Saturday, October 5, 2019

HRM1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

HRM1 - Essay Example Management, experts have been able to explain the major difference between the two terminologies: Personnel management is more concerned with the administrative aspect of an organization; that is, payrolling, complying with employment legal issues and managing employees’ administrative concerns; but, Human Resources Management stretched far than that. It includes taking care of employee’s welfare, psychological motivation, training, legal representation, promotion and even relationship among the employees working together.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   However, history has demonstrated that personnel/Human resources Management arose as a result of the dire need to control the human aspect of a business, which appeared to be the most significant area that could being either success  or failure to any organization if it is properly managed or not (Armstrong, 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This report will focus majorly on the tasks of Personnel/Human Resources Managers in an organization. Japan Airlines, JAL is used as an organizational case study for which the activities of its Personnel/Human Resources Managers would be analyzed and dissected. The findings are compared with the common theories about Human Resources Management. The comparisons and contrasts are laid out, and recommendations are given to explain how the Human component of any organization could be successfully managed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A large organization like Japan Airlines with a total workforce of over 50,000 employees requires efficient Human resources Management to be able to successfully management its army of employees (JAL, 2009). The following are the activities of Human Resources Managers at JAL: Recruitment/training:   Human Resources Managers at Japan Airlines hire and train the company’s horde of workers. The process of hiring is different from other companies: for example, any candidate that would like to work for JAL must be ready to attend up to three interviews.

Friday, October 4, 2019

Report on feasibility for investment in the construction sector Essay

Report on feasibility for investment in the construction sector - Essay Example There are 5 basic groups of ratios that are generally used for business analysis. From these, we select 1-2 ratios from each group depending upon the information provided by each company, and subsequently assess each company depending on these selected ratios. The 5 basic ratio groups are explained below: Profitability Ratios: These are defined as the ratios that are used to measure the degree of success of a business concern in terms of determining factors such as liquidity, assets, return on investment etc. Ex-Group Operating Profit. Group operating profit: Leopold A. Bernstein (1999) defines the Group as a measure of a company's earning power from ongoing operations, equal to earnings before the deduction of interest payments and income taxes. Dividend per Share: Leopold A. Bernstein (1999) explains that Dividend per share is the payment designated by the board of directors to be distributed pro rata among the shares outstanding per shareholder. On preferred shares, it is generally a fixed amount. On common shares, the dividend varies with the fortunes of the company and the amount of cash on hand, and may be omitted if business is poor or the directors determine to withhold earnings to invest in plant and equipment. Sometimes a company will pay a dividend out of past earnings even if it is not currently operating at a profit. Operating Profit: It is defined as the difference between the revenue or turnover and the costs incurred during operations ie. Total operating expenses. Turnover or turnover ratio: It simply is the amount of business done by a firm during a financial year. DETAILS OF THE STUDY For the study, some core financial ratios of each of the 5 companies were studied and tabulated as shown under: 1) Alfred Mcalpine Group operating profit has risen by 6% to 38.2m (highest so far) before exceptional charges, tax and goodwill amortization. But the profit after goodwill amortization and exceptional charge

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Fall of Troy Essay Example for Free

Fall of Troy Essay Pride and self confidence are values often times convey in stories and books that chronicle tales about Greek Mythology. With the Gods and goddesses favoring a certain person and taking sides, mortals oftentimes grew more complacent and over confident about their own selves.   As the Greek word Hubris implies it is an exaggerated act and display of self confidence that many times it leads to downfall of actions taken. Decisions are blinded and corrupted by the display of over confidence, thus details of courses are taken for granted. The events that transpired in Homer’s Iliad exemplify a person and a group of persons act of hubris.