The Role of the Project Manager Is to Command and Control free essay sample

Being an effective project manager is among the most challenging jobs in the industry for two reasons. First it requires management skills and abilities different from those required in a traditional functional management position. Second, there are very few training opportunities available to those moving into the project management. Thornberry, Neal E. October 1987]. This article addresses the roles and responsibility of a project manager which in today’s modern techniques are not only restricted to command and control but spread out far beyond these factors. Project manager lead the overall effort of project management. Due to their multidiscipline and highly interdependent nature, projects, more then any other form of organizational and managerial work, demand a leader to motivate the team members. All activity is initiated and performed by people, not by reporting tools or procedure. A good project manager must be task oriented i. e. command and control techniques but also people oriented. We will write a custom essay sample on The Role of the Project Manager Is to Command and Control or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) suggest that project managers stem from various backgrounds, possess relevant skills and competencies, and are required to govern a project throughout its life-cycle [(CIOB, 2002, p. )]. The implication is that a PM not only manages their team, but leads the team: leading by example, by gaining the trust and respect from their team through motivating, co-ordinating and maintaining morale. However, they must also utilise a range of other skills while leading the team to successfully deliver the project. [Griffith and Watson (2004, p. 31)] suggest that the person seen as the construction project manager executes many of the â€Å"classical† functions i. e. conducts, controls, and administers. Various sources of literature discuss the roles executed by the construction industrys project managers and the skills they require in order to be able to effectively manage their team towards successful delivery of a project. [Sommerville and Dalziel (1998)], when reviewing project manager’s role, clearly demonstrated the diversity of the role set and the then predominant roles. [Fryer (2004, p. 17)] states that managers can influence the way in which their subordinates behave either positively or negatively and argues that project managers engage in: planning, organising, directing, controlling and, developing staff. Griffith and Watson (2004, p. 31)] describe the vital functions of a project manager as: forecasting, planning, organising, controlling, motivating, co-ordinating and communicating. They asked 50 construction managers to rank these seven functions in order of importance; the results established then are shown in Table I. Motivating and forecasting were perceived to be the least important functions and yet it is clear that in contemporary practice, a project manager must have the ability to motivate his team in order to successfully complete the project, and also to clearly forecast how progress is against a pre-determined plan. Under pressure managers are more likely to use a command and control style of leadership during a recession, but a leadership expert claims that whatever the economic climate, it is the wrong way to go about improving corporate performance. Scott Watson, managing director of UK and Bahrain based Summit Consulting and Training, which has trained and supported more than 10,000 executives and managers in the UK and Arabian Gulf, says autocratic management styles stifle creativity, undermine staff morale, destroy trust and ruin the potential for any worthwhile collaboration to maximise organisational effectiveness. People work harder when they feel they are making a positive difference, an intrinsic motivation. The command and control management style works through extrinsic motivators such as threats, authority, and even monetary incentives, all of which prevent or even replace employees’ natural intrinsic motivation. A management style that gives people ownership of their methods, tools, and results, and in which people can feel good about collaborating with and helping those around them (co-workers, customers, and suppliers) provides intrinsic motivation, and people work hard because they like the way it makes them feel, and feel important and appreciated — the â€Å"psychological pay† principle. Everyone wants to feel good about themselves, but command and control takes that feeling away from them. People work harder for someone they respect, and preferably like. A manager who understands that the workers in the trenches usually see the organization’s challenges and problems better than he or she can, can gain their input and support their efforts more effectively than a â€Å"commander† who assumes he or she knows, or is expected to know, more than their subordinates. This attitude only alienates subordinates and loses their loyalty, respect, and input. It may even move them to undermine the organization’s performance in subtle ways in an effort, possibly never acknowledged, and probably in a form that can’t be identified, that is based in nothing so much as a desire for revenge. People work harder when they’re not doing it under threat. Some command and control-styled managers use subtle threats to do their job, and may unwittingly put employees in a situation where they can’t see a way to succeed. The results can be disastrous as far as morale and work performance, not only for the employee placed in that position, but for their co-workers who will see what is going on and fear being put in such a position themselves[On effective management 2008] The above discussion above will lead you to a better understanding of how command and control can be used in an effective manner. Over command and control can lead to employee un-satisfaction and result in lack of interest and employee will feel lack of respect, thus giving a decreased desire to contribute Therefore, a project manager should be able to balance his authoritative skills and employee relationship in an effective and efficient manner.

