Michelangelo Essays (1831 words) - Sistine Chapel,

Michelangelo Michelangelo (1475-1564), arguably one of the most inspired creators in the history of art and, with Leonardo da Vinci, the most potent force in the Italian High Renaissance. As a sculptor, architect, painter, and poet, he exerted a tremendous influence on his contemporaries and on subsequent Western art in general. A Florentine - although born March 6, 1475, in the small village of Caprese near Arezzo - Michelangelo continued to have a deep attachment to his city, its art, and its culture throughout his long life. He spent the greater part of his adulthood in Rome, employed by the popes; characteristically, however, he left instructions that he be buried in Florence, and his body was placed there in a fine monument in the church of Santa Croce. Early Life in Florence Michelangelo's father, a Florentine official named Ludovico Buonarroti with connections to the ruling Medici family, placed his 13-year-old son in the workshop of the painter Domenico Ghirlandaio. After about two years, Michelangelo studied at the sculpture school in the Medici gardens and shortly thereafter was invited into the household of Lorenzo de' Medici, the Magnificent. There he had an opportunity to converse with the younger Medicis, two of whom later became popes (Leo X and Clement VII). He also became acquainted with such humanists as Marsilio Ficino and the poet Angelo Poliziano, who were frequent visitors. Michelangelo produced at least two relief sculptures by the time he was 16 years old, the Battle of the Centaurs and the Madonna of the Stairs (both 1489-92, Casa Buonarroti, Florence), which show that he had achieved a personal style at a very early age. His patron Lorenzo died in 1492; two years later Michelangelo fled Florence, when the Medici were temporarily Expelled. He settled for a time in Bologna, where in 1494 and 1495 he executed several marble statuettes for the Arca (Shrine) di San Domenico in the Church of San Domenico. First Roman Sojourn Michelangelo then went to Rome, where he was able to examine many newly unearthed classical statues and Ruins. He soon produced his first large-scale sculpture, the over-life-size Bacchus (1496-98, Bargello, Florence). One of the few works of pagan rather than Christian subject matter made by the master, it rivaled ancient Statuary, the highest mark of admiration in Renaissance Rome. At about the same time, Michelangelo also did the marble Piet? (1498-1500), still in its original place in Saint Peter's Basilica. One of the most famous works of art, the Piet? was probably finished before Michelangelo was 25 years old and it is the only work he ever signed. The youthful Mary is shown seated majestically, holding the dead Christ across her lap, a theme borrowed from northern European art. Instead of revealing extreme grief, Mary is restrained, and her expression is one of resignation. In this work, Michelangelo summarizes the sculptural innovations of his 15th-century predecessors such as Donatello, while ushering in the new monumentality of the High Renaissance style of the 16th century. First Return to Florence The high point of Michelangelo's early style is the gigantic (4.34 m/14.24 ft) marble David (Accademia, Florence), which he produced between 1501 and 1504, after returning to Florence. The Old Testament hero is depicted by Michelangelo as a lithe nude youth, muscular and alert, looking off into the distance as if sizing up the enemy Goliath, whom he has not yet encountered. The fiery intensity of David's facial expression is termed terribilit?, a feature characteristic of many of Michelangelo's figures and of his own personality. David, Michelangelo's most famous sculpture, became the symbol of Florence and originally was placed in the Piazza della Signoria in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, the Florentine town hall. With this statue Michelangelo proved to his contemporaries that he not only surpassed all modern artists, but also the Greeks and Romans, by infusing formal beauty with powerful expressiveness and meaning. While still occupied with the David, Michelangelo was given an opportunity to demonstrate his ability as a painter with the commission of a mural, the Battle of Cascina, destined for the Sala dei Cinquecento of the Palazzo Vecchio, opposite Leonardo's Battle of Anghiari. Neither artist carried his assignment beyond the stage of a cartoon, a full-scale preparatory drawing. Michelangelo created a series of nude and clothed figures in a wide variety of poses and positions that are a prelude to his next major project, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. The Sistine Chapel Ceiling Michelangelo was recalled to Rome by Pope Julius II in 1505 for two commissions. The most important one

