Cloud Database Essay

Introduction: The cloud computing is the next generation of the computing, its advantages, advancements and research are a plenty. In recent years, the term â€Å"cloud computing† has been critical in the world of IT. Cloud computing, or the use of internet-based technologies to conduct business, is recognized as an important area for IT innovation and investment (Armbrust et al., 2010; Goscinski and Brock, 2010; Tuncay, 2010). Cloud computing has spread out through the main areas related to information systems (IS) and technologies, such as operating systems, application software, and technological solutions for firms (Armbrust et al., 2010). The promise of cloud computing is to deliver all the functionality of existing information technology services even as it dramatically reduces the upfront costs of computing that deter many organizations from deploying many cutting-edge IT services (J.Staten, 2009). Cloud computing represents a convergence of two major trends in information technology — (a) IT efficiency, whereby the power of modern computers is utilized more efficiently through highly scalable hardware and software resources and (b) business agility, whereby IT can be used as a competitive tool through rapid deployment, parallel batch processing, use of compute-intensive business analytics and mobile interactive applications that respond in real time to user requirements (W.Kim, 2009). The impetus for change right now is seen predominantly from a costs perspective, as organizations increasingly discover that their substantial capital investments in information technology are often grossly underutilized (Sean Marston et al., 2010). Although there have been many recent publications that discuss various features, opportunities and issues related to Cloud services ([Jane Anderson et al., 2010], [Sam Goundar et al., 2011]), but only few scholars have attempted to explain the factors for adoption of cloud database ([Chinyao Low et al., 2011]). Related studies have looked at Strategic research model for Enterprise Information Planning adoption with Technology, Organization and Environment as moderators (Liu hongjun et al., 2010). The gap in this research is that both TOE and TAM model are not being looked as one model explaining Cloud database adoption. This study investigates the cloud database acceptance by combining the work done by (Chinyao Low et al., 2011) pertaining to Understanding the determinants of cloud computing adoption and (Liu hongjun et al., 2010) pertaining to Strategy Research of Enterprise Information Planning based on TOE-TAM model. Also this study discusses about the key advantages and challenges faced by implementing Cloud database. As the cloud services are increasingly expanding through research and development. This study will be constructive to the cloud service development and growth. Literature Review: Nevertheless, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) provides one of the most parsimonious, yet robust, models in explaining Information and Communication Technology characteristics and their effects on consumer adoption/use of new ICTs (Kenneth C.C. Yang, 2005). Internet is a product of Information Technology; as such Internet Cloud services should be explained as a part of Technology Acceptance Model (Davis 1989; Davis et al. 1989). TAM is a parsimonious and theoretically justified model intended to explain information technology adoption (van der Heijden, 2003). TAM has two main keywords which are user’s adoption intention and actual usage. The user adoption intention is called as â€Å"Perceived usefulness†, which is defined as â€Å"the degree to which a person believes using a particular system would enhance his or her job performance† (van der Heijden, 2003). The actual usage is called as â€Å"perceived-ease-of-use†, which is defined as â€Å"the degree of to which a person believes that using a particular system would be free of effort† (van der Heijden, 2003). TAM theorizes that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness affect the consumer adoption decisions (Venkatesh and Davis, 2000). Organization will have influence on new technology acceptance from three aspects: T (tech), O (organization) and E (environment). The tech includes existing technology of an enterprise and technology which has not been introduced on the market. Organization generally refers to the scope and scale of an enterprise, including management structure characteristics, and human resource status. Environment is also called regulation on industry and transactions with partners, competitors and government. TOE model is highly systematic, widely used to analyze influence factors of information technology adoption in different fields in recent years. Several studies (Chau and Tam, 1997; Chong and Ooi, 2008; Kuan and Chau, 2001; Lin and Lin, 2008; Oliveira and Martins, 2010; Pan and Jang, 2008; Shirish and Teo, 2010; Zhu et al., 2004) have been credited with proposing the TOE framework, developed by Tornatzky and Fleischer (1990), to analyse IT adoption by firms. The TOE framework identifies three context groups: technological, organizational, and environmental. The technological context refers to internal and external technologies applicable to the firm. Organisational context refers to several indexes regarding the origination, such as firm size and scope, centralisation, formalization, and complexity of managerial structure and the quality of human resources. Environmental context refers to a firm’s industry, competitors and government policy or intention. The TOE framework is consistent with Rogers’ (1983) theory of innovation diffusion (Pan and Jang, 2008; Shirish and Teo, 2010; Wang et al., 2010), which recognizes the following five technological characteristics as precedents for any adoption decision: relative advantage, complexity, compatibility, observability, and trial ability. Therefore, the TOE framework explains the adoption of innovation and a considerable number of empirical studies have focused on various IS doma ins. Swanson (1995) contended that adoption of complex IT innovations requires an advantageous technology portfolio, organizational structure, and environmental strategy. Chau and Tam(1997) adopted the TOE framework and explained three factors that affect the adoption of open systems. These factors are the characteristics of the innovation, organizational technology, and external environment. Kuan and Chau (2001) confirmed the utility of the TOE framework adopting complex IS innovations. Several studies are grounded in the TOE framework for assessing the value of e-business at the firm level (Lin and Lin, 2008; Oliveira and Martins, 2010; Zhu et al., 2004). They found that technological readiness (the significant factor), financial resources, global scope, and regulatory environment contribute strongly to e-business value. Hong and Zhu (2006) considered the TOE framework in the adoption of e-commerce and the identification of new factors that fit the characteristics of type III innovation. Shirish and Teo (2010) demonstrated the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on the TOE framework and suggested that policy makers should consider measures to enhance development of e-government and e-business collectively. Pan and Jang (2008) examined the factors within the TOE framework that affect the decision to adopt ERP in Taiwan’s communications industry. Chong and Ooi (2008) utilised the TOE model empirically to examine the factors that affect the adoption of the RosettaNet standard. Conceptual Model: The foundation of theoretical model consists of TAM and TOE model. During the last two decades, Technology Acceptance Model (Davis 1989; Davis et al. 1989) has emerged as a powerful explanation to account for the influence of technology acceptance behaviors in a wide variety of IT. This study focuses on positive effect of Technology, Organization and Environment on the Technology Acceptance Model among high-tech Industries. Few previous studies, if any, have focused on the adoption and acceptance of cloud database. Nor did previous studies examine the effect of TOE and TAM for the acceptance of cloud database. Research Model: Based on our theoretical proposition that relates TOE (Technology, Organization and Environment and Technology) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) a research model (Figure 2) has been developed and propose six hypotheses grounded in the cloud database context. Technology Acceptance Model and Cloud Database: A cloud database is a part of Information Technology; as such the intention to use the cloud database should be explained in part of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). This model has been used in number of research and numerous empirical results show that TAM is a parsimonious and robust model (Gefen and Straub, 2000). According to TAM, the intention to use a new technology is affected by 1.Perceived usefulness (PU) and 2.Perceived ease of use (PEOU). PU is defined as a belief that using a technology will enhance a person’s job performance, while PEOU is defined as the degree to which a person believes that using an IT will be free of effort. TAM has been discussed in great detail by (Gefen and Straub 2000; Venkatesh and Davis 2000). As shown in previous research (Gefen et al. 2000), this study hypothesize that paths predicted by TAM apply also to internet cloud service usage. As in previous TAM studies, the underlying logic are users react rationally when select an Information Technology to work on. The more useful and easy to use is the internet Cloud service in enabling the users to accomplish their tasks, the more it will be used: H1: PEOU will positively affect PU of an internet Cloud service. H2: PU will positively affect intended use of an internet Cloud service. H3: PEOU will positively affect intended use of an internet Cloud service.

