Facts Regarding The Moon And The Illusion Psychology Essay

Facts Regarding The Moon And The Illusion Psychology Essay 1. Introduction The moon rises in the east and settles in the west, following a trajectory route very similar to that of figure 2a. However, during this trajectory the appearance of the moon observed larger on the horizon compared to when it is in its elevated position in the sky is known as the moon illusion for e.g. ( Kaufman et al 1962, 2000, 2006 Reed Kuprinski 2009, Coren Aks 1990, Weizman Cohen 2003, Toskovich 2009, Nanavati 2009), see figure 1ab. This illusion is not only denoted to the moon, it can also be observed by other celestial constellations such as the sun and the stars (Ross and Plug, pg 1-2 2002) (Wade pg 377 2000). It has been found in some cases that the size of the horizon moon appeared almost 1-2 times the diameter of the elevated moon Kaufman and Rock (1962) Ross and Plug (1994). This experience persists even when one is familiar it is an illusion Weizman and Cohen (2003) and has been observed for many centuries, with Aristotle (384-322BC) making the first clear scientific account Ross and Plug, pg 1-2 (2002) Wade pg 377 (2000). However there have been many suggested theories from physics to physiology and now finally psychology as to why this illusion is experienced Wade pg377 (2000), but none has been accepted as the correct answer. The main conflicting issues involve contradictions as to whether it is a linear or angular illusion, thus a model which accounts for both linear and angular illusions providing a common unified explanation is required. Elevated Moon/ Zenith moon Horizon Moon 1a 1b Figure 1a http://facstaff.uww.edu/mccreadd/ and 1b http://www.lhup.edu/~dsimanek/3d/loony.htm (Ken Amis) what the actual illusion looks like in its two comparative positions and an illustration of what the names horizon and elevated moons infer to within this text. 2. Facts regarding the moon and the illusion This is regarded as an illusion because the increase in perception of size occurs even though the visual angle (V) subtended on the eye remains the same regardless of the trajectory position of the moon, i.e. whether the moon is on the horizon or in its elevated position-see figure 2 (For e.g. C.Reed and E. Kuprinski 2009, Kaufman et al 2000). Physically if the angular size changes then a subsequent change of the retinal image size would occur, but it remains constant and hence is regarded as a perceptual phenomenon. The value of this angle has long been accepted as a fairly constant value of 0.52 degrees regardless of elevation For e.g. (Bears, Conners and Paradiso, pg 288,3rd edition, 2006, R Casati, 2003, Ross and Plug, pg 11-14, 2002, Mccready section 1 website). Furthermore evidence can be found in photographs, where many photographers have experienced the illusion, however after photographs become developed the moon image appears small Nanavati (2009). For e.g. Ross and Plug pg 60 (2002) took multiple photos of the sun during different periods of the day and found the size of the sun to be exactly the same during each interval at the different trajectories, similar to figure 2b. Since the camera can only illustrate the linear dimensions of an object this would further enforce the suggestion the illusion is in fact a perceptual phenomenon. Another demonstration involves a simple test called Herings manoeuvre, whereby a subject holds a coin close to their eye at arms length and observes the trajectory of the moon. The result of this will always be that the moon and the coin are the same size no matter what position of trajectory of the moon The Moon Illusion, a literature thesis by Bart Borghuis, (1999), Gregory (2007). Figure 2a http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap020130.html Credit and copyright to Shay Stephens. He picture shows the moonrise trajectory over Seattle, USA, with a snapshot taken every 2.5mins. 2a 2b Figure 2 Taken from Mccready section 1 illustrating the size of the moon does not change with the trajectory and nor does the visual angle subtended. The illusion maybe experienced in different areas of the world and the facts about the orbit of the moon around the earth can be used to explain as to why any variances in the earth-moon distance cannot play a role in the illusion. The moon travels in an orbit around the earth completing one full cycle every ~29days (1 month). The mean Earth-Moon distance is fairly constant throughout this period, however there is a degree of variance in the Earth-Moon distance caused by the elliptical shape of the orbit of travel (Nasa website). This variance causes the size of the visual angle of the horizon moon to become 2% smaller than the elevated moon and may only affect only short time viewing i.e. vieiwning the moon during separate hours in the same day Nanavati )2009), but not significant enough to cause the illusion (Mccready section 1). The distance of travel of the orbit has been monitored by NASA since the initial experimentation was carried out using retro-reflector beams/laser used in the Apollo 11 mission to the moon Faller et al (1969, 1970). The moon travels in an orbit of fairly constant mean distance of 384,000km (NASA website) from the earth and hence discounting the physical distance factor creating the illusion. The size (S) is It has been well established the physical size, distance and visual angle do not change (or not by a significant factor), however Aristotle suggested there was a physical cause that created a real magnification on the image size Nanavati (2009). It was thought this was caused by the atmospheric refraction, which had its effects greatest on the light rays on the horizon causing an increase in the moon size The Moon Illusion, a literature thesis by Bart Borghuis (1999), Ross and Plug pg57 (2002) i.e. like a stone under water where it appears to enlarge in size. However this theory was later disregarded as there was no means of measuring the actual horizon enlargement and if any it was deemed neglible, however many writers and investigators supported the idea that it could possibly play some form of secondary role Ross and Plug pg57 (2002), Gregory (2007). 3. Linear distance illusions 3.1 Size distance invariance hypothesis and Emmerts law The SDIH theory proposes the cause of the horizon moon appearing bigger is due to the extended terrain viewed in between the observer and the horizon moon, thus placing it at a perceptually further distance, for e.g. Kaufman (2000, 2006, 2007), Suzuki (2007), Gregory (2007). The SDIH assumes perceived angle (V) like the objective angle (V) is unchanged Reed and Kuprinski (2009) and implies distance is computed primarily by the visual system, while size is later inferred from this. Due to these conditions where perceived angle (V) is kept constant, only perceived distance (D) and size (S) can only change, thus suggesting a linear distance/size illusion and not an angular illusion Higashiyama (2004) Lou (2007). The SDIH can be illustrated by the formula S/D=tan V (apparent size S, apparent distance D and the physical visual angle V) Higashiyama (2006) Kaufman (2006), see figure 3. The SDIH implies the perceived size (S) is directly proportional to perceived distance (D) and this relati onship can be explained using Emmerts law. The conditions of Emmerts law are the perceived size of an object subtending a constant visual angle is directly proportional to its apparent distance Gregory (2007) Philip Servos (2006). Emmerts law in effect is the description of the size distance invariance hypothesis (SDIH) Jones et al (2009) and is one of the more researched theories within this topic. Afterimages are often used as a means to display Emmerts law since they have a constant visual angle always subtended at any distance and therefore a fixed retinal image size at all times disregarding any changes in angular size Lou (2007). Due to this retinal image size being a constant size, means any increase in the afterimage size cannot be due to any angular illusions. Since Emmerts law states size is proportional to apparent distance, then afterimages can be classed as one means of evidence for the SDIH. Figure 3 SDIH diagram taken from section 2 of http://facstaff.uww.edu/mccreadd/sectionII.html Most investigations usually conform to similar methodologies involving a form of magnitude estimation i.e. size or distance, using a reference moon to a variable moon, for e.g. (Holway and Boring 1941, Kaufman 2000, Gordon M Redding 2002, Jones Wilson 