Thursday, October 31, 2019

The Era of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 1933-1945 Essay

The Era of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 1933-1945 - Essay Example He believed it was the role of the government to offer a solution to these problems. This essay will focus on how Franklin Delano Roosevelt consistent set of plans for ending the Great Depression throughout the first part of his Presidency. Franklin felt that people working in most public offices lacked social values and focused more on money in his opinion, the lack of ethics had greatly contributed to corruption hence the depression. Moreover, he felt that the financial systems required to works harder towards resolving the crisis instead of dwelling in the fear emanating from the crisis (Polenberg 39-40). He believed that people working in financial systems especially the exchange market had focused more on using their mandate for personal financial gains contributing to the depression. He thus insisted on the need for transparency and accountability by the public officers (Polenberg 43) Franklin believed that recovery and reform were closely interconnected. He therefore suggested social objectives of the new deal that aimed at offering more jobs o the Americans. Moreover, he believed it was important to enhance security and enable Americans have access to decent homes. To be able to achieve the above plans, Franklin suggested a program that aimed at providing approximately 3.5 million jobs. His other projects included rural electrification, reforestation, as well as slum clearance (Polenberg 54-56). Another plan that Franklin proposed was the need for equality. He believed that some private companies were exploiting common Americans due to their urge to increase their profits. Therefore, he planned to enhance equality and ensure that all Americans were able to enjoy security and enjoy reasonable leisure. Moreover, Franklin planned to ensure that the national resources were utilized appropriately to benefit all, people were protected from hazards of life especially those associated with the depression, and people would eventually enjoy living in decent homes irrespective of the crisis. The above plans remained important to Franklin throughout his reign (Polenberg 39-42). To ensure that the natural resources were used appropriately to proposed the need for appropriate use of land and water resources. To ensure that all Americans were secured from life hazards, Roosevelt believed that it was important to create employment opportunities and insurance services. In his opinion, the old, handicapped, children, and pregnant mother required insurance benefits (Polenberg 48-50) To ensure that Americans enjoyed living in better homes, Franklin believed it was important to empower the unemployed by giving them jobs. This could be achieved through enactment of policies that would create employment opportunities. Franklin argued that the large government debt had resulted due to increased dependence of many Americans on the relief rolls. This had resulted in burdening of the federal government. He proposed that it was appropriate to offer jobs to t he unemployed to prevent them from relying on federal aid. He believed that the only group of people that required federal relief was those who could not manage to toil for various reasons. However, the larger percentage of people depending on the federal relief funds was employable. However, the group had been rendered jobless by the circumstances surrounding the depression. He thus believed that it

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

The Fall of the House of Usher Analysis Essay Example for Free

The Fall of the House of Usher Analysis Essay â€Å"The Fall of the House of Usher† is a short story written by Edger Allan Poe in 1839. Almost everything about the story is very gloomy, dark and depressing. For example, the house is described by the narrator as â€Å"the melancholy House of Usher† and the description of Roderick Usher himself makes you think of a corpse. This theme of dreariness and sorrow pervades the story and is done to a very chilling effect, which really draws in the reader. â€Å"The Fall of the House of Usher† has lots of necessary elements of a traditional Gothic tale: a dreary landscape, a haunted house, mysterious characters, etc. but for all of these elements, the vagueness of the story is a large part of the terror about it. One of the most interesting and endearing elements of this story is its mystery, the fact that Edgar Allan Poe, despite the brilliant description of the setting and physical features of the characters, doesn’t actually give us a lot of information about the characters themselves makes the reader ask a lot of questions: Why is the house in such a state of disrepair? ; If the narrator was a childhood friend of Roderick Usher, why doesn’t he know much about him – like the basic fact that he has a twin sister? Etc. Even the information that Poe does give us begs more questions than it answers, for example, the fact that the Usher family doesn’t have any collateral damage. This feeling of mystery really is a brilliant way of writing a story as it makes the reader want and indeed need to read on in order to answer the questions posed. Due to this, the reader will find it near impossible to put the story down which is definitely a credit to Poe’s talent and style of writing. The characters in â€Å"The Fall of the House of Usher† are very intriguing as well. All three main characters are interesting in their own right and they all have at least something that makes them seem out of the ordinary. Roderick Usher in particular has certain qualities that are extremely interesting and make you want to know more about him. One of them is his appearance; he looks extremely strange and has a look about him that is not easy to forget. He is described as having â€Å"a cadaverousness of complexion; n eye large, liquid, and luminous beyond comparison†¦Ã¢â‚¬  His appearance is especially strange because he had once actually been an attractive man and â€Å"†¦the character of his face had been at all times remarkable. † However, his looks have slowly deteriorated over time. He had in fact changed so much that the narrator â€Å"doubted to whom [he] spoke. † This fact of course then begs the question: What happened to make him change so much? The most obvious quality that makes you want to find out more about him, however, is his mental state. Throughout the story, Roderick displays obvious symptoms of insanity that the narrator picks up on from Roderick Usher’s behaviour: â€Å"In the manner of my friend I was struck with an incoherence an inconsistency; and I soon found this to arise from a series of feeble and futile struggles to overcome a habitual trepidancy an excessive nervous agitation. † The narrator is also an extremely interesting character. At first he seems to simply be a normal, educated man who has a good heart enough to come to the aid of his boyhood friend. However, as soon as he comes into the grounds of the house he becomes more superstitious: â€Å"There can be no doubt that the consciousness of the rapid increase of my superstition†¦Ã¢â‚¬  confused: â€Å"Shaking off from my spirit what must have been a dream, I scanned more narrowly the real aspect of the building†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and even starts to develop a certain insanity and hysteria of his own: â€Å"Rationally Ushers condition terrified, it infected me I felt creeping upon me, by slow yet uncertain degrees, the wild influence of his own fantastic yet impressive superstitions. This shows that, although he is an educated and analytical man, he is susceptible to other influences. He tries to suppress his fears and help his friend throughout the story and is successful until, at the very end, his fear finally overcomes him as Lady Madeline’s reappearance after her death is just too much for him and ends up driving him out the house. Edgar Allan Poe creates a sensation of claustrophobia in this story. The narrator is mysteriously trapped by Roderick’s lure and his need to help his friend. He cannot escape until the house of Usher collapses completely. The house, because of its deteriorated state and seemingly seclusion from everything else, seems to take on a monstrous character of its own—the Gothic mastermind that controls the fate of its inhabitants. Edgar Allan Poe creates confusion between the living things and inanimate objects by doubling the physical house of Usher with the genetic family line of the Usher family, which he refers to as the house of Usher. It is even said in the story that the people of the nearby village refer to both the actual house and the Usher family as â€Å"the house of Usher† which reinforces the idea that they are the same thing. Poe employs the word â€Å"house† metaphorically, but he also describes a real house. The use of description in â€Å"The Fall of the House of Usher† is incredible. The way Edgar Allan Poe uses the emotions of the narrator to enhance the descriptions of the house in particular really helps the reader to paint a picture of the setting in their mind. Personification of the house is used to aid in description as well, which definitely gives it a whole new dynamic and also ends up helping with the actual story being told. The house is described as having â€Å"eye-like windows† which would suggest that the house is like a face staring out at anyone who comes close to it. This really gives the story a new feeling and eeriness about it. Symmetry is a main feature throughout â€Å"The Fall of the House of Usher† and is also a very interesting and important theme. The first aspect of symmetry that we know of is when the narrator sees a reflection of the house of Usher in the tarn in front of it. The second is when the narrator notices a fissure running down the middle of the house itself. The two halves of the house and the house and its reflection seem to represent the two Usher twins, Roderick and Madeline. This idea is reinforced when the two siblings die together as, when they do, the two halves of the house crumble and so the reflection disappears as well. The inhabitants of the village calling the two entities by the same name â€Å"The House of Usher† represent this connection between the family Usher and the actual house of Usher. The Fall of the House of Usher† is a very interesting story that appeals to the modern day person as it undoubtedly did to the people who read it when it was first published. It is a timeless Gothic story that is extremely interesting and intriguing all the way through. There are some faults though such as the fact that the language can be confusing for people nowadays and it’s suggestions, nuances and hints may not be picked up on the first time around. However, it uses different and effective techniques of drawing the reader in and I would definitely recommend this story to anyone who appreciates good literature.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Emotional Intelligence and Academic Performance Relationship

