Elements Of Poetry Essay

Every poet has a unique way inwhich they construct a particular poem. Some poets have a tendency to stay within the same style while other’s break out of the mold and write in a style of their own. For Frost,most of his work was composed in an English meter however, when composing â€Å"For Once, Then, Something† he strayed away from his usual tendencies of writing. â€Å"For Once, Then, Something† (1920) is the only poem Robert Frost ever composed in a classical meter: it is written in phalaecean hendecasyllabics† (Talbot, 2003). Hendecasyllabic is generated  from the times of Ancient Greece and the meaning behind the name of the meter is derived by the Greek word eleven. With each line containing 11 syllables, â€Å"the hendecasyllabic offers the opportunity tomaintainthe basic Sapphic rhythm for a long period, building up momentum† (Wikipedia, 2014). There are a number of speculations asto the reason why Frost chose to steer away from his traditional writing scheme but continued with the reflection of nature. One thought of why Frost did not use the classic Englishmeter for this particular poem was to the effects of him imitating the Latin meter of Catullus. â€Å"Frost’s poem is, among other things, a response to hostile critics. Scholars of Catullus – and Catullus was Frost’s favorite Roman author – have pointed to a link between hendecasyllabics and the poetic mode of rebuttal toone’scritics† (Talbot, 2003). In my view of reading the poem, it could be read in iambic pentameter. Each lineseems toend with an extra syllablewhichgives the impression of being unaccented however, it seem that iambic pentameter was not the intentions of how Frost wanted this poem to be read. â€Å"Writing to a friend in1920, the year of the poem’s publication, roguish  Frost boasted that the poem was â€Å"calculated to tease the metrists,† (Talbot,2003). The meaning Frost wanted toportraywasthat in which he was certainlycapable of writing a poem with an amplevisionand of classical meter. 1 In writing the poem, Frost intertwined traces of classical Greece within the theme of a modern story. The speaker reveals seeing his reflection â€Å"†¦godlike / looking out of a wreath of fern†¦Ã¢â‚¬  which presents as an allusion of the classicalGreek story of Ovid and his account of his own reflection (Talbot, 2003). The image of the fern could also be measured as a symbol of the Greek wreath. These images are a representation of the classical aspect in which Frost intend the poem to shadow. In my opinion, one of the biggest reflections to the classical aspect of Ancient Greece was that of the actual well itself and the so called truth that lies within it. Judith Oster spoke in tune of this same reflection in her book Toward Robert Frost: The Reader and the Poet, of how the meaning of the poem may have been attributed to the avowal of â€Å"Democritus: Of truth we know nothing, for truth lies at the bottom of a well† (Oster, 1991). There are certainly many various opinions in which gather around the classical theme of  the poem and the reasoning behind why Frost wrote it outside of his traditional setting. In learning more and more about Frost from week to week I understand his work depicts a more deep and metaphysical meaning. Others criticized Frost for not having profound meaning within his work simply only reflecting the beauty of nature which is the thought of most behind the poems naturalistic classic rendering. The individual kneeling at the well is seemingly troubled by something of great cause. There is a sense ofuncertaintyof whether or not the answer being sought will be known as truthful. This individual is not only dealing with the troubles of uncertainly but also the subjugation of mockery from the town, community or merely a group of people. The speaker indicates the troubles seem to come from a very deep and dark place as indicated in line three as a image of the well mirrors â€Å"deeper down in the well than where the water† lies (Frost, 1995). When peering in the well at the dark deep water the onlything in which the speaker sees is a reflection point towards himself â€Å"Gives me back in a shining surface picture / me myself in the summer heaven godlike† (Frost,1995). The semblance of a god-like face within 2 the pool of water creates the image of someone who could do no wrong, being more of a god than human. The speak is rationalizing the mockery of his image being questioned as he looks deeper into the well with his chin up against the edge realizing the opinion of truth perhaps can be superficial â€Å"beyond the picture† (Frost, 1995). However, this thought is immediately rejected when the â€Å"water came to rebuke too clear water† as if the speaker simply shook his head bringing his thoughts back to the surface. Many times in our life the â€Å"water† so tospeak can get murky  leaving us without a clear resolution to a problem we are troubled with. As in this case, the speaker was brought back from those murky waters by the droplet from a fern. We too have those times in our lives who so called bring us back to see the light or â€Å"whiteness† as replicated in the instance â€Å"blurred it, blotted it out. What was that whiteness† (Frost, 1995). We all at times struggle with finding truth within our lives just as the speaker does in â€Å"For Once, Then, Something†. The poem is certainly well compose of classicalmeter still maintaining  the jovially gander of Frost while tying into the beauty of nature. Frost is establishing the question of truth regardless of what interpretation the reader may convey, which is in that of his own persona. Essentially though we could all relate to a poem of this nature by taking time to reflect our own personal accord. References â€Å"For Once, Then, Something†. Frost, Robert. Frost: Collected Poems, Prose, & Plays. New York: The Library of America, 1995. Page 208. Print. 3 Oster, Judith. Toward Robert Frost: The Reader and the Poet. Athens: University of Georgia Press, 1991. Page 82. Print. Talbot, John. â€Å"Robert Frost’s Hendecasyllabics And Roman Rebuttals. † International Journal Of The Classical Tradition 10. 1 (2003): 73-84. Literary Reference Center. Web. 12 Apr. 2015. Retrieved from: http://library. gcu. edu:2048/login? url=http://search. ebscohost. com. library. gcu. edu:2048/login. aspx? direct=true&db=lfh&AN=14854873&site=eds-live&scope=site Wikipedia contributors. â€Å"Hendecasyllable. † Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 4 Nov. 2014. Web. 12 Apr. 2015. Retrieved from: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Hendecasyllable.   

Customer Service Essay

1. Organisations that intend to be successful need to design products, services and product/ service bundles to meet customer needs. How can they do this and how can they ensure that the organisation’s plans achieve quality, time and cost specifications agreed with customers? What data and records might be drawn upon to make plans intended to meet customer needs? Organisations that use market research to gather feedback from consumers regarding product design and product/ service bundles tend to be more successful that those who do not use market research as a business tool. Data received from the market research records that have been collected from any market research including surveys, questionnaires, focus groups or simply speaking with customers, are drawn upon to ensure the organisation achieves quality, time and cost specifications as per the customer’s requirements. For example, the Mining Village I currently work at have designed a total accommodation bundle for its clients. Each room is equipped with Wi-Fi, a Smart TV, air conditioning, refrigerator and advanced security systems. After a hard day’s work guests can unwind around the fireplace, watch a movie in the cinema, socialise in the Tavern and recreational room or work out at the gymnasium, pool or tennis court before sitting down to a meal in the restaurant. The cost of the bundles includes 3 meals a day plus use of the facilities as mentioned above. The Owner of the Village, has done market research with Companies who would require accommodation in the area with the Coal Steam and Gas development in the Area. They drew down on the information received and purposely built the accommodation to house those working in the area. The market research provided a edge to the company over the Hotels in the area, as the Village supplied everything the market were after. 2. What monitoring and evaluation procedures might be followed to ensure that the organisation keeps up with changes in customer needs and in market conditions, obtains and distributes resources appropriately and is able to consistently meet product quality and delivery standards? Monitoring and evaluation procedures are important to keep up with changes in customer needs and in market conditions. They ensure the organisation  obtains and distributes resources appropriately, and constantly meets product quality and delivery standards. Monitoring and evaluation procedures include interviewing and communicating with customer regularly, as market conditions and customer needs often change. It is important to find out their priorities, likes, dislikes and purchasing intentions, demographics and psychographics. Procedures also include measuring progress against the organisations vision, its goals, and its predetermined performance expectations and quality standards. KPIS and KRAs should be monitored as they provide measurement criteria. Data should be compared with the forecasted or expected performance, and measured against the organisational goals and against the individual, team/section/division and organisational KPI’s. Customer feedback is vital and can be collected through customer surveys, product testing, focus groups or simply speaking with the customers during sales transactions. Speaking with sales staff is also important, as they are the ones who deal with the customer’s every day. They are able to directly observe customer responses to products and to the service they receive. 3. How can customer feedback be collected and used and why is it necessary to consult with customers (internal and external) and with other stakeholders when monitoring and assessing the organisations progress toward achieving quality targets? Customer feedback should be collected and used to investigate and identify target markets, current and emerging needs, satisfaction levels and complaints. The ways you can collect feedback are through formal surveys including mail, email and phone, questionnaires, focus groups, speaking with customer service operators and speaking to customers while they shop or customer feedback forms. It is necessary to consult with customers and other stakeholders to identify progress towards the results, the likelihood of receiving the results towards quality targets and the impact of work against the targets.  Consulting with customers and stakeholders helps to keep the work on track, and can let you know if things are going according to plan. For example The Old Spaghetti Factory has Customer Feedback forms on their dining tables. Customers are able to fill in a feedback form to comment on customer service quality, food quality, speed of service and the dining experience overall. By collecting the feedback forms the managers are able to see if the team is performing up the standard the organisation is aiming for. 4. Within the organisation there will be groups of people or teams which work toward goal achievement. How can managers and supervisors ensure that team members have the skills needed to communicate effectively with customers and to provide excellent customer service? How might they assist colleagues in overcoming difficulties with meeting customer service standards? Managers and supervisors need to ensure that team members have to skills needed to communicate effectively with customers and to provide quality customer service. For this to be done, the managers and supervisors themselves need to have a clear understanding of the goals and objectives the organisation is trying to achieve in relation to customer service standards. They need to be able to help team members understand and act towards meeting those requirements. Managers and supervisors also need to be able to communicate well with team members. To ensure the employees are fulfilling the customer service requirements of the organisation, the manager or supervisor need to make sure the team members know how the organisation expects is employees to behave and what the organisation expects the team members to achieve in the workplace. Their performance should be measured and adjusted according to the organisations goals. To assist their colleagues, if they required assistance in overcoming difficulties in customer service standards, they need to communicate with their colleagues. They should ask if there was any reason as to why they are having difficulty reaching the customer service standards of the organisation. They should reiterate the company’s customer service standards and the reasons why they need to meet and exceed customer expectations, and how it impacts on the achievement of the organisations goals. The offer of support as well as retraining, coaching or mentoring should be given by the  manager or supervisor. Kerri has noticed that Terri work performance is lacking. She is being rude to the customers and is not completing the tasks that are required to provide superior customer service. Kerri has spoken with Terri and reiterated the organisations goals and objective in relation to customer service. She can see that Terri’s performance is lacking as she is unmotivated at work. Kerri has offered Terri a series of coaching sessions to help her be motivated and work to the organisations standards. 5. What procedures might be followed to identify problems with appropriate individuals and groups to adapt customer services, products and/or service delivery so that it continues to meet customer needs? KPIs and targets can be applied at individual level or as a department. Those who do not meet their targets can be coached or placed on a performance improvement plan to assist them in achieving their targets.