2009, Liang Lou 2007 etc). Kaufman (2000) used artificial moons to display the SDIH as a description of the moon illusion. Subjects viewed these artificial moons of constant angular size against a natural sky in horizon and zenith positions. They compared the size and distance of a reference moon to a variable moon. And altered the size of the variable moon using a keypad to achieve a match, see figure 5. In the results the horizon moon was perceived 3.2 times bigger and 4.2 times further away than the zenith. They found as they increased the distance between the reference and variable moon, the moon perceived size increased. Conversely when the distance was reduced the perceived size decreased therefore implying distance determines perceived size. Due to the availability of visual cues, the horizon moon is perceived at a distance D further than that of the zenith, causing a subsequent increase in size S Higashiyama (2006), (2007). Figure 4 illustrates the principles behind the SDIH and apparent distance theor y, where by the black circles in the inner band exemplify the moon straight above the observers head perceived as closer and hence smaller. The horizon moon in this model is perceived further away and hence bigger. Condition 2-Inside band (black circles) showing proposed SDIH condition Condition 1-Outside band (white circles) showing normal condition Horizon moon Observer Elevated moon Figure 4 (Annotated Figure 1 from Kaufman 2000) demonstrating the two conditions. Condition 1 the outer band of circles demonstrate how the moon should be perceived right from the horizon to its elevated state with no illusion. However condition 2 using this model of the illusion is represented in the second inner band of circles, suggesting the moon straight above the observers head is perceived as closer hence smaller and horizon bigger and further. Figure 5 demonstrates the apparatus used in Kaufman 2000s experiment. An IBM Think-Pad flat panel display specifically designed for this experiment was used. Virtual moons were produced as luminous disks against the natural sky. It was conducted on a hilltop on the C.W. Post campus of Long Island University in Brookville, NY. A total of four moons can be seen: one reference and one variable for both the horizon and elevated moon and subjects adjusted the variable moon using the computer accordingly. Kaufman (2006) further investigated using noise signal detection and two alternative forced choices. Luminous discs of constant visual angles were used however viewed across a virtual terrain in this case containing distance cues. Two separate experiments were conducted on size and distance, which suggested a directly proportional relationship between the two as predicted by the SDIH. Figure 6 compares the log size (y axis) versus the log depth (x axis), inferred as distance and found the slope demonstrates a linear slope of ~1. Thus these results suggest as size increases so does distance, once again supporting the SDIH. The fact the perceived size increases as a directly proportional factor to the distance perceived, indicates that the moon illusion cannot be referred to as an angular account. Figure 6 Kaufman 2006 shows the log perceived depth otherwise regarded as distance (x-axis) and log size (y-axis). A straight line is formed with a gradient of approximately 1, therefore suggesting size is proportional to distance as distance is to size. Tozawa (2006) investigated the roles of motion parallax and perspective cues on size and distance perception and the results yielded were similar and supported the SDIH. Weizman and Cohen (2003) also investigated the SDIH via a matching task using 4 different groups of subjects varying in age. Results indicated 41-88% viewed the horizon moon to be of a greater size and as a consequence supporting the SDIH. 3.2 The paradox The issue with the SDIH is it induces a paradox since many people do not experience the conditions it sets ;( the horizon moon appears both larger and further away) for e.g. (Higayshima 2006, Kaufman 2007, Kotaro Suzuki 2007, Kaufman 2006, Gregory 2007, Jones et al 2009). Instead (Mccready section 3) found up to 90% and Kaufman (2000) 9/10, view the larger horizon moon to be perceived as closer. Size constancy is the visual systems ability to maintain the accurate perception of real size of an object regardless of the change in retinal images size Combe Wexler (2009) Gregory (2007) i.e. when a person is walking away their physical dimensions do not appear to shrink, this relationship is maintained by size constancy regardless of the change in distance, which should create a smaller image size on the retina. One idea proposed as an answer is observers use the perceived distance to scale perceived size, as in SDIH. When enquired about distance, this scaled size and previous experience of sizes of objects from size constancy are used to determine distance. Hence due to this experience the observer makes a logical choice, thus in effect proposing there is a bias towards experiencing bigger objects to appear closer Kaufman (2000) (2007). However what is suggested in effect is there are two different routes taken to decipher size from distance and distance from size and without a ny direct evidence these ideas cannot be accepted as yet. 3.3 The apparent distance theory The apparent distance theory states the perceived distance is not only determined by the retinal image size, but factors such as visual cues within the surrounding terrain play a controlling role in judgment, for e.g. (Gregory 2008), Suzuki (2007), Kaufman (2000). There are many different types of visual cues from which the visual system can infer distance from and the amount of effect each cue has also varies. The terrain in one direction and its absence in the other play a vital role in the illusion Kaufman and Rock (1962). The role of cues plays an integral part in the SDIH, since the perceived distance determines the judged size and in effect can be described as SDIH since the findings directly support it. Pictorial representations of the illusion have been used as a methodology for investigation of depth cues, for e.g. (Coren and Aks 1990, Redding 2002, Jones et al 2009).The benefit of this being that any structural factors such as accommodation that may contribute towards the processing of size and distance are eliminated as cues and only visual cues i.e. terrain are left to investigate Redding (2002) Coren Aks (1990). The apparent distance theory would predict the horizon moon appears bigger due to distance cues placing it at a further distance and the zenith moon as closer, hence smaller, just as in SDIH. Jones and Wilson (2009) findings supported the apparent distance theory and demonstrate the level of effect of cues on the perceived distance. They used pictorial representations of of different salience as cues to depth, figure 7 displays the pictures used in increasing salience of each picture from A-D. Subjects viewed a reference moon placed on the horizon and zenith on the different scenes (figure 7 A-D) and compared this to a set of variable moon sizes on a computer, judging the match in size. A positive score (above 0) in the results from figure 8 indicated a perceived increase in size. Results show as the salience increases so does the perception of size for both moon trajectories, therefore these findings emphasize regardless of salience of cues, the mere presence of some form of cues effectively increase perceived size. However in all scenes the horizon moon is perceived bigger and significantly more so in the two scenes of high salience (figure 7 C and D). This infers proxi mity is a key factor and thus illustrates why the horizon moon is judged bigger, since it is in closer proximity to the terrain and the greater salience exaggerates this effect. Figure 7 taken from Stephanie 2009 figure 1 illustrating the different pictorial representations used as devices for the different depths of cues. A) Drawing of lowest depth cue salience B) Drawing of intermediate depth cue salience C)Drawing of high depth cue salience- Town scene D) Drawing of high depth cue salience- City scene. Figure 8 From Stephanie et al 2009 experiment number 1. The results were based on the size of error scores between the subjective responses of perceived size of the variable moon compared to the control moon size. Significant differences in size between the horizon moon and elevated moon indicated the degree of strength each cue played on that particular moon. The