Profiling the international academic ghost writers who are providing low-cost essays and assignments for the contract cheating industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Lancaster
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Search Term ◽  
Contract Cheating ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Essay Writing ◽  
Customer Reviews ◽  
The Public ◽  
International Industry ◽  
The Cost

Purpose Students have direct access to academic ghost writers who are able to provide for their assessment needs without the student needing to do any of the work. These ghost writers are helping to fuel the international industry of contract cheating, raising ethical dilemmas, but not much is known about the writers, their business or how they operate. This paper aims to explore how the ghost writers market their services and operate, based on observable information. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews data from providers actively offering contract cheating services available to the public on Fiverr.com, a low-cost micro outsourcing site. The search term write essay is used to identify providers, finding 103 Gigs from 96 unique providers. Visible information, such as provider marketing, advertised services, pricing information and customer reviews, is analysed. Findings The results demonstrate that bespoke essays are readily available to students at a low cost. The majority of providers operate from Kenya. Revenue calculations indicate a price point of US$31.73 per 1,000 words, below the cost of traditional essay mills, but show that these 96 providers have generated around US$270,000 of essay writing business between them. Originality/value This study affords a look into a complex and established industry whose inner workings are normally kept private and for which little published information currently exists. The research adds to what is known about the extent, location and operation of the contract cheating industry.

Ryanair: success before love

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (8) ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Airline Industry ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Public Image ◽  
Necessary Condition ◽  
Sustainable Competitive Advantage ◽  
Value Proposition ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
True Value

Purpose – This paper aims to show why public acclaim is not always a guarantee for healthy profits. A low-cost forerunner, Laker Airlines, also discovered this same fact to its fatal cost. A company needs to understand its true value proposition and ensure that customers are willing to pay for it. Ryanair was adored by the public when it began its low-cost flights from Dublin to London in 1986. That love nearly drove it to bankruptcy. Today, despite its poor image, it is one of the most successful and profitable companies in the industry. Design/methodology/approach – The article analysis of the changing fortunes of Ryanair from its launch to its near bankruptcy in 1991 and then its revival of fortunes. It draws a parallel with Laker Airlines and the low-cost transatlantic Skytrain. Adulated by the public, the company folded in 1982. It is supplemented with research the airline industry and low-cost business models. Findings – The article shows why companies should not fall into the trap of believing that a good public image will be the necessary condition for maintaining a sustainable competitive advantage. They need to fully understand the value proposition and what a customer is willing to buy.

scholarly journals NanoSen-AQM: From Sensors to Users

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (04) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Pedro Lucas ◽  
Jorge Silva ◽  
Filipe Araujo ◽  
Catarina Silva ◽  
Paulo Gil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Sensor Data ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
The Public ◽  
Nano Sensors ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Air Quality Data ◽  
Monitoring Platform

With the raising of environmental concerns regarding pollution, interest in monitoring air quality is increasing. However, air pollution data is mostly originated from a limited number of government-owned sensors, which can only capture a small fraction of reality. Improving air quality coverage in-volves reducing the cost of sensors and making data widely available to the public. To this end, the NanoSen-AQM project proposes the usage of low-cost nano-sensors as the basis for an air quality monitoring platform, capa-ble of collecting, aggregating, processing, storing, and displaying air quality data. Being an end-to-end system, the platform allows sensor owners to manage their sensors, as well as define calibration functions, that can im-prove data reliability. The public can visualize sensor data in a map, define specific clusters (groups of sensors) as favorites and set alerts in the event of bad air quality in certain sensors. The NanoSen-AQM platform provides easy access to air quality data, with the aim of improving public health.

