HW Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

HW - Assignment Example For example, from the scale it indicates that there is no specialization of tasks which eliminates competition among employees. There is no competition among the employees and merit is a group pride but not an individuals. I would recommend that the two organizations have similar ratings on any of the scales because both have different hierarchy. Despite the two organizations following different hierarchy, they can be evaluated on the same scale (Daft, 2012). This is because they follow different norms, their method of leadership is different and their level of specialization differs. For instance, Daft compares a tall, horizontal and government agency on the same scale. From the given scale, while evaluating the formality of the organizations, one has many rules while the other has almost no rules. Therefore, this makes it possible to rate them on same scale. Another reason is that they are not producing similar products. One is a product based organization while the other is a service based organization (Daft, 2012). From the given scale, GoPro technology is product based while Morning Star is service based organization. Similarly, Daft compares the three organizations that do not offer similar products on the same scale. One is a software development company, the other is a retailing company and the last one is a government service company. Therefore, both GoPro and Morning Star are comparable on the same

Plato Allegory of the Cave Essay Example for Free

Plato Allegory of the Cave Essay The Allegory of the Cave is one of Greek philosopher Plato’s most well known works. It is an extended allegory, where humans are depicted as being imprisoned by their bodies and what they perceive by sight only. In the allegory of the cave Plato wanted to show how true reality is not always what it seems. A group of prisoners were chained up in a cave since there childhood, each prisoner was chained to each other by their heads.The prisoners were forced to face a blank wall while they were in the cave. Behind the prisoners there was a fire however the prisoners could not see the fire but between the prisoners and the fire there would a be puppet show where people would walk, talk and carry objects to keep the prisoners amused. The prisoners perceive only shadows of the people and things passing on the walkway; the prisoners hear echoes of the talk coming from the shadows. They perceive the shadows and echoes as reality. Whilst in the cave one prisoner is set free. He stands up and turns around and is forced to look at the fire, after the pain in his eyes from the fire he struggles to see anything. The prisoner is dragged out of the cave and into the world above. At first, the prisoner is so dazzled by the light that he can only look at shadows, then at reflections, then finally at the real objects like trees, flowers and houses. He sees that these are even more real than the shadows were, and that those were only copies of reality. The prisoner has now reached the cognitive stage of thought. He has caught his first glimpse of the most real thing, which is the Forms. In the film The Matrix, the humans trapped in the Matrix are like the people in the cave. They see only what the machines want them to see, but they believe they see reality as it really is. They accept what their senses tell them all that exists. Neo suspects that this is all a lie, but he’s not sure how the Matrix works. Morpheus, who runs the resistance to the Matrix, brings Neo into the Resistance, believing that Neo is the person who has been foreseen by the Oracle to be able to defeat the Matrix In The Allegory of the Cave the people creating the shadows represent the powerful people in society. In The Matrix the puppet-handlers are the machines controlled by Artificial Intelligence. The puppet-handlers use fake surroundings as a way to manipulate the information that the prisoners receive. While the prisoners are being fooled and influenced by the fake reality, the puppet-handlers are too because they are also living inside the artificial world they have created as well. Neo lives in world which is controlled by the matrix agents just like Platos prisoner lives in a world (cave) controlled by the form holders. They both manage to escape from the world as they know it and come to know the world as it really is. Neo, with some help from Morpheus, comes to realize that the life he as been leading so far is nothing but the life of a slave, shaped under the control of the Matrix, protected by the agents. Platos prisoner comes to realize first that the shadows he is looking at are not the truth, they are just shadows cast on the wall by the form holders. He sees the fire and as he follows the path which leads him outside of the cave, he sees the sun and everything else illuminated by it. The characters, simultaneously experience shock and then a feeling of fear when they first perceive what is real. Neo is able to see how humans are grown, hooked on wires, an element which symbolizes control just like the chains which tie the prisoners in Platos cave. In the movie as Morpheus and the group decided to leave the matrix they get attacked by the agents, the agents in the movie are just like the government in the allegory. Morpheus decided to flight against the agents will the rest of the group including Neo decided to get out of the matrix but what they dont know is that they were set up by one of there own Cypher. Cypher hates knowing the truth he wants to go back to his normal comfortable life in the matrix he doesnt want to be part of the experience anymore, so he makes a deal with the agents to get his normal life back he tricks Morpheus. The agents and the government are the same they are like the puppets in the allegory fooling the society to make them believe what they want me to believe not allowing them to see what is the truth. Unlike Plato’s prisoner, who managed to find his way out of the cave without any help from others, Neo is helped out by Morpheus. Neo is then faced with a moment of choice would he take the blue pill and stay in the world of the matrix which is the world of the senses or take the red pill, and come to know reality as it objectively exists. He chooses the red pill therefore giving himself the opportunity to experience the world of the mind, the real world and finds it as mind-blowing as Plato’s prisoner finds the enlighten world outside of the cave. The Mirror right after Neo took the red pill and the distorted spoon illusion before Neo went to the Oracle are simply products of the mind. It is in Plato’s Allegory of the cave where this illusion is happening. It is the mind that makes the spoon and the mirror distorted. It is the mind that makes the spoon inexistent, which is considered to be the truth. This spoon is the copy of the spoon of perfection in the world of forms. The spoon does not move by itself but Neo makes it move. In the Allegory Plato says that the freed prisoner would be confused at what he saw. When Neo is finally confronted with the real world, he is in a state of uncertainty. The realization of the truth is so overwhelming that he throws up and passes out. In The Allegory of the Cave, the Freed prisoner might even feel that what he was seeing now was the illusion and the shadows on the wall were actually more real. The freed prisoners first reaction would be to turn around and return to the false reality because it is less painful and more familiar to him. According to Plato, the freed prisoner must have started to question what he saw in front of him and wondered about where the shadows came from. He must have sensed that something was wrong and he wanted to know the truth. This theme is also found in the movie, Neo is very much like the freed prisoner. As Morpheus tells Neo, Youre here because you know something. Morpheus realizes that Neo has a place in society and is there because of what he knows. For Neo to realise this Morpheus says ‘free your mind, let go of doubt’. In conclusion, Platos story of the cave brings up many philosophical points; and, most importantly, it addresses the issue of societys role in our lives. Trinity tells Neo ‘The Matrix can not tell you who you are.’ It seems that the differences between The Allegory of the Cave and The Matrix do not prevent them from telling a similar story about the unreliability of the senses. We find Neo, at the end of the film, doing more than simply bending the laws of physics with the Matrix. It seems like he has stepped almost entirely out of that very world. He does not, however, appear in two places at once, but his destruction of one of the agents, and his ability to fly, says that the laws of physics are bent.

