How Psychological Research Has Helped in the Understanding of Criminal Behaviour Essay

Albert Bandura created the bobo doll experiment in 1961, the aim of this experiment was to show that if children where witnesses to aggressive displays by an adult of some sort they would imitate this behaviour when given an opportunity. The tested group contained 36 young girls and 36 young boys all aged between 4 and 5 years which was then divided into 3 groups of 24 – the aggressive condition, the non aggressive condition and the control group. The first group involved the children watching aggressive models, where the children where then subdivided by sex of the role model they were exposed to. The second group involved the children watched non aggressive models, where the children were also subdivided by the sex of the role model which they were exposed to. This left the two conditioned groups subdivided into eight experimental groups each containing 6 subjects. They were 6 boys with the same sex model, 6 boys with opposite model, 6 girls with the same sex model and 6 girls with the opposite model. With 3 different groups, Bandura had created a complicated design for the study which resulted in 3 independent variables; the conditions the children were exposed to, the sex of the child and the sex of the role model. Each child was then tested individually and the findings where then recorded. The experiment was done in an artificial environment and the researcher manipulated the independent variables into the conditions. In stage one of the experiment, the children were brought into the experimental room by the examiner. The room was set out as a nursery play room since that was the appropriate setting for the age of the children. One corner of the room had been arranged as a child’s play area consisting of a small table and chair and picture stickers. In the opposite corner of the room was where the adult models would be followed by a small table and chair, tinker toy set and a five foot bobo doll. In the aggressive condition the model began by playing with the tinker toy set but after a couple minutes the model turned its attention to the bobo doll and was aggressive towards the doll in a very distinctive way. Were as in the non aggressive condition the model ignored the bobo doll and played with the tinker toys in a gentle manner. After 10 minutes the children where then taken into new room. In stage two of the experiment the children were brought into a room with relativity attractive toys. In this room the children were to be subjected to mild aggression arousal. Once the children started to play with the toys, the experimenter took them off the children claiming they had been reserved for the other children. The children were then taken into the last and final room for stage three of the experiment. In this room the children were told they could play with any toys in there, the toys in stage three consisted of both non aggressive and aggressive toys. The children were kept in the room for 20 minutes where observations were made through a one way mirror by judges. With the observation and findings of this experiment, three measures of imitation were obtained. For this study the observers’ looked specifically for responses from the children that were very similar to the display by the adult model. They included; imitation of physical aggression, imitation of verbal aggression and imitation of non verbal aggression. With these observations, the researchers were able to consider which children imitate the models, which models the children imitated and whether the children showed a general increase of aggressive behaviour. The main findings of this study were that the children in aggressive model condition made more aggressive responses than the children in the non aggressive condition. They also found that the boys made more aggressive responses than girls, as well as the sex of the children being more aggressive if the model was of the same sex. These findings support Bandura’s social learning theory that children learn social behaviour through observation learning, which children learn through imitation. This study has helped in the understanding of criminal behaviour as children learn through imitation and the environment which they grow up in have an effect on their behaviour. If a child has been brought up around abuse, criminal activity or consistent aggression then the child is most likely to offend by imitating their role model which could be a parent, sibling or even just a role model which they look up to. Philip Zimbardo (1971) – Stanford prison experiment – Dr Philip Zimbardo created the Stanford prison experiment in 1971, the aim of this experiment was to find out the psychological effects of prison life, and to what extent can moral people be seduced to act immorally. The study consisted of 24 students selected out of 75, the roles of these 24 men were randomly assigned, 12 to play prison guards and 12 to play prisoners. The prison set up was built inside the Stanford’s psychological department, doors where taken of laboratory rooms and replaced with steel bars in order to create cells. At the end of the corridor was the small opening which became the solitary confinement for the ‘bad prisoners’. Throughout the prison there were no windows or clocks to judge the passage in time, which resulted in time distorting experiences. After only a few hours, the participants adapted to their roles well beyond expectations, the officers starting displaying authorisation and subject some of the prisoners to humiliation and torture whilst the prisoners developed passive attitudes towards the guards and accepted the physical abuse that was given to them. On the second day with surprise an unexpected rebellion broke out, reinforcement was called and more guards where to be on duty however the prisoners refused to leave their cells, barricading themselves in. This early in to the experiment the prisoners had already felt a loss of identity to the extent they started to refer to themselves as their inmate number rather than name. Even Dr Zimbardo himself started to lose sight of his role in the experiment believing he was in fact a ‘prison superintendent’ rather than a psychologist. Due to the extent of the rebellion the guards were forced to show more authority over them which led to the creation of the ‘privileged cell’. In order to break down the ‘superior’ inmates the guards placed the good prisoners in the privileged cell for a few hours, then placed the good prisoners back into the bad cells causing confusion within the inmates, breaking the trust and isolating them. Within a week the study was abandoned as the experiment was no longer a simple simulation, instead the guards saw the prisoners as troublemakers they were made out to be. In response to this they began stepping up control, surveillance and aggression whilst the prisoner started breaking down emotionally being unable to handle the situation anymore. From the observations and information given by Dr Zimbardo’s reports, this study has helped in the understanding of criminal behaviour as it relates to imitation and conformity. The guards imitated the behaviour of real guards adapting the role quiet quickly. The prisoners also adapted the role quickly falling into depression and conforming to each other. This also helps how a person mental state can change their behaviour, with the prisoners they soon became depressed and mentally unstable, and this shows that when put into a certain disciplinary situation the mind adapts causing them to act immorally. Solomon Ashce (1951) – Conformity experiment- Solomon Ashce conducted the conformity experiment in 1951. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the extent of social pressure from a majority group can affect a person to conform. For this experiment Ashe used a lab experiment. Ashe used 8 participants for this experiment, 7 confederates and 1 naive participant. The 7 confederates had previously agreed to what their responses would be when presented with the line task. However the real participant had no knowledge of this and was led to believe that the other 7 participants were also real. With this experiment each person had to state aloud which line was most like the target line, (A, B or C). The answer was always an obvious one. The real participant always gave his or her answer last in order to see if they conformed or not. In some trials, the confederates gave the wrong answer whereas in some they gave the correct obvious answer. In the experiment there was 18 trials altogether and the confederates gave the wrong answer 12 out of the total 18. Ashce main observation was to find out if the real participant would end up conforming based on the majority views given by the other 7 participants. The results were then drawn up and out of the 18 trails, around 75% of the trials the real participant conformed even though he or she knew the answers were wrong. From the observations, this study has helped in the understanding of criminal behaviour as it explains that criminals may have previously been highly exposed to such aggressive behaviour causing them to conform. This shows that publicly any source of aggressive behaviour or criminal activity can lead to conformity causing more criminal behaviour. Anderson and Dill (2000) – Violence in video games study- Both Anderson and Dill conducted the relation between violence and video games study in 2000. The aim of this study was to find out how violent video games relate to aggressive behaviour. Their first study consisted of 227 students which were given a questionnaire in order to get data on their aggressive behaviour patterns. This study looked at the long-term exposure to video games and what effect it has on aggression towards people. The findings of the first study relating to the questionnaire came back with positive relations between the violence portrayed in video games and aggressive behaviour. The second study which Anderson and Dill conducted was to approach the impact that video games have on aggressive thoughts, social view and mood of a person. This study consisted of 210 students which were given a choice of 2 video games a non violent game ‘Myst’ or a violent interactive video game ‘Wolfstein 3D’. With the non violent game the objective was to travel the island of Myst, finding clues and making your own ending depending on the journey you took. With the violent game the objective was to eliminate the enemy ‘Adolf Hitler’ choosing your own hero and variety of weapons. With each game the students were allocated 3 slots for a period of 15minutes each. The findings of this study concluded Anderson and Dills knowledge and opinions that those exposed to the violent video game gained more aggressive behaviour than those who were not exposed to violence. From the observations, this study has helped in the understanding of criminal behaviour as it states that playing video games may increase aggressive behaviour because the violent acts are continually repeated throughout the game. Video games also encourage players to identify and interact through role play of their favourite characters causing them to imitate the character they are playing. Referring to first person in a game, it causes lead players to make their own decisions in the game affecting the actions of the character. Anderson and Dills studies show that after a limited amount of time playing violent video games, a player can start to automatically prime aggressive thoughts which can lead to aggressive behaviour. This shows that continually playing violent video games can affect a person’s thought patters leading to automatic aggressive behaviour through imitation of their favourite characters which could lead to criminal activity. Jahoda name study (1954)- Jahoda created the name study or as it is also called the self fulfilling prophecy. Jahoda studied the Ashanti tribe people who gave their boys ‘soul names’ depending on what day of the week they were born. For example, boys born a Monday were expected to be peaceful and full of good, whereas boys born on Wednesday which were called ‘Kwaku’ were expected to be aggressive and quick tempered. Jahoda found that when looking at prison and court records 13. 5% of boys that had been referred to court to court where from boys that were born on Wednesday, yet they were responsible for over 22% of violent crimes which was significantly higher than would be expected and shows that Wednesdays boys tended to live up to their reputation. However as for the boys born on Monday, they found that only 6. 9% of all juvenile cases where of minor offences. This implies that stereotypes of the boys behaviours depending on which day of the week they were born caused them to live up to expectations of their names. Jahoda concluded from all this that there was indeed nothing magical about the day of the week the boys were born on but of effect of expectations has on a person’s behaviour. From the observations and findings, this study has helped in the understanding of criminal behaviour as it links to the effect of rehabilitation and the study of the self fulfilling prophecy. If the offenders have the expectation that they should behave in such a way, rehabilitation may be more difficult. Overall the psychological theory of criminal behaviour suggests that negative expectations cause curtain’s to behave towards others in a specific way because their stereotypes – self fulfilling prophecy. Rosenthal and Jacobson (1968) – Self fulfilling prophecy- Both Rosenthal and Jacobson also conducted a self fulfilling prophecy study and the way that people behave according to profiling or being stereotyped in 1968. Their study was conducted on students in a classroom which was also known as the ‘Pygmalion in the classroom’. The students were then put into groups of what the students think they will achieve, where they were then treated in a way that their ability group could achieve. All students completed an IQ test before the study. The findings of this study concluded Rosenthal and Jacobson’s theory that when people are put into groups or have been stereotyped into a group can cause people’s behaviour to change as they will live up to the expectations of the stereotype. The findings found were that after two years the students that were put into the group for higher levels achieved higher than the other students in any other group. These students were known to have been given additional feedback and extra attention so the finding expected had were correct. From the findings, this study has helped in the understanding of criminal behaviour as it shows that when categorised into a stereotype, people soon learn to live up to that expectation, behaving in a certain way. This also has an impact on a person’s self esteem, causing them to act undesirably and maybe even lead them to turn to crime. Eden (1990) – Self fulfilling prophecy- Eden also conducted the self fulfilling prophecy study in 1990, this study explains why some people turn to crime due to the way they have been stereotyped or labelled into a certain group. For this study, Eden looked at the training of 1000 Israeli soldiers and had them organised into 29 platoons. Some platoon trainers were told their groups were above the average potential but other trainers were told nothing. The findings of this study showed that after 10 weeks the performance of all soldiers were assessed and was found that on both the written exam and weapon test, the soldiers who had been told they were above the average potential did overall better than others, even though all soldiers were at an average level. These findings concluded Eden’s expectations that when labelled into a certain group, a person can adjust to behave according to expectations within the labelled group. This study has helped in understanding of criminal behaviour as it shows the stereotypes and labelled groups can influence a person’s self esteem leading them to behave in a certain way and if the stereotype is negative it can cause a person to turn to crime. Sheehan (1983) – TV violence and aggression Sheehan conducted the TV violence and aggression study in 1983. This study consisted of a group of middle class children aged between 5 and 10 to help find the link between children’s TV viewing and aggressive behaviour. Throughout the study data was gathered about the participants’ parents and the researchers also asked about the children’s aggressive fantasies to whether it would physically injure a person. Sheehan found that there were correlations between viewing violence and peer rated correlations for children that were aged between 8 and 10, with the correlations being stronger for the boys than the girls. The results were recorded by looking whether the child injured of irritated another person. These findings can relate to the social learning theory as he found that boys were more likely to imitate male models but overall looking at the data Sheehan collected, those who watched violent TV and films became more aggressive towards others than those who did not. This study has helped in understanding of criminal behaviour as it shows that continuously watching violent and aggressive TV programmes can affect a person’s thought patterns leading to automatic aggressive behaviour and imitation of their favourite characters which could lead to criminal activity.

