The Open Boat by Stephen Crane Essay Example

The Open Boat by Stephen Crane Paper Despite the unease it elicits, nature is indeed indifferent to human concerns. Western Civilization holds principles of fairness, justice and equality in high esteem. But a study of history would not reveal the triumph of these principles in any reasonable measure. Conversely, the forces of nature play a dominant role in determining the fates and prospects of human lives. To a lesser degree, fortuitous circumstances of life, as in being born into privilege and wealth, also play a major role. Hence, helplessness is an apt description of the human condition of various eras of the past. In this scenario, random fortune, on the one hand, and brutal determinism, on the other hand, squeeze whatever an individual could achieve through his/her free, creative and industrious will. In this essay, The Open Boat – a short story published by Stephen Crane in 1897 – will be studied in this philosophical context. The essay will concur with the core suggestion of the story, nam ely, that Nature is indifferent to human suffering. But this fact does not need to be viewed pessimistically, for in coming to terms with the workings of Nature, and through their own efforts, humans can relate to it in harmony. The story is based on a near-death shipwreck experience that Crane survived off the coast of Florida. The work stands out for its technical excellence. Such literary devices as irony, imagery and symbolism are infused into the storyline. But its inclusion in the American literary canon is largely due to its humanist thrust and its ethical ponderings. It deals with such themes as survival, humanitarianism and the challenge posed to humans by nature (Eye 65). The character of the Correspondent in the story – the doppelganger for the author – asks several important philosophical questions: â€Å"†If I am going to be drowned–if I am going to be drowned–if I am going to be drowned, why, in the name of the seven mad gods who rule the sea, was I allowed to come thus far and contemplate sand and trees? Was I brought here merely to have my nose dragged away as I was about to nibble the sacred cheese of life? It is preposterous. If this old ninny woman, Fate, cannot do better than this, she should be deprived of the management of men’s fortunes. She is an old hen who knows not her intention. If she has decided to drown me, why did she not do it in the beginning and save all this trouble?† (Crane). We will write a custom essay sample on The Open Boat by Stephen Crane specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Open Boat by Stephen Crane specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Open Boat by Stephen Crane specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The authorial intent is deepened by such parallels in other key literary works. For example, a similar question could easily have been raised by Odysseus in the Odyssey as he navigated the seas for ten long years, though it would have extracted quite a different response. This is so, because â€Å"in Homer’s world the outcomes of Odysseus‘ situation are determined by responsive and involved gods, whereas in The Open Boat the four companions must face an impersonal and indifferent nature as the greatest determining force† (Meacham p.44). The most powerful statement of the short story is the negligible influence individuals have over the vagaries of Nature. This is evident in the very first line that starts: â€Å"None of them knew the color of the sky†, reflecting the unpredictability and hopelessness that torment the hearts of the â€Å"four poor waifs†, as they are set afloat in a small rowboat in frigid, hostile and shark-infested ocean waters. In the beginning, upon pondering the shock and awe induced by their situation, they feel that the forces of nature seemed to have conscious intentions, as their fortunes keep fluctuating rapidly. At times, the forces of nature seem to help the struggling men by blowing them in the direction of the shore and also offering seaweed clumps for support. But during other moments of their arduous journey, â€Å"the sea appears like a wild animal, consciously trying to overturn the boat and send its crew to a watery ending† (Meacham 43). But eventually, th ey come to the conclusion that the seven gods are neither really mad nor antagonistic to their cause. The truth seems to be somewhat more frightening than the two possibilities – â€Å"even worse than the existence of a higher power intent on their destruction – the higher power has no intentions for them at all† (Meacham 43). The existential disinterest of nature is evidenced only after prolonged struggle. This sentiment is succinctly captured by the following passage: â€Å"He soon discovers that any particular wave mastered was not â€Å"the final outburst of the ocean, the last effort of the grim water†; it is only a wave and soon there will be another.† A singular disadvantage of the sea lies in the fact that after successfully surmounting one wave you discover that there is another behind it just as important and just as nervously anxious to do something effective in the way of swamping boats† The four are silent in the struggle; neither optimism nor hopelessness is expressed† (Dooley 15). The Open Boat, alongside other of Crane’s critically acclaimed works such as Maggie (1893) and George’s Mother (1896) seem to suggest environmental determinism as the norm – a condition that could nullify human agency. This assessment is borne by several of Crane’s journalistic pieces as well. But a careful reading of The Open Boat actually opens up a fresh perspective. The story is seen to stand for the value of human endeavor and the significance of human solidarity amid the indifference of the cosmos. Crane’s experiences in the American West can be partly credited for the mature philosophy of human action that is displayed in the short story. The story â€Å"reaffirms the value of the resourceful human effort characteristic of Crane’s western tales and, in addition, offers the possibility of real success and genuine comradeship born of joint effort† (Dooley 14). In the chaos and utter distress of the situation the four men fou nd themselves in, rancor and mistrust could easily have played spoilsport. But instead, what they showed was solidarity and co-operation. It is an extremely tough but fair trial of wits and determination. In what must stand as testimony to human volition and will, they manage to survive this exacting ordeal, albeit with the exception of one companion. Works Cited Crane, Stephen. The Open Boat and Other Tales of Adventure. New York: Doubleday McClure Co., 1898. Print. Dooley, Patrick K. â€Å"The Humanism of Stephen Crane.† The Humanist Jan.-Feb. 1996: 14+. Print. Eye, Stefanie Bates. â€Å"Fact, Not Fiction: Questioning Our Assumptions about Crane’s â€Å"The Open Boat.†Ã¢â‚¬  Studies in Short Fiction 35.1 (1998): 65. Print. Meacham, Meredith. â€Å"Contemplating Sand and Trees in â€Å"The Open Boat† and the Odyssey.† The Humanist May-June 2006: 43+. Print. The Open Boat – Context. Web. 2nd June, 2012.