Pakistan’s census will prompt redistributive measures

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Population Growth ◽  
Population Control ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Afghan Refugees ◽  
High Population Growth ◽  
Common Interests ◽  
Low Cost Housing

Subject Implications of Pakistan's sixth census, completed this year. Significance The provisional results of Pakistan’s sixth census were in August presented to the Council of Common Interests (CCI) before being revealed to the public; the previous census was in 1998. High population growth will generate challenges for the state in managing elections and making policy. Impacts Pakistan’s government may draw up schemes for population control, emphasising family planning. Demand will grow for low-cost housing in cities. Islamabad may step up plans to repatriate Afghan refugees.

scholarly journals Enhanced Neutralization of HIV by Antibodies Displayed on the S-Layer of Caulobacter crescentus

2011 ◽  
Vol 55 (12) ◽  
pp. 5547-5552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Duval ◽  
Christopher J. Lewis ◽  
John F. Nomellini ◽  
Marc S. Horwitz ◽  
John Smit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nonhuman Primates ◽  
Caulobacter Crescentus ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovative Methods ◽  
Hiv Antibodies ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Anti Hiv Agents ◽  
Anti Hiv ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACTInnovative methods of prevention are needed to stop the more than two million new HIV-1 infections annually, particularly in women. Local application of anti-HIV antibodies has been shown to be effective at preventing infection in nonhuman primates; however, the concentrations needed are cost prohibitive. Display of antibodies on a particulate platform will likely prolong effectiveness of these anti-HIV agents and lower the cost of goods. Here, we demonstrate that the bacteriumCaulobacter crescentusand its highly expressed surface-layer (S-layer) protein can provide this antibody display platform. Caulobacters displaying protein G, alone or with CD4 codisplay, successfully captured HIV-1-specific antibodies and demonstrated functional neutralization. Compared to soluble antibodies, a neutralizing anti-HIV antibody displayed onCaulobacterwas as effective or more effective at neutralizing diverse HIV-1 isolates. Moreover, when an antibody reactive with an epitope induced by CD4 binding (CD4i) was codisplayed with CD4, there was significant enhancement in HIV-1 neutralization. These results suggest that caulobacters displaying anti-HIV antibodies offer a distinct improvement in the use of antibodies as microbicides. Furthermore, these reagents can specifically evaluate anti-HIV antibodies in concert with other HIV-1 blocking agents to assess the most suitable tools for conversion to scFvs, allowing for direct display within the S-layer protein and further reducing cost of goods. In summary,C. crescentus, which can be easily produced and chemically stabilized at low cost, is well suited for engineering as an effective platform, offering an inexpensive way to produce and deliver HIV-1-specific microbicides.

Latin America budget airline competition to intensify

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Air Travel ◽  
Airline Competition ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Flight Frequency ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Regional Airports ◽  
The Cost

Subject The expansion of low-cost airlines in Latin America. Significance In late October, the first tickets for flights with Wingo -- a new no-frills carrier running routes between Colombia, Central America and the Caribbean -- went on sale. The new Colombia-based company is competing directly against several traditional and budget airlines for a share of the growing market for domestic and international air travel within the region. Wingo's creation, together with that of Viva Air Peru in November, highlights the continued disruption to a sector long dominated by a small number of high-cost carriers. Impacts Greater availability of reasonably priced international flights will boost Latin American tourism to the Caribbean. Cheap air travel may also help expand and consolidate regional trade ties, reducing the cost of business trips. Increased flight frequency and passenger numbers will help regional airports which have often operated below capacity.

Modernizing tradition – the Thai silk industry

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 31-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Preeya Patichol ◽  
Wiani Wongsurawat ◽  
Lalit M. Johri
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Silk Industry ◽  
Innovative Strategies ◽  
The Public ◽  
Direct Competition ◽  
Traditional Industry ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose – This paper identifies challenges the traditional Thai silk industry has faced during its internationalization, and the public and private responses employed to overcome challenges. Design/methodology/approach – In-depth interviews were conducted with major players along the Thai silk value chain to gain insights into the industry's transformation from a domestic, cottage industry into an international fashion producer. Findings – Thai silk has created a niche market for high-end, cultural products, thus successfully sidestepping direct competition from emerging low-cost producers. The main innovative strategies employed include introducing new products, upgrading quality, attracting new customers, and collaboration between actors all along the silk value chain. Originality/value – This study illustrates how a traditional industry can evolve and successfully adapt to changing consumer demands and competitive landscapes in a globalize economy.