Student investment properties

Student investment properties 2.0 Introduction Property assets such as land and buildings are key resources for all types of organizations. Since there are a lots of demand in the property market, it caused investors started investing in property assets. Residential property is one of the target sectors to invest from investors speculation. However, investing in student property market (student investment properties) has become a new type of investing trend in residential property. There is an increase in the demand of student properties vicinity to any campus. Student properties are popular because of its location and accessibility. Hence, there is high demand towards the properties nearby to the area. It caused many investors involved in investing in this sector nowadays. Furniture and facilities that provided in student properties is one of the factors that will took into consideration when students renting the unit. Thus, it can be one of the factors that investors will have to think of when investing in student property market. Furthermore, this chapter will discuss about the definition of investment, characteristic of real estate, parties involved in property investment, definition of rate of return / return on investment, capitalization rate, factors and reasons that should be considered when investing in student property market (student investment properties). 2.1 Definition of Investment Investing is defined in several ways, such as placing money for profitable purposes, or extending capital in return of perceived profits. Another definition for investing, favored by many economists, which is known as â€Å"Investing is defined as giving up present consumption in exchange for future benefit†. Business Dictionary defined that investment is money committed or property acquired for future income. In addition, it is also known as trading between risk and reward while aiming for incremental gain and preservation of the invested amount (principal). Two main classes of investment are: Fixed income investment such as bonds, fixed deposits, preference shares Variable income investment such as business ownership (equities) and property ownership. Investment means the purchase of any incoming yielding asset, such as securities (stocks and bonds), or real estate. The assets themselves are also referred to as investments due to financial theory. In economic theory, investment means expenditures for additions to capital. Capital is usually defined as man-made goods used in production, such as machines and other productive equipments (Anatol Murad, 1962). 2.2 Characteristics of Real Estate There are two types of characteristics which are known as physical and economic. (Real Estate Decision, 2002) 2.2.1 Physical Characteristic Physical characteristic of land are its immobility, indestructibility, and nonhomogenity. Once the size and shape of a parcel of land are established, the legal nature of the land is also established with respect to mineral and air rights. Knowledge of the legal concept of land is important for making an analysis of its physical characteristics. Land in its legal sense is immobile because it cannot be moved from one place to another. Moreover, The location of the mineral rights and the air rights cannot be moved even if the surface is moved. Land is indestructible in the sense that movement of the surface does not destroy the full package of rights. Even though there are many types of human act that may destroy the land but they are not capable to destroy land in its legal sense. Land cannot be destroyed because its location cannot be destroyed. Land is non-homogeneous because each parcel of land can be distinguished from all other parcels of land on the basis of several physical characteristics. The size and shape, geological features of elevation, slope, drainage capacity, mineral composition, soil fertility, and bedrock characteristics can be different from each of parcel of land. However, even if all of these characteristics are perfectly identical, each parcel of land is unique because of its location. No two parcels of land occupy the same space on the earths surface. 2.2.2 Economic Characteristic The first economic characteristic of real estate is high price. Real estate is the only commodity that the typical consumer buys that is measured in multiples of that individuals or households income. Second characteristic of real estate is shared with many other commodities that the consumer buys. It is because purchasing a real estate is generally undertaken with borrowed funds. The third economic characteristic of real estate arises from its physical characteristics of immobility, nonhomogenity, and location. The search costs, or information gathering costs, associated with comparison shopping are greater for real estate than for any other product. Purchaser must expend money and time to examine the many different units that are being considered for possible purchase or rental. The fourth economic characteristic of real estate is scarcity. Because of total amount of land available is limited, real estate in both its components of land and improvements is not available in sufficient quantities to meet the desires that all individuals have for it. The fifth economic characteristic is the concept of situs, the economic location of a parcel of real estate. Each parcel is affected by changes in economic and demographic factors in the surrounding area because each parcel is immobile. Sixth economic characteristic is the influence that the quantity and the quality of surrounding structures and other off-site improvements to the land have on the property in question. For an example, the value of subject property increase when the quantity of desirable improvements increased, or when their physical quality improves. Finally, concept of fixity is the final economic characteristic. Real estate has a long physical and economic life because it cannot be moved or easily altered once the investment is fixed. 2.3 Investing in Real Estate According to Micheal C. Thomsett, ( 2009), there are several reasons of investing in real estate which are: It is one of the few finite investments. Land is limited resources in the world. Hence, prices will rise when it is used up. Type of development such as development of housing, office, commercial, industrial, recreational, government, and lodging purposes is also limited due to limited amount of space can be used. There is some land which is used for reserve purposes, some cannot developed due to zoning restriction and topographical problem. It shows that land which is suitable for developing has become less followed by time passing and it shall be one of the sectors to invest. Real estate is a safe investment compared with stock market. The historical record for real estate, like all markets, has had ups and down. But over time, real estate has kept pace with inflation and has usually exceed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) growth rate. The real estate cycle is highly predictable, following patterns based on normal supply and demand and varying regionally but in the same manner for each cycle. With a growing population caused by both natural increases and immigration, demand pressure on housing stock has continued. In addition, real estate is considered one of the basic needs to human. People need shelter and housing provides them with that. Hence, there are always demand in real estate. Real estate investors can have opportunities for tax shelter which given by the local government. Real estate investors in United States enjoy exceptional federal income tax benefits. The benefits are unlike those available for any other investment. The 1997 Taxpayer Relief Act dramatically improved the tax benefits of owning your own home by eliminating the tax on profits for the first $500,000 when primary residences are sold. Investors are allowed to deduct all of the necessary expenses connected with owning rental property, such as for repairs, cleaning, accounting, interest, property taxes and others. In addition, cost of improvements on the buildings over a period of years can be claim by real estate investors. Besides that, capital allowance, exemption of foreign investment tax and reduction of real property gain tax is an exceptional tax from Malaysia government to real estate investors. Fourth, real estate is a visible investment. There is something satisfying and reassuring about owning an intrinsic property. Property is an tangible object and it is a fixed. It is visible and touchable. In comparison, investing in stocks market directly or through mutual funds is an intangible investment because investors own the companys real assets indirectly. ( Micheal C. Thomsett, 2009) 2.4 Investors involve in Real Estate According to Jack Harvey , (1996), investing in real estate is usually involve private persons, private trusts and the institutions such as insurance companies, pension funds, charities, property companies, property bond funds and property unit trusts. Each of the parties involved in have different objectives and their preferences. 2.4.1 Private persons Private person can be anybody who purchases a property rather than renting it. The return received from rented the property should at least equal to what could be obtained from the return invested in elsewhere. For example, a person may rent rather than buy a shop either through lack of capital or because it is considered that the money can be more profitably employed in carrying stock, and so on. Owner-occupiers, for example, shop owners, farmers and households, are holding wealth in the form of real property. They enjoy a full equity interest income or satisfaction from the use of their property, and normally a hedge against inflation. Other private persons investing in this property sector usually have only limited funds. Thus their direct investment tends to be restricted to dwellings and secondary shops. Indirectly, however, they can invest in prime shops and offices by buying property bonds or shares in property companies. 2.4.2 Insurance companies Insurance companies try to match assets to future liabilities, and this largely determines the spread of their portfolios as between short term and long term fixed-interest investments and equity holdings. Due to short term and long term fixed interest investments, insurance companies find the advantageous to own properties directly rather than through shares in property companies because: Direct investment in property gives the company more control than an investment in property company shares A substantial holding of the shares of a property company (necessary to exercise some control) may be more difficult to dispose of than a first-class building. The prices of buildings have tended to be less volatile than the prices of property company shares. The high gearing of a property company is of little advantage to an insurance company, which always holds part of its assets in fixed money terms. Holding shares in a property company represents an inefficient way invest in property, since corporation tax is deducted from profits attributable to dividend, whereas the insurance company pays a lower tax rate on life income. Insurance companies still hold a part of their assets in mortgages as an alternative to fixed interest bearing stock. 2.4.3 Pension funds Pension funds compete strongly with insurance companies and property companies in investing in real estate. it helps to retain the real value of the accumulated pension funds. The smaller pension funds invest in property indirectly through pension fund property unit trusts, whose trust deeds limit membership to pension funds and charities enjoying tax exemption. Such trusts afford the advantages of property investment without management problems. They prefer to purchase and manage their own properties. 2.4.4 Charities and trusts Charities and trusts are concerned not only with income (from which periodic distributions are made) but also with retaining the real value of thrust funds. Consequently, although they pay no income tax, they cannot invest entirely in high yielding securities. Charities receive some investment each year. They are therefore constantly reviewing their existing portfolios. The function is to observe that possible adjustments could best serve their beneficiaries in present and future condition. 2.4.5 Property companies Property investment and development companies have grown considerably since 1945, largely reflecting the boom in urban redevelopment. Most tend to be highly geared, their capital consisting of a high proportion of loans to ordinary shares. Properties owned provide the security against borrowing, while interest charges are covered by regular rents. High gearing is beneficial to the few ordinary shareholders when profits are good, and it makes it easier to retain control. The larger companies tend to specialize in office blocks or prime shop properties, and a few (such as Slough Estates) in industrial property. Residential property investment is confined mainly to smaller companies, many of which engage in ‘break-up operations, selling houses and flats to fitting tenants or, when vacant possession is obtained, to owner-occupiers. 2.4.6 Foreign investors Overseas investment in UK property has increased considerably since the fall in property prices through the recession and the 1992 devaluation of sterling. Foreign banks have also been active in funding such purchasers. 2.4.7 Property bond funds The person wishing to invest in property is faced with the snag of having insufficient funds to buy prime property, the kind which has shown the greatest capital growth. The property bond fund, a comparatively recent innovation, partly succeeds in overcoming this difficulty. Subscribers buy a number of units in a fund which invests the money in first class property. These funds take an active interest in the management of their properties, revaluing them at fixed intervals. 2.4.8 Property unit trusts A similar principle operates with those unit trusts which specialize in property, nut in order to avoid management commitments, such unit trusts use their funds to buy shares in property companies such as hotels which are concerned with property. 2.5 Rate of Return / Return On Investment (ROI) From Wikipedia, Rate of Return (ROR), also known as Return on Investment (ROI), rate of profit or sometimes just return, is the ratio of money gained or lost (whether realized or unrealized) on an investment relative to the amount of money invested. The amount of money gained or lost may be referred to as interest, profit/loss, gain/loss, or net income/loss. The money invested may be referred to as the asset, capital, principal, or the cost basis of the investment. ROI is usually expressed as a percentage rather than a fraction. Return on Investment is the actual earnings from the investment. This is apart from any returns that represent repayment of the principal invested (called amortization). In real estate, it is sometimes difficult to determine how much of income is Return on Investment and how much is a Return of Investment. It depends on what types of properties are invested. For example, renting a property that depreciates in value, some of the rental income must go toward significant repairs or even, eventually, replacing the building when it become useless from age or obsolescence. It is vital because it makes a difference in evaluating the performance of the investment. The Return on Investment determines how well the money is invested. Return of Investment affects risk of capital. The sooner the investment is recovered, the less risk there is of losing it. Measures of Return on Investment include the equity dividend rate, based on a one year analysis, and the internal rate of return, based on a multi-year projection by using discounted cash flow techniques. There are few elements need to be included when considering rate of return. The elements are: A safe rate: the rate that could get if putting the money into a perfectly safe and liquid investment. A liquidity premium: compensates for the difficulty of and time required in selling the property. Stocks and bonds may be sold at market value within a moments notice, whereas selling real estate may take months or years. A management premium: for the burden of monitoring and making decision about the investment. A risk premium: accounts for the chance that may not get back the money invested or the return will be lower than expected. Formula for ROI = NOI Capital of the Investment 2.6 Capitalization rate Formula for Cap Rate = NOI Estimated Market Value = NOI Market Value Cap Rate From Real Estate Investment Analysis Software, it defines that Capitalization Rate (â€Å"Cap Rate†) is a ratio used to compare properties with different valuations, and to also place a value on a property based on the income it generates. The Cap Rate is computed by taking the rental net operating income (NOI) and dividing it by the propertys fair market value (FMV). The higher the Capitalization Rate is the better. Capitalization Rate or Cap Rate is also known as a ratio used to estimate the value of income producing properties. Put simply, the cap rate is the net operating income divided by the sales price or value of a property expressed as a percentage. Investors, lenders and appraisers use the cap rate to estimate the purchase price for different types of income producing properties. A market cap rate is determined by evaluating the financial data of similar properties which have recently sold in a specific market. It provides a more reliable estimate of value than a market Gross Rent Multiplier since the cap rate calculation utilizes more of a propertys financial detail. The GRM calculation only considers a propertys selling price and gross rents. The Cap Rate calculation incorporates a propertys selling price, gross rents, non rental income, vacancy amount and operating expenses thus providing a more reliable estimate of value. The Cap rate may vary in different areas of a city for many reasons such as desirability of location, level of crime and general condition of an area. In a real estate market where net operating incomes are increasing and cap rates are declining over time for a given type of investment property such as office buildings, values will be generally increasing. If net operating incomes are decreasing and capitalization rates are increasing over time in a given market place, property values will be declining. From Investopedia, capitalization rate is a method used to convert an estimate of a single years income expectancy into an indication of value in one direct step, by dividing the income estimate by an appropriate rate. 2.7 Reason that student property market is attractive to investors, Real Estate Research in United Kingdom, 2007 The student property market is attractive to investors for a number of reasons. Firstly, demographic trends support increasing demand, in terms of both the magnitude of population growth and matriculation rates. University-owned supply has failed to keep pace with demand growth, leaving a large and growing supply gap, as the private sector has been slow to fill the void. Moreover, much of the existing student housing stock is old and obsolete, and does not meet evolving industry standards or satisfy student preferences in terms of unit design and project amenities. Thus, the effective gap between the units preferred and those actually supplied is magnified. Per-unit rents for student housing generally exceed those for normal apartments, as units have more tenants paying rent. Recent rent growth also has been greater. Rents and occupancy tend to be less sensitive to economic cycles than normal apartments. It does not affect much by economic factor especially during economic recession period. Besides that, credit-loss at student complexes typically is below that of conventional apartments because they got parents as their guarantee. Parents are the person who responsible to the rental paying of the students. Thus, it makes the investors in this sector more secure. 2.8 Risk factor when investing in student property, Real Estate Research in United Kingdom, 2007 Student property presents a number of challenges and risks unique to this sector, which if not managed property, can affect the performance of the investment. They are: Short leasing cycle: Most student property is leased during a narrow window of time during the spring semester, and few students move during the academic year, so prospects for filling vacancies once this window has passed are limited. If management has misjudged rents or amenities, it could have long-term implications for the project. High reliance on a single source of demand: Demand for student property primarily comes from one nearby university (though student housing projects in urban markets sometimes can draw from more than school). Developers and investors must know the local student population and admission trends and gear their product toward their student base. High turnover: Unit turnover during the academic year is small, but only about one-third of students typically renew, creating high annual turnover that all occurs in a concentrated time. Reputation: Word of mouth is the key to marketing efforts for off-campus property. If a property is not well managed or maintain, students will quickly spread the word, which could affect future demand. Wear and tear: Maintenance costs can be higher for student property due to more intensive use by the students, and the short time to turn-around units ( though the perceived extent of student abuse is sometimes exaggerated relative to the reality). Economic cycles: The demand for student housing overall is less cyclical than that for other real estate categories. Student enrollments do not vacillate as dramatically as do, say, employment and consumer spending. Even so, students will seek for less expensive units during recessions. Weak market conditions for regular apartments can attract students seeking bargain rents. 2.9 Summary of Chapter This chapter on literature review has discussed the definition of investment, rate of return, capitalization rate, characteristic of real estate, investors investing in real estate, reason investing in real estate, reason investing in student property market (student investment property) and risk investing in student property market (student investment property). Rate of Return / Return on Investment is considered same as Capitalization Rate in this study. Capital of the investment is similar with market value of the property that would be investing in. In addition, research methodology used in gathering the information will be discussed in the following chapter. The process of data collection, analysis and determination on study area also will be explained in the following chapter.