Essay Sample on Management in Japan

Essay Sample on Management in Japan Management in Japan, as well as in any other country, reflects its historical features, culture and public psychology. It is directly connected with social and economic setup of the country. Japanese methods of management are radically distinct from European and American. It doesnt mean that the Japanese operate more effectively. It is possible to tell more likely, that main principles of the Japanese and European management lay in different planes, having a few points of crossing. The Japanese management is based on collectivism. It uses all moral and psychological levers of influence on the person. First of all, call of duty to collective, which is almost identical to feeling of shame in the Japanese mentality. Considering the fact that Japanese tax system works on getting citizen’s incomes and welfare to some average value, by progressive-fiscal mechanism, welfare stratification in society is minimal, therefore it enables to use feeling of collectivism as effectively as possible. Japanese method of management differs from European and US methods first of all by its direction: main subject in Japanese management is human resources. Objective that Japanese top-mangers use to face with is to raise operating efficiency over increasing productivity of labor. Meanwhile, European and American management objective is profit maximization, with as low efforts as possible. We can define such characteristics of Japanese management: Employment guarantees lead to stability of manpower and reduce employee turnover. Stability serves as incentive for workers and employees, it strengthens corporate community feeling, harmonizes relations between ordinary workers and management. Released from pressing threat of dismissal and having a real opportunity for further promotion, workers receive motivation for strengthening feeling of fellowship with company. Stability gives possibility to increase quantity of managerial resources, on the one hand, and knowingly to direct their vector on the objectives more significant, than discipline maintenance, on the other hand. Japanese Employment guarantees provide system of lifelong hiring – unique occurrence that is doesnt clear for European mindset. When all managerial levels and workers start using common information database about firm politics and activity, atmosphere of participation and common responsibility starts to develop, improves interaction and increases productivity. In this respect meetings where engineers and administrative workers take part, bring in essential results. Japanese management also tries to create common base of understanding of corporate values for company’s workers such as qualitative service priority, cooperation between workers and administration, cooperation and interaction of departments. Management aspires to cultivate and maintain corporate values at all levels. Japanese companys presidents speak about necessity of quality assurance more often. While managing manufacture process their main care getting accurate data about quality. Personal care of the head consists of fastening efforts over quality control, and as a result, running his area of manufacture with highest quality Data gathering and its systematic applying to increase economic efficiency of manufacture, qualitative characteristics of manufacture and qualitative characteristics of production is given special sense. Every month head of the company checks income items, volume of manufacture, quality and gross receipt, to find out if results are coincided with defined values and to reveal future problems on early stages of their appearance. To cope with difficulties and to assist in solving problems in order of their appearance Japanese often allocate management personnel right in working area. While problems are solving little innovations are added and it leads to accumulating extra novelties. In Japan to assist additional innovations the system of innovative offers and groups of quality is widely used. Cleanness and order on manufacture is one of the essential factors that make Japanese goods of high quality. Directors set such order that helps increase productivity and quality of work. In general Japanese management is characterized by emphasis on improvement of human relations: coordination, collectivism, high moral qualities of workers and employees, harmonization of relations in corporation between workers and management. If you need a custom essay, term paper, research paper, thesis, dissertation on Management, Economics, Business or other discipline feel free to contact our professional custom writing service.

Ethical Issues of Drinking at Work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Ethical Issues of Drinking at Work - Essay Example Due to it, drinking can be defined as contradictory of the ethical conduct at work and especially in the field of engineering as far as it is directly linked to the well-being and quality of life of the public. Prior to narrowing the following discussion to the topic of the issue of drinking in the workplace, it is essential to explain what is commonly understood under the term ethics and how it applies to the work setting. In the most general sense, ethics can be regarded as a particular system of moral principles that influences decision-making and behavior of people. Richard Corrigan in his guide to ethics reminds in this regard a definition suggested by Manuel Velasquez and Claire Andre who concluded that the notions of ethics can be associated with â€Å"well based standards of right and wrong which prescribe what people ought to do in relation to obligations, rights, fairness, benefits to society, or specific virtues†. (41-42) Subsequently, the list of ethical standards is sure to include the ones concerned with compassion, honesty, or loyalty as well as those that touch upon the freedom of injury or the right to privacy. Moreover, it is important to mentions that ethics is co mmonly associated with both the individual and social context. At this point, it would be useful to resort to the etymology of the word ethics that can, in fact, be traced to the Greek ethos which stands for character or custom. (Corrigan 41-42)The following exemplifies that by its origin, ethics is aimed at focusing on not only an individual, his/her actions and character, but on the scope of essential social rules which guide behavior and actions, such as those related to evil and good that constitute human morality. Serving as a system of morally right and socially acceptable system of the standards of behavior and conduct, ethics is recognized as an extremely important component of human