Building an Intelligent and Autonomous Robot

tAbstract: Robotics 1. Obstacle Sense And Anti-Falling Robot. The objective is to design an intelligent and autonomous robot. This work is a small scale prototype model which can be used with great versatility in other robotics applications. This obstacles sensing and anti falling sensor robot senses the edges and obstacles. A set of infrared sensors avoid it falling from heights and Ultrasonic sensor is interfaced with controller so that when it senses obstacle it will send signals to the controller so that appropriate action is taken by controller.Movements and directions are displayed on a local liquid crystal display (LCD) interfaced with 8-bit processor. 2. Dtmf Based Rescue Robot. The objective of the project is for Rescue operations. ROBOT is based on 8 bit controller. It is interfaced with GSM modem, DTMF decoder circuitry, LCD and DC motor Control to perform rescue operation. The user has to first make a call from his mobile to the GSM modem in the above system. This call is identified by the controller using GSM modem and it accepts this call by sending the appropriate command to the GSM modem.Once the call is answered by the system, the user can press appropriate keys on his mobile keypad to perform Rescue operation. When the user presses a key, the corresponding DTMF signals are received from GSM modem. This DTMF signal from GSM modem is given to DTMF decoding circuit which decodes it and finds out the key pressed and feeds it to the controller. Depending on this key, the controller wills Perform Specific Action 3. Automatic Color Sensing Robot. 4. Voice Controlled Intelligent Wheelchair. 5. The Design And Implementation Of An Autonomous Campus Patrol Robot.The main aim of this project is to develop a computer controlled hi-tech car with RF camera. We have a camera in our system through which we can see the video. A car, which will be having the camera. The police can keep track of the gangster’s movements by seeing the video, which is displa yed in the computer. The computer is placed in Police Car so that they can control the device from a particular distance and keep track of their movements so that if the police come to know where they are, they can easily attack and catch them .The Car can be moved in all directions such as left, right, forward and reverse to get their positions properly. Using this car we can find the Bomb place also since human beings cannot go to find that bomb and also the explosion time is not known. 6. Line Follower Robot With Intelligence. The main aim of this project is develop a Robot vehicle which will find out its lane using proximity sensor. We can implement this robot where ever we want routine work for long time.The path is tracking by proximity sensor. According to sensor output signal the microcontroller controls the vehicle by using (forward/reverse/stop) DC motor which are placed in vehicle. If there is no path the microcontroller will stop the vehicle. The buzzer will indicate the status of the vehicle in the form of sound and the LCD will display the current moving direction (forward/reverse/stop) of the vehicle. #56, II Floor, Pushpagiri Complex, 17th Cross 8th Main, Opp Water Tank, Vijaynagar, Bangalore – 40.Ph : 080 – 23208045 / 23207367, 9886173099, mail ID : [email  protected] com Abstract: Robotics 7. Use Of A Cellular Phone In Mobile Robot Voice Control. Advanced Robotic Pick And Place Arm And Hand System. This is the most advance version of â€Å"Pick n Place Robot† using visual perception, perhaps and most popular and widely used in recent industries. A person from a remote place can comfortably control the motion of robotic arm without any wire connection.Again there are two systems one at the transmitter side in which a software program written in Embedded C generates control signals. These signals are encoded and transmitted by RF transmitter chip. At another end RF receiver chip will demodulate these signals and decoder w ill decode it & finally Microcontroller will take desired controlling action on robotic arm. #56, II Floor, Pushpagiri Complex, 17th Cross 8th Main, Opp Water Tank, Vijaynagar, Bangalore – 40. Ph : 080 – 23208045 / 23207367, 9886173099, mail ID : [email  protected] com

Forrest Gump

Alma F. Florendo STUDENT NUMBER:   2009-5226 Fil-Canadian Training & Devt. Center for Caregivers- Makati Subject: Special Needs Instructor: Sir. JV Vergara Reaction Paper â€Å"Forrest Gump† Based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom, Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright Penn,Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, and Sally Field. It is a story of Forrest Gump’s epicjourney through life meeting historical figures, influencing popular culture, and experiencing first-hand historic events of the late 20th century while being largely unaware of their significance, due to his borderline mental retardation. The story started off with Forrest Gump, sitting at a bus stop in Savannah,Georgia, where a feather falls on him. When he picked up and put that feather on a book entitled Curious George, he then starts to tell his story to the woman sitting beside him. During the course of the story, the listeners at the bus stop change regularly where each shows different attitudes towards him, from disbelief and indifference. As the film that we had watched, we learned about his story from childhood to during his time after the war in Vietnam. There, we witnessed his struggles and the struggles of the people around him. First, there is his mother, who taught him many wonderful things and even had sex with the principal of the school just to let Forrest enter the school and be treated equally like any other normal students. During the first day of school Forrest met his very first friend, Jenny Curran, and became best friends with her. Despite having a below level intelligence quotient (IQ), Forrest develops an ability to run at great speed due to his running from bullies from school and this gets him to college through a football scholarship. After his college graduation, he got enlisted to the army and makes friends with a black man named Bubba, who talks nothing but shrimp and even convince Forrest to go into a shrimping business after the war. They were sent to Vietnam where he had saved many members of his platoon including his platoon leader during an ambush and where Bubba was killed in action. He was then awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism. While on recovery from a gunshot wound on his buttocks, his discovers his uncanny ability for ping-pong and even gain popularity and later on competitively play against Chinese teams in ping pong diplomacy. He is subsequent promoted to sergeant and during an anti-war rally held in Washington, D. C. he reunites with Jenny, who has been living a hippie counterculture lifestyle. This is where the film ended and I can say that it has been enough to show us that the disability that Forrest Gump had can be compared to that of an innocent child who has been taught a simple life by his mother. The struggles that he had encountered, especially during the war in Vietnam, can be considered as a hard part of anyone’s life if they we’re on his shoes but Forrest did just wel l in war and did not even considered it as a big thing. There are many lessons that we can learn from his story, not just about how to treat people with disabilities or how they walk on a normal environment, but from the story of Forrest Gump, I had learned how lucky he is to be taught properly and greatly by his mother, on how he handles the people that we saw treating him improperly, and how he goes on with his life without even blaming other people or himself, that he had just accepted who he is and just like what his mother taught him, he is not different and is just like any other normal kids. If only normal people can be just like Forrest Gump, taking the struggles in life as a challenge and not as a problem, that everything that happens is according to God’s plan and that he has a reason for it, just imagine the wonderful things that can happen in one person’s life or even the influence that we can give to other people. Forrest Gump Alma F. Florendo STUDENT NUMBER:   2009-5226 Fil-Canadian Training & Devt. Center for Caregivers- Makati Subject: Special Needs Instructor: Sir. JV Vergara Reaction Paper â€Å"Forrest Gump† Based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom, Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright Penn,Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, and Sally Field. It is a story of Forrest Gump’s epicjourney through life meeting historical figures, influencing popular culture, and experiencing first-hand historic events of the late 20th century while being largely unaware of their significance, due to his borderline mental retardation. The story started off with Forrest Gump, sitting at a bus stop in Savannah,Georgia, where a feather falls on him. When he picked up and put that feather on a book entitled Curious George, he then starts to tell his story to the woman sitting beside him. During the course of the story, the listeners at the bus stop change regularly where each shows different attitudes towards him, from disbelief and indifference. As the film that we had watched, we learned about his story from childhood to during his time after the war in Vietnam. There, we witnessed his struggles and the struggles of the people around him. First, there is his mother, who taught him many wonderful things and even had sex with the principal of the school just to let Forrest enter the school and be treated equally like any other normal students. During the first day of school Forrest met his very first friend, Jenny Curran, and became best friends with her. Despite having a below level intelligence quotient (IQ), Forrest develops an ability to run at great speed due to his running from bullies from school and this gets him to college through a football scholarship. After his college graduation, he got enlisted to the army and makes friends with a black man named Bubba, who talks nothing but shrimp and even convince Forrest to go into a shrimping business after the war. They were sent to Vietnam where he had saved many members of his platoon including his platoon leader during an ambush and where Bubba was killed in action. He was then awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism. While on recovery from a gunshot wound on his buttocks, his discovers his uncanny ability for ping-pong and even gain popularity and later on competitively play against Chinese teams in ping pong diplomacy. He is subsequent promoted to sergeant and during an anti-war rally held in Washington, D. C. he reunites with Jenny, who has been living a hippie counterculture lifestyle. This is where the film ended and I can say that it has been enough to show us that the disability that Forrest Gump had can be compared to that of an innocent child who has been taught a simple life by his mother. The struggles that he had encountered, especially during the war in Vietnam, can be considered as a hard part of anyone’s life if they we’re on his shoes but Forrest did just wel l in war and did not even considered it as a big thing. There are many lessons that we can learn from his story, not just about how to treat people with disabilities or how they walk on a normal environment, but from the story of Forrest Gump, I had learned how lucky he is to be taught properly and greatly by his mother, on how he handles the people that we saw treating him improperly, and how he goes on with his life without even blaming other people or himself, that he had just accepted who he is and just like what his mother taught him, he is not different and is just like any other normal kids. If only normal people can be just like Forrest Gump, taking the struggles in life as a challenge and not as a problem, that everything that happens is according to God’s plan and that he has a reason for it, just imagine the wonderful things that can happen in one person’s life or even the influence that we can give to other people. Forrest Gump Forrest Gump Alma F. Florendo STUDENT NUMBER:   2009-5226 Fil-Canadian Training & Devt. Center for Caregivers- Makati Subject: Special Needs Instructor: Sir. JV Vergara Reaction Paper â€Å"Forrest Gump† Based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom, Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright Penn,Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, and Sally Field. It is a story of Forrest Gump’s epicjourney through life meeting historical figures, influencing popular culture, and experiencing first-hand historic events of the late 20th century while being largely unaware of their significance, due to his borderline mental retardation. The story started off with Forrest Gump, sitting at a bus stop in Savannah,Georgia, where a feather falls on him. When he picked up and put that feather on a book entitled Curious George, he then starts to tell his story to the woman sitting beside him. During the course of the story, the listeners at the bus stop change regularly where each shows different attitudes towards him, from disbelief and indifference. As the film that we had watched, we learned about his story from childhood to during his time after the war in Vietnam. There, we witnessed his struggles and the struggles of the people around him. First, there is his mother, who taught him many wonderful things and even had sex with the principal of the school just to let Forrest enter the school and be treated equally like any other normal students. During the first day of school Forrest met his very first friend, Jenny Curran, and became best friends with her. Despite having a below level intelligence quotient (IQ), Forrest develops an ability to run at great speed due to his running from bullies from school and this gets him to college through a football scholarship. After his college graduation, he got enlisted to the army and makes friends with a black man named Bubba, who talks nothing but shrimp and even convince Forrest to go into a shrimping business after the war. They were sent to Vietnam where he had saved many members of his platoon including his platoon leader during an ambush and where Bubba was killed in action. He was then awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism. While on recovery from a gunshot wound on his buttocks, his discovers his uncanny ability for ping-pong and even gain popularity and later on competitively play against Chinese teams in ping pong diplomacy. He is subsequent promoted to sergeant and during an anti-war rally held in Washington, D. C. he reunites with Jenny, who has been living a hippie counterculture lifestyle. This is where the film ended and I can say that it has been enough to show us that the disability that Forrest Gump had can be compared to that of an innocent child who has been taught a simple life by his mother. The struggles that he had encountered, especially during the war in Vietnam, can be considered as a hard part of anyone’s life if they we’re on his shoes but Forrest did just wel l in war and did not even considered it as a big thing. There are many lessons that we can learn from his story, not just about how to treat people with disabilities or how they walk on a normal environment, but from the story of Forrest Gump, I had learned how lucky he is to be taught properly and greatly by his mother, on how he handles the people that we saw treating him improperly, and how he goes on with his life without even blaming other people or himself, that he had just accepted who he is and just like what his mother taught him, he is not different and is just like any other normal kids. If only normal people can be just like Forrest Gump, taking the struggles in life as a challenge and not as a problem, that everything that happens is according to God’s plan and that he has a reason for it, just imagine the wonderful things that can happen in one person’s life or even the influence that we can give to other people. Forrest Gump