Drawing from module materials, analyzing how Fair trade consumption Essay

Drawing from module materials, analyzing how Fair trade consumption shapes the ethical experience of its users. How does this pa - Essay Example Thus, the essence of Fair Trade Consumption is not just to desire to be ethical, but to believe in the concept of ethical behavior for both the corporations and individuals, to approve of such ethical behavior and to demand that such behaviors be displayed by the business community (Simon, 2007 p18). The concepts of both demand and approval therefore shape the focus of this organizational form, where the demand of any corporate product is made based on the self-approval of the necessary ethical compliance. Fair Trade Consumption demands that we, as the ethical players should not just desire to be ethical, but that ethical behavior should be the basis of all consumptions we make and a fundamental feature of what we think as self, not just as a fair practice, but out of self-approval (Simon, 2007 p23). Fair trade consumption is an organizational form that serves to shape the ethical behaviors of both the producers and consumers, as well as that of all the organizations and agencies tha t operate in between, through creating a partnership that is based on dialogue, mutual respect for all parties and transparency (Bryant & Goodman, 2004 p344). Oxfam is an example of a firm operating under the Fair trade consumption umbrella, which has opened over 750 charity shops for selling second hand clothes, books and other items, for the mere purpose of ensuring to reach the less disadvantaged, while also enhancing the environmental conservation efforts (Clarke, et al., 2007 p585). While the organization of Fair trade consumption could be perceived as political mechanism that is not compatible with the business goals and objectives, the truth is that this organizational form has helped to shape who individuals believe they are, through a process referred to as Ethical Selving (Shreck, 2005 p18). For example, the Fair trade Movement has been working towards raising awareness among the consumers, regarding the negative effects of their non-ethical purchasing, to enable such cons umers exercise their purchasing powers responsibly and positively, through supporting the organizations, business entities and corporations that are enhancing developmental sustainability through corporate social responsibility and caring for the environment (Doherty & Clarke, 2012 p297). This campaign has been geared towards enhancing conventional international trade, which is based on the precepts of transparency, dialogue and respect for all the stakeholders in trade. The organizational form of Fair trade consumption does not seek to enhance responsible trading of the trading partners through trading activities only, but also through campaigns for raising awareness, geared towards ensuring that ethical business standards are not just a preserve of the partners within the Fair trade consumption organization, but the same should hold both locally and internationally (Williams, 2013 p17). The purchase and consumption of Fair trade products does not only serve to present the individu al buyer as one who cares about the implications of poor business practices, but to define the individual as an ethical person (Bird & Hughes, 1997 p167). Therefore, through purchasing Fair trade products, the individual purchasers tend to rebrand themselves as ethical, and that fact with time sinks

Case study reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Case study reflection - Essay Example Reflections: Coaching, learning, and the learner In order to respond to changing customer demands, workplace learning, as a subset of the greater literature on knowledge management, has becoming increasingly paramount. One of the most common approaches to workplace learning and leadership development is coaching. Coaching is a â€Å"process through which supervisors may communicate clear expectations to employees, provide feedback and suggestions for improving performance, and facilitate employees’ efforts to solve problems or take on new challenges† (Heslin et al., 2006 cited in Liu and Batt, 2010, pp.269-270). It trains people through regular interactions that help employees take up effective work skills and behaviours. The study by Liu and Batt (2010) propose a model, where they stress that there is a positive relationship between coaching and job performance (Agarwal, Angst, and Magni, 2009; Kets de Vries, 2005), but the former note there is weak empirical evidence, because these studies employed perceptual measures and approximated performance differences between individuals, as product differential treatments of coaching (Liu and Batt, 2010, p.271). ... I agree that coaching impacts individual performance over time, depending on numerous factors, such as teaching and leadership style of the coach and the learning style of the subordinates or trainees (Agarwal, Angst, and Magni, 2009). I experienced coaching several subordinates and it helped a great deal that I focused on knowing them first, before I developed my coaching approach. For instance, some people are very independent workers. They do not appreciate constant monitoring from their coaches. Others, however, need more direct coaching. The fundamental concept behind interpersonal relationships and coaching effectiveness can be explained by the process consultation approach. Hackman and Wageman (2005) talk about different coaching theories, such as the process consultation approach developed by Schein (1969, 1988 cited in Hackman and Wageman, 2005, p.270). Schein argues that proficient interpersonal relations are indispensable for effective task performance and that group membe rs themselves must participate in analysing and improving those relationships. The consultant, or in this case, the coach, engages member involvement in examining group processes on two levels concurrently: 1) â€Å"the substantive level†- to study how human processes are influencing work on a particular organisational problem, and 2) â€Å"the internal level†- to better comprehend the team’s own interface processes and the ways that team processes cultivate or encumber effective group functioning (Schein, 1988, pp. 11–12 cited in Hackman and Wageman, 2005, p.270). Lee (2009) argues that a skilled, shrewd facilitator, who moulds interpersonal skills and dispositions essential for effective team work, can make the

Ethics and policies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 2

Ethics and policies - Essay Example Ethics can best be defined as standards of moral behaviour that are accepted by society as right versus wrong (Nickels et al, 2005). Businesses, as much as an individual, are held accountable for their actions in relationship to societys ethical expectations. Most modern companies are struggling to emerge profitable and reputable in a market that is saturated with competition. One of the tactics used to increase positive visibility in the business world is in establishing a distinctive ethical position. As much important as a companys mission or vision statement is the establishment of a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics annual report. The purpose of this statement is to apply ethical standards to all employees, directors, officers, and possibly subsidiary groups that define disciplinary actions for those who breach the code of conduct. What this serves is to separate the company from any possible negative assessments of its policies on behalf of consumers and to send the message t hat any deviation from ethical code will be immediately corrected through new initiatives or employee accountability for the act. In establishing a distinctive ethical position, most companies tend to address issues such as conflicts of interest, confidentiality, fair dealings with other entities, compliance standards, and sometimes cultural ethical standards when dealing with international organisations. The publicity gained from such an ethics code aids not only the business by securing its ethical actions, but also serve the communities, shareholders, and can prevent costly legalities brought on by unfair business practices. These types of lawsuits can be as minor as a breach in employment policy to as extensive as misrepresenting company earnings to inflate company stock. In a world where multiple businesses have been flattened due to false representation of company revenue, offering a It is quite clear to see the

Organize a debate on the vietnam war, iraqi war or any controversial Essay

Organize a debate on the vietnam war, iraqi war or any controversial historical event that has taken place within 40years. Write - Essay Example Hussein did not comply with the inspection, prompting the United Nations to draft a resolution seeking for serious consequences if the Iraqi leader dismissed the UN Security Council’s strict inspection of the alleged dangerous weapons. Now, had Hussein not cultivated nuclear weapons, he could have freely let the team inspect and let his conscience be freed. If there were no impositions of serious actions towards terrorism, Iraqi people would still remain to witness a never-ending siege of terrorism, hiding behind Hussein’s dictatorship. Second justification, had the U.S. and its allies not launched the war, global security is at stake (Copson 4). The Al Qaeda terrorist organization has established connections with the radical leader, and the creation of nuclear weapons is a stepping stone to Iraq’s claiming to govern the world under his tutelage. The war was an indication, moreover, to other countries, which are cultivating destructive weapons to learn a lesson f rom the war in order for them to stop. For instance, Libyan dictator Gaddafi was reported to have ceased creating weapons of mass destruction upon knowing what happened to Saddam Hussein. Furthermore, Iraqis were freed from the regime of Saddam Hussein, which clearly would not happen if the United States remained relaxed. It is a concession that war yields damages, both life and property. However, it is also true that the clear and present danger posed by these weapons would turn out killing millions of people than one expected if there are no actions to stop violence and terrorism. Therefore, the war in Iraq in 2003 was worth it. Negative Side’s Justifications. It is ironic to talk peace while using violence to achieve it. This basic premise holds true to everyone, regardless of race, gender, religion and ideology. The 2003 Iraq war was an exaggerated action for an unproven claim that Iraq owns weapons of mass destructions (Prados and Ames par. 15), and posited questions to the real motive of the United States in waging the war; therefore, it is not worth it. First, the war killed, not just the alleged supporters of the terrorist organization Al Qaeda, but including children and civilian citizens. If Hussein’s body is highly important, then the United States should have launched a manhunt operation against him and his supporter so as to avoid collateral damages (Abrams and Gungwu 12). Secondly, the war was a burden to the fiduciary situation of the United States and to its allies. Curtis and Payne stated that while the world enjoyed Hussein’s loss, the cost of the war was â€Å"disproportionate† (45). Third justification, the motive of the United States was highly questionable. If the war was rested on the ground of justified reasons, there would be no other reason beyond the goal of global peace. The war was not a matter of â€Å"necessity,† but a â€Å"choice† (Harvey 1); therefore, it has clear motives. To name it explicitly, the oil reserves served as an indication of economic domination. Inasmuch as the pro-war were convinced of the presence of nuclear weapons, anti-war was also sure that the United States, under the cloak of salvaging Iraq from dictatorship, also eyed on the rich oil reserve of the country. Fourthly, the Iraqi people were now freed from one dictator, but the leadership was governed by people with vested interests. U.S. had various allies during the war, and it is highly anticipated that economic benefits of the war are likely

You need to choose 2 questions and answer it and each question should Essay

You need to choose 2 questions and answer it and each question should have 2 pages answer - Essay Example This represents a difficult position for the change leader in the fact that the shareholders that they will be integrating with will likely to view an understand the way that the company or firm should proceed in a much different way than the new change leader. Although a difference in perspective is not necessarily a bad thing, it will doubtless be difficult for a new change leader if he/she is faced with a situation in which seniority within the firm becomes a central issue. This of represents a situation in which the â€Å"momentum of the organization† is aligned against that of the change leader. Although this is not an impossible situation to engage with, it puts the change leader in a distinct disadvantage. As a means of drawing such a situation to his/her ultimate benefit, the change leader must first seek to integrate a further and more complete understanding and appreciation for the way in which the firm has operated for the past several years. This is of vital due to the fact that many change leaders are tempted to merely dismiss the way in which shareholders have become accustomed to performing certain tasks out of rather egoistic motives. Whereas the change leader is oftentimes tempted to approach a given situation with the understanding that the old ways are inherently flawed, this is ultimately something that must be guarded against. Though it is oftentimes the case that the old ways are inade34quate for leading with certain eventualities, they are not always all bad and require a thorough review from the change leader prior to outright deciding which particular approach is best for furthering the goals and ends of the given organization. As a function of this level of understanding, one of the primary activities that the change leader should engage upon is a thorough and complete review of all of the ways in which business has been previously conducted. Rather than coming into an organization and demanding that all former culture must be d one away with in order to usher in an era of new dynamics, the change leader should be mindful of whether these former cultures contribute to or take away from the unique motives and activities which he/she wish to promote. All too often the change leader is so focused uon instituting his/her own level of procedures and organization that they lose sight of the fact that some of the prior organizational structure can actually work to achieve a degree of synergy with their own designs. As such, seeking to utilize these means rather than forcibly demanding that the participants outright deny the past means which they both are comfortable with and have grown accustomed to can oftentimes lead to a greater degree of net benefit than demanding otherwise. Question 2) The first issue that must be engaged with regards to question 2 is an appreciation and heartfelt discussion with the employee. As Pat believes that his grievance is of merit, it is incumbent upon the change leader to take his c harge seriously as well as integrate his concern into the change process and consider its overall merit. Regardless of whether or not Pat’s particular point of view is useful in furthering the goals of management, the fact that such a central shareholder in the process believes that the project itself is starting off on the wrong foot and going in the wrong direction is worthy of consideration by the change leader. Likewise, as his point of view represents the fact that the team is in conflict it is the responsibility of the manager to seek to identify with and understand his unique concerns before proceeding on with a particular point of view. Although it is impossible to include each and every point of view

