Chapter Six Reading Response Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Chapter Six Reading Response - Assignment Example For instance, the bronze figure of Siva figure represented the Hindu god in a dance pose as a symbol of ritualistic devotion of the Hindu. It is quite fascinating to learn how people had diverse ways of religious devotion. Secondly, the Amber Necklaces of Eastern Asia were a symbol of good luck, happiness and as a charm against evil. The good associated with it is quite fascinating. The two works of art that I responded to most negatively were The Bayeux Tapestry and the Stc-Foy Reliquary. Though they are useful representations of the religious transformation and influence of the 10th century in Europe, they period was marked by several Christian-Muslim wars. The one monument I would want to know more about is the statues of Moai Ancestors figures found in Polynesia Island. I equate their significance to the pyramids of Egypt which has images of their early rulers. I would imagine how the rulers must have looked like. The monumentality of the statues exhibits some respect and

A Non Excusable Delay Construction Essay

A Non Excusable Delay Construction Essay 2.1 Introduction In this chapter, I will discuss types, causes and effects of delay of project in the construction industry. Besides that, I will also discuss the method to minimize the delays happening in construction industry 2.2 Type of Delay In construction industry, there are the categories of delays used in determining delay damage as shown in table 2.1 Delay Concurrent Delay Excusable Delay Non-Excusable Delay Entitlement for time Compensable Non-compensable Figure 2.1 Types of Delay 2.2.1 Excusable delays Excusable delay as define a delay that is due to an unforeseeable event beyond the contractors or the subcontractors control. Usually, based on common general provisions in public agency specifications, delay resulting from the following events would be considered excusable such as fires, floods, owner-directed changes, errors and omissions in the contract drawing, unusually severe weather and etc. Excusable delays can be further classified into excusable with compensation and excusable without compensation. (Ibnu Abbas Majid,2006) 2.2.1.1 Excusable with compensation Compensation delays are caused by the owner or the owners agents. An example of this would be the drawings late release from the owners architect. An excusable, compensable delay normally leads to a schedule extension and exposes the owner to financial damages claimed by the contractor. In this scenario, the contractor incurs additional indirect costs for both extended field office and home office overhead and unabsorbed home office overhead. (Abdul Hamid Kadir Pakir 2009) 2.2.1.2 Excusable delays without compensation Non-compensable delays are caused by third parties or incidents beyond the control of both the owner and the contractor. Examples typically include acts of God, unusual weather, strikes, fires, acts of government in its sovereign capacity, etc. In this case, the contractor is normally entitled to claim extension of time but no compensation for delay damages. (Abdul Hamid Kadir Pakir 2009) 2.2.2 Non-excusable delays Non-excusable delays are cause by lack of performance of the contractor on the construction project. This delay can be cause by underestimates of productivity, improper project planning and scheduling, poor site management and supervision, wrong construction methods, equipment breakdowns, unreliable subcontractors or suppliers. Therefore, it is contractor responsibilities to continue their work with no entitlement to claim for extension of time or delay damages until they completed the project. For instance, a contractor failure to provide an adequate material to completed their job. 2.2.3 Concurrent Delay Concurrent delay is a problem that happening on most of the construction industry project. This issue arises when two or more delaying event at the same time in a project cannot complete on time. In this situation, both owner and contractor are responsible for the delay. Commonly concurrent delays which involve any two or more excusable delays result in extension of time. When excusable with compensation and non-excusable delays are concurrent, an extension of time can be issued or the delay can be distribution between the owner and the contractor. Concurrent delay can be categories in three types of delays: If excusable and non-excusable delays occur concurrently, the contractor only to allow claim for extension of time: If excusable with compensation and excusable without compensation delays occur concurrently, the contractor is entitle to claim extension of time but no delay damages: If two excusable with compensation delays occur concurrently, the contractor is entitled to claim extension of time and delay damages. For instance, a concurrent delay would be if the owner failure to give more detail regarding either using ceramic tile or homogeneous tile for toilet floor finishes. But at the same time contractor made with own decision and using ceramic tile for toilet floor finishes but actually owner plan using homogeneous tile. In this situation, the contractor cannot claim for damages. It is because contractor is not follow owner instruction but he can claim for extension of time with owner failure to give more detail of drawing 2.3 Cause of delay Bramble and Callahan (1987) have defined that ; a delay is the time during which some part of the construction project has been extended or not performed due to an unanticipated circumstance. An incident of delay can originate from within the contractors organization or from any of the other factors interfacing upon construction Project. Some projects are only a few days behind the schedule; some are delayed over a year. So it is essential to define the actual causes of delay in order to minimize and avoid the delays in any construction project. Many and various studies were carried to assess the causes of delays in construction projects. Assaf et al., (1995) surveyed the causes of delay in large building construction projects in Saudi Arabia. The most important causes of delay project in construction industry included approval of delays in payments to contractors and the resulting cash-flow problems during construction, shop drawings, design changes, conflicts in work schedules of subcontractors, design errors, labor shortage and inadequate labor skills, slow decision making and executive bureaucracy in the owners organizations. Mezher et al., (1998) conducted a survey of the causes of delays in the construction industry in Lebanon from the viewpoint of owners, contractors and architectural/engineering firms. It was found that owners had more concerns with regard to financial issues; contractors regarded contractual relationships the most important, while consultants considered project management issues to be the most important causes of delays. Ogunlana et al., (1996) studied the delays in building projects in Thailand, as an example of developing economies. They concluded that the problems of the construction industry in developing economies could be nested in three layers: problem of shortages or inadequacies in industry infrastructure, mainly supply of resources, problems caused by clients and consultants, and problems caused by incompetence of contractors. Kumaraswamy et al., (1998) surveyed the causes of construction delays in Hong Kong as seen by clients, contractors and consultants, and examined the factors affecting productivity. The survey revealed differences in perceptions of the relative significance of factors between the three groups, indicative of their experiences, possible prejudices and lack of effective communication. Chan and Kumaraswamy (1996) conducted a survey to evaluate the relative importance of 83 potential delay factors in Hong Kong construction projects and found five principal factors: poor risk management and supervision, unforeseen site conditions, slow decision making, client-initiated variations, and work variations.these causes were categorized into the following into eight groups: Project-related factors include project characteristics, necessary variations, communication among the various parties, speed of decision making involving all project teams, and ground conditions; Client-related factors include those concerned with client characteristics, project financing, their variations and requirements, and interim payments to contractors; Design team-related factors include design team experience, project design complexity, and mistakes and delays in (producing) design documents; Contractor-related factors include contractor experience in planning and controlling the projects, site management and supervisions, degree of subcontracting, and their cash-flow; Materials related factors include shortages, materials changes, procurement programming, and proportion of off-site prefabrication; Labor factors related include labor shortages, low skill levels, weak motivation, and low productivity; Plant/Equipment related factors include shortages, low efficiency, breakdowns, and wrong selection; and External factors include waiting time for approval of drawings and test samples of materials and environmental concerns and restrictions. Abd. Majid and McCaffer (1998) studied the factors of non-excusable delays that influence contractors performance. They classified the main causes of non excusable delays according to the source of occurrence, and then identified the factor contributing to those causes. It is assumed that the client has more control over the compensable delays and can take action to prevent them. The contractor is expected to have control over the non-excusable delays and, presumably, do more to prevent them. They classified the factor of causes of non-excusable delays into twelve groups: material-related delays; labor-related delays; equipment-related delays; financial-related delays; improper planning; lack of control; subcontractor-related delays; poor coordination; inadequate supervision; improper construction methods; technical personnel shortages; and poor communication. Mansfield et al., (1994) studied the causes of delay and cost overrun in construction projects in Nigeria. The results showed that the most important factors are financing and payment for completed works, poor contract management, changes in site conditions, shortage of material, and improper planning. Al-Momani (2000) conducted a quantitative analysis of construction delays by examining the records of 130 public building projects constructed in Jordan during the period of 1990Â ¯1997. The researcher presented regression models of the relationship between actual and planned project duration for different types of building facilities. The analysis also included the reported frequencies of time extensions for the different causes of delays. The researcher concluded that the main causes of delay in construction projects relate to designers, user changes, weather, site conditions, late deliveries, economic conditions, and increase in quantities.

Brave New World vs. The American Dream Essay -- Social Studies

The American Dream has always been rooted in the idea that no matter what circumstances a person is born into, that person can rise to the top with hard work and seized opportunity. This dream--the underlying belief of American exceptionalism--is the reason millions of immigrants have come to the U.S. over the years. In 1932, Aldous Huxley, a Briton, published a book that flew directly in the face of that great American ideal. In Huxley's Brave New World, citizens are pre-destined before birth to a certain socio-economic group and conditioned during early life into accepting that status. While that idea horrifies its American readers, their expectations for their own socio-economic mobility are steadily drifting away from the realities of life in the U.S, and the consequences for this shift could be severe. Americans believe they live in an upwardly mobile society that is the opposite of Brave New World's predestined existence, but perhaps that opposite is, in reality, a mirror image . Huxley's Brave New World fast-forwards several centuries to an imaginary civilization that has moved past traditional birth and child-rearing by parents. This society takes the guesswork out of life in order to promote consumerism and reduce social unrest. There are five inescapable castes: Alphas, Betas, Gammas, Deltas, and Episilons. Caste is crucial because a citizen's work is progressively more menial the farther down the hierarchy he or she sits. In this civilization, fetuses are kept in bottles and manipulated with chemicals to be prepared mentally and physically for the jobs that have been assigned to them. After decanting (birth), they are subjected to years of conscious and sub-conscious instruction that teaches them not to question their ... ...reality. Works Cited DeParle, Jason. â€Å"Harder for Americans to Rise from Lower Rungs.† The New York Times 4 Jun. 2012: 1-4. Nytimes.com. The New York Times Company, 4 Jan. 2012. Web. 25 Apr. 2012. Foroohar, Rana. â€Å"What Ever Happened to Upward Mobility?† Time 14 Nov. 2011: 1-5. Time.com. Time Inc., 14 Nov. 2011. Web. 25 Apr. 2012. Huxley, Aldous. Brave New World. New York City: Harper & Row, 1969. Print. â€Å"Poll Results: Economic Mobility and the American Dream.† Chart. Economicmobility.org. The Pew Charitable Trusts, 19 Mar. 2011. Web. 28 Apr. 2012. â€Å"Upper Bound.† The Economist [Chicago] 15 Apr. 2010: 1-4. Economist.com. The Economist Newspaper Limited, 15 Apr. 2010. Web. 25 Apr. 2012. Zakaria, Fareed. â€Å"The Downward Path of Upward Mobility.† The Washington Post 9 Nov. 2011: 1. Washingtonpost.com. The Washington Post Company, 9 Nov. 2011. Web. 25 Apr. 2012.