True Portrayal of Children in Lord of the Flies :: Lord of the Flies Essays

True Portrayal of Children in Lord of the Flies In the novel The Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, one can see how children react to certain situations. Children, when given the opportunity, would choose to play and have fun rather than to do boring, hard work. Also, when children have no other adults to look up to they turn to other children for leadership. Finally, children stray towards savagery when they are without adult authority. Therefore, Golding succeeds in effectively portraying the interests and attitudes of young children in this novel. When children are given the opportunity, they would rather envelop themselves in pleasure and play than in the stresses of work. The boys show enmity towards building the shelters, even though this work is important, to engage in trivial activities. Af ter one of the shelters collapses while only Simon and Ralph are building it, Ralph clamours, "All day I've been working with Simon. No one else. They're off bathing or eating, or playing." (55). Ralph and Simon, though only children, are more mature a nd adult like and stray to work on the shelters, while the other children aimlessly run off and play. The other boys avidly choose to play, eat, etc. than to continue to work with Ralph which is very boring and uninteresting. The boys act typically of m ost children their age by being more interested in having fun than working. Secondly, all the boys leave Ralph's hard-working group to join Jack's group who just want to have fun. The day after the death of Simon when Piggy ! and Ralph are bathing, Piggy points beyond the platform and says, "That's where they're gone. Jack's party. Just for some meat. And for hunting and for pretending to be a tribe and putting on war-paint."(163). Piggy realizes exactly why the boys have gone to Jack's, which would be for fun and excitement. The need to play and have fun in Jack's group, even though the boys risk the tribe's brutality and the chance of not being rescued, outweighs doing work with Ralph's group which increase their chance s of being rescued. Young children need to satisfy their amusement by playing games instead of doing work. In conclusion, children are more interested