Marketing Plan of John Lewis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Marketing Plan of John Lewis - Research Paper Example This essay describes marketing scenario as ever changing and with changes come unprecedented challenges, the retailer companies are facing several challenges and the need of the hour is to come up with new marketing plans which are capable of tackling these never seen before challenges. John Lewis is one of the biggest departmental stores in UK; it was founded by John Spedan Lewis. John Lewis had to enter into a partnership to compete against the other biggies like Tesco in the UK. â€Å"The John Lewis Partnership's 76,500 Partners own the leading UK retail businesses - John Lewis and Waitrose. Our founder's vision of a successful business powered by its people and its principles defines our unique company today. The profits and benefits created by our success are shared by all our Partners.† (John Lewis). John Lewis is one of the biggest players in the market only behind Tesco, Wal-Mart and France’s Carrefour. It is the fourth major player should its revenue be conside red, it is in the top five for sure should profitability be considered. John Lewis is a much diversified organization, it is doing quite well. The company operates in televisions, travelling, electrical so on and so forth. It is fair to say that John Lewis has been doing well into its divided segments but the need of the hour is to have a competitive marketing plan in place which would further improve the profits and compete against the likes of Tesco, Wal-Mart and France’s Carrefour.... It is the fourth major player should its revenue be considered, it is in the top five for sure should profitability be considered. John Lewis is a much diversified organization, it is doing quite well. The company operates in televisions, travelling, electrical so on and so forth. It is fair to say that John Lewis has been doing well into its divided segments but the need of the hour is to have a competitive marketing plan in place which would further improve the profits and compete against the likes of Tesco, Wal-Mart and France’s Carrefour. Marketing plan for the organization is as follows: Market Demographics One of the most crucial parts of a marketing plan is situational analysis; important factors like SWOT analysis, organizational strategies, marketing effectiveness, and customers are discussed under situational analysis. It is ideal to apply the FEPOS approach under situational analysis, FEPOS approach will shed light upon functions, environment, productivity, systems, organizations and lastly strategy will be discussed. Functions: Operating in diverse areas that are profitable for the company is very useful, for instance more and more people are opting to buy LCD and LED TVs, John Lewis sells these HD TVs in its store as well as online, this is very helpful and should be continued in the future. Electronic goods are also sold by the company which is again really good. Consumer electronics is in demand these days, the disposable income in the hands of the people has increased and as a result of which they have started buying electronic goods, this is a wonderful opportunity for John Lewis to capitalize upon. Environment: The environment is

St.Regis Doha 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

St.Regis Doha 2 - Essay Example It offers butler service to every client that books a stay at the hotel in a bid to ensure maximum customized service to each client. They achieved this through creation of St. Regis Butler Service. The Butlers wait on the guests throughout the entire stay. They serve all sorts of beverages at guest’s convenience. Guests have varied service choices from wake-up calls with breakfast, daily newspaper services and basic housekeeping services. Guests in Superior Rooms, Grand Deluxe Rooms and Junior Suites receive complimentary coffee and tea on arrival. Guests in any Suite type receive complimentary coffee and tea throughout the stay. The Butlers unpack for guests as they relax or pack for them as they leave. They also offer free garment pressing and folding of two items a day. Additional items are charged (St. Regis, 2011). Apart from butlers, the establishment employs professional chefs for various dish cultures, waiters, and security men, cleaning staffs, management and other m aintenance labor. They obtain their supplies locally or from the international market. Marketing is mostly through advertisements and participation in local and global activities (Scott, 2013). The hotel targets clients visiting for leisure and business purposes. It has 4,000 square meters of conference and meeting space, a number of restaurants, lounges and bars. The restaurants include Gordon Ramsey, a famous collection of restaurants at St. Regis Doha with different rooms having completely different but beautifully unique breathtaking decorations. The hotel offers Remedy Spa, private treatment services that have 22 rooms set aside for the purpose. The hotel price different packages differently. Each package has its own customized services but is flexible as well (St. Regis, 2011). Qatar witnesses great inflow of tourists throughout the year. Tourism in Qatar is on a steady growth rate since 2010. According to Qatar Tourism Authority report on (2013), years 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 experienced a constant 12 percent tourist’s increase. Fiscal Q.1 2013 indicates figures slightly below 11 percent but fiscal year is not yet over. Qatar authorities made it clear in the recent past that their target market is high-income earners and not low or mid-income tourists. Therefore, they focus on business travel and high luxury retreats. Despite this discriminatory approach, tourists flock the State at an increasing rate. However, the income ranges of the tourists are not known. Between 2010 and 2013, 10% more visitors came from around the globe rather than from around the region. The report also indicates that hotel sector at Qatar is growing at a high rate. Currently, 110 hotels are under construction, which upon completion will increase the total capacity of hotels from 13,407 rooms to 19,931 rooms (QTA, 2013). Table four: Porter’s five forces analysis of St. Regis Doha Strategic scope The increasing growth of tourists ensures a steady market for St. Regis Doha-both business visitors and luxury seekers. Strategic strength The facility has a number of advantages that strengthen its operations and service provision. They include 336 guest rooms, 58 suites, a collection of restaurants, lounges and bars, butler services and scenic attractions. New entrants threat Qatar is a dynamically growing economic region. Expanded business options attract more people to the region leading to increased hotel industry

Economic Theory - Cost of Production Case study

Economic Theory - Cost of Production - Case Study Example On one side, where the construction of the plant would give employment to over 12000 people of the area and would expand the Indian car market by 65%( machinist.in.2008), the construction of the plant would result in a lot of resistance from the local farmers as they would lose their farmlands. Tata Motors would be left with only two options, either to continue with the construction of the plant against all the opposition or close down the project losing $340 million investment which has already been made in the project ( . Tata Motors developed a car Nano which is considered to be the cheapest car in the world. In order to mass produce the car, Tata chose the district of Singur to construct its plant but the decision invited a lot of opposition from the local farmers and political parties of Singur as they claimed that Tata Motors, with the help of government was taking their lands forcibly. The company is faced by the following external forces which are hindering its decision to construct the plant: Social forces: The local farmers are the one biggest force which is a hindrance in the development of the plant. The society is against the development of the plant, in spite of the fact that it would provide employment opportunities, because they are not content as they believe that their lands have been forcibly taken by the company to build the plant. Although Tata Motors have claimed that they have provided them with sufficient amount of compensation for the lands but the farmers are not convinced. The opposition is so intense that the farmers have damaged the factory building and have intimidated the employees of the plant in order to prevent them from working (Business Standard .2010). Political forces: The other threat which has put fuel to the fire is the political agency of the district which has joined hands with the local