Paul Samuelson, Abba Lerner and John Kenneth Galbraith in relation to Assignment

Paul Samuelson, Abba Lerner and John Kenneth Galbraith in relation to the idea of human flourishing - Assignment Example In one of his principles he stated that a government should maintain a reasonable level of demand at all times (Samuelson & Puttaswamaiah, 2002). In this consideration, he also added that in case of too little spending in the society; the government should reduce taxes or increase its own spending to correct the situation that also leads to unemployment. The other principle stated that by borrowing money when there is need to raise the interest rate and through lending money when there is need to reduce the rate of interest, the administration should be able to uphold the rate of interest that encourages the best amount of investment (Samuelson & Puttaswamaiah, 2002). All the two finance principles were summarized in his principles with the limiting the national debt principle so that all the needs of the people in the society are taken into consideration. John Kenneth Galbraith also had principles that argued and was based on understanding the trouble that exist currently within economics and economic policies. The works that were created by him were partly rooted to Marshall’s theory of the firm most of his principles were followed after the post war economy was dominated by bureaucratic corporations with more demand of consumers and also financiers. The principles he developed believed on expenditure as a factor that would be used to satisfy the needs of the consumer. The policies that are developed by the government are those focusing on consumer satisfaction.

Media Analysis Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Media Analysis Assignment - Essay Example This symbolizes the idea that the later generations of the first generation immigrants who made America their home during the early part of the twentieth century, have become an integral part of the culture of this continent. In simple words it means that these later generations have become completely ‘Americanized’ by losing their own cultural identity, thus adding to the cultural pot where all cultures simply melt away to produce a mash called the ‘American culture’. However, a closer look will reveal that it is not so as the myth claims. Indeed, America is more about the co-existence of different cultures that are each vitally alive in their own identities. Here we will review and analyze the movie â€Å"Crash†, and see the different underlying racial discriminations that are often existent in real life America. This movie portrays the co-existence of many cultures from different parts of the world living in America, and tries to show the tensions between them, and how they judge each other and form assumptions. In real sense this movie does a commendable job in bursting the myth of the so called ‘great American cultural melting pot’. There are two very distinct sides to the myth of this ‘cultural melting pot’. One part signifies that all are welcome in this country, irrespective of being rich, poor, black, white or brown. Everyone is welcome to take a part in the grand American dream of prosperity and freedom, and be a part of the single cultural identity that is called ‘Americanism’. The other side is much darker, that which with the help of this myth attempts to extenuate the presence of racial discrimination and bigotry. It simply tries to portray racism and intolerance as a passing phase as the minority immigrants adjust in this new country. This is evident in a magazine article that in 1875 said â€Å"the fusing process goes on as in a blast-furnace;