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Iliad is divided into different sections. It is composed of twenty four different books, which narrate Achilles story and The Trojan War. Each story depicts how hubris plays an important role that leads to the result of the war and the downfall of a mighty city. It also narrates how disputes are born through hubris. The Trojan War was believed to be the greatest conflict in Greek History. The origin of the war was believed to have started, long before Achilles was born. It roots its origin in the conflict with the golden apple that happens among the three most powerful goddesses, Athena, Aphrodite and Hera. The event leads to Paris, a Trojan Prince running away with Helen, wife of Menelaus. Book I of Iliad, The Quarrel by the Ships verse 10 showcases a display of Agamemnon, King of Mycenae and brother of Menelaus, exceeding self confidence. Old man, dont let me catch you by our hollow ships, sneaking back here today or later on. Who cares about Apollos scarf and staff? Ill not release the girl to you, no, not before shes grown old with me in Argos, far from home,  working the loom, sharing my bed. Go away.  If you want to get home safely, dont anger me. (Homer The Quarrel by the Ships: Book 1 of the Iliad). Agamemnon’s pride and boastful antics were very evident that he even defies Apollo’s power. He has this belief that, since he is a very worthy ruler, he deserved all the great things as rewards. Also, we can see Agamemnon’s proud image on the same book verse 110 to 120: Prophet of evil,  when have you ever said good things to me? You love to predict the worst, always the worst! You never show good news.  Ã‚  Now, in prophecy to the Danaans,  you say archer Apollo brings us pain because I was unwilling to accept fine ransom for Chryses daughter, Chryseis. But I have a great desire to take her home in fact want her more than Clytaemnestra,  the wife I married Chryseis is just as good  Ã‚   in her shape, physique, intelligence, or work. Still, Im prepared to give her back, if thats best. I want the people safe, not all killed off. But then youll owe me another prize. I won’t be the only Argive left  without a gift.  That would be entirely unfair to me. You all can see my spoils are going elsewhere. (Homer The Quarrel by the Ships: Book 1 of the Iliad). He refused to set free the priest’s daughter and would only do so if a replacement would take her place. Agamemnon believed that what the oracle had foreseen is wrong and his decision could only be moved if the condition he had set is satisfied. What he wants, he should get. It also shows that Agamemnon did not want others to make fun of him if he would loose his concubine without a replacement.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     To avoid the looming war a truce was agreed upon that Paris and Menelaus should fight and whoever won would have Helen as his wife. Paris lost but could not accept his defeat. His words to Helen from Book III Paris, Menelaus and Helen verse 440 were some kind of excuse for his failure. Wife, dont mock my courage with your insults. Yes, Menelaus has just defeated me, but with Athenas help. Next time Ill beat him for we have gods on our side, too.†(Homer Paris, Menelaus, and Helen: Book 3 of the Iliad)   He could have easily accepted the defeat and handed out Helen to Menelaus. But, he too was too proud to accept the defeat. Menelaus has clearly won their match but he could not bear loosing Helen, especially because of his own fault. Paris could have died right away if not for Aphrodite lending him the much needed help. Paris Hubris was in display.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The war then has become inevitable as Aphrodite persuaded Pandarus in breaking the Trojans oath. â€Å"Fiery hearted son of Lycaon, why not do as I suggest? Prepare yourself to shoot a swift arrow at Menelaus. Youd earn thanks and glory from all Trojans, most of all from Prince Alexander. Hed be the every first to bring fine gifts, if he could see warlike Menelaus, son of Atreus, mounted on his bier, his bitter funeral pyre, killed by your arrow.† (Homer The Armies Clash: Book Four of the Iliad).   Pandarus shoots Menelaus. His arrogant attitude and greed for fame and appreciation broke the treaty. Believing that he would gain glory by killing Menelaus, he fired his arrow. Pandarus was hungry for the honor he would get if eventually he can kill Menelaus. It would be of great pride of him to be recognized in that way.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The war has erupted, and many Trojan and Achaeans have died. Diomemedes, guided by Athena, have been pushing the Trojan Army back with his superb fighting skill. But as he pushes forward he was hit by Lycaon’s son. Come on, you brave horse-lashing Trojans, for the finest of Achaeans has been hurt.  Ã‚  I dont think hell long survive my arrows force.† (Homer Diomedes Goes to Battle: Book V of the Iliad). Lycaon’s son was bragging and shouting that he has killed Diomedes. For him, the best warrior has been killed so it would all be easy to take on the remaining enemy. He thinks of himself so highly and mighty. Little that he knows that Diomedes was alive and his boastful act only infuriates the fighting spirit of Diomedes. He was furious and attacked the Trojans more violently. So angry was Diomedes that he even tried killing Aphrodite. â€Å"Diomedes with his ruthless bronze had gone to run down Aphrodite, knowing she was not a god who could do much in battle not one of those who control mens wars.  She was no Athena,  no goddess Strife, who destroys whole cities.