positive error score indicated an increase in perceived size and negative score a decrease. Redding (2002) also supported that cues in the terrain are essential for size scaling to create the impression of a bigger horizon moon, as well as the proximity to the terrain. A pictorial representation of an upright and inverted gradient, with two moons positioned like figure. The upright gradient produces fine details very close together giving the impression of a receding distance like in the horizon. However the upright gradient was more spaced out mimicking the large expanses of space surrounding the zenith moon. The apparent distance theory would predict a reverse in the illusion if the visual scene was inverted i.e. the horizon moon would now look smaller than the zenith. The results show the mean illusion, where a positive score indicates the normal moon illusion occurred and negative the reverse. These results demonstrate the prediction was correct since the horizon moon size increased in the upright direction and reversed in the inverted. Within virtual environments it has been found the size constancy mechanism is very strong when the object being viewed is surrounded by an environment, where comparisons can be made to decipher distance from, for e.g. (Kenyon et al 2007, Tanaka Fujita 2007, murgia and sharkey 2009). It has been suggested the elevated moon is perceived smaller due to the lack of surrounding visual cues for e.g. (Higashiyama 2006, Kaufman 2000, Jones et al2009). The proposed idea is the zenith moon due to no visual cues is placed at default distance related to the resting focus of approximately 1-2m regarded as empty space myopia, thus leading to its small perceived size (Da Silva 1989, Gogel Mertz, 1989, Redding 2002, Gregory 2007, Suzuki 2007). 3.4 Sky dome illusions The apparent shape of the sky was previously replicated in a drawing by King and Gruber (1962), where they made subjects project afterimages onto the sky in different directions (horizon 45. Zenith). Results had shown 81% of subjects viewed the moon bigger in the horizon sky than at 45. and 87% viewed horizon bigger than the zenith. Weizman and Cohen (2003) found the sky is perceived as an oblate profile i.e. like an inverted bowl with a flat top (see figure) and cues within this frame are used to judge the distance. It has been proposed this flattened dome top causes the zenith moon to appear closer and thus smaller. This theory implies a mental map of the shape of the sky as an oblate- bowl shape, with the flat portion directly above the observers head. This flatter area causes the perception of a shorter distance to the sky just above the observers head and thus causes the zenith moon to be perceived as smaller. This is very similar to the SDIH approach which states the same fundamental reasons, but the SDIH suggests its the absence of visual cues that place the zenith moon at a closer distance and hence smaller, not a mental map model of the sky. However Toskovich (2009) examined to test if the flattened sky caused the moon size to reduce and suggested otherwise. Subjects viewed the moon in the horizon, 45Â ° and zenith positions using head movements and were positioned at 1m, 3m and 5m from the moon. They were instructed to determine distance and size estimates from these positions. Results had shown from 1m subjects perceived distance is the same in all directions thus indicating at close distances the visual system is able to interpret very accurately. However from 3m and 5m found the distances perceived to the zenith as larger than towards the horizon and no differences in size estimations at any direction. This is opposite to the flattened sky dome approach and proposes the sky is rather perceived as elongated towards the zenith and not flat. These findings suggest the illusion is affected by head position and location. 4. Visual angle illusions To begin with Descartes, 1664 Wade 2000 pg (354-355) suggested associations with familiar objects, accommodation and convergence are all cues to distance. The apparent-distance theory is built upon the assumption the actual perceived visual angle is interpreted as the same as the physical linear visual angle Reed and Kuprinski (2009). However, alternative theories suggest the perceived visual angle may be affected by oculomotor processes unconsciously Mccready (2006) Keef and Kuprinski (2009) and size/distance then subsequently inferred from this. 4.1 The retinal representation of the moon illusion If the illusion causes the perceived visual angle to change by becoming enlarged, then subsequently the perceived retinal image size should also increase. Murray et al (2006) found illusions such as the moon illusion affect retinal representation of the image size in the primary visual cortex (V1). Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and a 3d scene of a hallway with walls, an image had been produced containing information to apparent depth, see figure 9a for an illustration. Two 6.5 degree sized spheres were arranged like in figure 9a and the results showed the back sphere appeared to be 17% larger in angular size than the front sphere (even when of the same physical angular size). The results in figure 9a also illustrate the peak MRI signal responses were found higher at higher eccentricities for the perceptually larger back sphere than the front and the back sphere occupied a larger area in the V1 cortex. Thus implying the perceived bigger size of the back sphere cre ated a bigger images size on the retina. Furthermore these results were compared to the responses generated by two physically different sized spheres without any illusion (6.5Â ° versus 8.125Â ° and 4.875Â ° versus 6.875Â ° sized spheres, as shown in figure 9bc). The findings demonstrate the responses generated from two physically different sized spheres yielded a response very similar to 9a. Therefore indicating the illusion created an actual change in the retinal image size and a greater eccentricity was occupied by the back sphere as a result. Thus the depth illusion causes a change in the perceived angular size on the retina and hence providing evidence towards scaling processes affecting the representation on the retina (Murray et al 2006). Since only a change in the physical visual angle or perceived visual angle may cause this change in retinal image size. Figure 9 taken from Murray et al 2006 displaying the hallway and the walls creating the illusion. the trial response graph shows the perceptual difference in angular size between the two objects. The top graph illustrates the fMRI activity for the perceived larger back object extending in eccentricity beyond that of the perceived smaller front object. The bottom row shows a similar response is triggered when two objects of physically different angular sizes are shown (with no hallway illusion placed). Therefore indicating the cause in the back object to be perceived more distant is due to an increase in angular size. 4.2 Accommodative micropsia The visual terrain contribution to the moon illusion may be mediated by the state of the oculomotor system and not via the size-distance invariance mechanism, or size constancy scaling Suzuki (2007). The perceived distance may affect the accommodation response or the converse of this may also be true i.e. the level of accommodation may affect the perceived distance of a stimulus (Edgar 2007, Suzuki 2007, Lou 2007). The micropsia phenomenon causes objects to appear smaller than usual and macropsia bigger, whereby they can be induced by changes in accommodation/ Vergence leading to underestimation/ overestimation of its apparent size Howard Rogers (2002). When viewing the zenith moon there is no depth cues and the moon is isolated in an empty space. This causes the eyes to converge onto the single object of the zenith moon, thus increasing in convergence as it does. This increase in convergence induces increase in accommodation causing the decrease in angular size and is known as micropsia, for e.g. Howard Rogers (2002) Mccready (2004) section 4, Lou (2007), Suzuki (2007). However when viewing the horizon moon in its natural settings, objects acting as depth cues in the terrain may cause the AC/V system to adjust from near to far distance thus increased divergence invoking an increase in angular size known as macropsia (Lou 2007, Mccready 2004 section 4, Tanaka Fujita 2007, Suzuki 2007). Lou (2007) used afterimages of dark circles viewed against a mobile white background on which this reference circle