Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Analysis Of Emily Dickinson And Postmodernism Essay

Emily Dickinson and Postmodernism When thinking about the concept of postmodernism, one tends to immediately jump to the outlandish forms of art that have appeared over the past few decades under its guise. John Cage, for example, who excelled in composing in the postmodern genre, seemed to make a living off of stringing together various unexpected sounds and crafting music out of them. Andy Warhol, one of the most revered and iconic artists ever, postmodern or otherwise, created his art in ways that completely defied the imagination of the era he lived and worked in. This is, to say, that postmodernism has a very distinct aesthetic that comes to mind when the word is brought up. However, it’s not all flashy and wild; in fact, before the concept of modernism even came into being, Emily Dickinson’s poetry was using and addressing postmodern elements both accurately and effectively. While it doesn’t necessarily illustrate all the elements that are typically present within â€Å"postmodern workâ₠¬  as it’s come to mean today, her writing exhibits distinct and (for the time) groundbreaking examples of postmodernism through its complex syntactical structure and active resistance against period-typical rhythmic format. It must be stated, first and foremost, that this essay’s goal is not to prove that Emily Dickinson’s work was postmodern and only postmodern. Structurally, Emily Dickinson’s poetry is one of the most unique instances within American poetry as a whole. What’s fascinating isShow MoreRelatedAmerican Literature11652 Words   |  47 PagesTo find out more about a particular literature time period, click on the links below: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · Puritan Times Rationalism/Age of Enlightenment American Renaissance/Romanticism Gothic Realism Naturalism Modernism Harlem Renaissance Postmodernism Contemporary Puritan Times period of American Literature - 1650-1750 Content: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · errand into the wilderness be a city upon a hill Christian utopia Genre/Style: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · sermons, diaries personal narratives captivity narratives

Monday, December 16, 2019

Privacy by default Free Essays

The word ‘pervasive’ is indicative of the intrusive nature of TIT, as can be evidenced by two of its features, namely data collected would come from various origins, and that it would be done without the user’s awareness. The paper highlights five objectives to be achieved for TIT to avoid being misused and end up harming the users. The right of deletion, the right to be forgotten, data portability, privacy, and data protection principles must not be compromised or neglected. We will write a custom essay sample on Privacy by default or any similar topic only for you Order Now The following examples below list just three common ways that these five objectives were not met in many internet applications. Firstly, one such risk is that a user’s personal information might not be directly known, but it could be revealed through lots data collection from different sources or even uncover new information, thus violating the users privacy. A person who does not wish to be recognized online can therefore be identified through such means. Secondly, the paper details that many applications only consider the installation of â€Å"information security, privacy and data protection† only as an afterthought, rather than in the beginning, at the drawing board. This compromises the application’s security and the users privacy substantially, as he capabilities of these measures would be reduced. Thirdly, with the advent of cloud computing and social networking services, the likelihood of users becoming â€Å"locked-in† to a particular TIT service provider increases because it becomes more difficult to import and export their information to other service providers. The lack of data portability here also means that users do not have control over their own data. The paper mentions that there are t-von. O general principles that should be followed in the policy making of TIT. Firstly, the TIT should not â€Å"violate human identity, human integrity, human rights, privacy or individual or public berries†. Secondly, individuals should have control of all their personal information created or processed within the TIT, unless such an action violates the first principle. With regards to this, the paper illustrated four methods to reaching the objectives: 1 . Privacy, data protection and information security risk management 2. Privacy by design and Privacy by default 3. Data protection legislation: harmonistic/coherent application/enhanced enforcement 4. Standardization Each of the above four options address various challenges related to TIT. The first option is not simply a technology-focused idea, as the paper states that it loud also be important to look into other measures, such as legal, regulatory, procedural and organizational. The main idea of this option is to avoid leaving said protection measures till the end of the development process as an afterthought, but to be included at the planning stage, with an adherence to best practices to avoid or reduce common risks. The second option operates on the basis that while the technology might not be the factor that puts privacy and security at risk, but the way that it is created and implemented. It claims that applications should not collect data necessary to its functions, and that users should be made aware of what information would be gathered from them as well as what said information would be used for. Users should also be informed on how to exercise their rights, and the applications should adhere to data protection principles. The flashlight application example mentioned before was in clear violation of this, and this real life example further enforces the need for an option such as this. From the technical standpoint, the paper states that personal data protection should be defined, such as in-built privacy options and mechanisms to inform ND educate users on data processing, although the challenge would be to do such things while operating within limited processing power and/or memory of the applications. The third option focuses on the legal aspect of data protection, such as strengthening, clarifying and harmonize the powers of data protection authorities in order to make sure that all legislations are enforced, and not just pick and choose specific laws to be followed. The paper also states that violations should be sanctioned significantly to deter people from making applications that would neglect such issues. This is to ensure transparency of applications and for users to have control over their own data. The â€Å"concept of indirectly identifiable data† also has to be improved and elucidated to avoid uncertainty in legislations. The last option, standardization, allows ease of conformity with legal requirements and certification due to the clarity provided from it, thus being cap bled of educating users on how to exercise their rights and allowing them to make informed choices. One weakness with standardization is that â€Å"standards are voluntary and non-binding†, and thus it might not be very effective. It would require measures which are more binding. The impact of these options is the building of trust between consumers and the applications. Trust is important in this online environment because without trust, consumers are less likely to buy and use new applications, thus slowing progress of the invention of new technologies, economic growth, and cause the public sector to take longer to benefit from digitizing its services. The paper concludes that having a binding law with more data protection enforcement is the best option to achieve the goals for TIT to ensure that the applications are trustworthy and compliant with user rights. How to cite Privacy by default, Papers

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Competitive Strategies Google and Amazon †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Competitive Strategies Google and Amazon. Answer: Introduction: Google Google is the world's most capable internet searcher. The world "Google" is currently oftentimes made utilization of as a verb which signifies "Search". So Google is an equivalent word for Search. We can state that a man is goggling the web implies looking through the web utilizing Google Search Engine. To systematize the world's data and make it all around available and valuable is the fundamental point of Google. Reason for taking Google is a standout amongst the most capable brand of nowadays. Strategies adopted by Google: Exceptional foundation: Google's services would not be conceivable without their framework which makes it hard for competitors to duplicate or even endeavour to match Google. Regardless of the possibility that they had the registering know-how, they would need to spend billions working from the beginning to build up the foundation of their operations (Hong, 2012). This makes Google's framework a manageable upper hand. Google's aptitude at running world-class framework, which furnishes firms with an unrivalled evaluating model for productive IT spend, including world-class dependability and security. Powerful search engine: Google's web engine is an effective instrument. Without web engines like Google, it would be difficult for all people to find ways to discover the data they require (Haucap Heimeshoff, 2014). Like all web search tools, Google utilizes an exceptional algorithm to produce query items. While Google shares s about its algorithms, the specifics are an organization mystery. This enables Google to stay aggressive with other search engines on the Web and decreases the possibility of somebody discovering how to mishandle the framework. Largest portfolio of products and services: Google, Inc. concentrates on enhancing the ways individuals interface with data. It gives various services and instruments for advertisers of all sizes, from basic content promotions to show and mobile publicizing and to distributors, regardless of size whether little or big (Bowonder, 2010). The organization fundamentally concentrates on the ranges which incorporate pursuit, promoting, working frameworks, stages, undertaking and equipment items. The search region comprises of a tremendous file of sites and other online substance which is influenced accessible through its to the web browser to anybody with an Internet association. Google culture and brand: Google has an open and entrepreneurial culture, for the most part taking after the way of life of new companies where everybody's thoughts are esteemed and everybody in the group is made happy with imparting their insight (McWilliams Siegel, 2011). The organization's structure is non-hierarchical and level that permits coordination effort amongst groups and influences the administration to position simply to approach. Google's way of life likewise fills in as a perfect medium to cultivate the organization's development and, truth be told, a few imaginative results of the organization can be credited to its way of life Google employees skills: Google spends critical endeavours in hiring, holding and inspiring its employees skills. The organization considers its key work force and administrations basic for long term vision and critical to execute its business procedures (Johansson Newman, 2010). Google contends with a few other tech organizations, for example, Microsoft, Facebook and Yahoo for its workers and ensures it can hold those employees for longer period at Google. The organization contracts best software engineers with its goodwill of extraordinary work environment in comparison to other organisation and creates a solid and motivated workforce that are socially fit to the organization and are massively productive. Introduction: Amazon Amazon was begun by the name Cadabra in 1994 by Jeff Bezos. It went online as amazon.com in 1995. What began as an online book shop today has ended up becoming the biggest online retailer on the planet. The organization's name Amazon has genuinely progressed toward becoming as large as the Amazon River from which it took motivation. Reason for selecting Amazon is worldwide popularity amongst buyers for every deal. It perceived excellence in field due to its innovative competitive strategies. It established itself among customer as online brand in very short time. Strategies adopted by amazon: Powerful online network: Amazon created a strong platform for the sale of goods and services by an adoring community of individuals and businesses (Delios, 2010). There are large number of things across finished a considerable number of groupings accessible to be acquired on Amazon on any given day. Around more than 147 million people now use the online association Amazon. Amazon enables on a local, national and worldwide introduce with changed districts in business areas around the world. Customer value: At the point when a customer initially goes into Amazon.com he/she is given Featured Product by the site, But when the client visits for the second time the recommender framework consequently gives items by examining client interests and identity (Teece, 2010). Client securing and maintenance has been the most need to Amazon.com technique. Through site Amazon keep up advanced correspondence that mechanizes the way toward making an incentive for the client. Pricing strategy: Amazon.com gives items altogether less expensive than its rivals. One of the fundamental dreams of Amazon.com depends on the long haul design (Voola O'Cass, 2010). This influences less demanding for amazon to go for broke of low benefit so as to prevail in future. A gauge indicates how it is feasible for amazon to wind up noticeably beneficial with most minimal cost. An item by and large gets sold in 33 days through amazon.com. On the opposite side it contenders like best purchase took 70 day to offer the item. Enterprise resource management: Amazon utilizes oracle as the ERP. It has bigger database which hold data identified with client. Customers requesting process is automated as the request is taken as it consequently discovers the closest appropriating community for the conveyance. This framework secures the request satisfaction process with the request following and decreases any dissemination botches. By this framework the organization lessened half of its client benefit contacts since 1999 on account of less errors. Conclusion: Methodologies used by Amazon and Google are elite and alluring. Their clients retention is comparatively high in contrast with others. Google offers a few valuable elements to make email encounters as smooth as conceivable which incorporate spam sifting, discussion see, worked in visit and video calls which make its items and administrations more alluring. On the opposite side, Amazon is as of now making a predominant brand picture for all items it pitches to the client and unravels questions for every client by staying accessible unequalled. References: Bowonder, B., Dambal, A., Kumar, S. and Shirodkar, A., 2010. Innovation strategies for creating competitive advantage. Research-technology management,53(3), pp.19-32. Delios, A., 2010. How can organizations be competitive but dare to care?.The Academy ofManagement Perspectives,24(3), pp.25-36. Haucap, J. and Heimeshoff, U., 2014. Google, Facebook, Amazon, eBay: Is the Internet driving competition or market monopolization?.International Economics and Economic Policy,11(1-2), pp.49-61. Hong, Q.M.Z., 2012. Baidu and Google's Competitive Environment and Competitive Strategy Analysis.Science Mosaic,2, p.006. Johansson, B. and Newman, M., 2010. Competitive advantage in the ERP system's value-chain and its influence on future development.Enterprise Information Systems,4(1), pp.79-93. McWilliams, A. and Siegel, D.S., 2011. Creating and capturing value: Strategic corporate social responsibility, resource-based theory, and sustainable competitive advantage.Journal of Management,37(5), pp.1480-1495. Teece, D.J., 2010. Business models, business strategy and innovation.Long range planning,43(2), pp.172-194. Voola, R. and O'Cass, A., 2010. Implementing competitive strategies: the role of responsive and proactive market orientations.European Journal of marketing,44(1/2), pp.245-266.

