Enterprise architecture

February 12, 2011 This article includes my thoughts about the business architecture, Cloud Computing, Business Process Management (BPML), and Business Rules. This article consists of a conversation between the CIO and Enterprise Architect. It is a product of my imagination. CIO: I don't want you to use the word â€Å"consolidation. † Instead, use the word â€Å"integration. † I am worried that someone will think that we are working on the consolidation of programs or organizations, rather than improving our architecture to serve the business.Again, I don't want you to get involved in discussions about hanging the organization structure of the agency. How do you see your roll vs.. The rolls of the other directors? Enterprise Architect: I would like to support them with the knowledge I have at my disposal, but they are not interested. One day they may realize how they can use the Enterprise Architecture. I think of Enterprise Architecture as the substructure, which suppor ts the business, the superstructure. The Director of Capital Planning and Investment Control should use the Enterprise Architecture migration plan to formulate future investments.A portion of the Enterprise Architecture has security concerns, including all 4 layers: cuisines, applications, data, and technology. We develop standards for all layers of the Enterprise Architecture, except business standards; although, we may be asked to coordinate some business standards. Both communications and security should use the models contained in the Enterprise Architecture Framework or propose changes to the models in the framework. CIO: What do you want me to do? Enterprise Architect: Get the cooperation of your direct reports. CIO: You will get it.Go over the business architecture, current architecture, and target architectures again. Enterprise Architect: The comparison between the business and current architecture is the foundation for the data, applications, and technology target architec tures. This comparison answers the question, â€Å"Are we satisfying our business requirements in the current architecture? † The business architecture or model includes the following: – Defines the mission and objectives, long-range strategies, tactical plans, performance measures, budgets, and business rules. Why) – Defines the information and data that is shared, monitored, and tracked. (What) – Defines the activities that are performed and a description of each. How) – Defines the organizations and actors performing the activities. (Who) – Defines where the activities are performed. (Where) – Defines the business cycles and when activities or processes are performed. (When) In the business architecture, we develop mappings between all 6 of the Coachman interrogatories, including who, what, when, where, why, and how.The business architecture is mapped to the current architecture, and then opportunities for improvement are documente d. Targets are developed for data, applications, and the technology layers of the architecture using the business architecture and other analyses. The business architecture constitutes our requirements at the agency level. CIO: This is the first time I have heard about opportunities for improvement. Are you going to produce a report with recommendations as a result of the comparison between the business architecture and the current architecture? Enterprise Architect: Yes. Here is the way it works: 1.Create the Business Architecture We produce a business architecture, which reflects the current way of doing business and contains all sorts of information and data associated with the 6 interrogatives in the Coachman Framework. We also develop mappings between the interrogatives. The business architecture describes the current business practices, including, data, processes, etc. 2. Map the Business Architecture to the Current Architecture and Identify Opportunities for Improvement We pr opose a draft listing of the conceptual projects and associated common applications/components and data objects and progressively refine it.We produce a current architecture, which tells us about the existing systems. We map the business architecture to the current architecture and we may find out, for example, that there are a large number of current systems associated with a single activity or no systems associated with other activities. All current projects are mapped to the conceptual projects. 3. Create the Data, Applications, and Technology Target Architectures based on the Business Architecture and Other Analyses We produce data, applications, and technology target architectures, which are partially based on the business architecture.Also, we use BPML, technology forecasts, judgments about the future uses and characteristics of information, opportunities to automate aspects of work, future business trends, new 2 goals/objectives and plans, etc. As the basis for coming up with the target architectures. 4. Compare the Current Architecture with the Target Architectures and Produce a Gap Analysis and a Migration Plan The business architecture helps us to evaluate the present and to propose the future. We use the business architecture as a resource wherever we can; for example, it might contribute to BPML and business rules and visa versa.We are concentrating on an application architecture now, and we will issue several versions. As more analyses are completed, we will refine the applications architecture. We will move to data and technology layers soon. CIO: How do I know what you are going to include in each version? Enterprise Architect: There is no overall version plan. We probably should include BPML in the second version of the applications architecture. We previously developed a longer plan to implement Enterprise Architecture. CIO: I think that there should be a version plan.Also, â€Å"soon† is not an adequate answer. I am beginning to be irr itated with the staggered development of the Enterprise Architecture. Enterprise Architect: We can come up with a version plan, and give you the long-term plan for the completion of the application, data, and technology target architectures. CIO: You are going to produce a report entitled: â€Å"Opportunities for Improvement† after you have completed the business architecture and have compared it with the current architecture. Maybe you should consider it a â€Å"rolling stone† and Just keep updating it.Enterprise Architect: The â€Å"Opportunities for Improvement Report† might include the following: – Whoso – Who is missing or not being informed? Who do existing systems address or not address? Can organizations and actors be given increased responsibility? – What's – Is the necessary information and data being shared, tracked, and monitored? Are all data models included in existing systems? – When – Are the scenarios, e vents, and business cycles reflected in existing systems? – Whereas – Do all identified locations have access to the existing systems? – Whys – Do existing systems reflect our goals and objectives, long-term strategic plans, tactical plans, performance measures, budgets, and business rules? – Wows – Have improved activities and processes been included in existing systems, and do they reflect end-to-end processing? CIO: I am interested in how you would increase responsibilities of organizations and actors. Can you talk to me about costs? I noticed you include budgets in the Why Column. Enterprise Architecture: Generally costs are in the Why column along with goals, objectives, long-term strategic plans, tactical plans, performance measures, and business rules.If a project is not budgeted, then it cantata be taken seriously. Costs can be sorted in various ways. CIO: Maybe you should sort costs by each target architecture, that is, applications , data, and technology. Enterprise Architect: Good idea. However, we can't do that until we have a migration plan, because focusing on costs now would be premature. CIO: What is Cloud Computing? Enterprise Architect: Cloud Computing is like running your PC off of Software as a Service (AAAS), and might include query engines, operating systems, program and business APS, etc.CIO: How does Cloud Computing know our requirements for our program and administrative APS? Is Cloud Computing our new target? Enterprise Architect: Cloud Computing may offer certain advantageous, which we may find attractive. If it doesn't satisfy our requirements, including our standards, then we may not be interested in Cloud Computing. Every day, we are getting a better Andre on our agency requirements and I think we can take a critical look at this new way of providing IT support. CIO: You know the most about our APS and standards; so, I expect that you will keep your eye on this issue.What are MOB and others saying about Cloud Computing? Enterprise Architect: There are several security concerns related to Cloud Computing that I have heard discussed at forums and seminars. First, our data will be stored in other places, and wherever our data is located, it needs to be protected; so, we need to clearly delineate our security requirements. Second, we also expect efficient revive without diminishing our security requirements. Third, more parties will be involved and we need to understand how they interact and their promises and guarantees. I think that MOB would like to see the IT federal footprint decrease, and Cloud Computing may be one meaner to do this. However, there is a trend toward the increase in the flow of data, and an increased emphasis on data ownership. I don't expect that Cloud Computing will eliminate the need for planning, but it is particularly important that it satisfy the agency in terms of efficiency and security. CIO: I don't want to be forced to â€Å"buy a pig in t he poke. There was a lot of pressure to move forward with an integrated Enterprise Architecture, which contains standards and approvals.I am wondering if MOB is changing our target? I am sure that Cloud Computing will require that we give up a certain degree of control. I am also worried about the costs and the loss of expertise. Enterprise Architect: As our Enterprise Architecture work progresses, we increasingly have a better understanding of our requirements. CIO: You have indicated that you are developing the applications architecture first. Why didn't you develop the applications and data architectures in parallel?I am being approached by BPML contractors as you know and I asked you to do some research on the subject. When will you give it to me? Enterprise Architect: We should have developed the applications and data architectures together, since they are closely related to one another. Here is a table that summarizes my BPML research. I think that BPML would offer tremendous value for further refining our target architecture, and I believe that the Coachman Framework contributes to the design of improved processes. A few things are worth noting from my BPML research. See: Enclosure (1)). 1) Both recesses and outcomes are important. Many citizens come into contact with the agency through processes. Of course, the government tends to focus on output rather than outcomes, because outputs are often more achievable than outcomes. 2) Integration and standardization reduces fragmentation and enables the processes to be more efficient and effective. 3) The data, processes, and business rules are important. Processes should be ended- end. Data models can be augmented with business rules, which limit and control processes. ) Forward engineering, BPML, business rules, and technology forecasts, among others, re valuable to develop the data, applications, and target architectures. As they say, it would be wise to make changes to processes up-front rather than making these changes down stream. We know the processes associated with the information exchanges, particularly our interchanges with the public. We can use that to focus on priority processes. Additionally, we produced value streams associated with the value chain and various scenarios, particularly related to threats.Finally, there are a number of 5 key data models that contain very important processes. All of this can be used to â€Å"kick start† BPML. BPML takes considerable time and effort to create improved processes, particularly if you are going to select a preferred alternative from a comparison of similar processes. A process may be undertaken in many ways by the bureaus, using different combinations of activities, data, people, time limitations, goals, objectives, and business rules. CIO: Following up on a comment you previously made, I want the citizen to have more responsibility.I think you are the logical person to do BPML. Enterprise Architect: In addition to the 40 value streams and other scenarios, we developed data models which include processes. In the data model â€Å"Customers place orders,† â€Å"place orders† is the process. We have tons of data models of this sort. I am willing to identify business rules associated with these data models. However, I think we need to depend on our BPML community to do BPML. CIO: There is no BPML community. I am afraid that you are it. I count on you to explore ways to improve how we can further serve the business. Talk to me about business rules.What do business rules have to do with BPML? Enterprise Architect: Business rules are important because you can change the behavior of the organization by changing the business rules. Both business rules and BPML focus on processes. According to Ron Ross, â€Å"A business rule sets limitations and controls on a process. † I have prepared an enclosure that explains business rules. (See: Enclosure (2)). You will note that both BPML and Enterpr ise Architecture use similar language. Additionally, I did not identify the business rules as part of business architecture and I think this was a mistake.John Coachman classifies business rules in his framework at a lower level. However, I no longer agree with this. I believe that the data model, processes, and business rules are closely interconnected and are critical to defining the business architecture. CIO: Maybe John Coachman wanted us to first develop the data models and later add the business rules to them. Just give me a plan for the versions that includes the ideas we have discussed. Also, when the time comes, I am not going to stop any of the existing projects. The new project managers can sort this out.Finally, I have assembled some Youth videos on Enterprise Architecture, BPML, and business rules. (See: Enclosure (3)) What I would like you to do is take a look at them, and come up with your own videos. If you want to hire experts to do the video that is fine. Maybe we should start with Enterprise Architecture. Enterprise Architect: Okay. George Brigandage received a B. A. From Wright State University and M. A. From the University of Cincinnati. He retired in June 2004, from the federal government and 6 lives in Ocean View, Delaware, and Alexandria, Virginia.He was an Enterprise Architect at the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Homeland Security. Before that, he Emceed the Architectures Program for several years at the General Services Administration (AS) and the Department of the Treasury. He may e reached at cell 703. 772. 7410 and at George. [email  protected] Com. His articles are on the web at http://enterprisearchitectureit. Info. 7 Enclosure (1) Business Process Management This table summarizes the key points from the following publications. The categories in this table are merely groupings of BPML actions that were mentioned in the publications: 1 .President Beam's book, The Audacity of Hope, published in 2006. 2. Custome r Service Excellence, Using Information Technologies to Improve Service Delivery in Government, Harvard University, 1994. 3. Citizen-Enabling Open Government (EEOC) Executive Summary for ideas. This report was produced by ACT-IAC Enterprise Architecture Shared Interest Group (SIGH), September 2010. ) 4. Federal Government Business Process Reengineering: Lessons Learned, February 1994, published by AS. Categories Share information and effectively manage programs. Responsive to citizens' needs.Treat all with dignity and What BPML Has Done or Might Do – Share information and data. – Increase integration and standardization to prevent fragmentation. – Provide one face to the citizens. – Develop data standards and business rules. – Provide suites of commonly shared services. – Use technology effectively . Develop a citizen service strategy that includes technology, human resources, skill development, and incentives. – Provide timely respon se to the citizen. – Develop performance measures, associated with ended-end processes and outcomes. Take ownership of the entire process. – Describe the business or make it explicit. (See: – Identify the needs of the citizens. – Use multiple vehicles to communicate with the public, including: web sites, videos (The success of Youth, which provides some degree of video training, is astounding. ), and video teleconferencing. – Use focus groups, surveys. Provide the public with access to the government's databases. – Provide education and training, including long distance 8 respect. Provide the same level of service to all. Gather needed information. Clearly explain things.Develop effective and efficient processes and use technology creatively. Do things better, faster, and cheaper. Protect the public from harm. Give citizen's their moneys worth. Education, so citizens can obtain the benefits they need and budget for innovative training. †“ Develop standards and consistently apply business rules (Business rules must be transparent, consistent, ND explicit to enable effective regulation. ) – Provide language services. – Use alternative locations and organizations like libraries and kiosks to obtain information and distribute benefits. Protect privacy 12