Memory Management Comparison Essay

When discussing the differences in memory management practices between Windows and Linux environments, an understanding of what they do is necessary. Memory management systems are core aspects of operating systems. Managing a memory hierarchy of random access memory (RAM) and available hard disks is only its basic function. They perform other critical tasks such as the allocation and de-allocation of memory for processes that take care of logistics and implementing virtual memory via the hard disk to perform as additional RAM. Maximum optimization of the memory system is crucial as it greatly affects the overall speed and performance of the system. An important concept in memory management is virtual memory. The basic idea behind this is providing an application the illusion of the presence of large amounts of memory available for use. This is made possible as the kernel makes use of secondary storage (hard disk) to fulfill extra memory requirements. Virtual memory requires mapping functions to do address translation – converting physical addresses to virtual addresses. The virtual being the location the application refers to, and the physical being the actual memory location; this is generally a paging or segmentation function, but can be both, depending on the kernel, processor architecture and its state. To begin a comprehensive comparison of memory management systems of Windows and Linux, let us first analyze the data structures used to keep track of and maintain virtual memory. Windows uses a tree form system where each node of the tree is called Virtual Address Descriptors (VAD). VADs denote a range of address that has the same commit state information and protection parameters. This tree is a balanced to keep the depth of the tree at a minimum. This allows the search time when finding a node containing a location to be kept relatively low. Nodes can be marked one of three ways, committed, free, or reserved. Committed nodes represent ones that have had code or data mapped to it. Free nodes are not yet used; reserved nodes are used in special cases. In Linux systems, virtual memory is kept in a linked list structure. This list is a structure that represents continuous areas of memory having the identical protection parameters. The structure records the address range it is mapped onto, whether it is pinned in memory, the direction it will grow in, and the protection mode. Whether the area the public or private is also recorded. This linked list also converts into a tree list if the number of entries exceeds a particular number. This method uses the best structure in the best situations. These two systems while originating in different backgrounds (Windows –commercial setting, Linux – hacker setting), have modern and theoretically sound concepts which are suitable for production environments. Both systems have many things in common with few technical differences. Windows has gone through more thought and effort during its design/development with decisions at various levels being made to better performance. While in the case of Linux, these decisions were often favoring simplicity instead of performance. This caused Windows to be developed into complex and sophisticated code whereas Linux is elegant and simple while still being modern.

Businesses Operate and Their Products and Services Essay

Question 1 a) Describe how information systems have changed the way businesses operate and their products and services. One of the more popular topics that I have been asked how the information systems have changed the way businesses operate and their products and services. In my point of views I think they have major three ways in which information technology has brought about a huge change in the way in which people conduct business in different parts of the world. One of the most important problem is â€Å"time† So the advantages of using technology is that time constraints are eliminated. Since updated information can be provided to the staff and existing or potential customers at remote locations on a real time basis and more business can be done. Company can save much more money because they don’t have to pay for their staff to travel to meet either customers or other executives. Meetings held through the Internet are as good as the traditional ones. In fact, companies also involve their customers in the meetings so that the products can be designed according to their needs. Since information from all parts of the world can collect and merged with the inventory management system of the company, the process of accepting orders and supplying the materials has become far more perfect. If the time taken between invoicing and shipment can decrease, customers will bind to much more satisfied. As more and more people start using the Internet for business and personal reasons, if companies don’t adapt themselves and use the upcoming technologies, they will bound to fall behind. Today customers expect goods and services to be available 24 hours, seven days a week. E-commerce is a mode of business where the product is sold through the website of the company. This means that people do not have to step out of their homes to make purchases. Last but not the least whether you are a business to business or business to consumer concern, you should make use of information technology to maximize profits. b) Describe the characteristics of a digital firm. A digital firm is a firm which nearly all of the organization’s major business relationships with customer, supplier, and employee are digitally enabled. Axis business processes are accomplished through digital networks spanning the entire organization or linking multiple organizations. Business processes refer to the set of logically related tasks and behaviors that organizations develop over time to produce specific business results and the unique manner in which these activities are organized and coordinated. Digital firms involve both time shifting and space shifting. Time shifting refers to business being conducted continuously, rather than in narrow â€Å"work day† time bands of 9 a.m. To 5 p.m. Space shifting means that work takes place in a global workshop, as well as within national. Questions 2 a) List and describe the organization, management, and technology dimensions of information systems. 1. Organization: The organization dimension of information systems concerns issues like the hierarchy of organization, culture, processes of business, functional specialties and political interest groups. 2. Management: The management dimension of information systems concerns issues like job attitudes, staff training, and management behavior. 3. Technology: The technology dimension composes of computer software, hardware, data management technology and networking technology. b) Distinguish between data and information and between information systems literacy and computer literacy. Data vs. information Data which is a move of raw fact representing events occurring in the organization before the organization have been organized and arranged into a form that people can use and understand. Information which is a data that have been became a form that is meaningful and useful to human being. Information systems literacy vs. computer literacy Information literacy is more care for create information useful to an organization and its staff, on the other hand computer literacy satisfied the simple use of computer. As technology uses spread beyond traditional computer, information literacy enables staff and organization to gain an edge over their competition. Question 3 a) List and describe six reasons why information systems are so important for business today. Six reasons about information systems are so important for business today include: 1. Operational excellence 2. New products, services, and business models 3. Customer and supplier intimacy 4. Improved decision making 5. Competitive advantage 6. Survival Information systems are the basis of conducting business. In 21st century, in many companies, survival and even existence without extensive use of IT is unimaginable, and IT plays a critical role in rising  productivity. Although information technology has become a daily, when organization have complementary changes in , it can provide the basis for new product, service, and ways of conducting business that provide firms with a strategic advantage. b) Describe the sociotechnical perspective on information systems. Optimal organizational performance achieved by together optimizing both social and technical systems used in production can help them to avoid purely technological approach. So it can produce their product much more better. Question 4 a) Define business process and describe the role they play in organizations. A business process which is a use computer’s logic to substitute staff to handle related set of activities; Business processes are the ways in which organizations coordinate and organize work activities, knowledge to produce their valuable product or service. Business processes have four different areas. 1. For the manufacturing and production area include product assembling, quality checking, and producing bills of materials. 2. For the sales and marketing area. Business processes include identifying customers, making customers aware of the product, and selling the product. 3. For finance and accounting, business processes includes paying creditors, creating financial statements, and managing cash accounts. 4. For human resources, business processes include hiring employees, evaluating job performance of employees, and enrolling employees in benefits plans. b) Describe the relationship between information systems and business processes. Between information systems and business processes, their relationship is they can substitute each other. Whatever in management, finance, sales or marketing etc†¦ Question 5 a) Define collaboration and teamwork and explain why they have become so important in business today. Teamwork can raise productivity. Teamwork requires each team member to work together while allowing their individual interests to become a subordinate concern. As a result, team members focus on the goal at hand and contribute their knowledge, resources and skills to reaching the goal. Collaboration can raise profitability because of collaboration in the supply chain industry. Collaboration is teamwork on a larger area in that companies collaborate and more than one business may participate in the partnership. Organizations and businesses meet larger target when collaboration is considered a priority. Consequently, collaboration has several benefits including shared risk, resources and knowledge. So they have become so important in business today because they can raise productivity and profitability. b) List and describe the business benefits of collaboration. Collaboration is a behavior executed by an organization, company or group of people to arrive a common goal, which occurring on a larger scale than teamwork. Effective collaboration requires communication technology, definition of responsibilities and an encouraging culture. Collaboration is most effective when team members are expressive and open to positive competition. A professional sports team that wins a championship is an example of well-executed teamwork. The benefits of collaboration and teamwork outweigh the productivity of a single individual or company’s effort.

