Organizational Epistemology Free Essays

string(126) " epistemological perspectives to increase leaders’ understanding about knowledge work and how to increase its productivity\." Running Head: ORGANIZATIONAL EPISTEMOLOGY 1 Organizational Epistemology St. Rachel E. Ustanny University of Phoenix ORGANIZATIONAL EPISTEMOLOGY 2 There are different perspectives about the origin of knowledge, which have influenced the development of concepts such as a priori and a posteriori truth, epistemic regress, and sensual perception—Descartes (as cited in Cooper, 1999) argued that there are certain undeniable truths, which are obtained from our senses; Feldman (2003) noted that truth is obtained through one of or a combination of six means: perception, memory, testimony, introspection, reasoning, and rational insight; Feldman (2003) also reported that evidentialists believe that propositions must be substantiated; Bonjour (1978) articulated that truth is based on the existence of a priori knowledge, which is proven by engaging in epistemic regress; Schnapper (2009) noted that modern democracy calls for greater equality, including the recognition and acceptance of all perspectives as truth; and Webb (2007) reported that truth is that which is naturally experienced. We will write a custom essay sample on Organizational Epistemology or any similar topic only for you Order Now In light of these varying perspectives about the origin of truth or knowledge, one cannot deny that the study of epistemology is very important to the development of new information, and socioeconomic progress. From an organizational perspective, epistemology provides a framework for critically analyzing and planning for the management and leadership of contemporary businesses—The change in the mode of production to that of knowledge work as reported by Drucker (1999) points to the need for contemporary organizational leaders to manage knowledge as a means of increasing productivity. This situation underscores the importance of deconstructing the origin of knowledge that workers produce on a daily basis. Epistemological Theories The multiple perspectives about the origin of knowledge have stimulated much criticism and skepticism about the validity and generalizability of epistemological theories. Nevertheless, this situation has continued to fuel the development of new theories, which have contributed to ORGANIZATIONAL EPISTEMOLOGY 3 the persistence of the epistemological debate over several centuries, and influenced its applicability to contemporary social problems. New theories about the origin of knowledge are still emerging as society is faced with unique challenges and alternate ways of learning and testing validity. Natural epistemology and the knowledge work theories will be examined as a means of garnering a better understanding of how modern society deals with and conceptualizes knowledge and uses it to improve social structures and systems. Four longstanding knowledge theories will also be discussed to facilitate an evaluation of the influence of past knowledge theories on contemporary problems—these four theories are: empiricism, rationalism, pragmatism, and relativism. Naturalized epistemology challenged the belief that one has to engage in epistemic regress to justify truth. It was proposed that truth is determined by scientific investigations and explanations (Feldman, 2003, p. 167). The tools, methods, and principles of science provide epistemologists with the means of testing and justifying knowledge, therefore machinery such as a lie detector enables contemporary investigators to examine individuals’ reactions (heartbeat, sweat production, and levels of anxiety) to determine if they are being truthful about a situation. This approach directly contradicts empiricism, which articulated that sensual perceptions enable human beings to determine truth. In this case, a lie detector would not be necessary to determine truth as the investigator would be able to use his or her senses to detect truth and untruth. While there is some merit in the empiricists’ approach, naturalized epistemology presented a replicable method that is less likely to fail due to human error. Knowledge work as argued by Drucker (1999) represents a shift in the nature of production from being purely manual as was contended by management theorists of the 20 th century (p. 79). This shift has increased the significance of epistemology in the workplace in that ORGANIZATIONAL EPISTEMOLOGY 4 managers are forced to contend with the sources and origin of knowledge that workers possess as a means of enhancing companies’ capacities to improve the productivity of the knowledge worker as was done by Taylor during the heyday of manual work. Knowledge work has challenged the society to come to terms with the importance of epistemology in everyday life and to find ways of optimizing it for development. Knowledge management is proposed by Wong and Aspinwall (2004) as a strategy for increasing the productivity of the knowledge worker, but despite this there are still challenges as it relates to those who possess tacit knowledge—the major concern for companies is the loss of productivity advances when the tacit knowledge worker leaves. It has therefore become increasingly important to find out how individuals gain knowledge in the first place, and then attempt to replicate those actions that are engaged in on a daily basis, which optimizes productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness. One cannot solve the epistemological problems of the contemporary workplace without reflecting on earlier conceptions about epistemology as articulated by empiricists, rationalists, pragmatists, and relativists. Empiricism argued that