Impact of Technology on Young People

As a kid I would beg and beg to use the computer. †No. I'm on Facebook†, my sister would say in exasperation as I moaned at the unfairness of it all. She would sit in the corner of the room for hours upon end, her expressionless face lit up by the bright screen of the family computer. Always sulking with anger and frustration, yet enthralled by the on-goings within the world of the web. I wondered how something she enjoyed so much could affect her mood in the way it did. I would soon learn to understand this and experience the same teenage angst; a feeling that is certainly maximised by the negative effects of technology.Teens of the 21st century have grown up in a society where technology is constantly developing and upgrading. Its use in everyday life is becoming ever more prominent and it is used to such an extent that it is bound to have a considerable impact on the lives of the young. Mobile phones, games consoles, laptops, iPods. We are encouraged by giant corporati ons to demand the latest gadgets, often without considering their importance to us. As The Black Eyed Peas recently said, ‘this is the NOW generation’.The most popular application of modern-day technology is undoubtedly the internet. Young people are particularly keen on using social networks. Websites such as Facebook and Twitter are fantastic in the way they allow us to keep in touch with our friends. But what impact do these sites actually have on us? Well, I’ll begin telling you by dismantling the name ‘social media’. Ironically, these sites have more of an anti-social impact on teens than they do a social one. Their use is addictive by nature. Users often find themselves glued to the screens of their phones and laptops, while communicating with their friends online.Some teens don’t understand that you can actually have a real conversation with these ‘friends’ by getting off your ass and meeting up with them in the real world! It is laughable that a large number of teens genuinely believe social networking suffices as a form of real social activity. You can send people as many messages as you want, it won’t improve the people skills that you will need later in life. As entertaining as social networks may be, I believe that addictive technology like them is isolating individuals from society and nurturing a new generation of young adults with substandard social abilities.When I was originally introduced to Twitter, I saw it as a wonder of the internet. It was and still is a wonderful website. You can carefully tailor the information that is supplied to you by choosing who you wish to ‘’follow’’ and it works by bombarding you with a constant stream of information in a matter of seconds. Believe me, it has a very rich entertainment value. However, it can become extremely addictive and is often used excessively. I experienced this for myself last year. Very frequently, I wou ld come home and spend my time scrolling through my twitter feed for the remainder of the day.By over-using it, Twitter became a hindrance to both my school work and social life. So when I realised that I had to control my usage, I decided to take a break from all forms of social media. The 6 months that followed were hugely refreshing. I began to feel a lot happier and generally more energetic when I wasn’t glued to my laptop. Without a doubt, I advise other students to try out a similar solution. The cold turkey made me realise how technology impacts adversely on young people. For the first time in my life, I felt fortunate to still possess my ancient, battered Sony Ericsson. I was and am no longer jealous of those who flash about their expensive touch-screen whatever megapixel phones. I am glad that I’m unable to download the latest ‘’ios4 update’’. I use my phone to ring people because that’s the function that Alexander Graham Bell decided it would have.Children growing up today are immersed in technology while they are developing and still experiencing the joys of childhood. Many believe that it is vital they are taught about I.T. from an early age as it is such an integral part of modern society. As the internet is becoming ingrained in our lives, computer skills are clearly becoming vital. However, can we justify the encouragement of technology in a child’s life when the long-term effects of its use are yet to be uncovered? I don’t think so. Experts believe that technology can elevate a child’s exasperation, diminish their patience levels and hinder their writing and communication skills. I would go as far to say that parents who encourage and allow their children to use technology excessively are morally in the wrong.When we think back to our childhood, what memories stand out for us the most? For me, it is those long summer days that were spent outside. Being active. Exploring. Racin g go-karts. Building tree houses. Playing sports. These activities shaped us and built our characters. Without them we would be boring. And the truth is that overindulging in technology halts an active life. This technological generation endangers children from missing out on an important stage of their development. No one says ‘’remember that time I shot a load of Nazi zombies on Call Of Duty’’ .It is seriously worrying that a child would choose to confine him/herself to the realms of a virtual world rather than experience childhood as it should be. The impact of an unfulfilled childhood can be devastating in later life. This is another reason why the influence of technology should be controlled and moderated, especially in relation to young people.I expect the impact of technology on the young generation to become clearer at a later date. A divide may well emerge between the characteristics of those who were brought up under a technological influence and those who were shielded from technology during their childhood. A neurological divide, to be precise. In a survey released in 2011, 55% agreed with a statement that in 2020 the brains of young people would be â€Å"wired† differently from those over 35.The excessive use of technology may effectively cause this to happen. Because internet access is becoming increasingly efficient, we are constantly gaining a thirst for instant gratification. Online, we have access to innumerable content at incredible speeds. Our concentration span must be deteriorating as we now rely on a constant feed of information to satisfy our shallow brains. It’s quite sad that the immediate reaction to our problems is often simply ‘’I’ll google it’’ or ‘’Yahoo Answers will know this’’. We’ve stopped thinking about these problems ourselves. What’s the point? The answers are already there, on the internet. Perhaps, the deep thinking skills our ancestors once possessed are becoming lost upon the youth of today. Computers have begun to re-wire us with different intellectual capabilities.The same 55% in the survey of 2011 predicted that the youth of today would excel in mental processing and in searching effectively for information online. I would label these qualities as traits of a robot. Technology takes away our spirit and our ability to think for  ourselves. And by glancing around a typical group of students, you may observe a certain lack of atmosphere. You will notice some students who choose not to interact with each other, instead, all attention fixed on their phones. The sad reality is that these devices are responsible for de-humanising our society.Despite this, technology is constantly developing and often for a good outcome. But some might say that we were better off in the days when apple and blackberry were just fruit.

Media Violence: Effects on Youth

Media Violence: Is It Corrupting Our Youth? Ever since the Columbine massacre, there has been many people who blame video games for violence among our youth. In the past few years, it has become normal for all branches of media to depict violence as an everyday thing. Because a vast majority of children watch television or play video games, it is no wonder that adults try to make the connection between the two. Although the media can have an affect on kids, there are also a great many socio-economic factors involved in a child’s behavior. This is the problem our society faces now that some people say the media can influence your psyche, perspective, and overall behavior, but so do your friends, so do your parents, so do your teachers, so do books. The real question is who is to blame? Movies, music, television shows, video games, none of these things actually make people commit crimes. Violence in the media and the real world rise in violence among children is not a cause but merely a coincidence. A person is an accumulation of their real life experiences. Children do not turn into a crazed maniac after playing a computer game or seeing a movie with violence. The easiest place to obtain a mind for violence is from a home setting. Adults want to find an outside source for the growth in violence among children instead of taking the blame first hand. It is the parents, those actually responsible for this corruption, who try to suggest otherwise and negligence on the part of those who seek to find a different cause. Adults seem to steer away from the increasingly true fact that our whole American society is doing this to its younger generation, and not just the media. To prove this, news reports after the Columbine massacre in which two troubled teens go on a murderous rampage, attribute the kids actions to a violent game called â€Å"DOOM†. The media is not the problem, because kids will act violent regardless. This tragedy was a result of a mixture of bad peers, bad home life, and the friendship of two people who had anger problems. The parents would have based their actions off of something else if they did not have games like â€Å"DOOM† to avoid scrutiny. Many times kids have outbursts of odd or dangerous behavior that they know will get them in trouble, but instead of taking the blame, they attribute it to some other source, although in this case, it is the parents and news media who do this. An example of this type of behavior is the circumstances surrounding the famous Salem witchcraft trials, where young girls resorted to blaming their unholy actions solely on another person or the devil. These days, the â€Å"devil made me do it† and â€Å"witchcraft† excuse has lost its credibility. Now people have to find something else to take the blame and what easier target than a violent videogame. It was not DOOM that made these kids do what they did, but a mental instability, a penchant for violent behavior, and other psychological factors that did. Sure, they can model their multiple homicides after their favorite video game or death metal lyric, but in the end, they still killed people because they were mentally unstable and antisocial. I firmly believe a greater fault in issues like these lay with the parents, as they are ones that are supposed to teach their kids right from wrong. Later in the investigation, the attention did finally turn to the parents and what they did wrong, but the bad light that had already been put on those types of media has never vanished. With each of these types of cases, rarely do we ever hear of investigations of how these children were raised or what their environments they grew up in were like. A cause for the rise in violence is the fall in interaction between kids and their parents, which can create mental separation where the child does not feel important. This could cause kids to act out, mainly through violence, to get attention from the adults. Parents need to step up their parenting skills and do what they need to do, instead of pointing fingers at everyone else. If these kids are troubled, anything can trigger violence and misbehavior. We have natural logics that develop to what is right and wrong and what is fact and what is fiction. One of the key factors in this development is the parents and other adults in the child’s life. Adults are more influencing to kids than TV shows and video games, so adults should take responsibility for how the child acts. If parents seriously believe that violent media is doing this to their kids, then they should control what the kids can and cannot be exposed to. There are plenty of examples of how not to behave out there. It is up to each person and/or their parents to decide what is and is not acceptable behavior to emulate and fill his or her head with. At the end of the day, regardless of the outcome, we are responsible for our actions. If a person were to compare violence in youth here in the United States and violence in youth in the rest of the world, the person would see that there is little if any correlation between media and violence. It is the people who raise the kids who corrupt them and not the media. Personal responsibility has been slowly eroded over the last twenty years to a point where people are no longer responsible for being morbidly obese or going on crime sprees and murdering people. Personal responsibility is not only a moral and ethical imperative for society; it is liberating and strengthening for an individual. This type of blame shifting is at the core of what is wrong with society today. People need to stand up, take responsibility, and finally make a change.

