Monday, September 30, 2019

Dr. Stragelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb Essay

â€Å"Dr. StrangeLove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb† was directed by Stanley Kubrick in 1964. Irreverence and satire are used many times in this film. Serious events are often portrayed lightly or made humorous. An example of this is the scene where Mandrake finds the codes to recall the planes, but doesn’t have the right amount of change make the call on the payphone. The whole world depends on whether or not he makes the call, but all the audience does is shake their heads and smile. This is an example of irreverence because the situation is dire, yet the people don’t seem worried or willing to help. Black humor was used in the schene in the plane where Major Kong stops to put on his cowboy hat. I thought this was an example of black humor as well because instead of doing something else more productive, he decides to go put on his cowboy hat. Another instance of black humor is when they find lipstick and chewing gum in the military survival kit. The use of black humor causes the tone of this film to be funny with a grim, serious undertone. Many parts are funny, but then you remember this is based on real events and things people were actually scared of happening once. An example of irony in Dr. StrangeLove is when there is a dogfight between two American troops, and a sign that says â€Å"Peace is our Profession† is shown. Then the General tells his troops to â€Å"shoot first and ask questions later†. This is clear example of irony because the sign says peace, but there is fighting. Another example of irony is when the General was very casual about putting the base on lockdown. There could be a nuclear war breaking out, but he doesn’t seem to be worried at all. The use of irony makes the tone of this film have a mocking tone. My favorite scene in the film was when General Ripper is talking to Mandrake about water. He tells Mandrake â€Å"on no account will a commie ever drink water†, that they only drink vodka. I like it because I find the generalizations the General makes funny, and how he keeps going on and on about water without really having a point. I think Kubrik’s purpose in writing this film was to illustrate the idea of mutual destruction. The film achieved this, and also let people laugh about a very real and scary situation.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

A Farewell to Arms †Existentialism Essay

Ernest Hemingway’s ‘A Farewell to Arms’ explores notions surrounding both love and war. However it is not a love story, and nor is it a war story. It is a combination of both that allows for Hemingway to discuss what he is truly interested in: Existentialism. Existentialism is a philosophy that developed from the concept that there is no inherent meaning in life. However, we can create meaning. A Farewell to Arms is an exploration of this, but more than that, it’s an exploration of the reality of this in that; meaning in life doesn’t last forever, and when it’s gone, it leaves us with no logic and no hope, just nothingness. Hemingway uses his protagonist Frederic Henry to support his existentialist views. He does this, firstly by creating meaning in Frederic’s life. Hemingway creates Catherine for him. Their love is only a game at first, Frederic admits â€Å"God knows [he] had not wanted to fall in love with anyone. † However, it becomes so much more than that. Towards the end of the novel, if Catherine isn’t with him he â€Å"[hasn’t] a thing in the world†. Hemingway makes a point of foreshadowing this inevitable fact early on, when we are privy to Frederick’s thoughts as he contemplates that â€Å"It was a long time since [he] had written to the States and [he] knew [he] should write but [he] had let it go so long that it was almost impossible to write now. † Throughout the book, the people he associates with; Rinaldi, the men in his regiment, everyone, they all disappear. Finally, he’s left with Catherine, and their unborn baby. Other than them, he has no one. If they were to leave, he would be left alienated. Hemingway was not interested in the love story, or the war story. He was merely interested in communicating his views on the world to his readers. Predominantly, he was interested in communicating his views on existentialism. He was interested in what he considered to be reality. In reality, people die. In reality, our loved ones leave us, and in reality, when that happens there is no meaning, no logic and no hope. Hemingway demonstrates this through the climactic, yet painfully dismal ending to his piece. In bringing about the possibility that Catherine, Frederic’s only meaning in life, could die, he creates a springboard for discussing his philosophical views through Frederic. This forces us, as an audience, to contemplate upon his contention; â€Å"That was what you did. You died. You did not know what it was about. You never had time to learn. They threw you in and told you the rules and the first time they caught you off base they killed you†¦ they killed you in the end. You could count on that. † Hemingway uses his protagonist to establish this, and through Frederic’s reaction to Catherine’s death, he reveals to us the truth within his philosophy. It’s a point that is slowly built up to within A Farewell to Arms, but it’s one that hits Hemingway’s audience with a sounding resonance. The last line to his novel conveys the perfect, dismal imagery of a man with nothing left; a man who has â€Å"left the hospital and walked back to the hotel in the rain†. Throughout the whole novel ‘rain’ has symbolised loss and grief. It leaves a strong impression, making it the final last word of the novel, Frederic having now lost the last thing that made his life worthwhile. Hemingway’s entire novel is a lead up to this one point on existentialism. The world has no inherent meaning. We can create meaning within it, and any meaning that is within it has been created by us. However on the flip side of that, when the meaning that we have created is gone, there is nothing left for us to fall back on. When that meaning is gone, we’re left staring into an abyss. A Farewell to Arms is not a love story, and it’s not a war story either. It’s a comment upon the actuality of, and the nature of, existentialism as a prevailing philosophy. By creating Frederic and the characters around him, Hemingway demonstrates the logic of this theory, and he shows how when a man loses everything that he has created himself, in his life, in the end there is no more meaning, there is no logic, no hope. In the end, there is really nothing left, but the rain. Kaitlin Cushing.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Chapter 8 Case Study

How does Wrangler’s new B2C e-commerce site assist Wrangler’s brand recognition and marketing efforts? Wrangler’s new B2C e-commerce site assists Wrangler’s brand recognition and marketing efforts in many ways. Their brand recognition was already high since their company started in 1904. They have grown since their first owner, C. C. Hudson started out with only several sewing machines. Their company has become known country-wide. Their next step to grow even more was to enable purchases through their e-commerce site. Wrangler has made a site with goals to be exceptional from their competitor’s. They have enabled their customers to now be able to purchase online. They are also presenting their site in the best quality website and that proves that their marketing efforts are positive. Without these marketing efforts, no one would like to use their site and would prefer to just visit a brick-and-mortar store. If their website would have not been successful, they would have lost a lot of money by implementing the site to just be a failure. 2. What goals did Wrangler set for its e-commerce site? Visit www. wrangler. com. Do you think its new site meets those goals? Wrangler had several goals set for its e-commerce site. One goal that they had was that it needed to provide visitors with a view into the spirit behind the Wrangler brand. They wanted their site to utilize the latest technologies. The reason that Wrangler wanted to have the latest technologies because they wanted to show that Wrangler is tech savvy and they also wanted the Wrangler’s marketing department to be able to present their products in the best way. I do believe this site meets these goals. It was very organized and user-friendly and it was easy on the eyes. I did not find the site to be distracting or take away from their product but instead enhance on how great their product truly is. Without having a successful site, they would be taking away possible customers because they would be less likely to shop online. E-commerce is very important for profits. Critical Thinking Questions: 1. Wrangler targets a very specific type of person with its marketing and Web site. How would you describe that group? What risks and benefits do companies assume when they target specific types of individuals? Do you think it pays off for Wrangler? Why? Wrangler targets a style that is mostly associated with a western-style. Their slogan is â€Å"Enduring American Freedom; it’s in the spirit of people who work hard, have fun and recognize courageous individuality. † They Wrangler brand targets men, women, and children around the world and with their product being sold in 1 in every 5 pairs of jeans that are purchased, it proves that their target group is successful. With targeting specific groups, there is a chance of failure because your target group may be small. Also, if the target group does not take like the product, they will be doomed due to losing their group. Luckily for Wrangler, they have grown due to their target group. They have been able to be successful for many years and have been able to grow into an e-commerce company. If their specific target group had not liked the product, it would have not lasted as long in the business world. 2. The Wrangler site incorporates a lot of dynamic visual elements. How do these elements affect a shopper? What types of products are best suited for this type of marketing approach? The Wrangler site incorporated a lot of dynamic visual elements. It is important for any kind of business; there are visual elements involved both in a brick-and-mortar and e-commerce. Visual effects are pleasant to look at and there is more of a positive buying experience. These elements make the shopper happy and therefore they will purchase more items. All kind of businesses, including clothing and general stores, must find a way to incorporate dynamic visual elements. Without having dynamic visual elements, people will be less likely to stop in the store and therefore they will not spend any money. Profits are important when you are involved in a business and without profits, you will be unable to stay in the market for long. Being able to be successful requires that visual effects are available in order to make profits and have a successful business. All businesses can benefit from dynamic visual elements.

