Research Methods in Sociology and Cultural Anthropology Essay Example

Research Methods in Sociology and Cultural Anthropology Paper Anthropology vs Sociology Research Methods These studies that span over a period of years to decades, have the capability to allow collection of a large amount of data over time. Having this additional data can help prove or disprove hypothesis related to changes in the data over time. In Cross Sectional Studies, scientists study a group of individuals with similar traits or characteristics In one observation, at a single time. This method provides Immediate data to analyze. The downside of a Cross Sectional Study Is that there is not much data collected that can show cause and effect. Longitudinal Studies are a form of observational study, where no manipulation of the study or subjects takes place. There are both positives and negatives to the Longitudinal Study. One of the positives, as mentioned earlier, is the study ability to collect large amounts of data. This data can be used to prove or disprove a hypothesis related to change over time. For example, the longest running longitudinal study Is Tartan’s little geniuses, this study has spanned well over 75 years. IN 1921, Dry. Lewis M. Termed, a Stanford university psychologist and a pioneer of the I. Q. Test, scoured Californians schools to identify 1,521 children who scored 135 or over on his new intelligence test, the Stanford-Bines. Additional interviews were conducted every 5 to 10 years on each of the study participants. Over the years more than 100 scientific articles and almost a dozen books have been based on the Termed data. (Coleman) It was not the Initial purpose of the study to produce so much research for review, but due to the length of time allowed for data collection, researchers were able to deduce the information. Cultural Anthropology is another form of Social Science that looks at he cultural influences in a population. P until the 20th century the studies were largely focused on primitive cultures in non-westernizes civilizations. We will write a custom essay sample on Research Methods in Sociology and Cultural Anthropology specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Research Methods in Sociology and Cultural Anthropology specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Research Methods in Sociology and Cultural Anthropology specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Focusing on human natures more primal instincts and how they ultimately effect the groups, or community culture. Two research methods utilized in Cultural Anthropology are Participant Observation and Interviews or Questionnaires. Unlike other forms of research, in participant observation, the researcher can interact with the participants. They may choose immerse themselves into the culture in addition to only observing, in order to gain report and provide a better understanding. When administering interviews or questionnaires, an informal interview approach is preferred. Oftentimes allowing an open dialogue where conversation can continue Deck Ana Torn, wall prove more International tan ten Dalai Ana went answers AT a questionnaire. When performing interviews or providing a questionnaire to subjects, information can oftentimes be one-sided. This methodology has limited data collection ability, in that answers are typically in response to close ended questions and do not allow the participant to elaborate. The data collected by interviews can be more informative by allowing the interviewers to ask open ended questions and ask the subject to elaborate on specific answers. Each of these methods has their strengths. In Cultural Anthropology, the focus is to understand the subjects completely; to determine what drives the culture of the group. When researchers are allowed to immerse themselves in the culture of that group, they gain additional understanding and insight. By following the steps of participant observation the researcher can establish a rapport with the population ND gain additional information through trust. Additionally, the researcher will experience the groups’ way of life which will also add to further understanding. There are several steps to participant observation after you have established rapport within the group, second you â€Å"do as they do†. Simply put, you try to live as the group you are observing is living; learn customs, rituals and routines. During this process continue to make observations and record them. The observations you record are then analyzed at the end of the study. One important step for the researcher is to determine the level of immersion. If the researcher immerses themselves too deeply objectivity could be lost and the study results could be biased or skewed. Participant Observation is the primary mode of study in Cultural Anthropology due to its ability to provide a large amount of data, show cause and effect and generally be unbiased. Longitudinal Studies in Sociology and Participant Observation in Cultural Anthropology have their similarities. Both studies are a form of qualitative research. Qualitative research involves the researcher designing the study, then collecting and analyzing the data. Continuity in the researcher is important to the study as there is a relationship established between them and the study participants. In Tartan’s Study, three generations of researchers have managed the study participants in 75 years. Each director has established themselves with the participants and continued the focus of the research. In observational studies, especially those in which the researcher practices immersion, continuity is crucial to the rapport established within the group. That researcher or group of researchers, are collecting data based on their experiences while living within the group. If a researcher only stayed a day or two before trading off with someone else, they would not have time to develop that relationship and could possibly miss collecting valuable data. Contrastingly, each of these methods of research are used differently. When used in Sociology the focus is that of social interactions between groups or within groups of people. How do people interact with each other, what causes them to act the way that they do? In Cultural Anthropology the culture itself is studied. The deep underlying motives for rituals, community hierarchies and beliefs. In a longitudinal study, the researchers follow the participants through their lifetimes, they do not integrate into their life, they do not try to immerse themselves. They simply observe, periodically checking in on the subject at intervals determined to produce an additional data set. For Sociology, perhaps Tanat Interval Is In canola, adolescence Ana can apneas AT adults Perhaps the observations being made are in relation to social development of a male child raised by a single mom? Does the boy have aggressive tendencies, seek male influence, and have difficulty with relationships? All of this information can be collected throughout the length of the study and deductions can be made from the data. The researcher does not insert themselves into the boys life. They merely make observations. They do not directly interfere with the boys development or environment. In an observational study, that’s exactly what the researcher must do. They must essentially infiltrate the cultural group in which they choose to study. The researcher still must be mindful to not directly interfere, but allowing some immersion will aid in the researchers ability to understand and subsequently interpret the data collected. Each method works as it is intended; each method of observation are frequently used in all areas of research and can be applied in many different ways. As mentioned previously, one single study has managed to produce over 100 separate pieces of work. Many methods of data collection seemingly overlap and it’s up to the researchers in these studies to be aware of the parameters and stay within the boundaries of the study. Doing so will create more factual data to interpret and allow the observations to be recreated, tested and proven.

Free Essays on Tennessee Williams

Tennessee Williams: The Night of the Iguana On March 26, 1911, Thomas Lanier Williams is born in Columbus, Mississippi. He’s the second child and first son of Cornelius Coffin Williams, and Edwina Dakin Williams. Tennessee’s father is a traveling shoe salesman, and due to his frequent absences, his mother and sister Rose live with his maternal grandparents Reverend and Walter E. Dakin in the rectory of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. (Falk 22-23) When Tom was three a nearly fatal attack of diphtheria leaves Tom an invalid for almost two years, during which time he relies heavily on the life of the imagination, fueled by the attentions of his mother, grandmother, sister, and Ozzie. Ozzie is a black nursemaid and teller of supernatural tales, who lives with family until Tom is six. (Leverich 72) At the age of eleven, Tom’s mother buys him a second-hand typewriter. He begins writing stories as a â€Å"compensation† for his discovery of snobbery in â€Å"middle Yu 2 American life.† When he was fifteen he won five dollars for his entry in an essay contest, â€Å"Can a Good Wife be a Good Sport?† The next month he wins ten dollar from Loew’s State Theatre in St. Louis for the best review of the movie â€Å"Stella Dallas†. In that same year he writes â€Å"The Vengeance of Nitocris† his fist published story, for which he is paid thirty-five dollars. (Spoto 44-52) Williams enters the University of Missouri, Columbia in 1929 at age eighteen. That year he wrote his first play â€Å"Beauty is the world†, and wins honorable mention in the University of Missouri dramatic arts contest. In his junior year in college he fails ROTC, and his father refuse to allow him to return there that fall. From years 1931 till 1935 he works daytime in the Continental Shoemakers branch of International Shoe Company for sixty-five dollars a month, and he spends his nights writing stories. (Spoto 62-67) In the summer of 1935 the garden players... Free Essays on Tennessee Williams Free Essays on Tennessee Williams Tennessee Williams: The Night of the Iguana On March 26, 1911, Thomas Lanier Williams is born in Columbus, Mississippi. He’s the second child and first son of Cornelius Coffin Williams, and Edwina Dakin Williams. Tennessee’s father is a traveling shoe salesman, and due to his frequent absences, his mother and sister Rose live with his maternal grandparents Reverend and Walter E. Dakin in the rectory of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. (Falk 22-23) When Tom was three a nearly fatal attack of diphtheria leaves Tom an invalid for almost two years, during which time he relies heavily on the life of the imagination, fueled by the attentions of his mother, grandmother, sister, and Ozzie. Ozzie is a black nursemaid and teller of supernatural tales, who lives with family until Tom is six. (Leverich 72) At the age of eleven, Tom’s mother buys him a second-hand typewriter. He begins writing stories as a â€Å"compensation† for his discovery of snobbery in â€Å"middle Yu 2 American life.† When he was fifteen he won five dollars for his entry in an essay contest, â€Å"Can a Good Wife be a Good Sport?† The next month he wins ten dollar from Loew’s State Theatre in St. Louis for the best review of the movie â€Å"Stella Dallas†. In that same year he writes â€Å"The Vengeance of Nitocris† his fist published story, for which he is paid thirty-five dollars. (Spoto 44-52) Williams enters the University of Missouri, Columbia in 1929 at age eighteen. That year he wrote his first play â€Å"Beauty is the world†, and wins honorable mention in the University of Missouri dramatic arts contest. In his junior year in college he fails ROTC, and his father refuse to allow him to return there that fall. From years 1931 till 1935 he works daytime in the Continental Shoemakers branch of International Shoe Company for sixty-five dollars a month, and he spends his nights writing stories. (Spoto 62-67) In the summer of 1935 the garden players...