was projected on, see figure 10. These afterimages were projected from the various distances and subjects adjusted the variable stimulus on a computer screen when perceived a match with the reference. Results indicated subjects perceived afterimages to decrease in size at focal distances less than 1m i.e. distances at a closer range. Figure 11 displays the 30cm, 90cm and 200cm distances from where the afterimage was projected and regardless of these distances the same response of decrease in matched size. The focal distances affected the matched size and not the distance the afterimages were projected from, Lou (2007) suggested these findings are representation of accommodation micropsia. Although oculomotor cues are used as cues to distance just as visual pictorial cues are used also, they are less effective up to distances >2m Kaufman (2000). Oculomotor cues and pictorial cues play a role in judging distance, however at longer distances pictorial cues play a greater role as determinants of distance Kaufman (2000), Coren and Aks (1990). become slightly near-sighted in relative darkness (night myopia) proof is just to show accomodtaion/convergence effort changes when viewing horizon and elevated moons Figure 10 Figure 11 taken from figure 2b (Lou 2007). This figure demonstrates the 30cm, 90cm and 200cm distances from which the afterimages were viewed from and the perceived angular match to the control afterimage of size 4.25degrees. The straight angular line indicates the actual size of the afterimage (4.25 degrees). The perceived match of the angular size (y-axis) versus calculated focal distance (x-axis). All about enright and roscoedifferent eye adjustement for horizon/zenith moon measured In conclusion against oculomotor micropsia/macropsia, oculomotor cues are less effective in regards to objects being viewed at longer distances. Here the visual/ perceptual system becomes more dependent on other cues such as pictorial factors Arditi (1986) from Kaufman (2000). Kaufman et als claim is that because the moon is far away, pictorial cues dominate oculomotor cues for distance perception. Kaufman (2006) in the end argues that distance is interpreted first and then angular size. Arguing against the micropsia theory. Also , absence of these surrounding environments the size constancy changes to visual angle performance Kenyon (2007) As you look up to the sky convergence increases therefore increased accommodation occurs causing perception of closer moon distance, therefore according to SDIH a smaller perceived size. REFER TO KAUFMAN 2000 But, these micropsia and macropsia illusions cause angular size differences of less than 10%, nowhere near large enough to account for the moon illusion seen by most persons. Also, if accommodation were involved in the moon illusion, youd think that elderly people who have lost nearly all accommodation should not perceive the illusion. Yet they do. Persons with eye lens implants have no accommodation, and they do perceive the moon illusion. Covering one eye removes convergence from consideration, but that doesnt make the moon illusion go away. Pinhole astronomy 4.3 Angle of regard When looking at the horizon moon the head is positioned at eye level, where as when viewing the elevated moon the head position is further elevated by almost 45degs. It has been suggested the tilt or elevation of the head or eyes may affect the judgment of distance and thus implying the moon illusion as anisotropy (directionally dependent) for e.g. Holway and Boring (1940), Higashiyama Adachi (2006), Suzuki (2007), Toskovich (2009). Suzuki (2007) investigated the ratio of size of afterimages projected onto the horizon and zenith sky. Subjects were instructed to project the afterimages onto the horizon sky at eyelevel and then project the image again however after elevating the eye position by 60 degrees (using neck movements) onto the same area of the sky. This was also repeated for the zenith sky and the results yielded indicate the illusion is 1.09 times greater when the eyes are in an elevated position compared to eye level. These findings indicate the level of elevation of the eyes has an effect on the illusion magnitude and is consistent with previous findings. Proprioceptve descriptions suggest non visual components may contribute to judging distance using head direction, body posture, vestibular and kinetic information Toskovich (2009). Furthermore Toskovich suggested head tilt upwards could cause the perceived space to elongate. Figure 11 taken from (Roscoe and Acosta 2008)~figure 4. The number 0 would indicate a perfect size match and a positive value indicates an increase in size and negative vice versa. The x-axis displays the accommodative effort exerted by the visual system and the y-axis the interpretation of the moon size. Anisotropy End with (Perceived size and perceived distance of targets viewed from between the legs: Evidence for proprioceptive theory 2006) and how this supports direct perception model rather than the apparent distance model. (Therefore supports everything except this model) In another experiment 2 Toskovich (2009) measured size at the 3 distances and found size did not change in the three viewing directions and thus suggested the moon illusion may not be caused by a linear account, instead a more contributed input of vestibular information. (Higashiyama Adachi 2006) supported this theory and found the illusion disappeared when viewing through the legs. Thus suggesting the moon illusion is caused by the elevation of head tilt. An astronaut who views the moon above the horizon from low-earth orbit lacks terrain cues to distance. We now know that in this situation the illusion vanishes (Lu et al., 2006) from (Kayfman et al 2007). The terrestrial passage theory offers an alternative idea regarding the visual angle theories mentioned. It states the subjects learn to form an expected change in visual angle when viewing objects at different projections from past familiar experiences (Reed and Kuprinski, 2009). In a sample of 48 subjects this hypothesis was tested and the c

Ironing out carbon - One mans solution to carbon sequestration Essay

â€Å"Ironing† out Carbon Dioxide   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Carbon Dioxide plays a key role in the atmosphere. This gas has properties that allow it to sustain and hold in heat, which in turn warms the planet (EIA, 2004). Carbon, the primary component of carbon dioxide; is also the essential molecule for life and is the most basic building block found in all organic compounds. Human activities been blamed for the disruption of the earth’s natural carbon cycles and according to some studies, carbon is being added to the atmosphere faster than the natural processes that sequestrate it. The massive carbon sinks that naturally regulated and fixated excess carbon dioxide have been destroyed as humans have deforested ancient forests for the sake of building their cities and supplying lands for agriculture. Research shows that there has been a consistent balance of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere for the past 10,000 years (Hamburg, Harris et al 1999); this balance has shifted rapidly in the last 150 years. The Problem   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Carbon dioxide, produced through combustion and oxidation has become a growing concern in today’s society. In industrialized countries greenhouse gases and the effects on our environment are becoming an issue that no longer can be ignored. Changes such as increasing temperatures, the melting of the Arctic ice cap, rising sea levels, and more violent weather activities (hurricanes, droughts, and hotter/longer summers) are becoming more and more evident with each decade. The rapid increase of carbon dioxide appears to be a key component of the in the development of these occurrences, however global warming has sparked much debate because the data that has been collected over the past century has conflicting trends (planktos.com, 2004). It is difficult to predict the behavior of the earth’s climate because it is ever changing and erratic, much to the chagrin of scientific modelers; the earth’s climate refuses to adhere to computer models.