Public Officials And Morals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Public Officials And Morals - Essay Example Negative talks on differences between people such as on ethnicity, race, gender, and age should be avoided at all costs. This is so because people emulate and take to heart the words of these officials and may even act upon them hence fueling hatred amongst people. An example of this is in the African countries that experience civil wars which are fueled and sometimes caused by their elected public officials. Their hatred talks on other tribes and ethnic groups have been seen to lead to fights amongst the citizens as was the case in the Rwandan genocide. Their behavior when in that elected public post should also be one without blemishes even though they are human and are bound to mistakes. They should try to avoid situations that will not stand well with the public that elected them making them regret their decision, showing bad decision-making ability and embarrassing their family and friends. The most common of these situations to avoid is engaging in extramarital affairs while st ill in office. This is morally wrong as it downplays the value of family, the virtue of faithfulness as well as setting a bad example to the young generation by showing that immorality is not a bad thing. An example of this is in the Clinton Lewinsky sex scandal where Bill Clinton who held the highest public office in the United States where the public had elected him to be showed lack of moral exemplary behavior and judgment by engaging in sexual relations with a white house intern while he had a wife.

RBC Centura Bank Groups and Teams Research Proposal

RBC Centura Bank Groups and Teams - Research Proposal Example task within an organization because failure to deliver may suggest that the different organizational controls are not properly placed within the organizations which are allowing gaps into the performance of different individuals working as a team. Many research studies successfully demonstrated that the gaps in the performance of the teams largely depend upon the structure and configuration of the team. (Stewart & Barrick, 2000). Structure and configuration of the teams therefore indicate towards the different dynamics involved in the organization as well as formation of the teams and then converting such teams into high performing teams. As such organizations must take into account different factors such as team leadership, cohesion, structure as well as configuration of the team to expect high performance from the proposed teams. This paper will discuss as to how a group can become a high performance team besides discussing the ethical considerations of globalization and its impacts on the team dynamics by evaluating RBC Centura Bank as a case study. Team dynamics require the effective formation of teams in order to extract best performance however, before expecting such high performance, it is imperative that all the ingredients of converting a group of individuals into a high performance team shall be put into place. Team structure is defined as the configuration or allocation of the roles, responsibilities as well as authority within the team. (Stewart & Barrick, 2000). Team structure is important for extracting high performance because by providing interdependence and autonomy to the teams, teams tend to perform better because both factors provide an in-built channel for effective communication and grievance handling besides being self regulated in their orientation. Thus, in order to successful convert a group into a successful and high performance team; it is critical that the overall structure of the team is wisely built so that coherence and

The changing role of the human resource Research Paper

The changing role of the human resource - Research Paper Example The manner in which the human resource premise is bolstered time and again is something that brings the entire focus on the subject in entirety. The globalization trends are important to decipher here because human resource makes use of these aspects to make sure that the best possible recruitments are made and that these employees are fitted towards the different realms of an organization. The human resource premise is therefore significant from the globalization drives because these take into consideration the issues which bring the diversity regimes within the equation (Bates, 2004). The varied individuals join the organization through these human resource domains alone and then become an able part of the organization in essence. The human resource angle is always given the cover to derive the best possible value out of the related equations because it is something that means a great deal on to the shoulders of the senior management within the changing dynamics of the organization s in this day and age. Within the technological premise it is important to ascertain the true value of human resource through an understanding that its effects are all the more positive than anything else. It would make things easy and turn the tide its way whenever there is a problem that needs to be tackled. The human resource realms must remain complete with the technological manifestations which at any point in time must be complete and comprehensive from all angles (Boddy, 2005). This is important because it has to solve a number of issues which emanate from the technological aftereffects and the incorporation of the very same. Hence the need to remain one step ahead with the proper frameworks of technology is indeed a significant undertaking that brings a lot of success for one and all within the realms of an organization. Diversity plays a quintessential role at describing how well the human resource terms are being managed. The human resource is dependent on the people getti ng recruited through it within the realms of an organization and it is all the more necessary to make sure that diversity forms an important part of the human resource discussions (Cross, 2000). Diversity is being given preference by companies more and more because they have realized the positives associated with diversity and how it can inculcate a sense of optimism within the organization in this day and age. This is the reason why it is being propagated more and more with the advent of time. When diverse individuals are employed, it adds to the social acceptance premise within an organization and gives it the mileage that it requires. E-business is also a necessity when one concerns the related domains with those of human resource. This is the reason why many discussions result in success with such nuances. The human resource realms receive attention because e-business has been good and adequately planned (Brotherton, 2000). This is one of the most significant undertakings that h ave made the rounds of the human resource circles over the years and it will continue to be the case in the coming times as well (Amit, 2001). It shall pave the way for eventual success in the coming days and times and even years to follow. Ethical considerations make up a great amount of the human res

Marketing Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Marketing Management - Essay Example Management is the process of performing activities by using the help of other people. Managers use the management elements, which include planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling. Chwala highlights that marketing management is a business process, which involves â€Å"analyzing market opportunities, researching on the target markets, developing strategies for them, planning market tactics, implementing, and controlling the marketing initiatives. Further, Kotler describes marketing management as the process of achieving desired outcomes from a target market (13). It is therefore, a business process, which involves applying marketing techniques, and managing resources and activities related to marketing. Kotler highlights that marketing management process involves analyzing market opportunities, developing marketing strategies, planning marketing activities, managing, and controlling the marketing efforts (33). In the first step of analyzing market opportunities, the l eader identifies potential opportunities in the market while considering the organizations competences. This should be done by analyzing both the micro and macro environments in order to identify the best opportunities. In this step, the company can research and select market opportunities that are available. This can be done by defining the market, segmenting the market, market targeting and positioning in the market. The next step is the development of strategies for marketing whereby the marketer positions the organization strategically in the market. This step involves deciding on the brand, product lines, designs and the market. This is performed using the four P s marketing mix tools. Planning of marketing programs is the other step, and it involves making decisions on the expenditures, marketing mix and market allocation and budgets. One should set the level marketing budget that they intend to spend. Then, they allocate the budget among the various activities and the marketi ng mix tools. Lastly, they should allocate the budget to the various marketing programs in the target market (Kotler 34). The last step is management and control of the marketing programs. This step involves executing the plans, collecting feedback from the market and starting again in the planning step. Resources should be mobilized to implement and control the marketing programs of the organization Entrepreneurship is defined by the activities done by Entrepreneurs. Akrani highlights that Entrepreneur was derived from the French word Entrepredre meaning performing of activities. Entrepreneurs are the people who engage in the risky business activities of creating new businesses using their personal resources, through innovation of ideas, which are focused to satisfy the market needs (Akrani). Therefore, Entrepreneurship is the process of establishing opportunities in the market, and taking advantage of them to make a profit. There are ways in which responsible Entrepreneurial quali ties become essential for marketing management. Firstly, the Entrepreneurial qualities enable the leader to develop plans that meet their marketing goals. This can be applied in finance, production, sales, promotions, and personnel areas of marketing management. Secondly, responsible Entrepreneurial qualities enhance communication skills in marketing managem

Landscape art in Chinese traditional painting Assignment

Landscape art in Chinese traditional painting - Assignment Example The essay "Landscape art in Chinese traditional painting" explores the landscape art of China. The period that was referred to as the Tang Dynasty experienced many landscape paintings. These kinds of paintings were mainly done on mountains. This kind of painting had a style that was called the shuimohua whose main intention was to represent the emotion or the look of the atmosphere that indicated the nature’s â€Å"rhythm†. As time went by towards the end of the Tang dynasty the use of landscape painting slowly started changing and it was now viewed as a way in men would communicate with the world through the paintings. Apart from nature, these paintings also conveyed a number of themes in social, philosophical, or political areas. Thus with the closure of the Tang dynasty period more focus of these paintings and the artists were majorly on the world nature. Poets and painters in the Chinese traditional arts would go into the mountains to find something to represent in their drawings. Another period called the Song Dynasty that happened between 960 and 1267 saw the rise of different expression of landscapes. Long distances would be represented by use of blurred outlines, mountain contours represented as disappearing into the mist, and nature would be treated with certain kind of impression. The concern of the artist was on how to represent the peace in human beings and nature. This is eminent in the Taoist and Buddhist concepts. In the early Song Dynasty the artists would represent.