Organizational Performance Management Essay Example for Free

Organizational Performance Management Essay Healthcare organizations have differences and similarities across the board. Some healthcare institutions are faith based and will not allow for some procedures. Others provide small procedures and vaccinations. Some healthcare facilities are for profit and others are non-profit. While other health care providers only take certain types of insurances, either government funded or privately funded insurances. The Mayo Clinic is large not for profit operating healthcare provider and healthcare research entity. They provide a vast array of services in the United States from diabetes to cancer treatment and research. The Mayo Clinic has a worldwide reputation and standard that continues to receive accolade and awards. The Mayo clinic has received the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval. This award is given to organizations that demonstrate the highest dedication to improving and providing patients with best quality of care. The Mayo Clinic takes pride in being able to provide the highest level of care and to also maintain it. The Mayo Clinic has established a department to manage any infraction that may hinder its goal of achieving this standard it has set forth (Mayo Clinic For Patients, 2013). The Mayo clinic has to maintain a standard that is consistent with the reputation that they have established for themselves through risk and quality management. The Mayo Clinic has a compliance and integrity program established to reinforce safety. This program is put into place to monitor the overall business practices and to ensure they are being conducted with integrity. The program puts a ll policies and procedures under one chain of command so that they can be monitored and used as a means of communication for employees. The compliance office oversees the directing and receiving of reports, questions, and concerns about the care provided. The Compliance Office works with all department heads and stakeholders to ensure regulations and requirements are met (Integrity and Compliance Program, 2011). They also establish furthering education so that employees are up to date on current rules and regulations. The compliance office is open to receive any and all violations reports. The violations are investigated thoroughly. This program ensures that the company is able to provide statements in relation to its business practices, current and forthcoming law changes, and to protect itself and staff from any civil or legal issues. The integrity and compliance program applies to all individuals who work in any capacity at the mayo clinic from main stakeholder to students and volunteers. Workers are expected to report any violations that are suspected or otherwise known (Integrity and Compliance Program, 2011). The compliance program offers an open door policy and protects its employees from retaliation. The purpose for this office is to identify violations that are against company policy and the company and its employees to be civilly liable, and criminally liable. Each Mayo facility has a compliance officer on staff to ensure its compliance an d integrity program is being fulfilled. Compliance officers are responsible for investigating suspected violations. Each employee is required to take a compliance-training course to ensure that they know what is expected of them when they witness, suspect, or commit a violation. The compliance program further educates new employees on the standard in which Mayo conducts business. The current state of providing healthcare is ever changing and the Mayo Clinic has to stay one step ahead and ensure that their employees are properly educated in all aspects of healthcare laws (Integrity and Compliance Program, 2011). Abrazo recognized as 2011 as Best in Arizona by U.S. News and World Report, One of the Best in Phoenix, ranked #12 for the Arrowhead Hospital are a few of its great recognition as an great health care organization. The Joint Commission name Maryvale Hospital for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care as â€Å"top Performer†. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association awarded The Sliver Plus Achievement Award for 2012 and 2011 to Phoenix Baptist Hospital and the Arizona Quality Alliance awarded Arrowhead Hospital in 2012 for Excellence. Abrazo Health Hospital has done and continues to contribute the best qua lity care in the valley for its community. Maintaining a fact sheet that include Medical Group, Health Institute, School-Based Health Centers, an Emergency Center in North Peoria, and providing health plans for those who need help in these areas. Abrazo has also contributed to many charitable organizations in the Valley. Like the American Heart Association, Susan G. Komen, YMCA, Leadership Council, and many high schools. They continue to provide information to the community and continue huge amount of support to the American Heart Association, Community Education and Outreach, Fire Service Leadership Conference, Keogh Foundation, School-Based Health Centers, Susan G. Komen, Race for Cure, The Legacy Backpack Buddies, and the Valley of the Sun United Way. Abrazo Health is part of the Nashville-based Vanguard Health System who embraces non-profit health care systems and serves as a bridge for these non-profit organizations to connect, serve as a business partner to for-profit corporation. The Vanguard Health System and Abrazo Health continue to provide top quality care in affiliation with board certified physicians, nursing professionals and well-trained staff, all who were recognized by national organization that share the same values in patient care. Showing Distinguished Awards from American Heart Association, Arizona Quality Alliance, The Joint commission, and named â€Å"Best in Phoenix† by U.S. New and World Report, Abrazo leads in the healthcare industry with a fantastic reputation. Another organization’s risk and quality management that finds themselves in a unique situation between providing the best resources possible to the community and regulation is the Southwest Autism Research Resource Center. The Southwest Autism Research Resource Center, also known as SARRC, is a non-profit, community-based organization that conducts research and distributes information, as well as supports individuals with autism and their families. In 2009, SARRC conducted 250 training and orientations, as well as offered information and services to students and staff in 90 Arizona schools. All of the services they offer are of highest quality and evidence based (Sarrc, n.d.). Autism touches on a broad spectrum of conditions and behaviors. In order to provide support for this spectrum, SARRC performs and receives research from many doctors as well as developmental psychologists. Performance is monitored by how the varying levels of success the therapies have on developmental delays such as feeding, speech, and social skills. Autism touches on a broad spectrum of conditions and behaviors. In order to provide support for this spectrum, SARRC performs and receives research from many doctors as well as de velopmental psychologists. Performance ismonitored by how the varying levels of success those therapies have on developmental delays such as feeding, speech, and social skills. For SARRC, the main regulatory body that effects accreditation on research and treatment is the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners. By following the guidelines set by the Arizona Board of Psychologist examiners, SARRC will be in compliance and be able to perform at expectations above the high standards set by the board. They also have to make sure that they are following regulations set forth by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Some of these regulations include the use of electronic records, protection of human subjects, informed consent, and specific safeguards for children. By continuing partnerships with doctors and researchers and following the guidelines set by the regulatory board, SARRC can focus on becoming the center of choice for those seeking assistance Autism spectrum disorders. This will help improve overall organizational performance. The most important part of an organization is to make sure everyone at all levels is working toward a unified goal. Some levels of the organization may have other compartmentalized goals, but overall the message should be clear. Leadership should set the expectations of all incoming employees, but all employees should have a way of giving feedback to leadership on how they feel the organization is progressing to its goal. Staff needs to know that without compliance and accreditation guidelines the organization cannot survive, much less thrive on the assistance it provides to the community. The goal is to have a majority of the staff believe in the direction of the organization and for the organization to listen to its employees. Compliance and regulation set the tone for risk and quality management systems in an organization. Certain aspects may help or hinder performance depending on the particular regulations set by the state. With the guidelines in place, quality management can gauge whether exceeding these standards would help the organization. Besides the level of service provided in quality management, risk management dictate that these actions are responsible from a fiduciary standpoint. Nonprofit organizations aren’t in it to make the big bucks per se, but they still are a business that needs to run and pay employees, facilities, and other services provided. Abrazo Health offers a broad range of medical services, internal medicine, general surgery, cardiology, orthopedics, mother and infant care, diagnostic imaging, and emergency service. Mayo clinic offers cardiology, diabetes, and neurology surgery. SARCC focuses primarily on autism research. Abrazo departments are strictly viewed by the board members to ensure safe and quality care is being provided. Abrazo has over 5,000 employees, 600 volunteers and 2,000 affiliated physicians, and are located all over the Phoenix Valley. The Mayo Clinic is somewhat nationwide with its main facilities in Minnesota, Florida, and Arizona. The Mayo Clinic staffs and employs around 61,000 employees. The mayo clinic also has a research department and an accredited medical school established to train medical professionals and student medical doctors (Mayo Clinic facts – 2012, 2013). Abrazo Health Hospital has five acute who are all accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC) who have accredited hospit al for more than 50 years. Arrowhead Hospital, Maryvale Hospital, Phoenix Baptist Hospital and West Valley Hospital are recognized as a certified Primary Stroke Center and are a part of the Abrazo Health Hospital. All three of these organizations are not for profit. Each facility has its own purpose and mission statement. Not all healthcare facilities are the same as they provide care in their own way established from their own standards and levels of care. Each has a common goal in providing the highest level of care in any treatment they provide. Each has the tough task of always having to update their quality and risk management goals to meet the demands of the public and reimbursement agencies along with maintaining their accreditations. Quality and risk management have to be proactive and stopping incidents before they start. Incidents cost organizations financially and in the long run take away from the level of care that they are trying to provide. References Abrazo Health. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.abrazohealth.com/home.aspx Integrity and Compliance Program. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/mcitems/mc2500-mc2599/mc2570.pdf Mayo Clinic Facts — 2012. (2001-2013). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/about/facts.html Mayo Clinic For Patients. (2013). Retrieved from http://health.usnews.com/besthospitals/area/mn/mayo-clinic-661MAYO/for-patients SARRC. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://autismcenter.org/about_sarrc.aspx - University of Phoenix Material Organizational Performance Management Table After you have completed your individual research on your chosen type of health care organization, collaborate with your Learning Team to complete this table. Then, refer to this table as you collaborate to write your paper. Include this table as an appendix to your paper. Fill in the necessary information in each cell, but be as succinct as possible. 1. Provide names of or links to specific organizations. Summarize key products or services provided by each type of organization and identify the primary customers they serve. Organization One| Organization Two| Organization Three| MAYO Clinichttp://www.mayoclinic.com/The Mayo Clinic is a non-for-profit worldwide organization that is dedicated to medical care and research. They employee Doctors from all practices and utilize their expertise to work together for the better of the patients. The Mayo Clinic also has school for furthering education for medical professionals. They treat over a million people a year. Their mission is to provide care and let people care for themselves. They provide up to date information and methods for their patients and website | Abrazo HealthCarehttp://www.abrazohealth.com/home.aspx Abrazo Health offers a broad range of medial services, internal medicine, general surgery, cardiology, orthopedics, mother and infant care, diagnostic imaging, and emergency service. Providing new standard care and over 5,000 employees, 600 volunteers and 2,000 affiliated physicians. They are located all over the Phoenix Valley. | Southwest Autism Research Resource Center (SARRC)http://autismcenter.org/default.aspxSARRC is a non-profit, community-based organizations that conducts research and distributes information, as well as support for individuals with autism and their families. In 2009, SARRC conducted 250 trainings and presentations, as well as offered information and services to students and staff in 90 Arizona schools. All of the services they offer are of highest-quality and evidence-based. | 2. Outline the overall content of the major regulations, accreditation requirements, and other standards that affect each organization. Provide the title, section, parts, or subparts or the numbering system and so on of the specific regulations or accreditation requirements. For example: Use of electronic signatures in electronic medical records is equivalent to handwritten signatures on paper; FDA regulation; Title 21 CFR Part 11, Subpart C,  § 11.200 Electronic Signature: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm?cfrpart=11 Organization One| Organization Two| Organization Three| Mayo Clinic and its website are accredited through the Joint Commission. The Joint Commission overseas hospitals that receive Medicaid reimbursements. The Joint Commission has also accredited the Mayo Clinic in its Advanced Stroke Center. Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) has accredited Mayo Clinic for their inpatient rehabilitation programs.CEO Cancer Gold Standard Accreditation.Breast Clinic has received the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons.-Educational Accreditations Mayo Clinic’s College of Medicine, is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) which provides continuing medical education for physicians. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine designates these educational activities for category 1 credits toward the American Medical Association (AMA) Physicians Recognition Award.College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, has achieved Accreditation with Commendation – which is the highest level of recognition offered by ACCME.| Abrazo Health Hospital and the five acute are all accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC). The Joint Commision have been accredited hospital for more than 50 years. Arrowhead Hospital, Maryvale Hospital, Phoenix Baptist Hospital and West Valley Hospital are recognized as a cerified Pimary Stroke Center and are apart of the Abrazo Health Hospital. Also recognized as 2011 Best in Arizona. U.S. News and World Report, One of the Best in Phoenix, ranked #12- Arrowhead Hospital.TJC top Performer- Marvale Hospital for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care. American Heart Association and American Stroke Association- The Sliver Plus Achievement Award for 2012 and 2011 to Phoenix Baptist Hospital.Arizon a Quality Alliance- Award for Excellence to Arrowhead Hospital in 2012. Abrazo Health Hospital have done and continue to contribute the best quality care in the valley for years. | Use of electronic records and electronic cignatures Title 21 CFR Part 11 http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=11 Protection of Human Subjects Title 21 CFR Part 50 http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=50 Informed ConsentTitle 21 CFR Part 50.25 http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=50.25 Safeguards for ChildrenTitle 21 CFR Part 50.55 http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=50.55 | 3. Highlight the effect of each organization’s regulations, accreditation requirements, and other standards on the risk- and quality-management functions and activities. Organization One| Organization Two| Organization Three| Mayo Clinic has a standard of practice, therefore they need the highest of accreditations. They have to maintain their level year round to not only their patients but also their employees. Risk management has to assess any and all possible issues that could cost the company money and loss of productivity due to fines, and employment turn over. Quality management has to ensure that all employees are up to date on education and changes in regulations and procedures. The accreditations aloow the Mayo Clinic to conduct certain researches and also certain procedures such as brain and cardio surgical procedures. Without the accreditation they would not be able to perform said procedure and therefore lose money. | Abrazo Health has 5 acute hospitals in the state of Arizona. Arrowhead, Maryvale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, and in West Phoenix. Each providing a broad range of medial needs and working with the Arizona Heart Hospital and leading a great reputation in the cardiovascular department. Abrazo has been rewards on numerous occasions which has lead the organization to continue to provide great quality care all over the metropolitan area of Phoenix Arizona. Abrazo Health maintain a fact sheet which include Medical Group, Health Instutute, School-Based Health Centers, an Emerg ency Center in North Peoria, and providing health plans. Abrazo has also contributed to many charitable organizations in the Valley. Like the American Heart Association, Susan G. Komwn, YMCA, Leadershio Council, and many high schools., they continue to provide information to the community and continue huge amount of support to the American Heart Assoication, Community Education and Outreach, Fire Service Leadership Conference, Keogh Foundation, School-Based Health Centers, Susan G. Komen, Race for Cure, The Legacy Backpack Buddies, and the Valley of the Sun United Way.| Since SARRC is a non profit research organization located in Arizona, not only do they have to comply with non-profit laws but also the regulation of the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners. This board of examiners regulates how employees of SARRC are licensed to perform work with children and the education they need to keep licenses up to date. From a risk standpoint the board ensures that SARRC employees are li censed to give psychological treatment to children and to use safe methods. This also helps SARRC maintain high quality as the research techniques used exceed the Board of examiners qualifications as per SARRC programs (http://autismcenter.org/programs.aspx)| 4. Specify components of performance-management systems—policies and procedures, self-audits, benchmarking, complaint management, corrective or preventive action, education and training, communication, and other mechanisms—to be used by each organization. Organization One| Organization Two| Organization Three| Mayo Clinic has a compliance department and employs compliance officers that ensure policies and procedures are being followed accordingly. Compliance officers investigate all forms of complaints and work with department directors and managers to manage investigations and look for ways to stop these issues before they start. Education is developed through past incident along with present and future policy and law changes.| Abrazo part of the Nashville-based Vanguard Health System who Abrzo providing top quality care in affiliated with board certified physicians, nursing professionals and well-trained staff who have been recognized by national organization who share the same value in patient care. Showing Distinguished Awards from American Heart Association, Arizona Quality Alliance, The Joint commission, and named â€Å"Best in Phoenix† by U.S. New and World Report, Abrzon leads in the healthcare industry with a fantastic reputation. | SARRC research led by Christopher Smith, Ph. D an experimental psychologist, uses collaboration between different methods and scientists to find the possible causes of autism. Since autism is such a broad spectrum and there is no pinpointed contributing factor, most of the research and progress in the field is experimental. Most patients go in with the understanding that Autism may not be something that is curable. Performance is measured by the proven research methods which are demonstrated to work the most effectively for the child which varies per child for the broad spectrum disorder.| 5. Provide links to any relevant sources that will be useful as your Learning Team completes the paper. Organization One| Organization Two| Organization Three| http://www.mayoclinic.org/mcitems/mc2500-mc2599/mc2570.pdfhttp://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/mn/mayo-clinic-661MAYO/for-patientshttp://www.mayoclinic.org/about/facts.html| | |

Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe: Loss Of Identity

Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe: Loss Of Identity Research Question: how does male dominance, reputation, and responsibility lead to the downfall of Okonkwos and other characters identity. My research paper has to do with the loss of identity of the main character as well as others. The conflicting battles they had with themselves and society as a whole. I believe this is important because within this novel, Things Fall Apart, there are countless conflicts that mostly ended in disarray. My gist was that the underlying themes within this novel were mostly responsible for these conflicts and so I took it upon myself to scrutinize the novel and find out for myself. In doing so, I heavily relied on the novel attained from my high school and researched other peoples perceptions concerning this topic. Through writing this paper I have made clear the motifs in this novel such as letting power control you instead of vice versa and such things were the cause of many characters downfall or rise within the novel. Loss of Identity in Things Fall Apart From reading the novel Things Fall Apart, you instantly pick up idea that the world of the Igbo people is engulfed in ancestral believes and hierarchy. These notions are strongly embedded within the society that the villages resistance to the European rein by force rumbles disarray in the society. The reader is reminded of a similar paradigm in the days of Queen Elizabeth the first.  From an Igbos view, one could pronounce that the emergence of the Europeans might have triggered the chaos follow-on their meddling with Igbo traditions. The foremost adjustment of these set in stone conventional cultures alarmed mainly the customary authority accredited to men by their known patriarchal society. Moreover, the characters keenness for male dominance undoubtedly interrupted various aspects of the existing ancestral believes and hierarchy, particularly reputation and responsibility which were deemed manly traits. Even more so, these traits amount to the main standard for measuring a mans respect and authority/dominance. The dominance of the male characters emerges inherent, within the Igbo patriarchal community where power is usually cited as the most important factor used by men to construct their own identities as the engendered representatives of humanity.(OLI) This sort of power is portrayed at the physical level as well as on a social and interactive level. On the physical level, people who tend to be lazy are regarded as an  agbala, which means a woman in Igbo. This idea is vividly illustrated through Onkonkwos father. Okonkwo himself achieved fame after showing his strength when he defeated Amalinze in a wrestling contest. This is the first account we have of Okonkwos t physical strength and ability; Okonkwo asserts comparison to the coercive physical power exercised by the British colonisers upon Umuofia people, and which Okonkwo uses to punish his wives (EP, p.52). On the social plane, we are introduced to a structural supremacy which involves several privileges accorded to the person by the tribe they belong to. We see this being exemplified through Ogbuefi Ezeudu a character who had been a great and fearless warrior in his time, and was now accorded a great respect in all the clan. (TFA, p.57). The positive male supremacy is the ideology employed in contrast to the coercive physical power. These perceptions were values customary to clans and established by the elders as a primary foundation of their ancestral beliefs and hierarchy in the Umuofia village. Within this novel, we observe the direct link between male dominance/authority and reputation. Effectively, the structural supremacy is accorded on the basis of the persons intelligence, and as well as some principles defined by the clan. Reputation however becomes the fulcrum around which most aspects of their ancestral beliefs and hierarchy turn. A reputation being the main focus in the org anised Umuofia system is stressed upon by fact that it is a standout feature of people who are capable to accede to the leadership of the clan. Subsequently, these people (men) show a great sense of responsibility because they do not want to be viewed as failures and also to encourage values that guarantee the continuation of the ancestral beliefs and hierarchy in the clan. Likewise any man who fails to attain authority or dominance loses his identity as a true member of the tribe. Consequently, my distress lies in depicting how male dominance, reputation, and responsibility have all directed to the downfall of Okonkwo and other characters identity. Situated in Igboland approaching the beginning of the twentieth century, Things Fall Apart  is embodied via the overlapping of various premises among which one is able to pull out male dominance, reputation, responsibility, collisions of cultures, ancestral beliefs and hierarchy. The novel points out the disarray as well as the incompatible circumstances caused by the onset of the white Europeans who on their arrival brought with them a new religion, new ways of going about life, and a shift in paradigm. The beginning phase of Things Fall Apart limns the integrated community of Umuofia Village, with its kingship political system.  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  The reader also experiences the initial exposure of male power through the central figure, Okonkwo who is portrayed as a strong fearless warrior whose celebrity status is undeniable across the Igboland, Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond. His fame rested on solid personal achievements. As a young man of eighteen he had brought honor to his village by throwing Amalinze the Cat. Amalinze was the great wrestler who for seven years was unbeaten, from Umuofia to Mbaino. (TFA, p.3) Okonkwos reputation is given more weight by the narrator who stresses on the physical account that discloses much about his personality and gives the reader insight into the main character and his capabilities: That was many years ago, twenty years or more, and during this time Okonkwos fame had grown like a bush-fire in the harmattan.  He was tall and huge, and his bushy eyebrows and wide nose gave him a very severe look. He breathed heavily, and it was said that, when he slept, his wives and children in their houses could hear him breathe. When he walked, his heels hardly touched the ground and he seemed to walk on springs, as if he was going to pounce on somebody. And he did pounce on people quite often.  He had a slight stammer and whenever he was angry and could not get his words out quickly enough; he would use his fists. He had no patience with unsuccessful men. He had had no patience with his father. (TFA, pg.3-4) At this point you could come to the conclusion that Okonkwo is satisfied with his accomplishments taking into account his authority as a man and status within the community. In accordance to Ada Uzoamaka Azado: In the Umuofia community of  Things Fall Apart, Igbo men are constrained to achieve and flaunt [male superiority], in order to be seen and respected.  (EP,  p.50) (OLI) The Nigerian civilization described within the novel has been established by patriarchy which is intern manifested throughout the novel. Regardless of the concept of  Nneka, which in translation means Mother is Supreme, which brings to mind the assertion that the most important factor with regard to the woman in traditional society is her role as mother, women are often measured and represented as possessions of men: In domestic terms, women are reckon as part of a mans acquisitions. Hence, women are regarded in the Umuofia community as part of the several measures perceived to be as sociated to masculinity. The seclusion of female characters from the social hierarchy is hammered on by the narrator. It was clear from the way the crowd stood or sat that the ceremony was for men. (TFA, pg.87). However this circumstance is not typical to Umuofia alone. Actuality, in pre-colonial African culture, women were deemed inferior and not at pair with the opposite sex. It is then not surprising when the author controverts Okonkwos father to him. His father Unoka is presented as a sluggish and irresponsible drunk; Unoka, for that was his fathers name, had died ten years ago. In his day he was a lazy and improvident and was quite incapable of thinking about tomorrow. If any money came his way, and it seldom did, he immediately bought gourds of palm-wine, called round his neighbors and made merry. He always said that whenever he saw a dead mans mouth he saw the folly of not eating what one had in ones lifetime. Unoka was, of course, a debtor, and he owed every neighbor some money, from a few cowries to quite substantial amounts. (TFA, pg.4) His fathers irresponsibility is portrayed through his failure to manage money properly. His main aim is to drink palm wine and to make merry with his friends. He is talked about as a failure, an  agbala. He endured mockery just because he did not live up to the standards set for men in the community; Unoka, the grown-up, was a failure. He was poor and his wife and children had barely enough to eat. People laughed at him because he was a loafer, and they swore never to lend him any more money because he never paid back. /à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦/ Unoka was never happy when it came to wars. He was in fact a coward and could not bear the sight of blood. And so he changed the subject and talked about music, and his face beamed. (TFA, pp.5-6) The subdued image of Unoka is by no means accidental. Achebe uses this as a medium to represent male dominance in the Igbo society as well as to depict the perception against men who do not succeed. Therefore, one comes to the realisation that male dominance within the novel is strongly associated with the individuals own pursuit for identity. This elucidates the motive behind the main characters unending efforts to attain power which is threatened in novel from time to time. Simply, Okonkwo aims to characterize himself in the sense of creating an image that regarded as the real man with all authority accredited to him in this patriarchal community Okonkwo appears, first, as a successful man who has achieved the self-fulfilment he tries to look for. As Ifeoma Onyemelukwe states:  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   [Okonkwo] is the man who was able to resolve his identity crisis in late adolescence. At age 18 he had developed self-confidence, a high self-concept, and self-esteem and had high achievement motivation as typical of the average Igbo man. The consequence of this is his reverberating achievement and celebrity.  (EP, p.37) Okonkwos bodily strength in combination with the mans keenness to attain social climax moulded a very commanding persona which is fit for such a patriarchal community.  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  The ideology of the male character as an influential and commanding individual is subsequently toughened by the image of the  agbala  which generally alludes to fruitless or sluggish men. Onyemelukwe comments:   Things Fall Apart  depicts very successful Okonkwo as showing no empathy or sympathy to less fortunate men like his father, Unoka. Such individuals, to his mind, are simply agbala  (Igbo word for woman) or she-men.  