The Unexpected Deaths :: essays research papers

Too much time on your hands can be self-destructing. It happens everyday, a woman with seemingly little to do with herself is able to sit and ponder her future; she is able to take a step back and examine where she has been and what could possibly lie ahead. Chilling to some who can’t even remember what they had for breakfast this morning and more disturbing to those who are not happy with the direction they are headed. But does it really matter in the end whether or not your toast had butter or jam on it or whether the things you have done in your time made you rich? The play Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead by Tom Stoppard examines the universal truth of the end of your days and the notion that what is in between really won’t count when it is all over.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Guildenstern, the more seemingly wiser of the duo, makes a comment in the first act to Rosencrantz, saying, â€Å"The only beginning is birth and the only end is death- if you can’t count on that, what can you count on?† (39). With this said, don’t you think that our two characters would do all they can to try and change the fate before them, to try to defy the laws of finality and probability, just as it happened in the flipping of the coins? However, it does not seem that these two men are capable of such higher thought. And, as said in class, the script has already been written, so wouldn’t any change you feel you were making already be in the script?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  However, in this play, whether you want to call it a tragic comedy or a comic tragedy, two men have basically seen the fate of all man and know that the end will come. There is nothing anyone can do about it. Moving along in the play though, they seem more and more naà ¯ve to the fact that they too will come to an end. They have refused to see deeper into the play acted out before them, the story that tells of their ending.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What does bring depth to these characters is the fact that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern do try to make sense of their existence and go through the play blissfully unaware of where it will all end. Ironic as that may sound, especially since Guildenstern did make a point to say that birth and death are the two things in life you can count on, the two men seem to think that just as the coin ended up on heads for ninety times, they too will defy the odds.

Clockwork Orange Essay -- essays papers

Clockwork Orange In all of my reading, I have come to the conclusion that Anthony Burgess is one of the greatest literary genius’s of the twentieth century. His masterpiece, A Clockwork Orange, is unrivaled in obvious depth, insight, and innovation. The novel is a work of such quality, such perfection, that it seems to be genuinely written by a literary demigod. The novel's main theme deals with free choice and spiritual freedom. More specifically, "[The ethical promise that 'A man who cannot choose ceases to be man'] can be taken as both the explicit and implicit themes of the novel" (Morgan 104). Anthony Burgess expresses his view that no matter how "good" one's actions are, unless one has free moral choice, he is spiritually damned. The novel revolves around one criminally minded teen, Alex, whose world consists of rape, murder, and ruthless violence. Alex is eventually setup by his "droogs" (friends) and is arrested and jailed. After some time in jail, Alex is placed in a new rehabilitating program that uses electro-shock therapy, new medicines, and exposure to violent film. The program breaks all that Alex holds dear and builds him up with a new artificial conscience. This part of the novel "presents the reader with a new, reformed Alex, an Alex without free will or freedom of choice, an Alex who has become a victim" Burgess considers this lack of freedom to be spiritually murderous and terribly wrong. Burgess knows that it is better to choose to be evil, than to be forced to be good. Alex is tormented by his new state of oppression. He is incapable of making any choice; he must always do what is good. Alex is then taken under the wing of a writer who is fighting the oppressive government. The writer... ...a way that appears to distance it. Stanley: If this occurs it may be because the story both in the novel and the film is told by Alex, and everything that happens is seen through his eyes. Since he has his own rather special way of seeing what he does, this may have some effect in distancing the violence. Some people have asserted that this made the violence attractive. I think this view is totally incorrect. Bibliography: Coale, Samuel, Anthony Burgess (1981); Mathews, Richard, The Clockwork Universe of Anthony Burgess (1978). Kagan, Norman, The Cinema of Stanley Kubrick (1989); Nelson, Thomas Allan, Kubrick: Inside A Film Artist's Maze (1982); Phillips, Gene, Stanley Kubrick: A Film Odyssey (1975); Walker, Alexander, Stanley Kubrick Directs, rev. ed. (1972). English to Russian Dictionary (1996). â€Å"A Clockwork Orange† (1963); Burgess, Anthony