Nietzsches Concept of the Will to Power

Nietzsche's Concept of the Will to Power The â€Å"will to power† is a central concept in the philosophy of 19th-century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. It is best understood as an irrational force, found in all individuals, that can be channeled toward different ends. Nietzsche explored the idea of the will to power throughout his career, categorizing it at various points as a psychological, biological, or metaphysical principle. For this reason, the will to power is also one of Nietzsches most misunderstood ideas. Origins of the Idea In his early twenties, Nietzsche read The World as Will and Representation by Arthur Schopenhauer and fell under its spell. Schopenhauer offered a deeply pessimistic vision of life, and at the heart of it was his idea that a blind, ceaselessly striving, irrational force he called â€Å"Will† constituted the dynamic essence of the world. This cosmic Will manifests or expresses itself through each individual in the form of the sexual drive and the â€Å"will to life† that can be seen throughout nature. It is the source of much misery since it is essentially insatiable. The best thing one can do to reduce one’s suffering is to find ways to calm it. This is one of the functions of art. In his first book, The Birth of Tragedy, Nietzsche posits what he calls a â€Å"Dionysian† impulse as the source of Greek tragedy. Like Schopenhauer’s Will, it is an irrational force that surges up from dark origins, and it expresses itself in wild drunken frenzies, sexual abandon, and festivals of cruelty. His later notion of the will to power is significantly different, but it retains something of this idea of a deep, pre-rational, unconscious force that can be harnessed and transformed in order to create something beautiful. The Will to Power as a Psychological Principle In early works like Human, All Too Human and Daybreak, Nietzsche devotes much of his attention to psychology. He doesn’t talk explicitly about a â€Å"will to power,† but time and again he explains aspects of human behavior in terms of a desire for domination or mastery over others, oneself, or the environment. In The Gay Science he begins to be more explicit, and in Thus Spoke Zarathustra he begins to use the expression â€Å"will to power.† People unacquainted with Nietzsche’s writings may be inclined to interpret the idea of the will to power rather crudely. But Nietzsche is not thinking only or even primarily of the motivations behind people like Napoleon or Hitler who expressly seek military and political power. In fact, he typically applies the theory quite subtly. For instance, Aphorism 13 of The Gay Science is entitled â€Å"The Theory of the Sense of Power.† Here Nietzsche argues that we exercise power over other people both by benefiting them and by hurting them. When we hurt them we make them feel our power in a crude way- and also a dangerous way, since they may seek to revenge themselves. Making someone indebted to us is usually a preferable way to feel a sense of our power; we also thereby extend our power, since those we benefit see the advantage of being on our side. Nietzsche, in fact, argues that causing pain is generally less pleasant than showing kindness and even suggests that cruelty, because it is the inferior option, is a sign that one lacks power. Nietzsche’s Value Judgments The will to power as Nietzsche conceives of it is neither good nor bad. It is a basic drive found in everyone, but one that expresses itself in many different ways. The philosopher and the scientist direct their will to power into a will to truth. Artists channel it into a will to create. Businessmen satisfy it through becoming rich. In On the Genealogy of Morals, Nietzsche contrasts â€Å"master morality† and â€Å"slave morality,† but traces both back to the will to power. Creating tables of values, imposing them on people, and judging the world according to them, is one noteworthy expression of the will to power. And this idea underlies Nietzsche attempt to understand and evaluate moral systems. The strong, healthy, masterly types confidently impose their values on the world directly. The weak, by contrast, seek to impose their values in a more cunning, roundabout way, by making the strong feel guilty about their health, strength, egotism, and pride. So while the will to power in itself is neither good nor bad, Nietzsche very clearly prefers some ways in which it expresses itself to others. He doesn’t advocate the pursuit of power. Rather, he praises the sublimation of the will to power into creative activity. Roughly speaking, he praises those expressions of it he views as creative, beautiful, and life-affirming, and he criticizes expressions of the will to power that he sees as ugly or born of weakness. One particular form of the will to power that Nietzsche devotes much attention to is what he calls â€Å"self-overcoming.† Here the will to power is harnessed and directed toward self-mastery and self-transformation, guided by the principle that â€Å"your real self lies not deep within you but high above you.† Charles Darwin.   Historical Picture Archive/Getty Images Nietzsche and Darwin In the 1880s Nietzsche read and seems to have been influenced by several German theorists who criticized Darwin’s account of how evolution occurs. In several places he contrasts the will to power with the â€Å"will to survive,† which he seems to think is the basis of Darwinism. In fact, though, Darwin does not posit a will to survive. Rather, he explains how species evolve due to natural selection in the struggle to survive. The Will to Power as a Biological Principle At times Nietzsche seems to posit the will to power as more than just a principle that yields insight into the deep psychological motivations of human beings. For instance, in Thus Spoke Zarathustra he has Zarathustra say: â€Å"Wherever I found a living thing, I found there the will to power.† Here the will to power is applied to the biological realm. And in a fairly straightforward sense, one might understand a simple event such as a big fish eating a little fish as a form of the will to power; the big fish demonstrates mastery of its environment by assimilating part of the environment into itself. The Will to Power as a Metaphysical Principle Nietzsche contemplated writing a book entitled â€Å"The Will to Power† but never published a book under this name. After his death, however, his sister Elizabeth published a collection of his unpublished notes, organized and edited by herself, entitled The Will to Power. Some sections of this book make it clear that Nietzsche took seriously the idea that the will to power might be a fundamental principle operating throughout the cosmos. Section 1067, the last section of the book, sums up Nietzsche’s way of thinking about the world as â€Å"a monster of energy, without beginning, without end...my Dionysian world of the eternally self-creating, the eternally self-destroying†¦Ã¢â‚¬  It concludes: â€Å"Do you want a name for this world? A solution for all its riddles?  A light for you, too, you best-concealed, strongest, most intrepid, most midnightly men?––This world is the will to power––and nothing besides!  And you yourselves are also this will to power––and nothing besides!†

Comparison of three learning theories Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Comparison of three learning theories - Essay Example All these theories will be compared and contrasted as well so as to understand the similarities and differences. Social Cognitive Theory Social cognitive theory explains the acquisition of behavioral patterns by human beings. It is based on the idea that human beings learn by observing the behavior of other people around them. According to the social cognitive theory there are three factors that have an impact on behavior namely environment, person, and behavior. A person acquires knowledge when environment combines with personal characteristics and experience. A learner also evaluates new experiences through the past and prior experience help the learner understand the present experience. In short, it is through the interplay of environment, behavior and personality that an individual acquires knowledge. The social cognitive theory takes into account the personal factors of the learner therefore it is also used in personality development. All the three factors can be manipulated to bring a desired change in the behavior of a person. Social cognitive theory also emphasize on the emotional element of learning. A learner is more likely to learn from a source with which the learner feels emotionally attached (Bandura, 1994). Learning therefore is also dependent on perceived similarities between the model and the learner. The theory focuses on the environmental, personal, and behavioral factors in order to explain how human beings learn. Vygotsky’s Social Development Theory Vygotsky is a Russian psychologist who gave his theory of social development. He emphasizes the role of social interaction in the overall learning process of a person. He explained human development through social interaction and claimed that social learning through interaction is followed by development. The first stage of learning according to Vygotsky is social learning. The social development theory also include ‘the more knowledgeable other’ (MKO). This is a thing or a p erson that serves as a teacher for the learner as this MKO has skills superior to the learner. The theory also talks about ‘the zone of proximal development’ (ZPD) which is the difference between what the learner can do without help and what the learner can do with MKO. It is in this ZPD that a learner can acquire new knowledge. The main difference between social development theory and social cognition theory is that former argues that social interaction lead to cognitive development and the latter argues that learning takes place with the combination of environmental, personal and cognitive factors. Application of social development theory can be in schools where teachers should focus on open dialogue and should engage in discourse (Hausfather, 1996). It will be helpful because it is through social interaction that cognitive development can be achieved. Game Based Learning Game based learning theory focuses on learning through different activities and games. Learners g ain knowledge by taking part in activities designed to challenge themselves thereby keeping their interest and involvement high. It is a relatively new theory that uses games and interesting techniques to help students learn difficult concept. The idea behind game based learning is to attract the attention of the learners and develop interest in order to facilitate learning.