Le Coq Sportif

Governance of le coq In 2005, a Swiss Holding buys the brand Le Coq Sportif. Indeed the results of the brands were well below the desired expectations. With the partnership of Sir Robert Louis Dreyfus, a great Swiss businessman who was leader of the group including Adidas, Le Coq sportif sees the opportunity for a fresh start with this strategic alliance for the future. Airesis immediately set up a plan to revive the brand that demonstrates the strong interest of the group to give new life to this legendary French brand.Here is a chart explaining the governance of the brand Le Coq Sportif since it creation (1882) until the takeover by the Swiss holding Airesis. Few words about Airesis: Historic part: HPI Holding AG is a name that marked the industrial history of western Switzerland since 1920, date of creation of the company. Hermes Precisa International (formerly Plants Paillard) has built its success on the production of typewriters Hermes known internationally. Since 1981, the hol ding company HPI has been used as an investment vehicle for investments in new technologies that have suffered damage in the industry with full force in early 2000.Currently, there are eight entries all together in the sub-holding A2I SA. In 2004, reducing the part value of its shares cleaned up the company. A capital increase of the arrival of four participants (the Boards & More group, the group Fidexpert, group and society Ouat Hazard Properties SA). These arrivals have been extraordinary for the group which has restored and a new life HPI Holding AG, which has since become Airesis. The majority shareholders (Sirs: Robert Louis-Dreyfus, Yves Marchand and Marc-Henri Beausire) then set up the new company strategy: active management of its investments in private equity and residential property.Today the group owns brands such as: * Le Coq Sportif * Fanatic * Ion * North Kite boarding * North Sails Windsurf Here we are going to explain few words about each brand, because most of them are unknown. Fanatic: In 1999, leaving his first kite a board, Fanatic has to believe in this new trend. With its history in windsurfing, the company was able Fanatic showcase its expertise to make its entry into the sport in the making. Ion: In spring 2005, Boards & More brand launches Ion.The technical skills of the mark are highlighted in the wet suits, neoprene accessories, harnesses, a range of clothes and carrying bags, all items used in sports on the water. North Kite boarding: Kite boarding world leader. North Kite boarding has entered the market in 2001 and became leader. This brand has a very good technical level recognized. North Sails Windsurf: The company specializes North Sails sailboat U. S. and world number 1 in this sector. Boards & More has acquired the exclusive license for the sail of surfboards since 1981.Its strategic axis is oriented technique and style. Since late 2005, Robert Louis-Dreyfus, former owner of Addidas and Yves Marchand, who was the boss of the three stripes for France, have gained a foothold in the business and have made some good seeds to make: 10 million euros through the Swiss investment fund Airesis. And some big marketers have been poached in market heavyweights such as Reebok, Nike, Puma and Quicksilver†¦ For example, the arrival of Antoine Sathicq, former CEO of Adidas, which was transferred to the head as general manager of Le Coq Sportif.After joining Adidas in 1997 as director of sales, this former Procter & Gamble, aged 44, joined a new team of Le Coq Sportif establishment since its acquisition by Airesis. A team already marked by the culture of this Adidas Swiss investment funds: Airesis is held by Robert Louis-Dreyfus, former CEO of Adidas France, Marc-Henri Beausire and Yves Marchand, former CEO of three stripes. The latter assumed the presidency of Le Coq Sportif, replacing Olivier Jacques, former majority shareholder. Antoine Sathicq therefore had the task of launching again the Coq Sportif.Porterâ⠂¬â„¢s Five Forces: Sportswear Industry Internal Rivalry – Fierce Competition Adidas,Reebok, Nike – Mature Industry – Mostly Non-Price competition – Differentiation strategy Threat of New entrants – Capital Intensive – Strong Brand Following Economies of scale – High R & D Costs – Industry in consolidation phase Supplier Power – Raw Materials are abundantly available – Cheap resources commodity items – Cheap labor on the East World. Buyer Power – Everything depends on Customer Preferences – Price sensitivity issues – Growing power of retail chainsSubstitutes * Other types of products from other brands * New brands that make the sport more ready to wear high-end (15 Serge Blanco, Eden Park †¦ ) * Entertainment brand to substitute to sport activities (Reading, video games†¦) Internal Rivalry – Fierce Competition Adidas,Reebok, Nike – Mature Industry – Mostly Non-Price competition – Differentiation strategy Threat of New entrants – Capital Intensive – Strong Brand Following Economies of scale – High R & D Costs – Industry in consolidation phase Supplier Power – Raw Materials are abundantly available Cheap resources commodity items – Cheap labor on the East World. Buyer Power – Everything depends on Customer Preferences – Price sensitivity issues – Growing power of retail chains Substitutes * Other types of products from other brands * New brands that make the sport more ready to wear high-end (15 Serge Blanco, Eden Park †¦ ) * Entertainment brand to substitute to sport activities (Reading, video games†¦) Explanation: 1. Internal Rivalry * Fierce competition: In effect in the sportswear industry, there are many competitors.Two leaders have the most important share value on the market (Nike and Adidas). The competitors are smaller than the two big groups, whic h have much money to invest in marketing investment, and can develop easily than the smaller. * Mature industry: In this market, it’s difficult to innovate much more than today. The innovation exists for sure but it comes from details. It’s really hard to find for the company the perfect innovation. However companies works hard and try to find the best innovation possible to increase their share value. Mostly non-price competition: In this market, the price war doesn’t exist. In effect the competition between companies comes from the marketing, brand image and innovation (sometimes) but not on the price. All the brand are close and cannot compete on the price. * Differentiation strategy: A differentiation strategy will pursue a unique position among your competitors. The aim of the strategy is for the business to become unique in the minds of its customers. For this reason, a small business needs to create a product offering that is somehow unique.Uniqueness can be achieved through different factors like design or brand image, technology, customer service or other attractive features. 2. Threat of new entrants * Capital intensive and strong brand: It is as very capital-intensive industry. Even though it would not be difficult for a new company to obtain the raw materials and the labor needed to produce shoes, there is almost no chance for them to gain popularity in such a mature industry with some of the strongest brand names in the world. Brand loyalty is extremely strong and it would be very hard for a new entrant to â€Å"steal† loyal customers from the already existent players. Economies of scales: Economies of scale play a huge role as well and the bigger players have an advantage of producing the products at a lower price than compared with newer entrants. As the output is bigger and the fixed costs of factories, machinery, marketing and R&D will be decreased per unit. Both marketing and R&D constitute high costs and since new entrants will not be able to take advantage of the economies of scale they will be less competitive. * High R&D costs: It means that it’s necessary to invest in R&D if they want to compete against others brands.It’s a survival question in this market. * Industry in consolidation phase: The industry itself is in a consolidation phase and only the big ones will survive. The large companies are strategically and constantly acquiring smaller companies. Some of the most popular acquisitions include Reebok by Adidas, Converse by Nike. Small companies are bought before they become a threat to the bigger ones and before they have a chance to gain market share. In other words, it is impossible to grow in this industry because someone will take over your company. . Substitutes * Other types of product from other brands: Each company has the same product (shoes, tee-shirts, socks†¦). If the customer is not satisfied with one product, it’s easy for him to go in anothe r brand and acquire something close to the first purchase. That’s why each company has to be aware of what it sells and what is the customer’s reaction. * New brand with different strategies: As said in the PORTER’s analysis, today there is some sport brand which are producing apparels but higher than the best known.For example the brand Quinze of Serge Blanco, famous in the rugby world is producing clothes which are expensive than Nike for example but not with the same quality. This kind of brand products with another savoir-faire and the price are not the same but the customer can be attracting to try it. * Entertainment brand: To have fun today and doing something else than working, the customer has plenty of substitution products. The customer can read and there are many brands, which allow reading. Video games are product to entertain people (Sony, Nintendo†¦) . Supplier power * Raw materials and cheap resources: Typically apparels and shoes are manufa ctured using major raw materials cotton, rubber, and foam. All of these materials are commodity goods. In other words, the suppliers do not have the power to bargain the price of their product, since there are numerous suppliers. Hence the supplier power is low. However, there has been some standardization of production in the industry due to growing concerns of labor practices of the suppliers and manufacturers.These practices have been damaging the image of some companies including Nike. Therefore, the big companies prefer to work only with approved manufacturers and suppliers that are known to follow these labor standards. Both Adidas and Nike have created a system to ensure that all the high quality of the product, the working conditions, and the distribution are at high standards. Therefore, suppliers are trying to establish themselves as reliable because once they gain Nike as a customer they know that they will request enormous volumes. However, to reach this level, the suppl ier needs to make investments in their facilities to improve working conditions and many suppliers cannot afford to do so. * Cheap labor: Many people works for â€Å"nothing† in the eastern countries, in Asia to be precise. Competition against the labor cost is impossible and many company delocalize the production abroad to reduce costs. 5. Buyer power: * Everything depends on customer’s preferences: The customer has the choice to buy product in retailing store with general brand or he could go to the special store, branding store as Nike store or Adidas store to get a product.It’s a question of desire and where the customer lives too. * Price sensitivity issue: In the general retailer store, prices are lower than official store. That’s why some customer prefers to go in retailer store and purchase product for lower price and maybe get more compare to the official store. * Growing retailer store: More and more retailer store open and sell apparels and sho es from all sportswear brand. The customer has a lot of choice today and can choose whatever he wants and with his own criteria.

At Project Management Center of Excellence Communications Leader Promotes Project Management Leadership Essay Example