Quotes from Faulkners A Rose for Emily

Quotes from Faulkners A Rose for Emily A Rose for Emily is a short story by Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Faulkner. Its one of the most popular (and controversial) works, and its also often discussed in literature classrooms. Quotes from Faulkners A Rose for Emily Alive, Miss Emily had been a tradition, a duty, and a care; a sort of hereditary obligation upon the town, dating from that day in 1894 when Colonel Sartoris, the mayor he who fathered the edict that no Negro woman should appear on the streets without an apron-remitted her taxes, the dispensation dating from the death of her father on into perpetuity. They rose when she entered a small, fat woman in black, with a thin gold chain descending to her waist and vanishing into her belt, leaning on an ebony cane with a tarnished gold head. Her skeleton was small and spare; perhaps that was why what would have been merely plumpness in another was obesity in her. She looked bloated, like a body long submerged in motionless water, and of that pallid hue. Her eyes, lost in the fatty ridges of her face, looked like two small pieces of coal pressed into a lump of dough as they moved from one face to another while the visitors stated their errand. We had long thought of them as a tableau, Miss Emily a slender figure in white in the background, her father a spraddled silhouette in the foreground, his back to her and clutching a horsewhip, the two of them framed by the back-flung front door. So when she got to be thirty and was still single, we were not pleased exactly, but vindicated; even with insanity in the family she wouldnt have turned down all of her chances if they had really materialized. We did not say she was crazy then. We believed she had to do that. We remembered all the young men her father had driven away, and we knew that with nothing left, she would have to cling to that which had robbed her, as people will. She carried her head high enough even when we believed that she was fallen. It was as if she demanded more than ever the recognition of her dignity as the last Grierson; as if it had wanted that touch of earthiness to reaffirm her imperviousness. I want the best you have. I dont care what kind. When we next saw Miss Emily, she had grown fat and her hair was turning gray. During the next few years it grew grayer and grayer until it attained an even pepper-and-salt iron-gray, when it ceased turning. Up to the day of her death at seventy-four it was still that vigorous iron-gray, like the hair of an active man. Thus she passed from generation to generation dear, inescapable, impervious, tranquil, and perverse. Then we noticed that in the second pillow was the indentation of a head. One of us lifted something from it, and leaning forward, that faint and invisible dust dry and acrid in the nostrils, we saw a long strand of iron-gray hair.

Free Essays on Imperial Rome

The study of Roman imperial historywhich in practical terms began from the 60s BCEpresents the modern reader with certain paradigmatic issues relevant to governments and societies today. In broadest terms, the persistent dilemma was how to modify government structures and ethos as state and society expanded geographically and demographically. The republican ideal of Rome had somewhat made sense in a time when the state was little more than the preeminent city in a Mediterranean peninsular area, and needed to ensure its own survival and domination of surrounding locales. By the middle of the final century BCE, however, Rome had become the center of a multi-continent empire stretching from Spain to Iraq. Thus, one can present the continuing civil unrest from 80 to 30 BCE as the inability of an expanded city government to cope with the needs of an empire's administration. Part of these needs consisted of large armies far from home. In such cases, powerful generals could emerge, and after Marius' military reforms of the 90s BCE, the soldiers in these legions became dependent upon generals for material survival. In turn, soldiers and veterans strengthened military leaders' political power as a pay-off. As the ensuing half-century showed, the Senate could not thwart a powerful general with charisma and a mass base of political support. Also lacking in a city government weighted down with imperial responsibilities was an efficient Empire-wide civil service and economic administration. Roman fiscal exactions and provincial administration often were, or at least appeared, erratic or irrational. A common pattern of Roman governance involved Rome responding ineffectually at first to a local disturbance, which grew to such extents that Rome had to invest large human and material assets to bring a resolution to a crisis that better administration would have pr evented. Of course, Roman statesmen had long thought about reforms in their state a... Free Essays on Imperial Rome Free Essays on Imperial Rome The study of Roman imperial historywhich in practical terms began from the 60s BCEpresents the modern reader with certain paradigmatic issues relevant to governments and societies today. In broadest terms, the persistent dilemma was how to modify government structures and ethos as state and society expanded geographically and demographically. The republican ideal of Rome had somewhat made sense in a time when the state was little more than the preeminent city in a Mediterranean peninsular area, and needed to ensure its own survival and domination of surrounding locales. By the middle of the final century BCE, however, Rome had become the center of a multi-continent empire stretching from Spain to Iraq. Thus, one can present the continuing civil unrest from 80 to 30 BCE as the inability of an expanded city government to cope with the needs of an empire's administration. Part of these needs consisted of large armies far from home. In such cases, powerful generals could emerge, and after Marius' military reforms of the 90s BCE, the soldiers in these legions became dependent upon generals for material survival. In turn, soldiers and veterans strengthened military leaders' political power as a pay-off. As the ensuing half-century showed, the Senate could not thwart a powerful general with charisma and a mass base of political support. Also lacking in a city government weighted down with imperial responsibilities was an efficient Empire-wide civil service and economic administration. Roman fiscal exactions and provincial administration often were, or at least appeared, erratic or irrational. A common pattern of Roman governance involved Rome responding ineffectually at first to a local disturbance, which grew to such extents that Rome had to invest large human and material assets to bring a resolution to a crisis that better administration would have pr evented. Of course, Roman statesmen had long thought about reforms in their state a...

Budgeting for Your Indie Novel

Budgeting for Your Indie Novel Budgeting for Your Indie Novel Michael Doane is the author of   "The Crossing"  and book strategist at Writing Inbound. When he’s not writing novels, he’s working with other authors to promote, launch, and sell their books. In this article, he talks about the budget he set for self-publishing his debut novel, "The Crossing" and how he was able to stick to it.  A couple of months ago, Reedsy put together a comprehensive infographic on what it costs to self-publish a book. The infographic breaks down costs associated with the various stages of editing as well as cover design and typesetting. According to the data, a 60,000 word book will cost you an average of $5,260 if you purchase each service individually. That’s a fair amount of money if you’re going into self-publishing for the first time and aren’t generating any revenue from your books yet.While Reedsy has the data on average costs, I’d like to share what authors really care about: a story. My debut novel, The C rossing is just under 60,000 words, so I’m going to judge my own progress up against Reedsy’s $5,260 average.My budgetWhen I got serious about publishing, I set a budget of $3,500 on editing and design services. This was money I had in my PayPal account from helping other authors market their books. That meant I had to find shortcuts and alternatives to cut costs and save myself money. One thing I wasn’t willing to compromise on, however, was quality.This was going to be quite the challenge: save about 50% on professional publishing services and STILL come to market with a quality, professionally designed product that’s been vetted by top-notch editors. I also didn’t want to haggle with professionals by negotiating unnecessary discounts.Spoiler alert: I was able to stay within budget.The steps I took to get my book ready to self-publish1. I started with myself†¦The first thing I did was read my own book. I read it critically and made lots and lots of notes. Then I edited the thing. I cut about 15,000 words from the first draft and added an additional 7,000 words to the manuscript.Then I did it again. I re-read, cut, and re-wrote. It’s not easy. Some may even call it soul-shattering. The thing is†¦ it’s necessary.I made "The Crossing" the best possible product I could make on my own before sharing it with anyone.2. I shared with friends and family†¦I have a funny story about the ending of "The Crossing"†¦It is late, about 1am on a Tuesday night, and I have to get up for work at 5am the next morning. My wife, Emily, is always my first-reader and she is just finishing the first draft of the manuscript. She is so disappointed with the ending that she wakes me up, shaking me. â€Å"Mike, Mike. What the†¦!? This book is SO GOOD, but the ending†¦Ã¢â‚¬ It was so bad, she said, she couldn’t sleep. I love my wife, so I got up and wrote her an acceptable ending. I was up until about 2 am making it work. I brought it back to her and watched her read it. â€Å"This is better,† she said, â€Å"but still not the best it can be.†It took three more tries and two editors to get to the best possible ending - the one that made her cry!All this to say, it’s important to share with family and friends. Most of them will tell you they like it (giving you a slight boost in confidence). The best ones will be totally honest with you and encourage you to make art that’s beautiful and worthwhile. Share your writing with friends. It'll encourage you to make something worthwhile.†@medoane 3. I enlisted a small but dedicated group of beta readers†¦My beta readers are my most important asset. Seriously.I put it out there - on my blog and social media - that I was looking for people to read my book and provide feedback. About 50 people signed up and out of those 50, about 15 gave me good, valuable feedback.I sent my manuscript for "The Crossing" to them no strings attached and, over a few months, scheduled calls and exchanged emails with them to solicit direct feedback. I had a very diverse group, who gave me amazing perspective on my work.Once I was finished with all my calls and emails with my beta readers, I made yet another round of personal edits based on the feedback.4. I hired  an editor for an assessment†¦At this point, I knew there was little more I could do on my own and with the honesty and encouragement of my friends, family, and beta readers. I turned to Reedsy and put out proposals for an editorial assessment.I ended up hiring Rebecca Heyman, who was not the least expensive nor the most expensive of the five editors I’d reached out to.While I don’t want to share exactly what I paid for her services, I’ll say that it was (what I thought at the time) a big chunk of change. I’ll also say that the big chunk of change was totally worth it.Becca delivered an 8-page document detailing the parts of the narrative that worked and - more importantly - the parts of the narrative that didn’t work. We then had a pretty heated conversation via Skype about details and alternatives.The best part of working with Becca is that she brought me back to earth, tore down the hard work I’d already done, and pointed me back to the drawing board.What an editorial assessment does for an author is provide perspective. It gives you insights on your work from an experienced professional. Becca was able to create a comprehensive overview of my manuscript for "The Crossing" and help me refine it to a publishab le work. "What an editorial assessment really gives an author is perspective.† @medoane 5. I went back to the drawing board†¦I didn’t make all the edits Becca suggested (there’s that freedom of self-publishing coming into play), but what I did do was re-read the book with fresh eyes and tended to the problem areas that Becca pointed out. I ended up cutting and adding a lot more. Re-read, re-consider, re-write. That’s what it’s all about.Then I recruited more beta readers and had a few from the original group have another go at it and give me feedback. This time they were giving me pointers on not only the narrative, but also grammar and spelling.6. I hired a  cover designer†¦While my beta readers were busy reading, I went back to Reedsy and put out quotes for a cover designer. I ended up going with Matthew Cobb, who just so happens to be a Reedsy co-founder as well.We spent time going back and forth on different iterations and I was able to have complete control over the final product.7. I hired copyeditor/proofreader†¦Since I used so many other resources, like my beta readers, for copyediting and content development, I put out a final round of proposals on Reedsy for a mix of copyediting and proofreading services. I ended up hiring Rachel Small.Rachel’s profile mentioned that she dealt with YA, coming of age, and travel stories, so I knew I wanted to work with her before I even heard any responses back. I also read Reedsy author  Stacey Dyer’s article about working with Rachel, which seemed like a wonderful, collaborative process. Luckily, Rachel came back with a quote on point with what I expected to pay.At this point "The Crossing" was a pretty solid, final, and publishable narrative. I read through one more time, made most of the edits Rachel suggested, and made some tweaks to the narrative that the beta readers had suggested (such moving around chapters, and adding some overlooked elements).8. I  did my own typesettingWith the average cost of typesetting being $840 (according to R eedsy’s infographic),  this could’ve easily been the expense that took me over budget. However, I used the free Reedsy Book Editor  to do the typesetting for me.  You simply copy and paste your chapters into the tool (or use it to write your book), then hit export and you get a nice print-ready PDF and ebook reader-friendly ePub file.So, what does self-publishing a book really cost?Time! Writing, editing, learning how to publish, working with various editors and beta readers, sharing with friends and family and waiting for a response. Having your work torn down by editors so you can build it back up. Patience and effort. This is the true cost of self-publishing. "Time is the true cost of self-publishing."@medoane From the time my first draft was complete until the time the book was published, everything took about two years. I approached it like a second job and spent hundreds of hours, during nights and weekends, learning how to publish a book. But if you’re up to learning new processes, putting out the upfront investments, and working with a team of skilled professionals, the costs certainly are worth it.Thankfully, I was able to stick to the budget I set for myself. According to my $3500 budget, I spent an average of $145 per month in expenses, and if I did extend past my budget to the average cost based on Reedsy’s infographic, it still would have only been about $219 per month. With my current sales numbers, I’m set to make back these costs within the next few months.What’s next?Here is some  last minute advice for those who are ready to take the same path:Set a budget before anything else.Find an audience early.Promote to friends and family.Engage your beta readers.Hire a professional editor (or two).Get a well-designed cover.Learn as much as you can about the industry.Network with other authors.If you’re a detail-oriented and you want to bypass the publishing industry’s red-tape, then self-publishing is definitely worth the cost. Just know that it’s a long road if you’re going to do it right - and come into it with an entrepreneur’s perspective, because you  need to invest money if you want to create a beautiful product that will earn you money in return.  Good luck!"The Crossing" is available on Amazon in paperback and on Amazon Kindle.  Mention this article to get a 25% discount on your next book marketing plan through Michael Doane on Reedsy.Michael set himself the task to not cut corners, to create a book he would be proud of, but also to stay within his allocated self-publishing budget. And he did! What have been your experiences with taking on the cost of publishing yourself?  Leave y our thoughts, experiences, or any questions for Michael  in the comments below.

