Parker Pen

Parker Pen: An Adventure in Globalization pg. 547 1. -This is the history of the failure of an international marketing strategy. Which were the reasons? Analyze the 4 P’s. (Price, Product, Place, Promotion) Being one of the largest pen industries in the world, Parker Pen was a failure for having international marketing strategy. This is due to the fact that Parker wanted its products to fall under the concept of standardization. He called this the â€Å"Janesville strategy†. Under promotion, Parker Pen wanted his pens to follow the mission of â€Å"one look, one voice†, meaning all Parker products would be sold and re-produced the same way in all countries the company would make partnership with overseas. As a result, all packaging and advertising would mirror the original Parker Pens in all participating countries. The problems which would arise from this is that standardization may not cater to different countries, who may have an interest for specific supply of pens. For example, locations such as France and Italy are fond of expensive fountain pens. Consequently, promotion strategies would lead to the decisions with regards to the distribution of products. Parker wanted all his pens to focus on a common positioning, which meant that the same types of pens would be allocated to its specified locations. The problem here is that the target markets values and interests are different across different markets, and cannot be dealt with similarly. Parker failed to realize that that you cannot use the same tactics on all individuals because each individual is unique in their own way. On the same note, this reduces the level of customization and personal preference. This also reduces customer consideration and individuals do not feel there is a sense of providing customer satisfaction. For the product, Parker pens lose its value in the pen industry for providing individuals with the writing instruments they need and have a value in. The Janesville strategy was a failure also due to the fact of pricing barriers. As stated in the article, Parker produced low-cost pens, which were not functional and were unable to do what they were intended to do. Leading up to this was a large controversy on the goodwill of the company in comparison to their actual products. Parker pen was a known as a company of quality, yet with this new global strategy, they failed to reduce costs yet at the same time satisfy the needs of customers. 2. -What role do people play in implementing any strategic decision? Analyze the role of Mr. Peterson, Mr. Smith and Mr. Parker. During the crisis of Parker pen, there were many roles being played. Mr. Peterson worked at reducing costs by laying off employees to reducing the product line to 100. He believed that entering into the global industry, it would require a single â€Å"world class agency†. Both Mr. Peterson and Mr. Smith decided that Parker pens needed to target the low-end of the market, meaning low cost pens would need to be produced. This would also result in the pens being in lower quality and standards than the original Parker pens. Mr. Smith, being promoted as the new president of the Parker pen company, planned to develop the Vector on the high scale and a disposable pen named the Itala on the low scale. Mr. Smith wanted Parker pens to take on markets of the pen industry that has never been done by any other company before. He decided that this would be the success of the company in entering into the global markets. For the company, this was a large risk as green ventures are unknown are this may cause a large fall in profits and sales. Mr. Smith also researched on the sales of Parker pens and discovered that the company had only a small share in the pen industry as most of its profits were coming from pens selling for less than three dollars. Mr. Smith decided that a change was needed, therefore pushed for the promotion of high scale to low scale products. Under the management of Mr. Peterson and Mr. Smith, 400 company managers were trained to market Parker products the same way in all locations. On the other hand, Mr. Parker was a believer of new product development, turning Parker pens into a company producing over 500 lines of products. His thoughts on the development of the global market were contrary to the ideas of Mr. Peterson and Mr. Smith. 3. -Was it a good idea for Parker Pen to produce and sell a wide range of pens from high-cost to low-cost? Why? It was not a good alternative for Parker Pen to produce and sell pens ranging from high-cost to low-cost. Parker pens are known for the quality in writing instruments and changing their production process by purchasing reduced quality materials will diminish the goodwill of the company. The first decision of determining if a company should globalize consist of the following items: knowing the company and its strength and weaknesses, knowing the product and its selling points, knowing the home market, knowing the target market and its background, and being able to leaves one’s predetermined values, beliefs, and propositions. There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration. Contrarily, the concept of having a wide range of products can be a success if adequate research was done to understand each markets’ values. In low growth developing countries, the most viable option may be to sell low cost pens because individuals may not have the ability to afford prestigious ones. 4. -If customers from different places are buying similar products, do you think it is possible to approach different markets with the same advertising theme? Why? Customers from different places may have values in buying similar products, but it is not possible to approach different markets with the same advertising theme. The reason for this is that you need to custom to each market. You need to change your advertising strategies according to the values of that particular location. For example, some locations may want to feel a personal message directed towards them in order to attract them while others may want advertising to be assertive and straightforward without any underlying messages. By assisting distribution to extensive research, Parker Pens can gain a larger understanding of each markets’ needs when dealing with promotional planning and marketing strategies. In other words, Parker Pen took on the concept of Ethnocentrism and Geocentrism, which means that the use of strategies are the same for all countries worldwide as it is in the home country. This may be both beneficial and detrimental for a company’s marketing process. Looking at standardization versus adaptation, a potential starting point for Parker Pen could be standardization; however, a company must also know when to make a change. Subsequently, adaption and modification of products would need to be implemented in order to maintain brand recognition in a global society. 5. -Which had been your recommendation for the international marketing plan of Parker Pen in 1982? Since Parker pens was previously established as an industry of high quality writing instruments. With a product line of 500, the company should have done more research and evaluation of each international target market before pushing their products into that particular country. Since Parker Pen is a company of no direct foreign marketing, in determining which products should be distributed can be handed to an expert and advisor who will perform that research. Market selection is done using secondary data from previous companies who may have been successful in international markets. Another option is to use precedence to determine whether the company will survive in the global industry. In the Strategic Decisions in International Expansion model, Parker Pen did not go through the decisions of determining whether the company was export ready and what modes of entry the company would enter by. There was a lack of strategy implemented on the marketing mix and how the company were to distribute their resources. For Parker Pen, there was an overuse of self-reference criterion, where both Mr. Peterson and Mr. Smith believed that a high volume of low-costing pens would perform well in locations overseas. This was a failure to realize differences and be able to put down one’s own values and accept the values of customers and the target market. Consequently, there was a lack of evaluation and knowing thy target. Segmentation variables are those that involve the demographics of each individual. In high developing countries, there may be a larger group of young individuals who are looking for affordable working pens to get them through the day at school, while in high business and technology based environments, individuals may value higher-priced pens because it produces an image of respect and status.

American Writers Essay

Introduction This is a kind of work that I like very much to do because of help me to remember and memorize everything that I learned and help me to broaden my vocabulary. In this journal I’m going to do a brief analysis of everything that I learned in classes, poems, films, magazines, authors, books and other things. My objectives in this journal are not only get a good mark but also, as I mencioned, learned something else. So, enjoy this travel! â€Å"Introduction to Poetry† by Billy Collins 18/09/2012. â€Å"Two Trains Running† by Tony Hoagland 18/09/2012 What is poetry? 20/09/2012 Poetry is a form of writing in which the author chooses the length of the lines, and not the publisher. Terry Eagletor â€Å"High Windows† by Philip Larkin 20/09/2012 Poems about writing poetry 25/09/2012 â€Å"Purity† by Billy Collins â€Å"I go back to May 1937† by Sharon Olds 25/09/2012 â€Å"Paradelle for Susan† by Billy Collins 25/09/2012 â€Å"Duck/Rabbit† by Billy Collins 25/09/2012 Factors that influenced interpretation 2/10/2012 Example: â€Å"The Sick Rose† by William Blake. Satan Says (Pitt poetry series): Sharon Olds (1980) 4/10/2012 â€Å"The sisters of sexual treasure† â€Å"First night† â€Å"Indictment of Senior Officers† â€Å"Satan says† â€Å"Tricks† â€Å"The language of the brag† â€Å"Night terrors† â€Å"Late† â€Å"The housewives watching morning TV† â€Å"Prayer† The Dead and the Living: Sharon Olds (1984) â€Å"Poem to my first lover† â€Å"New mother† The Unswept Room: Sharon Olds (2002) â€Å"His Costume† â€Å"Blood, Tin, Straw†- 1999 16/10/2012 â€Å"Coming of Age, 1966† by Sharon Olds â€Å"The Toilet† by Gcina Mhlophe 18/10/2012. Extract of a novel â€Å"Dirty Weekend† by Helen Zahavi 23/10/2012 Introduction to the Sherman Alexie’s book â€Å"Flight† 6/11/2012 Chapter 1 and 2 Chapters 3 to 10 of â€Å"Flight† by Sherman Alexie 8/11/2012 Magazine â€Å"Native Peoples† 8/11/2012 â€Å"Flight is supposed to be beautiful . It’s supposed to be pure. † 13/11/2012 Movie â€Å"War Party† by Franc Roddam 15/11/2012 Literary and non-literary texts J M Coetzee- â€Å"The Life and Times of Michael K† Toni Morrison- â€Å"A Mercy† Anita Heiss- â€Å"Avoiding Mr. Right† Zane Grey- â€Å"The Spirit of the Border†. Stephen King- â€Å"The wolves of the Calla† Literary texts| | â€Å"A Mercy† by Toni Morrisonâ€Å"The Wolves of the Calla† by Stephen Kingâ€Å"The Spirit of the Border† by Zane GreyThese, are literary texts because express the inner and subjective reality of the author, allows various interpretations and not intended to inform but recreate the reality. | | Feminism 18/10/2012 â€Å"In a different voice†:Carol Gilligan â€Å"Writing a woman’s life†: Carolin Heilbrun â€Å"Ariel†: Sylvia Plath â€Å"As Novas Cartas Portuguesas†: Maria Teresa Horta