Television and its Impact on Teenagers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

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Term - Research Paper Example important to observe the background and personalty development – these aspects definitely influenced the creation and key points of any particular doctrine. Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) is one of the greatest philosophers, who influenced the development of a variety of paradigms of ancient and modern philosophy. His main concerns lied in the area of ethics and thinking processes of a human being in general. Reviewing Kant’s works, it can be stated according to the key questions he explored, that they have differences with other ancient philosophers ideas, like Socrates. Metaphysics, Politics, Aesthetics and epistemology were some of the core topics that Kant had major interest in. There was a significant impact that Kant’s theories had on human ethics. Human ethical attitudes and behaviors have improved since the introduction of the ethics topic by Immanuel Kant. The key area of investigation was reasoning. Reason is one of the major subjects that Kant investigated underscoring on its significance particularly on the whole society. Kant contended that thinking frame the premise of a quiet conjunction among individuals from the general public. Kant further contended that it is through thinking that the distinction between a creature and an individual is drawn. At the point when a person apply Kant philosophical teachings on their lives, then thinking gets to be a piece of their lives before they make any strides in life subsequently impact their activities to great deeds. A both monetary and social advancement depends vigorously on quiet conjunction in any given society. Kant further contended that it is through thinking that contentions and contrasts between individuals from a particular society are comprehended. The reason is a human privilege. As it was specified above, just people have the capacity to reason – none of different animals on the Earth can. Reason is more profound and more comprehensible than cognizance and sensibility. It is a perspective

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MGMT436 U4 DB1 External Consultant Research Paper

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Discussion 6 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 6

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The Annuncistion by Francesco Bissolo - Essay Example This was a celebrated and popular technique employed mostly by the Venetian School. The employment of this technique is palpable in the painting through the use of color richly especially in the room of Mary. The use of soft tonalism is also present in the painting through the light that illuminates her chamber during the morning depicted in the painting (Zirpolo, 23). The painting is rich in shade, and use of bright colors is evident. This technique is appropriate in the message it was depicting since it creates an atmosphere of life and joy that characterized the actual event in the bible. The artist uses the Venetian style brilliantly to this effect through the incorporation of color and light to show the mystery of religion in art. His technique causes the viewers to reflect on the painting since it looks to have an inner meaning, which the viewer tries to decipher. The use of this technique enabled the painter to put elaborate details on the painting. This is evident in the pain ting through the appearance of Mary’s room, and the landscape on the background. The characters faces exhibit the use of silhouettes with both Mary and the angel’s faces are illuminated by the artist’s use of light. The painting was fabricated during a period where Venice was at its peak as a European trade center. This facilitated for the development of art in the city, and one of the notable contributions was the creation of the Venetian School. During the Renaissance eon in Europe, each School was distinguished using its own peerless style that was studied to excellence by the artists (Bourdua and Dunlop, 37). The Venetian style, evident in the painting, was distinct through its style in the use of color and lighting techniques that made its paintings unique. The School also employed the use of the oil medium to perfection through the mastery of its use. This School was also characterized by the interweaving of the Byzantine styles and Gothic influences. This involved the use of rich color creating a festive feel in the paintings. The development of the painting during this period also saw it assume some Renaissance inclinations, which were bolstered by the permeation of Florentine influences, in that the style had extended towards Padua (Duby and Lobrichon, 57). Religion was a key element in the art during this eon. Most of the issues that the artists painted about were influenced significantly by religion. This is evident where the painters depict an event in the bible. This is because life during the period was heavily inclined to religion, and the church had a foothold on the art in the period. The great painters of the time used the pretext of religion to describe the daily life of the inhabitants of Venice. Nevertheless, the School was affected adversely with the diminishing of the position of the city as a business hub. The church also was key in the ebbing of Venetian art, with the feudalism employed by the church during this pe riod (Dubyand Lobrichon, p68). This decline saw titian, one of the great painters at the time, show sighs of crisis in his work in that there was a presence of psychological conflicts in his work. This was because of the different influences dominant at the time and their conflicting interests. The School of Venice boasts some of the greats in the art world during the Renaissance period. The esteemed list boasts of names like Titian, Michelangelo and many more. This shows the

A report to president Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

A report to president - Essay Example The paper is structured into three core sections; firstly, background information of Business development incentives. Secondly, the imperativeness of this program to the general economy. Thirdly, the document will also reflect on the associated challenges of this program. Business development incentives (Background) This program seeks to provide incentives to business to provide cash or near cash incentives to bail out business through harsh economic times. The program will be a non affiliate to a plethora of non-monetary incentives; for instance, public infrastructure projects. This will endeavor to provide a large list of incentives practices to reduce general costs. The affiliate goal of this program is to ensure that areas within our jurisdiction do not suffer unemployment, due to a blatant fiscal policy. Indeed, the job growth will be expected to generate tax breaks and eventually enable business to plough enough resources back to the required capital threshold. Strategist withi n my jurisdiction realized the necessity to introduce this program based on the long history of interrelation of sectors within this economy (Mulligan, 2012). Large economic experience was based from the aftermath of the 2008-2009 economic recessions, in which, the general economy realized a tendency high cost of business was a primary cause factor of unemployment. Businesses realized in order to make it in a challenging time, reducing manpower was an advisable sacrificial method to realize positive returns, during that surviving period. However, this strategy was not appropriate on how it operated. The resultant situation was that our local economy had weak purchasing power and this was subsequent of a gradually failing economy. Technically, unemployment weakened the household, which in turn weakened the firms and finally the government tax threshold was largely affected. Following the successful introduction of this program, it is imperative to consider that the main objective of this program is to bail out local business during harsh economic times (Wiesner. 2009). Why this particular program There are resounding factors that prompted strategist to approach the economy with these considerations. Firstly, it is imperative to consider that the households who are often engaged directly to the economy needed a security on their jobs. This program will attract incentives to attract new business and generate new jobs. Indeed, the lower income segments in our economy were direct beneficiaries with incentives provided by this program. Secondly, it was fundamental to consider the fiscal need associated with this program. During the recession, our local economy suffered reduced revenues and persistent budget deficit which was a direct result of stagnation. This trend was realized when our local authorities attempted to cut tax gap, leaving the administration vulnerable to harsh economic times. The relation here is political psychology associated with an overtaxed pub lic (Anderson & Wassmer, 2000). Thirdly, there was a close consideration of improving administrative capacity one which never had local bureaucrats dictating to the public about their macroeconomic opinions. This would call for the enrollment of better infrastructure improvements, through use of consultancy of viable strategies. These strategies will primarily address regulatory exemptions and tax increment