X Teams Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

X Teams - Article Example The measures will ensure the operations remains intact should the unexpected happen. They provide clear guideline to follow in such situation. The X Team Model provides a dynamic exclusive criterion that enhances success of firms operations amidst difficult periods. Solid, reliable relations within the firm and outside with the public’s creates trust within the organizational vicinity. Appealing public relations with other firms creates an environment that favours growth. Unity within the organizational personnel encourages sharing of ideas hence enhancing creativity resulting to innovation and inventions. It also creates new synergies taking advantages of external opportunities counteracting any probable threats. Three phases of exploration, exploitation, and exportation enable firm keep in pace with its competitors. It enhances solving of complex problems using simple innovative ideas. Organizational teams will link up with external environment potentiating production of new goods and services. Leadership distribution enables organization to harness leadership capabilities existing in the firm. This accelerates the innovation and change process. Top leaders liaise with other managers orienting them fully on ways to manage projects, initiatives to monitor and evaluate organizational progress, effective decision-making, and conflict solving skills. In conclusion, all these processes provide a well-distributed chain of relationship that encourages growth and invention making development a reality in organization. All stakeholders are involved hence teamwork. This results to organizational preparedness strategies

Article Summary Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Summary - Article Example The decision to prohibit the operations of coal plants is a remarkable turnaround since 2007 for the reason that the prior boost in the prices of natural gas suggested an increase in the construction of new coal-fired power plants. Though, recently, less than a hundred of these power plants underwent development because of the unpredictability of regulations over climate change. Evident resistance to the use of coal for the production of electricity is strongly articulated by the public and top scientists whom as well contributed hampering of the operations of new plants. For James Hansen, a NASA scientist, the most decisive step for rescuing the earth at present is to obstruct the building of new coal-fire power plants with no capability to store and emit CO2. On the other hand, the electricity sector is now vulnerable to climate change regulations and the new research on coal-powered plants presents an important image of the effect of coal-plants banning to the price of

Discussing (Tata Steel) and its current approach to managing Essay

Discussing (Tata Steel) and its current approach to managing environmental drivers in their market. You should identify and an - Essay Example In this context, the discussion of this report critically examines the major influencing factors along with the responses made by TATA Steel while performing its steel manufacturing processes in the global countries. Additionally, the discussion would also incorporate the major drivers within the present steel making industry, their potential impact on TATA Steel and provide relevant theoretical implications in order to effectively address the key driving factors in the respective business industry. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 1. Introduction 4 2. Brief Description of the Company and its Exposure to Global Business 4 3. Introduction of the Chosen Framework and Evaluation of TATA’s Response 5 4. Analysing Major Influencing Drivers in the Steel Making Industry and TATA’s Response 6 4.1 Regulatory Process 6 4.2 Cost Reduction Strategy 8 4.3 Buyers’ Power 9 4.4 Suppliers’ Power 9 4.5 Competitive Rivalry 10 6. Conclusion and Recommendations 12 Referen ces 13 1. Appendix 18 1.1 PEST Analysis 18 1.1.1 Political Factor 18 3.1.2 Economic Factor 18 3.1.3 Social Factor 19 3.1.4 Technological Factor 19 1. Introduction The present business environment of global organisations is often identified to be influenced by various factors. In this regard, the influence of external environment is one of the major determinants for the modern business organisations, assisting them to successfully accomplish their desired business goals (Teodorescu & Costachie, 2011). Organisations are often recognised to highly comply with the influence of primary external environmental factors in performing various operational and corporate functions. In this regard, the political, economic, social along with environmental and legal aspects can be duly considered as the primary external influencing factors for any organisation, aiding it to build long-run sustainability in the competitive business market (Oxford University Press, n.d.). Keeping with the major influ ence of the external environmental factors in business, the primary objective of this report is to analyse the business operations of TATA Steel in the fiercely growing steel manufacturing and marketing business industry. In this regard, the report will identify the chief drivers of the steel industry and discuss how these drivers affect Tata Steel. Moreover, the report will also lay utmost focus upon evaluating Tata’s responses to the identified drivers along with providing appropriate actions to ensure sustainable success of the company. 2. Brief Description of the Company and its Exposure to Global Business Established during the mid of the year 1907, TATA Steel (TATA) is regarded as one of the leading steel manufacturing companies in the Indian and global business industry. It is one of the major subsidiaries of the TATA Group with a large number of market shares in producing and marketing of steel across overseas locations (Mahajan & Ives, 2003). The company attained gre ater success in the respective business industry due to its adoption along with execution of continuous diversification strategy in its various business fields. Currently, the organisation is involved in performing diverse operational functions that include motor vehicle manufacturing, steel production, chemical, financial service along with healthcare division and telecommunication

Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 6

Case Study - Essay Example The company found itself left out in the cold financially when they were blocked from accessing needed investment resources. An additional significant internal influence in the demise of Burgmaster was a sense of complacency (which damaged the entire industry) that led to a drop in quality, and the neglect of the characteristic benefit that was formerly most associated with the company: innovation. External factors also played an important role in this organizational tragedy. Some would argue that the political environment at the time is what doomed Burgmaster, as it failed to adequately protect the company from international competition. The competing businesses may have been the most crucial issue. Japanese companies were quick to capitalize on all opportunities, including a swing in market demands toward the perceived (and real) benefits associated with Asian technology. Accordingly, the operational strategy that would have been the best hope for saving Burgmaster should have been focused on improving

FINANCIAL STATEMENT RATIO ANALYSIS CASE Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

FINANCIAL STATEMENT RATIO ANALYSIS - Case Study Example Financial ratio analysis is the calculation of harmonized relationship of figures that appear in the financial statements. These relationships are known as ratios and they are very useful in analyzing the financial performance and financial position of a business. The financial ratios enhance the comparison of different companies in the same industry since the financial statements alone cannot play this role due to the difference in size of businesses. These ratios measure the ability of a firm to make profit to its owners. They indicate the financial performance of a firm. The main profitability ratios are net profit margin, operating profit margin and gross profit margin. The calculation of net profit margin is (net profit/ sales) * 100%. The calculation of operating profit margin is: (operating profit margin/sales) * 100%. The calculation of the gross profit margin is (gross profit margin/ sales) * 100% (Bragg 54). These ratios indicate the level of efficiency in a business. The main management ratios are return on equity, return on assets and the inventory turnover. The calculation of return on equity is (net profit/ total equity) * 100%. The calculation of return in assets is (net profit / total assets * 100%). The calculation of inventory turnover is (inventory/ sales) * 100% (Bull 87). These ratios indicate the ability of a firm to finance its current debts using its current assets. The main liquidity ratios include; quick ratio, current ratio and the net working capital. The calculation of the current ratio is current assets/ current liabilities. The calculation of the quick ratio is (current assets - inventory) / current liabilities. The calculation of the net working capital is current assets – current liabilities. These ratios measure the going concern or the viability of a firm and its ability to meet its long-term debts. The main