At Project Management Center of Excellence Communications Leader Promotes Project Management Leadership Essay Example At Project Management Center of Excellence Communications Leader Promotes Project Management Leadership Paper At Project Management Center of Excellence Communications Leader Promotes Project Management Leadership Paper OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY ANTIPOLO CAMPUS A BUSINESS CASE STUDY ATT PROJECT MANAGEMENT CENTER OF EXCELLENCE Communications Leader Promotes Project Management Leadership Submitted to: Dr, Marmelo V. Abante CCS Dept. Head / Project Management Professor Submitted by: Brioso, John Oliver P. Student ATT PROJECT MANAGEMENT CENTER OF EXCELLENCE Communications Leader Promotes Project Management Leadership INTRODUCTION As a world leader in communication technology, ATT connects people from all around the globe. Just as consumers and businesses rely on ATT services to stay connected, ATT relies on internal resources, in particular project and program managers, to remain a best in-class service provider. BACKGROUND ATT Inc. (NYSE: T News) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, ATT operating companies, are the providers of ATT services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the worlds most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nations leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services? In domestic markets, ATT is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES. COM organizations, and the ATT brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, ATT is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. In 2008, ATT again ranked No. 1 on Fortune magazines Worlds Most Admired Telecommunications Company list and No. 1 on Americas Most Admired Telecommunications Company list. In an effort to institute common standards, foster a project management culture and improve individual and organizational competencies, AT established a Project Management Center of Excellence (PMCOE). The PMCOE targeted over 10,000 project managers, program managers and their supervisors, as well as holders of the Project Management Professional (PMP ®) credential within the company, with the mission to be recognized internally as the resource for project management consulting, mentoring, training, processes, tools and techniques. Additional goals of the PMCOE included: Drive AT culture to advocate, support and sustain professional project management Assess and improve AT professional project management competency at all levels: individual, team and organizational Ensure the right processes, services and tools are in place and linked to support professional project management success Ensure pertinent information is communicated to the PM Community in the most effective manner poss ible Secure visible leadership champions to support PMCOE initiatives Facilitate creation of a project management community to promote exchange of information to improve project management practices Encourage, facilitate and support continuing education and development of the PMCOE team. The project was led by 11 PMPs with an expense budget that covered the cost of the team’s professional development and the costs associated with the annual AT Project Management Symposium, a significant PMCOE initiative. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES BUSINESS GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The business goals and objectives for this project will focus on implementing mobile technology that: Improves officer, firefighter and citizen safety. Facilitates coordination and information sharing both internal and external to the participating organizations. Enhances the ability and effectiveness of staff to perform their jobs. Facilitates coordinated crime prevention and reduction. Provides high levels of data security. Provides an open, flexible, reliable technology base for the future. Facilitates the electronic capture of data at its source. Is easy to use. Eliminate redundant data entry throughout the organization. PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Sample project goals and objectives: Ensure that end users have input into the design process. Accomplish project business goals and objectives within defined budget and time parameters. Minimize impact to standard business operations within the affected units. Craft a favorable and secure agreement between the Department and the sele cted vendor. PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN To support the AT Project Management Community, the PMCOE established consultants who were designated to support the various business units within the company. This business unit specific support provided the guidance and resources project management community members required even more intensive consulting was provided upon request to ensure that all needs were met. To understand which services were most important to the AT Project Management Community, the PMCOE distributed both company-wide and business unit surveys to identify problem areas (e. g. leadership support, adequate training, etc. ) and determine what needs its audience had which could potentially be met by the center. Initial discussions and survey findings helped to tailor the PMCOE offerings to provide the best payback of investment for both the PM Community and PMCOE efforts. Since effective communication was a vital element to the success of the project, the PMCOE established a formal Communications Management Plan which promoted awareness nd use of PMCOE products and services throughout the company. As companies merged, targeted emails to known project and program managers of each legacy company were used to announce the center’s purpose and mission, offering to support their professional needs. As the PM Community grew, the PMCOE launched a monthly newsletter containin g recent project management accomplishments, success stories, upcoming events and reminders of best practices. It was distributed via corporate email to ensure that information was being disseminated effectively. More recently, the PMCOE is expanding communications through rich content on the corporate intranet using the latest in Web 2. 0 technology. Additionally, to further promote the PMCOE and communicate the mission of the center, an annual AT PM Symposium was established to bring significant recognition to the practice of professional project management at AT. The annual event provides training and empowerment for project managers as well as the opportunity to network and collaborate with peers. Furthermore, leadership involvement in the Symposium has been consistently high, and in 2007, 22 AT officers and vice presidents participated across multiple locations. Communication with these corporate leaders has also been a critical success factor for the PMCOE. AT has found that when executives and middle managers support the mission of the center, their words have a significant influence on the project management community. CURRENT SITUATION AND PROBLEM OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT The largest challenge the PMCOE faced was that during project activities, legacy companies SBC and AT merged, bringing together two distinct project management improvement organizations with slightly different areas of focus. This change forced the PMCOE to reevaluate the project and determine how to appropriately fuse the strengths of the two organizations. The PMCOE was also finding it difficult to determine the best way to support the over 10,000 employees that make up AT project management community. Within the community, there are various business units all of which have different needs and concentrations. Additionally, not only was the PMCOE tasked to support a large number of AT project managers, they had to also understand which services were most important to them. Finally, effective and efficient communication would be a key element for he success of the PMCOE; however with such a sizeable and worldwide PM population, the PMCOE would have to determine how to best share valu able information on a large scale. Without appropriate communication, the PMCOE risked going unrecognized and not being used to its full potential. CRITICAL ASSUMPTIONS AND CONSTRAINTS PROJECT ASSUMPTIONS The following assumptions were made in preparing the Project Plan: AT employees are willing to change business operations to take advantage of the functionality offered by the new mobile technology. Management will ensure that project team members are available as needed to complete project tasks and objectives. The Steering Committee will participate in the timely execution of the Project Plan (i. e. , timely approval cycles and meeting when required). Failure to identify changes to draft deliverables within the time specified in the project timeline will result in project delays. Project team members will adhere to the Communications Plan. Mid and upper management will foster support and â€Å"buy-in† of project goals and objectives. The City will ensure the existence of a technological infrastructure that can support the new mobile technology. All project participants will abide by the guidelines identified within this plan. The Project Plan may change as new information and issues are revealed. PROJECT CONSTRAINT The following represent known project constraints: Project funding sources are limited, with no contingency. Due to the nature of law enforcement, resource availability is inconsistent. ANALYSIS OF OPTIONS AND RECOMMENDATION To combat and avoid challenges during the development of the center, the PMCOE applied a project management methodology that was in complete alignment with A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK ® Guide). The first priority was to ensure that the merging of the PM practices between legacy companies ran smoothly. As such, the PMCOE followed a five step process as established by PMI for successful project management: The Initiating Process During this stage, the PMCOE team received approval from se nior management to establish the merged PMCOE. A proposal was developed which included a needs assessment, resource forecast and financial benefits. During annual planning, the PMCOE Business Plan was re-evaluated to ensure mission and goals were in alignment with corporate priorities and strategic drivers. The Planning Process The team determined which project management products and services from each legacy team continued to add value to the project management community. A needs assessment was completed to identify the most critical project management products and services under the new AT vision and mission statement. The Executing Process – The team executed the outlined plan which resulted in delivering the project on time, under budget and with quality. Within several months, the new PMCOE had executed the integration of the two legacy teams and gained traction with the recently merged PM Community. The Monitoring and Controlling Process The PMCOE reported business plan goals each month to senior management. An annual Client Satisfaction Survey was distributed at the end of the year to capture feedback from the merged AT Project Management Community and additional surveys were distributed to the participants of major deliverables including the annual AT Project Management Symposium. All this feedback was analyzed and incorporated into key findings that were then used to improve the PMCOE. The Closing Process – This final step occurred in two distinct stages. First, the integration of the legacy teams was completed successfully. Next, the process (Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling) was repeated when legacy BellSouth and legacy Cingular project managers were incorporated effectively into the PMCOE Business Plan. To finally close the project, lessons learned were identified to assist with future planning. POTENTIAL PROJECT RISKS RiskRisk Level L/M/HLikelihood of EventMitigation Strategy Project Size Person HoursH: Over 20,000CertaintyAssigned Project Manager, engaged consultant, comprehensive project management approach and communications plan Estimated Project ScheduleH: Over 12 monthsCertaintyCreated comprehensive project timeline with frequent baseline reviews Team Size at PeakH: Over 15 membersCertaintyComprehensive communications plan, frequent meetings, tight project management oversight Number of Interfaces to Existing Systems AffectedH: Over 3CertaintyDevelop interface control document immediately Project Definition Narrow Knowledge Level of UsersM: Knowledgeable of user area onlyLikelyAssigned Project Manager(s) to assess global implications Available documentation clouds establishment of baselineM: More than 75% complete/currentLikelyBalance of information to be gathered by consultant Project Scope CreepL: Scope generally defined, subject to revisionUnlikelyScope intially defined in project plan, reviewed monthly by three groups (Project Manager and Steering Committee) to prevent undetected scope creep Consultant Project Deliverables unclearL: Well definedUnlikelyIncluded in project plan, subject to amendment Vendor Project DeliverablesM: Estimated, not clearly definedSomewhat likelyIncluded in project plan, subject to amendment Cost Estimates UnrealisticL: Thoroughly predicted by industry experts using proven practices to 15% margin of errorUnlikelyIncluded in project plan, subject to amendment as new details regarding project scope are revealed Timeline Estimates UnrealisticM: Timeline assumes no derailmentSomewhat likelyTimeline reviewed monthly by three groups (Project Manager and Steering Committee) to prevent undetected timeline departures Number of Team Members Unknowledgeable of BusinessL: Team well versed in business operations impacted by technologyUnlikelyProject Manager and consultant to identify knowledge gaps and provide training, as necessary Project Leadership Steering Committee existenceL: Identified and enthusiasticUnlikelyFrequently seek feedback to ensure continued support Absence of Commitment Level/Attitude of ManagementL: Understands value supports projectUnlikelyFrequently seek feedback to ensure continued support Absence of Commitment Level/Attitude of UsersL: Understands value supports projectUnlikelyFrequently seek feedback to ensure continued support Absence of Mid-Management CommitmentL: Most understand value support projectUnlikelyFrequently seek feedback to ensure continued support Project Staffing Project Team AvailabilityM: Distributed team makes availability questionableSomewhat likelyContinuous review of project momentum by all levels. Consultant to identify any impacts caused by unavailability. If necessary, increase committmment by participants to full time status Physical Location of Team prevents effective managementM: Team is dispersed among several sitesLikelyUse of Intranet project website, comprehensive Communications Plan Project Team’s Shared Work Experience creates poor working relationshipM: Some have worked together beforeSomewhat likelyComprehensive Communications Plan Weak User Participation on Project TeamL: Users are part-time team membersUnlikelyUser Group Participants coordinated by full time employee Project Management Procurement Methodology Used foreign to teamL: Procurement Methodology familiar to teamUnlikelyN/A Change Management Procedures undefinedL: Well-definedUnlikelyN/A Quality Management Procedures unclearL: Well-defined and acceptedUnlikelyN/A Software Vendor Number of Times Team Has Done Prior Work with Vendor Creates Foreign RelationshipH: NeverCertaintyA comprehensive vendor evaluation and election process (incorporated into Project Plan) will be employed to predict and define the relationship between the department and the vendor Team’s Lack of Knowledge of PackageM: Conceptual understandingSomewhat likelyComprehensive vendor evaluation and selection process in corporated into Project Plan will assist the team in better understanding the package offering(s) Poor Functional Match of Package to Initial System RequirementsL: Minimal customization requiredUnlikelyAlthough a package has not yet been selected, the Consultant has compared the initial requirements with available functionality and determined that a functional match to the initial requirements is very likely. Vendor selection will be based, in part, on how well the proposed application matches defined functional specifications. Team’s Involvement in Package Selection Impacts Success of ImplementationL: High involvement in selectionUnlikelyComprehensive vendor evaluation and selection process incorporated into Project Plan PROJECT MANAGEMENT APPROACH RoleResponsibilities Project SponsorUltimate decision-maker and tie-breaker Provide project oversight and guidance Review/approve some project elements Steering CommitteeCommits department resources Approves major funding and resource allocation strategies, and significant changes to funding/resource allocation Resolves conflicts and issues Provides direction to the Project Manager Review project deliverables Project ManagerManages project in accordance to the project plan Serves as liaison to the Steering Committee Receive guidance from Steering Committee Supervises consultants Supervise vendor(s) Provide overall project direction Direct/lead team members toward project objectives Handle problem resolution Manages the project budget Project ParticipantsUnderstand the user needs and business processes of their area Act as consumer advocate in representing their area Communicate project goals, status and progress throughout the project to personnel in their area Review and approve project deliverables Creates or helps create work products Coordinates participation of work groups, individuals and stakeholders Provide knowledge and recommendations Helps identify and remove project barriers Assure quality of products that will meet the project goals and objectives Identify risks and issues and help in resolutions Subject Matter ExpertsLend expertise and guidance as needed PROJECT ROLES AND RE SPONSIBILITIES ? ISSUE MANAGEMENT The information contained within the Project Plan will likely change as the project progresses. While change is both certain and required, it is important to note that any changes to the Project Plan will impact at least one of three critical success factors: Available Time, Available Resources (Financial, Personnel), or Project Quality. The decision by which to make modifications to the Project Plan (including project scope and resources) should be coordinated using the following process: Step 1: As soon as a change which impacts project scope, schedule, staffing or spending is identified, the Project Manager will document the issue. Step 2:The Project Manager will review the change and determine the associated impact to the project and will forward the issue, along with a recommendation, to the Steering Committee for review and decision. Step 3:Upon receipt, the Steering Committee should reach a consensus opinion on whether to approve, reject or modify the request based upon the information contained within the project website, the Project Manager’s recommendation and their own judgment. Should the Steering Committee be unable to reach consensus on the approval or denial of a change, the issue will be forwarded to the Project Sponsor, with a written summation of the issue, for ultimate resolution. Step 4:If required under the decision matrix or due to a lack of consensus, the Project Sponsor shall review the issue(s) and render a final decision on the approval or denial of a change. Step 5:Following an approval or denial (by the Steering Committee or Project Sponsor), the Project Manager will notify the original requestor of the action taken. There is no appeal process. COMMUNICATION PLAN Disseminating knowledge about the project is essential to the project’s success. Project participants desire knowledge of what the status of the project is and how they are affected. Furthermore, they are anxious to participate. The more that people are educated about the progress of the project and how it will help them in the future, the more they are likely to participate and benefit. This plan provides a framework for informing, involving, and obtaining buy-in from all participants throughout the duration of the project. Audience, this communication plan is for the following audiences: Project Sponsor Steering Committee Project Manager User Group Participants Subject Matter Experts Communications Methodology The communications methodology utilizes three directions for effective communication: Top-Down. It is absolutely crucial that all participants in this project sense the executive support and guidance for this effort. The executive leadership of the organization needs to speak with a unified, enthusiastic voice about the project and what it holds for everyone involved. This will be hands-on change management, if it is to be successful. Not only will the executives need to speak directly to all levels of the organization, they will also need to listen directly to all levels of the organization, as well. The transition from the project management practices of today to the practices envisioned for tomorrow will be driven by a sure and convinced leadership focused on a vision and guided by clearly defined, strategic, measurable goals. Bottom-Up. To ensure the buy-in and confidence of the personnel involved in bringing the proposed changes to reality, it will be important to communicate the way in which the solutions were created. If the perception in the organization is that only the Steering Committee created the proposed changes, resistance is likely to occur. However, if it is understood that all participants were consulted, acceptance seems more promising. Middle-Out. Full support at all levels, where the changes will have to be implemented, is important to sustainable improvement. At this level (as with all levels), there must be an effort to find and communicate the specific benefits of the changes. People need a personal stake in the success of the project management practices. Communications Outreach The following is a list of communication events that are established for this project: Monthly Status Reports. The Project Manager shall provide monthly written status reports to the Steering Committee. The reports shall include the following information tracked against the Project Plan: Summary of tasks completed in previous month Summary of tasks scheduled for completion in the next month Summary of issue status and resolutions Communications Outreach, the following is a list of communication events that are established for this project: Monthly Steering Committee Meeting These status meetings are held at least once per month and are coordinated by the Project Manager. Every member of the Steering Committee participates in the meeting. The Project Manager sends the status report to each member of the team prior to the meeting time so everyone can review it in advance. Bi-Monthly Project Team Status Meeting These status meetings are held every other month. Every member of the Project Team will be invited to participate in the meeting. Project Manager sends the status report to each member of the team prior to the meeting so everyone can review it in advance. Website Use User Group Participants and Subject Matter Experts may be updated monthly at the discretion of the Project Manager. Information will be posted to the project’s website.