SCIE210 Unit 1IP Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

SCIE210 Unit 1IP - Research Paper Example Every layer has its own unique biotic features of different kind of plants and animals. The floor of the forest is the bottom layer and it receives a little amount of sunlight of approximately 3% (Bush & Flenley, 2007). The only plants that can grow on the surface are those that can adapt to low light. It is relatively clear of any vegetation because of limited availability of sunlight. Lack of vegetation makes it easy for the movement of animals such as tapir, apes and okapi, and many other species of insects and reptiles. The surface also contains decaying matter from plants and animals, the growing of the fungi assist in decaying the waste. The second layer is understory layer, this layer lies between canopy and surface. This is the home of several birds, small mammals, predators, and insects. Examples are leopards, ring-tailed coati, boa constrictor, and several other living species. The vegetation is made up of herbs, shrubs, and small tress. The amount of sunlight that penetrates the layer is approximately 5 percent. To adapt to the environment, the trees at this level normally develop large leaves meant to trap large amount of sunlight (Bush & Flenley, 2007). The third layer is the canopy; it is the primary layer that forms a roof over the 2 remaining layers. It contains many largest trees, normally between 30 to 45 meters high. Evergreen trees dominate this layer. The densest areas of biodiversity are found in this layer since it supports rich flora such as bromeliads and mosses. Animals species found in this layer include African gray parrot, hornbill, monkeys, tamandua and many others (Bush & Flenley, 2007). The last layer is the emergent layer. This layer contains a few number of very tall trees that grow above the average canopy reaching up to 80 meters tall. Examples of such trees are Balizia elegans, Dipteryx

Loopstick antennas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Loopstick antennas - Essay Example In a loopstick antenna there is no spurious effect resulting from the capacitance of the loop to ground. The loopstick antenna is used in domestic appliances such as portable radios, FM receiver and RFID. The main problem with Multi-turn design is that the looses are high and that during warm seasons the temperature can increase (Karaus and Marhefka 2001). The other advantage is its small size and directivity. In addition, the radiated power can be aimed at the required path. "In general, loops and loopsticks are used for mobile and portable operation, while phased arrays are used for fixed-station operation" (Straw 2000, p. 228). The disadvantage of this antenna is design. Most of the antennas have low radiation resistance which resulted in high levels of current flowing. In order to resistance of such antennas, manufacturers use hard materials such as a tubular conductor or think rod. Disadvantage is high Q. This creates additional difficulties for its practical application and domestic usage (Karaus and Marhefka 2001).

Crtical apprisal 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Crtical apprisal 2 - Essay Example LTRA is the main subject of this paper by Currie, et al. This study is focused because it clearly states its target population of concern which is patients with persistent asthma. Secondly it addresses the issue of what physicians turn to when asthma is persistent. Specifically, these are LTRA and LABA. These two play a very important role as they are legally administered and known second line therapy. In the UK, their guidelines state that in the first instance, LABA should be administered as a therapeutic trial. If this is unsuccessful, then this is the time to administer LTRA. Third, outcomes are clearly defined. Physicians give inhaled corticosteroids when a patient is diagnosed with asthma. For persistent symptoms, they choose to introduce LABA. This is known to be more effective than an increase in dosage of the inhaled corticosteroids. Additional therapy with LTRA is presented to be more effective than LABA in its overall efficacy. Only appropriate, related and relevant papers and journals were included in this review article. In fact, in the material and methods section of this paper, the researchers pointed out that they searched for suitable trials with its relevance evident in the title and abstract. This therefore implies that no literature included used LTRA or LABA as a secondary topic. Researchers focusing on these were included and not those that just merely mentioned the two. The data base used MEDLINE Clinical Evidence, Cochrane Library and EMBASE database, are supported by reputable organizations. The research for significant literature also had key guidelines limiting searches to about 11 words. This definitely narrowed down the search and only produced crucial and relevant journals that are directly related to the research topic. A statistical analysis was not used. Certain data from the studies were taken and reviewed. This included the study design,

Management Improving Tools Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Management Improving Tools - Research Paper Example In order to effectively study the various management improving tools, it is important to understand the nature of managerial work. The primary function of managers in for profit organizations is to satisfy the various stakeholders in the organization including the shareholders and investors. This mainly involves helping the company make profits, creating rewarding employment opportunities, and producing valuable goods and services at reasonable costs. Management responsibilities in non profit management mainly involve maintaining the faith of various donors. Managers of an organization are appointed by a board of directors, which is given the authority by the shareholders. The managers then become responsible for hiring other employees to work along with them to help the company met its objectives. In the public sector, the electorate elects political leaders who then appoint managers to be in charge of government offices. The basic functions of management include decisional, informa tional and interpersonal roles. Decisional roles involve making decisions on various issues to move the organization forward towards achieving its goals. Informational roles of management involve sharing, handling and analyzing available information for the benefit of the organization. Interpersonal responsibilities of management on the other hand involve coordinating and interacting with employees, clients, partners, shareholders and other stakeholders in the organization in order to mobilize resources that will help the organization accomplish its goals... In order to effectively study the various management improving tools, it is important to understand the nature of managerial work. The primary function of managers in for profit organizations is to satisfy the various stakeholders in the organization including the shareholders and investors (Mejia, David & Robert, 2013). This mainly involves helping the company make profits, creating rewarding employment opportunities, and producing valuable goods and services at reasonable costs. Management responsibilities in non profit management mainly involve maintaining the faith of various donors. Managers of an organization are appointed by a board of directors, which is given the authority by the shareholders (Joseph. Juran & Blanton 1999). The managers then become responsible for hiring other employees to work along with them to help the company met its objectives. In the public sector, the electorate elects political leaders who then appoint managers to be in charge of government offices. The basic functions of management include decisional, informational and interpersonal roles. Decisional roles involve making decisions on various issues to move the organization forward towards achieving its goals (Thomas & Paul, 2003). Informational roles of management involve sharing, handling and analyzing available information for the benefit of the organization. Interpersonal responsibilities of management on the other hand involve coordinating and interacting with employees, clients, partners, shareholders and other stakeholders in the organization in order to mobilize resources that will help the organization accomplish its goals (Thomas & Paul, 2003). A successful management team must portray a wide range

Should Beijing really be hosting the Olympics and would you go Explain Essay

Should Beijing really be hosting the Olympics and would you go Explain - Essay Example Since their inception, the modern games have been infused with politics, boycotts, and threats of non-participation. Some people see the games as a way of promoting and legitimizing the host city. Athletes may face an ethical dilemma by participating in a country where there are severe human rights violations. Still, the Olympic idealists hold the standard of de Coubertin and insist that politics and social issues remain clear of the games. These competing opinions on the value and purpose of the games have almost never been as pronounced as they are when we discuss the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The decision to hold the Olympics in China has been met with a series of protests that object to their history of oppression and violations of basic civil rights. While there are legitimate objections to the selection process, the ideals of sport, international cooperation, and cultural interaction makes Beijing an appropriate choice for the 2008 Olympics. The importance of the Olympics and the selection of the host city should not be underestimated. It offers economic advantage to the city in the way of tourism as well as an opportunity to exhibit the city’s and the host country’s best face. The enormous worldwide interest in the games can be seen by the escalating broadcast revenues and the attendant increase in viewership in recent years (see Appendix A). This also opens up the door to give a country an opportunity to present a faà §ade while they ignore the reality that lies just beyond the borders of the games. Will the world see the sweatshops and hardships that lay beyond the broadcasts, or will they only be shown the glossy face of the â€Å"New China† (See Appendix B)? Determining where fact meets propaganda is one of the challenges faced by the IOC, the media, and the viewing public. The biggest objection to Beijing hosting the Olympics is their dismal record on human rights. There has been evidence

Islamic women and Education Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Islamic women and Education - Research Proposal Example Schoeter Susanne (178) explains from a personal and woman’s perspective that women like her need education and needs to be involved in policy making process on decisions that include education, a voice that identify a woman’s role in advocating for women’s interests in education. Fatima Al-Fihri is another woman who contributed to education in the ancient periods, establishing University of Al Karaouine in North Africa while Dafiya Khatun constructed theology schools in the Middle East (Women’s Iislmic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality 1). Roles of Nyai Abida in education are also evident in academic administration in Pesantren Seblak (Srimulyani 100) and women like Ahl-al-Aaqil played active roles as educators (Falola & Amponsah 83, 84). The active role in education continues and is evident in the positions of Muslim women in South Africa’s academic institutions (Lovat 186). In addition, women seem to play a significant role in self-motivatio n into education. Even though environmental factors may affect ability of Muslim women to advance in education, the women mediate effects of these factors (Oplatka 341, 342). Respecting personal domain as a Muslim is another reported motivational factor to the women’s education (Laar, Derks, & Ellemers 70, 71). Existing literature suggest significant women’s role in education and this transverses across history. A study is therefore necessary on trend of the women’s roles in education across history and by regions. Laar, Colette, Derks, Belle, & Ellemers, Naomi. â€Å"Motivation for education and work among young Muslim women: The importance of value for ingroup domains.† Basic & Applied Social Psychology 35.1 (2013): 64-74. Print. Oplatka, Izhar & Orit. â€Å"Muslim women in graduate studies: Some insights into the accessibility of higher education for minority women students.† Studies in Higher Education 37.3 (2012): 327-344. Print. Women’s Islamic Initiative in