Saturday, November 30, 2019

NAME KANYAI RUTENDO S Essays - Safety, Safety Engineering

NAME KANYAI RUTENDO S REG. NUMBER R121166A PROGRAMME HAD COURSE AD222 LECTURER MR TADERERA T/A MR TINARWO QUESTION D iscuss the utility of the International Labour Organization's Occupational Health and Management System. TUTORIAL GROUP TUESDAY (9-10am) Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is a discipline dealing with the prevention of work related injuries and diseases, and the protection and promotion of the health of workers. It aims at the improvement of working conditions and environment. It is an area concerned with protecting the safety, health and welfare of people engaged in work of employment. The goals of occupational safety and health programs include fostering a sa fe and healthy work environment. OSH may also protect co-workers, family members, employers, customers, and many others who might be affected by the workplace environment. In the United States the term occupational health a nd safety includes safety for activities outside of work . The International Labour Organization (ILO) formulated an Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OHS-MS) to facilitate the formulation, implementation and evaluation of interventions at a national policy, sector and organizational level in all countries. As the discussion here is going highlight, the significance of OSH-MS is brought out or displayed through the ILO guidelines which include po licy, organizing, planning and i mplementati on, evaluation, and action for i mprovement . These provide guidance for implementation at two lev e ls which are the organizational and national level. The ILO-OSH 2001 was developed to provide a unique international model, compatible with other management system standards and guides, towards promoting occupational health and safety (ILO, 2011; 2010). In the ILO document ILO-OSH 2001, Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems, the basic components of this system include po licy, organizing, planning and i mplementation, evaluation, and acti on for improvement. Policy contains the elemen ts of OSH policy and worker p art icipation. It is the basis of the OSH-MS as it sets the direction for the organization to follow .The employer, in consultation with workers and their representatives, should set out in writing an OSH policy, which should be specific to the organization and appropriate to its size and the nature of its activities (ILO, 2010). The OSH policy should include principles and objectives to which the organization is committed and these may include protecting the safety and health of all members of the organization by preventing work-related injuries, ill health, diseases and incidents. It should comply with relevant OSH national laws and regulations for example the Labour Act Chapter 28.01, voluntary programmes, collective agreements on OSH and other requirements to which the organization subscribes, ensuring that workers and their representatives are consulted and encouraged to participate actively in all elements of the OSH-MS and continually improving the performance of the OSH-MS. However it can be noted that very few organisations have a policy dealing with OSH-MS. In the wood sector in Zimbabwe there are no clear policies with safety and health issues. Wood workers seem not to be covered by appropriate national safety and health standards and managers are not taking keen account of the risks linked with wood processing. Worker participation is an essential element of the OSH-MS in the organization. The employer should ensure that workers and their safety and health representatives are consulted, informed and trained on all aspects of OSH, including emergency arrangements, associated with their work (Alli, 2001; ILO, 2010). Arrangements should be made by the employer for workers and their safety and health representatives to have the time and resources to participate actively in the processes of organizing, planning and implementation , evaluation and action for the improvement of the OSH-MS. It must be noted that e mployees spend most of their waking hours at work and they have a unique knowledge of work processes, which is essential in identifying hazards at work therefore are more likely to follow and abide with safety requirements if they participate in the processes of risk assessment and risk control . Worker participation is enhanced through the establishment of health committees for example the establishment of a standing committee of Safety Health and Environment (the SHE committee) by the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe. This committee 's mandate

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Should Buildings Older Than 50 Years Be Knocked Down †English Essay

Should Buildings Older Than 50 Years Be Knocked Down – English Essay Free Online Research Papers Should Buildings Older Than 50 Years Be Knocked Down English Essay Heritage is the base of evolution. People change information and what they have learned with new generation. This is how people grow perfect. After death they leave signs that reflect their life. The heritage can be social. Cultural heritage is the most important one. Buildings built in certain ages are clues that make historical exploring much easier. People should preserve them for these reasons. Fist of all, preserving old buildings means creating a spirit. Our ancestors built these buildings with love. They have carried a lot of emotions there. Old buildings not only look spiritual, but they also are full of spirit of the past. A city that has an old town has a spirit created from all the people that have ever lived in there. Secondly, preserving buildings from the past is respecting our ancestors. They have created different life style than current generation has. We should be thankful to previous generations for everything that we have now, because our society is built on previous ones. Third, despite the fact that some old buildings look dirty, the renovated ones look great. Keeping buildings from different architecture makes condition for everyone to explore the past. Eclectic city is a beautiful city. To live in one is a pleasure. To conclude I want to tell that knocking down old buildings means deleting the past. We cannot do that, because the past is a great teacher. Research Papers on Should Buildings Older Than 50 Years Be Knocked Down - English Essay19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows EssayWhere Wild and West MeetStandardized TestingAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenCapital PunishmentCanaanite Influence on the Early Israelite ReligionAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 Europe

Friday, November 22, 2019

Its the 4th Quarter on Your New Years Resolutions †Will You Win Your Game

Its the 4th Quarter on Your New Years Resolutions – Will You Win Your Game We’re coming into the 4th Quarter of 2016, and we all know games CAN be won in the 4th quarter! I’m reviewing  the goals I set up to reach in January- my New Year’s â€Å"Ressaylutions†- and assessing  how I can win my game! Here are my promises from January and how I’m measuring up: 1. Infuse my WHY statement throughout The Essay Expert’s website. I’m thinking of this as my team huddle. The statement that motivates me, my writing team, and our clients. I’ve put my WHY statement on my new homepage, www.theessayexpert.com, on our new Why The Essay Expert page, and on my company Facebook page.  It reads: At The Essay Expert, we don’t go to bed until we know we’ve captured your essence on paper. That’s what gets each one of us up in the morning, because that’s what will excite the right company or school about you. Not the person next to you. Not a list of bullet points. You. I added more â€Å"why† focused descriptions to my Executive Resume LinkedIn Success Package, Mid-Level Resume LinkedIn Success Package, and Entry-Level Resume LinkedIn Success Package pages too. Here’s an example: Our professional resume and LinkedIn profile writers will make sure you stand out from the competition, highlighting your strengths and accomplishments so you don’t sound like everyone else. I’ll continue to look for ways to infuse every communication with my WHY. Go team! 2. Provide better information on services on my site.†¨ I’ve made a lot of progress here and took the opportunity of a new website to put better descriptions of my services on the pages. I just added this information to my new â€Å"a la carte† pages. I’d say I got my first down on this one! 3. Serve 250 clients. Alternate play! The Essay Expert has been catering to more of an executive audience, including those seeking Board positions. To serve this market, we’ve on-boarded a few amazing new writers with great talent in executive resume writing. We’ve refocused instead of expanded. 4. Publish 2 new editions of How to Write a KILLER LinkedIn Profile.†¨ Touchdown! I released the 13th edition and am almost ready with the 14th. Right on schedule. 5. Get How to Write a KILLER LinkedIn Profile in front of colleges and universities. This one might be in the realm of managing the hot dog vendors ;-). To increase book distribution, I made a lot of cold calls to college bookstores, many of whom agreed to carry my book. I also submitted How to Write a KILLER LinkedIn Profile for consideration by Barnes Noble. And I received an inquiry from Skyhorse Publishing, who may be interested in publishing a trade version of my book if it’s not accepted by Barnes Noble. So I’ve made a bit of progress! Is there a library, college bookstore, or career center in your area that you would like to carry my book? Please go into your local establishment and request the book if you want it! 6. Increase college essay / personal statement portion of my business to 25% of business.†¨ Time out. Instead of focusing here, I’ve put efforts into building my executive resume writing business. For now this one is on hold. 7. Find an editor to do some of the editing of resumes and LinkedIn profiles that I’m currently doing. Seeking an assistant coach! I interviewed some potential editors and so far haven’t found the right match. I am also seeking someone to help with sales calls and client inquiries. If you know someone you think would be a great resume editor or sales person, please send them my way! EXTRA POINTS: One big project I undertook was redesigning my website – again. This was not on my list, but it was a huge accomplishment which is still underway. The site was launched and we’re working out the kinks. I’m calling this my â€Å"extra points† – although it has come with some unexpected new challenges and items which will likely show up on my goals for next year. It looks like I have my work cut out for me for the fall in order to win in this 4th quarter. How about you? I encourage you to look at your 2016 resolutions to see where you might want to recommit. Please share – putting your promise and progress out to someone else creates accountability and makes it more likely that you will win your game!