Customer service Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Customer service - Essay Example It has become a need for most and strives to satisfy their taste buds and continues to grow (Cantalupo, 2004). Each country has its own Country Manager and General Manager that look after the proceedings of the network existing in that country. Furthermore management is diversified in each city and each outlet to make the responsibilities defined yet all the outlets are connected in a chain and part of a supply chain that ensures safe and healthy food for the valued customers. Its various departments work efficiently and coherently with each other to achieve good quality and excellent service. Time management is the major factor in running such a vast chain of quick service restaurants. For this the supply chain management module is the key to everything. Suppliers need to be trusted and responsible identities as the supply of raw material should be smooth and timely. They have to keep backup of stock so that there is no possibility of shortage or unavailability of order (Lessnau, 20 04). For this they need to keep a constant track of each and every supply of raw materials and require coordination among all departments. During our interview at McDonalds I was told that they forecast three months while managing their supply chain. For instance, now in the month of April, they were forecasting the supply until July and keeping all factors in mind to ensure that there is no shortage or other issues. This requires a coherent hierarchy of authorities and coordination among departments thus giving rise to proper and smooth vertical as well as horizontal communication (Phillips, 2004). The service process at McDonalds is based on Physical or service product bundle theory. They are a restaurant that has its USP not just in the product they are providing but also the service that accompanies with it. Another major aspect of the design process of McDonalds is their face to face interaction with their customers. All of their sales take place after interaction with a McDona lds rep and this is why they play such an integral role in the whole design process. Whether it is the restaurant counter, drive through or hotline for delivery, customers make their purchase through the representative (Chase, Jacobs & Aquilano, 2004). With so many channels of sale in place, it is imperative to have a service process that is flawless. With millions of customers rolling in everyday all around the world and tones of food being sold, any glitch in the design process could prove fatal. In this report, we will be studying the current service process system in place at McDonalds and proposing a new and improved one for them. The service design blueprint The process in place in McDonalds is structured on exquisite supply chain management module that makes it the success it is today. Following is a blueprint of the ordering process when a customer places an order at McDonalds. The above blue print explains how the restaurant backroom functions when a customer places an orde r. This shows the movements of the ingredients from the time the order is placed till the time the order is finally delivered to the customer. However, one thing missing in this is the process where the raw material or the supply chain is being handled. Following is a separate module that McDonalds have in place for that: As displayed in the process

Hobbes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Hobbes - Essay Example Hobbes’ perspective on human nature as self-interested cooperation is an enduring theory of philosophical anthropology (Wildawski, Chai & Swedlow 161). Thesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the work of Thomas Hobbes from a social, political and economic perspective in western civilization. The Paradox of Hobbes Even in his own time, Hobbes was considered to have paradoxical views. Though he was perceived as a fierce controversialist and a brusque dogmatist, his main anger was directed against dogmatism of any kind. Similarly, although he was hostile to the intellectual authority of the churches as in the universities, he wanted his own philosophical works to be the authoritative texts within the universities. Though he praised toleration, he advocated an absolute sovereign with total power over intellectual matters. In place of scepticism, Hobbes promoted science although in an extremely sparse form. He cleared away all that he considered doubtful and w as left with a â€Å"a bare a priori materialism, according to which the universe must consist of material objects causally interacting with one another† (Tuck 129), but the real nature of these objects and their interactions is not known. In the same way, in ethics, Thomas Hobbes eliminated all the complicated ethical theories of his orthodox predecessors whether Aristotelians or humanists, and was left with only the bare principle that people are morally entitled to preserve themselves. Hobbes’ Theory of Human Nature as Self-Interested Cooperation Hobbes had few to receive guidance from on the best way to live, other than sceptics such as Montaigne who had always acknowledged the practical necessity of self-preservation. In alignment with the sceptics, Hobbes also concluded that the laws of one’s country are constitutive of one’s general morality, and that whatever is necessary for one’s preservation has to be morally acceptable. He believed in t aking this stance to radical lengths, and considered the sovereign to be responsible even for defining who a human being is, as in stating that â€Å"upon the occasion of some strange and deformed birth, it shall not be decided by Aristotle, or the philosophers, whether the same be a man or no, but by the laws† (Tuck 129). Thomas Hobbes’ Theory of International Relations Hobbes is a standard or mandatory figure in international relations theory, and also forms the core of one of the major traditions. Along with Machiavelli and sometimes with Thucydides, Hobbes stands as an archetypal proponent of ‘Realism’. Usually, scholars proficient in the study of Hobbes’ political philosophy deal with the theory of international relations in a very brief manner, within a few paragraphs or sentences. Modern international theorists interpret Hobbes work in a fixed manner. â€Å"The basic Hobbesian assumption is that there are no objective principles of moralityà ¢â‚¬  (Malcolm 433). Morality is determined only by the sovereign, once the state is formed. Hobbes’ belief was that the state creates morality as well as law, and that there is neither morality nor law outside the state. Hence, the realist view was that ethical standards were not applicable to relations between states. Similar to Machiavelli, Hobbes perceived politics as â€Å"the practical art of obtaining and preserving state power as an end in itself† (Malcolm 433). However, Hobbes reaches a higher level than Machiavelli through his clear account of the role

Personal development planning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Personal development planning - Essay Example In addition, it motivates a positive attitude towards learning (Healey, Pawson & Solem 2013, p.141). This paper will discuss personal development planning and the importance of various aspects of a student’s life. Interpersonal skills are the evaluation of how masterful an individual is in interacting with others. Interpersonal skills are qualities, common sense, concrete and positive encounters to assist a student to become responsible and caring adults. The interpersonal competencies are necessary for the preparation of students to for the workplace. The interpersonal skills are developed through connecting with others, for instance, socialising with peers, interacting with family members and going to school. The interpersonal skills are critical to solving a dispute with others and minimise stress, promote intimacy and enhance joy. In addition, the skills improve communication, expand comprehension and help to solve disputes (Dyson & Casey 2012, p. 5). The presentation skill is the ability of a student to deliver information while at the same time attaining a maximum influence. Presentations in a students’ life are crucial in assisting them to gain and develop a hob after university. From the working life perspective, presentation skills are essential to individual prosperity, for example, reporting to superiors, sales and training. Presentation skills such as being a fine public speaker build confidence in students that can be expressed in areas of personal and business life. From social life point of view, a god presenter is perceived to have more authority compared to their colleagues (Lee-Davies & Bailey 2007, p 132). Communication skill is the capability to pass on information efficiently and effectively to another. The communication skills assist students to convey details distinctly on emotional and intellectual degrees. A student can describe concepts clearly and have the potential to raise questions in order to refine other