Comparison Between Export Agents and Distributors Essay Example for Free

Comparison Between Export Agents and Distributors Essay Many companies have often found themselves in a dilemma on whether to use export agents or distributors when they decide to venture overseas. This is therefore not a problem constrained to ABLE Limited only. This dilemma often arises from the inability to distinguish between the functions of export agents and distributors. Even with complete knowledge of roles that agents and distributors play in the import and export business, companies still find it challenging to choose the channel to use for distribution of their goods. Perhaps the first step to coming up with a decision on whether to use agents or distributors would be to address the advantages and shortcomings of each. This paper seeks to differentiate agents from distributors which will help in making proper choices when venturing into the export business. Export Agents An agent by definition refers to a person who acts on behalf of a person or company in return for an agents fee. Similarly, an import/export agent acts on behalf of a company to organize import and export deals with customers and suppliers in overseas markets. Import/export agent are at times said to work like brokers only that they serve to bring two parties together for mutual trade benefit. The agents do not engage in physical contact with the goods and their major objectives are to market the principles products, get customers and connect them to the principle who in turn executes the sale directly. To achieve these objectives, an agent usually conducts surveys, negotiates with buyers, undertakes promotional activities and handles any documentation and logistics involved in the sale of goods. It is the duty of an export agent to develop market strategies in targeted countries, introduce potential customers, make contacts and also place orders for the principles goods. When a deal is sealed, the agent receives a commission for sales made in addition to the deposit paid when the agent was hired. The principle also undertakes payment of all the expenses incurred by the agent in marketing and formalizing the deal which involves administration and tax settlements with the foreign government. Before entering into a contract with an agent it is important to establish their affordability, their knowledge of the overseas markets and networks; whether the agents offer their services to a competitor and whether they sell direct to end users or to companies. It is also important o sample sale deals they have made for other companies to establish their ability to benefit the company. The advantage of using an agent is that it saves the company from undertaking the rigorous export procedures. In other words, the company only needs to part with the agent commission and it is assured that their goods enter the overseas market. This is in addition to the fact that the agent knows the market well which is better than starting afresh in an unknown country. The agent undertakes almost all the work so that it is relatively easy for the company. Due to their vast knowledge of the target market, agents prove best when venturing in new overseas markets. As indicated earlier, agents take it upon themselves to advertise the companys product so as to make sales and hence earn a commission. This is likely to make them work harder which is of mutual benefit to the company when its sales increase. Another advantage that the company stands to gain by using agents is that the company may choose to control the agents operations such that it can limit the agent to desired territories. The company can also set the agent free to execute the deals to the best of his knowledge to maximize sales. When using an agent, the company gets to control the prices of its goods in the market since it will deal with customers directly after they are introduced by the agent. There are however disadvantages associated with using agents. Firstly, agents may prove expensive to hire and their commissions may highly reduce the companys potential profits. Secondly, the company bears any market risks and credit risks when dealing with the customers who are introduced. Agents do not purchase from the company directly and neither do they undertake delivery and after sales services. This means that the company may need warehousing facilities as goods await delivery in the overseas market. It must also undertake the provision of after sales services. Export distributors Distributors are companies that buy the firms product for resale in their countries. The distributor acquires possession or title of the good undertakes the risk of resale. This indicates that a distributor acts like a retailer or wholesaler and undertakes the distribution of the goods aiming at obtaining profits from the sales by selling the goods at a higher price the he bought them from the company. The distributor takes responsibility for the shipment of goods to their premises, undertakes the paper work so that the company does not have to bear these costs as opposed to using an agent. The company can appoint distributors available in the market from a list of distributors usually available in international directories. A company can also make use of agents to select distributors to undertake sale of their products. In the appointment of a distributor, the company needs to look out for the warehouse management skills and procedures of the distributor; knowledge of technical characteristics of the companys goods; ability to handle marketing campaigns; credit worthiness and their ability to form a constant market for the firms products. Export distributors are advantageous to the company because they bear all the risks involved in the distribution process in the overseas country. These include tax liability, instances of loss and credit risk. They are convenient in that they provide any necessary after sales services that the goods may require such as installation and delivery. Since distributors aim at making more sales, they are likely to get involved in marketing campaigns which help to expand the firms competitiveness in the market. Warehousing expenses are eliminated because distributors normally have well established inventory warehouses for their merchandise. In many cases, it has proved less expensive to use distributors rather than deal with the customers directly. The distributor handles all the shipment charges and formalities which offers simplicity to the company. Further, the firm does not have to incur agent costs and other costs associated with distribution such as transport costs, logistics and tax liabilities. The absorption of market risks by the distributor is especially advantageous to the company. Since a distributor is likely to offer credit to customers, more customers are attracted to the distributor which increases customer base. The disadvantages of using distributors is that the company is unlikely to exert strict control over their operations. It is upon distributors to act in a manner that is most profitable for them and how they market sell the product cannot be limited. Anti-trust laws in certain countries prohibit companies from dictating prices such that the company may not have control over the prices that the distributor sets. Any mistakes made by the distributor represents the company and this may impact in the companys product demand. Finally, distributors are often known to demand heavy discounts and credit terms since they claim that they are eliminating many trade risks for the company. Conclusion Having identified and scrutinized the applicability of the two methods of selling overseas, it is upon the company to make a decision on which one to take based on the characteristics identified. It is notable that the difference between an agent and a distributor is that the agent is a representative of the company to the customers but does not undertake physical distribution of the goods. The company therefore sells to the customer directly once the agent has convinced him to buy form the company. A distributor on the other hand buys goods from the company which are in turn sold to customers at a profit. There are advantages and disadvantages of using either method of distribution and it is the firms requirements that will determine the choice that ABLE Limited makes. Word Count: 1349 Bibliography Jansson, Hans. Industrial products: a guide to the international marketing economics model. UK: Haworth Press, 1994 Johnson, Thomas. Export/import procedures and documentation. New York: AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn, 2002