Analysing and Applying Business Process Reengineering

Analysing and Applying Business Process Reengineering In the first part of this assignment the meaning of business process reengineering (BPR) is analysed. In more details, it is outlined how business processes might be reengineered to improve company or organizational performance. The themes covered are: The importance of BPR in organizations The objectives of implementing BPR The specific techniques that can be used (like process mapping) The required training The possible problems in implementation (like resistance) As about the second part, a critical evaluation is made concerning the statement of McCabe (2004: 851): BPR does not challenge hierarchical authority, but instead attempts to reconfigure authority and power relations so as to obscure them through the language of consensus. In this section of the assignment it is critically evaluated the proposition that BPR in fact does very little to question the fundamental tenets of hierarchical control and in several important respects simply reinforces them. ANALYSIS OF PART 1. The term of BPR Today the business world is characterized by unpredictable changes, under the global competition and the customers demands. To be successful in such an environment, a firm must operate with speed, flexibility, low overheads and a clearly defined customer focus. The term business process reengineering (BPR) refers to an approach that is used by organizations seeking improvements in their business performance (Anonymous, 2007). The importance of BPR There is a series of driving forces, which trigger companies to undertake reengineering projects. These are customers, competition, change, cost, technology and shareholders and they lead to a requirement of new organizational structures and an alteration of the traditional way of doing business. Organizations consider BPR as an important tool of organizational improvement, as it helps them achieve the radical change necessary for todays volatile business environment. Additionally, BPR stresses the importance of linkages within an organisation. Though its structure integrated processes are generated concerning the nature of peoples jobs and how people are grouped and organized in the working environment. What is more, through BPR peoples jobs become multidimensional instead of narrow and traditional task orientation. When the concept of process is promoted in the BPR, cross boundary teamwork is incorporated and process shifts the goal focus on performance measurement and managerial r esponsibility from a function or responsibility center to an activity derivative process concept. So, BPR defines process teams as an important element in the business environment where work becomes multidimensional, substantive and more rewarding (Anonymous, 2007). It can be concluded that the importance of BPR is found at the fact that it is a dynamic tool for improving operations. BPR provides a process view of the organisation and a way of improving processes. Using this approach a company will be organized based on processes. As a result, processes are simplified, flows are improved and non value added work is eliminated (Schroeder, 2000). BPR is a complete life cycle approach. This provides the scope for problem identification and also solutions to implement the successful business operations. BPR can significantly improve cost, quality, service and speed simultaneously, so important results are provided to customers (Thyagarajan and Khatibi, 2004). It can be supported that organisations should focus on BPR for three key reasons: Firstly, there is much to be gained by improving business process. Secondly, business processes can be controlled and finally business processes are comparatively more important than production processes (Anonymous, 2007). The objectives of BPR BPR is a fundamental element in improving business performance and profitability. The BPR objectives refer to: improved operational performance, by closing performance gaps improved competencies, by closing skill and competency gaps reduced costs and manpower savings, by application of management analysis tools and techniques improved customer services or employee quality of life increased customer satisfaction increased productivity in the workplace continuous improvement of services quality delivered quality goods at competitive prices in a timely fashion (Anonymous, 2010a). The technical tools used in BPR There are different improvement techniques that can be adopted to analyse the BPR. These techniques enable the organization to understand, simplify and improve processes that already exist, not only to meet, but also to exceed the expectations of customers and provide a coordinating discipline for overall performance improvement (Anonymous, 2007). The selection of technical tools for BPR depends upon: (i) the nature of decision areas, (ii) the nature of data to be analysed, and (iii) the background of users. Table 1. The specific techniques that can be used in BPR Areas to be reengineered Techniques used in BPR BPR strategies Decision support system and Knowledge-based models Business process system design Analytical models such as queuing and simulations models Project management PERT/CPM and Flow Charts Reengineering business process Activity-based analysis and workflow model including flow chart Design of information system for reengineering business process Object-oriented models and programming Understanding of the business process system IDEF Models, EFQM Models, Petri-Net Models (Gunasekaran and Kobu, 2002). Process Mapping is a technique known as Process Charting or Flow Charting and is one of the oldest, simplest and most valuable techniques for streamlining work. It is one of the fastest ways to lower errors, increase productivity and affect customer service. It generally follows these steps: Choose a process. Assemble a team. Map out the way work is currently done. Identify problem areas. Brainstorm solutions. Evaluate action steps. Assign responsibilities. Create a master plan. Follow through. (Anonymous, 2010b). Process Mapping is an important tool in examining work flow and customer supplier relationships, which is the foundation for appropriate improvements. Additionally, it is a cost effective training tool for everyone interesting in increasing the efficiency of their organization and improving communication. (Damelio, 1996). Many organizations use this technique as a part of their reengineering projects, as it provides a variety of benefits (figure 1). Figure 1. The main benefits of implementing process mapping technique (Image available at the website http://www.google.gr, accessed 8-10-2010) The BPR training Implementing successfully BPR in an organisations environment is not an easy task, as the appeared changes require changes in attitudes and deep involvement of workforce both in individual and team level. As a result, the fact that a major aspect of BPR is human factor, it makes obvious that appropriate training is required in order to implement successfully BPR in the business environment. Companies should ensure that their employees are suitably motivated and the technology required for training is available in implementing BPR. Training is one of the most frequently used approaches to changing the organisations mindset. A company might offer the suitable training programs so as to effectively implement BPR processes (Daft, 2006) According to White (2010) business process reengineering education and training can come in a variety of ways, including: Learning more about process design at a graduate level. Using online continuing education options for further education. Attending seminars that cover various aspects of business process reengineering. The possible problems in BPR implementation Various radical changes occur when BPR takes place. Hammer and Champy (1993, cited in Anonymous, 2007) have listed the various kinds of changes that occur when a company re-engineers its business process. A shift from functional departments to process teams Job change A reversal of the power relationship: from superordinate to subordinate empowerment . Today markets are characterized by a high flow of information and companies face competitive business environments. Under this reality, organizations must follow effective strategies concerning change management (Robbins, 2001). BPR has to do with improving company or organizational performance, so its implementation requires the changes mentioned above often in a rapid way of implementation in attitudes and deep involvement of workforce both in individual and team level. These changes often refer to redefinition of charts structure and/ or redesign of the workforces roles and responsibilities. The new situation can bring resistance to change, so managers should examine carefully the way BPR implementation will take place. Managers should support understanding and trust concerning the new situation and minimize uncertainty within the workplace. The suggestions for dealing with the possible resistance to change are the following: Determining the goals of BPR implementation. Establishing a clear view about the changes that will occur in the workplace. Applying a direct communication method between managers and employees Checking the procedures of re-engineering, so as to deal with possible problems and find solutions. Focusing on performance measures and compensation shifts Enhancing customer focus as about value change Showing an appropriate management behaviour, through control and supervision Under these suggestions the changes in the business process, lob and structures, management and measurement systems, values and beliefs will result in a flatter organizational structure. As a consequence all the aspects (people, jobs, managers and values) are linked together and the organization will become more responsive in BPR implementation (Anonymous, 2007). ANALYSIS OF PART 2. In this section it will be critically evaluated the statement