Capacity Management Case Study

Capacity Management Case Study Introduction and background: Capacity management lies at the core of every successful operational strategy whether service or manufacturing. It is part of a larger corporate strategy which is a long term plan to achieve a certain target (Jones and Kutsch, 2007). It is imperative for every organization to know how well its capacity is being utilized as its long term success is based on it (Krajewski and Ritzman, 2002). Capacity measurement helps determine the overall operational costs and forms the basis of important decisions like expansion (Yu Lee, 2002). This paper will endeavour to resolve the capacity management issues of a health facility called Fitness Plus in Greensboro, North Carolina. Fitness Plus began its operations in a large suburban park in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1991. Under health and sports it provides fitness, relaxation and recreational facilities operating 7 days a week (For details see Appendix 1). Customers use the facilities having subscribed to yearly memberships. Lately the area of Greensboro has expanded in population and businesses. Growth in population increased health awareness in residents and has increased demand for fitness facilities. Other health centres have also opened namely YMCA, Oasis and Golds Gym. YMCA offers full range of facilities, Golds Gym has only cardiovascular and weight training and Oasis is restricted to only adults over 16 years of age. Available data indicates that by May 2002 members visiting Fitness Plus every hour during peak time (4 7pm) had doubled to 80 from 1997. The average visits per hour increased from 15 to 25 in a typical day resultantly the facility got overcrowded and complaints arose about non-availability of equipment. Most number of complaints arise in the specific areas of aerobics, nautilus and cardiovascular. The capacity of Fitness Plus needs to be measured and planned properly in order to form an effective operational strategy both in the long and short terms. There are two options available i.e. first is to effectively manage the existing facility which will take few months and second is to build a new facility in the downtown area which might take upto a year to become operational. Due to financial and time constraints a short term solution is needed for now and a long term later. In the following report the capacity issues of Fitness Plus will be discussed in three sections A, B and C. In section A the capacity of Fitness Plus will be measured and analysed to see whether there is sufficient capacity to deal with the immediate issues of overcrowding and non-availability of equipment. Section B will ascertain which capacity strategy would be appropriate for Fitness Plus with the necessary justifications. In section C the adopted strategy would be described in detail and linked with other types of operating decisions i.e. finance, HR, marketing and supply chain. Lastly in the conclusion the crux of main issues and solutions would be summed up. Section A / Question 1: Capacity measurement with details There is no fit for all formula for capacity measurement as businesses vary in their nature and details. A theatre measures capacity in terms of seats and a job shop can measure capacity in number of machine hours (Krajewski, Ritzman and Malhotra, 2010). Jones and Kutsch (2007) are of the opinion that space and equipment hold primary position in capacity measurement thus the measurement would be centered around them. Main complaints are from two issues i.e. unavailability of equipment (Cardiovascular, Nautilus and aerobics) and workout activities being overcrowded. Thus the focus of capacity management in aerobics should be on space and equipment for the workout activities in peak hours. According to the study it is noted that peak times are between 4-7pm and total number of members visiting between that time is 240 (80 per hour). For analysis purpose the figures from the conducted survey (Appendix 1) have been used as following: Nautilus: It consists of 24 pieces of equipment and it is assumed that on an average each member takes 45 minutes to complete the whole course. In one hour the total number of members able to use the equipment would be (60 minutes / 45 minutes x 24 equipments = 31 members). The current usage during peak time is 25% of capacity equalling 20 members per hour. Cardiovascular: It has 29 pieces of equipment and it is assumed that each member takes 45 minutes to complete the exercise. Thus in one hour the total number of members able to use the equipment would be (60 minutes / 45 minutes x 29 equipments = 38 members). The current usage during peak hour is 40% of capacity equalling 32 members per hour. Aerobics: The facility can accomodate 35 members in one session and normally each session lasts for one hour. Thus the current usage during peak hour is 30% of capacity equalling 24 members per hour. Free weights: The case study doesnt hold any details about the space or type of available equipment. There are no complaints arising and 20% of the members use the facility during peak hours which equals 16 members so we assume that it is being utilized appropriately. Recreational activities: There is sufficient room available to accomodate the members during peak hours. Six tennis courts can accomodate between 12 to 24 members to play either 6 single or double games where as currently only 8 members play tennis during peak hours. Same is the case for 8 racquet ball courts which can accomodate between 16 to 32 members for 8 singles or doubles matches. During peak time only 12 members play racquet ball. The assumptions are based on the average calcuaton of each game to last for 1 hour. In case of longer game sessions still there are plenty of courts available to accomodate the demand. Detail of equipment and space are as following: Further analysis: Yu Lee (2002) is of the opinion that correct measurement of capacity is a pre-requisite for the effective management because correct decisions are always based on correct observations. It is a dilemma that one can not precisely measure the utilization capacity for service organizations as it needs constant surveys and observations (Jones and Kutsch, 2007). It has been observed that all the capacity measurements which can be taken are based on the primary data i.e. equipment condition, physical space, type of members, frequency of use, the type of equipment and support system (Yu Lee, 2002). For Fitness Plus another useful capacity measurement technique would be Utilization which is used for equipment, workforce or space. Utilization is the ratio between actual average output of the equipment and the maximum capacity (Krajewski et al., 2010). Utilization = (Average output rate / Maximum capacity) x 100% From the data available in (Figure 1) we can measure the utilization of diffferent equipments as following: Nautilus utilization = 20/31 x 100% = 64.5% (35.5% below capacity) Cardiovascular utilization = 32/38 x 100% = 84.21% (15.79% below capacity) Free weights utilization = 16/16 x 100% = 100% (Full capacity). Tennis courts utilization = 8/12 x 100% = 66.66% (33.33% below capacity) Racquet ball courts utilization = 12/16 x 100% = 75% (25% below capacity) Aerobics Utilization = 24/35 x 100% = 68.5% (31.5% below capacity) For aerobics the full capacity of the room is 35 members at one time which is way above the peak time average of 24 members. Scheduling of aerobics room can be the cause of the problem as the same room is twice a week dedicated for classes of yoga. Based on the above results it can fairly be said that Fitness Plus has enough capacity to effectively manage its existing facility and reduce complaints. There is also a need to determine the type of memebers using the facilities in peak hours i.e. family groups, under 16 students and working adults etc. It will be essential for both short and long term capacity strategies to cater for these groups separately in order to gain the competitive edge. A study should also be conducted to check the codition of the equipment as complaints might have arose partially due breakdown. It should also determine popular machines among the members specially for the cardiovascular and nautilus so the least popular be replaced with the more popular ones to increase the existing capacity. All capacity management plans not only determine the current usage of capacity but also take into account the future fluctuatins in demand. Existing or planned capacity should always leave sufficient cushion for adjustments (Krajewski et al., 2010). Capacity cushion is calculated as 100% minus the percentage of utilization. Upto 10% is considered sufficient to adjust demand fluctuations over time. Capacity cushion = 100% Utilization rate (%) In case of busy health facilities any number of customers can come at any time to use the equipment or space varying the demand significantly thus 20% capacity cushion would be more appropriate to maintain good customer service levels and to suatain any membership increases. Calculations are as following: Nautilus cushion = 100% 64.5% (utilization rate %) = 35.5% Cardiovascular cushion = 100% 84.21% (utilization rate %) = 15.79% Free weights cushion = 100% 100% (assumed utilization rate %) = 0% Tennis courts cushion = 100% 66.66% (utilization rate %) = 33.33% Racquet ball courts cushion = 100% 75% (utilization rate %) = 25% Aerobics cushion = 100% 68.5% (utilization rate %) = 31.5% Fitness Plus equipment and facilities have sufficient existing cushion. The only exceptions are cardiovascular equipment with 15.79% which is not too low and free weights equipment. There is no data available for free weights thus an assumed utilization of 100% is considered which can not be true in reality. On the basis of above calculations and analysis it can be fairly said that Fitness Plus has sufficient capacity to deal with current and future demand fluctuations. An efficient capacity management can result in a significant decrease in complaints and increase service levels and customer satisfaction. Section B / Question 2: Capacity strategy and justification One of the most difficult challenges service managers face is to cope well with uneven demand. The frequent flucuations in demand can lower service levels or result in under utilisation of resources. To avoid these consequences service firms can either adjust their capacity according to the changing demands, influence a change in demand patterns to suit their capacity or a combination of both (Krajewski et al., 2010) (see below figure 2): There are three main capacity strategies i.e. level capacity, chase demand and demand management. Each of these strategies should be adopted when its advantages out weight the disadvantages. Most often operation managers are required to keep low costs, decrease investments and at the same time provide excellent customer service levels making it all the more important for organizations to adopt a mixture of these approaches (Jones and Kutsch, 2007). Fitness Plus should adopt a mixed capacity plan for both its short and long term strategy as explained and justified in the following paragraphs: Level capacity: The capacity is maintined at a constant level all along the planning period and any fluctuations in demand are ignored. High under utilization of resources can make this capacity option very expensive but also very useful where the opportunity cost of single lost sale is very high like in jewellery retailing or real estate (Jones and Kutsch, 2007). At Fitness Plus there is always a possibility of a large number of members coming in any time and very low number of members in off-peak season resulting in either a waiting line or under utilization thus a pure level capacity plan would not be suitable. Chase demand: Chase demand is opposite to level capacity as it tries to match the capacity levels according to the changing demand patterns. It is very difficult plan to act upon as it needs flexible working hours, different number of staff and often different number of euipment in each period. It is suitable for companies which produce either perishable goods or cannot store their outputs such as customer processing. It has a clear advantage of having the appropriate level of staff all the time according to the demand of a particular season (Krajewski et al., 2010). This method requires adjustment of capacity through different means i.e. offering over time in peak and lesser hours in off-peak periods, varying number of employees according to the seasonal requirements, part time contracts and subcontracting (Jones and Kutsch, 2007). Fitness Plus would need to chase demand in the below aspects: As per available data members complain about waiting for the availabiliity of equipment. Application of a waiting line model will increase the service levels by effectively managing the existing capacity and chasing the current demand. A survey is proposed to check which machines are in demand, increasing their numbers and decreasing the least used ones to be in line with the existing demand. A waiting line model will not be