Roles And Responsibilities Of The Project Manager Construction Essay

Roles And Responsibilities Of The Project Manager Construction Essay As defined by Field and Keller (2007) Project management is the discipline of planning, organising, securing, managing, leading and controlling resources to achieve a specific outcome or outcomes during a defined time period and given resource constraints. It is a temporary endeavour which has a defined beginning and end which is aimed at achieving a set of specific goals and objectives. Elenbass (2000) has showed that achieving the project goals and objectives within the given time, schedule and cost constraints are the primary challenge of the project management. Hence the project managers must attempt to utilise the resources efficiently and effectively to meet the pre-defined standards of performance and to optimise the productivity of the resources. The aim of this assignment is to identify certain projects to achieve two main business objectives for the financial year of a large manufacturing organisation which has employed over 1250 employees including the office staff and factory workers; to reduce the movement of staff from the premises during the lunch break and to help the staff to develop a healthy life style as a part of the CSR of the entity and to reduce the absenteeism accordingly. Hence at the beginning of the paper several projects will be identified that are suggested to be feasible to implement to achieve these particular objectives. Then a specific project was selected and carried out the fundamental project management functions such as elaborated the and assess it for feasibility, cost and time management, select appropriate project methodology, establishing an appropriate management, administrative structure and etc. Task 01: Identifying Specific Projects There are two main objectives of that have to be achieved during the current financial year; Reducing the movement of staff from the companys premises during the ,lunch break which has created an issue overcrowding the local area Assist the companys staff to develop a healthy life style as a part of the policy of the organisation In order to achieve these objectives following factors should be considered before determining suitable projects; There are more than 1250 office staff and factory staff who have been employed in the company The staffs has been assigned with the range of different roles The offices and factory buildings are spread across an extensive area The is no existing catering services for the office staff or the factory workers Accordingly the company has been faced with the need for developing a proper plans and programs to reduce the matters relating to the movement of the employees during the lunch break and overcrowding the premises and closure area (Case Study). Hence author suggested that following alternative projects can be considered to address these issues and to achieve the above mentioned objectives; Setting up a separate building to providing catering services for the employees of the company Setting up a separate building to take the lunch and tea without providing the catering services at the premises Setting up a separate building and buy-in the external catering service Arrange lunch rooms in every separate building in the premises and setting small building to buy the meals from an external catering service A Chosen Project From the above mentioned alternative projects the first alternative (Setting up a separate building to providing catering services for the employees of the company) due to following reasons; This alternative provides a long-term solution for the problem The employees will be happy about the employer since they feel that the company care their needs This solution can be built and develop healthy relationships among the various staff of the company The objectives of CSR can be easily achieved As a pre-requirement of planning the project has to be sub-divided into major divisions. Accordingly following sub-divisions can be identified with the high level estimates of time, resources and costs. Project Sub-Division Description Time Estimates Resources Cost Estimates Constructing the Building This includes, Planning the building Estimating the costs and purchasing requirements Calling for tenders from the suppliers Selecting suppliers Constructing the building 2 months External Architectures Engineering Division and Top Management involvements including Budgetary committee Tender board Construction people and material Land  £5000 Arranging the Interior facilities This includes, Arranging the seating facilities Arranging the canteen including fixed assets such as fridges, cashiers, delivery tables, etc 1 month Financial resources Labour Clerical staff Fixed assets Management and coordination  £3000 Establishing the catering service This includes, Recruiting kitchen and canteen staff Purchasing fixed assets, equipments and goods for the kitchen and the canteen 2 months Clerical staff Human resource Division Financial resources Purchasing procedures Fixed assets  £2000Table 01: Project Plan Project Methodology PRINCE 2 Having identified the above fundamentals of the main project a suitable project methodology should be selected. There are several project methodologies can be identified in the Project Management literature such as the traditional approach, PRICE 2, Event Chain Methodology, Process Based Management, Critical Chain Project Management, etc. Among these the PRINCE 2 project management methodology is the best suit for the project under concern. As explained by Hutchings (2011) this method is a structured approach to project management which provides a clearly defined framework for project management. It describes how to coordinate people and activities of the project, how to design and supervise the project and what actions should be taken if the project reflects some deviations from the plan and planned outcomes. Accordingly each activity is structured with clear input and outputs allowing the automatic control of the project processes and efficiency of the resources. The following figu re shows a typical PRINCE 2 methodology. Figure 01: PRINCE 2 Methodology [Source: http://www.projectmanagement.net.au/prince2] Feasibility Assessment Feasibility Criteria Assessment Weighing Technical Feasibility The technical expertise for several aspects of the project should be made available from the external sources. Accordingly following services are available for the project; The project planning staff 100%The clerical staff Engineering and designing Budgetary committee And following technical skills should be outsourced; 80%Building architecture Construction engineering Cooking staff There are reliable sources to obtain these technical requirements for the project without greater difficulty. 90% Schedule Feasibility Schedule should be subjected to proper control (85%). 15% risk assessment is allowed. The expertise of the external constructors and technical services is assured 100% by the top management 92.5% Human Resource Feasibility The members of the corporate project staff are newly appointed. Therefore they should be subjected to proper guidance, controlling and monitoring procedures in order to get their full potential for the project work. In the catering services field and building construction their knowledge and experience are significantly lack and therefore effective consultation is required. Required labour for the project should be externally fulfilled since there are no idle labours that can be allocated for the project. 20% Financial Feasibility The financial for the project can be sourced in following ways; Welfare fund: 12.5% CSR Budget allocations: 25% Company Bank Accounts: 50% Employee Contribution: 12.5% 100% Operational Feasibility Since the project is to be carried out utilising the external labour is can be operated without disrupting the normal manufacturing and business operations. 90% Sharing best practices The project team is prepared to utilise the lessons in the past and to obtain information further from the external sources personally to make the project a success. 90% Table 02: Feasibility Assessment Nicholas (2009); Warner (2010); Borow (2010) Administrative Structure Based on the PRINCE 2 Project Methodology following structure can be developed for the management and administration of the project (Hartl, 2006). Project Planning Committee Site 01 Site 02 Site 03 Catering Service Arrangement Interior Facilitation Building Construction Construction Purchasing Arrangement Purchasing Recruiting Staff HR Division Purchasing Corporate Project Manager Budgeting CEO/ Director Board Steering Committee Figure 02: Administrative Breakdown structure Roles and Responsibilities of the Project Manager Haughey (2011) has pointed that the role of the project manager is to plan, approval, implementation, control, monitor and execution of the project. The execution involves the accumulating resources and coordinating the people and physical resources in order to perform the tasks effectively and efficiently to the standards of performance. Accordingly followings are the responsibilities of the project manager; Team leadership Documentation Developing schedules Activity planning and scheduling Planning and define scope Risk analysis Monitoring and reporting the progress Manage the risk issues Control the quality Realise the benefits Project Plan Based on the PRINCE 2 project methodology adopted the project plan should be prepared. Accordingly each process should be clearly defined with inputs and outputs and necessary performance standards and controls. Methodology should be inclusive of remedies for the potential deviations from the planned process. Accordingly following project plan is outlined for the project under consider (Frese, 2003). Order Task Name Start Date Duration End Date Resources 1 Building Construction 9/1/2012 60 10/31/2012 2 Planning the building 9/1/2012 7 9/8/2012 Architecture 3 Estimating the costs and purchasing requirements 9/9/2012 7 9/16/2012 Budgetary committee 4 Calling for tenders from the suppliers 9/17/2012 12 9/29/2012 Purchasing Dept 5 Selecting suppliers 9/30/2012 10 10/10/2012 Purchasing Dept 6 Purchasing procedure 10/11/2012 7 10/18/2012 Purchasing Dept 7 Constructing the building 10/19/2012 17 11/5/2012 Contractors 8 Preparing Interior facilities 11/6/2012 30 12/6/2012 9 Planning the interior arrangement (following the plan of the building) 11/6/2012 2 11/8/2012 Project planning team 10 Estimating the costs and purchasing requirements 11/9/2012 2 11/11/2012 Project planning team 11 Calling for tenders from the suppliers 11/12/2012 7 11/19/2012 Purchasing Dept 12 Selecting suppliers 11/20/2012 7 11/27/2012 Purchasing Dept 13 Purchasing procedure 11/28/2012 7 12/5/2012 Purchasing Dept 14 Arrangement 12/6/2012 5 12/11/2012 Labors, Project planning team 15 Establishing the catering service 12/12/2012 30 1/11/2013 16 Planning the Human Resource requirements 12/12/2012 7 12/19/2012 HR Division and Project Planning Team 17 Recruitment procedures 12/20/2012 7 12/27/2012 HR Division 18 Recruitment and Selection 12/28/2012 2 12/30/2012 HR Division 19 Estimating the costs and purchasing requirements 12/31/2012 7 1/7/2013 Project planning team 20 Purchasing procedure 1/8/2013 7 1/15/2013 Purchasing Dept 21 Closure of the project 1/16/2013 7 1/23/2013 22 Post project evaluation 1/16/2013 3 1/19/2013 Steering committee, Project manager and the team 23 Reporting 1/20/2013 2 1/22/2013 Project manager 24 Hand over the documents and project to the management 1/23/2013 1 1/24/2013 Project manager 25 Opening for employees 1/25/2013 1 1/26/2013 Project planning team, management and employees Table 03: Project Plan Task 02 Alternative Project Team Structures Team Structure Assessment Pure Project The project manager has the full authority over the project Every member reports to a one boss Line of communication is shortened Decisions are made quickly Motivation, team spirit and commitment are high The teams have not a sustainability after the project is completed due to ignorance of the organisational goals and objectives (Baguley, 2003) Functional One team member may be working on several projects The projects have been established within a certain functional division Motivation, team spirit and commitment are weak Project mangers role may not be defined clearly The aspects of the project that are not directly related with the functional area may be ineffectively achieved Matrix Project Project team composed of people from different functional areas so that all aspects of the project are equally fulfilled and considered Project manager has defined roles and responsibilities Communication among the functional divisions is improved and enhanced There would have two bosses; project manager and the functional manager There is a high risk for failure of the project unless the project manager possesses strong negotiating skills (Mullins, 2007) Table 04: Alternative Project Team Structure Interpersonal Skills for Project Manager According to Yeong (2011) following interpersonal skills are crucially important for the project managers in order to successfully manage the progress and people of the project. Leadership and influencing skills Team building Motivation Communication Decision making Negotiating Political and cultural awareness Quality Management Process According to Borow, (2010) the quality management process for the project under concern is as follows; Quality planning: The goal of the project: To establish a canteen for the employees of the company including office staff and factory workers in order to reduce the overcrowding in the local area and to promote healthy foods Expected deliverables: The building: spacious sufficiently to gather employees, clean, proper waste and water disposal methods, Catering service: established within the company premises, clean and healthy foods, affordable prices for all staff, availability of choices Measuring the success: Post project evaluation, questionnaire survey among the employees, physical performance of the building, water and waste disposal systems Quality Assurance In order to assure the quality of the deliverables, following steps will be followed; Building: utilise the best materials, get the services of the well-known constructors, utilise the service of the recognised and assured architectures and designers Catering service: employ most skilled and well-experienced cooking staff, set the conditions for service relating to quality, clean and healthy foods, ensure tidy environment Quality control In order to control the quality of the deliverables, evaluations and suggestions of the following persons will be considered. The physical tests of the engineering heads Assurance of the HR division relating to the competency of the canteen staff Physical verification by the project team and the management of the waste disposal systems The employees of the company Managing Project Change Proposals Changes are possible in course of the projects due to various implications of the project management and stakeholder influences. Following typical change management procedure will be followed to ensure the changes are properly managed during the project ensuring the success. Figure 03: Change Management during the Course of the Project [Source: http://product-ivity.com/project-change-management/] Possible Issues and Risks As shown by Viney (2004) following project risks and issues should be encountered. Risk / Issue Description Business/ Inherent Risk Culture and politics that are prevailing within the organisation may affect the project execution, monitoring and controlling. Project specific risk The skills of the project team, as discussed earlier are considerably insufficient for this project. Hence there is a high need for proper control, execution and supervision of the project leadership during the work Stage risk Risk associated with the each sub-division of the project Table 05: Possible Risks Monitoring and Evaluation In order to monitor and control the project work successfully the stakeholder analysis can be adopted. As claimed by Kerzner, (2004, pp 358). The stakeholder analysis helps to identify the persons or the groups that should be involved in the decision making process of the project and to whom, what and how to disseminate the information about the project. Additionally the stakeholders would affect and involve in the change management and control procedures. By identifying and defining their needs the project manager can effectively determine how should the project be monitored and on what bases or criteria the project should be evaluated. Accordingly following analysis can be used for the monitoring and evaluation purposes of the project. Stakeholder type Parties may included Requirements Critically affect the success of the project Budgetary committee Top management External services Project team Comply with the organizational policies, practices and system procedures Effective Reporting Proper coordination and availability of resources Legally required to participate The local government officers To ensure the construction of a building in the local area Have specific expertise on project The project planning team Steering committee Project team including the project manager Building constructors and designers Engineering HR Division The right quality and standards of performance of the relevant deliverables Beneficiaries The employees The company The improved and quality environment Healthy and clean foods Affordable prices Continuous maintenance System to detect and manage issues As Frese, (2003) explained, the project charter can be used as a source document in order to detect and manage issues of the project. This document includes all of the following details; Deliverables Constraints Risks Resources Acceptance criteria Cost and man-hour estimations Risk management policy Resources requirement Benefits and impacts Link to the corporate business and CSR strategy Conclusion Project management is dealt with managing projects effectively within the given triple constraints of cost, time and schedule. In order to manage a project successfully the project managers and team members should possess a range of skills, experience and competencies. If the project team armed with necessary skills and competencies or has the quick access to reliable sources, the project can be achieved successfully. Further interpersonal skills are highly important for the project managers. Since, especially in the matrix team structure the project manager plays a significant role by effectively negotiating with the functional managers and the employees assigned from various functional areas to discharge the project tasks. There are main three types of team structures that can be used to organise the project team. The project must be subjected to properly established quality control processes and the outcomes should be benchmarked in order to ensure the expected deliverables. Stake holder analysis can be used to monitor and evaluate the project based on the nature and purpose.

