The Change Story of Yellow Auto and Recommendations for the Company Free Essay Example, 2000 words

The research will examine two significant components of the company from a sociological point of view. The first is the problem with the previous decision-making system that stood in the way of reforms. The second is the examination of the new systems that were implemented to attain the objectives of the company. The first observation of the old decision making system is that it was a centralized system that was steeped in the owner who doubled as the president and the top manager of the company. Lussier identifies that centralization of authority means that the organization's group structure operates around a single unit of the entity and this has an influence on communication and interpersonal relationships in the organization (2011, p. 174). In examining group dynamics, there is a distinction between formal and informal groups. A formal group is one where there is a consciously created set of roles and obligations that are well defined (Chevalier, 2007, p. 105). An informal grou p is established through relationships. In the case of Yellow Auto (1988 2001), there were unwritten rules and employees lacked autonomy. We will write a custom essay sample on The Change Story of Yellow Auto and Recommendations for the Company or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page

Mitch Albom The Middle Child - 1475 Words

Mitch Albom is now considered a talented and vastly recognized author but before that he was very different. He was born on May 23, 1958 as the middle child to loving parents. He graduated, much like he states in his book that he graduated in 1979 from Brandeis University where he studied Sociology. But he never took a job in it instead he worked in writing and music. He took several jobs writing for several papers ranging from Sports Illustrated to The Philadelphia Enquirer before he landed a job in Detroit (Albom, About Mitch Albom). But this story takes place in an around 1995 when he reappears in the life of his old professor. In this time he is working for the paper there in Detroit. But he returns to the old place where he first meet Morrie Schwartz, an old professor when he was in college, to spend time with him because he is dying from ALS. Together the two of them met on Tuesdays till Morrie passes away and they talk about many things that Mitch was having trouble with, rang ing from love to death. I picked this piece for many reasons, the most important thing to me is that it teaches me something that I never actually thought on till I got them book and really got into it. I find the story about Mitch and Morrie a different outlook on dying. Just like them it was posed to my class when I first was introduced to it was given to me much like this, where someone, my teacher, just opened up with a short introduction and then read the first chapter to us. Then askedShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Mitch Alboms The Five People You Meet In Heaven1054 Words   |  5 Pagesin Heaven, though the life of Eddie, the mechanic at Ruby Pier, who believed that his life was pointless. However, when Eddie died, he was enlightened of the effects his life had on others. In the novel, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, by Mitch Albom, during his time in the military, Eddie realizes his impact on others through encounters in heaven with Captain and Tala. Furthermore, during his time in heaven, Eddie returns to his days stationed in the Philippines, and Eddie learns how he impactedRead MoreAnalysis Of Mitch Albom s Heaven 2805 Words   |  12 Pagespark than from a shark attack. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom is about a tragic amusement park accident. It was Eddie’s 83rd birthday when something tragic happened. There was a malfunction with an amusement park ride and it came crashing down. As the ride began falling down, a little girl was standing under it crying. Eddie was on duty as a maintenance man when this happened, so he ran to try to save the child. Eddie then dies and goes to heaven. In heaven Eddie meets five peopleRead MoreThe United States, And The Life Of Mitch Albom2561 Words   |  11 PagesIntroduction This essay will first provide historical context about the United States, and the life of Mitch Albom. This essay will then provide a brief summary of The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. Finally, this essay will analyze Love and sacrifice in The Five People You Meet in Heaven, in order to support the idea that everyone in your life means something and is put there for a reason. Historical and Cultural Context The United States of America is the fourth largest countryRead MoreThe Glass Castle By Jeanette Walls1541 Words   |  7 Pageschild’s life. Jeannette Walls composes a memoir about her dysfunctional family and the struggles she and her siblings endured during their childhood and adolescent years. The events that take place shape Jeanette into the person she is today. Mitch Albom once stated that: â€Å"All parents damage their children. It cannot be helped. Youth, like pristine glass, absorbs the prints of its handlers. Some parents smudge, others crack, a few shatter childhoods completely into jagged little pieces, beyond repairRead MoreIndependent Reading Book Project1312 Words   |  6 PagesINDEPENDENT  READING  BOOK  PROJECT   Student  name:  Daniel   Period:  3   Title  of  the  Book:  The  Five  People  You  Meet  in  Heaven   Author:  Mitch  Albom   Genre:  P​ hilosophical  fiction  Ã‚   Pages:  1 ­196   Publishing  Company:  Ã¢â‚¬â€¹ Hyperion  Books  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Copyright  date:  2003   Standards:Reading  2.0Í ¾Ã‚  Writing  2.2      I. Describe  the  protagonist  (main  Characters)  of  your  book.   The  main  protagonist  is  an  old  man  named  Edie.  Edie  is  a  thick,  squat,  old  man  with  white   hair,  and  a  limpRead MoreEssay about Hod 1000 Mid-Term Study Guide2884 Words   |  12 Pagesmatter what I do or say it is ineffective or not good enough, I cant trust people as one time they are nice and the next time they are mean. etc. If this model of self, others and the world and how things work is not corrected the result may be a child or adult that has low self-esteem, is overly dependent or independent, overreacts to situations, sabotages relationships, jobs and/successes, gives up easily, etc. Or an infant that receives consistent, responsive, attuned nurturing from his/her caregivers

Crime Story I Made Free Essays

My Crime Story Draft ‘Hope hurry up! ’ Shouted my family from their mum and dad’s bedroom. ‘Come on we’re starting our dinner now! ’ Screamed Jane, ‘I’m coming, just cutting this last piece of fabric,’ I exclaimed. ‘Hope Nidon if you don’t get here now I will throw your food away with your designs. We will write a custom essay sample on Crime Story I Made or any similar topic only for you Order Now ’ I dropped all of my equipment and sprinted briskly downstairs towards my parent’s bedroom. ‘Sorry, I was just design the next big thing in fashion. Hey, don’t you dare tut Usher you will see in 15 years time I will be rich and famous. Isn’t that right mum? ’ ‘Yes, dear now hurry up we’re all starving. I perched myself onto the cushion on the hard concrete floor and started to eat. After we’d finish eating our food Jane, Crystal and me rushed upstairs to our squashy bedroom before our brothers try and get our stuff (especially my designs. ) ‘Luke, we’re going to see if we can get some vegetables. ’ Mum said from the doorway, Luke was the eldest so he was always in charge when mum and dad left us. Meanwhile, we all go outside and play 40/40 IT. We had such a great time laughing and playing until†¦ Angie shouted ‘Guy, come quick look mum dad I beat! ’ ‘In English please. Laughed T yson, We all ran towards our parents getting beaten up, Luke tried to make them stop but they didn’t. When we had finished watching the horrific sight we sprinted to them and there on the ground they laid dead, bruised and bleeding. ‘Right, we are going to stay in the house at all times, look after each other and I will be the leader. ’ Luke said and from then on I had always been a housewife and had never been looked after by a parent. ‘Hello, Miss Nidon you have 2 interviews today, one with Will Smith at 2. 40 and the other with Joe Swash at 6. 00. Also, you have a press conference in 10 minutes. ’ Explains Amanda, ‘Yeah yeah I’m not stupid that’s why I’m the best in the business. ’ I reply marching along to my office. When I open the door my designs are all laid out perfectly around my room in there packages, when I go to sit down I land on a whoopee cushion. Slowly, I rotate around the office looking to see who did this. Then I see a luminous pink Primark plimsoll. Suddenly, I relies it’s my niece McKenzie, ‘OUT Kenzie now Auntie Hope has a busy schedule and on it, it doesn’t say playtime with McKenzie McKenna does it? I ask her ‘No, Auntie Hope sorry. ’ She replies and she walks out with her head hanging down. I am no softy so I carry on with my work. All of a sudden Amanda calls me via phone and says ‘PRESS CONFRENCE! ’ I do my hair quickly again and power walk to the lift, down the stairs and outside of HoN HQ. So many questions are thro wn at me, but I only answer one and say. ‘HoN will be introducing a new departments Furniture, accessories and books. Thank-you! ’ I bow and do a few posses and run to Cafe Rouge. Inside Cafe Rouge, it’s quiet, warm and smells of sizzling sausages. Only the sounds of rustling newspapers and knifes and forks being used can be heard. Just what I need right now. I sit down and take of my coat waiting for a waiter or waitress. Finally, a waitress comes I ask for a full English breakfast and orange juice. While, I am waiting a musclly, dark skinned and handsome man wearing a dirty overall keeps gazing at me. I try not to look back but I can’t help it, he smiles at me and I smile back chuckling a little. I stop and fiddle with my hair and text my friends Jenny and Kelly about him. I get my food and drink eating and drinking it and leave. The next few days I see him again sitting closer and closer to where I sit. This is not occasionally, it is occurring again and again until he speaks to me and I get his number. Then we meet again this time it’s a date and I am really excited. Everything is going well until†¦ I get a phone call from Angelina Jolie asking for her bright red Jumpsuit. So I have to leave. We keep meeting each other until he asks that one sentence that could change my life forever even though I have everything anybody could ask for money, wealth, fame, fortune and happiness. But one thing is missing and that is L-O-V-E! After he proposed we made marriage plan right away and decided to get married in Paris. On Sunday afternoon, I took a day of work to sort out wedding plans and introduce Jayden Swift to my family and friends. First, I showed him to Jenny and Kelly. We had a wonderful chat together talking about the future and how we met. ‘I first was attracted to her when I saw her beautiful blue, sapphire eyes, Jet Black hair cut at a even length with a fringe and wearing a sensible suit. Because I grew up in such a rough area like Hope I didn’t know she was famous. ’ ‘Oh, sorry girls I need the toilet,’ says Jayden and then her runs off. Jenny and Kelly grab my arm and pull me towards Kelly’s room. ‘Mrs. Swift you are so stupid! ’ Says Jenny slapping my head, ‘Why him? Yes, he’s attractive but he only wants you for you fame and money! ’ Whispers Kelly, ‘No, you both don’t know what your talking about he loves me and so do I simple. ’ ‘I have had such a bad life up to this day and I’m not going to let you two ruin it for me. If you don’t like him then don’t come. ’ The faint sound of Here Comes the Bride being played softly on the piano is heard. The doors opened and everybody turned the heads to take a look at the bride (ME! ) I smile a gigantic smile showing that I am extremely happy a warm feeling is buzzing inside me as I get closer to Jay and the Priest. Jay grabs my hand and whispers ‘you look amazing. ’ I whisper back’ you’re not bad yourself. ’ Then the priest begins to ask us the questions and bless us. ‘You may now kiss the bride. Says the priest, but Jayden waits and stares at me so I kiss him. The after party was great aswel; it was in Le Brudge. At times I tended to sit out of the fun just to have a few moments wishing my parents were here to see their happy daughter. But, I had to move on and show that I appreciated what was going on now. When the after party had finished, Jay was drunk and he said many rude things to me that I th ought, why did I marry him? A few days after our honeymoon in Dubai, I went to work and jay decided to sort out the house. ‘Good Morning Mrs. Swift, you have 6 interviews and 20 meetings and your first meeting is in 2 minutes. ’ Explains Amanda, ‘thank-you and from my after party I brought you some shoulders and a mini box on personalised Thornton’s chocolates. ’ I say giggling like a child and I skipped to my office. Today was going so well until the meetings (not the interviews, I liked talking to Arnold Schwinger, Jessica Alba, Messi, Justin Timberlake, Usain Bolt and another fashion designer. ) The day went pass slowly and on my 5th meeting, I had a mine grain and am sore all over. I had to take 7 pills in total today. Taking into consideration, I had a mine grain I left during my 9th meeting in Tokyo and flew back home. It was around 11:00pm and it was pitch black only chinks of lights were flashing as the bulb was broken. As far as I knew I could have been walking into a wall or off a cliff. I had never left this late before and didn’t like it. Tentatively, I stare until my eyes hurt only making out a dark silloute which wasn’t there. I keep walking and turn around to see if someone else is there because I have a feeling I am being followed, so I keep turning around and hearing footsteps every time I didn’t. I ignore it and am nearly at my house until I heard a voice whisper ‘why aren’t you mine. ’ Its breath smelt of whisky and I was frightened. ‘Jayden, it’s not funny why would you do that? ’ I cry ‘I am as frightened as a child having a nightmare and wetting the bed. ’ ‘What are you talking about? I’ve been here and cafe rouge all day. ’ ‘Don’t lie or you’ll be out on the streets. ’ I sob, ‘Ok, it wasn’t me but I thought we should go to dinner with my friend Benji, he’ll be here any minute now. ’ He said. DING DONG DING DONG, the bell rings I go and answer it. ‘HELLO, my beautiful chee chee. Says the man who is apparently Benji and he bows and kisses me on the lips. ‘Hey, don’t kiss me I am married you know. ’ ‘Sorry, you’re just so gorgeous. ’ He chuckles and I go bright red. Jay walks over to him and they both go of and talk together. After a while, we begin to leave and head for Le Gavroche. Benji and Jay order 4 beers each and Benji orders a peri-peri meal, with a side order of frogs legs and snails and so does Jay. I order a French platter and a cocktail. I feel uncomfortable when Benji asks me about my life up to date, I only tell him about me and Jayden. When they’d finished it all cost up to ? 1005. 67. The next day I stay at home with a broken leg and a headache, I broke it by fighting with Jayden and tripping over a saucepan while running down the stairs. But, I said to the nurse ‘I fell down the stairs. ’ Today I’ve been thinking I don’t need to work anymore if I’m with Jay, I only worked to keep myself occupied and to prove my brothers wrong. Now, that I am the 3rd richest woman in the world I AM SAFE! ‘Hey Jay, I’m going to quit my job,’ I say hopping he will say yes, but it goes the other way. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU, DO YOU KNOW THAT WE’LL HAVE TO LIVE ON THE STREETS! ’ He yells, ‘NO WE DON’T, I WILL STILL MAKE DESIGNS AND GET PAID BUT I WON’T GO BACK TO HoN HQ! ’ I scream, ‘WE NEED MONEY, TO SURVIVE AND BE†¦,’ he goes into a whisper and starts mumbling. ‘Yeah, that’s what I thought you married m e and I was always the rich and famous one. ’ ‘No, you weren’t you were poorer than I was before and after your parent’s died. Until, 9 years ago. ’ He laughs, I wobble and feel dizzy, I shut my eyes and open it jay gets blurry and then it goes black. I wake up the next day feeling very numb, I am laid in the spare room and have a blank and my snuggie over me. A glass of water is beside my bed and a homemade cookie which say sorry drawn with chocolate icing. I giggle and giggle until I got hiccups, ‘morning sweetcakesorrychocolatebaker. ’ I say hiccupping between each word, ‘I’m sweetcakesorrychocolatebaker? I am sorry about what happened yesterday I Just wanted us to be†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ and he fades off again, ‘its ok I forgave you yesterday when I passed out. ’ ‘Your sister Jane has invited us to her come dine with me dinner and asked if we could come. He said excitedly, ‘O-K L-E-T-S G-O! ’ so, I jump out of bed, have a shower and watch TV and make designs until its 6. 00pm. Jay rings the bell vigorously like a little child begging for a toy. ‘ALRIGHT WERE IN, god sake, SUCH A EAGER BEAVER! ’ Shouts a voice which sounds like a male’s voice. The door open s and standing in front of me is Jane’s husband Harry Dotter, ‘good- evening Harry Potter I need to see Dumbledore. ’ I say bowing and Harry laughs sarcastically. Jayden and I walk hand in hand toward Jane and her kids. ‘Ah, so nice to see you Mr. nd Mrs. Swift. ’ We sit down and talk until the rest of my lazy family arrives. Then we all tuck in and make remarks and jokes, it reminds me of the old times but not as enjoyable. Especially with the children around, (new generations. ) ‘You are one of the luckiest men around to have little Hope as your wife, she has always been loved by other men and boys. Once John Elderly asked her out and she said I rather go out with a pig than you. ’ Luke remarks and everyone laughs, until the power cut†¦ ‘Oh darn the lights are out again this street is so rubbish. Mumbles Harry, ‘Jay hold my hand. ’ I cry ‘ok. ’ He whispers faintly. We wait 5 minutes eating our food in the dark and hoping that harry will hurry up. When the lights come on, we all jump and cheer. I kiss Jay and then relies we should separate our hands. I ask him questions and he doesn’t answer I turn to look at him and then I see a sliver, gleaming blade plunged into his heart imprinted he wasn’t worthy and a puddle of blood beneath my feet. (www. toptable. co. uk/details. cfm/qs/rid|267/refid|visit/) How to cite Crime Story I Made, Essay examples