suitable for aerobics because the class is preplanned and majority of the members arrive just before the start thus mixing schedules between aerobics and yoga can solve the problem. The number of employees would need to be rescheduled to increase the current service levels. It will reduce excess staff during slower times shifting them to peak times resulting in more personal attention, interaction and customer satisfaction. Developing a new facility will also chase the increase in demand which is expected due to new businesses down town. Demand management: The objective of this strategy is to shift the burden of peak period to off-peak period. Either the demand is changed through various methods or alternate products or services are offered to fill off-peak capacity. The most widely applied method in service industry is pricing to shift the peak demand to off-peak when people are not very interested in buying. Advertising also helps to smooth demand but is expensive and if is un-planned can result in financial loss. Organizations with different demand patterns develop new products and services covering the whole year i.e. univerities filling the lecture rooms during vacations (Jones and Kutsch, 2007). Fitness Plus will be managing demand in certain aspects of its startegy: It is proposed that Fitness Plus should either slightly rise prices during the peak times or provide services which cost lesser to manage demand. They should offer different types of memberships with different prices called price optimization. A non-pricing strategy of advertising off-peak services to waiting customers during peak times would also balance the peak and off-peak demands. Distributing off-peak service coupons during peak times, discounted tickets for relaxation services like massage, health supplements or energy drinks can be offered to balance the demand year round. Through a system of reservations Fitness Plus can fill its capacity and move the excess memberships to the off-peak period by booking a slot when capacity is available to manage it more effectively. Another option can be to partially restrict access of members during peak periods. During peak times mostly members would be working executives thus a restriction can be applied on under 16 members. To compensate them student membership rates can be offered in the off-peak period to encourage members to come more often in off-peak. Employee scheduling should reduce the excess staff during slower times by shifting more employee to peak times. It will result in more customer satisfaction and effective demand management. Often service companies have to opt a mixed capacity strategy as it is very hard to forecast demand and balance existing capacity (Jones and Kutsch, 2007). Operational capabilities do not always match one of the three strategies thus a mixture of chasing and managing demand would be most suitable for Fitness Plus. Section C / Question 3: Capacity strategy and other operational decisions Any capacity decision an organization makes should always be in line with the supply chains and processes within the organization. Taking into account the bigger operational picture is essential for a successful capacity strategy (Krajewski et al., 2010). Both short and long term strategies are discussed in this context below (See Figure 4): Short term strategy: Waiting line model: Peak demand most frequently results in waiting time increases for customers. Waiting line model is considered very useful for service organizations in resolving the problem (Krajewski et al., 2002). This model can be applied to the workout equipment as the waiting line is resulting in bottlenecks. Currently the system is catering for members individual service needs in multiple lines with a mixed arrangement of facilities on first come, first served basis. The arrival and service time distributions need to be calculated including line lengths, number of customers in the system, waiting time, total time in system and utilization of service facilities. After analyzing this data a new layout of the facility might be needed increasing the peak capacity and space for some equipment and reducing or eliminating some. Total 32 members visit the workout room during peak hours taking 45 minutes in completing their routines. On an average each member uses 2 machines during their stay with 20 minutes on each machine plus 5 minutes for the next one. Three customers get served with 20 minutes and an average the arrival rate comes to 2.5 times during an hour. If we take into account repeated visits we get a 80 per hour arrival rate (30 x 2.5) thus members wait approximately 8.6 minutes for a machine. To resolve it the most appropriate model would be a multiple channel, single phase as it will have a single line and more staff to deal with customers ( See Figure 3 below): Operationally this model will facilitate the marketing, HR, finance and supply chain aspects as during peak hours the waiting customers would be in a single line making it easier to display the marketing material on surrounding walls or screens. Financially it will save the expensive investment in media advertising and will make off-peak brochure distribution easier and to more interested existing customers. To serve on multiple service counter HR will need to schedule employees i.e. reducing the excess staff during slower times by shifting more employee to peak times resulting in better customer service. This model will also stream line the supply chain processes and increase service levels. During waiting line news telecasts and entertainment like BBC, Sky Sports etc with seated customer will create a calmer waiting environment and defuse any possible difficult situation. Price related strategy: Fitness Plus can reduce demand during peak hours by diverting surplus users either slightly rising prices or providing services which cost lesser. It can offer different types of memberships with different prices. The best price should be determined keeping in mind that no capacity constraint occurs which is called price optimization. Financially, increasing prices would generate extra revenues as per Shugan (2004) price optimization moves demand from peak to off peak times and increases revenues. But service firms are often hesitant due to its long term negative effects on the business. The presence of strong competitors often makes price increase decisions difficult as a customer can try competitor services and it might result in customer loss. Price increase startegy can also increase pressure on the over all supply chain as customers will start expecting higher service levels and seamless operations. By offering different type of memberships HR might need to recruit more staff to attend customer in both seasons. It can indirectly increase marketing costs as less expensive methods of selling to regular customers in peak season will become less effective due to lesser number of customers. Non-pricing strategies: Peak time is best to contact customers who might be interested in the off-peak offers and services (Kotler, 2001). It is highly likely to come across potential cusomers during Peak periods rather than less direct methods of advertising. In the earlier case customers have already shown their interest in the services and facilities. Thus it is far easier to sell them the off peak services or packages. While waiting for their turn customers can be shown different adverstisements to promote off-peak services which will save money for more expensive marketing campaigns. For regular members off-peak coupons can give further discounts or additional services with minimal incurring costs like massage, health supplements or energy drinks. Another strategy would be to develop a reservation system. It helps to shift the members to off-peak period who would otherwise be waiting during the peak period. When a customer calls to reserve a service or facility he should be given the slots with available capacity. The system works best if it is automated thus optimizing and balancing demand and capacity at the same time. These systems do improve the over all supply chain but also affect financial and HR related operational decisions as they are expensive and need trained staff to operate them. Fitness Plus can also partially restrict access of members during peak periods. A detailed study of the type of members visiting the facility would be needed. Once the data has been gathered on the usage pattern the decision of categorical restrictions can be applied. For example during peak times of 4-7 mostly members would be working executives thus in order to reduce access and optimise the capacity a restriction should be applied on under 16 members using the facility in the same period. To compensate them student membership rates can be offered during the off-peak period. This will encourage the excluded members to come more often during off peak periods. Fitness Plus should also have a survey to determine the popular equipment. The number of popular equipment should be increased and the least popular ones be decreased which will help fill the gap in member requirements. Operationally it can create a supply chain problem of disposing off the least popular equipment and can increase financial pressure of buying new machines. In case of aerobics section complaints there is a possibility of a mixed schedule between aerobics and yoga. A rescheduling of classes on the basis of members demand can ensure that the classes do not clash. It will affect the HR decisions as employee scheduling would be needed and over time might need to be paid. The employees of Fitness Plus also need to be scheduled in order to increase the service levels and reduce the excess staff during slower times. Shifting more employee to peak times will result in more customer satisfaction by having more personal attention and interaction. It will benefit the supply chain by improving process times and facilitating seamless operations. Long term strategies: There are three alternates in the long run which should be based on both qualitative and quantitative bench marking of competitors, capacity and cost estimates: Opening of a new facility downtown Minimal expansion within the current facility on available land Waiting and watching the demand conditions before making any expansion Because customers are already complaining and equipment is being used lesser than its maximum capacity there is some room for minor expansion of the existing facility but is limited due to lack of available land. As the population is increasing steadily and the only full range competitor is YMCA option 1 would be the best choice. It will create sufficient capacity ahead of customer demands. Once the new facility is announced it will be difficult for competitors to expand as it might over burden the market. Financially it is a big decision and would very much depend on the success of the short term strategies. Profits gained through short term measures will ease the financial pressure. Secondly going ahead with new facility downtown will need thorough supply chain planing as the distance between the facilities will make logistical decisions difficult and expensive. Lot of new job will be created and HR department will need to recruit and send and recieve staff between facilities for training and development purposes. It will be a big opportunity for marketing deparatment as lots of new campaigns, hoardings, billboards and advertisements would need to be developed. Conclusion: In this report the capacity issues of Fitness Plus were discussed in details in three sections. A measurement of existing capacity, justification of adopted strategy and links of proposed strategies with other operating decisions were sought. Both short and long term strategies are considered important but the immediate concern of Fitness plus should be to resolve the existing complaints of over crowding and non-availability of equipment. Firstly, in the short term price optimizing strategy of increasing peak prices and offering off-peak packages can work. If it is considered detrimental for the business non-pricing strategies can produce the desired results. Secondly, all the employees should be taken on board in the strategic decisions so that they can handle customer queries more professionally and maintain the desired service levels. Lastly, periodical reviews of the demand forecasting, complaints, equipment and service levels will ensure effective capacity utilzation. Accuracy of data should be maintained by comparing the existing demand with the forecasted demand so that a clear picture of the financial, operational and service needs is obtained. In the long run Fitness Plus needs to refer to its corporate objective and act accordingly either to effectively manage the current equipment and space or build a new branch over time. The earlier the long term strategy is initiated the better. Once the expansion plan is announced new memberships will prove to be a guage for its success and continuous monitoring of population growth, market trends and competitors will keep Fitness Plus ahead of its competitors.

