.1.1 Conclusion As a conclusion, teaching science and mathematics in English will give more benefits. The purpose of teaching Science and Mathematics in English is to enable students to acquire proficiency in English while learning the content. The main purpose of study Science and mathematics in English is to improve the English language. Other than that, we have to use English in the education system, so that our English language, grammar will become more professional. 4.0 Conclusion and recommendations Finally, I had been done my entire question successfully. While doing this assignment, I gain much extra knowledge and learn many things. For the first question, I had done my survey. Through the survey, I learn a lot about people opinion towards my question. Questionnaire is really a simple way to distribute to people and ask about their opinion. APPENDIX PRINT SCREEN

Stephen King :: essays research papers

The relief Stephen King's Constant Readers feel at seeing the first full-length novel from the horrormeister since his accident most likely overshadows the weaknesses they might find in an effort that, while not King's best, is neither his worst. Set partially in the Derry, Maine, of It and Insomnia, and with shades of Tommyknockers in its subject matter, Dreamcatcher hearkens back to It and that novel's theme of the lifelong endurance of childhood friendships -- especially when something unspeakable bound those long-ago children to one another. Four men meet for their annual deer hunting party deep in the Maine woods in a cabin full of happy memories. Though they've inevitably grown apart, their childhood ties are still strong. In the cabin's great room hangs a Native American dreamcatcher, strings woven about sticks said to have the power to protect slumbering humans from night terrors. This year, though, that hanging talisman will prove scant protection against an unearthly horror that will require sacrifices of the highest order from the knot of friends. The animals are fleeing the surrounding forest, for they sense the unwelcome visitors whose precursors were the spate of recent strange lights in the New England sky. For Pete, Beaver, Henry and Jonesy, the nightmare begins when a disoriented hunter named McCarthy stumbles into their camp. The situation quickly degenerates. McCarthy unwittingly plays host to a deadly parasitic creature and brings a rapidly multiplying fungal growth into the midst of the group. While the childhood friends battle an inexplicable and implacable enemy, a government covert operations team seals off the area. Their plan: to destroy all evidence of a threatening alien invasion like nothing the pulp sci-fi purveyors has prepared the world for. Led by a man who is quite possibly insane, the black ops unit will stop at nothing to contain the menace -- including the slaughter of the bewildered hunters they've herded from the surrounding forest. Even so, the government's answer is insufficient to the problem. The combined will of the four men, and their reunion with the dying boy-man whose uniqueness bound them all together so wondrously those years ago, is the only hope against the unrelenting usurper from the heavens. The very best part of Dreamcatcher is undoubtedly the magic of the boys' relationship in the flashbacks to an earlier Derry. The easy way their small circle assimilates a specially-gifted Down's Syndrome child breaks your heart with its glimpse of humanity's potential actualized.

Aldous Huxleys A Brave New World Essays -- Technology A Brave New Wor

Aldous Huxley's A Brave New World The New World, a man-made Utopia, governed by its motto, Community, Identity, Stability (Huxley 3). A man-made world in every way. Human beings fertilized in bottles. Identity, gender, intelligence, position in society, all predestined. Human beings classified in the order of precedence: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Epsilon. Every one conditioned to be a certain way. Every one works for every one else (Huxley, 74). All man-made to ensure social stability. Is society in the New World truly better than in the 2000s? Are people in the New World truly happier than we are in the 2000s? Do we in the 2000s have any thing in common with the New World? Are there significant sociological differences between the 2000s and the New World? These are questions I found myself pondering as I lay down Aldous Huxley's brilliant A Brave New World. We have tremendous expectations of our Mothers. In the 2000s , our ideal Mother give life to her child, provides unconditional love to her child, and nurtures her child. There is a special bond between a Mother and her child. We have learned to recognize, respect, and appreciate the self-sacrifices and hardships that a Mother endures for her child. Those of us less fortunate, craves the love, care, and attention of a good Mother and good parents. To provide good parenting to our children are the goals and concerns of every good parents. Parental affection and guidance, or lack thereof, plays a vital role in our lives. We promote childbirth as a natural, fulfilling experience for women (Lamaze International, Online). In the New World, Mother is a smutty word (Huxley 36). Mothers, parents, and families were taught and understood as viviparous. Our 90s society woul... ...itics, the social instability. Should we sacrifice the good of the 2000s for the social stability of the New World? I want to say that I can not be certain, for I do believe in different systems, different values. But I can not say that. I live in the 2000s society and I grew up with my own set of belief. My own ideology. Therefore I have my bias opinion. Isn't social instability the path to finding true happiness? Without the bad, how will you recognize the good? If every thing is predestined, what is the purpose of life? If there is no individual love, what is there to live for? Self-happiness verses state-happiness. If self-happiness is selfish - then I am. Works Cited Huxley, Aldous. A Brave New World. 1932, 1946. National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) 10 February 1998 . Europe Against Drugs (EURAD) Date Unknown . Lamaze International Date Unknown .