knowledge is derived from human sensual experiences and perceptions (Cooper, 1999, p. 117). This view is quite the opposite of rationalism, which contended that knowledge existed (a priori) before humans experienced it; therefore individuals derived knowledge out of necessity, which is later universalized if there are no exceptions (Cooper, 1999, p. 166). Pragmatism challenged empiricism and rationalism by arguing that the a posteriori and a priori conceptions of truth are false because knowledge is derived from practice, which results in the formulation of theories and provides opportunities for continuously evising and reformulating the theory to improve practice (Webb, 2007, p. 10691070). Relativism opened up the epistemological discourse to multiple perspectives of truth, so that knowledge is seen as socially constructed, experiential, dynamic, and variable—There is no ORGANIZATIONAL EPISTEMOLOGY 5 single truth that guides the solution to problems and knowledge is gained from all of the various means articulated by individuals, thus the empiricist is no more correct than the rationalist, nor the pragmatist, nor the natural epistemologist. There is merit in all perspectives and all must be considered when seeking justifications for the truth (Schnapper, 2009, p. 177). In light of the latter argument, management theorists must look to a wide range of epistemological perspectives to increase leaders’ understanding about knowledge work and how to increase its productivity. You read "Organizational Epistemology" in category "Papers" The tacit and explicit knowledge that workers possess is founded in first principles, as articulated by empiricists, and rationalists; as well as obtained from practice that the worker encounters as he or she carries out their duties—this (latter) pragmatic source indicates that each worker has the opportunity to discover truth in the execution of his or her duties. The fact that empiricism, rationalism, and pragmatism present valid perspectives about the sources of the knowledge worker’s knowledge indicates that there are multiple sources of truth, which contributes to the relativity of tacit knowledge work. Application of Knowledge to Organizational Leadership and Management The shift in the 21st century from manual to knowledge work has necessitated that management theorists and leaders critically examine and develop means for measuring and increasing productivity. This has contributed to the need for increased attention to different forms of knowledge, particularly distinguishing tacit and explicit knowledge to enhance management theorists’ abilities to capture the steps and processes involved in producing specific outputs (Manyika, 1996). Tacit knowledge is particularly difficult to capture, because it is the know-how that individual workers possess that they acquired as a result of their experience with particular tools, and their responses to unique challenges that stimulated them to innovate. ORGANIZATIONAL EPISTEMOLOGY 6 Making tacit knowledge more public within organizations is critical to the improvement of productivity and succession planning—According to Ambrosini and Bowman (2001) â€Å"tacit knowledge in particular may block adaptation to changes in the environment, hinder innovation and lead to the continuation of inferior work practices† (p. 812). It requires that organizational leaders examine epistemological theories to get a better understanding of the foundation of the know-how that individual knowledge workers possess. Pragmatism is the epistemological theory that facilitates the most likely explanation for the origin of tacit knowledge in organizations as according to Ambrosini and Bowman (2001) â€Å"tacit knowledge is context specific, is typically acquired on the job or in the situation where it is used† (p. 13); so pragmatists’ belief that theory emerges from practice and is applied back to it with the possibility of revising and reformulating it presents an explanation of tacit knowledge originating in experiences as they are encountered. Senge (2010) and Drucker (1999) have been my most influential theorists because of the fact that their propositions have helped to explain and present solutions to the challenges facing my organization. They argued that there are methods that can be used to help increase productivity of knowledge workers in an ever-changing world, which are aimed at measuring and improving the contribution of knowledge to organizational success. If companies fail to capture the tacit knowledge of workers, they are bound to face periods of slump when such workers leave the organization temporarily or permanently, as well as fail to make significant advances, because workers are not keeping abreast of new knowledge. The effective development of knowledge-based companies therefore depends on the implementation of strategies for standardizing and sharing such knowledge. In addition, there is a general need for the firm to control productivity so as to eliminate the possibility of being held at ransom by employees. ORGANIZATIONAL EPISTEMOLOGY 7 Converting companies to learning organizations was proposed by Senge (2010) as a means of increasing productivity and sharing knowledge. Five disciplines were proposed for solving the productivity challenges that face contemporary organizations: personal mastery, mental models, shared visions, team learning, and systems thinking. It is believed that the learning organization sought to create holistic changes in companies so that knowledge could be better managed, and all stakeholders could see that success was dependent on the relationship among the individual departments and the organization as a corporate entity (p. 2). It is important to note that in