Physics Problems Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Physics Problems - Lab Report Example When resistors are connected in parallel, their terminals are connected across the voltage source, and the voltage drop across each terminal is the same. But, if the value of resistors is different, the current through the resistor will be different, and accordingly the power dissipated by the resistor will be different. Step-Up Transformer: Such a transformer, steps up the voltage at the secondary windings. In such a transformer, the number of turns in secondary windings is more than that in primary windings. The proportion in which voltage will be stepped up depends upon the proportion in which the numbers of windings are more in the secondary windings. Step-Down Transformer: As the name suggests, step down transformer is used to lower the voltage. In such a transformer, the numbers of turns in secondary winding are less than the number of turns in primary. If the numbers of turns in the secondary are half than the primary, then the voltage in the secondary will be half of the primary voltage. Therefore, transformer is a useful device used in AC circuits for dividing or multiplying the voltage levels. This rule is also applicable to electrically charged particles. Two like charges repel each other while two opposite charges attract each other. The force between the charged particles is defined by the Coulomb's law. .. In such a transformer, the number of turns in secondary windings is more than that in primary windings. The proportion in which voltage will be stepped up depends upon the proportion in which the numbers of windings are more in the secondary windings. Voltage transformation ratio = (Number of turns in secondary-N1) / (Number of turns in primary-N2) For example, If the number of turns in secondary windings are double than primary winding than the voltage will be doubled. Step-Down Transformer: As the name suggests, step down transformer is used to lower the voltage. In such a transformer, the numbers of turns in secondary winding are less than the number of turns in primary. If the numbers of turns in the secondary are half than the primary, then the voltage in the secondary will be half of the primary voltage. Therefore, transformer is a useful device used in AC circuits for dividing or multiplying the voltage levels. Q. Explain how the rule for the interaction between magnetic poles compares to the rule for interaction between electrically charged particles. Ans. The rule for interaction between magnetic poles states, "Opposite magnetic poles attract each other while similar poles repel each other". This rule is also applicable to electrically charged particles. Two like charges repel each other while two opposite charges attract each other. The force between the charged particles is defined by the Coulomb's

Fast Food vs Organic Essay Example for Free

Fast Food vs Organic Essay Have you ever sat and back and wondered why there are so many obese people in the U. S.? You would think that with all of the buzz about organic foods that we have available, that we would slowly be getting better with our weight as a country. Unfortunately the reality of the situation is organic food are expensive and with the way the economy is today many people are working on a budget and simply cannot afford to splurge on the organic items. So now that we know that lets look at the second half of that equation, Fast Food! Now as much as people criticize the fast food industry it’s convenient and like the name says fast. Now days most people do not want to come home after a long, hard day of work and slave over the stove to cook a hot meal for their family. However what they don’t realize is how much that food is poisoning us. Take McDonalds for example, it has been brought to the public’s attention just what goes on when they are making their food. The food looks like food that you would make in your kitchen, but it is actually manufactured. French fries use to be made by potatoes peeled in the back room and cut into strips. Today they are made in large factories, frozen and processed. Some of the ingredients are very fatty. Even though they have said that they â€Å"were† injecting the chicken nuggets with a pink dye, people are still running to the franchise for their food. I am not judging anyone by any means just stating my observations. Now if you think about it most families probably spend about $100 a week on fast food. Why would so people spend so much money on fast food you ask? Its simple its easy, and its convenient and inexpensive. Compared to other foods its something that working people and ordinary people can go out and enjoy. The design of a fast food restaurant is very well thought out. We form our eating habits as children so they try to nurture clients as youngsters. Its very important that the fast food companies make sure that their fast food meals for children are healthier. In contrast the benefits of eating organic foods are great and if you can afford them should definitely take advantage of them. The are good for both the earth and the environment. The animals are living stress-free, free-grazing on the land and not being manufactured in deplorable living conditions. Organic farmers use less energy, less water resources, and NO pesticides. Organic farmers’ soil stays rich in content, moisture and nutrients due to careful management of land and using only natural organic matter to grow their crops. When industrialized agriculture arrives in farming communities, many farmers are forced out of business. Each month dozens of new pesticides, show up in local supermarkets and stores. Because they are advertised heavily are purchased and used and thus the destruction of the earth continues slow and steady. Organic farmers, live cleanly. Free of pesticides and toxins.

The three stages of Change Management

The three stages of Change Management We live in the age of change. The implication of this statement, is not that changes only happen in our time, but, is that changes in the recent few decades have been comparatively more frequent and exert relatively major influences on every aspect of human life. In fact, changes command so much attention that, in recent years, the spotlight has been on how to manage change: Change Management. Change management, according to definition from BNET Business Dictionary (n.d.) is the coordination of a structured period of transition from situation A to situation B in order to achieve lasting change within an organization. Change management in the organizational context is the study of change, how to exercise change, how to cope with change and the necessity of change to ensure sustainability. Management of change is a complex subject of study; attention has to be paid in regards to the continuity of change, i.e. there are 2 types of change namely incremental change (minor change, adaptation, modification) and discontinuous change (revolutionary change, transformational change). Organizations experience consistent cycles of change in which periods of incremental change are punctuated by intervals of discontinuous change (Nadler and Tushman 1995, cited in Hayes 2002, p. 5). This cycle is referred to as punctuated equilibrium by Romanelli and Tushman in 1994 (cited in Hayes 2002, p. 5). Academics and scholars have, throughout time, developed various theories on change management. One of the famous thinker in the field of change management, Lewin (1951, cited in Campbell and Craig 2008, p. 512) introduced the force-field model which describes the state of change in an organization as the equilibrium between the force that push for change and the restraining force that struggles to keep the status quo unchanged. Additionally, Kotter (1995, cited in Huczynski and Buchanan 2007, p. 604) proposes 8 steps to organizational transformation: Establish a sense of urgency Form a guiding coalition Create a vision Communicate the vision Empower people to act on the vision Create short-term wins Consolidate improvements to produce further change Institutionalize new approaches Kurt Lewin in 1951 (cited in Kinicki and Kreitner 2008, p. 402) also introduced a 3-stage model for change. What are the 3 stages? Unfreezing: In a nutshell it means that to change, an organization first need to have the desire for change. Organization needs to be unhappy with the old behaviour. Changing: Moving to the desired state of change. Refreezing: Stabilize and normalize the changed state. Mentioned above are few of the theories that students studying Organizational Behaviour will find familiar. Kurt Lewins models for change remain largely applicable even in the 21st century as successful change always depends on striking a balance between change implementation and managing resistance to change. Besides, the 3-stage model correctly illustrated the process of change; the difference now being the increasing speed of the change cycle as organizational environment becomes more volatile. In my humble opinion however, Kotters 8-step model is an over-simplified interpretation of the process of change. The fundamental assumption that change happens in logical sequence and that managers are all rational beings are in themselves impractical as changes often involve unpredictable irregularities and managers do not always follow the book. Realistically, decisions made by managers are seldom rational. When organizations try to put into action change plans, it is almost always certain that the effort will be met with resistance. Resistance to change comes in one form or another. To borrow the words of Fronda and Moriceau (2008), there are 3 forms of resistance: revolt, withdrawal (alienation from work) and discreet resistance (low morale, low productivity and high absenteeism). On resistance towards change, we started off with a rather negative perception in the last paragraph. However, this is not necessarily so, resistance is detrimental only when it is not delicately handled, downplayed or ignored. Waddell and Sohal (1998) in their journal article titled Resistance: a constructive tool for change management states that resistance to change shows that it is nonsensical to assume right away that all change is beneficial; that it is human nature to doubt the outcome of change. Furthermore they argued that resistance to change ensures a balance between organizations desire for change and its practical need of stability and constancy (Waddell and Sohal 1998). The crucial question remained: How can management adopt the right strategy so as to be successful in change initiation? Many people have this huge misconception about the existence of the mythical best strategy for change. In my opinion, it is downright absurd to conclude that there is one best strategy to be used for all change initiatives; each organization is affected by its distinct external and internal factors when implementing change. After a routine of extensive reading, I found the contingency approach to change advocated by Dunphy and Stace (2001, cited in Huczynski and Buchanan, p. 603) most viable. The Dunphy-Stace contingency approach to change implementation The table content outlines the different strategies that managers can employ under different circumstances to implementing changes. Participative change management, despite being touted by a number of academics in the field of change management as the best solutions to change, does not always work. This is because participation and involvement in change process, from formulation to implementation, is extremely time-consuming, even more so when consensus fails to be reached. Thus when organizations are put under situations where the need for change is so critical that it is change or die, managers will be better off exercising decisiveness and dictatorial decision-making. Ideally, however, it is always best to involve employees in planning and carrying out change to minimize resistance and ensure cooperation. My view is echoed in the journal article by Stanleigh (2008) titled Effecting successful change management initiatives, in which he states 6 reasons why change initiatives fail: Not engaging all employees Managing change only at the executive level Telling people they have to change, were in a crisis Sending staffs on a change program and expecting change to occur Not honouring the past Not giving time for staffs to vent first and then change Not to be forgotten is the role of constructive conversation. Efforts to bring about change often fail because the change agent failed to listen. Jabri, Adrian and Boje (2008) in their article comment on change agents: [c]hange agents want to change the organization; indeed, they have been trained to change it. Change agents may even know what the organization needs. Many change agents have been trained to think about how to communicate the change in ways that people will accept it. That training reflects a caring for the audience, even as it limits the audiences participation. The audience is mere spectator to the change, rather than witness to it. In order to change successfully, an effective, two-way communication between managers and employees must be in place. Managers must learn to listen to the voices of the employees because the employees possess hands-on knowledge which might not be readily available to someone in managerial position. Conversation enables the contribution of every employee to be fully appreciated and integrated into the grand plan of change. Summing up my argument in the previous paragraphs, to be able to adopt a clearly defined strategy for the successful initiation of change, management needs to evaluate current situation, the necessity for change, and the urgency for the change. Management then needs to decide on a suitable approach based on the model proposed by Dexter Dunphy and Doug Stace (2001). Whenever possible, managers should maximize stakeholders participation in the change process. Moreover, from planning to implementation of change, managers should never overlook the importance of conversation. The management as the change agent needs to learn to listen. Throughout history we can see a large number of organizations that have made attempts to change. Some of these organizations succeeded; some, unfortunately, failed. By adopting the right strategies, we observe that organizations can manage their change successfully. One recent example is the effort by Dell Inc. to reduce the power consumption of its approximately 50000 computers during non-operational hours. In light of the increasing cost of energy, or more specifically, electricity, Dell Inc. has decided to put into action an overhaul of its power management. To formulate a company-wide power management plan, Jay Taylor, the senior engineer global strategist at Dell, brought together several departments at Dell, including product, facilities management, CTO and IT groups. These stakeholders all contributed their expertise in their respective fields to assist in the planning. By coordinating the skills of its employees in different fields, and pairing this effort with the latest tec hnology, Dell managed to come up with a very efficient power management plan which resulted in 40% reduction in computer-related energy cost, translating to US$ 1.8 million savings annually. The inspiring part of the whole initiative is that Dell managed to implement the power management plan and achieve cost-saving without hampering its day-to-day operation, thanks to its skillful handling of available expertise and effective co-ordinations between stakeholders from different fields. As a conclusion, change management plays an essential role in ensuring organizations survival. To achieve competitive advantage and sustainability in this turbulent period of economy, organization needs to be able to adapt to the external environment rapidly and routinely by constantly learning. It is therefore imperative for leaders and managers alike to have a thorough understanding of the nature, theories and practice of change management.