A safe seat for lightweight vehicles

The Working Group on Accident Mechanics has developed a low mass vehicle (LMV) with a curb weight of 650 kg, called â€Å"Cratch†. This experimental vehicle demonstrates that a high level of passive safety for the occupants of low mass vehicles is achievable in frontal collisions (Frei 97). The development of a car seat suited for use in LMVs has been a part of this project. The seat is an important element of the restraint system: In the case of a frontal crash, the initial position of the occupant is defined by the contour and position of the seat, and, during the crash, a part of the occupant's kinetic energy is absorbed through deformation of the seat base. In rear-end impacts the seat represents the entire restraint system. During a collision against a conventional car, the low mass vehicle, due to the fundamental laws of motion, is exposed to higher accelerations and a larger change in velocity than its counterpart (Niederer 93). The seat presented here was specially adapted to these severe conditions. Nevertheless, almost every feature of the concept could easily be adapted for use in conventional cars. The main focus of the development was on the improvement of the rear-end impact safety, which represents a substantial problem, also for conventional cars. Compared to the considerable improvements of crash safety in frontal and side impacts accomplished during the last years, progress concerning the rear-end impact safety has somewhat stagnated. This may be related to the fact that rear-end crashes are often considered to be less dangerous, since there is a very high surviving probability for the occupants. In spite of this, it is very worthwhile to invest in rear-end impact safety since injuries caused by this collision type do not only cause high amounts of compensation costs but also can have very unpleasant consequences to the occupants involved. Energy absorption In addition to the functional mock-up, two crash-testable models of the seat have been built. They were used in the Cratch experimental low mass vehicle in a full scale frontal crash test with a delta-v of more than 70 km/h, and in a series of sled based rear impact tests. Figure 4: The crash test model of the seat: raw structure and completed seats integrated into Cratch low mass vehicle. Seating position is more upright as in conventional cars. The requirement for a geometrical adaptability for the spectrum ranging from the 5th to 95th percentile occupant alone is not sufficient; the energy absorption capabilities of the seat must also be made suitable for the whole group. This means that the seat must deform softly enough not to exceed tolerance limits for light persons but must also provide enough deformation space for heavy occupants. Since the amount of prototypes was limited, e.g. more than one test per seat specimen had to be performed, the seats had to be reusable, leading to a rather robust and heavy construction. Seats for ‘real world' use do not have to fulfil the reusability requirement, allowing for a less heavy construction. The seat has been designed to withstand an sled impact speed of 33.3 km/h. This corresponds to a situation in which a standing low mass vehicle is hit on the rear end by a conventional car of twice the weight travelling at 50 km/h. Based on a force-deformation curve of an existing car and an assumed characteristic for the Cratch (which has not been rear-end impact tested) an acceleration-time curve for the Cratch has been calculated and simplified for use in simulations and sled testing. The maximum acceleration level is 30 g. Since it is known that cervical spine injuries can already occur at much lower loads, impact speeds of 22.2 and 11.1 km/h have also been taken into account for the design of the seat. The corresponding acceleration levels for these speeds are only 20 and 12 g, because in these cases impact energy is considerably smaller and the deformation zones of the cars are not deformed to a degree that higher forces (leading to higher accelerations) are built up. In order to find suitable stiffness characteristics for the different energy absorbing units of the seat, a simple computer simulation model was used in which the occupant is modelled by four independent masses. Realistic results with such a model can only be expected in case where there are no, or very little translational displacements between the body parts. For our purposes, this