Business Report of Lenovo Essay

Introduction Lenovo was found in 1984 in Beijing and it is the world’s second-largest PC vendor. According to the last official statistic, Lenovo consolidated turnover of 146.6 billion Yuan and Lenovo employs nearly 40,000 people. Lenovo is a well-known national brand in China and Lenovo is serving customers in more than 160 countries. In order to expand overseas business and access to world-class brand, Lenovo carried out an acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division in 2005. IBM was founded in 1911 in the United States and it is the largest information technology and business solutions company in the world, currently has more than 30 million employees in the world, with operations in over 160 countries and regions. The problems experienced by Lenovo concerns the construction of cross-cultural teams. Most of the merger and acquisition fail in the post-merger cultural integration. Lenovo set up work teams for designing the future of IBM and developing the new view after acquisition. The results had been shown it uneasy and can lead to the failure of the Lenovo’s acquisition strategy. At the beginning of the acquisition, cultural differences had not been enough anticipated in the acquisition process. And Lenovo wants to remedy the problem as soon as possible to make IBM acquisition profitable in the next strategy. The report part of the business plan Summary This report is intended to identify, describe and propose some solutions to Lenovo to solve the problems about teams and groups in the acquisition of the IBM. This report will describe problems associated with team building, provides some possible solutions and evaluates each of these. And, this report will describe the impact of cultural differences on the establishment of work groups. Actually, Lenovo had taken some measures, but it with little success. According to the current state of Lenovo, this report will give some suggestions and solutions to overcome or avoid the conflict caused by cultural differences and set up effective cross-cultural teams. Especially, these solutions are based on literature on the issue. It concludes that it is necessary for the company to establish effective and appropriate measures to eliminate the barriers in cross-cultural teams, as absence of this may threaten the company’s long-term development. To overcome the problem, Lenovo should take the follow action for IBM survival: * Obtain the core values between Chinese employees and American employees through an internal survey. * Design an international training program for all the employees and especially for managers. * Incorporate both corporate cultures of Lenovo and IBM to create a new corporate culture. * Every cross-culture team should organise monthly meeting or weekly meeting to evaluate the progress of communications and work. * Organise some internally non-working activities to create more opportunities for the communication among employees with different cultural context. * Set up the special teams to deal with the problem caused by cultural difference in every cross-cultural team. Introduction This section of business plan will introduce the problems caused by cultural differences in cross-cultural teams and give some suggestions to overcome the problems. In the acquisition of IBM, Lenovo accepted more than 10,000 employees and it also means that Lenovo accepted a very different culture. Lenovo is not only facing the differences between western and eastern culture, but also Lenovo facing the problems of how to integrate the teams with different organisationally cultural context. In this report, the recommendations to overcome the problems in cross-cultural teams and groups are based on the literature on team building and cross-cultural team management. Body At the beginning of the acquisition of IBM, Lenovo had taken some measures. For example, in order to both sides can communicate better, the new Lenovo use the international common language – English as the official language of the company. But cultural integration is a long-term process, which requires companies to devote their time and patience and the communication, compromise between both of high level, and staff in the acquisition. It must not be too hasty. Base on the fact of Lenovo, there are three aspects should be noticed and improved. Firstly, IBM has a long history and IBM has very high brand awareness. In addition to the brand, employees can get the respect for personal values ​​and a comfortable working environment can be provided for employees by the human resources services and the improvement of the system. In contrast, Lenovo has a big gap no matter the position in IT industry and the strength of themselves. If some team members uphold the cultural superiority or group superiority that their own cultural value system better than those members from other cultures or groups, their behavior maybe resulting in the failure of team building because they will be possible to take hate and boycott from other members, even lead to conflict. Because the conflicts caused by cultural differences between team members and individual differences under thus influence, analysis and identification of cultural differences is necessary. Secondly, communication is the process of exchange and transmission of information among people or groups. Because of the multi-cultural background, language and non-language barrier, people lack of understanding of each other’s political, economic, legal, social and cultural environment, and the understanding of the customs, values, etc. are different. They are often based on their own perspective to make an analysis and judgment on each other’s information, and thus the misunderstanding and conflict are often obtained. Because of these, design a multi-cultural training and hold a monthly meeting or weekly meeting is necessary. Thirdly, a company has an acquisition of another company means an integration of two different corporate cultures. When the employees of a cross-cultural group are conscious of the different of personal cultural awareness with others, it will be cause the group lost their purpose. Based on the possibility, establish a common business concept and corporate culture is a good solution to this problem. Establish a new joint management concept and a strong culture based on the environmental requirements and the principle of the company’s strategic development, so that reducing cultural conflict and that each employee’s thinking and behavior can combine with the company’s operations and purpose. Adopting these recommendations and the actions in summary can make internal and external combination of the teams more closely, establish a good reputation in the international market and enhance multinational cultural adaptability. This is the ultimate goal of why Lenovo needs solve the cross-cultural issues of teams and group in the acquisition of IBM. (1077 words) Section 2 1. What the literature says â€Å"teams and groups† The importance of teams and groups for an organisation In modern society, one person’s power, information and resources are limited. Most time people need cooperate with others no matter working or others as Handy (1993) said â€Å"On average, managers spend 50% of their working day in one sort of group or other. Senior managers can spend 80%†. Although there is no clear and single definition of a â€Å"teams and groups†, there is a basic limited definition by Bennett (1991) â€Å"a collection of two or more people who possess a common purpose†. The formation of an organisation groups in order to achieve the purpose of work more efficiently. An organisation can produce some different kinds of groups, for example: formal and informal, LOCO, HICO, teams, etc. An organisation needs to be aware of their differences and use them as efficiently as possible. There are a lot satisfying reasons why an organisation should create work groups. For example, organising effective groups can have some uses for the distribution of work, the management and control of work, problem-solving and decision-making, information processing, information and idea collection, testing and ratifying decisions, co-ordination and liaison, increased commitment and involvement, negotiation and conflict resolution, inquest or inquiry into the past. (Handy, 1993) No matter what kind of a group there is a bottom line is â€Å"A strong group is †¦ usually more powerful than a strong individual and can have a considerable effect on organizational policy and practice.†(Thomson, 2002) This literature review will pay attention on teams mainly. In a team, everyone plays different role and they have specific function and they working with an important principle â€Å"voluntarily co-ordinate their work in order to achieve group objectives†(Bennett, 1991). Building a team People hope they can define their identity through their membership of certain groups like people belong to local political and pressure groups, for example, because they experience a shared set of values with the other people in the group which reinforces their own values. But, according to Thomson (1997), one reason why people belong to group is â€Å"social needs†. As Thomson & Mabey said â€Å"some †¦ groups will be family or friendship groups, which are formed to meet a diverse range of needs such as affection, security, support, belonging or identity. Some may be committees, where members usually represent different interest groups who come together to discuss their differing perspectives on matters of interest†, people should build a team for the work that is highly complex problems, need for consensus decisions and there is uncertainty when a broad range of competences are required. A company is a big group of a lot of people working together, so the managers are responsible to build effective teams or workgroups. After collecting more individual talents, building a team has the ability to use the talents on a united effort and success is very important (Woodcock, 1979). Consequently, the managers should know how to effectively build a team. In general, the managers must have the knowledge about the five development stages (forming, storming, norming, performing and mourning) in a team or workgroup and they should have an appropriate leading method for themselves (Thomson & Mabey, 1994). Of course, this is not enough for managing a team. The managers need realise everyone’s advantages and dis advantages in the team and especially the differences of their culture context. Teams and cross-cultural context In modern society, business environment developed quickly international. Different cultural members mixed in a team so that the team has powerful ability to solve complex problem. But, individuals from different cultural context must show a different behavior and values in the team. This is because the people’s cognition, thinking, needs, values, code of conduct, customs, etc. are formed in the years of life, work and education. The individual differences caused by cultural differences led to the conflict of the team in the cross-cultural context (Sun, 2012). So, how to make a cross-cultural team working effective is the main responsibility of managers. In a cross-cultural team, there is an important factor is a clear understanding of every one culture and values, and a process of acculturation. The acculturation process is a mutual exchange of cultural pattern (Olie, 1995). Related to the case of Lenovo, the best recommendation for acculturation is integration. It different with one culture dominate the others, integration is a process of acculturation (Nahavandi & Malekzadeh, 1995). Interest for Lenovo In the case of Lenovo, Chinese and American must accept each other for working effectively. But the main problem in the cross-cultural groups is communication. The managers of Lenovo must make everyone in the group understands and adapt to the different culture with some training or actions. And more important is design a politic cooperatively cultural pattern. 2. What does the literature say about different cultural contexts and its influence on teams and groups What are culture and its importance According to Hofstede(2003), culture is â€Å"the collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one group or category of people from another†. It related to a group. With a large-scale research study of IBM branches around the world by Geert Hofstede, the culture is considered a compositive project. Geert Hofstede creates a new way to describe culture through five variables: power distance, individualism, masculinity/femininity, uncertainty avoidance and long-term orientation. All theories have limitations. Although this method created by Geert Hofstede is not absolutely right, it does not affect the theory of Hofstede can analyse one country’s culture as a valuable tool. Contract with the case of Lenovo, the most important effect by culture is â€Å"Currently only 25% of international mergers and acquisitions in Europe are successful. The price of failure is high. Cultural misunderstanding lead to loss of face, loss of money and, in extreme case, even loss of life† (Gibson cited in Naysmith, 2006). If managers do not pay enough attention on the culture, it possibly can cause the failure of the acquisition of IBM. Organisational culture Culture is not only exists in the countries, but also culture exists in any organisation constituted by people. Based on Handy (1993) said, â€Å"The role organisation will succeed as long as it can operate in a stable environment†. A steady cultural environment is necessary for an organization get success. At the same time, organisational culture is manageable and it can affects the approach of management, the accepted goals and customer of the society determine and influence that what managers strive for and the rule observed by managers (Stewart cited in Naysmith, 2006). So, the organisation also based on the cultural context of the country. The organisational culture can also measured by the five variables created by Hofstede.(Geert Hofstede, 2001) Influence of culture on â€Å"teams and groups† If a company formed by people comes from different cultural country, this company will own a special energy. It is a competitive advantage from a cross-cultural context. But, exerting the competitive advantage effectively is the most important challenge for the cross-cultural group. Because in a cross-cultural group the members have different working purpose and processes will be revealed. (Maznevski & Peterson, 1997) The effectiveness of work group will be decreased by the ethnocentrism, stereotypes, different expectations and difference in values. And these negative emotions will produce the anxiety and misunderstanding in-group, even diminishing the workers dedication to the company and destroying the group ardor. Interenst for Lenovo Cross-border mergers and acquisitions not only include the corporate cultural differences of both sides, but also include the cultural differences between the countries of the two sides. Organise some activities or cultural training to make more opportunities for every understanding different culture can eliminate the negative affects effectively. 3. Conclusion This literature review introduces some keys briefly for understanding teams and groups in a cross-cultural context. Firstly, teams and groups are particular important for an organisation. But there are some problems should be solved in a cross-cultural group. The managers is not only should know everyone’s skill and talent, but also they should know their difference caused by different cultural context. And some actions can make a good communication between each other for understanding the differences are necessary. Secondly, based on enough knowledge to understand the importance of culture, the managers should eliminate the negative affects of cross-cultural context through some activities or training. And the most important is creating an appropriate organisational culture. It can give the cross-cultural group an approach, so the cross-cultural group can exerts the competitive advantages completely. Bibliography Bennett, R., (1991), Organisational Behavior, London: M&E/Pitman, pp.145, 154. Geert Hofstede, (2001), Culture’s Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations, Second Edition, Thousand Oaks CA: Sage Publications Geert Hofstede, (2003), Cultures and Organisations, Intercultural Cooperation and Its Importance for Survival, Soft ware of the Mind, London: Profile Books Ltd. Handy, C, (1993), Understanding Organisations (4th ed.), London: Penguin, pp.150-2. Maznevski, M. & Peterson, M.F., (1997), Societal Values, Social Interpretation, and Multinational Teams. In C. Skromme Granrose & S. Oskamp (Eds.), Cross-Cultural Work Groups, pp. 61-89, London: Sage Publications Ltd. Nahavandi, A. & Malekzadeh, A.R., (1995), Acculturation in mergers and acquisitions, In Jackson (Ed.), Cross-Cultural Management, pp. 328-341, Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd. Olie, R., (1995), Culture and integration problem in international mergers and acquisitions, In T. Jackson (Ed.), Cross-Cultural Management, pp. 308-325, Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd. Sun Ziwen, (2012, April 13), Case analysis of the cultural integration in cross-border mergers and acquisitions of Chinese enterprises, People’s Forum, 356(2), 7. Thomson, R., (2002), Managing people (3rd ed.), Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann, pp.92, 95. Thomson, R. & Mabey, C., (1994), Developing Human Resources, Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann in association with the Institute of Management, pp.177. Woodcock, M., (1979), Team Development Manual, Aldershot: Gower Press Teakfield Limited, pp.177.