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Historically temperatures have fluctuated on the surface of the planet; however, with new technology and satellite data collection, conflicts in data have caused scientists to rethink their conclusions on the causes of these temperature fluctuations. What can be proven is that humans are affecting the planet in adverse ways. Mass deforestation, burning of f... ... Sources cited: â€Å"American Society of Limnology and Oceanography†. The Scientific and Policy Uncertainties Surrounding the Use of Ocean Fertilization to Transfer Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide to the Oceans. American Society of Limnology and Oceanography. http://www.aslo.org/meetings/carbon2001/chisholm/transcript2.html Caroline Dopyera, â€Å"The Iron Hypothesis† Earth, October 1996 Hamburg, Steven, Harris, Neil, et al. 1999: â€Å"How do we know that the Atmospheric Build-up of Greenhouse Gases is Due to Human Activity?† 20 October 2001 http://www.gcrio.org/ipcc/qa/05.htm Lawrence, Mark G. â€Å"Side effects of Oceanic Iron Fertilization† Science 20 September 2002 National Energy Information Center (NEIC),Energy Information Administration, â€Å"Greenhouse gases, climate change and energy† Publication EI-30 http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/ggccebro/chapter1.html PALMER, ALASDAIR. â€Å"FOCUS PLANKTON TO THE RESCUE: the man who says he can save the planet† The Sunday Telegraph [Sydney] 23 August 2003 United States, Department of Energy. Capturing and Sequestering Carbon Dioxide DOE Document PI -0001. November 2003 http://climatetechnology.gov/library/2003/currentactivities/sequester.htm

Q marginalisation

Through these poems and novel it shall e proven that Normalization is not always limited to an individual, instead it can extend to a social group and even a country itself. In this essay the three types of normalization will be addressed, individual normalization through racism, social normalization through groups such as the ‘hippies' and the normalization of a country itself through economic normalization of 3rd world countries.Normalization can occur anywhere at any time to anyone. Individual normalization is where one person Is singled out from a group or community of people for something like being an overweight. One of the most talked about and, unfortunately common, types of individual normalization is racism. Racism is something that society has struggled with for many generations. It has been around from the early settlers and has been a problem ever since.The poem telephone conversation' by Whole Saying demonstrates the racism and its problems very clearly. It is a p oem about an African man looking for accommodation In either England or America around the time of the sass's. The line â€Å"madam† I warned, â€Å"l hate a wasted journey – I am African†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ â€Å"HOW an example of how African people were marginal's again because of the color of their skin. In those times, It was hard

Learning Bharatnatyam, An Indian Classical Dance Form

As the music began, I started to move; the pounding of my feet blending in with the melodious sounds of the flute, the ghungaroo(bells) around my ankles, the mridangham (drums), and the blood rushing into my own heart. With the music and my first movements, the fear of being on stage washes away and I am focused on my movements and my expressions—using them to tell a story about my culture, my heritage, and me. Learning Bharatnatyam, an Indian classical dance form, since the age of 5 has taught me perseverance and the importance of hard work —characteristics that will allow me to achieve my ultimate goal of becoming a doctor. This passion for medicine parallels my early journey through dance and has been reinforced by memorable experiences along the way. One of my earliest experiences involved a childhood friend who battled a brain tumor for nearly three years before succumbing to her illness. To me, her loss was heightened by a sense of unfairness—she was too young to have been robbed of her life before she truly had a chance to live. These thoughts followed me through adolescence as my mother also began to face a variety of health problems. Seeing how much disease and pain robs an individual of their essential nature frightened me and made me feel helpless. But out of this helplessness, came a strong desire to help and be involved in medicine. I persevered in the study of sciences, volunteering in clinical settings, and had research and internship experiences that haveShow MoreRelatedStatement of Purpose for Business Studies1309 Words   |  6 Pagesperformance, for achieving academic scores exceeding 90% for all three years. I have learnt Bharatnatyam, a a classical south-Indian dance form, rooted in devotion to God that goes back more than 2,000 years, from the Ganesa Natyalaya, Delhi for seven years. It is performed to an accompaniment of the equally ancient vocal Carnatic music and an orchestra comprising a drum, flute and a stringed instrument. Bharatnatyam is taught by a guru (one-on-one or at most 3 to 4 students) over five years or more, beforeRead MoreStatement of Purpose for Business Studies1296 Words   |  6 Pagesperformance, for achieving academic scores exceeding 90% for all three years. I have learnt Bharatnatyam, a a classical south-Indian dance form, rooted in devotion to God that goes back more than 2,000 years, from the Ganesa Natyalaya, Delhi for seven years. It is performed to an accompaniment of the equally ancient vocal Carnatic music and an orchestra comprising a drum, flute and a stringed instrument. Bharatnatyam is taught by a guru (one-on-one or at most 3 to 4 students) over five years or more, beforeRead MoreSolution to Ignou Papers2652 Words   |  11 PagesMahatma Gandhi. Gandhiji made social report a part of the programme of the nationalist movement. His greatest achievement in the field of social reform was the campaign against inhuman institution of untouchability which had degraded millions of Indians. His other achievement was in the field of cottage industries. He saw in the charkha, the spinning wheel, the salvation of the village people and its promotion became part of the congress programme.In addition to infusing people with the spirit ofRead MoreCultural Tourism4485 Words   |  18 Pagesan appreciation of the past. It also refers to the marketing of a location to members of a diaspora who have distant family roots there. Decolonization and immigration form the major background of much contemporary heritage tourism. Falling travel costs have also made heritage tourism possible for more people. Another possible form involves religious travel or pilgrimages. Many Catholics from around the world come to the Vatican and other sites such as Lourdes or Fà ¡tima. Large numbers of Jews haveRead MoreEthnic Tourism Essence of India7906 Words   |  32 Pageswas to attain communion with the nature, the route always had an element of adventure and of the unexpected. The journey also brought the traveler face to face with the marvels provided by Mother Nature whether in the form of The Himalayas, the deep jungles or the deep blue of the Indian Ocean. This used to be an ideal tourist package - low in cost but high on experience and adventure-in effect, it gives shape to the tourist’s dream. Today there are many types of tourism in vogue. Some of the prominent

Exercise in Identifying Sentences by Structure

In terms of structure, sentences can be classified in four ways: Simple: one independent clauseCompound: at least two independent clausesComplex: an independent clause and at least one dependent clauseCompound-complex: two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause This exercise will give you practice in identifying these four sentence structures. Instructions The sentences in this exercise have been adapted from poems in two books by Shel Silverstein: Where the Sidewalk Ends and Falling Up. Identify each of the following sentences as simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex. When youre done, compare your responses to the correct answers listed below. The name of the poem from which the example is taken is listed in parentheses after each sentence. I made an airplane out of stone. (Stone Airplane)I put a piece of cantaloupe underneath the microscope. (Nope)Oaties stay oaty, and Wheat Chex stay floaty, and nothing can take the puff out of Puffed Rice. (Cereal)While fishing in the blue lagoon, I caught a lovely silverfish. (The Silver Fish)They say if you step on a crack, you will break your mothers back. (Sidewalking)They just had a contest for scariest mask, and I was the wild and daring one who won the contest for scariest mask—and (sob) Im not even wearing one. (Best Mask?)My voice was raspy, rough, and