the learning organization, the tacit knowledge and skills that workers possess, is represented by personal mastery, and is shared with other workers and the organization through team learning. Knowledge management was proposed as a strategy for restoring power, over production, to the organization. Wong and Aspinwall (2001) noted that a knowledge management implementation framework should have five characteristics: â€Å"(1) a clear structure on how to conduct and implement knowledge management, (2) clear distinction among the types of knowledge to be managed, (3) highlight the necessary knowledge management processes or activities needed to manipulate knowledge, (4) include the factors that will affect performance, and (5) provide a balanced view between the role of technology and human beings in knowledge management† (p. 100). The knowledge management implementation framework serves as a strategy for reducing the autonomy of the knowledge worker, while increasing the control of the organization over productivity. Unlike the learning organization, knowledge management does not seek to create holistic change in the company, but isolates knowledge work as an aspect of production, and identifies the elements that are necessary for management to manipulate so as to increase productivity as was done in the time of Taylor (Drucker, 1999, p. 80). ORGANIZATIONAL EPISTEMOLOGY 8 The Future of Epistemology in Organizational Leadership Epistemology has an important role to play in the development of human services organizations. The concept of good governance that guides the effective management of such organizations articulates some of the productivity issues addressed by Drucker (1999). In the case of my organization, productivity is hindered by the fact that knowledge about specific critical aspects of work is possessed by the accountant who does not welcome succession planning, responds negatively to queries from the board of directors, works in isolation, and makes decisions for others and their departments unilaterally. This situation has contributed to inefficiency and ineffectiveness in a number of core areas of work, and as argued by Ambrosini and Bowman (2001) contributes to inferior work practices (p. 812). Good governance argues that successful management is characterized by accountability, transparency, participatory leadership, and responsiveness. This is reiterated by Drucker (1999) when he noted that productivity was curtailed by knowledge workers autonomy in deciding the task, and having unilateral control over the production process—The work done by the accountant is knowledge work and the fact that it is held only by him contributes to a situation where the organization is held at ransom. If there are opportunities for the improvement of the accounting function, this is hindered because of the lack of access by the organization to it, and the general lack of responsiveness to good governance practices. In the case of my accountant, deciding what to purchase without consultation, and refusing to answer questions posed by the board directors contributes to productivity problems. Drucker (1999) noted that overcoming this situation â€Å"requires changes in attitude not only on the part of the individual knowledge worker, but on the part of the whole organization† (p. 92). ORGANIZATIONAL EPISTEMOLOGY 9 The problems with the accountant articulated above can be solved by one of two or a combination of the following approaches. These recommendations were derived from weeks five and six discussion questions. These discussions enabled me to have a better understanding of the needs and challenges of my organization, and provided me with the opportunity to evaluate the company and make recommendations for its improvement. The following two recommendations represent the possible actions that I may undertake to increase organizational productivity: (1) reform the company to that of a learning organization, which takes a systems approach to productivity, thus the failure of accounts is not seen as an isolated element, but is the responsibility of all employees and departments, therefore all employees see it as critical to learn the tacit knowledge possessed by the accountant so that they are better poised to recommend changes. When all employees have a shared vision, greater pressure will be placed on the accountant to be accountable, transparent, and participatory in his leadership; and or (2) develop a knowledge management system to capture all of the job roles that are assigned to the accountant and the various steps that he undertakes to fulfill them—There will be need to integrate feedback components with the clinic nurse, statistical clerk, and clinic receptionist, before commodities can be purchased; and in order to successfully meet his reporting obligations he must answer specific questions about the financial status of the organization, which will automatically be shared with the board directors. Such a system could eliminate the lack of transparency, participation, and accountability that has curtailed efficiency and effectiveness. The implementation of a knowledge management system would also help the organization to be better operated as a learning organization, as the steps for each ta sk that is performed by the accountant would be accessible to leadership, which could be used to teach others by way of team learning strategies. ORGANIZATIONAL EPISTEMOLOGY 10 The future of management of human service organizations in the knowledge worker age is not totally distinct from traditional epistemology—it integrates critical concepts of the past to help solve new and emergent challenges. Empiricism, rationalism, pragmatism, and relativism are four of the