Friday, December 27, 2019

Mira Nair s Monsoon Wedding - 1560 Words

Mira Nair I first remember hearing about Mira Nair last year, not in my Introduction to Cinema class but from my half-Indian friend who praised Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding. It should be noted that my first film teacher was a white man, older than sixty and not concerned with women directors; out of the sixteen films screened for the semester, two were directed by women and none by women of color. Mira Nair has a unique understanding that she is fighting a long and slow battle for her films to be made relevant. Because of her race and gender, the system is against her. Thankfully, Mira Nair creates her films for herself and usually based on her own experiences and thoughts and is not waiting around for people to give her chances, she is taking them. She is a radical, feminist filmmaker with the way that she makes her own actions of making all type of films (shorts, documentaries, and fiction films) and packs a meaning behind them with her themes that are intended to make her audiences ex perience impressions of the life she has lived. Mira Nair’s social location lies in multiple spheres. She is a brown, Indian woman who has lived in America, Uganda, and North India for residence. She has also visited lots of places for research of her films. Nair has been an immigrant, a young woman, an old woman, and those are just the obvious class divides. She has also suffered from classism in India. Nair has lived working as a poor student and artist, trying to survive and still promoteShow MoreRelatedSocial Issues in the Movie Monsoon Wedding1121 Words   |  5 PagesMonsoon Wedding, a Bollywood film directed by Mira Nair and released in 2001, earned just above $30 million at the box office [1]. The film brilliantly depicts romantic entanglements during a traditional Punjabi wedding in Delhi, while delicately handling sensitive issues such as child-abuse, pre-arranged marital infidelity, growing old and striving to be different as an upper middle class Indian boy, or being a flirtatious, bored but basically settled N RI (non-resident Indian) housewife. The filmRead MoreDoes Film Play An Important Role On The Way People Understand Religious Concepts?3925 Words   |  16 PagesCertification of India cites on its website that every three months an audience as large as India s billion-strong population visits cinema halls. Indian films are popular in various parts of the world, especially in countries with significant Indian communities. Cinema was introduced to India on July 7, 1896. It began with the Lumiere Brothers Cinematography, unveiling six silent short films at the Watson s Hotel in Bombay, namely Entry of Cinematographe, The Sea Bath, Arrival of a Train, A DemolitionRead MoreHanson Production18651 Words   |  75 Pagesacquiring an ample equity share in these companies (Desai 2007). In this regard on 24 January 2005, Percept Picture Company associated with Michael Douglas’ production company Further Films and Sahara One to co-produce the $50-million Racing the Monsoon. Also on 1 September Sahara declared one more alliance, and this time with a Hollywood producer Donald Rosenfeld for Tree of Life starring Colin Farrell. These are two among a total of six Hollywood coproductions. (Kohli- Khandekar 2006.). On 20 OctoberRead MoreBhopal Gas Disaster84210 Words   |  337 Pages Executive Summary On December 3, 1984, toxic poisonous methyl isocyanate gas leaked from Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL s) pesticide plant in Bhopal. The gas leak triggered a disaster that is now widely recognized as the world worst industrial catastrophe. Thousands of people were killed instantly and more than 25,000 people have died of gas-related illnesses, several thousands more maimed for life since. Union Carbide negotiated a settlement with the Indian Government in 1989 for $470 million

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Assignment Male and Probability - 1401 Words

| COMSATS Institute of Information TechnologyDepartment of Mathematics | Course Title: | Business Maths amp; Stats (MTH469) | Class: MBT-3- A, B, C | Resource Person: | Muhammad Hamid Mahmood | Submission: will be informed in class | Assignment # 2 Q1 | What is the preferred way for people to order fast food? A survey was conducted in 2009, but the sample sizes were not reported. Suppose the results, based on a sample of 100 males and 100 females, were as follows:If a respondent is selected at random, what is the probability that he or she a. prefers to order at the drive-through? b. is a male and prefers to order at the drive-through? c. is a male or prefers to order at the drive-through? d. Explain the difference in the†¦show more content†¦d. What is the probability that the owner believes neither that the economy is a challenge for growth nor that finding qualified workers is a challenge for growth? | | | Q6 | A study by Peter D. Hart Research Associates for the Nasdaq Stock Market revealed that 43% of all American adults are stockholders. In addition, the study determined that 75% of all American adult stockholders have some college education. Suppose 37% of all American adults have some college educati on. An American adult is randomly selected. a. What is the probability that the adult does not own stock? b. What is the probability that the adult owns stock and has some college education? c. What is the probability that the adult owns stock or has some college education? d. What is the probability that the adult has neither some college education nor owns stock? e. What is the probability that the adult does not own stock or has no college education? f. f. What is the probability that the adult has some college education and owns no stock? | | | Q7 | A study by Becker Associates, a San Diego travel consultant, found that 30% of the traveling public said that their flight selections are influenced by perceptions of airline safety. Thirty-nine percent of the traveling public wants to know the age of the aircraft. Suppose 87% of the traveling public who say that their flight selections are influenced by perceptions of airline safety wants to knowShow MoreRelatedRandomne ss and Points Essay700 Words   |  3 Pagesconfirming that your work is your own.   The note should say, I have completed this assignment myself, working independently and not consulting anyone.   Your submitted quiz will be accepted only if you have included this statement.       I have completed this assignment myself, working independently and not consulting anyone    1. John made an experiment by tossing three fair coins. (Fair coin has the same probability for a tail and head  ½). (a) (5 points) List the sample space for this experiment.Read MoreConfident Interval Essay664 Words   |  3 PagesSTA3003 Fall 2012 Assignment 5 (Total Points Possible: 15) Name: Banner ID: Instructions: Use this page as your cover page, and attach your groupwork behind your work. Your assignment answers should be in complete and grammatically correct sentences. 1. According to the National Center for Health Statistics (2004), 22.4% of adults are smokers. ARead MoreFinal Projedct1012 Words   |  5 Pagesold male student and Mary is a 37 year old female student thinking about taking this class. Based on their relative position, which student would be farther away from the average age of their gender group based on this sample of MM207 students? 4. If you were to randomly select a student from the set of students who have completed the survey, what is the probability that you would select a male? Explain your answer. 5. Using the sample of MM207 students: a) What is the probability of randomlyRead MoreThe O Higgins Norman977 Words   |  4 Pagesas an outcome of their sexual preference with over a fifth of the participants recording that they felt terror to and from school. Research in the United States has established that 45 percent of those who as grownups classified themselves as gay males and 20 percent of gay females, have been victims of spoken or bodily mistreatment at school due to how other individuals perceive their sexual orientation (O’Higgins-Norman, 2009). Additionally, 28 percent of those so harassed, and they finally leftRead MoreEssay on Individual Assignment for Week Five710 Words   |  3 PagesIndividual Assignment for Week Five Individual Assignment for Week Five Problem one in Chapter11 Define the appropriate target population and the sampling frame in each of the followingRead MoreExamining How Affectionate Writing Can Reduce Cholesterol Levels Essay845 Words   |  4 Pagesand 12 male students in an undergraduate, upper-division communication, ages 20 – 31; 77.8% Caucasian, 8.3% African American, 8.3% Hispanic, 5.6% Asian/Pacific Island, 2.8% Native American, 5.6% Other. Two married, others single. b. Study 2: 22 female and 8 male students, ages 19 – 31, also from upper-division communication courses; 90% Caucasian, 10% Hispanic, 3.3% African American, 3.3% Native American, 3.3% Other. Two married, others single. 3. Sampling: Both studies used a non-probability convenienceRead MoreThe Civil Field Or Clerical Support1165 Words   |  5 Pagespermanent part of the military, by Congress following World War II, through the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948† (Karmarck,3). There were two exclusions in the statutes. One was prohibiting the assignment of females to aircraft engaged in combat and the other was prohibiting the assignment of females to ships engaged in, or likely to be engaged in combat operations. Also included with the legislation was the limitation of the proportion of women in the military. They were allowed to encompassRead MoreMarket Research Proposal - Infant formula Vietnam1730 Words   |  7 PagesPROPOSAL Lecturer: Lukas Parker RMIT International University Vietnam Assignment Cover Page Subject Code: MKTG1254 Subject Name: MARKET RESEARCH Location Campus (SGS or HN) where you study: RMIT Vietnam SGS Title of Assignment: Part A - Market Research Proposal File(s) Submitted: MarketResearch_G1_PartA_Proposal Lecturer and Group number: Lukas Parker Assignment due date: 5/12/2013 Date of Submission: 5/12/2013 Late Submission Approval: Read MoreDomestic Sex For Drugs Or Money?1225 Words   |  5 Pageschild to exchange sex for drugs or money if they are not attached to their parents and the parents have less participation in their lives. The probability is also increased if the child lives in a single parent household. 7. What was/were the conclusion(s) of the study? Parental participation and parental attachment was not found to increase the probability that a minor would trade sex for drugs or money. Two important predictors of children exchanging sex for money or drugs was school involvementRead MoreBus 308 Statistics for Managers Complete Week 1 to 53515 Words   |  15 Pages-5 Product Description BUS 308 Statistics for Managers, New Syllabus WEEK 1 Assignment Problem Set 1. Using the Excel Analysis ToolPak function descriptive statistics, generate descriptive statistics for the salary data. Which variables does this function not work properly for, even though we have some excel generated results? 2. Sort the data by Gen or Gen 1 (into males and females) and find the mean and standard deviation for each gender for the following variables:

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Real Options Theory in Strategic Management