Criminal Theory Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Criminal Theory - Research Paper Example The paper also deals with the common models used by society to determine which acts are considered to be criminal, how they are affected by choice theories, and how they are enforced by the government. It is essential to identify the various choice theories and how they contribute to an in depth understanding of how crimes are being perceived by the society and the criminal justice system. Regoli and Hewitt have made some remarkable studies on the various choice theories on crimes and for the researchers choice theories hold â€Å"that people have free will, are rational and intelligent, and make informed decisions to commit crimes based on whether they believe they will benefit from doing so† (Regoli & Hewitt 66). Thus, an individual has the free will to decide whether to commit a crime or refrain from it in given situations. The ultimate choice of indulging in crimes rests on the individual himself. Very often, individuals commit crimes only after evaluating the possible ben efits as well as the consequences of the action in their lives. It can thus be inferred that individuals tend to keep themselves away from crimes when such consequences of crimes would lead them to pain, punishment, imprisonment or even death penalty. Choice theories can generally be categorized into rational choice theory, the routine activities theory and the life style theory. All these choice theories underline the fact that people are more inclined to commit crimes when right opportunities arise and there is nothing to deter or de-motivate them from such choices. The rational choice theory was developed and propagated by Ronald Clarke and Derek Cornish. The authors argue that offenders are â€Å"rational people who make calculated choices before they commit a criminal act† and as such they â€Å"collect, process, and evaluate information about the crime; they weigh the costs and benefits of the crime before they make the decision to commit it† (Regoli & Hewitt 67) . Thus, the rational choice theorists argue that offenders commit planned crimes where they decide whom to target and in what way to operate their criminal activities. The theory has great significance in the criminal justice system. It is imperative that there are powerful provisions of punishment and deterrence in the criminal justice system to put an end to rational choice crimes. From a rational choice perspective the decisions of the offenders regarding the crime are quite purposive, intentional and deliberative. However, these decisions can be â€Å"biased on limited information, made under pressure, insufficiently planned, and/or attentive only to the immediate risks of apprehension rather than to the long-term consequences of their actions† (Lilly, Ball & Cullen 342). Most often, crimes based on choice theories stem from the offender’s attempts to satisfy his/her needs to earn money, acquire social status or to take revenge. On the other hand, the offender woul d always try to get rid of the negative consequences of the crime which include arrest, punishment and imprisonment. However, rational choice theory does not focus very much on the background factors that are involved in the making of crimes. On the other hand, rational choice t

Teachers Attitudes towards Autistic Children Research Paper

Teachers Attitudes towards Autistic Children - Research Paper Example By doing this a pattern of behavior forms where the student either answered very quickly without thinking or doesn't even try. With autistic children, this can be absolutely critical. Autistic children are generally found to be at least average intelligence, possibly above-average. However, IQ tests simply do not work with these kinds of students, due to the requirement of quick response. When not even sure that you autistic children see the world in the same way. In fact, we know so very little about this condition that any kind of properly done and reported research will be valuable. The nature of the disorder, mainstreaming is very important, because one of the areas in which the student desperately needs to improve his social communication. In special classes, where the students suffer from this disorder, there is a double deficit in communication among students. However, by mainstreaming autistic students in a regular classroom, perhaps with the helper, the autistic student is p rovided the opportunity to communicate with other students lacking this disability. With the proper training of the teacher and the coaching of the other students, the benefits can be reciprocal. You autistic student is provided with an environment where responses can be immediately acknowledged, and the regular students are provided with an opportunity to understand this disability and learn that an autistic student is otherwise quite a normal person. One component of any research project would be the literature review. A review of the literature can give the researcher an idea of what questions have been researched and the methodology used. Furthermore, in well-done research reports, the questions themselves are generally represented. Once the literature review is completed and the results analyzed, then conclusions can be made about the suitability of the research. In order for the research to be valuable, it must investigate an area which has not been well researched or answer a question which has not been asked and answered, or use the methodology that will result in different kinds of data. In researching the above question in a literature review, a great deal was found referring to autism, nearly 25,000 responses in EBSCO database alone. The focus was narrowed to documents from the year 2006 to the present. This reduced to do just over 14,000 results. By adding the word "mainstreaming" results were cut to a manageable eighty. Fourteen of these results were found to be relevant with six dealing with attitudes and perceptions of teachers, and the balance dealing with methods of teaching. From these results, it was clear that this question has not been well investigated. Those results which dealt directly with teachers attitudes did not give much information. Therefore, it was decided from the literature review that this was a good question to investigate. Primary Research Of the various methods available to cover this research, the choice must be made amo ng quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research. Due to the nature of the question is probable that strictly quantitative will not give much useful information because it deals with attitudes. Therefore, one must choose between qualitative and mixed methods. One extremely useful qualitative method is direct observation.