Friday, September 27, 2019

To what extent can the Iranian Revolution of 1979 be considered the Essay

To what extent can the Iranian Revolution of 1979 be considered the root of Extremist Islam in Iran Today - Essay Example As a result, the Western Countries accused the Iranian people of spreading terrorism across the world. Since the Victory of the Iranian Revolution in 1979, it's marked a turning point to the Iranian people. They continued to remain firmed to their ethic based on the foundation led by Ayatollah Ruhullah Khomeini of Islamic extremism. Before the Islamic revolution of 1979, Iranian people were under the yolk of the capitalist and injustice, as at the time of Shah Phalavi. "Numerous symptoms led to the crumbling downfall of Shah Phalavi, ruler of Iran until 1978. One of these symptoms is rising expectations which can be seen during the 1960s and 70s. The rich Shah cleared the way for the land reform law, enacted in 1962. The land minority had to give up its land to the government, and among those stripped of land, were Shi'a Muslim". (The Iranian Revolution) However, Ayatollah the leader of the Islamic Revolution, during that time of Reza Shah Phalavi, was the spiritual leader of the Iranian people, especially the masses. Though he is Muslim, but the struggled he undergone against Shah has benefited the entire masses of Iran, both Muslim and Christians. Khomeini continued to condemned Reza Shah Phalavi and his policies. ... Though he is Muslim, but the struggled he undergone against Shah has benefited the entire masses of Iran, both Muslim and Christians. Khomeini continued to condemned Reza Shah Phalavi and his policies. He had also motivated the poor Iranians that the only way they will have a peaceful living is to adapting to Islamic extremism. Ayatollah's words had encouraged the people of Iran to waged uprising against Shah whom they regarded as an oppressive leader. Thy therefore joined the Ayatollah crusade against Shah under the Islamic platform. The continuous hatred against the West today by the Iranian government and its people today, their hatred against Jews, and the spread of Islamic extremism across the world they embark, was rooted since the 1979 Islamic Revolution led by Khomeini. In an interview with James Wasserman, where in his statements had made mentioned what he described as the root of extremism and terrorism in today's Iran and other part of the world. He has this to say: "The Iranian revolution of 1979 heralded the emergence of fundamentalist Muslim State and the proclamation of religious Jihad against the unbelievers and infidels. Wasserman further added: "Ayatollah Khomeini, the Shiite leader of Iran, must be seen in some measure as a successor of Hassan-i-Sabah. He was able to organize a band of powerless, stateless religious rebels into a group capable of overtaking one of the most powerful Militant machines of the Middle East that had the full support of the west. Khomeini also accomplished something that Hassan did not-the union of fundamentalist Shi'is and the fundamentalist Sunnis. When the modern Islamic terrorism Network was born, in large part directed Tehran, a thousands year-old dream was realized".

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Freedom of Speech Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 5

Freedom of Speech - Essay Example The victims of fighting words are usually silenced by their relative powerless position in society. A common presumption that is usually made by the fighting words doctrine is that an encounter between two individuals that relatively have equal degrees of power will generally result in violence. Boss (2009), points out that freedom of speech is often described as being a liberal right; in this regard we all have an innate right to express all of our opinions without having to face any interference or inhibition from other people or the government (Paikin, 2014). However, Boss (2009) cautions that not all forms of verbal expression can be considered to be speech and similarly to most of the other liberty rights,freedom of speech is considered as not being an absolute right. All societies place limits on speech with the objective of preventing the occurrence of civil disorder and violence which in turn helps society in protecting its citizens against harassment, threats and fraud. The government can largely be considered as acting in an heteronomous manner when it moves to curtail the people’s freedom of speech. This is because there are now wide ranging concerns over how the government exercises censorship. The notion of censorship has traditionally been based on the assumption that the government and people in positions of authority have access to the truth and as such are well placed to make final decisions as to what exactly should be considered to be good and right. However, this authority has in recent years come under heavy criticism as a result of the fact that as a result of some perceived heteronomy on the part of the government. An example of this is the formulation and implementation of the Patriot Act. The Patriot Act makes it legal for law enforcement officials to now be able to search people’s bookstore and library records in

The U.S. financial system and its many complexities which are impacted Research Paper

The U.S. financial system and its many complexities which are impacted by several environmental factors, including federal regul - Research Paper Example The Federal Reserve situates the monetary policy of the nation in order to encourage the stable prices, objectives of highest employment, and reasonable interest rate for long-term basis. The biggest challenge for all the policy makers, is that pressure among the set goals might take place in short run as well as the information with respect to economy is accessible only with a delay and chances are that it might be inadequate. Financial markets assist in effectively directing the flow of investments and savings within the economy which facilitates the growth of capital along with production of products and services in different ways. The ideal blend of strong institutions and financial markets as well as different range of financial instruments and products, perfectly fits with the lenders and borrowers’ need and hence the entire economy. Financial Markets and Institutions A financial market includes bonds or trade stocks, an instrument includes derivatives and bank CDs and i nstitutions includes banks, insurance companies and funds. They all offer opportunities to investors so that they can specialize in diversify risks, specific market and/or services, or both and can exchange financial assets (Fabozzi, 2002). How Economy is affected by Monetary Policy? The preliminary connection in the chain among the economy and monetary policy is market for stability which takes place at Federal Reserve Banks. At reserve banks, depository institutions have their accounts, and they vigorously trade the balances which are kept in the accounts with an interest rate termed as federal funds rate. Federal Reserve has control on federal funds rate with an influence on demand and supply at Reserve Banks. Any change in expectation or in the rate of federal funds can affect other short and long term rate of interest, stock price and the value of dollar with respect to foreign exchange. This in turn affects spending decision of business and households which ultimately distress growth in the economy and aggregate demand. In Federal Reserve Act, the targets of monetary policy are shared which states that the Committee of Federal Open Market and the Board of Governors must look forward to encourage effectively the targets of highest employment rate along with stable prices and interest rates. When the prices are constant or stable and are expected to remain the same, inflation has no effect on the process of services, goods, labor and materials and thus helps in contributing in higher living standard. This also helps in capital formation by helping in saving because when threat of attrition of asset values minimized, business got the opportunity to invest more whereas households are encouraged for more saving. Influence of Interest Rate on U.S. and Global Financial Environment Interest rates are always been proposed as policy guide, not only they serve the role of spending decisions also because interest rates information is accessible on the basis of real- time. The proper level of rate of interest will differ with fiscal policy stance, changes in spending pattern of business and household, global economic development and productivity growth. Modifications in interest rate on long-term basis will affect on stock prices, which will create a remarkable effect on the wealth of household. Investors keep in line both their investment returns on

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

The Clinical Issue of Patient Handover Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

The Clinical Issue of Patient Handover - Essay Example (2007). Patient-Centered Perspectives on Communication and Handover between the Emergency Department and General Internal Medicine. At the end of the introduction, the author is trying to tell us that errors in caregiving can have side effects. The methods used are listed in a separate section as follow up questions, where they are exposed importantly. The method of focus groups is compatible with the naturalistic paradigm of qualitative research. The research direction is used, though not mentioned in the introduction. It would be justified to assume a lack of flow in the research in connection with the absence of such necessary information in a research paper. The research addresses the following questions: What are the procedures for patients hand over? Who is responsible for the recording and paperwork of the process? How private is the handed over information about the patient? Are there legal practices that are observed? In the introduction to the literature review, the author shows that previous studies have shown that the reduction of staff may increase the adverse effects for the patient. The topics include personnel expenses, the food, the risk of malnutrition, the benefits of walking and problems after discharge. Items and results are described and presented in a logical and organized manner. The results that were missing in the questions follow the framework of the education and training Studies. There are no items included as a visual aid to complete the research findings. The materials used are mainly nursing journals and other primary sources. Numerous topics including creation of  a stable framework for this study. A research gap was identified for nursing as a career field. The author shows the need for further studies in this area. The data collection procedures are clearly indicated in the section on the data analysis, and other researchers could easily replicate it. Topics and results are described and presented in a logical and

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Strategic Fashion Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Strategic Fashion Marketing - Essay Example The essay "Strategic Fashion Marketing" talks about the current perspectives on branding and marketing in the fashion industry on the examples of popular fashion companies: Zara, Lacroix, and Prada. With the increasing shift towards consumer perspectives and functionality, one considers a number of successful current brands. One of the most successful brands in recent years has been Zara. Zara has been featured in major retail outlets such as Target, as well as through a variety of distribution channels. Today Zara designs demonstrate a clear emphasis on functionality rather than artistic frills. While Zara is engaged in strong marketing efforts, this research argues that it is the design functionality that drives the success of these marketing campaigns. Perhaps the fashion house that runs the most counter to the position of the primacy of marketing is Lacroix. Design Christian Lacroix, in addition to emerging in the late 20th century, has steadfastly clung to design over marketing standards. Lacroix himself noted, â€Å"I believe I have not given into system whatever they might be. A Lacroix style has been born and even if it doesn’t appeal to everyone, so much the better†. One considers that Lacroix’s designs are applicable to his own artistic voice rather than broader consumer trends. Indeed, his haute couture clothing seemed at times to be directly at odds with the commodification of fashion. This assemblage seems to openly reject contemporary marketing standards instead more fully pursuing design artistry.