longstanding epistemological concepts that guide management practitioners about the origin of tacit knowledge—On one hand know-how originates from the theoretical foundations of empiricism and rationalism as seen in the in the knowledge that individuals obtain through formal education that prepares them to fit into the workplace; and on the other hand it originates from the encountered experiences in the workplace. Both views are correct and hence when theorizing about the origin of knowledge in knowledge work, management theorists must be mindful that there are multiple valid perspectives. ORGANIZATIONAL EPISTEMOLOGY References Ambrosini, V. Bowman, C. (2001). Tacit knowledge: Some suggestions for 11 operationalization. Journal of Management Studies, 38(6), pp. 811-829. Retrieved from http://web. ebscohost. com. ezproxy. apollolibrary. com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer? sid=e9e 776b0-e4f1-46a2-af57-b1403102e01b%40sessionmgr112vid=2hid=107 Bayer, B. (2007). How not to refute Quine: Evaluating Kim’s Alternatives to Naturalized Epistemology. The Southern Journal of Philosophy, 45(4), 473-495. Retrieved from http://search. proquest. com. ezproxy. apollolibrary. com/docview/218154099? accountid=35 812 Bonjour, L. (1978). Can empirical knowledge have a foundation? American Philosophical Quarterly, 15(1), 1-13. Retrieved from http://www. williams. edu/philosophy/fourth_layer/faculty_pages/jcruz/courses/Bonjour(1978). pdf Cooper, D. (1999). Epistemology: the classic readings. United Kingdom: Blackwell. Drucker, P. F. (1999). Knowledge-worker productivity: The biggest challenge. California Management Review, 41(2), 79-94. Retrieved from http://web. ebscohost. com. ezproxy. apollolibrary. com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer? sid=d0b 953c0-25c0-4ce2-acc3-a2eb62ec1545%40sessionmgr114=2=106 Feldman, R. (2003). Epistemology. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Manyika, J. (1996). The coming imperative of the world’s knowledge economy. The Financial Times, 17. Retrieved from http://go. galegroup. com. ezproxy. apollolibrary. com/ps/i. do? =GALE%7CA145813050=2. 1 =uphoenix=r=GPS=w Moser, P. vander Nat, A. (Eds. ), Human knowledge: classical and contemporary approaches. New York: Oxford. ORGANIZATIONAL EPISTEMOLOGY 12 Schnapper, D. (2009). Relativism. Society, 46(2), 175-179. doi:10. 1007/s12115-008-9181-6 Senge, P. M. (2010). The fifth discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization. Business Book Summaries, 1(1), pp. 1-8. Retrieved from http://ehis. ebscohost. com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer? sid=05ba5549-4ada-47b6-aca7 How to cite Organizational Epistemology, Papers

Romeo And Juliet Relationship Essay Example For Students

Romeo And Juliet Relationship Essay Outline1 Introduction2 How Fate Takes Control of Events in the Play3 Fates Lead to Their Death4 Conclusion Introduction Romeo and Juliet  is the title of an intriguing love story narrated by William Shakespeare. The play is about love between two young stars from noble families that are not on good terms. The theme  of fate  propels most of the occurrences in the play. The love story was written 1591-1595 and has remained to be one of the most popular and most performed plays across the world. Many romantic narrations associated with young lovers  have been developed based on the story of Romeo and Juliet  by Shakespeare. The play was set up in Verona, Italy, and depicts quarrels between members of two different families of Lord Capulet  and Montague. The story of Romeo and Juliet  depicts people’s lives and destinies that are predetermined. The story is often seen as a series of unfolding events which are controlled by  fate, accompanied by bad decisions and bad luck. When writing this essay, you should always keep in mind that the thesis statement  for the play, revolving around the theme of Fate.  Fate is described as an inevitable force that controls our lives. It is neither seen nor heard. Many topics about fate  in the story of Romeo and Juliet  have been written by different scholars, each giving different examples  as presented in the play. This play by William Shakespeare  uses fate as an exceptionally crucial element that is against the free will  of Romeo and Juliet. How Fate Takes Control of Events in the Play In the Play, the love story of Romeo and Juliet  is death marked, and the two lovers  have no control over what happens, showing clearly the tragedy of fate  in their love story. In the opening lines of the play, Shakespeare reveals to the audience that the lives of the two lovers,  Romeo and Juliet, are controlled by the powerful nature.  The two lovers are forewarned that they are star-crossed lovers, meaning that their destinies cannot end up together successfully. The two lovers  are born into feuding families, and their  fate  is to die so that peace can be regained. The enmity between Lord Capulet’s  family and Montagues is so strong that nothing short of losing a child could stop it. Romeo and Juliet  fail to take a step together in life without their family interfering and hindering their relationship. Fate  shreds in their love with death and sadness. After getting married, and even before properly enjoying their honeymoon, Tybal comes with ill intentions and kills Mercutio, Romeos friend, eliciting the urge to  plan  for revenge by Romeo. The abusive and violent nature of Tybal eventually leads to his death, and this is a way of fate manifesting itself in the play. After Tybalts death, Capulet wants to marry Juliet off to Paris, not knowing that she was already married to the love of her life, Romeo, which was also as a result of fate. Juliet spoke to Friar Lawrence  who helped her to fake her death until her lover, Romeo came back.   