Assessment Brief No1 Operations Strategy Business Essay

Assessment Brief No1 Operations Strategy Business Essay There are lots of research and studies about the functions of multinational retail companies in all over the world. All these studies mainly focused on the operations strategy and performance analysis of these big companies. Yet, no studies in this area specifically discussed the operations strategy contributions of small to medium sized companies operating in the retail industry and other industries as well. The main objective of this report is to give an understandable, well structured and interesting management of operations management as it applies in a UK based family owned SME named Azam Super market. The report gives the logical path through the performance of operations management and perceptive of their strategic context. The purpose of this report is to critically analyse and evaluate of the current operations strategy of Azam Super market, with respect to operations typology (4vs). The three methods of analysis utilized in this report include trend, horizontal and vertical analyses as well as current situation like implementation of new changes, issues and organisational performance. Results of case study not only confirmed that the smaller UK retailers have the potential to challenge the big players successfully by utilising the IT facilities, new ideas and possibilities of internet and inventory management, but also provides the selected company owners are not old fashioned and they are ready to utilise the service of information technology such as designing company own website and online shopping etc. Azam super markets organisational performances are above industry averages. In particular, comparative performance is good in medium sized company sector. The most important thing is the company owners are aware of the new trends and the immense opportunities of the implementation of information technology in their business. A review of the academic literature on the obstacles of the functioning of the formulation of competitive role, position and objectives and operations strategies in general and particularly related to retail SMEs, recommended that significant difficulties can be found in implementing operations strategies. The study suggests that performance of operations strategy in an SME should have sizeable impact on operational performance if the progression for implementation is well structured. Introduction Azam Super market is a newly opened family business owned by siblings Jaswindher singh, Pervindher and Hardeep Kaur based in UK. Azam Super market is mainly focuses on grocery, offering a wide variety of Indian food and dairy products. The organisation has got 5 full time employees and 2 part time employees under the administration of Hardeep Kaur, as she looks after administrated related activities. At the mean time Jaswindher singh support the business related activities like marketing and advertising and Pervindher singh responsible for purchasing or approving of goods and services needed by the organisation. Within short span of time Azam super market gained the trust and value of the community around the area and become a strong SME in that particular area. Now business is going up to next level with a constant increase in number of customers. The owners are really busy with business promotion and the increasing number of customer becomes a difficult task for them to satisfy eac h and every customers need and to operate in their traditional way. This report discusses how operations management were selected and then implemented in a small to medium enterprise named Azam Super market. It then goes on to which stage of performance contribution has been reached. Little attention has been paid to the strategy-making processes of small and medium-sized firms (SMEs), or to the effectiveness of strategic planning in the SME sector. Planning often fails because of implementation problems often associated with SMEs lack of capability to determine and overcome potential barriers to strategic planning (Ghobadian A O Regan N , Effective Strategic planning in small and medium sized firms, Journal: Management Decision, Volume-40, Number-7, year- 2002, pp 663-671, Online www.emeraldinsight.com ). During this research it is obviously clear that Azam super market owners are not different from strategy making processes of compared to other SMEs, they clearly lack knowledge in information technology that affect the strategic planning of the firm and there is a little attention has been paid to the operations planning of the company. The tremendous growth in the nature of the industry demands to look up into different areas in which the business is operatin g. It has become very clear to accept more long term planning than short term strategy for the long run of the company. In the long run of the business it should become less competitive with its competitors and unable to develop the business until they revolutionize their present business operation of traditional way in the changing global environment. It has become more necessary for Azam Super market to recognize the importance of academic approaches to the operations management. Azam super markets formulation of competitive role, position and objectives Operations management is a management of the way organisation manage all activities directly related to the products and services (Slack et al. 2010 p-2). The term operations management also offered in a selection of areas which includes production and operations management, analysis for production systems and design and engineering of production systems (Shim J K and Siegel J G, 1999 pp 1-4) According to Slack et al (2006 p-8) Operations management has got a vital role in small organisations as it is in large one. Apart from their size, every organisation needs to have and deliver their products and services efficiently and successfully. The most basic function of operations management has to implement new strategies within the organisation. Azam super market is planning to open 2 more retail outlets with in the areas where Asian communities are living together. The owners of the organisation are really passionate about the business and they are now realized the importance of the e commerce and other internet related opportunities to improve the business operations and explore new opportunity in the complex global environment. Innovative ideas, planning and control should increase organisation performance like dependability and flexibility. It definitely leads improved customer service and customer satisfaction. It will help the firm to retain customers in long term. In addition, many researchers argues that the utilize of personal connections, an innovative selling focus, a strong understanding of some characteristics of formal marketing as the key features of what can be termed SME marketing. The main workforce in the SMEs scrutinized emerges to demonstrate normally entrepreneurial behaviour in the absence of founding owners. These characteristics of SME marketing are not well recognized or investigated and subsequently formed the basis of this study (Hill J, Online 1995). A General model of operations management Operations Strategic Objectives The operations competitive role and position Design Operations Strategy Input transformed resources Output Products and services Materials information customers Improvement Input resources Customers Facilities Staff Planning and Control Input transforming resources Environment Source: Kalathummarath A N 2010 in Slack et al., 2004 p-5 Above model clearly shows how it works in an organisation. The main objectives of operations management are to reduce operational cost and to increase organisation performance. In operations strategy 3 basic things are being considered vital such as design, improvement and planning and control. By considering the current set up of Azam Super market it is obvious that hosting website and other online facilities will bring more customers and eventually that gives Azam super market a competitive edge in this industry. The introduction of website and online purchasing or other online services will place organisation in a strong position in their industry. It will also help to increase internal performance of company such as facilities of employees will improve that also affect the performance of the organisation. Hypothetically, operations management is similar in any size of companies. Though, in practice, organizing operations in a small or medium size company has its own set of problems. Small organizations like Azam super market have exactly the same operations management problems as large ones but they can be more problematical to split from the collection of other issues with in the organization. On the other hand, small operations can also have considerable advantages. It means that smaller firms can keep up their viewpoint of excellence amongst everybody in the company and it means that they can respond very rapidly when the market demands it. (Slack et al. 2010 pp 7-11) Operations Typology (4 Vs) Volume: more than average number of customers from a special ethnic group and average number of customers from other ethnic group. Variety: Medium-high since Azam Super market introduce new Indian products that is not available in the UK and also exploring new opportunities by opening 2 other retail outlets and launching of new website. Variation: It purely based on the demand pattern of the customers. For example if customers demand for more traditional Indian foods product in a special occasions like diwali. Ramzan or other religious festivals or special parties or marriage functions it is likely to be higher than normal season. Visibility: High visibility and medium