Emotional Intelligence and Academic Performance Relationship Assessing the relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Academic Performance on medical students Jaunoo Sharfaa Introduction Since the year 1880 up till the last century, conventional means of success in life such as academic achievement, economic success, even greater health, and longevity were believed to belong only to individuals having a high Intelligence Quotient, commonly known as IQ. Students, especially, medical students who scored higher on IQ tests were the considered as the most intelligent ones. However, new research proved otherwise-it has been found that academic success doesn’t only depend on IQ, but rather on a combination of IQ, motivation and hard work which need to be harnessed (The American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2011). Today, along with the global evolution of the education system which prioritizes intrapersonal abilities, adaptability, and stress management, a new concept has emerged- that of Emotional Intelligence. According to Daniel Goleman (1995(a)), IQ represents only 20% in the lifetime success of a person and is highly influenced by Emotional Intelligence. Emotional Intelligence is defined as the ability to identify, understand, control and respond to human emotions which consequently help individuals adapt better socially and promote better performance in all aspects of life (Parker, Taylor, Bagby, 2001). The Theory of Performance (ToP) develops and brings forward six foundational concepts to form a framework that can be used to explain performance as well as performance improvements. To perform is to produce valuable results. A performer can be an individual or a group of people engaging in a collaborative effort. Developing performance is like a ladder, and level of performance describes the position (low, average or high) in that ladder. Current level of performance depends holistically on 6 components: context, level of knowledge, levels of skills, level of identity, personal factors, and fixed factors (Don Elger,2007).Studies analyzing the relationship between academic performance and emotional intelligence have produced multifarious results. As such, a study by Schutte et al. (1998) concluded that undergoing emotional intelligence test at the beginning of the academic year caused a better average score at the end of the year. Furthermore, a small, but significant relationship be tween academic success, by means if grade point average, and three on five constituents of emotional intelligence, upon use of the Goleman scale (Rozell, Pettijohn, Parker (2002), Goleman (1995, 1998)) Emotional Intelligence contributes significantly to academic success with legion positive interconnection (Grace, 2012). Students with a higher emotional intelligence (EI) are more likely to comply socially and manage their time conveniently as compared to those having a low EI, known to be more susceptible to deviant and harmful behavior (Pau, et al., 2004).As a matter of fact, learners possessing a high emotional intelligence prove to be more obsolete, learn faster, behave more properly and regulate their feelings appropriately (Ghosh and Gill (2003). The accelerated development of the era is challenging students to the wave of worries and stress. According to a study conducted of children of 4years of age, the ability to control impulses resulted in good academic performance and social skills during adolescence (Shoda, Mischel, and Peake, 1990). Another findings retrieved from a research done by Mac Cann et al (2011) explains that the target to achieve better educational output is skills related to emotion management and problem-focused coping. Problem Statement Since time immemorial, students have always been educated with the sole aim of succeeding in their future. High IQ students were the favorites and considered as the only ones who could make it to a brighter career. Students’ emotions, their interpersonal skills and ability to regulate their feelings weren’t taken into consideration. As a result, many intelligent students faced failure. The factors behind were manifold: they weren’t able to assess their own feelings-they were not emotionally intelligent. For instance, some couldn’t deal with the pressure of studies, with the dating fashion increasingly dominating the youth, some might have been left heart-broken and the rest could merely be overwhelmed with unexplained stress. With regards to positive solutions to the issue of academic failure, it is essential to bridge existing gaps caused by limited studies conducted relating emotional intelligence to its importance in academic success. Then it is imperative for schools to integrate it in their curricula, by this not only will students perform better in their studies, but it will also imply prosperity at professional and national levels in form of a competent career and a better standard of living. Research Aims Objectives In context of the two concepts and their principles, the present study will be conducted in Malaysian higher education background, more precisely on first- and final-year medical students. The aim of this study is: To show the importance of emotional intelligence for the academic achievement of students To explore other variables which can affect the development of emotional intelligence and academic performance To identify significant relationship between emotional aptitudes and academic success. Research Questions: Is there a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and academic performance in medical education? To what extent do other factors impact on emotional intelligence and its effect on academic performance? Rationale of study Hopefully, the completion of this research can provide a form of enlightenment of the implications of emotional intelligence on academic achievement. Understanding the importance of emotional intelligence on academic performance will help educational policy makers to devise and promote enhanced educating systems. Another profitable aspect of this research could be raising awareness on the concept of emotion management, thereby helping academically-thriving students to overcome their daily stress, hence increasing student productivity. Literature Review Introduction The literature review was obtained through a thorough retrospect of journals, articles, books and documents. This chapter provides an in-depth explanation for the need of emotional intelligence in medical studies, considered to be among the toughest educational programs. It also reviews the factors that influence emotional intelligence and their impact on academic success which include: emotional literacy, academic understanding, motivation and pressure handling. Significant relationship between emotional intelligence and academic performance in medical students Studies have shown that college students with a higher emotional intelligence are more friendly, integrate easily in society and are less conflictual (Brackett MA, Rivers SE, Salovey P, 2011(a)). Accordingly, these improved social and emotional capabilities translate themselves into a prominent cognitive ability and quality relationships leading to better academic performances (Schutte NS, Malouff JM, Bobik C, Coston TD, Greeson C, Jedlicka C, Rhodes E, Wendorf G, 2001). Medical studies are hard. According to recent statistics, the number of students enrolling in medical colleges has been increasing .This shows that the desire to become a doctor is quite appealing in the younger generations. But the challenges facing students are not only impersonal, rather there are some non-clinical trials that they confront and are expected to overcome them successfully if they truly want to succeed in their career. For instance, other than the complex medical terminologies they need to master cor rectly, medical students face a lot of pressures which appeal, directly or indirectly to their emotions, in forms of workload, tiredness, fear of failure, demotivation, burnout and sometimes deprivation of parental affection (Anton Gervaziev, 2014). At this juncture, there is no way out. Failure seems to be the only results. This is where comes the need to be emotionally intelligent-to be able to regulate feelings and prioritize thoughts. As explained by the General Medical Council (2009), students need to be instilled with patient-care and self-care virtues to become good professionals. It is just not about being a purely analytical doctor but much more than that, to become an effective physician with empathic, ethical and competent communication skills. Not only will advance recovery and therapeutic programs, but will contribute largely to a better medical service and higher healthcare standards (Wagner PJ, Moseley GC, Grant MM, Gore JR, Owens, 2002). As such, Goleman (1995 (b)), through his research showed that emotional intelligence is eminently helpful in the education, work and mental health sectors. Along with potential evidence, he explained that as far as long-term prosperity and success in all stances of life, being able to recognize and manage feelings, that is being emotionally intelligent is much more meaningful than being brainy. The concept of IQ affirms that essential emotional competencies can surely be taught and improved in medical students so as they can succeed in everything they undertake. Teaching intrapersonal skills at school is not only beneficial during the college times; instead they have long-term effect on academic achievement (Elias M.J., Gara M., Schuyler T., Brandon-Muller L.R. and Sayette M.A, 1991). For instance: teaching emotional intelligence dexterities to first-year students can, directly or indirectly improve their following years of education as emotional intelligence provides the possibility of improving academically. Other factors affecting emotional intelligence and its impact on academic performance in medical students Emotional literacy Emotional literacy is als0 known as Emotional intelligence with a heart which aims at teaching people to recognize their feelings ,to caringly understand others feelings, strength and reasons and to foster the love-centered ability to choose to display the feeling which is best apt to a particular situation (Riane Eisler, Ronald Laing and Eric Berne,2003).Emotional literacy helps students become aware of their feelings of fear, anger and aggression and how to convert them into fearlessness, courage and tolerance. Emotional intelligence is a cross-section of interconnected emotional and social competencies ,abilities and promoters that determine how efficient individuals are at understanding and expressing themselves, understanding others and coping with every day-life stress and pressures ((Bar-On, 2006). Kapp (2002) is also of the view that it is that very part of the human nature that boost us to display behaviors like imagination, impulse control, tenacity, tolerance, intuition, r espectability and social adeptness. Academic Understanding In the Malaysian medical scenario, academic understanding has always been a subject of stress and social recognition of a student. What mattered was only the grade and percentage of the results after examinations. As a result, medical students had no option but to cram in order to pass in exams. Inevitably, this sprung up various emotional imbalances including stress, pressure and fear. All this only because memorizing was put forward instead of promoting academic understanding of modules. This resulted in academic failure as well as emotional hijacking-the trigger point to flee or flight situations causing individuals to react irrationally and destructively (Goleman, 1996). Affective Motivation According to Kreitner (2005), motivation is the psychological process which directs human behavior towards a particular goal. Affective motivation- deals mostly with the way individuals experience, process and behave based on emotions. The three behavioral patterns that motivation influences are: firstly, energizing behavior in which a negative state can urge a person to resort to violent acts in order to let out his or her anger or frustration. For instance, medical student failing at their last year examination can abuse professors in order to remove the negative affective state. Secondly there is the sustaining behavior in which individuals are driven by something and may continue to keep doing it. For instance: a student may be enjoying a party and choose to stay till late despite having a test the next morning. Lastly there is the directing behavior during which the individuals is faced by a panoply of alternatives and imagine himself or herself enacting each of them (Richard W. Scholl, 2007).Russell (2003) explains that this visualization of each choice brings out the emotional response. For instance: if someone chooses to start an assignment early, he or she might also think of waking up early and sacrificing other opportunities. Pressure handling The need to do justice to family sacrifices and desire to become a physician the medical field exerts pressure on the minds of students, influencing his or her emotional state. In view of the final examinations and medical licensing examinations, students experience fear, stress and many other negative feelings, as a result of the cognitive burden of an overestimation of success as well as an achievement oriented behavior.in this case, not being emotionally intelligent can be of a major disadvantage and even lead to disastrous consequences. Methodology Overview In attempt to find out the effect of emotional intelligence on academic performance, the study will be conducted on first-year and final-year medical students in University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia. The sample will include students from the Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Health Sciences, Medical Education Unit and Department of Psychiatry. The cross-sectional study will involve the ability-based instrument Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) to measure EI and total continuous assessment marks, in form of percentage ranging from 0 to 100% to measure academic performance. Data will be analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19. Demographic parameters and the total MSCEIT scores will be the independent variables whereas the dependent variables will include student’s assessment marks and grades. Setting An intensive analysis of the results of how other variables impact on emotional intelligence and academic performance will vary from first and last year students. First year students, being new and unaware might experience from fear and nervousness due to the transition period from secured home to independent living in college. On their part, last year medical students, with impending professional examination with conferment of a doctor degree and internship in the same calendar year, face high-stress time. Clearly, these two segments are in high emotion-demanding academic years due to which EI effects will be more apparent and comparable. The conditions put forward for students to take part will include age older than 18 years, no psychiatric disorder and ability to understand English. The study will be carried out in the second semester, close to the final examination so as to provide more accurate results of EI. Students, being given a specific student number for identification, will be given a briefing as well as a consent forms and information sheets prior to the assessment which will be performed online. Demographic items were also sought –a series of questions about age, ethnicity, enjoyment in studying, presence of doctor in family, monthly income ,extent of social life, teacher quality, facility available and many other. Consisting of 141 items and carried out in 30-45 minutes, the MSCEIT test has the purpose to bringing into action the four abilities of emotional intelligence. The assessment will be divided into two parts: the emotional experiencing (EXP) and emotional reasoning (REA) which will be further branched into task scores as shown in Table 1. As for the academic performance, total assessment scores shall be retrieved from the home office. Performance was coded using the standard A to F grading system, with each alphabet relating to a particular percentage performance: A ≠¥ 75%, B + =70–74%, B 65–69%, B- 60–64%, C 50–59% and F Table 1: The MSCEIT scores References Anton Gervaziev (2014).The 3 biggest challenges of Medical School and†¦How to overcome them. BoringEm Journal. Bar-On, R. (2006). The Bar-On model of emotional-social intelligence. Psicothema. Brackett MA, Rivers SE, Salovey P (2011): Emotional Intelligence: Implications for Personal, Social, Academic, and Workplace Success. Soc Personal Psychol Compass. Charles T. Schmidt (2007), Jr. Labor Research Center, University of Rhode Island. Elias, M. J., Gara, M., Schuyler, T., Brandon-Muller, L. R., Sayette, M. A. (1991). The promotion of social competence: longitudinal study of a preventive school-based program. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry. Goleman D. (1996) Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ – New York Times. Goleman D. (1998) Working with Emotional Intelligence, New York: Bantam Books. Gill, V. (2003): Emotional quotient more important than IQ, The Tribune Journal. Ghosh, P. (2003): Emotionality of intelligence, Everymans Science General Medical Council (2009):Tomorrow’s Doctors: Outcomes and Standards for Undergraduate Medical Education. London: General Medical Council . Kapp, C. A. (2002). Emotional intelligence (EQ) and success in post-graduate studies: A pilot study. SA Journal of Higher Education. MacCann, C., Fogarty, G. J., Zeidner, M. and Roberts, R. D. (2011) Coping mediates the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and academic achievement. Contemporary Educational Psychology. Michel Balter. (2015): What does IQ really measure? The American Association for the Advancement of Science Journal . Parker, J. D. A., Taylor, G. J., Bagby, R. M. (2001). The relationship between emotional intelligence and alexithymia. Personality Individual Differences Article. Pau, A.K.H., Croucher, R. Sohanpal, R. Muirhead, V. and Seymour, K. (2004): Emotional intelligence and stress coping in dental undergraduates a qualitative study. British Dental Journal. Rozell, E.J., Pettijohn, C.E., Parker, R.S. (2002). An empirical evaluation of emotional intelligence: The impact on management development. Journal of Management Development. Russell, J. A. 2003. Core affect and the psychological construct of emotion. Psychological Review. Shoda, Y., Mischel, W., Peake, P.K. (1990). Predicting adolescent cognitive and social competence from preschool delay of gratifi- cation: Identifying diagnostic conditions. Developmental Psychology. Schutte, N. S., Malouff, J.M., Hall, L. E., Haggerty, D. J., Cooper, J. T., Golden, C. J., Dornheim, L. (1998). Development and validation of a measure of emotional intelligence. Personality and Individual Differences Article. Schutte NS, Malouff JM, Bobik C, Coston TD, Greeson C, Jedlicka C, Rhodes E, Wendorf G.(2001) :Emotional intelligence and interpersonal relations.J Soc PsycholJournal. Wagner PJ, Moseley GC, Grant MM, Gore JR, Owens C (2002) : Physicians emotional intelligence and patient satisfaction. Fam Med Journal.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Shindlers List :: essays research papers

