Design of Mobile Banking Application

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

Quantitative risk assessment Essay

Monte-Carlo simulation is carried out using a large number of computations, using a computer, with random inputs. This method is particularly useful when it comes to â€Å"predicting† the outcome a complex eventuality. Typically, the Monte-Carlo simulation is useful when predicting the outcome of a large number inter-related factors that are â€Å"uncertain†. Predictivity using Monte-Carlo simulation is far more accurate where variables under consideration are many, uncertain and random. For this particular reason, using Monte-Carlo simulation for this study is the best choice as there are many uncertain factors that need to be analyzed for computing a risk assessment. In this study, the first step begins with the production of meat and ends with health effects that meat can probably induce in consuming subjects. There is a large interplay of uncertain factors, and the entire food chain model proposed in the study has inherent variability across most levels. 2. What comment would you make about the source of data used for the concentration of E. coli in cattle feces? Prevalence and concentration of E. Coli in cattle fecal matter was used to assess the level of contamination of the meat. The level of contamination of the meat is a pointer to the probable exposure that a consuming subject could possibly have, to E. Coli. Concentration of E. Coli in cattle fecal matter is directly related to factors like seasonality, geographical properties, and feeding practices. However, the data related to concentration of E. Coli in the cattle fecal matter was constructed without consideration for these factors. Data used for concentration of E. Coli in fecal matter was obtained using enrichment methods. The results show a wide bipolar variation, from as low as undetectable E. Coli levels to as much as 5. 0 log10 CFU/g. The data for prevalence of E. Coli in cattle fecal matter was obtained from previously held studies. However, only data from those studies was used, that primarily aimed at detecting E. Coli prevalence rates in cattle fecal matter for beef that was supposedly slated for human consumption. 3. What comment would you make about the following: †¢ modeling the distribution of feces on carcass as Uniform? Slaughtering invariably causes the fecal matter to come in contact with the meat. Skinning a carcass will lead to contamination of exposed meat due to contact with the hide. Although, fecal matter is the main source of bacterial reservoir, the nature and number of agents that can directly or indirectly participate as contaminating agents is uncertain. However, the concentration of E. Coli in fecal matter is directly proportional to the extent of meat contamination. The distribution of fecal matter on carcass surface is uneven. A dilution factor was used as a model simplification. †¢ modeling fecal contamination only on the carcass surface? As a fact, E. Coli are present in the fecal matter but not inside red meat. Contamination of red meat, therefore, occurs only when fecal matter comes in contact with it. This will usually happen during slaughtering, and the following processes like packaging and trimming. For this reason fecal contamination has been modeled only on the carcass surface. 4. Briefly (less than 500 words), discuss the practicalities and likely success of implementing each of the proposed hypothetical mitigation strategies in the paper. The author has proposed three hypothetical risk mitigation strategies for risk reduction. However, the strategies have been proposed to reduce risk as per mentioned figures, assuming that the strategy is being implemented and the desired goal is being achieved. For instance, the first strategy of regulating storage temperature control norms shows a reduced risk to over 80%. Practically, this strategy can indeed cause a large risk reduction but a protocol will need to be developed that incorporates all the levels of the proposed beef-cold-chain, starting right from the farm to the retailer. Even with a concrete legislature to make sure this strategy works, it needs to be evaluated how far would this strategy prove to be practically enforceable. With definite legislature, a good compliance can be expected out of this strategy and apparently this strategy is far more practicable, and could prove successful. Pre-slaughter screening proposes to reduce risk by over 46%. However, more variables like feeding practices, geographical locations, and seasonal variation (that affect E. Coli fecal load) need to considered, before a definite â€Å"control† level can be instated to rule out slaughters for animals that have more than a certain level of bacterial fecal