contact skill. Even though, Azam Super market is a new organisation their owners are well experienced in business and their customer contact skills and personnel interactions with the customers and other people should be an asset for the company. The implications of 4vs in Azam super market All these 4Vs operations have implications for the cost of generating the products or services. To some extend position of an operation in the four dimensions is determined by the demand of the market it is serving. However, most of the operations have some discretion in moving themselves on the dimensions. (Slack et al. 2010 p-22) Figure below show the implication of such positioning. Volume High Low Variety High Low Variation High Low Visibility High Low Source: Slack et al. 2010 p-23 Rising demand of Indian foods or SME super market in the UK Financial crisis severely hit the  £3 billion Indian food industry but Indians continued to be hooked on the quality ready meals and other Indian products from super markets or corner stores. Other ethnic group people are also like spicy Indian food so it has got a tremendous potential in UK retail store industry. The industry figures shows that demand for Indian meals or other grocery items increasing rapidly and super market chains are struggling to meet the demands of consumers (Anon, Online, 2009). According to wiki it is estimated that about 2% of total population of UK are Indians or Indian origins. Major cities like London, Birmingham and Leicester consist of big Asian communities it gives SMEs like Azam Super market a great opportunity to expand their business in that particular industry. Operation strategy perspectives Operations strategy concerns the pattern of strategic decision and actions which sets the role, objectives and activities of the operation (Slack et al. 2010, p-62) While, the operations strategy content is about What the key decision areas that need to be addressed in developing an operations strategy are (Slack et. al., 2010, pp 62-63). According to Slack and Lewis Operations strategy is the total outline of decisions which figure out the long term capabilities of any type of operations and their contribution to the overall strategy, through the reconciliation of market requirements with operations resources (Online, Wiki books) The four perspectives on operations strategy Different authors have slightly different opinions about Operations strategy. Operations strategy is undoubtedly part of an organisations total strategy but this topic has slightly different views and definitions. Operations strategy might come out in a top-down or a bottom-up method with look upon to business and corporate strategies. Likewise, an operations strategy can be built up in reaction to market needs or be based on the capacity of its operations resources (Slack and Lewis, 2002). Each perspective places a different emphasis on the nature of the operations strategy process. Below shown chart of 4 perspectives not giving the full picture of what operations strategy is. But together they provide some idea of the pressure which goes to form the content of operations strategy Top-down Perspective What the business wants operations to do What day to day experience suggests operations should do Bottom-up Perspective Operations resources perspective What operations resources can do? Market requirements Perspective What the market position requires operations to do Operations Strategy Source: (Slack et al. 2010, p 65) In the top down perspective shows that what the whole group or business wants to do? In the bottom perspective where operations improvements cumulatively build strategy. Operations strategy involves translating market requirements into operations decisions. Operations strategy involves exploiting the capabilities of operations resources in chosen markets. Source: (Slack et al. 2010, p 65) In this case study about Azam super market a SME, many researches reveals that the IT offers exciting new opportunities for SMEs to develop their customer base into the global environment (Tetteh E Burn F, Online). In order to achieve these advantages in global strategy Azam Super market needs to implement a completely different approach to the strategic planning and management. This will comprises what type of new ideas the management wants to adopt and what parts of the areas in the UK to operate and to open new retail outlets and how to allocate the finance in different areas of business. This case study reveals that Azam super market is going through top-down perspective of operations strategy. According to this perspective, the task for operations would be determined logically from the business strategy. Using five operations performance objectives is one way of articulating the operations task (Slack Lewis, 2002). Azam super market should adopt bottom-up perspective of operations strategy. The bottom-up perspective is one in which the organization learns from its experiences, developing and enhancing its operational capabilities as operations managers try new things out in an almost experimental fashion using their workplaces as a kind of learning laboratory (Slack Lewis, 2002). They already been in the market for some years and got valuable experience from the particular industry. So it has been recommended that to adopt bottom-up perspective of operations strategy. The management in the system is well aware about the opportunities of internet based business. Experience from this industry is a massive advantage for them to take up their business in to next level. The only problem they are facing is Azam super market is targeting mainly a particular ethnic group. It might be a problem for them to develop more areas in future. Operational stage diagnosis Two professors named Hayes and Wheelwright have developed four stage models which should be helpful to evaluate the competitive role and contribution of the operations function of Azam super market. Stage 1 Internal neutrality When evaluate with other stages of operations it is crystal clear that this is the poorest level of contribution by the operations function. This is inward looking and very little positive to donate towards competitive success (Slack et al. 2010, p 63). Stage 2 External neutrality In this second stage this function is least helpful for the companies to instantly get in to the market in first stage, but it could be evaluating itself against the competitors performance and trying to adopt suitable ideas from them. By taking the best ideas and norms of performance from the rest of its industry, it is trying to be externally neutral (Slack et al. 2010, p 63). Stage 3 Internally supportive In stage 3 operations they have almost reached the initial division in their market. They may not be superior to their competitors but they are generally up with the best. The operation is trying to be internally supportive by providing a credible operations strategy (Slack et al. 2010, pp 63-64) Stage 4 Externally supportive In stage 4 companies are one which observes the market operations function as giving the base for its competitive success and operations appear to long term (Slack et al. 2010, p 64). According to these theories, Azam Super market stands in stage 3 operations and they are among the best in that particular segment. . Yet stage 3 operations still aspire to be clearly and unambiguously the very best in the market. They achieve this by gaining a clear view of the companys competitive or strategic goals and supporting it by developing appropriate operations resources. The operation is trying to be internally supportive by providing a credible operations strategy (Slack et. al., 2007). They been in this business for few years and got very good knowledge and experience. But they neither comes up in the top performers category nor in the under performers category. These arguments show that Azam Super market clearly comes in Stage 3 internally supportive operations. Management decision to utilise the opportunities of internet related service and to open new branches with in the selected ethnic majority areas brings them to stage 4 operations. A stage 4 company is one which sees the operations function as providing the foundation for its competitive success. Operations look to the long term. If forecasts likely changes in markets and it develop the operations-based capabilities which will be required to compete in future market conditions. Stage 4 operations are innovative, creative and proactive and are driving the companys strategy by being one step ahead of competitors (Slack et. al., 2007) Conclusion The implementation of Information technology related services operations in SMEs brings them forward in to the global economy and it eventually gives them courage to face the competition from their opponents. Electronic related services and effective organising competence are shaping the competitive performance of SMEs in global economy. The internet has become a vital role in every part of human activities like education, business, advertisement, and communication with massive innovative technologies and ideas of human interactivity. Meantime, SMEs in the UK has increased their operations in internet to expand their business with the help of its global reach. The main findings in this case study are some positive approach from the management to accept and utilise the massive opportunities of internet related services and to open new branches in other areas to develop their business. Some limitations have been faced during the case study: Forecasting statistics are not provided nor do the current economic stability of the organisation. Recommendations Focus on other minority ethnic group ( Mainly Asian community) More focus on chilled or ready meal traditional foods