Question: Discuss about the Real Options Theory in Strategic Management. Answer: Woolworths limited is a major Australian company, which has the specialisation in the retailing sector. The business of this organisation is also popular in New Zealand. Eden Ackermann (2013) mentioned that Woolworths is the second largest organisation by revenue in Australia. Woolworths opened its first outlet in the year of 1924 in Sydney. On the other hand, Woolworths has also grocery store chain in Australia owned by Woolworths limited. The Headquarter of this company is at Bella Vista, New South Wales, Australia. Woolworths form a duopoly market in the Australian supermarkets, along with the accounting of 80% of the Australian super market. Woolworths has the specialisation is the selling groceries such as vegetables, fruits, meat, packaged foods etc. Woolworths presently operates 980 stores throughout the Australia. In this connection, it can be stated that some of the Woolworths supermarkets trade as Safeway store. The stores are located in Victoria, consisting three outlets in Melbournes suburbs as well as in the surrounding areas. On the other hand, four stores are also situated in rural region of Victoria and in the southern New South Wales. According to Rothaermel (2015), it can be mentioned that Woolworths has initiated loyalty scheme, which include a large number of incentives for purchasing stores by subsidising the petrol prices at the Caltex Woolworths petrol stations. On the contrary, the company has announced a loss of $1.235 billion in the year of 2016. Due to the loss of $2 billion in masters business and in Big W businesses, the performance of Woolworths has decreased in 2016. Identify and evaluate the organisations current strategy In order to discuss the business strategy of an organisation, it is necessary to discuss the goal of the organisation. The goal of the business of Woolworths is to give priority to the consumers of the organisation at the first position. To achieve this business goal, Woolworths has aimed to the five business strategies. Woolworths build a consumer and store led culture and team. Secondly, it formulates sustainable sales momentum in grocery. Thirdly, this organisation evolves drinks to the business in order to provide more valuation and convenience to the purchasers. Fourthly, Woolworths empower the portfolio business to follow the organisation strategies in order to deliver the shareholders valuation. Lastly, Barney Hesterly (2015) opined that Woolworths become a lean retailer in terms of end to end procedure. More specifically, it can be mentioned that the business strategy of Woolworths is focused upon the three major principles such as offer, growth and efficiency. As per the principle of offer, Woolworths is improving the basic offer to assure that the purchasers put the company first. The growth strategy highlights the business innovations to achieve the necessities of the consumers. Lastly, the efficiency is helpful to create the further consumer valuation by arranging success. In addition, Morschett, Schramm-Klein Zentes (2015) cited that efficiency strategy also follow to execute the lean retail model in their business. In addition, it can be stated Woolworths has aimed to the building of retail tem, who are listening to the consumers, other team members and also the suppliers. Therefore, in this purpose, it can be mentioned that Woolworths always tried to give priority to the stakeholders of the organisation. In addition, the organisation also focused to collect daily feedback from the consumers, which can make the performance of the organisation better from the previous. As a result, the team of Woolworths always aimed to improve the shopping experience of the consumers. The drink business of Woolworths such as Dan Murphy and BWS always aimed to implement innovation in their business in order to provide the optimum valuation as well as convenience to the consumers, in their outlets and in online. From the above figure, it can be observed that the business strategy of Woolworths is depending upon five main components. They mainly work as a team. In this respect, Morden (2016) mentioned to maintain their teamwork, communication among the management and the workers require to be greater. In addition, they tried to reduce the price of the products in order to make the business successful. The consumers are willing to purchase the products from this company. In this context, Frynas Mellahi (2015) opined that Woolworths always focused to the new pricing and the value strategy, which can neutralise the competition with Coles and Aldi. The business performance of Coles and Aldi also make an impact on the sales of Woolworths. Woolworths include lower pricing and better ranging. Therefore, it can be mentioned that the key concept of Woolworths regarding the pricing structure of the products can be described as higher quality and better price. Moreover, it can be noted that to make a business successful, the organisation requires to keep update their products. Hence, Woolworths aimed to develop their cohesive brand in order to expand their business more in the national market as well as in the global markets. They also provide their consumers offers on the selling products. This can increase the sales of the organisation. Moreover, Woolworths also offer the consumers loyalty program. This organisation sometimes provides discounts to their customers, so that they feel interested to purchase the products from their stores. Changing business strategy: As per the statement of Carroll, Primo Richter (2016), it can be stated that the business of retailing sectors never stand still. This is the reason why Woolworths always change their business strategy as per the changing business environment. It is depending upon the demand of the consumers. Woolworths are responding this new era by following three manners: They are placing their clients at the heart of the organisation. They are listening what is the consumers requirements. Lastly, they aimed to create new and innovative techniques to shop with them and make a long-term relationship with the company. The future transaction: Woolworths has aimed to implement mobile technology in the business. In this context, Stead Stead (2013) opined that most of the consumers are willing to purchase the products through online rather visiting the store. As a result, the consumers can purchase products from each of the corner of the world. Customers want to move effortlessly between physical and the virtual stores in this term. In addition, Woolworths include websites, mobile apps, delivery options and the virtual stores. It can be identified that Woolworths serves approximately 18 million consumers in each of the week and they value each of the consumers. The organisation rewards their loyalty to earn the consumers. In addition, Woolworths aims to provide unique money off proposition. According to Hubbard, Rice Galvin (2014), Woolworths reward program is the most attractive super market loyalty program of Australia. It provides the members of the organisation the capacity of earning Woolworths dollars as well as get money off their shopping. On the other hand, it can be added that Woolworths tried to communicate with the consumers and they listen the consumers in order to give them priority. In this purpose, they tried to take feedback from the consumers in order to improve their performance and the consumer experiences. Furthermore, Certo et al., (2016) cited that consumer talkback is a new initiative. With the help of this strategy, the consumers are able to provide the feedback directly to the management of Woolworths. Therefore, a better understanding between the management and the stakeholders has developed. Woolworths has developed a relationship of trust with the stakeholders in order to make a long-term relationship. In addition, Trigeorgis Reuer (2017) mentioned that this retail organisation focused on the three basic business strategies such as collaboration, fairness and the sources. Value chain activities of Woolworths: Woolworths mission statement is strives to provide the customers the freshest products. Therefore, all the value creating functions of this company involved in the delivery of firms promises: Woolworths controls the distribution network of the manufacturing goods. Within these activities there are two effective functions such as: Procurement and logistic. Procurement Nationalise the purchasing behaviour in order to meet the higher cost savings. The stringent certification method ensures greater quality of products. Logistic Ownership and the operational control involved in the distribution chain. Using of modern technology, which assures the optimal distribution efficiency as well as the cost cutting (Davidsson, Wennberg McKelvie, 2016). The two primary activities of operations are quality assessment and the inventory management. Quality assessment deals with the standardise production, which can detect and then remove the detective products from the manufacturing products. Vogel Gttel (2013) opined that inventory management can predict whether the demand for the retail products will be increased or decreased. In order to increase sales, Woolworths mainly aimed to follow two activities such as in store promotion and the organisational dynamism. As per the concept off in store promotion, the organisation can achieve the short-term sales, whereas organisational dynamism focused to the continuous investment approach in the consumer research. The organisation can also efficiently compete with the others in the market. Evaluate the suitability of the organisational business strategy In order to identify and evaluate the organisations current business strategy of Woolworths, it is necessary to discuss the external and thee internal factors, which influence the performance of the organisation. Therefore, organisational performance can be measured in the following manner: Woolworths is a renowned organisation in the Australian retailing sector. According to Mitchell Leiponen (2014), the political environment of the country is associated with the performance of the company and the retail organisation will be affected by the political climate of the country. Moreover, political condition will give a shape to the environment of the business. As a result, the growth opportunities of thee organisation will be increased. The foreign investors as well as the trading partners can carry out the business related operations, which in turn affect the organisational performance. Somsuk Laosirihongthong (2014) added that political disturbances demotivate the business and the investors from entering into the market. The risks, which arise due to the lower rate of return, make a negative impact on the organisational performance of Woolworths. However, the rate of risk is lower in the business of Woolworths. The economic factors, which influence the financial performance of Woolworths, are recession and the higher unemployment rate of the country. This will in turn lowering down the sales and the financial health of the organisation. On the other hand, due to global financial crisis, the organisation has been suffering from some serious issues in financial aspect. Carraher (2014) mentioned that Woolworths suffer from a major loss when the company has its operation in UK. The rate of unemployment was then increased and near about 30000 employees was jobless during that time. The consumers are the major source of revenue earning for the business entity. Therefore, the target market and the development plan of Woolworths have aimed to the necessity of the consumers experience as it can increase the sales and the profitability. In addition, Woolworths focused to introduce new means of completing the consumers requirements. This would in turn emphasize the notion of consumer delight. In addition, Rao et al., (2015) mentioned that the position of the outlets of Woolworths is required to be convenient, so that the consumers would like to visit the stores. The organisation has offered lowest prices of the products; which can be afforded by the visitors. Lastly, in this connection, it is necessary to mention that Woolworths has launched loyalty program for the consumers in order to maintain a long-term relationship with them. Technological factors: The use of RFID technology is helpful to manage the operation of inventory of Woolworths. With the help of this technology, the store visitors will be able to identify the stock availability of Woolworths. In order to support the operation of technology, Woolworths has implemented Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) in their operation. According to Greco, Cricelli Grimaldi (2013), the retailing sector requires to recognise and then incorporate the technologies in order to hold a stronger position in the industry. On the other hand, Woolworths has aimed to start self-service check out. However, Engert, Rauter Baumgartner (2016) argued that consumers do not accept the self-service check out strategy and it has created a negative impact on the consumers. Hill, Jones Schilling (2014) mentioned that taxation policies and the employee management regulation are the basic two legal frameworks of Woolworths. In addition, food-licensing requirements are the major aspect, which can make an impact on performance of retailing sector. On the other hand, it can be mentioned that if Woolworths will plan to open a new store in the different region, then it requires to take the permission of government. Therefore, legal permission is required for opening of new stores. The environmental aspect of Woolworths is reflected due to the use of eco-friendly business practices. The main purpose is to reduce the harmful effect on the environment. Therefore, Woolworths has invested its natural sources in order to mitigate the carbon footprint of the business. In addition, it is possible to reduce the wastage of the natural resources such as water of the organisation. This will in turn recycle the activities, which can reduce the quantity of wastages. Moreover, the sustainability practices of the company will focus to the sourcing of food practices. After analysing the above organisational strategies, it can be recommended that if Woolworths implement fair price policy and employee engagement these two alternative strategies in their business, then the performance of this organisation will be improved more in the future. Higher employee engagement will improve the overall performance of the organisation. It can be recommended that Woolworths require to focus to frame its own strategy consistently, which can predominate the political issues across the country. The organisation requires to adapt the strategy of fair price policy to the consumers. Evaluate the implemented strategy In this section, this study will evaluate whether the organisational strategies of Woolworths make its business successful or not, whether the strategies will be able to improve the performance of the organisation. As per the statement of Eden Ackermann (2013), it is found that Woolworths is at first position in the Australian retail industry. The leadership position of this company has increased the capacity of the organisation in case of exploit the overall market potential. The technological resources are supposed to be helpful to increase their organisational performance. These technological resources influence to reduce the carbon footprints and able to find out the cost efficient technique. Cost efficient technique is also benefitted to reduce the packaging and can achieve the wastage of zero food value by the year of 2015. Moreover, Barney Hesterly (2015) opined that this retail company highlights the good growth in their business. On the other hand, it can be added that Woolworths is good at their supply chain management. Customer lifestyle has also changed and this will in turn make an influence on the growth of Woolworths. As per the statement of Morschett, Schramm-Klein Zentes (2015), in the countrys economy, Woolworths has a greater impact. With the passage of time, the financial performance of the organisation has been increasing. Therefore, the revenue earning and the sales volume of Woolworths have also risen. This proves that Woolworths is able to contribute a larger portion of national income to the economy. Therefore, the existing strategies, which are followed by Woolworths, can significantly increase the rate of GDP of the country. In addition, rise in thee sales volume has increased the rate of employment to the company. In this context, it can be mentioned that in order to increase the productivity, Woolworths also tried to recruit labours that are more efficient. Therefore, it can be inferred that the rate of unemployment off the company will be decreased. Morden (2016) cited that the economic well-being of the country will be improved. However, Frynas Mellahi (2015) criticised that Woolworths tried to treat its consumers as the monopolists. Woolworths aimed to set affordable and comparatively prices of the products. Hence, the consumers are willing to purchase the products from this company. Therefore, it makes a bad impact on the other retailers of the country. As a result, Australian government has restricted the movement of this organisation such as government prevent the capability to set the prices of the products. On the other hand, Woolworths belongs to the monopolistic competitive market and make a tough competition with Coles. Therefore, it can be predicted that the overall sales structure of Woolworths has affected. Furthermore, it can be added that government intervention has an adverse impact in the growth of Australian retailing sector. Identify the key issues and recommendations Woolworths has been carrying out a business assessment, which describes the important business strategies. These strategies are helpful to improve the performance of the organisation. The performance of the organisation demonstrates that Woolworths has aimed to achieve the higher growth level in their organisational activities. The growth is mainly associated by the strong commitment towards the subordinates and the employees. However, the external environmental conditions make an effect on the Australian retail sector. This will in turn indicates that the determinants such as political factors and the government intervention can change the social patterns and trends of the business. The consumers will also be affected indirectly. On the other hand, it can be mentioned that the indirect economic conditions reflect the competitive business environment situations. As a result, the growth strategy of Woolworths will be affected in an adverse way. By identifying the shortcomings of the o rganisations, the following recommendations can be developed: It can be recommended that Woolworths needs to implement innovative techniques and strategies in the production process. Woolworths can organise a monthly award program for the best employee of the month. This will increase the performance of the individual. As a result, the productivity of the company will be increased. The consumer social trends ensure the perfect business dynamism as it can address the business objectives. In addition, it can be added that these trends will be able to increase the growth level of the organisation (Carroll, Primo Richter, 2016). Additional training and the development mechanism can increase the skills and knowledge of the employees. The consumers will get better service from the company and they will show their interest in case of purchasing the products from this retail store. On the other hand, it can be mentioned that high-level employee engagement strategy can increase the performance of the employees. They also require encouraging their performance. This will in turn increase the level of trust among the managers and the employees. Next, Woolworths requires to find out the shortcomings or the difficulties what they have faced during their organisational operations. After the identification, Woolworths can implement new business strategies in order to mitigate the organisational weak points. Conclusion This study has highlighted the organisational operation of Australias largest retailer store, Woolworths. The above analysis demonstrated that Woolworths mainly aim to meet the consumers requirement. The major principles of this company are offer, growth and the efficiency. In order to improve their revenue earning, Woolworths used to offer their products to the consumers at a comparatively cheaper price. Woolworths has a tough competition with Coles in the retailing industry of Australia. On the other hand, this study also described that sometimes government intervention make a negative impact on the business. Government can impose tax on the products in order to give opportunity to the importers, which will in turn boost up the countrys trading situation and the countrys economy. Therefore, strategy of fair price policy requires to implement to the organisation in order to minimise this unfavourable situation. References Barney, J. B., Hesterly, W. (2015).Strategic management and competitive advantage concepts and cases. Pearson. Carraher, S. (2014). ACADEMY OF STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT JOURNAL.Academy of Strategic Management Journal,13(2). Carroll, R. J., Primo, D. M., Richter, B. K. (2016). Using item response theory to improve measurement in strategic management research: An application to corporate social responsibility.Strategic Management Journal,37(1), 66-85. Certo, S. T., Busenbark, J. R., Woo, H. S., Semadeni, M. (2016). Sample selection bias and Heckman models in strategic management research.Strategic Management Journal. Davidsson, P., Wennberg, K., McKelvie, A. (2016). ACE research vignette 055: The strategic management of high-growth firms. Eden, C., Ackermann, F. (2013).Making strategy: The journey of strategic management. Sage. Engert, S., Rauter, R., Baumgartner, R. J. (2016). Exploring the integration of corporate sustainability into strategic management: a literature review.Journal of Cleaner Production,112, 2833-2850. Frynas, J. G., Mellahi, K. (2015).Global strategic management. Oxford University Press, USA. Greco, M., Cricelli, L., Grimaldi, M. (2013). A strategic management framework of tangible and intangible assets.European Management Journal,31(1), 55-66. Hill, C. W., Jones, G. R., Schilling, M. A. (2014).Strategic management: theory: an integrated approach. Cengage Learning. Hubbard, G., Rice, J., Galvin, P. (2014).Strategic management. Pearson Australia. Mitchell, W., Leiponen, A. (2014). Virtual Special Issue on Innovation, Intellectual Property and Strategic Management.Strategic Management Journal. Morden, T. (2016).Principles of strategic management. Routledge. Morschett, D., Schramm-Klein, H., Zentes, J. (2015).Strategic international management. Springer. Rao, I. M., Arango, J., Ishitani, M., Peters, M., Miles, J., Tohme, J., ... Van der Hoek, R. (2015). Strategic management for forage production and mitigation of environmental effects: Development of Brachiaria grasses to inhibit nitrification in soil. Rothaermel, F. T. (2015).Strategic management. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Somsuk, N., Laosirihongthong, T. (2014). A fuzzy AHP to prioritize enabling factors for strategic management of university business incubators: Resource-based view.Technological forecasting and social change,85, 198-210. Stead, J. G., Stead, W. E. (2013).Sustainable strategic management. ME Sharpe. Trigeorgis, L., Reuer, J. J. (2017). Real options theory in strategic management.Strategic Management Journal,38(1), 42-63. Vogel, R., Gttel, W. H. (2013). The dynamic capability view in strategic management: A bibliometric review.International Journal of Management Reviews,15(4), 426-446. Woolworths Group: Quality Brands and Trusted Retailing. (2017).Woolworthsgroup.com.au. Retrieved 19 January 2017, from https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/ Woolworths Supermarkets - Woolworths Group. (2017).Woolworthsgroup.com.au. Retrieved 19 January 2017, from https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/page/about-us/our-brands/supermarkets/Woolworths