Thursday, November 21, 2019

The Fall of the Berlin wall Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

The Fall of the Berlin wall - Research Paper Example There had been various attempts to explore the historical incidents that showed the way to the creation and the fall of the wall. Economical and political factors have played decisive roles in the fall as well as the making of the wall. Patrik Major (2010 p.23) has investigated the historical events during the fall of the Berlin Wall and rightly puts it as, â€Å"Existing accounts of the second Berlin crisis—starting with Khrushchev’s 1958 ultimatum and ending with the building of the Wall in 1961—have treated it primarily as an episode in international relations, the classic superpower confrontation of the European Cold War.† Many have regarded the creation of the Berlin Wall as a historical event that brought out severe changes in the social life of many western countries. The aim of this paper is to describe the historical event and explore the historical as well as the contemporary causes of the event. Furthermore, the paper is analyzing the different historical interpretations of this event and evaluating its positive and negative outcomes. When one analyses the fall of the Berlin Wall, one should also be aware of the factors led to the creation of the Wall. The website entitled: Why the Berlin wall was built (2000) finds out two major reasons for the building of the Wall, namely, Economical and Political. The Economic reason was, â€Å"Too many well-educated people moved from East Germany, and some worked in West Berlin and lived in East Berlin†¦ so DDR lost money on this† The interference of the West Germany in the East side was the political reason for the building of the Wall (Why the Berlin wall was built 2000). The dominance of different countries in the different sectors of Berlin also has exerted decisive roles in the building of the Wall. But one of the prominent reasons for its building is the â€Å"brain drain† of the West Germany during the years 1954 -1960s. Historical records show

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Strategic management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Strategic management - Case Study Example It was the time that it started evolving as the world's most profitable airline. Michael O'Leary 's key to success was to drastically cut costs down by taking extra-ordinary decisions. But it was not the only reason of his success. He was also very innovative and shrewd in his approach. His efforts were also supported by state policies of the European countries. The briefs of Financial & operational performance of the company from 1998 to 2002 retrieved from ATI database show a great change in the financial status of the company. The increase in Passengers Revenue was $259.68 millions from 1998 to 2002. Net margins increased from 19.63% to 24.09% during this period. Number of passengers increased by almost 300% during this period. These were not mean achievements in such a short period of time. But these statistics does not show that how daring was O'Leary in his decision making. He was never afraid of taking unpopular decision and he had complete trust in judgment. As it is famous saying that fortune favours the braves that was the case with him. Fortune also favoured him on many occasions. The difficulties came to his way never deterred him. He went on expansion spree. Ryanair was not only expanded in terms of routes and destinations but he also acquired new planes for his company. The data sheet is give herewith that shows his achievements. Numbers speak louder than words in this case. RyanAir was successful in controlling total ... Profit after also risen by 44%. Earnings per share also increased. (Financial performance table is attached as Appendix II retrieved from ATI Database) A tremendous increase in the profits of the company encourages O'Leary to go on and take more daring decision of acquisition of Buzz Air. It could prove a turning point towards best or worse. As O'Leary promises to make Buzz profitable within three months by "halving fares and doubling passengers". (Part I 475 words)Strategic Analysis of RyanAir at the end of 2002 Ryanair is considered one of Europe's debatable companies, it policies are appreciated and criticised simultaneously. Some analysts support its commitment to low fares, its revolutionary management. At the same time few analysts attack its labor policies and disapprove its advertising campaign. It would be quite interesting to use analysis models described by Richard Lynch analyse the Ryanair strategically at the end of year . These models can be applied for a thorough analysis of RyanAir. Model: Consideration of the nature of the environment (General considerations) The problems like market recession because of September 11 attacks required a thorough analysis. O'Leary did this very well in comparison to competitors and also with other industries. It helped in assessing the situation correctly into true perspective. His research and evaluation team gave him correct input. The market research was one of the tools used by O'Leary. A correct and true analysis was the key of success of O'Leary. He understood that although situation is quite turbulent but it can be brought under control. He was able to make correct decisions because of these comparative

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Italian Culture and Work Ethics Essay Example for Free

Italian Culture and Work Ethics Essay History teaches us that it is through the family that new generations are equipped with ethics and values regarding work. The advent of bourgeois society, with its characteristic openness towards other social classes, appears to have relegated the promotion of working values by families to the background. This study sets out to test the hypothesis according to which the family continues to maintain an important role in the transmission of working values. Based on data from the Work Importance Study (Super and Sverko, 1995: Life Roles, Values, a n d Careers, San Francisco, Jossey-Bass), two subgroups were compared (working adults, and high school and university students), considered as representing two different generations (youths vs adults). Some results from cluster anatysis show how substantial similarity exists between adults and youths in terms of ideal values, expressing what would be important in an ideal world. The difference between the subgroups lies in expectations (termed expected values) relating to what would be important in my actual work environment. Here, relatively more important values for young people are relatively less important for working adults. Another result presented concerns the relationship existing betiveen value typobgies (classed into six categories) and personal character associated with birth order. What emerges is that the only children are prevalently the tough type, while the first bom, considered by some to be custodians of family traditions, tum out to be more independent than the second or third bom, identified above all by their calm and sociable characters. Introduction: the work ethic and the family ethic This study presents the results of a survey conducted nationaUy in 1995 on a sample of 1523 subjects (represendng the three main geo-cultural areas of Italy: North, Centre and South—see BeUotto, 1997). The objecdve of the survey was to determine values associated with work. For this a quesdonnaire, a values scale (VS) was used, devised by an intemadonal team pardcipadng in a world-wide survey called the Work Importance Study—WIS (Super and Sverko 1995). With the data coUected, a profile of the value judgements of Italian families was formulated. The importance of working values within the family context has been little explored from a psychological point of view. Yet the family is characterized by the ethical nature of the reladonships it contains, hence its values (Boszormeny-Nagy and Spark, 1973; Cigoli, 1992). The family is rightly placed in that class of insdtudons that Hegel indicated as the ethical horizon of human society. There are very few Italian studies on the processes of value transmission within families, not to mendon the handing down of working values. While one of the principal funcdons recognized as typical of families is the socializadon of the individual, studies regarding the socializadon by families with regard to work are rarely encountered. 1351-1610/99/040583-13 Â © 1999 Interdisciplinary Centre for Comparative Research in the Social Sciences 584 Massimo Bellotto and Alberto ^atti The lack of research in this field can be partly explained by the relatively recent history of the concept of the family as a scientific subject for study in social psychology. At least until the end of the 1940s, families were considered as a group typology (Lewin, 1951). Successively, interest focused on the pathology of family relationships (Bateson et al. , 1956; Epstein et al. , 1982; Bamhill, 1979; Watzlawick et al. , 1967). It was only in die 1970s that the so-called normal family was considered worthy of psychological investigation as a scientific subject (Scabini, 1985). In recent years, however, the theme of values and the ethical importance of families has emerged strongly in a variety of fields, from individual and family psychotherapy to organizational psychology. In this article we would like to propose that a terminological distinction be made between ethics and morality. Ethics are, as the etymology of the word suggests, the study of the customs (ethos), the social habits, the relational practices of a people or social grouping. Morality relates more to the theme of how much certain behaviour corresponds to a reference model. In this sense, it is important to distinguish between ethics and morality when studying the customs and habits, in a word, the ethics of families (and not their morality). This is to avoid the pitfalls associated with referring to a particular set of values held by the family being analysed. What exacdy are the working values held by families? What relationship exists between these values and family needs? What are the motivations that stir the family organization? And which family values can be linked, even indirecdy, with work? Let us seek some answers to these important questions. Families in history have also been units of production. The peasant family, craft guilds, the factory worker families of the first and second industrial revolutions (Manoukian, 1976) are the most emblematic examples. In medieval society the chances of changing ones profession from the one inherited from the family were rather hmited. Children continued the working traditions of the family without having much choice in the matter. The transmission of working values within family groups, historically speaking, seemed to go without saying. However, it would be worthwhile to pose the question of how families educate their members today with regard to work. Families in Westem society have changed profoundly. The social mobility intrinsic to the very idea of bourgeois society (Weber, 1904) has led to the privatization of family relationships (Aries, 1960) and to the specialization of family practices to the sentimental sphere. The educational role of families is becoming more and more marginal, being delegated to collective institutions such as schools. Moreover, from the viewpoint of economic history, families have become increasingly characterized as units of consumption, losing in part their role as units of production. From a macrosocial perspective, a fundamental problem emerges in Italy: the percentage of youth unemployment is one of the highest in Europe, especially in the South. Working Values and the Italian Family 585 majority of young people between the ages of 15 and 24 live at home: 82. 4% of males and 72. 5% of females. In the next age bracket, 25-34, many more young men sdU live at home with their parents (33. 6%) compared with young women of the same age (22. 9%). According to some demographic projecdons to the year 2000, these percentages wiU touch 36. 3% for young males and 34. 2% for young females. There are cultural and ideological reasons for this phenomenon, such as the idea that marriage is the only proper route towards adult independence (8 males out of 10 and 9 women out of 10 leave the family only foUowing marriage). However, social factors also make a contribudon, in particular, high youth unemployment and a shortage of rental accommodadon. The result is that families coundng a young adult as a member are a socially significant category. Psychological factors and value systems also play an important role. The working values tradidonaUy handed down in Italian families place heavy emphasis on permanent and full-dme employment. The definidve departure from the family is often condidonal on minimizing the risks of independence. Among others, for these two factors (permanent fuU-dme employment and minimum risk of independence), life-dme employment in government and union employment policies have come to be considered as a necessary and sufficient prerequisite for the attainment of adulthood. The quest for so-caUed guaranteed employment has led Italian society to one of the most cridcal paradoxes in its history: the creadon of a barrier to occupadonal access for youth. Thus, the one prerequisite considered a vital and sufficient condidon for the evoludon of Italian families, life-dme employment, has become one of the major obstacles to the same end. By disallowing generational change in employment, it has become impossible for young generadons to enter the workforce, and hence to reach independence. * Following on these consideradons, we decided to use the results of a study on working values (WIS 1995) to shed some light on value differences between young students and adult workers. As mendoned above, very few studies have been carried out in Italy on the transmission of values within families. While the WIS study was not designed for this purpose, we believed that it could give some indicadons regarding the generadon gap (youths vs adults) and differences in social status (students vs workers). The underlying hypothesis to tjiis study is therefore that working adult values can be considered as being similar to those of parents; likewise, those held by young students can be considered as being similar to those of offspring. The WIS survey.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