TFBR modernization essays

TFBR modernization essays Organizational Development and Change Enclosed is the change project paper on Technical Feedback Reporting Modernization. For many years the Fleet has been complaining that TFBRs are way too burdensome to submit and take too long to receive resolutions. The stark reality is that no matter how smart, how hard working, how dedicated or how strong, Sailors are, they simply cant speed up the process for providing feedback or seek resolution for maintenance procedures that are incorrect or lack clarity by themselves. Todays modern warships have electronic capability to allow for faster transmission and receipt of TFBR resolutions. I wish to exploit that capability. Today the submission of TFBRs is done manually on paper and is slow and cumbersome and most maintainers find it very difficult to receive TFBR responses in a timely fashion. Our sailors deserve and would very much like a system that allows for electronic TFBR submission and response receipt. Additionally, the current way of TFBR submission ties up valuable resources at the In Service Engineering Agent (ISEA) by making all TFBRs be routed to them for resolution instead of prescreening unnecessary TFBRs to resolve them at the lowest level possible. Costs estimate put each TFBR response at around $1,350 per resolution by an ISEA. This change project paper presents three possible solutions on how to help save valuable maintenance dollars by making TFBR submission and response all electronic; create electronic pre-screening to eliminate duplication of effort; and filter unnecessary TFBRs from reaching the ISEA. By enacting my change plan I can safely estimate a savings in excess over $1.5 million dollars for the Submarine Force alone. Multiply that number times 5, and you can see the entire fleet savings if all Type Commanders were switched to electronic TFBR submission and tracking. Admiral, please review the history, ...

Benefits of Foreign Direct Investment

Benefits of Foreign Direct Investment Do Host Countries Benefit From Foreign Direct Investment? Evidence From Developing Economies Executive Summary The multinational companies (MNCs) and associated foreign direct investment (FDI) play an important role in international economy. It is well-known that FDI activity can bring many significant effects to host countries. In this essay I estimate such effects from three different aspects: The first part I focus on the relation between FDI and host country wages. Previous studies show that it is a universal phenomenon that the wages in foreign companies are higher than domestic companies. The FDI activity has a positive effect to the overall wage levels of the host countries, although wages spillovers to domestic companies are not always exist. The second part I focus on the relation between FDI and host country productivity. Foreign companies have higher productivity than domestic companies; it can be supported by most of the available studies no matter what measures have bee n used. Although some findings reflected that local firms in developing countries can benefit from FDI by productivity spillovers, in more cases, the productivity spillovers are not significant, even negative. The third part I focus on the relation between FDI and host country’s economic Growth. The result shows that developing countries can benefit from FDI and achieve economic growth. Overall, the host countries, especially the developing countries, can benefit from foreign direct investment. 1. Introduction The worldwide spread of multinational companies (MNCs) and associated foreign direct investment (FDI) play an important role in reconstructing economy pattern of the world. It is well-known that FDI activity can bring many significant effects to host countries’ development. In this essay I will estimate such effects from three different aspects- the effect in wages, the effect in productivity and the effect in economic growth- by reviewing numerous relative studi es and try to find out whether host countries, especially the developing countries, can get benefits from foreign direct investment. 2. FDI And Host Country Wages In this section, I will explain to what extend does FDI influence host countries’ wages level. Whether local firms could benefit from the entrance or existence of foreign companies will be analyzed based on the previous studies. Firstly, let us take a look at the difference between foreign companies and domestic companies in regard to wages level. Almost all the available studies proved that foreign companies did pay higher wages in developing countries. Haddad and Harrison (1993) made a research on different companies’ performance in Morocco. They found that in unweighted means, foreign firms paid about 70% higher wages than domestic firms. According to weighted means, the foreign companies still paid higher real wages than domestic companies (PP.58-59). Higher wages paying by MNCs was also supported by some studies of other developing countries, such as Indonesia (Hill, 1990, Manning 1998, Lipsey and Sjà ¶holm, 2001). Lipsey and Sjà ¶holm (2001) reported that when taken the educational level into account, blue-collar workers can get 25% higher wages and white-collar workers can get 50% higher wages in foreign companies. In the conclusion part of this paper, the author stated â€Å"those higher wages for workers of a given educational level do not reflect only the greater size and larger inputs per worker in foreign plants, or their industry or location† (p.13). If considered all these factors, the foreign companies paid 12% and 20% more wages than domestic companies for blue-collar workers and white-collar workers respectively. Another evidence is taken by Ramstetter (1999), he did an research in five East Asian economies (Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan) and made a report that wages in foreign plants were higher than domestic firms over 14-23 years, but the differences were not so significant in Singapore and Taiwan.