The United States and Right-Wing Dictatorships Essay - 1

The United States and Right-Wing Dictatorships - Essay Example This is because many people believed that the policy was successful due to its stability, capitalist, and anti-communism stance. After 1965, nonetheless, this regime became disliked by many Americans, thus, making the issue to become contested. One of the major turning-point was the Vietnam War that played an essential role in undercutting the foundation for supporting the Right-Wing Dictatorships (Schmitz, 2011). Through Schmitz’s book, reader is capable to understand the persistence of the older attitudes, emergent deliberations regarding Vietnam War and the steps to bring change and bring to a closure that U.S support for the authoritarian regime. This paper undertakes to examine the America’s support for the Right-Wing Dictatorships in Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The support for the Right-Wing Dictatorships is an issue that has happened in the U.S. for several years. Since the end of Second World War, the United States has been fighting communism. The U.S. has been supporting dictators from all over the world such as in Chile, El Salvador, Philippines, Indonesia, and Congo. This has been a major issue that has affected most of these countries in terms of economic development. America supported these nations with the aim of preventing the spread of communism. It is noteworthy that the dictators that the U.S. supported are more or less similar worse that the communist leaders. As the World War II ended and Cold war began, the first priority was to stop the escalating communism at the time. The people of Cuba decided to support liberation from U.S. influence and they enjoyed the support of the Soviet Union’s Premier, Nikita Khrushchev. This was a milestone in the process liberation of the whole world. In April 1964, the CIA reported that amongst all Latin American nations, Chile is the country that offers the Communists their hope of joining other nations to embrace the idea of dominating the government via the electoral process

FINANCIAL STATEMENT RATIO ANALYSIS CASE Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

FINANCIAL STATEMENT RATIO ANALYSIS - Case Study Example Financial ratio analysis is the calculation of harmonized relationship of figures that appear in the financial statements. These relationships are known as ratios and they are very useful in analyzing the financial performance and financial position of a business. The financial ratios enhance the comparison of different companies in the same industry since the financial statements alone cannot play this role due to the difference in size of businesses. These ratios measure the ability of a firm to make profit to its owners. They indicate the financial performance of a firm. The main profitability ratios are net profit margin, operating profit margin and gross profit margin. The calculation of net profit margin is (net profit/ sales) * 100%. The calculation of operating profit margin is: (operating profit margin/sales) * 100%. The calculation of the gross profit margin is (gross profit margin/ sales) * 100% (Bragg 54). These ratios indicate the level of efficiency in a business. The main management ratios are return on equity, return on assets and the inventory turnover. The calculation of return on equity is (net profit/ total equity) * 100%. The calculation of return in assets is (net profit / total assets * 100%). The calculation of inventory turnover is (inventory/ sales) * 100% (Bull 87). These ratios indicate the ability of a firm to finance its current debts using its current assets. The main liquidity ratios include; quick ratio, current ratio and the net working capital. The calculation of the current ratio is current assets/ current liabilities. The calculation of the quick ratio is (current assets - inventory) / current liabilities. The calculation of the net working capital is current assets – current liabilities. These ratios measure the going concern or the viability of a firm and its ability to meet its long-term debts. The main

Art in south afric Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Art in south afric - Research Paper Example 2012, par. 3). 2) The South African design creative inspiration artwork; thus art is celebrated as a significant aspect of the cultural heritage. South Africa.info (2012, par. 2) argues that produced artifacts such as self-portraits that depicted the new world. Some of the paints had symbolic meanings and some of them had artistic vision; thus engaged the way people lived in South Africa during the colonial era (Peffer 2009, 79). 3) South African artists produced varied artifacts and many of artists emerged after the end of apartheid with fantastic features that became highly marketable across the globe. For, the artifact features become one their economic activities because some cultural groups especially the Zulu started designing beads that they sold to tourists (Peffer 2009, 79). This enabled them to generate income; hence they became well known for being an artistic society. 1) Some fork arts in South Africa have made progress into becoming high art in western style of designing modern artistic materials. For instance, some of the traditional fork artists such as Bonnie Ntshalintshali and Phutuma Seoka have made significant change on the way they design artifacts (South Africa.info. 2012, par. 3). These artists among others have nowadays become well known in producing distinctive artifacts features of western style (Museum of Modern Art and Hecker 2011, 34). 2) Art in a world of change due to cultural differences have significantly contributed to change in South Africa. This is because of globalization; thus many of the artists have nowadays started adopting the aesthetic dimensions of the western society (Shapiro 2008, 12). Most of the South African artists have now emerged with the artistic features that are of high demand. Even though globalization has created change, they still design traditional artifacts that are being sold within and outside their society. 3) Black