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   It is not surprising that Okonkwo stands out in the novel as a macho man with a great deal of self-esteem and self-confidence.  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   The cap fits Okonkwo in many instances in the given description. Achebe  portrays him as one who is neither patient nor tolerant. (EP, pp. 37-38)   Okonkwos authority is as a result of his will to attain success. This is evidently highlighted within the novel:  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   But the Ibo people have a proverb that when a man says yes his  chi  says yes also. Okonkwo said yes very strongly; so his  chi  agreed. And not only his  chi but his clan too, because it judged a man by the work of his hands. That was why Okonkwo had been chosen by the nine villages to carry a message of war to their enemies unless they agreed to give up a young woman and a virgin to atone for the murder of Udos wife.  (TFA, pg.27) Achebe allows the speaker to broaden the confines of Okonkwos authority, evoking what his own father could not achieve: accomplishing himself as a man and building up his reputation. However, Okonkwo was unsuccessful in effectively conveying the authority he possessed. One might argue that the power controlled his actions and in the end the rationale behind his failure may be to shed light on the flaws of the hero blinded by his reputation of and his edge to climb up on the social ladder. Okonkwos reputation drops suddenly following his accidental murder of a young boy. He is no longer deemed as the figure of authority, fame and masculinity just because a bullet from his gun inadvertently killed a young boy. In addition, the laws and regulations customary to the Igbo community demands that any being found guilty of taking anothers life must be banished to his or her motherland. This in contrast to Okonkwos macho personality highlights the shame that adorn him. Overnight, great Okonkwo, the great warrior, the great warrior, the great wrestler, one of the most outstanding achievers of his time, most respected and revered, loses all he has laboured to achieve just in the twinkle of an eye. His hope or remaining one of the lords of the clan, is shattered.  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   His flight to Mbanta implies starting life afresh, from the scratch. It means loss of self-esteem, peace, happiness. His ego is obviously punctured. His fame transforms into shame. His identity crumbles. Crises and conflict set in again. (EP,  pp.41-42) It is evident that the situation Okonkwo finds himself in is a paradoxical one because, in spite of the patriarchal trend, he is still banished to his mothers village. This occurrence can be regarded as a device Achebe utilizes to reconstruct the image of women. In this regard the author celebrates the Mother as a Supreme Being, a concept which is recurrent in Achebes writings. Noticeably, Okonkwos return to his motherland plays an important role as it secures him from European influences. At this point, Okonkwo becomes fully aware of his of himself in exile. The identity alteration is first observed by his mothers brother who pertinently comments.  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   Why is Okonkwo with us today? This is not his clan. We are only his mothers kinsmen. He does not belong here. He is an exile, condemned for seven years to live in a strange land. And so he is bowed with grief. But there is just one question I would like to ask him. Can you tell me, Okonkwo, why it is that one of the commonest names we give our children is Nneka, or Mother is Supreme? We all know that a man is the head of the family and his wives do his bidding. A child belongs to its father and his family and not to its mother and her family. A man belongs to his fatherland and not to his motherland. (TFA, pg.133) The speaker highlights Okonkwos responsiveness to his loss of identity. [He] knew these things. He knew that he had lost his place among the nine masked spirits who administered justice in the clan. (TFA,  p.171) However, his return in the subsequent lines stress upon his reputation and responsibility:  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   He was determined that his return should be marked by his people. He would return with a flourish, and regain the seven wasted years. /à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦/ Even in his first year in exile he had begun to plan his return. (TFA, pp.171) One might wonder if the changes that have occurred in his society would allow him to achieve his reintegration without troubles. However taking into account Okonkwo we knew at the early stages of the novel, you would come to think that his return would once more rekindle the ancestral beliefs and hierarchy within the village of Umuofia. Nonetheless the overlapping of models like reputation, male dominance, and responsibility are such that they compose in a common focus characterised by violent behaviour and also the downfall of Okonkwos fame and persona Revisiting Okonkwos reassimilation within his society, he is put in the skeleton of the above body depicting that his final condition is by no means perchance. Effectively, Okonkwo composes a blend of male dominance, reputation, and responsibility. Okonkwos petulance and zeal to succeed demonstrates the fundamental nature of his character. Hence, the violent condition that has propelled Okonkwo into an inevitable downfall is a produce of the overlapping of male dominance, reputation and responsibility. The society of Umuofia is structured such that man must climb up on the social ladder if he wants to gain respect in the community. The other side of the coin is set aside for women, or in this case, men incapable of achieving masculinity. In effect, the permutation female honour / power do not lead to a decline because a woman moving upward on the social ladder is tantamount to re-examination. Its an amelioration of their rank and cannot be viewed as a downfall. This is also evident in Achebes works; A Man of the People and the Devil on the Cross when Eunice and Warrà ®Ãƒ ®nga respectively, rid themselves of their male tyrannisers. These individuals found their identity and repositioned themselves at superiors on the social ladder and hierarchy.  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  In consequence, Okonkwo who is unable to find some of his previous attributes is, inevitably excluded from his rank on the social hierarchy. No longer is he perceived as a role model that he was and, as a result, declines o n the hierarchy as low as an  agbala, like his  father. Okonkwos shift on the social hierarchy is negative. The only factor resultant from the overlapping talked about themes is violence. Eunice uses this as a tool however; this is not the same in Okonkwos situation. In the first instance, violence is utilized at the personal level to liberate themselves from the Europeans, whiles the second instance has an effect on the entire village of Umuofia. Moreover, because the violence in the case of Okonkwo is not tied to one person, the reparation thereafter is irrepressible and, things fall apart. To shed light on Okonkwos failure, Achebe distances the main character from the various revolutions taking place and affecting the people of Umuofia. The author shows a significant role in conjunction to his banishment and uses that as a tool to segregate Okonkwo from the occurring changes. The altercation is no more among Okonkwo and his community, but his cultural beliefs and the European imposed culture. In point of fact, the Europeans having accomplished their efforts in convincing the Igbo people, Okonkwo is left standing alone defending the traditions of Umuofia. His accomplishments and disappointments rest on his capability to formulate a suitable decision of the three principles that constitute to his personality: reputation, male dominance, and responsibility Okonkwo inhabits a society where male dominance is the focal point of traditional beliefs. The patriarchy that he and many others have emulated from ancestral traditions vitalizes him to adopt a mind-set of superiority over the opposite sex by abusing his wives. Okonkwo rose to fame as early as the age of eighteen and since then has been most certainly blinded by fame. As a result, his main aim is to stay at the peak of his power. Okonkwo then shifts from a well-liked hero to a villain. This shift in Okonkwos character demonstrates violence as a predestined outcome of the transformations which affected Okonkwos community. For Okonkwo and many others like himself, the only respond is through violence. Achebe exemplifies Okonkwos calamity as a character falling victim to social violence on the one hand, but also of himself on the other. The first of the violence is one brought upon the Village of Umuofia by European colonisers. This violence was physically imposed and it goes up against the two different lifestyles and their cultures. The second is violence imposed by traditions on the characters. For example; Okonkwo serves seven years banishment for having killed a Klansman; the intentionally killing of twin children to avoid a curse that may strike the village; also Ikemefuna as young as she is sacrificed to Ani (the Earth goddess,) to provide justice after the death of a member of the neighbouring village. Also the individual violence Okonkwo works out on his own personality. We first observe this particular type of conflict mentally. This was where he strongly believed in recapturing his lost identity and to achieve his cause, he ends up as the physical victim of his own violence choosing to hang himself rather than fall into captivity. However, in doing this, he sheds off his reputation.   It is apparent that the last few sections of  Things Fall Apart reveal an Okonkwo who has come to terms with his failure, and tries to evoke his identity. Okonkwo now is not the same Okonkwo who said yes strongly; so his chi agreed (TFA, pg.27). Sadly for Okonkwo, he came to realisation a little late and his strive to keep the little honour he had prove to be futile. Consequentially, committing suicide is gaze at as a taboo: It is an abomination for a man to take his own life. It is an offence against the Earth, and a man who commits it will not be buried by his clansmen. (TFA, pg. 207). He is forsaken even in death just because his ordeal was against [their] custom. (TFA, pg.207). However, the speakers convey some compassion through Obierika:   Obierika, who had been gazing steadily at his friends body, turned suddenly to the District Commissioner and said ferociously: That man was one of the greatest men in Umuofia. You drove him to kill  himself;  and now he will be buried like a dogà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ He could not say any more. His voice trembled and choked his words. (TFA, pg.208) The narrator attributes the blame of Okonkwos death to the District Commissioners men. And at this point Achebe condemns the negative and brutal aspects of the arrival of the colonisers in Africa  in general and the Igboland in  particular.  Things Fall Apart  can also be considered as a novel that Achebe uses to epitomise the irrationality of certain traditions which in the end have overwhelming effects on the individual and the entire society. Hence I conclude with this famous quote by W.B Yeats, Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer; Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world. Word count: 3,582