Management and Acceptance Theory

PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF MANAGEMENT SUBJECT CODE –B-101 PART ONE Multiple Choice Questions with Single Response: Q1. A Plan is a trip laid to capture the ___________________ a. Future b. Past c. Policy d. Procedure Q2. It is the function of employing suitable person for the enterprise: a. Organizing b. Staffing c. Directing d. Controlling Q3. _________________ means â€Å"group of activities & employees into departments. † a. Orientation b. Standardization c. Process d. Departmentation Q4. This theory states that authority is the power that is accepted by others: a. Acceptance theory b. Competence theory c. Formal authority theory d. Informal authority theory Q5. It means dispersal of decision-making power to the lower levels of the organization: a. Decentralization b. Centralization c. Deispersion d. Delegation Q6. This chart is the basic document of the organizational structure: a. Functional chart b. Posts chart c. Master chart d. Departmental chart Q7. Communications which flow from superiors to subordinates with the help of scalar chain is known as: a. Informal communication b. Downward communication c. Upward communication d. Oral communication Q8. Needs for belongingness, friendship, love, affection, attention & social acceptance are: a. Physiological needs b. Safety needs c. Ego needs d. Social needs Q9. A management function which ensures â€Å"jobs to be filled with the right people, with the right knowledge, skill & attitudes†: a. Staffing defined b. Job analysis c. Manpower planning d. Recruitment Q10. It is a process that enables a person to sort out issues and reach to a decisions affecting their life: a. Selection b. Raining c. Reward d. Counseling PART TWO Short Notes Type Questions: Q1. Differentiate between ‘Administration’ and ‘Management’. Q2. What were the common drawbacks in classical and Neo classical theories of management? Q3. Write a short note on â€Å"Line Organization†. Q4. Write a short note on ‘Acceptance theory’. Answer 2: Classical theories of management relate to the earliest theories of management, that really led to recognition of management as and independent discipline of work and study. These included the ideas of pioneers like Fredrick W. Taylor, Frank Gilbreth. Max Weber, and Henry Fayol. These theories came into being beginning from late nineteenth century and were considered the core of management theory till about 1930's. Neo-classical theories of management developed during 1920's and later. These can be broadly divides in two groups – theories related to human aspects of management, and quantitative management techniques. Each of the theories under classical and neo-classical groups have their own values and limitations. But when we come to the common drawbacks of these theories, i can think of only one. All these theories concentrated on some limited aspect of management, and treated is as if it is the sole or most important aspect of management. Also, as would be natural to any developing discipline of management. Thus while people like Taylor concentrated too much on physical aspects of work, people connected with Hawthorne Studies, erroneously believed that they have discovered truths about shop-floor practices of workmen till then totally unknown to others, and concluded that the key to management lies only in promoting appropriate group behavior. Answer 3: Line organization is the most oldest and simplest method of administrative organization. According to this type of organization, the authority flows from top to bottom in a concern. The line of command is carried out from top to bottom. This is the reason for calling this organization as scalar organization which means scalar chain of command is a part and parcel of this type of administrative organization. In this type of organization, the line of command flows on an even basis without any gaps in communication and co- ordination taking place. Features of Line Organization 1. It is the simplest form of organization. 2. Line of authority flows from top to bottom. 3. Specialized and supportive services do not take place in these organizations. 4. Unified control by the line officers can be maintained since they can independently take decisions in their areas and spheres. This kind of organization always helps in bringing efficiency in communication and bringing stability to a concern. Merits of line Organization: 1. Simplest- It is the most simple and oldest method of administration. 2. Unity of Command: In these organizations, superioir-subordiante relationship is maintained and scalar chain of command flows from top to bottom. 3. Better Discipline: The control is unified and concentrates on one person and therefore, he can independently make decision of his own. Unified control ensures better discipline. 4. Flexibility: There is a co-ordination between the top most authority and bottom line authority. 5. Prompt decision: Due to the factors of fixed responsibility and unity of command, the officials can take prompt decision. Demerits of Line Organization: 1. Over reliance: The line executive’s decisions are implemented to the bottom. This results in over-relying on the line officials. 2. Lack of specialization: A line organization flows from a scalar chain from top to bottom and there is no scope for specialized functions. 3. Inadequate communication: The policies and strategies which are framed by the top authority are carried out in the same way. This leaves no scope for communication from the other end. The complaints and suggestions of lower authority are not communicated back to the top authority. So there is one way communications. 4. Lack of co- ordination: Whatever decisions are taken by the line officials, in certain situations wrong decisions, are carried down and implemented in the same way. Therefore, the degree of effective co-ordination is less. 5. Authority leadership: The line officials have tendency to misuse their authority positions. This leads to autocratic leadership and monopoly in the concern. Answer4: The â€Å"acceptance theory† is a philosophy which argues that â€Å"authority does not depend as much on ‘persons of authority' who give orders as on the willingness of those who receive the orders to comply with them. This idea combines both the traditional approach to management of a â€Å"top- down† structure where subordinates are to comply with the decisions of management. Yet, it is also embracing a more modern understanding of management, where this compliance is not blind and done without some level of questioning. If one were to buy the â€Å"acceptance theory† of management, then one also has to accept that subordinates do possess some level of intrinsic power that requires explanation, articulation, and clear definition of company policies and initiatives. In the â€Å"acceptance theory† model of management, the company's superiors must have a rapport with their subordinates so that this communication is evident, for their understanding and willingness to accept decisions, comply with policy, and fulfill management vision is essential. To accept â€Å"acceptance theory,† management must â€Å"accept† the premise that their workers have to be â€Å"accepted† as beings with their own sense of autonomy, freedom, and reasonability, as opposed to drones who will blindly follow where the company leads.

