Thomas Alva Edison - a Man of Practical Genius - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 1 Words: 424 Downloads: 4 Date added: 2017/09/12 Category Advertising Essay Did you like this example? Thomas Edison came from humble beginnings. As he stepped off the boat that brought him from Boston and took his first step in New York, he had only one small bag and a single dollar in his possession. The only shelter that he could find was in a battery room of a company on Wall Street and this is where he spent his very first night in New York. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Thomas Alva Edison a Man of Practical Genius" essay for you Create order It has been said that opinions are not always facts! This is certainly true in the case of Thomas Edison. He was born in 1847 in a little town near to Milan, Ohio on the shore of Lake Erie. Close friends and relatives called him Al. Although Thomas was quite an intelligent young boy, one of his teachers ventured their opinion and suggested to his mother that Al had an addled brain. His furious mother removed him from the school immediately and taught Thomas herself. Thomas Edison would in time prove that opinions are seldom facts! Thomas Edison endured further misfortune in his lifetime. After having overcome a bout of scarlet fever and recurring ear infections in childhood and an apparent blow to the side of his head, he remained hard of hearing for the rest of his life because of a burst eardrum. He realized that time was precious. He wanted to succeed. Thomas Edison is quoted as saying: I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward. And forward is the direction that Thomas also strove towards. Thomas Edison is generally well know for inventing the practical light bulb. His practical genius extended however to include many other inventions, perhaps less well known, but still significant. One day in 1877 Edison was working on a machine designed to record telegraphic signals on a wax cylinder. While making minor adjustments to the machine and talking to the mechanic, a needle on the machine pricked Edisons finger when he made a specific sound. Edison immediately made a rough sketch of a design that he wanted his mechanics to begin constructing. It was a machine designed to record and reproduce sounds. Upon completion, Edison picked up the ear-trumpet and spoke the first ever recorded words: Mary had a little lamb; its fleece was white as snow the phonograph was born. Thomas Edison is quoted as saying, I have not failed. Ive just found 10,000 ways that wont work. So every time we turn on a light bulb and every time we listen to music, Thomas Edisons personal successes ensure that his legacy lives on.

The Continuing Threat of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is the virus that causes AIDS, the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Over 1.1 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and almost a fifth of HIV infected Americans are unaware of their status. Even though there have been key enhancements in the prevention and treatment of HIV, we continue to see too many new HIV infections accompanied by many AIDS deaths. Nearly every HIV infected person will ultimately develop and die from AIDS, if the virus is untreated. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 70 million people have been infected with HIV and 35 million people have died of AIDS since the beginning of the pandemic. Sub-Saharan Africa resumes being the most affected region, given an account of an average of 1 in 20 adults living with HIV. In the United States, fortunately the widespread availability of medications that treat HIV has meant that fewer people with HIV progress to AIDS, but in less economically devel oped parts of the world many people still die of the disease. Sub-Saharan Africa is home to 71% of people living with HIV. Almost all of the region’s nations have generalized HIV epidemics, meaning their national HIV prevalence rate is greater than 1% (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2014). South Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV in the world, 4.3 million. The spread of HIV in Africa can easily be stopped by means of education; furthermore HIV can be treated with modernShow MoreRelatedA Cross Spice Viral Transmission Of Simian Immunodeficiency Viruses922 Words   |  4 PagesAs early as 1930, a cross-spices viral transmission of simian immunodeficiency viruses took hold between African primates and the native people. Subsequently, this crossover underwent mutations and adapted to the human host, resulting in an undetected, yet devastating retrovirus that slowly spread among the African people (Sharp Hahn, 2011). By 1960, and still undetected the virus escape d Africa’s borders and made entry to other parts of the world, first Hatti followed by the United States (HildrethRead MoreThe Epidemic Of Hiv / Aids Essay1607 Words   |  7 Pagesemerged as global health crisis, which in 1982, was formally identified as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Another two years would pass before scientists were able to isolate the retrovirus that causes AIDS, which in 1984 was termed human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV). Although a successful discovery, in the absence of a proven treatment, HIV and AIDS had free rein in which to leave in its wake a global path of fear, illness, and death. To understand the totality of HIV/AIDS, consider theRead MorePrevalence And Risk Of Hepatitis C1624 Words   |  7 Pagesscreening Aura Thomas November 22, 2014 NURS 549 Sonoma State University Significance of hepatitis C relevance, prevalence and risk Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of liver disease and is the number-one bloodborne virus in the United States. HCV is a virus identified in 1989 that often results in chronic infection of the blood. This infection harms the human liver, resulting in low-grade inflammation and progressive fibrosis of the liver, cirrhosis, liver cancer and death (CDC, 2011; Pears, 2010)Read MoreVaccinations Are Safe And They Work1686 Words   |  7 Pagesthey are also gambling with the lives of others. It is always better to prevent a disease than to have to treat it after it occurs. People with weakened immune systems are not as strong such as pregnant women, newborns, cancer patients, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive people, transplant recipients, and the elderly are also affected by the choice not to vaccinate. According to public health officials in order to avoid serious outbreaks, the vaccination rate in the United States needs toRead MoreHiv / Aids As A Pandemic For Global Health2101 Words   |  9 PagesA little over three decades ago, reports emerged of a new virus that was outbreaking in parts of the United States. Within the first twelve months of these reports, the disease sprung up among particular people groups such as homosexual men, patients with hemophilia, intravenous