George Washington :: essays research papers

The eldest of six children from his father's second marriage, George Washington was born into the landed gentry in 1732 at Wakefield Plantation, VA. Until reaching 16 years of age, he lived there and at other plantations along the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, including the one that later became known as Mount Vernon. His education was rudimentary, probably being obtained from tutors but possibly also from private schools, and he learned surveying. After he lost his father when he was 11 years old, his half-brother Lawrence, who had served in the Royal Navy, acted as his mentor. As a result, the youth acquired an interest in pursuing a naval career, but his mother discouraged him from doing so. At the age of 16, in 1748, Washington joined a surveying party sent out to the Shenandoah Valley by Lord Fairfax, a land baron. For the next few years, Washington conducted surveys in Virginia and present West Virginia and gained a lifetime interest in the West. In 1751-52 he also accompanied Lawrence on a visit he made to Barbados, West Indies, for health reasons just before his death. The next year, Washington began his military career when the royal governor appointed him to an adjutantship in the militia, as a major. That same year, as a gubernatorial emissary, accompanied by a guide, he traveled to Fort Le Boeuf, PA, in the Ohio River Valley, and delivered to French authorities an ultimatum to cease fortification and settlement in English territory. During the trip, he tried to better British relations with various Indian tribes. In 1754, winning the rank of lieutenant colonel and then colonel in the militia, Washington led a force that sought to challenge French control of the Ohio River Valley, but met defeat at Fort Necessity, PA - an event that helped trigger the French and Indian War (1754-63). Late in 1754, irked by the dilution of his rank because of the pending arrival of British regulars, he resigned his commission. That same year, he leased Mount Vernon, which he was to inherit in 1761. In 1755 Washington reentered military service with the courtesy title of colonel, as an aide to Gen. Edward Braddock, and barely escaped death when the French defeated the general's forces in the Battle of the Monongahela, PA. As a reward for his bravery, Washington rewon his colonelcy and command of the Virginia militia forces, charged with defending the colony's frontier.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Gender Identity Disorder

Gender Identity Disorder/Gender Dysphoria Gender identity disorder (GID) or transsexualism is defined by strong, persistent feelings of identification with the opposite gender and discomfort with one’s own assigned sex. (â€Å"Psychology Today†) Due to a recent change to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM, â€Å"Gender Identity Disorder† will be replaced with â€Å"Gender Dysphoria†. For the purpose of this paper those two terms will be interchangeable.This paper will explore the symptoms that lead to a gender identity disorder diagnosis as well as the treatment process and obstacles a person with this disorder may face. It is a difficult process and is not something somebody would endure unless they truly believed they were meant to be the opposite sex. Symptoms of a person with gender dysphoria can vary from person to person but there is certain criterion that must be met in order to obtain that diagnosis from a licensed pr ofessional.Some of the criteria in children includes; Repeated expressed desire to be the opposite sex or that they are the opposite sex, discomfort and/or disgust of own gentiles, cross-dressing for boys or masculine attire for girls, prolonged preference for cross-sex roles in play and games or fantasies of being the opposite sex, desire to only have friends of the opposite sex and belief they will grow up to be the opposite sex. The symptoms for an adult with gender dysphoria is somewhat different because they are of age and able to effectively communicate thoughts and desires.Some of these symptoms include persistent discomfort with current sex, stated desire to be the opposite sex, frequent attempts to pass as the opposite sex, desire to get rid of gentiles, social isolation, depression and anxiety. The only way for a proper diagnosis is to be evaluated by a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in gender identity issues. Once a diagnosis is reached what is treatment l ike? Treatment includes counseling, group and individual, hormone therapy, and if chosen, gender reassignment surgery. Individual, group, family, and couples counseling can ll be necessary to help not only the GID patient cope and come to terms with the person they feel they were always meant to be. There is also a network of people that surround that person that will also be affected by this diagnosis and decision. Individual therapy is suggested for the person who is gender dysphoric and mandatory if they want to take further steps in treatment (hormone therapy, reassignment surgery). Group counseling has also been found to be of great benefit. It gives the GID patient the ability to explore the diagnosis in a safe environment with peer’s similar situations.Family counseling for family members that are involved in that person’s life, and if in a relationship couples counseling could also be a useful tool. Hormone treatment is used to enable a safe gender transition, both physical and emotional. It is usually part of a multi-stage process that can also include Real Life Experience (cross dressing), hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery. But it must be noted that some individuals opt to stop with hormone therapy and not go on to change their anatomy permanently.Hormone therapy is when sex hormones are administered to bring out secondary sexual characteristics. For example a male who desired to be female would be administered estrogen and a female who desired to be male would be administered testosterone to enhance sexual characteristics of the opposite sex Sex reassignment surgery, gender reassignment surgery is a procedure that changes a person’s external genital organs from those of one gender to those of the other. (Frey, 2006) A person must be deemed a transsexual with gender dysphoria before reassignment surgery is even considered.A transsexual is a person with gender identity disorder who has overwhelming desire to change a natomic sex. (Ford-Martin, 2011) Other criteria may include recommendation by 2 mental health specialists trained in gender identity issues or sometimes a team of specialists, undergone hormone therapy successfully for at least one year, living â€Å"real life†/ cross-dressing for a minimum of a year, deemed emotionally stable and medically healthy or at least existing conditions being treated and controlled. Whatever treatment is chosen is just the beginning of the journey.There are many ramifications a person with gender dysphoria faces; psychological, social, and religious. According to local psychologist Dr. Gerald Ramsey, Ph. D. in his book â€Å"Trans-Sexuals Candid Answers To Private Questions† he states â€Å"Transsexuals from some religious backgrounds have grown up with the admonition that homosexuality is a mortal sin, punishable by fire and brimstone. These individuals believe they are putting at risk the future of their souls – facing not just the loss of family and friends, but the ultimate judgment of God, which may include spiritual annihilation.To confront, explore and challenge such beliefs takes incredible personal energy and faith. † (Ramsey, 1996) As you can see a diagnosis of gender dysphoria affects all aspects of life from potential loss of friends and family to learning to interact and live as the â€Å"real you†. In this paper we discussed the symptoms of a person with gender identity disorder or gender dysphoria. We also went through the different courses of treatment related to this disorder as well as the potential obstacles encountered.The process is life changing and isn’t something taken lightly. Bibliography Gender identity, disorder diagnosis dictionary. (2005, 10 24). Retrieved from http://www. psychologytoday. com/conditions/gender-identity-disorder Frey, R. (2006). J. Polsdorfer (Ed. ), Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine (3rd ed. ). Ford-Martin, P. (2011). L. Fundukian (Ed. ), Gale Encyc lopedia of Medicine (4th ed. , Vol. 3). Ramsey, G. (1996). Tras-sexuals- candid answers to private questions. (p. 80). Freedom, CA: Crossing Press.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Bob Knowlton Case Study Essay