Through out the movie Shindlers List many changes take place. These changes happen in both society and in certain people. During WWII the German Nazi regime enslaved the Jewish communities on Europe. They were used as slave labor or were executed if seen unfit. Even though these atrocities were taking place on a daily basis some people tried to help the Jewish community. Isaac Stern was a member of the Jewish community and he wanted to help his people out as much as possible. He was a great accountant but because of his heritage he wouldn’t be allowed any form of power in Germany. For this he needed Oscar Shindler. Shindler was a very influential person and was very friendly. Even in the beginning of the movie he was able to walk into a room of German officers and walk out best friends with all of them. He was just the kind of man Stern needed. He needed someone with connections in the German government. Shindler may have had all of the connections but he had no money to invest into his business ventures. He spoke to Stern and they agreed upon a deal. Stern and other wealthy Jews would provide the funding and Shindler would provide the connections in the military in order to keep Jews safe in Shindlers factories. In the beginning Stern and Shindlers opinions of each other were strictly business. Both knew what hey had to do and they got the job done. But as time went on both men became very good friends. Shindler offered a drink to Stern after the deal was completed, stern refused it. Stern was under the impression that Shindler was just another Nazi taking advantage of his people. Shindler though that Stern was just another Jew. They both had stereotypes on each other. As they worked more closely together for longer and longer it became apparent that they had great admiration for each other and they both new what a horrible thing the Germans were doing. Later on in the move when they believe they will be separated Stern finally takes that drink from Shindler. A â€Å"master image† from this movie is when the little boy hides in the stalls. It shows very well to what lengths a person would go to survive. When it came down to it everyone that was in his position would do the same in order to make it out alive.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Peace and War Essay

It was a wonderful period in human history. Peace existed through the large mass of geographic territory that many people of different cultures inhabited. It was the summer and the multitude of the population of these various neighboring countries enjoyed the prosperity they were blessed with. Then, a time moved forward†¦ It was a tragic and horrible way to die: drowning in one’s own blood because holes have been burned in the lungs due to the corrosive inhaled vapors that the canisters exploded. This was the unfortunate result of chemical and gas weapons. Could there be a worse way to die? Yes: starving on the battlefield as evidenced by gaunt corpses littering the landscape. This was the reality of World War One. Europe was a beautiful place in the early 20th century and the notion of war was the furthest thing from anyone’s mind. That is, it was far removed from people’s thoughts until a chain of events occurred that launched the massive devastation of The Great War. Perhaps those people in Europe only deluded themselves into thinking war as impossible. After all, the history of Europe (and many parts of the rest of the world) is one that chronicles war after war after war. The ability to live without war is simply a utopian fantasy that is not based in reality. In evidence of this, all one needs to do is look at the entirety of history. Throughout history, thousands of wars have been fought. Some have been justifiable acts of self defense, others have been aggressive acts of imperialism, and others have been simply been colossal errors in judgment that had tragic consequences. Regardless of the reasons for the onset of war, the fact remains that wars occurred and will continue to occur throughout human history. Peace and War Page 2 In reality, there will always be aggressive actions as long as nations seek international and domestic goals that may be at odds with other nations; cultural differences exist between societies that lead to tensions; imperial expansions and aggressions become a nation’s standard policy; dictatorships that are not accountable to their population continue to flourish; and human nature continues to embody Darwin’s model of â€Å"survival of the fittest. † This does not mean that human beings are bloodthirsty and crave violence and the subjugation of others. What it means is that nations seek self-preservation. In order to maintain this self-preservation (whether it is a noble goal or an imperial one), nations will require military buildups in order to deter interference or threats to their international and domestic interests. When such threats are perceived action will be taken. Of course, such action usually invites retaliation and the result is often full scale war. While we wish such a situation were avoidable, it has occurred so often in history that it was become, for lack of a better word, â€Å"standard operating procedure† on the part of certain world powers and they are not going to change this policy any time soon. In other words, for war to be eliminated from the landscape of human existence, then human nature itself must change. For all serious considerations, human nature is not going to change on such a grand scale that war actions become obsolete. Again, such a concept is utopianism not based in pragmatic, practical reality; but, rather, a complete disregard for the consistent actions of human beings since biblical times. As such, war will never disappear and will remain part of the human landscape forever more.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Free Essays on Nagarjuna

NAGARJUNA Nagarjuna lived in the first to second century C.E. He was born into a brahmin family of Vidarbha (Beda) in South India. At his birth, astrologers foretold that he would die at a very tender age but that his life span could be extended for a maximum of seven years by making consecrated offerings to monastics (life in Buddah, page 344). Nagarjuna’s devout parents thus succeeded in lengthening the boy’s life span to the age of seven. But at that point, they were told that no amount of rituals could further prevent his death. Unable to bear the pain of watching their beloved son’s premature death, they sent him forth traveling with a trusted servant (life in Buddha page 413). On his travels in South India, the boy had a vision of the transcendental Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who guided him to the gates of the famous monastic university of Nà ¢landà ¢. There, the renowned adept Saraha (also known as Rà ¢hulabhadra) learned of his story and recommended reciting the mantra of Buddha Amità ¢yus (â€Å"Long Life†) to extend his life span (total zen, page 27). On his eighth birthday, Saraha initiated the boy into the practice (sà ¢dhana) of Amità ¢yus, and thus he was the spared the fate predicted by the astrologers. Nagarjuna or Siddhipà ¢da, as the boy was known then, studied and practice vigorously and soon, under the protectorship of Buddha Manjushri, excelled in all branches of Buddhist learning. Later he was appointed as the abbot of Nà ¢landà ¢(life in Buddah, page 678). According to one legend, Siddhipà ¢da acquired the name Nagarjuna as follows. One day, a yogin who had been angered by monks of Vikramashà ®la, another famous Buddhist university of ancient India, set the monastery complex on fire by magical means. The smoke from the fire caused Mucilinda, the ruler of the serpent race, to fall seriously ill(life in buddah, page 680). The call went out for the land’s most knowledgeable healer to intervene, and Siddhip... Free Essays on Nagarjuna Free Essays on Nagarjuna NAGARJUNA Nagarjuna lived in the first to second century C.E. He was born into a brahmin family of Vidarbha (Beda) in South India. At his birth, astrologers foretold that he would die at a very tender age but that his life span could be extended for a maximum of seven years by making consecrated offerings to monastics (life in Buddah, page 344). Nagarjuna’s devout parents thus succeeded in lengthening the boy’s life span to the age of seven. But at that point, they were told that no amount of rituals could further prevent his death. Unable to bear the pain of watching their beloved son’s premature death, they sent him forth traveling with a trusted servant (life in Buddha page 413). On his travels in South India, the boy had a vision of the transcendental Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who guided him to the gates of the famous monastic university of Nà ¢landà ¢. There, the renowned adept Saraha (also known as Rà ¢hulabhadra) learned of his story and recommended reciting the mantra of Buddha Amità ¢yus (â€Å"Long Life†) to extend his life span (total zen, page 27). On his eighth birthday, Saraha initiated the boy into the practice (sà ¢dhana) of Amità ¢yus, and thus he was the spared the fate predicted by the astrologers. Nagarjuna or Siddhipà ¢da, as the boy was known then, studied and practice vigorously and soon, under the protectorship of Buddha Manjushri, excelled in all branches of Buddhist learning. Later he was appointed as the abbot of Nà ¢landà ¢(life in Buddah, page 678). According to one legend, Siddhipà ¢da acquired the name Nagarjuna as follows. One day, a yogin who had been angered by monks of Vikramashà ®la, another famous Buddhist university of ancient India, set the monastery complex on fire by magical means. The smoke from the fire caused Mucilinda, the ruler of the serpent race, to fall seriously ill(life in buddah, page 680). The call went out for the land’s most knowledgeable healer to intervene, and Siddhip...

Monday, October 21, 2019

10th Grade Science Fair Project Ideas

10th Grade Science Fair Project Ideas 10th-grade science fair projects can be fairly advanced. By 10th grade, most students can identify a project idea on their own and can conduct the project and report on it without much assistance, but they can still seek help from parents and teachers. 10th-grade students can use the scientific method to make predictions about the world around them and to construct experiments to test their predictions. Environmental issues, green chemistry, genetics, classification, cells, and energy are all appropriate 10th-grade topic areas. 10th Grade Science Fair Project Ideas Test products for impurities. For example, you could compare the amount of lead in different brands of bottled water. If a label says a product does not contain a heavy metal, is the label accurate? Do you see any evidence of leaching of hazardous chemicals from plastic into water over time?Which sunless tanning product produces the most realistic-looking tan?Which brand of disposable contact lenses last the longest before a person decides to switch them out?Which brand of rechargeable batteries delivers charge the longest before needing to be recharged? Does the answer depend on the type of battery-operated device?Test the efficiency of different shapes of fan blades.Can you tell how much biodiversity is in a water sample by how murky the water is?Determine whether ethanol really does burn more cleanly than gasoline.Is there a correlation between attendance and GPA? Is there a correlation between how close to the front of the classroom a student sits and GPA?Which method of cooking destroys the most bacteria? Which disinfectant kills the most bacteria? Which disinfectant is safest to use?Examine the effect of growing one plant species near another.Can you build your own electrochemical cell or battery? Test its output and efficiency.Try to see if there is a correlation between two different factors, such as sunspot activity and mean global temperature or skipping lunch and low test scores. How valid would you expect such a correlation to be?What type of cooling mat is most effective at removing excess heat from a laptop computer?What is the best way to store bread to preserve its freshness?Which types of produce induce ripening or premature rotting in other produce?

Sunday, October 20, 2019

DBQ Industrial Revolution Essays

DBQ Industrial Revolution Essays DBQ Industrial Revolution Essay DBQ Industrial Revolution Essay Conditions soon improved during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, However, some mill families and workers still suffer from poor living conditions, low wages, and brutal working hours. Children working in the mills for low wages was not uncommon during the Industrial revolution. However, working there served many dangers to children. Children as young as 10 years old worked in factories. William Cooper, 28, who testified before the Sadler Committee in the early 17th century, described factory conditions. (Document 1) The employees worked extremely long hours, from five in the morning until 9 at night. There was no time to stop for meals except a period of forty minutes, the only break they had out of their 16 hour work day. They were whipped when found asleep, and missed out on opportunities for an education, as they had no time for schooling. Cooper stated that he can read, but is unable to write. Joseph Hebraic, another mill worker who testified before the Sadler Committee describe injuries that he and other mill workers sustained from the factories dreary conditions. (Document 2) He suffered lung and bone damage from the dust in the factories and from overwork and insufficient diet Children also died from being caught in machines and suffering serious dismemberment . An additional document expressing the point of view of an actual child, rather than an adult, working in the mill during that time would provide more insight into the working conditions Of children in the mills. However, manufacturers who owned and/or supported these mills had a different tale to tell. They claimed that children and other employees in factory were treated well, and that the work was enjoyable to employees. Document 3) These claims can be viewed skeptically, as manufacturers knew that reported bad working conditions could sibyl put them out of business. Going into the late 18th and early 19th century though, there is improvement in working conditions. Employees living in mill villages were properly clothed fed and educated by mill owners, and certain regulations adopted by mill lowered the death toll of mill workers (Document 5) Housing conditions also improved in certain mill villages. One mill village, in which 1500 workers are employed, there are 300 hundred houses built for them by the mill owner. Document 6) This means that on average, there were only about 5 people living in one souse, a comfortable size. French politician Leon Voucher also describes the mill Village with a cleanliness which indicates order and comfort. While conditions were improving for some mills in t he early 19th century, regular working class towns did not undergo the same transformation Working class families lived in slums. They had to suffer filthy conditions, unpaved roads full of potholes, and an accumulation of refuse on the street from a lack sewage systems. Water sources were soiled from stinking filth and rubbish which deposits on the bank. Document 7) The visual from document shows a working class neighborhood in London. The air is thick with soot and smoke from factory chimneys. The houses are extremely small, and packed into tight childlike divisions separated by brick walls, with barely any space to spare. Workers during the industrial revolution suffered injuries, brutality, and inadequate live Eng conditions for their labor during the early 18th century. Although these conditions improved slightly during the late 17th and early 19th centuries, many working class neighborhoods in England continued to struggle with their living and working conditions.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