Monday, September 23, 2019

Running my own Multinational Corporation Research Paper

Running my own Multinational Corporation - Research Paper Example For selling the product in the UK market, the company will enter into arrangements and agreements with the local retailers in the UK, particularly in the major cities. The retailers which will be considered for distribution and sales of the product will include Tesco PLC, Sainsbury’s PLC, Morrison’s PLC, ASDA PLC and other retailers. Keeping in view the fact that the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the UK and its supply has shown consistent growth, it can be therefore expected that the consumers in the UK will buy this product. As per the information provided by the World Health Organization, there has been a steady increase in the consumption of Beer during the past 45 years (45 years include years from 1961 to 2006). In addition to this, since the company will enter into arrangements with local retailers and distributors in the UK for the sale of products, there will be no need to hire labor or acquire specific supplies for any other purpose. The company, Oceana Beverages Incorporation, will dispatch its products directly to retailers at specified city destinations. The retailers will then take charge of the good upon delivery and will be responsible for handling and selling the products through their respective retail outlets. As far as the manufacturing of the product is concerned, 100 percent manufacturing will be carried out within the United States at the production facility of Oceana Beverages Incorporation. In addition, packaging for both local and export deliveries will also be done by the packaging unit of the company. In this way, all expenses related to the production of Seven Star Wine will be incurred in US Dollar only. There are numerous factors which may have an impact on the balance of trade between the United States and the United Kingdom. These factors, in relation to the business of Oceana Beverages Incorporation, mainly include the cost of production in the US as compared to UK, costs associated with raw materials and other

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Leadership vs. Management Essay Example for Free