concentration. The consumer information program, although with a risk reduction of 16%, is certainly a very important level wherein proper intervention can dramatically decrease E. Coli related health morbidity. Even though anticipated risk reduction is only 16%, simple measures like adequate promotional tools, could significantly increase risk reduction through mass communication; the biggest limitation however, is that compliance in this case cannot be ascertained, nor enforceable. Keeping in mind the practical limitations of each of these strategies, a prudent approach would involve application of all the three strategies in conjunct, to ensure greater risk reduction. A good reason for this approach is that due to the uncertain nature of all the factors involved in E. Coli contamination and delivery to consuming host, it appears quite difficult to determine the individual potency of each of these factors, and they would easily remain relative values. ‘Evaluation of MRSA Select, a new chromogenic medium for the detection of nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus’ 1. What is the ‘gold standard’ used to assess the sensitivity and specificity etc. of the different diagnostic tests? The sensitivity and specificity of a particular diagnostic test needs to be estimated before the test under consideration can be employed for practical purposes, to ensure that the results obtained are accurate, and of consequence. A â€Å"gold standard†, hence, is an absolute, against which results from a particular diagnostic test are compared. The gold standard, also called as the standard frame of reference, is a perfect test for the given condition, and is 100% sensitive and specific as well. 2. Is the ‘gold standard’ the same for all of the tests? Within the context of this paper, the gold standard used is same for all the tests. The gold standard used is identification of methicillin resistant S. Aureus, from nasal swabs of patients, confirmed for the mecA gene using PCR. 3. Can the tests be compared in this way? Yes, the tests can be compared this way. The same samples (n) were subjected to different growth mediums, to ascertain the presence of MRSA. All these media were specifically designed to promote the growth of MRSA. Hence, depending on the growths shown by these different media, results can be drawn and compared. 4. Are the authors’ conclusions valid? I think that the author’s conclusions are valid. Although, PCR will remain the gold standard in ascertaining presence of MRSA, the application of this procedure, to remain practically enforceable, is quite limiting. For instance, considering the sheer number of samples that an urban community hospital has to handle on a daily basis, using PCR for all instances may not be feasible all the times. In this circumstance, using simple tissue culture techniques would definitely prove to be more desirable, especially with faster results and low costs; like using the MRSA Select that will give results within 24 hours with a sensitivity and specificity over 99%. Moreover, simplicity of the test requires no complex skill set, especially compared with handling PCR techniques. References 1. Fishman, G. S. (1995). Monte Carlo: Concepts, Algorithms, and Applications. New York: Springer 2. Bell, B. P. , Goldoft, M. , Griffin, P. M. , Davis, M. S. , Gordon, D. C. , Tarr, P. I. , Bartleson, C. A. , Lewis, J. H. , Barret, T. J. , Wells, J. G. , Baron, R. , Kobayashi, J. , (1994). A multistate outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7-associated bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome from hamburgers: the Washington experience. J. Am. Med. Assoc. 3. Vose, D. , (1996). Quantitative risk analysis: A guide to Monte Carlo simulation modelling. John Wiley and Sons, Chichester England. 4. USDA:APHIS:VS. , 1994a. E. coliO157:H7 issues and ramifications. Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO. 5. Gehlbach SH. (1993) Interpretation: sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value. In: Gehlbach SH, ed. Interpreting the medical literature. New York: McGraw-Hill 6. Apfalter P, Assadian O, Kalczyk A, et al. (2002) Performance of a new chromogenic oxacillin resistance screen medium (Oxoid) in the detection and presumptive identification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis;44:209–11. 7. Murakami K, Minamide W, Wada K, Nakamura E, Teraoka, H, Watanabe S. (1991) Identification of methicillin-resistant strains of staphylococci by polymerase chain reaction. J Clin Microbiol;29:2240–4. 8. Safdar N, Narans L, Gordon B, Maki DG. (2003) Comparison of culture screening methods for detection of nasal carriage of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus: a prospective study comparing 32 methods. J Clin Microbiol;41:3163–6.