In-N-Out Burger Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

In-N-Out Burger - Coursework Example For instance, their burgers were noted to be 100% pure beef without any preservatives, additives, or even fillers (Kotler & Armstrong, 2014). Likewise, case facts also revealed that In-N-Out makes sure that the patties being used for their burgers were never frozen. This was noted to be made possible since they reportedly own patty-making commisaries. In addition, all ingredients are natural: potatoes for their french fries, and real ice cream for the milkshakes. As a result, the customers who patronize In-N-Out stores are not only satisfied, but delighted to eat these products. In fact, many of the customers were revealed to queue for long hours just to avail of their products, especially when a new outlet was reported to be launched in an identified state. Aside from the products which evidently exhibit high quality in value perception to the customers, the manner by which their personnel provide customer service has been pegged as exemplary. As noted, the employees of In-N-Out are well trained â€Å"to deliver unexpectedly friendly service† (Kotler & Armstrong, 2014, p. 33). The acquisition, maintenance and development functions performed by In-N-Out management enable the employees to be satisfied and motivated to perform, as expected. It was revealed that the compensation for new part-time staff was $10 per hour and was accorded opportunities for regular pay increases (Kotler & Armstrong, 2014). Aside from paid vacations for part time employees and managers, the latter were stipulated to receive more that $100,000 per annum, in conjunction to bonuses and were promoted through the ranks. It was therefore noteworthy to mention that In-N-Out acknowledges that â€Å"happy, motivated employees help create loyal, satisfied custome rs† (Kotler & Armstrong, 2014, p. 34). Finally, the slow growth expansion strategy of In-N-Out through establishing stores in strategic locations only when there are â€Å"trained management and

Friday, October 18, 2019

Sculpture Course Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Sculpture Course Paper - Essay Example Her art was inspired by her traumatic past in which she struggled with themes of sex and the body, depression and violence, marriage and motherhood, and aging and childhood. She lived to be almost 100 year of age, therefore, her career spanned more than seven decades. She is best known for her series of giant spiders, which were inspired by her beloved mother Josephine, who was a weaver. Her most well known work is â€Å"Maman† (1999), which depicts a giant spider 30-foot high with a sac containing marble eggs. The title â€Å"Maman† is French for Mother. This sculpture has brought Bourgeois into the 20th century Pop Culture genre. Spiders are very alarming and strong figures in their effect on people. They can pull differing emotions from fear to terror, to curiosity and playfulness. The first creation of â€Å"Maman† filled the space Bourgeois’ was given to create her piece. There was just enough room left to work around in the great Turbine Hall. This g ave her room for exploration of her relationship with her mother in her characterization of the giant spider. Viewing â€Å"Maman† can invoke fear, terror, playfulness and even awe at the size and inspiration behind the spinally figure.

EMC Design for Boiler Controller Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

EMC Design for Boiler Controller - Assignment Example The paper discusses the concepts related to Electro Magnetic Compatibility like Electro Magnetic Compatibility design principles. The paper also relates these concepts to the design of a Boiler Controller with five subsystems. The EMC mitigation techniques like filtering, shielding, bonding of cables, PCB layout, etc. have to be detailed for this Boiler Controller. Also, system hardening recommendations has to be proposed for system in case of any discrepancy in the design. Dr. Franz Schlagenhaufer and Mathew Wood says that ‘Grounding, shielding, filtering and cabling/wiring are important design criteria to achieve EMC on the equipment level. In order to avoid costly overkill solutions and to tailor individual measures in the case of contradicting requirements, †¦.their application must be based on sound theoretical principles. A sound knowledge of electromagnetic theory is essential to understand and appreciate EMC measures’.

The Cost of Illegal Immigrants in Texas Research Paper - 1

The Cost of Illegal Immigrants in Texas - Research Paper Example This quote is an extract from the Dallas Morning News, which examined the financial effects of the illegal immigrants in Texas. This calculation was done on behalf of the millions of taxpayers who were paying heavily in tax dollars for the presence of illegal immigrants residing in the state. The reason why this problem is especially prominent in Texas as opposed to the other forty-nine states of America is that this state is situated at the very south of the country. Due to its location, it is very near to Mexico, and thus Mexicans illegally emigrating from their own land often settle down or take refuge in this state. Thus, there are thousands of such unregistered immigrants residing in the state of Texas, the costs of which are paid for by the taxpayers and legal inhabitants of Texas, as well as the government responsible. The reason why the presence of these illegal immigrants proves to be such a financial challenge for the legal citizens of this state is that they consume the public goods, which the government provides to the residents of this country. The US, being a developed country, provides several such goods to its citizens, such as health, education, and defense. These are all public goods, which it provides to every citizen of the country. These costs are especially prominent concerning health care costs, which these illegal immigrants incur. As research shows, â€Å"The  Texas  Hospital Association has estimated the annual  cost  of uncompensated care to illegal immigrants  at nearly $400 million a year† (A Lone Star Report, 2006). In addition, as mentioned in the news extract above, these costs included the cost of 66,000 births in one year, which makes up a large proportion of these costs. These services however are not completely free of cost for these citizens. The government finances them using the tax dollars that these citizens themselves pay out of their own incomes, in the form of both direct and

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Communication-Public Relation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Communication-Public Relation - Assignment Example oach would not necessarily work in the event that a boss requires that his employees exhibit strong independent character traits, that allow for them to take the initiative and effectively address issues without constantly trying to come across as likable (Scheer, 2009). This position is further supported by research conducted by career edge which on a sample size of 1,118 Ontarians that found that 82 percent of individuals aged between 18 and 29 years actually preferred to being in workplace environments that offered them a balance between independence and teamwork (Taylor 2010). In a further demonstration of the research dubbed 5 myths established that 34% of individuals in this age category preferred that cubicle styled office structures that offered more independence and privacy to employees as opposed to using the open-concept of the more hyper-casual offices that offered less independence and privacy. I agree with the results of the survey that also established that this generation –Y ers are quite keen to understand the given corporate culture, however they do not what a boss whose acts like a best friend and instead prefer having bosses who act like mentors and provide them with a lot of feedback on their work (Taylor, 2010). Concepts such as employees going well above and beyond what their employees require of them, striving to establish good networks, and always ensuring that they display enthusiasm and energy are valuable tips that are not only useful during the internship period, but are also critical work ethics that should be observed by those wishing to be good employees (Internweb, 2014). Taylor, L. (2010). Career Edge Study: What twentysomethings want from their jobs. Retrieved on 27, May 2014,

Quantity Surveying development and significance of the quantity Essay

Quantity Surveying development and significance of the quantity surveyor's professional role in relation to changes in construction procurement practice and reg - Essay Example Quantity Surveyors are employed predominantly on major building and construction projects as consultants to the owner, in both the public and private sectors. They may also work as academics in the building and construction disciplines and in financial institutions, with developers and as project managers (Willis and Ashworth 46). Quantity Surveyors work closely with architects, financiers, engineers, contractors, suppliers, project owners, accountants, insurance underwriters, solicitors and Courts and with all levels of government authorities. At feasibility stage quantity surveyors use their knowledge of construction methods and costs to advise the owner on the most economical way of achieving his requirements. Quantity surveyors may use techniques such as Cost Planning, Estimating, Cost Analysis, Cost-in-use Studies and Value Management to establish a project budget (Boyd and Kerr 34). During design, the quantity surveyor ensures that the design remains on budget through Cost Management. Essential additions are offset by other identified savings. On completion of design and drawings, the quantity surveyor may prepare a Bill of Quantities, which is issued with the specification, for use by contractors in submitting tenders. The contractor’s quantity surveyors generally prepare tenders, and may price alternatives for consideration. The quantity surveyor is usually involved in assessing tenders and may also be asked to advise on the type of contract or special clauses in it. During construction the quantity surveyors are called on to fairly value progress payments at regular intervals. They will also value changes to design or quantities which may arise by reference to appropriate Bill of Quantities rates. The contractor’s quantity surveyor/contract administrator will prepare claims for progress payments and additional work. When construction is complete the quantity surveyor can produce depreciation schedules of the various

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

The Cost of Illegal Immigrants in Texas Research Paper - 1

The Cost of Illegal Immigrants in Texas - Research Paper Example This quote is an extract from the Dallas Morning News, which examined the financial effects of the illegal immigrants in Texas. This calculation was done on behalf of the millions of taxpayers who were paying heavily in tax dollars for the presence of illegal immigrants residing in the state. The reason why this problem is especially prominent in Texas as opposed to the other forty-nine states of America is that this state is situated at the very south of the country. Due to its location, it is very near to Mexico, and thus Mexicans illegally emigrating from their own land often settle down or take refuge in this state. Thus, there are thousands of such unregistered immigrants residing in the state of Texas, the costs of which are paid for by the taxpayers and legal inhabitants of Texas, as well as the government responsible. The reason why the presence of these illegal immigrants proves to be such a financial challenge for the legal citizens of this state is that they consume the public goods, which the government provides to the residents of this country. The US, being a developed country, provides several such goods to its citizens, such as health, education, and defense. These are all public goods, which it provides to every citizen of the country. These costs are especially prominent concerning health care costs, which these illegal immigrants incur. As research shows, â€Å"The  Texas  Hospital Association has estimated the annual  cost  of uncompensated care to illegal immigrants  at nearly $400 million a year† (A Lone Star Report, 2006). In addition, as mentioned in the news extract above, these costs included the cost of 66,000 births in one year, which makes up a large proportion of these costs. These services however are not completely free of cost for these citizens. The government finances them using the tax dollars that these citizens themselves pay out of their own incomes, in the form of both direct and

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Quantity Surveying development and significance of the quantity Essay

Quantity Surveying development and significance of the quantity surveyor's professional role in relation to changes in construction procurement practice and reg - Essay Example Quantity Surveyors are employed predominantly on major building and construction projects as consultants to the owner, in both the public and private sectors. They may also work as academics in the building and construction disciplines and in financial institutions, with developers and as project managers (Willis and Ashworth 46). Quantity Surveyors work closely with architects, financiers, engineers, contractors, suppliers, project owners, accountants, insurance underwriters, solicitors and Courts and with all levels of government authorities. At feasibility stage quantity surveyors use their knowledge of construction methods and costs to advise the owner on the most economical way of achieving his requirements. Quantity surveyors may use techniques such as Cost Planning, Estimating, Cost Analysis, Cost-in-use Studies and Value Management to establish a project budget (Boyd and Kerr 34). During design, the quantity surveyor ensures that the design remains on budget through Cost Management. Essential additions are offset by other identified savings. On completion of design and drawings, the quantity surveyor may prepare a Bill of Quantities, which is issued with the specification, for use by contractors in submitting tenders. The contractor’s quantity surveyors generally prepare tenders, and may price alternatives for consideration. The quantity surveyor is usually involved in assessing tenders and may also be asked to advise on the type of contract or special clauses in it. During construction the quantity surveyors are called on to fairly value progress payments at regular intervals. They will also value changes to design or quantities which may arise by reference to appropriate Bill of Quantities rates. The contractor’s quantity surveyor/contract administrator will prepare claims for progress payments and additional work. When construction is complete the quantity surveyor can produce depreciation schedules of the various