U.S. Adopting the International Financial Reporting Standards Research Paper

U.S. Adopting the International Financial Reporting Standards - Research Paper Example Both US GAAP and the IFRS serve the same purpose of providing relevant financial information to the users of it, the only difference being in the objectives for which they operate. The US GAAP has separate sets of objectives for business firms and non business users while the IFRS has the same sole objective for all of it users. The following paper examines the pros and cons of the IFRS standards which is about to be implemented in the United States and tries to establish which one of the two is better from the overall perspective (IFRSUSA, 2011). The US GAAP based accounting system is based on a rule based method of accounting which might have both advantages as well as disadvantages. However, when compared to the IFRS method of accounting practice, the GAAP principle is more of a strictly controlled approach which requires that each transaction is recorded as per the rule stated for its accounting even if such maintenance might be misleading and does not allow for comparison between various industries even if the type of transactions are similar. GAAP accounting also increases the risk of non compliance of the stated rules of accounting because it is extremely difficult to defend your position whenever a GAAP rule is not followed. IFRS might be based on principles of accounting rather than stated rules mandated to be followed. This format certainly has more advantages associated with accounting practices more because principles provide a base for a basis of accounting allowing the freedom to companies to choose from among the best way of accounts maintenance possible. Defined and clarified principles allow for a more clear way of accounting and reporting transactions such that making comparisons between companies and similar transactions is facilitated. Such principle basis does not differentiate based on industries and also allows companies to defend their accounting reporting

Critical Journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Critical Journal - Essay Example The following thesis describes the connection between art and fashion and their interrelatedness which gels them into one art form. The quote â€Å"Arts need for fashion’s glamour and wealth and fashion search for intellectual credibility† reflects and emphasizes the points that have been discussed in the following paragraphs. True fashion is giving a new outlook to a person or thing which changes their appearance and makes them beautiful without attaching any knowledge or feelings with the work. Famous celebrities such as Beyounce, Rihanna and the all girl-band, Pussycat dolls lack a true knowledge or passion for good fashion and designs and are keener to attach themselves with a label. They only seek glamour and fame for which they would even go to the extent of selling their soul. However, artists who believe in their work and have a passion would be more careful while portraying themselves or their work. The story and reason behind their work would be more vivid rat her than merely showcasing their work for the sake of fame or money. [I HAVE PUT IMAGES HERE OF BEYONCE, RIHANNA, AND THE PCD LADIES] People consider artists as being smart, intelligent and trustworthy and who are not guilty of showcasing their own identity and emotions through their work. At times the influence of their family and their upbringing is also reflected in their work. The below picture is the portrait of Armada portrait of Elizabeth I by George Gower in the year 1588. He specialized in portrait painting and became the sergeant painter of Queen Elizabeth I in the year 1581. [HERE I HAVE A PHOTO OF QUEEN ELIZABETH 1 AND GEORGE GOWER] However, the above statement need not apply to all those who want to be part of the world of fashion and art. But the below discussion about the Mexican born painter, Frida Kahlo who was born on the 6th of July 2907, is a defense against the statement as the vibrant colors used in her work is largely influenced by the culture of Mexico and Eu rope and was also based on realism, symbolism and surrealism. Most of her work was on self portraits and they wonderfully showcased the articulate detailing which Kahlo painfully undertook. Kahlo’s father was Guillermo Kahlo who was born on 26th October 1871, in Germany and he passed away on the 14th of April in the year 1941. He was a photographer by profession who went to Mexico where, in the year 1901, he set up a photographic studio and worked for El Mundo Ilustrado and Semanario Ilustrado. He was later commissioned by the government to do architectural work. Kahlo’s mother, Matilde Calderny Gonzalez, was a devoted Catholic and of primarily indigenous as well as Spanish descent. This is enough proof for the statement made in the beginning as though Kahlo did not hail from an art background as many people would have expected, instead his family did have any idea or experience about portrait painting in which he later specialized. Many of Kahlo’s paintings hav e been inspired from her own life experiences and her most heart wrenching painting was the one that depicts the story about her accident which later changed her life. [HERE I HAVE AN IMAGE OF FRIDA KAHLO] This painting, which was done in the year 1944, depicts a naked woman who is seen standing in a hill field shielding

ELT1 Task 10 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

ELT1 Task 10 - Essay Example The assessment tools define the desired outcomes, measure achievement of outcomes, and use the results to improve performance. The tools state its role within an institutions overall mission. It then identifies the outcomes that it needs to meet and evaluates whether the outcomes are achieved. These tools define the technique that will assess if the criteria are met. The tool analyses and evaluates the data collected by specific method. Assessment tool creates and put into action improvement plans about the information gathered to assess the outcome. The tools also outline the effect its improvements have achieved in the quality of their goal. A tool such as running record and Rubric documents the outcome assessment. Therefore, assessment tools work best when attention is on outcomes as well as experiences that result in those outcomes. Therefore, the assessment tools are appropriate for providing outcome data. Informal Reading Inventory (IRI) is an appropriate assessment tool for monitoring progress, diagnosing reading skills of students and providing outcome data. This is because IRI assists in determining the reading weaknesses and strength of a student. Also, IRI enable teachers to know whether their students can read the texts in class or if the students require assistance or additional monitoring. Additionally, IRI helps the teacher to identify students struggling with decoding and comprehension with certain text materials. The IRI assessment tool will be better used by an individual student and in group assessment. This is because it builds teamwork among the students in class by using other tools of assessment. The retelling assessment tool is appropriate because it demonstrates what the student remembers and comprehends about any story. It reveals what the student sees as crucial about a story. Retelling also helps in indicating what the student knows about the literary language a nd structure of a text. Consequently,

The Adventures of the speckled band Essay Example for Free

The Adventures of the speckled band Essay I am going to compare the opening pages of two detective stories The Adventures of the speckled band by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Miss Marples Final cases by Agatha Christie. I am then going to find out what is the most convincing and why. In the beginning of the Speckled Band it starts off with Holmes sidekick, Dr Watson examining his case notes on examining my notes. He talks about the way that every one of the cases is unusual a large number merely strange. He then recollects on one specific story. He then sets the scene of when Sherlock is woken up by a woman. He then talks about Holmes then going down stairs to meet her and discover the situation that she is in. At the beginning of Miss Marples Final Cases it starts off just like an ordinary day. The Vicars wife comes into the church to do her flower arranging as usual. It was a cold day but also sunny as she did so the sun came out. Whilst inside the church she noticed something huddled on the chancel On the chancel steps was a huddled dark form. She then realised that it was a man. He then utters the word sanctuary twice. The similarities between the two beginnings are that they both start off in quite a normal way. This is seen in the way the Vicars wife is doing the ordinary thing of flower arranging arranged the blooms in their holders. Another way in which they are similar is that each of the extracts gives small hints of things like death fear and darkness. For example in the Adventures of the Speckled Band the woman says, it is fear, Mr Holmes, it is terror and in Miss Marples Final Cases Bunch says to herself, I dont want to die of cold. The differences between these two stories are that the Adventures of the Speckled Band is set in Victorian times whereas the other story is set more in the 1930s. You can tell this by the words used. For instanced in the Adventures of the Speckled Band it says Knocked up instead of woken up. Another difference between the stories is that the Agatha Christie novel is set in the countryside whereas the Arthur Conan Doyle novel is set closer to a city or town. In the Adventures of the Speckled Band the story is told through the eyes of Dr Watson who is Sherlock Holmes best friend. All of the events are also seen through the eyes of Dr Watson. In Miss Marples Final Cases the author tells the story. Again the author sees all of the events. In the first extract there are only three characters Dr Watson, Sherlock Holmes and a woman. Two people are mentioned but do not appear. Dr Roylott the death of Dr Grimesby Roylott and Mrs Hudson Mrs Hudson has had the good sense to light the fire. In the second extract there is the first character, which is the Vicars wife. Then there is the man on the chancel. What we realise about the characters is that Holmes believes in logic and is very observant for I observe you are shivering. I think that Dr Watson thinks that Holmes is very clever and shows a bit of jealousy because of it perhaps just a little resentment. The woman seems to be very agitated and afraid of something because of the way she shivers. In the second extract the Vicars wife seems to be quite a pleasant woman. She also seems to be slightly untidy because of the way she wears her hat more rakishly than it had done before. I think the Adventures of the Speckled Band is made interesting by the way you know that the woman is worried about something but you dont know what until you read on. I also think it is made interesting by the way Dr Watson says that all of Sherlock Holmes cases are unusual but none commonplace. So this tells you that this one is going to be just as unusual. I think that Miss Marples Final Cases is made interesting by the way it is just an ordinary day until one small thing happens. Also because of this one thing you want to find out what is going on and why it has happened. I noticed that there is a difference between the language used in each of these extracts. You can tell that the Adventures of the Speckled Band was written earlier because of the words and phrases used like a young lady has arrived in a considerable state of excitement. With quotes like this it makes it more difficult to understand. Whereas the Agatha Christie novel is a lot easier to understand because the words used are a lot more similar to the ones that we use today. I would have to say that I prefer the Miss Marples Final Cases. This is because I think that the way the story starts is very good for drawing you into the story. By having something out of the ordinary happen in an ordinary situation. Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Arthur Conan Doyle section.