Cloud Services Go Mainstream

Case Study 3. 4 – Salesforce. Com: Cloud Services Go Mainstream 1. How does Salesforce. com use cloud computing? Salesforce. com provides customer relationship management and other software applications using the software-as-a-service business model over the Internet. Cloud computing, also known as on-demand computing, eliminates the need for a business to make large up-front hardware and software investments and reduces the time to implement new programs. Subscribers to Salesforce. om don’t have to purchase or maintain any hardware (albeit personal computing devices) nor do they have to install any special operating systems, database servers, or application servers. Other than the monthly user subscription fee, businesses reduce their licensing and maintenance fees. Users access the Salesforce. com cloud through a standard Web browser or a mobile handheld device. Businesses using the Salesforce. com’s cloud have an easier time scaling their system as they increa se or decrease their workforce – they adjust the number of subscriptions to the cloud.Salesforce. com offers some customization of its software so a business can adjust the software to unique business processes. It offers three types of clouds: Sales cloud, service cloud, and the custom cloud. The sales and service clouds help businesses improve sales and customer service. The custom cloud provides a venue for customers to develop their own applications for use within the broader Salesforce network. 2. What are some of the challenges facing Salesforce as it continues its growth? How well will it be able to meet those challenges? Challenges include: Increased competition both from traditional industry leaders and new challengers hoping to replicate Salesforce’s success -Expanding its business model into other areas -Ensuring the system is available 24/7 with no outages -Defending the system against security breeches Salesforce is answering the first two challenges by pa rtnering with Google and combining its services with Gmail, GoogleDocs, Google Talk, and Google Calendar to allow its customers to accomplish more tasks via the Web . Salesforce. comand Google both hope that their Salesforce. com for Google Apps nitiative will galvanize further growth in on-demand software. By partnering with Apple, Salesforce. com can expand its applications to iPhone users who will have access to their data anywhere any time. Through its partnership with Amazon. com, Force customers can tap into Amazon. com’s cloud computing services that can handle â€Å"cloud burst computing† tasks that require extra processing power or storage capacity. Salesforce opened up its Custom Cloud (also known as Force. com) application development platform to other independent software developers and listed their programs on its AppExchange.The company introduced a development tool for integrating with Facebook’s social network that allows customers to build appli cations that call functions at the Facebook site. Small businesses can go online and download software applications, some add-ons to Salesforce. com and others that are unrelated. In order to grow its revenues to levels that industry observers and Wall Street eventually expects, Salesforce will need to change its focus from selling a suite of software applications to providing a broader cloud computing â€Å"platform† on which many software companies can deliver applications.To ensure system availability, Salesforce. com provides tools to assure customers about its system reliability and also offers PC applications that tie into their services so users can work offline. 3. What kinds of businesses could benefit from switching to Salesforce and why? Small to medium-size businesses are probably the most likely ones to switch to Salesforce. com because of cost factors and the lack of having in-house resources to provide the same level of computing capacity.Businesses that are tr ying to increase the sophistication of their computing capabilities could also benefit from switching to Salesforce as long as the two are compatible. Businesses that rely on smart customer management would benefit greatly from using the tools available at Salesforce. com. Also companies that have small sales and marketing teams can benefit from the software-as-a-service business model. 4. What factors would you take into account in deciding whether to use Saleforce. com for your business?Businesses should assess the costs and benefits of the service, weighing all people, organization, and technology issues. Does the software-as-a-service application integrate well with the existing systems? Does it deliver a level of service and performance that’s acceptable for the business? Does the SaaS fit with the business’ overall competitive strategy and allow the company to focus on core business issues instead of technology challenges? 5. Could a company run its entire busine ss using Salesforce. com, Force. com, and App Exchange?Explain your answer. Depending on the type of business, a company probably could run its entire operations using Salesforce. com, Force. com, and App Exchange. All four major functional areas of a business are supported: Sales and Marketing, Manufacturing and Production, Finance, and Human Resources. There are dozens of applications available to fully support all of these areas. It would be a matter of integrating the software from Salesforce. com and App Exchange with any existing legacy systems within the business.

Essay about Anti-bribery laws in the U.S Ethics and...

