Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Battle of Gallipoli in World War I

Battle of Gallipoli in World War I The Battle of Gallipoli was fought during World War I (1914-1918) and represented an attempt to knock the Ottoman Empire out of the war. The plan for the operation was conceived by First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill who believed warships could force the Dardanelles and strike directly at Constantinople. When this proved unfeasible, the Allies elected to land troops on the Gallipoli Peninsula to open the straits. The early stages of the campaign were badly handled and Allied forces were effectively trapped in their beachheads. Though the Allies spent much of 1915 trying to breakout, they were not successful and the decision was made to withdraw late that year. The campaign marked the Ottoman Empires greatest victory of the war. Fast Facts: Gallipoli Campaign Conflict: World War I (1914-1918)Dates: February 17, 1915-January 9, 1916Armies Commanders:AlliesGeneral Sir Ian HamiltonAdmiral Sir John de Robeck489,000 menOttoman EmpireLieutenant General Otto Liman von SandersMustafa Kemal Pasha315,500 menCasualties:Allies: Britain - 160,790 killed and wounded, France - 27,169 killed and woundedOttoman Empire: 161,828 killed, wounded, and missing Background Following the entry of the Ottoman Empire into World War I, First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill developed a plan for attacking the Dardanelles. Using the ships of the Royal Navy, Churchill believed, partially due to faulty intelligence, that the straits could be forced, opening the way for a direct assault on Constantinople. This plan was approved and several of the Royal Navys older battleships were transferred to the Mediterranean. On the Offensive Operations against the Dardanelles began on February 19, 1915, with British ships under Admiral Sir Sackville Carden bombarding Turkish defenses with little effect. A second attack was made on the 25th which succeeded in forcing the Turks to fall back to their second line of defenses. Entering the straits, British warships engaged the Turks again on March 1, however, their minesweepers were prevented from clearing the channel due to heavy fire. Another attempt to remove the mines failed on the 13th, leading Carden to resign. His replacement, Rear Admiral John de Robeck, launched a massive assault on Turkish defenses on the 18th. This failed and resulted in the sinking of two old British and one French battleships after they struck mines. General Sir Ian Hamilton, 1910. Library of Congress Ground Forces With the failure of the naval campaign, it became clear to Allied leaders that a ground force was going to be needed to eliminate the Turkish artillery on the Gallipoli Peninsula which commanded the straits. This mission was delegated to General Sir Ian Hamilton and the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. This command included the newly formed Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), the 29th Division, the Royal Naval Division, and the French Oriental Expeditionary Corps. Security for the operation was lax and the Turks spent six weeks preparing for the anticipated assault. Ottoman machine gun team during the Gallipoli Campaign. Bundesarchiv, Bild 183-S29571 / CC-BY-SA 3.0 Opposing the Allies was the Turkish 5th Army commanded by General Otto Liman von Sanders, the German advisor to the Ottoman army. Hamiltons plan called for landings at Cape Helles, near the tip of the peninsula, with the ANZACs landing further up the Aegean coast just north of Gaba Tepe. While the 29th Division was to advance north to take the forts along the straits, the ANZACs were to cut across the peninsula to prevent the retreat or reinforcement of the Turkish defenders. The first landings began on April 25, 1915, and were badly mismanaged (Map). Meeting stiff resistance at Cape Helles, British troops took heavy casualties as they landed and, after heavy fighting, were finally able to overwhelm the defenders. To the north, the ANZACs faired slightly better, though they missed their intended landing beaches by about a mile. Pushing inland from Anzac Cove, they were able to gain a shallow foothold. Two days later, Turkish troops under Mustafa Kemal attempted to drive the ANZACs back into the sea but were defeated by tenacious defending and naval gunfire. At Helles, Hamilton, now supported by French troops, pushed north towards the village of Krithia. Trench Warfare Attacking on April 28, Hamiltons men were unable to take the village. With his advance stalled in the face of determined resistance, the front began to mirror the trench warfare of France. Another attempt was made to take Krithia on May 6. Pushing hard, Allied forces only gained a quarter mile while suffering heavy casualties. At Anzac Cove, Kemal launched a massive counterattack on May 19. Unable to throw the ANZACs back, he suffered over 10,000 casualties in the attempt. On June 4, a final attempt was made against Krithia with no success. Gridlock After a limited victory at Gully Ravine in late June, Hamilton accepted that the Helles front had become a stalemate. Seeking to move around the Turkish lines, Hamilton re-embarked two divisions and had them landed at Sulva Bay, just north of Anzac Cove, on August 6. This was supported by diversionary attacks at Anzac and Helles. Coming ashore, Lt. General Sir Frederick Stopfords men moved too slowly and the Turks were able to occupy the heights overlooking their position. As a result, the British troops were quickly locked into their beachhead. In the supporting action to the south, the ANZACs were able to win a rare victory at Lone Pine, though their main assaults on Chunuk Bair and Hill 971 failed. Soldiers of the Royal Irish Fusiliers in the trenches on the southern section of Gallipoli Peninsula during World War I. Australian War Memorial On August 21, Hamilton attempted to revive the offensive at Sulva Bay with attacks on Scimitar Hill and Hill 60. Fighting in brutal heat, these were beaten off and by the 29th the battle had ended. With the failure of Hamiltons August Offensive, fighting calmed as British leaders debated the future of the campaign. In October, Hamilton was replaced by Lt. General Sir Charles Monro. After reviewing his command, and influenced by the entry of Bulgaria into the war on the side of the Central Powers, Monro recommended evacuating Gallipoli. Following a visit from Secretary of State for War Lord Kitchener, Monros evacuation plan was approved. Beginning on December 7, troop levels were drawn down with those at Sulva Bay and Anzac Cove departing first. The last Allied forces departed Gallipoli on January 9, 1916, when the final troops embarked at Helles. Aftermath The Gallipoli Campaign cost the Allies 187,959 killed and wounded and the Turks 161,828. Gallipoli proved to be the Turks greatest victory of the war. In London, the campaigns failure led to the demotion of Winston Churchill and contributed to the collapse of Prime Minister H. H. Asquiths government. The fighting at Gallipoli proved a galvanizing national experience for Australia and New Zealand, which had not previously fought in a major conflict. As a result, the anniversary of the landings, April 25, is celebrated as ANZAC Day and is both nations most significant day of military remembrance.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