Essay on Flight in Song of Solomon -- Song Solomon Toni Morrison essay

Theme of Flight in Song of Solomon    Clearly, the significant silences and the stunning absences throughout Morrison's texts become profoundly political as well as stylistically crucial. Morrison describes her own work as containing "holes and spaces so the reader can come into it" (Tate 125), testament to her rejection of theories that privilege j the author over the reader. Morrison disdains such hierarchies in which the reader as participant in the text is ignored: "My writing expects, demands participatory reading, and I think that is what literature is supposed to do. It's not just about telling the story; it's about involving the reader ... we (you, the reader, and I, the author) come together to make this book, to feel this experience" (Tate 125). But Morrison also indicates in each of her novels that images of the zero, the absence, the silence that is both chosen and enforced, are ideologically and politically revelatory. Morrison's male characters ... imagine themselves in flight and are almost all in love with airplanes. ... In the tradition of black literature since Richard Wright's Native Son, however, the privilege of flight, at least in airplanes, is mostly reserved for white boys. Black males, in Morrison, fly only metaphorically, and then only with the assistance and the inspiration of black women. According to Baker, in his aptly titled "When Lindbergh Sleeps with Bessie Smith," "flight is a function of black woman's conjure and not black male industrial initiative" (105). ... Song of Solomon opens with the image of attempted flight, as Robert Smith, ironically an agent of the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance company, promises to "take off from Mercy and fly away on my own wings" (3). Pilate (P... ... style and in an attempt to discount linearity as a value.) It would be worse than useless, for example, to talk about "plot development" in Morrison's novels; there is plot, certainly, but its revelation culminates or evolves through a process of compilation of multiple points of view, varieties of interpretation of events (and some of these contradictory), through repetition and reiteration. As there is no "climax," in the usual sense, so also there is no resolution, no series of events that can conveniently be labeled "beginning, middle, end." Works Cited: McKay, Nellie, editor, Critical Essays on Toni Morrison, G.K. Hall, 1988. Morrison, Toni. Song of Solomon. New York: Penguin Books, 1987. Rigney, Barbara Hill. The Voices of Toni Morrison, Ohio State University Press: Columbus, 1991. Tate, C., ed. Black Women Writers at Work, Continuum, 1986.