Characters in Hamlet Essay

The first proper theater as we know it, was called the Theatre, built at Shoreditch, London in 1576 and the owner was James Burbage. James Burbage had obtained a 21 year lease with permission to build the first playhouse, aptly named ‘ The Theatre ‘. Before this time plays were performed in the courtyard of inns or inn-yards, or sometimes, in the houses of noblemen or in extreme circumstances on open ground. After the Theatre, further open air playhouses ( theaters ) opened in the London area, including the Rose Theatre (1587), and the Hope Theatre (1613). The most famous Elizabethan playhouse ( theater ) was the Globe Theatre (1599) Page When Shakespeare started his career in the theatre , there wasn’t a proper institution for theatrical performances, and companies played mostly in the court yards of inns, in castles or mansions of great Lords that invited the artists to perform . Women were not allowed to act , being considered a rather vulgar profession for a woman, therefore, the female parts were impersonated by young boys, with wigs and make-up. There were no special props or adequate scenery, so when an out-side scene was needed, stage-boys were pretending to be trees or walls , they carried a board with a yellow sun drawn to symbolize the sunrise or a silver moon to indicate that it was night. For the battle scenes , one or two horses were brought on stage (by a horse-keeper) and for the inner scenes , a table and some stools were enough . Shakespeare’s play â€Å"Henry VIII† marked a premiere in point of costumes and ‘special effects’ but it lead to the tragic accident, as the straw back-stage caught fire during a war scene where cannons were suggested by means of flares. Nobody died but the theatre burnt to the ground (having been made of wood , with a stone foundation) . 2 The project to rebuild Shakespeare’s Globe was initiated by the American actor, director and producer Sam Wanamaker after his first visit to London in 1949. Twenty-one years later he founded what was to become the Shakespeare Globe Trust, dedicated to the reconstruction of the theatre and the creation of an education center and permanent exhibition. After 23 years spent tirelessly fundraising, advancing research into the appearance of the original Globe and planning the reconstruction with the Trust’s architect Theo Crosby, Sam Wanamaker died in 1993, the site having been secured, the exhibition undercroft structurally complete and a few timber bays of the theatre in place. Three and a half years later the theatre was completed. Shakespeare’s Sources of inspiration (predecessors and contemporary artists) The University Wits Sir Phillip Sidney (30 November 1554 – 17 October 1586) became one of the Elizabethan Age’s most prominent figures. Famous in his day in England as a poet, courtier and soldier, he remains known as the author of Astrophel and Stella (1581, pub. 1591),inspired by Penelope Devereaux, the future Lady Rich; Shakespeare also organised his sonnets in chronological order and rendering his real-life experience (The Dark Lady). Christopher Marlowe- was an English dramatist, poet and translator of the Elizabethan era. The foremost Elizabethan tragedian next to William Shakespeare, he is known for his blank verse, his overreaching protagonists, and his own mysterious and untimely death(Marlowe is often alleged to have been a government spy). Marlowe’s first play performed on stage in London stage was Tamburlaine (1587) about the conqueror Timur, who rises from shepherd to warrior. It is among the first English plays in blank verse. From this play, Shakespeare borrowed the archetype of the usurper, creating outstanding figures of usurpers in his own plays, only judging their guilt, and, consequently , their punishment, according to the weight of their deeds: -Richard III and Claudius( ‘Hamlet’) are evil from the very beginning , they do not repent , so , they are given a violent death – Henry IV repents on his death bed , giving wise advise to his son, the future Henry V , who is to become an ideal king, and he dies as a result of battle wound . – Macbeth is more a victim of his wife’s ambition, proving weakness , and , thus, they both lose their mind. The Jew of Malta, about a Maltese Jew’s barbarous revenge against the city authorities, has a prologue delivered by a character representing Machiavelli. The play is known for its unsympathetic portrayal of nearly all its characters. From this play Shakespeare borrowed the shrewd Jew , but in his plot Shylock (his Jewish merchant) is not allowed to put his evil plans into practice. A common misconception about Marlowe, based solely upon Doctor Faustus, is that he himself was a proponent of the ‘dark arts’. It is certainly true, when one considers the aforementioned play, that Marlowe had studied incantation rituals, but whether he practised them is another matter entirely. From this play , Shakespeare took the idea of controlling the forces of nature , getting the power by means of knowledge and applied it in â€Å"The Tempest†. Thomas Kyd-was an English dramatist, the author of The Spanish Tragedy, and one of the most important figures in the development of Elizabethan drama. Shakespeare learned the structure of a tragedy , taking the idea of revenge and turning into a complex ,philosophical one, â€Å"Hamlet† . John Lyly- was an English writer, best known for his books Euphues, The Anatomy of Wit and Euphues and His England. Lyly’s linguistic style is known as Euphuism. Shakespeare mocked at this exceedingly metaphoric style in his â€Å"Love’s Labour’s Lost† . The Sonnets Shakespeare wrote 154 sonnets arranged in almost a chronological order : the first 126 are dedicated to FRIENDSHIP , while from 127 – 154 they speak of a mysterious ‘Dark Lady’ and are dedicated to ‘PASSION’. The two feelings are both called ‘ love’ in the sonnets but there is a clear-cut distinction made between ‘Friendship’ which is described as a lasting, solid feeling based on admiration , mutual interests and loyalty( ‘ the ever fixed mark/that looks on tempest and is never shaken’-sonnet 116), while passion is described as a transient, tormenting feeling based on physical attraction . The friend to whom the first 126 sonnets are dedicated is the Earl of Southampton, Shakespeare’s friend and patron of arts. In his house , Shakespeare got acquainted with the Italian sonnet, music and painting , as well as the works of his contemporary dramatists and novelists Christopher Marlowe, Thomas Kyd and John Lyly. Rumour says it that the appearance of the Dark Lady spoiled their relationship due to jealousy and suspicion . The fashion of the time (and even nowadays, quite often) the love for the beloved woman was described in idealistic terms, often extensively metaphoric , comparing her with a Goddess or with the perfect elements of nature . Shakespeare makes the portrait of the Dark Lady by opposition to the fashionable perfect image (‘My mistress’s eyes are nothing like the son/ Coral is far more red than her lips red’†¦- sonnet 130) trying to demonstrate that the beloved person does not have to be the embodiment of perfection so that your feelings should be true and unique. SONNET 18 ‘ Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate. Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer’s lease hath all too short a date. Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, And often is his gold complexion dimmed; And every fair from fair sometime declines, By chance, or nature’s changing course, untrimmed: But thy eternal summer shall not fade Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st, Nor shall Death brag thou wand’rest in his shade When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st. So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee. ‘ Page 4 The opening line poses a simple rhetorical question which the rest of the sonnet answers. The poet compares his friend to a summer’s day(as nature was seen as perfect) and finds him to be â€Å"more lovely and more temperate†, more balanced (the term ‘ temperate’ was chosen to be appropriate to both human and natural world) because summer is tainted by occasional winds and the eventual change of season. While summer must always come to an end, the poet’s feelings for his friend are eternal. Moreover, his art may even make their friendship last beyond death ( the metaphor in â€Å"thy eternal summer shall not fade,† stands for the everlasting youth and beauty of his friend in his heart). The poet’s love is so powerful that even death is unable to curtail it. (‘ Nor shall Death brag thou wonders in his shade / When in eternal lines to time thou growst’)The poet’s feelings live on for future generations to admire through the power of the written word – through the sonnet itself. The final couplet explains that the beloved’s â€Å"eternal summer† will continue as long as there are people alive to read this sonnet: So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee. Sonnet 130 My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun; Coral is far more red than her lips’ red; If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun; If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head. I have seen roses damask’d, red and white, But no such roses see I in her cheeks; And in some perfumes is there more delight Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks. I love to hear her speak, yet well I know That music hath a far more pleasing sound; I grant I never saw a goddess go; My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground. And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare As any she belied with false compare. Shakespeare makes the portrait of the Dark Lady by opposition to the fashionable perfect image (‘My mistress’s eyes are nothing like the son/ Coral is far more red than her lips red’†¦- sonnet 130) trying to demonstrate that the beloved person does not have to be the embodiment of perfection so that your feelings should be true and unique. Page 5 Sonnet 116 Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments. Love is not love Which alters when it alteration finds, Or bends with the remover to remove: O no! it is an ever-fixed mark That looks on tempests and is never shaken; It is the star to every wandering bark, Whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken. Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks Within his bending sickle’s compass come: Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, But bears it out even to the edge of doom. If this be error and upon me proved, I never writ, nor no man ever loved. Along with Sonnets 18 (â€Å"Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? â€Å") and 130 (â€Å"My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun†), Sonnet 116 is one of the most famous poems in the entire sequence. The definition of love that it provides is among the most often quoted and anthologized in the poetic canon. Essentially, this sonnet presents the extreme ideal of friendship : it never changes, it never fades, it outlasts death and admits no flaw. What is more, it insists that this ideal is the only love that can be called â€Å"true†Ã¢â‚¬â€œif love is mortal, changing, or impermanent, the speaker writes, then no man ever loved. The basic division of this poem’s argument into the various parts of the sonnet form is extremely simple: the first quatrain says what love is not (changeable), the second quatrain says what it is (a fixed guiding star unshaken by tempests), the third quatrain says more specifically what it is not (â€Å"time’s fool†Ã¢â‚¬â€œthat is, subject to change in the passage of time), and the couplet announces the speaker’s certainty. What gives this poem its rhetorical and emotional power is not its complexity; rather, it is the force of its linguistic and emotional conviction. Sonnet 91 Some glory in their birth, some in their skill, Some in their wealth, some in their body’s force, Some in their garments, though new-fangled ill, Some in their hawks and hounds, some in their horse; And every humor hath his adjunct pleasure, Wherein it finds a joy above the rest. But these particulars are not my measure; All these I better in one general best. Thy love is better than high birth to me, Richer than wealth, prouder than garments’ cost, Of more delight than hawks or horses be; All this away, and me most wretched make. Page And having thee, of all men’s pride I boast; Wretched in this alone, that thou mayst take 6 Modern interpretation Some people are proud of the social status they’ve inherited; some people of their abilities; some of their wealth; some of how strong they are; some of their clothes, though the clothes are trendy and weird; some are proud of their hawks and hounds; some of their horses; and every individual temperament has its particular pleasure, something the person enjoys above  everything else. But I don’t measure happiness by any of these things. There’s something else that’s better than them all. To me, your love is better than high social status, more valuable than wealth, more worth being proud of than expensive clothes, and more enjoyable than hawks or horses. And having you, I have something better than what other men are proud of—except I’m wretched in this one respect: You can take all this away from me and make me completely wretched. The Historical Plays  Shakespeare’s historical plays form a chapter apart , though almost all of them belong to the first period of his dramatic creation (Henry VI, Richard III, Richard II, King John, Henry IV , Henry V and Henry VIII) Shakespeare considered monarchy as the ideal ruling system and makes a clear-cut distinction between lawful and unlawful successions to the throne; on his death bed, Henry IV says to his son : ‘†¦. God knows, my son, By what by-paths and indirect crook’d ways I met this crown; and I myself know well How troublesome it sat upon my head. To thee it shall descend with bitter quiet, Better opinion, better confirmation. ’ In ‘Henry V’ the authority of the king is shown as further consolidated , the monarch being presented as an ideal ruler. In the chronicle plays , Shakespeare expresses his great love for his country (‘A precious stone set in the silver sea’†¦/ This throne of Mars/ This England†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢- Richard II)at a time when England was endeavouring to consolidate its national unity and its position of a great power. Page 7 Julius Caesar BRUTUS Be patient till the last. Romans, countrymen, and lovers! hear me for my cause, and be silent, that you may hear: believe me for mine honour, and have respect to mine honour, that you may believe: censure me in your wisdom, and awake your senses, that you may the better judge. If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar’s, to him I say, that Brutus’ love to Caesar was no less than his. If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer:-Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more. Had you rather Caesar were living and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men? As Caesar loved me, I weep for him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honour him: but, as he was ambitious, I slew him. There is tears for his love; joy for his fortune; honour for his valour; and death for his ambition. Who is here so base that would be a bondman? If any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak; for him have I offended. I pause for a reply. [†¦.. ] Enter ANTONY and others, with CAESAR’s body [†¦] First Citizen This Caesar was a tyrant. Third Citizen Nay, that’s certain: We are blest that Rome is rid of him. Second Citizen Peace! let us hear what Antony can say. Page 8 ANTONY You gentle Romans,-Citizens Peace, ho! let us hear him. ANTONY Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones; So let it be with Caesar. The noble Brutus Hath told you Caesar was ambitious: If it were so, it was a grievous fault, And grievously hath Caesar answer’d it. Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest-For Brutus is an honourable man; So are they all, all honourable men-Come I to speak in Caesar’s funeral. He was my friend, faithful and just to me: But Brutus says he was ambitious; And Brutus is an honourable man. You all did see that on the Lupercal I thrice presented him a kingly crown, Which he did thrice refuse: was this ambition? Yet Brutus says he was ambitious; And, sure, he is an honourable man. I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke, But here I am to speak what I do know. You all did love him once, not without cause: What cause withholds you then, to mourn for him? O judgment! thou art fled to brutish beasts, And men have lost their reason. Bear with me; My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar, And I must pause till it come back to me. First Citizen Methinks there is much reason in his sayings. Second Citizen If thou consider rightly of the matter, Caesar has had great wrong. Third Citizen Page 9 Has he, masters? I fear there will a worse come in his place. Fourth Citizen Mark’d ye his words? He would not take the crown; Therefore ’tis certain he was not ambitious. First Citizen If it be found so, some will dear abide it. Second Citizen Poor soul! his eyes are red as fire with weeping. ANTONY O masters, if I were disposed to stir Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage, I should do Brutus wrong, and Cassius wrong, Who, you all know, are honourable men: I will not do them wrong; I rather choose To wrong the dead, to wrong myself and you, Than I will wrong such honourable men. But here’s a parchment with the seal of Caesar; I found it in his closet, ’tis his will: Let but the commons hear this testament-Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read-And they would go and kiss dead Caesar’s wounds And dip their napkins in his sacred blood, All We’ll hear the will: read it, Mark Antony. The will, the will! we will hear Caesar’s will. ANTONY Have patience, gentle friends, I must not read it; It is not meet you know how Caesar loved you. You are not wood, you are not stones, but men; And, being men, bearing the will of Caesar, It will inflame you, it will make you mad: ‘Tis good you know not that you are his heirs; For, if you should, O, what would come of it! Fourth Citizen Read the will; we’ll hear it, Antony; You shall read us the will, Caesar’s will. ANTONY Will you be patient? will you stay awhile? I have o’ershot myself to tell you of it: I fear I wrong the honourable men Whose daggers have stabb’d Caesar; I do fear it. Fourth Citizen They were traitors: honourable men! Second Citizen They were villains, murderers: the will! read the will. ’ Page 10 â€Å" Julius Caesar† is usually ranked as a historical play but this is just a background for profound debates on friendship, honour ,and guilt. The real tragic hero of the play is not Julius Caesar who is betrayed and murdered but Brutus , a noble character who performed a fatal guilt( misjudgement and mistrust)for which he had to pay with his life . He is not punished by Moiras ( as it happens in the Greek tragedies )but takes his own life when realising his mistake. Even if Brutus is a professional orator, Mark Antony is a better master of wordsand of human weaknesses. Shakespeare practices his tremendous oratoric skills in the monologues of both Brutus and Antony. While Brutus uses merely oratoric devices and keeps a certain imposing distance between himself and his audience ( â€Å" Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman ? / If any, speak, for him have I offended â€Å" )Mark Antony gets closer to his audience ( even though rejected at first ) pretending he was one of them ( â€Å" Friends, Romans ,countryman, lend me your ears! †). The frequency of oratorical devices is very poor as he knows well these means are not common for simple people. He makes use of proverbs to appeal to their wisdom and sensitivity : â€Å"The evil that men do lives after them ; The good is often interred with their bones†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The grammatical devices of the English language seem to be more appropriate for his audience , as he knows their linguistic instinct will enable them to decode his message conveyed in fewer words but with the same hidden , subtle charge of meaning. Shakespeare selectively uses different types of structures ( like archaic vs. modern subjunctive ) when used by different representatives of various social strata. For showing DOUBT , the citizens use the old form of subjunctive (â€Å" If it be found so †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ) while Antony , an educated man , uses the modern subjunctive( â€Å"If it were so†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ). After getting their attention and benevolence by using friendly words and proverbs as indirect and gentle forms of reproach, Antony indirectly spread doubt ( by using a subjunctive ) upon the accusations brought by Brutus to Caesar (â€Å" If it were so†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ) . He pretends to have been granted permission to speak but from now on he permanently counterbalances his words with those of Brutus, always preceded  by a disjunctive conjunction (but, yet) â€Å"But Brutus says he was ambitious †¦. Yet, Brutus says he was ambitious †¦. † which suggest opposition. His arguments are most of the times accompanied by emphatic DO used to stress upon the reality of his own words: â€Å" You all DID see how on the Lupercal I I thrice presented him the kingly crown And he DID thrice refuse: was this ambition? † or : â€Å"But here I am to speak what I DO know . You all DID love him once, not without cause : What cause withholds you then to mourn for him? † His reproaches to them are always indirectly addressed either as proverbs or as hidden hints towards their possible misjudgment or even as rhetoric questions addressed to some abstract personifications: â€Å"Oh, Judgment, though are fled to brutish beasts And man have lost their reason . † But he immediately draws their attention towards his own suffering : â€Å" Bear with me †¦ My heart is in the coffin, there, with Caesar, And I must pause till it come back to me†¦Ã¢â‚¬  which allows them time to internalise his hints and draw the conclusions he had wanted them to come to. Even with the mob , Shakespeare creates different types of people as they really are around us : more or less intelligent , with a stronger or weaker personality, liable or stubborn. The first citizen represents the voice of popular wisdom : â€Å" Methinks there is much reason in his sayings †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. I fear it will a worse come in his place†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The second citizen is more educated then the others . His phrases a re molding after Antony’s even though he cannot reach his eloquence ; however he can have his own opinion : â€Å" If thou consider rightly to the matter  Page 11 Caesar has had great wrong†¦. † The third citizen does not have an opinion of his own but gladly borrows the others’ â€Å" Has he masters ? † The fourth citizen is a practical and direct person : â€Å"Mark’d ye his words? He would not take the crown; Therefore ‘tis certain he was not ambitious. â€Å" †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ You shall read us the will , Caesar’s will† Modal verbs are themselves masterly used to suggest more message than they seem. For instance , after mentioning the will of Caesar , Antony pretends not to intent to read it . He wanted to give them the impression that the conspirators forbid him to but he does not say it directly. He uses instead the model â€Å" must not† which obviously will be decoded as interdiction : â€Å" Have patience gentle friends, I MUST NOT read it. â€Å" He is so sly that he always pretends he does not want to do something when in fact this is exactly what he does, informing them about their being Caesar’s heirs, insinuating their state of mind ( â€Å" You are not wood, you are not stones ,but men, / And being men, hearing Caesar’s will/ It will inflame you , it will make you mad. † or â€Å" For if you should, oh, what would come of it†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ) . And the results are soon to come: â€Å" They were traitors, honourable men They were villains, murderers: the will! † However, when he finds Brutus’ body on the battlefield, Antony weeps for his friend, praising his real virtues and showing he understood from the start Brutus’ motivation in joining the plot. ‘This was the noblest Romans of them all’[†¦ ] He , only , in a general honest thought And common good to all, made one of them His life was gentle , and the elements So mixed in him , that Nature might stand up And say to all the world : This was a man â€Å". The real gift of Shakespeare was the masterful use of language and the perfect knowledge of people and typologies . Everybody speaks according to the social strata they belong , their time and trade as well . This is what makes his characters so realistic and immortal. They personify and utter centuries old human passions, fears, sorrows, dreams, hopes, struggles and vices. They can always be real and this is what makes Shakespeare so special. Page 12 Richard III Richard III is an intense exploration of the psychology of evil, and that exploration is centered on Richard’s mind. Critics sometimes compare Richard to the medieval character, Vice, who was a flat and one-sided embodiment of evil. However, especially in the later scenes of the play, Richard proves to be highly self-reflective and complicated— making his heinous acts all the more chilling. Perhaps more than in any other play by Shakespeare, the audience of Richard III experiences a complex, ambiguous, and highly changeable relationship with the main character. Richard is clearly a villain—he declares outright in his very first speech that he intends to stop at nothing to achieve his nefarious designs. But despite his open allegiance to evil, he is such a charismatic and fascinating figure that, for much of the play, we are likely to sympathize with him, or at least to be impressed with him. In this way, our relationship with Richard mimics the other characters’ relationships with him, conveying a powerful sense of the force of his personality. Even characters such as Lady Anne, who have an explicit knowledge of his wickedness, allow themselves to be seduced by his brilliant wordplay, his skillful argumentation, and his relentless pursuit of his selfish desires. Richard’s long, fascinating monologues, in which he outlines his plans and gleefully confesses all his evil thoughts, are central to the audience’s experience of Richard. Shakespeare uses these monologues brilliantly to control the audience’s impression of Richard, enabling this manipulative protagonist to work his charms on the audience. In Act I, scene i, for example, Richard dolefully claims that his malice toward others stems from the fact that he is unloved, and that he is unloved because of his physical deformity. This claim, which casts the other characters of the play as villains for punishing Richard for his appearance, makes it easy to sympathize with Richard during the first scenes of the play. It quickly becomes apparent, however, that Richard simply uses his deformity as a tool to gain the sympathy of others—including us. Richard’s evil is a much more innate part of his character than simple bitterness about his ugly body. But he uses this speech to win our trust, and he repeats this ploy throughout his struggle to be crowned king. After he is crowned king and Richmond begins his uprising, Richard’s monologues end. Once Richard stops exerting his charisma on the audience, his real nature becomes much more apparent, and by the end of the play he can be seen for the monster that he is. When Richard claims that his deformity is the cause of his wicked ways, he seems to be manipulating us for sympathy, just as he manipulates the other characters throughout the play. As a result, Richard III does not explore the cause of evil in the human mind so much as it explores its operation, depicting the workings of Richard’s mind and the methods he uses to manipulate, control, and injure others for his own gain. Central to this aspect of the play is the idea that Richard’s victims are complicit in their own destruction. Just as Lady Anne allows herself to be seduced by Richard, even knowing that he will kill her, other characters allow themselves to be taken in by his charisma and overlook his dishonesty and violent behaviour. This tendency is echoed in Richard’s relationship with the audience for much of the play. Even though the audience is likely to be repulsed by Richard’s actions, his gleeful, brilliant, revealing monologues cause most viewers to like him and even hope that he will succeed despite his obvious malice. Page 13 GLOUCESTER Now is the winter of our discontent Made glorious summer by this sun of York; And all the clouds that lour’d upon our house In the deep bosom of the ocean buried. Now are our brows bound with victorious wreaths; Our bruised arms hung up for monuments; Our stern alarums changed to merry meetings, Our dreadful marches to delightful measures. Grim-visaged war hath smooth’d his wrinkled front; And now, instead of mounting barded steeds To fright the souls of fearful adversaries, He capers nimbly in a lady’s chamber To the lascivious pleasing of a lute. But I, that am not shaped for sportive tricks, Nor made to court an amorous looking-glass; I, that am rudely stamp’d, and want love’s majesty To strut before a wanton ambling nymph; I, that am curtail’d of this fair proportion, Cheated of feature by dissembling nature, Deformed, unfinish’d, sent before my time Into this breathing world, scarce half made up, And that so lamely and unfashionable That dogs bark at me as I halt by them; Why, I, in this weak piping time of peace, Have no delight to pass away the time, Unless to spy my shadow in the sun And descant on mine own deformity: And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover, To entertain these fair well-spoken days, I am determined to prove a villain And hate the idle pleasures of these days. Page 14 Hamlet HAMLET To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep; No more; and by a sleep to say we end The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks That flesh is heir to, ’tis a consummation Devoutly to be wish’d. To die, to sleep; To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there’s the rub; For in that sleep of death what dreams may come When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause: there’s the respect That makes calamity of so long life; For who would bear the whips and scorns of time, The oppressor’s wrong, the proud man’s contumely, The pangs of despised love, the law’s delay. The insolence of office and the spurns That patient merit of the unworthy takes, When he himself might his quietus make With a bare bodkin? who would fardels bear, To grunt and sweat under a weary life, But that the dread of something after death, The undiscover’d country from whose bourn No traveller returns, puzzles the will And makes us rather bear those ills we have Than fly to others that we know not of? Thus conscience does make cowards of us all; And thus the native hue of resolution Is sickled o’er with the pale cast of thought, And enterprises of great pith and moment With this regard their currents turn awry, And lose the name of action. ’ Page 15 [†¦. ]POLONIUS:How does my good Lord Hamlet? HAMLET Well, God-a-mercy. LORD POLONIUS Do you know me, my lord? HAMLET Excellent well; you are a fishmonger. LORD POLONIUS Not I, my lord. HAMLET Then I would you were so honest a man. LORD POLONIUS Honest, my lord! HAMLET Ay, sir; to be honest, as this world goes, is to be one man picked out of ten thousand. LORD POLONIUS That’s very true, my lord. HAMLET For if the sun breed maggots in a dead dog, being a god kissing carrion,–Have you a  daughter? LORD POLONIUS I have, my lord. HAMLET Let her not walk i’ the sun: conception is a blessing: but not as your daughter may conceive. Friend, look to ‘t. LORD POLONIUS [Aside] How say you by that? Still harping on my daughter: yet he knew me not at first; he said I was a fishmonger: he is far gone, far gone: and truly in my youth I suffered much extremity for love; very near this. I’ll speak to him again. What do you read, my lord? HAMLET Words, words, words. LORD POLONIUS What is the matter, my lord? HAMLET Between who? Page 16 LORD POLONIUS I mean, the matter that you read, my lord. HAMLET Slanders, sir: for the satirical rogue says here.

Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 4

Accounting - Essay Example that would be distributed to holders of each share of common stock if all assets were sold at their balance sheet carrying amounts after all the creditors were paid off. Book value per share is based entirely on historical costs. The bank should not approve a five-year $500,000 loan to Stephens Company due to the times interest earned and debt-equity ratios. Stephens Company’s times interest earned ratio is 3.5, lower than Stephen’s industry (5). Also, the debt-to-equity ratio is 1.036, greater than 0.8 (industry ratio). Both of these figures show that the company earnings are lower than competitors and also that the company relies too much on loans or debt. The current ratio is higher than competitors and the acid-test ratio is lower than the industry average. Most of the current assets are inventory and prepaid expenses, which cannot be converted to money quickly. The gross margin is lower than the industry average and the ability of company to generate profit is low. This company does not have good prospects the long

The Validity of The Persistent Offender Rule in International Law by Essay

The Validity of The Persistent Offender Rule in International Law by Omar Abasheikh - Essay Example It would be tantamount to an international crime to claim that the words offender and objector may be used interchangeably. Even in common parlance, â€Å"object† and â€Å"offend† does not share the same meaning, although sometimes, the person to whom an objection was made may take an offense out of it. An objecting state is not necessarily offending the customary international laws in place and in full force and effect among the community of states. The author creates a crime out of a perfectly normal and natural thing to do for a sovereign state. How could the author have missed this small yet very important point? Apparently, there was a mistake somewhere between the writing of the paper and the formulation of the title. A paper’s title is supposed to give the readers some idea about the body of the paper. But in this case, the title has become a cause for confusion because it is a totally different concept than the rest of the paper. Inconsistent Thesis Lest this review be regarded as a headhunt for flaws, the author is lauded for the extensive research he has done about the subject. He dug through cases and books as is evident in the amount of information and data that the paper contains. But enormous amounts of data are meaningless unless they are served and digested into coherent and logical conclusions. At one point, the author merely presented several opposing or corroborating statements without bothering to mention which one prevails pursuant to exiting international laws or jurisprudence from the International Court of Justice. But then again, the paper has no thesis statement, and if there was any, it was ambiguous and difficult to ascertain. Based on the title, the author is expected to make a stand as to... The research paper "The validity of the persistent offender rule in international law" begins with an introduction to the topic. The author analyzes logical mistakes of Omar Abasheikh in description of "persistent offender rule" and criticizes the title of the paper, which doesn't fit to the sense of the research. After that the author shows advantages and disadvantages in the approach of the author and comes to interesting conclusions. In the end the author sums up that â€Å"consent, whether express or tacit, is required for the formation of customary international law†1 and the persistent objector rule is a necessary and accepted feature of the system that works for the unique social setup of the international community of states. The persistent objector rule is a necessary tool that allows each state to tailor the international law to their particular needs and maximize their benefits. Overall, the author deserves recognition for the amount of time and effort he had put into the paper. No one can deny the fact that he had presented a good volume of pertinent facts and information in the paper. However, the article is not without flaws, starting off with the wrong choice of word in the paper’s title. Then there is the lack of a clear thesis statement and inconsistent theories. The reader would get lost in translation amid the legal terminologies used in the paper. Nevertheless, the paper was very informative and could serve as a jump off point for further and in depth research into the subject.

In what ways do socio-biological theorists explain criminal behaviour Essay

In what ways do socio-biological theorists explain criminal behaviour - Essay Example Biology does interact with sociological forces that take one to the path of crime. If this concept is perfectly understood, proper steps for effective treatment to offenders can be taken. Genetic variations are conducive to increased violence risk. To be precise men with an extra Y chromosome have a higher propensity for violence—this just one of the findings. Roger Hopkins Burke, in his book â€Å"An introduction to Criminological Theory,† writes, â€Å"Biological positivism behaviour can be explained by a genetic susceptibility triggered by environmental factors.†(p.63) He has discussed the issue in detail in a separate chapter on â€Å"Biological Positivism.†(p .55-72) He further adds that â€Å"Biological positivism suggests a direct link between testosterone and aggression.†(p.67) Adoption and twin studies also relate to biological influences on maladaptive behaviour. The other influencing factors are alcohol syndrome, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder and birth defects. These conditions interact with sociological factors and thus add to the risks of criminal behaviour. The significant factor of criminality is found to be the effects of alcohol. Hormones have a telling effect on the aggression of an individual. Hormonal imbalance results in increased aggression. Childhood trauma and criminal behaviour have close links. With more or less unanimity about the influence of biology on criminal behaviour, it is time to look at the treatment modules of such criminals. A detailed study of biology, genetics and psychology is required to determine treatment of a particular criminal, for both mental health and correctional professionals. â€Å"Biological Positivism reduction in offending behaviors is seen as possible by the use of treatment pro grammes.†(p.71) The opposing viewpoints whether genetics plays the most important role or environmental factors are