† (Homer Diomedes Goes to Battle: Book V of the Iliad). It was a display of hubris, as a mortal man attacked a goddess. Mortal men should respect Gods and recognized the vast difference between their abilities. Diomedes is powerful but he should know the limit of being human as Apollo stated from Book five verse 440 â€Å"Take care son of Tydeus. Go back. Dont think youre equal to the gods. The race of men who  walk upon the ground can never match the race of deathless gods. (Homer Diomedes Goes to Battle: Book V of the Iliad).  Ã‚  The God’s pride was injured, and Diomedes actions angered the Gods and resulted to more bloodshed. From verse 330 of book six, it would be obvious that Hector was feeling low. â€Å"Paris, youre a worthless man. Its quite wrong of you to nurse that anger in your heart, while men are being destroyed, fighting around the city its steep walls. Its because of you the sounds of warfare catch fire around our city  you would fight  Ã‚  Ã‚  any man you saw avoiding battle fleeing wars brutality.† (Homer Hector and Andromache: Book 6 of the Iliad).   This statement from Hector, commander in chief of Troy, shows how he has been hurt by the actions done by Paris. For him, branding his brother is a great insult. He knew he was fated to die in that war. Still, he chooses to fight for his people. Fully aware that it was his brother actions that shape the war, still, he together with their allies was duty bound in defending Troy. The Trojans are too proud especially Hector, the heir to the throne, to admit that Paris was wrong. They were too high and almighty to believe that a fellow Trojan would commit such misconduct. Hubris is again in display that blinded their actions. They could have easily handed out Helen when the Greeks asked for Helen’s return. Hector’s disappointment with Paris is again revealed to the following statement Brother, no one could justly criticize your work in battle, for you fight bravely. But you deliberately hold back and do not wish to fight.  It pains my heart, when I hear shameful things about you from Trojans, who are suffering much distress because of you.†Ã‚  (Homer Hector and Andromache: Book 6 of the Iliad). He just could not stand what his fellow Trojans would tell about his brother.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Achilles on the other hand resolved to retire from fighting. His retirement from battle also showed sign of hubris. In a display of his â€Å"exaggerated pride†, which was revealing in verse 70 of Book 16, Achilles would not return to battle even if his comrades are slowly being killed and wounded. â€Å"Dreadful pain came in my heart and spirit when that man wished to cheat someone his equal and steal away that prize,  and just because hes got more power. That really hurt, given that Ive suffered  in this war so many pains here in my chest. Achaeas sons chose that girl as my prize. I won her with my spear, once Id destroyed her strong-walled city. Lord Agamemnon took her back, out of my hands, as if were some stranger without honor.† (Homer Patroclus Fights and Dies:Book 16 of the Iliad). His lost of drive for fighting happens when Agamemnon took Achilles concubine in replaced of the priest’s daughter who was set free. Achilles pride was hurt so he left the line of battle. He was one of the Greek’s mighty warriors and he believed that even Agamemnon should recognize that. Although, Agamemnon promised gold and the return of his concubine, to bring Achilles back to the lines of battle, Achilles injured pride was not persuaded. Instead he allowed his companion Patroclus to use his armor and fight in his place. He was proud enough not to work under the command of Agamemnon, who he believed is not a worthy commander in chief. His pride would not allow him to join the fighting, and his hubris had caused him the life of his friend.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Achilles returns to actions, from verse 20 of Book 19, was filled with power;   Mother, this armor the god has given me is a work fit for the immortals, something no living human could create† (Homer Achilles and Agamemnon :Book 19 of the Iliad). Upon hearing this Achilles was filled with fearless power. With Thetis by his side, he led his army. The overwhelming confidence brought by the armor and the rage he was feeling, was proof of his anxiousness to return fighting. â€Å"Though you’re e a brave man, godlike Achilles, dont encourage Achaeas sons to fight against the Trojan on empty stomachs. If so, the fight wont last for long if troops engage right now, once some god in fuses strength in to both sides.  No.  Instruct Achaeans to have some food and wine by their swift ships for they give strength and courage.  No soldier can fight the enemy all day till sunset without some food.† (Homer Achilles and Agamemnon :Book 19 of the Iliad). This was a major display of hubris of Achilless, promising he will not waiver, rest and eat until he has avenged the death of his friend. The Death of Patroclus forced Achilles to return to the battlefield. He was enveloped of the idea of revenge. He was so angry that he even attacked Apollo, from verse 10 of Book 22. â€Å"Son of Peleus, why are you, a mere human, running so hard in an attempt to catch me,  an immortal god?  Youre still ignorant it seems, of the fact that Im a god. You keep coming at me with such anger.