The Russian Navy essays

The Russian Navy essays The White Sea and the Barents Sea have been of importance to the Russian merchant fleet ever since the 15th century. Because of this, Russias Navy has always been an important part of the Russian Military. The matter of access to ice free harbors in the north became even more important after Germany became a significant naval power in the Baltic Sea. Events during World War I increased the importance of the Kola Peninsula to Russia very much. The Kola Peninsula and the White sea played an vital role in the movement of military supplies to Russia. A naval force dedicated especially to the northern region was established shortly after the outbreak of World War I. This fleet is now know as The Northern Fleet. The Northern Fleet, formerly known as the Soviet Fleet of the Northern Seas, was officially established by Joseph Stalin during his visit to Polyarny during the summer of 1933. Prior to the outbreak of WWII, the fleet consisted of eight destroyers, 15 diesel-powered submarines, a formation of patrol boats, mine sweepers and some smaller vessels. During the time when Russia was involved in WWII(1941-1945), the harbors and ports in Kola were key to the Soviet Union. In the south, material from allied countries traveled by the railways, but in the north, many new ships were given to the northern fleet to protect the ships transporting goods. Although this increased the amount of ships in the fleet greatly, by the end of the Russian involvement, many of these ships had been destroyed. By the end of the war, the United States Navy had become considerably larger and more powerful than the Soviet Unions. In order to catch up with the Americans head start, the Soviet Union began to build a large naval force of its own. The building of the ships didnt end until the end of the 1950s. WWIIs use of submarines had shown the tactical and strategic possibilities of this weapon. However, the diesel subm...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Bibliography on The Last Samurai Annotated Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

On The Last Samurai - Annotated Bibliography Example The book on The Last Samurai written by Ravina, an expert in Japanese History and an Associate Professor of History at Emory University, centers on the life and the battles fought by Saigo Takamori. The book describes the entire phase from the moderate origins of Saigo and his development to the stage of a deprived samurai. Then his eventual rise to powerful position as a national leader. Finally it shows how events unfold to bring on his death as a leader who died in rebellion. This book has been the base for the movie centering on Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe. Saigo’s significance has been revealed here especially in the context of the Meiji rule. He was the first to overthrow the feudal dominion and build the Meiji base in Japan. His battle was a fight to preserve the honor of a samurai and his consequent loyalty and service to the society. Hence he was against the idea of centralized country. The book gives an elaborate account of his deeds and his contribution, which turne d him into a folk hero, and gradually compelled the government to raise him to the position of national martyrdom. The spirit of the samurai captured here has given the inspiration to the movie and hence becomes useful to the paper.The book written by Turnbull, a historian specializing in the history of the samurai gives a clear account of the Satsuma rebellion with respect to the honor of the sword of the samurai. The author’s knowledge in military history has helped him frame the revolt with a cause to support it. He did not agree to the reforms led by the government and revolted with his army to preserve the pride of the samurai. The book contains quotes and opinions of experts and historians apart from reporters. The leader carried out several organizations and built schools in euphemistic style named as â€Å"Private Schools† the academics were rendered in military style training such that a private army could be formed. The students had to take an oath in blood t o be loyal to the purpose and this alarmed the Meiji government. These movements and tactics of the plan are interesting to note and compare to the movie with respect to its adherence to the facts. 3. Logan, John, Herskovitz, Marshall, Zwick, Edward and David James. The Last Samurai. Time Inc Home Entertainment, 2003 The book contains some parts of the script on which the Last Samurai is based and the making of the movie in general including some stills and comments form the acting team and director. The contributors to the book are all a part of the moviemakers’

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

A Study on the Importance of Teaching Empathy in Hong Kong Schools Essay

A Study on the Importance of Teaching Empathy in Hong Kong Schools - Essay Example This essay declares that academicians in most schools believe that student performance in academics and extra curricular activities rely heavily on academic brilliance and intelligent quotient. But studies over the years undertaken in different parts of the world demonstrate that intelligent quotient and academic skills can no longer useful for producing socially responsible citizens. The social skill and humanistic considerations among the students depend, to a great extent, on the degree of empathy they possess and the patience they show in dealing with the mentally oppressed ones. In this context, the present study is relevant to examine the importance of empathy education in Hong Kong. Also the study seeks to measure the relationship between empathy education, social skills and academic performance. This paper makes a conclusion that students become merciless and unkind adults, which ultimately will lead to the development of a society where nobody can have humanitarian considerations. Many studies undertaken across countries have examined and documented the much debated issue of teaching empathy in schools and thereby developing their social skill. The results reveal that empathy is teachable and can be learnt by students. However, educators nowadays focus more on academic content than students’ psychological growth. The result is devastating that schools and colleges develop anti social behaviors of students. This leads many problems arise such as drug abusing, assaulting, sexual offending, etc. Educators neglect the origin of humanistic education. Therefore, it is indispensable to start teaching empathy at school level. At this juncture, the present study is an effort to examine the importance and effectiveness of teaching empathy in Hong Kong schools. This is carried out by studying the impact of teaching empathy on the children from various schools selected at random basis for the purpose of a sample survey. The paper also tries to throw lights on the correlation between empathy and academic outcomes. Research Problem Academicians in most schools believe that student performance in academics and extra curricular activities rely heavily on academic brilliance and intelligent quotient. But studies over the years undertaken in different parts of the world demonstrate that intelligent quotient and academic skills can no longer useful for producing socially responsible citizens. The social skill and humanistic considerations among the students depend, to a great extent, on the degree of empathy they possess and the patience they show in dealing with the mentally oppressed ones. In this context, the present study is relevant to examine the importance of empathy education in Hong Kong. Also the study seeks to