drug users and blood-transfusion recipients. Shortly after, an epidemic of AIDS emerged in Central Africa, particularly affecting women. Little was it known at that time that these small handful of cases would eventuallyRead MoreHiv / Aids Immigration Ban Essay3002 Words   |  13 PagesHIV/AIDS Immigration Ban: How the HIV-Positive became People What is HIV/AIDS? HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that cause initial HIV infection and, as the virus proliferates in the body, AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). HIV affects the immune system by exploiting, and, eventually, destroying a specific kind of immune cells. That allows for the gradual deterioration of a person’s immune system, which ultimately causes death from minor opportunistic infections, which are normallyRead MoreWhat Is Hiv / Aids?2952 Words   |  12 PagesWhat is HIV/AIDS? HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that cause initial HIV infection and, as the virus proliferates in the body, AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). HIV affects the immune system by exploiting, and, eventually, destroying a specific kind of immune cells. That allows for the gradual deterioration of a person’s immune system, which ultimately causes death from minor opportunistic infections, which are normally perfectly curable and generally do not cause major consequencesRead MoreHow Gender Increases The Hiv Risk Of Women1987 Words   |  8 PagesWhen AIDS made its debut in the early 80s, societies branded it as disease that infected homosexuals and/or IV drug abusers. First things first, AIDS and HIV are different. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that infects a person, and if left untreated leads to the fatal disease AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). However, over the last 35 years, we have learned that, in reality, AIDS does not discriminate against sexual orientation, drug addictions, race, age or any otherRead MoreDoes Gender Play A Role? Hiv / Aids?2536 Words   |  11 PagesDoes Gender Play a Role in HIV/AIDS? When AIDS made its debut in the early 80s, societies branded it as a disease that infected homosexuals and/or IV drug abusers. People often confused HIV with AIDS. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that infects a person, and if left untreated leads to the fatal disease AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). However, over the last 35 years, we have learned that, in reality, AIDS does not discriminate against sexual orientation, drug addictionsRead MoreThe Link Between Aids And Poverty2237 Words   |  9 Pagescontributing to making AIDS the number one killer in Sub Saharan Africa. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is believed to have originated in western Africa during the 19th to 20th century. HIV is a virus that gradually attacks the immune system which effects the body s ability to fight off illness and disease. T-helper cells or CD4 cells, a type of white blood cell, are destroyed when infected with this virus and the HIV virus begins to make copies of itself. HIV is transmitted through the fluids

A Short Note On Conventional Trade Treaties And...

With conventional trade treaties, there rests an official communication of intergovernmental cooperation. Governments surrender their sovereign privileges to choose their own trade policies in exchange for similar concessions by others. The policies enforced by any government affect the well-being not only of its own citizens, but also of those in other countries. In present day, the dichotomy concerning domestic and international politics is shifting and challenging both foreign relations and democratically legitimate government. International events within the EU and United States, such as Brexit and Trump’s attempt at withdrawing from NAFTA, are intermixed with national politics, which in turn impacts policy responses. Due to this, populist parties and movements are thriving, challenging the status quo and the governing elite, becoming the new instigators for the global economy. On June 24th 2016, British residents made the collective decision to branch away from the European Union. (The Washington Post) This exit is also to be referenced as â€Å"Brexit†. This came as a shock that resonated across the economic markets. This decision trails along greater economic repercussions that will negatively affect the U.K. and global financial markets. The growth in vagueness concerning economic growth in the United Kingdom is the motive for the instantaneous reaction that occurred in the economic markets. Brexit will unavoidably amplify the discrepancy between the UK and theirShow MoreRelatedThe Problem Of Rational Deterrence Theory2503 Words   |  11 Pagesand failure to arrive at a resolution, the two parties were able to arrive at a resolution. Theorists have differed on their application of theory to interpret the conflict and its resolution, framing the issue from all levels of analysis from international to domestic. Some theorists do agree, however, o n the relevance of rational deterrence theory in helping frame the issues. In this paper I will provide a historical background and context to the conflict, explore the application of Rational DeterrenceRead MoreIb History Rise of the Single State Parties6245 Words   |  25 Pagesthis question 1B = 5 min (2 marks) -identify key figures, symbols, labelings on the cartoon -describe these figures you found and put into the message *don’t spend too much time, focus 2 = 15 min (6 marks) -highlight key ideas -choose to make few notes on scrap paper = similarities and differences -you can have 3 compare 3 contrast, 4 compare 2 contrast, or 4 contrast 2 compare *make sure Compare and Contrast are separate Common Limitations: ââ€"  Subjective (Language, Tone, Style) ââ€"  Proximity to EventRead MoreThe Cause of Globalization18688 Words   |  75 Pagescomponents of international market integration: trade, multinational production, and international finance. The information tech nology revolution has made it very difficult for governments to control cross-border capital movements, even if they have political incentives to do so. Governments can still restrict the multinationalization of production, but they have increasingly chosen to liberalize because of the macroeconomic benefits. Although the one-time Ricardian gains from freer trade are clear,Read MoreSoft Power6538 Words   |  27 PagesSoft Power Author(s): Joseph S. Nye, Jr. Source: Foreign Policy, No. 80, Twentieth Anniversary, (Autumn, 1990), pp. 153-171 Published by: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/1148580 Accessed: 12/08/2008 12:33 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of JSTORs Terms and Conditions of Use, available at http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp. JSTORs Terms and Conditions of Use provides, in part, that unless youRead MoreEssay on Relations Between the US and Italy Between 1952-19542280 Words   |  10 Pagesthe conclusion of World War II. As a former enemy of the victorious Allied Forces Italy was heartily punished by a restrictive peace treaty. Amazingly rapidly, Italy was converted into a fully contributing member of the Atlantic anti-Communist community. An Anti-Communist stance became the crucial issue that defined inclusion and exclusion within the international alliance of which Italy was now a member. This created an extremely volatile political environment Italy which consisted of a virtualRead MoreWater as a Source of Future Conflict in Sa26984 Words   |  108 Pagesdistress over the state relations billion people will be† (Kshatri 2004, 4). 