† (Homer The Death of Hector:   Book 22 of the Iliad). Achilles was so enraged that he was fighting fiercely even in the face of God. He blames himself for the death of his friend. He was too weak to bear the his pride. The fall of Troy was destined to happen. With the consent from the Gods, Troy was fated to fall. However, hubris played an important role to its downfall. From the moment, the Trojan War broke out it was the hubris not only by my mortals but by Gods, which made the events more chaotic. With the Gods by taking up sides to show their power the outcome of the war and the course of history itself, was shaped and reshaped. Treaties could have been signed and bloodshed could have been avoided if not because of the over exaggerated pride and confidence every man possess. When the Trojans celebrated their apparent victory, it leads to their downfall. They have underestimated their foe. They taught that the Gods had ruled in their favor, when the horse was found. They also believed that the time a sea monster ate those who opposed the entry of the horse to the city was a sign from the Gods. They grew more complacent and failed to act and think rationally. They deduced that in fact they are greater warriors and men compared to the Greeks. They admired themselves too well. The admiration was overwhelming that they failed to size up their opponents that eventually it leads to a tragic end. The belief that the City could not be conquered made a difference. Necessary precautions were not done. (Homer The Iliad) Homer. Achilles and Agamemnon :Book 19 of the Iliad. 800 B. C. E. . The Armies Clash: Book Four of the Iliad. 800 B. C. E. . The Death of Hector:   Book 22 of the Iliad.   (800 B. C. E). . Diomedes Goes to Battle: Book V of the Iliad.   (800 B. C. E). . Hector and Andromache: Book 6 of the Iliad.   (800 B. C. E). . The Iliad. 800 B.C.E. . Paris, Menelaus, and Helen: Book 3 of the Iliad.   (800 B. C. E). . Patroclus Fights and Dies:Book 16 of the Iliad. 800 B. C. E. . The Quarrel by the Ships: Book 1 of the Iliad. 800 B. C. E.

Business Process Management Experience Business Essay

Business Process Management Experience Business Essay A study published by Gartner (Gartner: Michael James Melenovsky / Jim Sinur / Janelle B. Hill / David W. McCoy, Business Process Management: Preparing for the Process-Managed Organization, 2005) defines Business Process Management (BPM) as follows: BPM is a management practice that provides for governance of a businesss process environment toward the goal of improving agility and operational performance. BPM is a structured approach employing methods, policies, metrics, management practices and software tools to manage and continuously optimize an organizations activities and processes. My learning experience on business process management started in the early years of my career when I worked as programmer and subsequently a project manager with a local software house (See CV Aug 1981 Aug 1994). I spent many years working in the development, implementation and management of an insurance package for a number of insurance agencies in Malta. Working closely with insurance personnel to understand their pain areas and their business requirements gave me a very good knowledge and insight on the insurance business, and helped me develop my interpersonal and communication skills. Analysing their working practices, identifying areas of improvements and making recommendations for automation developed my analytical skills. This experience was further reinforced when I attended a one-year study course with examination (See CV Training 1985 to 1986) for the attainment of an analysis and design diploma and a graduate membership with the Institution of Analysts and Programmers. Good formal training on internationally-renowned systems analysis and design methodologies, held in the nineties (E.g. SSADM, DSDM, BPR), further strengthened my skills and knowledge in process modelling and business analysis. This also taught me how to intelligently select a variety of techniques and approaches to be used in tackling different kinds of situations. I consider this training as a turning-point in my career because, through it, I discovered a profound interest in structured methodologies, which I continued developing over the years and still at it after thirty years. The in-depth knowledge in structured methodologies acquired in the previous years also turned me into a highly structured individual with good organisational skills who can organise himself and others. In 2005, as Information Systems Strategist at Air Malta, I proposed the setting up of a business process improvement function within my sphere of responsibilities. This recommendation was accepted. Over the next two years I worked on two assignments, namely, the reorganisation of the Airlines Commercial Division, and the Tour Operator Contract Management business process (See AOL1 Project Management Pg 2). A few months ago, in my role as Head of IT at APS Bank, I made recommendations to set up a new BPM unit in order to initiate a number of change programmes that would focus on improving the Banks working practices and introduce further automation. The recommendations were accepted and a change programme set in motion. In this AOL, I will