is not a real disadvantage, since the aim is to find a setting wich results in a minimum of relative translational deformations (at least in the upper body regions). In a first step, the model was verified through comparison with a well-tried rigid body simulation program. Unfortunately, there is no model of the cervical spine available yet that is able to exactly mimic the behaviour of a human neck. Figure 6: Simplified rear-end impact model of occupant and seat, used for computer simulation. The deformation characteristics of the paddings have been evaluated by dynamic impact pendulum tests. Energy absorption is performed both by foam paddings and by rotational yielding of the seat back. Yielding is controlled by a deformation element, which consists of a three point bending beam made of aluminium. The yielding moment is 3000 Nm. During loading, the element builds up deformation force in the elastic range only gradually. This is undesirable as it causes a faster backward movement of the head restraint in the first phase of the collision. Bolts have therefore been integrated in the construction to obtain a deformation characteristic that sooner reaches its energy absorbing level. The bolts shear off during the onset of the yielding process and cause higher forces at the beginning of the deformation process. The replaceable deformation elements are the only structural parts of the seat that are supposed to absorb energy. Energy absorbing properties of other load bearing components are irrelevant. This means that the seat concept and the choice of material for the realisation are almost independent of each other. The centre of rotation of the yielding back rest is positioned relatively high above the seating level. Yielding of the back rest is thus delayed and an earlier contact between head and head restraint is obtained. Because the pelvis is already in contact to the back rest at the beginning of the crash, no considerable relative velocities between the pelvis and the back rest arise during impact and therefore little deformation space is needed in this region. The acceleration levels of the different body parts are mainly influenced by the stiffness characteristics of the foam paddings. The paddings have to be chosen such that relative movements between head, neck and thorax are minimised. A combination was found that works adequately under the conditions mentioned above. Even with an automatically adjusted head restraint, for comfort reasons there will remain some initial distance between the head and the head restraint, causing a delay of the acceleration of the head in comparison to the thorax. A layer of a very soft foam applied in the thorax region reduces the acceleration of the thorax in this first phase of the impact (Muser 94) and thus helps to synchronise movements of the head and the thorax (as tests by Svensson (96) have shown). Assembly of energy absorbing foams in the seat back. A hard foam type (Woodbridge Enerflex) and two softer foams (Dow) have been used. Empty spaces in front of protruding structural components prevent excessive compression of foams and increase of forces in these regions. Renault is hoping supermini buyers will be ‘Vel Satisfied' with the look of the new Clio, which is revealed by Auto Express with this world exclusive spyshot picture.The distinctive supermini borrows its bold front-end styling from the controversial Vel Satis, and is charged with storming straight to the top of its competitive market sector when it goes on sale in the UK in September priced from à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½7,500. Destined to go head-to-head with the forthcoming Ford Fiesta and the still-secret Peugeot 107, the radical Clio will boast an innovative new range of engines and gearboxes. These include direct-injection petrol and diesel powerplants, and new CVT transmission plus a revised five-speed manual. Both the three and five-door editions will be available from launch, and the duo will be instantly identifiable from the existing cars thanks to bold new headlamps and an aggressive grille. Wing mirrors, sills and side rubbing strips are also revised, as are the edges of the bumpers, which now blend into the slippery lines more effortlessly. At the rear, revised lights share centre stage with a huge Renault badge. And in keeping with company policy, the manufacturer's name will no longer appear on the bootlid. Major interior changes will place