Management Information Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Management Information Systems - Essay Example etails of the problems encountered in the manually operated business, the current IT infrastructure, the business structure, the recommended IT infrastructure, a cost analysis of the recommended technology and the benefits and challenges in the implementation of the information system have been discussed in detail. Diblo Dairy Society is a business that buys and sells milk. Once the society implements a management information system, managers can easily make decisions that ensure the success of the business. Early in the morning, farmers bring their labelled milk cans that are full with milk to Diblo Dairy Society. The dairy society sets a price at which they will buy the milk from the farmers. The details of the farmer who brought the milk are recorded for instance his name and the number of litres he brought. The farmer is paid after tests have been done to make sure the milk is fresh and undiluted. If the milk is up to standard, Diblo Dairy Society records the amount of milk it has received from all the farmers in its inventory book. Diblo Dairy Society then distributes the milk to its dairies which sell milk to individuals at a profit. Milk is also sold to large companies that process and market milk and milk products. To ensure that the farmers, who are the suppliers, keep bringing milk to Diblo Dairy Society, benefits such as loans are provided. Diblo Dairy Society is headed by a Chief Executive Officer. A finance manager is in charge of all money related matters. The quality assurance manager is responsible for ensuring that the milk entering or leaving Diblo Dairy Society is fresh and up to the required standard. Diblo Dairy Society has 112 employees and therefore has a human resource manager who is responsible for recruiting staff, making sure that the employees are treated fairly, solving problems that may arise with the staff and compensating the employees for their labours. The sales and operations manager oversees the 15 attendants at Diblo Dairy

Harvard Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Harvard Case Study - Essay Example Additionally to the continuous conflicts with her supervisors, Lisa has not been given the chance to participate equally in the development of projects in the design of which she had a crucial role (Keyton 95). Instead, she feels that she has no chance of developing her skills – a fact that seems quite logical taking into consideration the behaviour of her supervisors towards her. As the first year within the organization has passed for Lisa, the following issue needs to be addressed: since the chances for professional development of Lisa in the specific organization seem to be limited, alternative plans of action need to be developed. Lisa should consider her leaving from the organization and her return to Right-Away – at least this would be the most appropriate solution for Lisa having in mind the challenges that Lisa has to face on a daily basis in her current position. The identification of the reasons of the problem would help to suggest a series of measures that L isa could take before deciding to leave the firm. After examining the events described in the case study it is made clear that the particular problem is related with a series of facts: a) Lisa was not adequately prepared for her position in Houseworld’s Home Care Division; in accordance with the case study Lisa was not offered particular training before being hired in the specific position; rather, she just visited the firm twice and was informed on certain issues related to the prospects of employees within the particular organization. The problem regarding the lack of recognition of Lisa’s skills seems to begin at this point. Even if Lisa was told that she would have the chance to be promoted in accordance with her skills, she was hired in a position which was rather inappropriate for her – taking into consideration her professional experience and her background – it should be noted at this point that in her previous firm Lisa was offered the position o f the director of market, a position which is clearly differentiated from the assistant product manager position which Lisa currently holds; perhaps, the problem would have been avoided if Lisa had met with her boss before her hiring in the particular organization; if the dialogue between her and Mrs. Linton had held before the hiring of Lisa in Houseworld’s Home Care Division, Lisa would have thought for a second time her decision to leave her job in Right-Away; b) both her boss, Mrs. Linton, and the associate product manager, Mr Scoville, avoid recognizing the efforts of Lisa within the organization; their close relationship – as another employee informed Lisa – would result to problems for Lisa in case she would decide to discuss with Mrs. Linton the challenges she has to face daily because of the negative comments that Mr. Scoville addresses to her on a daily basis, c) Lisa had not worked in this organization in the past; she is not aware of the organization al culture and practices – referring especially to the nature of the tasks in which the employees of its job position are obligated to be involved – as noted to her by Mrs. Linton; in other words, the problems of communication that Lisa has within the organization may be related to her lack of knowledge on the organizational ethics and practices. The above assumption could be verified by the following fact: in Right Away Lisa felt very comfortable

Conflicts Caused by Differences among Groups Essay Example for Free

Conflicts Caused by Differences among Groups Essay Conflicts Caused by Differences among Groups Throughout history differences among groups have often led to conflict. Two specific conflicts were the persecution of Christians during the Roman Empire and the Armenian massacres. These two conflicts were caused by differences among groups. The persecution of Christians during the Roman Empire was caused by differences in religion. In 1914 the conflict between the Turks and the Armenians led to the Armenian massacre which was caused by political differences. The persecution of Christians during the Roman Empire was caused by differences in religion. The Roman Empire was quite tolerant in its treatment of other religions. The imperial policy was generally one of incorporation; the local gods of a newly conquered area were simply added to the Roman pantheon and often given Roman names. Even the Jews, with their one god, were tolerated. For the Romans, religion was first and foremost a social activity that promoted unity and loyalty to the state, a religious attitude the Romans called pietas, or piety. Cicero wrote that if piety in the Roman sense were to disappear, social unity and justice would perish along with it. The Roman distaste for Christianity then, arose in large part from its sense that it was bad for society. The effect of this conflict was that it led to the persecution of Christians. Secondly, the Armenian massacre was another conflict that happened because of differences among groups. In 1914, the Turks entered World War I on the side of Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Military leaders began to argue that the Armenians were traitors. If they thought they could win independence the Armenians would be eager to fight for the enemy. As the war intensified Armenians organized volunteer battalions to help the Russian army fight against the Turks in the Caucasus region. These events and general Turkish suspicion of the Armenian people led the Turkish government to push for the removal of the Armenians from the war zones along the Eastern Front. On April 24, 1915, the Armenian genocide began. That day the Turkish government arrested and executed several hundred Armenian intellectuals. After that ordinary Armenians were turned out of their homes and sent on death marches through the Me sopotamian desert without food or water. Frequently, the marchers were stripped naked and forced to walk under the scorching sun until they dropped dead. People who stopped to rest were shot. In conclusion, differences among groups have  often led to conflicts. Two main conflicts were the persecution of Christians during the Roman Empire, which was caused by differences in religion, and the Armenian massacre, which was caused by political differences