Little Charity in Eudora Weltys A Visit of Charity Essay -- Visit of

Little Charity in Eudora Welty's A Visit of Charity  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the short story of "A Visit of Charity" by Eudora Welty, a fourteen-year-old girl visits two women in a home for the elderly to bring them a plant and to earn points for Campfire Girls.   Welty implies through this story, however, that neither the society that supports the home nor the girl, Marian, knows the meaning of the word "charity."   The dictionary defines "charity" as "the love of man for his fellow men: an act of good will or affection."   But instead of love, good will, and affection, self-interest, callousness, and dehumanization prevail in this story.   Welty's depiction of the setting and her portrayal of Marian dramatize the theme that people's selfishness and insensitivity can blind them to the humanity and needs of others.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Many features of the setting, a winter's day at a home for elderly women, suggests coldness, neglect, and dehumanization.   Instead of evergreens or other vegetation that might lend softness or beauty to the place, the city has landscaped it with "prickly dark shrubs."1   Behind the shrubs the whitewashed walls of the Old Ladies' Home reflect "the winter sunlight like a block of ice."2   Welty also implies that the cold appearance of the nurse is due to the coolness in the building as well as to the stark, impersonal, white uniform she is wearing.   In the inner parts of the building, the "loose, bulging linoleum on the floor"3 indicates that the place is cheaply built and poorly cared for.   The halls that "smell like the interior of a clock"4 suggest a used, unfeeling machine.   Perhaps the clearest evidence of dehumanization is the small, crowded rooms, each inhabited by two older women.   The room that Marian visits is dark,... ...otted plant qualify as an act of charity.   In fact, as an analysis of the setting reveals, the Home is inhumane in many ways.   Marian indicates in her thoughts, words, and deeds that she is opportunistic and indifferent to the needs and feelings of the aging women.   Welty further suggests in this story that pseudo-charity can destroy the very humanity it pretends to acknowledge and uphold.   People like Marian acting either out of duty or for personal advantages have created the Home and the conditions that have made the inhabitants cranky, clutching, and unlovable.   Marian left the women more lonely and distraught than she found them.   This kind of charity is uncharitable indeed. Work cited Welty, Eudora. â€Å"A Visit of Charity† Making Literature Matter: An Anthology for Readers and Writers. Ed. John Schilb and John Clifford. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2000.

Canada, America, and the Post Industrial Society Essay

The United States of America is one of the global powers. On the other hand, Canada, which is close to America, is also a large country that has a big economy. There are similarities and differences between the two countries. Some of the similarities are language spoken, religion, literacy, GDP growth per decade, and land area. Major languages spoken in both countries are mainly English, Spanish, and French. Major religions in both countries are Protestant and Catholic. Both countries also have the same literacy rate of 99% and the same gross domestic product or GDP growth rate per decade of 10%. Also, the land area of the two countries does not differ that much. Nevertheless, in terms of total area, Canada is bigger than the U. S. Canada has a total area of 9,984,670 square kilometers or 3,855,103 square miles while America has a total area of 9,826,630 square kilometers or 3,794,083 square miles. Canada is bigger than America by 1. 6% of its total area or about 158,040 square kilometers or 61,020 square miles (United North America). On the other hand, some of these differences include total area, population, GDP, unemployment rate, and life expectancy. With a population of 301,139,947 which is 9 times the population of Canada, America has a great advantage over Canada with a population of only 33,390,141. Another difference between both countries is GDP. The GDP of America is relatively higher than that of Canada. The GDP of America is US$ 13. 458 trillion, which is 11 times the GDP of Canada, compared to US$ 1. 287 trillion GDP of Canada. There is also a disparity in the unemployment rate of both countries. The unemployment rate in America is 5. 1%, which is lower compared to 6. 8% of Canada. Life expectancy in the U. S. is also lower compared to Canada. Americans can live up to 78 years while Canadians can live up to 80 years (United North America). The Features of Post Industrial Society Knowledge is a very important factor in our society today. In a post industrial society, everyone relies on information. Hence, exchange of information is highly regarded in a post industrial society. Information is gathered with the use of various data processors, record keeping, market research, etc. As to its economic sectors, the post industrial society is dominated by the tertiary sector, otherwise known as the services sector. Thus, the job opportunities mostly include jobs that offer services. Examples of these jobs are train services and computer services, among others. In a post industrial society, productivity can be seen through the primary sector and the secondary sector because of the contributions of the tertiary sector due to the transition from goods production to provision of services, one of this society’s most important features (Gershuny 1-10). Another significant feature of the post industrial era is that the importance of â€Å"blue collar† comes to dominate the economic world.Knowledge as said earlier is also an important aspect of this society. especially theoretical knowledge (Ritzer 9). Works Cited Gershuny, J. â€Å"What do we do in Post-industrial Society? † University of California, Los Angeles. April 2004. 04 November 2008 . Ritzer, G. The Blackwell Companion to Major Contemporary Social Theorists. Maldem, Mass. Oxford: Blackwell, 2003. United North America. Similarities & Differences Between Canada & United States. 1 January 2007. 04 November 2008