greater emphasis on safety. It's thought that the Clio will now include curtain airbags, following the lead set by Vauxhall's Corsa, and it will aim to gather the full five stars in the revised Euro NCAP crash-test series. Equipment levels, too, are expected to be more generous than at present, and will probably include satellite navigation for the first time. Keyless start, as fitted to the Laguna (see photo) and Vel Satis, will not feature, however. The engine line-up will be largely familiar to buyers of the current Clio, as the powerplants are among the newest in the business. The company used to have a reputation for poor-quality, outdated motors, and so has worked hard to transform its entire range into the most sophisticated in the business. First in the line-up will be a new 1.2-litre 16-valver offering 75bhp and class-leading fuel economy, followed by the 98bhp 16v 1.4-litre. The top-of-the-range luxury Clio will be powered by the 1.6-litre unit which features 110bhp, while the 172 tuned by Renaultsport will continue to use the fire-breathing 2.0-litre engine – ensuring it keeps its place at the top of the hot hatch tree. Renault will also keep pushing its diesels, which are enormously popular in mainland Europe. Two options will be available, both based on the company's state-of-the-art new 1.5-litre dCi oil-burner, with either 65bhp or 85bhp. Gearbox choices will be limited to a five-speed manual and a conventional auto at first, although the firm is experimenting with Nissan's acclaimed CVT automatic from the current Micra. Renault's own ‘Easy' clutchless manual was dropped due to slow sales and is unlikely to be revisited. Of course, the new look isn't only reserved for the mainstream models. Renault's stylists have also interpreted it for the fire-cracker hot hatch, the Renaultsport 172. And our spy photographers were able to bring you an all-round tour of the model which must uphold the honour of the craziest hot hatch on the market today. Inside has been treated to a mild spruce-up. You can clearly see new metallic-effect sports trim on the facia, and Renault insiders say that there will be revised specification levels for the UK. However, the main architecture remains unchanged. Visually, the new face has a meaner stare, with an aggressive front airdam that's open rather than fluted. The deeper rear valance comes with an air-vent groove beneath the bumper line. New five-spoke alloys, a chunky Renault logo on the tailgate, colour-coded side-rubbing strips and a new slash of silver trim complete the picture. As you can see, the styling tweaks lift the Clio's profile slightly upmarket, giving it a more mature and sensible image – but don't be fooled†¦ The tuned 2.0-litre four-cylinder 16-valve engine remains one of the most entertaining hot hatch motors of its kind, and the power output will stay at 172bhp, guaranteeing the same performance. However, if enthusiasts were hoping that the wildest hot hatch ever – the Renaultsport Clio V6 – would get the same changes, they'll be disappointed. As it's such a specialised, low-volume machine, it is remaining unchanged throughout its lifetime. Not that we are complaining! Something as anti-establishment as the Clio V6 isn't about to appear dated just because the car it was loosely based on has had a subsequent facelift. Of course, the standard model's fresh look is designed to keep the Clio riding high in the sales charts until an all-new successor arrives in 2003. This will share its platform and engines with the next Micra, although they will have different interiors and styling to reflect their diverse characters. On the whole, these latest revisions to the range look set to keep interest levels bubbling away for the already successful Clio family. And what's more, the timing couldn't be better, as there is a whole host of new metal lurking on the horizon†¦ With the likes of the stylish MINI here this summer, a Fiesta replacement being unveiled in September, the next-generation Peugeot 106 and Citroen Saxo due next year and Volkswagen's Polo arriving in 2003 as well, the Clio must face up to some stiff competition. But by welcoming its baby to the latest family look, Renault is out to prove that it hasn't only been concentrating on larger products such as the Laguna, Avantime, Vel Satis and next Espace. There's more than enough fight left in the supermini – especially as insiders say that the update won't affect the pricing strategy.