Managing Change In The Workplace Management Essay

Managing Change In The Workplace Management Essay High performance workplaces are by nature vibrant. Organisations that want to survive as well as to flourish are innovative, plus effective change management is a requisite skill across all workplaces. Novel technology, novel systems, company mergers in addition to the impact of global trade mean that workplace change is a feature of all of our work lives. Winning employees commitment to innovation and change in the workplace is the key challenge for contemporary management. (Mullins, 2006) Workplace changes are introduced for many reasons. A number of these reasons will be obvious to everyone in the workplace as well as some less so. Cost saving, quality improvement, increased management control, increased employee empowerment, introduction of novel technology, service expansion and improvements to health in addition to safety are some of the goals that may be sought through workplace change. The impact of any change depends a great deal on how it is implemented. (Mullins, 2006) Change processes usually include four phases planning, consultation, implementation and monitoring/evaluation. Each phase takes time, as well as while it is important to reach the outcome, not putting the maximum effort into any of these phases may result in problems impacting on the outcome for a very long time. (Mullins, 2006) An understanding of culture in organisations can offer insights into individual and group behaviour, in addition to leadership. It can help to explain not just what happens in an organisation, however why it happens. (Mullins, 2006) However, many people are concerned not just by means of understanding culture, as well as hence organisational life. They see culture as something to be influenced to achieve organisational goals of productivity, profitability, and success in core business. They want to manage culture. (OConnor, 1997) High performance organisations are successful for the reason that they adapt and move by means of the changing times. They know that the most important thing in preparing for change and in implementing novel arrangements is ensuring they involve their key resource their employees. Effectively involving employees through consultation as well as participation at the outset in any change management process is vital to ongoing workplace productivity in addition to efficiency. (OConnor, 1997) Can culture be managed? Optimists believe culture can be managed; pessimists deny that it can be, according to (Mullins, 2006). They claim that optimists are often business oriented people, who optimistically see the culture of an organisation as being unified and unitary. On the other hand, pessimists are often academically or theoretically oriented, as well as more interested in explanations than practical utility. (Mullins, 2006) Realists, however, can see both sides of the debate. They are frequently interested in exploring culture change and are ready to admit some sway à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ if not control à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ of culture. Can culture be changed? One of the major ways that managers believe they can manage culture is by changing it. They can use one of the guides that are available, that suggest how to form, transmit or change culture, such as that by (Mullins, 2006). However, just for the reason that peoples behaviours have changed in a number of measurable way, it does not mean the organisational culture has changed à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ although behaviour change may be all that managers are interested in. (Mullins, 2006) Difficulties in managing culture Management of culture is hard if there is no agreement on what culture is in addition to culture can be viewed in an enormous variety of ways. The complexity of culture can lead organisations to attempt „quick fixes ° that are superficial. Value-laden judgements on what is the right culture for organisations, devoid of taking into account the unique environments in which they exist, can also make success hard for managers. What are the ethics of trying to manage culture? (Proctor, 2002) poses organisations by means of ethical questions they could ask before attempting to manage à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ or change à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ culture to influence organisational capability: What are the moral and ethical implications of trying to alter such things as feelings, beliefs, values as well as attitudes? Is culture the prerogative of management furthermore does management having the right to try to control or change it? What does culture change do to the quality of life for people in organisations? What costs to individuality result as of encouraging people to devote themselves to the values and products of the organisation, and then asking them to assess their own worth in these terms? (Proctor, 2002) What tools can one use to manage culture? Tools for managing culture comprise: 1. Management systems 2. Organisation models 3. Strategies. A number of these have been influential for a time, and have then been replaced or extended by novel ideas. They can frequently be seen as trends as well as fashions à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ a number of enduring in addition to some not. (Proctor, 2002) 1. Management systems A number of management systems used by managers attempting to manage organisational culture include: Organisational growth (OD): This is a management system of slow, planned change. It is slackly shaped around organisational culture, emphasising how participation, teamwork in addition to problem solving can assist an organisation survives environmental challenges. It is still being used; however its effectiveness is being challenged. (Proctor, 2002) Total Quality Management (TQM): This is a management system used to increase an organisations productivity and quality by focusing on people making continuous incremental development inside existing cultures. A number of see it, however, simply as a control system which produces as well as enforces uniformity, devoid of an understanding of existing organisational culture and the possibility of sub-cultures. (Proctor, 2002) Business Process Re-engineering (BPR): This is a management system of forced, speedy culture change. Where TQM builds a culture that supports improvement, BPR is a result of frustration over the time it takes to do this. Organisation models: A number of organisation models used by managers attempting to manage organisational culture include: Sustainable organisations: The sustainable organisation demands a radical change in thinking regarding culture, transforming the organisation as of being part of the problem to being part of the solution. It is concerned by means of increasing productivity in the long-term in order to survive. Its managers aim to build human capabilities that create continuing innovation as well as high performance. It challenges the dominant economic paradigm and involves broader interests than just shareholders, such as the community in general, the biosphere in addition to future generations (Senge, 1994). Innovative enterprises: This model is similar to that of the sustainable organisation; however its managers attempt to institutionalise innovation to give the market edge. They aim to make innovation ordinary and frequent good practice. This model is useful for those who want to build an organisational culture in which innovation flows naturally as of how the organisation faces its environment, structures its bureaucracy, leads itself, and manages its internal management system. (Senge, 1994) Learning organisations: This is not a one-size-fits-all model. The learning organisation continually expands its abilities to shape its own future, influenced by specific elements of organisational culture, which determine, for example, whether the organisation learns as of mistakes or ignores them, sees opportunities or threats, as well as is pro-active or reactive in its strategies. Such organisations try to make a working reality of such attributes as flexibility, team work, continuous learning in addition to employee participation and growth. (Rosenhead, 1989) High performing organisations: In this British model, managers focus on people and their learning, and the growth of trust, personal responsibility as well as leadership. Supporting elements such as structure, strategy, systems, procedures in addition to resources are seen as useful only in empowering people and enabling them to achieve the full measure of their abilities. (Senge, 1990) Strategies: Strategies used to manage culture include: Strategic alliances: These are cooperative efforts on specific ventures and joint projects, which demand an understanding of each partners culture. Knowledge management: This is a strategy of transmitting culture by making use of novel technology in information systems, as well as by reinforcing the value of people in addition to their contributions to organisations. Knowledge management can encourage organisations to be learning organisations which are open to change. (Proctor, 2002) Flexible learning, which includes e-learning, is regarding the learner deciding what, where, when and how they learned. Flexible learning therefore offers a client-centred and workplace-centred focus for an organisation. Flexible learning practices have had a wide impact on many determinants of organisational culture: learners; teachers, their job designs, work, safety in addition to professional growth; human resources practices; organisational management; as well as technological resources. (Pedler, 1992)