William Shakespeare Comparison 130 Essay Example for Free

William Shakespeare Comparison 130 Essay William Shakespeare entertains multiple themes throughout his sonnet collection and portays an overarching theme of love. Sir Philip Sydney’s difficulties with love are shown in his collection of sonnets â€Å"Astrophil and Stella†. Both poets discuss the complications with love and the desire it creates. For example, in sonnet 1 Sydney has trouble conveying his love but hopes that through these sonnets she (Stella) will understand. Shakespeare’s sonnet 129 as well as Sydney sonnet 109 both mention the reason for their hardships with love: what is fueling their desire. Both are struggling with lust but use different tones, ditcions and reasonings to arrive at the same point. Shakespeare’s Sonnet 129 is grouped with poems known as the â€Å"dark† woman sonnets. This set of poems are on the darker side of Shakepeares classic love sonnets. Love is overbearing and causes the speaker to do things he normally wouldn’t. He claims that anticipation of sex creates erratic human behavior. Shakespeare uses graphic imagery, â€Å"murderous, bloody, full of blame† to illustrate his frustration towards the situation (3). He blames his sexual desires and claims that they are driving him to insanity (â€Å"make†¦.taker mad† (8)). To him, lust is a sin and is the root of peoples pain. Throughout the poem the order of words tends to be reversed and repeated (â€Å"mad†, â€Å"past reason†) to deepen the impression of conflict, as in line 2: â€Å"lust in action; and till action, lust. † Despite intuition he is bound by passion and questions why he should â€Å"purs[ue]† what he knows to be worthless (â€Å"swallow’d bait†). The poem explains that sex is blissful while your’re doing it and, once you’re done, a true sorrow that it ever happened A bliss in proof, and prov’d, a very woe; Before, a joy propos’d; behind, a dream:†¦(11-12). Here he embelishes the notion that people will go to absurd lengths in the pursuit of sex but end up hating themselves for it afterwards. Sydney’s Sonnet 109 immediately identifies ‘desire’ as the antagonist of the poet. In the first line he refers to love as a trap (â€Å"snare†) for the ignorant to fall for. But Sydney has already fallen into this â€Å"love trap† and is referring to himself as the â€Å"fool† to do so. Syndey in the first few lines considers himself foolish for feeling this desire. He claims that desire leads people to act stupidly: â€Å"With scattered thought† and â€Å"causeless care†, that while trying to accomplish a foolish task he was wasting his time. All his hard work was for nothing, consuming his rationality. Sydney and Shakespeare blame themselves for their craving of love, desire. The speaker in sonnet 129 can’t help his appeal to this â€Å"dark† woman he refers. He knows it is painful to let desire go. He understands the self-hating conclusion to his lust but can’t help his actions: â€Å"Before, a joy propos’d; behind, a dream†(12). While Shakespeare anticipates sex, it seems like joy; afterward, a bad dream. Blaming his sexual attraction to others as a culpit for personal agony. Sydney describes the same struggles in his sonnet 109. To Sydney the process of falling in love is nothing but torture. His â€Å"mangled mind† knows it worthless to feel this way and, similar to Shakespeare, doesn’t â€Å"know how to kill desire†(14). Both speakers convey an ambivalent tone towards desire. In line 5 Sydney has given into desire but in line 6 knows of its uselessness â€Å"Desire! Desire! I have too dearly brought / worthelesse ware†. Similarly, in the couplet at the end of Sonnet 129 Shakespeare writes â€Å"All this the world well knows† to avoid the heavenly experience caused by desire because it â€Å"leads men to this hell† (13-14). The authors identify what the outcome of their desires will be but allow it to happen anyways. Desire turns the speakers mad. In Shakespeare’s case the desire for sex is â€Å"on purpose laid to make the taker mad†(8); He has experienced all the stages of lust and each time it has made him crazy. As for Sydney, the reference to â€Å"mangled mind† explains that he is on his way to insanity. He paid for his desire by driving â€Å"[him]self† crazy. Sydney and Shakespeare seem to not know what to do. They are confused with the aching for love they possess. And it drives the speakers, whether it be Shakespeare or Sydney, to insanity. Both poets as well express the idea elsewhere that the â€Å"dark† women and â€Å"Stella† are superior to them. They believe that they are at fault for this desire they occupy. In Sonnet 129 the poets endeavors convince him that the â€Å"dark† lady is better than he knows her to be. Similarily, Sydney makes it evident that this desire is a flaw in himself and not in the desired. In Sonnet 129 Shakespeare makes it vague to whether or not he is the speaker. Sydney seems to make it more evident by using point of view such as â€Å"I have†. Under the rubric of a single theme the reader notices as many similarites as differences. Shakespeare uses very different syntax than Sydney to express the same idea. First of all, Sonnet 129 concerns physical appetites that are blamed for fueling sexual desires. â€Å"Is lust in action; and till action, lust†(2). Sydneys sonnet 109 blames his emotional feelings his mind can’t help but feel â€Å"Within my self to seek my only hire† (13). Shakespeare uses mutiple juxtapositions such as â€Å"before†/ â€Å"behind† and â€Å"heavan†/ â€Å"hell†. The juxtapositions allowed Shakespeare to convey both sides of his suffers. The vulgar tone in sonnet 129 contributes to the speakers hatred for physical desires. That it makes people â€Å"savage, extreme, rude, cruel, not to trust;†(4). Shakespeare explains exactly what will happen when one undergoes these sexual yearnings â€Å"Past reason hunted; and no sooner had, / Past reason hated, as a swallow’d bait†(6-7) allowing no room for interpretation. Sydney, on the other hand, exlpains the pain he feels, but is not exact what will happen subsequently. He recognizes the conclusion but doesn’t know what it will fell like. Sydney understands that his desire will be worthless. Sonnet 129’s speaker has experienced desires worthlessness. He asserts that everyone knows and will finish as he did, in agony and pain: â€Å"All this the world well knows† (13). The list’s Shakespeares writes helps explain his frustration with sex and the â€Å"dark† lady. List’s solify details to pas experiences. It gives the reader more evidence to the speakers opinion. Whereas, Syndey effectivley emphasizes his point through punction and repition â€Å"Desire! , Desire! †(5). Convincing the reader of Sydneys troubles. Sydney and Shakespeare suggest that love drives them out of control but have their own view on the intensity of the stress. Some people would consider that these feelings are more than standard. Not that they are exaggerating feelings in the sonnets but drive themselves to an extreme stage of loathing. Sydney expresses a lyrical tone compared to Shakespeares disdainful tone. Syndey voices his inner feelings and reads as though he has thought a lot about his struggles. In line 8 he writes â€Å"Who shouldst my mind to higher things prepare†, and explains that his mind should concentrate on more important things than desire. The use of â€Å"my mind† suggests that Sydney is trying to convince himself to focus on more important things. This plays in directly with his lyrical tone. Shakespeare, on the other hand, is more disdainful in his writing, â€Å"Had, having, and in quest to have, extreme;†(10) and scornful towards his involvements with desire. In the end, Shakespeare in sonnet 129 and Sydney in sonnet 109 both write about their struggles with lust. Syndey composes his feelings throughout sonnet 109 while Shakespeare makes it evident of his scornful position towards desire itself.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Supply Chain Management Systems at PC World