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Joseph Haydn Essays - Joseph Haydn, Mathias Haydn, Rohrau, Austria

Joseph Haydn Joseph Haydn was without a doubt one of the greatest composers of his day. He was loved very much as both a man and a musician, and unlike many other composers when he died in 1809. he was one of the most celebrated composers in the world. Haydn once said, Young people can see from my example that something can still come from nothing, but what I am is the result of dire necessity. And it was very true. The story of Haydn was a classic story of rags to riches. His father, Mathias Haydn (1699-1763), was a wheelwright who after traveling through Germany settled in Rohrau, a village in Austria near the border of Hungary. A year later, Mathias married Anna Maria Koller (1707-1754), and on April 1, 1732, Franz Joseph Haydn was born. He was the eldest of twelve children, six of whom never lived past infancy. They lived in a quiet, modest home, which was always kept neat and tidy. Music played a big role in the Haydn home. Mathias, through years of travel, learned how to play the harp and would come home after work and practice. He and his wife would sing Austrian folk songs along to the music, and the children quickly caught on. This was a nightly ritual and one night a distant cousin named Johann Mathias Franck visited the Haydn family in Rohrau. Franck was the school rector from Haimburg and was responsible for the music there. When he saw the family singing after dinner, he took particular notice to the young Joseph Haydn who was strumming his arm with a stick, pretending he was playing the violin. It was clear that Joseph had a natural talent for music, since he kept time and pitch perfectly without ever having any musical training. As a result, Franck offered to take Joseph back to Haimburg with him and give him an education in music, which would most definitely lead him to becoming a clergyman. Because his parents had a great deal of respect for the clergy, they jumped at the opportunity, and when he was only six years old he left for Haimburg. There he was under a very strict schedule which included lessons in reading, writing, and catechism, followed by Mass in the church, and of course instruction in singing and playing almost all wind and string instruments. Joseph also learned to play the timpani, and did so in a Holy Week procession. He had a deep love for music and was very grateful for his stay at Haimburg. He once said, I shall owe it to that man [Franck] even in my grave that he taught me so many things, though in the process I have received more thrashings than food. In 1740, Karl Georg Reutter, the music director of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna came to Hainburg in search of new, young boys to replace the older ones whose voices broke. Haydn was immediately recommended, and after singing a few pieces for Reutter, the badly nourished boy was taken in as a new student to the Choir School at St. Stephen's Cathedral, where he would remain for the next nine years. Haydn loved Vienna and was impressed greatly by all the fine music surrounding the city. his life in the Cathedral was hard, however, and the schedule once again was rigorous. There were lessons in Latin, math, and all the academic studies, as well as classes in singing, violin, and percussion. However, there was no teaching of composition or theory, and Haydn often claimed that he never had a proper teacher. As a matter of fact, it was often the older boys teaching the younger boys. This meant Joseph was often the teacher of his younger brother, Michael, who joined the choir a few years later. His other brother, Johann Evangelist, also joined the choir and together the boys had a great time. There were many concerts outside the cathedral, which were looked forward to with great excitement. This was because the amount of food at the Cathedral was very limited and during concerts the boys were often treated to fine meals. All of the fun soon ended when Haydn's voice broke and he