Last Night I dreamed of Peace

Last Night I dreamed of Peace Introduction Dang Thuy Tram Last Night I Dreamed of Peace is a captivating informative chef-d’oeuvre demonstrating the author’s love for his country based on the sorrowful situation that the country undergoing.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Last Night I dreamed of Peace specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As young as 23 years, she associates with the communists party in her quest of ensuring that people of Vietnam do not go through what they goes through (National Library Board Para. 3). The American soldiers’ inhumanity and killings of the Vietnam citizens leaves her disturbed and therefore puts on spirited heart of ensuring that the people are liberated, a decision purely founded on her love for her people. Love and Idealism Dr. Dang makes the decision to go to the South Vietnam because of her love and youthful idealism she has for her kindred. Despite the deadly circumstances and appalling cond itions that her patients undergo, she opts to make the dreadful decision. She is a young and youthful woman who in spite of the deadly conditions vows or is ready to sacrifice her own life to secure the lives of the patients who have faced attacks and injuries from the America soldiers and the soldiers themselves. Her idealistic nature also plays a vital role in her decision to move to the South Vietnam. She is determined to see her country in peace despite her age. She aligns herself with the communists’ party. She joins the ideology of the party just to ensure that their values and their rights as citizens of the Vietnam remain respected rather than being infringed on by other people. She condemns the killings and shootings of Vietnam locals on streets by the American soldiers. It proves a very difficult and trying time especially when the war rages on, kills, and destroys people without valid reasons. Therefore, Dr Dang makes the choice of moving to South Vietnam to extend her hand in saving the lives of those injured. The courageous decision surrounded by much risk to her own life seems further founded on the sense of shared humanity. Sense of Shared Humanity She also makes her decision to move to South Vietnam because of her spirited heart of humanity and love and long for an end of the war and the sufferings and pains subjected to the citizens of Vietnam. Since she is a physician, she offers herself to assist the people who are shot and who fall victims in the course of the war (Dang 47). She succumbs to her death in the course of her service to the people of Vietnam.Advertising Looking for essay on biography? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This therefore demonstrates her sense of shared humanity in saving the lives of others while placing her own in danger. Her compassion and urge or wish to see the war end also makes her risk her own life to go to the South Vietnam. She wishes t hat the war and the fighting in South Vietnam ended allowing the people to have their peace and unity. For instance, in the diary, she expresses her intimacy and love showing how she misses her mother and lover whom she refers to â€Å"M†. She yearns for the time that she will go back home and meet her mother who is in the Northern Vietnam (Guthrie 105). This therefore shows how the Doctor is concerned and optimistic that finally the war and the shootings will end. Tram in the Current Vietnam Though dead, Tram speaks volumes and volumes through the marks she left to the people of Vietnam. She has contributed significantly towards the making of the country’s history, as it stands today. It seems quite unfortunate that she succumbed to death at that tender age. If she were alive to date, she would automatically qualify as one amongst the liberators and the heroes of Vietnam history, who assertively sacrificed not only their time, money, relationships, but also their own self solely to cultivate freedom to the Vietnamese citizen. Dr. Tram stands out as a liberator who from the evidence of her diary and documentations, shows that she had a vision and a great concern to her country. She, although at a younger age, associates herself with politics by becoming a party of the communists. She is a woman who puts her country in front by sacrificing her own life. She knows the dangers that will beget her by making a decision to go the South Vietnam to provide humanitarian assistance to the soldiers who are shot and injured in the course of the war knowing very well the dangers that faced her. She, despite of the dangers, travels to the South Vietnam. Furthermore, she is worth acknowledging based on her thought and wish for an end of the inhumanity and brutalities that people of the Vietnam were going through. It proves rather sad as Tram expresses her sympathy and concerns by noting that the people of Vietnam remain subjected to invalid pains and sufferings despite their innocence.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Last Night I dreamed of Peace specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Therefore, Dr. Tram passes for a hero and if she could be alive, she could have gone on the record for understanding and having the courage to liberate the people of Vietnam from the unnecessary pains and killings (Guthrie 106). She refers the Americans people to as merciless and thirsty of other people’s blood, descriptions that she notes bitterly and with sorrow. It therefore sounds unfortunate that the people of Vietnam went through the pain that they went through. Therefore, in no doubt, Dr. Tram stands out as a true hero, whose tireless work stands remembered and appreciated by the Vietnamese who enjoys the freedom of today acknowledging the cost attached therein: It cost the lives of protagonists for instance Dr. Tram. Conclusion Based on the expositions made in the paper, it suffices to declare it a rather touching experience, for Dr. Tram, a young woman, to take such a serious life-threatening decision for the sake of liberating the people of Vietnam. It brings to light the sorrows, pains and sufferings faced by people who seek to achieve a certain risky objective for instance fighting for freedom, as the case stands for Dr. Tram. Therefore, Last Night I Dreamed of Peace comes in as a rather fascinating masterwork, heavy-laden with touching message that reveals the need to have a shared sense of humanity by avoiding wars based on the agony and pain that come as a result. Dang, Tram. Last Night I Dream of Peace. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2007. Guthrie, John. Last Night I Dream of Peace by Dang Thuy Tram. Web California Literary Review, 13 Aug. 2007. Web. National Library Board. Last Night I Dream of Peace: The Diary of Dang Thuy Tram,  2008. Web.Advertising Looking for essay on biography? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More