demonstrate the use of my skills and knowledge in the creation of a business process management function at APS Bank and my experiences on the first change projects. Learning Trail My knowledge on business process management has developed over the years throughout a mix of implicit and explicit learning, formal training and on-the-job working experiences. The following is a diagram depicting my learning trail in business process management: Diagram 1: BPM Learning Trail Skills and Activities The following is a table highlighting the skills and relevant activities covered in this AOL: Skills Activities Gaining Organisational Adoption Establish Banks BPM readiness Research best practices Gain buy-in for adoption of new idea Setting up a Business Process Management Competency Centre Establish the organisation structure and services to be offered Select a methodology and toolset Establish a programme of works Deliver a BPM programme Execute a pilot project Execute the first project Promote first achievements and good results Formation of a BPM Competency Centre at APS Bank Gaining Organisational Adoption: APS Bank is relatively small in size and client base when compared to other local banks, but has a niche market and a rich banking history spanning over a hundred years of successful operation. My direct involvement in the preparation of the Banks IT strategy and its business strategy (See AOL 2 IT Strategy Definition), gave me a fairly good insight in its business model and working practices. When I looked at the evolution of the Bank over the past hundred years; its transformation into a commercial bank a few years ago; its fast growth rate; and the findings of a situational analysis; it became apparent that this fast change and constant evolution created operational silos and inefficient working practices. To me, these factors clearly indicated that the Bank needed urgent re-engineering to streamline and standardise its business processes; to realign the organisation structure; and to introduce automation to support this change. It was the perfect site for the adoption of Business Process Management (BPM). As Head of IT I firmly believed that reengineering a business process prior to automating it would be extremely beneficial, because the resultant computer-system would represent a streamlined and efficient process legacy working practices, duplication and redundant steps would be eliminated before embarking on systems development. I decided to research and explore the best possible approach to use in order to build up business process management capabilities within the IT Division. I was concerned about the Banks readiness to accept this culture change. I was aware that introducing and practicing BPM would bring about significant changes and possibly resistance to change. Having researched the subject, I discovered Gartners Enterprise Personality Profile (EPP) method to assess the Banks readiness for this change (Gartner: Elise Olding, Bill Rosser, Getting Started with BPM, Part 1: Assessing Readiness, Pg 3, 2007). On evaluation, I concluded that the Bank could be classified as a Cultural Moderate, whose definition by Gartner is: Cultural moderates operate in a more stable but sometimes disjointed fashion; they tend to seek parity with other enterprises. I could relate to this definition, because of the Banks: (i) operational silos; (ii) conservative outlook and low risk appetite; and (iii) tendency to follow market leaders and rarely venture forward into becoming innovators. The Gartner study also recommended that Moderates are more likely to respond to projec ts that will offer competitive advantage such as improved customer service. I used the results of this assessment to mould my next steps in obtaining organisational adoption. Subsequently, I also used this new knowledge whilst preparing the annual programme of works. The experiences and skills I had acquired in my previous jobs with MITTS Ltd when I set up a Rapid Application Development Unit (See CV Jan 1996 Aug 2000); an Information Management Unit; and an Enterprise Architecture Unit (See CV Sep 2001 Aug 2004); were extremely helpful. The aggregation of positive and negative experiences encountered during these assignments gave me a proved and tested approach to use in the creation of this new unit. My next step was to research approaches used in similar situations by my peers in the industry. I used Gartner research material and found tons of information on the subject. It was comforting to see that my approach was pretty close to the mark. I collected all the information I required and prepared a PowerPoint presentation that provided the rationale behind my recommendation to set up this new function. I then started my usual lobbying grand tour of influential people within the Bank. The first difficult milestone was to convince the CEO, who is a very thorough person whose focus on efficiency, discipline and achieving business results are high on his agenda. I therefore focused my presentation on the current situation and the added value that the new unit would bring. The CEO was interested in this new concept and instructed me to bring it up for discussion at the Executive Management Committee. I used the same presentation at the Executive Management Committee, but the results were different. Some