Leadership vs. Management Essay Leadership and management must go hand in hand. They are not the same thing. But they are necessarily linked, and complementary. The manager’s job is to plan, organise and coordinate. The leader’s job is to inspire and motivate. In his 1989 book â€Å"On Becoming a Leader,† Warren Bennis composed a list of the differences: the manager administers the leader innovates the manager is a copy the leader is an original the manager maintains the leader develops the manager focuses on systems and structures the leader focuses on people the manager relies on control the leader inspires trust the manager has a short-range view the leader has a long-range perspective the manager asks how and when the leader asks what and why the manager has his/her eye always on the bottom line the leader’s eye is on the horizon the manager imitates the leader originates the manager accepts the status quo the leader challenges it the manager is the classic good soldier the leader is his/her own person the manager does things right the leader does the right thing Leadership Attributes of a leader: Studies, and develops ideas and principles Innovates Resourceful and looks for solutions to problems Empathetic with a focus on people Inspires trust among stakeholders Understands the big picture Superior listening skills Courageously challenges the state of affairs, and asks why and what can be improved Looks for opportunities to develop strengths Develops a following A leader’s specific roles are determined through the four basic leadership responsibilities of directing, coaching, supporting and delegating. Specific responsibilities will fall into one of these four categories. In leadership practice, one must master skills in all areas in order to effectively lead others under their direction. Developing strengths in each of the four leadership roles allows a leader to read specific situations accurately and know what communication style is best applied. Directing Directing refers to how to keep work tasks and activities on the right track. A leader’s direction is what makes or breaks problem solving as well as determines the effectiveness of an approach to an assignment or task, the maintaining of momentum until its completion, and whether it is done by deadline. There are several ways to generate good direction techniques. These include: Explain things completely and include the ‘why’s’ Leaders learn early on that the best way to gain support and trust from their employees is to explain all things in their entirety. Once people understand why something is important or necessary, they generally rally to the call of that which needs to be done or addressed. Remain visible Leaders understand the power of their presence at all times. Nothing deflates the workforce’s motivation and desire to achieve more than to be left on their own with no visible means of support or direction. Objectively consider opposing points of view Leaders consider situations, problems and solutions from various viewpoints, as the input from as many individuals as possible expands their capabilities to effectively frame their direction. Coaching Coaching refers to when a leader knows where he or she wants to go and remains in control of the task but needs to lead others in developing a mutual support network. Coaching instils the desire to achieve and builds a dialogue bridge between the leader and those under his or her charge. This  motivates employees and positively changes attitudes toward the work assignment. To do this effectively a leader must make an effort to: Incorporate the word ‘we’ into all conversations Effective leaders eliminate the word â€Å"I† because it denotes a singular rather than cooperative effort. The very meaning of the term â€Å"coaching† implies a team effort. Listen for objections and areas of misunderstanding Effective leaders who coach well develop the skill of eliminating objections by developing an effective dialogue and creating clear and concise responses. Offer explanations addressing the ‘why’s, what’s and how’s’ of the problem or task at hand Good coaching depends upon complete understanding. Motivation and confidence comes from understanding the expectations a leader has of those involved in a given task, assignment or problem solving situation. Supporting Managers cannot be effective leaders unless they actively hone their supporting skills. People look warmly on leaders who actively work to support them emotionally as well as physically. When leaders actively work to support the people under their charge they: Acknowledge individual efforts with comments of praise and positive support Leaders are not afraid to say â€Å"thank you,† or â€Å"you’re doing a great job,† or whatever it takes to instil confidence in an individual. Disclose their own feelings openly and honestly Leaders are not afraid to reveal their â€Å"inner self.† Trust and loyalty are built on disclosing inward feelings, concerns and desires. Readily and honestly opening up builds encouragement and perseverance on both sides. Never hesitate to ask, ‘What’s wrong?’ Leaders allow themselves to get into the thick of a situation or task, and are quick to share the decision making responsibility, but know when to relinquish control in order to gain extra participation and involvement. Delegating Leaders know and understand their people. They know their strengths and weaknesses as well as what motivates and frustrates them. Effective delegating relies on the ability to select the proper person for the specific task or role. Leaders develop good delegation skills by: Briefing the delegate Leaders leave nothing to chance when they delegate. When delegating, it is vital to explain exactly what expectations the leader has of the delegated individual. Having confidence in the person they select Leaders do not select individuals for an assignment according to their job descriptions or the salaries they command, they look for people with the skills, abilities, perseverance and motivation to get the job done and done well. Not abdicating responsibility, but allowing individuals to decide a best course of action for themselves Leaders monitor and weigh these individual decisions, but never advance their own leadership position for a particular course of action unless they assess  it to be the best one. Understanding Theories of Leadership Trait Theory of Leadership Trait Theory of Leadership is based on the assumption that people are born with inherited traits and some traits are particularly suited to leadership. People who make effective leaders have the right (or sufficient) combination of traits and great leaders has some common personality characteristics. Traits/skills generally believed to be possessed by leaders can be classified into categories such as: Physical characteristics (e.g. age; height; weight; alertness; energetic); Background characteristics (e.g. education; social status; mobility; experience); Intelligence characteristics (e.g. ability; judgement; knowledge; clever {intelligent}; conceptually skilled; creative; knowledgeable about group task; intellectual breadth); Personality characteristics (e.g. aggressiveness; alertness; dominance; decisiveness; enthusiasm; extroversion; independence; self-confidence; authoritarianism; assertive; tolerant of stress); Task-Oriented characteristics (e.g. achievement needs; responsibility; initiative; persistence; ambitiousness; achievement-orientated; decisive; persistent; willingness to assume responsibility; organised {administrative ability}; Social characteristics (e.g. supervisory ability; cooperativeness; popularity; prestige; tact; diplomacy; adaptability; cooperative; dependable; tactful; persuasive; socially skilled; emotional stability and composure; good interpersonal skills). Look at the Social Characteristics above. Be honest with yourself and write down those characteristics you feel you have and those that you feel you still need to work on. Behavioural theories Behavioural psychology, also known as behaviourism, is a theory of learning based upon the idea that all behaviours are acquired through conditioning. Behavioural theories focus on how leaders behave and assume that leaders can be â€Å"made†, rather than born, and successful leadership is based on definable, learnable behaviour. Theory X and Theory Y Theory X and Theory Y framework proposed by McGregor in his classic book â€Å"The Human Side of Enterprise† (1960) consists of two alternative set of assumptions. Theory X perceives employees to be lazy, irresponsible and untrustworthy, while according to theory Y employees are approached as one of the most valuable assets of the company. Your management style is strongly influenced by your beliefs and assumptions about what motivates members of your team. If you believe that team members dislike work, you will tend towards an authoritarian style of management; on the other hand, if you assume that employees take pride in doing a good job, you will tend to adopt a more participative style. Theory X Theory X assumes that employees are naturally unmotivated and dislike working, and this encourages an authoritarian style of management. According to this view, management must actively intervene to get things  done. This style of management assumes that workers: Dislike working. Avoid responsibility and need to be directed. Have to be controlled, forced, and threatened to deliver whats needed. Need to be supervised at every step, with controls put in place. Need to be enticed to produce results; otherwise they have no ambition or incentive to work. X-Type organisations tend to be top heavy, with managers and supervisors required at every step to control workers. There is little delegation of authority and control remains firmly centralised. McGregor recognised that X-Type workers are in fact usually the minority, and yet in mass organisations, such as large scale production environment, X Theory management may be required and can be unavoidable. Theory Y Theory Y explains a participative style of management that is de-centralised. It assumes that employees are happy to work, are self-motivated and creative, and enjoy working with greater responsibility. It assumes that workers: Take responsibility and are motivated to fulfil the goals they are given. Seek and accept responsibility and do not need much direction. Consider work as a natural part of life and solve work problems imaginatively. This more participative management style tends to be more widely applicable. In Y-Type organisations, people at lower levels of the organisation are involved in decision making and have more responsibility. Contingency theories Fiedler’s contingency model The Fiedler Contingency Model asks you to think about your natural leadership style, and the situations in which it will be most effective. The model says that leaders are either task-focused, or relationship-focused. Once you understand your style, it says that you can match it to situations in which that style is most effective. Fiedler’s model consists of 3 primary elements: Leader-Member Relations – This is the level of trust and confidence that your team has in you. A leader who is more trusted and has more influence with the group is in a more favourable situation than a leader who is not trusted. Task Structure – This refers to the type of task youre doing: clear and structured, or vague and unstructured. Unstructured tasks, or tasks where the team and leader have little knowledge of how to achieve them, are viewed unfavourably. Leaders Position Power – This is the amount of power you have to direct the group, and provide reward or punishment. The more power you have, the more favourable your situation. Fiedler identifies power as being either strong or weak. There are some criticisms of the Fiedler Contingency Model. One of the biggest is lack of flexibility. Fiedler believed that because our natural leadership style is fixed, the most effective way to handle situations is to change the leader. He didnt allow for flexibility in leaders. Hersey-Blanchard Situational Leadership The Hersey-Blanchard situational leadership theory states that instead of using just one style, successful leaders should change their leadership styles based on the maturity of the people theyre leading and the details of the task. Using this theory, leaders should be able to place more or less emphasis on the task, and more or less emphasis on the relationships  with the people theyre leading, depending on whats needed to get the job done successfully. We will look at situational leadership more close later on. Transformational Leadership The leadership style called transformational leadership is often the most effective approach to use. Transformational leaders have integrity, they inspire people with a shared vision of the future, they set clear goals, they motivate people towards these goals, they manage delivery, and they communicate well with their teams. Transformational leaders are inspiring because they expect the best from everyone on their team as well as themselves. This leads to high productivity and engagement from everyone in their team. In many organisations, both transactional and transformational leadership styles are useful. Transactional leaders (or managers) ensure that routine work is done reliably, while transformational leaders look after initiatives that add new value. Its also important to use other leadership styles when necessary – this will depend on the people youre leading and the situation that youre in. Tannenbaum and Schmidt’s continuum The Tannenbaum and Schmidt Continuum is a simple model of leadership theory which shows the relationship between the level of freedom that a manager chooses to give to a team, and the level of authority used by the manager. As the teams freedom is increased, so the managers authority decreases. This is a positive way for both teams and managers to develop. Over time, a manager should aim to take the team from one end to the other, up the scale, at which point you should also aim to have developed one or a  number of potential successors from within your team to take over from you. When examining and applying the Tannenbaum and Schmidt principles, its extremely important to remember: irrespective of the amount of responsibility and freedom delegated by a manager to a team, the manager retains accountability for any catastrophic problems that result. Delegating freedom and decision-making responsibility to a team absolutely does not absolve the manager of accountability. Thats why delegating, whether to teams or individuals, requires a very grown-up manager. If everything goes well, the team must get the credit; if it all goes horribly wrong, the manager must take the blame. This is entirely fair, because the manager is ultimately responsible for judging the seriousness of any given situation including the risks entailed and the level of freedom that can safely be granted to the team to deal with it. This is not actually part of the Tannebaum and Schmidt Continuum, but its vital to apply this philosophy or the model will definitely be weakened, or at worse completely back-fire. Here are the Tannenbaum and Schmidt Continuum levels of delegated freedom, with some added explanation that should make it easier to understand and apply. 1.The Manager decides and announces the decision The manager reviews options in light of aims, issues, priorities, timescale, etc., then decides the action and informs the team of the decision. The manager will probably have considered how the team will react, but the team plays no active part in making the decision. The team may well perceive that the manager has not considered the teams welfare at all. This is seen by the team as a purely task-based decision, which is generally a characteristic of X-Theory management style. 2.The manager decides and then sells the decision to the group The manager makes the decision as in 1 above, and then explains reasons for the decision to the team, particularly the positive benefits that the team will enjoy from the decision. In so doing the manager is seen by the team to recognise the teams importance, and to have some concern for the team. 3.The manager presents the decision with background ideas and invites questions The manager presents the decision along with some of the background which led to the decision. The team is invited to ask questions and discuss with the manager the rationale behind the decision, which enables the team to understand and accept or agree with the decision more easily than in 1 and 2 above. This more participative and involving approach enables the team to appreciate the issues and reasons for the decision, and the implications of all the options. This will have a more motivational approach than 1 or 2 because of the higher level of team involvement and discussion. 4.The manager suggests a provisional decision and invites discussion about it The manager discusses and reviews the provisional decision with the team on the basis that the manager will take on board the views and then finally decide. This enables the team to have some real influence over the shape of the managers final decision. This also acknowledges that the team has something to contribute to the decision-making process, which is more involving and therefore motivating than the previous level. 5.The manager presents the situation or problem, gets suggestions, then decides The manager presents the situation, and maybe some options, to the team. The team is encouraged and expected to offer ideas and additional options, and discuss implications of each possible course of action. The manager then decides which option to take. This level is one of high and specific involvement for the team, and is appropriate particularly when the team has more detailed knowledge or experience of the issues than the manager. Being  high-involvement and high-influence for the team this level provides more motivation and freedom than any previous level. 6.The manager explains the situation, defines the parameters and asks the team to decide At this level the manager has effectively delegated responsibility for the decision to the team, albeit within the managers stated limits. The manager may or may not choose to be a part of the team which decides. While this level appears to gives a huge responsibility to the team, the manager can control the risk and outcomes to an extent, according to the constraints that he stipulates. This level is more motivational than any previous, and requires a mature team for any serious situation or problem. (Remember that the team must get the credit for all the positive outcomes from the decision, while the manager remains accountable for any resulting problems or disasters. This isnt strictly included in the original Tannenbaum and Schmidt definitions, so it needs pointing out because its such an important aspect of delegating and motivating, and leadership.) 7.The manager allows the team to identify the problem, develop the options, and decide on the action, within the managers received limits This is obviously an extreme level of freedom, whereby the team is effectively doing what the manager did in level 1. The team is given responsibility for identifying and analysing the situation or problem; the process for resolving it; developing and assessing options; evaluating implications, and then deciding on and implementing a course of action. The manager also states in advance that he/she will support the decision and help the team implement it. The manager may or may not be part of the team, and if so then he/she has no more authority than anyone else in the team. The only constraints and parameters for the team are the ones that the manager had imposed on him from above. (Again, the manager retains accountability for any resulting disasters, while the team must get the credit for all successes.) This level is potentially the most motivational of all, but also potentially the most disastrous. Not surprisingly the team  must be mature and competent, and capable of acting a t what is a genuinely strategic decision-making level. Leadership Styles Some basic leadership styles: Directive Frequently described as autocratic. Tells people what to do and expects them to jump to it. Participative Seeks input from others and participates in the decision-making process. Laissez-Faire A hands-off approach allowing for both initiative and the latitude to determine process to effect an outcome Adaptive A fluid style that takes into consideration the context of the environment and the individual being led. Using the techniques of Leadership Situational leadership ® Situational Leadership ® is a concept developed by Paul Hersey, an internationally recognised leading authority on training and development in leadership and management and Kenneth Blanchard, an American author and management expert. Generally when referring to the concept it is safer and correct to show the name as a registered protected trademark as it relates  to business and products by Hersey and Blanchard. Looking at ‘Directive Behaviour’ whereby the leader gives clear defined and detailed instructions, and ‘Supportive Behaviour’ where the leader gives people the freedom to make decisions and support them in their efforts, Hersey and Blanchard moved away from the idea of shifting on a line between the two and consider good leadership as a combination of both. The idea is that the way of combination will vary according to the person being dealt with by the leader, and the situation on which that person operates, hence the term – Situational Leadership ®. The notable features of this model are briefly that the model: focuses on followers (individual team members), rather than wider workplace circumstances; emphasise that leaders should change their behaviour according to the type of followers; proposes a progression of leadership adaptation in response to the development of followers. By combining high and low levels of each type of behaviour we progress towards four distinct styles of leadership. Level Group type Developing D1 Low competence / High commitment D2 Some competence / Low commitment D3 High competence / Variable commitment Developed D4 High competence / High commitment Appropriate leadership styles for each development level: Development Level Appropriate Leadership Style D1 Low competence / High commitment S1 Directing (Structure, control and supervise) D2 Some competence / Low commitment S2 Coaching (Direct and support) D3 High competence / Variable commitment S3 Supporting (Praise, listen and facilitate) D4 High competence / High commitment S4 Delegating (turn over responsibility for day-to-day decision making) Directing:The leader provides specific instructions and closely supervises the task. This style is appropriate for people who lack skill but are committed and eager to learn or those who do not want responsibility and want clear, specific instructions. Coaching:The leader gives some direction and supervision because team members, although they have some competence and commitment, are still relatively inexperienced, therefore require further development. They need support and praise to boost their self-esteem. Their involvement in decision making assists with the development process. Supporting:Even though team members do not need much direction, good support by the leader is still necessary to motivate and boost confidence. Delegating:Team members are both competent and committed therefore leader can give them responsibility for decision making and problem solving with little supervision or support. Power in Organisation Leadership Leadership and power are closely linked. Powerful people are normally those that others follow, so they become the leaders. The five bases of power were identified by John French and Bertram Raven in the early 1960’s through a study they had conducted on power in leadership roles. The study showed how different types of power affected one’s leadership ability and success in a leadership role. They identified five bases of power: 1.Legitimate:This comes from the belief that a person has the formal right to make demands, and to expect compliance and obedience from others. 2.Reward:This results from one persons ability to compensate another for compliance. 3.Expert:This is based on a persons superior skill and knowledge. 4.Referent:This is the result of a persons perceived attractiveness, worthiness, and right to respect from others. 5.CoerciveThis comes from the belief that a person can punish others for noncompliance. If youre aware of these sources of power, you can†¦ Better understand why youre influenced by someone, and decide whether you want to accept the base of power being used. Recognise your own sources of power. Build your leadership skills by using and developing your own sources of power, appropriately, and for best effect. Trust The first task of any leader is to inspire trust. Trust is confidence born of two dimensions: character and competence. Character includes your integrity, motive, and intent with people. Competence includes your capabilities, skills, results, and track record. Both dimensions are vital. The foundation of trust is your own credibility, and it can be a real differentiator for any leader. A persons reputation is a direct reflection of their credibility, and it precedes them in any interactions or negotiations they might have. Behaviours you can adopt to build trust in yourself: Talk Straight Demonstrate Respect Create Transparency Right Wrongs Show Loyalty Deliver Results Get Better Confront Reality Clarify Expectation Practice Accountability Listen First Keep Commitments Extend Trust Bibliography The Wall Street Journal Article: What is the difference between Management and Leadership (last accessed 4 August 2013) (http://guides.wsj.com/management/developing-a-leadership-style/what-is-the-difference-between-management-and-leadership/) The Biz Coach Article: 10 Key Differences between Leaders and Managers (last accessed 4 August 2013) (http://www.bizcoachinfo.com/archives/8426) Techno Funcâ„ ¢ Article: Trait Theory of Leadership (last accessed 4 August 2013) (http://www.technofunc.com/index.php/leadership-skills/leadership-theories/item/trait-theory-of-leadership-2) Article: Behavioural Theories of Leadership (last accessed 7 August 2013) (http://www.technofunc.com/index.php/leadership-skills/leadership-theories/item/behavioral-theories-of-leadership) About.com – Psychology Article: Psychology Theories (last accessed 7 August 2013) (http://psychology.about.com/od/psychology101/u/psychology-theories.htm) Research Methodology Article: Theory X and Theory Y (last accessed 7 August 2013) (http://research-methodology.net/theory-x-and-theory-y/) Mind Tools Article: Theory X and Theory Y (last accessed 7 August 2013) (http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_74.htm) Article: Fiedler’s Contingency Model (last accessed 11 August 2013) (http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/fiedler.htm) Article: The Hersey-Blanchard Situational Leadership ® Theory (last accessed 11 August 2013) (http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_44.htm) Article: French and Raven’s Five Forms of Power (last accessed 11 August 2013 (http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_56.htm) Slideshare Article: Fiedler’s contingency model to leadership (by Bhobotosh Debnath) (last accessed 11 August 2013) (http://www.slideshare.net/bhobotoshdebnath/assignment-on-2) Businessballs.com Article: Tannenbaum and Schmidt Continuum (last accessed 11 August 2013) (http://www.businessballs.com/tannenbaum.htm) The Build Network Article: Leadership styles to master (last accessed 11 August 2013) (http://thebuildnetwork.com/leadership/4-leadership-styles/) The Fast Track Article: The 5 Types of Power in Leadership (last accessed 11 August 2013) (http://quickbase.intuit.com/blog/2011/08/26/the-5-types-of-power-in-leadership/) Leadership Now Article: How the best leaders build trust (last accessed 11 August 2013) (http://www.leadershipnow.com/CoveyOnTrust.html)