Forecasting the Adoption of E-Books Essay

The size of the market for e-books in the long-run: 293.7 million x 46.7% x 8% = 10.973 million (Total US population x percentage of US population reading literature x Percentage of traditional paper books purchased online in 2003) It will take 10 years to reach 95% penetration of the potential market. Question 2 I predict that the sale of the e-book when it first became available is 0.751milion (pm) (Assumption: each innovator buy one book.) Question 3 The long-run total adoption of e-books would be 10.973 million. (Total US population x percentage of US population reading literature x Percentage of traditional paper books purchased online in 2003) Question 4 I do expect the market for e-books tend to be guided by imitators rather than innovators. According to the table above, I found that the weighted average for e-book of q (0.0684) is larger than p (0.2990). In addition, the word of mouth takes an important role in the adoption of e-books. The information about the e-book from the innovators contribute much to the adoption of e-books since people tend to hesitate to change their old reading habit. Question 5 S(t)=[p+(q/m)N(t-1)][m-N(t-1)] Year 1: [0.0684+(0.2990/10.973) X (0)][10.973-0] = 0.751 million Year 2: [0.0684+(0.2990/10.973) X (0.751)][10.973-0.751] = 0.908 million Year 3: [0.0684+(0.2990/10.973) X (1.659)][10.973-1.659] = 1.059 million Year 4: [0.0684+(0.2990/10.973) X (2.717)][10.973-2.717] = 1.176 million Year 5: [0.0684+(0.2990/10.973) X (3.893)][10.973-3.893] = 1.235 million Question 6 The adoption of e-book will be very different from digital music obtained online. The adoption of e-books face more challenges when comparing to the adoption of digital music. To most of the listeners, there is not much difference in experience between listening to a song from an iPod and a CD player. Therefore, they have a relatively low switching cost and more willing to change their habits. On the contrary, to most of the readers, it is definitely very different from reading an e-book to reading a printed book. The feelings of holding a printed book and flipping over a physical book are irreplaceable. So readers are loyal to printed book and hesitate to switch from traditional books to e-books. Hence, it is reasonable to predict that the pace of adopting digital music is faster than the pace of adopting e-books. Question 7 I think both of the attitudes about reading and purchasing e-content have changed a lot in recent years. In the old time, people could read e-content via PC only. Nowadays, people are able to read e-content through various mobile devices. Therefore, they spend more time on reading e-content especially during leisure time and even commuting time. However, the quality of the reading effort is diminishing as the overload of e-content available on Internet. In addition, people tend to rely more on the e-content since it is very convenient, environmentally friendly, high mobility and high accessibility. For the attitude about purchasing e-content, more people are willing to pay for the e-content in recent years. The advanced online payment system plays an important role. People feel more secure and also convenient when dealing online ever than before. Moreover, more well-known and large-scale publishers offer more choices of e-content for readers. Besides, in the light of the prevalent of mobile device, people have more time and chances to read the e-content regardless of the time and places. Thus, people are more willing to spend on e-content than before. Question 8 The hardware plays a paramount important role in the adoption of e-books. No matter how amazing the e-content is, the e-books would not be popularized if the hardware were not user-friendly. However, a good hardware is very likely to boost sales of the e-books. It is because the hardware is a fixed cost while the e-books are the variable cost to the readers. A portable hardware with proper size of monitor and high capacity is very attractive to the readers. They no longer need to neither carry the bulky printed books nor spare some places for storage. Moreover, the hardware enables readers to read comfortably when comparing to read via PC or smart phone. It is good for the readers’ eyes. Last but not least, the hardware contributed to protecting the environment as it saves much paper. Only when the hardware preforms better than the tradition printed books, the adoption of e-books will be success. Question 9 I do expect the size and also the pattern of diffusion are quite different globally as compared to the United States. The size and the pattern of diffusion depend on many factors. Population, culture, attitude to new products, technology and even literacy could be one of the variables of the size and pattern of diffusion. Take Africa as an example; though the population size of Africa is much larger than The United States, the potential size of the market for e-books must be obviously different from the United States. So it is not difficult to understand that the size and pattern of diffusion of various places will not be similar to the United States.