2. The melted snow of the Himalayas plays an important role in Water Resources of South Asia, which are shared by India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan via several international rivers. South Asia (SA) is facing deficit of; useable water for the existing and future needs, deterioration of water resources, management inefficiencies and development concerns. The infrastructure development and the efforts given, is consideredRead MoreNational Security Outline Essay40741 Words   |  163 Pagesï » ¿TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR NSL READING CHAPTER 1: National Security Law and the Role of Tipson 1 CHAPTER 2: Theoretical approaches to national security world order 4 CHAPTER 3: Development of the International Law of Conflict Management 5 CHAPTER 4: The Use of Force in International Relations: Norms Concerning the Initiation of Coercion (JNM) 7 CHAPTER 5: Institutional Modes of Conflict Management 17 The United Nations System 17 Proposals for Strengthening Management Institutional ModesRead MorePolitical Instability and Its Effects on Pakistans Economy7176 Words   |  29 Pagesfor absorption of transferred technology and to get the maximum from them in all the provinces. The policies of the late 1970s  and  the provision of some facilities e.g. electricity, brought a  radical change in some industrial estates but that was short lived. It induced investment into small industrial units invariably as family enterprises and were operated by family members, while medium and large units were owned by foreign investors or Multinational Corporations and employed hired labour whichRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 PagesHistory and Public Memories Tiffany Ruby Patterson, Zora Neale Hurston and a History of Southern Life Lisa M. Fine, The Story of Reo Joe: Work, Kin, and Community in Autotown, U.S.A. Van Gosse and Richard Moser, eds., The World the Sixties Made: Politics and Culture in Recent America Joanne Meyerowitz, ed., History and September 11th John McMillian and Paul Buhle, eds., The New Left Revisited David M. Scobey, Empire City: The Making and Meaning of the New York City Landscape Gerda Lerner, Fireweed:Read MoreRational Appeasement15291 Words   |  62 Pagessolutions of Kreps and Wilson and Milgrom and Roberts to Reinhard Selten’s â€Å"chain-store paradox+† 2 This article argues that the common presumption against appeasement is far too strong+ The standard treatments leave out one factor that is crucial in international I thank Rui de Figueiredo, Jim Fearon, Tim Groseclose, David Laitin, Ed Mansï ¬ eld, James Morrow, Barry O’Neill, Bob Powell, Lawrence Saez, Ken Schultz, Art Stein, Marc Trachtenberg, Romain Wacziarg, Justin Wolfers, and other participants in seminars

Personal Statement On Values And Principles - 1499 Words

INTRODUCTION Values represent our guiding principles: our broadest motivations, influencing the attitudes we hold and how we act. It is important to know your values and principle to guide your actions and all aspects of your life. In this paper, I wrote down my values, my aspirations, my life purpose and how it all is connected, integrated. 1. Values: Reliable One of my core value is to be reliable. To do my best to be honest and trustful so people know they can trust me. Open-minded I always try to keep my mind open to all sort of things. I don’t judge you by your culture or by your background. I believe there is no right or wrong, but the different. Motivated I need to always be motivated in order to do something, without the motivation, I don’t accomplish anything. I need to feel the purpose on everything I do, I need a reason. Respectful I really believe that respect comes first in any situation. If you respect me, then you can have a relationship with me. I will be open to you as long as you have respect. Respect is the first thing you need to have for others in order to gain respect. 2. Self-image: If I could be exactly the person I wanted, I would be more organized, patient, and focused. I am addressing those issues on my actions every day. In some situations, I know I could do better, but I am still trying. When times get hard, I am a Compromising person, and I need to work on becoming a Collaborative one by thinking more before I act. 3. Tangibles: I wantShow MoreRelatedGenerally Accepted Accounting Principles (G.A.A.P)1020 Words   |  5 PagesGENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (G.A.A.P) GAAP is an international convention of good accounting practices. It is based on the following core principles. In certain instances particular types of accountants that deviate from these principles can be held liable. The Business Entity Concept The business entity concept provides that the accounting for a business or organization be kept separate from the personal affairs of its owner, or from any other business or organization. This meansRead MoreWalmarts Accounting Principles1090 Words   |  5 PagesAccounting Principles Sharon Wallace American Intercontinental University Accounting Principles 2012 Four Accounting Principles ABSTRACT Accounting principles used by Wal-Mart and the core function of its departments. Wal-Mart’s strength and weaknesses will be listed. Wal-Mart’s last two years of accounting statements are also present. FOUR ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES ThereRead MorePrinciples and Assumptions Used in Preparing Accounting Statements1605 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction 1. definition of accounting: [2] *Accounting is a set of principles and procedures relating to the registration and compilation, analysis and interpretation of financial data for the purpose of determining the outcome of business and its financial position. * A method of recording and tabulating and summarizing operations and financial events and then interpret the results. *Body: 2.Assumptions used in accounting: [1] What assumptions used in accounting is generallyRead MoreEthics Case Study Essay911 Words   |  4 Pagesa regular basis. Nurses must understand his or her values and morals to be able to deal adequately with the ethical issues he or she is faced with. Some ethical issues nurses are exposed to may be more difficult than others and the ethical decision making process is learned over time. The