Lesson Plan for Social Studies Class Grades 9-12

UnitSocial Studies:   The Civil War — Emancipation ExperienceObjectiveThrough this lesson, the students will be able to:  1. Given a particular situation, recognize the period of history portrayed following the inquiry period.  2.   Given a particular scenario, distinguish groups after the inquiry period.  3.   Study and come into contact with changeable emotions of every group.  4.   Examine and differentiate the differences in the lifestyle of every group.  5.   Assume/imagine and identify with what life was like for Americans during that period.RationaleHardly any event in mankind can measure up to the damage and destruction of war.   However, nearly every generation of man cannot break away from its ongoing reality. Our country has also had its won share of experiences of war. Ever since our origin, with the American Revolutionary War, our country has already been at war.   In addition, in our 200 plus years of survival there was one war that cannot be matched up to to any other war when measured in terms of devastation and American loss of lives — the American Civil War.   Just like any civil war there is no winner- just a loser, as losses on both sides make up the entire loss of that nation.   This lesson will try to look at the changes that occurred in the lives of Americans that were the outcome of this catastrophic war.Therefore, the rationale of this inquiry lesson is to provide students an affective encounter of the pre and post American Civil War incident on Americans- both Whites and Blacks (or northerners and southerners).ContentGroup activity using charts and internalizing the role of each groups involved in the Civil War.Procedures1.   By means of random, divide class into three (3) groups- A, B, C according to size.Group A (Slaves)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1/4 of classGroup B (S. Whites)   1/4 of classGroup C (N. Whites)   1/2 of classNote:   Don’t inform the class what every group stand f or.2.   Then instruct every member to name themselves utilizing a marker and a piece of tape.   It must be visible.3.   Move desks apart from each other and split the classroom in half.   Break up the room by means of putting tape on the floor.   Area I will be shared by Groups A and B.   Next, move desks so that 1/4 of area I is free of desks and chairs and then put newspapers on the floor.   This area must be surrounded with tape.  4.   Next, show Chart I to all the groups and inform them regarding each group's location, food allotment, and movement as shown below:Chart IGroup  Ã‚   Location  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Food Allotted  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   MovementA  Ã‚  Ã‚   Sit on newspapers  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Plate of broken crackers  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   NoneB  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Sit on chair in area I or II  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Plate of whole crackers  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Full (everywhere in the      classroomC  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Sit on chair in area I or II  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Plate of whole crackers     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Full (everywhere in the  classroom)  5.   Start conducting Part I for a period of 5-10 minutes.   Guide groups to their own location, their capability to move without restraint or none at all, and provide every group either whole or broken crackers on a plate to be shared with that group.   Allow member of just groups B and C speak without restraint to one another.   But let every group speak to each other.  6.   End Part I.   Show Chart II to the class, which contain as follows:Chart IIGroup  Ã‚   Location Food Allotted      MovementA  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chairs      Plate of broken crackers  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   Shaded areaB  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chairs       Plate of broken crackers  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Area I onlyC  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chairs       Plate of whole crackers  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Area II only7.   After showing Chart II, direct the class to start conducting Part II for a period of five (5) minutes. At this time, movement or talking between groups B and C is prohibited since they should stay put in their particular areas (I or II). Then, take out 1/2 the members from group B and put them into a neutral corner where they would not be able to eat, speak, or move from their chairs.8.   End Part II.   After the Part II activity, show Chart III explain to the class as follows:Chart IIIGroup  Ã‚   Location         Food Allotted  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   MovementA  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chairs                  Plate of whole crackers  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   FullB  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chairs                  None   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   FullC  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chairs                  Plate of whole crackers  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Full9.   After showing chart III, you can start conducting Part III for a period of five (5) minutes.   Guide students just like what was done in Part I and Part II consistent with what is instructed in Chart III.   Remove the shaded area.   Do away with all tape placed on the floor.   The groups can now freely move.   But, Group B merely receives broken crackers.10.     End Part III and the whole activity.   Arrange the room to bring it back to its original order.MaterialsMasking tape, pen markers, chart paper/chalk board, newspapers, 5 packages saltines/crackers, and 3 paper plates.AssessmentAt the end of the activity, ask the students the following questions to assess their feelings and reactions about the act ivity:1.  Ã‚   What can you say about this activity? Did you like it? If yes, why? If no, why not?2.   How did you feel about being in Group A, B, or C?3.   In your opinion, how did the groups differ from each other?4.   What do you think was the best group to be in?   How about the worst group to be in?5.   What primary event in American History did this simulation describe?Answer:   The American Civil War.  6.   Who do you think did each group stand for?Answer:   Group A. represented the Black SlavesGroup B symbolized the White SouthernersGroup C stood for the White Northerners7.   What do you think did the headings in the charts symbolized?Answer:   Location (floor or chairs) represented social statusFood Alloted (either whole or broken crackers) symbolized economic statusMovement (either full or restrained) symbolized political status8.   In your opinion, what did Parts I, II, III stood for?Answer:   Part I stood for the Pre Civil War periodPart II. r epresented the Civil War era  Part III represented the Post Civil War period9.   Consistent with the headings of the charts and what they symbolized, what can you say or notice about every group?Example:   Compared to Groups B & C, Group A was instructed to sit on the floor  Ã‚  Ã‚   symbolizing a lower social status, they also had to eat broken crackers representing a lower economic status, and were just limited to move in a particular area. Thus, Group A stood for the Black Slaves of the South.   The, take note of the change in Group's A status from Part I to Part III depicting the changes from the Pre to the Post Civil War period.Meanwhile, for Group B, in Part I, they were instructed to sit on chairs and eat whole crackers and also to move freely. Hence, it can be said that these activities symbolized good, economic, social, and political status.   Nevertheless, in Part II they had be restricted to move outside of Area I since battle lines were established between th e North and South. .Moreover, the South survived extreme devastation and destruction since most of the war happened there.   This was represented when half of the group was pulled out and placed into a neutral area.   Then, in Part III, social and political status were recovered as movement was not restricted and chairs were utilized.   But their economic status turned negative, as symbolized by broken crackers because it experienced devastation and destruction of its factories and cities.   Moreover, due to the closure of plantations and freedom of slaves, agriculture transformed and changed drastically.Then for Group C, all throughout the three parts (I, II, & III), they enjoyed good economic, political, and social status since the war happened on southern soil thus the northern property was not destroyed.Rubric:Group Learning ActivityRubric A: ProcessExceptional Admirable Acceptable Amateur  Exceptional Admirable Acceptable Amateur Group Participation Every member activ ely participate At least  ¾ of the members enthusiastically participate At least half of the members share their ideas Only one or two members enthusiastically participate Shared Responsibility Responsibility for task is equally shared among members Most group members share the responsibility Only  ½ of the group members share the responsibility The members depend only one member Quality of Interaction Members display excellent leadership and listening skills;   in their discussions, members display awareness   and knowledge of other's ideas and opinions s During interaction, members exhibit   adeptness; active  discussion and interaction focuses on the task  Members display some capability to interact; members listen attentively; there is some proof of discourse or  alternativeThere is only little interaction; members converse briefly; some  students show disinterest Roles within the Group every member was assigned a  distinctly specified role; the  group memb ers execute  roles successfully and effectively every member was assigned a  role, however, roles are not clearly  specified or systematically  followed.Members were given roles to perform, however, roles were not  consistently followed.  No effort was shown to assign roles to every group member ReferencesCommager, H.   (1982). The Story of the Civil War as Told by Participants.   Fairfax Press,   Ã‚  Ã‚   1982.Jasmine, J. (1993) Portfolios and Other Assessments. California: Teacher Created   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Materials.Rubistar.   Create Your Rubric.   Retrieved April 29, 2006 from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://rubistar.4teachers.orgSass, E.   Social Studies Lesson Plans and Resources.   Retrieved April 29, 2006 from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.cloudnet.com/~edrbsass/edsoc.htm

Free Essays on Nagarjuna

NAGARJUNA Nagarjuna lived in the first to second century C.E. He was born into a brahmin family of Vidarbha (Beda) in South India. At his birth, astrologers foretold that he would die at a very tender age but that his life span could be extended for a maximum of seven years by making consecrated offerings to monastics (life in Buddah, page 344). Nagarjuna’s devout parents thus succeeded in lengthening the boy’s life span to the age of seven. But at that point, they were told that no amount of rituals could further prevent his death. Unable to bear the pain of watching their beloved son’s premature death, they sent him forth traveling with a trusted servant (life in Buddha page 413). On his travels in South India, the boy had a vision of the transcendental Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who guided him to the gates of the famous monastic university of Nà ¢landà ¢. There, the renowned adept Saraha (also known as Rà ¢hulabhadra) learned of his story and recommended reciting the mantra of Buddha Amità ¢yus (â€Å"Long Life†) to extend his life span (total zen, page 27). On his eighth birthday, Saraha initiated the boy into the practice (sà ¢dhana) of Amità ¢yus, and thus he was the spared the fate predicted by the astrologers. Nagarjuna or Siddhipà ¢da, as the boy was known then, studied and practice vigorously and soon, under the protectorship of Buddha Manjushri, excelled in all branches of Buddhist learning. Later he was appointed as the abbot of Nà ¢landà ¢(life in Buddah, page 678). According to one legend, Siddhipà ¢da acquired the name Nagarjuna as follows. One day, a yogin who had been angered by monks of Vikramashà ®la, another famous Buddhist university of ancient India, set the monastery complex on fire by magical means. The smoke from the fire caused Mucilinda, the ruler of the serpent race, to fall seriously ill(life in buddah, page 680). The call went out for the land’s most knowledgeable healer to intervene, and Siddhip... Free Essays on Nagarjuna Free Essays on Nagarjuna NAGARJUNA Nagarjuna lived in the first to second century C.E. He was born into a brahmin family of Vidarbha (Beda) in South India. At his birth, astrologers foretold that he would die at a very tender age but that his life span could be extended for a maximum of seven years by making consecrated offerings to monastics (life in Buddah, page 344). Nagarjuna’s devout parents thus succeeded in lengthening the boy’s life span to the age of seven. But at that point, they were told that no amount of rituals could further prevent his death. Unable to bear the pain of watching their beloved son’s premature death, they sent him forth traveling with a trusted servant (life in Buddha page 413). On his travels in South India, the boy had a vision of the transcendental Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who guided him to the gates of the famous monastic university of Nà ¢landà ¢. There, the renowned adept Saraha (also known as Rà ¢hulabhadra) learned of his story and recommended reciting the mantra of Buddha Amità ¢yus (â€Å"Long Life†) to extend his life span (total zen, page 27). On his eighth birthday, Saraha initiated the boy into the practice (sà ¢dhana) of Amità ¢yus, and thus he was the spared the fate predicted by the astrologers. Nagarjuna or Siddhipà ¢da, as the boy was known then, studied and practice vigorously and soon, under the protectorship of Buddha Manjushri, excelled in all branches of Buddhist learning. Later he was appointed as the abbot of Nà ¢landà ¢(life in Buddah, page 678). According to one legend, Siddhipà ¢da acquired the name Nagarjuna as follows. One day, a yogin who had been angered by monks of Vikramashà ®la, another famous Buddhist university of ancient India, set the monastery complex on fire by magical means. The smoke from the fire caused Mucilinda, the ruler of the serpent race, to fall seriously ill(life in buddah, page 680). The call went out for the land’s most knowledgeable healer to intervene, and Siddhip...