cracked. (Little Hoarse)I opened my eyes and looked up at the rain, and it dripped in my head and flowed into my brain. (Rain)They say that once in Zanzibar a boy stuck out his tongue so far that it reached the heavens and touched a star, which burned him rather badly. (The Tongue Sticker-Outer)Im going to Camp Wonderful beside Lake Paradise across from Blissful Mountain in the Valley of the Nice. (Camp Wonderful)I joke with the bats and have intimate chats with the cooties who crawl through my hair (The Dirtiest Man in the World)The animals snarled and screeched and growled and whinnied and whimpered and hooted and howled and gobbled up the whole ice cream stand. (Ice Cream Stop)The antlers of a standing moose, as everybody knows, are just the perfect place to hang your wet and drippy clothes. (A Use for a Moose)Well walk with a walk that is measured and slow, and well go where the chalk-white arrows go. (Where the Sidewalk Ends)If I had a brontosaurus, I would name him Horace or Morris. (If I Had a Brontosaurus)I am writing these poems from inside a lion, and its rather dark in here. (Its Dark in Here)A piece of sky broke off and fell through the crack in the ceiling right into my soup. (Sky Seasoning)The grungy, grumpy, grouchy Giant grew tired of his frowny pout and hired me and Lee to lift the corners of his crumblin mouth. (The Smile Makers)If you were only one inch tall, youd ride a worm to school. (One Inch Tall)The traffic light simply would not turn green, so the people stopped to wait as the traffic rolled and the wind blew cold, and the hour grew dark and late. (Traffic Light) Answers simplesimplecompoundcomplexcomplexcompound-complexsimplecompoundcomplexsimplecomplexsimplecomplexcompound-complexcomplexcompoundsimplesimplecomplexcompound-complex

Transformational Leadership And Authentic Leadership

I feel that are important traits needed in a leader especially with those whose leading style tends to be more democratic and focused on the relational aspect in leadership. Similarly, my results from the Leadership Style Assessment survey labeled my strongest characteristics as being a people mover and truth-seeker (Your Leadership Legacy, n.d.). The VIA Classification of Character Strengths, the last personal survey I took, classified Wisdom and Knowledge, Courage, Justice, and Temperance as my universal core virtues (VIA, n.d) With these surveys results, I was better able to understand how my personality strengths and principles compared to those most closely associated with transformative and authentic leadership theories Theories Out of all the different leadership theories I learned about this semester I really feel that I best relate to transformational leadership and authentic leadership theories. During the development of my personal theory I found that these theories tended to list many similar traits, and values that aligned with my own. Additionally, both authentic and transformative theories place a significant amount of emphasis on the relationship between the leader and her/his followers. The success and influence of a leader comes not from herself but from her ability to create and invoke strong relationships with their followers. Given my character strengths of being understanding, upholding my sense of fairness, honesty and my strong sense of morals,Show MoreRelatedA Journey Of Leadership, Transformational, And Authentic Leadership1480 Words   |  6 PagesA Journey of Leadership: Enable Others to Act, Transformational, and Authentic Leadership This paper takes a journey of one person’s struggle to acquire skills that during the course of his life reached the pentacle of sound footing in a career as Director of Materials and Management for a local Mining Company. A brief overview of the concepts of transformational and authentic leadership and motivation of enabling others to act, thru fostering collaboration, creating a climate of trust, and facilitatingRead MoreTransformational Leadership And Authentic Leadership Theories1598 Words   |  7 PagesTheories Out of all the different leadership theories I learned about this semester I really feel that I best relate to transformational leadership and authentic leadership theories. During the development of my personal theory I found that these theories tended to list many similar traits, and values that aligned with my own. Additionally, both authentic and transformative theories place a significant amount of emphasis on the relationship between the leader and her/his followers. The success andRead MoreA Journey Of Leadership, Transformational, And Authentic Leadership1472 Words   |  6 PagesA Journey of leadership: Enable Others to Act, Transformational, and Authentic Leadership This paper takes a journey of one person’s struggle to acquire skills that during the course of his life reached the pentacle of sound footing in a career as Director of Materials and Management for a local Mining Company. A brief overview of the concepts of transformational and authentic leadership and motivation of enabling others to act, thru fostering collaboration, creating a climate of trust, and facilitatingRead MoreLeadership Styles : Charismatic, Transformational And Authentic Leadership957 Words   |  4 Pagesseveral types of leadership styles: charismatic, transformational and authentic leadership. Therefore, it is important to not only know and understand them, but to confirm which one will best fit the organization. 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Operations Management for Carton-Mix Optimization for Wal-Mart

Question: Describe about the Operations Management for Carton-Mix Optimization for Walmart. Answer: Introduction Operations management refers to the plan, procedure and control of the renovation procedure that exchanges resources like manual labor and raw materials into goods and services that are traded to the target consumers. It can be stated that there are several other reasons that makes operations management significant enough, as it focuses both on services and manufacturing. However, for this specific task, focus would be shed on supply chain management of Big W, as this is one of the significant parts operations management. Ahire et al. (2015) have stated that operations management takes into account overseeing, designing as well as controlling the procedure of production and redesigning business operation in the overall production of goods and services. In order to carry on the entire task, supply chain management of Big W has been selected and this would be analyzed some specific perspectives like cost, quality, speed, dependability and flexibility (Arli et al. 2013). Background of the organization and the selected process From the company profile, it can be seen that Big W is the home to a wide variety of Australias preferred brands like Apple, Bonds, Peter Morrissey and Mambo. It can be seen that this company is highly committed towards giving Australians the lowest prices each day. Apart from that, it can be seen that Big W stocks a wide range of brands taking into account Smart Value, AWA, Dymples, Avella and some more of the fresh fashion trends. This brand is famous among the people in the industry, as they have rich online stocks of more than 20,000 product lines. The mobile app of Big W allows its valuable customers to be savvy with proper price comparison scanner and this proves transparency of their prices of the products. From the news, it has been seen that the company recently has faced severe issues as well as loss over the last few years. The company has lost their sales and this has indulged the existing rivals to take over that position (bigwvision.com.au 2016). From news, it can be stated that Woolworths is expected to follow the lead of Wesfarmers and clear all the decks because its struggling Big W chain by booking restructuring charges as well as asset impairments. News have revealed the fact that to reduce cost, the management team of Big W has cut almost 100 jobs including 40 buyers and 30 e-Commerce staffs. They are expecting to cut the costs and restructure their supply chain through restoring profits. It has been seen that like Target, Big W as well is sitting on excess inventory after the unseasonal warm start to winter and many have to take more provisions in order to clear all the unwanted stocks after exhausting $145 million in provisions booked in February 2015. The main issue that the customers face in case of Big W is absence of products in the shelves and this disappoint the