Comparing Cousin Kate and Seduction :: Elaine McAuley Christina Rossetti Essays

Comparing Cousin Kate and Seduction 'Cousin Kate' is set in the Victorian ages. It is about a young, beautiful working class maiden, who is taken away from her simple life by a lord, to a life of riches and luxuries. She lives a very shameful life because she lives with him and is sexually active with the lord before marriage. She even has a child with him. The maiden’s much more attractive cousin appears and the lord is intrigued by her. He leaves the maiden for Kate. The poem has a twist at the end; Cousin Kate is only interested in his money, but she cannot conceive any children for him, and the maiden already has a son of the lord’s and he will inherit his father’s wealth and land as his heir. A once poor cottage maiden will now live the life of luxury again but in the right way. In ‘I was a cottage maiden’, by using ‘I’, I can tell that the poem is in first person and is being told from the victim’s perspective; this also gives the reader access to the narrator’s thoughts and feelings. The poem is in past tense. ‘Cottage’ emphasises that she is from a working class background and ‘maiden’ suggests that she is a virgin, but being in past tense, the use of the word ‘was’ indicates that she is no more. ‘Hardened by the sun and air’ suggests that she is an outside worker; ‘hardened’ suggests that she is weather beaten. This could mean that her skin could be tanned from working in the hot sun. This also indicates that she is lower class. ‘Contented with my cottage mates’ suggests that she is informal and ordinary. This line also tells me that she is happy with her life. In the next line the narrator says ‘not mindful I was fair’ suggesting that she is unaware of her beauty. She then asks a rhetorical question: ‘why did the great find me out?’ The narrator uses this to show her regret over the lord. On the next line she says ‘and praises my flaxen hair’. This shows the lords pathetic attempts to impress the maiden; the words ‘flaxen hair’ suggest that her hair was stringy, dry and a pale yellow colour. The narrator repeats the rhetorical question ‘why did the great lord find me out?’ again to emphasise her regret and mis-judgement over the lord. ‘To fill my heart with care’ is ambiguous: the first is that she loves him; the second is that the lord brings the maiden worries. In second verse the narrator is very critical towards her supposed

Spanish Painters :: essays research papers

Spanish painter, the country's greatest baroque artist, who, with Francisco de Goya and El Greco, forms the great triumvirate of Spanish painting. Velà ¡zquez was born in Seville on June 6, 1599, the oldest of six children; both his parents were from the minor nobility. Between 1611 and 1617 the young Velà ¡zquez worked as an apprentice to Francisco Pacheco, a Sevillian Mannerist painter who became Velà ¡zquez's father-in-law. During his student years Velà ¡zquez absorbed the most popular contemporaneous styles of painting, derived, in part, from both Flemish and Italian realism. Many of his earliest paintings show a strong naturalist bias, as does The Meal, which may have been his first work as an independent master after passing the examination of the Guild of Saint Luke. This painting belongs to the first of three categories—the bodegà ³n, or kitchen piece, along with portraits and religious scenes—into which his youthful works, executed between about 1617 and 1623, may be placed. In his kitchen pieces, a few figures are combined with studied still-life objects, as in Water Seller of Seville. The masterly effects of light and shadow, as well as the direct observation of nature, make inevitable a comparison with the work of the Italian painter Caravaggio. Velà ¡zquez's religious paintings, images of simple piety, portray models drawn from the streets of Seville, as Pacheco states in his biography of Velà ¡zquez. In Adoration of the Magi, for example, the artist painted his own family in the guise of biblical figures, including a self-portra it as well. Velà ¡zquez was also well acquainted with members of the intellectual circles of Seville. Pacheco was the director of an informal humanist academy; at its meetings the young artist was introduced to such people as the great poet Luis de Gà ³ngora y Argote, whose portrait he executed in 1622. Such contact was important for Velà ¡zquez's later work on mythological and classical subjects. In 1622 Velà ¡zquez made his first trip to Madrid, to see the royal painting collections, but more likely in an unsuccessful search for a position as court painter. In 1623, however, he returned to the capital and, after executing a portrait of the king, was named official painter to Philip IV. The portrait was the first among many such sober, direct renditions of the king, the royal family, and members of the court. Indeed, throughout the later 1620s, most of his efforts were dedicated to portraiture. Mythological subjects would at times occupy his attention, as in Bacchus or The Drinkers.

Guilt in Macbeth Essay -- Macbeth essays

Guilt in Macbeth      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There is a large burden of guilt carried by Lady Macbeth and Macbeth in Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth. Let's look at this situation closely in the following essay.    Fanny Kemble in "Lady Macbeth" asserts that Lady Macbeth was unconscious of her guilt, which nevertheless killed her:    A very able article, published some years ago in the National Review, on the character of Lady Macbeth, insists much upon an opinion that she died of remorse, as some palliation of her crimes, and mitigation of our detestation of them. That she died of wickedness would be, I think, a juster verdict. Remorse is consciousness of guilt . . . and that I think Lady Macbeth never had; though the unrecognized pressure of her great guilt killed her. (116-17)    In "Memoranda: Remarks on the Character of Lady Macbeth," Sarah Siddons mentions the guilt and ambition of Lady Macbeth and their effect:    [Re "I have given suck" (1.7.54ff.)] Even here, horrific as she is, she shews herself made by ambition, but not by nature, a perfectly savage creature. The very use of such a tender allusion in the midst of her dreadful language, persuades one unequivocally that she has really felt the maternal yearnings of a mother towards her babe, and that she considered this action the most enormous that ever required the strength of human nerves for its perpetration. Her language to Macbeth is the most potently eloquent that guilt could use.   (56)    Clark and Wright in their Introduction to The Complete Works of William Shakespeare explain how guilt impacts Lady Macbeth:    Having sustained her weaker husband, her own strength gives way; and in sleep, when her will cannot control her thoughts, she is ... ...1957.    Frye, Northrop. Fools of Time: Studies in Shakespearean Tragedy. Toronto, Canada: University of Toronto Press, 1967.    Kemble, Fanny. "Lady Macbeth." Macmillan's Magazine, 17 (February 1868), p. 354-61. Rpt. in Women Reading Shakespeare 1660-1900. Ann Thompson and Sasha Roberts, eds. Manchester, UK: Manchester University Press, 1997.    Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Macbeth. http://chemicool.com/Shakespeare/macbeth/full.html, no lin.    Siddons, Sarah. "Memoranda: Remarks on the Character of Lady Macbeth." The Life of Mrs. Siddons. Thomas Campbell. London: Effingham Wilson, 1834. Rpt. in Women Reading Shakespeare 1660-1900. Ann Thompson and Sasha Roberts, eds. Manchester, UK: Manchester University Press, 1997.    Wilson, H. S. On the Design of Shakespearean Tragedy. Toronto, Canada: University of Toronto Press, 1957.