Assigment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Assigment - Essay Example Usually, people are advised to just get the form from the health-care facility that they are being treated in since they would have the standard Advance Directive Form that the state prescribes. All in all, it is safe, for people if they want to be extra careful to use the advance directive form drafted by the American Medical Association in conjunction with the American Association of Retired Persons and the American Bar Association. This form is a legally-binding documents in all states. The Form must also be filled in with at least two witnesses present. These witnesses must also satisfy specific requirements, which I should comply with. Healthcare staffs are well-versed in these areas so anybody in my position can expect help from them. In addition all of the entries therein must be comprehensively and correctly filled in. This is the reason why it is important to employ the help of an attorney to determine this â€Å"completeness.† An error in the document can be used as a legal ground to dispute my state of mind when the Form was completed and, hence, invite legal disputes later on. Living will and a health care power of attorney are two types of advance directives. The former is defined as the â€Å"document whose purpose is to specify the person’s end-of-life care instruction† and that â€Å"whether that end-of-life directive also includes the appointment of a health care proxy in a combination form will be specified in each reference.† (Cebuhar 2006, p. 43) The health care power-of-attorney, on the other hand, refers to the permission of the conveyance to the agent or proxy of one’s powers to make health care decisions upon loss of decision-making capacity and that it â€Å"can be used to request or refuse treatment, giving this legal instrument greater scope and power than the living will in most jurisdictions.† (Gallo and Reichel 1999, p. 816) Living will is important for me as a patient because it expresses my wishes on the future whether I

Introduction to Combustion and Fire Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Introduction to Combustion and Fire - Case Study Example For example, when chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are exposed to high energy sun rays, chlorine and bromine atoms are released. These chlorine/bromine atoms act as catalysts in the breaking up of ozone molecules. Free radicals are atoms or molecules possessing one or more unpaired electrons. Free radicals are formed as intermediaries of reactions. One of the most common free radicals is the hydroxyl free radical (HO∙). Ions, free atoms, and free radicals are reaction intermediaries. While ions are charged species, free radicals are groups containing unpaired electrons, and free atoms are single atoms without charge. Ions can exist in a stable equilibrium, but free atoms and free radicals are highly unstable and react with other atoms or molecules soon after formation. During bond formation, an electron from 2s orbital is moved to 2pz orbital. This process requires a small amount of energy as the energy gap between 2s and 2p orbitals are less. So the new electronic structure is 1s22s12px12py12pz1 Pentane has a molar mass of 72.15 gmol-1. For 1 mole of pentane, mass is 72.15 g. As calculates earlier, at temperature 298.15K and pressure 1.013Ãâ€"105 Pa, the volume of 1 mol of pentane is 2.447Ãâ€"10-2 m3. A reaction where the products are in the most stable state is known as a complete chemical reaction. In the fire, a complete chemical reaction with no fuel and oxygen left is known as a stoichiometric reaction. The reaction mixtures in such a state are stoichiometric mixtures. The stoichiometric oxygen to fuel mass ratio r is determined from the equation. The equivalence ratio () which describes the state of the reactant mixture, is defined as (Quintere, 2006): Concentration is a measure of the packaging of particles per unit volume and its unit is moles per dm3 or moldm-3. A mole is a unit to measure the amount of substance. One mole of a substance contains 6.023Ãâ€"1023 atoms, molecules, or ions.   

Rock and Roll vs Rap Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Rock and Roll vs Rap - Essay Example Soon the American rock style began to influence other genres. Places like Southern California produced their own varieties of pop music, such as surf. Young adults and teenagers across the country were playing in amateur rock bands, laying the roots for local scenes which would pave the way for garage rock and the so-called San Francisco Sound. Rock has encountered several stages of development since the beginning of the 50s, and the tendencies in modern rock include alternative bands (Radiohead, Muse), so-called pop-rock (Blink-182, Green Day) and others (George-Warren 26). Rap music in its widely recognized form appeared much later than rock and roll. The roots of hip hop music are in West African and African American music. Originally, early rappers of the 70s focused on introducing themselves and others in the audience (the origin of the still common practice of "shouting out" on hip hop records). These early performers often emceed for hours at a time, with some improvisation and a simple four-count beat, along with a basic chorus to allow the performer to gather his thoughts (such as "one, two, three, y'all, to the beat, y'all"). The 1980s saw intense diversification in hip hop, which developed into a more complex form.

Asperger's Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Asperger's - Essay Example There are three main areas where individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome experience difficulties. These include social interaction, social communication and social imagination. These three areas are usually referred as the impairment triads. Individuals with Asperger’s syndrome experience fewer issues with speaking and their intelligence level ranges from average to above average. In general they do not encounter the associated learning disabilities that are often evident amongst individuals with autism but they may experience particular learning issues such as dyspraxia, dyslexia, epilepsy or ADHD. Though it’s a lifetime problem but its symptoms may improve with the passage of time and growing age as the adults with Asperger’s syndrome may learn to comprehend their personal weaknesses and strengths and in turn may enhance their social ability. Moreover, with proper encouragement and support, individuals with Asperger’s syndrome can be enabled to lead an independent complete life (Frith, 1991). According ADDM findings, the prevalence of ASD is more amongst non-Hispanic whites as compared to other ethnicities but with the passage of time the disparity amongst the Hispanics and non-Hispanics has declined significantly with time (Pal, 2013). A huge research body documents that racial and ethnic disparities exist in the diagnosis and intervention plan of ASDs and this may lead to false results depicting in the prevalence of Asperger’s syndrome and other ASDs more in one ethnicity than others. However, the main reason that may be attributed to the increased incidence of Asperger’s syndrome amongst non-Hispanic whites is the institutional factors like clinician prejudices, accessibility of healthcare, symptoms interpretation by families and clinicians as well as the appliance of logical algorithms by clinicians for the detection of ASD. Exploring the causes of Asperger’s Syndrome is still

Total Separation of Church and State Essay Example for Free

Total Separation of Church and State Essay Total Separation of Church and State â€Å"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The first Amendment of the Bill of Rights within the Constitution and an amendment that comes with support, rejection, and controversy. The amendment was made because the forefathers didn’t want a bloodbath that had plagued most of the world. Since 1618, at least 23 million people have been killed during a war revolving around religion issues. The wars have been fought over land, where separate countries claim a spot of land was promised to them, which is similar to the hostility that is going on between Israel and Palestine, and beliefs, like the Taliban and Syrian rebels attacking the United States Embassy’s because of a movie showing the face of the Islamic prophet Allah, and portraying him as a foolish, sexist pig. Many wars were fought â€Å"in the name of God†, which caused many men, women, and children to parish. When the forefathers came to North America, they didn’t want a repeat of the hostility. Thomas Jefferson coined the phrase â€Å"separation of church and state† in a letter to a political friend, and the phrase stuck, with James Madison saying, â€Å"The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe for centuries. † Because of the senseless fighting in Europe, separation was widely celebrated. But for separation to work, it needs to be enforced and to be strict. Strict separation is desirable for several reasons. First, it is a way of ensuring that we can all, as Americans, feel that it is â€Å"our† government, whatever our religion or lack of. If government becomes aligned with a particular religion or religions, those of other beliefs are made to feel like outsiders. The total separation of Church and State would benefit all citizens because it would end the persecution of non-religious persons. But, in the end, it comes down to one question: Can anyone prove that religion is a benefit to everyday life if it’s included in government? Since the founding of our country, the United States of America has been, mostly, Christian country with over two-thirds of the people belonging to Christianity, but that number is dropping. With the religious population dwindling down in the United States, the government should erect a wall of separation that James Madison and Thomas Jefferson envisioned. Erwin Chemerinsky wrote in the book Why Church and State Should Be Separate, â€Å"It seem s to me that if we want our citizens to feel that the government is open for everyone – that it is their government – we need our government to be strictly secular. With the total separation of the church from all federal affairs, it would benefit the citizens of the United States of America from persecution on individual’s personal beliefs and ideals. Our forefathers came over to the Americas to escape the religious oppression of the King of England, and the Church. While holding onto their Christian beliefs, the forefathers decided that the land that would become the United States of America would be of religious freedom, so as not to repeat the atrocity of England during this time period. Even though they tried, the oppression found itself on our shores, coming with a vengeance. In the past 50 years, the government has been adding religion into our country. On June 14th, 1954, president Dwight D. Eisenhower signed into law a change to the Pledge of Allegiance by adding ‘Under God’. Two years later, Eisenhower signed a law officially declaring â€Å"In God We Trust† as our nation’s official motto, which also mandated the phrase be printed on all American paper currency. Eisenhower’s choices to add these religious statements showed that the government has ahold of the ideals that once plagued England. This issue has been fought in many unsuccessful lawsuits trying to undo the damage done by Eisenhower. The biggest issue is a government cannot be premised on the belief that all persons are created equal when it asserts that God prefers some. This belief counter acts everything that the country had worked to accomplish. According to the principle of the constitution regarding the separation of church and state, religion is a private matter, which has no place in the presence of government. As in every argument, there are two sides. In this case, people say that we don’t need a wall of separation, that the church and state should become one, and that the United States should officially become a God fearing country, and that anyone who is not a Christian shouldn’t hold political offices. There’s a growing movement in which nonreligious persons are becoming more and more abundant, beginning to compare with the number of the Christians in the country, leading to a conflict that resembles the Crusades without all the violence. All religion should be kept out of government buildings and any and every government acknowledgements of a God should be thrown out, respecting the citizens that are not religious. Throwing out the mention of religion could lead to some major changes within the government, which could benefit the country. The first reason to make this change is that it protects the nonreligious from unfair persecution. Besides the danger of a direct mixture of religion and government, there is an evil which ought to be guarded against in the indefinite accumulation of property from the capacity of holding it in perpetuity by ecclesiastical corporations. Many Americans misunderstand the words â€Å"separation of church and state†, assuming that the law requires that public life must have nothing whatsoever to do with religion. The founders, by and large, were very much supportive of the role of religion in society, but they separated the ideas of society and government, leaving religion to play a role in society, not government. The separation of church and state is not meant to hinder religion, or to deny the role of religion in society or in our history. The concept of â€Å"separation of church and state† applies to the actions of the government only. The second reason to make a change is that we will be able to tax the churches. In 1986, an estimate showed that all religious income for that year was approximately $100 billion, or about five times the income of the five largest corporations in the United States. All tax free. With the money that is made from churches, the country would be bringing in billions of dollars a year that we can use to help pay off the deficit, build more roads, make more jobs, and build more schools. The third reason is that it’ll take the pressure off of public offices. When John F. Kennedy was elected president in 1961, the public was scared that the Catholic Church would take over the country. President Kennedy quickly made public that he supported separation of church and state and that â€Å"no catholic prelate would tell the president (should he be catholic) how to act†¦Ã¢â‚¬  As President Kennedy believed in, the greatest way for our nation to flourish is without religion involved in politics. Many politicians can’t be elected and lose to individuals that are not as qualified as they may have been. Religion is a very powerful tool, which we need to be careful on how we use it. Taking it out of government and federal affairs would greatly benefit the nation. The future of the United States of America is strong and prosperous as long as it adheres to the wishes of the forefathers and past presidents. Without religion, we shall strive. With religion, we will fall. In 1773, a Rev. Isaac Backus, a prominent Baptist minister in New England, studied amongst his people that when â€Å"church and state are separate, the effects are happy, and they do not interfere with each other: but where they have been confounded together, no tongue nor pen can fully describe the mischiefs that have ensued. † Looking at the ministers studies, it comes down to one final question: what will you choose; happy and separate, or mischievous and confounded together? With the non-religious growing in more and more numbers and their beliefs coming out, the world is noticing a change, a change for the better.  The change is bringing down the level of hostility toward non-religious individuals, and with separation of the church and state becoming an even bigger issue in today’s world; it has become a topic which cannot be ignored any longer.