A music business free essay sample

A music business: Universals gamble Summary When Universal Music Group bought a part of MIS Capitol Records, many asked themselves if this was a smart decision. A gamble of $1. 9 billion. Many questioned if this merge would disadvantage smaller companies, because Universal owns, thanks to this merge, 40%-50% shares of most markets. Because of the long statement of objections by the European Commission, Resources might force universal to sell parts of MI, such as Virgin Music and MI Classics. Even though the eventual forced sell, universal has to pay $1. 75 billion to MI.Shareholders and sister companies of universal arent happy about this. Competitors of Universal, are happy to hear this, hole some ask themselves why universal wanted to participate In this merge In the first place. The Industry Is Instable, and sales have fallen thanks to idealization. MI Is In good shape, notwithstanding the economize of all firms In this Industry. We will write a custom essay sample on A music business or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Still, the part universal got from MI, Is the most harmful to the idealization. Universal Is In a difficult position. To investors, it says that the industry is starting to stabilize, and that investing your money, will give you profits.While to regulators, it says that its getting tougher and tougher to compete against the digitization, and that they must expand to stay in the game. Lucian Graining, head of universal, says: The merge will invest in the industrys future, and it will help building the company back up. After all, universal needs to find a way to make a profit next to all subscription services.

Symbolism Great Gatsby free essay sample

The Great Gatsby, is about Jay Gatsby and his quest for his own American dream, the love of his life, Daisy. The story is narrated by Nick Carraway, a young man who moves in next door to Gatsby and becomes friends with him. The Great Gatsby has three main themes. These are materialism and wealth, the american dream and appearance and reality. Fitzgerald has used symbolism and theme along with other techniques to enhance these themes along with the readers enjoyment of the novel. One symbol used by Fitzgerald is the green light. Green is the colour of hope, but also the colour of envy, and it first appears when Gatsby stares out across the bay towards a green light at the end of the dock. â€Å"a single green light, minute and far away†. Later the reader finds out that this light stands on Daisy Buchanan’s dock. In the context of the novel this green light represents Gatsby’s hope to meet Daisy again and a chance to win her back. We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolism Great Gatsby or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page â€Å"Gatsby believed in the green light†. I think the green light is an effective symbol and it cleverly represents Gatsby’s longing for Daisy. Another clever symbol used in the Great Gatsby is that of the Valley of Ashes. It is first introduced in chapter two, the valley of ashes represents the moral and social decay that results from the uncontrolled search for wealth, as the rich indulge themselves with thought for nothing but their own pleasure. The valley of ashes also symbolizes the troubles of the poor, who live among the dirty ashes and lose their vitality as a result. I think the Valley of Ashes is another effective use of symbolism and it helps to emphasise the theme of materialism and wealth as it represents the social decay between the rich and the poor. The eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg are a pair of fading, eyes painted on an old advertising billboard over the Valley of Ashes. â€Å"The eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg are blue and gigantic -their retinas one yard high†. They may represent God staring down upon and judging American society’s morals, though the novel never makes this point explicitly. They could also be a symbol of the conscience of American society itself. I think that the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg emphasise one of the main themes in the novel which is the decline of the American dream although they could also be said to represent the theme of materialism and wealth. F. Scott Fitzgerald has also used names as a major symbol in The Great Gatsby. The name Daisy is and example of this. A daisy is a tiny flower; it is small and extremely delicate. The colours of a daisy also suggest innocence; the daisy is white and gold, very angelic. Myrtle’s name is also symbolic. A myrtle is a sturdy herb although it is still beautiful it is not delicate like a daisy. These two names reflect the women they have been given too and Fitzgerald’s use of symbolism is very effective in this case. Overall F. Scott Fitzgerald has used symbolism in his novel very effectively. The use of symbolism has helped my appreciation of the novel as it adds layers. The use of symbolism is also allowing Fitzgerald to comment on society through his novels. Symbolism has also helped to emphasise the main themes of the novel.

Biography of Artemisia I, Queen of Halicarnassus

Biography of Artemisia I, Queen of Halicarnassus Artemisia I of Halicarnassus (~520–460 BCE) was the ruler of the city of Halicarnassus at the time of the Persian Wars (499–449 BCE), As a Carian colony of Persia, Halicarnassus fought against the Greeks. The Greek historian Herodotus (484–425  BCE) was also a Carian, and he was born in that city during Artemisias rule. Her story was recorded by Herodotus and appears in the Histories, written in the mid-450s BCE. Known For: Ruler of Halicarnassus, naval commander in the Persian WarsBorn: ~520 BCE, HalicarnassusParents: Lygadimis and unknown Cretan motherDied: ~460 BCESpouse: Unnamed husbandChildren: Pisindelis INotable Quote: If thou art hasty to fight, I tremble lest the defeat of thy sea force bring harm likewise to thy land army. Early Life Artemisia was born probably about 520 BCE in Halicarnassus, near todays Bodrum, Turkey. Halicarnassus was the capital of the Carian satrapy of the Achaemenid Persian empire in Asia Minor during the reign of Darius I (ruled 522–486 BCE). She was a member of the Lygdamid  dynasty (520–450 BCE) of rulers in the city, as the daughter of Lygadimis, a Carian, and his wife, a woman (unnamed by Herodotus) from the Greek island of Crete. Artemisia inherited her throne from her husband, whose name is not known, during the rule of the Persian emperor Xerxes I, also known as Xerxes the Great (ruled 486–465 BC). Her kingdom included the city of Halicarnassus and the nearby islands of Cos, Calymnos, and Nisyros. Artemisia I had at least one son, Pisindelis, who ruled Halicarnassus after her between ~460–450 BCE. Persian Wars When Xerxes went to war against Greece (480–479 BCE), Artemisia was the only woman among his commanders. She brought five ships of the 70 total sent to battle, and those five ships were forces with a reputation for ferocity and valor. Herodotus suggests that Xerxes selected Artemisia to lead a squadron to embarrass the Greeks, and indeed, when they heard about it, the Greeks offered a reward of 10,000 drachmas (about three years wages for a workman) for capturing Artemisia. No one succeeded in claiming the prize. After winning the battle at Thermopylae in August of 480 BCE, Xerxes sent Mardonius to talk to each of his naval commanders separately about the upcoming battle of Salamis. Artemisia was the only one who advised against a sea battle, suggesting that Xerxes instead wait offshore for what she saw as the inevitable retreat or attack the Peloponnese on shore. She was quite blunt about their chances against the Greek armada, saying that the rest of the Persian naval commanders- Egyptians, Cypriots, Cilicians, and Pamphylians- were not up to the challenge. While he was pleased that she provided a separate viewpoint, Xerxes ignored her advice, choosing to follow the majority opinion. Battle of Salamis During the battle, Artemisias found her flagship was being chased by an Athenian vessel and had no chance of escape. She rammed a friendly vessel which was commanded by the Calyndians and their king Damasithymos; the ship sank with all hands. The Athenian, confused by her actions, assumed she was either a Greek ship or a deserter, and left Artemisias ship to chase others. Had the Greek commander realized who he was chasing, and recalled the price on her head, he would not have changed course. No one from the Calyndian ship survived, and Xerxes was impressed at her nerve and daring, saying My men have become women, and my women, men. After the failure at Salamis, Xerxes abandoned his invasion of Greece- and Artemisia is credited with persuading him to make this decision. As a reward, Xerxes sent her to Ephesus to take care of his illegitimate sons.   Beyond Herodotus That is all that Herodotus had to say about Artemisia. Other early references to Artemisia include the 5th century CE Greek physician Thessalus who spoke of her as a cowardly pirate; and the Greek playwright Aristophanes, who used her as a symbol of a strong and uppity warrior woman in his comic plays Lysistrata and Thesmophoriazusae, equating her with the Amazons.   Later writers were generally approving, including Polyaenus, the 2nd century CE Macedonian author of Stratagems in War, and Justin, the 2nd century Roman empire historian. Photius, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinopole, described a legend depicting Artemisia as having fallen hopelessly in love with a younger man from Abydos, and jumping off a cliff to cure the unrequited passion. Whether her death was as glamorous and romantic as that described by Photius, she was probably dead when her son Pisindelis took over the rule of Halicarnassus. Archaeological evidence of Artemisias relationship with Xerxes was discovered in the ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus by British archaeologist Charles Thomas Newton when he excavated there in 1857. The Mausoleum itself was built by Artemisia II to honor her husband Mausolus between 353–350 BCE, but the alabaster jar is inscribed with the signature of Xerxes I, in Old Persian, Egyptian, Babylonian, and Elamite.  The presence of this jar in this location strongly suggests it was given by Xerxes to Artemisia I and passed down to her descendants who buried it at the Mausoleum. Sources A Jar with the Name of King Xerxes. Livius, October 26, 2018.Falkner, Caroline L. Artemesia in Herodotus. Diotima, 2001.  Halsall, Paul Herodotus: Artemisia at Salamis, 480 BCE. Ancient History Sourcebook, Fordham University, 1998.  Munson, Rosaria Vignolo. Artemisia in Herodotus. Classical Antiquity 7.1 (1988): 91-106. Print.Rawlinson, George (transl). Herodotus, The History. New York: Dutton Co., 1862.Strauss, Barry. The Battle of Salamis: The Naval Encounter That Saved Greece- and Western Civilization. New York: Simon Schuster, 2004.