Dell Business Information Strategy

Dell Business Information Strategy XECUTIVE SUMMARY The business information strategy helps a business in identifying ways and means of sharing information across the organization and across all the departments of the organization. This report highlights the business information strategy at Dell, a well known computer manufacturing company. The industry has been led by the major players like IBM, Compaq, Intel, Lenovo, HP, Apple, Microsoft, Dell, Sony, Samsung, LG, etc. The top two manufacturers of computers apart from Dell are Apple and Microsoft and they pose a stiff competition to Dell and the market is led by the top two to three manufacturers. After comparing the financial performance of Dell, IBM and Apple Inc, it can be said that the level of operations of Dell is much lower as compared to Apple Inc and IBM. Some of the recommendations made to the companies in the manufacturing industry are as follows Focus on quality of products, adopting innovative manufacturing processes, improved customer support, competitive pricing, improved supply chain, etc. The strategy for Dell would be to adopt an innovative manufacturing process thereby helping it to stay competitive by bringing in a change and by manufacturing technologically advanced products. This technological change will have an impact on almost all the aspects of Dells business, like management, information needs, business locations, staffing requirements, employee training, etc. INTRODUCTION The strategy in a business organization plays a key role, be it a business strategy, marketing strategy, HR Strategy, or business information strategy. The business needs information at all levels and the success of the business can be directly attributed to the level of information that can be accessed by the employees of any business. A business should strive hard to provide information to the employees, as it is likely to improve the performance of the business as a whole. The business information strategy helps a business in identifying ways and means of sharing information across the organization and across all the departments of the organization. This report highlights the business information strategy at Dell, a well known computer manufacturing company. INDUSTRY SECTOR ANALYSIS Computer manufacturing industries differs somewhat from other manufacturing industries in the way of production and mostly workers make up a relatively very small proportion of the workforce. Computer manufacturing industry is considered as most innovative industry. With the moving trend, improving technology and increase in technological innovation, this industry creates its own identity and drives much of the industrys production. This industry is also considered as a place for technological as well as innovative advancements. This is the only manufacturing industry which requires maximum number of engineers, technicians, and many other technical assistants who can take the research and development work further. In addition to manufacturing, it also requires promotion of products manufactured by the different segments of the industry that requires more eligible marketing as well as sales executives or workers. U.S companies in this industry manufacture as well as assemble the compo nents manufactured in foreign countries, in order to take advantage of lower cost of production and regulatory and favorable environments. Most of the electronic products include different intermediate components that are needed to be purchased from various manufacturers. So these companies that produce intermediaries and goods mostly locate themselves nearby to industry so that the companies can receive their intermediate products in very less time in order to lower down their inventory costs. Most the computer manufacturing companies in this industry are very large and many are relatively small. The computer manufacturing industry has also had its share of impacts of the recent financial crisis. The computer manufacturing industry was also going through a transformational crisis. The sales of the major players have decreased considerable and the profits have also declined. In fact, some of the manufacturers have incurred losses from their operations during the crisis. Moreover, the industry has been very competitive in the recent past with more and more medium level manufacturers entering the global markets. The low cost computers manufactured by the Indian and Chinese manufacturers have increased the level of competition in the industry. There have been various influences on the computer manufacturing industry over the last few years or so. The influences were due to the increase in the number of computer manufacturers, use of latest technologies, rapid decrease in the cost of manufacturing mainly due to the outsourcing of components manufacturing ton countries like India a nd China. Overall, it can be said that there are various challenges faced by the computer manufacturing industry and it is likely that the future is going to more challenging for the manufacturers, as they compete hard in order to attract and retain the market share. Market Leaders The Computer manufacturing industry has experienced an increase in the number of computer manufacturers over the last five years or so. But the industry at large has been led by the major players like IBM, Compaq, Intel, Lenovo, HP, Apple, Microsoft, Dell, Sony, Samsung, LG, etc. The top two manufacturers of computers apart from Dell are Apple and Microsoft and they pose a stiff competition to Dell and the market is led by the top two to three manufacturers. In spite of the top manufacturers holding larger shares in the market, the market is wide open for all the other manufacturers. So, the open market makes it all more important for the manufacturers to adopt effective strategies in order to achieve competitive advantage and sustain the competitive advantage with a view to increase the sales revenues, profits, market share, and also to increase the wealth on the investors. The competition in the industry has been very stiff and thus it made the computer manufacturers to increase their product line and also to adopt innovative manufacturing processes to come up with latest and innovative products. The computer manufacturing industry or market leaders have also adopted innovative strategies to stay competitive and increase the market share, thereby leading to the organizational success. The important point to remember here is that Dell is also one of the market leaders in the computer manufacturing industry and it also poses stiff competition to the other competitors in the industry. Comparative Performance of Competitors The comparative performance of some of the major computer manufacturing industry leaders gives us an insight into the level of competition that exists among the top competitors and also the position of Dell in the overall computer manufacturing industry. The revenues of Dell for the year 2009 were $61.101 Billion and its operating income was $3.190 Billion, whereas its Net Income was $2.478 billion. The Net income, Operating Income and also the revenues have all shown an increase as compared to the year 2008, which shows that there has been an improvement in the performance of Dell over the last one year or so. The revenues of IBM for the year 2009 were $95.757 Billion and its operating income was $17.012 Billion, whereas its Net Income was $13.425 billion. The Net income, Operating Income have increased and the revenues have shown a decrease as compared to the year 2008, which shows that there has been an improvement in the performance of Dell over the last one year or so with respect to the profitability, but it has lost some part of its market share, as compared to its performance during the year 2008. The revenues of Apple Inc for the year 2009 were $42.91 Billion and its operating income was $11.74 Billion, whereas its Net Income was $8.24 billion. The Net income, Operating Income and also the revenues have all shown an increase as compared to the year 2008, which shows that there has been an improvement in the performance of Apple Inc, over the last one year or so. Revenues ($ bn) Operating Income ($ bn) Net Income ($ bn) Dell 61.1 3.19 2.48 Apple Inc 42.91 11.74 8.24 IBM 95.76 17.01 13.4 The above table shows the financial performance of Dell, Apple Inc and IBM. The above graph shows the financial performance of Dell, Apple Inc and IBM. After comparing the financial performance of Dell, IBM and Apple Inc, it can be said that the level of operations of Dell is much lower as compared to Apple Inc and IBM. So, it suggests that Dell has to adopt innovative strategies in its operations at all levels in order to compete with its competitors. The positive that goes with Dell is that it has been improving its performance and the rate of growth is much better than some of the other industry leaders. Current Technology used in the Computer Manufacturing Industry In the past, the computers used to be so big, even bigger than the refrigerators, but now-a- days, the computers are as small as a PDA, which can fit into a palm of human beings. So, this has been possible mainly due to the advanced technology and continuous advancements of technology that has been adopted in the computer manufacturing industry. The latest technology has reduced the size of the computers, hard disks, etc, without comprising on the quality, in fact with better quality and durability for the customers. These computer manufacturing companies have their own research and development departments, so as to continuously look for new ways of manufacturing the computers. The technology plays a key role in the success of any product and computers are no different. The better technology helps the manufacturers in manufacturing latest computers. The technology used by the computers has been so much helpful for the people. The technology used in computer manufacturing has been helpful in other industries as well. These latest technologies made it possible to use computer in almost all the aspects of human life. Future Technology that can be used in the Computer Manufacturing Industry The future of the technology and the advancements in the technology looks to be more effective, as there is a lot of scope for improvement and advancements in the technology. The future technology can make it possible to produce much smaller computers with better features, and better performance, as compared to the performance of the computers manufactured today. With the advancements in technology, almost anything is possible. The things that look impossible today are becoming possible and a reality tomorrow. So, with the advanced technology anything is possible. The technology is surely going to play a key role in the computer manufacturing industry. If one company adopts a latest technology then the other competitors must adopt it or come up with something innovative on their own, otherwise, they will lag behind and may not be able to compete in the industry. So, the continuous changes in the technology keep the computer manufacturers on their toes, to make quick decisions and adopt effective and innovative strategies to produce high quality computers, mostly a low costs. (Buzzel, 1987). Recommendations for the companies in the Computer Manufacturing Industry based on the Sector Analysis to stay competitive in the industry Innovative Manufacturing Processes The companies in the computer manufacturing industry needs to stay competitive and they can do so, by adopting innovative manufacturing processes. The old and out dated manufacturing processes are not going to help the companies in staying competitive. With a view to achieve competitive advantage, most of the companies are adopting innovative strategies. The competitive advantage once achieved needs to be sustained in order to stay competitive. The competitive advantage can be achieved and sustained by adopting innovative manufacturing processes. (Parker, 1989). Focus on the Quality The companies should always look to improve the quality of the products at all times. The low quality products will not be helpful in staying competitive for long. In order to attractive in the market and also stay competitive, a computer manufacturer needs to focus on the quality of the products regardless of the internal issues. A low quality product will survive for long in the market. (Swan, et.al, 1976). Improved Customer Support The customer support and after sale service by the companies can be helpful in staying competitive. If the questions of the customers are not answered properly, then it is likely that the customer will be attracted by other companies with better customer service. So, in order to stay competitive, the companies should look to improve their customer support service. (Gale, 1992). Competitive Pricing Gone are the days, when the manufacturers were the price makers, now-a-days, in fact, the customers are the price makers. In other words, the customers look for the prices from various manufacturers and finally purchase a product from the manufacturer with the most economical price, so if a manufacturers pricing is not competitive, then the manufacturer will not stay competitive. So, the companies should price their products competitively. (Gale, 1992). Improved Supply chain for Quick Delivery The supply chain often helps a company in staying competitive in almost all the industries and the computer manufacturing industry is no exception. The effective supply chain ensures quick and efficient delivery of products to the customers, whereas, an ineffective supply chain is the main reason for the failure of any company to stay competitive. Thus, an improved supply chain can help a company stay competitive in the market. (Parker, 1989). BACKGROUND OF DELL The company selected is Dell and it deals with the manufacturing of computers and its components, and it comes under the computer manufacturing industry. Computer manufacturing companies are mostly considered as electronic manufacturing companies and these companies produces products like computers, its peripherals, equipments related to communications, and many more products similar to these products. These products can be used at many places like offices, schools, industries, colleges, as well as homes. These products are also used for military as well as government establishments. In addition to all this different computer peripherals or different components are built in into many industry products. Dell has been a well known manufacturer of Computers, mainly Desktops, Laptops, Notebooks, and PDA. Dell has emerged as one of the largest manufacturers of computers. Dell competes with the industry leaders and with the best in the industry. Dell grew as a computer manufacturing company in the year 1980s and 1990s, and it also became the largest computer manufacturer at one point of time. Dells core business was to sell Desktops, Laptops and Servers, etc. Dell also sells some other electronics products, which it acquires from its suppliers around the world and sell them under the brand name of Dell. The operations of Dell have increased significantly over the last few years and have been competing with the best in the business. CURRENT SITUATION ANALYSIS The current situation analysis of Dell helps us to analyze the situation and also the various factors that affect the operations of Dell. Following are the components of situation analysis. Customers Dell serves a wide range of customers ranging from individuals, small business to large multinational companies. Dell also supplies computers and other devices to the government organizations in various countries. Its customers are spread all across the world, making it a truly global company. The global customers of Dell also points out the presence of Dell, which all across the world. So, it is satisfying a large base of customers and thus there is lot of scope for increasing the customer base of Dell Costs The costs of any company play a key role in the profitability and success of any company. Higher costs lead to low income or losses in some cases, so it is always better to reduce the cost of manufacturing and also the other indirect costs. Dell manufactures most of the products on its own and it also acquires some of the products from suppliers around the world, with a view to reduce costs. This helps it in pricing its products competitively, thereby helping it to stay competitive in the market. Competitors Some of the competitors of Dell are well known companies around the world. The competitors of Dell include Microsoft, IBM, Apple Inc, HCL, HP, Sony, LG, Samsung, etc. These competitors are well known companies with a wide range of products and a wide base of customers, which also helps them to mark their presence all over the world. The competition is very stiff in the computer manufacturing industry, with the presence of these popular global brands. STRATEGY FOR DELL The strategy for Dell would be to adopt an innovative manufacturing process thereby helping it to stay competitive by bringing in a change and by manufacturing technologically advanced products. Change Required Dell needs to bring about a major change in the size of its desktops and laptops. Dell can manufacture sleek laptops like Apple, Inc, and thus would be able to compete with Apple Inc. It would also give Dell an advantage over its competitors. Moreover, it gives Dell an opportunity to increase its market share by serving a new base of customers with its sleek products. This can be achieved only by adopting a technology like Apple Inc, or even a better technology than Apple Inc. Impact on Management This change is likely to impact the management at Dell. The impact of the technological change would require dell to bring about a change in the way the management at Dell operates. There may be a need to include a new of level of management or to remove an existing level of management positions based on the requirements. With a change in the organisation with regards to the structure or the technological changes, the management also needs to change, as per the requirements. So, it can be said that the change in the products to be manufactured, is likely to bring about a change in management. Thus, it can be said that there is an impact of this change on the management. Impact on Business Location Dell might need to start its manufacturing units to manufacture sleek products, or else it can use the existing manufacturing facilities to manufacture such products. With a change in the computer manufacturing technology, Dell has to expand its operations by starting manufacturing units in new business locations. Dell might need to change it business from location to another considering its impact on the operations. Most of the manufacturing companies are starting their manufacturing units in countries like India and China, so Dell might consider India and China, as a proposed location to start its manufacturing units to manufacture sleek laptops, and small sized desktops. Impact on Information needs of management The management needs an upgraded information system, so as to provide an accurate and updated information at all levels, as and when required, (Malhotra, 2008). The information needs of the management at Dell are also likely to change, with a change in the technology and operations of Dell. So, depending upon the information needs, the information system should also be upgraded, so that it provides required information to the management at all levels, which could ultimately help in achievement of the objectives of Dell. Impact on Staffing Plan As discussed earlier, Dell might need to hire additional people to manage its new processes of manufacturing sleek laptops. The staffing plan is also likely to change with a proposed change in the technology. Some employees might need to be transferred from one position to another, and some others might be needed to be hired, depending upon requirement. The proposed technological change at Dell is also likely to impact the staffing plan at Dell; therefore, a new staffing plan has to be developed, considering its operations. Impact on Training Dell also needs to provide adequate training and education to its employees with a view to upgrade their skills and improve the productivity and efficiency. The training and development of employee should be given highest priority, as the highly developed employees enhance the productivity and performance of the organisation as a whole. With a technological change, there will impact on the training provided at Dell. There are likely to be new training programs, to suit the needs of the new business development i.e. incorporating the proposed technological change. CONCLUSION Finally, it can be concluded by stating that the business information strategy plays a key role in the success of an organization. It also plays an important role, when an organization intends to bring about any change in its operations, because, a major change is possible only with the free flow of information. Dell can manufacture sleek laptops, by bringing about a technological change and also a change in its manufacturing process. The impacts of such a change can be seen on the current management, business locations, information needs of management, staffing, training, etc. The strategic level of management needs to adopt innovative strategies to achieve the objectives of Dell. The strategic management plays an important role in the success of any organisation, so the key policy changes or developments take place at the strategic level of management. The tactical level of management needs to follow the policies developed by strategic level. Finally, the operational level is responsible for implementing the policies and achieving the final objectives.