Commentary on Watson and Crick Dna Discovery Essay Example for Free

Commentary on Watson and Crick Dna Discovery Essay In their 1953 Nature publication, Watson and Crick announced their landmark discovery: DNA exists in the form of a right handed, three-dimensional double helix. They described their DNA model as two DNA strands connected by hydrogen bonds between complementary bases. Adenine bases are always paired with thymines, and cytosines are always paired with guanines. Watson and Crick identified the anti-parallel configuration of DNA strands; each 5 end of one strand is paired with the 3 end of its complementary strand. Nucleotides are linked to each other by their phosphate groups, which bind the 3 end of one sugar to the 5 end of the next sugar. Nitrogenous bases are available to participate in hydrogen bonding. This important structural feature correlates with function that would soon be discovered: the bases have sites available to form hydrogen bonds with the proteins that play vital roles in the replication and expression of DNA. Since its inception, these features of the Watson and Crick model remain the same today. This enduring credibility is amazing, considering that many scientific research findings are drastically modified over time. In this paper, the two scientists claim their model to be â€Å"radically different† in order to strongly set it apart from the DNA structural model that was competitively proposed by Pauling and Corey, and also by Fraser: a triple helix with bases positioned outward. Watson and Crick rejected the triple helix model, criticizing that the protruding bases would leave the negatively charged phosphates positioned inward and towards each other. This could not be the correct structure because the repulsion of negative charges would blow apart the helix. Therefore, Watson and Crick knew it was the bases, not the phosphates, which were positioned inward and linked by hydrogen bonds. Their structural hypothesis was consistent with Chargaff’s research as well as the x-ray data. The intrigue of this paper cannot solely be attributed to its clear and simple presentation of a landmark discovery. Watson and Crick were indeed scientific pioneers, but they could never have drawn correct conclusions about DNA structure without considering data and hypotheses of other scientists. Chargaff’s discovery about DNA base proportions as well as Franklin’s crucial X-ray crystallography data made it possible for Watson and Crick to derive the three-dimensional, double-helical model for the structure of DNA. Although other scientists came close, Watson and Crick were the ones who got it right. Watson and Crick’s model suggested the structure correlated with function: â€Å"It has not escaped our notice that the specific pairing we have postulated suggests a possible copying mechanism for the genetic material.† The process of DNA replication was unknown at the time. By investigation of its function in the replication process, scientists were able to find out more about the more complex levels of DNA structure, which Watson and Crick’s model fails to predict. Today, we know that there are different DNA structures in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In eukaryotic cells, DNA in the nucleus is tightly packaged into chromosomes. The chromosomes form when DNA wraps around an 8-histone core to build the nucleosomes that make up chromosomes. Therefore, the double helix model of DNA is only relevant when DNA is in a replication stage. The model does not provide any information about important, higher level complexities of DNA structure. Our present understanding of storage and utilization of a cell’s genetic information has been possible because of Watson and Crick’s discovery. For example, understanding DNA has led us to new, successful avenues for medical research and treatment of diseases. We are able to use genetic screening for disease, and we have a better understanding of disease mutation, as in the flu virus. Also, our knowledge of DNA’s structure and function has made tissue matching possible for patients receiving transplants.