J.B. Religion Essay -- essays papers

J.B. Religion At the end of Baldwin's 1952 novel Go Tell It on the Mountain, John Grimes, the young protagonist, has an epiphany or what is more commonly referred to as a visionary conversion experience, a staple of American religious life. He embraces Jesus and endures a state of ecstatic mysticism in which he experiences "his drifting soul ... anchored in the love of God" (204). John's rebirth in Christ, his being "saved," is an affirmation of one of the strongest bulwarks in the African American community during slavery, and especially since its abolition: the black church. (2) Baldwin has said that "everything in Black history comes out of the church." It is "not a redemptive force but a `bridge across troubled water,'" Kalamu ya Salaam interviewing Baldwin responded. "It is how we forged our identity" (Pratt and Stanley 182). The church is the African American's inheritance. Black writers and the characters they create are not so easily divested of it, nor should they be. Though John Gri mes's commitment to Christ is representative of black assimilation into American (white) culture, this adoption of Christian beliefs not only helped the community forge a stronger connection to their country and society, but it also enabled slaves and then emancipated Africans to shore up their sense of self-worth and value. African American literature, according to Abena P. A. Busia, "has therefore become a drive for self-definition and redefinition, and any discussion of this drive must recognize this, its proper context: We are speaking from a state of siege" (2). John Grimes's journey over the course of Go Tell It on the Mountain mirrors this movement from imprisonment to freedom, from a vague sense of self to a greater consciousn... ... dilemma of his protagonist, but also exposing the moral foundations of the institutional pillars in the black community" (Bell 224). While criticism of the church's role in supporting subtle racism is justified, it is also true that John cleverly utilizes the rich resources of the church that were available to him. Would he be better off following Roy into the streets? Or Royal, Gabriel's first son, who also found his way into the streets and the reendured a violent death? John "wanted to be with these boys in the street, heedless and thoughtless, wearing out his treacherous and bewildering body" (30). He recognizes, however, even in the semi-transparent consciousness of a man-child, that he is being forced to make "so cruel a choice" (40) between the ways of the world, which in his community can too often lead to violence and self-destruction, and the ways of God.