Giddens Theory of Social Practices | Analysis

Giddens Theory of Social Practices | Analysis The aim of this paper is to critically evaluate the rationale behind Giddens theory of social practices and offer in depth of complexity and its complex adaptive systems in relation to managing strategic discourse. Several views and ideas have been expressed by many authors and practitioners concerning complexity and strategy. Therefore the scope of the paper is limited to how strategy evolves in a complex adaptive system. In this context, complexity will be explained, highlight on core competencies and resource-based view of the firms; then debate on strategy while discussing the characteristics of strategic thinking and planning and those involved in it. The paper is concluded having critically analysed the kind of leadership style suited for managing diverse human behaviour and its surroundings during the strategic actions. Mitleton-Kelly (2002) linked social practices to a self-organisational context, whereby group of individuals suddenly congregate to perform a task, the group decides on what to do, why they should perform that task, who will be involved and how will it be done. So there is an interdependency and inter-connectivity among the entities involved (Kauffman, 1993). According to Wenger and Snyder (2000) social practices evolve from community of practice which shows how people interact with their surroundings and solving problems through human relationships. So Giddens (1979) opine that â€Å"social practices are situated activities† brings to bare the social interaction of human actions within a structure and the system. According to Cooper et al. (1992) the increasing competition, rise of global markets and growing economic integration has brought dramatic change in industrial developments and management. And these have increased uncertainty, greater conflict and even complexities running across all organisations. Citing example is conflicts between profit maximization within the industry an organisation operates and care for the environment. This is causing organisations to constantly redefine their mindsets (Senge, 1990) to radically rethink of how to gain competitive advantage in the dynamic business environment (McHardy, 1997). Mitleton-Kelly (2001, p. 3) viewed organisational complexity as: â€Å"being associated with the intricate inter-relationships of individuals, of individuals with artefacts (such as IT) and with ideas, and with effects of inter-actions within the organisation, as well as between institutions within a social ecosystem†. Holland (1975) who impelled Complex Adaptive System (CAS) viewed it as â€Å"non-linear systems whose behaviour is determined by the interaction of its adaptive parts†. The interaction is between the organisation and its environment (Sherif, 2006). Cilliers (2000) stated that the non-linearity of the interactions in a system is a precondition for complexity. According to Mitleton-Kelly (2001) the ideology on strategy and changes in management is due to the fact that organisations is observed as a complex evolving systems whereby the interacting agents changes with time (Cillier, 2000). Today, businesses faces more challenges because of the intricacy global network of organisations which propels managers to take pragmatics decisions (Pathak, et al., 2007). According to Choi and Hong (2002) the structural complexities of the supply chain interconnectedness and ability for an organisation to rapidly learn and get acclimatized to the dynamic environment to ensure long-term survival (Brown and Eisenhardt, 1998) has been the embryonic themes that managers usually encounter in decision making. Amaral and Uzzi (2007) commented on the complexity in the managerial context, stating that complex systems occurs when more interacting agents are impel to act on their limited resources and local information. The agents may be individuals, group, specialized knowledge, organisations, industries, etc, (Holland and Miller, 1991: Allen, 1997). Author such as Kanter (1989) acknowledged the significance for an organisation to endeavour to do more with less, stating that â€Å"the imperative to do more with less is a common management theme across a range of industries†. Thus becoming productive and efficient with fewer resources. According to Bovaird (2008) the complexity theory which demonstrates the concept of planning in an open system is abstractly embedded with elemental difficulties. The implementation of CAS oriented approach and behavioral adaptive system helps organization to improve their decision making that will increase the efficiency and the awareness of competition and as much as preparing for external uncertainties (Abell et al. 1999). Example of a company that have benefited from implementing the CAS principles into their operational activities include; Boeings move which reduced its risk of expensive tumble supply networks delays by redesigning of the 787 Dreamliner supply network. Equally, companies such as Nokia, quickly learn to be adaptive in their behaviour in ‘hyper-competitive environment. In the case of Nokia and Ericsson, a fire outbreak to their sole supplier (Philips) for particular chip interrupted the supply of chips to both manufactures. Whiles Ericsson suffered an estima ted loss of $2.34 billion, Nokia quickly connected with Philips to create an alternative supply options that will ensure regular supply of the chips to Nokia (Sheffi and Rice, 2005). Barney (1991) identified the economic and ‘hyper-competitive environment as drivers of resource-base viewed which requires strategic and self-management of the cost and scarcity of resources (Griffiths, 2004) so as to generate superior returns (Priem and Butler, 2001). So the hyper-competitive environment also influences the frequency and level of strategic activities (Eisenhardt and Santos, 2002). Mintzberg (1987) defined strategy in five terms: plan; ploy; pattern; position; and perspective. Similarly, Abraham (2005) viewed strategic thinking as identifying possible business models that results in customer value. According to Pryor et al. (1998) the traditional way of strategic planning was familiarize to quantitative analysis where the strategies were planned based on results or analysed data without strategically thinking of the implementers (low level employees) of the strategic plan. Mintzberg (1994) and Boar (2000) distinguish strategic planning or action as the progeny of strategic thinking. Thus, whereas the thinking involves synthesis encouraging intuitive, innovative and creative thinking at all levels of the organisation, the planning is concern with analysis establishing and formalising systems and procedures (Heracleous, 1998). This is shown in figure 1. Mintzberg (1994) and Boar (2000) concluded that good strategic planning can only be implemented after strategic thinking had occurred. Mitleton-Kelly (2001) express that the ideology on strategy and changes in management is due to the fact that organisations is observed as a complex evolving systems whereby the interacting agents changes with time (Cillier, 2000). Kauffman (1997) and Maturana (1997) argue that strategies should be designed as an adaptive move towards the changing business environment. However, adaptive organisations encounter conflicting constraints within their internal organisation an d the environment within which it interacts. This Kauffman refers to as ‘complexity catastrophe (Kauffman, 1993). Kauffman and Macready (1995) identified Information Technology (IT) and the growing of social network as the major constraints to adaptive system. Therefore, modelling of complexity requires the strategist and practitioners to model organisations especially how human and structural capitals interact with the use of IT systems as well as modelling of the environment to overcome the complexity catastrophe (Sanderson, 1998). Masaaki Imai, a leading Tokyo based management consultant argued that identifying an organisations resource-based view such as its resources and capabilities is critical in determining its strategic action (Imai, n.d). In support of this, Hitt et al. (2009) express that a firms chosen business strategy should be made to exploit its core competences relative to the anticipated opportunities in the external environment. According to Porter (1996) an organisation will survive in this dynamic business environment when it is able to differentiate its strategy by creating its core competency that gives the organisation a competitive advantage over its competitors. Porter re-emphasise that an organisation can boast of good strategy only when its difficult for its competitors to catch up/imitate what it does. He argued that a business model that does not offer an organisation a sustainable competitive advantage is not a good strategy since its competitors can offer the same product to the ma rket. Bonn (2001) suggested three core attributes as the prerequisite for the successful occurrence of strategic thinking. These include recognising the linkages and complexity of the relationships existing between an organisation and its environment in a holistic way, creativity by reviewing the old ideas and practices and merging it with new ideas and having a vision for the organisation. Nonetheless, a viable vision and mission of an organisation should be flexible so as to conform to an ever-changing business environment (Wilson, 1998). Besides the outcome of managing the firms tangible and intangible resources will be the firms strategic competitiveness (Hitt et al., 2009). The diagram illustrates the outcome of strategic actions. According to Abraham (2005) the strategy is all about winning and can only be achieved through strategic thinking and planning. Strategic processes have shifted from the processes of strategic learning by organizations (Crossan and Berdrow, 2003) to an increasing strategy as a social practice (Jarzabkowski, 2005). Similarly, Eisenhardt and Brown (1998) argue that modern strategy has shifted from the traditional way of building long-term defensible positions to a continuous adaptation and improvement into the business environment. Abraham (2005) pointed out that differentiation in terms of finding a technique/innovative way to obtain a sustainable competitive advantage (increasing customer value and profit) is one of the challenges of strategic thinking. However, Sanderson (1998) claim that in this modern era, the ability for an organisation to manage knowledge and the resultant changes in organisation is the main key to think of and obtain strategic advantage and become successfully competitive. On the other hand, the complex changes and continuous quest to gain competitive advantage (Abraham, 2005) has led to the growth of co-operation such as strategic alliances and joint venture to respond to the hostile and turbulent environment (Sanderson, 1998). In a keynote speech by the president and chief operating officer of Coca Cola Company Munich, Kent (2008) stated that the sustainable future of an organisation is not achievable without sustainable leaders and leadership. Moreover sustainable leadership will necessitate organisations to build strong culture of sustainability. Leadership plays a major role in affecting decision processes (Chung and McLarney, 1999) since members within a structure mostly depends on powerful leaders to initiate decisions (Schneider and Shrivastava, 1988). According to Hambrick and Mason (1984) strategy is usually made and executed at the upper hierrarchial levels. Thus the most strategists within an organization is the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and their top management teams and the board of directors of which Whittington (2006) classified them as practitioners. Simultaneously, their profession which includes writing, presenting, communicating, meetings, consulting, etc also requires certain practices such as thinking, analyzing and acting (Angwin et al., 2009). However, Macus (2008) perceive the boards as a strategic resource of an organization that influences its performance. Figure 3 illustrates strategic as practice approach. Boar (2000) stated that a strategist thinks about many issues in multiple dimensions at many levels of abstraction and detail over time (past, present and future) whiles the planning or action processes of the strategy requires cost and time of which all strategists must take that into consideration (Linn, 2008). So the role of strategists is to instill a sense of vision that the staffs of the organisation will work towards (Hamal and Prahalad, 1993) and not to specify every move in advance. According to Simpson (1998) strategy is centered towards the future, hence an effective and efficient strategists is to understand the history of the organisation, its leadership and the industry it operates, then study the successful and unsuccessful initiative the organisation has engaged over the past 5-10 years as well as to enable plan for the future years. In the situation whereby different entities engage in an interaction to undertake a project, a complex inter-relationship is created (Mitleton-Kelly 2001). In this case, a consultant can be hired to help both entities in strategising the planning of the project in order to reap mutual benefit ( ). Also the transfer of knowledge and information to accomplish any task is determine by the level of connectedness and relationship within the actors (Kauffman, 1993). However, Mitzberg (1994 ) criticize the proponents of strategic planning stating that it is deceptive for strategists who are detached from the business operations to f orecast occurrences for an organisation and its industry of operation and that formalising procedures to produce strategy is also a fallacy instead of operationalising on already existing strategies. Equally Collins and Parcas (1994) argue it is a myth that â€Å"successful companies make their best moves by brilliant and complex strategic planning†. Instead the moves made by visionary companies is through series of experiments, trials and error and then take opportunity on those that work perfectly for them. In view of this, Mitleton-Kelly (2001) also stated that trying different strategies exposes organisations to risk. Wenger and Snyder (2000) suggested setting up of â€Å"communities of practice† as one of the best structures for developing strategic thinking. This structure creates thinking environment which involves experienced managers and employees from different sectors and geographical areas to share their skill, knowledge and experiences to develop strategies or business models that influences the future of the company considering the three timing dimensions- past, present and future (Boar, 2000). This structure is similar to the multi-disciplinary project team. Bonn (2001) identified strategic forum as another structures for developing strategic thinking. She argued that this proactive approach should involve successful managers with a proven track record in their own disciplines to focus on areas that will benefit the long-term health of the organisation. According to Kennedy (2005) the diverse cultural values of employees makes managers grapple with complex issues and systems which requires many intangible aspects as tangible ones. Mantere and Whittington (2007) stated that understanding human behavior in a system is really complex. MacGregor‘s (1960) classical division in management theories distinguishes human beings into Theory X and Y. The former are the individuals who are self-interested, work-avoiding and passive whiles the later refers to those who are responsible, communitarian and willing to learn. McGregor (1960) re-emphasize that strategic action will successfully be implemented only when the managers are able to determine the behaviours of the subordinates, the value system and their confidence in the subordinate (Tannenbaum and Schmidt, 1958) and influence them to achieve positive result. Argyris (1956) argue that subordinates who are immature (Theory X) requires an autocratic leadership style whereas the matured ones (Theory Y) require a democratic leadership style. Morison (1967) on the other hand re-emphasized that organisation whose management flexibly gives its staff lot of latitude to plan strategically are better-off than organisations whose managers are autocratic in making decisions. In view of this, Fiedlers (1967) contingency model suggest that the ability of the managers is to carefully assess the situation and choose a suitable dominant style to improve their leadership role in revitalizing the vision of the organization. However, Calder et al. (1977) argued that despite complexity involves managing human being; the existence of leadership is only a perception. Simpson (1998) identified communication, performance measures, reward systems and training programs as the main driving force that influences strategic actions. Effective communication through knowledge and information sharing in an organisation will enable the strategy to be acted upon in the appropriate direction. Hopkins and Hopkins (2002) stated that interactions among group of people simultaneously influences their group actions and is observed as the key predictor of group performance (Kanki et al., 1991). Tziner and Vardi (1983) pointed out â€Å"higher quality of problem solving, greater productivity and efficiency, better achievement and greater group satisfaction† as the benefits of smooth interactions among members of a group. However, Ziegler et al. (2000) argues that the effectiveness of group interaction can be negatively affected (Steiner, 1976) in the situation whereby a single person is dominating a group interaction to solve complex task. Simpson (1998) conti nue to express that measuring the performance of the executed plan will assist the organisation to spotlight on the most important whiles improving upon the performances. Rewards and compensation on the other hand motivates the staffs to make the strategic plan a reality by achieving positive results. Moreover the organisation should organise training programs to psychologically work on the staffs attitudes and skills whiles executing the strategic plans. Furthermore, Stasser et al. (1989) made an interesting comment that most of the best contribution and supports to solutions or complex task is normally generated from ad hoc informal board interactions which occurs outside committee or board meetings among the directors. Ruppert (2009) also emphasise that informal discussion among