Themes of Desirees Baby Essay -- essays research papers

â€Å"Dà ©sirà ©e’s Baby† is a story of love, prejudice and rejection, a story with noble beginnings that slowly turns to reveal an uglier side of human relations. Armand, a wealthy landowner of the plantation L’Abri in the ante-bellum south of Louisiana, is confronted by a family secret that has been hidden from him, even into adulthood. The secret is scandalous for its day, and its consequences run deep into the fabric of society. No one told Armand of this secret. He discovers it by chance at the end of the story, when he finds the remnants of an old letter written by his mother to his father, the significance of which, and its revelations, makes us focus on the many tragic and ironic decisions made by him during this story. In the old south, bloodlines are very important to the status of a family and their social placement, so the â€Å"purity† of the family must be kept. This â€Å"purity† does not accommodate marriages of mixed race. Knowing this, Armand marries an old friend who he had known since he was eight when he moved to Louisiana from France with his father after his mother had died. She was a girl of no distinction, who had no history or reputation of family name like that of Armand, but despite this he fell in love â€Å"as if struck by a pistol shot†.(317). Others had warned Arman d against marrying her, but he did not care for he was so swept away by her beauty. â€Å"He was reminded that she was nameless. What did it matter about a name when he could give her one of the oldest and proudest in Louisiana.† (316). Tragedy comes early in the marriage with the birth of their first child. Although no one seemed to notice at first, by the time the child was three months old, neighbors and Armand himself noticed a change in the child. â€Å"W... ...loved and so easily discarded to protect his family name, were innocent of his animosity and accusations. We can only imagine the heart wrenching turmoil he must have felt at that moment. Too, was the undeniable fact that his father had overcome similar odds and accepted the love of his mother even though she was black. Armand’s father had escaped from tradition and its shackles to stay with the woman he loved and yet still kept the family’s good name, where Armand had failed to do so. The finding of this letter reveals to the reader the deeper consequences of decisions made based on prejudice and what others may think. All that Armand had done, giving up his marriage and condemning their child, burning all that reminded him of her and the baby, cursing God for his misfortune, had all come crashing in upon him by finding a simple letter with tragic â€Å"significance

Essay --

First Name: Francisca Last Name: Morel Subject: English 100 The Unbelievable Truth behind Video Games â€Å"Children began playing video games for increasing amount of times, and the games themselves became more graphically violent over time. Parents, educators, physicians, and researchers began to question what the impact of these changes might be† (qtd in The Effect of Video Games: What Parents Need to Know). Thus, for the past decades, video games have become the subject of many controversial debates and they have been â€Å"frequently criticized by parents, politicians, and sociologists.† However, their arguments against video games have overshadowed the importance of playing video games. In reality, playing video games can greatly contribute to the welfare of the American society. Video games are educationally beneficial for children. In the article â€Å"Effect of Video Games: What Parents Need to Know†, Dr. Douglas clearly stated that â€Å"video games are natural teachers. Children find them highly motivating; by virtue of their interactive nature, children are actively engaged with them; they provide repeated practice; and they include rewards for skillful play. †¦video games have been shown to teach children healthy skills and have been successful at imparting the attitudes, and behaviors that they were designed to teach.† For example, â€Å"playing a golf video game improved students' actual control of force when putting, even though the video game gave no bodily feedback on actual putting movement or force.† â€Å"Traditional games teach kids basic everyday skills, according to Ian... ...Although many politicians, parents, and sociologists have fought against video games, it can be concluded that playing video games can contribute to the welfare of our society. â€Æ' Work Cited Douglas, Gentile. "The Effects of Video Games on Children: What Parents Need to Know ." Pediatrics for Parents. Pediatrics for Parents, n.d. Web. 6 Oct 2013. . Steinbeirg, Scott. "The Benefits of Video Games." ABC News. ABC News, 26 Dec 2011. Web. 6 Oct 2013. . Gallagher, Danny. "7 Health Benefits of Playing Video Games." The Week. The Week , 10 March 2013. Web. 6 Oct 2013. .

Theme of Change in The Crucible, Sky High, Titanic, and The Colour Purp

The global social systems throughout history and today are a constant movement of change seen in emotional, mental and physical patterns. Changes alter perception and perception can manipulate things to change. â€Å"The Crucible† by Arthur Miller, â€Å"Sky High† by Hannah Roberts, â€Å"Titanic† directed by James Cameron and â€Å"The Colour Purple† by Alice Walker, convey the concept of change in an inevitable occurrence or voluntary decisions throughout all aspects of life. Throughout the four texts, various techniques are used to portray these messages, for instance, anecdote, juxtaposition, music, and film techniques. Miller incorporates the character Reverend John Hale in â€Å"The Crucible† as representation of the whole changing town of Salem. Hale is a paradoxical figure that discovers the absence of evil in the people due to the injustices of court decisions. When Rev. Hale first arrives in Salem in Act one, he is very objective about the whole situation of witchery. He questions Tituba and Abigail about all the events that occurred in the forest such as the girls' dancing, and he believes â€Å"witchery† was involved. The Salem witchcraft trials began as a result. Hale's personal feelings tell him that Abigail and her friends are innocent, but his Puritan background prevents him from questioning the authority of the court. However in Act Three, Hale realizes that John Proctor, the accused, is an honest man when he would willingly ruin his own reputation in the hopes of exposing Abigail as a â€Å"whore†, and denounces the proceedings and left. Ironically, Rev. Hale retur ns to Salem to encourage the accused to lie in order to save their lives. This demonstrates that Hale's beliefs changed dramatically as a result of the injustices of the court. He be... ...e right,† but she says it’s all she has. Eventually, Celie stops thinking of God as she stops thinking of the other men in her life and tells God off, writing, â€Å"You must be sleep.† But after Celie has chased her patriarchal God away and come up with a new concept of God, she writes in her last letter, â€Å"Dear God. Dear stars, dear sky, dear peoples. Dear Everything. Dear God.† This re-imagining of God on her own terms symbolizes Celie’s move from an object of someone else’s care to an independent woman. Walker emphasizes here that the ability to express one’s thoughts and feelings is crucial to developing a sense of self. Individuals and groups are influenced by change that is cataclysmic, whether it would be inevitable or voluntary. As discussed above, change can be seen as acceptance. Once one accepts this change it is adopted but one must live to fulfill it.

Thesis Title

How to Make a Good Thesis Title A thesis title is the first thing a reader will encounter upon picking up your paper. It should provide a concise view of the topic your paper will address, as well as give a sense of what angle you are approaching the issue from. Titles will need to be crafted very carefully and might change many times over the course of writing a thesis paper, as the focus of your writing shifts and you tease out different nuances of the subject.Give yourself a chance to make a positive first impression with your title by making it descriptive representative of your overall work. Instructions: 1. Your thesis title most importantly should not be a bland statement on the topic your paper covers, no matter how specific. Thesis titles should generally be as carefully worded as the arguments and researched contained in your paper. Make an effort to come up with multiple possible titles that reflect your work. 2. Make sure you have the exact format required for your work o r assignment.The most basic format for a thesis title includes a shorter main title that generally describes the work and a longer subtitle that explains the finer details of your research; these are often separated by a colon. If the guidelines for your thesis call for the title to be organized differently, follow them as closely as possible. 3. Conduct a survey using your possible titles to determine which one is the best. Present your classmates and teachers with a short list of your three favorite titles and ask them which appeals to them most.Once you have a clear choice, go back through your paper to make sure that your title is consistent with the tone and point of view of your thesis. 4. If your paper deals specifically with a time period, make sure to mention this in the title. Include the dates or years at the end of the subtitle, following a colon. As an example, if your thesis addressed the last years of World War II, your title might read â€Å"Ending the Conflict: War fare in Central Europe, 1943-1945. † Tips & Warnings †¢Look through professional journals and college essays to see which titles rab your attention while still giving you a good idea of what to expect in the paper. †¢Do not attempt to write a thesis title before you have at least a rough outline of what the body of your paper is about. A thesis that is not targeted to the information in your work will leave the reader confused as to what your paper is about. In addition, do not simply write a dry description of your essay and assume it will work as a title. Titles should be informative, but including a bit of humor or levity (depending on the subject) can help your paper's appeal expand.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Paper Essay