Attribution process in chapter 4 is referred to as the ways in which people come to understand the causes of their own or others’ behavior. Knowlton felt that Fester was brought in to take his position as project head. With all the questions and research analysis that Fester completed on his own, Knowlton felt betrayed since his friend and mentor Jerrod never took the time to explain to him what was happening. When Knowlton did approach Jerrod to question why Fester was there, Jerrod replied, â€Å"We’re taking him on [. ]†Jerrod also replied that, â€Å"I don’t know yet where he will finally land †¦I thought he might spend a little time with you by way of getting started. † I believe that Knowlton should have gone back to talked to Jerrod again. Knowlton should have got his point across about the way that he and his team was feeling about Fester questions the work that he and his team had completed over the last six months and how calling his home at 2 o’clock explaining how Link’s patterning problem could be solved among other things. Jerrod could have then explained that Fester was brought in to be the project head for another department. In 1996, my husband and I were transferred to Korea for one year by the Army and our two kids that were 15 months old and 3 ? months old stayed with my mother-in-law. Once we returned a year later, our kids had grown so much. However much importantly to me, my kids were calling my mother-in-law mommy and I had not prepared myself for that. In the beginning, I was very hurt as well as confused as to why my kids was calling their grandmother â€Å" mommy†, but I came to the realization that they were at that stage in life where they were just starting to talk and mommy and daddy were their first words. After about a week, I asked my mother-in-law if she wanted the kids to call her grandma or nana so they would get use to calling my husband and I mommy and daddy. Finding of Facts 2: Self-Esteem The letter that Knowlton wrote explained that he would be glad to come back later (he would only be 40 miles away) to assist if there was any problems with the past work. Recommendation/Justification Self-Esteem is defined as the extent to which an individual believes that he or she is a worthwhile and deserving individual. In Knowlton’s situation he felt that he deserved the promotion to project head because he had the knowledge, skills and ability to perform the job. However, when Fester came and started challenging the result that he and his team had determined, he lost his self-esteem as well as his self-confidence and felt as if he was worthless to Mr. Jerrod and most importantly to his team and that allowed him to make a hasty decision to leave the organization. I recommend that Knowlton fight for his position, his team and most importantly his self-esteem. I recommend that Knowlton think about the achievements and contributions that he has made to the team as well as the organization. Once Knowlton builds his self-esteem back up, I recommend that he talks with his supervisor Mr. Jerrod and express his true feeling regarding how Fester approach toward his team is being very disruptive. In the military, we are usually transferred to different duty stations every three to five years. This one particular time, I was transferred to Ft Bragg, NC and they were not aware that I was coming to be assigned to the unit. Since they were not aware that I was coming, they did not have a place for me to work so I was consider a â€Å"floater† going from section to section to help out where ever needed until they found a permanent slot for me. The first section that I worked in was the processing section. The section was running smoothly, and I was there for observation purposes only. However, the leader that I am, I could not stand by and allow the soldiers to continue to work long hours without giving suggestions that would allow them to work smarter. I saw the hesitation that they were giving so I called a meeting and explained my purpose of being in the section and also let the soldiers know that I was just there to assist. Once they realized that I was not there to take anyone’s job, and that I was there to help the section run more efficiently, the soldiers began to gravitate toward me for more suggests. After about a week, the soldiers saw the results of my suggestions and incorporated those suggestions into their daily routines in the office. The soldiers also requested that I be assigned to their section permanently without my knowledge and when it was brought to my attention I was very impressed and decided to stay in that section. Findings of Facts: Team Empowerment Bob always prided himself on the fact that the work of the lab was guided and evaluated by the group as a whole and he was fond of repeating that it was not a waste of time to include secretaries in such meetings. Recommendations/Justification: Team empowerment refers to the degree to which its members perceive the group as (1) being competent and able to accomplish work-related tasks (potency), (2) performing important and valuable tasks (meaningfulness), (3) having choice (autonomy) in how they carry out their task, and (4) experiencing a sense of importance and significance (impact) in the work performed and goals achieved. Bob was proud of the members of his team. No one thought that they were smarter than anyone else on the team; they respected each other and valued each other’s opinion. However, from the very first day that Fester arrived, he made it clear that he was not a team player. He thought that everyone should work individually on their portion of the project, come together to complete the project and that be it. Bob also stated that he valued everyone’s opinion including the secretaries. Every member of the team know that if they did not pull their weight on their particular part of the project they could depend on their team mates for assistance and again Fester was not a fan of that. I believe that Bob should have stepped in and expressed his feelings as to how he and his team worked together on everything. He should have expressed how he valued everyone’s opinion and that he was not going to let him or ever Jerrold tear them apart. If Fester still had concerns he should have taken that up with Jerrold however, it should have been a dead issue to Jerrold since Fester was not going to be in charge of the department that Bob was currently heading. At my last unit, I was the section chief for the Personnel Section. I had just completed my training about three weeks prior when another sergeant came to the section that out ranked me. When the other sergeant came, after one week of watching how my section and I conducted business she wanted to make changes. One day she just came in the office and started making changes without consulting me or our commander. When I arrived to the office and saw the changes that she had made, I asked to speak with her separately, and I respectfully told her that I didn’t appreciate her coming in and changing my section around. She began to say that the changes that she was making was how she had her section set up at her last unit and the section ran smooth once all the changes were complete. Since she outranked me, I had to tell her again, respectfully that this was not her section, and the commander had not approved any of her changes nor did he have any knowledge of any of her changes. We then went and talked with the commander and he had agreed with me that first he would make the final decision if she was going to be in charge of the section or if I was going to continue to run the section. Also, if he was going to put her in charge of the section any changes that she wanted to make still had to be approved by him first. So needless to say, she was not happy with me, however, about a month or so later we had a talk. She stated that she admired me for standing up for myself as well as my section. She then went on to apologize for trying to use her rank to intimidate me. After our discussion, we were able to work together in the section as equals.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Naked Killer essays

Naked Killer essays Category III films are those that are realeased in Hong Kong and are not permitted to be viewed by anyone under the age of 18. Because of this label the films carry an expectation of showing what is normally not seen. Be it violence, sex, or language if a film has dubbed Category III then it will contain plenty of these elemtents. However, there are still guidlines to follow in this class. For instance, sex scenes are not merely hardcore sex sequences and must not cross into the realm of pornography. There are also clauses put out by the Film Censorship Ordinance which can be used to censor a film if it portrays certain taboo topics too harshly. It is this closeness to the boundary of forbidden that draws most viewers to see these films. In fact, Category III films have at one point made up almost 50% of all films produced in Hong Kong. These are not underground cult films, but rather highly stylized and artistically edited depictions of all genres. Jing's Naked Killer falls under the category of detective thriller/femme fatale (even though the film has less to do with detectives as it does with lesbian love affairs). The film is full of bright and broad primary colors, from Kitty's numerous outfits to Sister Cindys interesting house. This certainly gives the film a novel look and a good deal more individuality than the sleazier and more formulaic movies. Although it features brutal killings and intense sex scenes, they never quite show anything that is too bloody/gory and the love scenes have absolutely no chemistry, romance, or eroticism. For example, after slicing apart another ruthless man in a swimming pool Princess and her lover Baby are shown groping one another on the pool stairs. The shot starts off with the camera level with the water and it slowly begins to rise up and angle down. Just when the camera begins to reach an angle from which Baby's naked body would be visible, t ...

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Edmontonia - Facts and Figures

Edmontonia - Facts and Figures Name: Edmontonia (from Edmonton); pronounced ED-mon-TOE-nee-ah Habitat: Woodlands of North America Historical Period: Late Cretaceous (75-65 million years ago) Size and Weight: About 20 feet long and three tons Diet: Plants Distinguishing Characteristics: Low-slung body; sharp spikes on shoulders; lack of tail club About Edmontonia Edmonton in Canada is one of the few regions in the world with two dinosaurs named after itthe duck-billed herbivore Edmontosaurus, and the armored nodosaur Edmontonia. However, you should bear in mind that Edmontonia was named not after the city, but after the Edmonton Formation where it was discovered; theres no evidence that it actually lived in the environs of Edmonton itself. The type specimen of this dinosaur was discovered in Canadas Alberta Province in 1915, by the swashbuckling fossil hunter Barnum Brown, and initially assigned as a species of the nodosaur genus Palaeoscincus (ancient skink), a classification that fortunately never caught on. Naming issues aside, Edmontonia was a formidable dinosaur, with its bulky, low-slung body, armor plating along its back, andmost intimidatinglythe sharp spikes jutting out from its shoulders, which may have been used to deter predators or to fight other males for the right to mate (or both). Some paleontologists also believe Edmontonia was capable of producing honking sounds, which would truly have made it the SUV of nodosaurs. (By the way, Edmontosaurus and other nodosaurs lacked the tail clubs of classic armored dinosaurs like Ankylosaurus, which may or may not have made them more vulnerable to predation by tyrannosaurs and raptors.)