Availability of Tescos Fresh Vegetables Supply Chain

Availability of Tescos Fresh Vegetables Supply Chain 1. Introduction Supply chain which now is recognized as a typical complicated network is formed by a vast number of suppliers and subcontractors (Derek L. Waller, 2003). They transport product to consumer through value-add processes in attempt to create superior customer value (Martin Christopher, 2005). There are three interdependent flow streams (Derek L. Waller, 2003) involved in supply chain to guarantee its functions running well. Material flow stream which stars from the upstream supplier to final consumer takes a responsibility of conveying finished goods from raw materials to finished goods. Therefore, it is the most crucial element in supply chain. Another one is information flow stream which is a two-way flow stream. High efficient supply chain is based on the fluent interchange of information. The better communication, the better collaboration and the faster responses supply chain has. For example, suppliers could satisfy their changeable customers quickly with the help of timely and accu rate information about demand. The third one is financial flow stream of which direction is opposite to material flow. It plays like a carrier of profit to stimulate everyone in supply chain performs better. Besides, a well-run financial flow reduces the risks in account receivable, consequently, increase reliable in relationship between supplier and subcontractor. (Warren H. Hausman, no date). Supply chain place a significant position in developing organization itself and enhanced its market reputation. It helps company provide right product at right time in right place and response change quickly. Tesco and Marks Spenser, who have 2282(2009) and over 600 stores (2009) respectively around UK are two of the most popular retailers. They compete advantageously on field of fresh vegetables sector through providing convenient, safety and low price goods. Traditional farm markets and vegetable stores which can be found everywhere in past time now have nearly been replaced by various supermarkets. Tesco, the British retail giant, occupies an significant role in grocery market in the UK. It was the 56th in fortune 500 list of 2009, according to 94,300.4 million revenue (Fortune, 2009). Taylor Nelson Sofres World Panel market share data (2009) stated that Tesco’s market share in grocery increasing to 30.7% in November, 2009. Fresh food, such as vegetables, meat, fruit, because of it’s highly amount of consumption every day plays an increasing contribution in supermarket profit. Discussing the prime reasons what cause fresh food shortage on shelves is valuable because reta ilers only can create profit when their product are consumed by customers (Ronald H. Ballou, 2004). What’s more, it is easy to be annoyed that a customer come into a supermarket and found what he/she wants is empty. Whatever the customer choose to buy another replaceable product (supermarket still earn profit) or to go to another shop which can meet their demand well (supermarket lost profit), his/her loyalty would be damaged. Such decrease of loyalty is a great uncountable loss for supermarket. 2. Data collection This research was carried out on the 07, November, 2009 by visiting Tesco. Data was recorded at two different times during that day. What are organized in the following tables are the running-out items we collected at half past one and at a quarter to four in Tesco. It aims to study the on-shelf unavailability as well as the efficiency of replenishment on sector of vegetable in Tesco. Table 1 collected at half past one Item name price status promotion Asparagus Large Bundle ï ¿ ¡3 Contemporary out of stock  Ã‚   N T. Organic Asparagus Bundle 200g ï ¿ ¡1.99 Contemporary out of stock N Tesco Casserole Vegetables 450g ï ¿ ¡1.5 Contemporary out of stock N Tesco Spinach 260g ï ¿ ¡1 Contemporary out of stock N Market Value Broccoli catchweight ï ¿ ¡1.48/kg unavailable N Leeks Loose Class II ï ¿ ¡1.98/kg unavailable N Runner Beans 225g ï ¿ ¡1 Contemporary out of stock Save 50p Tesco Hand Shelled Garden Peas 120g ï ¿ ¡1 Contemporary out of stock 3 forï ¿ ¡2.5 Tesco Butternut Wedges 150g ï ¿ ¡1 Contemporary out of stock 3 forï ¿ ¡2.5 Table 2 collected at a quarter to four Item name price Status promotion Celery Each ï ¿ ¡0.78 unavailable N Tesco Lancashire Round Lettuce ï ¿ ¡0.50 unavailable N Broccoli 335g ï ¿ ¡0.50 unavailable N Market Value Broccoli Catchweight ï ¿ ¡1.48/kg Contemporary out of stock N Tesco Spinach 260g ï ¿ ¡1 Contemporary out of stock N Tesco Winter Vegetable 250g ï ¿ ¡1.5 Contemporary out of stock N Tesco casserole Vegetables 450g ï ¿ ¡1.5 Contemporary out of stock N T.Organic Asparagus Bundle 200g ï ¿ ¡1.99 Contemporary out of stock N Asparagus Large Bundle ï ¿ ¡3 Contemporary out of stock N Runner Beans 225g ï ¿ ¡1 unavailable Save 50p Tesco Bean Sprouts 335g ï ¿ ¡0.48 unavailable N Tesco Finest Tender stem Broccoli 200g ï ¿ ¡1.25 unavailable N Tesco Butternut Wedges 150g ï ¿ ¡1 Contemporary out of stock 3 forï ¿ ¡2.5 Tesco Hand Shelled Garden Peas 120g ï ¿ ¡1 Contemporary out of stock 3 forï ¿ ¡2.5 Chicory 180g ï ¿ ¡1 unavailable N According to these two tables, it can be seen clearly that status of contemporary on-shelf unavailable items are classified as ‘unavailable’ and ‘contemporary out of stock’. Such classification is on the basis of fact found in Tesco. In Tesco, some of the labels of empty shelves are informed ‘contemporary out of stock’ with a little red card while the rest which are represented as ‘unavailable’ in tables are without any explanation. Compared these two tables, except Market Value Broccoli Catchweight and Runner Beans (225g), items are shown ‘unavailable’ in table one disappear in table two. That refers to they were replenished during two hours. Market Value Broccoli Catchweight was checked the inventory and labeled signal of stock-out after 2 hours. The most standing out items in tables 2 is Runner Beans (225g) which is still as the same ‘unavailable’ status as in table 1. Without considered human’s e rror, it might be attributed to that these items sold out again after it was replenished. Because these data was not recorded for a series time, they may be limited for appreciating the efficiency of on-shelf replenishment in Tesco. It is possible that Tesco check its inventory once five hours and we just record for the last two hours by chance. However, the Runner Beans empty again and there was no stuff working for replenishment when we were collecting data evidence to a certain extent that Tesco does not realize up-to-date on-shelf replenishment. 3. Comparisons with Marks Spenser Marks Spencer (M S), which has been grown for more than 100 years, performs well to satisfy the British middle class with high quality service as well as reasonable price. Because of reliable reputation in marketplace, M S asserts as one of the stronger competitors to Tesco. The following data is what collected on the same day at 2.02 in attempt to compare what are differences in on-shelf availability between Tesco and M S. Table 3 collected at two o’clock Item name price status promotion Chopped Tomatoes 400g ï ¿ ¡0.59 unavailable N Miniature New Potatoes 500g ï ¿ ¡1.99 unavailable N Chopin Jacket Potatoes 700g ï ¿ ¡1.69 unavailable N 4 Jacket potatoes 800g ï ¿ ¡1.49 unavailable N Peas 400g ï ¿ ¡1.99 unavailable 3 forï ¿ ¡5 Young Garden Peas 170g ï ¿ ¡1.69 unavailable N Peas sweet corn and broccoli layer 360g ï ¿ ¡1.69 unavailable 2 forï ¿ ¡3 Classic Layered Vegetables 320g ï ¿ ¡1.99 unavailable 2 forï ¿ ¡3 Carrot, Cauliflower and sprouts 400g ï ¿ ¡1 unavailable Half price Sweetheart Cabbage Chard Medley 160g ï ¿ ¡1.8 unavailable 2 forï ¿ ¡3 Sea salt and peper new potatoes385g ï ¿ ¡o.89 unavailable N As what was seen in M S, all the on-shelf unavailable items were not be labeled out of stock marks. It is difficult to identify if they are out of stock or just contemporary unavailable. Based on the performances on shelves, MS had serious shortage in potato while there was sufficient storage in Tesco. However, those contemporary out of stock items in Tesco such as asparagus, broccoli, and runner beans are available in M S. The obvious difference between Tesco and M S is that there are staffs to replenish to shelves continually when I was recording data in MS. Something in table 3 was available just after recording time 10 minutes, which refers to a certain extent that shelf replenishment in M S is better than Tesco. 4. Problems in supply chain The direct reasons which take account of shortage represented on shelves can be divided simply into two types. One owes to the out-of-time delivery between warehouse and shelves. Another one is because of the out of stock in warehouse. Customers only purchase goods which are displayed on shelves but which stay in warehouse or are out of stock. Whatever which reason, it results to a loss of supermarket’s reputation and sales. It is necessary to study the problems existing in supply chain, which cause on-shelf unavailability in Tesco. Supply chain is responsible significantly to address stockouts. Not only does an efficient supply chain help Tesco to reduce costs of warehouse and of purchasing through faster goods turnover but also attract customers by providing high quality service through satisfying them at any given time. In angle of supply chain, these problems might be found in retailer (Tesco) itself, in suppliers as well as between them. 4.1. Tesco departments Specifically, the problems which influence availability on shelves when there are goods in store are possibly attributed to unclear division of labor or lack of shelves management even inefficient inventory control within supermarket. Indeed, advanced stock control technology like Point of Sale (POS) and modem management software enable to trace real time selling quantity and maintain stock level automatically. However, if the up-to-date data is generated without arising notice and being responded quickly, it is still useless. Take an example to explain matters of collaboration between departments. Supposed one type of item on shelves are running out and computer system reminder to replenish. Definitely it is time to delivery goods to shelves at once. However, selling department does not notice unavailability of goods on shelf or even just play Ping-Pong (Richard Bell, 2004) with stock department when it received the restoring requirement. Selling staff carry out nothing except waiti ng for the stock department to solve the problem while the later one are considering that selling department should take responsibility of replenishment. As the time pass, because of on-shelf shortage, customer lose. In addition, lack of shelf management also causes ‘stockouts’. What is common to be seen in TESCO is that different items on shelves are mixed together or that one type of item is displayed at different places. Customers are difficult to find what they want exactly in such disorder display. It is quite often that goods considered unavailable is actually hidden by other goods or is exhibited at another place. In addition, the unbalancing allocation of on-shelf space is another typical reason of emptying shelf in Tesco. On the same shelf, some are running out easily while others are excess. Inadequate shelf space of fast sellers increases the frequency of replenishment and risk of empty shelf. 4.2. Inventory management 4.2.1. Inventory control The problem may exist in Tesco inventory control if stockouts happens in warehouse. There is no doubt that shelf time of fresh vegetable is extremely shorter than other regular product. Fresh vegetables attract customers to purchase on the basis of high quality physical appearances and short best-used date because these two factors can transfer information that foods are fresh and without any artificial additives (Derek L. Waller, 2003). These two safety signals are what customers concern when they are purchasing. In the case of that, supermarkets try to keep the minimum inventory of fresh food as possible. Both supplier and retailer tend to make this type of goods turnover through the supply chain quickly. On one hand, minimum inventory level is helpful to decrease the wastage costs because it reduces the risk of perishing. The less fresh food are storied in the warehouse, the more possible to sell them out before the best display day. On the other hand, minimum inventory is likely to increase the rate of contemporary out of stock. Guiding by minimum inventory management, retailer tend to reduce the amount of reorder point. It means lessen the goods which are used to maintain sales during delivery lead time. When market demand exceeds what is forecasted, the probability of stockouts increases. Goods are easy to be sold out during a short time if there is not enough storage available in warehouse. For example, supposed Tesco decreased the reorder point from 7 to 4 and safety inventory maintain 3. The delivery lead time is 3 days. Both these two levels of stock can afford if the actual sales number is 2 per day on average during delivery period. However, if the market demand increase to 3 per day actually, the lower stock level will lead to out of stock. 4.2.2. Inventory order 4.2.2.1. Forecasting An inaccurate forecast result into a wrong ordering requirement directly. It is another possible reason of stockouts. Because of impossible to capture future real selling data, all the inventory order are estimated on the basis of forecasting future market demand. Undoubtedly, a pessimistic forecast quite probably results in stockouts. This mainly causes by that forecasting pessimistically is likely lower than what occurs actually. As the retailer seeks to minimize cost in a forecasted difficult market conditions, they try to reduce inventory order quantity. While the actual demand is much higher than what ordered even stock can not afford during delivery lead time, stockouts occurs. What’s more, forecasting inventory order point is a sophisticated means which requires taking into account market demand trend, financial flow, lead time, and storage turnover etc. Under certain curriculums, it is difficulty to make sure that every element involved is as expected. For example, bef ore Christmas day, an optimistic forecasting market demand of tomato sales in Tesco during that period is 300per day, and a pessimistic predicted market demand is 150 per day. However, the actual demand is 500 per day which is much higher than what forecasted both optimistically and pessimistically. Supposed the delivery lead time is one day, reorder point is 300 and safety inventory is 100. Tomato is going to be out of stock whatever it is optimistic or pessimistic forecast. 4.2.2.2. Information transportation Roland Vaxelaire, the president and CEO of Carrefour Belgium maitained that almost 80 percent of these problems are driven from the matters in transportation of information such as delayed, inaccurate, and irrelevant, (Richard Bell, 2004) which also could make goods out of stock. Take information transformation delayed as an example. An excess order requirement for promotion was send from retailer to its supplier too late. It is likely that supplier could not prepare enough goods at given time. If customers’ demand exceed the total that rest in warehouse, goods will be contemporary out to sock. 4.3. Supplier The next reason of stockouts that bear in mind is supplier’s own problems such as delivering delayed or delivering less than what ordered or even delivering wrong goods. These mistakes might be driven from accident like strike or vegetables sick or poor management in supplier’s organization such as inefficient working and dispatching order to a wrong object. All of these could leave supermarkets empty because retailers have not enough good to replenish for continuing sale. In addition, what make empty in warehouse may owe to the inharmonic relationship between retailer and supplier. It is common that a company plays as a supplier to several retailers like TESCO and ASDA at the same time. If the fresh food is limited, supplier is probably to fulfill it customer (assumed it is ASDA) who is more important and closer at first. In that case, Tesco will be out of stock. Additionally, Grocery is a kind of price-sensitive goods (Marshall L. Fisher, 1997) which is usually appli ed price promotion to stimulate sales by retailer. In attempt to ensure the profit and develop market at a lower price, retailer always tries to slash the purchase price of fresh foods. What they do like that is adverse to corporation with supplier. If the disagreement is too serious to be overcome, supplier will stop to proving goods. That is why poor relationship with supplier is risky to be out of stock. 5. Solution 5.1. Optimize internal management On-shelf availability is a crucial standard of evaluating customer service and working efficiency of a supermarket. According to passage of stockouts causes walkouts (2004), 21% to 43% customers turn to other shops for purchasing when they are facing stockouts (Daniel Corsten Thomas Gruen, 2004). Tesco will lose profit because of their customer leaving with empty hand. In groceries sector, TESCO has been witnessed its lack of supply chain efficiency and response. The possible problems what mentioned above absolutely result in obvious on-shelf unavailability of fresh vegetables. For beating these drawback, there are a vast of measures must be carried out by TSCO to integrate its supply chain so that minimize costs and qualify services. It is necessary for TESCO to clear division of labor between departments to avoid confusing of responsibility. It must be made clearly that if the product is in store but out of stock on the shelves, which apartment and who should take responsibility on it. If possible, TESCO had better to appoint someone who might be the manager of selling department or of store department to manage delivering goods to shelves. In addition, Tesco should reorganize the allocation of shelf. Fast selling items which are easy to be running out should allocate more space than unpopular goods. In that case, fast sellers do not need to replenish on shelves frequently. This approach is useful to save the cost of replenishing staff and improve the on-shelf ability of popular fresh foods. 5.2. Reorganize inventory control Along with growing attention to freshness and healthy of food, retailers are facing challenges to implement smaller order, faster inventory turnover and increasing delivery frequencies on fresh food inventory control(Derek L. Waller, 2003). For lessen stock out in warehouse as well as satisfy new attitude trend to fresh food, Tesco must rearrange its fresh food storage and optimize inventory control computer system. What need to do principally is to understand what customers want most. Assistant with the point of sale system, up-to-date sales data is accessible. It enables to capture customers’ preference. For the requirement of faster inventory turnover, improve sophisticated inventory data collect system is necessary. This system is use to calculate the stock level and replenishment status at any given time. Secondly, it is to reclassify inventory according to ABC analysis. ABC classification is an approach which is basis on the 80/20 rule. It was developed by H Ford Dickey in 1951. ((Derek L. Waller, 2003) Customer’s preference changes from period to period. Tesco should update its inventory control policy according to these changes. Guided by ABC analysis, class A which take account into 80% value of inventory is treated as the most notable part to manage, although it only occupy 20% of amount of inventory. Both fast sellers and class A need to apply ordering method as fixed ordering quantity (Economic Order Quantity). While their inventory quantity reducing to an estimated level (reorder point), inventory control system will send the order requirement to supplier automatically. The rest inventory which are classified as class B and class C are the less important ones. Most of them could implement ordering method call Economic Order Period (EOP). This approach orders at fixed ti me period. This method requires checking inventory quantity during a fixed time and then generating order to replenish inventory to an estimated fixed max stock level. ABC classification ensures Tesco emphasize on maintaining inventory level of items which are the most crucial and valuable. Tesco could reduce the cost as well as resources by cutting unnecessary inventory down. Also, this approach focuses on minimize the risk of empty in biggest contribution goods and of what customers concern. It is useful to avoid wastage costs and improve customer service. 5.3. Making forecast precise Because of the point of sale system, collecting of real-time update selling data is realized. What Tesco need to do is to forecast market demand on the basis of actual selling trends more accurate. To develop an algorithm computer system make an exacter forecast possible. In addition, in order to take into account influence of special situation, before the orders being sent to supplier, stock manager have the right to modify it according to promotion decision and other extra information like special requirement for specific holiday. 5.4. Integration of information and of suppliers It is suggested that Tesco develop a type of reliable win-win relationship model with suppliers. Tesco could contract a long-term relationship with several reliable suppliers to take responsibility of different vegetables. Under such long-term partner ship, suppliers benefit from consistent orders and exact market analysis. They do not need to worry about sales of their goods and promotion of pending out-of-date goods because of capturing exact selling data from their long-term customer-Tesco. With the help of EDI system and standard barcode (Penelope Ody and Sue Newman, 1991), Tesco could communicate its suppliers with networking their computer. All of reliable suppliers allow accessing to Tesco’s inventory control system freely. To develop a Vendor Manage Inventory system (VMI) stimulate suppliers replenish initiatively and frequently so that realize continuous replenishment. However, Tesco need to pay attention on reducing costs of continuous logistics. It is practical to i mplement that transporting vegetables together with other ordered items so that Tesco also could obtain economies of scale while frequency of transportation increases. 6. Conclusion Customers always expect to buy whatever whenever. Every sections involved in supply chain is take a responsibility of optimizing it. Stockouts of vegetables in Tesco can be caused due to problems of Tesco itself like out of time on-shelf delivery, wrong forecasting future market demand and delayed or inadequate ordering. Otherwise it could be attributed to suppliers such as too late and too little delivering or an unreliable relationship between supplier and Tesco. It is possible to minimize these problems through integrating supply chain. Tesco need to clear its departments’ own responsibility, reorder goods displayer and optimize the utilization of shelf space. What’s more, based on the POS system, it should improve platform of sharing selling information and up-to-date changes of inventory with its suppliers so that supplier could look after the inventory level and plan to replenishment initiatively. Together with Tesco and supplier’s effort, the whole supply chain could response changes quickly and efficiently. It enables to realize Continuous Replenishment Practice (CRP) to fulfill the customers’ daily demand of fresh vegetables. Because increasing logistics cost of continuous replenishment could be offset by the reducing storage cost, Tesco could increase its availability as well as customer service at a lower costs. References Ballou, R. H. (2004). Business Logistics/ Supply Chain Management. America: Pearson Education, Inc. Bell, R. (2004). Retailer Strategy. Burlington: Templeton College. Corsten, D. Gruen,T. (2004). Stock-Outs Cause Walkouts. [Website]. Available from: [Accessed:10 November 2009] Cristopher, Martin. (2005). Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Pearson Education Limited. Fisher, M. L. (1997). What Is the Right Supply Chain for Your Products? Harvard Business Review. March-April. 97205. Fortune (2009). Global 500 Our annual ranking of the worlds largest corporations. [Website]. Available from: [Accessed: 18 November 2009] Hausman, W. H. (no date)Financial Flow Supply Chain Efficiency [Website] Available from: [Accessed: 10 November 2009] Marksandspencer.com. (2009). [Website]. Available from: [Acces