Flood Stories in Epic of Gilgamesh and the Genesis Flood of the Christian Bible :: Epic Gilgamesh essays

Comparison of the Flood Stories in Gilgamesh and the Bible   Ã‚   The two stories closely parallel each other, though Gilgamesh was written down before 2000 BCE and the version in Genesis was compiled ca. 400 BCE. Biblical writers probably knew of the much older myth but revised it so that it fit with their own history and worldview. They intended it to fit with their own mythology. Despite the many similarities between the two stories, this difference in intention is revealed in a number of motifs that distinguish the biblical story from the ancient myth:   Gilgamesh   Genesis   1. Flood is caused by the fickle nature of the gods We are told in 11.1 lines 14-17 that the gods who were reclining at Shuruppak, "up the constant Euphrates," sent the flood by "intent."   1. Flood is sent by God to destroy his creation, which has become corrupt and evil The humans are so wicked and evil that "it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart" (Gen. 6:6). He says,"I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth. . . " (Gen. 6:7)   2. On earth one can still find demi-gods and great heroes, like Gilgamesh This is a Golden Age, like that described by Hesiod, when heroes walked the earth and humans and gods commingled.   2. Earth once had giants and heroes, but they became part of the evil These "giants in the earth" (Gen. 6:4) were the sons of God and of the daughters of men, but they were only men of renown in the old days (Gen. 6:4). There is no Golden Age at the time of the flood. 3. One good man is saved (Utnapishtim), who obeys the god's orders to build a boat   Ea warns Utnapishtim (11.1 lns. 26ff.) to build a covered boat to save himself and the "seed of all [he'll] need" (11.1 ln. 34), to "Reject the corpse-like stench of wealth" (11.1 ln. 28) and live a charitable life of moderation. U. agrees to do this to "honor god" (l1.1 n. 39), but he will tell people he does so because Enlil hates him and he must flee by boat to where Enlil waits to kill him.

The Influence of Stress on Dopamine Levels :: Biology Essays Research Papers

The Influence of Stress on Dopamine Levels In the quest to survive, every living organism is equipped with the armor to withstand the impacts of stress. The African savanna leaves the zebra in an anxiety-ridden position of vulnerability to predators. Stress may can be as basic as the lack of food, habitat, or reproductive success. Humans are especially aware of the impacts of stress due to the nature of todayà ¢s contemporary lifestyle. Too many daily demands can give a person anything from insomnia to indigestion to depression. Every person is equipped to naturally deal with large amounts of stress, but when these amounts exceed what the body can handle, discomfort is considerable. Besides the qualitative approach to coping with stress, what bodily mechanisms are responsible for dealing with anxiety? The nervous system is almost solely credited with this task. The complex interaction system between billions of individual neurons facilitates large number of behaviors that result due to inputs originating inside and outside the organism. Spaces between neighboring neurons are called synapses, and one way in which they communicate is by sending chemical signals called neurotransmitters across the presynaptic membrane to the postsynaptic membrane. Years of nervous system research have determined that stress activates the neurotransmitter, dopamine. The functions of dopamine are numerous, but in general it inhibits transmission of nerve impulses. This transmitter is found throughout the body, though mainly housed in the brainà ¢s interior basil ganglia, in the frontal lobe of the information-processing center of the brain, or in the limbic system (1). Many chronic diseases result from the overproduction or underproduction of dopamine. The dopamineà ¢s inability to move into the frontal lobe of the brain results in the inability to control fine motor movement and is familiarly called Parkinson Disease(1) . If the flow of dopamine throughout the nervous system is not allowed to circulate as usual, then schizophrenia follows (1). Now that the extreme abnormalities of dopamine have been discussed, letà ¢s look at how dopamine affects the average person who is subjected to a stressful environment. One study maintains that the chewing behavior of mice is a response to stress, and therefore it serves as a coping device. The body responds to stress by the activation of the cerebral dopaminergic (DA) system. The study shows that when given the option of chewing, the activation of mouse DA system is drawn out (2) In other words, when allowed to chew, a mouseà ¢s body will have prolonged the presence of stress-managers; this coping mechanism reduces the impact of the stress.

Deception Point Page 74

â€Å"Smart people like yourself don't have the luxury of playing stupid, Dr. Harper. You're in trouble, and the senator sent me up here to offer you a deal. The senator's campaign took a huge hit tonight. He's got nothing left to lose, and he's ready to take you down with him if he needs to.† â€Å"What the devil are you talking about?† Gabrielle took a deep breath and made her play. â€Å"You lied in your press conference about the PODS anomaly-detection software. We know that. A lot of people know that. That's not the issue.† Before Harper could open his mouth to argue, Gabrielle steamed onward. â€Å"The senator could blow the whistle on your lies right now, but he's not interested. He's interested in the bigger story. I think you know what I'm talking about.† â€Å"No, I-â€Å" â€Å"Here's the senator's offer. He'll keep his mouth shut about your software lies if you give him the name of the top NASA executive with whom you're embezzling funds.† Chris Harper's eyes seemed to cross for a moment. â€Å"What? I'm not embezzling!† â€Å"I suggest you watch what you say, sir. The senatorial committee has been collecting documentation for months now. Did you really think you two would slip by undetected? Doctoring PODS paperwork and redirecting allocated NASA funds to private accounts? Lying and embezzling can put you in jail, Dr. Harper.† â€Å"I did no such thing!† â€Å"You're saying you didn't lie about PODS?† â€Å"No, I'm saying I bloody well didn't embezzle money!† â€Å"So, you're saying you did lie about PODS.† Harper stared, clearly at a loss for words. â€Å"Forget about the lying,† Gabrielle said, waving it off. â€Å"Senator Sexton is not interested in the issue of your lying in a press conference. We're used to that. You guys found a meteorite, nobody cares how you did it. The issue for him is the embezzlement. He needs to take down someone high in NASA. Just tell him who you're working with, and he'll steer the investigation clear of you entirely. You can make it easy and tell us who the other person is, or the senator will make it ugly and start talking about anomaly-detection software and phony work-arounds.† â€Å"You're bluffing. There are no embezzled funds.† â€Å"You're an awful liar, Dr. Harper. I've seen the documentation. Your name is on all the incriminating paperwork. Over and over.† â€Å"I swear I know nothing about any embezzlement!† Gabrielle let out a disappointed sigh. â€Å"Put yourself in my position, Dr. Harper. I can only draw two conclusions here. Either you're lying to me, the same way you lied in that press conference. Or you're telling the truth, and someone powerful in the agency is setting you up as a fall guy for his own misdealings.† The proposition seemed to give Harper pause. Gabrielle checked her watch. â€Å"The senator's deal is on the table for an hour. You can save yourself by giving him the name of the NASA exec with whom you're embezzling taxpayers' money. He doesn't care about you. He wants the big fish. Obviously the individual in question has some power here at NASA; he or she has managed to keep his or her identity off the paper trail, allowing you to be the fall guy.† Harper shook his head. â€Å"You're lying.† â€Å"Would you like to tell that to a court?† â€Å"Sure. I'll deny the whole thing.† â€Å"Under oath?† Gabrielle grunted in disgust. â€Å"Suppose you'll also deny you lied about fixing the PODS software?† Gabrielle's heart was pounding as she stared straight into the man's eyes. â€Å"Think carefully about your options here, Dr. Harper. American prisons can be most unpleasant.† Harper glared back, and Gabrielle willed him to fold. For a moment she thought she saw a glimmer of surrender, but when Harper spoke, his voice was like steel. â€Å"Ms. Ashe,† he declared, anger simmering in his eyes, â€Å"you are clutching at thin air. You and I both know there is no embezzlement going on at NASA. The only liar in this room is you.† Gabrielle felt her muscles go rigid. The man's gaze was angry and sharp. She wanted to turn and run. You tried to bluff a rocket scientist. What the hell did you expect? She forced herself to hold her head high. â€Å"All I know,† she said, feigning utter confidence and indifference to his position, â€Å"is the incriminating documents I've seen-conclusive evidence that you and another are embezzling NASA funds. The senator simply asked me to come here tonight and offer you the option of giving up your partner instead of facing the inquiry alone. I will tell the senator you prefer to take your chances with a judge. You can tell the court what you told me-you're not embezzling funds and you didn't lie about the PODS software.† She gave a grim smile. â€Å"But after that lame press conference you gave two weeks ago, somehow I doubt it.† Gabrielle spun on her heel and strode across the darkened PODS laboratory. She wondered if maybe she'd be seeing the inside of a p rison instead of Harper. Gabrielle held her head high as she walked off, waiting for Harper to call her back. Silence. She pushed her way through the metal doors and strode out into the hallway, hoping the elevators up here were not key-card operated like the lobby. She'd lost. Despite her best efforts, Harper wasn't biting. Maybe he was telling the truth in his PODS press conference, Gabrielle thought. A crash resounded down the hall as the metal doors behind her burst open. â€Å"Ms. Ashe,† Harper's voice called out. â€Å"I swear I know nothing about any embezzlement. I'm an honest man!† Gabrielle felt her heart skip a beat. She forced herself to keep walking. She gave a casual shrug and called out over her shoulder. â€Å"And yet you lied in your press conference.† Silence. Gabrielle kept moving down the hallway. â€Å"Hold on!† Harper yelled. He came jogging up beside her, his face pale. â€Å"This embezzlement thing,† he said, lowering his voice. â€Å"I think I know who set me up.† Gabrielle stopped dead in her tracks, wondering if she had heard him correctly. She turned as slowly and casually as she could. â€Å"You expect me to believe someone is setting you up?† Harper sighed. â€Å"I swear I know nothing about embezzlement. But if there's evidence against me†¦ â€Å" â€Å"Mounds of it.† Harper sighed. â€Å"Then it's all been planted. To discredit me if need be. And there's only one person who would have done that.† â€Å"Who?† Harper looked her in the eye. â€Å"Lawrence Ekstrom hates me.† Gabrielle was stunned. â€Å"The administrator of NASA?† Harper gave a grim nod. â€Å"He's the one who forced me to lie in that press conference.† 88 Even with the Aurora aircraft's misted-methane propulsion system at half power, the Delta Force was hurtling through the night at three times the speed of sound-over two thousand miles an hour. The repetitive throb of the Pulse Detonation Wave Engines behind them gave the ride a hypnotic rhythm. A hundred feet below, the ocean churned wildly, whipped up by the Aurora's vacuum wake, which sucked fifty-foot rooster tails skyward in long parallel sheets behind the plane. This is the reason the SR-71 Blackbird was retired, Delta-One thought. The Aurora was one of those secret aircraft that nobody was supposed to know existed, but everyone did. Even the Discovery channel had covered Aurora and its testing out at Groom Lake in Nevada. Whether the security leaks had come from the repeated â€Å"skyquakes† heard as far away as Los Angeles, or the unfortunate eyewitness sighting by a North Sea oil-rig driller, or the administrative gaffe that left a description of Aurora in a public copy of the Pentagon budget, nobody would ever know. It hardly mattered. The word was out: The U.S. military had a plane capable of Mach 6 flight, and it was no longer on the drawing board. It was in the skies overhead.