Supply Chain Management Systems at PC World CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION I would like to undertake the study of Supply Chain Management Systems at PC World, United Kingdom. The study covers the processes in the organization, the value chain in the firm and its analysis. I made an analysis of the ambiguities in the processes of the system and put forth recommendations needed for the improvements in future. Relationship Management at the value chain, the customer services in the organization, its impact, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) was given concentration in the studies. Objectives of the Study: There are multiple objectives for my studies of research. Mainly the supply chain system in PC World is analysed in detail. Improvements for the development of the supply chain system in future is also aimed in my research as it has its own significance for a purchase led kind of business. Information and Communication Technology systems in PC World and Supplier Relationship Management in the work place are given importance as the secondary objective of the studies. An analytic thinking over the improvement of customer satisfaction with use of value chain has done as another objective of this research. Why is this study important? The economic crisis of 2009 was the most severe one after the Great Depression of 1929. The much expected GDP growth had not happened in the third quarter of 2009 and the growth was 0.3 in the last quarter of the year (statistics.gov, 2010). Most of other European countries have shown modest growth rates, UK is still in search of positive triggers. We have seen six consecutive quarters of negative growth and the crisis has affected the economy very dangerously. 5.7 per cent of the market capitalization has been wiped out in UK in the last 18 months. These numbers look worst when the economy faced inflation in the same time period. The doldrums in the job market and the virtually frozen consumer spending have affected many industries in the country (guardian, 2010). Still we are not at all survived from the crisis and waiting for much horrific double dip recession. So the organizations which have better operating systems only can survive in market. The organizations who serve an impro ved customer service will be benefited in this situation. So the organizations are trying to improve the satisfaction of customers, reduce costs and improve their profitability. Companies are in search of synergies and positive triggers with restructuring and reorganizing their strategies and operations. The Information and Communication Technology systems come across a lot of developments in this period. This is the real opportunity for the companies to come up in the market with ideal strategies and improvements in the operations. My research will be a benefit for the companies which are eagerly in search of ways to improve their efficiency as it is done in the wake of these tough situations. Theoretical Framework I would be guided on mostly by the studies of Geoff Walsham, Professor in University of Cambridge. The series of publications of his works by University of Cambridge are well respected in this area of study. Globalization and ICT: Working across culture by Geoff Walsham would be the primary theoretical resources of my research. These works shows lights on the significance of Information and Communication Technology in the present status of the economies. Another resource for my studies is Supply chain management: more than a new name for logistics, by M. C. Lambert and D. M. Pagh. These works are published in IJLM (International Journal of Logistics Management). They formed a primary thought for the subject of my proposed study. Introduction to e-supply chain management: engaging technology to build market winning business partnership by David Frederick Ross inspired me to work with the advanced methods of improvements for supply chain management systems and its operations. Problem of Research: The problem of the proposed research is insufficiencies and the opportunities of improvements for the improvements in the system of supply chain in PC World. Suggestions are made to improve the efficiency and productivity of the PC World as a part of this research. The research would be done concentrating on 3 dimensions. Implementation of Information and Communication Technology in the operations, customer satisfaction and Supplier Relationship Management are the three main points where the concentration has been given in this study. The main questions raised for the purpose of this research are listed below: How is the organisation of Supply Chain at P C World? How is the value chain organized in P C World? What role does the ICT system have in value chain? How does the ERP system work in P C World and what is the impact of it on value chain? How does P C World manage the supplier relations of it? In what way P C World manage the relations with its key suppliers? How does the supply chain affect the satisfaction of customers? What improvements can be made in P C World? How can the proposed changes be implemented in P C World? How will this change improve the efficiency of business? Ethical Issues Ethical Issues: In conducting this study, I would be guided by the Guidelines set out in the British Educational Research Association (BERA) 2004 ethical issues for Educational research. The guidelines state that the researches are wholly responsible to their sponsors, the research community and participants of the research. The guidelines states that all research work must be conducted at the highest levels of honesty. Research findings are to be published without falsifying and misstating the work done. The guidelines set out the responsibilities of the researcher to participants of the research, sponsors of the research and the research community. (BERA, supply chain management is important to deliver the products and services to end customers. However, it appears that the notions on supply chain management may only be indirectly associated with the issues surrounding consumer behaviours toward maintaining and/or otherwise pushing customer satisfaction. As referenced in many publications, undoubtedly, the role of supply chain management is an important factor in boosting the organizational success. On a separate perspective, consumer behaviour is also an essential factor toward organizational viability into years to come. Qualitatively, preliminary studies have been undertaken concerning the connection between supply chain management and customer satisfaction, as well as the connection between consumer behaviour and customer satisfaction, in trying to recognize the clear distinctions of each topic toward ensuring customer satisfaction. This paper attempts to bring out the significance of both issues combined in relation to customer satisfaction. If the preliminary studies emphasized in automotive and food industries, this paper attempts to analyze the small and medium enterprises in service industry. It is expected that the increasing roles of supply chain management and consumer behaviour in small and medium enterprises are able to improve the overall organizational performance. A cluster sampling methods is incorporated in this study to note the characteristics of those small and medium enterprises in certain locations. Variables chosen in this study are mainly covered the traditional SERVQUAL dimensions of tangible, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. Aside from the qualitative analyses, which are based on interviews and field observations, a combination of statistical software packages are utilized as tools toward building quantitative analysis of the study. Research is conducted by gathering data from primary and secondary sources in service industries in Jakarta, and Bandung. As stated, it is expected that such studies would reveal the significance of supply chain management and consumer behaviour in boosting the customer satisfaction level toward organizations products and services. It is expected that such issues are mostly true for small and medium enterprises, perhaps. Limitations I would be attempting the research in a much comprehensive way as possible, following limitations may be underlying in the research Time Constraints: A detailed and exhaustive study was not allowed by my course semester as few significant areas are there where I was forced to leave out. However, most of the significant disciplines would be covered in the research. Security Issues: a supply chain in an organization, information on ERP and key supplier contracts are very sensitive kind of company information and it would be too tough to reproduce them. So I foresee myself as not being capable of publishing a few of my findings. The support of management which I had secured beforehand for the research would allow me to bring most of the findings out in the studies. Financial Constraints: Some suppliers of the organization are located overseas. So it would not be feasible for me to cover all major suppliers of the organization financially. Thus the major suppliers who have their physical operations in UK are confined in my research. Contributions of the research A dynamic and innovative concept of Supply Chain Management systems are anticipated as my study is chiefly a research led exercise. Fast growing systems of ICT in Supply Chain and management of Supplier Relationship would be invaluable resources academically. Different paths would be shown for P C World to strengthen their existing not so good supply chain, consolidate their supplier relations and to construe its customers needs in the research as a sense of business, for increasing the efficiency of processes and profitability of business. Project Plan of Research The proposed work for research would be conducted within a period of ninety days. The studies for research have being got worked since mid December and would be finished by March. The first month of my studies has been utilized for background studies and literature review. Over the next two months, twenty hours a day would be allocated for my work of research. The SCM systems and various practices in the work place, the Information and Communication Technology systems used, will be analysed in the actual company locations. Structured questionnaires would be prepared for the empirical studies of my research and to interview the customers of P C World and the suppliers of it. The last month of research would be used to analyse the findings and data, bring up recommendations for the improvements of supply chain and to get it slimmer and efficient, and to report the entire studies of research. CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW Literature Review Other than the theoretical resources we discussed above, the following resources are also added to the knowledge related to this study. Transition to B2B e-Market place enabled supply chain: Readiness Assessment and Success Factors by Movahedi B., Lavassani, M K, Kumar V would be the principal resource material of the research. A great gamut of management of supply chain, role of information technology and recent development in the area of supply chain management, and numerous case studies are discussed in the book. This book allowed me to grasp a clear picture on the subject of research. Knowledge management systems: information and communication technologies by Ronald Maier provided more detailed technical aspects for the research. The latest developments and happenings in the field of research are updated with the Journal of Supply Chain Management and Journal of E Commerce. INTRODUCTION There is a drastic development in the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in logistics and supply chain management. ICT is today being applied in many organisations in a wide range and operations areas. It has provided new ways to store, process, distribute and exchange information both within companies and with customers and suppliers in the supply chain. ICT used to exchange information in the supply chain is often named inter organisational ICT or inter organisational information systems (IOIS).In supply chain management, ICT has especially been recognised as an enabler for information sharing which companies in the supply chain can use for eliminating the so called bullwhip-effect (Lee et al., 1997). Information-sharing is also a key component in many of the recent automatic replenishment programs (ARP) (Daugherty et al., 1999). Initiatives such as vendor managed inventory (VMI) and collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment (CPFR) are based on an in creased level of automation in both the flow of physical materials and goods and the flow of information between companies to improve the efficiency in the entire supply chain. In a operations management perspective, companies seek to further improve the efficiency in the supply chain by sharing information related to matching demand and supply such as short- and long-term production planning, demand forecasting and materials and capacity planning. Information that can be relevant to share between customers and suppliers typically includes point-of-sales data, forecasts and inventory levels. There is a significant amount of research demonstrating a positive impact of ICT in the supply chain. As companies seek to improve the efficiency in the supply chain through increased integration, ICT can be considered as a key enabler for supply chain management through its ability to support information sharing and shortening information processing time. Supply chain integration can however be expressed in a wide range of dimensions such as integration of processes, information, organisations and systems (Bowersox et al., 1999; Mouritsen, et al., 2003). Similarly, the impact of ICT can be demonstrated in terms of for instance changes in relationships, interorganisational changes and performance (Wilson and Vlosky, 1998). The many dimensions in which supply chain integration can be expressed and the wide variation of factors in which the impact of ICT can be defined in terms of integration indicates that previous researches have been limited to studying a few dimensions and variables relationships at a time. The aspect of how to control and coordinate the activity between the companies in the supply chain, and how ICT affects the level of control integration in the supply chain is a poorly developed area. We propose in this paper a research model for further research exploring the impact of ICT on integration in supply chain control. The model is primarily based on theory within supply chain integration and the impact of ICT. It also incorporates the supply chain control perspective, which defines the scope of application of the model. In contrast with previous research, this model does not intend to limited to a few pre-defined dimensions or variables for investigation but can be used to examine situations involving any type of integration dimension and influencing factor. Supply Chain Management Supply Chain Management is effective management by planning, implementing and controlling the activities in the supply chain system in an organization. Activities from warehousing the inventory to movement of products to the consumer are controlled and co-ordinated by the supply chain management. Supply Chain Management encompasses the planning and management of all activities involved in sourcing, procurement, conversion, and logistics management activities, it includes coordination, cooperation and collaboration with channel partners, which can be suppliers, intermediaries, third-party service providers, and customers APA (American Professional Association). Characteristics of Supply Chains The management of supply and demand in and across the companies are integrated by supply chains It coordinates the network of business operations which provide the products and services. The logistics and supply chain management are distinguished by some researchers. At the same time some of them consider them as similar terms. The management of supply chain can be used as a software also A study on supply chain event management allows knowing how the system of supply chain is coordinated in an organization and how resolutions are produced for the problems that occur during the effectuation of supply chain in an organization. Issues in Supply Chain Management Following limitations must be dealt with the management of supply chain: Configuration of distribution network is the main limitation of the management of supply chain. It implies the supply chain is bore on by the number of suppliers, their locations, and missions of network of customers. The facilities for production, centres for distribution, cross docks, ware houses etc influence the supply chain management. The supply chain is also affected by the strategy of distribution. Replacement strategy and transportation is the other concerns for the management of supply chain. The total supply chain management is affected by the sharing of valuable information on the demand signals, inventory, transportation and the forecasts. The location and quantity of inventory which include finished goods, work in process goods and raw materials influence the supply chain. The cash flows in each and every level of supply chine will also affect it. The task flow like order fulfilment, inventory procurance, goods transporting and ware housing SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS Supply chain management must address the following problems: Distribution Network Configuration: number, location and network missions of suppliers, production facilities, distribution centres, warehouses, cross-docks and customers. Distribution Strategy: questions of operating control (centralized, decentralized or shared); delivery scheme, e.g., direct shipment, pool point shipping, cross docking, DSD (direct store delivery), closed loop shipping; mode of transportation, e.g., motor carrier, including truckload, LTL, parcel; railroad; intermodal transport, including TOFC (trailer on flatcar) and COFC (container on flatcar); ocean freight; airfreight; replenishment strategy (e.g., pull, push or hybrid); and transportation control (e.g., owner-operated, private carrier, common carrier, contract carrier, or 3PL). Trade-Offs in Logistical Activities: The above activities must be well coordinated in order to achieve the lowest total logistics cost. Trade-offs may increase the total cost if only one of the activities is optimized. For example, full truckload (FTL) rates are more economical on a cost per pallet basis than less than truckload (LTL) shipments. If, however, a full truckload of a product is ordered to reduce transportation costs, there will be an increase in inventory holding costs which may increase total logistics costs. It is therefore imperative to take a systems approach when planning logistical activities. These tradeoffs are key to the most efficient and effective Logistics and SCM strategy. Information: Integration of processes through the supply chain to share valuable information, including demand signals, forecasts, inventory, transportation, potential collaboration, etc. Inventory Management: Quantity and location of inventory, including raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP) and finished goods. Cash-Flow: Arranging the payment terms and methodologies for exchanging funds across entities within the supply chain. Supply chain execution means managing and coordinating the movement of materials, information and funds across the supply chain. The flow is bi-directional. ACTIVITIES/FUNCTIONS Supply chain management is a cross-function approach including managing the Movement of raw materials into an organization, certain aspects of the internal Processing of materials into finished goods, and the movement of finished goods out of the organization and toward the end-consumer. As organizations strive to focus on core competencies and becoming more flexible, they reduce their ownership of raw materials sources and distribution channels. These functions are increasingly being outsourced to other entities that can perform the activities better or more cost effectively. The effect is to increase the number of organizations involved in satisfying customer demand, while reducing management control of daily