of McCabe (2004: 851): BPR does not challenge hierarchical authority, but instead attempts to reconfigure authority and power relations so as to obscure them through the language of consensus. In order to make this evaluation, it is essential to introduce the issue of hierarchical authority in an organizations environment. Hierarchical structures are present in most organizations today. Smaller organizations may have only two levels, while larger ones may have a vast number of levels. These structures are used as a method of communications and as the lines of authority. In an organizational environment, the hierarchy mainly apart of a singular/group of power at the top with subsequent levels of power beneath them. Members of such structures chiefly communicate with their immediate superior and with their immediate subordinates. Hierarchical authority structures are providing the opportunity for greater decision-making width for individuals and more flexible definitions of job activities. This is a challenge to existing organizational forms (Zhao, Rosson and Purao, 2007). In a hierarchical organisation employees are ranked at various levels within the organisation, each level is one above the other. At each stage in the chain, one person has a number of workers directly under them, within their span of control. A tall hierarchical organisation has many levels and a flat hierarchical organisation will only have a few (Anonymous, 2010d). At figure 2 a traditional hierarchy is given. Figure 2. A traditional hierarchy diagram (Hierarchical Organisation, available at the website http://www.learnmanagement2.com, accessed 18-10-2010) CHIEF EXECUTIVE MANAGER MANAGER MANAGER ASSISTANT MANAGER ASSISTANT MANAGER ASSISTANT MANAGER STAFF STAFF STAFF STAFF STAFF STAFF STAFF STAFF STAFF It is obvious that hierarchies within control systems are a clear need for business environments. Without some form of hierarchy, a low level of control can create numerous problems in an organization. There ate two kinds of control systems: flat and hierarchical. Hierarchical architectures have a more indirect coupling of perceptions to actions through a hierarchical control structure. Both kinds of control systems have benefits, but hierarchical structure can support faster learning and a better way to deal with resistance to change (Digney, 1998) Control is a fundamental managerial function. It is the process of regulating organizational activities so that actual performance conforms to expected organizational standards and goals and ensures that necessary corrective action is taken. In fact, control is ensuring work accomplishment according to plans. It is a process of ensuring that activities are producing desired results. We can support that control is an executive function involving three elements, i.e., standards, evaluative and corrective action. BPR is the latest wave in a series of management initiatives to increase managerial control (Gupta, 2010). According to the issues covered in the analysis of part one of this assignment, business process reengineering is proved to be a revolutionary, radical change approach to improving organizational performance through transformation. BPR methodologies aim for a flatter organizational structure, promoting the development of empowered process workers who are encouraged to use information technology in radically new ways to carry out business operations. In BPR approaches, empowerment is inflicted by leadership changing worker values and through the use of information technologies enables managerial control. Empowerment through BPR does not necessarily release control but does change the way control is exercised. Authority is still enforced through hierarchical control of culture. The reengineering approach polishes the management of power relations, when attempts are made to change traditional power structures and everyday power relations through the flattening of the hierarchy (Sayer an d Harvey, 1997). The introduction of reengineering introduces a new relationship of power in the form of a discipline which the reengineering sustains through discourse control. In this new situation any discipline comes with its structures, its hierarchies, its inspections, exercises and methods of training and conditioning (Foucault, 1980, p. 158). BPR is an approach that supports transformation with the notion of producing the flatter organization. Hierarchy and control are still promoted and within BPR, the emphasis lies on changing the formal patterns and using mechanisms of control to change the informal (Sayer and Harvey, 1997). BPR is a strong tool of managerial control. Controlling is the fourth function of management process (the other functions are planning, organizing and leading). Through BPR managers can identify whether the organization is on target towards its goals and can make better corrections if necessary. In BPR, information technology is generally considered as playing a role as enabler of new forms of organizing and collaborating. New information technology can help managers provide needed organizational control without strict top down constraints. A representative example is that of Cisco Systems: By using information technology to coordinate and monitor several aspects of operations, the company keeps tabs on employee and organizational performance without maintaining daily authoritarian control over workers. Cisco employees have amazing freedom to make decision and take actions, but they also know that top managers keep a close eye on what is going on throughout the company (Daft, 2006). Most businesses try to take advantage of BPR concerning dealing with the fundamental tenets of hierarchical control. BPR assumes radical redesign of business processes. Many processes simply can not be further improved in small steps and require a complete redesign in order to improve them in a major way. Hierarchical control is a fundamental element in this effort and managers who desire to organize around outcomes, have people processed their own information, put the decision point where the work is performed and build control into the process, should support the view that BPR can reinforce the fundamental tenets of hierarchical control. BPR is a management system of forced, speedy culture change, highly linked to hierarchical control. In fact it does very little to question the fundamental tenets of hierarchical control and in several important respects simply reinforces them. CONCLUSIONS Business Process Reengineering includes changes concerning both structures and procedures defined in a business environment. Human, organizational, technological dimensions that characterize an organization can change through BPR. Using this approach, organizations can seek improvements in their business performance. As it was analysed at the first part of this assignment, organizations consider BPR as an important tool of organizational improvement, as it helps them achieve the radical change necessary for todays volatile business environment. Additionally, BPR stresses the importance of linkages within an organization. What is more, through BPR peoples jobs become multidimensional instead of narrow and traditional task orientation. In result, the importance of BPR is found at the fact that it is a dynamic tool for improving operations. BPR is a fundamental element in improving business performance and profitability. The main BPR objectives refer to improved operational performance, improved competencies, reduced costs and manpower savings, improved customer services or employee quality of life, increased customer satisfaction, increased productivity in the workplace, continuous improvement of services quality and delivered quality goods at competitive prices in a timely fashion. There are different improvement techniques that can be adopted to analyse the BPR. Among them, Process Mapping is a technique known as Process Charting or Flow Charting and is one of the oldest, simplest and most valuable techniques for streamlining work. It is a cost effective training tool for everyone interesting in increasing the efficiency of their organization and improving communication and is highly preferred by enterprises today. Implementing successfully BPR in an organisations environment is not an easy task, as a major aspect of BPR is human factor. So, companies should ensure that their employees are suitably motivated and the technology required for training is available in implementing BPR. Various radical changes occur when BPR takes place, so managers should carefully examine the strategies in change management so as to achieve the best efficiency and deal appropriately with the possible resistance to change that BPR will bring. The second part included a critical evaluation of the statement of McCabe (2004: 851): BPR does not challenge hierarchical authority, but instead attempts to reconfigure authority and power relations so as to obscure them through the language of consensus. According to the relevant analysis, within control systems are a clear need for business environments. Without some form of hierarchy, a low level of control can create numerous problems in an organization. Hierarchical structure can support faster learning and a better way to deal with resistance to change, so BPR supports the management initiatives to increase managerial control. . In BPR approaches, empowerment is inflicted by leadership changing worker values and through the use of information technologies enables managerial control. Empowerment through BPR does not necessarily release control but does change the way control is exercised. Most businesses should try to take advantage of BPR concerning dealing with the fundamental tenets of hierarchical control. This is because BPR is a management system of forced, speedy culture change, highly linked to hierarchical control. In fact it does very little to question the fundamental tenets of hierarchical control and in several important respects simply reinforces them.