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Jan. 1923 Invasion of the Ruhr Essay Example

Jan. 1923: Invasion of the Ruhr Paper Invasion of the Ruhr The Ruhr is one of Germany’s most valuable industrial and mining area. End 1922: Germany failed to pay reparations to France as part of TOV In response, the French occupied the Ruhr. Campaign of ‘passive resistance’ was Germany’s response and resulted in a decline in industrial productivity ‘Passive resistance’ affected Germany economy Weimar government still dedicated to maintain commitment to TOV o Reparation bill: US $32 billion Instead of raising taxes, gov borrowed heavily and printed new money Sparked greatest inflation in history o 1914: US$ =gt; 4. 2 marks 1919: US$ =gt; 8. marks 1923: US$ =gt; 25 billion marks German money was valueless causing enormous hardship †¢ Real wages declined, life-time savings wiped, people on fixed incomes †¢ This invasion should be considered against French fears about security. France had been increasingly concerned about security since the collapse of the Anglo-American guar antee that would have given the French support in the event of German attack. In addition, France had been unsuccessful in her attempts to partially dismember Germany. By 1921, Britain and the USA were retreating into isolation and removing themselves from the affairs of the continent. In Britain, there was growing sympathy towards the idea that Germany had been treated harshly and that she should be able to recover economically as means to promote European recovery. †¢ The reparations commission had determined in 1921 that Germany should pay 132 billion gold marks to the allied powers. The French were anxious to enforce the reparations settlement in full for two reasons: 1. To use reparations to pay their debts to the US. 2. They could continue to weaken Germany by collecting the reparations and thus limit the speed and extent of German economic recovery which could pose a serious threat to them in the future. The British attitude towards reparations was hesitant. As much as they needed the money to pay the USA but they were also aware that continued German economic weakness would limit the recovery of British trade. Britain believed also that if Germany was conciliated, she would slip into the Soviet orbit, something which Britain did not want especially aft er Rapallo. France wanted an excuse to demonstrate her hard -line approach towards Germany and the opportunity arose when Germany missed a delivery of timber as part of her payments. We will write a custom essay sample on Jan. 1923: Invasion of the Ruhr specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Jan. 1923: Invasion of the Ruhr specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Jan. 1923: Invasion of the Ruhr specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer So, on 11 January, 1923, French and Belgian troops invaded the Ruhr. †¢ †¢ The French object was to collect reparations through seizing the output of the mines and factories of the Ruhr and shipping them to France. However, the German workers refused to co-operate and went on passive resistance. †¢ The result was inflation. The Weimar government simply printed more money to support the workers to a point that paper money became worthless. †¢ Middle classes in Germany who had saved money were totally destroyed and demoralized since their savings became worthless. Many people lost faith in the democratic system and would turn later to extremists like Hitler. In fact, Hitler made his first attempt during these hard times. However, the breakthrough came with the appointment of Gustav Stresemann as Chancellor of Germany. He cancelled the passive resistance and announced that Germany would comply with her obligation as in Versailles. The French withdrew as their relations with Britain and the USA were sort of damaged and was now willing to reach an agreement with Germany over the crisis. †¢ Charles Dawes, a key player solved the crisis when he proposed the Dawes Plan. This plan allowed Germany to reschedule her reparations payments so that the total amount was reduced and the deadlines were extended. In order for the German economy to recover extensive foreign loss, largely from the United States, were arranged. In addition, much private American capital flowed into German businesses and German government bonds. The resolution of the Ruhr crisis was followed by the Locarno Treaty. Accordingly, Germany accepted her current borders with France and Belgium as permanent. Also, these borders were guaranteed by Britain and Italy. Also, as a result of Locarno, Germany entered the League of nations. However, Germany’s eastern borders had not been guaranteed. Britain refused to guarantee the countries to the east of Germany which gave Germany the impression that she could change the borders with little objection from the Allies. The spirit of Locarno improved the general atmosphere and later the Allies removed their troops from the left bank of the Rhine and the Allied commission to supervise German disarmament departed in 927. The spirit of Locarno was best exemplified in the Kellogg-Briand Pact.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

All About Pirates and Their Treasure

All About Pirates and Their Treasure We’ve all seen the movies where one-eyed, peg-leg pirates make off with great wooden chests full of gold, silver, and jewels. But this image isnt really accurate. Pirates only rarely got their hands on treasure like this, but they did still take plunder from their victims. Pirates and their Victims During the so-called Golden Age of piracy, which lasted roughly from 1700 to 1725, hundreds of pirate ships plagued the waters of the world. These pirates, while generally associated with the Caribbean, did not limit their activities to that region. They also struck off the coast of Africa and even made forays into the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They would attack and rob any non-Navy ship that crossed their paths: mostly merchant and slave vessels plying the Atlantic. The plunder the pirates took from these ships mainly were trade goods profitable at the time. Food and Drink Pirates often plundered food and drink from their victims: Alcoholic drinks, in particular, were rarely if ever allowed to continue on their way. Casks of rice and other foodstuffs were taken on board as needed, although the less cruel pirates would leave enough food for their victims to survive. Fishing ships were often robbed when merchants were scarce, and in addition to the fish, pirates would sometimes take tackle and nets. Ship Materials Pirates rarely had access to ports or shipyards where they could repair their vessels. Their ships were often put to hard use, meaning that they were in constant need of new sails, ropes, rigging tackle, anchors, and other things necessary for the day-to-day maintenance of a wooden sailing vessel. They stole candles, thimbles, frying pans, thread, soap, kettles, and other mundane items and would often also plunder wood, masts, or parts of the ship if they needed them. Of course, if their own ship were in really bad shape, the pirates would sometimes simply swap ships with their victims! Trade Goods Most of the loot gained by pirates was trade goods being shipped by merchants. Pirates never knew what they would find on the ships they robbed. Popular trade goods at the time included bolts of cloth, tanned animal skins, spices, sugar, dyes, cocoa, tobacco, cotton, wood, and more. Pirates had to be choosy about what to take, as some items were easier to sell than others. Many pirates had clandestine contacts with merchants willing to purchase such stolen goods for a fraction of their true worth and then resell them for a profit. Pirate-friendly towns such as Port Royal, Jamaica, or Nassau, Bahamas, had many unscrupulous merchants willing to make such deals. Slaves Buying and selling slaves was a very profitable business during the Golden Age of piracy, and slave ships often were raided by pirates. Pirates might keep the slaves to work on the ship or sell them themselves. Often, the pirates would loot the slave ships of food, weapons, rigging, or other valuables and let the merchants keep the slaves, who were not always easy to sell and had to be fed and cared for. Weapons, Tools, and Medicine Weapons were very valuable. They were the tools of the trade for pirates. A pirate ship without cannons and a crew without pistols and swords were ineffective, so it was the rare pirate victim that got away with his weapon stores unplundered. Cannons were moved to the pirate ship and the holds cleared of gunpowder, small arms, and bullets. Tools were as good as gold, whether they be carpenters tools, surgeons knives, or navigational gear (such as maps and astrolabes). Likewise, medicines were often looted: Pirates were often injured or ill, and medicines were hard to come by. When Blackbeard held Charleston, North Carolina, hostage in 1718, he demanded- and received- a chest of medicines in exchange for lifting his blockade. Gold, Silver, and Jewels Of course, just because most of their victims didnt have any gold doesnt mean that the pirates never got any at all. Most ships had a little gold, silver, jewels, or some coins aboard, and the crew and captains were often tortured to get them to reveal the location of any such stash. Sometimes, pirates got lucky: In 1694, Henry Avery and his crew sacked the Ganj-i-Sawai, the treasure ship of the Grand Moghul of India. They captured chests of gold, silver, jewels, and other precious cargo worth a fortune. Pirates with gold or silver tended to spend it quickly when in port. Buried Treasure? Thanks to the popularity of Treasure Island, the most famous novel about pirates, most people think that the bandits went around burying treasure on remote islands. In fact, pirates rarely buried treasure. Captain William Kidd buried his loot, but hes one of the few known to have done so. Considering that most of the pirate treasure to be had was delicate, such as food, sugar, wood, ropes, or cloth, its not surprising that idea is mostly a myth. Sources Cordingly, David. New York: Random House Trade Paperbacks, 1996 Defoe, Daniel. A General History of the Pyrates. Dover Maritime, 60742nd edition, Dover Publications, January 26, 1999. Konstam, Angus. The World Atlas of Pirates. Guilford: The Lyons Press, 2009 Konstam, Angus. The Pirate Ship 1660-1730. New York: Osprey, 2003