Power and Social Work

This essay shall begin by defining power, then will go on to discuss Marx Weber and Parson's theories of explanations which will in turn demonstrate how and to whom power is distributed. I shall then go on to discuss how this distribution of power applies to social work and the service users. Power and powerlessness go hand in hand as to have one the other must exist. As society is not egalitarian and never shall be, there will always be inequalities. These inequalities can be on both personal and structural levels. To enable us to understand power and social work we must firstly understand the theoretical explanation of the distribution of power, privilege, prestige and powerlessness within western society by looking at social divisions, class and their positions within society. Marx was interested in the theories of economic development, he believed that economy was dominated by agriculture and power was held by the aristocratic landowner, in the period when manufacture was the dominant mode of production which he called the ‘bourgeoisie age'. According to Marx the history of human society past and present, has been that of class struggles. There has always been a subdivision within society into different ranks, where social positions have come into grades. The ‘bourgeoisie age' has been split into two classes, the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. Marx defined class in the term of dominant ‘mode of production' and the position within the social organisation of the means of production, within industrial capitalism it was the bourgeoisie who owns the means of production and as a result exploits the proletariat who sells his labour to the owners of the means of production. The industrial middle class had created an industrial proletariate and the success of the middle class would ensure other classes would slip down into the proletariat, the lower middle class would be excluded from the bourgeoisie as they did not have enough capital to compete, this combined with the immersation of the proletariat to keep costs down was a mechanism , which would create the simple two class structure. Hence his theory that the labour process the bourgeoisie dominating and controlling the proletariat and a ‘legal and political superstructure (the political system of parliament etc government was neatly characterised as ‘managing the committee of bourgeoisie' this is how social stratification came about. Marx clearly believed that social stratification is an objective reality, which follows inevitably from the process of economic change. The welfare state is a result of struggle by working class people to achieve collective benefits within the system and is accepted by capitalists because it maintains the system, which strengthens their wealth. Social workers are thus put in a contradictory position as representatives of the welfare state, they help working class people but whilst doing so maintain the power of the owners of capital. Weber had a different analysis of the nature of classes, he allows the possibility of a multiplicity of economic classes. He found that as well as the bourgeoisie there were other intermediate groups. Weber would call these ‘status' groups. Weber suggests members of status groups have certain rights, privileges (or lack of it ) and so on. These create many social classes consisting of people in different occupations, requiring different skills and qualifications, hence, it has been accepted that occupation is used in defining class. According to Weberian theory: â€Å"authority is the legitimate exercise of power, ie the people whom that power is exercised accept it is legitimate and therefore recognise it's authority† Wiles, M in Power and Social Work Lecture notes Webers analysis of authority is that of Tradition (customs and practices of a group i.e. the royal family). Charismatic (the possession of leadership often related to religious leaders) and Rational-Legal Authority (institutionalised) this organisation is seen as the distinguishing form of organisation and legitimate authority in industrial society. This authority comes with rights and responsibilities of office when procedures are made and followed by subordinates hence the authority does not come from the individuals or traditions of the office but the responsibilities and procedures are designated within the position itself. Parsons the functionalist seeks to explain the structure of society, he views society as a system that is made up of a set of inter-connected parts, put together, form a whole. These parts are the institutions of society, the family, education system, political institutions etc, all of which share common goals and together work for balance and consensus and order in society. Parsons idea was that social groups need and will co-operate with one another therefore becoming interdependent, he finds it difficult to see how members of society could effectively work and co-operate together without social inequalities. The inequalities of power serve to further collective goals based on shared values will benefit members of society and hence integrate rather than divide societies. The ranking of individuals is based on a consensual view of the importance of positions. Today in western society class differentiation does exist and has an impact on life chances and determines how we live. The inequalities that exist are not only in class and status but also race, gender, age etc, people from these minority groups are often discriminated against and powerless. The majority of service users are those who are living in poverty and as stated in by Becker and MacPherson 1988 indicates service users are likely to be: ‘Old or young, able-bodied or with a special need, an offender, a single parent, an abused child or partner, black or white, service users are more likely to be poor and most likely to be drawn from those sections of the population which enjoy the least status, security and power.' Adams et al (2002) page 42 Authority is within the hierarchy of organisations, when the authority of one superior is then subordinate to the other. The bureaucracy is about rules set regulations and procedures and in turn promotes functions. Social work has seen the provision and development of new and somewhat complex structures e.g. highly developed and formalised division of labour, extensive hierarchies of command, rules and procedures, transactions are noted and recorded and that of trained officials. These try to combine specialisation with integration and co-ordinated direction whilst providing standardised services to meet the needs of the service users at the same time. The service users may perceive the social worker as a symbol of power who holds authority from a bureaucratic state. The negative aspect of this perception could be detrimental for the service user as this may hinder communication and co-operation between the service user and the social worker, therefore identification and resolve of the service users difficulty could be adversely delayed. Although the social worker has a degree of power within their profession, they are governed themselves by state legislation and legitimate authority, they are at times constrained by their agency as to how much power they actually have. If a service user who has been hospitalised and is now on his way to recovery but has physical impairments, therefore, requiring specialist equipment to be installed before he can return home the social worker although seeking to empower the service user cannot do so as constrained due to the lack of his/her agencies financial resources for the necessary equipment hence disempowering the service user. The agency itself is financed and budgeted by state, this may limit resources that the social worker may eventually offer or not offer the service user. As they work as part of a bureaucratic state they must follow procedures, guidelines and policies whilst striving amongst all this to serve the service users in such a manner as to never lose sight of the fact that they are individuals who have rights that must be respected and to ensure that the service user is empowered. Conclusion As social workers we are bound by the government's legislation on what we can and can not do for these individuals. The government has made social work a profession hence giving social workers the status then the power. Social workers are conditioned and controlled by the state as social workers are governed by the state to maintain the smooth functioning social order, in my opinion maintains the ‘status quo' on behalf of the state. Therefore social workers are in fact in alliance with the state and are instruments of state power who may at times be, themselves tied and bound by the power given to them, as stated by Harris â€Å"Social Workers s power is expressed not just by what they do but by what they are, and they are subject to the very power they are themselves exercising† in Davis ,M (2000) page 28 Social workers may very well find themselves at times in a no win situation whilst they are striving to empower the service user.

Rhetorical Devices Essay

The definition of an anecdote is a story that is very short that either explains or emphasizes a point that is trying to be made. In my speech when I was explaining that soccer has affected the paths that my life has taken including schools and friends, I used the short story of getting recruited for soccer at the high school and collegiate level, which is also where I met my best friends. In Bekah Diehl’s speech making the point that the saying â€Å"the only fear is fear itself† she said she not scared of the fear of baseballs, but rather the ball itself. The story she used was with her friends playing catch with the baseball around her. The conclusion is the final part of a speech that closes it and ties it all main points together. In the conclusion the thesis is stated, the main points are summarized, and a clincher is said to leave the audience with. The conclusion for my speech was that soccer has made me a well-rounded individual and has shaped the person that I am today. My favorite memories have included playing soccer and my teammates. When I step on the field I am free. I would not be the same person today if soccer was not in my life. In the closing of Bekah Diehl her conclusion that was her fear of baseballs is real and something she has to deal with. However, she takes comfort that her she doesn’t have a phobia of something else and that her phobia could be of something worse.

Do you agree with Juliet Dusinbierres claim that Renaissance Drama is feminist-in-sympathy?