customers. Apart from that, it can be stated that the price of the products are comparatively high in Big W and this demotivates the customers to buy fr om this organization (bigwvision.com.au 2016). Evaluating present performance of the process Evaluating present performance of any organization benefits an organization from several perspectives and these have been mentioned here. Strategic benefits It helps in higher customer retention Focuses on greater market share It enhances the ability to execute strategies It strengthens the ability to take entry into the new markets (Connelly et al. 2013) Marketplace benefits Lowe costs Greater customer satisfaction Differentiated offerings Stronger relationship with the customers Greater agility (De Meyer and Pich, 2002) Operational benefits It reduces direct costs Focuses on better use of assets Fasters cycle time Focuses on increased accuracy Focuses on more added values Targets to simplify the entire process (Drake and Rhodes 2015) Process map of Big W supply chain Management Cost Supply chain management is the procedure that leaves great impact on the overall operations of the organization and cost is one of the major factors in this part. The company is one of the biggest international brands and thus it has to keep close focus on cutting costs in supply chain management. Elder and Dauvergne (2015) have stated that supply chain network design can significantly deliver huge decrease in supply chain expenses and enhancement in service levels through improved lining up supply chain policies. It can be stated that Big W is required to increase their rate of profit without increasing sales and this would be possible only if they reduce their supply costs. Initially they are required to improve their space utilization, though it is tough to keep the suppliers and inventory in the same place. They are required to rely on local suppliers without compromising the quality and this might help the organization to reduce costs. Apart from that, they are required to use m ultiple suppliers. Presence of multiple suppliers will raise competition and would result in reduced supply cost. Apart from that, it is required for Big W to review demand pattern of the customers frequently and this might help the organization in specific areas to reduce price (Ellram et al.2013). Quality Fawcett et al. (2012) have stated that supply chain management directly leaves impact on the quality of the product and the overall profitability of any organization. Therefore, for this particular reason, quality control in the supply chain is highly critical for maintaining a proper competitive edge in the marketplace along with reducing operating costs. Lukic (2013) has stated that if the raw materials are blemished, this make the whole production line incompetent and at the same time amplify defect rates in the completed goods inventory. Apart from that, it can be stated that when supply chain quality control is poor, the goods are more likely to break out before their warranty period expires (Lee 2004). It can be seen that organizations that experience large quantities of defects as well as some other forms of waste products during manufacturing, most of the times implement manual inspections to make sure about the quality of the products. In this part, it is required to state that hazardous materials are used throughout different parts of the world for several purposes in case of manufacturing and Big W can possess a remarkable market position by this. In order to ensure the quality of the product, Big W must not use any toxic materials and this unique feature would help the organization to gain a strong position in the present marketplace (Melnyk et al. 2014). Speed Nagurney and Li (2015) have stated in the research paper that effective supply chain management takes into account searching the appropriate balance between being able to maintain production levels and keep inventory stages in check. However, it can be stated that there are several other steps as well as factors to the supply chain management, but among them, speed and rapid response often can be highly significant. It can be stated that effective supply chain management begins with keeping enough supply of raw materials in hand to sustain constant production (Patil et al. 2013). If the company fails to provide required materials to the students on time, it would definitely lose market share and thus Big W is required to look at this part sincerely. Apart from that, it can be stated that it is highly essential for the organization to keep the wholesalers happy; otherwise the business might lose them. Pope and Pope (2015) have opined that maintaining inventory levels is one of the major parts of supply chain management and thus Big W must look at this point sincerely. Closing deals speedily can help the supply chain flowing and this part is required to shed light on carefully from the companys part. Therefore, it can be easily said that speed is a quality that is specifically significant in the retail distribution industry and Big W is required to look at this part sincerely to hold the leading position in the market (Qrunfleh and Tarafdar 2015). Dependability Sehgal (2014) has stated that reliability is one of the major five strategic attributes in the supply chain management according to SCOR-model. It is also known as the key component to a successful supply chain management. It is highly important to make sure that supply gets transported on time and in adequate amounts. A dependable supply chain management will provide a lot of value in to an organizations operations. Most of the firms try to optimize their supply chain system in order to generate cost savings. However, it is also important to seek consistency. Supply chain management has become more complex as a result of online ordering and global distribution (Simchi-Levi et al. 2007). Customers expect fast order completion and that is why plants need admission to raw materials as fast as possible. That is why; it requires a large number of drivers, warehouse executives and shops. In order to develop a dependable supply chain management, Warehouse management system is the best possible option. It will let executives track and enumerate supply as it moves through the supply chain. It can be an effectual way to get better the networks constancy. This software will provide precise assessments of supply levels which will allow the organizations to enhance a number of processes ranging from forecasting to production (Slack et al. 2015). Flexibility Zhao et al. (2014) have stated that to be elastic means to have the potentiality to vary as per the demand and requirements. Therefore, it can be stated that suppleness is the capability to carefully acclimatize in a reversible way, to an existing state of affairs that is irreversible. Companies must understand the real opposition is not firm to firm, but supply chain to supply chain. From the market research, it can be seen that mostly all companies rate elasticity as the top main concern, nearly as important as cost and daily performance. However, it can be stated that in supply chain management, flexibility is seen as a multi-dimensional construct, however, the number and content of these is more than controversial. Some of these are: Machine suppleness Material managing Volume handling procedure flexibility and some more (Slack et al. 2015) It has been found that the major goals of flexibility are as follows: Resource suppleness is the degree to which a resource can be functional to a variety of substitute uses along with the costs and complexities connected with the switching from one resource to another. Co-ordination suppleness in those processes that redefine the product strategies, reconfigure chain of resources to produce the products. This re-deploys those resources required to produce the product. Market flexibility is the capability to mass customize as well as build close and deep relationship with the customers taking into account designing and modifying existing and the new products (Slack et al. 2015). Supply flexibility is the capability to reconfigure the supply chain by altering the supply of the products in line with the demand of the customers. Organizational flexibility is the potentiality to align the labor skills to the requirements of the supply chain to meet the customer service along with demand requirements. Therefore, it can be stated that flexibility are of these kinds and Big W is required to look at