Friday, September 20, 2019

Old Spice Advert Analysis

Old Spice Advert Analysis The Old Spice advert is a short 33sec advert, which introduces a well toned, sporty and attractive looking man to the viewer (the quintessential dream man). The on-screen protagonist asks the female audience to look back and forth between himself and their own partner which essentially requires the female audience to compare their partners with the on-screen protagonist. The advert provides three scenarios that cleverly sum-up what every woman is supposedly meant to be aspiring towards: being connected to an attractive, well-built man; success and high social status and not having to wake up and find their coffee cold! This is done by introducing the protagonist in the shower explaining to the viewer that even if their man is not as attractive and well-built as he is, he can at least smell like him if he changes from using lady-scented shower gel to the more manly, Old Spice shower gel. Of course, an understanding of women and their olfactory systems adds to the interpretation of the advert by hinting that even the slightest smell of Old Spice could possibly allow women to remove themselves from their current relational predicament and dream of partners similar to our on-screen protagonist. The narrative then moves to a scene aboard a small, but luxurious motor-yacht. Once again, the female audience is asked to look back and forth in order to engage in some form of comparison. The women are asked to locate themselves aboard this motor-yacht but now with a man that their man could smell like. Further references to wealth (diamonds) and realised dreams (tickets to that thing you love) are implied. However, before one distances oneself from the advert due to the sheer outlandish nature of the advert (and hence the marketing gurus losing their target market), the protagonist is suddenly located on a white horse (reference to a knight in shining armour?).More importantly, he mentions that he is, after all, on a horse- a seemingly possible task for even the most ordi nary man, which bodes well with the final phrasing: Anything is possible with Old Spice. Genre The text selected is clearly a commercial advertisement: a tele-communication advert. Advertisements are meant to persuade an audience, in this case, the female audience, to take up some form of action. It is common knowledge that a large majority of women are in control of the monthly grocery shop, so it is rather clever that this advert is aimed at persuading women to buy toiletries geared towards their man. This is accomplished by appealing to the female audiences emotions. Due to the rise of Hollywood, many women tend to find themselves escaping to a dream-like existence with their dream partner. What this advert does, is allow women to venture into this world and in doing-so, gives them a very strong reason to purchase the product. Audience This particular advert could possibly offer a connection with women who feel trapped or disillusioned with their current situation or state of affairs. If that interpretation is perhaps too deep, it could literally, also be appealing to women who merely want a means of escape to a world that they dream of but will never actually have access to. It offers a world full of material success, social esteem, and endless happiness. Most of us today would love to be high-flyers who could jet off to dreamy island retreats where we are indulged in all the things we love including diamonds and a beautiful, sexy man at our beck and call. However, most of us will never have that so Old Spice is offering a cheaper alternative allows your man to at least smell like he is worth a million dollars. In our opinion the rhetorical situation includes three aspects: audience, purpose, and context In this case, the target audience is women who shop for their partners, or possibly the metrosexual man. It is intended to make the women want a man like Isaiah Mustafa and therefore, purchase the shower gel because if he will never look like him, he can at least smell like him. Construction This is a very cleverly put-together TV advert. It firstly, makes use of a very well-know actor, namely, Isaiah Mustafa, to appeal to the female audience. Secondly, and most importantly, this commercial is made with only one shot yet it portrays three totally different scenes (discussed in more detail in the mise-en-scene discussion below). The first is a shower/bathroom scene, followed by an outdoor scene on a motor yacht and the third is of the actor on a white horse. It is a colour TV commercial with no sub-headings or non-diagetic sound. This is rather unusual as most TV commercial adverts make use of non-diagetic sound to create an atmosphere that will enhance the persuasive quality of the advert. Even though this advert is made with only diagetic sound (the voice of the actor), it is more than enough to entice the female audience as Isaiah Mustafa was clearly equipped with a very manly, sexy and appealing voice (and that is not only my opinion!). Mise-en-scene: The construction of the shots within this advert is very clever and deceiving. Seeing as it offers three totally different scenes, one would think that it required several differing shots put together by various editing techniques. However, this advert appears to have only one shot. It starts with an establishing shot which is a wide angle, long shot used to set the bathroom/shower scene. The camera then slowly zooms in until it settles on a medium shot emphasising the physique of the protagonist. The camera then gives an illusion of tilting downwards which would be in line with the request for the viewer to look down but in actual fact it is stationer. The illusion of the camera tilting down seems to have been perfected by the removal of part of the mise-en-scene (shower/bathroom set). Once the bathroom set has been removed, the medium shot becomes a long shot which re-establishes the location of the next scene. The camera then dollys to the right as it follows the ac tor to the right side of the boat. The camera angle is still eye-level. The camera then zooms in to a medium shot and after a few seconds zooms out again to show the actor now sitting in a horse. The clothing used in the advert ingeniously adds to the various settings portrayed in the advert. A towel is wrapped around more formal white chinos to portray a bathroom scene. This is then removed as the advert moves to the motor yacht scene. Institutions The advert was put together for Old Spice in an attempt to increase/boost sales of their Old Spice shower gel.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Colonialism and Independence: Nigeria as a Case Study :: Research Papers

Colonialism and Independence: Nigeria as a Case Study During the colonial period in Nigeria (from about 1850 to 1960), the British, like any other colonial power, asserted their dominance through a variety of media. The colonial experience of Nigeria and Britain, and Nigeria's early post-colonial history can be described, roughly chronologically, in three phases or periods: the formation of a ‘captured' colony, the education and inculcation of ‘proper,' British ways (i.e., the ‘taming' of the colony), and the immediate aftermath of colonialism (i.e., the ‘independence' of the colony). This essay attempts to scrutinize these periods in the light of the theories of Karl Marx, Ernest Gellner, and Jack Snyder. My claim is that Nigeria's colonial relationship with Britain, in general, reflects Marx's theory of the dichotomy between the oppressor and the oppressed, Gellner's theory that domination and oppression is disseminated through educational means, and Snyder's theory on the risks and dangers that young, ‘immature' †¦ countries face when they gamble on democracy The formation of a ‘captured' colony How does one capture a colony? The simple answer is â€Å"Look at Nigeria.† The ‘capture' of Nigeria by the militaristic British was one of the early distinct indications of its colonialism; thus, it attracted mixed responses. As described by Elizabeth Isichei, an acclaimed Nigerian socio-political critic, many Nigerians were deemed ‘collaborators' for helping the British, the public was seen as defiant, but passive, and others were believed to have been ‘rebels' (Chapter 14). To adapt one of Isichei's claims, Nigeria's â€Å"confrontation with an alien culture, its conquest, and the experience of an alien rule, created †¦ [crises]† (180). There were many riots and conflicts between the Nigerians and the British, although most of the uprisings were eventually subdued by the military power of the British. Riots were common—from the culturally rooted Yoruba riots in the West and the religious skirmishes with the Muslims and Hausa in the North, to the confrontations with the naturally ‘rich,' yet stubborn Igbo and Delta states. Apart from encompassing all the major ethnic groupings and regions in Nigeria, amazingly these conflicts also covered the three most explicit British inculcations: cultural, religious, and economic.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Archimedes Essay example -- Biographies Bio Biography