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Carl Friedrich Gauss Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Carl Friedrich Gauss - Essay Example Gauss represented a clear expression of a great mathematician of a small town called Gottingen. He is known in history for his remarkable geometrical discoveries. He is known for his discoveries in method of least squares, quadratic reciprocity, and non-Euclidean geometry. One of his greater works is also seen in astronomy. I totally agree with the works of Gauss on construction of polygons, least squares method, the fundamental theorem of algebra or the non-Euclidean's - differential geometry. Though he never published these discoveries anywhere but his work is highly remarkable. Gauss started with these discoveries at a very early age. He proved the construction of regular 17 sided polygons called heptadecagon. He proved that this can be constructed simply with the help of a ruler and a compass and thinks this is one of his greatest achievements in the history of geometry. Because as opposed to Kepler, Gauss proved that not only a triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon are constructible but then he proved it right that 17 sided figures can also be constructed with the equal lengths. He further added that 17 gon can be constructed using four quadratic equations (Swetz, 1994). One more important discovery of Gauss is the theory of least squares and normal distribution. He proved that every curve led to the least squares. He believed that the problems can be simplified by solving the errors evenly distributed. As a result, this gave the accurate estimates by solving the errors incurred in the equation. The construction was possible with trigonometric functions along with arithmetic and square roots. Gaussian distribution curve is a bell shaped curve used for normal distribution. In the Gaussian distribution, all the values combined give the value as 1. Gauss gave the fundamental theorem of algebra where he proved that any algebraic equation to the degree n, where n is a positive integer will have n number of roots. I totally agree with Gauss in his work on Disquisitiones Arithmeticae where he investigated the number theory within mathematics. Also, he made it possible to draw a circle into equal arch's just with the help of a ruler and a compass. In the number theory, he came up with an idea of congruence in numbers with the help of which infinite series of whole numbers can be broken into smaller chunks of numbers. This can e explained by taking an example: 700 - 400 = 300 right. Here the remainder is 300. This remainder can further be divided into smaller chunks of numbers like 100, 50, and 30 and so on. Here 700 and 400 are congruent to each other by modulo 100. This concept was very much popular among the digital watches. The gauss theory of numbers has its relevance even today and many great mathematicians of today hold this o pinion. It plays a crucial role in the Internet world today through security technologies (Struik 1987). In is theory of geometry, he never agreed to Euclidean's indeed known for his non-Euclidean geometry. He found that parallel postulate fails in the Euclid's geometrical theory that through a point which is not on the line, in this case either there is none or more than one parallel line. The basic difference between the Euclid and Non Euclid's theory on geometry was the nature of parallel lines. Non Euclid theory discovered the geometry of space. The non Euclidean's geometry studied Elliptic geometry

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

FAMILY LAW Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 2

FAMILY LAW - Essay Example The main setback identified in this area is due to the fact that the national criminal justice system does not consider domestic abuse or violence as criminal activities, and fails to provide adequate protection for women against such offences1. To compound the misery, there is considerable bureaucratic apathy among the enforcement authorities, such as the police, prosecutors and judges. These persons have been found to be unwilling to identify the causes of domestic violence. Therefore, the enforcement of laws against domestic violence has not been effective or constructive. Most law enforcing authorities do not view domestic violence as a serious criminal issue, and consider it to be a private problem. Their belief is that women have to deal with the problem of domestic violence and arrive at a solution to it by themselves. Most women believe that the criminal justice system acts as a barrier to their seeking the court’s intervention to eliminate violence. Several international bodies claimed that domestic violence is a violation of human rights. They also demanded that human rights must be made applicable to domestic violence. Human rights treaties have to develop effective instruments to address the problem of do mestic violence2. Activities such as physically hitting or slapping or a threat to cause harm to the victim or child of the victim, threatening to commit suicide or demeaning the victim verbally or physically, restricting the victim in visiting his or her friends or family member would constitute crimes of domestic violence3. Domestic violence is distinct from other types of assault. It should be dealt with separately with a separate dedicated mechanism for handling of cases; and there should be high levels of prosecutions and punishments. Only then will it be possible to eliminate domestic violence from the lives of women. The effects of domestic violence are much higher than that of physical assaults. Psychological damage is a very common

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Response to Toward a New World Order Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Response to Toward a New World Order - Essay Example According to George H. W. Bush, Iraq, under the leadership of the dictator Saddam Hussein had invaded Kuwait by sending about 120,000 troops to effect the course. And as if that was not enough, they were also advancing towards Saudi Arabia to cause more havoc. At that point, it called for an immediate response by the American Armed forces troops and others from over twenty nations under the United nations Security Council to ensure that Iraq withdrew from Kuwait without setting any conditions...and peace will be then restored to the Gulf. By dubbing the action a "New World Order", the former president meant that it was time for all the nations in the globe to unit against common evils that threatened to shake to the very foundation the peace that is enjoyed by all. He hoped for a world where the Rule of Law would be respected, a world where collective responsibility would be embraced by all nations; unless such a state is achieved then prosperity and harmony would still remain a drea m. The intention of Saddam Hussein to send troops to invade Kuwait was not in any way acceptable, it was out of financial greed for oil deposits and political need to widen his boarders. Since by the time, of the inversion, Kuwait was already a sovereign state, their boarders was supposed to be respected by any country;Iraq inclusive. If Saddam wanted a business partner, there were several civilized options by which he could get that...but that seemed not to be his idea. His refusal to honor dialog and make a peacefully exit showed that he was out to destabilize the peace in the Gulf and control the world oil market. But one thing though is apparent, just as the United States wanted be the super power, so was Iraq, what made the difference was however the approach that Saddam used, that of intimidation. It was all out of conflict of interest and a shared objective. Controlling of oil prices and creating cartels was a perfect idea and a good recipe to create political instability in the entire globe. The level by which the United States government agreed to put the life of their men and women on the line just to restore peace for the whole world shows that the country really has the world at heart and its objectives are genuine. Having a fully united world has got its bad and good sides. One major advantage would be having a united front in the fight against global evils such as terrorism, corruption and addressing issues of environmental concern. But on the other hand, it is feared the politicians may take advantage of such a situation and push for the establishment of policies which may prove intimidating to the developing world. This is evident in the recent negative effects brought about by globalization and the free market policy where the developing countries are finding it hard to match the stiff competition that the developed countries are posing. But all said and done, it is an open secret that by having an umbrella body that controls management of governments, it would promote accountability and democratic governance. Having an organization that