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Law Enforcement U1IP Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Law Enforcement U1IP - Research Paper Example Why is the Command of Temper Important to the Demeanor of the Typical Police Officer? With regards to the principle i.e. â€Å"No quality is more indispensable to a policeman than a perfect command of temper; a quiet, determined manner has more effect than violent action†, it has often been viewed that police department, in the early 19th century, accepted violence as a norm for punishing wrong–doers, resulting in categorizing the department as large bureaucratic structure along the military lines. The increasing trend of treating the offenders violently resulted in criticizing the department concerning their theories and policies on ethical grounds. Scenario, since then, has apparently changed in the 21st century, where ethical conscience and responsibilities in every sphere of the society is considered as incomparable. Thus, it can be stated that the command of temper is very important in respect to the demeanor of a typical police officer, which restricts the policem an to conduct any aggressive behavior that might result in breach of his ethical commitments (Olsen, 2011). Again, the principle of â€Å"the securing and training of proper persons is at the root of efficiency†, it can be affirmed that rights availed to a policeman, holds significant influence on the law enforcement efficiencies of a society. Apparently, if the rights are availed to wrong person, who is observed as incompetent to understand and likewise, responds to their responsibilities, it might impose grave consequences on the societal health. Therefore, it was considered as quite vital that the selection and training of policemen made in accordance to a set standard to proper personnel who will be suitable for the department (Olsen, 2011). Do you feel that enough has been done in Law Enforcement to Develop the Proper Demeanor of Law Enforcement Officers? As per my understanding, in order to implement the principle of maintaining a perfect command of temper amidst the po licemen, enough law enforcements have been done. For instance, the ‘Law Enforcement Code of Ethics’ has been finalized and is implemented to generate adequate awareness and oblige policemen to maintain ethical conduct remaining calm and focused by controlling their temper. However, the change in the ethical and the cultural ways of living amidst the current periled may highlight the need of changes in some policies (Lawriter LLC, 2008). Again, the law provisions enacted under the ‘4973.17 Commissions for special police officers - term of office – training’, states the different criteria which are necessary requirements for becoming a police officer. However, there are certain factors that can improve the Demeanor of a police officer if implemented during their training session (Lawriter LLC, 2008). If you were the Chief of Police of a Local Law Enforcement Organization with the Opportunity to Establish Guidelines on Developing the Demeanour of Law En forcement Officers, What Methods Would you utilize? In relation to the stated principle of â€Å"no quality is more indispensable to a policeman than a perfect command of temper; a quiet, determined manner has more effect than violent action†, it can be viewed that the main reason behind implementing the Code of Ethics in the police department is to generate moral awareness within the policemen

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Image of masculinity through tv program such as two and a half men, Research Paper

Image of masculinity through tv program such as two and a half men, - Research Paper Example a. Charlie Sheen  as  Charlie Harper  (season 1–8)- the archetype of hedonistic bachelor to the mould of Hugh Hefner of Playboy. In the sitcom, Charlie works as jingle/children songwriter and makes more money than his brother Alan who is always in dire straits due to the alimony that he has to pay to his wife Judith. Charlie is the dominant male figure in the sitcom. b. Jon Cryer  as  Alan Harper – Alan’s character articulates soft version of masculinity although it was portrayed as subordinate to the hedonistic type of masculinity with Charlie’s inordinate sarcasm and banter with Alan. c. Angus T. Jones  as Jake Harper – Jake portrays the underachieving son of Alan and Judith. Although Jake is Alan’s son, Jake mirrors the behavior of his uncle Charlie more than his father Alan. The character of Jake provides the subtle approval of Charlie’s hedonistic behavior in the sitcom. Masculinity has always been associated with a powerful social position that is based on class, race, and sexuality, wage structure and other parameters of manhood that spells dominance. This is reinforced through gender order within societies where men are usually ranked as more powerful and more prestigious than others. Although most of this stereotyping is structured through men’s dominance over women or the latter’s dependence on men, it can also be the case of male dominance over other males with other males also dependent to the dominant male. This structure is also present in the animal kingdom with the presence of the Alpha Male. The three characters in the television sitcom Two and a Half Men  makes an interesting case about images of masculinity in contemporary American society. Each of the characters performs their role and acts them out in accordance with how such character relates to the world and how it perceives the world. Often, the expression of

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Southwest Airlines' Cost Optimization to Create an Attractive Price Case Study

Southwest Airlines' Cost Optimization to Create an Attractive Price for Economy Class Travelers - Case Study Example There are many factors which have helped Southwest Airlines in its survival and success. This essay attempts to outline those factors and strategies on the basis of the following parameters: Financial Planning, Financial control, Costing, Decision making.Financial planning has played a vital role in growing its business. The correct timing of its decisions has made a huge difference in increasing market capitalization (Sims, 68). Southwest Airline has gained a further advantage by packing more seats into the aircraft which increase the seat kilometer revenue generated per block hour.Instead of buying more jets to deal with its growing business, Southwest planned and got better deals on the lease. Hence it paid substantially less per block hour for lease rental, than other carriers. Southwest has implemented its financial planning in such a way that low fares when combined with high frequencies and excellent punctuality have resulted in an increase in its revenues. Â  Southwest plans its finances very efficiently. Â  It hires new pilots with ten years contract and motivates them by offering a share in profits. This is an example of astute planning. It means that if Southwest was making losses at any particular time then the losses can be shared with the pilots. This strategy also makes the staff much more accountable. Another important aspect of financial planning was operating on low distance routes and targeting of road passengers.Southwest plans its expenditure very efficiently and effectively. The customer service strategy of providing a full meal was costly in two ways. One, it increases the per unit costs and secondly more staff is required to provide the service. Southwest’s plan of not following this trend has saved it the cost of food as well as the number of staff employed. In other airways, when six to eight employees per flight were required, southwest managed to function with only four. This kind of planning was crucial for decreasing the c osts and increasing the revenues.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Temperature On The Growth And Survival Of Bacteria Biology Essay

Temperature On The Growth And Survival Of Bacteria Biology Essay Abstract: The aim of this experiment was to asses the growth and survival of 5 bacteria. The method involved placing each of the bacteria in water baths of various temperatures for certain periods of time, taking them out and placing them in their optimum temperatures and monitoring their growth/survival rate over the course of the week. The results obtained showed that how well the bacteria grew after they had been placed in their optimum temperatures and left for a week. From this it was concluded what the temperature class of each bacteria was. Introduction: The objective of the experiment was to look at the growth and survival rate of 5 bacteria namely, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens. Escherichia coli, commonly referred to as E.coli is a gram negative bacterium which is rod shaped. It is usually found in the large intestine of warm blooded animals. It is also found in foods and water. It is a facultative aerobe meaning that O2 is not necessarily required for growth but is preferred for better growth thus it is able to metabolise both aerobic and anaerobically. Every microorganism has a minimal, optimal and maximal temperature. These are known as cardinal temperatures and they tell us a lot about the nature of a microorganism. A mesophile is an organism which grows at its best in medium temperature conditions. A psychrophile on the other hand is an organism which is capable of growing in extremely cold temperatures. Thermophiles are virtually the opposite of psychrophiles. Theyre organisms which are capable of growing and reproducing the hot environments. The term thermophile means that it is heat loving or heat tolerant. The temperature and pH are good indicators of the environment E.coli can be found. The fact that it has a ph of 6-7 means that it is found in mildly acidic to neutral places which explains why it is in the large intestine of mammals. The bacteria manage to survive in these various environments due to their adaptive metabolism. (Madigan, Martinko, Dunlap and Clark, 2008). Enterococcus faecalis (E.faecalis) is a gram positive and is naturally occurring in the intestine of mammals, the soil, in plants and in water. The presence of E.faecalis and E.coli in the water is usually an indication that the water has been contaminated. It is found in similar habitats to E.coli. Bacillus stearothermophilus (B.stearothermophilus) is also a rod shaped gram positive organism it is usually found in hot springs and the soil. Pseudomonas fluorescens (P.fluorescens) is a gram negative rod shaped bacterium. It is usually found in cooler environments such as water. It is an obligate aerobe which means that it cannot grow in the absence of oxygen. Bacillus subtilis (B.subtilis) is also a rod shaped gram positive bacterium which is mainly found in the soil. It too is an obligate aerobe (Brooker, Widmaier, Graham and stilling, 2007). Method: Please refer to the schedule for this. Results: Below are the tabulated results that were obtained from the experiment. Table 1 shows the effect of inoculating the bacteria at different temperatures had on their growth rate. Table 2 shows the results of exposing the bacteria to extreme heat conditions on their survival rate. Temp (Â °C) 25 37 42 55 E.coli +++ +++ +++ ++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ ++ ++ E.farcalis +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ ++ +++ +++ +++ + B.subtilis ++ +++ ++ ++ +++ +++ +++ ++ +++ +++ +++ +++ P.flourescence ++ +++ +++ ++ ++ ++ B.steaothermophilus + + + ++ + ++ +++ + The table above shows how well the bacteria grew at different temperatures. Really strong growth is represented by +++, medium by ++, slow growth by + and no growth by -. Looking at E.coli for example it is clear that it only grows well in the region of 25-42Â °C anything beyond this showed absolutely no growth occurring. Time (minutes) E.coli Temp (Â °C) 0 2 5 30 90 40 Y, N, Y Y, Y, Y Y, Y, Y Y, Y, Y Y, Y, Y 60 Y, Y, Y Y, Y, Y Y, Y, Y N, N, N N, N, N 80 N, Y, Y N, N, N N, N, N N, N, N N, N, N 100 N, N, Y N, N, N N, N, N N, N, N N, N, N B.subtilis 40 Y, Y Y, Y Y, Y Y, Y Y, Y 60 Y, Y Y, Y Y, Y Y, Y Y, Y 80 Y, Y Y, Y Y, Y Y, Y Y, Y 100 Y, Y Y, Y Y, Y Y, Y Y, NTable 2: The effect of heat on survival of bacteria. Key: Y= growth present N= no growth E.faecalis 40 Y Y Y Y Y 60 Y Y Y Y N 80 Y Y Y N N 100 Y Y Y N N B.stearothermophilus 40 Y, N Y, N Y, N N, N N,N 60 Y, N N, N N, N N, N N, N 80 N, N N, N N, N N, N N, N 100 N, N N, N N, N N, N N, N P. fluorescens 40 Y, N, Y Y, Y, Y Y, Y, Y Y, Y, Y Y, Y, Y 60 Y, Y, Y Y, Y, Y Y, Y, Y N, N, N N, N, N 80 N,Y, Y N, N, N N, N, N N, N, N N, N, N 100 N,Y,N N, N, N N, N, N N, N, N N, N, NDiscussion: With the information that is in table 1 the nature of each bacterium can be established. E.coli showed exceptionally strong growth in the range of 25 to 42Â °C. These results are perfectly in line with the characteristics of a mesophile as such it is safe to assume that E.coli is a mesophile. This also explains why it is found in the human intestine. The core temperature of the human body is 36.8Â °C Â ± 0.7 which according to the literature is the optimal temperature of E.coli. The same thing goes for E.faecalis. It too is a mesophile and one of the locations where it is found is also the gastrointestinal tract. The information in table 1 coupled with the fact that it is found in the same location as E.coli means that it too has the same optimal temperature as E.coli. B.subtilis grew throughout all the temperature ranges but grew the best in 55Â °C. It was however strange to see it grow in the areas of 25-37Â °C as it is by nature a Thermophile. The minimum temperature that is required for thermophiles to grow is approximately 42Â °C. B.stearothermophilus on the other hand showed a classic example of a thermophillic bacterium. It grew best at 55Â °C. The last bacterium in table 1 was P. Fluorescens. It grew well at 25Â °C but seemed to be decreasing quiet substantially at 37Â °C. The information on the table did not quiet fit in with the characteristics which are exerted by mesophiles. Mesophiles usually grow best at around 30-40Â °C however P.fluorescens optimal temperature was around 25Â °C which meant that it could not be a psychrophile. It did however fit the characteristics of a psychrotroph. Psychrotrophs are organism which grow at 0Â °C i.e. similar to psychrophiles but, usually have an optimum temperature of 25Â °C whereas psychr ophiles have and optimum temperature of 10-12Â °C (www1). Table 2 showed the effects of exposing the bacteria to high temperatures had on their survival. Temperature is most likely the most important factor that contributes to the growth and survival of the bacteria. From the literature it can be gathered depending on the organism, exposing it to very high temperatures will kill it. In the case of E.coli this is the case. It managed to stay alive at 40Â °C for 90minutes. This is understandable as this is below its maximal temperature. Once it had been placed into higher temperatures for a long enough duration, it died off. This was not the case for B.subtilis. It proved to be growing throughout all temperature ranges for the full 90 minutes of the experiment. The fact that it managed to survive at temperatures as high as 100Â °C implies that it may be a hyperthermophile (Madigan, Martinko, Dunlap and Clark, 2008). P. fluorescens also died off after being exposed to increased temperatures for some time. At 30 and 90 minutes, all of people who were doing the experiment reported that there were no bacteria alive at 60Â °C. At 2 minutes into the experiment at 80 and 100Â °C none of the bacteria were alive. Most of the results obtained from the experiment seemed to be in line with the information found in the literature some werent for example E.faecalis was still alive in almost all of the higher temperature ranges when clearly it shouldnt have been as it was is a mesophile and shouldnt grow after around 46Â °C. B.stearothermophilus, a thermophile was not growing in temperature ranges where it should have been. These mistakes may have been due to applied correct aseptic techniques while inoculating properly. In order to eliminate such errors the experiment could be run 2 to 3 times.