Human Inequality :: essays research papers

Nothing in life is guaranteed, but there is one thing that we all expect to receive throughout our lifetime. Every human demands to be treated equally in the same manner as the person next to them. This general consensus of modern day was not the norm throughout the history of America. No matter how much we try not to look back upon our obtuse behavior towards particular ethnic groups, what took place cannot be undone. The only positive effect that can be derived from the past is to learn from these mistakes. Less than a century after abolishing what had become a two hundred year old practice of enslaving African Americans, the â€Å"Land of the Free† again displayed its disregard for human equality as Japanese Americans were stripped of their every belonging and sent to internment camps during World War II. The enslavement of African Americans began during a time when the United States was a budding country in the need for cheap labor. In response to this necessity, slave traders would go to various regions within Africa to hunt for the residents who they would then capture and sell. It is mind-blowing to imagine an entire family being taken from their home in chains, only to then be separated never to see one another again. These Africans were not only robbed of their family and home but also their freedom and right to live their own lives. Upon their arrival to America, along with the new title of African Americans, came a new life of cruelty and inhumanity. Their self-respect was the first thing to be disposed of as they were assigned a monetary value when auctioned off like prize cattle. In Jacobs’ Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, the author describes the sale of her uncle with, â€Å"Though only ten years old, seven hundred and twenty dollars was paid for him.† This was only the beginning of the slaveholders’ attempt to confiscate any remnant piece of dignity so that the slaves could be more easily oppressed. Slaveholders recognized the potential that knowledge created within a person and thus, kept their slaves as ignorant as possible. Because literacy was not allowed by any means, slaves were deprived of the celebrated joy of a birthday. Douglass describes in Narrative of the Life of an American Slave, slaves’ inability to know their own birthday because there were no authentic records considering nobody was able to read or write.

A comparison study of teacher self-efficiency beliefs of Korean and Native teachers of English

Communication is one factor in human relations that could not be removed from existing within the community of humans. This is primarily because of the fact that it is something that keeps the relationship of people from all over the world intact in creating one particular community.Communication is indeed one of the oldest procedures of humans in connecting with each other. Within the ancient years, people utilized sounds to be able to connect to each other. Later on, the sounds developed into words, words into phrases and now, people are already capable of expressing themselves through speaking different languages.This fact leads to the proof that one of the most important needs of people is to communicate. It is the particular factor that separates humans from other creations, since they are able to connect to others through the use of words, or body language, they have the means by which they are able to express their innermost thoughts through communicating their minds to others .Larry Alan Nadig further describes communication in the following manner:â€Å"Expressing our wants, feelings, thoughts and opinions clearly and effectively is only half of the communication process needed for interpersonal effectiveness. The other half is listening and understanding what others communicate to us. When a person decides to communicate with another person, he/she does so to fulfill a need.The person wants something, feels discomfort, and/or has feelings or thoughts about something. In deciding to communicate, the person selects the method or code which he/she believes will effectively deliver the message to the other person. The code used to send the message can be either verbal or nonverbal.When the other person receives the coded message, they go through the process of decoding or interpreting it into understanding and meaning. Effective communication exists between two people when the receiver interprets and understands the sender’s message in the same way the sender intended it.† (TEL, 2001, Internet)However, through the years, the development of the artistic and strategic way of using communication as a link towards other people has been continuously improving.Now, at the brink of globalization, more and more people are having the capability of connecting to others of different races from their own through communication, yet they are lacking the skills of doing so. How then are humans supposed to face this particular challenge of social progress? The book of Rudolph and Kathleen Verderber discusses of the four major ways by which the human society could gain the right skills to communicate.The Four keys of Successful Communication [A Summary of Chapters 1-4]According to the Verderber[s], successful speech communication with others could only be attained through constant practice. This practice through does not only involve one’s own effort of attaining the skills of rightful speech. In a concise discussion within the f our chapters of their book, Kathleen and Rudolph gave the four basic steps by which people could gain good and considerably practical communication skills.(1) Foundations of Communication, the first 100 pagesThis section includes some topics such as verbal and nonverbal communication, plus the perception of self and others. The said topic primarily focus on the ability of the person to use all the possible ways to be able to connect with others in the society, making a certain stress on the fact that people do need to communicate with others because it is innate in them to do so. Using this as the main foundation of learning the skills for speech is certainly a fine start for someone wanting to gain the rightful knowledge needed to converse with others.(2) Interpersonal Communication, the next 110 pages  This part of the book includes several topics ranging from listening and job interviews to communicating in relationships. Most likely, the focus of this part is to show the reade r how communication skills are practically applied in real life. The aim of the authors is primarily to encourage the readers to believe the fact that they cannot do away with the fact that communication is a regular part of human living and they could not do away with it.(3) Group Communication, ranging at only 20 pagesThis particular section tells the reader how to participate in groups as well as to how to apply leadership within groups through the use of fine communicating skills on the part of the one creating the conversation.(4) Public Speaking, the last 160 pagesThe Final chapter discusses on how to pick a topic, research it, adapting to an audience. It also gives a clear description on the differences between informative vs. persuasive speaking. This part mainly focuses on the capability of the readers to develop their skills in expressing themselves in front of a crowd as they hold their attention through the discussions that they are addressing to them.Through the discuss ion of the four major chapters of the book Communicate!, it could be noted that the authors of the book wanted to stress on the importance of an individual’s ability in expressing himself whether personally or publicly. The constant recognition of the fact that people are indeed capable and are responsible of communicating themselves with others have particularly made this reading material a must read.It could not be denied that through the discussions that the authors presented, the importance of listening is given ample focus. The authors even noted: â€Å"Listening is one part of communication that cannot be denied of attention; there is certainly a non-existent communication if the art of listening is not applied by the parties that are having a particular conversation.† (Verderber, 25)