Education Makes a Difference Essays

Education Makes a Difference Essays Education Makes a Difference Paper Education Makes a Difference Paper she knew what her students really needed and was involved with them. In my view, not only was Miss Bessie an excellent academic instruct, but also taught them the chance to hold the hope tightly due to the lessons and encouragement. Setting her own experience in college as a vivid example, she used her perseverance to inspire her students to set and chase their personal dreams and goals. She told her students that external conditions, such as equipments and facilities were not the core of education, but the hope and goal could drive them to overcome obstacles. As the author wrote, â€Å"years later, her inspiration, podding anger, cajoling, and almost osmotic infusion of learning finally led to that lovely day when Miss Bessie dropped me a note saying, ‘I’m so proud to read your column in the Nashville Tennessean’ † (Rowan 166). If the author did not get the suggestion and help of Miss Bessie to develop a habit of reading newspaper, he might not have the achievement like that. Education helped the author and his classmates regain hopes and motivation of life and the effect really kept forever, even if Miss Bessie passed away. Those people who got hope due to the education of Miss Bessie were also willing to help other. For example, the author mentioned Gladys Wood, a highly respected English teacher in a state high school who was doing the same thing as Miss Bessie did and used Miss Bessie to encourage himself (Rowan 167). Why did an ordinary English teacher has such a tremendous power? The author told us that the education gave the power to Miss Bessie to help them find their hopes. Clearly another reason why education make difference is to help people to learn useful skills necessary for the further life not only just for today. For example, in the essay My Favorite Teacher of Thomas Friedman, he selected his journalism teacher, Hattie M. Steinberg as the person â€Å"who left a particular mark on the world†. From Mrs. Steinberg, he got many skills on reading and writing, and realized the basic element in journalism could be used in many aspects. He thought that people now almost seemed to forget the fundamentals of success, but show much more interest in some tricks; however, the sentence of Steinberg, â€Å"these fundamentals cannot be download. You can only upload them, the old-fashioned way, one by one† (Friedman 404) always remind the author to pay attention to the base of everything. Meanwhile, education offer so many opportunities to people to find their hidden talent. Once people find their talent, their life will have a colossal change. Just like the topic â€Å"the Art of Spaghetti† that Russell Baker mentioned in his essay â€Å"Becoming a writer†, was absolutely novel and different with those fusty writing topics, such as â€Å"What I Do on My Summer Vacation†. Baker was struck and inspired by the creative topic. Also the little change promptly created the turning point in his life, heading to a totally new way in life. According to the author wrote at the beginning of the essay, he thought he could never did very well in writing and he felt fed up with the writing. However, after the new topic essay â€Å"the Art of Spaghetti†, as he said , â€Å"I did my best to avoid showing pleasure, but what I was pure ecstasy at this startling demonstration that my words had the power to make people laugh † ( Baker 205). What’s more important, he wrote â€Å"Mr. Fleagel had opened a door for me†, who indicated a way for the new way of author by educaion. We could presumed that if the author did not meet Mr. Fleagal and got the new topic, he would never find his talent in writing or, even hated it. Education just acted as the spark to light up the darkness in minds of us and help us find what we were really good at. Education might not the only way to help overcome the obstacle and make you success. However, education could be a simple, active and permanent way to give possibilities to the most of people to obtain hopes and motivations in a difficult situation, learn basic skills and find their talent. Work Cited Rowan, Carl. Unforgettable Miss Bessie. Models for Writers. Bedford / St. Martin’s. p166, p167. Friedman, Thomas. My Favorite Teacher. Modes for Writers. Bedford / St. Martin’s. p404 Baker, Russell. Becoming a Writer. Modes for Writers. Bedford / St. Martin’s. p205

Helium Facts (Atomic Number 2 or He)

Helium Facts (Atomic Number 2 or He) Helium is atomic number 2 on the periodic table, with the element symbol He. It is a colorless, flavorless gas, best known for its use in filling floating balloons. Here is a collection of facts about this lightweight, interesting element: Helium Element Facts Helium Atomic Number: 2 Helium Symbol: He Helium Atomic Weight: 4.002602(2) Helium Discovery: Janssen, 1868, some sources say Sir William Ramsey, Nils Langet, P.T. Cleve 1895 Helium Electron Configuration: 1s2 Word Origin: Greek: helios, sun. Helium was first detected as a new spectral line during a solar eclipse, so it is named for the Greek Titan of the Sun. Isotopes: 9 isotopes of helium are known. Only two isotopes are stable: helium-3 and helium-4. While the isotopic abundance of helium varies depending on geographical location and source, 4He accounts for nearly all of the natural helium. Properties: Helium is a very light, inert, colorless gas. Helium has the lowest melting point of any element. It is the only liquid that cannot be solidified by lowering the temperature. It remains liquid down to absolute zero at ordinary pressures, but can be solidified by increasing the pressure. The specific heat of helium gas is unusually high. The density of helium vapor at the normal boiling point is also very high, with the vapor expanding greatly when heated to room temperature. Although helium normally has a valence of zero, it has a weak tendency to combine with certain other elements. Uses: Helium is widely used in cryogenic research because its boiling point is near absolute zero. It is used in the study of superconductivity, as an inert gas shield for arc welding, as a protective gas in growing silicon and germanium crystals and producing titanium and zirconium, for pressuring liquid fuel rockets, for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as a cooling medium for nuclear reactors, and as a gas for supersonic wind tunnels. A mixture of helium and oxygen is used as an artificial atmosphere for divers and others working under pressure. Helium is used for filling balloons and blimps. Sources: Except for hydrogen, helium is the most abundant element in the universe. It is an important component in the proton-proton reaction and the carbon cycle, which account for the energy of the sun and stars. Helium is extracted from natural gas. In fact, all natural gas contains at least trace quantities of helium. The fusion of hydrogen into helium is the sources of a hydrogen bombs energy. Helium is a disintegration product of radioactive substances, so it is found in ores of uranium, radium, and other elements. Most of Earths helium dates back to the planets formation, although a small amount falls to Earth within cosmic dust and some is produced via beta decay of tritium. Health Effects: Helium serves no biological function. Trace amounts of the element are found in human blood. While helium is considered to be non-toxic, it displaces oxygen so inhaling it can lead to hypoxia or asphyxiation. Fatalities from inhaling helium are rare. Liquid helium is a cryogenic liquid, so risks include frostbite from exposure and explosion from expansion if the liquid is stored in a sealed container. The mixture of helium and oxygen (heliox) can cause high-pressure nervous syndrome, however the addition of nitrogen can remedy the issue. Compounds: Because a helium atom has a valence of zero, it has extremely low chemical reactivity. However, unstable compounds called excimers can be formed when electricity is applied to the gas. HeH is stable in its ground state, but it is the strongest known Bronsted acid, capable of protonating any species it encounters. Van der Waals compounds form with cryogenic helium gas, such as LiHe. Element Classification: Noble Gas or Inert Gas Usual Phase: gas Density (g/cc): 0.1786 g/L (0 Â °C, 101.325 kPa) Liquid Density (g/cc): 0.125 g/mL (at its boiling point) Melting Point (Â °K): 0.95 Boiling Point (Â °K): 4.216 Critical Point: 5.19 K, 0.227 MPa Atomic Volume (cc/mol): 31.8 Ionic Radius: 93 Specific Heat (20Â °C J/g mol): 5.188 Heat of Fusion: 0.0138 kJ/mol Evaporation Heat (kJ/mol): 0.08 First Ionizing Energy (kJ/mol): 2361.3 Lattice Structure: Hexagonal Lattice Constant (Ã…): 3.570 Lattice C/A Ratio: 1.633 Crystal Structure: close-packed hexagonal Magnetic Ordering: diamagnetic CAS registry number: 7440-59-7 Quiz: Ready to test your helium facts knowledge? Take the Helium Facts Quiz. References Meija, J.; et al. (2016). Atomic weights of the elements 2013 (IUPAC Technical Report). Pure and Applied Chemistry. 88 (3): 265–91. doi:10.1515/pac-2015-0305Shuen-Chen Hwang, Robert D. Lein, Daniel A. Morgan (2005). Noble Gases. Kirk Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. Wiley. pp. 343–383. doi:10.1002/0471238961.0701190508230114.a01.Weast, Robert (1984). CRC, Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. Boca Raton, Florida: Chemical Rubber Company Publishing. pp. E110. ISBN 0-8493-0464-4. Return to the Periodic Table