Friday, November 15, 2019

Phenomenological Perspective And Theoretical Framework Sociology Essay

Phenomenological Perspective And Theoretical Framework Sociology Essay The aim in this chapter is to offer the foundations on which I base my methodological approach and data analysis. In this section I will clarify theoretical issues which I have examined and informed my work. I outline a framework that highlights the interconnectedness of the macro and micro in explicating the actions and policies of local government in implementing the renewed race relations approach. In this regard, the chapter covers a range of important issues and introduces a number of theoretical concepts relating to race relations and equality. For work of this sort to have meaning it has to embody a rigorous conceptual analysis which underpin a critical theory approach. These definitions are located in a broader theory of oppression and intrinsic discrimination and inequality. Below are the concepts which have informed my approach, these concepts will allow me to examine and understand the complex situation. Phenomenological perspective To state that research doesnt happen in vacuum / isolation acknowledgement of historical and social influences will shape the research Objectivity/subjectivity Positionality Structuration theory Through social action that structures and agency are shaped. Rejects Parsons functionalism subjectivity And also hermeneutics approach on agency He argues his theory of structuration reveals how the micro (personal) is shaped by the macro (social systems) Read Positioning chapter in 1984 book. Social practices ordered across space and time refer to the actions of individuals and groups understood in their social, cultural and historical context. A key element of this theory, therefore, is the attempt to understand reality in terms of structure the significance of social divisions and other aspects of social organisation and agency the exercise of choice. While many forms of social theory address either structure or agency, structuration theory is characterised by a focus on structure and agency and the ways in which they are intertwined. In understanding the ability to participate in community matters what is needed then is an appreciation of both structure and agency. It is not a matter of either or, nor is it an underemphasising of the role of agency by concentrating on the social structures to the almost total exclusion of issues of choices, intentions, wishes, fears and aspirations, or an overemphasising of the role of agency, failing to recognise the power role of social structure in shaping, enabling and constraining the actions of individuals and groups. Our agency is rooted in the complexities of social systems but is not determined by them. Racism, discrimination and oppression are also imbedded in those social systems. Power Power is a central feature of the struggle to promote social justice and equality. It is envisaged power in this study will be played out in many ways. In a practical sense, it is the local government who holds the power both with policy and resources (staff, time, organisation, money), in this case the dominant party, to eliminate the inequalities faced by minority groups. Power analysis is useful in identifying resistance to change as this does not rely solely on the While in the workings of organisations power is transparent in the formal decision-making process, work by Hunter study of decision makers and places of net-working , Mills study of power elite, Bachrach and Baratzs power is,exercised by containing the scope of decision-making to relatively safe issues (p. 6). Steven Lukes (1974) three dimensional framework of power identify other ways in which power may operate. In this study I am informed by Lukess three dimensional framework of power as it illuminates the different dimensions where power operates. Lukes theory is built on earlier theories on power which he addresses in his book Radical View. Dahls one dimensional model of power is conceived of as intentional and active in the political arena by political actor groups, and power consists in defeating the opponents preferences. The focus is on decision-making behavior on issues where there is an observable conflict of subjective interests as revealed by policy preferences. Criticism of this view, is that power is not only reflected in concrete decisions. Individuals can limit decision-making to non-controversial issues by keeping certain topics off the agenda and argued that power should be analysed by two-dimensional model of power. According to Lukes, the two-dimensional view of power is limited in that it focuses only on observable conflicts, whether overt or covert. Lukes claims power can also by influencing, shaping, or determining his wants and preferences. Another second criticism is that this view is too committed to behaviorism, that is to the study of concrete decisions, whereas inaction can also be the outcome of socially structured and culturally patterned collective behavior. The third point on which this view is seen as inadequate is in its claim that non-decision-making power only exists where there are grievances which are denied entry into the political process in the form of issues. However, Lukes argues that power can be also exercised by preventing grievances by shaping perceptions and preferences in such a way as to secure the acceptance of the status quo since no alternative appears to exist, or because it is seen as natural and unchangeable. This he refers to as the insidious/invisible third dimension of power, through which the relatively powerless came to internalise and accept their own condition, and thus might not be awa re of nor act upon their interests in any observable way. Lukes third face of power was inspired by Gramscis ideas about hegemony and manufacture of consent as the means by which the willing compliance of workers is secured in capitalist societies. In practical terms, Gramscis insights about how power is constituted in the realm of ideas and knowledge expressed through consent rather than force. Lukes contrasts two meanings of hegemony: the first as an unconscious psychological process that is cultural and internalised, and the second a more conscious, wilful and coordinated strategy of domination. Hinson and Healey (2003, 4) further write that [Invisible power] is exercised in part through control of the institutions that shape and create meaning: religious institutions, the media, mass consumer culture, popular ideas about government, etc. Although the concept of power is used, it is itself is highly contested. What accounts for the highly contested nature of the concept of power? One explanation is that how we conceptualize power is shaped by the political and theoretical interests that we bring to the study of power  Lukes 2005, p63.   Some theorists define power as getting someone else to do what you want them to do (power-over) whereas others define it more broadly as an ability or a capacity to act (power-to). Many very important analyses of power in political science, sociology, and philosophy presuppose the former definition of power (power-over). As Steven Lukes notes, Dahls one-dimensional view of power, Bachrach and Baratzs two-dimensional view, and his own three-dimensional view are all variations of the same underlying conception of power, according to which A exercises power over B when A affects B in a manner contrary to Bs interests (1974, 30). Similarly, but from a very different theoretical background, Michel Foucaults highly influential analysis presupposes that power is a kind of power-over; and he puts it, if we speak of the structures or the mechanisms of power, it is only insofar as we suppose that certain persons exercise power over others (1983, 217). Feminists refer to this kind of relation as a specific kind of power-over relation, namely, one that is unjust and oppressive, they also refer to this kind of relation as oppression, patriarchy, subjection, and domination to those over whom power is exercised, this oppressive power will be discussed below. For the above section should I include Huner and Mills ways in which way power is used to manage people , manipulation and coercion see separate document how power works Global effects local While this is local community study, I am drawing upon the study of international developmental work by Gaventa and colleagues. Firstly, they contend that effects of globalisation have changed the spatial relations of power, therefore, power increasingly should be understood not only at the local, national or the global level, but also in their inter-relationships p4 (ESRC undated). The ripple effects of 9/11 in the US and the increase in Islamophobia, the renewed race relations can be seen in this context. Places where power is held Although in the past it was the local government who controlled and made the decisions in the city and neighbourhoods, governance is now characterised by multiple intersecting actors, arenas and networks. The decision making arenas in which power may be found have become increasingly more varied and porous. Especially with the increase in arms-length-companies, social enterprises (joint private and public projects). Therefore attention to the decision-making in such spaces require equal focus in the study of power and decision makers. Who says they have become more porous? Gaventa There are different approaches to understanding and analysing power, I will use the powercube approach offered by by Gaventa and team which is based on Lukes three faces dimensions of power three faces. The power cube is an analytical device, which can be used along with other approaches to reflect on and analyse how strategies for change in turn change power relations: The approach, developed over the years is largely based on studies of community groups based in southern hemisphere. The theoretical approach grew originally as a way of exploring how powerful actors control the agenda through and the ability of less powerful actors to build their awareness and action for change.   The powercube is a framework for analysing the  levels,  spaces  and  forms  of power, and their  interrelationship.   It is useful in exploring various aspects of power and how they interact with each other.   The  levels  dimension of the powercube refers to the differing layers of decision-making and authority held on a vertical scale, including the  local,national  and  global. The  spaces  dimension of the powercube refers to the potential arenas for participation and action, including what we call  closed,  invited  and  claimedspaces. The  forms  dimension refers to the ways in which power manifests itself, including its  visible,  hidden  and  invisible  forms. The powercube can build on and be used to further explore the  expression of power:   power over, power to, power with, and power within. In the study, where the dominant group have to bring about change for minority groups, expressions of power such as power-over by actors who are instructed to make changes. The power lens will also help to identify partnerships which help to generate power-with across wider range of actors/ groups. The empirical work should highlight power-within as minority communities self-determine within the community to work towards improving their lives. In this respect, the power lens will illuminate sources of claimed space by the mobilisation of networks and supporters within the neighbourhood. John Gaventa takes invisible power further. In the powercube, invisible power need not be limited to intentional acts of thought control by the powerful, but can also be seen as self-reproducing social processes in which the thinking and behaviour of the powerful and powerless alike are conditioned by pervasive norms. Invisible power in the powercube can therefore embrace both meanings of hegemony its structure and agency and points to the need for appropriate strategies for engaging with both forms of invisible or internalised power. This third face of power is likewise treated by VeneKlasen and Miller (2002) as a multidimensional barrier to effective citizen participation, requiring well-designed tactics for building self-awareness, self-esteem and power within to challenge dominant norms such as gender and racial discrimination. Their practical methods are grounded in experiences of womens organising and empowerment, and recognises the direct links between gendered norms in society and the fragile condition of womens power within. Invisible power in this sense bridges agency and structure. The use of power analysis is effective in uncovering/ identifying resistence and compliance to changes rather than relying solely on the formal decision-making process. Critical race theory Relationship to other movements Critical race theory builds on the insights of movements such as anti-racism and radical feminism to which it owes a large debt. CRT also draws from certain European philosophers and theorists such as Steven Lukes, Antonia Gramsci, as well as from the American radical tradition exemplified by such figures as Sojourner Truth, W.E.B. Du Bois. race equality policies are developed by white people/the oppressors themselves. CRT also shares a sympathetic understanding of group empowerment. Racism/Discrimination The term race is problematic The term race itself is problematic, a clear understanding of the term race is paramount in understanding what is racism and what impact this has on institutions and people. While the term race is used, Miles and Phizacklea (1982), have suggested that race should be dispensed with as an analytic category because the very use of the term reproduces and gives legitimacy to a distinction, existence of different human races, that has no scientific status or validity. Thus, an analytic category helps to perpetuate and legitimises the notion that race is a meaningful term (Miles and Phizacklea 1984). Although this may be the case at one level, to deny the significance of race this also obscures the ways in which it has real effects both in material and representational terms (look up this quote and amend) (Anthias 1990). While it is clear that races do not exist, in any objective scientific reality, it is clear that it does exist as a category /group which is reflected in political and popular discourse (Solomos). Race is a way of constructing differences (Anthias and Yuval-Davis, 1993, Cashmore and Troyna 1983, Gilroy, 1987). Race is a social category used in reference to divisions within a particular society. Cashmore and Troyna, suggest that race should be seen as a stigmatized identity forced on other people. Similarly, Modood (1988) proposes that race relates to mode of oppression, how a group is categorised and subordinated. Race theorists such as Bonnet 1993, Gilroy 1987, Brah 1996 and others understand the notion of races as a social construct. As Bhavani argues the development of race as a spurious scientific category is a consequence of imperialism and colonization. It is this scientificism which informed, (and still informs), prevailing ideologies of biological superiority and inferiority among human beings on the basis of race. Jackson and Penrose (1993) argue that race is so rooted in the way we think about the world that we tend to take the category for granted. It is through the apparent naturalness and immutability that racist ideology works. Although the terms race and racism are themselves contradictory, the terms are useful as a way of categorizing the systematic mistreatment experienced by people from black and minority ethnic communities and is used in this study. Donald and Rattansi (1992) suggest that instead of starting with the question as to whether race exists, it is more useful to ask how the category operates and how racial frames of reference are articulated and deployed, and with what consequences (p1). Race and ethnicity used interchangeably The terms race and ethnicity are often used interchangeably, the terms are generally distinguished in that race evokes a biological and genetic referent while ethnicity refers to cultural and religious difference and kinship (Gunaratnam).  The term ethnicity has been preferred in some quarters; however, ethnicity is also linked to liberal notions of multi-ethnic societies and multi-culturalism which have a tendency to obscure the force of racism with their celebrations of benign pluralism. Race theorists argue the markers and signifiers that racism uses need not be those of biology and physiognomy but can be those of language, territorial rights or culture (Anthias p24). P.262 Rolston ethnicity slowly became term used to discuss the internal conflict in Northern Ireland not its history, inequalities, structural policies or action. p.257 Rolston use of postmodernist language in policies, work etc. there is not any mention of historical legacies such as Thus the unequal relationship s, where the Irish and blacks were the oppressed by the British suppressers is ignored, in a way attempts are made to blank out the history . Racism works through oppression, and the form of oppression can be through discrimination, bias, prejudice and bigotry Bluemenfeld. Anti-racist theorists have drawn upon theories of oppression to examine how racism works, two key themes are prevalent. Firstly, there is the awareness is a system of oppression that not only stigmatises and affects the dominated group but also does psychic and ethical violence to the dominator group as well. The second theme is that racism functions not only through overt, conscious prejudice and discrimination but also through unconscious attitudes and behaviours of a society that presumes an unacknowledged but pervasive white cultural supremacy. The concept of unmarked and unacknowledged norms bolsters the power position of the dominant group. For instance, by group identities, the dominant group have positive value, while labelling the dominated groups as minorities. While in the UK, racism is popularly understood to be white people having power over black people, Rolston points to anti-Irish racism, which exists in the UK. Rolston argues there are similarities between black oppression and Irish national oppression. In both cases, the root cause of conflict and inequalities is not addressed but hidden behind a veil of multiculturalism which is articulate through the use of postmodernist language. Ethnicity, diversity, integration, tolerance, difference,cultural awareness is considered to be all that is needed. The study of racism has shown that it operates through systems of oppression. This often involves a dominant group who knowingly or unknowingly exploit and reap unfair advantage over members of subordinate or target groups (Johnson 2004). The dominant group also has economic, political or social, power over the subordinate group. (Essed and Goldberg 2002)suggests that racism is created through routine practices by people. They describe racism as both structure and process. It is structure because dominance and discrimination exists and is reproduced through the formulation and application of rules, laws, and regulations and through access to and the allocation of resources. As a process, it exists in the everyday practice where it is reproduced and reinforced, adapting continually to the ever-changing social, political and economic societal conditions. It becomes normal to the dominant group to see others as different and inferior particularly in relation to the colour of their skin (Bhavnani 2005). Everyday racism refers to forms of discrimination that manifest themselves in systematic, recurrent, familiar practices. Everyday racism is infused into familiar practices, it involves socialized attitudes and behaviour (Johnson 2004). Racism also serves to deny full participation in economic, social, political and cultural life by the essence that they posit (Anthias and Yuval-Davis 1992; (Gunaratnam 2003). However, there is not a unitary system of signification that can be labelled racist nor is there a unitary perpetrator or victim. This position requires addressing the ways in which the categories of difference and exclusion or the bias of class, gender and ethnicity incorporate processes of racialisation and are intertwined in producing racist discourses and outcomes Anthias (1992 (p3). Include different levels that racism can operate from SCIP (Pincus). There more ethnicity and culture matters the more its characteristics are represented as relatively fixed, inherent within a group, transmitted from generation to generation, not just by culture and education, but by biological inheritance (Gunaratnam 2003). Cultural difference has largely displaced the notion of biological difference, as a basis for excluding or inferiorising, both in discourse and practice (Anthias and Yuval-Davis 1992) and recently faith has been used as categorising difference (Cantle 2007). Anthias and Yuval-Davis (1992) argue that exclusionary practices that are formulated on the categorization of individuals into groups whereby ethnic or racial origin are the criteria of access or selection then they are endemically racist. They content that racism is not just about beliefs or statements, but about the ability to impose those beliefs or world-views as hegemonic, and as a basis for denial of rights or equality. Racism is thus embedded in power relations of diff erent types. Whilst it is known that racism is not only carried out by white people but also by black people, it should not be confused with the occasional mistreatment experienced by whites, with the systematic and institutionalized mistreatment experienced by people of colour (Anthias and Yuval-Davis 1992). The studies of oppressive behaviour, attitudes and structures have been studied by other oppressed categories such as feminists. Iris Young has oppression names a family of concepts and conditions, which can be divide into 5 categories: exploitation, marginalisation, powerlessness, cultural imperialism and violence (Young). Marxist explanations of racism is that class divide. In using the concept of race there is the danger of essentialising difference. There are difficulties and contradictions involved in working with the concept, as other concepts such as gender, class, sexuality, ableism also impact on how people live. Hall further argues that the interactive nature of racial or gender categories should be recognised as a complex process and a set of factors through which identity is formulated and contested. Constructions of race as of class, gender, sexuality, ethnicity interact, fuse with or displace each other in an on-going process of confrontation and negotiation (Hall, 1992). Culture Institutional racism While institutional discrimination had been recognised by anti-racist to exist, it was as significant marker in racism in that institutional racism was publicly exposed and put on the political agenda in the Macpherson Inquiry published in 1999. (Back et al 2002). For the purposes of the Inquiry the concept of institutional racism which was applied was The collective failure of an organisation to provide an appropriate and professional service to people because of their colour, culture or ethnic origin. It can be seen or detected in processes, attitudes and behaviour which amount to discrimination through unwitting prejudice, ignorance, thoughtlessness and racist stereotyping which disadvantage minority ethnic people 6.34 Oppression can also be structural. Its causes are embedded in unquestioned norms, habits, and symbols in the assumptions underlying institutional rules and the collective consequences of following those rules. Some groups suffer as a consequence of often unconscious assumptions and reactions of well-meaning people in ordinary interactions, media and cultural stereotypes and structural features of bureaucratic hierarchies and market mechanisms in short, the normal processes of everyday life Young. Need to bring social structures and institutional contexts under evaluation as these are at least partly the cause of patterns of distribution of jobs or wealth. Young has noted three primary categories- decision-making structures and procedures, division of labour and culture (p22). Young argued that Justice should refer not only to distribution, but also to the institutional conditions necessary for the development and exercise of individual capacities and collective communication and cooperation (p37 Power to omit The decision makers have the power to keep and control the topic on the agenda for discussion. Thus by not addressing issues which are pertinent to minority groups the decision makers collaborate in the discrimination. Impact of racism on BME and WHITE communities The impact of racism in British society can be seen in the racialised and gendered forms of class exploitation either as homeworkers or in low-waged occupations on employers premises (Amrit Wilson). Race significantly affects black womens experiences of treatment in areas such as education, the health service and the labour market (Brah 1991). The influence how black people are represented in popular culture and the mass media (Modleski 1986) Points to include in definition of racism From the discussion above, the following points have been identified as appropriate to include in the working definition of the term racism which will be used in this study. Although the terms race and racism are themselves contradictory, the terms are useful as a way of categorizing the systematic mistreatment experienced by people from black and minority ethnic communities (BME). The systematic mistreatment experienced by people from BME communities is a result of institutionalized inequalities in the social structure. In denying people from BME communities, full participation in economic, political and social power, a self-perpetuating imbalance occurs. This imbalance consistently favours members of some ethnic and cultural groups at the expense of others. The consequences of this imbalance pervade all aspects of the social system and affect all facets of peoples lives. The systematic mistreatment of any group of people generates misinformation about them, which in turn becomes the explanation of or justification for continued mistreatment. Racism exists as a whole series of attitudes, assumptions, feelings and beliefs about people of colour and their cultures which are a mixture of misinformation, fear and ignorance. Participation and citizenship Participation of general population Big Society Although the concept of participation or community participation as it is often known, has been around since 1970s?, in the UK it has re-emerged with renewed vigour in the last decade. Participation and engagement are terms used intermittently today. While there are differences in the meaning of these terms there is also a lot of overlap. These terms are associated with the importance of involving wider groups of people in decisions, services and design, it is often thought services should be client-led, user-led for the service to be more effective. Concerns about a democratic deficit in the accountability of public services, and an increasing view that lay citizens, members of the public and service users have an important contribution to offer to the improvement of public-service provision, have given rise to a variety of new initiatives in local government, health and social care, and other fields (see, e.g., Barnes, Newman and Sullivan, 2007). Race perspective Participation from citizens rights to citizens responsibilities Participation allows people to be part of the democratic process, sense of belonging, and part of the decision making. However, the process of racial discrimination excludes black people from fully participating in society and being equal members in all the structures of the society. It is often the case, black peoples role is limited to being the clients service-users. Black people are excluded from participating to a greater extent. The multiculturalism policies did not address the deep rooted racism epidemic within the UK. It was merely about steel drums and samosas. As discussed earlier, racism excludes black people from fully participating in societies.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