Achilles and Odyssey Compare and Contrast Essay

Larger-Than-Life Heroes: Achilles and Odysseus What are the main characteristics of a larger-than-life epic hero? An epic hero is a brave and powerful warrior who is motivated to fight both internal and external conflicts to achieve glory and ranks above a normal man. In Homer’s epic poems The Iliad and The Odyssey, Achilles and Odysseus are the well-known heroes. Achilles fights Hektor outside the walls of Troy because Hektor killed his best friend, Patroclus. After fighting in the Trojan War, Odysseus takes on a journey to return back to Ithaca to see his wife, Penelope, and his son, Telemachus.Through his use of tone, figurative language, mood, and imagery, Homer’s epic poems The Iliad and The Odyssey show how Achilles and Odysseus, despite their struggles with themselves and the world, are true heroes because of their motivation for glory and revenge. Achilles and Odysseus are struggling to be viewed as tenacious warriors because of an empty place in their hearts. F or instance, Agamemnon takes Achilles’ prize, Briseis, and exclaims â€Å"See how the lord of the great plains, Agamemnon, humiliated me! He has my prize, by his own whim, for himself† (Iliad. . 168-169). Achilles feels humiliated because Agamemnon took his prize, Briseis, away from him in order to return Chryseis. He still does not want to go to war after Agamemnon returns her. Achilles’ heart is aching and the thought of never seeing his prize again worries him. Homer uses mood to make the reader feel pity for Achilles. Even though Achilles treats Briseis as a prize, it is depressing that he does not have her in his arms. Achilles and Briseis fell in love with each other and were separated such as in a more modern movie called The Swan Princess.Homer makes it seem like Agamemnon is the villain while Achilles is the hero. Achilles’ internal conflict shows how he must cope with not having Briseis in his arms because he did not want to fight in the war. Ev en so, Odysseus longs to return to his homeland, Ithaca, and â€Å"†¦his sweet life [is] flowing away with the tears he wept for his foiled journey home† (Odyssey. 5. 168-169). Odysseus is depressed because he wants to return to his home in Ithaca and see his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus, after fighting in the Trojan War.He feels as if his life is transitioning from sweet to bitter. Homer uses imagery to show how Odysseus is crying for his homeland, Ithaca. It creates a depressing mood for the reader because all Odysseus wants is to see his family and return home after a tiresome war, but has failed. The metaphor of Achilles’ sweet life flowing away demonstrates how his lamentations are characterizing him as homesick and how he might not make it through his journey. Achilles struggles with not having a prize while Agamemnon struggles with not sleeping in his own bed for an extensive time.The difference between the internal conflicts is that Achilles cannot fight in war because Briseis is not with him while Odysseus cannot return home and reunite with his family after fighting in the war. Although they both have concerns for their loved ones, Achilles and Odysseus must set them aside and fight their enemies first. Achilles and Odysseus are both epic heroes because they face their external conflicts or struggles with the world and fight as strong warriors. First, Achilles stabbed Hektor in the neck and then â€Å"†¦had in mind for Hektor’s body outrage and shame.Behind both feet he pierced the tendons, heel to ankle. Rawhide cords he drew through both and lashed them to his chariot, letting the man’s head trail† (Iliad. 22. 467-471). Achilles fights and kills Hektor outside the walls of Troy because he killed Achilles’ best friend, Patroclus. After stabbing Hektor in the throat, he ties Hektor’s ankles to his chariot and rides off, dragging him. Hektor uses imagery to show how Achilles ties Hektor to his chariot, and injures him while riding off. Homer also uses tone to explain Achilles’ anger toward Hektor for killing Patroclus.Even so, after slaughtering all of the suitors in his home â€Å"Odysseus scanned his house to see if any man still skulked alive, still hoped to avoid black death† (Odyssey. 22. 406-407). Odysseus finally returns to his home in Ithaca disguised as a beggar by Athena. He is only one out of all the suitors to string Odysseus’ bow, because he is Odysseus and stronger than any man alive. Athena then reveals Odysseus and he and his son, Telemachus, kill all of the suitors in his home. Homer uses imagery to show Odysseus looking around his house to find any more suitors that were still alive.He wanted to no suitor was still alive so he could be in peace with his wife, Penelope. His external conflict is not being able to return home in peace. He must kill all of the suitors, for they wanted to marry Penelope and become King of Ithaca. Odysseus needed to show that he had returned as King of Ithaca and was more powerful than all of the suitors combined. Achilles’ external conflict is fighting Hektor and Odysseus’ external conflict is conquering the suitors. Achilles and Odysseus deal with their external conflicts by conquering their enemies.Achilles and Odysseus are both motivated to face and conquer their struggles with the world for glory and revenge. In fact, Achilles chased Hektor around the walls of Troy three times and â€Å"†¦ ran full speed, and not for bull’s hide or a ritual beast or any prize that men compete for: no but for the life of Hektor, tamer of horses† (Iliad. 22. 189-192). Achilles chases Hektor around the walls of Troy three times because he wants to kill him as a prize. Achilles wants to receive the glory of a stronger warrior and seek revenge on Hektor for killing his best friend, Patroclus.Homer uses imagery to show Achilles’ determination to have Hek tor’s dead body for revenge. The reader can picture swift-footed Achilles on the heels of Hektor, tamer of horses. Achilles almost reaches Hektor, while Hektor almost outruns Achilles. In the end, Achilles conquers Hektor and gains glory for being the stronger warrior and proving himself to being larger-than-life. And then, Odysseus is determined to be reunited with his wife, Penelope, and says â€Å"Nevertheless I long-I pine, all my days-to travel home and see the dawn of my return. And if a god wreck me yet again on the wine-dark sea, I can bear that too†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Odyssey. . 241-244). Odysseus does not give up returning to Ithaca because he wants to see his family. He will bear anything that comes along his way to his journey home. Homer uses mood to make the reader feel hope for Odysseus on returning home safely and how he is ready to fight obstacles that the gods put upon him along his journey. He is motivated to return home because he wants to conquer the suitors, which will earn him glory and prove him to be larger-than-life. He also wants to seek revenge on the suitors that have caused Penelope harm while he was away.It proves that Odysseus saved his wife with the help of his son and how he ranks higher than the suitors. Achilles fights Hektor for his body and glory from the Greeks. Odysseus wants to return home so he can be glorified after seeking revenge on the suitors by murdering them. Achilles and Odysseus both seek revenge on their enemies for what they have done to their loved ones. Achilles and Odysseus are well-known heroes in Homer’s epic poems The Iliad and The Odyssey. Through both poems, the heroes experience internal and external conflicts such as battles with other warriors and missing loved nes. Glory plays a huge role in these characters and they want to be well-known for their actions such as how Achilles conquered Hektor or how Odysseus conquered the suitors. Achilles and Odysseus have the main characteristics of an epic hero, but gain them in different ways. In their internal conflicts, Achilles misses Briseis while Odysseus misses his home, Ithaca, as well as his wife Penelope, and son, Telemachus. In The Iliad, Achilles and Briseis are separated from each other just as how Princess Odette and Prince Derek and separated from each other in the 1994 movie, The Swan Princess.The internal conflict of Achilles can be related to movies such as The Swan Princess today. In their external conflicts, Achilles fights Hektor, tamer of horses, while Odysseus fights the commanding suitors in Ithaca. Achilles conquers Hektor for his life and to gain glory by becoming the greater warrior. Odysseus along with his son, Telemachus, conquers the suitors and gain glory. Achilles and Odysseus seek revenge on their enemies. Achilles kills Hektor because he killed his best friend, Patroclus. He lost his best friend forever and needed to get Hektor back by taking his life.Odysseus seeks revenge on the suitors for harming his wife and taking advantage of her hospitality, such as making a mess during feasts. People today also seek revenge on people that have caused them harm. Achilles and Odysseus have shaped what an epic hero is and show that even though they lived two different lives, they both showed the characteristics of an epic hero and how they must be a brave and powerful warrior who is motivated to fight both internal and external conflicts to achieve glory. Overall, although Achilles and Odysseus are two different characters, their similar characteristics define what an epic hero is.