Oil And Gas Industry In India Commerce Essay

Oil And Gas Industry In India Commerce Essay The history of oil and gas industry in India started since 1867 from Digboi in the state of Assam. After the independence of the India the oil and gas industry were controlled by the international companies. At that time Indias oil productions were below 250,000 tonnes / annum which were contributed from Assam. At that time some of the oil experts doubted about Indias oil production ability and for the new oil reserves. But Government declared oil industry as a core sector in India under IPR bill in 1954, which helps to change the face of Indian oil industry Indian Government established the Oil Gas Industry in India. All the functions of the oil and gas industries are coming under various public sector organisations which are controlled and authorised by THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM NATURAL GAS of India. Structure of Indian Petroleum Industry (IBEF, 2009) Indian Oil and Gas industry holds an important role in Indian economy. It satisfies 42% of primary energy requirements in India and contributes around 15 % to the GDP. With an exciting combination of government and private firms, the industry is fixing their top position in domestic international markets. The report from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) shows that requirement for petroleum products increased by 4.4% to 144.35 million tonnes for the period of the financial year 2010-2011. Presently, Indias petroleum refining capacity is 144.35 million tonnes per annum. It is expected to increase by 240 million tons by Sept 12. Source (CGES, 2012) Indias economy is expected to grow at the rate of 7% per annum over the next five years; it means that demand for energy will also increase. 90% of coal consumption and 75% of gas consumption were met by domestic While Indian domestic oil industry can only covers 22% of oil consumption. This may drop in future years. This shows Indian oil and gas industry should have to depend more in oil imports, which will be 2.4 mbpd Major Players in Industry COMPANY PROFILE Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and its subsidiaries were consist of roughly 48% of petroleum commodities market share, 71% downstream division pipelines capability and 34% nationalized refining capability in India. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (Indian Mirror, 2012) Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is the leading commercial ISO-9002 certified venture in India and it is the top public sector venture in India, Indian Oil Corporation Limited is the largest company by sales in India with a yield of  $ 85,550 million and profit of $ 825 million for the fiscal year 2011-12.  In IOCL is the first Indian company to reach at the 83rd position in latest Fortune Global 500 listings. Indian oil Corporation is the 20th largest petroleum company in the world. IOCL was established as Indian Oil Company Ltd. in 1959. In 1964 Indian Refineries Ltd. Merged in Indian Oil Company Ltd to form IOCL IOCL is an oil company based in India. Main operations of the company are refineries, marketing, Centre and Business Development, pipelines, enterprise and planning (EP), RD, petrochemicals and natural gas. 10 of Indian refineries and its cross-country crude oil network and gas pipelines are owned and operated by IOCL and its subsidiaries. Portfolio of brands consists of SERVO lubricants, Indane LPG, XTRAMILE diesel XtraPremium petrol and Propel Petrochemicals. Domestic portfolio of IOCL is consists of 13 blocks in its exploration and production, among these two of the blocks Indian Oil as an operator have 100 per cent participation interest. The international portfolio having 9 blocks stretch over Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Gabon, Venezuela Yemen. In the fiscal year of 2011- 12 around 0.62 million tons of crude oil processed from the Digboi Refinery. Market watch 2012 (reuters, 2012) PURPOSE AND ISSUES To analyse the factors that affecting management performance in Indian oil corporation ltd, what are the issues and to what extend it effects in the management performance of Indian oil corporation ltd. RESEARCH QUESTIONS How the HR factors do affects on the management performance and issues in Indian Oil Corporation in India? What are the economic factors influenced on the management performance and issues in Indian Oil Corporation in India? How the competition factors affects on management performance and issues in Indian Oil Corporation in India? How the IT influenced in management performance and issues in Indian Oil Corporation in India? How the customer satisfaction impact on the management performance and issues in Indian Oil Corporation in India? RESEARCH OBJECTIVES To evaluate HR factors that affects in the management performance and issues in Indian oil corporation in India. To examine the economic factors that influenced in the management performance and issues in Indian oil corporation in India. To find out completion affects in the management performance and issues in Indian Oil Corporation in India. To realize the influence of IT in management performance and issues in Indian oil corporation in India To analyses customer satisfaction impact on the management performance and issues in Indian oil corporation in India LITERATURE REVIEW (media.wiley, 2008) HUMAN RESOURCE PRACTICES AND ISSUES Human resource practices can be says as the management of an organizations human force or work force. HRM is the responsible for managing the employees in the organization. So the HRM has an inevitable roe in the managing performance of an organization. Management functions of HRM are consisting of attracting, selecting, training, evaluating, and rewarding the personnels in the firm. Expected industry growth in oil and gas sector took country to a level of high demand for the skilled labours in the industry, the work-force demand for vital skilled sets all over the oil and gas value chain and the supply of resources in India (Earnest Young, 2010). IOCL sustained its attempts to encourage workforce contribution in diverse actions by idea sharing, proposal scheme, rewards and recognitions, etc. HR Index was designed to assist efficient execution of HR practices and policies. IOCL owns and operates 10 out of 22 Indian refineries with a combined capacity of around 65.7 MMT per annum. IOCL is the largest company in terms of turnover in India. It is the 98th largest public corporation in world and it operates with a strong work force of 34,233. Out of it, 19,382 were workers and about 14,831 were officer cadres. Among the workers, 68 % of the workers have experience of more than 25 years. Most of the employees in IOCL were since its starting period. In this industry, the other companies are also competing with IOCL to attract skilled workers. IOCL has lot of experienced workers so that recruiting fresher through campus interview and other sources and they shaping the personnel through the training. IOCL is a public firm that follows best HR practices, even though they are facing lot of challenges and issues in their HR sector that affects in their management performance as well. HR Issues that Affects Management Performance in IOCL Retirement This is the most important issue that going to face by the IOCL. Due to retirement of labours IOCL will loss roughly 16000 workers in 2021. Most of them were highly skilled and positioned in top authority. By 2021, we will lose half of 34,000 strong employees, Ashok Jambur, chief training manager IOCL. (Nair, 2012). By this issue fifty year old firm forced to depend upon outsourcing to overcome this situation. This will not be an easy task for the management. Company will loss both white as well the blue-collared personals. This will affect both HR and top management sectors this may lead to underperformance management sector. Skills Age Requirements. As per the trend in Indian oil and gas sector, the average age is the main issue that faced by everyone in the sector, especially in Indian Oil Corporation it pretty is high. Not only is the age company asking for but also the experience and skills up to their expectation. Which one is not much easy to find out in this competitive industry? Every company is looking for the best and experienced candidates to strengthen their work force. Here the skills are bigest question mark before the leading public listed firm in India . (Earnest Young, 2010) Attrition It is another unavoidable headache for the HR department and the management. From the recent studies, it estimated as a loss of 7 per cent of current employees in next 5 years. (IndianOil coporation, 2012). The management scared with the attrition from the middle management employees. Who were flying towards the international opportunities. 5% of the highly qualified personals were working for experience only. The management and HR department have to take necessary steps to avoid the loss of their employees. ECONOMIC FACTORS AND ISSUES IOCL, BPL and HP lost around  Rs.138, 800 crore in income from sales of domestic LPG, kerosene and diesel under cost in 2011-12. Revenue loss in this financial year estimated as  Rs.  208,000 crore. Both Indian Oil and Gas sector and economy has a mutual understanding in each other. Indian economy is a changing economy. It is very difficult to predict the Indian economy. IOCL and its subsidiaries have most vital part to play in altering the Indian economy. The economy is affecting by the increase of demand and price of the crude oil. The inflation of the Indian currency is the major issue that affects the entire petroleum industry in India. Indian currency value is changing vastly, is also a burden to the industry. INFLATION IN INDIAN CURRENCY IOCL is the largest firm as per its turnover even-though by the depreciation of Rupee leads the company to a loss, which affects lightly in their performance. Indian market witnessed strong demand growth despite weakening economic activity. Due to the foreign exchange difference the company records a loss of Rs 3,187 crore in last fiscal year. http://www.marketinfoline.com/wp-content/uploads/CRUDE-IMPORT1.png When considering the net crude oil importing in MMT for last 2 years imported crude oil is decreased in 2010-11 than in previous year. But while considering the cost of importing increased by 12% 15% this shows the economic how Indian economy affected the oil and gas industry ECONOMIC CRISIS Global economic situations continued to be pathetic and challenging. This fiscal year saw describing of many new challenges. It reflects in Indian economy indirectly through some other ways. The major challenges were towards the Indian oil and gas industry. Global Economic crisis resulted in the price hike in crude oil market. As India, one of the largest crude oil importing country, it affects India badly especially the IOCL. IOCL records loss of Rs 22,451 crore due to the economic challenges in country as well in globally. The financial crises were a double strike to the Indian Oil Corporation ltd. Crude oil price hike As per IOCL domestic production of crude oil is very low as concerned with the demand in the country. But the demand for oil products increased. And the company has to depend on other sources. By the effect of the economic crisis the price and demand of crude oil increased. These two graphs show the demands and the increase in the crude oil price in India oil markets. This is one of the major challenge that facing by the Indianoil. The trends showing that it will continue its flow of hike. Expected figures will be a nightmare for both IOCL and the Indian economy. Share Market Price Economic crises are usually affecting Share markets. Market fluctuations depend on the global economic factors. IOCL is a largest public firm in India .the majority shares were owned by the president and the rest handled by some bankers and investors. Stock rate This figure shows how the economic issues affect the share market of IOCL from April 2011 to March 2012. BSE and NSE are the two important stock exchanges in India. In both BSE and NSE share price decreased by 15%. These all shows the after effects of financial crises in Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ISSUE Risk management and security strategy involves the detection of threats, susceptibility, anticipation of crisis, reaction towards situations and revival of assets and safety of employees. IT infrastructure in Indian oil corp. was an extremely decentralized mix up of diverse systems. The corporation required to shorten its IT atmosphere and to increase its efficiency. IOCL running with more than 32, 000 employees and16, 000 PCs over various sections consisting of RD, pipelines, refineries and marketing. However, the corporation has a centralized administration over these sections. Mr. R. Krishnamurthy, Chief Manager of IOCL accepting that they had not installed standard IT infrastructure in the firm. Each section had separate set of apps and software to manage its operations. Major IT issues in IOCL Database Management, Identity and Access One of the major challenges is lack on single sign-on. The portable labour force of the IOCL had no system access while on action. Accessing of IT systems is only takes place when the employees are on the work desk. Due to this, the time consuming for the activities and updating of the information about of ongoing activities destruction are some issues faced by IOCL. These issues are reflecting throughout business activities. An efficient database system can generate high assurance atmosphere and protected planning, with safe identity management, remote access network and data security. Secure Communications Systems. Consumers need accurate and safe information that connects the home site with additional companys sites. IOCL should have to increase their efficiency in their communication system. Currently the system is not much efficient and they are following the older versions and system. Therefore, they have to concentrate on the security and effectiveness of the system. Security Risk Management Field actions involve in risk evaluation and development of practical security measurements to moderate risks. These practices necessitate identifying of prospective risks, establishing borders, assessment of effects and method of anticipation and recovery plans for business. Risk management system is an important factor in Oil industry. Hacking, terrorism is the major threats facing by the industry. It is very important to prevent such intervene from the external source. COMPETITION Indian oil industry was monopoly sector till recently owned by the petroleum ministry as various sectors. By the setting up of liberalisation in country, privatisation in the petroleum sector has been implemented. At the beginning the Government had APM (Administered Pricing Mechanism) for pricing the products. Which cause higher pricing than the market determined price have been. This situation made the Government to implement privatization in transportation fuel including HSD (High Speed Diesel). The main competitors to the IOCL are Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Bharath Petroleum Corporation Ltd from the public sector and private firms like (RPL), Essar and Reliance Petroleum Ltd. The ministry of petroleum maintain to hold licensing around in an attempt to support exploration process and boost domestic oil production. Company Outlets IOCL 8,100 HPCL 4,899 BPCL 4,861 Reliance 5,849 Essar Oil 1,700 IOCL is the largest public sector in country in basis of its turnover. IOCL has its dominant position in Indian oil industry even though the private companies like Reliance Petroleum, Essar, Shell etc getting stronger in the industry. Now a day market getting competitive more than198os and 1990s. Competition in Exploration Exploration is the primary step in production of oil and gas. Exploration and production of oil and gas is vital for Indias economic growth and energy security. IOCL has been concentrating exploration and production process both inside and outside India in association with syndicate partner.  IOCL is related with 2 flourishing inventions in oil exploration blocks, one each in Iran and India. From the above table it is very clear that the IOCL is facing very tight competition from the private as well as the public firms which are in same industry. Exploration and production of petroleum and gas is the major factor that affects in the economy of the country so the Government is also encouraging the competition in the refining and the production. The main competitors are ONGC and OIL Corporation. ONGC is consisting with the gas production also thats why they having domination position in the exploration sector. IOCL have to develop some e good strategies to attain a good position in this sector. Competition in petrochemicals Petrochemicals govern universal chemical market about share of 40 %. The industry is looking towards the undergoing metamorphosis, in this IOCL have to compete with some of the forign companies as well. Petrochemicals are related to daily life products. In the production of petrochemicals IOCL had a dominant position in the early period of the industry. Now-a-day the dominant position is being challenged by the competitors in the industries. Reliance and Essar also knows their market credibility in the industry so by 2015 the competition for the market production will be strong and huge. It estimated as, by 2011-12 production will decrease in huge by intervene of the competitors. These will keep the management in a critical situation, as per the statistical information they have to the prevention measure for the situations in front of them. Competition in Refining Industry Indian oil industry is consist of 18 refinaries public sector and 3 in private sector,which have the total installed capacity of 127.35 MMTPA (ministry of petroleum, 2011). Out of these 18 refineries 8 belongs to IOCL. By June 2011 as vision to increase the productivity of oil and GDP Government granted three new refineries two of them s in the private sector. This will increase the competition from the private sector. IOCL is the largest refining company in India from its starting. Currently they are in good position comparing to the other public sectors. Their production is high because of the number of refineries. By the new Government policies the competitive market is rising towards the dominant position of IOCL. Private companies like Reliance, Essar showing fast growth in this sector this will be a threat to IOCL in future. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION Competition in Indian oil industry is being increasing so the company should have to take necessary steps to retain their customers. Now in the business customer is the keen factor that is, Customer sat-is- faction. Therefore IOCL have to focus on their customers needs and satisfaction. It is the method of measuring how product and services distributed by a company meets or surpasses his expectation from the current situation the customers in country are not satisfied by the IOCL. IOCL has a good brand position in Indian oil industry thats why lot of customers are choosing IOCL products. But the firm is not much bothered about their customers. There are lot of complaints regarding their distribution, products availability, service quality, customer service one of the major problem faced by the customers are the booking system. The management is utter fail in that system. The management should have to implement innovative systems. By the privatisation the private firms are coming with attractive customer oriented products Reliance and Essar providing good and timely customer service for their consumers now-a-day the trend shows most of the customers are depending private firms by giving preference to the conformability . IOCLs distribution channel controlling is very narrow with limited systems which were not connecting customers with the company. They have to accept some of the new effective systems in the management that giving customer preference. The customer service in IOCL is one of the major drawbacks of the firm. The customer service should have the ability to satisfy the needs of the customers. Customers are not satisfied with the newly implemented e-payment system. It is remaining as burden over the head of management. Increase in the industry also affected the customer attrition and customer reaction. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY RESEARCH DESIGN According to (Geoffrey Marczyk, 2005) Research Design is the structure and the plan for investigating and covering the collected, measured and investigated data in a blue print. As per AHM (American Heritage College Dictionary) research is a systematic enquiry or investigative study or to analyse something thoroughly. In most simple words it is the method of finding solutions to problems. (Mackey Gass, 2005) Research onion F:Powerpointpe_ukPE083-SaundersFinal_FilesGifch04C04NF001.gif Source : (Saunders et al., 2006) This is a model of research. In this model collection and study of information are considered as layer of onion each layer shows each stage of studies. EXPLORATORY AND CONCLUSIVE RESEARCH http://dstraub.cis.gsu.edu:88/quant/images/figure3small.gif Source: (Detmar strub, 2010) Exploratory Research: This is a method of research using to evaluate the issues and the possibilities of a firm. Forms of this study are secondary data investigation, experience surveys, Pilot studies, focus groups, and pilot study of case analysis. It is mainly based on qualitative information other than the quantitative factors. This method will be helpful to find out the quantitative information about IOCL and Indian Oil and Gas Industry. Source: (Courses, 2012) Conclusive research If considering a conclusive research on IOCL. To find out the quantitative data we have to apply two different type of conclusive research. Descriptive Research This method have been using widely for the researches to study the current position, evaluate the industry and the competitive nature. (DJS Research, 2011). This method is using to analyse the effect of the Crude oil price of IOCL in Indian oil sector. Causal Research This method used to find the factors that cause another issues for the company. It is the evaluation of cause and effects of factors (MJ Research, 2008). Here In the case of IOCL, competitors plays in the downfall of market share price. SAMPLE DESIGN Taking decision on what type of sample should have to choose for study or survey. Method of planning the steps and the procedure to collect the information from the sample of people that available (OECD, 2006) cost effectiveness reasonable factors thorough study time management SAMPLING METHODS Various methods of samplings are using for research purpose. These methods are using for obtaining a sample from general population and it is vital process to evade bias in selection process. (Cramster, 2012) SAMPLING METHODS PROBABILITY SAMPLING NON PROBABILITY SAMPLING Systematic Sampling Stratified Sampling Multi-stage Sampling Convenience Sampling: Judgement Sampling: Quota Sampling: . (Castillo, 2009) PROBABILITY SAMPLING In this method the researcher can accept a sample from a population of same nature. Its a method of collecting samples from a population having equal chances to be selected. There are three types of probability sampling. NON PROBABILITY SAMPLING: This can be says as collection of samples from a specified category of population. It can be says as taking a sample from workers in the IOCL in India and taking information from them. Sample selection will be a random process and cannot be estimate respondents nature. Essentials in non-probability are chosen arbitrarily and there is no chance to estimate any individual built in the sample. (StatisticsCanada, 2009) Collection of Data It is practice or procedure that uses to collect experimental data. There are lot of methods are using for collecting data. The relevancy of the data decides the method that has to follow. There are lot of collection method, Triangulation method is one among them. http://www.watershedplanning.illinois.edu/images/triangle.gif This method is consisting of three steps they are, Historical Research it includes with secondary data collection. In this step should have to collect all the previous data including qualitative and quantitative data. While considering IOCL, collection of information about domestic production of oil in last 8 years. Key Informants is collecting of primary data consisting of qualitative nature. Collection of information regarding performance of HR in IOCL is involved in this step. Surveys final step of collecting data through surveys from samples, customers workers etc it is also a primary data collection. Collection of information of IOCL by giving questionnaires to customers. This data are consisting of both qualitative and quantitative data. https://koppa.jyu.fi/avoimet/hum/menetelmapolkuja/en/methodmap/data-collection/images/circle_coll.gif (Koppa, 2011) This figure shows the methods and areas of data collection data collection. In this figure it describes about the steps of the collecting data. Types of Data http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~renglish/370/notes/chapt08/primary_secondary_data.gif (ROHAN Academic Computing, 2011) COLLECTION METHODS This study is based on the qualitative factors of IOCL India.it is to find out how the issues affecting its management performance? This study is based on the employees survey. It would help to know the management challenges due to the internal and external issues. Methods like focus group interview and pilot studies helped lot to get straight information about IOCL. 3.4 DATA ANALYSIS Data analysis is the process getting collectively quantitative and qualitative data to develop answers to the research questions. (national service resources, 2008) (national service resources, 2008) GANTT CHART