The Westboro Baptist Church And Its Members Example

The Westboro Baptist Church And Its Members Example The Westboro Baptist Church And Its Members – Article Example Bharti Airtel Limited Organizational structure Headquartered in New Delhi, India and presently extending in over 20 s globally, Bharti Airtel Limited assumes a Matrix form of organizational structure (Airtel, 2014). This encompasses integration of both divisional and functional structures such that it appears as a grid enabling command to flow vertically as well as horizontally. However, due to current unpredictability of global economy as well as stiff competition posed by similar players in telecommunications field, this firm’s policy makers have over the years since its inception kept on changing until to the present state. This is evident both in 2011 and 2013 whereby it adjusted its structure to ensure adequate and quick growth of its consumer business (Airtel, 2014). In addition, it was a strategy to evade severe and unfavorable competition more so in areas, which Bharti Airtel has dominated like S. Asia and India. This also was to aid in devising ways on how to penetrat e other dominated regional markets by their competitors, for instance, in Kenya where Safaricom to date almost monopolizes the entire market (Airtel, 2014). Almost in all departments comprising the entire structure, the heads are directors specializing in a certain given operation. Then these directors or CEOs other than the main one there are similar professionals working under them having similar experience and skills meant to execute their core and respective functions. This is evident as shown in chart below. In the quest to further its growth agenda, Bharti Airtel recently i.e. on 5Th February 2014 came up with a more decentralized strategy that touched on its organizational structure. This was to ensure Airtel across Africa will be in a position to keep up with stiff competition by putting all the operating states into four clustered Strategic Business Units (SBUs) (Airtel, 2014). These were to report to the MD as well as CEO as from 1st April 2014. For instance, one of this clustered Strategic Business Units (SBUs) encompass that of Zambia, Congo B, Malawi, Burkina, Niger, Chad, Madagascar as well as Seychelles represented by Mr. VG Somasekha (Airtel, 2014). As per recent studies dated 1st quarter of 2013, Airtel operates in 17 African states having a clientele pool of 63.7 million customers. References(2014). â€Å"Bharti airtel limited – Organization structure (India and South Asia).† Airtel. Retrieved from

Genetic Screening for Factor V Leiden essays

Genetic Screening for Factor V Leiden essays Is generalised Genetic Screening for Factor V Leiden Necessary? Genetic screening has no doubt have been the one of the most controversial issue in the branch of medicine. The new issue has recently triggered the on-going debate: the dilemma of whether the Government should allow the Genetic screening of all 16 year old girls for mutation in specific gene called the Factor V which sometimes lead to condition called the DVT , or not. In the essay I will suggest on why we should not do the screening. In the first paragraph of my essay I shall briefly explain the science behind the Factor V Leiden including the cause, inheritance, test and interpretation of the result.. In my second I shall defend my argument considering the ethical, social and also economical side on the Genetic screening. Lastly the conclusion will consist of dealing with all the pros and cons of the technology and weighing up the advantage and disadvantage and my final conclusion will be made. Factor V itself is a clotting factor, whose role is to help blood to clot when an appropriate trigger is present. However, like all steps in the complex clotting cascade, Factor V is subject to regulation to keep it under control so that clots don't form too easily or too quickly. The normal traffic cop is Activated Protein C (APC). Another helper is Protein S. Normally, APC interacts with Protein S, and together they make a combo whose job it is to slow down the Factor V so that it does not lead to excessive clotting. Factor V Leiden or Factor V mutation can occur. People believe it has first started 20000-30000 years ago during the evolution. Factor V Leiden is a single nucleotide substitution Guanine to Adenine at nucleotide 1691 which is responsible for the single amino acid replacement (Arg506Gln). Factor V Leiden is inactivated by the protein C and S nearly 10 times slower than the normal Factor V, resulting in increased clotting factor that ...