heads felt that BPM was an invasive and meddling exercise in their methods of working they had difficulties accepting external parties telling them whats wrong and how to do things. Other heads questioned the need for any improvements to the current business processes. Others were concerned at their required level of involvement during a BPM project. In short, I realised that I had made a mistake I had rushed into this without having carried out the appropriate level of lobbying with the individual heads before meeting them collectively in a group I had not used my experience and intrinsic learning I had previously acquired. In the following weeks I had to make some corrections and therefore changed tact. In other meetings that followed, I emphasised on some key areas to try and convince the heads that this was good for the company, because: (i) the BPM Unit is to be considered as a consultant that provides re-engineering services to the Head and his division it is not an internal audit; (ii) the Head and his division will rarely ever have the time and opportunity to dedicate weeks of effort to reassess their working practices the BPM unit can do that for them; (iii) every decision or proposed change will be carried out with the division the BPM unit are only facilitators; and (iv) any move to change has to be fully authorised by the Head of the division. This painful but important exercise, that should have been carried out previously, was relatively successful the Executive Management Committee cautiously bought into the concept. My recommendation to set up the new BPM Unit was adopted by the Bank and placed as one of my targets in the new Business Plan. It was now important to tread carefully in the first one or two BPM projects in order to ensure full buy-in. Setting up a BPM Competency Centre: Two years previously, I had set up a unit within the IT Division (i.e. Client Services Unit), to act as a buffer between IT and its internal business clients. This unit is staffed by ex-business personnel who understood the Banks working practices; could speak the same language as their business clients; and who could therefore show empathy towards their business colleagues. Reviewing, understanding and proposing changes to working practices required a good doze of knowledge on banking. I therefore found it suitable and logical to set up the new BPM function under the umbrella of the above mentioned Unit. The objective was to ensure that BPM personnel inherit the mindset of customer care and relationship building. I did not want to start big, so I recruited two bank personnel who had a good mix of banking knowledge, as well as, a good IT know-how. The next step was to research, select and establish a methodology and a toolset that would eventually be used to deliver BPM projects. I consider the use and knowledge of methodologies to be one of my core competencies. In the nineties, I attended a number of good training study courses in methods, such as Systems Development and Design Methodologies (SSADM) and the Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM now known as Agile) (See Relevant Training Courses below). I have also acquired solid hands-on experience in the use of these methods, especially during the period 1990 to 1994, when I worked on large projects in the insurance and oil industries (See CV Jan 1990 Aug 1994). Therefore, establishing and documenting an initial approach to be used for BPM projects was not a difficult task to complete. In 1995, in my new job at MITTS Ltd (See CV Sep 1994 Aug 2000), I was given the opportunity to set up a rapid application development unit for the Government of Malta, whose raison dà ªtre was to deliver small computer-based solutions in a phased and rapid manner. This experience was an extremely positive learning experience because it taught me to: (i) understand the importance of setting a vision, which gave the team a shared and common direction to get there; (ii) understand the importance of heavily involving your personnel during the birth of a new unit I found that this approach instilled a feeling of pride, bonding, comradeship and ownership; and (iii) understand group development, whereby teams go through four phases of maturity as stated by Bruce Tuckman (Tuckman, Bruce (1965), Developmental sequence in small groups, Psychological Bulletin 63 (6): 382-99), namely the forming-storming-norming-performing. I therefore set out to use the above learning experience to create the new BPM function. I engaged the new recruits in the design of the BPM method, techniques and toolset through interactive workshops and proof-of-concept projects. At each step of the way we met, compared notes and discussed areas of improvement. We moved into a natural cycle of continuous improvement, whereby each step of the way was constantly being challenged and refined on the basis of each others experiences. This method proved successful, because the personnel were motivated and fully engaged. Deliver a BPM programme: As already mentioned above (See Gaining organisational adoption), the Executive Management Committee cautiously bought into the new concept of a BPM function. Some Heads were not yet convinced of its benefits and some others were sceptical of the whole concept. I was given the chance to prove that this was the right