The Renaissance oversaw a debate that challenged the roles of women. Although, feminism did not exist in Renaissance, there were women in society who struggled to achieve equality with men.1 However, whether Renaissance Drama contains feminist sympathies is controversial. John Webster's The Duchess of Malfi 2and Ben Jonson's Volpone3 are two plays that portray a female struggle for freedom and equality. Yet at the same, both plays show that there were limitations to this freedom and equality as not only were women dominated by patriarchy but also it seems that any women who proved resistant to this and strived to achieve equality were eventually punished for their actions. Webster demonstrates how women struggle to achieve equality and freedom as the protagonist, The Duchess is very dominating and independent. Siobhan Keenan supports this as she argues that â€Å"Webster's portrayal of the Duchess does not conform to either stereotype. The woman that we finally meet in the play is witty, self-assured and sexually knowing.†4Keenan makes a strong argument because , seems that the Duchess in the first half of the play at least is domineering and therefore does not remain the ideal, chaste and virtuous woman that formed the typical feminine stereotype in the Renaissance.5 The Duchess is â€Å"self-assured†6 and domineering by the way that she courts Antonio and marries him, despite defying her brothers, Ferdinand and the Cardinal, and marrying beneath her social class. This is seen in Act 1 Scene 3 when the Duchess says: Shall this move me? If all my royal kindred Lay in my way unto my marriage, I'd make them my low footsteps; and even now, Even in this hate, as men in some great battles, By apprehending danger, have achieved Almost impossible actions (I have heard soldiers say so), So i through fights and threatening will assay This dangerous venture. Let old wives report I winked and chose a husband, Cariola, To thy known secrecy I have given up More than my life – my fame (1:3:48-58)7 The Duchess is independent in the way that she marries Antonio, because unlike the male counterpoint that would usually courts his suitor, the duchess decides to appoint a husband for herself, and therefore in the process challenges patriarchal authority. The duchess challenges patriarchal authority because her description of her brothers as â€Å"her low footsteps† (1:3:50)8 illustrates that she cannot be controlled and that nothing will stand in her way of her marriage. Webster also demonstrates how women are equal alongside men to some extent where the Duchess is concerned because it appears that once the Duchess is married to Antonio, she wields immense control and influence over their relationship. This is seen in Act 3, Scene 2 when Antonio suggests: ANTONIO We'll Sleep Together DUCHESS Alas, what pleasure can two lovers find in sleep? CARIOLA My lord, I lie with her often, and i know She'll much disquiet you . ANTONIO See, you are complained of. CARIOLA For she's the sprawling'st bedfellow ANTONIO I shall like her The better for that (3:2:10-14)9 The Duchess's refusal to sleep with Antonio is significant here because it demonstrates not only that she mainly influences her relationship with Antonio but also that she will control her own sexual life and function as a woman. Jonson's Volpone also demonstrates that there is a struggle for women to achieve equality and freedom, as this is partly seen by the characterisation of Lady Politic-Would-Be and Celia. Webster shows how Lady Politic-Would Be is independent by the way that she likes to express her femininity as she says: Come nearer. Is this curl In his right place? Or this? Why is this higher Then all the rest? You ha' not washed your eyes yet? Or do they not stand even i' your head? Where's your fellow? Call her. (3:4:10-14)10 Lady Politic – Would Be's questioning of her beauty is significant here because it demonstrates that not only is she critical of her own image as a woman but also that she wants to control her own femininity and identity. Jonson also demonstrates to a certain extent through his portrayal of Celia that women are resistant towards men. This is particularly seen in Act 3 Scene 7 when Volpone tries to both seduce and rape Celia: VOLPONE Think me cold, Frozen, and impotent, and so report me? That I had Nestors hernia, thou wouldst think. I do degenerate, and abuse my nation. To play with opportunity thus long. I should have done the Act and then have parleyed. Yield, or I'll force thee CELIA O Just God! (3:7:259-264)11 Celia's adornment of Christian values and religion is used to camouflage her resistance to men to a certain extent. Celia's Christian values and beliefs play an important role in allowing her to prove her resistance because it demonstrates that apart from her husband, she is only responsible to God, and therefore this offers protection and comfort to her.12 Furthermore, both Celia's refusal to â€Å"yield† (3:7:263)13 to Volpone and her cry for help could be viewed as a key turning point in the play. This is because not only is this the first time that a female character resists male authority but also it shows that women do have a voice. Celia's voice could mark a stage in the struggle for female equality because it shows that women are both capable of expressing their identity and silencing patriarchy. However, at the same time, Webster and Jonson also show throughout their plays that there are limitations to achieving female equality. Webster and Jonson both show that patriarchy dominates the lives of women and therefore in doing so provides an obstacle to freedom. Jonson and Webster show how women are dominated by patriarchy by the way that both Celia and the Duchess are viewed as possessions and objects of men. Jonson shows that Celia is viewed as an object of Corvino because she is not allowed to leave her home and is therefore kept isolated from society. This is supported by Michael Stout who has argued that â€Å"Celia is not a character to appeal to feminists for she is dependent on the actions of others. Celia is acted upon, rather than acting freely herself and is at the mercy of the male characters in the play.†14 Stout makes a strong argument here because throughout the play, Celia is largely portrayed typically as the chaste, virtuous and subservient woman who proves to be dominated by her husband and is domesticated. Jonson also shows how Celia is treated as an object of her husband by the way that Corvino tries to sell his wife to Volpone, and therefore likens her to money as he asks â€Å"What is my Gold/The worse for, touching?† (3:7:40-41)15 Corvino's reference to Celia as â€Å"gold† (3:7:40)16 is significant here in demonstrating how women are viewed as property because by situating women in economic terms, it allows men to use and abuse women, and hence enables them to become more prosperous and powerful. In similar fashion, Webster also demonstrates that women are referred to in economic terms and treated as objects, as this is seen in Act 1 Scene 3 w hen the Duchess has a conversation with Ferdinand: DUCHESS Diamonds are of most value, They say, that they have passed through most jewellers' hands. FERDINAND Whores by that rule are precious. (1:3:7-9)17 Ferdinand's description of the Duchess as a form of jewellery that is â€Å"precious† (1:3:9)18 is significant in demonstrating how men try to reduce women to objects. This is because by trying to exert influence and dominance over women in this way; it not only allows men to become more prosperous but also more competitive and prestigious in society. Webster also shows how women never really achieve equality as this is seen by the way that the Duchess is murdered towards the end of the play and does not outlive any of the male characters.19 Although, Webster's play is a tragedy, it is significant that he alters the conventions in choosing a woman as his tragic hero. Webster's choice of a woman for his tragic hero and the Duchess' death in the play is important because it could demonstrate that women never really achieve freedom. Women never really achieve freedom because despite striving to achieve a voice, this ultimately proves too artificial and weak within a society governed and driven by men. Renaissance Drama only contains feminist sympathies to some extent. Although Webster and Jonson in their plays show that women struggle to achieve freedom and equality alongside men, this ultimately proves limited and counterproductive as not only are female characters heavily influenced by patriarchy. However, they are also eventually oppressed and punished for any attempted actions or resistance against this.

Examine Hamlet’s Relationship with Gertrude Essay

At the beginning of the play, during Hamlet’s first soliloquy, Hamlet contemplates suicide because he is so furious with his mother for marrying Claudius within a month of his father’s death. This is when Hamlet comments, ‘frailty thy name is woman’ to express his bitter feelings towards his mother for not only the speed of her remarriage and betrayal of his father, but the ‘dexterity to incestuous sheets’. The situation, and Hamlet’s reaction to it, is a trigger of an increasing negative attitude towards all women, viewing them as weak. It is shown through his relationships with Gertrude and Ophelia. The audience learn through the other characters that Hamlet has shown affections towards Ophelia; whether they are genuine and lasting feelings is uncertain as Leartes advices Ophelia that they are not. Leartes asks Ophelia to ‘hold it a fashion, and a toy in blood;/ A violet in the youth of primary nature.’ Leartes not only says that Hamlet’s feeling towards Ophelia is short-lived nonsense of his youth but highlights that ‘for he himself is subject to his birth’. Polonius also echoes a negative portrayal of Hamlet’s relationship with Ophelia as he advises her to ‘be somewhat scaner of your maiden presence’. Ophelia sees that Hamlet’s feelings are genuine as he ‘hath importuned me with love / In honourable fashion’ and ‘hath given countenance to his speech†¦ with almost all the holy vows of heaven’. However, she is obedient and follows the wishes of her brother and father to ‘keep as watchman to my heart’ or to not ‘give words or talk with the Lord’. The rejection of Hamlet by Ophelia is a significant influence in him believing that ‘frailty thy name is woman’ as Ophelia could be seen as weak for following the orders of others who assumed that Hamlet’s affections could not be trusted when she, herself, believed them to be true. Hamlet’s reaction to Ophelia’s rejection is extreme and she is ‘affrighted’ by his state of ‘knees knocking each other†¦ with a look so piteous in purport/ As if he had been loosed out of hell’. His bitterness has been exaggerated by the ‘antic disposition’ that he has adopted since learning that his father was murdered by his uncle from his father’s ghost. This would make him feel even more anger towards his mother for marrying Claudius. He is manipulated by the Ghost who encourages his frustration for her when he says, ‘ shameful lust/ The will of my most seeming-virtuous Queen’. Hamlet is in a vulnerable position as he is shocked by the revelations and is still grieving his father; it is comforting to ally his own feelings with his father’s in his resent towards Gertrude for marrying Claudius so soon after the King’s death and is quick to believe that he is a murderer. Hamlet follows the Ghost’s orders to not seek revenge on Gertrude but to ‘leave her to heaven’. Hamlet’s despise for Gertrude festers within him through the play and with it, his views of women. Hamlet follows the Ghost’s wishes not to take action against Gertrude and as a result he makes Ophelia suffer for his hatred of his mother. The extreme behaviour which Ophelia reports to her father leads Polonius to believe that he is ‘mad’ with the ‘very ecstasy of love’. Ophelia was obedient to her father’s wishes and ‘did repel his letters, and denied/ His access to me.’ In contrast to Hamlet’s ‘mad’ behaviour a letter written by him to Ophelia shows his strong feelings of affection towards her as he says, ‘To the celestial and my soul’s idol, the most/ beautified Ophelia’. The language is passionate in a very exaggerated style and shows that Hamlet had powerful emotions for her, and a rejection would cause an exaggerated reaction also. In conversation with Polonius, Hamlet’s bitter feelings towards women come out through quick and crude puns: ‘Let her walk not I’ th’ sun. Conception is a blessing, but not as your daughter may conceive’. This echoes Hamlet’s comment that ‘frailty thy name is woman’ as the punning suggests women are improper and easily influenced. In Hamlet’s next meeting with Ophelia he is harsh towards her and denies sending her letters but speaks abruptly to her, making connections between chastity, beauty and immorality. He repudiates Ophelia, the woman he once claimed to love, in the harshest terms and urges her to go to a nunnery as she ‘wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners’ and comments unfavourably on the flirtatious tricks of women such as ‘lisp’ and ‘nickname’. Hamlet says ‘we will have no more marriage’, this is not only because he believes women make ‘monsters’ of their husbands but the resent of his mother’s marriage to Claudius is also implied. When Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are sent to find out what is troubling Hamlet he feels betrayed his mother as his mother and Claudius are together plotting together ways spying on Hamlet; his mother is being led by Claudius. He goes on to say that he has lost all interest in life, ‘Man/ delights not me; no, nor woman either’. He talk of men and women separately suggesting that they are different creatures. During the play Hamlet is cold towards both Gertrude and Ophelia, when his mother asks him to sit by her he refuses as ‘metal more attractive’. He comments, ‘how cheerfully my mother looks, and my father died within these two hours’, and speaks of ‘country matters’ crudely to Ophelia. Hamlet is thinking about the way his mother has acted and as he cannot confront her he offends Ophelia. Even though it is not suggested that Gertrude connived at her husband’s murder, but by marrying Claudius she is guilty by association, â€Å"None wed the second but who killed the first’. It reminds the audience the way in which the circumstance has changed him to believe ‘frailty thy name is women’. Once the play has been stopped, Gertrude asks to speak to Hamlet which is when he confronts her about his feelings as before he had to ‘hold my tongue’. He tells her that it was Claudius ‘blasting his wholesome brother’. He asks why she would desert his father for his uncle and aggressively shames her ‘in the rank sweat of an enseamed bed/ Stewed in corruption, honeying, making love/ Over the nasty sty’. The audience recognise the crude language that he used when speaking to Ophelia as he condemns the ‘frail’ women. Gertrude is convinced mainly by Hamlet’s insistence and power of feeling, which illustrates her ‘frailty’ and tendency to be dominated by powerful men and her need for men to show her what to think and how to feel. Ophelia is driven mad by her father’s death and it contrasts strongly with Hamlet’s, differing primarily in its legitimacy: Ophelia does not feign madness to achieve an end, but is truly driven mad by the death of her father. After Polonius’s sudden death and Hamlet’s subsequent exile, she finds herself abruptly without any of them. She is obsessed with death, beauty, and an ambiguous sexual desire, expressed in startlingly frank imagery: ‘Young men will do’t, if they come to’t, By Cock, they are to blame. Quoth she ‘Before you tumbled me, You promised me to wed.’ Shakespeare has demonstrated her chaste dependence on the men in her life; similar to Gertrude’s character. Ophelia is in such a ‘frail’ state when in the same situation as Hamlet – their fathers both murdered – she commits suicide, which Hamlet also contemplated in his first soliloquy. Ophelia is associated with flower imagery from the beginning of the play. In her first scene, Polonius presents her with a violet; after she goes mad, she sings songs about flowers; and then she drowns amid long streams of them. The ‘fragile’ beauty of the flowers resembles Ophelia’s own ‘fragile’ beauty, as well as her nascent sexuality and her exquisite, doomed innocence. Despite Hamlet’s harsh treatment of Ophelia, Hamlet is grief-stricken and outraged when declaring in agonised fury his own love for Ophelia. He fights with Laertes, saying that ‘forty thousand brothers / Could not, with all their quantity of love, / make up my sum’. This shows that his despise of women could not overcome his love for Ophelia in the same way that Hamlet had trusted his mother to believe he is not mad but not tell Claudius that is an act, even though he had felt betrayed by her throughout the play. Therefore, Hamlet was shattered by his mother’s decision to marry Claudius so soon after her husband’s death, Hamlet becomes cynical about women in general, showing a particular obsession with what he perceives to be a connection between female sexuality and moral corruption. This motif of misogyny, or hatred of women, occurs sporadically throughout the play, but it is an important inhibiting factor in Hamlet’s relationships with Ophelia and Gertrude. He urges Ophelia to go to a nunnery rather than experience the corruptions of sexuality and exclaims of Gertrude, ‘Frailty, thy name is woman’. Gertrude seems to have a powerful instinct for self-preservation and advancement that leads her to rely too deeply on men much like Ophelia who is also submissive and utterly dependent on men. As these are the only two significant women in Hamlet’s life it is easy for him to conclude that ‘frailty thy name is women’.