Sony Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Sony - Essay Example To be the most competitive and outstanding market player, it is desirable for Sony Company to practice both online and off-line marketing. Sony on the Web Marketers at Sony Corp are looking for alternative marketing and social networks marketing is the most preferable in the modern context. They connect with their customers online. They can promote their goods globally. The most effective strategy of Sony online is online tutorial, where they located the information about digital photography. The name of the company is Sony 101, where four special "campuses" for online visitors are developed: personal computing, entertainment for home, digital photography, and finding different business solutions for the small businesses (Bearman and Bruckner). Online visitors can be enlisted to any course they like in these campuses (Grasby, 2004). For example, one of the most popular campuses is the digital photography campus. Different relevant Sony products are advertised in the process of study of this course. Barbara L. Miller, director of corporate marketing Web services with the Tokyo-based company of Sony claims that they intended to talk about different changes in technology and were not merely focused on promotion of Sony products. Sony launches internal marketing, where their customers can advertise Sony products and tell about them to each other. In accordance with Social Vibe, it is claimed that some of the Company's ads reached up to a 40% share rate. Further on the Company was focused on advertising in the Facebook. The effectiveness of these types of ads is evident: 91% of people looked for the company's ads and paid attention to brand messages. They developed a new advertising campaign to appeal for different types of customers: from families to women and men. A well-known name of the advertising company is: "It only does everything, because the company wants to shift the accents from being a seller of hardcore games and Xboxes to an entertainment center" (). Sony united its power with Deutsch LA, which helped the company to be on the move. Sony makes an emphasis on online ads and decreases the number of printed sources of advertising. Dille underlines: "The ability to have that one-to-one relationship with consumers, monitoring the effective messages, and changing things on the fly gives us a closer relationship with consumers" (Super Facebook Marketing Case Study). They are more interested in mothers, who can take the PlayStation 3 message to their social network friends. Thus, the potential customers advertise products of the company themselves, as well as looking for alternative means of advertising. On the Facebook page Sony has a chance to communicate with more than 1 million fans and Twitter comprises more than 323,000 followers (Super Facebook Marketing Case Study). To measure success of the company online, it is relevant to pay attention for click-through rates. It is of high importance for the company to find out the real reaso n of the customers for being interested in one or another product. The first positive changes are evident: Sony sales increased up to 35% and Microsoft sales decreased up to13%. In accordance with the modern prognosis, it is possible to predict that video game advertising could increase from $24 million in 2009 to $47 million in 2014, which comprises a 14.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) (Super Facebook M

Competition Faced by Magiqads in the UK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Competition Faced by Magiqads in the UK - Essay Example Transport- Railway & underground systems, airports, buses, taxis, and trucksides, etc form the core of transport medium. Due to its high street presence in areas where roadside marketing takes a back leap, it is one of the most popular outdoor advertising medium. A full service media house based in Kuala Lumpur, Magiqads uses 3D-floor imaging technology called 'Floorstoppers' (patented in London). Some of the esteemed companies with whom Magiqads has signed long term deals include Tesco's, Airports (Langkawi / Penang etc.), Universities, and the Kuala Lumpur monorail. Our partnerships include the University of Malaya (graphic design & creative skills) and 3M, who provide the laminate and training for our media installers. Brands who advertise with Magiqads in SE Asia include Sony Ericsson / Diageo / Coca-Cola / Adidas / Swatch and Unilever. The company is soon going to launch its services in the UK. But, the road of survival and success in UK would definitely not be an easy task. UK already has a number of well established firms in the field of outdoor advertising. There are number of big and small firms providing advertising services in the UK. ... To survive and compete in such a highly competitive market, Magiqads has to create a niche for itself by providing best and innovative services at a price that beats its competitors. The kind of fierce competition that Magiqads will have to face in the UK can be seen by this example- Technology Boosts Outdoor Ads As Competition Becomes Fiercer4 In 1994, when the billboard companies bid for the world's biggest outdoor advertising contract -- to hang up posters throughout the London subway system - all what was offered was to hang up posters. Recently, when the project came up again, it sparked a bidding war among the top providers of outdoor advertising space. The winner, CBS Corp., promised to install hundreds of television screens and projectors to beam advertisements on the walls. It spent years developing a way to stick up posters without glue (Aaron O. Patrick, 2006). This reflects the changing scenario and increasing competition in the outdoor advertising market in UK. Companies are trying to outdo their rivals by providing new, creative, and innovative techniques at a price better than others. In this kind of scene, if Magiqads have to survive and succeed, it will have to create a niche for itself by providing best and innovative services at a price that beats its competitors. Some of the leading outdoor advertising companies that will give a tough competition to Magiqads in UK are Clearchannel, JC Decaux and Titan, CBS. Clearchannel UK has established their brand and provide more than 70,000 advertising opportunities across 6 Sheets, billboards, premium formats and taxis5. JC Decaux- JC Decaux has an unbeatable presence in all major cities of UK including Manchester, London, Birmingham, and Glass