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Balanced Scorecard Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Balanced Scorecard - Essay Example Through this process the organization is able to balance its priorities, allocate the available resources for maximization of the profits of the organization and generate realistic business plans. Over the years several research studies have been conducted in this field of the management science, and models like Balanced Scorecard has been developed which are basically designed for helping the organizations in their drive towards being more competitive in achieving their goals. This paper brings out an evaluation of Balanced Scorecard model as applied to a public sector organisation together with the implementation of the system as well as its operation and usefulness. With a view to measuring a firm's activities in terms of its vision and strategies and to give the manager's a comprehensive view of the performance of a business, a concept which is described as Balanced Scorecard was introduced by Robert S. Kaplan and David Norton in the year 1992. There have been several studies conducted on the subject of Balanced Scorecard to develop the concept adaptable to the changing circumstances and needs of the organizations. "The Balanced Scorecard method of Kaplan and Norton is a strategic approach and performance management system that enables the organ... The four perspectives are: 1. Financial perspective encompassing the implementation of a corporate database for processing the information in a centralized and automated way. 2. Customer perspective focusing on customer needs and customer satisfaction 3. Business process perspective by designing metrics to show the performance of the organization with strategic management processes, mission-oriented processes and support processes 4. Learning and growth perspective including employee training and corporate cultural attitudes related to both individual and corporate self improvement. (Kaplan & Norton 1996) For each of the perspectives of the Balanced Scorecard four things are required to be monitored and respective scores studied. Objectives: The overall objectives of the organization need to be studied and properly scored. The objectives may relate to the profitability, marketing or capacity utilization etc. Measures: Once the objectives are established the next logical step is to identify the proper tools and parameters and define them to measure the organisational's performance towards achieving these objectives. For example the growth in the net margin or the sales in a particular region may well act as the measurement parameters. Targets: When the measurement parameters are established suitable targets need to be evolved to transform the organizational objectives into reality. Achieving a reduction in the manufacturing cost to the extent of 5% annually may be fixed as a target. Initiatives: Proper initiatives in the form of projects of programmes need to be developed as a support for achieving the set targets. If the targets are supported by initiatives, it may not be possible for the organization to achieve its

Friday, November 15, 2019

Decision Focus Of Mis Information Technology Essay

Decision Focus Of Mis Information Technology Essay The report was intended to comprehend the theoretical and speculative aspects about the management information system, and its practical applications as well. The next thing to be done is providing recommendations to Amazon.com for a profitable information system to coordinate the operations and workforce activities, and incorporating novel processes while expanding business in the times of economic crisis. Management Information System Information system is comprised of integrated components used to gather, store, analyze and transfer the information. The technology used to manage and coordinate the information in a way that it can be retrieved when required is known as information technology. (Clarke, 2007) The information system is the one which collects the data both internally and externally, process it into information, pass this information to people working at varied levels of organizations, assist them in decision making in a timely and effective manner (Lucey, 2004). The management information system is the system which gives needed timely information to management for decision making, planning, and controlling of business operations effectively and efficiently. In this highly competitive world of technology, the management information systems are combination of man and hardware, which aids and provide support to the management to perform business operation with excellence. It is the man and computer based technology which collects the raw form of data, converts it into useful information, store it, and retrieve it when needed. This information is conducive for all managerial levels or hierarchies. The well built and structured information system is helpful to both business and its employees in acquiring their objectives and formulates decision making process easier at all organizational levels. (Laudon, 2006) Decision Focus of MIS Figure1 (Sourced: Lucey,7th Edi) Roles of MIS The organizations of the modern world have comprehended it well that information systems are essential for the growth of their businesses. They play a critical role in managing operations; perform routine tasks and future decision making. As a result, organizations will enhance their processes, improves customer service, and earn more market share and profits eventually. Thus it will be appropriate to say that a well structured and utilized management information system can act as a source of giving competitive advantage to organization, which is demand of the corporate sector globally (Clarke, 2007). Some critical roles played by the management information system are discussed here: Firstly, it supports business processes; the best illustration is inventory tracking or management, order delivery management, supply chain management. These systems are helpful in performing daily routine tasks or business operations in a more efficient manner, thus empowering employees to perform well and satisfy their customers (Luftman and Kempaiah, 2008). The next is that it supports in making decisions for normal day to day operations. This is the most important role played by the system helping employees at various levels in organization. The middle level used this information for making decisions regarding the service and product, while senior management used this information to make strategic decisions for future of business. Thus, it is the well structured and well designed management information system that assists in decision making at every management level because they are providing appropriate information to the management. (McAfee and Brynjolfsson, 2008). Another important role played by the information system is giving a competitive advantage. In industry settings, it acts as source of competitive edge in two ways. One way is to record and then present the information of customers, their behaviours, preferences, demographic influences and also in enhancing product quality, exposing the right product to right customers, and focussing on customer relationships. In another way, management can utilize this information to make changes and take decisions regarding businesses and product development to gain competitive edge (McAfee and Brynjolfsson, 2008). Types of Management Information system There exist four major types of the management information system. The Executive Support System resides at the top level management. It has a role in providing the corporate strategic information to senior management. Then is the Decision Support System, which serves to the middle management by providing information they require and helps them in decision making. Another system on same level is Management Information System, which provides internal and external information of customers and employees to the management. The most basic is the Transaction Support System, which provides information about daily business operations and helps employees to provide enhance services to their customers. These Transaction Support Systems are used to track inventory, record daily sales etc (Luftman and Kempaiah, 2008). Figure 2 (Sourced: Laudon Laudon 9th Edi) Strategic Weapon In past, the presence of management information system was not as vital as it is today, because it was employed for the purpose of assistance in transactions and daily operations only. But recently, these systems have gained importance due to the new picture of corporate landscape and culture. Now the time factor is present, the right information must be delivered in time to its respondents to take decisions on this basis. To take strategic decisions, it is essential to have accurate and timely information with the management. That is why the graph of importance of MIS is rapidly increasing. This makes it clear that information systems if implemented correctly and used efficiently can act as a strategic weapon of the company (Clarke, 2007). These information systems can be utilized in multiple ways. From the customersà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ perspective, these systems facilitate their interaction with the company, motivating them to do further transactions, and it can be used effectively on B2B business model. With the implementation of intelligent business information system, company can get the feedback from customers, perform analysis on it and use this for improvements in business operations and procedures. Thus it helps in building a strong business relationship with customers, and consequently organization can achieve competitive advantage (Preston and Karahanna, 2009). Some other advantage which organization can get from this MIS are enhanced efficiency of organization, improved inventories, just in time delivery of raw material and learning process from the data collected by this information system. This helps in increasing the business processes of the company and reduces cost of processes. This is how information systems can strategically used as business weapon (Preston and Karahanna, 2009). Information System Technology: Information communication system technologies are involved in almost every aspect of life. The whole process of acquiring, processing, storing and distributing verbal, theoretical and numerical information via computation is collectively known as Information communication technologies .(Lucey,2004). ICT is not only comprised of the hardware and software, but also structure of network and communication, structure of data and information with its access to different levels, user friendly, and also deals in operations and organizational strategies. To make long story short, these information communication systems are socio-technical as they integrates information, equipment, organization and people altogether .(Lucey,2004) Some main uses of information communication technologies are discussed in the figure below. Figure 3( Sourced Lucey, 7th Edi) It has been found that, information communication technologies (ICT) are not essential in every management information system, yet it is noted that if these ICTs are deployed in MIS then they can provide support to multiple managerial posts in organization. The figure below depicts the likelihood of applying this application at various levels in organization. Computer Application Feasible Area Figure 4(Sourced Lucey, 7th Edi) The information communication technologies can be deployed in organizational settings for varied reasons, some of which are: Corporate Data Information To communicate Creating Networks Internet Electronic Data Interchange World Wide Web Hardware and Software Management The information systems are complex systems, created from multiple components. These include people, resources, software, hardware, data and networks, each one having its own importance and management style. Some considerations need to be taken for managing any information system in organizations (Clarke, 2007). While talking about the hardware portion, it has to be kept in mind that hardware component of information system must be designed and created by forecasting the future requirements of the information. Same is done in case of software parts, yet in this case mostly current needs of the company are considered, which is problematic when business expands and information requirements are changed. Similar types of regulations are applicable on data and network of the information system. In case of the networks, future needs are kept in mind while designing and creating networks, while in data case, the needs of all management levels are considered before making data management system as every tier has its own particular specific need that is to be satisfied. This is why it is required to develop a highly flexible data management system in order to cater all types of information related needs (Luftman and Kempaiah, 2008). Example of MIS Here is a case study of management information system of Amazon.com is a US-based electronic commerce company. Amazon is one of the largest online business retailers in the United States with its Headquarter in Seattle, Washington. The case discussed below is a an example of using a profitable MIS setup in an organization, which helps in sustaining the business (Web1,2010) Management Information System at Amazon.com Users at Amazon The people using MIS at Amazon.com includes sales staff, collection team, marketing personnel, accountants, finance officers, inventories and procuring managers and teams. The usage rights varied from person to person in an organization on the basis of difference in designations they have. The ones who are executives and leaders of the team possess rights regarding business processes, managers are entitled to right for checking the information collectively and individually. This right is also given to the senior executives and head of departments, who can view all information, and get reports in different formats to check the performance of individual employee and whole organization as well. This is how the management of Amazon measures the performance of its employees (Web1, 2010) . Hardware Components The hardware components that are deployed in management information systems of Amazon are: Fax Machines Inbox Intel Core2Due Processing Systems Keyboard Modems Mouse Printers Dedicated servers Ups Software Components The software components incorporated in the MIS of the Amazon.com are of various kinds. one the kind is which are used as machine running software these include Microsoft Windows Office, Antivirus system and other are application that are designed for needs of different departments depending upon the nature of business they are handling. These applications include Tracer system, Econnect system, CRM system, Infinity Analysis portal and Octopus. One primary kind is used for running machines and known as system software such as Microsoft Windows Office, Antivirus, other software applications designed to cater the needs of the different departments which is dependent on the type of business they are dealing in. Some examples of these applications include: Tracer system Econnect system CRM system Infinity Analysis portal Octopus Sales Order Processing System Figure 5 Networks for Remote Locations Amazon.com acquires it network system and utilizes LAN (use Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), and VPN (Virtual Private Network), to perform operations in remote areas without presence in the office. Example of WAN Figure 6(Source Web2) Data Component The data component of Amazonà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s MIS is comprised of the database management system, which gathers, stores, analyze, and retrieves data through servers and software applications. Recommendations Here, we have to provide some major recommendations to the Amazon who is expanding their business and focus is on optimizing the performance of their workforce by managing and controlling them. As we know Amazon is a US based organization who is intended to expand its business in South Asian region of the World such as Pakistan and India. That is why we have to recommend main points about the management information system for Amazon which will help it strategically. Some main aspects of MIS regarding management strategy and decision making are as under. Strategic Management through MIS In most cases, strategy making is not a well organized and structured process, and the role of new management information system is limited in information processing. Though MIS is required to collect information according to the environment and perform scanning and processing methods to identify the possible threats and opportunities. Some main characteristics of the strategic information utilized in decision making are as under: Outside Information: It is known that internal information is required continuously for business, yet a real fact is that organizations are working in any environment and not alone, so in this case they need extensive outside information for making decisions on strategic issues. This information can be the performance report of competitor in a market, financial patterns, technological advancements, political situations, market scenarios and trends etc. Long term Concerns: The strategic plans are made for the medium and long terms. That is why strategic information systems must be designed to cater the information like trends, forecasts, appraisals, previous performance records. Quality and Quantity: The element of the quality and quantity is required in the information gathered for the information system. The qualitative information is needed to formulate strategic plans and take decisions. The quantitative information is needed for daily operations like sales. Informal Processes: Formal procedures are important in strategic planning, but it is the fact that informal procedures to analyse the information is highly effective way. Studies indicate that an extra formal system in strategic levels makes the organization less adaptive and responding. Boundary less: The information at lower management level is boundary less in the organizations, but it has been noted that it is limited to a specific action. In case of strategic information, it should be broad and not restricted by any boundaries. Multi-Proportion Management: While building strategy or taking decisions, management must consider all the solutions to issue and look problem with all aspects. For instance, taking decision on one issue, management has to consider all factors such as financial, customers, marketing. Environmental Influences on Scanning The primary difference between, management information system made for strategic level and other MISs is that in case of strategic MIS, impact of environment is considered. In creating strategies or making decisions, it is essential to comprehend the involvement of environment and forecast potential changes that will occur in future, and also predict the future trends and influence factors of business. This whole process of collecting information whether formal or informal is known as scanning. The four main types of scanning includes: Undirected scanning: The scanning in which the information is searched out by the manager generally and not for any specific purpose. Conditioned scanning: In this type managerà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s influence is involved. The influence come through any previous event or experience, and several portions of information are collected by it, instead of exploring specifically for the problem. Informal Directed Scanning: Here the information is searched particularly for any purpose or topic but in an informal or non structured format, rather manager following a formal setup. Formal Scanning: In this type, the information is collected for the specific purpose through formal and structured process Enterprise wide information systems An appropriate ERP system is recommended to the Amazon.com for optimizing its business. The advancements in networking and information technology have enabled the usage of shared data bases or ware houses by many information systems. This is done to provide support to the business operations and processes, linking them together to form enterprise wide information systems. One known or famous example of enterprise wide information system is Enterprise Resource Planning system. The retailers of known ERP systems include SAP, Baan, Oracle, and People-soft. The main task of ERP system is that it performs the integration, warehousing, application, and creates user friendly interfaces of the data and facilitate with data analyzing tools. It is a collection of multiple software modules which helps in bringing major business processes together. Each module performs its own task in analyzing the data. Some main modules of ERP system are: Inventory Management Logistics Bill of materials Sales and Marketing Human resource Management Accounts payable/receivable Role of ICT Applications in Managing Remote Workforce Trying to manage the operations and performance of its workforce in remote locations, (ICT) information communication technologies are used at all management levels so that information can be accessible whenever required, which enables the multinationals (MNCs) to operate globally even in remote areas. Thus, a well coordinated and designed MIS is vital for the business success and sustainability in this world of competition. Some examples of ICT applications which can be utilized for a useful management information system are discussed here. Automated Offices In order to carry out the information processing tasks in the company, technology of automating the offices is employed and in fashion these days. With help of such technologies, it is easier for the information to travel among different departments. For instance writing a memo, or report and email it to all departments. Office automation involves collection of software such as MS Office, Accounting software, Adobe etc. E Commerce E commerce is a specifically electronic or digital process, which includes activities both internally and externally businesses by information communication technology network such as internet, intranet and extranet. The whole business activities including sale, purchasing of services and goods, funds transfer all done electronically. E commerce involves e-marketing, B2B, B2C, C2B and etc. Another novel concept of this age is m-business, which has been evolved from the e-business. WAP (wireless application protocol) has made it possible to get connected on mobile phones. Some other latest applications includes tele- business, video conferencing, enabling the managers to connect with their team or subordinates from anywhere in the world. Location of Database It has been discussed in the case that major database of Amazon.com is located at its headquarters in Seattle, but with expansion of its business in South Asian countries and rest world, there might be some hurdles in having single database for all. The effect of having database in the headquarters is that, the operational efficiency in remote areas will decrease, due to failure of application to respond. Secondly, the holiday and time zone format in USA is different from that of country in South Asia. And this will be problematic for the staff of the remote operational area to handle queries when database employees will on leave. So having a single database is not recommended when Amazon is expanding business. In order to get in time support of operations, it is preferred to have a database in operational area. Same is required in the case of application development and support system. As these two tools are designed in the head office and used there, so the operations will be delayed because of this. This will results decline in the customer satisfaction and commitment. To cope up with such problems, databases and corresponding applications should be designed and developed in the operational country. Security of MIS It is highly important to consider the security of the information system. While dealing with ICT system which is networked via internet and intranet, its security be designed. The security procedures must ensure that only authorised people have access to the strategic information. The secrecy of the MIS should be on the top priority as this will make the business successful and if mishandled then cause losses. Conclusions The author has done the detailed study of the theoretical concepts of management information system in this assignment. Additionally, the sources of information, its storage, and processing are also discussed in the assignment. The importance of MIS in strategic decision making is the key issue discussed here, and keeping in view this, suggestions are provided by author for Amazon.com to expand its business with appropriate MIS to improve its effectiveness of business.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

An Exhibition of Portraits by Alice Neel Essay -- Art Appreciation

An Exhibition of Portraits by Alice Neel An exhibition of portraits of the family by Alice Neel, one of the finest painters of her generation, is at the Norton Museum of Art February 14 through March 29, 1998. Both critics and the subjects of her paintings have written of Neel's ability to portray the dynamics of relationships. Kinships focuses on particular family relationships: siblings, domestic pairs, parents and children, and members of her own family. The exhibition was organized by the Tacoma Art Museum, and is sponsored by The Elizabeth Norton Society. Born in 1900, Alice Neel worked as a figurative painter during the decades of WPA realism, postwar abstract expressionism, and 1970s minimalism. She persevered in her work despite a turbulent personal life that included a year of hospitalization after a nervous breakdown, the destruction in 1934 of over two hundred and fifty paintings and drawings, and little attention to her work until the 1960s. Her art demonstrates a vigorous working manner, an unsparing skill in observation and a generous tolerance for the unpredictability of human nature. Neel disliked being called a portraitist, but rather labeled herself as a "collector of souls." She believed that each person has an identity, an essential core of personality, and it was this that she sought to reveal in her paintings. She often captured aspects of relationships of which her subjects were not aware, and combined in her work her stringent analysis of their interactions with a broad acceptance of the depth of human emotions. She painted her subjects as distinct individuals, in the poses that were natural to them; poses that, in Neel's words, "involve ... all their character and social standing ... what the world has done to them, and their retaliation." The compositions, as well as the subjects' body language, of such works as The Black Spanish American Family or Annemarie and Georgia, allows the viewer to observe how family members draw together tenderly or reluctantly, look away, touch one another, draw back, or open up. The arms of the parents often encircle their children in Neel's paintings. The early Mother and Child, Havana, 1926, uses this pose to depict a simple, secure relationship. However, in later works, such as Mother and Child (Nancy and Olivia), 1967, the poses are more attuned to the ambivalent emotions present in... ...t on Neel's own art. No better evidence exists than her portraits of pregnant nudes. It was a subject she first approached in 1964, ultimately painting a total of seven such portraits, with Evans's being her last. The subject had a powerful resonance at a time when women were newly educating themselves about the form and function of their anatomies. The Boston Women's Health Book Collective published Our Bodies, Ourselves in 1973, while Adrienne Rich's classic Of Woman Born: Motherhood as Experience and Institution appeared in 1976. As opportunities for women widened dramatically, debate and discussion about their biological destinies and responsibilities intensified. Neel's paintings of pregnant women offered no clear opinions or solutions. But, in retrospect, as with all of Neel's best work, Margaret Evans Pregnant endures as both a portrait of a person and a picture of a time. Ann Temkin is the Muriel and Philip Berman curator of modern and contemporary art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. She organized the Alice Neel exhibition that opens at the Whitney Museum of American Art next month and travels to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, February 18 through April 15, 2001.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Evil in Sula, Yellow Wallpaper, and Love Medicine

No Rest for the Wicked â€Å"l started out thinking that one can never really define good and evil. Sometimes good looks like evil; sometimes evil looks like good,† this quote by T. Morrison highlights the fact that evil is relative. Although evil can be, in many ways, self-defined, many characters in novels can be perceived as one thing while they are another. Written works such as, Sulk, Love Medicine, and The Yellow Wallpaper contain several examples of good vs. evil that take a closer look to deceiver.First, in the novel Sulk, there are several characters that prove that looks can be achieving. For example, the character Sulk is perceived as a terrible person in the book. The people of the Bottom hate her for everything that she is, despite the fact that she followed the example of her mother. The story states, â€Å"The death of Sulk Peace was the best news fossils up in the Bottom had had since the promise of work at the tunnel† (150). They accuse her of things th at, in their society, were deemed horrible and not moral. When Sulk attempts to help a child she is only further accused of wicked ways.Sulk only does what she knows, and only hurts Nell because f her blindness to what their relationship has become. As well, Newel's mother is seen as a good person in society. Helene attends church as does what is proper. The story states, â€Å"Helene Wright was an impressive woman, at least in Medallion she was† (18). However, in an attempt to be a good mother Helene pushes her opinions down Newel's throat, leaving imagination away and replacing it with a sense of alienation. Helene wants people to see her as a wonderful woman, but her actions and motives seem only to follow selfishness and a need for importance.Moreover, Jude does what is right by society. Jude attempts to work, he takes care of his family, he does everything he was meant to do. The story states, â€Å"Along with a few other young black men, Jude had gone down to the shack where they were hiring† (81). But Jude only married because he was settling, and when Sulk came around he didn't have a quarrel with cheating on his wife with her best friend. He then leaves him family behind, leaving Nell to take care of the children. And, Eva is a character that can be interoperable as evil, but she only does what she does because she loves her children.Eva kills her own son by lighting him on fire. The story states, â€Å"†¦ Threw it onto the bed where the kerosene-soaked Plum lay in snug delight† (47). Even her daughter does not understand why Eva would do such a thing. But the truth of the matter is that Plum was slowly wasting away, Just the shell of the person he once was. His unhealthy habits and his inability to take care of himself after he was traumatized by the war brings Eva to the decision to end his suffering then and there. Secondly, in the novel Love Medicine there are several examples of evil and good reflections. For instance, t he character Marie goes to the convent.Though this can be seen only as a good and pure thing, it is revealed to the readers that Marie wants only the praise and glory she would find there. The story states, â€Å"And they never thought they have a girl from this reservation as a saint they have to kneel to (43). Maria's reasons are not good, but rather they are wicked reasons that are identified as sins. Moreover, once Marie is within the convent it is revealed that she is not the only wolf in sheep's clothing. The nun, Leopold sees the devil inside Marie. In an attempt to banish the devil from Marie, she physically harms the young girl.The two both speak of love and both seem to have some degree of hate for the other. The story states, â€Å"She always did things this way, to teach you lessons† (51). Leopold then lies about Maria's injuries to the other nuns to save herself. As well, Nectar is perceived as a strong individual by the community. Although Nectar keeps a high p osition in his community and is seen both as handsome and good, he only has such a great position because Marie made him. It was Maria's work that made Nectar what he was. Even though he owes her a great deal he still cheats on her.He turns away re love in favor of Lulu, committing adultery. He cares for Marie and understands he has obligations to her, but he loves Lulu. He states, â€Å"l do not compare her with Marie. I would not do that. But the way I ache for Lulu, suddenly, is terrible and sad,† (127). He puts his love first in several situations such as, when he planned to leave Marie. Lulu is also a seemingly wrongly accused character. Lulu has got a serious reputation as being a loose woman in the community. She even sleeps with married men because she does not seem to respect the value of marital ties.However, Lulu is a errors of passion and love. The story states, â€Å"And so when they tell you that I was heartless, a shameless man-chaser, don't forget this: I lov ed what I saw' (228). Lulu's true nature is not that of evil, it is that of love. Although some can argue that her actions were questionable, it is within her intentions that the truth is found. Lastly, in the short story The Yellow Wallpaper, evil and good is a battle that continues through the story. For example, John attempts to take care of Jane by forcing her to bed rest and limiting her activity.Although he is a high standing doctor ND her husband it is with Cane's point of view that the reader discovers that the bed rest could be doing more harm than good. The bed rest does not allow Jane to function as a normal human being. The story states,† Personally, I disagree with their ideas. Personally, I believe that congenial work, with excitement and change, would do me good† (1). It seems that, because John is a doctor, he must know what is best for Jane and that the treatment must be good. Perhaps John himself is not evil, but the result of his actions leave Jane in a state of no return.If evil is defined by the opposite of good then his actions have evil results. As well, John takes away Cane's ability to write. Cane's loss of a creative outlet is something that she finds could be making things worse. The story states, â€Å"l think sometimes that if I were only well enough to write a little it would relieve the press of ideas and rest me† (4). Cane's mental state wavers as the story continues. Her own free will is practically ripped from her, and her writing is left to be done in secret. And, John once again creates â€Å"evil† results as he keeps Jane away from other people.The story states, â€Å"It is so scrounging not to have any advice and companionship about my work† (4). Despite her plea to be around others, John does not trust it. His actions lead Jane farther down her road to insanity and leave her with only her own thoughts of the wallpaper through the day. Moreover, the woman in the wallpaper can be completely perceived as evil at first glance. If the woman in the wallpaper, or the center of Cane's insanity, takes away Cane's ability to be a person, than she must be evil. Yet, it is only when Jane reaches the point of full insanity that Jane finds herself free.Able to do what she wants, albeit a bit strange, Jane finds freedom completely. As the story states, â€Å"Vive got out at least,' said l, ‘in spite of you and Jane. And Vive pulled off most of the paper, so you can't put me back† (14)! As a symbol of woman's suffrage, the lady in the wallpaper shows the reader how women, forced into the restraints society has put on them, must choose between insanity, and slavery. It is hard to pinpoint evil or give it a certain definition. Where are the lines drawn? Who determines what is right, necessary, and bad?The ever pondered question that enders if people can be labeled good or evil, or if no one is strictly either, pounds through the mind of those that read. Written works such as, Sulk, Love Medicine, and The Yellow Wallpaper allow readers to see beyond what society may see in a person and look deeper into their actions and motives. Taking a step back from one's own opinions, the reader can see the many point of views that leave certain actions, characters, and situations more clear on the moral side. If, like beauty, evil is in the eye of the beholder, there can never be a definite definition of the word.

Friday, November 8, 2019

School Girls essays

School Girls essays In the book School Girls by Peggy Orenstein, the focus is on young adolescent girls in middle school, and the effects that the Hidden Curriculum and other elements have on their self esteem. Hidden Curriculum teaches girls to value silence and compliance. (pg.35) The hidden curriculum is a theory that boys often get more attention than girls in the classroom, and that even if it is negative attention, the girls learn that they are not as important, and they eventually give up hope, and stop speaking out in class. Educators reward assertiveness and aggression over docility, the very behavior that is prized in girls becomes and obstacle to their success.(p.36) This means that while girls are acting the way a teacher would like them to, the boys that are more aggressive get the attention, and the girls lose their self-esteem. Charles L. Richman found that high achieving white girls in particular are subject to unrealistic standards of success. When they fall short, they overgeneralized failures with an intense self-punitiveness; by late adolescence, their self-esteem has spiraled downward. (Pg.38) The focus of sexual harassment is a big one as well. Girls are not taught about sex and contraceptives, and therefore know nothing about their sexual selves. We consciously infuse girls with a sense of shame. (p.57) If we do not teach girls about their bodies, and teach them to be assertive, than sexual harassment will occur. As much as girls repress desire, they embrace desirability. (p.62) ...

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Ti-Jean and His Brothers essays

Ti-Jean and His Brothers essays "Ti-Jean and His Brothers" is a very rich play in all the aspects one would expect. There is comedy and tragedy as well as the effects of music, sound and light. In the play we also see how the english language has evolved in such a way as to complement the culture of the caribbean. Ti-Jean and His Brothers is an engaging and enjoyable play. The comical aspects of the play permeate the entire story. The comedy mainly comes into play during the interaction between the Devil and each of the three brothers. When Gros Jean is working for the planter the Devil, as the Planter, deliberately goads Gros jean by calling him by all sorts of names except his own. Soon after the Planter enters he says : "Thats right Gros Chien, Gros Jean, Gros Jean, Sorry". The Planter goes from calling Gros Jean, Joe, to Mac, to Gros Chien, to Charley, back to Mac, then to Horace and then francis, Joe again, Henry and ends with Benton then Mervin near the end of the scene. "You're worth more to me, Benton than fifty men. So you should smoke, after all. And such a pleasant disposition, always smiling. Just Like a skull. But Remember Mervin, I'd like you to try and finish this, you see I have a contract and the harder you work the more I . . . ". The humour would be more apparent if one was actually visualising the way it would be acted on stage. Th e Planter would probably say the different names in an absent minded fashion while Gros Jean gets more and more frustrated. Gros Jean would probably feel as if his identity was in jeopardy. Identity is very important to Gros Jean, this is illustrated by the various references he makes to his strength, something he considers integral to his identity. Unlike Gros Jean, Mi Jean is not worried so much about the questioning of his identity as he is about the questioning of his learning. The author, Derek Walcott, uses the pompous, self important attitude Mi Jean has towards his learning to create comedy. Mi Jean is very ...

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Community safety Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 2

Community safety - Essay Example Plans for fire safety then must be customized to suit not only the building residents but also the height of the buildings and sheer numbers of people living there. This report addresses these needs and lays out the problems and fire safety regulations that must be considered when developing a fire safety strategy. Quoting the Chief Fire Officer’s Association (2008) â€Å"We welcome... guidance which helps to manage the relationship between the Housing Act 2004 and the Fire Safety Order by offering advice and assistance to enforcers, landlords, managing agents and tenants, amongst others, on ways to make residential buildings safe from fire, regardless of which piece of legislation is relevant. When it comes to fire safety, everyone involved has an interest. A necessary element in understanding what is presented in this report lies in an understanding of the theory of community safety, how and what it is intended to achieve. Elsworth et al put it succinctly in their program theory approach to communities living with the threat of fire. â€Å"A theory of the way a program works... provides the starting point for planning evaluations in a wide variety of fields... The focus is on strategies that produce desired positive outcomes† (Elsworth et al, 2008: para. 1-2). At the core of any fire safety programme are agencies, institutions, individuals, families and the community itself working in partnership toward the desired outcome of community fire safety. The programme itself, developed from current literature, succinct goals, objectives and strategies, and intimate interaction between all participants produces a theory of change that gives good results. (Elsworth et al, 2008). In our particular case any programme theory of community fire safety must include a long list of participants: migrant individuals and their families, educational institutions, local utilities and fire fighting agencies, local officials, and to a great extent, the entire community in which

Friday, November 1, 2019

Peter Singer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Peter Singer - Essay Example His moral and ethical perception may be off t from those with tender sensibilities but when you look at his doctrines at a bigger picture, Singer’s dogma may be quite rational, though not entirely popular. Singer views euthanasia as valid and acceptable provided that the reason for committing the act is to eliminate pain and suffering, as those in people who have undergone traumatic events that may render them incapacitated and invalid. He further categorized euthanasia as either voluntary, involuntary, and non- voluntary. To Singer, voluntary euthanasia is assisting in the termination of one’s life, if that person willingly consented and expressed his desire to end his life. Involuntary euthanasia on the other hand is ending one’s life without getting consent but the person concerned may have hinted the desire to end his life. Non- voluntary euthanasia is the act of ending one’s life, without that person’s consent, because that person is not deem capable of making a decision, as when the person do not possess the mental faculty and consciousness to make a decision for himself. Abortion, to Singer, is morally acceptable. Singer defines the act as terminating a conceived human being inside the woman’s womb, in the premise that that child itself has not yet lived a human life, has no consciousness, and has no capacity to feel and live as a human being, unlike those that have already been born. Singer reiterates that to be classified as a viable human being, one must be capable of cognition and autonomy. It is with this belief that he concludes that abortion, through his utilitarian view, becomes permissible, if opted by the mother. The controversial philosopher believes that infanticide, the act of killing an innocent child, is allowed, in the instance that that child will be unable to live a normal, rational, and meaningful life. This is in the case wherein the child is born with malformations and congenital anomalies that would later