Dsm changes (ass 2 psy 5035) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Dsm changes (ass 2 psy 5035) - Essay Example The medical community emphasizes that a quality diagnosis comes from objective formats and is consistently reliable. The diagnosis of ADHD seems to be reliable only if done by experienced well trained diagnosticians. These very diagnosticians are calling for stabilizing criteria being added to the DSM (Biederman & Faraone 2005). For many years, the idea that ADHD persists into adulthood has been met with varying degrees of skepticism. Thirty-five studies follow-up studies of children diagnosed with ADHD have shown that it does persist into adulthood. Symptoms ad described in the present DSM do show a decline in the severity of symptoms. By the age of 30-40, clients will no longer meet the full criteria for the diagnosis however clinically significant impairments are still noticeable. There is a noted risk in adults for the comorbitiy of personality disorders, poor occupation performance, traffic accidents, injuries and some anti-social behavior. Additional diagnostic criteria for adults is likely to be added to the diagnostic criteria and it may be broken down at the lower end as well (Biederman & Faraone 2005). More and more very young children are being put on medications. Perhaps adding age specific criteria for under seven should also be added. In many cases, clinicians have taken integrating material into their own hands by using the Connors Assessment System. It is likely in the future such integrating criteria will be included in the diagnostic criteria to provide a more objective outcome. There may be a new developmentally divided list of behaviors including reports from others that will be added (Rassmussen et.al 2004). In an effort to increase diagnostic reliability the new research can be helpful. We now have insight into differences in brain function that can be seen in brain scans. As that becomes more available and more definitive we may see such scans used for diagnosis. We also have more definitive evidence about the

History of China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

History of China - Essay Example Firstly, with regards to why the British sought to smuggle opium into China, the answer to this question is undeniably quite simple. Ultimately, the British sought to smuggle opium into China to make the country weak, to provide the British Empire, and by extension its economy, a level of domination over China, and by extension by which China, its government, and people, would be reliant upon the British to fulfill any further levels of trade that might exist between the Chinese and the outside world. Ultimately, the reader can note that a highly unethical situation arose from this which encouraged key levels of Imperial exploitation over the Chinese government and its people (Xin, 2010). Whereas there have been many cases in history of organized crime and the means by which it was substances of one form or another have been trafficked, the opium trade between the British Empire and China is perhaps the perfect example of economic warfare as the importation and reliance on opium was utilized as a leverage point by which the British Empire could gain a further degree of economic power and control over the peoples of a region that much of Europe had been anxious to control for the better part of several hundred years. Realizing that the current dynamic of ever-increasing opium addiction and the means by which the economic resources of China were being undermined by the British Empire, the imp are demanded action. Firstly, the Emperor sought to arrest Chinese opium dealers and then extended this power outside of national Chinese boundaries demanding that foreign firms turn over any and all stop of opium that existed with the nation. As might be expected, these foreign merchants summarily refused to turn over their stock as they made a valuable trade and livelihood through the sale of this drug. In such a way, a key level of disagreement contest arose between the foreign merchants of opium and the Imperial power of China. As such, it was the belief of the British t hat it was their responsibility to protect key trade interests that provided a high level of profitability for their global economy and a level of control over the region of China as a whole (Feige & Miron, 2008). Within such a manner, the first of two opium wars were kicked off in which the trade interests of the British Empire and the societal concerns of the Chinese Empire, with regards to opium addiction, came head-to-head in armed conflict. The result of these opium wars was a complete humiliation for the Chinese Emperor and the peoples of China. This was so much the case that Chinese historians, both then and now, refer to the result of these opium wars as â€Å"the century of humiliation†. This is mostly due to the fact that the overwhelming military superiority and coordination of the British forces pressured the existing Qing Dynasty to capitulate to almost any and all demands that the British placed upon it. Due to the fact that the Chinese were unable to mount a su ccessful military defense of their homeland during either of these two opium wars, the British were able to exact a high price for insurrection, as they saw it, to British imperial power. Ultimately, the effects of the opium wars can be understood within two distinct contexts. Firstly, the

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 58

Assignment Example Hill et al. (2010) provided evidence that workplace flexibility decreases work-life conflict and improved productivity by motivating employees to work longer hours. They stressed that schedule flexibility must be related to workplace flexibility too. Thus, reducing a five-day work week to a four-day one will greatly improve the wellbeing of employees, which will directly contribute to their morale and energy at the workplace. Facer and Wadsworth (2010) presented their findings on the Utah’s implementation of a four-day work week for state employees. Findings showed that decreased work week schedules considerably lessened participants’ total commute time, thereby boosting employees’ personal time that they can use for social and household activities, or sleep. Lowering long commute times can offer concrete benefits for organizations, since this research gives evidence that longer commutes result to more stress, more health problems, more absenteeism and tardiness, and lower performance. This source is useful for my proposal because it supports the benefits of a four-day work week at individual, company, and society levels. For individuals, they will save money and time in going to work and they can feel less work-life conflict; for companies, they can experience less expenses in electricity and other tools used by employees; and for society, social and environmental benefits are appar ent. For Chapter Ten, I learned valuable resource evaluation knowledge and skills. For instance, I used to take studies for granted, meaning that I no longer evaluate their validity and reliability. From now on, I use a system in evaluating my sources. First, I evaluate the source for its â€Å"reputation for honesty and credibility† (p.245). I examine the journals and their methods in choosing their published articles. I learned to prefer peer-reviewed over non-peer reviewed sources. Second, I discovered that it is critical to assess the

9-4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

9-4 - Essay Example The most interesting thing I learned about Spain is the increased immigration rate. Government literally did nothing to restrict the immigration. But after 9/11 Spanish government is thinking in terms of restricting the immigration. â€Å"Up to the 1960s Spain had a highly traditional class structure that was dominated by agricultural workers: generally peasant farmers in the north and landless farm labourers in the south† (MSN Encarta) but, since 1960s agriculture has exhausted and the industrial development has started. Upper middle class has grown considerably during this period. Most of the women in the family remain as house wife till 1970. But the industrial revolution has affected their life also. Most of the educated women started to work and the family life concepts were changed since then. Spanish families have much more contact with their neighbours compared to other western countries. Spanish people normally eat lots of fish and meat. They usually take food 5 times a day. The country has a very long border with lots of fishing-harbours where you can buy fresh fish. (Eating habits in Spain) â€Å"The Spanish are formal by culture and the handshake is still the customary form of greeting but a kiss on both cheeks is normal reserved to those known well. When invited into a private home a small gift (but not flowers), is always is always appreciated. Flowers are reserved for very special occasions† (Spain-Barcelona-Entertainment) â€Å"In 2007, Spain imported goods valued at $370.1 billion and exported goods valued at $239.4 billion. (MSN Encarta) With the increased rate of import compared to export resulted in significant trade deficit. Motor vehicles, basic metals, fruits and vegetables are the major exported items. Agriculture is one of the significant contributors to the Spanish economy. In the 17th century, Spain’s painters and image makers would bring forth a golden age of art.  Religious imagery was a uniquely Spanish folk art form. Spain has