Family and the Sociological Theories Essay

Since time immemorial, men have been petrified by sociology. The most basic definition of sociology is the study of human social behavior and grouping (Alexander, 1982). Sociology largely focuses on social relationships and the ramifications of these relationships on peoples’ behavior. There have been numerous attempts to understand and explain seemingly challenging situations in a society. These attempts constitute the various sociological theories which are geared towards giving explanations to the various phenomena in the society (Alexander, 1982). It is within the scope of this study to highlight on the impact of the sociological theories on the family institution. Introduction Sociological theories are sets of statements that endeavor to offer explanations to problems, phenomena, or human behavior (Alexander, 1982). Normally these theories are both explanatory and are versed with the ability to predict predictive on some occurrences in society. Essentially such a theory can assist in seeing the synergy among seemingly remote social phenomena (Turner, 2006). The family is the basic social institution and everyone belongs to one. The behaviors of the various family members in one family may be petrifying. There are various explanations of the various behaviors and phenomena in the family offered by the three sociological theories (Turner, 2006). The impacts of these behaviors as explained by the sociological theories are quite interesting and will be studied in this study. The sociological theories in mind are the functionalism, conflict, and interactionism theories. The events of the various members in the family can be sufficiently summarized by the explanations offered by these theories. It is from these events that the characteristics and roles of the various family members are based. This study will highlight the particular impact of each of theses theories on the family institution. Methodology Various relevant literary materials featuring research done on the subject of sociology and sociological theories are studied keenly in bid to reveal on the explanation of sociology and social behavior through the sociological theories. The data gathered and analyzed in the study is carefully studied to shed some light on the interesting history in the impact of the various theories on the occurrences witnessed in the family institution. The studies did not leave behind information which highlighted on the impact of these theories on the behaviors of individual family members and how they interact. The results are collected from these secondary sources, analyzed and presented using the trendiest of modern scientific methods. The interplay between the various sociological theories as they impact the family institution will be highlighted in the discussion part of this study. The conclusion part of the study will involve a recap of the issue of sociology and the sociological theories and the synergy between them. Literature Review Alexander (1982) portrays sociology as a very intricate area to comprehend as it has always being perceived by man. Sociology is perceived in the three major sociological theories. These theories postulate that the occurrences in the society can be summarized by the functionalism, conflict, and interactionism theories. Taking the case of the family institution, for instance, behaviors of the various family members and the phenomena in the family can be fully explained by the various sociological theories. According to the functionalism theory, the family is an anthology of interdependent parts which have a penchant toward a common goal. In the same institution there are functional necessities that must be met for it to survive (Alexander, 1982). The occurrence of some peculiar phenomena is for the purpose of serving a required function in the family (Turner, 1988). In this theory, society is likened to a living organism because both are made up of interdependent parts and systems which function in harmony for the overall functioning of the larger body. Most literary materials concur that each member of the family is pivotal in the ultimate of the successful family union. There are a number of criticisms of functionalism theory presented by some materials. There are several materials which view this theory as indistinct and lacking in sufficient methods. Despite the fact that there are a number of there a couple of materials offering criticism, this theory stands steadfast in explaining the phenomena (Turner, 1988). The conflict social theory contends that individuals and groups in a given society have various amounts of resources and that the more affluent social classes and individuals use their power to take advantage of groups with less power (Turner, 2006). This exploitation is largely through economics or by force. It is this disparity in the society which catalyses social disorder. In the family scenario, the theory is portrayed in the ensuing conflicts within the family members and its serves to offer explanation that this conflict is as a consequence of social conflicts in the family