Bovine Growth Hormones

In the last century there has been a lot of increased research in science which has greatly influenced our daily life. Introduction of new technologies like the recombinant DNA technology has led to new developments in the agricultural, pharmaceutical and molecular biology. It is possible to produce proteins in organisms where they are not originally produced through recombinant DNA technology. A gene sequence is incorporated in an organism capable of reproducing fast to allow production of large volumes of the protein for example bacteria.Hormones like insulin are produced this way while others that have a lot of influence in the physiological functions on humans and animals are produced synthetically for example Bovine hormone which is given to dairy cows in order to increase milk production. Bovine Growth Hormone The pituitary glands of cows naturally produce the hormone bovine somatotropin (bST) that is responsible for production of milk in cows. Some of the bST hormone reaches t he liver while in circulation and stimulates production of insulin like growth factor one (IGF-1).Combination of these two hormones leads to increased degradation of fats for energy and also prevents mammary glands cell death. The increased fat degradation is thought to be reason behind increased milk production. Due to advancement in science it was made possible to synthetically produce this hormone by recombinant DNA technology. The Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) which was the first genetically engineered animal drug produced by Monsanto in 1994 which is one of the largest biotechnology companies in the world.The hormone is injected to the cows even when the produce enough bovine somatotropin which puts the animal at risk because two hormones with the same purpose will be involved. Introduction of this hormone to dairy farmers was faced with a lot of controversy because it was shown to have health hazards to human beings who take milk from cows injected with this hormone . Monsanto went ahead to introduce the rBGH though with a lot of opposition from farmers and the public.This hormone was shown to increase reproduction of cows by about 25%. In the process the health and reproduction of the cows decreases from the effect of the rBGH. It was criticized by many industrialized nations because they thought that it would cause negative effects on humans. It was later proved that this hormone had drastic effects on cattle and also on humans. Independent research was done by organizations like the consumers union, cancer prevention coalition and other international governments like the Canadian government.All these organizations found out that milk from a cow injected with rBGH hormone contained high amounts of potent cancer tumor promoter IGF-1 and could also be absorbed through the gastro intestinal tract thereby leading to immunological effects . Absorption of this hormone to the body also influences cancer accelerating hormone Insulin like Growth Facto r – 1(IGF-1) that leads to abnormal growth of cells (malignant cells) which causes the major cancers like breast and prostrate cancers.. Monsanto had attempted to cover up all these negative effects on humans and cows.This was facilitated by the US Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Agriculture who went ahead licensing the rBGH and other genetically engineered organisms without the necessary safety test. Some of the journalist from Fox company who tried to air the Monsanto story fairly and honestly. The journalist had reported about the rBGH hormone and the possible health hazards to people who take milk and beef from cows injected with this hormone. were dismissed from the broadcasting company without any definite reasons.It was therefore evident that Monsanto was out to make huge profits without concern if their products were safe enough to be utilized in animals and the subsequent shift to humans through milk and beef. Conclusion The increased provision of f unds for research has led to more discoveries and development of new scientific products. However, whenever a new product is developed it is the responsibility of developer to carry out critical safety tests to avoid endangering the lives of many people. Each and every technological innovation has its advantages and disadvantages.Once a new product is introduced all the pros and cons of that product should be addressed accordingly. It is also the responsibility of each state to ensure that all new products developed in that state are safe and should not hesitate to take legal actions if the product is capable of threatening life. References Nina, R. Food safety: a reference handbook. 2nd Edition. ABC-CLIO, 2007 Lisa, N. science and social context: the regulation of recombinant bovine growth hormone in North America. McGill- Queen’s Press–MQUP, 2002. Bernice, Z. Issues and Dilemma of Biotechnology: a reference guide. 2nd edition. Greenwood Publishing Group, 1999.

Self Development Assignment

This assignment is designed to help you understand yourself. In this course, you will explore who you are in terms of your personality, skills and values. Further, you will examine how you work and interact with others. In it, you will explore two areas of strength, two areas of weakness, and then you will develop a plan of action focused on one of your strengths and one of your weaknesses. It is expected that this assignment will contribute to your sense of self-awareness and thus help you make wise choices about your future. As part of our in-class activities, we will focus on self discovery. This will allow you to reflect and disclose those aspects of yourself that you feel are most likely to contribute to your abilities as a leader. Further, you will be encouraged to give and receive feedback from others. In addition, you will have the opportunity to delve into your areas for growth. For this assignment you will also reflect on two areas of weakness (or areas that you would like to develop). Understanding your strengths and your developmental needs should help you because a heightened sense of self-awareness should guide you to make career choices that capitalize on your strengths. The first step in this assignment is to identify two areas of strength and two for development. If you are already aware of your strengths and the areas in which you would like to grow, then you simply need to determine whether you are using appropriate terminology to describe them. If you are uncertain of your strengths and areas for improvement, then you will begin the assignment with an exercise in self-reflection. Increasing Self-Awareness Step 1 Once you have identified two strengths and two areas for growth, you should compare your list with the list of competencies in For Your Improvement (on reserve in the library). Step 2 1. Consider how you exemplify the strengths / areas for development. Provide concrete examples of how you demonstrate these strengths / weaknesses in your daily life (at work or at school). 2. Describe how each of the strengths/weaknesses impacts your performance at work and/or how it currently affects your performance at school. If you find that you cannot identify how the strength/weakness helps/hinders your performance, then re-consider why it is a strength or why you would want to improve the skill, or go back to step 1 and identify another area for development. Step 3 1. Select one strength and one area for improvement. 2. Drawing on theory, explain why the strength/developmental need might affect your current performance and/or how it might positively or negatively impact your future career. When considering theory, you will want to find research articles (academic ones) in support of your hypothesis that the strength will be of benefit to your career and that the area for development will negatively affect your performance (or alternatively, why improvement in this area will be necessary for your career). Developmental Plan The next part of the assignment is to develop a plan for improvement. Your plan should be realistic and you should provide a convincing argument for why you believe it will be effective. In order to be persuasive, I recommend that you support your plan with evidence (i.e., research the potential methods that can be used to improve a particular skill and include this evidence in your paper). 1. Develop a plan of action for capitalizing on one of your strengths. a. Develop a plan for how you believe you can capitalize on your area of strength. Use specific behavioural example(s) to indicate how your plan will give you an opportunity to use the competency to advance your career. The plan should be realistic and you should apply what you know about goal setting to ensure that the plan is likely to be motivating (e.g., consider whether your plan has SMART goals). b. You will need to indicate what would constitute career success and how your plan will bring you closer to achieving it. Further, you need to use research to convince the reader that your plan will be effective. 2. Develop a plan for how you believe you can improve one of your areas of weakness. 1. Use specific behavioural example(s) to indicate how your plan will be implemented. The plan should be realistic and you should apply what you know about goal setting to ensure that the plan is likely to be motivating (e.g., consider whether your plan has SMART goals). 2. You will need to indicate what would constitute improvement. You should explain the criteria for achieving proficiency on the competency. In addition, you should provide a specific behavioural example of how you would demonstrate improvement in your own life/career. 3. Research the plan. Look for evidence to support the idea that you can improve the identified skill and that your method is likely to be successful. If your idea has not been tested, then you should provide a theoretical explanation for why it will work. Please use academic theory and research to support your plan.