board members, top management and stakeholders, occurs at the golf course, spending sometime at the beach, pub or restaurant when drinking beer. According to Coutts et al. (2005) the aforementioned places by Ruppert (2009) leads to social development and contributes to team performance within an organisation. DAvani and MacMillan (1990) suggest that managers should not dwell much on previous success because of the dynamic business environment as it is easy for such managers to fall prey to what Duhaime and Schwenk (1985) term as â€Å"illusion of control†. In addition Ansoff (1984) argue that general managers who perform satisfactorily and succeed in an environment does not give them the assurance of succeeding on a different environment where there is lower or higher level of business turbulence (cited in Mantere and Whittington, 2007). According to Linn (2008) one of the concepts that organisations must consider during strategic planning processes is the SWOT analysis. This gives detailed account of the organisation strengths and weaknesses as well as the opportunities and threats of the competitive environment. Mantere and Whittington (2007) claim that the SWOT analysis is one of the most popular strategic tool that has been adopted as business policy to flexibly develop and sha pe strategists and practitioners. The outcome of strategic actions from interacting with the environmental forces provides the platform for organisational learning when the experiences of these outcomes is then feed back into the scanning and interpretation processes (Chung and McLarney, 1999). In support of this, Ashby (1969) re-emphasise that an organisation can survive in a complex system by exploring its space of possibilities thus continuously scanning the landscape and encouraging alternative strategies. On the other hand, the feedback helps in identifying ones strength and specifity of asset (Sherif, 2006). Furthermore, Prigogine and stengers (1985) claim that feedback from implemented strategic plans either being positive or negative helps to create stability in complex system through a precise prediction of the agents behaviour and planning accordingly (cited in Mtleton-Kelly, 2001). Strategic processes have some shortcomings (Tavakoli and Lawton, 2005). The authors argue that normally the knowledge and experience of the front line employees are not incorporated into the information gathered during the strategic thinking process. On the other hand, the authors argue that the absence of the senior management may also mismatch the mission of the organisation. Even though strategic planning usually occurs at the top of organizations (Christensen et al., 1982), Bourgeois and Brodwins (1984) claim that organizations perform better when strategic thinking and planning is delegated downwards so as to benefit from the information gathered at frontline. Moreover, Hambrick (1987) argue that strategic success is assured when the entire top management team share common values and posses qualities that robustly fits into evolving competitive environment. To conclude strategy is recognized as an organizational phenomenon which is significant for organizational performance and growth. Strategic practices never ends so long as there continue to be complex evolving system hence understanding the nature of complex system is important. Therefore adapting to such systems which has been challenged by practitioners requires good leadership that will promote knowledge sharing and learning in engaging into strategic thinking and planning. 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(1998) New approaches to strategy: new ways of thinking for the millennium, Management Decision, Vol. 36, No. 1, pp. 9-13. Schneider, S.C. and Shrivastava, P. (1988) Basic assu Rationalism in Architecture: 18th and 20th Century Rationalism in Architecture: 18th and 20th Century Introduction Rationalism began as a 17th century ideology that led to the Enlightenment, a period in history where reason was the primary instrument for justifying and understanding the hows and whys of things and circumstances. The Enlightenment was a time where concrete evidence through scientific research flourished and Rationalism influenced all field of endeavors and even simple daily tasks.[1] In layman terms, to be rational is to be understandable, measurable or definite. Using this as premise, Rationalism in architecture therefore pertains to accuracy in designing and building the height, breadth or depth of a structure. Architectural Rationalism was a solid evidence of the Enlightenment influence in the field of architecture. It continues to persist in the modern world as an independent art movement though much of the modern Rationalist designs have little resemblance to Enlightenment architecture. Henceforth, this essay attempts to contextualize Rationalism by differentiating its two variants: 18th century Rationalism and the recent 20th century development. The similarities and differences of their respective designs and, if possible, functions are noted to give us an idea on how Rationalism has evolved as an architectural ideology. The essay also includes discussions on sub-movements, their pioneers and their trademarks. 18th Century Rationalism The Enlightenment Architectural Rationalism was focused on being symmetrical, having accurate measurements of classic shapes, and functionality. It clearly reflected the spirit of the times where science, mathematics and logic were at the peak of their influence. Neoclassicism was a widespread movement under the Rationalist wing. It was established in reaction to the flamboyant and seemingly excessive Baroque and Rococo styles. During the neoclassicist boom, many artworks and structural designs of the classical Graeco-Roman era were recalled together with the architectural works of Italian Andrea Palladio.[2] The movement was named neoclassical, as opposed to pure classicism, as not every classical design was applied therein. Neoclassicists only selected from the wide array of designs those feasible to society. Neoclassicist designs were characterized as follows: symmetry, columns that functioned as support, minimalistic design composed of basic geometric shapes, and an overlaid triangular gable commonly known as pediment. The symmetry, functionality, and geometrical aspects of the neoclassicist movement were defining characteristics of the Rationalist ideology.[3] The Pediment[4] A Column[5] Existing in the 16th century towards the culmination of the Renaissance period, Andrea Palladio was the first known architect to revive and apply the classical designs of Graeco-Roman society in many villas, palaces and basilicas. His architecture became an essential foundation of Enlightenment Architecture. As a dedicated follower of Vitruvius and his timeless principle of firmitas, utilitas, venustas, Palladio carefully ensured that his structural designs were durable, useful, and attractive as stipulated by Vitruvius in his ten-volume masterpiece De Architectura. Palladio was also particular about proportions and putting a purpose on every structural component.[6] For instance, a portico or terrace must be utilized in such a way that the surrounding scenery was seen in its full glory. He wanted geographical attributes of the estate to match with the houses structural design. The palazzos, villas and basilicas he designed displayed the intermingling values of beauty and the social environment and position of their respective owners. An urban palazzo was different from a provincial palazzo; likewise, an agricultural villa was different from a residential villa. Palladio designed structures according to their context.[7] Palladio had contributed several design innovations in public buildings and churches. Most Palladian works were made of affordable materials, usually stucco, traditionally made with lime, sand and water, to cover and bind bricks. His urban structures for prestigious Venetian owners had high classical porticos with pediments that extended as far as the second floor and were supported by giant colonnades. These porticos were raised above ground level and on the same level as the rest of the ground floor. This raised floor called piano nobile, was reused in later variations of neoclassical architecture. Palazzo Chiericati in the city of Vicenza was a fine example of this urban structure.[8] Palazzo Chiericati (1550-1557)[9] Rural villas were rather different. Instead of the piano nobile, there was an elevated podium bordered by lower service wings, connected with an elegant curving flight of stairs. The owner maintained residence at the elevated portion. Villa Foscari (also La Malcontenta) was among the mid-16th century designs of Palladio that employed this renowned building format. Villa Foscari (1559)[10] The 1570 publishing of Palladios work Quattro Libri dellArchitettura (The Four Books of Architecture), stretched his influence far beyond his home country Italy. Palladios architectural drawings and discussions contained in the book set the stage for neoclassicist expansion in the key European countries of France, Britain, Ireland, Spain and Germany.[11] Even more remarkable was his influence in colonial and post-colonial America, where his designs were replicated in the houses of well-known families, state buildings and even the private abode of Thomas Jefferson, the freedom President.[12] Along with Palladios treatise, the unearthing and discovery of Pompeii and Herculaneum, Roman towns destroyed by volcanic eruption during the classical period, was thought to inspire the interior designs of 18th century European houses and edifices.[13] The Ruins of Pompeii[14] Interior View of a Herculaneum House[15] In Europe, neoclassicist architecture developed at different paces. Some sources estimated that the movement reached its peak in France with Étienne-Louis Boullà ©e and Claude Nicolas Ledoux. The two architects followed principles of rationality into their Graeco-Roman inspired designs. Boullà ©e was known for fusing geometry with the standard classics. This original neoclassical deviation might have been influenced by his work as an educator and philosopher at École Nationale Des Ponts et Chaussà ©es. Like most neoclassicists, his designs were minimalistic, devoid of ornamentation, bold enough to repeat certain structural components, especially if they were functional (i.e. columns), and sought to emphasize the purpose of the structure and its parts. Boullà ©e also proposed a cenotaph, an approximately 500-foot sphere rooted on a round foundation, for the English scientist Isaac Newton. This was not feasible to build but as a professional engraving, the style gained prom inence. Boullà ©es works were later revived by 20th century Rationalists and more popularly by renowned Modernist architect, Aldo Rossi. Contemporary architects found his designs unique and very inventive although some would consider them illusions of grandeur. The Hà ´tel Alexandre in Paris, known for its flanking courtyard doors and Corinthian columns, was one of Boullà ©es surviving works.[16] Cenotaph for Newton (1784)[17] Hà ´tel Alexandre (1763-66)[18] Like his compatriot, Ledoux was very idealistic in his architecture, always wanting to build with a purpose. For this he and Boullà ©e were branded Utopians.'[19] Ledoux designed many theatres, hotels, residential homes, and buildings, supplied with rotundas, columns and domes from the Graeco-Roman period. His known architectural innovation was the architectonic order, best exhibited through his design on the Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Senans. He was appointed Royal Architect for the express purpose of building a structural design for efficiently extracting salt. The Royal Saltworks became a significant example of 18th century Architectural Rationalism for its extensive use of geometry and logical arrangement of shapes to facilitate the extraction and transportation processes. Another design was drawn after the first was disapproved.[20] Facade of the Royal Saltworks, France[21] Aerial View of Ledoux Second Design (1804)[22] There were many other prominent figures under the neoclassical movement but few were as Utopian as the works of Boullà ©e and Ledoux. French writer-teacher-architect Jean-Nicolas-Louis Durand influenced several German Rationalists by adding principles of economy and convenience to the existing architectural Utopia.[23] The later renditions of neoclassicism in Britain, America, and Spain disregarded the attachment to symmetry and geometry that Palladio himself and the French neoclassicists were very particular. However, they did retain much of the functionality aspect. For example, neo-Palladian British architects William Kent and Indigo Jones invented the flanking wings to give more space in the house interior.[24] This concern for utilizing space was still an archetype of 18th century Rationalism. 20th Century Rationalism 20th century Rationalist architecture was interchangeably called Neo-Rationalist. Although the designs were different from 18th century rationalism, neo-Rationalists continued to practice important principles of Rationalist Architecture. The simplistic form and ornamentation was still retained; the functionality aspect became known as theme. In fact, as many historians claimed, neo-Rationalism was an evolution of 18th century Enlightenment Architecture.[25] The need to justify architectural works remained strong as it had then. The Enlightenment brought about the Industrial Revolution around 18th-19th centuries. The effects lasted and were carried over to the 20th century, where industrialization became a fad. Economic advancement was no longer associated with brick and wood but with new elements like steel, iron and glass. As industrialization reached its peak in the 20th century, the growing importance of machinery led to the development of an industrial architecture, composed of t hose new elements.[26] Modernism was the dominant rationalist movement of the 1900s. It basically aimed to employ new materials suited to the spirit of industrialization and free architects from the bondage of styles, which curtailed individual touches. The works of early Modernists Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius in Germany and Frenchman Le Corbusier were mostly products of socio-political revolutions. Following World War I, the German Modernist ventured into new structures that meet social needs.'[27] The Bauhaus design school resulted from this venture. Bauhaus became identified as the International Style, adopted by many Modern structural designs in various countries.[28] The following are famous examples of Bauhaus architecture: The UN New York Base by Le Corbusier[29] The Gropius Residence in Lincoln[30] The International Style was characterized by rational principles of minimalism and functional design and structure. Neoclassical pediments, columns and flanking wings were replaced by rectangular shapes of concrete cement, steel, and other new elements. There were hardly traces of particular cultures or social context and a neutral architecture that was universally applicable prevailed.[31] Modernists like Frank Lloyd Wright tried to balance nature and structural designs.[32] Later, Postmodernist movements emerged to deconstruct the universality of Bauhaus and infuse local identities into modern architecture so it can connect with peoples sentiments.[33] Aldo Rossi, Italian theorist-architect-designer-artist, was among the celebrated Postmodernists. His valuable contribution to urban architecture was building contemporary structures without neglecting the historical value of the city or site where it would be built. He stressed the social significance of monuments and cemeteries and also advocated that structures be strong enough for succeeding generations to witness.[34] San Cataldo Cemetery expanded by Rossi (1971)[35] Bonnefanten Museum, Maastricht by Rossi (1990-1994)[36] Conclusion 18th and 20th century Architectural Rationalists are linked by the ancient principles of utilitas, firmitas, venustas. Their respective movements were generally non-ornamental and useful in structure, design and theme. In the area of symmetry, the use of geometrical shapes, and projecting cultural and individual sentiments, the two Rationalist regimes differ. 18th century Rationalists were unified in advocating truth and beauty in architecture while neo-Rationalists had individual contradictions.[37] Nevertheless, both strands justified Architectures major roles in society and in peoples lives. Sources [1] Hackett Lewis. 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[24] Inigo Jones, William Kent. (1727) The designs of Inigo Jones: consisting of plans and elevations for publick, England, W. Kent pp. 1-73. [25] Christopher Crouch. (2000) Modernism in Art Design and Architecture, New York, St. Martins Press pp. 1-10. [26] Industrial architecture, EncyclopÃÆ' ¦dia Britannica Online at http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/286910/industrial-architecture [27] Richard J. Evans. (2003) The coming of the third reich, New York, The Penguin Press, pp. 122-123. [28] Henry Russell Hitchcock Philip Johnson. (1997)The International Style, New York, W. W. Norton Company, pp. 1-5. [29] International Style at http://architecture.about.com/od/20thcenturytrends/ig/Modern-Architecture/International-Style.htm [30] The Digital Archive of American Architecture at http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/fa267/gropius.html [31] Hazel Conway Rowan Roenisch. (1994) Understanding architecture: an introduction to architecture and architectural history, London, Routledge pp. 22-24. [32] Kathleen Karlsen. Saving Civilization Through Architecture Rationalism and the International Style, at http://ezinearticles.com/?Saving-Civilization-Through-ArchitectureRationalism-and-the-International-Styleid=888138 [33] Hazel Conway Rowan Roenisch. (1994) Understanding architecture: an introduction to architecture and architectural history, London, Routledge pp. 22. [34] Terry Kirk. (2005) The architecture of modern Italy, volume 2: visions of utopia 1900-present, New York, Princeton University Press pp. 208-214. [35] Cornell University Blog at http://blogs.cornell.edu/tim/2008/09/21/cities-sites/ [36] Brian Rose at http://www.brianrose.com/portfolio/bonnefanten/bonnefan.htm [37] Sarah Williams Goldhagen. Ultraviolet: Alvar Aaltos embodied Rationalism, Harvard Design Magazine at http://www.sarahwilliamsgoldhagen.com/articles/Ultraviolet.pdf