Friar Lawrence, together with John sent an urgent letter addressed to Romeo, but the letter never reached him. Fates Lead to Their Death Romeo took his own life, thinking that his wife, Juliet was already dead even though she wasn’t. Having no strength to handle the death of her husband, Juliet killed herself too. This was fates own way of uniting the Montague’s and Capulet’s. It is fate that controlled the movement of Romeo. He was seen to be in the right places at the right time. He took a walk around the house of Capulet’s and attended the party. He had Juliet proclaim her love for him at the balcony. He realized how truly Juliet loved him and ended up responding by proclaiming his love for her as well. .u1141522b5970622a92a6e986ef13c90c , .u1141522b5970622a92a6e986ef13c90c .postImageUrl , .u1141522b5970622a92a6e986ef13c90c .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u1141522b5970622a92a6e986ef13c90c , .u1141522b5970622a92a6e986ef13c90c:hover , .u1141522b5970622a92a6e986ef13c90c:visited , .u1141522b5970622a92a6e986ef13c90c:active { border:0!important; } .u1141522b5970622a92a6e986ef13c90c .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u1141522b5970622a92a6e986ef13c90c { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u1141522b5970622a92a6e986ef13c90c:active , .u1141522b5970622a92a6e986ef13c90c:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u1141522b5970622a92a6e986ef13c90c .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u1141522b5970622a92a6e986ef13c90c .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u1141522b5970622a92a6e986ef13c90c .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u1141522b5970622a92a6e986ef13c90c .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u1141522b5970622a92a6e986ef13c90c:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u1141522b5970622a92a6e986ef13c90c .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u1141522b5970622a92a6e986ef13c90c .u1141522b5970622a92a6e986ef13c90c-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u1141522b5970622a92a6e986ef13c90c:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Urbanization Essay ThesisFate  causes Romeo and Juliet  to be near each other at that time so they can proclaim their love for each other. They end up falling in love, and thus fate  assumes the responsibility of uniting them. More so, it is destiny  that causes the downfall of the two lovers. The stars prove to be against Romeo and Juliet, and the unfolding of events in the play is entirely controlled by the cruel plan  of fate  and powerful nature. Shakespeare talks of higher powers changing the original plans of Romeo and Juliet. Several factors that led to the death Romeo and Juliet, but destiny takes the highest share. Shakespeare  shows how destiny has changed and defied the events in the play leading to an expected and tragic ending. No one but fate  is to blame for the death of Romeo and Juliet. Conclusion The motif of fate in the love story of Romeo and Juliet  has not only taken control of both their lives but also made a very unfortunate ending to the play. Romeos belief in destiny seems to connect with the death of both of them in the end. Juliet on the other hand, through  fate, convinces herself that Romeo is much better than what he is, and gives him her undivided love. It is for the fact that things would have turned out differently had fate never interfered with the love story of Romeo and Juliet  by William Shakespeare.

Thoreau Essay Research Paper Born in 1817 free essay sample

Thoreau Essay, Research Paper Born in 1817, in Concord, Henry David Thoreau became one of the greatest authors among the American Renaissance. Thoreau based his whole doctrine on the fact that adult male needed to acquire rid of material things in order to be an single. An finely educated adult male, Thoreau went to Harvard, which placed heavy accent on the classics. Thoreau studied a course of study that included grammar and composing, mathematics, English, history, and assorted doctrines. He besides spoke fluently in Italian, Gallic, German, and Spanish. After his graduation in 1837, Thoreau became a instructor. He and his brother John, nevertheless, closed the school in 1841, for Thoreau knew composing was his passion. He kept a diary beginning in 1837, and most think he wrote manner before that clip. Thoreau s love for composing pushed him to do it a driving force in his life. Thoreau was besides a large portion of the Transcendentalist s Movement. We will write a custom essay sample on Thoreau Essay Research Paper Born in 1817 or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The Transcendentalists assumed that the psyche and nature were the two indispensable parts of the existence. # 8220 ; Transcendentalism started as a extremist spiritual motion, opposed to the positivist, conservative establishment that Unitarianism had become. # 8221 ; Unitarians had expressed the demand for and strong belief of a more personal and intuitive experience of the Godhead. # 8220 ; If a adult male does non maintain gait with his comrade, possibly it is because he hears a different drummer. # 8221 ; Individuality was a large portion of Thoreau s life ; he believed that independent, well-thought action arose of course from a funny head. Although many people visited him at Walden Pond, Thoreau preferred to be entirely. # 8220 ; I neer found the comrade that was so companionable as solitude.