Bill Gates :: essays research papers fc

William â€Å"Bill† H. Gates: The Man with Windows William â€Å"Bill† H. Gates was born on born on October 28, 1955 to William Henry Gates, Jr. and the late Mary Gates at Seattle Washington’s Swedish Hospital. Gates is the second born of three children; Kristi is the first-born, she is a year older then Bill, and Libby, is the third born and is nine years younger. Bill follows in his ancestral lineage by being a successful executive. â€Å"His grandfather established his own furniture business†¦ [His] father created a newspaper with classified ads and a sports section that was so respected for its accuracy it won him seats in the press box at local games†¦and become a corporate lawyer†¦. [His mother Mary] was very active socially and politically†¦[she was a ] board member of Berkshire Hathaway, First Interstate Bank, Pacific Northwest Bell and the national board of United Way.† (W.H.G.III 1-4) Gates was very energetic as a child; from rocking his cradle to extreme curiosity of the world around him, he never stopped. He was extremely interested in the flourishing aerospace industry and the 1962 World Fair. While he was at the World Fair, he met what would ultimately be his life long career, a computer. At the time, it was comparable to what we would consider excellent now: the UNIVAC. â€Å"As a young child, he was extremely smart, surpassing all his classmates. By the time he was nine†¦young Gates had already read the entire world Book Encyclopedia!† (Encarta 2) Gates’ school experience was not a normal one. He was one of the brightest in his class and he had an inversed attitude to match. By the time he was in third grade his intelligence had altogether been coupled with extreme behavioral problems and at times emotional immaturity. As time passed his parents worried more and more because his talkative and extremely sarcastic personality was keeping him away from what they knew he was capable of doing. Eventually, his parents ended up sending Gates to a psychiatrist, which was one of the best things they could do because â€Å"[it] opened up is mind to a new way of thinking.† (Gates: Road pg 35) His parents knew Gates was smarter then he seemed so they looked for a way to channel his intelligence. They decided to send him to Lakeside School, an all boys reformatory. While he was their, he got involved in the Contemporary Club, which would help him in the future.

she said yes :: essays research papers

I read "She Said Yes" by Misty Bernall. The publishing company is The Plough Publishing House, and it is 140 pages long. Cassie Bernall, a 17 year old junior at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, was a typical teen having a typical day, when two rampaging classmates put a gun to her head and asked her if she believed in god. She said yes. Its a story of growing up in the 90’s, of peer pressure, adolescents, turmoil, and the role parents play; a story of tough choices and the battle between good and evil in every person. But in the end, its a story of redemption more enduring than the tragedy that cut Cassie Bernall’s life short. It was a relatively simple question. Do you believe in God? On April 20th, 1999 Cassie Renà © Bernall said "Yes". It was the last word she would ever speak. On the day of the tragedy Cassie became a martyr for her God. In the aftermath of the tragedy its easy to raise Cassie up the status of a saint. Cassie was nothing more then a typical teenager worried about their future, her looks and the things that almost every other teenager worries about, but Cassie also sported a deep love for her God. But it wasn’t always that way. While Cassie had always been a sweet and loving child she took a turn for the worst in her teenage years, and headed down a dark, dangerous path, just like those ones as her killers. Her friends were less then good role models, Cassie became fascinated with witchcraft, drinking, suicide and perhaps the death of her parents. Fortunately, her parents found letters written to Cassie by a close friend which were talking about things that they could do to her parents that would be tragic. Afraid of what might happen, the Bernalls turned the letters over to the local police. A youth pastor spent a lot of time talking with Cassie, only to later say that there was no hope for her. But like most parents Cassia’s wouldn’t give up. The pulled her out her current school and enrolled her in a Christian school, they cut off all contact with her old friends, and basically put her under house arrest. Anything to get their sweet little girl back. Cassie hated them for it. They also hated having to get so serious with their daughter.