20 Cause and Effect Essay Topics How to Write about the Pork in the Middle East

20 Cause and Effect Essay Topics How to Write about the Pork in the Middle East Writing a cause and effect essay is a great opportunity to explore both causes and effects of specific things in the world. When writing about pork in the Middle East, it is particularly interesting to explore what caused people historically to avoid eating pork and what causes people today in modern societies to avoid it too. Equally interesting is exploring the impact that abstaining from pork has had on many societies, particularly in terms of their economy and their health care systems. There are many different beliefs pertaining to pork in the Middle East due to the fact that there are so many religions in the same geographic region. What these religions all seem to have in common, however, is the fact that they tend to avoid pork and pork product. In some countries visitors cannot find pork on the menu or in stores while in other countries the other believers will abstain from pork but still sell it to tourists.   There are historical reasons why people change from the consum ption of pork to the consumption of chickens but the taboo of pork consumption can be traced back to the explosion of certain religions in the Middle East. In any case, below are 20 topics you might use: The Economic Impact of Pork Avoidance: How Pigs are no Longer Farmed The Impact Religious Rules Have on Farming Practices: Why There Are No Pig Farms in the Middle East The Impact Religious Rules has on Sales: Why Buying Pork in Muslim Countries is Prohibited International Relations: Why Tourists Can Buy Pork in Israeli Cities Health Benefits Associated with Abstaining from Pork The Origins of the Taboo against Eating Pork Jewish Origins against Pork Consumption Muslim Origins against Pork Consumption Nomadic Tribes and Their Turn against Pork: Why Traveling with Chickens Is Easier Religion’s Influence on Dietary Consumptions: How Faith Dictates Eating Habits Tracing the Religious Impact on Food: Pork in the Middle East The Effects of Eating Tainted Pork The Causes of Trichinosis The Effects of Dietary Changes in Religion The Effects of Modern Exchanges on Religious Beliefs: How Travel can Influence Change Historic Causes behind Pork Consumption in the Middle East How New Animals Caused Pork Consumption to Drop in the Middle East The Effects of Chicken Protein versus Pork Protein: Understanding Pork in the Middle East The Effects of Religious Restrictions on Travel: Why People Avoid the Middle East The Effects of Religious Texts on Modern Habits: Avoiding Pork in the Middle East Below you can see an example cause and effect essay on one of the topics from that list, giving you a better idea of what your paper  writing should look like in terms of structure. Cause and Effect Essay Sample: The Origins of the Taboo against Eating Pork Today in the Middle East you will find many things on the menu but pork is not likely to be one of them. Both Judaism and Islam restrict pork consumption and the consumption of any pork products. It is for this reason that finding pork related items on your menu will be quite difficult.   For both Judaism and Islam the origins related to the taboo of pork consumption can be traced to the respective holy books used by both religions.   Most interestingly enough is that both of these religions, though considered enemies with conflicting beliefs, have religious laws which explicitly say not to touch dead pigs and not to eat pig meat. For Muslims, the abstinence from pork relates back to the Quran.   In Chapter 2 of the Quran the Muslim God prohibits the consumption of pork. The Quran is the holy book referred to when searching for guidance on behavior.   The guidance pertaining to what foods can and cannot be consumed states that individuals should not touch the dead meat or blood of pigs nor should they consume the flesh of pigs.   Also in the Quran has verses which describe pig as unclean and impure. The description of something as unclean or impure brings with it the implicit understanding that it should not be consumed or touched. It is expressly stated that the consumption of pig in any form is forbidden. Only in life-or-death situation is this allowed. The Jewish faith refers to the Torah as their holy book. In this book the Jewish god dictates what foods are forbidden to eat.   Foods which are not kosher cannot be consumed by Believers. Kosher foods are defined by foods which have been prepared based upon Jewish practice and blessed by a Jewish leader. It is in the book of Deuteronomy in chapter 14 that the Jewish god specifically states that pigs are unclean and that all the world should not touch the dead body of a pig nor should they eat the flesh of the pig.   This taboo on the consumption of pork remains a popular religious belief today, wherein dietary restrictions remain in place with regard to pork and pork products. What is perhaps most interesting about the taboo, though quite old in its origins, is something which today remains quite relevant. Pork today is something which is considered dirty because of the things a pig might eat (garbage, dead or decaying remains) and the rolling in the mud pigs quite often do. In both situations the pig is open to harmful bacteria which can cause serious damage to a human if consumed. The most dangerous aspect to this is that even if the pork is prepared properly, it can still bring be a host of health problems. The most serious of these is trichinosis, wherein worms get inside the pig and then transfer to those who eat the pig. It is for this reason that people of both faiths will continue to support the avoidance of pork entirely, as abstinence from the pork is the only way to really avoid such health concerns not associated with other animals or their consumption. References: Edwards, Brian T.  After The American Century. Print. Gregg, Gary S.  The Middle East. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005. Print. Khan, Muhammad Moinuddin.  Business And Trade In Islam. New Delhi: Pentagon Press, 2009. Print. Maqsood, Ruqaiyyah Waris.  What Every Christian Should Know About Islam. New York: Kube Pub., 2009. Print. Rizvi, Sayyid Saeed Akhtar and Tanzim Raza Qureshi.  Divine Command And Pork. New Delhi, India: Islamic Wonders Bureau, 2007. Print. Rubin, Barry M.  The Middle East. Armonk, N.Y.: M.E. Sharpe, 2011. Print. Stauth, Georg and Sami Zubaida.  Mass Culture, Popular Culture, And Social Life In The Middle East. Frankfurt am Main: Campus Verlag, 1987. Print.

Pursa Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Pursa - Essay Example What can explain this drop in voter interest? It just might be that the educated masses of this country, among them the large middle class, are just tired of seeing new faces but no change in policy. Hence they decide that it does not make a difference, and it is better just not to vote. It matters not whether the elected Presidents are Republican or Democrat, they continue making the same noises and go through the same motions, when the truth is that the only needs that are being served are those of the capitalists and the corporations they own. Among the many critiques of democracy as a system of Government are that it just counts the number of votes, and does not weigh them. Thus the vote of a poor illiterate farmer would be equal in importance to that of a college educated graduate (Dahl, 1989, 12). Secondly, the corporations and the capitalists have so ruined the transparency of the system that it does not matter who gets elected to the Presidency, the funding of both participan ts ensures that the interests of the big corporations and their owners are kept uppermost. For all his rhetoric about change, President Obama has not managed to get us out of the financial crisis that has enveloped America due to the sub-prime mortgage fiasco and risk exposures that resulted in the collapse of Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch and others. Despite the bailout packages that rescued some banking institutions and the automobile industry in Detroit, the major loss was still to the American public who lost their homes, cars and jobs in an economic downturn that still persists. Unemployment is still at 9 percent in some States and public confidence at an all time low. The real problem lies in the system itself. If bankers can go on robbing the public through first making loans to clients with high default risks, pocketing fees and commissions in the

California's Education at Risk Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

California's Education at Risk - Essay Example For instance, book cost is at its highest right now, just for a simple workbook, students end up paying a minimum of one hundred dollars. For these reasons, we should change the people who are in charge of the California Department of Education. Giving money away that is what the state of California is doing to prisons all over the state. Cutting their budget is one good away to help education in the state. California spends too much money on programs inside the prisons. For example, anger management classes, drug rehabilitation classes, boxing clubs, and many other programs they have inside that the state is supporting. I must say the budget in those prisons has to be in the billions. By eliminating those programs in prisons is one good start the state of California could do. Once those cuts are being done, the next step is focusing on K-12 education, or even community colleges. Prison budgets cuts must be given towards education. Now that Imperial Valley College is overcrowded with very few instructors one good way to spend that money is to hire instructors, and have more classes at the campus. Classes are required for any College or University to exist, but thanks to our wonderful government we don’t have them. My first year in College was in a Community College and it was an awesome experience, but the problem was we lacked classes everywhere. My first year was a nightmare, let me just tell you that I started college without being in any class. I had to crash all my classes and I was lucky enough to get at least three classes, but let me tell you classes were very scarce back then, and it is still today. I had to go from one room to the other, and I remember I went back and forth to the same classroom just at a different hour of the day. Classes are being cut off by our Government and thus teachers are being laid off as well. I got so lucky that I was able to crash one class by having a raffle, and I was one