What was Ednas Awakening? Essay -- Literary Analysis, Kate Chopin

The roles we fill in society are what define us as a person. Many times, we do not choose our own place, but we still are obligated to fill it. Some societies have limited roles, especially for minorities such as blacks, women, and so on. However, in a society with an endless number of options, where people are free to be anything they want to be, how is it that one-woman still feels lost? Kate Chopin's book, The Awakening, tells the story of just that. A woman named Edna Pontellier is 28 years old living in New Orleans at the end of the 19th century. Unlike her old home in Kentucky, the Creoles are free to be what they will. The only stipulation is once you have chosen that role it is expected of you to obey it. In Edna's case, once she has picked her poison she is forced to drink it. Edna walked through her life almost asleep, going through the motions. After six years of marriage and two children, she suddenly realizes she has not been living at all. She struggles des perately to gain her independence and find who she really is. By the end, Edna has crossed a number of social taboos to the tragic end of suicide. Did Edna ever fully awaken herself by drowning at sea, or was it fear of failure that brought Edna to killing her self? This argument should start by explaining why Edna needed to have an awakening in the first place. Looking at the culture, she should have already been awakened. However, the strict up bringing by her father determined her path until she was aware enough to know it. Edna joined Madame Ratignolle for a walk down the beach. While sitting somberly in the shade, Ratignolle asked Edna what was on her mind. Loosing track of her thoughts, they wandered to an old memory of her life in Kent... ...uts herself back in the same place she was. This idea of a partner is not just a little voice in her head; it is something she actively pursues with Robert, pleading to him "We shall be everything to each other" (147). This uncontrollable desire to become one with Robert is what turns her to suicide. When he leaves for Mexico Edna is alone and understands how much Robert was a part of her life for she was, "under the spell of her infatuation . . . The thought of him was like an obsession, ever pressing itself upon her . . . It was his being, his existence, which dominated her thought" (73). Robert leaves for good because he does not want to rune her marriage. Edna realizes that no matter how much power and independence she gained, life was not worth living if Robert, who was the one who helped her change in the first place, was not there to share it with.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Critical Path Analysis