purpose of this paper is to identify the ethical issues in the case study provided in the week one assignment. A discussion of how to use ethical principles to address the issues presented in the case study willRead MoreInternational Nursing Ethics1550 Words   |  6 Pagesnursing which is care and respect for the patient. Nurses are supposed to take great pains with ensuring patient privacy and with according them respect and honor. Two of the key principles in the Nursing Code of Ethics for Nurses in Australia are the following: Nurses value quality nursing care for all people. Nurses value respect and kindness for self and others. (ANMC (nd), p2) The practitioners above, by doing what they did, show that their interests do not lie in providing quality nursing careRead MorePersonal Financial Planning1579 Words   |  7 Pages | ADM 3445 (FR01B) Personal Financial Planning Course Outline Instructor: E. Otuteye Term: Winter 2012 Office: SH 362 Day(s): W Phone: 506 458-7354 Time: 7:00-9:50pm Email: otuteye@unb.ca Classroom: SH 161 Office hours: Th, F 2:00 – 3:00; by appointment; also, usually available immediately after class. COURSE OBJECTIVE AND DESCRIPTION: The objective of this course is to introduce students to 1. the fundamental principles of financial decision-making;Read MoreAccounting Quiz1222 Words   |  5 PagesThe hiring of a new company president is an economic event recorded by the financial information system. TRUE 3. Accounting communicates financial information about a company to both internal and external users. TRUE 4. Financial statements are the major means of communicating accounting information to interested parties. TRUE 5. The study of introductory accounting is relevant only to those who intend to pursue a career in professional accounting. FALSE 6. EthicalRead MoreFacts and Information about Accounting1606 Words   |  6 Pagesevaluations or financial decisions. There are few general rules and concepts in the accounting field. These general rules and concepts are referring to the basic accounting principles and guidelines. From the basic accounting principles and guidelines, there will affect the balance sheet, income statement and financial statements. Let us discuss to the case study â€Å"Smart Business†. â€Æ' 1.1 Qualitative Characteristics of Accounting Information Diagram 1 : Qualitative characteristics of accounting informationRead MoreEthics and Decision Making1334 Words   |  6 PagesCHAPTER I WHAT IS ETHICS? - Each society form a set of rules that establishes the boundaries of general accepted behavior. These rules are often expressed in statements about how people should behave, and they fit together to form the MORAL CODE by which a society lives. - The term MORALITY refers to a social conventions about right and wrong that are so widely shared that they become the basis for an established consensus. DEFINITION OF ETHICS: ETHICS – is a set of beliefs about right andRead MoreMy Code Of Ethics The Primary Principles Are Integrity, Respect, And Empathy1500 Words   |  6 PagesIn my code of ethics the primary principles are integrity, respect, and empathy. I have always lived my life based off of theses three principles. Sometimes it feels challenging to live by these principles, but I always remember what my parents have taught me and I get motivated to keep living off these principles. My parent’s happiness matters a lot to me and that helps me stay motivated. I would never do something that would upset my parents or make them ashamed of me. They have given me everything

The Existentialist Philosophy Of Kafka s The Metamorphosis

Thesis Assignment The existentialist philosophy of Kafka is presented in the metamorphosis is a picture of isolation and despair, something which prevailed in Kafka’s life. The diary of Kafka which was later found also showed Kafka’s intense imagination about his existence and extinction. It became apparent that at the heart of metamorphosis lies deep rooted feelings of Kafka himself. (Kafka.org ). The Metamorphosis a novel written by Franz Kafka is about a man, Gregor Samsa, who wakes up to find himself turned into a giant insect. The story progresses from there and takes many turns to show the various aspects of life. It shows us of the problems of existence and how something as meager as an insect can change the entire outlook of human†¦show more content†¦All of them are linked to the philosophy of life through various parameters such as opportunity, identity, isolation, relationships and despair. The impact of economic depravity on human relationships is shown, by how Gregor feels guilty and enslaved to his family because he is the bread earner making his family view him not as a member but source of income. Thus, when after the metamorphosis, he is unable to earn he is treated with neglect and disgust. Furthermore once the family takes the responsibility of earning they find it harder to socialize and communication become brief. To sum up, this shows Kafkaâ€℠¢s personal depiction of human relationships in light of economic affairs where value of a human being is correlated to his economic contribution even though it serves to primarily isolate him and deters in forming a healthy relation. The duties of the family members tied with the theme of family keeps the interactions going between Gregor and the rest of the members. Gregor thinking revolves around the idea of supporting his parents and the need to send his sister to the Conservatory. He wants to be engaged beyond the simple matters of the family and play a bigger part by following the call of duty of the family. Furthermore, he does not like his job but he takes no excuse in his duties towards his family. On the other hand, his family only performs the necessary

Strategic Management Exam Notes free essay sample

Means several things to several people at different points of time. (‘Strategy is a series of goals and objectives that is used to run business’ (Strategy is an attempt to combine organizations activity and available resources to achieve stated objectives. (Strategy is the roadmap we use to get to where we want to go’ (Strategy is the framework that helps us achieve our Vision and Mission. The policy will emphasize core strategies of Unity, Poverty eradication and restructuring society. (Outline Perspective Plan 3 (2001 –2010) : Though it has similar objectives as the NVP, the OPP 3 focuses on the development of an knowledge society and an environmentally sustainable development initiative. VIEWS OF LEADING THINKERS Strategy ? ‘The art of the employment of battles as a means to gain the object of war’ B. H. Liddell Hart, Strategy (1967) ‘†¦the employment of battles to gain the end of war. Carl von Clausewitz ‘What one does to counter a competitor’s actual and predicted moves’ George Steiner, Strategic Planning (1979) o‘Strategy is a plan, a how, a means of getting from here to there’ Rise and Fall of ing(1 (Competitive strategy is ‘about being different’. We will write a