International business is risky especially when companies involved play by a different set of rules. Knowing the differences in culture, politics and the primary legal environments of a host country, allows the companies to conduct business and make quality decisions based on the business climate, creating a marketing mix specific to each country and region (CSU, module 3, 2014). Detailed research helps companies create a solid marketing mix, but does not guarantee that the obstacles of payoff’s and bribery won’t hinder the outcome. Below the surface level of many sales negotiations, like those seen in our case study of Boeing and Airbus, are driven not on their marketing mix, quality, reputation or reach, but rather on power, bribery,†¦show more content†¦What is legal in one country might not be in another. Greasing the wheels in Latin American countries is common practice to move government paperwork through faster or gifting officials helps expedite a b usiness through red tape (Cateora, Gilly Graham, 2013). Gifting or bribery is never legal in the United States and this puts the U.S. at a disadvantage against our competitors who’s illegal behavior in the U.S. is legal elsewhere. Airbus develops sales tactics to coheres buyers or political figures with large cash bribes, offering buyers business opportunities that are more appealing than Boeing’s. Multi-million dollar payoffs or bribes can change the course of a buyer’s original business intentions which could lead to the loss of sales and profit for companies like Boeing who follow the legal rules. Accounting for country rules, politics and customs that allow corrupt business practices, the U.S. finds itself at a disadvantage competing for the same business with companies like Airbus who can adapt, navigate and develop sales tactics which involve personal payoffs. Airbus Response Over the years, Airbus’ unethical business tactics have come to light. As a result, many people questionShow MoreRelatedThe Walt Disney Company and Disney Management25371 Words   |  102 PagesO UTL I N E O F CASES 2-1 The Not-So-Wonderful World of EuroDisney— Things Are Better Now at Disneyland Resort Paris 2-2 Cultural Norms, Fair Lovely, and Advertising 2-3 Starnes-Brenner Machine Tool Company: To Bribe or Not to Bribe? 2-4 Ethics and Airbus 2-5 Coping with Corruption in Trading with China 2-6 When International Buyers and Sellers Disagree 2-7 McDonald’s and Obesity 2-8 Ultrasound Machines, India, China, and a Skewed Sex Ratio CASE 2ïš º1 The Not-So-Wonderful World of BONJOUR,Read MoreInternational Management67196 Words   |  269 Pagescountries saw their economies stagnate or decline. The global political environment remains volatile and uncertain, with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Africa and continuing tensions in Iran, North Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan, especially as the U.S. role in these latter two countries evolves. On the economic front, failure to conclude important trade agreements, including the so-called â€Å"Development† Round of multilateral trade negotiations under the World Trade Organization, and the lagging supportRead MoreManagement Course: Mba−10 General Management215330 Words   |  862 Pagesto adopt the new mass-production techniques. The next change in management thinking about car assembly occurred in Japan when Ohno Taiichi, a Toyota production engineer, pioneered the development of lean manufacturing in the 1960s after touring the U.S. plants of the Big Three car companies. The management phi losophy behind lean manufacturing is to continuously ï ¬ nd methods to improve the efï ¬ ciency of the production process in order to reduce costs, increase quality, and reduce car assembly time. LeanRead MoreMonsanto: Better Living Through Genetic Engineering96204 Words   |  385 Pagesethnic composition of the population Ageing of the population Ageing of the baby boomer generation Interest rates Inï ¬â€šation rates Savings rates Trade deï ¬ cits Budget deï ¬ cits Exchange rates Antitrust enforcement Tax policy changes Environmental protection laws Extent of regulation/deregulation Developing countries privatising state monopolies State-owned industries Increasing proportion of women in the workforce Awareness of health and ï ¬ tness issues Concern for the environment Concern for customers CurrencyRead MoreExploring Corporate Strategy - Case164366 Words   |  658 PagesNew Musical Express, commented in early 2004: The dance culture as a whole got lazy. It came to be perceived as one thing: this cheesy, superclub, larging-it lifestyle. . . . Dance music came from an underground culture and was about being edgy and anti-establishment. At the height of superclub-dom, a club would be  £25 to get in and be full of slightly-older people, glammed up and wearing crap labels. If you are young and want to be cool, you are not going to buy into that.5 For many aï ¬ cionados