Ferrari Case Study

ENZO FERRARI The Making of the Motor Racing and Sport Cars Knowledge Cluster Case study of an inspired leader Piero Formica Taking its place to support the others The complete consort dancing together. Eliot (1970) ‘Little Gidding’ in the Four Quartets In 2002 Ferrari was awarded as the most respected Italian company in the world, according to a survey of more than 1000 top managers in twenty countries across the globe. Ferrari’s legend extends well beyond the automotive world and motor racing and sports-car industry, to reach the broader business community as well as the general public.The legend has been built around the efforts and determination of his founder and mentor, Enzo Ferrari. There is an untold part of the outstanding legacy that Enzo Ferrari left behind him. This is the invaluable contribution he made to the creation of a knowledge cluster in the motor racing and sports car industry. It deserves to be observed that the making of the Ferrari’s knowledge cluster bears much relation to the combined influence of different personalities, all strong and extremely demanding, who, to a greater or lesser extent, shared: Extraordinary ingenuity and sensibility along with a way to face work with humility. †¢ Strong conviction and stubborn determination with which they pursued their objectives. †¢ Awareness of their worth, having started from scratch and knowing that results are obtained with struggle and diligence, not by chance or shortcuts. On top of these traits there was the Ferrari’s anticonformist posture. He was someone who thought for himself. His innovative daring made appealing to him to deal with young men endowed with freshness and imagination. . 1898-1917: On-the-field knowledge and training Since the very early days of his education Ferrari was driven by the tacit knowledge embedded in the field of the father’s experience as a rural metal worker. His father's company, a small foundry, made shed s and gangways for the railroads in Italy. Ferrari was never interested in school. He had aspirations. One of these was to be a race car driver. Ferraris’ on-the-field education produced the cultural space which enabled, nourished and thrived formal education and training in sports-car.The case of Ferrari Owners Club Florida Region – Drivers Education The school is recommended for anyone without significant track experience or not completely familiar with the track, those who have never attended a formal driving school and anyone wishing to simply become a better driver. A morning and after lunch classroom session combined with individual instruction and ample track time will greatly enhance comfort level at speed. Diploma will memorialize accomplishment as a Florida Region Driving School graduate. All drivers will participate in one of three groups:The beginning group is designated for drivers with little or no track experience, who simply wishing to drive on the trac k and enjoy their cars at a very controlled speed. The touring group is intended to allow enjoyment of your car at speeds greater than allowed on public roads. The sport group requires a full FIA rated fire suit including shoes, socks, and gloves. No passengers are allowed. A club approved driving instructor may ride in the car with permission of the track steward. Speeds are not limited but must be well within the capability of the driver and the car.The club reserves the right to determine, at the track, the appropriate run group for any participant. This decision will be based on prior training, experience and demonstrated skills. The track steward's decision will be Final and reflect a concern for the drivers safety as well as the safety of others. 2. At the end of the First World War Building informal and personal relationships, and from the know-nothing land ascending the steep slope of the â€Å"Motor Racing Industry† hill of knowledge Aged barely 20, Ferrari spent muc h of his time frequenting the Bar de Nord on Turin's Ports Nuova, getting to know people and making connections.He aimed at creating trust, fashion, roles, and maximising the joint product of personal relationships within his small groups of peers, interacting informally out of the shop floor. Sharing and learning in the cafe, even playing cards rather than playing by business cards in the meetings: this was a common trait to the founders – in most cases, blue collars and technicians – of small companies in Italy. Ferrari got a job with CMN, a fledgling carmaker which concentrated on converting commercial vehicles left over from the war. His duties included test driving which he did in between delivering chassis to the coach builder.Through this association he got the chance to start racing himself at a time when drivers were far from the celebrity figures they would subsequently become (ironically) under the patronage of team owners like Enzo Ferrari. In 1920 he finis hed second at the wheel of an Alfa Romeo in Targa Florio. Although Ferrari was a good racer, his talent was in the direction of organisation and handling of small details. 3. 1920s 3. 1 Creation of the Ferrari’s community of knowledge practice[1] Throughout the 1920's Ferrari spent a lot of time judiciously massaging his commercial and engineering connections.He also began surrounding himself with a loyal cabal of close collaborators, including Gioacchino Colombo – the man who would eventually design the first Ferrari car after masterminding the Alpha 158s under Ferrari's patronage – and former Fiat technician Luigi Bazzi, a man who would survive into the 1960's as possibly Enzo's longest-standing lieutenant, having originally joined him in 1923. Bazzi had joined Alfa Romeo as long ago as 1922 after a spell in Fiat's experimental department, and would later become tagged as the man who conceived the fearsome twin-engined Alfa Romeo ‘Bimotore' in the 1930's . . 2 Team building by an autocatalytic process: Transforming personal knowledge into organisational knowledge Ferrari ‘made’ Bazzi and Bazzi ‘made’ Ferrari. Not only Bazzi was a valued technical guiding hand, but also his long association with Enzo Ferrari enabled him to help smooth over the differences of opinion and temperamental problems which made working with his boss an increasingly unpredictable, sometimes tempestuous, challenge in later years. Through dialogue and discussion cognitive conflicts and disagreement were raised, which questioned the existing premises.This made possible the transformation of personal knowledge into organisational knowledge. During the time with Alpha Romeo, Bazzi was also responsible for tempting the highly respected engineer Vittorio Jano to leave Fiat to join the rival firm. Bazzi, who had also worked with Fiat, was at least partly responsible for persuading Ferrari that Jano was the right man for the job. Within month s of joining Alfa, the ex-Fiat man was putting the finishing touches to the historic supercharged 2-litre P2, which made its competition debut in 1924. 3. 3 Creative creation by unexpected events: The origin of the Prancing Horse logo 7th June 1923: a sequence of events gave rise to what is unquestionably regarded as one of the most widely identified logos used by any car maker in history. That day Ferrari won the first Savio circuit, which was run in Ravenna, Italy. After the event, a man elbowed his way through to the front of the excited crush immediately surrounding Ferrari and shook the winner warmly by the hand. It turned out that this was the father of Francesco Baracca, the legendary First World War Italian fighter ace who shot down no fewer than 35 enemy planes during the conflict.Baracca's squadron had sported a shield in the centre of which was a prancing horse. Subsequently Ferrari met Francesco Baracca’s mother, Countess Paolina. One day she said to him, â€Å"F errari, why don't you put my son's prancing horse on your cars; it would bring you luck. † Thus was born the famous ‘Prancing Horse' logo. The horse was black and has remained so. Ferrari added the canary yellow background because it is the colour of his town, Modena. 4. 1930s-1940s Clarity of vision and ambitious goals at the heart of Ferrari’s visionOver the 1930s Scuderia Ferrari was a small, autonomous division of the Alpha Romeo Company. At the heart of Ferrari's disagreement with Alfa Romeo was the Milanese company's intention to re-enter motor racing under it's own name in 1938, the Alfa Corse organisation absorbing the Scuderia Ferrari operation and transferring the Tipo 158 development – which was essentially a Ferrari design and concept – back to Milan. Enzo Ferrari clearly felt affronted by this challenge to his own personal domain. His ego urged him to go his own way. Ferrari abandoned the existing patterns and practices.He did something when people said it is crazy to do it. 5. The origin of knowledge pools and a knowledge cluster of motor racing entrepreneurs: long-standing rivalry and co-operation Interpersonal collaboration across multiple boundaries – across cultures, functions, rivalries, geography – featured in a mix of rivalry and co-operation between motor racing entrepreneurs. Which gave birth, first, to knowledge pools and, then, to a knowledge cluster[2]: The springboards for innovation through collaboration, rivalry and creative imitation.In a personality-driven context, the key players were ‘strong heart’ individualists endowed with a hedgehog-minded[3] personality, who relate everything to a single central vision and focus maniacally on executing it. By raising rivalry but also building relationships among people, they made changes happened beyond the conventional wisdom horizon. 5. 1 The healthy rivalry Bitter rivals to fellow Modena racing entrepreneur Enzo Ferrari were th e Maserati brothers, the founders of Maserati in Bologna, Italy in 1914.The Trident trademark that still identifies Maserati cars today was designed by Mario, the artist among the Maserati brothers, who drew his inspiration from the Giambologna statue of Neptune in Bologna's main town square. Sold the company to the Orsi family of Modena just before the Second World War, the firm was then moved to Modena where it is still based today. The brothers remained as technical collaborators for 10 years until 1948. In 1947, Enzo Ferrari founded the company that bears his name in Maranello, a few kilometres south of Maserati.This marks the beginning of their long-standing rivalry. Enzo Ferrari and Maserati brothers felt themselves reciprocally free when kept apart from one another in creating a new tier of intra-domain business in the motor racing and sports-car industry. The challenge, which displayed itself in constant new models with original technical solutions, developed along the roads where Maserati could construct a series of excellent versions in terms of performance but less extreme and aggressive than Ferrari.Customers started to make their choices known: they were looking for a flexible and refined automobile, opting for the more conservative colours of the Maserati and for the increased on-board comfort and liveability which Ferrari had neglected in favour of sporty essentials. Yet, the same forces that kept apart the founding fathers later on bound up the inheritors and successors. Once involved in relationships with one another, they were no longer free: They were part of the inexorable stream. Today Ferrari owns Maserati and together they form a specialised ndustrial group that is unique in the world. The two makes compete in complementary market sectors with cars that have different characteristics. While Ferrari offers compact two-door coupe and spiders for street use, which find their origins of design in the advanced laboratory of Formula 1, Maserat i works in a different way. Maseratis, with equal technology to Ferrari, offer performance that is less extreme and a level of comfort and everyday usefulness that allows it to stand out as an authentic grand touring vehicle of the highest level.Maserati and Ferrari have not lost the healthy rivalry of long ago. 5. 2 The golden handshake ‘The Adam Smith’s invisible hand of the market must be accompanied by an invisible hand shake’. Over the past five decades, Ferrari and Pininfarina have had the world's best-known and most influential association between an automotive manufacturer and a design house. Though Enzo Ferrari and Battista Pininfarina yearned to work with each other in the early 1950s, the road to international stardom was hesitant to start. †Ferrari was a man of very strong character,† Sergio Pininfarina recalls. Therefore, Mr. Ferrari was not coming to Farina in Turin, and my father was not going to visit him in Modena, which was approxima tely 120-130 miles away. So they met halfway in Tortona. That fateful rendezvous would alter the world's automotive playing field. â€Å"Everything became extremely easy once they sat down at the table,† Pininfarina continues. â€Å"They never spoke about any type of price. Both were very enthusiastic, for each thought, ‘This will be great ‘ It was, ‘I will give you one chassis, and you will make one car. † The first steps were tentative, much like two outstanding dancers being paired for the first time. The initial effort yielded a handsome perfectly proportioned 212 Inter cabriolet that had its official public debut at 1952's Paris Auto Show. References Amidon, D. (2003), The Innovation SuperHighway, Butterworth-Heinemann, New York Berlin Isaiah (1953), The Hedgehog and the Fox, Simon & Schuster, New York, Crow, James, T. (1981), Ferrari's Early Years. Road & Track: 44 Forgacs, David and Robert, Lumley (1996), Italian Cultural Studies an Introductio n, Oxford University Press.Oxford Formica , Piero (2003), Industry and Knowledge Clusters: Principles, Practices, Policy, Tartu University Press: Chapter 2 Galt, Tony (1997) Lecture Italy, University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. Levin, Doron P. (1988), Enzo Ferrari, Builder of Racing Cars, is Dead at 90. New York Times, August 16. Section D23 Moritz, Charles (1968), Current Biography. 1968. New York: H W Wilson Company: 120- 122 Vorderman, Don (1980), The Man, The Myth, The Machine, Town & Country. February: 26, 30, and 34 Web sites Ferrari History http://www. thecollection. com/new/maserati/history. htmHistory of Ferrari in Formula One http://home. clara. net/nigelk/history. htm Interview with Sergio Pininfarina, Automobilia, Milano, 1997 http://www. pininfarina. it/eng/history/cooperation/ferrari2. html Nre, Doug, An Appreciation of Enzo Ferrari, in: Prova on-line Ferrari magazine Http://www. prova. com/ (look under â€Å"Editorials†) 51st Annual Pebble Beach concours d'eleganc e – 19 Agust 2001 http://www. pininfarina. it/eng/press/edition/14. html Ferrari Owners Club Florida Region – Drivers – Educationhttp://www. focfloridaregion. com/education. htm ———————– 1] A community of knowledge practice is a constituency of many different characters. This community helps to harness the creativity and promote cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for innovation (Formica 2003: Chapter 2; Amidon, 2003). The notion of communities of practice originated with John Seely Brown, the director of Xerox Corp. ’s Palo Alto Research Center (PARC). Brown suggested that â€Å"At the simplest level, they are a small group of people who’ve worked together over a period of time†¦ not a team, not a task force, not necessarily an authorized or identified group†¦They are peers in the execution of ‘real work’.What holds them together is a common sense of purpose and a r eal need to know what the other knows†. [2] Different communities of knowledge practice coalesce in a knowledge pool. Different knowledge pools form a knowledge cluster (Formica, 2003: Chapter 2). [3] â€Å"The Greek poet Archilochus says: ‘The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing’. The hedgehog’s vision is of one, of a single substance. The hedgehog is a monist† (Berlin, 1953).