custom essay sample on Strategic Management Exam Notes or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page It means deliberately choosing a different set of activities to deliver a unique mix of value. ’ Michael Porter, ‘What is Strategy? ’ Harvard Business Review (Jan/Feb 1993) Emergence of Strategy Where did it come from: (A military concept and discipline. Reflects the organizations response to environmental pressures. oStrategic management integrates management, marketing, finance, production and information systems to achieve organizational success. STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT defined ‘Strategic management is a set of decisions and actions that result in the formulation and implementation of plans designed to achieve an organizations objectives. ’ John A Pearce II Richard Robinson Strategic Management, McGraw Hill, 2007 Formulation will involve defining vision mission, doing a situational analysis, determining objectives and formulating strategies. Strategy implementation will involve marshaling the required resources, establishing policy and allocating resources. †¢Strategy evaluation involves appraising how well the organization has performed Strategic Planning (Strategic planning is a process to determine the organizations game plan (direction and path) including establishing long range objectives the abilities and opportunities. (Strategic planning may involve personnel at three tiers: a. Corporate level. –involves whole enterprise b. Business Unit or Department level –product or service based c. Functional level (Strategic management processes: Strategy formulation -Strategy implementation -Strategy evaluation †¢Benefits of Strategic Management Financial Benefit: -Improvement in sales -Improvement in profitability -Productivity improvement Benefits of Strategic Management Non-Financial Benefits: †¢Improved understanding of competitors strategies †¢Mission congruence †¢Enhanced awareness of threats †¢Reduced resistance to change †¢Enhanced problem-prevention capabilities Key Strategic Management Questions What kind of business should we become? †¢Are we in the right field? †¢Are there new competitors? †¢What strategies should we pursue? How are our customers changing? The Fundamentals Key Question in Strategic Management Peter Drucker: Think through the overall mission of a business. Ask the key question: â€Å"What is our Business? † Vision, Mission, Values –link to Strategy Defining vision, mission values-foundation for the Strategy Comprehensive Strategic Management Model Fred David  © Formulation Implementation Evaluation STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PROCESS †¢Strategic Management is an analytical, dynamic and creative process. The Eight Step Strategic Management Process: Stage 1 Modality Stage 2 Modality Stage 3 Modality Experiential Learning Exercise Experiential Exercise 1E –Strategic Planning at a Local Company. Fred David Pg. 78 (12 th . ed) Surf the Internet and find an organization that does strategic planning. Examine the written mission statement and do a critique that answers the question if the mission statement adequately reflects the business activities. To answer this question students are encouraged to read further on the characteristics of a good mission statement. Answers to typed out and presented at the next class. Key Terms Vision Statement – What do we want to become? Mission Statement – What is our business? Values -Our Ethos? Vision, Mission, Values –Link to Strategy By defining our Vision, identifying the Mission and establishing the Values of the organization, we are consciously placing our planning initiatives on a firm footing and linking it to the Strategic direction. Vision –what we want to be Mission – why we exist (business) Values – what we believe in Strategy- How are we going to get there The Mission Statement †¢Mission Statements usually contain four different parts: †¢Who You Are †¢What You Offer †¢Who You Serve †¢How You Serve 3 Key Conditions for Success: Organization to develop capable planners through training and rotation of personnel including line managers and division heads. (Reinforced Management Process: Long Range Planning and strategy formulation processes, budgets, market goals, appraisals and management incentives to ensure goal congruence. (Supportive Value Systems: The organizations value system and quality of work should be part of the management process. But flexible enough to cope with changes in the environment Mission Statement Benefits of a strong mission statement MAF DIRECTION STATEMENT Vision: The Malaysian Armed Forces to be a Credible Armed Force. Mission: To realize and deliver Combat ready Forces in order to protect national sovereignty and integrity VISION MISSION (LECTURE 2) STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT -define Strategic management is a set of decisions and actionsthat result in the formulation and implementation of plans designed to achieve an organizations objectives. ’ John A Pearce II Richard Robinson Strategic Management, McGraw Hill, 2007 DEFINING A PLAN -A Plan is a deliberate, conscious, organized attempt to change the future by taking action in the present. It involves ends, or objectives, actions to reach those objectives, resources to make actions possible, and a strategy or approach for doing this in the most effective way. Graduate School of Public and International Affairs University of Pittsburg. WHY PLAN? -desire to change the status quo and refocus our objectives. -control uncertainty and turbulence in the environment -to control the future through action of the -achieve consensus on goals and strategies. -to meet challenges posed by competitors. THE VISION STATEMENT (What is a Vision Statement’? As part of the exercise, write a vision and mission -statement for your university. -Your mission statement should follow the characteristics you have been taught and present your justification. -To answer this question students are encouraged to read further on the characteristics of a good mission statement. -Answers are to be typed out and presented at the next class. EXTERNAL AUDIT (LECTURE 3) oThe external environment represents factors which are beyond the control of an organization. oThis analysis provides information on key environmental trends: (Demographic movements changes(e. g. aging population) (Information technology usage Key External Forces PESTE -Political, governmental legal forces -Economic and competitive forces -Social, cultural demographic forces -Technological forces -Ecological forces MACRO ENVIRONMENTAL SCANNING Macro Environmental Factors (PESTE ) affects productivity and performance. MACRO ENVIRONMENTAL SCANNING (Social Factors Beliefs, values, attitudes, opinions and lifestyles, is often the result of cultural, ecological, demographic, religious, educational and ethnic conditioning. Technological Factors Concerns technological change -should avoid obsolescence and promote innovation. Adopting