Born the son of an astronomer, Phidias, in 287 B.C., Archimedes' education began as a young man in Syracuse. He furthered his education in Alexandria, where he studied with fellow scholar Conon, an Egyptian mathematician. What we know of Archimedes comes from his personal works as well as those of Cicero and Plutarch. However, "due to the length of time between Archimedes' death and his biographers' accounts, as well as inconsistencies among their writings, details of his life must remain subject to question" (Galenet 1). It is doubtless that Archimedes was the greatest geometer of his time, and he has not been paralleled since then. To imagine just how much knowledge he discovered, and the amount of intelligence he must have had to discover it, is practically impossible. "Archimedes' contributions to mathematical knowledge were diverse" (Galenet 1). He discovered the concepts of Pi, the area of a circle, wrote principles on plane/solid geometry, and developed a somewhat rudimentary form of calculus. In his dealings with plane geometry, Archimedes wrote several treatises, three of which survive today: Measurement of a Circle, Quatdrature of the Parabola, and On Spirals. It is in Measurements of a Circle that Archimedes reveals how he calculated Pi. Pi was found by using a theoretically simple method. Pi represents the number 3.14... In turn, 3.14 represents the circumference of a circle. In order to find this number, Archimedes started with the obvious: draw a circle. In this circle, he drew a six-sided polygon, with each vertex touching part of the circle. Similarly, he drew a hexagon on the outside of the circle, with each segment's midpoint touching part of the circle. He calculated the perimeters of both figures. Arch... ...subject of arithmetic, Archimedes wrote several essays, the only one of which surviving is The Sand Reckoner. In the essay, Archimedes proposed ways of determining the number of grains of sand in the universe. While the problem of sand was never solved, Archimedes has been found to be that one grain of sand in the universe that stands out against the rest. His greatness is still observed and learned about today by millions of students and scholars alike, all hoping for a glimpse into the mind of a genius. With history being such an inconstant, it is left to us to wonder if Archimedes was truly so magnanimous, and it is also left to us to hope that one day the rest of his works will be recovered. If such a small portion of surviving information could sway the world to such a magnitude, imagine how different our world would be if the rest of his works were uncovered.

Allegory in Edward Albees The American Dream Essay -- Edward Albee Am

Allegory in Edward Albee's The American Dream Our understanding of Edward Albee's achievement in The American Dream (1960) has come a long way since 1961 when Martin Esslin hailed it as a "brilliant first example of an American contribution to the Theatre of the Absurd"1 and 1966 when Nicholas Canaday, Jr. labeled it America's "best example of what has come to be known as 'the theatre of the absurd.'"2 The shrewdest assessment of absurdism in Albee is by Brian Way, who shows convincingly that, although Albee has successfully mastered the techniques of theatrical absurdism, he has nevertheless shied away from embracing the metaphysics that the style implies.3 That is, Albee knows that Theatre of the Absurd is "an absorption-in-art of certain existentialist and post-existentialist philosophical concepts having to do, in the main, with man's attempts to make sense for himself out of his senseless position in a world which makes no sense."4 But Albee nevertheless "believes in the validity of reason--that things can be proved, or that events can be shown to have definite meanings."5 Structurally, the chief evidence for this claim is that Albee's plays, including The American Dream, move toward resolution, denouement and completion rather than the circularity or open-endedness typical of Theatre of the Absurd.6 In regard to content, Way's point may be extended by contrasting the implications of the titles of The American Dream and Eugene Ionesco's The Bald Soprano, an absurdist drawing room comedy to which Albee's play seems indebted in many ways. Ionesco's title derives from the Fireman's passing reference to the woman who "always wears her hair in the same style."7 She is not a character in the play, nor is she ever referre... ...ampshire, where Wilder was a mentor and Albee was an aspiring poet. Richard E. Amacher implies that this comment was important in Albee's turning to playwriting. (Edward Albee (New York: Twayne, 1969), p. 19) Although Wilder is referred to negatively in Albee's Fam and Yam (along with Miller, Williams and Inge), that may be because he represents the dramatic establishment that a new playwright like Albee must challenge, rather than because Albee dislikes him or his drama. The intellectual and dramaturgical relationships between Albee and Wilder would make an interesting study. 24. Michael E. Rutenberg, Edward Albee: Playwright in Protest (New York: Drama Book Specialists, 1969), pp. 230, 232. Albee adds, "There might be an allegory to be drawn, and have the fantasy child the revolutionary principles of this country that we haven't lived up to yet." Ibid., p. 230.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Perfect Competition vs Monopoly

M&S (perfect competition) Vs Thames Water (monopoly) At one end is perfect competition where there are very many firms competing against each other. Every firm is so tiny in relation to the entire trade that has no power to manipulate price. It is a ‘price taker’. At the other end is monopoly, where there is just a single firm in the industry, and for this reason no competition from inside the industry. Perfect competition e. g. Marks & Spencer, they have many competitors such as, Asda, Next and Tesco. They productively have over 600 UK stores, in addition expanding international business.They employ over 75,000 people in the UK and abroad. On the whole, their clothing and homeware sales account for 49% of their business. The other 51% of business is in food, where they put on the market everything from fresh produce and groceries, to partly-prepared meals and ready meals. Nevertheless on the other end, there is a Monopoly e. g. Thames Water, which is UK’s largest water and wastewater, services company. They play a very important role in providing everyday 2,600 million litres of tap water to 8. 5 million customers across London and the Thames Valley.They also get rid of and take care of 2,800 million litres of sewage for an area covering 13. 5 million customers. The main strong point of National Grid is that there are no competitors. Having many firms rivalling not in favour of each other e. g. Marks & Spencer, it is then good for consumers. The hypothesis of perfect competition demonstrates an intense form of free enterprise. Within it, firms are utterly issue to market forces. They have no power at all to influence the price of the product. The price they face is dogged by the interaction of demand and supply in the entire market.M&S are ‘price takers’. There are numerous firms in the industry that each one manufactures an unimportantly small quantity of entire industry supply, and consequently has no power at all to change t he price of the invention. For M&S and their other opponents, there is full liberty of admission into the industry for fresh firms. Active firms are not capable to discontinue new firms setting up in business. New firms will find it relatively straightforward to enter markets if they feel there is irregular profits to be made.The entries of new firms make available competition and guarantee prices are kept low in the long-run. Manufacturers and customers have ideal awareness of the market. That is, manufacturers are completely alert of prices, costs and market chances. Customers are entirely aware of price, excellence and accessibility of the product. Thames Water has sustained their monopoly situation, by including obstacles (barriers) to the entry of new firms. Even if a market could support more than one firm, a new participant is unlikely to be able to start up on a very huge scale.Accordingly the Thames Water who is already experiencing economies of scale can charge a price und er the cost of the new participant and force it out of business. If, nevertheless, the new participant is a firm previously established in another industry, it may be capable to endure this competition. Since there is, by classification, only one firm in the industry, the firm’s demand curve is also the industry demand curve. In contrast with other market organisations, demand under Thames Water tends to be less flexible.Thames Water can lift its price and consumers have no substitute firm to turn inside the industry. They moreover pay the superior price, or go without the product altogether. Dissimilar to M&S, Thames Water is consequently a ‘price maker’. It can make a decision to what price to alter. On the other hand, it is still forced by its demand curve. An increase in price will decrease the amount demanded. As with firms in other market structures, Thames Water will make the most of profit where MR (rate price) = MC (Marginal Cost).Given that there are ba rriers to the entry of new firms, Thames Water’s supernormal profits will not be competed away in the lengthy run. The merely dissimilarity, therefore, among short-run and long-run equilibrium is that in the long-run the firm will manufacture where MR = long-run MC. Both M&S and Thames Water face different types of market surroundings. Thames Water will generate a quite diverse output and at a fairly diverse price from M&S type of industry. M&S complete continued existence in the long run makes use of the most well-organized and fficient known technique, and develops new techniques anywhere possible. For example, Plan A. Plan A is Marks & Spencer’s five-year, 100-point ‘eco' plan to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing their business and the world. It will see them working with their customers and suppliers to combat climate change, reduce waste, safeguard natural resources, trade ethically and build a healthier nation. Altogether, they have cut down on f ood carrier bags by 80% – helping to reduce plastic waste. This helped raise half a million pounds for charity.Even though, Thames Water, protected by barriers to entry, be able to still create big profits even if it is not using the most efficient system. It has less motivation, therefore, to be efficient. For this motive, costs may be privileged under Thames Water. On the other hand, Thames Water may be bright to achieve considerable economies of scale due to larger plant, centralised management and the prevention of pointless repetition. Thames Water eradicates the want for numerous sets of rival water mains under each street.If this consequence in an MC curves significantly below that of the same industry under M&S, Thames Water can yet manufacture a higher output at a lower price. An additional reason why Thames Water may well function with lower costs is that it can make use of part of its supernormal profits for investigate and progress and investment. It possibly will not contain the same motivation to develop into efficient as M&S which is fighting for continued existence, but it may contain a much superior skill to become efficient than has the small firm with incomplete finances.Even if Thames Water faces no competition in the supplies market, it may face a substitute form of competition in financial markets. Thames Water, with potentially low costs, which at present runs inefficiently, is likely to be subject to a takeover tender from an additional company. This competition for commercial manage, as it is the struggle for the control of companies during takeovers, may as a result, force Thames Water to be efficient in order to avoid being taken over. Overall, there are two tremendous forms of market structure: monopoly (Thames Water) and, its opposite, perfect competition (Marks & Spencer).M&S is characterised by many buyers and sellers, many products that similar in nature and, as a result, many substitutes. Meaning there are few, if any, b arriers to entry for new companies, and prices are determined by supply and demand. Consequently, M&S are subject to the price of a good, the consumers can just turn to the firm decide to increase its selling price of a good; the consumers can just turn to the nearest competitor for a better price, causing any firm that increases its prices to lose market share and profits.Whereas the more constable the market, the more will Thames Water be forced to take action on like a firm under M&S. If, therefore, Thames Water operates in a perfectly contestable market, it might bring the finest time for the consumer. Not simply will it be capable to accomplish low costs through economies of scale, but also the possible competition will keep profits and as a result prices down. Bibliography McAleese, Dermot (2004).Economics for business: competition, macro-stability, and globalisation Parkin, Michael (1939). Economics Peter J. Buckley, Jonathan Michie (1996) Firms, Organizations and Contracts a Reader in Industrial Organization: A Reader in Industrial Organization Hunter, Alex (1969). Monopoly and competition: selected readings www. tutor2u. net www. econ. rochester. edu/eco108/ch14/micro14/sld063. htm www. bized. co. uk www. ft. com Sloman, John (2007). Essential of Economics Journal of Business & Economic Studies, 09/01/1997 to present