The play A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare is a comedy that follows a short part in four young lover’s lives, Hermia who is in love with Lysander, and Helena who is in love with Demetrius. The plot thickens when Hermia is forced by her father, Egeus, to a loveless marriage with Demetrius. If Hermia chooses not to marry Demetrius, she would be killed, or forced to become a nun. Not being able to wed the women he is in love with Lysander asks Hermia to run off and elope. Helena, who was once engaged to Demetrius, was then left in the cold when Demetrius decided to marry Hermia instead. Attempting to win back Demetrius’ love, Helena tells him of Hermia and Lysander’s plan to elope. This then backfires and Demetrius takes off to chase his â€Å"new love† Hermia. A distort, heart-broken Helena follows after her lost love into the forest. In the forest, King of the fairies, Oberon witnesses an altercation between distressed Helena and a determined Demetrius. â€Å"I love thee not; There for pursue me not†¦Hence get, thee gone and follow me no more. (II.i l.195-201)† Felling sorry for Helena, who was doing nothing but showing how loyal, and devoted to Demetrius she was. Oberon showing empathy for Helena commands the fairy Puck ( also referred to as Robin Goodfellow) to use the flower to make Demetrius fall back in love with Helena. â€Å"A sweet Athenian lady is in love, with a disdainful youth. Anoint his eyes, but do it when the next thing he espies may be the lady. Thou shalt know the man by the Athenian garments he hath on. Affect it with some care that he may prove more found on her than she upon her love†¦ (II.ii l 266-274)† â€Å"Yet marked I where the bolt of Cupid fell. It fell upon a little western flower, Before milk-white, now purple with love’s wound. And maidens call it â€Å"love-in-idleness.†(II.i l 171-175).† The â€Å"love-in-idleness† was an ordinary white flower, mistakenly stuck by Cupid’s arrow, the flower then changed color and received magical powers. The flower obtained the traits’ of Cupid. Drawing its powers from god of love, the flower has the ability to make one fall in love. When the nectar of the flower is placed upon the eyelids of a sleeping or â€Å"idle† man or woman it will have them fall in love with the first creature they see when they awaken. Therefore the flower receiving its mystical name, â€Å"love-in-idleness† comes from how the power is drawn from the flower. Puck sets out to find the one who bares the â€Å"Athenian garments† and stumbles upon Hermia and Lysander. Puck believes he has found the one his master set him out to find and applies the potion to sleeping Lysander. In the mean while Helena is still stumbling through the woods, eventually finding Lysander. â€Å"But who is here? Lysander, on the ground? Dead or asleep? I see no blood, no wound. Lysander, if you live, good sir, awake (II.ii l 106-109)† Helena attempts to wake Lysander in fears that he has died. Due to the potion when Lysander is awakened he has fallen in love with Helena. Helena then believes that this is all a big joke and exits to escape Lysander ridicule, Lysander then follows to attempt to convince her that his love is true. Hermia then awakens from a nightmare to find that her love has gone and declares that she must find him soon or she shall die. Oberon notices that Puck has applied the love potion to the wrong man; he had applied it to Lysander, and not Demetrius. Oberon quickly attempts to remedy the situation, and sends Puck out to find Helena, because Oberon is going to personally place the potion on Demetrius’ eyes. â€Å"About the wood go swifter than the wind, And Helena of Athens look thou find All fancy-sick she is and pale of cheer, With sighs of love, that costs the fresh blood dear. By some illusion see thou bring her here. I’ll charm his eyes against she do appear. (III.ii l 95-100)† Lysander and Helena return to where sleeping Demetrius lies, Demetrius then wakes to see Helena, and now both men are in love with Helena. Helena sees this as yet another mockery of her, and demands to know why they gang up on her. While the men argue over who loves Helena more than the other, Hermia renters. Wondering why Lysander left her alone, he responds by telling her that he is no longer in love with her but with good friend Helena. This then create an argument between friends, Helena is in shock that Hermia would get involved with such trickery. The men, stuck under the flower’s spell are ready to fight to the death for Helena’s hand. â€Å"Thou seest these lovers seek a place to fight. Hie therefore, Robin, overcast the night. The starry welkin cover thou anon With drooping fog as black as Acheron, And lead these testy rivals so astray As one come not within another’s way. Like to Lysander sometime frame thy tongue, Then stir Demetrius up with bitter wrong. And sometime rail thou like Demetrius. And from each other look thou lead them thus, Till o’er their brows death-counterfeiting sleep With leaden legs and batty wings doth creep.† Oberon is determined to fix the wrong doing by their medaling he tells puck to separate and exhaust the men so that they shall sleep yet again. When the men fall asleep Oberon gives Puck a different flower that can remove the spell and set thing right. After the nectar from the second flower is placed on Lysander’s eyelids all is set right and the argument has seemed to be nothing more than a dream. Now all is set right in the world of love, no potions to interfere, and all are back with the ones that they are meant to love. Men who where once enemies are now friends. All four awake in the same spot to start discussing this â€Å"dream† that they all had. All unsure wither they are still asleep, or truly wakened set off to find the Duke and Hermia’s father. As one reads this play, they will noticed that in this tale of mixed love only the males had the potion applied to their eyes. As one starts to wonder why this has happened, many logically theories can be established. But that’s just it, the reason that the men are the only ones who receive the potion is because men love logically. Whereas women love from the heart, and human logic and reason can be easily altered. â€Å"Content with Hermia? No. I do repent The tedious minutes I with her have spent. Not Hermia but Helena I love. Who will not change a raven for a dove? The will of man is by his reason swayed, And reason says you are the worthier maid. (II.ii l 118-123)† A quote take from Lysander after her has had the potion applied to his eyes, and is trying to convince Helena that he â€Å"truly† loves her. Logic plays a huge role in how men of this time think, and â€Å"love.† Demetrius in the beginning of the play is contacted by Hermia’s father, and is promised riches and a rise in social class if he was to marry his daughter. Although he was in love with Helena, as soon as he hears this news he pushes her aside for a new seat in power. Whereas Helena’s reaction to Demetrius leaving her, they take off to the woods to chase after Lysander and Hermia Demetrius does everything in his power to convince Helena he does not love her. Helena spends the entire play attempting to earn Demetrius’ love back. Through all the tears and the insults, Helena never gives up on attempting to get her love back. If a woman did not love from the heart, but rather her mind Helena would have long given up on Demetrius, she would have not chased him for so long. When Lysander was confessing his â€Å"love† to her, a logical lover would have for gotten about Demetrius, and gone with Lysander. But Helena denied Lysander, convinced he still truly loved Hermia, was convinced that this was all a big joke. Helena also proves that woman love from the heart is when she first finds Lysander. â€Å"But who is here? Lysander, on the ground? Dead or asleep? I see no blood, no wound. Lysander, if you live, good sir, awake. (II.ii l 106-109)† In Helena’s mind that a man in love would never leave his love (that he ran away with) unless something as horrible as death has happened. The logical lover (thinker) would just assume that he was sleeping and Hermia wondered off for something, or the two could have gotten in a fight, but never jump right to death. After all said and done in this play logic and love play huge roles. Wither it be to stand beside the one you love, or change who you â€Å"love† for power. Men and Women of this time are very different creatures, just like in modern times. One can argue that love still works the same way, that all a man see’s is beauty, where a woman loves you for you, your inner beauty.