† Thoreau liked purdah, a clip when he wrote from his psyche and was genuinely entirely. Thoreau s love for nature was one of the most powerful facets apparent in Walden. Considered by some to be the male parent of the environmental motion, Thoreau referred back to nature in everything he wrote from essays to political addresss. As a simple adult male, Thoreau did non have many material things. For he believed that to have material objects were an obstruction, instead than an advantage. He proverb that most people measured self-worth in footings of what they owned, instead than their religious and rational gifts. Thoreau proposed to populate as merely as possible and find what he needed for basic human endurance. # 8220 ; My greatest accomplishment is to desire but little. # 8221 ; He grew his ain nutrient, cleaned his ain cabin, and frequently arranged his personal businesss so he had to work every bit small as possible. Published on August 9, 1854, Walden sold two 1000 transcripts. For one dollar, people read into the deepnesss of Thoreau s life at Walden Pond and all his positions on everything from the anti-slavery motion to his environmental thoughts. Walden sold reasonably good during Thoreau s life-time, but his greatest respects came posthumously. Through the reading of Walden, many people have discovered the thaumaturgy of Henry David Thoreau s pen. Just a adult male from Concord, Massachusetts, he lived an extraordinary life as a simple adult male. That, nevertheless, was all Thoreau of all time wanted to carry through, to demo people that a individual could be an person, unrecorded simple, and do without stuff things. With the publication of Walden, Thoreau showed the universe that it was so possible ; he had lived # 8220 ; to the round of his ain drummer. # 8221 ;

3m “Profile of an Innovating Company free essay sample

3M â€Å"Profile of an Innovating Company† The 3M case traces the history of this Minnesota-based company from its inception in 1902 through 1992. By looking at the tenure of three CEOs, the case examines how 3M worked to maintain a culture of innovation while continuing to grow into an international multibillion dollar organization. While the organization’s values are critical to the success of 3M, internal and external forces also forced 3M to adjust their business model. William McKnight, the founding CEO, embedded a strong organizational culture into 3M. He instilled the values of entrepreneurship, research and experimentation into every employee. His goal was to create a climate that â€Å"stimulates ordinary people to do great things. † As 3M grew into a billion dollar business they continued to maintain their core values of innovation, marketplace responsiveness and entrepreneurship. Employees at 3M were encouraged to work on their own projects with a corporate-wide policy that promoted work on personal projects for up to 15% of a researcher’s time. We will write a custom essay sample on 3m â€Å"Profile of an Innovating Company or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Individual persistence was recognized and people were encouraged to pursue their own ideas and to take risks. Management supported â€Å"unintentioned failure† and was known to support projects that did not necessarily show market viability. Often times, these projects found future niche markets or applications that were never thought of by the inventor. 3M was a â€Å"market-oriented technology based company. † It was built around the idea of adapting current technology platforms to meet the different needs of consumers. 3M looked both externally at niche market needs and internally at ways to apply new market opportunities to existing technology. They capitalized on their technology through informal and formal knowledge sharing processes. They held technology conferences, organized technology boards and promoted sharing through other communities of practice. It was the norm to ask for scientists to discuss their work and ask for advice or suggestions. The organizational structure under McKnight was a â€Å"grow and divide† concept, where management expected units to grow organically. Successful products were continually made into new divisions, which in turn became new groups. In 1977 McKnight passed away and his successor Lou Leher took over. Internal and external changes forced management to look at how 3M could continue to be profitable in the future. The growth and spin off process left by McKnight made it challenging for 3M to control their businesses. As a result of entrepreneurship and diversification, business spin-offs had created a fragmented organization. Leher created a new business structure that promoted the consolidation of divisions to share resources and integrate processes. He also standardized the strategic planning and funding process. Used to an informal planning process based on perception and measured against their own metrics,† a formal planning system was a shock to the organization. RD funding, which was typically allocated at the discretion of the manager, was now more formalized. Although funding was more focused, they still provided an opportunity for funding additional products. Lehr began to formalize the processes of 3 M. The organization, valuing entrepreneurship and innovation, became hard to control and was leading to decreased profitability of the company. The final tenure followed is that of Jake Jacobson, a bottom line CEO who came in to cut costs and increase profitability. He changed the focus of 3M from niche premium markets to low cost markets. His changes promoted the use of cross functional teams and quicker time to market. To move products more quickly to market, the company adopted a more disciplined approach to selecting projects. Projects that did not show promise up front would not be funded, as typically done in the past. Managers began to feel that innovation was being stifled and the balance between entrepreneurial spirit and team work was lost.