Critical Path Analysis INTRODUCTION: Planning, Scheduling and Controlling are three important functions of management. Planning involves the formulation of objectives and goals that are subsequently translated into Specific plans and projects. Scheduling is concerned about the implementation of activities necessary to achieve the laid down plans. The function of control is to institute a mechanism that can trigger a warning signal if actual performance is deviating (in terms of time, cost and some other measures of effectiveness) from the plan.If such a deviation is unacceptable to the concerned manager, he will be required to take corrective action to bring performance in conformity with the plans. The PERT and CPM models are extremely useful for the purpose of planning, scheduling and controlling the progress and completion of large and complex projects or for carrying out the analysis of these three managerial functions. Before we describe the basic concepts used in the constructi on and analysis of these models, let us first understand the meaning of a project. What is a project?A project can be defined as a set of large number of activities or jobs that are performed in a certain sequence determined logically or technologically and it has to be completed within (i) a specified time, (ii) a specified cost and (iii) meeting the performance standards. Examples of a project from fairly diverse fields are given below: 1. Introducing a new product in the market. 2. Construction of a new bridge over a river or construction of a 25 storied building, 3. Executing a large and complex order on jobbing production. 4. Sending a spacecraft to the mars. GENERAL FRAMEWORK OF PERT/CPMA network is a graphical representation of a project, depicting the flow as well as the sequence of well-defined activities and events. Developed during the 1950s, both CPM (Critical Path Method) and PERT (Programme Evaluation and Review Technique) are network techniques/models. The network app roach helps project managers in planning, Scheduling and controlling. As a planning tool it helps the manager to estimate the requirements of resources viz. , materials, equipment, manpower, cost and time for each activity or tasks of the project. This approach cannot make decisions by its own.It only provide additional information to executives to facilitate decision making process. Also it does not provide solution to every management problem. It certainly helps in identification of those activities, jobs or events which control the completion of the project. The working methodology of critical path analysis (CPA) which includes both CPM and PERT, consists of following five steps: 1. Analyse and break down the project in terms of specific activities and/ or events. 2. Determine the interdependence and sequence of specific activities and prepare a net work. . Assign estimates of time, cost or both to all the activities of the network. 4. Identify the longest or critical path throug h the network. 5. Monitor, evaluate and control the progress of the project by replanning, rescheduling and reassignment of resources. The central task in the control aspect of these models is to identify the longest path through the network. The longest path is the critical path because it equals the minimum time required to complete the project. All other paths other than the critical path (i. e. o critical or slack paths) offer flexibility in scheduling and transferring resources, because they take less time to complete than the critical path. ADVANTAGES OF CRITICAL PATH ANALYSIS There are a number of advantages in using critical path analysis. 1. It allows for a comprehensive view of the entire project. Because of the sequential and concurrent relationships, time scheduling becomes very effective. Identifying the critical activities keeps the executive alert and in a state of preparedness, with alternative plans ready in case these are needed.Breaking down the project into small er components permits better and closer control. 2. Critical path analysis offers economical and effective system of control based on the principle of management by exception i. e. need for corrective action arises only in exceptional situations and in most of other cases, performance is in conformity with the plans. 3. It is a dynamic tool of management which calls for constant review, a reformulation of the network, and finding the current path of relevance and optimum resources allocation.FUNDAMENTALS OF A CPA NETWORK ( Activity An activity is any portion of a project which consumes time or resources and has a definable beginning and ending. For example, â€Å"laying of pipe† is an activity requiring the use of resource mainly effort. Activity may involve labour, paper work, contractual negotiations, machinery operations, etc. Commonly used terms synonymous with â€Å"activity† are â€Å"task† and â€Å"job†. Figure 1 and 2 Activities are graphically r epresented by arrows, usually with description and time estimates written along the arrows.The tail of the arrow portraying an activity represents the starting point of the activity and its head represents its completion. The arrow may be straight slanting, or bent but not broken (see figure-1). The arrow is not a vector and need not be drawn to scale. ( Events The beginning and ending points of an activity or a group of activities are called events. Synonyms of an event are â€Å"node† and â€Å"connectors† An event is often represented graphically by a numbered circle (see figure-2), although any geometric figure such as square, oval, rectangle etc. will serve the purpose.We shall, however, stick to the most commonly used convention for representing an event viz, the circle. A few examples of events are as follows : (i) Material procured, (ii) Design completed, (iii) Project started, (iv) Bricks laid, etc. All activities in a network must commence from some event. Su ch events are called the tail events because they are connected to the tail of an activity. These are shown in figure 3. Similarly, all activities in a network must have terminal points called the head event because it is at the head of an activity. These are shown in figure-4.Figure-5 depicts tail and head events connected by arrows representing activities i. e. it depicts the dual role of an event. Event 14 is the head event for one activity and tail event for another. In a network, symbol â€Å"i† is used for the tail event (also called preceding event) and â€Å"j† for the head event (or succeeding event) of an activity. The activity, then being I-j. If an event represents the joint completion of more than one activity, it is called a merge event. If an event represents the joint initiation of more than one activity, it is called a burst event.A network is, then, a graphical representation of a project plan, showing the inter-relationship of the various activities. Networks are also called arrow diagrams (see figure – 6). When the results of time estimates and computations have been added to a network, it may be used as a project schedule. Conventions adopted in drawing networks: There are two conventions normally adopted while drawing networks. In the early stages of network drawing, it is suggested that the conventions should be respected until sufficient experience has been gained to justify dropping them.These conventions are: a) Time flows from left to right. b) Head events always have a number higher than that of the tail events. The above stated conventions allow activities to be referred uniquely by their tail and head event numbers, so that â€Å"activity 3-4† means only â€Å"the activity which starts from event 3 proceeds to event 4†; it cannot mean â€Å"the activity which starts from event 4 and finishes event 3†. Graphical representation of events and activities: Events are represents by numbers withi n circles. Activities are represented by arrows, the arrow-heads represent the completion of the activities.The length and orientation of the arrow are of no significance whatsoever (chosen only for the convenience of drawing). The activity of leaving place A and walking to place B can equally well be represented by figure-7. Fundamental properties governing the representation of events and activities: The representation of events and activities is governed by one simple dependency rule which requires that an activity which depends upon another activity is shown to emerge from the head event of the activity upon which it depends and that only dependent activities are drawn in this way.Thus, if activity B depends upon activity A, then the two activities are drawn in figure-8. Figure 7 AB 1. An event cannot occur until all activities leading to it are complete. 2. No activity can start until its tail event in reached. The above two properties can be combined into a single one, namely that â€Å"no activity may start until all previous activity in the same chain are completed. Logical sequencing are connection of activities; A project entails several activities. The arrows are arranged to show the plan of logical sequence in which the activities of the project are to be accomplished.The sequence is ascertained for each activity by answering the following three quires viz: (i)Which activity or activities must be completed before the start of a particular activity ? (ii) Which activity or activities should follow this? (iii) Which activities can be accomplished simultaneously? The activity or activities which immediately come before another activity without any intervening activities are called predecessor activities to that activity. The activities which follow another activity without any intervening activities are called successor activities to that activity.In a project of laying a pipe line, the three activities involved may be trenching, laying pipe and weld ing pipe. To decide the logical connection between these three activities necessary that they be carried out in series, the reasoning being that the pipe cannot be laid until trenching has been done and welding cannot be undertaken until the pipe has been laid. This way we decide the logical sequencing between different activities. Errors in logical sequencing: Two types of errors in logic may arise while drawing a network, particularly when it is a complicated one. These are known as looping dangling. 1)Looping: Normally in a network, the arrow points from left to right. This convention is to be strictly adhered, as this would avoid illogical looping, as shown wrongly below : (2)Dangling: The situation represented by the following diagram is also at fault, since the activity represented by the dangling arrow 9-11 is undertaken with no result. A To overcome the problem arising due to dangling arrows, following rules may be adopted. (i) All events, except the first and the last, must have at least one activity entering and one activity leaving them, ii) All activities must start and finish with an event. (3)Duplicate activities: Consider the following figure 11: A XY B Figure 11 In the above figure, activities A and B may be called duplicate activities because they have same head event (i. e. 6) and the same tail event (i. e. 7). One remedy for such a situation is the introduction of a dummy activity (4) Dummy activity: It is a hypothetical activity which consumes no resource and time. It is represented by dotted lines and is inserted in the network to clarify activity pattern under the following situations: ) It is created to make activities with common starting and finishing events distinguishable. ii) To identify and maintain the proper precedence relationship between activities that are not connected by events. iii) To bring all â€Å"loose ends† to a single initial and a single terminal event in each network using dummies, if necessary. For example, problem of duplicate activities in the figure-11 above may be circumvented as shown in figure-12. A XY B Figure 12 Figure – 13 shows three cases for the following set of dependency relationships: Activity C is dependent upon both A and B.Activity D is dependent upon A alone. BC AC A DD BA C B AD The first portrayal (on top left of figure-13) is clearly wrong since it shows D as dependent upon not only A but also B which is not desired. The other portrayal (ii) is also wrong since A is being shown twice and thus contravenes the fundamental axiom of network that three must be one arrow for each activity. The way out to this dilemma is the representation by means of the dummy activity. In the third portrayal of figure -13, C is dependent upon both A and B (via dummy) whereas D is dependent upon just A.Numbering the events: The event numbers in a network should in some respect reflect their logical sequences. When a complicated network has been drawn then the problem of assignin g numbers to the events involved in the network arises. A rule devised by D. R. Fulkerson, involving the following steps may be followed to resolve the problem numbering the events. i) An â€Å"initial† event is one which has arrow/arrows coming out of it and none of the arrow entering it. In a network there will be only one such event. Call it â€Å"1†. (ii) Delete all arrows coming out from the event 1. This will give us at least one more â€Å"initial event†. i) Number these events as â€Å"2, 3†¦. † (iv) Delete all emerging arrows from these numbered events which will create new initial events. Then follow step (iii). (v) Continue the above steps till last event is obtained which has no arrows coming out of it. Consider the numbering of events in the following figure. Figure 14 F AFA BG B CH CG AF AF BG BG CH CH AF AF BG BG CH CH Figure 15 Here we proceed from left to right. The event with least x- co-ordinate is assigned the smallest integer, sa y 1. other events are assigned progressively higher integers with regard to x-co-ordinate.If two or more events (4 and 5 above) have the same x-co-ordinate, the one towards arrow should have higher number. Further, it is not necessary, and in fact also not desirable to number the events consecutively. It would be a better scheme to number the events as 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 in the above diagram instead of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. This affords insertion of more activities and events omitted by oversight or having become necessary in view of certain logic revisions. It was mentioned earlier that it is desirable that all the activity arrows point from left to right. If the arrow is vertical it may point downwards or upwards.For the sake of preventability it is to be recommended that activities emanating from one event or converging to another may make as great angles between themselves as possible. A few more conventions are given below: (i) Keep the arrow to the extreme right. (ii) A s far as possible avoid drawing arrows that cross each other. Usually by suitable ‘stretching’ the network diagram it is possible to avoid this. (iii) Where, however, crossing is unavoidable, bridging may be done. This applies to dummies as well. Draw boldly a big network. Smaller ones are confusing. Use of pencil and rubber is recommended.Exercise: Depict the following dependency relationships by means of network diagrams. The Alphabets stand for activities. 1. A & B control F; B and C control G. 2. A & B control F; B Controls G while C controls G and H. 3. A controls F and G; B controls G; while C controls G and H. 4. A controls F and G; B and C control G with H depending upon C. 5. F & G are controlled by A, G and H are controlled by B with H controlled by B and C. 6. A controls F, G and H; B controls G and H with H controlled by C. Answer: The required networks are given in figure -15 Exercise: Find out the superfluous (unnecessary) dummy activities in the network b elow. BEH C AF G D Figure 16 JKL M FG AB CDE H M IK Figure 14 Basic steps involved in drawing a CPM/PERT network : Network is defined as a diagram representing the activities and events of a project, their sequence and inter-relationships. The basic steps involved in drawing a network are: i) Breaking up of the entire project into smaller systems known as tasks. ii) For each tack ascertain the activities and events to be performed. iii) For each activity determine the preceding and succeeding activities. iv) For each activity determine or estimate the time and other resources needed. v) Draw a network depicting the assembly of tasks into a project.Network Construction Problem 1 The activities involved in the computer installation process are detailed below. You are required to draw the network. ActivityPredecessor Activities A. Physical preparationnone B. Organizational planningnone C. Personal SelectionB D. Equipment InstallationA E. Personal TrainingC F. Detailed systems designC G . File ConversionF H. Establish standards and controlsF I. Programme preparationH J. Programme TestingI K. Parallel operationsD, E, G, J. L. Finalize systems documentationI M. Follow upK, L B< C (ii) AA None < A None < B B B D C D A A < D (iii)C