Relevance of Hierarchy

Relevance of Hierarchy Introduction Contemporary organisations exist in a highly dynamic climate in which high employee turnover, changing market demands and cut throat-competition are a reality. These forces are incompatible with a system in which enforcement of the status quo is the key objective.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Relevance of Hierarchy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Hierarchy is one such system, and it constrains an organisation’s response to its internal and external environment. The essay will focus on how hierarchy makes organisations uncompetitive in the wake of the modern business environment. It will look at factors that mediate poor results and the consequences of those factors. The irrelevance of hierarchy in organisations of today Hierarchical organisations presuppose that an individual has absolute authority. However, the logic of such an assumption is questionable in modern organisations. Companie s today have complex ownership systems that make absolute authority impractical. For instance, one may have two or more partners to consider in decision-making. Partnership structures are especially common in the legal professions, where several individuals have to share authority. Alternatively, an organisation may be publically traded. This implies that hundreds of shareholders could be regarded as the owners of the organisation. Therefore, power must be distributed in these institutions. Absolute authority simply has no place in contemporary businesses because even owners must share power. The modern business environment is becoming highly competitive. Therefore, successful firms must deliver results; businesses that hold workers accountability are the ones that deliver results. For this to happen, companies need to distribute authority on the basis of task accountability rather than arbitrary hierarchic levels. This means that workers need to have substantial control over the wa y they meet organisational objectives. Hierarchy breeds an atmosphere of departmental thinking. Sometimes divisions could develop rivalries that are detrimental to the achievement of organisational objectives. They would use their hierarchical levels to benefit themselves rather than the organisation. In essence, hierarchies create defensive attitudes that destroy the overall well being of organisations (Hales 2002).Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Market demands are changing at lightning speed today. As a result, companies ought to respond to the consumers’ needs quickly. If an organisation possesses a deeply hierarchical system, chances are that it will take too long to communicate these varying market patterns to other members of the organisation. By the time information gets to top management, it may be too late to act. Competitors without tall stru ctures are better-suited to a fast-changing consumer market. In line with the above argument is the resistance to long-term change and innovation. Modern companies become leaders among their peers through constant innovation and change. At a theoretical level, hierarchy entrenches standards and the status quo. In practice, it is increasingly difficult to have a culture of frequent change and innovation if a hierarchical structure is a key trait of the organisation. Bureaucracies often strive to deal with short term problems. They try to eliminate disruptions as much as possible, and management processes mostly focus on efficiency (McSweeney 2006). Contemporary firms do not have the luxury of maintaining the status quo. Businesses like General Motors, Apple, Amazon, and Zara are at the top of their industries because they have entrenched a culture of innovation. Hierarchical firms do not harness new opportunities when they come along because their core goal is to optimise processes. One should note that change is not completely impossible in the hierarchical firm. In fact, statistics indicate that short term changes are quite common in these firms. The major challenge is accommodating long term change. If an organisation plans on altering its product portfolio or redesigning the firm’s strategic model, then chances are that flat structures will provide a favourable environment for the change. Little evidence exists on the ability of hierarchical institutions to allow and facilitate these large-scale changes.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Relevance of Hierarchy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Centralisation has an adverse effect on performance. Experiments covered by Anderson Brown (2010) indicated that groups in which tasks were simple seemed to perform better in hierarchic systems than flat ones. However, those groups where tasks were more complex seemed to work better in flat structures as their performance was quite impressive. They had greater control over decisions and reported fewer errors. 100% of them reported fewer errors, and their solutions came at a 60% faster rate than their decentralised counterparts. It should be noted that the author was talking about experiments in which participants worked in groups. Their interactions mirrored that of real organisations. Nonetheless, other experiments on the effect of hierarchy on performance have demonstrated a positive correlation. However, these studies can be countered on the basis of their research designs. Most of them claimed to simulate hierarchic systems, but they asked the supervisors to encourage participation and keep their opinions to themselves. Clearly, one can question the veracity of such an experiment. Nonetheless, one can still learn a lot from the above experiments, because if tasks are complex, then flat structures work best. The question one must ask is whether organisations of toda y have straightforward or complex tasks. In comparison to firms that existed a century ago, there is no doubt that companies have evolved. They are developing fast and efficient ways of producing. Businesses need to consider a myriad of factors before they complete tasks. As a consequence, most of them would be supported by flat structures in order to increase performance. In non simulated, field environments, studies show that organisations tend to yield better results when they have less hierarchy. Ouchi (2006) looked at school districts in which less hierarchy prevailed and compared them with bureaucratic school districts. He found that the former had better test results. This emanated from the fact that school principals had power to alter test scores. Poor performance in hierarchical firms emanates from pay differentials. CEOs of tall organisations are more likely to exhibit pay differentials between themselves and their employees than those without a hierarchical system. In an attempt to enforce hierarchical systems, organisations often pay senior members of the hierarchy more money than lower level employees.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This disparity creates a negative effect on the entire organisation as low-level employees, who are the majority, develop resentment. Carpenter and Sanders (2002) found that firms where pay differentials were minimal, and in line with their input, had greater returns on assets than their counterparts. If payment were irrelevant to one’s rank and more in line with the complexity of an individual’s task, then chances are that employees will have a positive attitude to the company. Hierarchy undermines this effect by showing that some employees are more valuable than others, regardless of their current input. Absence of hierarchy leads to better performance and even more importantly a greater level of loyalty to the organisation. In terms of employees’ attitudes, research also demonstrates that hierarchy is becoming increasingly irrelevant in most organisations. If an organisation is steep, its employees’ attitudes are likely to be negative. Members’ satisfaction decreases by high percentages when a person changes a corporation from an egalitarian to a centralised one. This comes about due to perceptions that individuals have concerning their self esteem, in relation to the organisation. People tend to be frustrated when they feel that their input does not merit as much weight as other colleagues’ input. The question one must ask is whether employee attitudes are relevant to contemporary businesses. Numerous human resource exist on the relevance of employee attitude in organisations. Researchers found that workers exhibit lower degrees of employee turnover if they have a positive attitude towards their organisations. In this era of high employee turnover, in many retail industries, it is essential to adopt a structure that fosters positive employee attitudes. Therefore, the relevance of hierarchy in this matter is quite questionable. Ranks and other differentiations that are common to hierarchic systems have an adverse ef fect on workers’ motivation. A person occupying a lower rank in the hierarchy will be unmotivated because of three key reasons. First, they will think that their position gives them little to contribute. This causes them to become more passive and eventually less effective. Additionally, their perception of members in the hierarchy increases dramatically. The thought process causes them to infer decisions and actions upon highly-ranked employees in the same manner that children differ contributions to their parents. Locke and Anderson (2010) proved this assertion when they analysed persons in lower ranks in a number of institutions, he found that many of them will do less discussion and decision making in the presence of their superiors. They explained that their behaviour emanated from their impression of their superiors as more intelligent and more competent than they were. Additionally, low-ranking employees may feel like their presence in a group predisposes them to unequ al treatment. Most times, these problems stem from a low ratio of reward to contribution. High-ranking members often take credit for employees’ contributions, and this causes them to lose motivation. Modern organisations are in a place where workers are increasingly aware of their rights and entitlements. They will look for other alternatives if they lack motivation from their workplaces. Consequently, those firms that insist on using hierarchy today will find that their employees are unmotivated and will look for opportunities elsewhere. Some factors moderate the effect of hierarchy in modern organisations. One of them is in the former sections; that is, task complexity. A second aspect in the same is the selection of the right leaders. Studies indicate that if leadership selection occurs properly, then hierarchy becomes a workable tool in an organisation. For people to select the right leaders, then they must do so in an unbiased and democratic way. However, many organisati ons appear to lack the capacity to select the right leaders because they pay attention to other details that have little bearing on democracy. Hierarchic systems tend to refrain from the use of democracy because members assume that leaders at the top know what is best for the firm. In this regard, their leadership selection is likely to go wrong, which brings about negative outcomes. Such findings prove that modern organisations must rethink their dependence on hierarchy. Corrupting consequences of power are also another moderator of hierarchy. In hierarchic systems, organisations place people in different ranks, which can corrupt their decision-making, behaviour and their thought processes. A lot of power gives people access to rewards like physical comforts, pay perks and non monetary rewards like praise, attention and esteem. It should be noted that not all people that access power demonstrate harmful behaviour, but the possibility is quite clear. Galinsky et. al. (2006) proved t his when they conducted an analysis of power positions. They concluded that power causes people to pay minimal attention to others, and this leads to a disregard of their input. Keltner et. al. (2003) found that people became more objectifying in positions of power. They also lack social awareness about norm-violating behaviour. Some of them may consider others as a means to an end. They often think about their subordinates as tools that can be manipulated for their own good. Power, as concentrated in centralised systems, alters leader’s decision-making abilities. It leads many of them to disregard the effect of risk on the decision processes. In the past, where organisations had monopolistic control over markets, businesses could afford the luxury of skewed decision making, poor perception of risk, and norm violating behaviour. However, in today’s hyper competitive and connected world, these attributes could become catastrophic to an organisation. Since hierarchy is t he source of these corruptive effects, then its necessity should be rethought. Conclusion Hierarchy is irrelevant in modern organisations. Not only does it stifle horizontal and vertical communication, but it makes business environments hostile to change. The phenomenon does not hold members accountable for their tasks; it instead focuses on arbitrary ranks. In today’s fast paced- world, this makes hierarchy irrelevant. Additionally, hierarchy reduces employee motivation and attitude. These are invaluable traits in organisations of today, which suffer from high employee turnover. Perhaps most importantly, hierarchy is irrelevant today because it reduces performance, especially in complex tasks. Companies that want to stay ahead of the competition must heighten performance; therefore, hierarchy is unnecessary. References Anderson, C Brown, C 2010, ‘The functions and dysfunctions of hierarchy’, Research in Organisational behaviour, vol. 2 no. 27, pp. 35. Carpenter , M Sanders, G 2002, ‘Top management team compensation: the missing link between CEO pay and firm performance?’, Strategic Management Journal, vol. 23 no. 4, pp. 367-375. Galinsky, A, Magee, J, Inesi, E, Gruenfeld, H 2006, ‘Power and perspectives not taken’, Psychological Science, vol. 17 no. 13, pp. 1068-1074. Hales, C 2002, ‘‘Bureaucracy-lite’ and Continuities in Managerial Work’ British Journal of Management, vol. 13 no. 19, pp. 51-66. Keltner, D, Gruenfeld, H Anderson, C 2003, ‘Power, approach and inhibition’, Psychological Review, vol. 110 no. 5, pp. 265-284. Locke, C Anderson, C 2010, ‘The downside of looking like a leader: Leader’s powerful demeanor stifles follower voice in participative decision making’, Academy of Management Review, vol. 3 no. 17, pp. 1-35. McSweeney, B 2006, ‘Are we living in a post-bureaucratic epoh?’ Journal of Organisational Change Management, vol. 19 n o. 4, pp. 22-37. Ouchi, W 2006, ‘Power to the principals: Decentralisation in three large school districts’, Organisation Science, vol. 17 no. 8, pp. 298-307.