About Byzantine Architecture and the Rise of Christianity

About Byzantine Architecture and the Rise of Christianity Byzantine architecture is a style of building that flourished under the rule of Roman Emperor Justinian between A.D. 527 and 565. In addition to extensive use of interior mosaics, its defining characteristic is a heightened dome, the result of the latest sixth-century engineering techniques. Byzantine architecture dominated the eastern half of the Roman Empire during the reign of Justinian the Great, but the influences spanned centuries, from 330 until the fall of Constantinople in 1453 and on into todays church architecture. Much of what we call Byzantine architecture today is ecclesiastical, meaning church-related. Christianity began to flourish after the Edict of Milan in A.D. 313 when Roman Emperor Constantine (c. 285-337) announced his own Christianity, which legitimized the new religion; Christians would no longer be routinely persecuted. With religious freedom, Christians could worship openly and without threat, and the young religion spread rapidly. The need for places of worship expanded as did the need for new approaches to building design. Hagia Irene (also known as Haghia Eirene or Aya Ä °rini Kilisesi) in Istanbul, Turkey is the  site of the first Christian church ordered built by Constantine in the 4th Century. Many of these early churches were destroyed but rebuilt atop their rubble by Emperor Justinian. Hagia Irene or Aya Ä °rini Kilisesi in Istanbul, Turkey. Salvator Barki/Getty Images (cropped) Characteristics of Byzantine Architecture Original Byzantine churches are square-shaped with a central floor plan. They were designed after the Greek cross or crux immissa quadrata instead of the Latin crux ordinaria of Gothic cathedrals. Early Byzantine churches might have one, dominant center dome of great height, rising from a square base on half-dome pillars or pendentives. Byzantine architecture blended Western and Middle Eastern architectural details and ways of doing things. Builders renounced the Classical Order in favor of columns with decorative impost blocks inspired by Middle Eastern designs. Mosaic decorations and narratives were common. For example, the mosaic image of Justinian in the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy honors the Roman Christian Emporer. The early Middle Ages was also a time of experimentation with building methods and materials. Clerestory windows became a popular way for natural light and ventilation to enter an otherwise dark and smokey building. Mosaic of the Roman Christian Emporer Justinian I Flanked by Military and Clergy. CM Dixon/Print Collector/Getty Images Construction and Engineering Techniques How do you put a huge, round dome onto a square-shaped room? Byzantine builders experimented with different methods of construction; when ceilings fell in, they tried something else. Art historian Hans Buchwald writes that: Sophisticated methods for assuring structural solidity were developed, such as well-built deep foundations, wooden tie-rod systems in vaults, walls and foundations, and metal chains placed horizontally inside masonry. Byzantine engineers turned to the structural use of pendentives to elevate domes to new heights. With this technique, a dome can rise from the top of a vertical cylinder, like a silo, giving height to the dome. Like the Hagia Irene, the exterior of the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy is characterized by the silo-like pendentive construction. A good example of pendentives seen from the inside is the interior of the ​Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) in Istanbul, one of the most famous Byzantine structures in the world. Inside the Hagia Sophia. Frà ©dà ©ric Soltan/Corbis via Getty Images Why This Style Is Called Byzantine In the year 330, Emperor Constantine relocated the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to a part of Turkey known as Byzantium (present-day Istanbul). Constantine renamed Byzantium to be called Constantinople after himself. What we call the Byzantine Empire is really the Eastern Roman Empire. The Roman Empire was divided into East and West. While the Eastern Empire was centered in Byzantium, the Western Roman Empire was centered in Ravenna, in northeast Italy, which is why Ravenna is a well-known tourist destination for Byzantine architecture. The Western Roman Empire in Ravenna fell in 476 but was recaptured in 540 by Justinian. Justinians Byzantine influence is still felt in Ravenna. Byzantine Architecture, East and West The Roman Emperor Flavius Justinianus was not born in Rome, but in Tauresium, Macedonia in Eastern Europe in about 482. His place of birth is a major factor why the reign of the Christian Emperor changed the shape of architecture between 527 and 565. Justinian was a ruler of Rome, but he grew up with the people of the Eastern world. He was a Christian leader uniting two worlds; construction methods and architectural details were passed back and forth. Buildings that previously had been built similar to those in Rome took on more local, Eastern influences. Justinian reconquered the Western Roman Empire, which had been taken over by barbarians, and Eastern architectural traditions were introduced to the West. A mosaic image of Justinian from the Basilica of San Vitale, in Ravenna, Italy is a testament to the Byzantine influence on the Ravenna area, which remains a great center of Italian Byzantine architecture. Byzantine Architecture Influences Architects and builders learned from each of their projects and from each other. Churches built in the East influenced the construction and design of sacred architecture built in many places. For example, the Byzantine Church of the Saints Sergius and Bacchus, a small Istanbul experiment from the year 530, influenced the final design of the most famous Byzantine Church, the grand Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), which itself inspired the creation of Blue Mosque of Constantinople in 1616. The Eastern Roman Empire profoundly influenced early Islamic architecture, including the Umayyad Great Mosque of Damascus and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. In Orthodox countries such as Russia and Romania, Eastern Byzantine architecture persisted, as shown by the 15th century Assumption Cathedral in Moscow. Byzantine architecture in the Western Roman Empire, including in Italian towns such as Ravenna, more quickly gave way to Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and the towering spire replaced the high domes of early Christian architecture. Architectural periods have no borders, especially during what is known as the Middle Ages. The period of Medieval architecture from roughly 500 to 1500 is sometimes called Middle and Late Byzantine. Ultimately, names are less important than influence, and architecture has always been subject to the next great idea. The impact of Justinians rule was felt long after his death in A.D. 565. Source Buchwald, Hans. The Dictionary of Art, Volume 9. Jane Turner, ed. Macmillan, 1996, p. 524