logistics operations. Less control and more supply chain partners led to the creation of supply chain management concepts. The purpose of supply chain management is to improve trust and collaboration among supply chain partners, thus improving inventory visibility and the velo city of inventory movement. Several models have been proposed for understanding the activities required to manage material movements across organizational and functional boundaries. SCOR is a supply chain management model promoted by the Supply Chain Council. Another model is the SCM Model proposed by the Global Supply Chain Forum Activities in Supply Chain Management The movement of raw materials for internal processing in an organization. Conversion of raw materials into finished goods. Movement of finished goods to the consumer or end user. It is the responsibility of supply chain management to bring down the ownership of raw materials for the organization for a long period and to help the company to achieve the competence for the organization. The functions can be outsourced to increase the cost effectiveness and the satisfaction of customers demands. The management of supply chain has to construct trust among the members in the supply chain and it must better the association among them. The organization should be helped to actuate the inventory immediately and must develop the visibility in the supply chain. A Supply Chain Management model projected by the GSCF (Global Supply Chain Forum) demonstrates that the activities in a supply chain can be characterized as strategic, operational and tactical activities. Strategic Activities The optimization of strategies of an organization like number of warehouses, locations, centres of distributions, facilities and locations of warehouses etc are included in strategic activities. Strategic activities include the communication network creation among the supply chain members and it must develop an improvement in the activities of supply chain such as shipping, docking, transport, and logistics etc. The organization of designing of the products and development are included in strategic activities of an organization and the strategic activities must integrate the new and existing products into the supply chain. It should support all the activities in supply chain. All the activities of supply chain must be integrated with overall activities of the organization by the strategic activities. Tactical Activities It includes decisions concerning to purchase of inventory and contracts. It includes decisions pertained to production such as the location, schedule, contracts, plans and definition of processes of production etc. Decision making in relation with the quality, transport, quantity, location, and use of inventory. The strategy formulation in concern with freight like the transport frequency, the cost, routes, contracts and logistics etc are included It involves the best process benchmarking in the industry throughout its operations. Operational Activities It includes decisions and activities in relation with day to day activities connected to production and planning at each levels of supply chain. It involves forecasts of production facilities and necessities in supply chain in every instant. It involves forecasting and planning of Demand and converting the overall demand into supply and share it with every the members of the supply chain. Forecasting, planning and coordinating the demand forecast of each and every customer and share bode with all suppliers. Inward operations, such as movement and transport of goods and stocks in the supply chain. It involves operational decisions and planning from ingestion of inventory to the current of finished goods in the chain of supply. It includes the promises of orders, accounting for all processes in the supply chain from suppliers to consumers or end users. Scope of Supply Chain Management To compete in the global market, companies rely on effective networks of supply chain According to Peter Ducker, business networking concept covers beyond the conventional enterprise limitations and broadens to coordinate the entire process of business throughout a value chain of multiple companies included in it. Outsourcing of Information Technology has enabled the organizations to be processed in such a way that each partner of business concentrates in the few significant areas in which he is specialized. This inter organizational network is the innovative trend in form of organization with the complex interactions among the key players; the structure of network is not a hierarchical structure or a market structure. It is ambiguous of what kind of performance level impact that various supply network structures could have on organization, and little is known about the conditions of coordination and tradeoffs that may subsist among the players. From point of view of a system, a structure of complex network can be decayed into individual component companies (Zhang and Dilts, 2004). Conventionally, companies in a supply network focus on the processes inputs and outputs, with little matter of concern for the internal management of the firm working on other individual players. Therefore, an internal management choice control structure is known to make a major impact on performance of local companies (Mintzberg, 1979). There have been large changes in environment of business which has contributed to the supply chain networks developments. Primarily, as a result of globalization and with the increase of big multi-national companies, strategic alliances, joint ventures and business partnerships, have found to be making important factors of success, following the earlier practices of JIT (Just-In-Time), Lean Management and Agile Manufacturing. Secondly, changes of technology, especially the dramatic fall in the cost of information communication, which is a predominant component of transaction costs, have led to changes in organization among the members of the network of supply chain (Coase, 1998). The exceptional transformation towards activities of integration from managing functions of individuals with processes of key supply chain in place could be the first significant step in establishing a successful supply network. For example; the department of purchasing places orders as necessities become appropriate only, when Department of Marketing responding to consumer demands and convey the same with all the distributors and retailers across to go with the demand of customers. The overall integration process leverages the whole shared information among partners of supply chain of an organization towards its advantage. The key to Successful consolidation of Supply chain business process is by employing the collaborative work across suppliers and buyers, common systems along with the shared information and joint product development. In 2000, the Lambert and Cooper expressed their view as the whole as The continuous information flows in the integrated supply chain process supports an organization to achieve best product flows. Despite such expression, there subsists an opinion among organizations and networks of management, that product flows optimization cannot be realized without implanting a process access to respective businesses. The supply chain significant processes by Lambert (2004) are listed below: Customer relationship management Management customer service Management of demand Fulfilment of orders Management of flow of manufacturing Management of supplier relationship Development of a product and commercialization Management of Returns In addition to points of Lambert other keys are: Procurement Physical distribution Outsourcing and partnerships Measurement of performance Management of customer service process As the information of customer is the basic source for service of customers, the important aspect of Customer relationship Management is between the organization and its customers. This real- time information makes customers cognisant on various details such as product availability, product information, probable delivery dates through multiple interfaces of information about the companys operations of production and distribution. Steps to build an efficient and Successful relationship with customers: Establish goals which are commonly rewarding between organization and customers Customize and invest efforts to preserve customer resonance and support always create positive outlook with customers in the organization Process of procurement In laying good strategic plans for process of procurement, the interests, opinions and support of the suppliers is very important; because their confidence in the plans lay foundation for newly build manufacturing flow management and it is the same in case of a development of a new product. When activities are global and far reach across, the companies need to accommodate processes to manage and source them accordingly. For achieving success in creating the preferred product, it is significant to have mutually beneficial relationship, cut down times cycles in design and development of the new product play very important role. Communication systems can be boosted by deploying tools like Internet connectivity and electronic data interchange (EDI), of the purchasing function of a firm to drive activities. These powerful systems of communication streamlines a lot of processes in managing, obtaining and tracking information about products and materials and products, which supports organization in dealing with issues successfully; supply sources, inbound transportation negotiation phases, resource plans, order placement, delivery status, storage capabilities, handling and quality assurance. Also, it actuates the organizations to handle the responsibility and to organize commitment with suppliers over supply continuity, delivery scheduling, misrepresentation, and research support studies in creating new product and sources of programs. Development of new product and commercialization This helps organizations to reduce time cycles of development of product with aspects of customers, suppliers so as to capture markets better by being competitive, innovations of products Supply Chain Management Systems at PC World Supply Chain Management Systems at PC World CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION I would like to undertake the study of Supply Chain Management Systems at PC World, United Kingdom. The study covers the processes in the organization, the value chain in the firm and its analysis. I made an analysis of the ambiguities in the processes of the system and put forth recommendations needed for the improvements in future. Relationship Management at the value chain, the customer services in the organization, its impact, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) was given concentration in the studies. Objectives of the Study: There are multiple objectives for my studies of research. Mainly the supply chain system in PC World is analysed in detail. Improvements for the development of the supply chain system in future is also aimed in my research as it has its own significance for a purchase led kind of business. Information and Communication Technology systems in PC World and Supplier Relationship Management in the work place are given importance as the secondary objective of the studies. An analytic thinking over the improvement of customer satisfaction with use of value chain has done as another objective of this research. Why is this study important? The economic crisis of 2009 was the most severe one after the Great Depression of 1929. The much expected GDP growth had not happened in the third quarter of 2009 and the growth was 0.3 in the last quarter of the year (statistics.gov, 2010). Most of other European countries have shown modest growth rates, UK is still in search of positive triggers. We have seen six consecutive quarters of negative growth and the crisis has affected the economy very dangerously. 5.7 per cent of the market capitalization has been wiped out in UK in the last 18 months. These numbers look worst when the economy faced inflation in the same time period. The doldrums in the job market and the virtually frozen consumer spending have affected many industries in the country (guardian, 2010). Still we are not at all survived from the crisis and waiting for much horrific double dip recession. So the organizations which have better operating systems only can survive in market. The organizations who serve an impro ved customer service will be benefited in this situation. So the organizations are trying to improve the satisfaction of customers, reduce costs and improve their profitability. Companies are in search of synergies and positive triggers with restructuring and reorganizing their strategies and operations. The Information and Communication Technology systems come across a lot of developments in this period. This is the real opportunity for the companies to come up in the market with ideal strategies and improvements in the operations. My research will be a benefit for the companies which are eagerly in search of ways to improve their efficiency as it is done in the wake of these tough situations. Theoretical Framework I would be guided on mostly by the studies of Geoff Walsham, Professor in University of Cambridge. The series of publications of his works by University of Cambridge are well respected in this area of study. Globalization and ICT: Working across culture by Geoff Walsham would be the primary theoretical resources of my research. These works shows lights on the significance of Information and Communication Technology in the present status of the economies. Another resource for my studies is Supply chain management: more than a new name for logistics, by M. C. Lambert and D. M. Pagh. These works are published in IJLM (International Journal of Logistics Management). They formed a primary thought for the subject of my proposed study. Introduction to e-supply chain management: engaging technology to build market winning business partnership by David Frederick Ross inspired me to work with the advanced methods of improvements for supply chain management systems and its operations. Problem of Research: The problem of the proposed research is insufficiencies and the opportunities of improvements for the improvements in the system of supply chain in PC World. Suggestions are made to improve the efficiency and productivity of the PC World as a part of this research. The research would be done concentrating on 3 dimensions. Implementation of Information and Communication Technology in the operations, customer satisfaction and Supplier Relationship Management are the three main points where the concentration has been given in this study. The main questions raised for the purpose of this research are listed below: How is the organisation of Supply Chain at P C World? How is the value chain organized in P C World? What role does the ICT system have in value chain? How does the ERP system work in P C World and what is the impact of it on value chain? How does P C World manage the supplier relations of it? In what way P C World manage the relations with its key suppliers? How does the supply chain affect the satisfaction of customers? What improvements can be made in P C World? How can the proposed changes be implemented in P C World? How will this change improve the efficiency of business? Ethical Issues Ethical Issues: In conducting this study, I would be guided by the Guidelines set out in the British Educational Research Association (BERA) 2004 ethical issues for Educational research. The guidelines state that the researches are wholly responsible to their sponsors, the research community and participants of the research. The guidelines states that all research work must be conducted at the highest levels of honesty. Research findings are to be published without falsifying and misstating the work done. The guidelines set out the responsibilities of the researcher to participants of the research, sponsors of the research and the research community. (BERA, supply chain management is important to deliver the products and services to end customers. However, it appears that the notions on supply chain management may only be indirectly associated with the issues surrounding consumer behaviours toward maintaining and/or otherwise pushing customer satisfaction. As referenced in many publications, undoubtedly, the role of supply chain management is an important factor in boosting the organizational success. On a separate perspective, consumer behaviour is also an essential factor toward organizational viability into years to come. Qualitatively, preliminary studies have been undertaken concerning the connection between supply chain management and customer satisfaction, as well as the connection between consumer behaviour and customer satisfaction, in trying to recognize the clear distinctions of each topic toward ensuring customer satisfaction. This paper attempts to bring out the significance of both issues combined in relation to customer satisfaction. If the preliminary studies emphasized in automotive and food industries, this paper attempts to analyze the small and medium enterprises in service industry. It is expected that the increasing roles of supply chain management and consumer behaviour in small and medium enterprises are able to improve the overall organizational performance. A cluster sampling methods is incorporated in this study to note the characteristics of those small and medium enterprises in certain locations. Variables chosen in this study are mainly covered the traditional SERVQUAL dimensions of tangible, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. Aside from the qualitative analyses, which are based on interviews and field observations, a combination of statistical software packages are utilized as tools toward building quantitative analysis of the study. Research is conducted by gathering data from primary and secondary sources in service industries in Jakarta, and Bandung. As stated, it is expected that such studies would reveal the significance of supply chain management and consumer behaviour in boosting the customer satisfaction level toward organizations products and services. It is expected that such issues are mostly true for small and medium enterprises, perhaps. Limitations I would be attempting the research in a much comprehensive way as possible, following limitations may be underlying in the research Time Constraints: A detailed and exhaustive study was not allowed by my course semester as few significant areas are there where I was forced to leave out. However, most of the significant disciplines would be covered in the research. Security Issues: a supply chain in an organization, information on ERP and key supplier contracts are very sensitive kind of company information and it would be too tough to reproduce them. So I foresee myself as not being capable of publishing a few of my findings. The support of management which I had secured beforehand for the research would allow me to bring most of the findings out in the studies. Financial Constraints: Some suppliers of the organization are located overseas. So it would not be feasible for me to cover all major suppliers of the organization financially. Thus the major suppliers who have their physical operations in UK are confined in my research. Contributions of the research A dynamic and innovative concept of Supply Chain Management systems are anticipated as my study is chiefly a research led exercise. Fast growing systems of ICT in Supply Chain and management of Supplier Relationship would be invaluable resources academically. Different paths would be shown for P C World to strengthen their existing not so good supply chain, consolidate their supplier relations and to construe its customers needs in the research as a sense of business, for increasing the efficiency of processes and profitability of business. Project Plan of Research The proposed work for research would be conducted within a period of ninety days. The studies for research have being got worked since mid December and would be finished by March. The first month of my studies has been utilized for background studies and literature review. Over the next two months, twenty hours a day would be allocated for my work of research. The SCM systems