new technologies help improve productivity. (Ecological Factors Ecology is the relationship between man, other living things and the natural environment involving the soil, water and air. Issues like pollution (oil spills), impact air pollution, environmental impact (open burning) and soil stability can affect productivity, general health and project completion. ‘It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. ’ –Charles Darwin Key External Forces the Organization ORGANIZATION’S EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT Macro Environment Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Ecological MICRO / INDUSTRY ANALYSIS oFactors that directly affect the organization ( micro environment) oAnalysis determines how the immediate environmental forces affect the success, profitability or growth potential of the firm. oMichael Porter’s Five Forces Model is the best known conceptual framework in use for this analysis. The Five-Forces Model of Competition -Porters Five Forces Model of competitive analysis is used to develop strategies in many industries. -The intensity of competition among industries varies depending on the industry. Internal Audit Performing an internal strategic-management audit provides a good opportunity for understanding the nature and effect of decisions on other functional areas of the organization. Internal Audit Internal Audit ‘†¦ focuses on the identifying and evaluating the functional areas of any organization for it’s internal strengths and weaknesses †¦including the process activities and the support activities. ’ PUBLIC SECTOR SYSTEMS FRAMEWORK UPNM ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK Training, Consultation, Research, Publication. PROCESS ACTIVITIES (PUBLIC SECTOR) Process Activities †¦relates to core business functions that have an external client. In a training organization like UPNM they are: (Training (Consulting (Research (Publications When evaluating the strengths and weakness of the processes it is important to pay attention to individual and group skills, its functioning and the use of technology. SUPPORT ACTIVITIES (PUBLIC SECTOR) Support Activities †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. relate to activities that do not have an external client but are important for the efficient functioning of the core business. for UPNM it would be the support activities or staff functions like administration, finance and technical matters (IT networks) eg. Library, scientific and engineering labs. Management Functions of Management †¢Planning †¢Organizing †¢Motivating †¢Staffing †¢Controlling MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS †¢Five basic functions: i. Planning Involves setting vision, mission and goals, strategic plan, action plans and policies including doing risk analysis. ii. Organizing iii. Identify job scope, role and tasks, delegation of powers, establishing a chain of command and coordinating training requirements. iii. Motivating –Effective Leadership by motivating staff to get the jobs done under minimal supervision. Also establishing effective communication and conflict management. iv. Staffing –Human Resource management -recruiting, selecting, training, career development and compensation. . v. Controlling –Setting performance standards, measuring actual performance, standard deviation and taking remedial action. Management Marketing †¢Marketing –Is transferring of products or services from the producer to the user at a pre-determined price, quantity and quality. †¢Marketing Mix –The Marketing mix is a blend of product, distribution, promotion and pricing strategies (based on 4Ps -product, price, place and promotion) that can give the organization the competitive edge. Marketing (Product ( –The marketing mix is essentially geared towards marketing the product or output of the organization. –Products will undergo four life cycle phases: introductory stage, growth stage, maturity stage, and decline stage. Product Life Cycle Phase 1. -Introductory stage:a new product could face high-failure rate, little competition, frequent product modification and limited distribution Phase 2 -Growth stage:. In this stage, sales typically grow at an increasing rate and competitors may enter the market but existing competitive edge will see profits rise rapidly in this stage. Phase 3 -Maturity stage: the longest stage of the product life cycle when sales rate decreases due to the emergence of niches marketers who concentrate on specific segments of a market. Phase 4 –Declining stage: features a long-run drop in sales due to changing consumer tastes and the emergence of substitutes. PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE Marketing Opportunity Analysis Finance/Accounting Determining financial strengths weaknesses key to strategy formation Finance/Accounting Audit Financial Ratios Financial Ratios ii. Leverage ratio measures the extent to which the firm has been financed by debt. Forward Integration Strategies Gain Control Over If: Current distributors – expensive or unreliable Availability of quality distributors – limited Firm competing in industry expected to grow markedly Firm has both capital HR to manage new business of distribution Current distributors have high profit margins (c) Horizontal integration strategy : This strategy aims to reduce the number of competitors as the company would choose an acquisition, joint venture or strategic alliance to reduce competition. Malaysian Plantation and Banking sectors have adopted this strategy to reduce competition and achieve competitive strength in overseas markets. Horizontal Integration Strategies Ownership or Control of – Firm’s competitors Backward Integration Strategies Producer controls the availability of raw material supplies in terms of pricing, quality, supply and choice. Guidelines – 3. The Diversification Strategy Diversification is basically increasing the number of outputs produced or services rendered. Key question is how to increase the variety of activities in its present operations. There are four decisions that come under this category: a. Concentric diversification strategy -increase the variety of its manufactured products, related to its present operations. E. g. Bata shoes produces shoe polish b. Conglomerate diversification strategy is adding variety in a different or unrelated sector. Penang Port Corp also operates NDSB, Ferry Co a small Nigerian shipyard. a. c. Horizontal diversification strategy–often having to diversify due to requests by regular clients to provide additional service. Eg. Air Asia has Tune hotels and tour facilities. Goodyear ServitcarTyreShop also provides one stop automobile repair services. 4. Turnaround Strategies These strategies are actions commonly used by corporations facing negative growth. -negative growth rate, rate of return, making loss with no dividend payout. Retrenchment Strategy Option to cut overhead costs without forsaking increase in productivity and efficiency.