Library vs. Internet Essay

Introduction Nowadays, in a highly technological society, human productivity is made more efficient through the development of electronic gadgets. Now, with the advent of such modernization in education, one way to globalize the process of research is to realize that technology is advancing at an incredibly fast pace. Computers are not confined to being used for entertainment but its role in education is also vast. Library is derived from the old French term â€Å"librairie† which means â€Å"a collection of books. † Reading materials in school are stored in libraries. Library is a place in which books and related materials are kept for use but not for sale. It is also organized for use and maintained by a public body, an institution or a private individual. In addition, it is a place in which we get information in any format and from many sources. The librarian has to keep the room neat so that it is conducive for learning. The librarian is also the person who is liable for monitoring all the books that are borrowed and returned by the borrowers. Library systems, comparisons and contrasts. For the children of today, going to the library, searching through the card catalogue to look for books on topics they need to research on is quite archaic! However, many of us still remember how time consuming this was. The kids of today certainly have it easy. Imagine getting all the information you need with one-click of your mouse!?! An integrated library system (ILS), also known as a library management system (LMS), is an enterprise resource planning system for a library, used to track items owned, orders made, bills paid, and patrons who have borrowed. An ILS usually comprises a relational database, software to interact with that database, and two graphical user interfaces (one for patrons, one for staff). Most ILSes separate software functions into discrete programs called modules, each of them integrated with a unified interface. Examples of modules might include:  § acquisitions (ordering, receiving, and invoicing materials)  § cataloging (classifying and indexing materials)  § circulation (lending materials to patrons and receiving them back)  § serials (tracking magazine and newspaper holdings)  § the OPAC (public interface for users). Each patron and item has a unique ID in the database that allows the ILS to track its activity. Larger libraries use an ILS to order and acquire, receive and invoice, catalog, circulate, track and shelve materials. Smaller libraries, such as those in private homes or non-profit organizations (like churches or synagogues, for instance), often forgo the expense and maintenance required to run an ILS, and instead use a library computer system. (Wikipedia) Automation of the catalog saves the labor involved in re-sorting the card catalog, keeping it up-to-date with respect to the collection, etc. Other tasks which are now automated include checking-out and checking-in books, generating statistics and reports, acquisitions and subscriptions, indexing journal articles and linking to them, as well as tracking interlibrary loans. Since the late 1980s, windowing systems and multi-tasking have allowed the integration of business functions. Instead of having to open up separate applications, library staff could now use a single application with multiple functional modules. As the Internet grew, ILS vendors offered more functionality related to computer networks. As of 2009 major ILS systems offer web-based portals where library users can log in to view their account, renew their books, and authenticate themselves for access to online databases. (Wikipedia) In recent years some libraries have turned to major open source ILSs such as Koha and Evergreen. Common reasons noted were to avoid vendor lock in, avoid license fees, and participate in software development. Librarytechnology. org does an annual survey of over 1,500 libraries and noted in 2008 2%[3] of those surveyed used open source ILS, in 2009 the number increased to 8%[4] and in 2010(most recent year available) 12%[5] of the libraries polled had adopted open source ILSs. (Wikipedia) Read more: http://ivythesis. typepad. com/term_paper_topics/2011/06/local-studies-about-library-system-a-sample-thesis. html#ixzz2DsPW4UYZ http://ivythesis. typepad. com/term_paper_topics/2011/06/local-studies-about-library-system-a-sample-thesis. html Library: foreign literature. The network libraries now have autonomous library systems (TINLIB version 280 of IME) with reciprocal access to each others catalogs via the PHnet. Training on site and in UK has been provided by IME to the staff of the network. Staff expertise on the use of all the modules of TINLIB running on UNIX has been brought to a level where the staff can now confidently train others and maintain the system. Online support via the Internet is also provided by IME upon request. The choice of a common library system was decided by the technical committee of the network libraries to have a uniform platform, training programs, import profiles, etc. across the network and for ease in establishing a user group/systems administration group. TINLIB was chosen because it met the systems specifications prepared by the technical working group, and had favorable references from users. Additional features which gave it an edge over other systems is its utilization of hypertext techniques, client-server architecture, and ability to import and export data from any of the databases existing in the network libraries. The library directors and heads are under tremendous pressure to continue and expand the networked services. Four of the services which need to be implemented immediately are: 1) the creation of a union catalog for books, audio-visual, serials and Filipiniana articles and researches; 2) access to CD-ROM abstracts and indexes and full text journals and references from any site on the network, subject to copyright and licensing agreement with suppliers and publishers; 3) development of networking navigation tools and training programs; and 4) building of sufficient monetary resources and/or commitment of university officials to allocating sufficient funds for the maintenance of the network. 5) transforming the College of Science library into a National Science Library and Information Center to widen the scope of its services