Marketing Strategy of Tesco Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Marketing Strategy of Tesco - Case Study Example From its humble beginnings, Tesco Plc has gained the reputation of being the largest British retailer in terms of global and local shares. It is estimated that in every 8 UK retail sales, 1 is spent on Tesco (Tesco Plc 2007). Recognizing the growth opportunities in the virtual marketplace, the giant retailer has decided to establish online presence during 1994. Three years after, Tesco has started an online shopping which it named Tesco Direct (Tesco Plc 2007). Since then, Tesco has started offering grocery and food items in its virtual store, Tesco.com. On August 2006, the company announced the offering of non-food items in its online store under the name Tesco Direct. This marketing strategy has proved to be very efficient and profitable for the retailing giant. During the fiscal year 2006, the company announced a total annual turnover of 33.974 billion and reported a pre-tax profit of 1.962 billion. Out of this, 1.2 billion is shared by Tesco.com in terms of total revenue and 83 million in terms of profit. Even though the share of Tesco.com is meagre compared to total turnover and profit generated by Tesco Plc, its growth has been remarkable. The fiscal year 2006 reports online sales double-digit growth of 29.2% while profits soar by 49.5% (Tesco Plc Annual Report 2006). Compared to its rivals in the UK retail industry, Tesco.com captures a higher market share at 65%. Walmart-owned Asda chain lags behind with 16% while Sainsbury corners 14% (Best 2006). Its success has also been documented as it has been named the only retailer which has been able to make online shopping profitable (Walker 2006). On Crossroads: Evaluating Local and Global Opportunities The recent trends and developments in the global market stress the huge emerging opportunities in online retailing. In the UK alone, there has been a sharp rise in the number of people who are "cash rich but time poor" which triggers the higher demand for online shopping (Muncaster 2006). According to the National Statistics Office, the online market is still in the growth stage as only about 20% of adults in UK source food products from the internet (Best 2006). This improvement heats up competition in the local market as industry players battles for market share by launching aggressive strategies and enhancing the overall customer shopping experience. As a global player, Tesco Plc also eyes geographical expansion of its online shopping service by the identification of the profitable markets. In the global economy, it should be noted that internet usage has skyrocketed by 208.7% during the interval of 2000 to 2007 (Internet Usage Statistics 20007). Growth has been very significant in the highly developing Asian and Latin American countries including China, India, and Brazil. It is expected that the wide acceptance and popularity of the internet technologies in this country together with the sharp increase in disposable incomes in these regions will attract global retailers. Faced with these opportunities and challenges in the local and global market, Tesco Plc chooses the strategic direction

The Hotel Business Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

The Hotel Business - Assignment Example As the discussion stresses the hotel business is one of the booming industries today. The advent of globalization has both necessitated and attracted people to travel far geographic regions either for business, studies or leisure purposes. The demand for hotels have drastically increase with this change in lifestyle. The hotel industry has then been a very profitable venture for most businessmen. Travel catalyzes the hotel industry. And since technology has increased the possibility and ease of transportation, we predict that the hotel industry will also continue to boom. From the report it is clear that agreeing on contracts and signing becomes very fragile especially if it involves a great deal of resource and puts the integrity of the business at risk. Contract agreement can be a very sensitive issue whether it be on employment, on business links and even in some financial decisions such as investing and borrowing. People who have experience on contract agreements have something to share on how to make the process of agreeing easy and comfortable. For the hotel industry, the practical guide is the same as with the other industries. During telephone conversations and at meetings take notes of the points covered and at the end read them back to the other person to ensure there is a mutual understanding of what has been agreed† and â€Å"confirm those points in a letter as soon as possible† while also maintaining copies of all communications.... On the other hand, if both parties do not agree on non-negotiable aspects such as price, then the owner must not pursue with the deal. Preparation is also very important. This is the stage where the hotel owner can study previous contracts on similar arrangements so that adapting there will be a foundation for familiarity. This is also the stage where the owner can write down the most important points that you need on agree on (Nicholas Sharp). As to the records, Sharp and Etches give two practicals: "During telephone conversations and at meetings take notes of the points covered and at the end read them back to the other person to ensure there is a mutual understanding of what has been agreed" and "confirm those points in a letter as soon as possible" while also maintaining copies of all communications (Nicholas Sharp). When the contract is with a supplier, several things must be done before inking the contract. It would be very helpful to shop for different quotes before narrowing down your choice to a particular supplier. The contract should contain the relevant information such as "how and when payment should be made" (National Consumer Agency). During the negotiation, it is highly advised to never agree to something whether verbally or in writing when you still have some points to raise and agree on. A very straight action of saying "no" to a proposal that contains some things that you do not agree on is also a must. "Tactically, it is often better for you to prepare and send the other party the contract you want, rather than wait to get the other party's version. If you have to react to another version this