Culture of Secrecy in Japanese Religion

Question: Discuss about the Culture of Secrecy in Japanese Religion. Answer: Introduction: Buddhism is a religion found by Gautama Buddha whose religious philosophy is present in the first sermon of Buddha near Varanasi. The essence of the teachings surrounds four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path. The beliefs include; the world is full of suffering, suffering results from human desires, the path of salvation comes through renunciation of desires, and the fact that salvation can be attained simply by following the Eightfold Path. The religion is prevalent in the Indian subcontinent which bases on spiritualism rather than religious teachings. The religion has four major branches beginning with Theravada Buddhism which serves as the oldest form that emphasizes on the difference between the monks authority and that of the lay people. Besides, it reserves and conserves the traditions in prayer and meditation towards enlightenment and is present in countries such as Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar. The second branch involves the Mahayana Buddhism that is the second in age which does not put efforts on the monks authority but rather bases on compassion and the belief that all beings can reach the level of Buddha through self sanctification (Andreasen 2014). The religion is present in Japan, Korea, china, and Vietnam predominantly. Thirdly is the Tibetan Buddhism under the leadership of Dalai Lama who were exiled to India upon Chinese occupation of Tibet. The religion is based on the Mahayana teachings which seek followers to return to Tibet. Zen Buddhism is the last branch which serves as a combination of Mahayana Buddhism and the Taoism with its root in China. The religion teaches its followers on the concept of everyone being a Buddha and that everyone has the potential of reaching the level through the Zen practice. Culture and Belief of Buddhism Buddhism is a growing religion with over 480 million people around the world subscribing to the religion. The religion works on the belief that individuals ought to achieve spiritual awakening termed as Nirvana that comes through ethical and moral living and through meditation activities. In this case, a large population of the people ascribed to the religion spends considerable time in self-reflection to relieve themselves from life issues. Buddhism believes that human suffering results from human desires who in the process of satisfying their wants invite trouble to their lives. However, the religion uses its Four Noble Truths to counter the suffering in human lives. The followers believe in reincarnation which is the foundation of the idea of consciousness where it is reborn when one dies. As a result, many people experience several cycles of life, death, and finally rebirth in different forms hence no return to earth in the same entity one left. After undergoing the several cycles, individuals who forego the desires of the world achieve nirvana characterized by the state of peace. In this case, one becomes freed from suffering, desire, and the complete cycle of rebirth. Besides, the religion has eightfold path of wisdom which it uses to get individuals into spiritualism. The categories include: following the right belief, thought, speech, action, means of livelihood, meditation practices, right efforts, and the correct remembrance or memory. Following the eightfold aspect enables individuals within the religion to reach their ultimate goals in life to the point of Nirvana. At this point, one experiences eternal peace and frees oneself from worldly pleasures and the cycle of birth and death. Therefore, it is a balance between the worldly pleasures and spiritualism where individuals observe the teachings of the religion. The Eightfold Path contains the five Precepts which provide a series of training guides to be adhered to by the Buddhists. Breaking the rules leads to a review of the lessons to understand ways of avoiding future contradiction to the law (Coleman 2016). The five precepts include understanding the training to avoid taking away the life of living creatures. The second aspect involves the training to avoid taking things not given without permission. Besides, it involves undertaking training to avoid sensual misconduct, and the training to refrain from false speech (Van Gordon Shonin Griffiths and Singh, 2015). Lastly, it involves the training to abstain from substances leading to intoxication that can cause immoral practices. Furthermore, the religion recognizes the Law of Karma where they believe man to be the maker of his own destiny. In this respect, if one does good acts throughout his life, one would be reborn in a higher form of life until the cycle of birth is over (Fogelin 2015). By so doing, one has the mandate to control own acts so as to avert tragedies in future life by remaining good at all times. On the other hand, individuals engaging in evil acts end up in suffering where their actions replicate in their future lives and affect them adversely. Thus, the religion encourages people to observe the middle path that strains no one by doing good at all times. Moreover, the religions culture focuses on the importance of sanctity of life and relying on the aspect of love, compassion, and a preserve of living creatures by staying free from any acts that hurt other living creatures. Besides, it preaches on the need for equality for all men as evidenced in the opposition of the Caste System as the low-class individuals turned to the religion when they were mistreated by the upper class individuals (Safran 2013). On the other hand, the religion condemns animal sacrifice as it contravenes the preserve of living creatures according to its belief. However, the religion neither recognizes nor denies the existence of God. People following the