Choose one example of a real protectionist policy that has been

Choose one example of a real protectionist policy that has been Choose one example of a real protectionist policy that has been implemented by the government of some country and discuss the issues surrounding the policy – Essay Example Protectionist policy Protectionist policy is a policy that was set up with the main aim of protecting local domestic industries fromthe aggressive competition of other international industries that seemed to be well established by the use of waivers such as subsidies, tariffs, import quotas or any other restrictions that were placed on the goods imported from other foreign countries (Encyclopedia, 2013). This policy was first adopted by the congress of the United States of America back in 1789 despite their earlier opposition to it as practised by the British. They did this by adopting their first tariff which was aimed at raising revenue (Bartlett, 2013). Despite the Americans adopting the policy a few years after their independence, the tariffs were applied on many of their manufactured goods in the year 1824. The goods that experienced increased tariff rates were glass, lead, iron, hemp and wool. The protectionist policy reached it peak in the year 1828 when the new tariff referred to as Abomination was put in place (Bartlett, 2013). It was during the application of this Abomination tariff that the rates increased up to 49 per cent (Bartlett, 2013). The Americans continued using this policy even after the First World War whereby they argued that the use of high tariffs was necessary so as to be able to reduce the surplus of the treasury as well as to discourage imports. The republican had even passed the Payne-Aldrich tariff under President William Howard in 1909 (Bartlett, 2013). The protectionist policy has been set up and defended by governments of various nations by use of three key arguments. The first and most common reason among applying it claims that high tariffs, as well as subsidies is a way of protecting local jobs for the citizens in the domestic industries (Spruiell, 2006). The argument has been supported by the facts like; an American steel industry that is facing competition from a foreign company of Brazil will Be required to end contracts of the employees as a result of competition caused by cheap steel from Brazil (Spruiell, 2006). The act of laying off the employees will have negative impacts on their families. Another reason is that if the competition from a foreign company that is producing and exporting steel at a unusually low price will lead to the collapse of the local American Steel Company. The collapse of the company will result to the country like US to face double tragedy whereby all workers will lose their jobs   leaving the country with  only choice of having to depend on foreign company for the supply of steel (Edwards, 1991). This dependence on external supply of steel will also be a limitation with devastating effects on the US in case the country goes to war against other nations as it will be difficult to produce the country’s own resources (Spruiell, 2006).Also, this policy has been used as bargaining chip by many governments during various trade negotiation s  neighbouring countries due to the believe that  they have to be at par with each other (Spruiell, 2006). The protectionist policy benefits some industries at the expense of others. In the United States of America for instance, only powerful industries dealing in steels, agribusiness and Textile lobbies have been protected by the policy against completion from foreign companies while most of the other industries have not (Razin,1983). The policy has also saved jobs for the workers in the protected companies and helped those industries avoid financial catastrophe. It has also been useful during trade negotiations among countries (Spruiell, 2006). In case of the US increasing tariffs to protect domestic steel industry against cheap steel from Brazil, the Brazilian steel industry suffered negative impacts of protectionist policy as it affected the ready and reliable market for its steel in the America. The employees of the Brazilian company were not spared as the reduced sales resulted to them losing their jobs (Obstfeld, Maurice, 1982) Protectionist policy therefore,  has both advantages and disadvantages on the entire economy. The protected companies together with the workers enjoy the positive side of the policy while unprotected company faces risk of collapsing due to the foreign competition. Bartlett, B. (2013, March 24) The Truth about Trade in History. Retrieved March 24, 2013, from www.cato.org: cato.org/publications/commentary/truth-about-trade-history Encyclopedia, B. O. (2013, March 24). protectionism. Retrieved March 24, 2013, from www.britannica.com: britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/479643/protectionism Spruiell, S. (2006, August 30). Protectionism- Tariffs, Subsidies and Trade Policy. Retrieved March 24, 2013, from www.globalenvision.org: globalenvision.org/library/15/1211 Edwards,February 1991,Anticipated protectionist policies Retrieved March 24,2013,from www.ssrn.com Obstfeld,Maurice, 1982,Aggregate spending and terms:Is there Laursen-Metzler Effect?,The quarterly journal of Economics, MIT press, vol.97(2). Razin,1983, Trade taxes and Current account,Economics Letters,Elsevier,vol.13(1),pages 55-57