Monday, September 16, 2019

Internet Filters Essay

When browsing the Internet, users may encounter a filter. Filters are programs that remove or block certain items from being displayed. Four widely used Internet filters are anti-spam programs, web filters, phishing filters, and pop-up blockers. An anti-spam program is a filtering program that attempts to remove spam before it reaches an Inbox or forum. Spam is an unsolicited email message or posting sent too many recipients or forums at once. The content of spam ranges from selling a product or service, to promoting a business opportunity, to advertising offensive material. Spam also may contain links or attachments that contain malware. If an email program does not filter spam, many anti-spam programs are available at no cost on the web CITATION Clark p 35-37 l 1033 (Clarck 35-37). Web filtering software is a program that restricts access to certain material on the web. Some restrict access to specific websites; others filter websites that use certain words or phrases. Many busines ses use web-filtering software to limit employee’s web access CITATION Fin14 l 1033 (Finch and Redder). Some schools, libraries, and parents use this software to restrict access to minors. A phishing filter is a program that warns or blocks users from potentially fraudulent or suspicious websites. Phishing is a scam in which a perpetrator sends an official looking email message that attempts to obtain someone’s personal and/or financial information. Some phishing messages ask people to reply with their information; others direct them to a phony website or a pop-up window that looks like a legitimate website, which then collects their information CITATION Lan14 l 1033 (Lane). Some browsers include phishing filters. A pop-up blocker is a filtering program that stops popup ads from displaying on webpages. A pop-up ad is an Internet advertisement that suddenly appears in a new window on top of a webpage. Many browsers include a pop-up blocker. People also can download pop-up blockers from the web at no cost CITATION Fin14 l 1033 (Finch and Redder).

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Irish and Mexican Culture and Customs Essay

If we start to compare how irish people greet to another person and how mexicans we can find a big difference because as we know mexican people always say hi with a kiss in the cheek and is a normal way to greet even although they don ´t know each other. Irish people with only say hi is a find to greet another one, for them is really rear to give a kiss in the cheek. For mexicans is really normal to say hi giving a kiss in the cheek and if you don ´t greet everyone is a very uneducated of your part. Irish people is just fine to say hi or how  ´re you without giving a kiss, because for them if you give a kiss is really inappropriate. Examples of how irish people say hi: Hi, how are you? Hi, how you doing? Hi, how is it going? Hi, you all right? Hi, what’s the story? (this is a very informal way to say hi, just people who live in really bad conditions say this type of greet.) Examples of how mexicans say hi: Hola  ¿como estas? Que onda Que tal Hola, Mucho gusto When Irish people inroduce themself to a strenger they just say hi nice to meet you my name is â€Å"†¦.† And they shake hands to each other, this is a formal way to meet someone. In a informal they don ´t shake hands and they just say hi my name is †¦. Nice to meet you. In ireland the poeple when they want to introduce someone People in Ireland have a long list of things that they might eat for breakfast. Including breakfast cereal, porridge, toast, croissants, grapefruit, a bowl of fruit, yoghurt, sausages, rashers (thin slices of bacon), black pudding, white pudding, tomato, eggs(fried, boiled or scrambled), baked beans, fried potato (in cubes or as a potato cake), and many other slight variations; pancakes, toasted potato farls, brioche, pop tarts. After the breakfast they have a luch round at 1 pm and what they eat is Sandwiches of all kinds are popular. Fruits of a variety too, like apples and oranges and bananas. Some will go for less healthy options like chips or chocolate. Then around 6pm or 7pm they have dinner and they like to eat corn beef and cabbage, and they also enjoy potatoes too. January the 5th is a every traditional day for every mexican, is called LA NOCHE DE LOS REYES MAGOS (The night of the King Wizards). Family and friends get together in a very casual way and have a ROSCA DE REYES (like a big doughnut in an oval shape) and hot chocolate for dinner. Everybody gets a chance to cut their piece of the rosca and inside it has a plastic baby (Jesus) and who ever finds the baby is supposed to invite everyone present to eat tamales on February 2nd, (Day of the candelaria). Normally you can find 2 to 8 babies inside the bread, and we do it more for the fun of it than really for making another party. What is most important here is the next day, children go to sleep on January 5th and leave a shoe next to the nacimiento, (A Nativity, a small representation of the birth of Christ). Children leave their shoe and receive presents the next day (Just like Irish receive from Santa Claus). What I find very valuable in my country is El dia del muerto, the Day of the Dead has been celebrated in Mexico, and other Latin countries. This is a very special ritual, since it is the day in which the living remember their departed relatives. The Day of the Dead is a beautiful ritual in which Mexicans happily and lovingly remember their loved relatives that have died. What they like to do for remember their family who just pass away is to make an altar where they put the picture of this person and flowers with typical food mexican that represent the favorite food of this special person who just died because they think that the sould of this person can come to the altar and what it do is smell all the food that they used to like and enjoy it in this important day. It is important for me because is a beautiful way to remember that special person who has been part of your family. I don ´t find something that is not valuable in my country because everything has a important meaning for the mexicans. Every tradition has a important meaning in the history of Mà ©xico and we celebrate some important days because it has something special and valuable for everyone. I find very special the mexican culture and the actitud that mexicans have because is really unique and I can see that we are very joyfull than other countries and funny. We are rich in culture and we have a lot of history that has change mexico in many ways. Our tranditions are different than other countries because we celebrate important days in different ways and we do something special for remember it thats for example we celebrate with big parties and with delicious typical food. Also we have different type of typical clothe that represent each region of Mexico. For me all of this is really important because mexico is a beautiful place full of history and beautiful people joyfull. A important tradition that is celebrated by the irish people is Saint Patrick ´s day, they celebrate this day because Saint Patrick was the person who brought cristianity to Ireland and thats why they remember this important person who was really important for the history in Ireland. People wear green, and often go to pubs and parties where they drink beer that has been dyed green and listen and dance to Irish music. This is the way they celebrate this important day. I don ´t think that they have something that is nos important because in every country they celebrate something different and have different meanings so I think that everything is important.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Pirates of the Caribbean Essay

There dynamic personalities of the many characters in Pirates of the Caribbean are a huge part of what made the movie so successful. Among those characters, there are some who contribute more to the plot by their actions and some who affect the other characters by their mere presence. Captain Barbosa and the Commodore have some obvious differences that divide them in the movie, but their similarities are much more important. As a pair of comic alazons, Barbosa and the Commodore play an important role in providing basis for comparison against Captain Jack Sparrow and further complicate the love story in the movie. Captain Barbosa is interesting character in that his actions are often represented in an amateur light. It is important remember the introduction of Barbosa if one is to understand his character. It is important to note that he is originally Jack Sparrow’s first mate, which immediately relegates Barbosa to a subordinate and thus, amateur position. He never really grows out of that and through the rest of the movie and there is never much indication that he is capable, either. One such example where this is evident occurs when Barbosa makes the mistake of thinking that Elizabeth is the daughter of Bootstrap Bill Turner. By attempting this important blood ritual using the wrong person, Barbosa shows just how much of an impostor he actually is. In addition to that, one of the primary characteristics of a comic alazon is their unique ability to get in the way of the primary love scene in the movie. In this case, Barbosa’s constant meddling with Elizabeth, Jack, and William spurns a host of different love-filled possibilities in the film. Like Captain Barbosa, the Commodore is an interesting character who has a big role in the film. His primary role as impostor comes from his relationship with Elizabeth. He sets out to marry her and the film allows him to get very close, but ultimately she settles on Will Turner as her true love. This sets up the Commodore as something of a joke from the very beginning. In addition, he can be seen as a comic alazon because of his failed methods in finding Elizabeth when she has been captured by Barbosa. It is interesting to note that the Commodore is completely against piracy, which is something of a strange idea considering how common it was during the movie’s time. It was almost as if he was on a mission to stop something that he had absolutely no ability to stop. The commodore is similar to Barbosa in many ways and the movie adeptly points this out. These two are similar in that they serve as a foil for Will Turner in his relationship with Elizabeth. In addition, both are seen as something of jokes, and they are not taken seriously by the other characters even though the one thing they want more than anything is to be taken seriously. In a way, Jack Sparrow just toys with both the Commodore and with Barbosa and though he is always in reach of them, he manages to make them look foolish and escape at the same time. This is the one reason why they are important to the plot. The basic characteristics of the two characters make them very different simply based upon the fact that Barbosa is a pirate who is hurting Elizabeth, while the Commodore is against piracy and loves Barbosa. Those things are purely superfluous to the story, though, as the more important theme has to be drawn both characters’ abilities to look foolish and completely inept at the same time. All in all, these characters are incredibly important to the story’s development. Though their differences are pronounced, their similarities are even more important. On both sides of the spectrum, they serve as something to laugh at and people for the main characters to constantly toy with for the entirety of the film.

