Module 5

           During this reading Friedman discussed what he calls the triple convergence.  Convergence one describes how the world became an even playing field, as I already have mentioned in previous blog posts.  With convergence two, or horizontalization, He discusses how the command cycle went from the top down - vertical line - to more of a horizontal line in which allowed everyone to contribute in different ways.  We all know that it is easier to walk on flat ground for twenty feet than to climb a twenty foot wall.  I found this concept very interesting.  A new way of thinking had emerged.  People began to be successful from not only the top, but from where they were.  Why? Because everyone had access to all the resources they needed.  Convergence number three is comparable to the globalization phases previously discussed.  He discusses how it is an even playing field for people across cities, countries, and continents.

            On pg. 240 Freidman discusses an event between India and Indiana.  In 2003 Indiana put out to bid a contract to the state’s computer systems that process unemployment claims. Tata America International, which is the U.S.-based subsidiary of India’s Tata consultancy services Ltd. Tata’s bid of %15.2 million came in $8.1 million lower than that of its closest rivals, the New York-based companies Deloitte Consulting and Accenture Ltd.  No Indiana firms bid on the contract, because it was too big for them to handle.  In other words, an Indian consulting firm won the contract to upgrade the unemployment department of the state of Indiana! (Thomas L. Friedman: The World is Flat, pg. 240.)  From what I understand, I feel that this was a big mistake.  I feel that the exploiter was India and that the exploited was India.  Friedman lists various benefits that could have happened, but did not. 

                 The last topic talked about it intellectual property and how that has changed due to the events previously mentioned.  Intellectual property is a work or invention that is the result of creativity, such as a manuscript or a design, to which one has rights and for which one may apply for a patent, copyright, or trademark.  With so many ideas springing up in the minds of just about every person, there was a need for intellectual property to protect those ideas.  Without patents and copyrights someone from across the world could steal your idea very easily.  It is hard to tell who first ”imagined” an idea, but once your imagination becomes a reality, it is wise to protect it.