each of them separately to enhance the present position of the company in the market place. Recommendation In order to improve their supply chain management, Big W would have to implement some systems in their organization and in their supplier organizations. A recommendation is added below by which Big W will be able to improve their supply chain management. Management of Big W can synchronize their product data such as dimensions of packaging, weight, and color with their supplies. It is expected that this move will help the organization to save more than $1 million annually. Big W can also use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology that will potentially save $8 billion per year. However, the suppliers are resisting this move of the organization which is a big problem. Big W can train the employees in their supplier companies. The organization is planning to build a partnership with Accenture which will allow them to develop a six to twelve month program. This program will have a four-hour exam in the end known as the Supply Chain Academy (SCA). The production of the organization is changing from mass production to smaller many specialized items production. Therefore, they will have to develop a complex but efficient transportation network. Currently, the organization has an effectual information management system that is responsible for handling the huge data collection. That is why; the issue of technical problem rises repeatedly. It can be stated that when someone hears the name of the company Big W, several things come to their mind from a pop culture stand point. As per the present report, Big W must do more to enhance supply chain transparency and hold its suppliers accountable. The alliance said that the retailer should do more to hold suppliers accountable to labor and environmental standards. From the research work, it has been seen that the company requires a third and independent body to monitor and verify supplier compliance with labor and environmental standards of Big W. Initially, Big W is required to look at the cost of their supply chain management, as high costs are affecting the expansion of the business in different parts of the globe. In spite of international supply chain, the company is required to rely on local supply chain without hampering the quality of the products. This might help the company to grab the attention of more local customers, as involvement of local suppliers would add e xtra value to the business operations. However, it can be stated that there are some other recommendations regarding labor and the environment in which it operates its supply chain management. It has been seen that the management team of the organization has stated that they target to create economic opportunity for the associates as well as the suppliers and people, who work in retail sector and retail supply chain apart from Big W. It can be seen that CEO of Big W urged all the store managers to push sales of the brand new products. Most importantly, he has given proper guidelines how to do that. However, there are more to be done because of the fact that the new products are crucial to Big W, as this brings $288 billion in revenue (Ellram et al. 2013). Conclusion At the end, it can be concluded that Big W has a strong belief in its employees, customers and suppliers. That is why; they are one of the best retailers in the industry. The organization has utilized most of the cost saving opportunities. It has also implemented best strategies for their logistics and supply management. However, some issues are still there that the management will have to handle carefully. References Ahire, S.L., Malhotra, M.K. and Jensen, J.B., 2015. Carton-Mix Optimization for Walmart. com Distribution Centers.Interfaces,45(4), pp.341-357. Arli, V., Dylke, S., Burgess, R., Campus, R. and Soldo, E., 2013. Woolworths Australia and Walmart US: Best practices in supply chain collaboration.Journal of Economics, Business, and Accountancy| Ventura,16(1), pp.27-46. Barney, J.B., 2012. Purchasing, supply chain management and sustained competitive advantage: The relevance of resource based theory.Journal of Supply Chain Management,48(2), pp.3-6. bigwvision.com.au, (2016).Big W Vision - Shop Online - Home. [online] Bigwvision.com.au. Available at: https://www.bigwvision.com.au/ [Accessed 9 Aug. 2016]. Cao, X., 2013. Book review: Anita Chan (ed.), Walmart in China.Work, Employment Society,27(2), pp.369-371. Chae, B., Olson, D. and Sheu, C., 2014. The impact of supply chain analytics on operational performance: A resource-based view.International Journal of Production Research,52(16), pp.4695-4710. Climent, C, Mula, J and Hernandez, JE (2009), Improving the business process of a bank, Business Process Management Journal, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 201224. Connelly, B.L., Ketchen, D.J. and Hult, G.T.M., 2013. Global supply chain management: toward a theoretically driven research agenda.Global Strategy Journal,3(3), pp.227-243. De Meyer, A, Loch, CH and Pich, MT (2002), 'Managing project uncertainty: from variation to chaos', MIT Sloan Management Review, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 6067. Drake, M.J. and Rhodes, D., 2015. Socially Responsible Supply Chain Management for a Competitive Advantage. InNew Perspectives on Corporate Social Responsibility(pp. 321-340). Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden. Elder, S.D. and Dauvergne, P., 2015. Farming for Walmart: the politics of corporate control and responsibility in the global South.The Journal of Peasant Studies,42(5), pp.1029-1046. Ellram, L.M., Tate, W.L. and Feitzinger, E.G., 2013. Factor Market Rivalry and Competition for Supply Chain Resources.Journal of Supply Chain Management,49(1), pp.29-46. Fawcett, S.E., Jones, S.L. and Fawcett, A.M., 2012. Supply chain trust: The catalyst for collaborative innovation.Business Horizons,55(2), pp.163-178. Jacxsens, L., Van Boxstael, S., Nanyunja, J., Jordaan, D., Luning, P. and Uyttendaele, M., 2015. Opinions on fresh produce food safety and quality standards by fresh produce supply chain experts from the global south and north.Journal of Food Protection,78(10), pp.1914-1924. Lee, HL (2004), The triple A supply chain, Harvard Business Review, vol. 82, no. 10, pp. 102112. Low, C. (2015).Kmart boss reveals Big W hit list. [online] The Sydney Morning Herald. Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/business/retail/kmart-boss-reveals-big-w-hit-list-20151204-glfnc2.html [Accessed 9 Aug. 2016]. Lukic, R., 2013. Sustainable cost management in retail.Revista de Management Comparat International,14(2), p.268. Melnyk, S.A., Narasimhan, R. and DeCampos, H.A., 2014. Supply chain design: issues, challenges, frameworks and solutions.International Journal of Production Research,52(7), pp.1887-1896. Mitchell, S. (2016).Target, BIG W losses highlight need for sector shake-up. [online] Financial Review. Available at: https://www.afr.com/business/retail/target-big-w-losses-highlight-need-for-sector-shakeup-20160526-gp4cn9 [Accessed 9 Aug. 2016]. Nagurney, A. and Li, D., 2015. A supply chain network game theory model with product differentiation, outsourcing of production and distribution, and quality and price competition.Annals of Operations Research,226(1), pp.479-503. Patil, D.P., Shrotri, A.P. and Dandekar, A.R., 2013. Management of uncertainty in supply chain.International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering,2(5), pp.303-308. Pope, D.G. and Pope, J.C., 2015. When Walmart comes to town: Always low housing prices? Always?.Journal of Urban Economics,87, pp.1-13. Qrunfleh, S. and Tarafdar, M., 2015. Supply chain management practicesIT utilisation alignment: impact on supply chain performance and firm performance.International Journal of Business Information Systems 5,18(4), pp.364-389. Sehgal, S., 2014. Supply chain management of Wal-Mart-An exploratory study.ZENITH International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research,4(10), pp.219-229. Simchi-Levi, D, Kaminsky, P and Simchi-Levi, E (2007), Designing and managing the supply chain: concepts, strategies and case studies, 3rd edn, McGraw-Hill. Slack, N, Brandon-Jones, A, Johnston, R Betts, A (2015), Operations and process management, 4th edn, Pearson Education Ltd, Harlow; (ISBN: 9781292017846). Yue, L.Q., Rao, H. and Ingram, P., 2013. Information spillovers from protests against corporations a tale of Walmart and target.Administrative Science Quarterly,58(4), pp.669-701.