institution. There are a couple of materials which portray the family institution as revolving around the conflict perspective of sociology. In fact the essence of formation of the family is more often than not a function of the couples’ rebellion from the larger parent family (Turner, 2006). Interactionism is a sociological perspective in which human beings are surrounded by meaningful objects and symbols. These meaningful symbols include material things, events, fellow people, associations, and even plain symbols. These symbols are revered as superb and important in human communication. They carry with them common social meaning that is naturally understood and adored by all members of a society (Alexander, 1982). The case of the family presents such a situation where the members of the families are driven by the symbols known and respected by all in that family. The fact that the family as a social institution is made in the interactionism perspective makes the unit stronger and unwavering. For instance the children look up at the prowess of the parents and this fortifies the bond between them. Research Findings In summary the study revealed the following: first it was found that the various human behavior and phenomena are fully explained through the three major sociological theories (Alexander, 1982). In the family institution, functionalism theory is quite rife. It is the same theory which provides the essence of the various family members to continue being in the institution. Every member of the family is supposed to play some very vital role in the attainment of the common good of the family (Turner, 1988). The family life and phenomena is explained further by the social conflict theory. According to this theory the occurrences and events witnessed in the family are primarily caused by the struggles against conflicts in that family. This clearly defines the reserved feelings of each of the members of the family towards each other. Then there is the al important interactionism theory which defines largely the in built feelings of each family member. It is regarded that the family members have grounds of commonality which they look up to. Each one of the family members is deemed to be conversant with these unwritten laws governing the family. They al work and behave in manners likely to suggest that they are aiming at the same goals (Turner, 2006). Research Discussion This study has done tremendous work to highlight on the intriguing issue of unraveling the cause for sociology. In the family institution, the theory of functionalism makes the family come up together in the first place (Alexander, 1982). At some age one feels that they need to have the responsibilities expected of him in the family by marrying. Those who attempt to alter the norm of the duo in the institution by adopting the single parent euphoria at the end of the day find it quite difficult. This follows the coming up of children since the society expects that. The parents look at the children as very important now and in their future old age. The children depend on the parents largely for basic and other needs. This realization makes the two groups stay in harmony since they need each other (Alexander, 1982). According to the social conflict theory, the family comes up in the first place owing to the need of the couple to move away from shared resources (Turner, 1988). They start their own home and live happily. This perspective explains the trend in divorce and such other attempts of reversing the union. They are a consequence of the conflicts in the family. The conflicts between the children and parents define sour relations where the children in this case are said to be unruly and rebellious (Alexander, 1982). The society sees such groups as erroneous without knowing the epicenter of the situation. Interactionism explains a great deal the respect parents command from their children. These children perceive their parents as symbols of success and therefore form a liking for them. Â  This perspective also explains the parents’ initiatives of introducing the children to healthy social ethics and institutions like the church and school. It is from these places where the children will learn to be responsible by heeding those generally accepted symbols (Turner, 2006). Conclusions From the discussion in the study, the behaviors of members of the society are best explained by the sociological theories (Alexander, 1982). Therefore, it is in order to conclude the family institution is largely dependent on the perspectives of sociological theory. These theories clearly and sufficiently explain the occurrences and the behavior of the various members of the family. The failure of each member to participate in the expected duty is quite consequential in determining the satisfaction level derived from the institution (Turner, 1988). References Alexander J. (1982). Theoretical logic in sociology. Abingdon Oxford: Taylor & Francis. Turner J. (1988). A theory of social interaction. Palo Alto, California: Stanford University Press. Turner J. (2006). Handbook of Sociological Theory. New York: Springer.