M&M’s Case Study Essay

1. Introduction and Background The major purposes of effective leadership and management consist in timely monitoring of organisational environment, development of adequate responses to environmental challenges and further strategic planning and changes[1]. Relevant leadership strategies and implications can solve numerous business challenges and help organisations to overcome diverse external as well as internal pressures and crises[2]. This strategic report is aimed at the identification of the key business challenges of M&M’s through external and internal analysis and further development of solutions and specific recommendations on how effective leadership can meet these challenges in this organisation. M&M’s is a popular confectionary brand, which belongs to Mars Incorporated. The brand’s name is an abbreviation for its creators such as Mars and Murrie. The main products of M&M’s are chocolate and peanut colourful candies with the letter ‘m’ on one side[3]. The product was firstly launched during the World War II, and the main customer of M&M’s was the US army. In 1980, the firm began its foreign market expansion[4]. Nowadays, Mars Inc., the parent company, is one of the biggest confectionery manufacturers in the world. M&M’s chocolate beans are sold in more than 70 countries around the world. The company employs more than 40,000 people all over the globe. It should be noted that M&M’s is a private firm, which started from a family business. In 2010, total revenue of the parent company, Mars, constituted $30 billion[5]. M&M’s uses flat organisation structure, which makes the company very responsive to the needs of its em ployees as well as customer. The main competitors of M&M’s are Hershey, Nestle, Cadbury and Kraft Foods[6]. M&M’s business strategy consists in maintaining high quality of the production alone with high volume and low prices. 2. Environment Monitoring Research and development (R&D) department has always been of great importance for M&M’s. It has been mentioned in the background that multi-level efficiency is one the main principles of the firm. To achieve this efficiency, the company relies on its own market research and general industry publications and analyses[7]. The company’s success formula consists in in-depth customer engagement practices, through which tastes and preferences of customers are studied and analyses. For instance, in 2002, M&M’s monitored customer environment through the internet survey method, when the target population was proposed to select a new colour if candies. As a result, purple candies were added to M&M’s production[8]. Furthermore, it should be noted that in the early 2000s, the external environment began to rapidly change. In response, M&M’s needed to develop adequate measures and strategies in order to remain competitive the market. In this case, M&M’s decided to implement the ‘launch and learn’ approach, which can be considered another successful method of monitoring the environment[9]. As a result, ‘My M&M’s’ brand was introduced to the customers. The main idea of the new brand consisted in customisation. Customers could order chocolate beans, but instead of the letter ‘m’, they could request their names or even images. In-depth market research and monitoring were also made after the launch of the new sub-brand. The new product turned out to be successful and appreciated by customers. In addition, it should be noted that M&M’s uses the benchmarking method when new marketing strategies are tested in smaller focus groups[10]. 3. External and Internal Analysis In order to understand external environment of a company, the PESTEL framework is frequently implemented. It should be noted that PESTEL is an acronym, which stands for political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal environmental factors[11]. Political †¢ M&M’s sells its chocolate beans in more than 70 countries all over the world[12]. If the government of a country is unstable, it can negatively affect the firm and its sales. For instance, quotas on imports and other restrictions may be introduced. In these conditions, M&M’s will be able to bring only a specific amount of chocolate beans to the local market. The main examples of such countries are Serbia, Thailand, China, etc.[13]. †¢ The main M&M’s markets of presence are the US and the UK, which are characterised by low political risks[14]. Economic †¢ The global economic crisis has negatively affected customers’ buying capacity. However, it should be mentioned, that chocolate beans are a fast-moving consumer good. Thus, it can be sold quickly even during economically pressing times and at low prices unlike cars and electronics, which are durable and high-priced commodities[15]. †¢ As a multinational company, M&M’s opens new factories in different countries. The company hires employees and helps to decrease unemployment in developing economies such as Brazil, Kazakhstan, Mexico, etc. In turn, M&M’s also suffers from unemployment and other macroeconomic conditions in these economies. †¢ The market has reached maturity yet, neither in the US, nor in other countries[16]. Social †¢ The company produces chocolate beans, which are demanded by wide categories of buyers, from kids to adults. †¢ The company’s products are very popular with special events such as weddings and birthdays. †¢ The public is worried about the quality standards used in the company[17]. Technological †¢ Contemporary marketing strategies require from M&M’s using online sales and online customer involvement. Customer engagement marketing methods are also required where the internet serves as the playground[18]. Environmental factors †¢ Chocolate beans production cannot be classified as highly damaging to the environment and employees’ health. †¢ However, M&M’s depends on the production of cocoa beans and weather conditions in which they are cultivated. Such input material as cocoa beans are unlikely to run out[19]. Legal factors †¢ M&M’s has to follow the regulations of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food Drug Administration (FDA) on the chocolate candies production[20]. †¢ M&M’s has to follow the legislation in all countries where it operates. †¢ M&M’s has to protect its employees’ rights and freedoms. The next step of environmental scanning is SWOT analysis. This analytical framework will help to identify the company’s internal, including strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunities (O) and threats (T)[21]. The SWOT analysis also helps to determine whether the company’s resources and capabilities are enough to compete with other organisations in the marker[22]. Strengths †¢ Strong and well-known brand name; †¢ Belonging to the family of the largest confectionary firm; †¢ M&M’s operates in over 65 countries around the globe[23]; †¢ Good reputation among customers and suppliers; †¢ High operational efficiency; †¢ High-quality products[24]; †¢ M&M’s chocolate beans are the best selling candies in the market; †¢ New brand ‘My M&M’s’, which offers customisation; †¢ Strong leadership and teamwork; †¢ Good resource allocation; †¢ Ability to listen to employees’ and customers’ ideas[25]. Weaknesses †¢ M&M’s promotional campaigns require considerable funding; †¢ Employees are resistant to change; †¢ Complex business environment, which causes interest conflicts; †¢ Flat organisational structure has some disadvantages. For example, one employee may have a few bosses. Furthermore, this structure type may limit the company’s growth. †¢ Mars Incorporated was criticised for contracting with low-cost African suppliers of cocoa beans, who used child labour[26]; †¢ Lack of innovative ideas and no recent innovations in the product range. Opportunities †¢ Further market expansion; †¢ Wider diversification of products in the foreign markets; †¢ To meet customer demand; †¢ Technology improvement and development[27]; †¢ Innovation; †¢ Creation of brand-new goods; †¢ Elimination of disadvantages related to flat structure[28]. Threats †¢ Lack of innovations can cause shifts in consumer tastes. To be more specific, customers can stop buying old and outmoded candies and start buying new candies with innovated product and package design. †¢ The number of competitors may increase[29]; †¢ Further growth of trade barriers; †¢ Decrease in consumer demand; †¢ M&M’s rivals’ innovated design can give competitive advantage. The Cultural Web analysis helps to see a more comprehensive and bigger picture of the company’s culture[30]. The framework consists of 6 separate dimensions, which are stories, symbols, power structures, organisational structures, control systems and rituals and routines[31]. Stories Mars Incorporated, the owner of M&M’s, is one of the greatest examples of the so-called ‘American dream’ realisation. Founded in 1911, Mars became a multi-national company with more than 50,000 employees very quickly. Workers of the firm are viewed as the most valuable asset. This idea is one of the main company’s focuses. Employees work in a highly motivating and inspiring environment[33]. They are given bonuses for coming to work on time, which stimulates their performance and productiveness[34]. Symbols Small panned chocolate candies covered with coloured edible shell, which does not allow chocolate to melt in one’s hands, prove to be the major symbol of the company. Furthermore, the letter ‘m’, which stands for M&M’s name is a highly recognisable symbol. In addition, excellent quality and great taste have made M&M’s the world’s best selling candies[35]. Power Structure Mars Incorporated, the parent company of M&M’s, was established as a family business. It was founded by Frank Mars in 1911 in Tacoma. Today, John Mars, a grandson of Frank Mars, is the chairman of the company. Paul Michaels is the company’s CEO at the moment. All the serious decisions in the company are made by the members of the Mars family[36]. Middle managers are given less power in the organisation. They are responsible for ‘insider’ management, and do not participate in taking strategic decisions. Organisational Structure The company has a flat organisational structure. This means that the number of intermediates between top managers and employees is reduced to a minimum. Hence, the role of middle managers is nearly eliminated[37]. Employees are actively involved the corporate decision-making process and can easily access the senior management. This type of organisational structure allows improving communication between management and workers. The company is teamwork oriented, which is another benefit of the flat structure type[38]. Control Systems It has been mentioned that one of the major corporate values and principles in Mars and M&M’s is efficiency. The company’s aim is to generate the maximum revenue using minimum input materials and resources. Another important value is quality, which needs to be given considerable attention and accurately controlled. The company relies on an internal control system, which guarantees achievement of such objectives, as efficiency and compliance with the relevant laws and regulations. Other departments of the organisation are manufacturing, marketing, sales, human resource, research and development, supply, communications and finance[39]. Rituals and Routines Unchanged design of chocolate beans since 1941 may be viewed as one of the key rituals of M&M’s. The firm regularly organises informal events for its employees, which improve communication between organisational members and facilitate learning in the workplace. The slogan of the company illustrates the main distinctive feature of M&M’s chocolate beans: â€Å"Melt in your mouth, not in your hands†[40], which builds strong associations with M&M’s candies. This slogan stimulates customers to test the firm’s promise. Hence, eating chocolate beans that do not melt in hands has become another important ritual. Another important analytical framework, which helps to understand the overall degree of rivalry in the industry where the company operates, is Porter’s Five Forces[41]. According to this model, each industry is influenced by five forces, namely supplier power, buyer power, threats of new entrants, threats of substitutes and degree of rivalry. Supplier power There are plenty of suppliers all over the world that sell cocoa beans. M&M’s buys considerable amount of cocoa beans and is dependent on prices set by the suppliers. Even insignificant growth of prices can result in increase in the prices for the final production by M&M’s. On the other hand, M&M’s can easily switch suppliers since it does not have long-term obligations. Thus, supplier power is low[42]. Buyer power M&M’s is presented in more than 70 countries. This means that the firm’s customers are many and they are highly fragmented. No single customer can significantly impact M&M’s and their pricing policy. It can be concluded that the buyer power is low[43]. Threats of new entrants New entrants in the confectionery market are possible. However, new market players need to meet huge capital requirements in order to enter the market and start accumulating large market share. For this reason, it may be assumed that the threats of new entrants are medium[44]. Threats of substitutes There are plenty of other large multinational companies and highly recognisable brands in the confectionary market (e.g. Kraft Foods, Nestle, Hershey Co and Cadbury). If M&M’s will demonstrate weak innovativeness and creativeness in product range, customers can easily switch to alternative manufacturers and their goods. Threats of substitutes may be evaluated as high[45].