Computers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Computers - Essay Example This essay is an evaluation of computer networks dedicated to laptop desktop connection. Data communication is the transfer of information from the sender to the receiver through a communication medium. The most common media for this process include cables, air/waves and satellite etc. Telephone communication starts with the sender initiating a connection by dialing the recipient’s number from his data transmission equipment (DTE) (Harte and Ofrane 2006). Once he does this, the call passes through either a public switched network (PSTN) or a private branch exchange (PBX) depending on the nature of the call. A PBX is a telephone switching exchange that is dedicated to controlling telephone communication within a company or an organization. It connects calls within the company by providing extensions to calls that originate from various offices instead of hiring lines for every department. It also connects calls to outside networks. A PSTN connects local and international calls, in a large network structure that is not restricted to a specific subscriber or organization (Harte and Ofrane 2006). Once the call is switched to his address, the receiver is alerted and to complete the connection, he has to switch on his DTE to start transmission. Telephone switching companies also offer internet connection services through their satellites which act as gateways to wide area networks. This connection involves transmission of digital signals through analog transmitting lines. For this to occur, modems are connected on both ends of the transmission for the purpose of modulating (converting digital signals into analog) the signals from the sending machine and demodulating (converting analog signals back into digital form) signals on the receiving machine (Hennesy 2006). This is because computers only understand digitized information which is in binary form i.e. 1s& 0s A

Waldseemller map Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Waldseemller map - Article Example r maps recorded in the 1500s such as Henricus Martellus or Martin Behaim maps that used the Geography (Ptolemy) and the Caveri planisphere, the Waldseemà ¼ller 1507 map gets right most of the mapping of the world mapping and tells us much about European knowledge of the world in the early sixteenth century. While the other maps during that time are ambiguous in representing the eastern coastline for Asia and Europe, the Waldseemà ¼ller 1507 map gets right by making a distinction those coastline from the American coastline (Hessler 63).The Waldseemà ¼ller map designates the existence of the trans-Atlantic region in Spain and the Asian Ptolemy as displayed on the Behaim globe representation in 1492. The Waldseemà ¼ller map of 1507 is today credited basically as the mother of all the other maps we use today as it has been used as a credible source for those maps. Waldseemà ¼ller’s world map is an important product of research effort that spans from the sixteen century. It was developed using resourceful data gathered during the era of the Amerigo Vespucci’s voyages between 1501 and 1502. Waldseemà ¼ller christened the "American" land in recognition of Vespucci’s data by uncovering a new continent namely America as a result of the Columbus voyages and other late fifteen century explorers (Hessler 75). The Waldseemà ¼ller’s map therefore, supported Vespucci’s revolutionary concept by portraying the New World. This is what the map tells us about European knowledge of the world in the early sixteenth because prior to it, the separate continent which the map represents was unknown to the Europeans. The map was the first manuscript that was printed clearly depicting a separate Western Hemisphere which it distinct from the Pacific Ocean and the African coastline (Hessler 76). The map gets all these aspects right and represents a huge spring forward in knowledge across Europe and it forever changed the European understanding which still remains today that the world is

An Analysis on the Design Phase of Euro Shuttle Wagons Project Essay

An Analysis on the Design Phase of Euro Shuttle Wagons Project - Essay Example Euro tunnel shuttle service is a shuttle transport service that expresses street vehicle by rail through the channel tunnel. The wagons used for the shuttle have a large loading capacity.The Tunnel project usually has a very tight timescale and heavy liquidated damages (LDs) linked with delays and so this one. Eurotunnel’s success rate is dependent on the timeframe of the tunnel being finished and ready to start its operations in particular season, otherwise, interest payments would start to devastate the profit of the project.There are many aspects of design, construction and operation of the Euro Channel Tunnel Wagons project that needs approval from the Intergovernmental Commission (IGC), a body of British and French civil servants. The main focus of project manager during development phase of the project is and should be on safety, defence, security and environmental issues, as IGC takes these issues as criteria to evaluate the performance of channel tunnel project.The saf ety clause was not clearly defined at the start of the project and was later gradually defined; this was not only because of the unfamiliarity of tunnel channel to safety regulators but also because of the allegation of events such as the UK Kings Cross Fire in November 1987. Due to lack of safety, changes are required to meet IGC considerations and the effect of those changes was not only delays but it also had impacted on other related elements of the project and characteristics of the product, and on the image of TML.

Oscar Chess v Williams, the facts, reasoning and appeal

Oscar Chess v Williams, the facts, reasoning and appeal Oscar Chess Ltd v Williams [1957] 1 ALL ER 325 What were the material facts of the case and the legal issues on which the appeal was based? In June 1955, the defendant sold to the plaintiff, who were motor dealers, a second-hand Morris motor car for  £290, this sum being credited to the defendant on the purchase of a new car through the dealers. The car sold to the dealers had been obtained by the defendant’s mother in 1954 under a hire-purchase contract, and was shown in the registration book to have been first registered in 1948. There had been five changes of ownership between 1948 and 1954. The defendant, who honestly believed that the car was a 1948 model, described it as such to the salesman who acted for the plaintiffs in the matter and showed the salesman the registration book. The salesman, who had frequently been given lifts in the car, also believed that it was a 1948 model, and the purchase price of  £290 was calculated on this basis. In January 1956, the plaintiffs sent the chassis and engine numbers of the car to the manufacturers and were informed by them that the car was a 1939 model. If the pl aintiffs had known at the time of the purchase that the car was a 1939 model, they would have paid only  £175 for it. In an action brought by them against the defendant eight months after the sale the plaintiffs claimed the sum of  £115 as damages for breach of warranty, either on the basis that it had been a condition,[1] i.e. an essential term, of the contract that the car was a 1948 model or that there had been a collateral warranty that it was. The judge at trial awarded the plaintiffs  £115 in damages based on his finding that the defendant had breached an essential term of the contract, i.e. a condition, that the Morris car was a 1948 model. Consequently, the trial judge did not go on to consider the alternative claim on a warranty. Upon appeal by the defendant, the crucial issue for the Court of Appeal was whether the defendant’s statement that the car was a 1948 model was a binding promise (i.e. a contractual term) or only an innocent misrepresentation. If it was an innocent misrepresentation, the respondent would not be entitled to any remedy. What was the reasoning behind the trial judge’s decision to award damages to the plaintiffs? At trial, the plaintiffs claimed the sum of  £115 in damages from the defendant, representing the difference in value between a 1939 Morris car and a 1948 Morris car. The evidence submitted at trial to determine whether the defendant gave a binding promise to the salesman that the car was made in 1948 was limited. During examination-in-chief, the salesman stated: â€Å"He offered me a 1948 10 hp Morris in part exchange. He produced the registration book.† In cross-examination, he said: â€Å"I had often had lifts in the defendant’s car. I thought it looked like a 1948 model. I checked up in the registration book.† The salesman’s evidence was accepted, aided by the fact that the defendant did not go into the witness-box to contradict it. On those facts alone, counsel for the plaintiffs submitted that the defendant’s representation that the car was a 1948 model was an essential term of the contract, i.e. a condition. The trial judge agreed with this and stated that defendant had promised that the car was a 1948 car and that there was a breach of this promise. He said that the allowance of  £290 was made by the salesman â€Å"on the assumption that the Morris was a 1948 model†, and that â€Å"†¦this assumption was fundamental to the contract, a condition which, if not satisfied, would have caused him to rescind the contract if he had known it to be unsatisfied before the property in the Morris car passed to his principles.† In short, one of the terms of the deal was that the car was guaranteed to be a 1948 model. Breach of this promise would entitle the dealer to damages. Based on this finding, the trial judge awarded  £115 in damages to the plaintiffs. Why did the Court of Appeal overrule the trial judge’s decision and what was the difference in approach adopted by the Court of Appeal? The Court of Appeal refused to get bogged down in a technical differential analysis of the legal definitions of â€Å"condition† and â€Å"warranty†, as the trial judge had done, because it was far too late for the buyer to reject the car. He could only claim damages at best. Indeed, in the Court’s leading judgment, Denning LJ stated that the trial judge was so concerned with the legal definitions of â€Å"condition† and â€Å"warranty† that he failed to address the crucial issue of whether the defendant’s statement was a term of the contract at all. To get damages, it was necessary to show that the description of the car was a promise or term of the contract. Denning LJ used slightly different language. He used the word warranty but he explained that he was not using the word in its technical legal sense but, instead, was using it in its popular sense as one word to describe a promise. As he pointed out, the crucial question in this case was : was it a binding promise [i.e. a term of the contract] or only an innocent misrepresentation? If it was only an innocent misrepresentation, then the dealer would not be entitled to any remedy in the circumstances of this case. This then leads to the question: how do you know if it was a promise? Denning LJ stated that whether the appellant’s statement was intended to be a promise (i.e. a contractual term) could only be addressed by taking into account all the evidence of the case and the conduct of the parties throughout their dealings.[2] He went on to state that the objective test for determining a promise is by applying the standard of the ‘intelligent bystander’ and, based on this test, he concluded that the statement by the appellant as to the age of the car was not intended as a promise. After all, given that the appellant only became the owner after several changes in ownership, he must have been relying on what was stated in the registration book. It is unlikely that such a person would warrant the year of manufacture. The most that he would do would be to state his belief, and then produce the registration book in verification of it. In these circumstances, according to Lord De nning, the intelligent bystander would say that the seller did not intend to bind himself so as to warrant that the car was a 1948 model. The most he would do would be to state his belief. What did the Court of Appeal say about the trial judge’s application of the earlier decisions in Heilbut2 and Routledge[3]to the present case? In finding in favour of the appellant, Denning LJ made reference to the case of Heilbut in which the House of Lords used the word â€Å"warranty† in its ordinary meaning of a binding promise. He stressed that, in Heilbut, Lord Moulton made it clear that â€Å"The intention of the parties can only be deduced from the totality of the evidence†¦Ã¢â‚¬  In other words, to determine whether a statement was intended as a contractual warranty, it is necessary to evaluate the overall conduct of the parties, not just their thoughts. However, the trial judge did not adopt this approach and distinguished Heilbut and Routledge on the basis that, in those cases, there was a written memorandum of the contract, before which words were used by one party inducing the other party to enter into the contract. Denning LJ stated that there was no need to distinguish between written and oral statements in the present case because the purchase was not recorded in writing at all but, instead, it was necessary to look at the overall conduct of the parties in order to ascertain intention. Hodson LJ, in accordance with Denning LJ, felt that the Routledge decision should not be distinguished from the present case because, in his opinion, the court in the Routledge case did not base its decision on the distinction between words used before the conclusion of the contract and words used at the time of the contract. He felt that this distinction was a fine point and had no bearing in the current case. Instead, Hodson LJ concurred with Denning LJ and stated that it was necessary to follow the principle in Heilbut and assess the overall conduct of the parties in order to ascertain contractual intention. Morris LJ (dissenting), on the other hand, supported the reasoning of the trial judge and felt that the judge was correct to distinguish Routledge from the current case. He specified three grounds for the distinction: (i) in the present case there was a statement made at the time of the transaction; (ii) there was no written contract; and (iii) although there was no contract, there was an invoice addressed to the appellant which expressly described the car as a â€Å"1948 Morris 10 Saloon†. He felt that the fact that the invoice specifically referred to the year 1948 was sufficient evidence that it was intended to be a contractual term. What is the significance of the respective parties’ special knowledge of the subject-matter of the contract? How has this been applied in this and subsequent cases? Another influential factor in this case was that the person making the statement (i.e. the appellant) was a non-expert when compared with the dealer who was the recipient of the statement and, presumably, an expert. According to Denning LJ, the respondents, rather than simply relying on the year stated in the log-book, could quite easily have checked it at the time of sale by taking the engine number and chassis number and writing to the manufacturers. They only did so eight months after the sale. Given that the respondents were experts, Denning LJ felt that this delay in making the check could not be excused, particularly because the innocent appellant produced to them all the evidence which he had (namely, the registration book). The appellant, as a private seller, had no special knowledge and had relied on the car’s registration book for his belief. The respondents, as experts, were in a position to discover the truth of the statement prior to contract. Hodson LJ agreed wit h this point and stated that the appellant was stating an opinion on a matter of which he had no special knowledge, whereas the respondent could have been expected to have an opinion and to exercise its judgment. This tends to support the view that the non-expert would be unlikely to be promising something which was in the other partys area of expertise, and therefore strengthens the proposition that the appellant’s statement was indeed a representation and not a contractual term. The significance of a parties â€Å"special knowledge† was considered by the Court of Appeal in the subsequent case of Dick Bentley Productions and Another v Harold Smith (Motors) Ltd.[4] In that case, a car dealer stated that a car had an engine which had done only 20,000 miles. This was in fact untrue. The buyer sought damages alleging breach of contract. However, in that instance, the statement was treated as a term of the contract. The apparent distinction between the Dick Bentley case and the Oscar Chess case is the status of the person making the statement. A private seller did not have the special knowledge which indicated an intention that the statement be treated as a contractually binding promise, but a car dealer did. This distinction led Lord Denning MR to suggest in Dick Bentley that the presence of fault was the basis for the distinction. However, it seems wrong to suggest that fault is the only test, and arguably what Lord Denning was stating was simply that the obligation broken was an obligation to exercise reasonable care and skill. The true test ought therefore to be that the dealer was in a better position to discover the truth and therefore impliedly took personal responsibility for the truth of statements made. Why did dissenting Judge Morris LJ disagree with the conclusion of the majority of the Court of Appeal? Morris LJ disagreed with the findings of Denning LJ and Hodson LJ and felt that the appellant’s statement that the car was a 1948 model was a fundamental term of the contract, i.e. a contractual condition. What persuaded Lord Morris was that the car was described in the invoice specifically as a 1948 Morris. The dealer did not get any such thing and so, according to Lord Morris, there was a breach. He arrived at this conclusion based on his assertion that the respondent’s promise to pay the appellant  £290 for the car (a figure arrived at by reference to the value of 1948 cars) was the consequence (i.e. a counterpart) of a term of the contract that the particular car was a 1948 model. Thus, Morris LJ felt that the application of the so-called ‘importance attached’ test rendered the appellant’s statement a term of the contract for sale as opposed to a mere representation. In other words, Morris LJ believed that the appellant’s statement relat ed to a vitally important matter: it described the subject-matter of the contract then being made, and directed the parties to, and was the basis of, their agreement as to the price to be paid or credited to the respondent. He made reference to the words used by Scott LJ in Couchman v Hill[5] and stated that, in his opinion, the appellant’s statement was â€Å"an item in [the] description† of what was being sold and that it constituted a substantial ingredient in the identity of the thing sold. Whereas Denning LJ felt that the trial judge was unnecessarily bogged down with the technical legal translation of â€Å"condition† and â€Å"warranty†, Morris LJ stressed that he saw no need to depart from the original verdict because he could not see that the trial judge in any way misdirected himself or misapplied any principle of law. Bibliography Cases Consulted Oscar Chess Ltd v Williams [1957] 1 ALL ER 325 (CA); Dick Bentley Productions and Another v Harold Smith (Motors) Ltd [1965] 2 All ER 65 (CA); Couchman v Hill [1947] 1 All ER 103 (KB); Heilbut, Symons Co v Buckleton [1913] AC 30 (HL); Routledge v McKay [1954] 1 All ER 855 (CA). Legislation Consulted Sale of Goods Act 1893 (22 Halsbury’s Statutes (2nd Edition) 991). Text Consulted Poole, J. – Textbook on Contract Law (6th Edition), Blackstone Press (2001), pp155-6; Poole, J. – Casebook on Contract (4th Edition), Blackstone Press (1999), pp249 and 252-4. 1 Footnotes [1] Under section 11 of the Sale of Goods Act 1893 (22 Halsbury’s Statutes (2nd Edition) 991), the plaintiffs would have been entitled to treat such a condition as a contractual warranty, breach of which would give rise to an action for damages. [2] Heilbut, Symons Co v Buckleton [1913] AC 30 (HL). [3] [1954] 1 All ER 855 (CA). [4] [1965] 2 All ER 65 (CA). [5] [1947] 1 All ER 103 (KB).