Cost benefit analysis report Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Cost benefit analysis report - Coursework Example By free wifi services, it means that the public should be in a position to access internet service while travelling. Since a great percent of the nation is learned, the government should come up with measures to help them access internet services. This will act in a way to improve knowledge in various market centers for those in business, schools or those planning to do business. The main situation on ground, is that majority of people in the country begin their days early to work and use public service vehicles. Many are usually bored because they all meet as strangers and find it difficult to start a conversation so as to break monotony and end up silent till they alight from the vehicles. The introduction of wifi will make passengers enjoy their commutation to work. Most people who use internet services are in business or in school. They need to discover new ways of increasing productivity and try beating the upcoming competition especially for those in business. Free wifi will allow most people after closing their businesses at the end of the day, be able to get new tips of improving their productivity on their way home. Cost benefit refers to, a systematic analysis that shows an approach in estimating the strengths and weaknesses of alternatives that make transactions, activities or functional requirements for business be considered to be of quality. Thus, David, Ngulube and Dude (2013), go ahead to explain that the technique is used to determine options that give the best approach for a business to be adopted and practiced. The benefits are looked in terms of lab our, time and saving costs. It will be practical to the free wifi that we are advocating for. In terms of time saving, the business persons will be able to get new tips on ways to improve attraction from customers without having to visit cyber cafes or areas where internet is available during their off days. It will be

The SWOT analysis of Head & Shoulders Research Paper

The SWOT analysis of Head & Shoulders - Research Paper Example In relation to the study the company which has been selected is Head & Shoulders is one of the most popular brands of anti-dandruff shampoos in the world. It is produced and marketed by Procter & Gamble. The shampoo was introduced first in the US after a decade long of research. Head & Shoulders is the first to introduce pyithione zinc in shampoo. â€Å"Head & shoulders is rich in Zinc Pyrithione (ZPTO) which is highly effective at fighting and helping to prevent dandruff symptoms and itchy, flaky scalp.† The first part of the report will deal with the information of the manufacturer Procter & Gamble. It will deal basically with the size of the company, major products marketed by them, sales figures, etc. The next part of the report will make a detailed analysis of Head & Shoulders brand by performing a SWOT analysis. Along with the SWOT analysis, the product will also be compared with Garnier Fructis and Unilever Clear. This SWOT analysis will be the major tool for discussing the present situation of the brand. Next part of the report will make an analysis of the product in the light of marketing mix elements. This analysis is essential to arrive at the competitive position of the brand in the market. The latter part of the report will discuss the global activities of the brand in terms of sales and market share. Based on these analyses, a conclusion will arrive at the paper.be arrived at. Manufacturer The manufacturer of Head & Shoulders is Procter & Gamble, one of the world’s largest personal care products manufacturer. P&G has a brand portfolio of around 50 products which touches the day to day life of more than 85% of the people worldwide. The company claims that among the 50 products, 24 of them generate annual sales of more than one billion each. (P&G, 2011) It is the strong brand presence of these 50 products that help the company to sustain the market leader position in the industry. P&G generated total sales of $82.6 billion in 2011 compared to that of $78.9 billion in 2010. The sales have resulted in an operating cash flow of $13.2 billion in 2011. The product portfolio of P&G consists of beauty, grooming, health care, snacks and pet care, fabric care and homecare, and baby care and family care. Fabric and Home care is the largest contributor to the profit marking a 30% of the total net sales of the company. Beauty is the next contributor with 24% of the total net sales. It is followed by baby care and family care – 19%, health care – 14%, grooming – 9% and snacks and pet care – 4%. North America is the biggest market of P&G. 41% of the total sales is generated from North American markets. It is followed by Western Europe – 20%, Asia – 16%, Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa – 14% and Latin America – 9%. (P&G, 2012) P&G operates on the core principle of sustainability. The fact that the products of P&G are related to the everyday life of billions of people, the situation vests them with certain responsibility in terms of the quality of the products and process. Therefore, the company operates on the principle of sustainable development. Recently, the company is seemed be investing huge amount of resources in environmentally sustainable products and product development process. The company is using more of renewable and recyclable materials for the packaging of products. SWOT Analysis Strength The major strength of Head & Shoulders is the brand value. The company enjoys a brand value of both P&G as well as the Head & Shoulders brand. Over years, the company has developed itself a name which is name