Beer licenses Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Beer licenses - Essay Example Any alcoholic beverages that exceed a five percent alcoholic content are not regulated by the cities or counties but instead are regulated by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Any business that is involved in the distribution, manufacturing, sale or storage of beer are required to obtain permits from the city or county where the business is to be located. When building a business of this kind, my client has become aware of the necessary steps it takes to acquire such licenses that are needed in order to follow all of the rules and regulations to build a thriving business. In order to do so, it was necessary to research the laws in Davidson County to see what types of licenses or standards that my client must meet in order to sell beer in this establishment. Through research, I have found the licenses that are appropriate in order for my client to be able to sell beer to the public in Davidson County, Tennessee. One group that was able to help assist my client in learning more about obtaining a beer permit for selling alcohol on their premise is the Metropolitan Beer Board that actually helps to establish beer laws and determine rules and regulations for selling beer in the Nashville Metro area. Since this is not a dance hall or catering establishment, there are different applications that are to be filled out. One of the necessary documents is the Beer Permit Application. The Beer Permit Application is to be completed by my client in order to seek a permit to serve alcohol on the premises only or for off-premises only. The information required as set by the Beer Permit Application is the type of business that my client is running and it is up to the Beer Board staff of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee to determine whether or not the application will be approved. The Beer Board Application is a permit is designed for those who

Environmental Scan & SWOT Analysis Research Paper

Environmental Scan & SWOT Analysis - Research Paper Example The approach by the company in the last five years has been the milestone in the establishment of a global brand. Through focusing on brand pyramid and dynamics encompassing silky design, pleasurable experience, and the interplay between driving pleasure and serenity, the corporation established consistency and high level alignment in the sector (Anushree, 2012). Additionally, the global financial position has been useful in the strength creation which is vital in the wadding off competition. One major financial indicator is the overall growth of the corporation. From the financial year of 2002 t0 2006, Nissan experienced an average growth in revenue of 13.8%, net income growth of 11.33%, and a net asset growth of 15. 62%. The values indicate the financial strength of the organization (Cleland & Ireland, 2006, p. 22). Weakness Despite the positives, the company has several key weaknesses that could lead to serious problem in case of the increase global financial crisis. The company r elies heavily on overseas markets which may be affected by the increasing financial crisis and recess. The second major weakness is the product innovation time lag. For instance the company launched two new or redesigned vehicles. This is low compared to 14 in the three previous years. The result of the misjudgment may affect the brand visibility due to the increasing competition. Thirdly, the Japanese market does not use diesel as such diesel vehicles accounts for only 0.4% but the usage of diesel engines in the euro zone is high. The major problem is that the company has not invested in the development of the diesel engine leading to the technological drawback (Boone & Kurtz, 2011). Opportunity The major opportunity existing in the Asian market is low penetration and improved income levels leading to continuous jumps in the demand for vehicles. This is an opportunity that can be grasped to increase profitability. Secondly, the relocation of the manufacturing units to regions with lower production costs leads to the better and improved profits for the corporation. Additionally, manufacturing units in America and Europe have huge capacities in line with their vast domestic automobile output (Chilton & Bloodgood, 2010). The creation of the Renault-Nissan purchasing organization in 2001 helped in the combination of resources to create an efficient organization. Threats Cross-cultural disharmony is created through the integration of Renault and Nissan. The occurrence of disharmony creates a challenge for the corporation and may result in serious problems if not properly solved (Cleland & Ireland, 2006). Additionally, the rising commodity price is a major threat for the company because it increases the production cost. The rise of cost of raw material such as steel will create a vital threat to the corporation. Finally, market saturation can affect the corporation in line with the changes in the market demands. The rise of the SUV market is a testament of the chan ge in the product and market innovation, which in turn affect the market composition (Anushree, 2012). Environmental Scan Environmental scan addresses the issues of political, economic, social, legislative and environmental concern for the company. After the global financial crisis experienced in 2007 to 2009, changes have been instituted in the financial and banking sectors.

IT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

IT - Essay Example Lastly, we shall discuss their roles in mobile companies. Reliable sources have been referred for the information and figures that have been included in the study. Google and Apple are two companies that have created an explosion in the field of mobile phones. It is worthwhile to understand the peculiarities of the operating systems of these two companies. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. It depends on the user which one to choose according to his/her requirements. Google’s Android is basically a mobile operating system that is open-source in nature. It allows the developers to adapt the software according to their requirements. The developers can do this by using their own codes or by using ‘C’ (although it is not approved by Google yet it serves the purpose). Android phones support an ample range of mobile technologies such as Bluetooth, WiFi, etc. But one of the main features is that it allows deaf and blind people to operate their mobile phones with much ease. High-end Android phones allow multi-user settings on a single phone. It means that multiple users can use the same phone but with their privacy intact. All users can have their separate login password. In addition to the usual features of Apple mobile phones such as multi-touch gestures, media library, store-kit, cameras, graphics, compass, etc., the latest iOS technology has introduced some new features that are enlisted below: Now Apple has launched its own maps on its mobile phones. This new feature allows the user to view maps (in 3D), traffic updates and more information. An interesting feature that has been introduced by Apple is the ‘Flyover’ that allows the users to select a metropolitan city and enjoy an aerial view. The improved version of Siri can now recognize more languages and can answer questions based on varied subjects such as sports, films, eateries, etc. the users can also post comments on their social networking websites. If talks with car

Literature review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 2

Literature review - Essay Example The initiative of UNICEF is to increase the availability of ORS to everyone around the world in a way people would purchase household materials from any other shop like Coca Cola, soap, razor blades or the like. Oral Rehydration Therapy was found at the outset of millions of deaths due to dehydration caused by Diarrhoea. Children are more vulnerable to die from this disease than adults because they get dehydrated fast. Malnutrition among children is the major cause of Diarrhoea. In developing nations around 2.2 million people (mostly children) lose their lives due to inadequate safe drinking water, poor sanitation and hygiene and overcrowding in their locale. Ninety percent of these children are under the age of five. Oral Rehydration Therapy is a dream solution to avert these millions of death through awareness, prevention, treatment and intervention strategies. The application of ORT gained momentum from the medical point of view when it was discovered that when sodium transport and glucose transport is combined in the small intestine, glucose hastens the absorption of solute and water content into the body potentially. This has been referred as one of the significant advancement of medical science in the treatment of diarrhoeal dehydration in this century.(Anon, Rehydration Project). Until the use of ORT was found the only way to treat diarrhoea was to assist IVT (intravenous therapy) by qualified medical staff in a medical clinic or hospital. Dehydration can now be brought under control with a simple solution of sugar, salt and water that can be administered through mouth by the parents in a child’s home. Oral Rehydration salt solution is used for children and adults with diarrhea if preliminary consumption of normal fluids does not stop dehydration. The ingredients of ORS in grams per litre are Sodium Chloride (2.6 gm/l), Anhydrous Glucose (13.5 gm/l),

Environmental Scan & SWOT Analysis Research Paper

Environmental Scan & SWOT Analysis - Research Paper Example The approach by the company in the last five years has been the milestone in the establishment of a global brand. Through focusing on brand pyramid and dynamics encompassing silky design, pleasurable experience, and the interplay between driving pleasure and serenity, the corporation established consistency and high level alignment in the sector (Anushree, 2012). Additionally, the global financial position has been useful in the strength creation which is vital in the wadding off competition. One major financial indicator is the overall growth of the corporation. From the financial year of 2002 t0 2006, Nissan experienced an average growth in revenue of 13.8%, net income growth of 11.33%, and a net asset growth of 15. 62%. The values indicate the financial strength of the organization (Cleland & Ireland, 2006, p. 22). Weakness Despite the positives, the company has several key weaknesses that could lead to serious problem in case of the increase global financial crisis. The company r elies heavily on overseas markets which may be affected by the increasing financial crisis and recess. The second major weakness is the product innovation time lag. For instance the company launched two new or redesigned vehicles. This is low compared to 14 in the three previous years. The result of the misjudgment may affect the brand visibility due to the increasing competition. Thirdly, the Japanese market does not use diesel as such diesel vehicles accounts for only 0.4% but the usage of diesel engines in the euro zone is high. The major problem is that the company has not invested in the development of the diesel engine leading to the technological drawback (Boone & Kurtz, 2011). Opportunity The major opportunity existing in the Asian market is low penetration and improved income levels leading to continuous jumps in the demand for vehicles. This is an opportunity that can be grasped to increase profitability. Secondly, the relocation of the manufacturing units to regions with lower production costs leads to the better and improved profits for the corporation. Additionally, manufacturing units in America and Europe have huge capacities in line with their vast domestic automobile output (Chilton & Bloodgood, 2010). The creation of the Renault-Nissan purchasing organization in 2001 helped in the combination of resources to create an efficient organization. Threats Cross-cultural disharmony is created through the integration of Renault and Nissan. The occurrence of disharmony creates a challenge for the corporation and may result in serious problems if not properly solved (Cleland & Ireland, 2006). Additionally, the rising commodity price is a major threat for the company because it increases the production cost. The rise of cost of raw material such as steel will create a vital threat to the corporation. Finally, market saturation can affect the corporation in line with the changes in the market demands. The rise of the SUV market is a testament of the chan ge in the product and market innovation, which in turn affect the market composition (Anushree, 2012). Environmental Scan Environmental scan addresses the issues of political, economic, social, legislative and environmental concern for the company. After the global financial crisis experienced in 2007 to 2009, changes have been instituted in the financial and banking sectors.