Teenagers would not undergo cosmetic surgery Essay

Teenagers would not undergo cosmetic surgery - Essay Example For example, invention of computers have made people lethargic and has led them to develop different physical conditions like obesity, heart problem, hypertension, back pain etc. Moreover, instead of becoming the masters of technology, human beings have become slave to it. Their capacity to have patience and lead a ‘natural’ life has decreased to a great extent. Hence, instead of making a proper and positive use of scientific advancements, people are taking disadvantage by either using it in wrong way or by overusing it. The most striking example of misuse of scientific advancement is the field of ‘plastic surgery’. Plastic surgery is being misused so much that the main intention of it, which is to correct the deformities in human beings, has gone for toss. What is more concerning is the fact that not only adults but even adolescents have become a victim of misuse of plastic surgery. The media driven world has created havoc in the lives of teenagers and has driven them to take drastic steps in an effort to ‘look’ like their celebrity idols (Freund 225). The cosmetic and TV industry, by showing a false picture of cosmetic surgery, has gripped the teenage mind so strongly that teenagers are going for surgeries without even making efforts to understand the dangers related to it (Freund 225). Hence, it is high time for parents, doctors and counselors to create awareness among teenagers and adults, about the uselessness and life threatening results of cosmetic surgery, by bringing the ‘reality’ in front of them and making them realize that success and happiness depends on the strength of their mind, soul and heart, and not on the way they look. Right to look good Every person desires that he should look good and have a shapely body. The desire to look beautiful, shapely and attractive is more strong and prominent among girls. The desire for beautiful and perfect body not only comes from desire to look like their id ols but also from a desire to ‘fit in’ socially (Lukash 1). Aiming to look beautiful and attractive is not bad at all. According to plastic surgeon Frederick Lukash, it ‘does’ matter how one looks, as looks contribute a lot in acceptance of person by the society (p.1). Physical appearance has become one of the most important aspects of success in life. Good looks increase the possibilities of social acceptance, career growth, getting love in life, and interacting with people without having any inferior complex about looks. Good physical appearance gives great confidence and that is the reason people keep their bodies clean, look tidy, join gyms, spend a lot on wardrobe and try different diets (Lukash 1). People are always in search of different means to look beautiful and to enhance their physical appearance. However, most of the methods help in changing just the outer appearance of the body. Hence, for those people who desire to look great and modify their body structure not just temporarily but permanently, plastic surgery has proved to be a boon. Plastic surgery is encouraged by people who think that everyone has a right to look good because people’s look affects not only their physical appearance but also their emotional and psychological state. Improving confidence Beautiful looks are mostly hereditary in nature. People with beautiful parents are born with beautiful physical features which enhances their looks.

With reference to Britain OR the United States in the period Essay

With reference to Britain OR the United States in the period 1880s-1920s, critically examine the waysin which the child saving movement shaped the evolution of systems of care and control for the deliquent - Essay Example Accordingly, since the onset of Victorian era ideals surrounding the ability of society to handle juveniles who are behaving in a delinquent manner, much attention has been given to the issues surrounding youth crime, youth violence and overall juvenile delinquent behavior. Significantly, the child saving movement of the 19th century paved the way for a reevaluation of the conditions of child poverty and stimulated important changes with respect to the ways in which the state interacted with poor children. Seeking to address the issues associated with juvenile delinquency in the 19th century with respect to how juvenile delinquent behavior was understood with reference to the norms and expectations of the era, the following hopes to provide a thorough and concise analysis of perceptions of juvenile delinquency before, as well as after, the 19th century. This essay will ask, how did the child saving movement shape the evolution of systems of care and control for the delinquent? Follow ing this, we turn to an overview of antecedents to reform in the United States and the fundamental changes undertaken during this period. We then explore the changes and conclude with an overview of the issues discussed in this analysis of juvenile delinquency and the child-saving reform movement during the middle half of the 19th century (Lawrence, 2007; RouÄ ek, 1958). During the height of the 19th century, many children lived and worked in miserable social conditions. Accordingly, renowned theorists such as Karl Marx sought to address the horrific living conditions of the working poor and child labor was an important feature of this early industrial period of economic development. Child savers were at the forefront of change in the living and working conditions of young people as they pushed for important reforms in child labor laws, public education for all and important