The effects of audit quality on the costs of capital of firms in Ghana

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 639-659 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Coffie ◽  
Ibrahim Bedi ◽  
Mohammed Amidu
Keyword(s):  
Audit Quality ◽  
Cost Of Capital ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Of Debt ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Listed Firms ◽  
Financial Firms ◽  
The Cost

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the effects of audit quality on the cost of capital in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachNon-financial firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) as well as non-listed firms from the database of Ghana Club 100 were included in the sample. Series are yearly, covering a sample of 40 firms during the six-year period, 2008-2013. The study employed the positivist research paradigm to establish the relationship between audit quality and the cost of capital.FindingsThere is evidence to suggest that the cost of debt and the overall cost of capital of firms in Ghana can be explained by the quality of the external auditors. The results also show that the large size of the board is associated with low cost of debt.Research limitations/implicationsThe fact that the choice of quality measure is based on firm size only and other measurements of audit quality could not be measured. Future research may examine how other approaches to measuring audit quality affect cost of capital.Practical implicationsThe results significant for those charged with assurance and regulation, as well as lenders and managers of companies.Originality/valueThe authors investigate how external auditing quality affects the cost of capital of firms operating in Ghana.

Global airlines will need long-term productivity gains

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mergers And Acquisitions ◽  
Airline Industry ◽  
Cost Of Capital ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Air Transport ◽  
Economic Sustainability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Productivity Gains

Subject Airline industry outlook. Significance The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts that the global airline industry will record a fifth year of profitable operations in 2016. The average profit margin is foreseen at 5.6%, with the industry meeting the cost of capital for the second consecutive year. This is the first period of economic sustainability in the airline industry's history. Impacts Further consolidation is likely among North American airlines, but smaller carriers are reluctant to embark on major restructuring. In Asia, the appetite for looser alliances and joint ventures will prevail over mergers and acquisitions. Low-cost carriers offering cheap business class services, in addition to less expensive economy-class tickets, will pressure IATA members.

Use of low-cost space launchers could expand globally

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Hypersonic Vehicle ◽  
Launch Vehicles ◽  
Soft Landing ◽  
Space Applications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Successful Recovery ◽  
New Business ◽  
Deep Cuts ◽  
The Cost

Subject Outlook for low-cost satellite launchers. Significance SpaceX has made a breakthrough in satellite-launcher technology, with the successful recovery of a first-stage rocket involving a soft landing. SpaceX is challenging other launcher companies with a new business model that promises deep cuts in the cost of gaining access to space. This could transform the economics of space applications in near-Earth orbit communications and other space-based services. Impacts Some of the potential gains of cheap launch vehicles may require the development of more exotic technologies. Reaction Engines aims to reduce the cost of payload carried directly to low orbit to 1,000 euros (1,090 dollars)/kilogramme, from 22,000. A viable hypersonic vehicle is unlikely to be available before 2030.

Inter-sector senior leader transitions: experience and outcomes

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-93
Author(s):  
Robert McLeay Thompson ◽  
Christine Flynn
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Senior Leaders ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Organizational Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Senior Leader ◽  
Public Sector Leadership ◽  
The Cost

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the experience of senior leaders who move into the public sector from other sectors of the economy, a process referred to in this paper as inter-sector senior leader transitions. This is a little researched area of public sector leadership yet has significant implications for fundamental public sector reform. Design/methodology/approach – The paper employs an interview design to elicit senior leaders' stories of their transition into the public sector. Findings – The data suggest that successful senior leader transitions are more likely when a set of conditions is met; the leader transitions into CEO role, rather than levels below CEO, ministers provide inter-sector transition support, senior leaders develop responses to stress, senior leaders reject high formalization, their change processes focus on building capacity, and senior leaders confront dysfunctional organizational relationships directly. Research limitations/implications – The research relies on a relatively small sample. However, access to senior managers at this level can be difficult. Nevertheless, those senior managers who participated were very willing to share their stories. Practical implications – If public sector organizations are to realize the value of successful leaders from other sectors, they need to invest in structured processes that facilitate the transition. A laissez-faire approach is not viable given the cost of such transitions. Originality/value – The paper focuses on a little researched area of leadership experience which has significant implications for the development and change of the public sector.

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