Friday, October 25, 2019

High Stakes :: essays research papers

High Stakes   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Presently, America is experiencing a gambling boom. Everywhere you look there’s at least one advertisement involving gambling. Whether it’s a new Las Vegas hotel or a one-dollar scratcher, it seems to catch people’s eyes. Although it may look like a lot of glam and hype, there’s a dark side to the gambling industry, one people overlook the harsh consequences of. The gambling industry grasps a hold of everyone’s attention. Lotteries appeal to the low economic levels of society as a way to change their lives forever. One pull of the lever on a slot machine can make you an instant millionaire. On the flip side, there are those who gamble for excitement and entertainment reasons. They create a lifestyle of risk taking and chance, often ending up with making the wrong decisions. Most People like the thrill of sitting down in front of a slot machine and pulling the lever in hopes of winning a bundle. The opportunities are endless. So, what does the gambling tell us? A dollar and a dream, that’s all it takes. The gambling industry has grabbed a hold on our society. Roughly three quarters of all Americans gamble. Presently, 48 out of 50 states allow one or more forms of legalized gambling. Sure, the government is going to support gambling, but not without getting a healthy share of the profits. They use political smoke screening. What most Americans don’t know is that promotions and advertisements are producing such small amounts of proceeds that it yields very little funding to public projects. Politicians say that by legalizing gambling, we reduce illegal gambling and organized crime. What its actually doing is enlarging the pool of bettors. Even though casinos have created a number of jobs, the cost to society is greater than the benefits. People are arguing that the jobs created by casinos are low paying and offer little opportunity for the worker in progress. Furthermore, the creation of these casino jobs has taken away jobs from other areas of the economy. Restaurants near casinos are being forced out of business by the cheap buffets that casinos offer, to draw people in.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Total Project Control: a Manager’s Guide to Integrated Project Planning, Measuring, and Tracking