religion are deemed to be peaceful so as to maintain ethical practices in line with achieving spiritual nirvana. In this respect, individuals always remain in the right mind while selecting the right actions that match the culture of the religion. For instance, individuals follow the law to avoid the pitfalls of corruption and other activities contravening the rule of law (Paulsen 2014). The culture is therefore a reflection of spiritualism rather than teachings towards goodwill as individuals practice the culture and internalize the practices. Followers of the religion do not worship any deities but rather worship and pray for the sole purpose of their inner peace. Consequently, a considerable time is spent on the spiritual nirvana towards purification and holy living. Most of the Buddhist celebrations and holidays are based on the lunar calendar which is celebrated at different times depending on the group of Buddhist and the country of origin. The holidays include Magha Puja day, Obervance day, Kathina ceremony, Dhamma day, Elephant festival, Festival of Floating Bowls, and Ancestor day (Scheid and Teeuwen 2015). In the temple, individuals are accepted in casual dress, sometimes asked to remove shoes, and remaining in the temple only at the end of a meditation (Lewis, 2014). Besides, cameras and other devices for reporting are not allowed in the place of worship unless approved by the priest. The priest leads a service and the faithful address them as Reverend, Roshi, or Lama. Food in Buddhism Buddhism is guided by their beliefs which advocate for the preserve of living things, and in this regard advice on killing animals as wrong. In this case, many Buddhists prefer vegetarianism. However, some cultures within the religion allow eating of fish. On the other hand, Buddhism disregards the use of alcohol as it distorts the normal state of the mind which can lead to unethical acts (Flood 2013). In this case, it only recommends for use of drinks for nourishment, eating of vegetables over meat, fruit over sugar, and chewing between meals as opposed to heavy eating. Therefore, eating of bland or plain food is advised in the religion. Besides, food is donated to monks as a way of cultivating generosity spirit and sharing. Early Monks depended on alms food donated by the supporters and anything offered was to be taken with gratitude despite the nature of the meal. Fish and meat could be served as long as the animal is not killed for the monks specifically (Sivaraksa 2015). However, followers in the religion from Chinese and Vietnam consume meat fish and eggs while rejecting pungent spices such as onions and garlic. Moreover, the sect advices on following daily schedules for meal where breakfast is served at 8:45, lunch at 1pm and dinner at 6pm. The schedule allows one to plan and control appetite and take meals at an appropriate time and with a proper nutrition value (de St. Maurice 2015). At the same time, people are encouraged to eat meals with their families as opposed to eating in restaurants. Individuals are encouraged to eat after meditation when persons are relaxed, calm, and composed which aids in the digestion process of food. Therefore, the religion holds special practices during meals which have to be taken after meditation. Food is essential in the Buddhist religion where the decision to remain vegetarians varies from one group to the other. Therefore, the decision to eat meat resides with individuals as long as the procedures are followed and one is not directly involved in killing a creature (Kwon and Tamang 2015). However, those opposed to meat consumption choose to follow the vegetarian diets and avoid alcoholic drinks for refreshment. Eating of vegetables is widely encouraged among the people in a family setup not only for religious purposes but also for health needs. Buddhism is a religion that has existed over time. The religion base on the spirituality aspect of meditation where people are encouraged to remain ethical and do well at all times so as to have the same replicated in their lives. A special consideration is placed on eating vegetables essential for vegetarians as opposed to meat. The religion has special ways of worship that build not only the holistic aspect of their followers but also cares for the health of their followers. Reference List Andreasen, E., 2014.Popular Buddhism in Japan: Buddhist Religion Culture. Routledge. Brown, J.W., 2016. Buddhism in a Dark Age: Cambodian Monks under Pol Pot by Ian Harris. de St. Maurice, G., 2015. Cuisine and Empire: Cooking in World History: By Rachel Laudan. Flood, G., 2013.The Truth Within: A History of Inwardness in Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism. OUP Oxford. Fogelin, L., 2015.An archaeological history of Indian Buddhism. Oxford University Press, USA. Kwon, D.Y. and Tamang, J.P., 2015. Religious ethnic foods.Journal of Ethnic Foods,2(2), pp.45-46. Lewis, T. ed., 2014.Buddhists: Understanding Buddhism Through the Lives of Practitioners. John Wiley Sons. Paulsen, R.H., 2014. Book Review: Crossroads in Psychoanalysis, Buddhism, and Mindfulness: The Word and the Breath.Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association,62(6), pp.1170-1175. Safran, J.D., 2013. Psychoanalysis and Buddhism as cultural institutions.Crossroads in Psychoanalysis, Buddhism, and Mindfulness: The Word and the Breath, p.187. Scheid, B. and Teeuwen, M., 2015.The culture of secrecy in Japanese religion. Routledge. Coleman, G., 2016.A handbook of Tibetan culture: A guide to Tibetan centres and resources throughout the world. Random House. Sivaraksa, S., 2015.Conflict, culture, change: Engaged Buddhism in a globalizing world. Simon and Schuster. Van Gordon, W., Shonin, E., Griffiths, M.D. and Singh, N.N., 2015. There is only one mindfulness: Why science and Buddhism need to work together.Mindfulness,6(1), pp.49-56.