Human Sexuality Topic (You can pick one from the sample topics in the Research Paper

Human Sexuality Topic (You can pick one from the sample topics in the instructions) - Research Paper Example des the acceptance of homosexuality into the society that involves sexual attraction to the same gender and in this case, the relationship between two males. Developing an understanding of this sexual orientation is important because there is conflicting literature regarding its existence. While there is a school of thought that believes homosexuality is as a result of genetic predisposition, opponents to this sexual orientation view it as behavioral. Homosexuality has been there since time in memorial and is now a visible reality within the society as another form of sexual orientation. In respect to ethical considerations, the question that linger in minds of many people emanate from a secular versus a religious point of view regarding same sex attractions. In the religious circles, homosexuality is a sin considering the belief that God’s plan for sexual relationships was between a man and a woman (Guittar and Pals 53). However, from a secular point of view every person has a right to choose the sexual orientation he or she desires. In secular terms, the society is liberal and nobody should question the behavior of another person as this amount to invading privacy. However, while homosexuals consider  their sexual orientation  as  normal behavior, the question that lingers in mind of many is why they hide their sexual orientation. In case it is a normal occurrence. Homosexuals are not always open and free about their sexual orientation partly because of personal reasons or fear of stigmatization. The topic of homosexuality is an important area of discussion because it is part and parcel of the modern society and in some western countries homosexuality is now legal. In this respect, it is important to understand the origins of homosexuality so as to avoid the conflict being witnessed between religious and secular views regarding homosexuality (Wright and Bae 492). While homosexuality has existed for ages, it is a sexual orientation that no one likes to talk

British Airways World Cargo Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

British Airways World Cargo - Research Paper Example The net work of this freight carriers are diversified over eighty countries with two hundred trading centers. Customers can rely on these freight carriers since they undertake prompt schedules with proper connection carriers either through air or land. They have introduced an international timetable regarding the time schedule of their cargo carriers. Thus they can ensure worldwide Air Cargo linking facility in the same day itself. Their motto is to provide the cargo facilities to the customers at its maximum extend. They have been taking very keen interest for solving the problems of their customers. They undertake the risk of carrying easily destroyable items such as vegetables, fruits, flowers, fish, meat, milk products and other canned and readily cooked food products. This venture has brought them too much recognition and appreciation worldwide. Their employees working in their global centers are committed to fulfill the requirements of the customers. In 1966 an air transport consultancy called International Aviation Services was formed. The main intention of these services was to conduct transportation of goods by air lifting. This organization changed their name as IAS Cargo Airlines after four years. Then they expanded their trading network worldwide in accordance with the high demands developed by the world of business. They secured the world wide recognition of people on account of their faultless freight carrying service. Then they renewed their fleet and air freight system with Jet planes. After this their business started to flourish within some years. They are authorized to carry consignments which were shipped by ocean previously. Thus they started introducing bigger air freight carriers in order to accommodate consignments with respect to the growing demands of the world. Another air cargo called Trans Meridian air cargo was also operated from Britain during this period. Economically these two freight carriers were equal in strength. These two cargo companies united together to form British Cargo Airlines which existed up to 1980. The price of jet fuel had increased during this period. The cargo owners cannot afford the price hike and they are forced to stop the venture. The economic instability prevailed during that time caused certain business concerns in Britain to suffer draw backs. These business concerns were the customers of British Cargo Airlines and their withdrawal from the business field caused the closure of the British Cargo Airlines. All these events caused the formation of British Airways World Cargo from its parent organization the British Airways. British airways world cargo started as a sister concern of

One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Essay

One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni - Essay Example In addition, there is a young Muslim man named Tariq who is having problems with finding his place in the world after the September 11 attacks have led to his discrimination due to his background. There is also Mr and Mrs Prichett, an older couple who have a strained marriage, a young woman called Uma whose parents live in India, and finally the manager of the visa office named Mangalam and his assistant Malathi. Although they are complete strangers at the beginning of the story, their lives are suddenly brought together when an earthquake occurs and they are trapped in the consulate building, which collapses and leaves some of them wounded. Cameron immediately takes charge of the situation by swiftly treating the injuries of those who have been wounded, ensuring that everybody remains calm, and beginning to make a plan to ensure that they all survive until they are rescued. However, as the conditions begin to worsen, some of this group begins to turn on one another due to the panic that is brought on by these conditions. To prevent any escalation in the conflict among them, Uma suggests that they all share something very amazing that has ever happened in their lives, which they have never shared with anyone. Perhaps the suggestion of hers was motivated by the fact that she was very curious about the people around her as it is stated that â€Å"she had always been†¦ interested - quite unnecessarily, some would say - in the secrets of strangers.† (Divakaruni 3). No matter what her intentions are, Uma’s suggestion makes everyone to calm down and when â€Å"Cameron switched off both flashlights†¦Uma sensed a new alertness in her companions, a shrugging off of things they couldn’t control they were ready to listen to one another† (Divakaruni 70). While each of them tells their story, they come to understand each other from very different perspectives from the ones they had of each other in the beginning. There develops a depth of understanding between them which is completely unbiased by their appearance or perceived backgrounds. Previously, they had viewed each other according to stereotype and an example of this was the belief that Cameron’s black skin made him violent just because the stereotype of African Americans is one of violence. Furthermore, others are fearful of Tariq because they think he is a terrorist just because his beard is unkempt. In this story, a sense of urgency is developed through the characters telling stories of the one event that affected their lives. This sense of urgency is brought about due to the uncertainty, which they have about their lives being saved in time before they are drowned by either the flooding water or the lack of supplies to keep them alive. The characters seem to have an attitude of having nothing to lose when they tell their stories as if it is essential that they share these stories about a specific event that happened in their lives before they face their prospective deaths if they are not rescued. They reveal some of their most thoughts concerning these events, as if by telling them to others, it will help prolong their lives for a little while longer, â€Å"When had it happened? Looking back, I could not point to one special time and say, There! That is what is amazing. We can change completely and not recognize it†¦.think terrible events have made us into stone. But love slips in like a chisel – and suddenly it is an ax, breaking us into pieces from the inside† (Divakaruni 90). The thing that makes One Amazing Thing a great story is the fact that the author has taken many stories and woven them together to make one story with all the characters in the other stories brought together into one main story. During the first

Project Estimating Techniques Essay Example for Free

Project Estimating Techniques Essay One of the most important factors to the success of a project is how well the project is estimated, as well as how overall costs are managed during the execution phase by the project manager. Project costs and estimates are vital to the success of any organization to remain competitive in the market. Cost estimating for organizations rely heavily on resources that can sometimes be difficult to obtain. Forecasting and utilizing historical return costs are just a couple of ways that organizations rely on estimating. Experienced planners are often a sought trade within the market; this paper will discuss some often used project cost estimating techniques. Types of Estimating The first type of estimating is analogous. This type of estimating utilizes estimates from a previous project that is similar, and uses them to build estimates for the new project. While this type of estimating is beneficial to the planning process, caution must be used to ensure that estimates carried over from the previous project are fair and reasonable. Parametric estimation takes historical data inputs, makes calculated assumptions based on market and statistical data, and then formulates the estimate. This type of estimating is useful as it does use historical data, coupled with statistical data; however, assumptions made by the planner can be skewed and lead to inaccurate estimates in my opinion. The next type of estimating is bottom-up. Bottom-up estimating utilizes information from individual estimates through the Work Break Down structure. This type of estimating is one of the most common types of estimating because it uses estimates from the floor tasks. These floor tasks are estimated by subject matter experts with years of experience, and can be very beneficial to ensuring that not only the estimate is accurate, but the scope of the task is correct. Another type of estimating is three-point estimating. Three-point estimating takes a look at the best, worst, and most realistic scenario to cost estimating the project. These three options obviously come with a  premium on cost, time, or quality. Dependent on what the project objective is will more than likely determine what route to take in this process. From my work experience with project planning, cost estimating can be a very difficult task. Most organizations have a method or process in how to cost estimate. Some utilize checklists, while others may standard operating procedures as part of an organizational policy. Regardless of what tools are available to a project team during the cost estimating process, knowing the overall goals and objectives of the project are keys to estimating a successful project. The burden of cost estimating is not normally the responsibility of one individual; it often lies within the project team. Multiple estimators from various skills are part of the process, and all types of estimating as discussed earlier are part of the process. Tools that my organization utilizes are bid specification review meetings that go over the material, labor, and rates that apply to the work being conducted during the project. In addition, an independent government estimate (IGE) is utilized to ensure that estimates are filled out thoroughly, and reviewed against the contractor’s estimates upon receipt. There are many other processes that can be used; however, these are the most commonly one’s used within government estimating. Conclusion Cost estimating is a very important part of the project planning process as it often dictates the duration of the project, and how much work can be accomplished during the project against the budget given for the project. Estimates of time and cost together allow the manager to develop a time-phased budget, which is imperative for project control (Larson Gray, 2014, p. 131). While there are many different ways that estimates are created, there is no sure fire way in stating that one is better than the other. While some may think that historical data is a more accurate way, there is not telling that the estimate and return costs from a previous project were fair and reasonable. If the previous project cost was overestimated, then the current project would continue to be overestimated; therefore not proving to be a cost benefit to the organization. Cost estimating drives the project plan, and organizations need to ensure they utilize all the tools and resources they have available to them to make the  project a success. Reference Larson, E. W., Gray, C. F. (2014). Project Management: The Managerial Process (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill.