Natural Disasters and Supply Chains

Abstract This paper examines the system of procurement and supply and the effects natural disasters have on supply chains and buyers. It elaborates on the situations that manufacturers face when encountering natural disasters. Finally it elaborates on possible supply chain strategies that can be employed in order to avoid future problems as a result of natural disasters.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Natural Disasters and Supply Chains specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More While there are a variety of possible solutions available to prevent interruptions in the supply chain they are not without significant setbacks. The inherent problem with trying to prevent any and all supply chain interruptions while taking into account the possibility of natural disasters is the fact that there are too many factors at work to actually create a 100% effective plan that can mitigate and all problems. The best possible solutio n would be diversify the supply chain to such an extent to ensure that production does not stop completely should a supplier be affected by a natural disaster. Introduction The concepts of procurement, production and purchase are at the very core of the global economic market, these consist of raw material suppliers, manufacturers and then consumers who help drive the global economy. The fact is, not all companies are able to extract raw materials, convert it and turn it into a product that is commercially viable. Each type of company specializes in accomplishing a specific type of economic activity, in the case of the manufacturing industry this specialization is divided into three distinct categories namely that of a raw materials supplier, a components manufacturer and a final product maker. The reasoning behind this separation is based on the fact that it is far more profitable for companies to focus on a specialization that they are good at rather than attempt to diversify into other aspects of the production process. Such a system thus results in a single product being produced as a result of each company’s specialization culminating into the creation of a finished product. While each individual product has its own unique manufacturing process all of them share the same dependence on the concept of the procurement supply chain where each stage in the process is an integral part in helping the product come together (Shuguang, 2010).Advertising Looking for term paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is due to this that the question of what would happen to the supply chain once an integral link in the process be removed comes to mind as a result of some unforeseen external event (Shuguang, 2010). One of the inherent problems with doing business in the current global system is the fact that unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters (i.e. tsunamis, earthquakes, floods etc.) have a distinctly negative effect on the supply chains for most businesses. As such, it is necessary to determine how natural disasters impact supply chains and what processes can be done to prevent the possible collapse of the chain as a result of such unforeseen factors. Understanding the Effect of Natural Disasters on the Process of Procurement Production processes are not as robust as most people tend to believe, in fact they are quite vulnerable due to their dependence on a continuous stream of raw materials and components, their labor force and the lastly a constant supply of fuel/energy in order to keep production facilities running (Stecke Kumar, 2009). If you take even a single aspect of the operation out of the equation, such as the labor force, raw materials and components or even the fuel/electricity, the entire process quickly breaks down and production grinds to a halt. The inherent problem with natural disasters is the fact that they affect all component s of the production process in unique ways and as a result their occurrence is detrimental to the efficient production of various goods (Stecke Kumar, 2009). Effect on Supply Lines When natural disasters happen, the supply of raw materials that goes into the production line stops completely. The reasoning behind this is simple, natural disasters prevent accessibility to various areas due to the destruction of roads, bridges and debris that are a common place occurrence after a natural disaster strikes (Bunkley, 2011). As such, supply trucks that would normally be able to reach the manufacturing complexes are unable to go through which prevents the delivery of goods (Bunkley, 2011). Raw material suppliers are also reluctant to send supply trucks immediately after a natural disaster has occurred due to the possibility of a recurrence. Another factor to consider is that raw material supplies do not always come from local suppliers but can also come from international sources. The prob lem with this is that the various docks and piers designated for the offloading of cargo may have been affected by the natural disaster itself which creates a certain amount of difficulty in terms of getting the raw materials off of a ship and towards a production complex.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Natural Disasters and Supply Chains specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The raw material suppliers themselves could have also been affected by the tsunami resulting in their own facilities receiving considerable damage which further complicates their capacity to be able to send raw materials to their various clients (Winslow, 2011). Effect on Labor When natural disasters strike their effect on local populations can be devastating with possible casualty rates escalating from hundreds to possibly thousands of individuals. In such cases it is likely that workers from the factory could have been affected by the di saster and as such this directly affects the production capability of the production facility (Financial performance, 2006). It is unlikely that a factory located near a natural disaster would force their workers to come work in light of the disaster that just occurred. Without workers production screeches to a halt until either it has been determined that it is safe for production to continue or new workers are hired to replace those that died. In such cases where a large percentage of the worker population has died this affects the production capacity of the factory until such a time that a new workforce can be adequately trained to match the capabilities of the old one. This process of transition can take months and as a result greatly reduces production capacity and the quality of finished products. Effect on Production Capability The 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan has revealed one crucial factor about natural disasters and their effect on production capability and that is the fact that even though a facility is located hundreds of miles away from where the disaster actually occurred there is still the possibility of the disaster affecting the production capability of the factory. This is based off the resulting effect natural disasters have on power grids and power lines (Lohr et al., 2011). The earthquake, tsunami and the damage to the Fukushima nuclear reactor that followed, impacted factories located as far away as Tokyo which is 135 miles away. These factories had to slash their production capabilities to almost 40% of what they are normally capable of doing due to the periodic power saving measures instituted by electric companies in order to prioritize more â€Å"essential† services (Lohr et al., 2011). As a result, factories located within the Tokyo and the surrounding areas are unable to meet their previous production target which creates problems for buyers who have come to rely on prompt delivery of their needed components (Bunkley, 2011).Advertising Looking for term paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Recommendation Possible Procurement Strategies to Avoid Supply Problems due to Natural Disasters There is an old saying that states that â€Å"you should not put all your eggs in one basket†, what this means for the strategy of procurement in light of the possibility of natural disasters is to diversify sourcing strategies in order to prevent the possibility of being supply blocked (Chopra Sodhi, 2004). There are several possible procurement strategies that could be employed in order to diversify supply lines for products however while each method does have its own merit it does also come with several negative aspects that should be taken into account before creating a procurement strategy that centers around them. The first strategy would be to diversify the supply of integral components through several suppliers in several regions and countries instead of a single main supplier for the component (Perry, 2007). The advantage of this method is that should the area of one sup plier be affected by a natural disaster the remaining supply lines would still be viable and could â€Å"pick up the slack† so to speak of the lost supply line (Perry, 2007). One problem with this method is the fact that by separating the amount of components supplied through several companies the company purchasing them actually loses out on potential bulk discount savings that could have come from ordering from a single company. Another problem to take note of when it comes to supply diversity is the possibility of shifting quality standards when sourcing from different companies from different locations. Companies have their own set of quality standards, business culture and safety regulations that they adhere to depending upon the region in question. For example, companies within China have a much lower degree of corporate social responsibility as compared to companies within Japan, the U.S. and various European countries. This would result in the components of the same p roduct being invariably better or worse than others. This of course creates a problematic situation for a company’s quality standards since the differences in component quality have to be taken into account during the quality control process. It is due to situations such as this that most companies prefer to source particular components from a single supplier. Not only does this resolve the issue regarding problems in the quality control process but it makes the production process that much cheaper. Another possibility that could be taken into consideration is that assuming the quality standards of the suppliers a company is sourcing a single component from are the same, the company could merely source the same component from different locations to avoid interruptions in the supply chain. The inherent problem with this situation is the differences in cost due to the distance of delivery. If a company were to source products from different suppliers yet all of them are located in the same general area this makes the concept of supply diversity useless since they would all be hit by the same natural disaster. One method around this would be source products from different regions or better yet different countries (Skoufias, 2003). The advantage of this method is that it would prevent natural disasters from hitting all suppliers at one time. As mentioned earlier, the problem with this is the differences in overall costs in delivery with some locations that are nearer obviously costing less than those that are far away. In cases such as this companies would then choose to have a majority of their supplied components coming from locations that are nearby thus lowering the cost of transportation (Skoufias, 2003). In this situation it is assumed that all components cost the same and that it is the cost of delivery that causes differences in prices. The inherent problem with this particular solution lies with the fact that too large of a percentage of component supply is isolated to nearby locations. if such locations were to be hit by a localized natural disaster more components would then have to be shipped from locations farther away which may or may not have the production capacity to meet the company’s needs. Another approach to the problem comes in the form of simply obtaining suppliers from locations that are not prone to natural disasters thus there would be little risk of disruptions. While this method of procurement is sound there is still a problem as to whether there would actually be a components manufacturer in an area that is not easily affected by natural disasters. Research into possible areas not directly affected by natural disasters shows that areas located in the Middle East have fewer natural disasters as compared to other locations around the world. Unfortunately their industries are neither agriculturally nor industrially based and as such would prove to be viable locations for sourcing if a company was deali ng with petroleum based products. If not, they would not prove to be useful at all. References Bunkley, N. (2011). Japan’s Automakers Expect Longer Delays. New York  Times. p. 1. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Chopra, S., Sodhi, M.(2004). Managing Risk to Avoid Supply Chain Breakdown.  MIT Sloan Management Review, 46(1), 53-62. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Financial performance. (2006). Supply chains after disruptions an event study. Supply  Chain Management, 11(1), 25-33. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Lohr, S., Bunkley, N., Kopytoff, V. (2011). Supply Disruptions of Power and Water Threaten Japan’s Economy. New York Times. p. 1. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Perry, M. (2007). Natural disaster management planning A study of logistics managers responding to the tsunami. International Journal of Physical Distribution   Logistics Management, 37(5), 409-433. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Shuguang, L., Jun, L., Hayes, K. (2010). An agile and diversified supply chain reducing operati onal risks. Competitiveness Review, 20(3), 222-234. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Skoufias, E. (2003). Economic Crises and Natural Disasters Coping Strategies and Policy Implications. World Development, 31(7), 1087. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Stecke, K., Kumar, S. (2009). Sources of Supply Chain Disruptions Factors That Breed Vulnerability and Mitigating Strategies. Journal of Marketing Channels, 16(3), 193. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Wimmer, S. (2000). Procurement Pros Stay Afloat in Wake of Natural Disasters.  Government Procurement, 8(2), 7. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Winslow, G. (2011). Japan Quake Shakes TV Equipment Suppliers. Multichannel News, 32(12), 25. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. This term paper on Natural Disasters and Supply Chains was written and submitted by user Helena P. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Data Collection for Special Education

Data Collection for Special Education Data collection is a regular activity in the special education classroom. It requires assessing the student’s success on individual items in his or her goals on a regular basis, usually at least once a week. When a special education teacher creates the IEP goals, he or she should also create data sheets to record the student’s progress on individual goals, recording the number of correct responses as a percent of total responses. Create Measurable Goals When IEPs are written, it is important that goals are written in a way that they are  measurable ... that the IEP specifically names the sort of data and the sort of change that should be seen in a students behavior or academic performance. If it is a percent of probes completed independently, then data can be collected to provide evidence of how many tasks the child completed without prompting or supports. If the goal is measuring skills in a particular math operation, say addition, then a goal can be written to indicate a percent of probes or problems the student completes correctly. This is often known as an accuracy goal since it is based on the percent of correct responses.   Some school districts require that special educators record their progress monitoring on computer templates the district provides, and store them on shared computer drives where the building principal or the special education supervisor can check to be sure data are being kept. Unfortunately, as Marshall McLuhan wrote in the Medium is the Message, too often the medium, or in this case, the computer program shapes the sorts of data that are collected, which may actually create meaningless data which fits the program but not the IEP Goal or the behavior.   Types of Data Collection Different kinds of data measurement are important for different kinds of goals. Trial by Trial:  This measures the percent of correct trials against the total number of trials. This is used for discrete trials.   Duration:  Duration measures the lengths of behaviors, often paired with interventions to reduce undesirable behaviors, such as tantrums or out of seat behavior.​  Interval data collection is one means to measure duration, creating data that reflects either percent of intervals or percent of complete intervals. Frequency:  This is a simple measure that notes the frequency of either wanted or unwanted behaviors.  These are usually described in an operational way so they can be identified by a neutral observer.   Thorough data collection is an essential way of showing whether a student is or is not making progress on goals. It also documents how and when the instruction is being delivered to the child. If a teacher fails to keep good data, it makes the teacher and the district vulnerable to due process.

Why You Shouldnt Cut Nicotine Patches

Why You Shouldnt Cut Nicotine Patches If youve ever tried the patch to help stop smoking or get nicotine for another reason, youll see warnings on the box, in the literature, and on the patch package warning you not to cut the patch. There isnt any explanation why, so you may wonder why there are so many warnings. Is it just a ploy by pharmaceutical companies to make more money? No. It turns out there is a good reason why you shouldnt cut the patch. Heres the explanation.   Why Not Cut the Patch? The reason you shouldnt cut the patch is because it alters the time-release of nicotine due to the way the patch is constructed. In 1984,  Jed E. Rose, Ph.D., Murray E. Jarvik, M.D., Ph.D. and K. Daniel Rose conducted a study showing the transdermal nicotine patch reduced cigarette cravings in smokers. Two patents were filed for patches: one in 1985 by  Frank Etscorn and another in 1988 by Rose, Murray, and Rose with  The University of California. Etcsorns patent described a backing layer with a reservoir of liquid nicotine and a pad that controlled the release of the nicotine into the skin. A porous adhesive layer holds the patch against the skin and helps prevent moisture from washing away the ingredients. The University of California patent described a similar product. While the courts dealt with who got patent rights and who got discovery rights, the end result was the same: cutting a patch would expose the layer containing the nicotine, allowing it to leak through the cut edge. If you cut a patch, no visible liquid will flow out, but the dosage rate will no longer be controlled. A higher dose of nicotine will be delivered early when using the cut parts of the patch. Also, if the unused portion of the patch doesnt remain on its backing, its likely additional nicotine may migrate to the surface (or might be lost to the environment) before it is applied. Pharmaceutical companies dont want users of their product to get sick or die, so they print a warning, The bottom line is that you could potentially overdose on nicotine or poison yourself using a cut patch. Safer Alternative to Cutting the Patch One way to make a patch last longer is to save the backing that came with the patch, remove it before sleeping (which many people do anyway since nicotine can affect sleep and dreaming), return it to the backing, and reapply it the next day. There is not a lot of formal research about how much nicotine might be lost this way, but you wont run the health risk of leaking nicotine. Cutting the Patch Anyway If you decide to go ahead and cut a high dose patch to save money, there are a couple of methods suggested for sealing the cut edge of the patch to prevent overdose. One method is to seal the cut edge of the patch using heat, like with heated scissors or a hot blade. Its unknown whether this actually works. Another method, supposedly suggested by a pharmacist, is to seal the cut edge using tape so extra nicotine wont reach the skin. The cut portion of the unused portion of the patch should also be sealed and the patch should be kept on its backing until use. However, talk to your own pharmacist or doctor before trying either method or experimenting on your own. References Rose, J. E.; Jarvik, M. E.; Rose, K. D. (1984). Transdermal administration of nicotine. Drug and alcohol dependence 13 (3): 209–213. Rose, J. E.; Herskovic, J. E.; Trilling, Y.; Jarvik, M. E. (1985). Transdermal nicotine reduces cigarette craving and nicotine preference. Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics 38 (4): 450–456.

Article 4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Article 4 - Essay Example Seemingly, a rush decision to implement what has not been sufficiently exhausted may elicit a regressive effect rather than a progressive one. Generally, the article expresses confidence in the new technology but expresses reservations of its actualization in the absence of utter scrutiny from all the concerned stakeholders. R-DNA plays a pivotal role in expediting the time within which DNA results are obtained (Asplen par. 1). In the past, the experience has always been waiting for lengthy durations for the determination of DNA results. The problem with that was that the further away the results were from the time of the commission of a crime, the more problems it paused for the investigation team. The DNA played the role of a component in the investigation because it could not be sufficiently relied to isolate the identity of a suspect. However, with a possibility of getting the DNA results within a record ninety minutes to one hour, the DNA test will assume the role of driving the investigations and not merely being a component. R-DNA is poised to free government labs of various tests that previously conducted there. Such a move will see the government labs intensify lab usage for sophisticated tests that require human intervention to figure out the conclusion. According to Asplen (par. 3), the room created in the labs will enable specialists to curl through evidence to come up with a hidden information to expedite the judicial process. R-DNA is also likely to prove useful to government agencies that are not criminal in nature (Asplen par. 6). For example, border patrol may wish to establish the authenticity people’s identifications through this test. Current mechanisms for establishing a person’s identification are culpable of artificial alterations, thereby compromising the integrity of the system. For example, use of fingerprints may prove

Twining and Company Limited Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Twining and Company Limited - Essay Example Although, Twinings have a broad customer segment, it can focus on the four prospective segment of female population particularly professional women, college or university students, catering services and health conscious customers in and around Hull. With its existing products providing good results, Twinings can launch its marketing campaigns incorporating certain effective aspects of marketing mix to increase its market share and profits even further. Twining and Company Limited 1. Introduction Twinings is owned by Associated British Foods, a FTSE top 50 company with an annual turnover exceeding ?4 billion, since 1964. (twinings.com). Twinings does not own any tea gardens or any tea factories, and instead they source form a well developed network of tea estates and suppliers. These network of growers and suppliers of Twinings were from India, Sri Lanka, China, Kenya, Indonesia and Brazil. (twinings.com). Twinings markets these sourced tea under various brand names and varieties, cur rently selling more than 100 varieties of regional and flavored teas. Twining has a strong team of tea tasters or quality controllers, marketing team and other departments to reach the finished tea to the target customers in UK, France, USA, Australia Scandinavia, Russia, Italy and some Asian countries. (twinings.com). Twinings is selling these varieties of tea backed by a strong marketing campaign, which can be further optimized to make it competitive during the period of Christmas 2011 in Hull in UK SWOT Strengths Twinings have a longstanding presence in tea market, having been established 300 years ago. (twinings.com). Have a strong long-standing relationship with growers and suppliers from around the world. As they do not own any tea gardens and tea factories (so they do not grow or manufacture), they does not need to use their own produce, instead they are sourcing quality tea from various growers, manufacturers and suppliers. (twinings.com). Follow advanced and quality process ing standards and technique (twinings.com). Founding member of Ethical Tea partnership Weaknesses Strong dislike for its The New Earl Grey variety or brand among majority of its customers. (Brown). Customers disliked the taste of The Early Grey, with many customers complaining the new variety makes it hard for them to sleep at night. (Brown). Although, Twinings is the founding member of Ethical Tea Partnership, it is being accused of indulging in unethical practices Twinings does not offer price advantage, as its products’ price is equal to or more than other brands’ high price. Opportunities Twinings can offer a range of â€Å"specialty Teas, infusions and Green Teas to maximize profit potential from high margin products.† (twiningsfs.co.uk) Twinings has good opportunities in the health tea segment and can offer more varieties of health enriching teas to health conscious customers It can offer Premium tea experience as the customers are prepared to pay more. (t winingsfs.co.uk) Can tie-up with food outlets and other restaurants Can also associate with or sell to catering companies which does service in the hospitality, airlines and other corporate sectors. Threat Dislike among customers for new varieties Twinings’ decision to shift its production processes from UK to Poland and China, could lead to job losses among the local population, thereby creating negative image among the UK target customer base. (telegraph.co.uk 2011) Entry of low priced equivalents from local manufacturers as well as foreign manufacturers,

And Sun Also Rises Essay Example for Free

And Sun Also Rises Essay This paper discusses Ernest Hemingway’s novel And Sun Also Rises (1926) and takes an in-depth analysis of the development of the female character Lady Brett Ashley in trying to come up with better understanding of the character’s role in the novel. Hemingway’s And Sun Also Rises is widely regarded as Hemingway’s best novel. It became the overnight Bible of the postwar generation. (Barrett, 724) The novel revolves the theme of damage done to Hemingway’s generation by the violence of World War I. All the main characters of the novel are to certain extent scarred by war. Some of them suffer physical injuries like Jake or Count Mippipopolous and others bear the psychological trauma of â€Å"lost generation† (the phrase belonged to Hemingway’s friend Gertrude Stein and became the novel’s first epigraph). Among those psychologically deteriorated individuals Lady Brett Ashley is a controversial character that evokes different readers’ and critics’ reaction. This paper explores the path by which Lady Ashley’s character develops through the novel. With the first meeting with Brett Ashley her individual female sexual appeal and exceptional general attractiveness is revealed. From the beginning of the book, men find her irresistible. When Jake, as narrator, first introduces Brett, he says, â€Å"Brett was damned good-looking. She wore a slipover jersey sweater and a tweed skirt, and her hair was brushed back like a boy’s. She started all that. She was built with curves like the hull of a racing yacht, and you missed none of it with that wool jersey† (Hemingway, 22). Robert Cohn, too, is immediately captivated by Brett, and a short time later, he says, â€Å"She’s a remarkably attractive woman† (Hemingway, 38). She is a strong and independent woman and probably these are the features that attract men more than her physical beauty. Her real tool is her charisma that strikes the men around her. Every significant male character in the novel, at one time or another, comments on Brett’s female attractiveness. When he is introduced to Brett, Bill Gorton says, â€Å"Beautiful lady† (Hemingway, 74); Mike Campbell says, â€Å"Brett, you are a lovely piece. Don’t you think she’s beautiful? † (Hemingway, 79) These compliments are like a refrain that is reiterated through the rest of the novel. Despite the abounding attention on men’s side Brett rejects to become committed to a single man, at least physically. Neither the affluence of attention nor her independence makes Brett a happy woman. Having first appeared as a careless free woman Brett Ashley turns out to be an unhappy and miserable creature just the same as all those who lived through the war. Brett is often described in the literary criticism as sexually promiscuous, or even a nymphomaniac, which seems extreme given that in the course of the story she has sexual relationships with, at most, three men her fiancee, Mike Campbell; Robert Cohn; and Pedro Romero. Some critics, like Edmund Wilson, assess Brett’s conduct as â€Å"bitch-like†; Wilson interprets Brett Ashley as â€Å"an exclusively destructive force† (p. 238). This interpretation, plausibly, is directly related rely to Brett’s own assertion that she makes to Jake after she leaves Romero: â€Å"You know it makes one feel rather good deciding not to be a bitch† (Hemingway, 245). Nonetheless it is difficult to agree with such interpretation of Brett’s character. First of all it is known that she is one of the â€Å"lost generation†, the people whose youth fell on the post-war period when the relationships and responsibilities were loose and disordered, and so Brett’s behavior merely reflects this time. Furthermore, though Brett never stayed with any man longer than she wanted, she never displayed cruelty in attitude toward men, so she could not destruct them to any degree. And the most important thing which explains Brett’s character is again related to the time of the novel. Brett Ashley belongs to those people whose thoughts are confused being affected by the war. So while looking for her way in life she fails in finding the lull for her psychological disturbances therefore continues her self-abusive conduct. Brett can be profoundly careless of the feelings of others. She scatters cigarette ashes on Jake’s rugs, and when Romero gives her a bull’s severed ear after a successful bullfight, she leaves the gift behind, stuffed in a hotel drawer. Cohn calls her a sadist when she is unmoved by the plight of the horses gored in the bullring. Certainly she uses Jake heartlessly at times, expecting him to introduce her to a man she desires, put up with her affairs, remain steadfast in his devotion to her, and faithfully run to her rescue on short notice when she finds herself at loose ends in another country. Yet she is also deeply unhappy and emotionally fragile. Viewed more sympathetically, she can be seen as a self-destructive woman, traumatized by the ugly and unromantic loss of her first love to dysentery in the war: â€Å"Brett hurts no one in the novel as severely as she hurts herself. Her nymphomania, her alcoholism, her constant fits of depression, and her obsession with bathing are all symptoms of an individual engaged in a consistent pattern of self-abuse† (Whitlow, 56). All in her misery she often complains to Jake, her only true friend, about her aimless existence and unsatisfying life. Her vagrancy from relationship to relationship is assimilated with Jake and company roaming around bars. As the novel unfolds one observes how Lady Ashley transforms from the self-confident independent woman into one who seems extremely awkward being by herself. That is why she is searching for the shelter in more or less stable though platonic relations with Jake. As with the other characters, World War I obviously played the determinative role in the formation Brett Ashley’s character. Having lost her true love during the war she elaborated the pattern of random relations, especially with regard to men. Her skepticism and lost faith in search for true love symbolizes the search of the whole lost generation for their decayed values. Unable to find support in the traditional convictions that imposed certain meaning to her life Brett feels morally lost. Having lost belief in anything Brett together with her friends is trying to escape the reality and fill her empty life with careless wandering from bar to bar, living night life, drinking and entertaining, doing everything that fits into the notion escapist activity. The character of Lady Brett Ashley is developing through the novel from the initial impression of careless but happy woman into the typical representative of post-war generation with aimless way in life. Parties, free love and other kinds of merry-making are only the futile distraction for concealing the sorrow and insecurity that filled her soul.

coral reef Essay -- essays research papers

CORAL REEFS Almost every one of us have heard and most of you have seen the Coral reefs but did you know what actually these are: As a mariner its important to know about the marine life, that was one reason I have chosen this topic for my today’s short presentation. GM, my scheme of presentation will be as flashed: DEFINATION OF CORAL REEF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CORAL AND CORAL POLYP WHERE WE CAN FIND CORAL CONSTRUCTION OF CORAL REEFS CONDITIONS FOR GROWTH OF CORAL REEFS TYPES OF CORAL REEFS THREAT TO CROAL REEFS WHAT SHOULD A MARINER DO IN CORAL RICH AREAS FUTURE OF CORAL REEFS CONCLUSION What is a coral reef? Coral reefs are huge structures made of limestone that is deposited by living things. There are thousands of species that live in coral reefs, but only a fraction actually produces the limestone that builds the reef. Coral reefs support over 25% of all known marine species. They are one of the most complex ecosystems on the planet, and are home to over 4,000 different types of fish, 700 species of coral and thousands of other plants and animals. A good way to imagine a coral reef is to think of it as a bustling city or community, with the buildings made of coral, and thousands of inhabitants coming and going, carrying out their business. In this sense, a coral reef is like a metropolis under the sea. What is coral? Although coral is often mistaken for a rock or a plant, it is actually composed of tiny, fragile animals called coral polyps. When we say "coral" we are actually referring to these animals and the skeletons they leave behind after they die. Although there are hundreds of different species of corals, they are generally classified as "hard coral" or "soft coral". Hard corals grow in colonies and are the architects of coral reefs. They include such species as brain coral and elkhorn coral. Their skeletons are made out of calcium carbonate (also known as limestone) which is hard and eventually becomes rock. Hard corals are hermatypes or reef-building corals and need tiny algae called zooxanthellae (pronounced zo-zan-THEL-ee) to survive. Generally, when we talk about "coral" we are referring to hard corals. Soft corals such as sea fingers and sea whips, are soft and bendable and often resemble plants or trees. These corals do not have stony skeletons, but instead grow wood-like cores for suppor... ...s are considered as part of a larger watershed, the recognization of the complexity of environmental stresses can be understood. Management plans can be developed to reduce impacts to mangroves, seagrasses and the reef ecosystem, based upon accurate data and a better understanding of the system. EPA is in the process of developing guidance for a watershed approach to coral ecosystem protection. CONCLUSION Corals provide shelter for nearly one quarter of all known marine species. The reefs are home to over 4000 species of fish, 700 species of coral, and thousands of other forms of plant and animal life. Living coral reefs are the foundation of marine life, and this also means that they are essential for human life, but all over the world they are dead or dying because people are destroying them at a very fast rate. Already 10% have been lost, and there are predictions that 705 of all corals on the planet will be destroyed in 20 to 40 years unless people stop doing what they are doing now – i.e., pollution, sewage, erosion, cyanide fishing, bad tourism. We need coral reefs, and not just to make the ocean look pretty and colourful, they are more than just that†¦ eggs.

Describe and illustrate what you consider to be the key features of Homers narrative technique

The importance of Homer's narrative technique in appreciation of the Odyssey cannot be emphasised enough. The role of similes, rhythm, formulaic composition, epithets, rhythm, folktale motifs and direct speech is to create composure in the poem and give rise to a particular form of Homeric narrative. The texture of the poem allows a reader or audience a â€Å"creative share in the artistic experience†1 as the numerous literary devices create a colourful epic narrative comprised of the objective, the subjective and the dramatic. The notion of an oral tradition runs closely alongside Homeric narrative in our appreciation of the Odyssey, and the ideas are closely entwined with one another. Thus to comprehend key features of Homeric narrative, it is important to consider the role of the oral tradition in the formulation of this. To understand key features of Homeric narrative it is first worth considering the critical role of the â€Å"linguistic phonomena of our text of Homer†2 and its profound effect on the poem. The elements of phonetics, morphology, and vocabulary which characterize the narrative is a construction of Aeolic, Ionic, artificial, and possibly Achaean text. Homer exercised obsolete word form, new word forms and even created artificial forms in order to utilize a language adapted to the needs of hexameter versification. 3. Thus formula was clearly of primary importance in Homeric narrative to the extent that language had to cater for formula not formula to language, born frth from the strict adherence to the oral tradition. It clearly allows flexibility in compusure for the bard as the infinitive ‘to be' has following forms in Homeric narrative: emen, emmen, emenai, emmenai, einai, each is particular to a period yet each gives different numbers of syllables at the poets disposal thus can adhere to rhythmic structure. Formula frames the Odyssey from the beginning, every repeated expression down to stock scenes and themes that are rcorrent in the same formulaic composition. Origin of the works of Rothe, of Scott and Shewan set out to demonstrate that formulae are found everywhere in Homer and that there must be a common stock from which every epic poet could draw. There does remain question as to how much to attrbute to the individual poet as Homeric tradition or just as bardic tradition in general thus does it constitute Homeric narrative. M. Meillet wrote that ‘Homeric epic is entirely composed of formulae handed down from poet to poet. An examination of any passage will quickly reveal that it is made up of lines and fragments of lines which are reproduced word for word in one or several other passages'4 Two fold purpose of formulaic composition allowed expression of ideas in a suitable manner, and of attenuating the difficulties of versification. Example of Traditional epithet as repetition (list no. of places) meant when context required it, and when the sense allowed it, bard could make any combination of these expressions creating both a correct line and a complete sentence. Numerous examples of an expression regularly used under the same metrical conditions, to express an essential idea about a charafcter important when considering the authors intehntion of allowing the audience some hint of chracter. A proper noun with the help of some epithetic word creates a formula which exactly fills that portion of the line which extends from the feminine caesura to the end. This is called noun epithet formula as it is of a given metrical value and is made up of particular parts of speech. They indirectly attempt to identify certain characteristics or manners with each hero and distinguish him from others without stone character that is not individual to listeners opinion. Repetition through Stock scenes is also present not metrically identical yet structurally identical for example 1. 102 and 14.? Prime examples of Hospitality stock scene. (GO INTO SPECIFICS). In relation to the oral tradition it allowed the bards to convey the long tale in a consistent way without needing to stretch amzing memory even further, it als highlights or makes more apparent characters who don't adhere to the rules of hospitality characterizing them in a negative way as Homer intended. The solidity of narrative created by repetition of type scenes important adds a acertain kind of skeleton structure to the poem. Direct speech comprises 45 % of the Odyssey and is therefore an important feature of Homeric narrative. It conveys a violence of emotion that is both dramatic and allows the characters themselves to develop the plot or reveal their own personalities. Plato said of Homers use of dialogue that it has a unique life of its own5 . Two kinds of direct speech; either public or private. Private speech (EG) sees characters talk amongst themselves and evoke spontaneous emotion that further characterizes. Similarly public speeches sees leaders put forward opinions in council or agora same role except it normally displays qualities of leadership or arrogance. Personality emerges from â€Å"words endowed with life† for example Odysseus and his man of many wiles persona. Notice the quality and diversity of the speech. The amount of direct speech serves to make silence even more poignant (Book 16 and Odysseus and Penelope 23. 85-96) In example notice gnomes in the last lines of direct speech which sees the wisdom of generations contained in brief statement and phrasing reveals high moral tone. Direct speech also plays an important role in assisting vizualisation of outward appearance, as Homeric narrative rarely describes specific visual characteristics. It generally attempts to build up a mental impression of the people as opposed to detailed visual picture as the ‘beautiful is never described'6 except for Thersites in Illiad when the poet delights in his uglification (II . 216)and that is the beauty of roots in oral tradition. Open ended characters and Odysseus' is different to everyone whether you admire his wit and slyness or feel him distrustful. The Artistic detail revealed through speech as the â€Å"poet endows his heroic characters with the knowledge which he himself possesses† EMBEDDED FOCALIZATIONSimilarly often through direct speech main features are marked in advance by forecast or prophecy (1. 16)(4. 767)central actions like the death of the suitors is forecast more than once, each one emphasising more and more the tragic and sinister character of what is to come, it also increases tension of some main events and glues the long story together with consistency. Thirty nine Similes (metaphor extended and simplified) make the text vivid and the extended epic simile is a peculiar feature of Homeric epic. Favours a full legth simile extending to six or seven lines begins by describing scene or an action suggested by what happens in the narrative, then develops little picture illustrating emotion. Often begins normally describing scene suggested by main action but eventuall loses contact with that it was trying to illustrate (5. 51-3). Nothing extra illuminated by excess yet continuation adds fresh elements to storyThey can be used to suggest the external appearance and psychology of the hero (EG LION ODYSSEUS). They particularly introduce aspects of everyday life in to the the heroic world, roots of epic, making oral appreciation better as listeners ould have been able to relate to simile whilst also seeing the epic in context of heroism in comparison Familiar world of everyday life. These comparisonsnhave a roots in tradition yet clearly reflect â€Å"Homers own passionate interest in the world and desire to use it as a counterweight to heroic tale† heightens tension between the story and the simile (12. 51)(9. 383). Many similes appeal to the senses (Oral tradition) to make them more poignant and vivid, great poetry centered around human factor that characterize individuals and types or the essence of a relationship(! )(16. 216-19). Lricism of Homeric simile astounding relating diverse : seasons, storms, wildlife it also adds significance. Could be used to support a theme in the poem for example Nausikaaa compared to Artemis at 8. 521 and Odysseus to a mountain Lion at 6. 128. It was suggested by Shipp 1953 in a linguistic study that similes were froma later stage of epic tradition due to double similes and irrelevant elaboration that appears unnecessary, but these further accentuete points and add to poignancy. They make an action more vivid and and imaginable whereas a psychological state is hard to convey it is easier using simile. It throws a distinguishing light on that which coud become monotonous. It allows poet to say that which cannot be said in a direct statement. Notice how Homer avoids negative simile and accumulation of short similes round a single point; suggesting use of similes is very deliberate and purposeful. Folk tale motifs first made apparent by Ludwig Radermacher in 1915 in â€Å"Die Erzahlungen der Odysee†. Evident that there are certain stories underlying the Homeric poems, although not possible to separate them all as individual texts. Simple â€Å"genuine fairy tales† shown by J. Tolstoi in Philologus 1934 ten motifs from Russian tales as components of a modern story all occur in the Odyssey. Story of the web unmistakable characteristic of folk tale based upon motif that day is at hand to re marry Term draws near and crisis is about to arise. When Telemachos has a beard†¦.. beginning of fairy tale Homer actually made this peculiarly his own. Orientalization Gilgamesh etc. Make mention. Departure to distant land and instructions left behind in particular coming of age myth. (Deer as Pagan myth). Bow scehem of story easily recognizable as a folktale motif: the old weapon of the missing hero will prove who of the competitors is his equal, but that is nobody except himself. Points to revelation, culmination in suitors sudden realization of King and Queen there. Structure of Homeric narrative is complex, yet orderly. Ring composition is a form of repitition used to signal the end of a section by echoing its beginning. It is frequent in digressions, including similes and also in speeches. Ranges from simple examples 1. 252-69 where begins with â€Å"If only he were to come now†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ the man he was when I first saw him†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ if only Odysseus, the man he was then, could meet these suitors! â€Å". More complex examples include the beginning of the wanderings being signalled by a â€Å"TWO DAY STORM† and ending with a two day storm8 in between enclosing two sequences of five episodes each on either side of the underworld . Probably through oral tradition allows easilt memeorable as a pattern to stick to. Oral tadition Homer must omit â€Å"much that a literate poet might think necessary and that he employs certain devices to make his narrative easy to follow†. Homer has a basic consideration for hearers great influence on narrative technique. The rhapsodes success is judged by the course of recitation thus primarily want to keep hold of readers attention . Homer wants to coax the listener into a state of â€Å"relaxed receptivity† thus developed directness, simplicity and fullness in its narrative and has a dramatic manner of incidents. This characterizes dialogue and whole structures of Odysseus and Illiad. The skill as a story teller comes through Odyyseeys development mid book not the outcome of the story his eluding charm etc. Homer concern with hearer eveident in his tendency to repeat incidents, motifs and themes and in part for stock phrases, this all protects the rhapsode from slowing down and assists a listeners memory without effort of their part. Milmann Parry â€Å"that inattention was the normal compliment paid by an audience to a recurrent epithet†9 . Depite vagueness Homeric narrative â€Å"provides the most elaborate and convincing representations of individual psychology to be found in classical literature†

Antivirus Programs: Methods and Benefits Essay

Today, people rely on to create, store, and manage critical information, many times via a home computer network information transmited over networks has a higher degree of security risk than information kept in a user’s home or company premises. Thus, it is crucial that they take measures to protect their computers and data from loss, damage, and misuse resulting from computer security risks. Antiirus program are an effective way to protect a computer against viruses. An antivirus program protects a computer against viruses by identifying and removing any computer viruses found in memory, ontorage media, or on incoming files. ! When you purchase a new computer, it often includes antivirus software . antivirus program work by scanning for programs that attempt to modify the boot program, the operating system, and other programs that normally are includes antivirus software . antivirus program work by scanning for programs that attempt to modify the boot program, the operating system, and other programs that normally are read from but not modified. In addition, many antivirus programs automatically scan files (Bulowski) (Bulowski) (Bulowski, Protection and Precaution Keeping Your computer Healthy, 2008)download from the web, e-mail attachment, opended files, and all types of remoble media inserted in the computer (karanos 201 – 205) One technique that antivirus programs use indentify a virus is to look for virus signatures, or virus definitions, which are known specific patterns of virus code. According to Shelly and Cashman (Antivirus Programs), many vendors of antivirus programs allow registered users to update virus signarure files automatically from the Web at no cost for a specified time. Updating the antivirus. Bullowski points out that most antivirus also protect against worms and Trojan horse (55-61).Program’s signature files regularly is important, because it will download any new virus definitinion that have been added since the last update. Methods that guarantee a computer or network is safe from computer viruses simply do not exist. Installing updating and using an antivirus program, though, is an effective techniques to safeguard your computer from loss.

Comparison between Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby and Jack Claytons cinematographic adaptation Essays

Comparison between Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby and Jack Claytons cinematographic adaptation Essays Comparison between Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby and Jack Claytons cinematographic adaptation Paper Comparison between Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby and Jack Claytons cinematographic adaptation Paper A good story can be told in many different ways. That is what happens with our oral narrative. It goes from mouth to mouth and each narrator gives to it a teaspoon of personal taste. The same occurs when a novel is transformed into a script for a movie. Movies give us the chance to see with our physical eyes what we have pictured in our minds. Words take human form and carry us along the story. Yet, what we see is very limited, our approach to the characters and events is determined by the purpose of the director; what we see is what he wants us to see. In the case of The Great Gatsby, the story is followed very loyally, but emphasis is put on different aspects, for the movie differs in its objective, and appeals to a different audience. There is a clear difference between Fitzgeralds purpose and the one of Jack Clayton. For the former one, The Great Gatsby is an instrument to criticize the American dream and uncover the shallowness of society. While he introduces Gatsby as someone who respresented everything for which I have an unaffected scorn, he still finds that there was something gorgeous about him, some heightened sensitivity for the promises of life(p8). For the director of the movie, Gatsby is more literally a man with a romantic readiness that distinguishes himself from the rest. He is a tragic heroe, someone whose romantic blindness finds no place in society. Yet, the movie does not blame society for Gatsbys destruction; no- he is a dreamer, he is deaf to a reality that speaks loud enough. Fitzgerald, through Nicks voice, condemns society very clearly since the beginning and with the most cruel words. Gatsby turned out all right at the end; it is what preyed on Gatsby, what foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams that temporarily closed out my interest in the abortive sorrows and shortwide elations of men. (p8). While the writer uses the characters as a bridge to discovering Gatsbys life and as an instrument of disillusion, Clayton puts emphasis on each character as an individual; he embodies in an abstraction what Fitzgerald describes with an artistic pastiche of actions and reactions. In the book, everything we see is seen through the eyes of Nick Carraway. An evidence, and an excellent literary technique, is when Nick has had some many drinks and images in his memory start to be blurred: It was nine oclock- almost immediately afterward I looked at my watch and found it was ten. (p38). The movie, on the other hand, shows us images we can decipher for ourselves. We can see, or at least assume, Nick is tipsy because we see how many drinks he has had, and we observe in his face the lost look of someone who is starting to feel the effect of alcohol. When Nick describes the whiteness of the house and the dresses, he loads his description with similies and visual images. Clayton, on the other side, creates this image phisically; everything in the setting is horribly white, and with a short glance he substitutes the magic of Fitzgeralds words. Nevertheless, his method is not less effective in its purpose, though it is a different one. The book appeals to hypocrisy through the contrast between white and the immorality with which everyone is stained. The movie stays with the superficial meaning of white as the dream in which Gatsby is submerged, the whiteness he creates by filling Nicks house with white daisies and dressing in a white suit. Although the story in the movie is presented by Nick in first person narrative, the movies structure has more to do with the structure of a comic series, where the narrator is only an introduction to the setting and/or the action taking place. Whilst in the book Nick is a filter through which we receive an account on the events, in the movie his intervention between us and the story is very little; he abandons his outsider perspective and plays here a character in his own. This is a resource used by Clayton to emphasize again the importance of each character, including his narrator, as an individual. When drunk, sad or happy, it is not through his voice (internal) that we get to know about his state, but through observing externally his actions and judging for ourselves. Whenever he makes an assumption in the book Now it was again a green light on a dock. His count of enchanted objects had diminished by one (p90), Clayton replaces that thought for an action in itslef, an action in which Nick has no intervention, the sad look in Gatsbys eyes is something we become aware ourselves, with no need for words. This happens very often, another example is when Nick narrates the moment when, five years ago, he kissed her(p107). Clayton replaces this thoroughly described moment and all its mistery with a romantic dreamlike environment created by Gatsby and Daisy in their moments of reminiscense: D:-I wish you had your uniform G:-I do still have my uniform D:-Then, you are a sentimental man. Yet, everything we see is as imagined by the director, the visual image is therefore imposed on us, in contrast to the image we create ourselves from the reading of the book. Another difference in structure is the chronology of the story. Both of them apply a retrospective view. Yet, the movie follows a circular construction, starting with a walk through Gatsbys house once he is dead, glancing at the collection of pictures and articles of Daisys life, breathing the still air of a house that has held its last party. Then the whole story is told from the beginning, when Nick arrives in Daisys house till we are driven back to the empty house with its lugubrious stillness. This is, once more, a choice made by Clayton to achieve his aim, to portray the romantic aspect of the story. The book on the other hand, is a deliberate criticism born in the interior of a mans soul. It is more of a psychological structure, a telling of the story as it comes to mind, Reading over what I have written so far, I see I have given the impression that the events of three nights severa weeks apart were all that absorbed me (p56), as it makes sense. Nick admits this when he says: He told me all this very much later, but Ive put it down here with the idea of exploding those first wild rumours about his antecedents (p97). Symbols play an important role in both book and movie. Yet, the latter neglects some of the symbols originally found in Fitzgeralds piece. This is the case of the clock that represented the passing of time that Gatsby so foolishly denied. Luckily the clock took this moment to tilt dangerously at the pressure of his head, whereupon he turned and caught it with trembling fingers, and set it back in place, then he said I am sorry about the clock (p84). In the movie, ho wever, the clock never falls. The reason for this is that this symbol does not satisfy the directors purpose. Instead, a bird is presented as a symbol of the love between Daisy and Jay. This feathered creature appears when both of them are together in the poolside. Its second appearance is toward the end, when Daisy is gone forever. Gatsby turns back hoping to find her there, he calls out her name, but the dream is over; the bird flies away abruptly. There is a saying in my country: bird that ate, flew away. This could be a second interpretation, although not as romantic. Movie and book tell the very same story in very different ways, making emphasis in what will contribute to achieving their respective purposes. Both of them are very successful in that and, whatever the choices and changes made by Clayton, they can be easily indulged for he presents to us another aspect of Great Gatsby: the greatness of his individuality. Gatsby dies and is purified, he is a romantic heroe that needs no excuse for he has lived a life in pursue of a dream, which he owns. Both writer and director condemn this illusion: one sceptically calls it hope, the other very superficially calls it love. Fitzgerald lies the blame on society: society killed Gatsbys dream and with it, everything that Gatsby meant. Clayton portrays him as this romantic figure who gives up everything for an illusion. Yet, his means to reach that blind illusion that has no shape nor content any more, that something that was but will never be again, are very distorted in the context of his humanity. What makes him such a special individual is, ironically, what erases any individuality in him, what in the end, kills him for he has no aim any more.

Blue Nile Case Essay Example for Free

Blue Nile Case Essay Blue Nile has grown into one of the largest jewelry retailers in the United States with only using the Internet as its distribution channel. The success is a direct result of a well-crafted business strategy that attracts high price customers and provides them with in-depth education about diamonds and jewelry. Gamble, Peteraf, Strickland III, and Thompson (2012), indicated that the company’s strategy provides customers with high quality diamonds, exceptional customer service and low prices (p. c-128). They pride themselves on their selection and outstanding education that they provide to consumers looking for the perfect diamond. In addition they have received various awards and recognition from Forbes and Bizrate.com (Thompson, Peteraf, Gamble, & Strickland, 2012, p. C-127). Blue Nile has found a niche in which to differentiate itself by creating an online marketplace for jewelry shopping and with low operating costs which makes them extremely competitive. In viewing Blue Niles website, one can see that they have a vast amount of for potential buyers, that which determine a diamond’s value- carat, clarity, color, cut, and cut grade. The company has a user friendly site that present a lot of diamonds styles to choose from with the 5C’s of diamond selection which are cut shape, cut, color, clarity and carat weight. Their price is much lower than others. Blue Niles also prides themselves on their selection and outstanding education that they provide to consumers looking for the perfect diamond (Thompson, Peteraf, Gamble, & Strickland, 2012, p. C-127). Blue Nile competes in a small area with a specialty offering. Brand awareness remains a constant source of weakness for the company. Blue Nile, Inc. needs to increase their advertising campaign to attract new and retain old customers. Blue Nile needs to create a strong brand awareness that will allow can compete with Tiffany and Co. Blue Nile, Inc. recently opened warehouses in Canada and Britain, but has limited globalization to sales of 40 nations. Blue Nile will need global growth into the European market could prove to be a financial success. Through the operating capital calculations it indicates that Blue Niles strategy is needs some adjustments in the current market space. From 2005 to 2009 the cash that has been available for the firm’s day-to-day operations has dropped dramatically. There was an estimated $58.8 billion in sales in the United States alone in 2009 (Thompson, 2012, p. C-127). With Blue Nile taking $302 million in sales in 2009, they had a great year but in reality only maintain a less than 1% of the market industry hold. This suggests that there is room for growth in this are. With steady profits for the past two years, 2011 has been the best year even though the 4th quarter resulted in small loss. The company profits are 2011 – $348 million, 2010 – $332.9 million, 2009 – $302.1 million, and in 2008 – $295.3 million be (Blue Nile, 2012, Investor Relations). Blue Nile, Inc. 2011 Annual Report (2012). Blue Nile, Inc. (online). r posting and I enjoyed reading it also. In reviewing the financials and the Internet site, it is apparent that Blue Nile spends a lot of money in the area that has no direct impact on generating profit. Blue Nile is now pursuing a new market consisting of non-engagement jewelry by offering an expanded range of products across several price points. This market should offer a great amount of growth opportunities for now and the future. All in all the brand and name recognition is the key aspect that the must pay attention to. Your post was very insightful. A main issue for Blue Nile is the lack of exposure through the their advertising. Blue Nile offers the best prices while still being able to create a profit. The low operations cost of the business enables them to offer low prices and still make a profit. On the other hand the lack of store front exposure creates a problem for gaining additional clients. By adding new products they can create there reach and drive more revenue. Blue Nile Case. (2016, Dec 31).

NewBoston Networks Company-RESEARCH SKILLS FOR HUMAN RESOURCE Essay

NewBoston Networks Company-RESEARCH SKILLS FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - Essay Example ry to examine the organizational structure, strategic choices made by the management and company culture that had an impact on the performances of the employees. These issues need to be addressed because the company is not able to achieve its assigned goals and objectives, which are because apparently, the working environment of the company is in conducive. Hence, in order to improve the working conditions for the employees, a profound research will be conducted based on the quantitative method. The survey questionnaire as a means to take feedback from employees regarding the role of the managers and supervisors in aligning the duties of the subordinates, the extent to which they are being supportive of their individual tasks, providing good compensation packages, ability to delegate tasks and to have the role of making strategic decisions. The company operates in Ottawa, Canada, United States, EMEA and Asia Pacific, which shows that the company size is extensive and can expand globally. The total workforce consists of 2,165 individuals working in major departments of the company including Administration (including HR and Finance), Research & Development, Engineering, and Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, Customer Services and Logistics. The organization form of the company is Sole proprietorship as Michael Millard founded it. The company consists of diverse workforce and employee distribution is uneven in all the countries. For instance, there is no Research Department in Canada, United States and Asia Pacific. In the same way, there is no engineering, sales or customer services present in Ottawa. Besides this, it is seen that their immediate supervisors affect most of the performances of the workforce. Some employees are happy with the management whereas others have issues with the organizational set up and blame Michael Millward for the communication gap with the management. According to Alvesson (2012), good organizational or corporate culture constitutes a