Tomoco Company and Its Marketing Manager Clive Smith Research Paper

Tomoco Company and Its Marketing Manager Clive Smith - Research Paper Example Tomoko Company should not accept the proposal made by Sandeep because it can lead to troubles and financial loss instead of expected profits. Litigation and negative publicity will cause Tomoco billions of dollars even before the product is launched. This case shows that people constantly struggle with the tension between rights and responsibilities, and conscientious people seek to balance the tensions in meaningful and fairways. Also, it is possible to assume that it would be difficult for Tomoko to keep everything in secret and avoid the publicity of this deal. Beyond a person's group is the broad political, social, and cultural landscape of society. Social values are another powerful source of guidelines for ethical decision making (Lipe, 54). These cultural values and traditions are not always positive. Although values are sometimes nebulous, they can be articulated with a considerable degree of accuracy and meaning. This case raises a question: what is the obligation to the org anization? In a commercial context, an employee agrees to give talent, effort, time, cooperation and harmony in relations with colleagues, and loyalty to the organization and its enterprise. According to legal standards, loyalty often involves confidentiality, and for an employee to spread key inside information to an outside audience is a direct violation of the contractual understanding. Organizations have trade secrets that must be kept from competitors, and any revelation of these secrets is a gross violation of contractual expectations.

Research Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Research Paper - Essay Example Rate of Incarceration The United States has less than 5% of the world’s population, but incarcerate roughly a quarter of all the prisoners in the world. According to a report released by the Bureau of Prison Statistics, one out of every 32 adults in the United States was in prison, in jail, on probation, or on parole at the end of 2005. In fact, imprisonment has become the immediate response to far too many of the social problems that burden people who are ensconced in poverty. These problems often are veiled by being conveniently grouped together under the category "crime" and by the automatic attribution of criminal behavior to people of color. Homelessness, unemployment, drug addiction, mental illness, and illiteracy are only a few of the problems that disappear from public view when the human beings contending with them are relegated to cages. This system cannot last much longer, it’s stretched to the breaking point. There are too many prisoners for the system to be sustained. The only results are more violence, riots, racism. The system is failing because it was not designed to succeed. The criminal justice system disproportionately occupies people of color in the United States (Abramsky, 2008). According to Angela Davis, â€Å"Almost two million people are currently locked up in the immense network of U.S. prisons and jails. More than 70 percent of the imprisoned population are people of color. It is rarely acknowledged that the fastest growing group of prisoners is black women and that Native American prisoners are the largest group per capita.† We can see the impact socioeconomically by examining information from the Department of Justice itself, Irwin and Austin report that "Between 1980 and 1995, the prison population ballooned from 329,821 to 1,104,074--a rise of 235%" (Irwin & Austin, p.1). Zimring and Hawkins write "Never before has a prison system grown by so much in so short a time during a period of political and social stab ility" (Zimring & Hawkins, 1994 p.83). The incarceration rate in the U.S. increased from 138 per 100,000 in 1980 to 403 in 1995. "We now imprison at a higher rate than any other nation in the world, having recently surpassed South Africa" (Irwin & Austin, p.1). What we clearly see here is that mass imprisonment in local communities is continuing to grow faster and faster over time. The impact of this is astonishing when you consider the amount of individuals and families of non-caucasian decent who are harmed psychologically and physically because of a system clearly designed for the purpose of turning profit under the guise of helping the population. There are now about 1.5 million children in the U.S. who have a parent in prison. According to a report by Marc Mauer, â€Å"African American children, 1 of every 14 has a parent behind bars on any given day. Over the course of a year or an individual’s childhood, the figures would obviously be much greater. For these children, the experience of shame, stigma, and loss of financial and psychological support becomes a profound aspect of their life experience. The effect on these communities is compounded by the fact that imprisonment has become an almost inevitable aspect of the experience of growing up as a black male in the U.S. Government figures now show that a black male born today has a one in three chance of spending at least a year in prison at some point in his life. Thus,