and various practices in the work place, the Information and Communication Technology systems used, will be analysed in the actual company locations. Structured questionnaires would be prepared for the empirical studies of my research and to interview the customers of P C World and the suppliers of it. The last month of research would be used to analyse the findings and data, bring up recommendations for the improvements of supply chain and to get it slimmer and efficient, and to report the entire studies of research. CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW Literature Review Other than the theoretical resources we discussed above, the following resources are also added to the knowledge related to this study. Transition to B2B e-Market place enabled supply chain: Readiness Assessment and Success Factors by Movahedi B., Lavassani, M K, Kumar V would be the principal resource material of the research. A great gamut of management of supply chain, role of information technology and recent development in the area of supply chain management, and numerous case studies are discussed in the book. This book allowed me to grasp a clear picture on the subject of research. Knowledge management systems: information and communication technologies by Ronald Maier provided more detailed technical aspects for the research. The latest developments and happenings in the field of research are updated with the Journal of Supply Chain Management and Journal of E Commerce. INTRODUCTION There is a drastic development in the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in logistics and supply chain management. ICT is today being applied in many organisations in a wide range and operations areas. It has provided new ways to store, process, distribute and exchange information both within companies and with customers and suppliers in the supply chain. ICT used to exchange information in the supply chain is often named inter organisational ICT or inter organisational information systems (IOIS).In supply chain management, ICT has especially been recognised as an enabler for information sharing which companies in the supply chain can use for eliminating the so called bullwhip-effect (Lee et al., 1997). Information-sharing is also a key component in many of the recent automatic replenishment programs (ARP) (Daugherty et al., 1999). Initiatives such as vendor managed inventory (VMI) and collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment (CPFR) are based on an in creased level of automation in both the flow of physical materials and goods and the flow of information between companies to improve the efficiency in the entire supply chain. In a operations management perspective, companies seek to further improve the efficiency in the supply chain by sharing information related to matching demand and supply such as short- and long-term production planning, demand forecasting and materials and capacity planning. Information that can be relevant to share between customers and suppliers typically includes point-of-sales data, forecasts and inventory levels. There is a significant amount of research demonstrating a positive impact of ICT in the supply chain. As companies seek to improve the efficiency in the supply chain through increased integration, ICT can be considered as a key enabler for supply chain management through its ability to support information sharing and shortening information processing time. Supply chain integration can however be expressed in a wide range of dimensions such as integration of processes, information, organisations and systems (Bowersox et al., 1999; Mouritsen, et al., 2003). Similarly, the impact of ICT can be demonstrated in terms of for instance changes in relationships, interorganisational changes and performance (Wilson and Vlosky, 1998). The many dimensions in which supply chain integration can be expressed and the wide variation of factors in which the impact of ICT can be defined in terms of integration indicates that previous researches have been limited to studying a few dimensions and variables relationships at a time. The aspect of how to control and coordinate the activity between the companies in the supply chain, and how ICT affects the level of control integration in the supply chain is a poorly developed area. We propose in this paper a research model for further research exploring the impact of ICT on integration in supply chain control. The model is primarily based on theory within supply chain integration and the impact of ICT. It also incorporates the supply chain control perspective, which defines the scope of application of the model. In contrast with previous research, this model does not intend to limited to a few pre-defined dimensions or variables for investigation but can be used to examine situations involving any type of integration dimension and influencing factor. Supply Chain Management Supply Chain Management is effective management by planning, implementing and controlling the activities in the supply chain system in an organization. Activities from warehousing the inventory to movement of products to the consumer are controlled and co-ordinated by the supply chain management. Supply Chain Management encompasses the planning and management of all activities involved in sourcing, procurement, conversion, and logistics management activities, it includes coordination, cooperation and collaboration with channel partners, which can be suppliers, intermediaries, third-party service providers, and customers APA (American Professional Association). Characteristics of Supply Chains The management of supply and demand in and across the companies are integrated by supply chains It coordinates the network of business operations which provide the products and services. The logistics and supply chain management are distinguished by some researchers. At the same time some of them consider them as similar terms. The management of supply chain can be used as a software also A study on supply chain event management allows knowing how the system of supply chain is coordinated in an organization and how resolutions are produced for the problems that occur during the effectuation of supply chain in an organization. Issues in Supply Chain Management Following limitations must be dealt with the management of supply chain: Configuration of distribution network is the main limitation of the management of supply chain. It implies the supply chain is bore on by the number of suppliers, their locations, and missions of network of customers. The facilities for production, centres for distribution, cross docks, ware houses etc influence the supply chain management. The supply chain is also affected by the strategy of distribution. Replacement strategy and transportation is the other concerns for the management of supply chain. The total supply chain management is affected by the sharing of valuable information on the demand signals, inventory, transportation and the forecasts. The location and quantity of inventory which include finished goods, work in process goods and raw materials influence the supply chain. The cash flows in each and every level of supply chine will also affect it. The task flow like order fulfilment, inventory procurance, goods transporting and ware housing SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS Supply chain management must address the following problems: Distribution Network Configuration: number, location and network missions of suppliers, production facilities, distribution centres, warehouses, cross-docks and customers. Distribution Strategy: questions of operating control (centralized, decentralized or shared); delivery scheme, e.g., direct shipment, pool point shipping, cross docking, DSD (direct store delivery), closed loop shipping; mode of transportation, e.g., motor carrier, including truckload, LTL, parcel; railroad; intermodal transport, including TOFC (trailer on flatcar) and COFC (container on flatcar); ocean freight; airfreight; replenishment strategy (e.g., pull, push or hybrid); and transportation control (e.g., owner-operated, private carrier, common carrier, contract carrier, or 3PL). Trade-Offs in Logistical Activities: The above activities must be well coordinated in order to achieve the lowest total logistics cost. Trade-offs may increase the total cost if only one of the activities is optimized. For example, full truckload (FTL) rates are more economical on a cost per pallet basis than less than truckload (LTL) shipments. If, however, a full truckload of a product is ordered to reduce transportation costs, there will be an increase in inventory holding costs which may increase total logistics costs. It is therefore imperative to take a systems approach when planning logistical activities. These tradeoffs are key to the most efficient and effective Logistics and SCM strategy. Information: Integration of processes through the supply chain to share valuable information, including demand signals, forecasts, inventory, transportation, potential collaboration, etc. Inventory Management: Quantity and location of inventory, including raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP) and finished goods. Cash-Flow: Arranging the payment terms and methodologies for exchanging funds across entities within the supply chain. Supply chain execution means managing and coordinating the movement of materials, information and funds across the supply chain. The flow is bi-directional. ACTIVITIES/FUNCTIONS Supply chain management is a cross-function approach including managing the Movement of raw materials into an organization, certain aspects of the internal Processing of materials into finished goods, and the movement of finished goods out of the organization and toward the end-consumer. As organizations strive to focus on core competencies and becoming more flexible, they reduce their ownership of raw materials sources and distribution channels. These functions are increasingly being outsourced to other entities that can perform the activities better or more cost effectively. The effect is to increase the number of organizations involved in satisfying customer demand, while reducing management control of daily logistics operations. Less control and more supply chain partners led to the creation of supply chain management concepts. The purpose of supply chain management is to improve trust and collaboration among supply chain partners, thus improving inventory visibility and the velo city of inventory movement. Several models have been proposed for understanding the activities required to manage material movements across organizational and functional boundaries. SCOR is a supply chain management model promoted by the Supply Chain Council. Another model is the SCM Model proposed by the Global Supply Chain Forum Activities in Supply Chain Management The movement of raw materials for internal processing in an organization. Conversion of raw materials into finished goods. Movement of finished goods to the consumer or end user. It is the responsibility of supply chain management to bring down the ownership of raw materials for the organization for a long period and to help the company to achieve the competence for the organization. The functions can be outsourced to increase the cost effectiveness and the satisfaction of customers demands. The management of supply chain has to construct trust among the members in the supply chain and it must better the association among them. The organization should be helped to actuate the inventory immediately and must develop the visibility in the supply chain. A Supply Chain Management model projected by the GSCF (Global Supply Chain Forum) demonstrates that the activities in a supply chain can be characterized as strategic, operational and tactical activities. Strategic Activities The optimization of strategies of an organization like number of warehouses, locations, centres of distributions, facilities and locations of warehouses etc are included in strategic activities. Strategic activities include the communication network creation among the supply chain members and it must develop an improvement in the activities of supply chain such as shipping, docking, transport, and logistics etc. The organization of designing of the products and development are included in strategic activities of an organization and the strategic activities must integrate the new and existing products into the supply chain. It should support all the activities in supply chain. All the activities of supply chain must be integrated with overall activities of the organization by the strategic activities. Tactical Activities It includes decisions concerning to purchase of inventory and contracts. It includes decisions pertained to production such as the location, schedule, contracts, plans and definition of processes of production etc. Decision making in relation with the quality, transport, quantity, location, and use of inventory. The strategy formulation in concern with freight like the transport frequency, the cost, routes, contracts and logistics etc are included It involves the best process benchmarking in the industry throughout its operations. Operational Activities It includes decisions and activities in relation with day to day activities connected to production and planning at each levels of supply chain. It involves forecasts of production facilities and necessities in supply chain in every instant. It involves forecasting and planning of Demand and converting the overall demand into supply and share it with every the members of the supply chain. Forecasting, planning and coordinating the demand forecast of each and every customer and share bode with all suppliers. Inward operations, such as movement and transport of goods and stocks in the supply chain. It involves operational decisions and planning from ingestion of inventory to the current of finished goods in the chain of supply. It includes the promises of orders, accounting for all processes in the supply chain from suppliers to consumers or end users. Scope of Supply Chain Management To compete in the global market, companies rely on effective networks of supply chain According to Peter Ducker, business networking concept covers beyond the conventional enterprise limitations and broadens to coordinate the entire process of business throughout a value chain of multiple companies included in it. Outsourcing of Information Technology has enabled the organizations to be processed in such a way that each partner of business concentrates in the few significant areas in which he is specialized. This inter organizational network is the innovative trend in form of organization with the complex interactions among the key players; the structure of network is not a hierarchical structure or a market structure. It is ambiguous of what kind of performance level impact that various supply network structures could have on organization, and little is known about the conditions of coordination and tradeoffs that may subsist among the players. From point of view of a system, a structure of complex network can be decayed into individual component companies (Zhang and Dilts, 2004). Conventionally, companies in a supply network focus on the processes inputs and outputs, with little matter of concern for the internal management of the firm working on other individual players. Therefore, an internal management choice control structure is known to make a major impact on performance of local companies (Mintzberg, 1979). There have been large changes in environment of business which has contributed to the supply chain networks developments. Primarily, as a result of globalization and with the increase of big multi-national companies, strategic alliances, joint ventures and business partnerships, have found to be making important factors of success, following the earlier practices of JIT (Just-In-Time), Lean Management and Agile Manufacturing. Secondly, changes of technology, especially the dramatic fall in the cost of information communication, which is a predominant component of transaction costs, have led to changes in organization among the members of the network of supply chain (Coase, 1998). The exceptional transformation towards activities of integration from managing functions of individuals with processes of key supply chain in place could be the first significant step in establishing a successful supply network. For example; the department of purchasing places orders as necessities become appropriate only, when Department of Marketing responding to consumer demands and convey the same with all the distributors and retailers across to go with the demand of customers. The overall integration process leverages the whole shared information among partners of supply chain of an organization towards its advantage. The key to Successful consolidation of Supply chain business process is by employing the collaborative work across suppliers and buyers, common systems along with the shared information and joint product development. In 2000, the Lambert and Cooper expressed their view as the whole as The continuous information flows in the integrated supply chain process supports an organization to achieve best product flows. Despite such expression, there subsists an opinion among organizations and networks of management, that product flows optimization cannot be realized without implanting a process access to respective businesses. The supply chain significant processes by Lambert (2004) are listed below: Customer relationship management Management customer service Management of demand Fulfilment of orders Management of flow of manufacturing Management of supplier relationship Development of a product and commercialization Management of Returns In addition to points of Lambert other keys are: Procurement Physical distribution Outsourcing and partnerships Measurement of performance Management of customer service process As the information of customer is the basic source for service of customers, the important aspect of Customer relationship Management is between the organization and its customers. This real- time information makes customers cognisant on various details such as product availability, product information, probable delivery dates through multiple interfaces of information about the companys operations of production and distribution. Steps to build an efficient and Successful relationship with customers: Establish goals which are commonly rewarding between organization and customers Customize and invest efforts to preserve customer resonance and support always create positive outlook with customers in the organization Process of procurement In laying good strategic plans for process of procurement, the interests, opinions and support of the suppliers is very important; because their confidence in the plans lay foundation for newly build manufacturing flow management and it is the same in case of a development of a new product. When activities are global and far reach across, the companies need to accommodate processes to manage and source them accordingly. For achieving success in creating the preferred product, it is significant to have mutually beneficial relationship, cut down times cycles in design and development of the new product play very important role. Communication systems can be boosted by deploying tools like Internet connectivity and electronic data interchange (EDI), of the purchasing function of a firm to drive activities. These powerful systems of communication streamlines a lot of processes in managing, obtaining and tracking information about products and materials and products, which supports organization in dealing with issues successfully; supply sources, inbound transportation negotiation phases, resource plans, order placement, delivery status, storage capabilities, handling and quality assurance. Also, it actuates the organizations to handle the responsibility and to organize commitment with suppliers over supply continuity, delivery scheduling, misrepresentation, and research support studies in creating new product and sources of programs. Development of new product and commercialization This helps organizations to reduce time cycles of development of product with aspects of customers, suppliers so as to capture markets better by being competitive, innovations of products