Al-Anon Observation Paper -- Twelve-Step Meeting Observation Paper

Alcoholism is as prevalent in my family, as blood is in our veins. When previously asked to observe 12-step groups, I ritualistically flocked to Alcoholics Anonymous, without consideration of the possibility that other groups had any potential to make an impact on me. I always pride myself in my ability to identify as an individual that is not ensnared in alcoholism, but unfortunately am an individual that was highly tormented by alcoholism. Through observation of the group and how it processed, as well as identifying how I felt as a new attendee, I was able to understand why self-help, support groups are so vital for individuals in recovery. I finally realized, I too am in recovery. I attended Al-Anon meetings on Sundays at St. Matthew Episcopal Church. The meetings began at 11:45am, and were held until 1:00pm, which was contingent on the progress of each small group. I was in attendance beginning January 19th, with attendance on January 26th, and February 2nd. The groups first met in one room together, and then broke into smaller groups to process. The initial meeting room is a nursery room in the church. It had a lot of natural lighting from the windows, and was decorated in children’s religious artwork. The room was far too small for all of the attendees. There was an average of thirty-five attendees at each meeting. Many times people who came late had to stand outside the doorway and listen in, because the room was literally overflowing with people. There were never enough chairs, which forced some individuals to stand, until the large group, broke into small groups. The group itself was entirely made up of middle age, Caucasians. There was an average of about thirty-five attendees each week. The average age of the gr... ...http://apt.rcpsych.org/content/6/5/348.full Gifford, S. (2011). Differences Between Outpatient and Inpatient Treatment Programs. Psych Central. Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/lib/differences-between-outpatient-and-inpatient-treatment-programs/0007531 Galanter, M., M.D. (2008). Spirituality, Evidence-Based Medicine, and Alcoholics Anonymous. PsychiatryOnline. Retrieved from http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleID=100364 Peele, S., PhD. (2004, August). Is AA's loss psychology's gain? American Psychological Association. Vol. 35 NO. 7 pp. 86 Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/monitor/julaug04/jn.aspx McGovern, M. P., PhD, & Carroll, K. M., PhD. (2003). Evidence- base Practices for Substance Use Disorders. Psychiatric Clinics of North America. Retrieved from http://www.dartmouth.edu/~dcare/pdfs/fp/McGovernMark-Evidence-BasedPractices.pdf

Police Crisis Management

ABSTRACTThis paper is primarily directed towards a discussion of Police Crisis Management. This topic is necessary and beneficial to the police system in dealing with their operations. Crisis Management refers to a system of approach in solving various problems that may come in different situations. Its major function is to prepare a body, group or institution of the possibilities of disaster, calamities and emergencies. Finally, this paper tackles about the significant features of Police Crisis Management which include the stage of planning, negotiation, and the development of the crisis management.This paper is divided into three parts. The first part is the introduction wherein the concept of crisis management is described and defined. The second part elucidates on the definition and characterization of Police Crisis Management. The third part is composed of the important aspects and facets of Police Crisis Management. The last part presents the conclusion of the paper.Introductio nCrisis Management is a mechanism used in dealing with impending crises. Its principal focus is on the planning stage in which an organized practical method is formulated in order to prevent the occurrence of particular crises. It primary goal is to thwart the incidence of disorder in a specific field rather than facing the problem in an extemporized immediate approach.Crisis Management entails the detection of the crisis itself, the stage of making plans in reaction to the crisis which include proper way of dealing and resolving the problem. It is most likely used in the field of political science, international relations, business and management.The principal precepts of Crisis Management are gathering of the most pertinent information regarding the crises instead of concealing it; treating the crisis as quick as possible for prolonging its existence might also increase the risks it poses; and the coordination and involvement of the persons who are responsible for the execution of the crisis management system.Having the above key principles, the theory of crisis management can be carved up into three main phases, namely: crisis negotiation, crisis control, and crisis dynamics.Police Crisis ManagementPolice Crisis Management pertains to a systematic method of treating crisis or problems that are primarily directed towards police operations. This method aims to check the occasion of hitches and predicaments in the field of police system. Moreover, its task is not only in the detection of potential problems but also in addressing these problems systematically and accordingly.In its objective to put superior countermeasures over the imminent crises in the field of the police system, planning and execution take a very important role in administering the crisis management. With this regard, standard operating procedures should be observed by the police system in order to manage the crises responsibly and conscientiously.Important Aspects of Police Crisis Managemen tAs stated earlier, necessary stages of crisis management should involve planning on what to do, how to do, what are needed in dealing with a specific crisis. Such plays a very important role for it is the stage wherein the crisis management starts. It includes the identification of the existing crisis, the reasons or the causes of its occurrence, the affected aspects and the approximated period of its occurrence if not addressed immediately. Also, it consists of the formulation effective techniques or strategies that can successfully terminate the prevailing crisis.Another important aspect of police crisis management is the gathering of the most important and most relevant information regarding the crisis which is primarily focused on the knowledge, skills and attitude that the police system should possess in order to execute the planned strategy in managing a particular crisis. For example, in the case of hostage-drama scenario, the police system does not instantly go to the place wherein there is a hostage situation. The police system has this standard operating procedure in which prior to its implementation, a plan of action should be first discussed by the police themselves initiated by the superior police. In such meeting, the policemen are reminded of the dos and don’ts in dealing with that particular situation.They are also reminded of the consequences and possible threats that they might encounter while executing their task of controlling the situation. Lastly, as advocates of justice, police system does not permit abuse of power. In which in the case of the given hostage-crisis, the policemen are not instructed to gunshot the hostage-taker at once. Negotiation is the initial mechanism use by the police system in handling such situations. However, in worst cases like the hostages are really being by the hostage-taker, the policemen are initiated to do all that they can do to stop the hostage-taker from hurting the hostages –which allows them to fire on the hostage-taker (such also applies to other instances such as by-bust operations, face-to-face encounter with law-offenders, etc.)In addition, excellent coordination with the whole police system is necessary in the police crisis management. It is noteworthy that the police system is well coordinated from top to bottom and vice versa. The planning stage should be composed of commands and instructions from the top superiors, and the discussed-strategy that is done during the emergency meeting of the police. Having this need of coordination means also that outstanding communication among the law-enforcers should be maintained during the crisis management.Time-delay should be avoided. There should be no action from the police system that might interrupt the operation. As cited earlier, quick reactive response should be the attitude of the police all throughout the crisis management. Prolongation of such incidents might severe the tension and the situation causing more difficulty in controlling the circumstances.  Finally, instances of previous cases of crisis management should be recorded and examined so as to aid the police for formulating new set of crisis management approach. It is also important that the government should support and help the police in upholding this crisis management-thing. There should be a rule or law that should ensure the police that whatever happens during their attempt to actualize such crisis management, there is a law that would justify their acts and procedures.ConclusionTo conclude, Police Crisis Management is a very important mechanism established and utilized by the police system in facing calamities and disasters in their field of work. Such mechanism is said to be necessary for it prepares them for the potential crisis that they may experience with regards to their field of work.The roles and the functions of the implementer of such police crisis management is also important for it serves as an assurance that a particular crisis is really being taken in hand by the police. Also, knowledge, skills and attitude should also be motivated with regards to the nature of the adversity.The abovementioned important aspects in the Police Crisis Management are just few among the essential factors that are employed in the police crisis management. By following and observing these factors, a well-strategize and more premeditated crisis management can be established by the police in doing their task as law-enforcers.Reference:Davidson, T. N. (2002). To Preserve Life: Hostage-Crisis Management CimacomFink, S. (2000). Crisis Management: Planning for the Inevitable (Revised ed.): Backinprint.com.Miller, L. (2006). Practical Police Psychology: Stress Management And Crisis Intervention for Law Enforcement Charles C. Thomas PublisherNadu, T. (2006). Police evolve crisis management plan [Electronic Version]. The Hindu:Online edition of India's National Newspaper. Retrieved May 28 2007.

Slavery and the Development of the United States essays

Slavery and the Development of the United States essays "If there is no struggle, there is no progress." This is what Frederick Douglass preached to black Americans during the harsh years of slavery in the US; he believed that blacks needed to fight for their rights. Slavery played an important role in shaping the young nation of America. The "shocking and bloody" practices of slavery slowed the country's development and criticized the morals and values of the American people stated in the Constitution. Slaves had become so tired of their awful conditions that they had begun resisting in several ways. Acts of vandalism, slave revolts, refusal to work and running away on the Underground Railroad were some methods of slave resistance that challenged the development of the United States. In these ways, slaves eventually gained their rights and equality, but with drastic, and lasting effects on the growth of the USA. Although slave revolts in the United States in the 1800s were not very frequent or major, they had significant impacts on whites as well as blacks. One of these revolts was led by Denmark Vesey, a former slave who purchased his freedom with his winnings from a lottery. Vesey planned to burn down Charleston, South Carolina and initiate a revolt of slaves in the area. The plan, however, was betrayed and 35 blacks, including Vesey, were hanged. Afterward, Vesey's example was viewed as "one of the most courageous ever to threaten the racist foundations of America." Another famous rebellion was that of Nat Turner's in Southampton County, Virginia. Claiming religious visions, Turner gathered around 70 slaves and went from plantation to plantation, brutally murdering 55 whites, including men, women, and children. He was eventually hanged along with 80 others. This threw the south into a panic and made slaveholders determined to reinforce the security of the slave system. Revolts challenge d the development of the young, inexperienced United States because they caused conflicts and chaos...

Essay Essays

Essay Essays Essay Essay Essay Essay 22SOCIALSTRATIFICATIONHAROLDR. KERBOCalifornia Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoSince the earliest-known writings on the nature ofhuman societies, there has been recognition thatsocial stratification is a central part of all humanorganization (Lenski 1966). In hisPolitics,in 350 BCE,Aristotle wrote of the natural ranking of free people andslaves. More recently, during the Age of Enlightenment,philosophers such as Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieuwrote of the feudal system of social stratification and itsinequities (Zeitlin 1968; Strasser 1976). By the mid-1800s,the classic sociological theorists such as Marx, Durkheim,and Weber began more systematic analyses of system ofsocial stratification using concepts that remain with us tothis day.From the root wordstrata,we can recognize that socialstratification refers to a ranking of people or groups ofpeople within a society. But the term was defined by theearliest sociologists as something more than the almostuniversal inequalit ies that exist in all but the least complexof societies.Social stratificationrefers to a system withrather predictable rules behind the ranking of individualsand groups, which theories of social stratification aremeant to uncover and understand. The existence of asystem of social stratification also implies some form oflegitimation of the ranking of people and the unequal dis-tribution of valued goods, services, and prestige. Withoutbelief systems justifying the inequality and unequal rank-ing, it is unlikely that a stratification system would remainstable over time. Beyond agreement on a definition ofsocial stratification, however, the classic sociological theo-rists agreed on little else. From this classic period of soci-ology, we have, in fact, a triple legacy of socialstratification theories from the works of Karl Marx, EmileDurkheim, and Max Weber.More than anyone, it was Karl Marx Essay Essays Essay Essay Essay Essay It was nice Sunday night, I was having lunch with my girlfriend and we were deciding on what to do, I had mentioned to her that we I had to attend a live music performance in order to do my midterm paper. So we went home to check if there were any musical artists playing that day and sure enough there was a show at FitzGeralds night club at 6:00pm, Chicago Grandstand Big Band was going to be playing. We had no idea who that was but we made our way to Berwyn because it was quite a long drive and we got their just on time. It was quite a wonderful experience because neither of us had ever attended an event with a live musical group. Both of us were used to seeing Mexican bands at special family occasions but this was definitely different. I was taking notes throughout the performance because I knew I was going to forget all that I saw and heard that night.Besides attending the show, I also did some research about the band. I did not find much but they are well known in our area. Chicag o Grandstand Big Band has been an integral part of Chicagos entertainment community for over 30 years. They have performed all over the Chicagoland area, including Joe Segals Jazz Showcase, FitzGeralds, Joes Be-Bop Cafe, Grant Park Summer Dance, and numerous street fairs. They performed at the 25th anniversary of the Sears Tower. This band has been featured on WTTWs Wild Chicago and for many years, CGBB was the featured band at OHare Marriotts New Years Eve Ball. Members of the group have performed with the Count Basie, Maynard Ferguson, Tommy Dorsey, Les Elgart and Duke Ellington orchestras.This band has an extensive selection of arrangements that encompass’ everything from the Swing Era (Benny Goodman, Glen Miller, Artie Shaw, etc) to Big Band Jazz (Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman etc.). Vocals include great standards such as When I Fall In Love, Orange Colored Sky, and It Had To Be You. The featured vocalist is Julie Ann Caselli, whose essay Essays essay Essay essay Essay essay BY slik5x Michael Foster 12/2/13 Parents Spying On Their Children In the article The Undercover Parent , written by Harlan Coben, Cobens arguement is about whether parents should use spyware on their childrens computers or to not use spyware because it show you have no respect for your children. I agree with Coben that parents should use spyware as preservation for their children on the worldwide web; resons such as responsibily protecting you hildren, worrying about their future, and concerning the dangers of the internet. Parents and adults should be able to spy on their children. An example for this is that parents have to conduct someway of beng responsibly protective. To support the more parents know what there children do the easier there life would be. Another way to support this example is what is that if parents dont t protect their children in any way it can lead toward dangerous consequenses. Therefore the future f your children and teens will be at risk. An example is when adults dont interact with their children and regret the troubles that they cause as Juviniles. To support the example it has been confirmed that many children who are independent, alone, and abandoned end up in either solitary confinement or homeless wiith nobody to support them in life. Another way to support the example is that most often teens who interact with other teens are tempted to follow and be the same as the other to fit in. Other than responsibility and worrying about their future parents should concern the dangers of the internet. An example for dngers of the internet would be strangers on the internet knowing your personal information. Another way to support this would be the unknown things that the stranger would do or commit. In conclusion, I agree with the arguement on monitoring your children on the internet and what they do. The spyware can act as a preservation when used in computers and can protect your children.

Project Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Project Management - Essay Example 10 References 12 1. Introduction The success of projects is depended on a series of criteria, all of which need to be met so that a project is completed on time and according to the standards set. In practice, the achievement of the above target is very difficult. Failures in projects are common phenomenon. Despite the efforts made by managers for the limitation of project failures, the problem is still extensive in regard to projects in all sectors. The causes of project failure are reviewed in this paper. Reference is made to two, major, IT projects: the NHS Computer System and the Ford Online Procurement System. Both these projects were well structured, so that risks are minimized. However, they were finally led to a failure, resulting to severe losses for the parties involved. Appropriate literature is also reviewed for identifying the causes of project failure. It seems that project failure is unavoidable when a project is not closely monitored and adequately supported. Also, un der certain terms, project managers hold the responsibility for the failure of the project assigned to them. Under these terms, it can be noted that project failure is related to many, different, factors all of which need to be addressed in order for the success of a project to be secured. 2. Project failure – characteristics and reasons Different approaches have been used in the literature for explaining the project failure, as a daily problem in all scientific and industrial sectors. O’Carroll (2003) notes that many project managers tend to focus on planning for eliminating the case of a failure. The above strategy has been proved ineffective. It is explained that ‘two much planning can be a reason for project failure’ (O’Carroll 2003, p.175). Even the requirement for following strictly the deadlines of a project can be a reason for project failure (O’Carroll 2003, p.175). O’Carroll claims that when focusing heavily on the planning p hase of the project, project managers do not deal with the failure of the project; instead, a plan should be developed in advance for setting the terms on which the management of the project’s failure will be based. From a different point of view, Wysocki (2011) states that the project failure can result because of unexpected changes on a project. The characteristics of these changes are not clearly presented. It is assumed that any alteration of the project’s initial terms, as included in its plan, is considered as a change of a project. The level at which change can threaten a project is difficult to be estimated in advance. It is assumed that the threat can be higher as the alteration from the project’s initial terms is increased. Holmes (2001) claimed that the causes of project failure can be many. For example, a project is expected to fail for one of the above reasons: when it is not adequately supported by the firm’s top management team, when its pl an is not detailed, when the targets set are not feasible, when no provision exists for managing the risks involved and so on (Holmes 2001, p.16). In this way, preventing project failure can be challenging task, especially if the resources required are not available or if the time limits for the completion of the project are too tight, not allowing the identification of alternative practices for facing problems appearing during the development of the project. The ‘Japan Users’ Association of Information Systems (JUAS)’

THE STORY OF THE GRAIL Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

THE STORY OF THE GRAIL - Essay Example He leaves his mother who has raised him in ignorance of the chivalry of the world around him; this young Welshman travels to find the court of King Arthur. His desire is to be knighted. In a journey that is filled with a lot of adventure, Perceval meets with an older knight who trains him on how to use his newly acquired weapons. He is called Gornemant of Gohort. He tells Perceval to tame his tongue in future. In his travels he also meets his cousin who informs him of his mother’s death from a broken heart. He also encounters his Hermit Uncle in a forest who demystifies the golden grail. He has seen this grail earlier in the manor of a Fisher King he has met in his travels. There are several themes that are advanced in this myth, and this essay aims at examining aspects of this myth to give answers to some questions. Topic 1 From the story of Perceval and the grail, the characteristics of the medieval society may be deduced. One of the aspects revealed of this society is that it was largely religious. It is also clear that the medieval society highly regarded family values. Virtue was also esteemed in the medieval society, as the myth illustrates. These are traits that are brought out by different characters, and events in the tale. The religious nature of this society comes up in several instances. When Perceval encounters Gornemant, one of the things Gornemant advices him to do is to go to church. Gornemant is the gentleman who teaches him the appropriate conduct of a knight. This indicates that the knight is not only concerned with fighting, but also has a spiritual life. Spirituality of the medieval society also comes out when Perceval lodges at the house of the Fisher King. The father of his host is sustained by eating a single mass of wafers each day (Troyes and Cline). Perceval also has an uncle who is a hermit and lives in the forest where he communes with God. It is here that Perceval says the only prayer he knows, one that his mother taught him . He learnt this prayer as a boy, showing that religion takes a vital position in this society. Children are taught the basics of religion from a tender age. The importance of family is revealed severally in this myth. When Perceval meets his cousin weeping under an oak tree, he is concerned about her. His cousin is weeping holding a knight with a chopped head. The one responsible is another knight. He offers to pursue the knight who killed his cousin’s lover, meaning that family is vital to him. Perceval’s mother is also buried before the altar of the hermit, since she was a relation to him by virtue of being married to his brother. Virtue is also an essential part of the society, and people were guided by honour. The maiden who Perceval forces a kiss from is suspected of infidelity by her lover. He then forces her to walk naked as a way of shaming her. This reveals that infidelity was intolerable to the people of that age. When Perceval encounters Blancheflor by coin cidence, she relates her encounters. Blancheflor is Gormenant’s niece, and her followers are weak due to famine and hunger (Troyes and Cline). Many of her men have also been attacked and taken away by the evil knight of Clamadeu. Since she is a leader, she has vowed that she would kill herself before letting Clamadeu take her. This is the character of a leader; fighting to the very end. Topic 2 Diana L. Paxon is of the view that the story of the grail is about the search of deeper meaning in life, or its significance. This notion she has on life is true of the scenario as it is in real life. While at the house of the Fisher King, Perceval notices a procession that serves the lord of that castle. He is a man with greying hair, and unable to stand. The items that are brought in by the people walking in

Macroeconomics in Finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Macroeconomics in Finance - Essay Example The model is taken to be equally influential as the Keynesian model that which was originally formulated by John Keynes in the 20th century. The model relates employment and aggregate demand to three exogenous quantities namely; the government spending, business expectations by the state and the total amount of money in circulation. The model can be understood in the general equilibrium theory. The model can be used in line with the Phillips curve to make prediction for example an increase in the general employment level would lead to increased inflation rate (the general price rise) the resultant increase in money supply would hence increase employment and the output level (Obstfeld, M. and Kenneth, R.(1996) Under the model a sustained fail in general prices (deflation) will be caused by a shift in the supply curve and more importantly the demand curve for goods and interest. This means a fall in how the prices of goods compared to how much the economy is willing to buy of. It brings the idea of benefit of unemployment, insurance and fluctuations costs. i.e. the unemployed exhibit significant heterogeneity in marginal propensity to consume the available income and in holding of wealth. (Obstfeld, and Kenneth, 1996) Aspects for example it has all the variables that are contained in the IS-LM model i.e. consumption interest rate, expected inflation, the gross domestic product, investment and government spending. (Uzawa, 1969) However, the two models have some differences in their basic setup. The IS curve is given as Y=C+I+G+NX Where NX= net exports While the LM curve is given as M/P=L (I, Y) Where M= money supply P= average price L= liquidity I= interest rate U=GDP Question Two IS -LM-FE Mundell Fleming model in comparing effect of an increase in public spending under fixed exchange rates Under a flexible exchange rate an increase in public spending will translate into an increase in the money supply in any given country. According to this model an increase in money supply will shift the LM curve to the right. The resultant effect will be reduced local interest rate thus

Software for Human Services Organization Essay Example for Free

Software for Human Services Organization Essay Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services is an organization that services the mental health population. This population has continued to grow, and because of the increased turnaround in clients served the company had to invest in multiple software products. Electronic Health Record or (EHR) is one of the software programs that are used by Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services. This software is designed to be shared with several different health care providers or settings. The Electronic Health Record software is an electronic collection of systematic health information about a certain population or client. Using Electronic Health Record software will be the digital backup version for a client’s paper chart. Electronic Health Record systems are client centered records that are recorded in real-time. Authorized users of this system are able to obtain this secure information instantly. Using the Electronic Health Record software client’s medical, mental, and treatment records are tracked faster. This program was designed to go further than the normal intake data that is gathered in a provider’s office and is inclusive of a larger view of a client’s care. Electronic Health Record software has tools that will allow providers to make accurate decisions pertaining to client’s mental health care. Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services use Electronic Health Record software to streamline and automate the workflow for different providers. One of the benefits of Electronic Health Record software is that Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services authorized employees has easier access to client’s medical history. This history consist of radiology images, diagnoses, treatment plans, allergies, results from a test that was taken, immunization records, medications, and laboratory results. Using this software to centralize client’s records electronically has helped the communication between other agencies flow smoothly. Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services use Electronic Health Records software to track information from  other organization, non-profit agencies, and other human services provider who may have provided services to a client. Some of these services are Medicaid approval or reimbursement, clinic management, subsidized housing, drug rehabilitation, and section eight housing. An advantage of this software is the improvement of client’s care, efficiency, safety, client-centeredness, and equity. This software allows each clinician involved in the client’s care the ability to share and obtain the client’s medical history and other pertinent information with other medical providers. Pharmacies, medical imaging facilities, schools, emergency facilities, and other clinics are a few providers that are authorized to receive client’s information from Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services in a digital format. As more and more health care providers continue to migrate to digital electronic management because of the advantages, there are some disadvantages to using Electronic Health Records software. One of the disadvantages can be the initial start-up cost may become pricey in the beginning. This consists of hardware installations, training of staff, and software upgrades. It does not matter if the facility that is converting to digital Electronic Health Records is large or small the start-up cost will be expensive. If administrative staff, nurses, and doctors are not too familiar with the way the new system is operated, these individuals will waste more time trying to figure it out. This can sometime force the administrative staff, nurses, and doctors that are uncomfortable with this software take longer to master a task, this is wasted time that could be used for other important missions or serving clients. Another downfall or disadvantage of using this software is the concerns of client ’s security. Most individuals think a disadvantage would be the security vulnerability for the client’s medical records. The ultimate concern is that hackers are still out there and may steal client’s personal information and possible compromise their identity. It does not matter how many password encryptions, security features added, and firewalls are put up, hackers can get in there. However, there are also companies that specialize in security measures for the maintenance of Electronic Health Records software. Client Track software is another software that is used at Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Service. Several of Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Service case managers, social workers, and other field professionals have  their mobile device set up so that they can have full access to enter the client’s chart and work on it without having to be at work. Client Track is optimized to be compatible with mobile Firefox, Apple iPad, iPhone, Chrome, Safari Web Brower, and iPod touch. Client Track has allowed Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services to take providing services t o a whole new level. Client Track has made it possible for employees to input important case notes in the client charts while they are continuing to work in the field. Different facilities can expedite the check in the process of a client by incorporating other mobile devices and iPads. This software will only allow designated staff to access areas pertaining to their job title. Client Track software has been an asset and benefit to Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health. The collaboration, compliance, efficiency, and outcomes have shown to be another benefit of using Client Track. Other communities, agencies and multiple programs can collaborate and transfer client’s information amongst each other securely and smoothly. Most agencies and programs have stakeholders, which they are required to report outcomes, activities, and services rendered, Client Track provide an automatic update with this information, which can be obtained by the stakeholders on an as needed basis. The efficiency of Client Track will eliminate having to use spreadsheets and give more time for staff to help the clients that are in need. Since Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services have been using Client Track software, the service to client’s outcome has increased. One of the advantages of using Client Track software is that this software is configured to meet various types of software. Homeless Management Information System or (HMIS) is a software application that is used daily by human service workers nationwide. Individual’s would think that an organization the size of Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Service will be the determining factor of the software chosen, this company has chosen the software that is a better fit, which allows them to communicate with several agencies. A possible challenge that may be encountered from the implementation process is the difficulty comparing the associated health IT products and EHRs products. Because of the newness of this software there were not a lot of competitors to compare to. References Gungor, F. (2014). OneSource DocumentManagement. Retrieved from http://www.onesourcedoc.com/blog/bid/71535/Disadvantages-of-Electronic-Medical-Records Health IT.GOV. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.healthit.gov/providers-professionals/faqs/what-are-advantages-electronic-health-records

sibling rivalry :: essays research papers

Sibling rivalry is the jealousy, competition and fighting between brothers and sisters. It is a concern for almost all parents of two or more kids. Problems often start right after the birth of the second child. Sibling rivalry usually continues throughout childhood and can be very frustrating and stressful to parents. Sibling rivalry is one of humanity's oldest problems. One of the first stories in the Bible deals with the rivalry between two brothers, Cain and Abel. The older brother, Cain, was irritated at constantly having to help take care of his younger brother, Abel, and kept asking his parents "Am I my brother's keeper?" The story of these two brothers has a tragic ending; Cain becomes so angry that he kills Abel. The fact that this is one of the first stories written in the Bible shows the great importance given to the problem of sibling rivalry. What causes sibling rivalry? After doing my research and interviews I have found out that there are many factors that contribute to sibling rivalry. Listed below are some facts and some of my opinions on what causes sibling rivalry. †¢ Each sibling is competing to define who they are as an individual. As they discover who they are, they try to find their own talents, activities, and interests. They want to show that they are separate from their siblings. †¢ Siblings feel they are getting unequal amounts of the parent’s attention, discipline, and responsiveness. †¢ Siblings may feel their relationship with their parents is threatened by the arrival of a new baby. †¢ Sibling’s developmental stages affect how well they can share your attention and get along with one another. †¢ Siblings who are hungry, bored or tired are more likely to start fights. †¢ Siblings may not know positive ways to get attention from their brother or sister, so they pick fights. †¢ Family dynamics play a role. For example, one child may remind a parent of a relative who was particularly difficult, and this may subconsciously influence how the parent treats that child.

Electoral Systems :: essays research papers fc

From my limited studies of comparative government I have come to the conclusion that a plurality type of electoral process where winner takes all is a superior compared to proportional representation for several key reasons. Proportional representation is based on having an election based on census instead of consensus. In other words, ask the masses which party they feel will do the best job on a ticket where there may be several political parties running which intern will select its own leader from a list based on an individual's faithfulness to the party. The pros of proportional representation includes increase voter turnout based on the premise that every vote counts for a particular party, so you may not get all of the representation as in the plurality, but you may get some representation, so it gives more choices to the voter. Proportional representation would increase the amount of women in office because they make up 50 percent of the population, and this form of election would decrease the amount of negative campaigning, because the competition shift from all or nothing to all or something (http://www.britannica.com/bcom/eb/article/6/0,5716,63126+1+61565,00.html). An example of this would be if a politician gets 51% of the vote, this would garner 100% of the representation. There is no reason for a political party with less then 45% of the vote to make an effort as a party. Why spend the money?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Plurality on the other hand is a vote of consensus rather then census in other words, the party with the most votes will be elected. It's easy to understand by voters, allows quick decisions and it is less costly to run. The only significant drawbacks include low voter turnout and the party that has the less amount of voters usually gets removed, so the winner takes all. The drawback to this is there may not be significant representation among the masses, but at least there is a constraint in the number of parties (http://www.ask.com/main/metaanswer.asp?metaEngine=directhit&origin.html). Plurality is ideal for us Americans who are accustomed to a simple yuppie lifestyle with the most complicated decision in our daily existence is what will eat for dinner.

Operations Management in Daimond Manufacturing Essay

Definition Operation Management is the activity of managing the resources which produce and deliver goods and services (Slack et al, 2010). These activities commences from the very initial production stage of information gathering right up to the final stage of consumer consumption of the product. Every organization does operation management even if they do not notice it. All organizations produce goods and/or services and to create goods and/or services, the organization must perform a number of operations which must be effectively and efficiently managed. 1. 2 Role of Operations Management Operations Management is of prime importance in all sectors, cells, functions, units and groups within the organization. An organization is a system and according to the business dictionary, (http://www. businessdictionary. com/definition/system. html) a system is ‘An organized, purposeful structure that consists of interrelated and interdependent elements (components, entities, factors, members, parts etc. ). These elements continually influence one another (directly or indirectly) to maintain their activity and the existence of the system, in order to achieve the goal of the system’. Read more: http://www. usinessdictionary. com/definition/system. html#ixzz2QSyXAP1f . All employees are part of this system and have a common interest in making the consumer to receive goods and/or services in the best way possible. So I will say every manager in every part of the organization is to some extent an operational manager. According to James (2011), the role of operations manag ement is to manage the transformation of an organization’s inputs into finished goods and services using processes. Processes are actually present in all areas of the organization from Human Resource to Finance to Marketing to Procurement etc. 1. The ‘Input – Transformation – Output’ process Resources can either be transforming resources or transformed resources. After the transformation process is complete, transforming resources give rise to transformed resources. According to James (2011), there are 2 main types of transforming resources: * Facility which comprises of land, building, plant and equipment. * Staff which comprises of everyone involved in the operation process. There are 3 main types of transformed resources: * Material. Transformation can be physical (manufacturing), by location (transportation), by storage (warehousing), or by ownership (retail). Information. Transformation can be by property (accountant’s information), by p ossession (market research), by storage (libraries) or by location (telecommunication). * Customer. Transformation can either be physical (plastic surgery), by storage (hotel accommodation), by location (airline transport), by physiological state (hospital), or by psychological state (entertainment). Input Output Input that will be transformed * Material * Information * Customer Input that will transform * People * Facility * Goods * Services Transformation Input Output Input that will be transformed * Material * Information * Customer Input that will transform * People * Facility * Goods * Services Transformation Figure 1: The ‘Input-Transformation-Output’ process 2 Operations Strategy 2. 1 Definition Strategy is defined by Johnson et al, (2008) as ‘the direction and scope of an organization over the long term: ideally, which matches its resources to its changing environment and in particular its markets, customers or clients so as to meet stakeholder expectations. ’ 3. 2 Levels of Strategy Strategy can be viewed from 3 levels which are: The Corporate level: This level looks at the long term position of the company. It answers questions like ‘where will the organization be in 10 years? Or are we going to launch a new product in a new market? ’ The Business level: This level looks at the market and is concerned with the goods and services which the organization has to offer. It answers questions like ‘how do we compete? ’ The Functional level: This level deals with the functional aspect of the organization like finance, marketing, human resource etc. It answers questions like ‘how do we manage our financial resources’. . 3 Operations Strategy Operations strategy is the total pattern of decisions which shape the long-term capabilities of any operation and their contribution to overall strategy, through the reconciliation of market requirements with operations resources (Slack and Lewis, 2011). A 5 step structure has been designed by Hill (2005) so as to design and understand a goo d operation strategy. The steps are as follows: 1. Define Corporate Objectives Here, long term objectives are set-up so as to give the company balance and a good direction. At this stage, Sparkle does environmental scanning and the company also looks at its core competences, core processes and its global objectives. Performance Indicators (KPIs) are also established here so as monitor the accomplishment of these objectives. Top management uses a number of models which includes PESTEL, SWOT and Porter’s 5 forces. See appendix A. 2. Set Marketing Strategies Here Sparkle identifies the market it wants to compete in and then it looks on how to compete in these markets. Ansoff’s matrix is used. | New Product| Existing Product| NewMarket| Diversification| Market Development| Existing Market| Product Development| Market Penetration/ Market Growth| Figure 5: Ansoff Matrix. Source: Kaplan Financial Ltd, 2008. Sparkle uses the market penetration/market growth pathway for now. With time, they will start manufacturing out of the UK thus implementing the market development strategy. It is yet not known if they are thinking of one day starting up the production of a new product. 3. How do we gain competitive advantage? At this stage of Hill’s structure, the organization is to find ways to make its product win other products in the market. For this to happen, the organization must have a base to make its competition and this base is usually one or more of the following performance objectives: speed, quality, cost, dependability and flexibility. See chapter 3. Sparkle uses the above performance objectives to gain competitive advantage but it must be noted that, competitive advantage must: * Be real * Add value (to the consumer) and * Be difficult to imitate. 4. Choose a delivery system Here, the organization has to choose an appropriate delivery system so as to meet up with speed and maybe dependability. In Sparkle, most orders are icked up by the customer but if not, Sparkle uses their vans which have a high level of security for close distances or they post the jewelry for faraway distances. 5. Choose your Infrastructure The company at this phase has to choose all necessary infrastructures that it has to obtain so as to gain an edge over its competitors in the market. Different organizations in different industries wi ll need different types of infrastructures. But in the diamond manufacture industry, the infrastructures are almost the same and can hardly give competitive advantage. 3 Performance Objectives In the present congested and very competitive business environment, companies must do something extra so as to stand out of the crowd. For them to do this, they must react to what customers value and these fall into the following category. They are called performance objectives. 1. Cost 2. Quality 3. Dependability 4. Reliability 5. Speed Sparkle is aware of the tight competition in the diamond market and it takes its performance objectives very seriously so as to gain competitive advantage. Before achieving the above performance objectives, they must achieve the 4 Cs (see appendix B). * Cost. The principle of cost is doing things cheaply. Sparkle changes its processes, its materials and its suppliers every now and then so as to operate on a lower cost scale. They buy rough diamonds directly from the companies who buy them from the mine and sometimes the make orders directly from the mine so as to reduce cost because the more intermediaries there are, the higher the final price. They sometimes buy more rough diamonds than what the actually need so as to gain discount for bulk buying. They automate most of their processes to reduce the number of hours worked by human beings thus reducing total wages. Quality. This involves producing durable high standard error-free goods that consumers perceived to the good. In the fashion business, quality is king because consumers are becoming more conscious of what they wear. One can say that everything in the diamond industry is of good quality so in this kind of high standard industry, quality is not the issue but superb quality. Spark le buys the best of the rough stones which are hand-picked one after the other so that their final product will be of the best quality and they will have very little waste during production. * Dependability. This is doing everything on time so as to keep commitments and promises made to customers. Sparkle has a track record and reputation of never keeping its customers waiting. Customers’ diamonds are always fully processed before the pick-up date. Customers love coming to this organization because they know they can rely on them when it comes to delivery. There was a scandal in March 2008 in Real Diamonds where a couple arrange for their wedding rings costing thousands of pounds to be manufactured but the company was unable to meet up with the due date so the couple had to use different rings for the wedding. Flexibility. This is being able to change what you produce or how you produce it. Sparkle is very flexible in regards to their products because they produce apparently anything requested by the customer. We pride ourselves on being different, you won’t find our jewelry just anywhere, we appreciate that you want something special to you (Source: sparlediamonds. com/abo ut). They manufacture dressing rings, marriage rings, engagement rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, bangles and designers jewelry out of diamond. Over the years, they have come up with different diamond designs thought by others as impossible and have now gained a name as being the company that uses diamond to manufacture anything and everything. On the other hand, their production process is flexible too but not very flexible. They change little bits of their production process all the time to cut down cost and to increase the quality of the diamonds but this change is never a big change (process improvement). Figure 5: Different items made out of diamond. Source: * Speed. This can be described as how responsive an organization is to the customers’ demands and complain. It is a measure of the time between a customer’s order or complain to the time when that customer’s order or complain is sorted out fully. Sparkle is very fast in dealing with complains. Any customer who comes to the company with a complaint is not allowed to leave when the matter concerned has not been resolved. Complains made online take a maximum of 2 working days to be dealt with and those by post takes a little more time. Figure 5: Different colors of diamond. Source: 4 Product Design . 1 Definition Product/service design is the process of defining the specification of products and/or services in order for them to fulfill a specific market need (Slack et al, 2009). According to Russell and Taylor (2009), new product designs can provide a competitive edge by bringing new ideas to the market quickly, doing a better job of satisfying customers’ needs, or be ing easier to manufacture, use and repair. Product design is of great importance in any organization because consumers are becoming more and more conscious of the products they consume and their contents. Almost everybody in the organization is involved in product design because bringing in a new product design is not just about the market requirement but it is also about anticipating future demand and this needs imagination and creativity. In coming out with a good product design, market requirements, technical issues, cost, quality, investment information and the target market must be considered and dealt with appropriately. Diamond design ‘step by step’ Various steps are followed when coming out with a good diamond design. 1. Generating Ideas Ideas to bring up a new diamond designs can come from anywhere and comes from everywhere. Some organizations look only within the organization and come up with a diamond design but this approach is very dangerous because it can easily back fire leading to a poor design. Ideas in Sparkle usually come from: * The customers who will use the product. Most at times, the customer comes to the organization with a design in mind. The design team in the organization then sits with the customer and adds ideas to perfect the customer’s request. * The employees who serve the customers. These groups of persons know exactly what customers wants because they are the people who take customers specifications, demands and complaints. They play an important role in the creation of a new design. * Competitors and any new technology. Sparkle sometimes looks at the designs of its competitors like Avi Paz and tries to modify it so as to create something better than theirs. * Research and Development (R&D) Department. One of their major roles in the organization is to look for new possible designs which will entice customers. It is at this stage that the diamond color, size, weight, cut grade, clarity grade, carat weight, laser inscription and shape is decided. Figure 4: Computer simulated diamond designing in progress. Source: www. sparklediamonds. com 2. Product Screening According to Slack et al (2009), not all concepts and ideas generated will be capable of being developed into products and/or services. Each idea generated is taken and examined to see whether or not they are acceptable, feasible and vulnerable. Fig 5 illustrates. Figure 5| Some typical evaluation questions for marketing, operations and finance. | Evaluation Criteria| Marketing| Operations| Finance| Feasibility| Is the market likely to be big enough? | Do we have capabilities to produce it? Do we have access to sufficient finance to develop and launch it? | Acceptability| How much market share could it gain? | How much will we have to reorganize our activities to produce it? | How much financial return will there be on our investment? | Vulnerability| What is the risk of it failing in the market place? | What is the risk of us being able to produce it acceptable? | How much money could we lose if things do not go as planned? | Fi g 5: Slack et al (2009) Some typical evaluation questions for marketing, operations and finance [e-book] p. 89 3. Preliminary Design At this stage, the design is reviewed by the cutters and polishers to see if the can really produce the diamond and any unnecessary complexity in the diamond’s design is eliminated because such complexities can build cost. For example; there are some unnecessary and unnoticed cuts in a diamond’s design but these cuts could split the whole diamond if not done carefully. Because customers will not even notice the additional cuts and even if they do, they will not be willing to pay an addition for it so the cuts are eliminated. Figure 4: Different diamond designs (drawing). Source: Figure 4: Different diamond designs. Source: 4. Final Design After all the above has been done, a prototype is then created out of glass and tested to see if it meets market requirements, technical requirements and the financial limit. Tangible prototypes are created and virtual (computer simulations) model too to properly assess the diamond before production goes any further. Sometimes, customers are called in to see the prototype and give their feedback from which some adjustments may be made on the product’s design. An after acceptance, diamond cutting commences. Figure 5: Prototype diamond made out of fine glass. Source: 5 Process Design 5. 1 Definition Process design is Sequence of interdependent and linked procedures which, at every stage, consume one or more resources (employee time, energy, machines, money) to convert inputs (data, material, parts, etc. ) into outputs. These outputs then serve as inputs for the next stage until a known goal or end result is reached (www. businessdictionary. com). Read more: http://www. businessdictionary. com/definition/process. tml#ixzz2QTQAtoBi When deciding a product design, it is advisable to simultaneously come up with a matching process design. This will entail the flow of the process and Barnes (2008) said that the design of processes is different in all organizations and these designs will be based on the volume and variety of the demand for the product in the market. He further categorized the processes under project, jobbing, batch, line and conti nuous. Types of Processes There are different production processes namely project, jobbing, batch, line and continuous. See Appendix C. Sparkle is in a business of very expensive products which are very small in size so they do jobbing. Customers usually give orders which are produced by the company (make to order). They usually hold little or no fully-processed inventory. The Production Process Diamond ore is sorted by density using X-rays. Before that technology became available, grease belts were used to separate diamonds from the rest of the ore, due to the diamonds’ greater tendency than other minerals to stick to grease. Rough diamonds are then set to be cut as gemstones in the cutting laboratory. A diamond has different cuts and different professional specialize on different cuts. This is the most daunting task of diamond production because a bad cut will cost the company a fortune. Figure 5: Diamond plan before cutting. Source Cutting produces the facets associated with a diamond. The angles of the facets maximize light, giving the diamond its greatest possible luster (dispersion of white light). The cutting process can take as much as 50% of a rough diamond’s weight. Figure 5: Illustration of diamond facets. Source: A number of factors come into play when deciding how a diamond should be cut. X-rays are employed to analyze the stone’s crystallographic structure, its hardness and ability to cleave. The diamond’s flaws are considered, and the cutter decides which to remove and which can remain. Either a hammer or a diamond saw can be used to split the diamond – the hammer is quicker, but the saw is surer. Figure 5: Diamond cutting. Source: A number of institutes in the diamond industry offer courses for diamond cutters, but the bulk and most crucial part of the training for this delicate trade take place during the cutter’s apprenticeship. A diamond may get its final cut from many skilled hands: the diamond marker or designer; the diamond sawyer; the diamond cutter or brute; the cross-worker; and the brillianteer. After the initial cutting, diamonds undergo the polishing stages, usually performed by a technician as the process is a standard one. Polished diamonds are reexamined for flaws, which can be addressed through enhancement techniques or disguised when set in jewelry. Figure 5: Diamond Polishing. Source: Finally, the polished diamonds are sold to individuals, retailers, wholesalers and jewelry shops. Figure 5: Diamond quality check. Source 6 Planning, Control ;amp; Innovation In any good type of project or manufacture to be successful, it must be planned at the very beginning and at the end, it has to be controlled to make sure that the planned processes and cost is not very different from the actual. Businesses must also continuously innovate so as to move line to line with the changing tastes of consumers and to beat numerous designs from competitors. 6. 1 Planning Eur says this about planning â€Å"It lists the phases and encapsulates all the main parameters, standards and requirements of the project in terms of time, cost and quality/performance by setting out the ‘Why’, ‘What’, ‘When’, ‘Who’, ‘Where’, and ‘How’, of the project. † Planning therefore looks at the entire process, product and project but in an imaginary form which has not yet happened but it is wished that it should happen that way. 6. 1. 1 Advantages of Planning 1. It gives direction of what has to be done and how it has to be done. 2. It assigns responsibilities on every person thus answering â€Å"Who does what? 3. A good plan will see problems a project, product or process will encounter before the problem strikes. 4. A plan helps us to manage cost, quality and design side by side with the profit we will want to make on the product. 5. Plans are used to assess how well a product, process, p roject or person has done. 6. 1. 2 Disadvantages of Planning 1. It is usually made up by top management and given to the employees down the management ladder who just follow it. 2. Plans are usually followed to the latter. Even when some changes have to done, it is not because a plan is being followed. 3. Plans are usually just estimates and it has no use in turbulent economic environments as the plan and the actual are usually very different. 6. 2 Control Control involves measuring the actual results against the plan and then taking action to adjust actual performance so that it moves in line with the plan. So in other words, control is only possible when we have a plan. Control has a feedback phase and this involves adjusting the actual to move in line with the plan or reporting differences between actual and budget so that there may be no such discrepancies in the future. 6. 3 Innovation Innovation is defined by the oxford dictionary as â€Å"changing something established by introducing new methods, ideas or products. † Just like there is no control where there is no plan, there is no innovation where there is no control. They all rely on one another. After control has been done, feedback is sent back and improvement or innovation is made. But in the complex business environment operating now, innovation just not just come from within the company but from outside the company like from competitors and especially from the consumers due to the rapid change in customers taste, design and fashion. In the diamond manufacture industry, there are many different innovative ways manufacturing diamonds and Sparkle has had the following innovations: 1. The Supercut design Sparkle has introduced the innovative supercut design into the industry: a patented ideal emerald cut, with more than twice the facets of a traditional Emerald – providing unparalleled brilliance and fire. The culmination of three years of research, the supercut gives extraordinary brilliance and reflection and this innovation gives Sparkle competitive advantage in terms of having good designs with extraordinary glittering. 2. Precision cutting Since 2010, Sparkle has brought in a technology of cutting the diamonds using computer software and this cut is so exact that less than 0. 000002% waste is created from diamond cutting. Waste use to be about 0. 5% during diamond cutting and this innovation has caused drastic cost saving making Sparkle to be more competitive in terms of cost. 3. Sparkle offers a wide range of jewelry manufacturing processes, including design, modeling, prototyping, grooving, setting, finishing and meticulous quality control; all featuring our own fine diamonds, and designed for clients’ to sell under their private labels. . 4 The ‘Planning – Control – Innovation’ Cycle. From the above notes, it can be seen that planning, control and innovation work together. Sparkle’s cycle looks like this. Plan Procurement of unrefined stones. Process the stones into fine diamond. Sell and make a reasonable gain. Actual Procurement of unrefined stones. Process the stones into fine diamond. Sell and make a reasonable gain. Control Looks at the difference between what was planned and what actually happened. External Information Customer specific design New tastes and fashion Design from competitors Market Research (R&D) Feedback and Innovation Plan Procurement of unrefined stones. Process the stones into fine diamond. Sell and make a reasonable gain. Actual Procurement of unrefined stones. Process the stones into fine diamond. Sell and make a reasonable gain. Control Looks at the difference between what was planned and what actually happened. External Information Customer specific design New tastes and fashion Design from competitors Market Research (R&D) Feedback and Innovation Figure 7. The ‘planning-control-innovation’ cycle. 6. Changes happening in the diamond industry. * Researchers are on the verge of bringing in new materials which reflect light better than diamond and these materials are stronger and more durable than diamond. But, they will be far cheaper than diamonds and this is going to be a big problem to diamond manufacturers as the demand for diamond will surely drop. An example is synthetic stones. * In response to growing concern over illic it trade in conflict or â€Å"blood† diamonds, the United Nations General Assembly established the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in 2003. This scheme is going to make sure of the source of every single diamond so as to ensure that they are from a genuine source. This happening will increase the price of diamond because more than 55% of diamonds are from Africa and the mines there are operated by very cheap labor and sometimes by slaves, women and children. The UN will come in and stop this practice thus increasing the cost of labor, working conditions and ultimately the price for diamonds. 7 Quality Management Quality is one of the performance objectives and it is taken very seriously by all organizations because if achieved, may give them competitive advantage. Some organizations rely on quality more than others and the fashion and health industry takes quality as primary considering the fact that people want to look good and in good health. Quality is a matter of perception so what can be called quality for A might not necessarily be called quality for B. According to Garvin (1984), the attributes in quality for a product are: * Performance * Features * Reliability * Conformance * Durability * Serviceability * Aesthetics * Other perceptions Parasuraman et al. (1985), on the other hand listed 5 attributes in defining what is quality of a service? nd they are: * Reliability – Are we always going to get on time delivery? * Responsiveness – Are the always going to respond quickly to our demands and complaints? * Assurance – Are we assured of their competence? * Empathy – Does the organization feel and understand customers’ needs and concerns? * Tangibles – Is the physical surrounding conducive? 7. 1 Qu ality in the Organization But in relation to Sparkle, the best definition of quality is that as per Slack et al. (2009) â€Å"quality is consistent conformance to customers’ expectation† and I will say and even surpassing those expectations. Sparkle uses total quality management as their quality management technique. They look for means and ways to maintain and continuously improve quality at each stage of the production process. All employees meet once a month to discuss on how to improve the organization’s present performance. Books by Deming, Crosby, Juran, Hill and other total quality management gurus are in the company’s library and research department for employees to read and be motivated to contribute into the organization’s performance. All employees are made to know that quality and customer’s requirements being met comes before any other thing. The organization has a suggestion box where employees can write any inspiring idea that comes in mind and this box is emptied every day and read by the research staff and it is summarized and sent to the manager examine. 7. 2 The Cost of Quality Quality has a cost which is like a double-edged sword meaning that good quality will have a cost and bad quality will also have a cost. 7. 2. 1 The Cost of Good Quality This is also known as the cost of quality assurance. Sparkle has a lot of this cost because they are continuously always trying to get better in quality all over the organization so as to better serve customers’ needs. The cost of quality assurance is further divided into prevention cost and appraisal cost. * Prevention cost is the cost of trying to make everything right on first attempt and some of this cost are: * Sparkle does not give a command for precious stones and wait for the stones to come. They go to the supplier’s premises and pick the stones one after the other and not in groups to ensure the best stones are taken. The supplier charges more for this. * The cost of designing the jewelry in a computer automated system and running several checks with other very expensive bespoke software before the design is confirmed. Sparkle trains its employees every 6 months and buys books to update them on new technologies and to keep their skills up and awake. * All employees are taught a wide variety of skills so that if a certain employee is not available to do a specific thing, there will always be another to do it. * Appraisal cost is concerned with controlling quality and this is achieved by testing the process before the product is manufactured and testing the product before it gets to the customer. Some of these costs are: * The cost incurred in testing all equipment, machines and ensuring staffs are fit and able before any diamond is processed. The cost of checking the diamond after manufacture by employees and with the use of a computer aided personalized software which is very expensive to make sure that the diamonds are flawless. * The time spent in testing the diamonds ensuring the pass all the set of test before and after manufacture. 7. 2. 2 The Cost of Bad Quality All organizations including Sparkle wants to evade this cost because it is very dangerous and it can even bring down the entire organization in a blink of an eye. The cost of bad quality is divied into internal failure cost and external failure cost. Internal failure cost is cost incurred before the product reaches the customer. Some of this cost are: * The cost of scrap. Diamonds are very expens ive so any little scrap of badly shaped diamond is worth a whole lot. So Sparkle makes sure the best quality diamond is procured and diamond cutting should be not less than perfect. * The cost of reshaping ill-shaped diamonds and gluing broken once. * The resources lost in repairing diamonds. Labor, machine time, and electricity are used which should have if the diamonds were made right the first time. External failure cost arises after the product has been received by the customer and some of this cost include: * The cost listening to customer complaints and responding to them. * The cost of replacing a defective diamond which a customer has rejected. This can cause the organization a fortune. * The customer might have to take the company to court and the organization will pay a huge sum if the lost the lawsuit. Some compensation may run to millions of pounds and could bring the organization to its end. * One of the most dangerous costs is that which we don’t see. An example is the lost sale and contribution. When a customer is dissatisfied, he will most at times not want to come back and he will discourage a potential customer who will discourage another customer to come to us. Saying all this, quality should be treated like an egg in the midst of rocks. 8 Supply Chain Management 8. 1 Definition Supply Chain is the management of the interconnection of organizations that relate to each other through upstream and downstream linkages between the processes that produce value to the ultimate consumer in the form of products and services (Slack et al. 2010). A supply chain is a holistic network starting from the sourcing of material, through its transportation to the organization’s premises, to manufacturing, to storage and warehousing and finally to consumers. So it is a whole system and it works as one therefore is one part of the chain is broken, the whole system will fall apart and consumers’ will not be satisfied. 8. 2 Sparkleâ⠂¬â„¢s Supple Chain Stage 1 Sparkle’s supply chain starts from the diamond mines in Africa which produce more than 50% of total diamonds to mines in India, Russia, Canada and Australia. The mines usually dug very deep but the deepest diamond mine runs for about 160km passing through sand, rocks, and gravel to be blasted drilled, crushed and processed. It should be noted that only 20% of diamonds from mines can be polised and used for jewelry; the rest is used for industrial use. The stones picked here are very rough still with no beauty (see figure 10). Stage 2 Companies and independent buyers go to these mines and buy the rough stones from the mine owners and take them to their premises for processing. These stones are then processed to make them a little bit more presentable so that diamond manufacturers can then buy them and further process them into diamonds. Diamonds at this stage looks like that in figure 11. Figure 8: Trapping stones to look for diamonds in an African mine. Source: Figure 9: A typical unprocessed diamond. Source: Figure 10: Unprocessed diamonds directly from the mine. Source Figure 11: Diamonds which have been slightly processed. Source: Stage 3 Sparkle buys the diamonds in fig. 11 and examines them with the use of a computer aided personalized software. After a series of checks, rejected diamonds will be sent back to the suppliers and the good ones will be cut into different shapes so as to give the greatest value. After cutting, the diamond goes through computer aided software to confirm its perfection and after this, it is polished and cleaned. Sparkle will also buy what the diamonds are going to be fitted on because people will scarcely buy a chunk of diamond. Diamonds are usually fitted on rings, pens, earrings, belts and many more (see figure 14). These things are usually bought from top manufacturers with good design and quality and they are usually very expensive. Figure12: Diamond cutting in Sparkle. Source: Figure 13: Diamond polishing in Sparkle Source: Stage 4 After polishing and the diamond have an unblemished shine, shape and color, it is then taken by the customers. Some of the customers ordered just a few and sometimes even just one special diamond while other big customers like jewelry shops order bigger quantities at ones. It is either Sparkle delivers the diamond to the place agreed by the customer or the customer comes to the organization’s site on an agreed date and after a phone call to pick up the diamond. The supply chain ends after the diamond has reached the customer. Figure 14: Finished diamond ready for the customer. Source: Figure 15: Diamonds bought by jewelry shops. Source: The Mine The Cutting Company Polishing Customers Jewelry Shops Manufacturing The Mine The Cutting Company Polishing Customers Jewelry Shops Manufacturing The supply chain of Sparkle is a good and effective. Its success can sometimes be attributed to the information technology they use. They use the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system which brings in data from all sources and this is used to know when suppliers have diamonds and the variouse categories, to know when jewelry shops are running short of iamonds, and many more (all discussed in chapter 9). Figure 16: Sparkle’s Supply Chain 9 Information Systems As seen in chapter 1, â€Å"Operation Management is the activity of managing the resources which produce and deliver goods and services† (Slack et al, 2010). For these activities to be properly managed, it needs the help of automated process and compu ter aided techniques. Information systems are found throughout an organization and if used well reduce costs and can be a source of gaining competitive advantage. 9. 1 Computer Aided Techniques Sparkle uses information systems in many ways in its business. Listed below are some specialized computer aided programs used. 1. They use Computer Aided Process Planning (CAPP) which gives an optimum layout of the cutting steps and their sequence (this is different for different diamonds). There are many diamond cutting machines and they all have different cutting styles and they are operated by specialist in the different cutting sectors. So the CAPP examines a diamond and gives different possible steps on which machine to use first and which not to use so as to minimize waste and give the diamond the best possible cuts so as reflect light in an optimal way. 2. They use Computer Aided Designs (CAD) to design the shape of diamonds on a computer and finished diamonds can actually be seen even before processing starts. If an error is made in the design, it can be corrected but this could have been impossible without CAD. 3. The also use Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) which takes the drawings and designs from the CAD and test them for perfection. Different test are administered and the flawlessness of a diamond can be confirmed even before manufacture. 4. Automated Material Handling (AMH) system is also used. Diamonds are very expensive and so care must be taken at each step. The AMH system improves efficiency in diamond movement, storage and retrieval. 5. The Laser Security System (LSS) is used where diamonds are kept be it rough stones, semi-processed diamonds and fully processed diamonds. Invisible laser rays crisscross the diamonds and it needs a password to be deactivated. Only top managers have the password and the password of each of them is different making it easy to know who accessed the diamond safe. If someone tries to pass through the laser rays, it can kill or paralyze them and the security alarm is automatically triggered and an automated call goes to the nearest police station. . Security Camera Systems (SCS) make use of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) at all times to monitor the whole building especially where inventory is held. 7. The Inventory Control System (ICS) gives detail information about each diamond rough, semi-processed or fully processed held in inventory at any point in time. Management must no go into the safe to see what t hey have in stock because the ICS does it all. This system is also used online to make customers see the diamonds, its specification and all other relevant information. Figure 16: The CAD system used to design a blue diamond. Source: Figure 17: The virtual version of the diamond in fig 16. Source: 9. 2 Pros and Cons of Information Technology (IT) IT is a very necessary tool in any organization be it a big or a small one. IT has advantages and disadvantages. They are listed in Appendix D including ‘Why IT cannot replace Human Beings’. 9. 3 Information Systems ‘Information system can be defined as a set of interrelated components that collect, process, store and distribute information to support decision making and control in an organization’ (Laundon & Laundon, 2006). Most organizations use some form of computer-based technology to accumulate, organize and distribute information’ (Ted, 2011) and Sparkle is not an exception. They use a set of interrelated information systems. 9. 3. 1 Transaction Processing System (TPS) This system is used to account for day by day transactions of Sparkle. It records all sales, purchases, expenses, income, tax, bills paid, equipment bough t and all other transactions performed by organization. This system is also used to account for employee’s attendance, absences, pay, overtime, bonuses, remuneration, and all other things concerning the employees. . 3. 2 Supply Chain System (SCS) This system deals with customers and suppliers. It monitors the stock in the jewelry shops so as to know when to give the shops an offer. It monitors the stocks which are demanded more and those demanded less so as to know when to produce. It tracks frequent and valuable customers and grades them into groups so as know how to give discounts. This system also monitors the stock in the cutting companies. It looks at the new stocks and compares price side by side quality so as to know which supplier to order rough diamonds from. 9. 3. 3 Knowledge Management System (KMS) In Sparkle, all manufacturing processes are recorded and stored in the KMS. Any ideas gotten either by inspiration, customer’s requirement, employees’ suggestions or business intelligence are stored in the KMS for future use. Sparkle is said to be very innovative and has this edge over its rivals because of its mastery of the KMS. When a new employees is recruited, he has 2 weeks probation where he is taught how to operate in the organization and how processes function. Before the implementation and use of the KMS, probation was 3 months so this system has greatly reduces learning time. 9. 3. Management Information System (MIS) This system takes all the information from the above systems and summarizes them into financial statements and reports. It is used by management to make decisions on how to run and control the business. 9. 3. 5 Decision Support System (DSS) This system looks like an advance of the MIS. It takes data from all sources (internal and external) and su mmarizes them for top management to make decisions on the long term plans of the organization. Information from this system appears as statements, reports, charts, graphs, ratios, statistics and trend analysis. . 3. 6 Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) This can be called the overall system. It takes information from all sources of the organization and brings them together in one large database. From there, required information is taken out and implemented or used to make decisions in Sparkle. It should be noted that all other systems deposit their information in ERP. Figure 18: Example of ERP. Source: LSBF MBA Intake 14, SOM Lecture 3, Session 9, Slide 34. 9. 6 Intranet and Extranet Sparkle uses intranets to deal with its employees and management. Staffs all have a particular passcode which the use and your code depends on your position within the company. Some passcodes can access some areas which other codes can’t. They also use extranets to communicate and share information with customers, suppliers, some competitors and the government. This system is more secured and less vulnerable to attacks as compared to the internet. 10 Job Design It is said that the blood stream of any organization is money and I will say the skeleton holding an organization and making it stand up straight is its workforce. An organization manages resources so as to be able to deliver acceptable goods and services to its customers and one of these resources is its workforce. An organization’s workforce is its most valuable and the most complicated of all its resources because unlike other resources, humans have a mind of their own. To be able to deal with human beings, you must know what they like and this is different for different people but these needs though different are similar. In providing this, it motivates the employees and when motivated, they produce better output eventually yielding higher profits, quality and flexibility. 0. 1 Motivation Motivation is the urge to take action to achieve something or to avoid something (BPP, 2010). Motivation can either be intrinsic (wanting to satisfy an internal urge like being happy to be able to help others) or extrinsic (reliant on tangible rewards like money, fame and power). Continues in Appendix E. 10. 2 Empowerment This is the act of delegati ng work to employees making them feel more superior because of the added responsibility and new accountability. This is good motivation for many employees. ‘Job design is about how people carry out their tasks within a process. It defines the way they go about their working lives. It positions the expectations of what is required of them, and it influences their perceptions of how they contribute to the organization. It also defines their activities in relation to their work colleagues and it channels the flows of communication between different parts of the operation. But, of most importance, it helps to develop the culture of the organization – its shared values, beliefs and assumptions’ (Slack, 2009). In designing any job, the following have to be put into consideration. * Safety. Jobs should be design in a way that it will bring no harm to the employee be it physical, psychological, mental or emotional harm. Workers in the mines especially those in Africa are exposed to a lot of risk and still earn less than the minimum wage. The mine owners wanting to make more profits cut down on cost by reducing expenditure on employees’ safety. The employees of Sparkle all have safety equipment like hats and new ideas are being implemented to make the process safer. The organization has also fully insured its entire staff. * Legal and Ethical Issues. Jobs should be design in such a manner that those doing the job will not go against the law or their code of ethics. * Own time. Job design should create time for the employees to catch up on something other than work. For example visiting new places, being with their families or performing other social activities. Employees working in the mines have little of this, but Sparkle’s employees all have right to a paid holiday and taking permission to be out of work if the need arises. * Employee’s Ability. An employee’s ability to do the job or a range of task should be considered before designing the job. For example; only heavy built men carry cargo from the trucks into the warehouse because of their physical ability to carry heavy weight unlike their colleagues. * Wage and Benefits: In designing any job, the wage and benefits to be paid for the job should be considered if not the employee can be over-paid or under-paid for the job. 10. 3 Division of Labor Unlike traditional production approaches that stipulated that one person should know everything in the company so that he can serve any function, Henry Ford came in with the idea that one man should only know one thing and should be an expert in that thing. He suggested that with specializing in a particular function, the whole organization will be specialized and will give the best quality goods and services. So jobs should be broken down into smaller portions and given to different individuals who will specialize and bring forth quality cost-effective products. 10. 3. 1 Advantages of Division of Labor (Slack, 2009) * It is easier to learn. Short and simple tasks are easier to learn compared with long and complex tasks. This will be very advantageous when training new recruits because training will take a shorter time and it will be better mastered. Automating. Short and simple task are easily automated as compared to long and complex task. * Time. More time is spent on one long task compare to time if that task was broken down. This extra time is as a result of picking different tools up and putting them down, looking for equipment, thinking of what to do next etc. 10. 3. 2 Disadvantages of Division of Labor (Slack, 2009) * Monotony. The same small task will be repeated every hour, week, month and year. This will make the job boring and less fulfilling thus resulting to absenteeism, staff turnover and errors. Over-reliance. If one employee is absent, no other will be able to perform his duty and this may bring the whole production process to a halt. * No flexibility. Employees let to do one particular thing over the years turn to lose the skill of being able to learn another thing. So if the production process was to change, many employees will not be able to cope with learning how to perform a new task. * Physical Injury. The repetitive use of one part of your body let’s say arm or wrist will in the long run cause pain to that part. This is known as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). Sparkle teaches their employees a wide range of task during their probation but the employees are assigned to do just one thing when they fully start work. Teaching them a wide range of task is to expose them to the processes of the whole organization so that they can contribute ideas in the development of a department or process which does not involve them. Another reason for giving employees holistic training is to make an employee being able to do an absent employee’s work. This tactic was also implemented because the organization did not want an employee to feel indispensable. 0. 4 Job Design Approaches In coming out with a good job designing, the following approaches should be implemented:- 1. Job Simplification: The organization tries to the range of task and their complexities. Polishing diamond use to be a very complex task at Sparkle but with the introduction of DiamondShines TM a specialized software where diamond polishing is programmed with exact details. 2. Job Ro tation: This is periodically interchanging employees performing different task to do the task of the other. Sparkle does a lot of job rotation and this makes the employees’ job more exciting. Job rotation is successful in this organization because they train their employees to perform a number of task but if division of labor was strictly implemented, this approach could have been impossible because employee A will not have a clue of employees B’s task. 3. Job Enlargement: This involves integrating same level tasks to the ones already performed by the employees to make the job more exciting. This is not practiced in Sparkle. 4. Job Enrichment: This involves integrating different level tasks to the ones performed by the employees. The new tasks are usually higher level tasks giving employees more responsibility and decision making power. Sparkle once a week picks an employee randomly and gives him the power of a supervisory manager so as to see the changes and innovations he is going to bring to the organization. Sparkle also makes employees work in small teams and the organization creates a competitive strain amongst the teams. The competition amongst the teams brings a lot of hard work, efficiency and effectiveness.