Revenue Management, Implementation and Preconditions Article

Revenue Management, Implementation and Preconditions - Article Example Studies have cited that the RM has evolved over 30 years ago, in the early 70s Littlewood and Rothstein have explored the revenue management practice in the airlines and hotels. In 1978, during the deregulation in the airline industry, the importance of RM was ascertained as an implementation of it can increase the revenue above 5%. Therefore the scope of RM was restricted to capacity scheduling and distribution. After illustrating the definition and the evolution of Revenue management the chapter will move on to the literature review. The report will address the various tools of revenue management in the traditional and non-traditional industries and the importance of such tools in an efficient management system. In the end, the study will comprise of the critical comparison and reflection with respect to both the industries and a summary of the entire project addressing the recommendation. The report works on the yield management system and its implementation in both the aviation a nd the restaurant industries. Initially, it looks at the preconditions and the implementation process. Then it will take a deeper review of the implementation of YM through models and the impacts of the external factors and SWOT analysis of such system within the two different industries.  After the American Deregulation Act that loosened the price restriction in  the USA, the airline companies had started to plan their own prices. The main objective of Airline industry is to maximize profit by regularizing pricing and availability of its single perishable commodity like seats. RM is immensely profitable for airlines because it can generate high profits. The process of revenue management covers fare setting and seat inventory management. The management involves taking the decision on the number of seats to be reserved for late booking.

Must complete a summary post at the end of the discussion reflecting Essay

Must complete a summary post at the end of the discussion reflecting on your learning - Essay Example For instance, in a huge economy such as the UK, marketers need to properly budget for marketing research so that they can obtain the much needed information to design effective strategies in their operations. Various strategies can be implemented in order to obtain information from different sources. For instance, the marketers can implement the interactive strategy with the targeted audiences in order to get their views about their needs and interests with regards to products offered. In the same vein, organizations can also seek information from their suppliers to help them make informed business decisions. Marketing research can be carried out in order to obtain this kind of information. Unit 6 also covers the concepts of Product and Price. Essentially, all businesses are primarily concerned with satisfying the needs of the targeted consumers in a profitable way. This means that a product or service offered by the organization should be clearly defined and the price should also be set in accordance with the market forces obtaining at a particular period in order to attract many buyers. Through the use of the marketing mix involving the product, price, place and promotion, the marketers are in a better position to determine all the factors that can help improve the offering to the targeted customers. The strategy can be implemented in both B2C and B2B marketing. The organization’s capability to define its product and to price it correctly plays a pivotal role in determining its success or failure in its operations. The other important element that should be taken into consideration when determining the price of a particular product is its life cycle. Pricing m echanisms are usually determined by the life cycle of the product mainly comprised of four stages namely: introduction, growth, maturity and decline. The growth and maturity stages often attract high prices for the product since many customers would be interested in