3/11/04 Total Project Control: A Manager's Guide to Integrated Project Planning, Measuring, and Tracking By Stephen A. Devaux, published by John Wiley & Sons, NY, 1999 (A book review by R. Max Wideman) Introduction Stephen Devaux published this book in 1999. In it, Stephen attempts to establish a common metric, quantitative data and analysis, by which the project can not only be managed, but also compared to every other project conducted by the organization. In his Preface, Stephen observes: 1 â€Å"The head of a construction company erecting a downtown skyscraper, the pharmacologist overseeing clinical trials for a new drug, the account manager supervising the development of a database for a Fortune 100 client – all three are engaged in project management. Yet chances are that the things they do are very different. . . . But out side of the work itself, all these projects actually have a great deal in common. †¢ Each has a schedule . . . †¢ Each has resources . . . †¢ Each has a budget . . . †¢ Each is going to run into unforeseen circumstances . . Most important of all, each has a scope of work to be accomplished. [But] traditional project management [methodologies] are unable to deal with work scope in an acceptable quantifiable manner. As a result, traditional project management â€Å"factors out† work scope from the management process by assuming it to be a â€Å"prerequisite† to the process . The traditional approach is: â€Å"Once you determine your work scope, we can provide you with a multitude of quantitative techniques for planning, scheduling, resource budgeting, and tracking your project. All of these techniques are based on a defined and constant work scope. †¦ However, the work itself is never quantified in a way that can support decision making. . . Other than saying that â€Å"Scope definition is important,† modern project management is silent. † As many of us have experienced, for example in software development, project scope can in fact be highly variable. Since the book was written, there has been an exponential increase in these types of projects giving rise to interest in project portfolio management. So, there is clearly a need for a common metric upon which acceptance or rejection of competing projects can be based. This is true whether the projects are contemplated or on going, and extends to decisions on changes to their respective work scopes. As Stephen observes:2 Precisely because work scope varies greatly from project to project, and even over time, within a single project, the ability to manage that changing work scope is vital: †¢ To ensure a satisfactory level of quality for acceptable cost. AEW Services, Vancouver, BC  ©2004 Email: [email  protected] ca Total Project Control Page 2 of 7 †¢ †¢ †¢ To select the best elements of scope to cut when forced to do so in order to meet schedule and/or budgetary requirements. To increase scope where the project's return on investment (ROI) can be enhanced by the additional deliverables(s) To determine which of many possible project work scopes should be undertaken as part of the multi-project portfolio. In his book, Stephen introduces a number of metrics with catchy names to support his â€Å"theories†. We'll describe some of these in our next section. Book Structure Total Project Control, referred to throughout as â€Å"TPC†, consists of eleven chapters as follows: 1. The Nature of a Project 2. An Overview of TPC Planning 3. An Overview of Planning the Work 4. Planning the Work Scope 5. Developing the Work Breakdown Structure 6. Scheduling I: The Critical Path Method (CPM) 7. Scheduling II: The Precedence Diagram method (PDM) 8. Activity-Based Resource Assignments 9. Resource Scheduling and Leveling 10. Tracking and controlling the Project 11. Conclusion Stephen just loves acronyms. His first â€Å"new metric, the â€Å"DIPP†, which he claims is fundamental to TPC3 is first mentioned in chapter 1. However, it is not explained until chapter 2, and even then only after introducing the â€Å"CLUB†, Cost of Leveling with Unresolved Bottlenecks, and â€Å"AIM FIRE† his acronym for the management cycle of Aware, Isolate, Measure, Forecast, Investigate, Review and Execute. So, what does DIPP stand for? We had to search the index to find out and guess what – it stands for Devaux's Index of Project Performance! DIPP has a formu la which is EMV (expected monetary value of the project, as of the current completion date) divided by ETC (estimated cost to complete the project. Chapter 2 also mentions Stephen's VBS (value breakdown structure)5 but it is not until chapter 5 that we learn that it is a TPC concept that brings the scope/cost/schedule triangle of value analysis down to the micro-project or activity level. 6 Chapter 5 introduces another concept, the DRAG (Devaux's Removed Activity Gauge) that is the quantification of the amount of time each activity is adding to the project. It is the opposite of total float, and like total float, since it only exists on the critical path activities, it is the amount of time an activity can be shortened before it has a DRAG of zero and another path becomes critical. A good explanation of its use is given in chapter 7. A metric for the resource elasticity of an activity, called DRED, again is mentioned in chapter 6, but is explained in chapter 7. It turns out it stand s for Doubled Resource Estimated Duration and is an estimate of how long it would take if the rate of resource usage anticipated in estimating its duration were to be AEW Services, Vancouver, BC  © 2004 Email: [email  protected] ca Total Project Control Page 3 of 7 doubled. Consequently it is an index of resource elasticity. But perhaps the high point is another acronym called RAD that appears in chapter 9. Chapter 9 is a discussion of the parameters surrounding resource scheduling, leveling and availability, both on and off the critical path, and the calculation of DRAG. Stephen explains that there are three different causes of DRAG:9 1. Delay due to the logic of the work, i. e. CPM schedule DRAG, 2. Delay due to other ancestor activities, which unavoidably push out the schedule of the successor, and 3. Delay due to the specific activity having to wait for resources, which we will call resource availability DRAG or RAD. So there you have the definition of RAD. In practice, RAD itself has mathematical constraints and the calculation is complex, requiring computer software. Stephen provides the formula and explanation, but you can skip this section if you wish. The point is, this metric is typically not calculated, so the real impact of unavailable or over stretched resources on projects as a whole is unknown to the organization and hence not accounted for when it comes to assessing project failures. What we liked This may ound like fun stuff with acronyms, but behind it all is the serious issue of â€Å"How can any investment decision be made, on a quantified basis, unless there is at least some sense of what value awaits a successful outcome? â€Å"10 Indeed, Stephen might have added â€Å"or even what constitutes a quantified successful outcome? † Later, Stephen answers his own question by observing â€Å"There are thousands of corporate organizations that depend on projects for more than 90 percent of their revenues. Yet, other than intuitively, they have no way of tying the projects they do to their profits. 11 Even under traditional project management, an absolute minimum data for each project in a portfolio should be the expected monetary value, the current completion date, and the cost estimate to complete. 12 Actually, having worked for respectable real estate development companies, we can state that these concepts are well known to them. However, having also worked with software development organizations, it appears that these metrics are not only rare but tend to be foreign to proponents of the latest forms of software development project management. Under Stephen's TPC approach, the data required is even more profound. In a portfolio of projects, it should consist of:13 †¢ Project Name †¢ Expected Monetary Value †¢ As of (i. e. Current reporting date) †¢ Current Completion Date †¢ Loss per Week Late (%) †¢ Gain per Week Early (%) †¢ New Expected Value †¢ Cost Estimate to Complete †¢ Simple DIPP Note the addition of the time value of being ahead or behind schedule, not in terms of project overhead AEW Services, Vancouver, BC  © 2004 Email: [email  protected] ca Total Project Control Page 4 of 7 costs but in terms of gain or loss in value of the product to the organization. Stephen provides many examples of his approach, although not all calculations are explicit. Stephen wades into the assembly of work breakdown structures, and CPM scheduling to illustrate his theories. On the question of how do you plan the work scope, he suggests: 14 â€Å"Each type of project is different, and each project is different. It is therefore difficult to set hard-and-fast rules for assembling scope documents. The best idea I have found is to †¢ Start with the benefits you want to achieve, †¢ Incorporate them into a business plan, †¢ Then move as rapidly as possible to a concrete image of the thing that will provide those benefits. † This is sound advice [The bullets are mine, by the way. On the matter of estimating, Stephen offers more sound advice:15 The person who is going to be responsible for the work should be the one who generates the estimates. This is probably the most important contributor to accurate estimates. The reasons for this are: 1. This person will be a subject matter expert, trained in the discipline necessary for the par ticular work. 2. This person is the only one who will know precisely how he or she plans to do the work. 3. He or she will usually have a vested interest in meeting his own commitment, and establishing the reliability of his or her own estimates. Unfortunately, the practicality in many cases is that, (a) the contributors don't know how to estimate, (b) they don't want to estimate, and (c) if they are really busy, they don't have the time to estimate. Still, it does suggest that estimating ought to be a part of production skills. Downside Under Scope/Cost/Schedule Integration, Stephen observes: 16 â€Å"Work scope is the foundation on which the whole project rests. It is the reason for doing the project – to obtain the value that will accrue from the work . . . Once we recognize this, two things come into clearer focus: 1. Quantifying scope is important. It is directly related to profitably. In a project-driven company, if you haven't quantified project scope, you cannot accurately estimate, or work to increase, profit 2. The metric used to quantify scope is the dollar. To be precise, the expected dollar that measures the value that the project is undertaken to generate. † But Stephen skates round the issue of how you arrive at this expected value by stating â€Å"Now, how one goes about estimating the value of a project is a topic of its own, beyond the scope of this book. 17 Unfortunately, that means the whole premise of his book rests on an undefined EMV parameter – which itself is changing due to external influences. Stephen's thesis, and consequent metrics, relies on a tacit assumption. This is that you have projects where the activities can all be identified, their resource requirements established and the time and cost of AEW Services, Vancouver, BC  © 2004 Email: [email  prote cted] ca Total Project Control Page 5 of 7 each reasonably accurately estimated. And further, that those resources are sufficiently flexible that schedule changes can be accommodated. On most projects, this is unreasonable, and for projects in the early part of their life span, this is patently impossible. Some of the metrics may be open to question. For example, Glen Alleman, VP, Program Management Office at CH2M HILL has commented on the DIPP formula (i. e. EMV divided by ETC), as follows:18 â€Å"There are several issues with the DIPP equation. 1. The denominator creates a â€Å"divide by zero† error as the project reaches the end and the estimate to complete approaches zero. This is poor behavior of a performance indicator not a ratio of two values drawn from the same time sample. . The indicator has nonlinear behavior over its life cycle. 3. The ETC value in the equation needs to be the sum of multiple estimates to complete, since EMV is the sum of all possible outcomes. The equation's ETC is a point value with no index i to correlate with EMV's sum across the indices of possible outcomes. The primary issue here is that DIPP does not include the sunk costs of the project. â€Å"Devaux states these are not necessary for the assessment of completion decisions. In fact the estimate to complete is based on the previous performance. The ‘performance factor for remaining work' is most often derived from the performance of the previous work. Past is a predictor of the future. The sunk costs are accruals and burden the net profit of the project. Ignoring sunk costs is not only poor financial management it is poor project management as well. The sunk costs must be paid by â€Å"someone. † The project manager must consider whom and how much is to be paid in assessing future decisions for the project. Ignoring these is like driving in the rear view mirror. It can be done, but not recommended. † We may not agree entirely with Glen's assessment, but the point is well taken. Another bone of contention is about reserves. Stephen cites the example of catching a plane under a plan based on median time estimates. Such a plan would probably mean that we would miss the plane 50% of the time. Clearly this is unacceptable so we must add contingency time. Stephen then says this is sometimes called â€Å"management reserve† and19 â€Å"There is an important difference between management reserve and padding. Management reserve is always added either at the end of the project, or immediately before a major milestone. It belongs to the project manager and the entire project. We agree with the intent but not the definitions. In our view, â€Å"Contingency† should provide for variances in durations and belongs to the project manager. â€Å"Management Reserve†, as the name implies, should belong to management for possible changes in scope (like picking up a coffee and donut at the airport), and â€Å"Padding† is a political issue and should be a no, no. Still, where workers are required to work on several projects concurrently, may be it is necessary to cover loss of productivity because as Stephen says: â€Å"Such multitasking is one of the great time wasters of corporate projects. 20 But here's a thought. If we are in DRED of missing that plane we just talked about, how much safer would we be if we doubled our resources and had two people running to catch that plane? AEW Services, Vancouver, BC  © 2004 Email: [email  protected] ca Total Project Control Page 6 of 7 Summary It is time that project management practitioners started a serious dialogue on the subject of managing scope as one of the variables, and perhaps the key variable, in project management. Ask not what is the cost of this project, or change, and can we afford it? Ask instead, what is the value to the organization of this project, or change, is it worth it and how does it stack up against our other options? Some may argue that a dollar value metric is not pertinent to their particular type of project, but whichever way you look at it, money is the only common vehicle for comparison between projects in a portfolio. Stephen sums up his position at the end of chapter 1 by observing:21 †¢ The purpose of a project is not to be short or inexpensive, but to make a profit. It should be managed in such a way as to maximize that profit. All the work, and all aspects of the project that impact its profit should be analyzed together, in an integrated way that shows the effect of the various alternatives on the project profit. †¢ Each project that is managed in a context with other projects should be analyzed in an integrated way that shows the effects of each (ostensibly internal) project decision on all other projects, and, specifically, on the multi-project profit. †¢ Insofar as projects are managed without regard to profit, bad (profit-reducing) decisions will be made, both randomly and systematically, throughout the organization. Stephen's book was first published five years ago. In our experience it takes about that long for new ideas to sink into the collective psyche of the project management populace. So, we share Stephen's view. It is time that project sponsors and the creators of the enterprise planning software they use (if any) figure out how to incorporate these variable scope and value concepts, and apply them to their projects. Then, perhaps, we will be in a better position to demonstrate that the traditional definition of project success of being â€Å"On time and within budget† is short term and very narrowly focused. We think that Stephen Devaux's book makes a valuable contribution to the discussion of project and portfolio management, planning and tracking. However, some things have changed in the last five years, or are better understood, so we sincerely hope that Stephen will consider updating and reissuing his book â€Å"Total Project Control†. If he does, we hope he will also add a glossary. R. Max Wideman Fellow, PMI 1 2 Devaux, S. A. , Total Project Control, Wiley, NY, 1999, p xvii Ibid. p xix 3 Ibid. p22 4 Ibid. p7 5 Ibid. p32 6 Ibid. p93 7 Ibid. 139 AEW Services, Vancouver, BC  © 2004 Email: [email  protected] ca Total Project Control Page 7 of 7 8 9 Ibid. p184 Ibid. p257 10 Ibid. p xix 11 Ibid. p8 12 Ibid. p9 13 Ibid. p12 14 Ibid. p63 15 Ibid. p105 16 Ibid. p30 17 Ibid. p31 18 Alleman, G. , The DIPP Formula Control Flag, An Assessment of the DIPP Indicator, Viewpoints, Project Management World Today, November-December 2003, http://www. pmforum. org/pmwt03/viewpoints03-11. htm 19 Devaux, S. A. , Total Project Control, Wiley, NY, 1999, p113 20 Ibid. p114 21 Ibid. p14 AEW Services, Vancouver, BC  © 2004 Email: [email  protected] ca