Friday, September 13, 2019

WK7 Research Design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

WK7 Research Design - Essay Example This research extensively purposes at obtaining new knowledge of the drastic depreciation in performance of university students through significant utilization of relevant concepts. The attained results will assist in the description of the problem, development of countering alternatives and provision of knowledge and skill useful in decision-making for the university managements. Furthermore, the results will make it possible to make future performance predictions hence contributing to the possibility of controlling university performances. A research design simply includes a strategy applicable for a specific study and the plan of actively exercising the strategy. The research methodologies in use will include quantitative designs as well as qualitative designs individually thus resulting to a combination of both. Qualitative research design mainly involves techniques and measures, which do not eventually produce discrete numerical data (Creswell, 1997). Qualitative data collection incorporates such methods as direct observation by the researcher, active participation or interviews. Qualitative research illustrates relevance in this research as it aims at achieving an in depth understanding of the factors contributing to the depreciation in university students’ performance. Inclusion of arrays of interpretative techniques to describe and translate the data collected will further improve the quality of the data (Maxwell, 2007). Subsequently, after collection of data through the qualitative research design, the d ata analysis will involve; content analysis of written or recorded data as well as data drawn from the participants’ expressions and behavioral observations. On the other hand, quantitative research design utilizes techniques and measures that in turn produce discrete numerical thus quantifiable data. Hence, this design will integrate computer analysis

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Compare contemporary advances in the biological sciences to victor Research Paper - 1

Compare contemporary advances in the biological sciences to victor Frankestein's creation and discuss the moral and ethical questions that both share - Research Paper Example Regenerating life using electricity becomes Victor’s obsession.(Storment 2). It is this discovery by Frankensteins of creating life that introduces the duality of science. Storment says, â€Å"Just as science can end up creating dual reactions, electricity holds this same power. Electricity holds the power of magnetism -- the negative and positive forces pulling away from each other.† This is a good example of many aspects of Frankenstein, with good versus evil also demonstrated. (Storment 2).Perceptions of science and the hazardous power it potentially holds are demonstrated in Mary Shelley’s novel. â€Å"Modern day science deals with the exact issues of which Shelley was apparently keenly aware.†(Storment 2) .Ethics is introduced to the knowledge of science, and science is even given a conscious. It seems Shelley acknowledged that â€Å"the future of science, if uncontrolled, could be disastrous.†(Storment 2).It is as if Mary Shelley lives in our current world, recognizing that the modern scientific discoveries of nuclear weapons and genetic engineering could in the end be our demise.(Storment 2) â€Å"What genetic engineering is to our day with such uncharted revolutionary avenues as cloning and the possibility for altering or eliminating defective genes, electrochemistry was to Mary Shelleys† says Stuart Curran. Genetics represents the cutting edge of the material sciences, promising and frightening in equal measure. The developing new science is challenging deep-rooted distinctions in our society. Between , â€Å"life and non-life, the natural and the artificial, the evolved and the designed, and even the material and the informational.†( Henk 2).Whenever such boundaries are breached, scientists are accused of playing a higher power, and perhaps treading in Frankeinstin’s footsteps.( Henk 3) Synthetic biology, which represents modern day science, puts heavy weight on many of the culturally well-established distinctions

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Please read the assigemnet and answer it Assignment

Please read the assigemnet and answer it - Assignment Example From experience, a basic structure made of unfinished cypress does not describe sophistication. A reader with such a prior schema finds it impossible to value the full splendor of the construction, unless he is convinced otherwise. Another way of looking at the passage is from the general knowledge point of view. Japanese culture is known to be rich. This ranges from their food, culture to dressing code. A person under the influence of such knowledge is thus sure to take Ise as one of the most incredible artworks in history of constructions. Idealized schema, otherwise known as prototypes will also inform the way one reacts or looks at the Ise as a cultural pillar. This is a generalized schema. A reader who expects changes that come about as a result of war, will readily believe the claims that the war lords took the structure of Ise into the national limelight. War lords usually exercise a lot of authority over their subjects, and are likely to take the structure architecture without the consent of its designers. There will be a variety of sentiments over the passage, depending on what schema informs the reader (Martin, 26). Not all readers will agree with the claims presented in the excerpt and not all will refute the

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Game Programming Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Game Programming - Assignment Example What A* does is generate and process the successor states in a certain way. Whenever it is looking for the next state to process, A-star employs a heuristic function to try to pick the best state to process next. If heuristic function is good, not only will A-star find a solution quickly, but it can also find the best solution possible. Brief Description:: The A* algorithm maintains two sets or ordered lists OPEN and CLOSED. OPEN list keeps a track of those nodes that need to be examined. CLOSED list keeps track of those nodes that have already been examined. Initially, OPEN list contains just the initial node. Start with initial node and insert it in ordered list OPEN list. Create a list CLOSED. This is initially an empty list. Each node 'n' maintains the following: g(n) = the cost of getting from the natal node to 'n' h(n) = the estimate, according to the heuristic function, of the cost of getting from n to the goal node. f(n) = g(n) + h(n); intuitively, this is the estimate of the best solution that goes through n. If OPEN is empty, exit with failure in algorithm. Select first node on OPEN. Remove it from OPEN and put it on CLOSED. This is node 'n'. If 'n' is goal node, exit the program. The solution is obtained by treating a path backwards along arcs in the tree from the node to n. Expand node n. This will generate successors. Read the list OPEN according to heuristic and go back to step 4. Each node maintains a pointer to its parent node, so that later on the best solution if founded can be retrieved. If n is goal node then we are done with solution given by backtracking. For each successor node n, if it is already in CLOSED list and the copy there has an equal or lower 'f' estimate,...Thus, the depths of the graph are first examined. For DFS, a stack can be maintained to keep a record of all the visited nodes, to ease the backtracking process. Given a suitable problem, we represent the initial conditions of the problem with an appropriate initial state, and the goal conditions as the goal state. For each action that is performed, generate successor states to represent the effects of the action. If this continues, at some point one of the generated successor states is the goal state, then the path from the initial state to the goal state is the solution to the problem. What A* does is generate and process the successor states in a certain way. Whenever it is looking for the next state to process, A-star employs a heuristic function to try to pick the best state to process next. If heuristic function is good, not only will A-star find a solution quickly, but it can also find the best solution possible. For each successor node n, if it is already in CLOSED list and the copy there has an equal or lower 'f' estimate, we can safely discard the newly generated n and move on. Similarly if n is already in the OPEN list and the copy there has an equal or lower 'f' estimate, we can discard the newly generated n and move on. If no better version of n exists on either the CLOSED or OPEN lists, we remove the inferior copies from the two lists and set n as the pare

Monday, September 9, 2019

Boardman Management RFP Assesment Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Boardman Management RFP Assesment - Article Example At the primary stage of analysis, Boardman Management will need to investigate the possibility of using lower-priced materials. If this is not possible, the organizational structure will be redesigned to take advantage of lower-priced materials. Such an approach will enable the company to remain competitive and, in some cases, beat the prices of its competitors. Additionally, the assessment will be made regarding the possibility of storing the cost data for in-process items on-line within the computerized information system so that cost data would always be up to date. With the implementation of such an approach, the problem of out-of-date standard cost figures should never recur (Burkun, 2006). The analysis of the budget will be an important step for Boardman Management to evaluate and calculate investment decisions. Budgets are both planning and control mechanisms that, although essential to control (particularly cost control), serve as a balance between planning and control. They refer to future periods of time, and translate company plans into financial resources. They furnish a guide for future expenditures, and by helping to guide actual performance toward budgeted performance, assist in the achievement of objectives. Budgets establish expected relationships among a number of factors in need of control, such as expenses for advertising, product planning, personal selling, and product development. They may be thought of as short-run aspects of planning (Burkun, 2006). The next step is to analyze the proposed structure of changes and their impact on the organization. The evaluation will uncover an important problem that is not included initially in the investigation. The assistant analysis will take several directions. The company will analyze costs required for implementation and change management, and time schedule. The cost control difficulties caused by restructuring are not hard for the experienced outside auditors to detect. However, developing appropriate recommendations in the form of cost control procedures take a little more time. Such analysis requires the development of different cost information, with cost classifications normally supplied by accounting statements. But generating relevant cost information from accounting statements, though conceptually simple, is actually quite complicated. First, the problem of discerning the costs of different activities is not easy (Burkun, 2006). Second, the allocation of costs among functions and other control units involves subjective judgments. Accountants classify expenditures on a natural basis. Hence, costs may be assigned to advertising, personal selling, transportation, warehousing, and sales promotion. The real purpose of these expenditures, however, is to achieve other objectives, such as sales, market position, image, and reputation. The next step of responses evaluation is to analyze pros and cons of the proposed software and its benefits for the company. The effectiveness of management and its staff in fulfilling their assigned tasks is evaluated. Within the next subsection, the ability of R&D management to exert the necessary leadership to accomplish stated objectives and oversee R&D projects effectively is examined. In a somewhat similar manner, the upward and downward flows of information between different departments and its staff