thing to do. I therefore embarked on an exercise to establish a programme of works for the next twelve months. During the business planning exercise, that takes place each year, I invited my colleagues in the executive management committee to propose pain areas which they felt needed attention and assistance to sort out. I kept in mind the Enterprise Personality Profile assessment I had carried out earlier (See Gaining organizational adoption section above), whereby I had concluded that a corporate moderator would likely à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ respond to projects that will offer competitive advantage such as improved customer service (Gartner: Elise Old ing, Bill Rosser, Getting Started with BPM, Part 1: Assessing Readiness, Pg 3, 2007). Surely enough, the heads proposed four areas that would focus on customer touch-points (e.g. customer on-boarding and the call centre) a very positive turning point and a show of trust. We now had a programme of works and some willing sponsors. Before embarking on the first official project, we decided to initiate a pilot project with the aim to: (i) Test the selected approach and toolset; and (ii) Increase the level of skills and knowledge of the newly set BPM unit personnel on-the-job training. We selected the IT service desk business process that included incident management, change management, service level management and service request management. We piloted the full BPM lifecycle and again used regular meetings to identify areas of improvement at each step of the way. This exercise helped us to fine tune the selected approach and gain enough confidence to proceed with the first official BPM project. During the first project we tried to apply all the skills and knowledge we learnt during the proof-of-concept projects we had previously undertaken. At this point, the approach, techniques and tools were already well refined. We made it a point to use a totally participative and consultative approach across each step of the way. We prepared a detailed project brief and plan and ensured the full involvement of key business personnel selected by the project sponsor (head). The plan and expected outcomes were authorised by the project board. The project proceeded well and the initial outcome was very encouraging. We had passed the first difficult test. Relevant Training Courses Period Training Course Training Institute 2011 Business Process Management Gartner Ireland Limited, UK 1999 Dynamic Systems Development Method Practitioners Course (DSDM) DSDM Consortium 1997 Dynamic Systems Development Method Practitioners Course (DSDM) ITP Limited 1996 Business Process Re-Engineering Parity Training Limited, UK 1992 Systems Analysis Design Methodology (SSADM V4) BIS Applied Systems Limited 1990 Systems Analysis Design Methodology (SSADM V3) BIS Applied Systems Limited 1985 1986 Analysis Design graduate membership after having attended a formal course study and examination approved by the Institute Institution of Analysts Programmers, UK Evidence

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Hoosiers Essay -- essays research papers

Hoosiers   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As driving into Hickory, Indiana, a tiny town, I see that every house has a basketball hoop on the side of their barn. The little town consists of one main street. It has the local supermarket, barbershop, hardware store and some other small stores. While driving on the main street, I noticed that everyone notices a stranger coming into town. That is how small Hickory is. Driving into the high school parking lot I see that the girls dominate the young men by far. Looking around I also see that everyone is talking about the basketball game that night.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When hearing that Norman Dale was going to coach a high school basketball team, I figured it was worth a shot to see how he would handle high school basketball rather than college. His experience in college was once hailed, but then dramatically failed. I was glad that I took the time to see how much talent coach Norman Dale could dish out of his players. I heard through some townspeople that the practices were unreal. Coach Dale was very intense and had the young men were worked very hard. Coach Dale believed that in every practice it should be helping you to get better for your next game and how you practice is how you play.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There were only nine players on the team and they did have talent. It was whether or not it all worked was up to coach Dale. From watching their first game to the game, there was a great journey that the Hickory Hoosiers had. So many things happened and many memories were made. It is a special journey that needs to be shared.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Hoosiers started out rough, but held their composure. They were losing and the townspeople didn’t like how coach Dale was coaching. They disagreed with his decisions that he made during the game and they didn’t like his attitude. Coach Dale believed that his style of coaching was appropriate and he wasn’t going to change. The townspeople decided to have a meeting to see whether or not they should keep coach Dale. The players were waiting for the answer of if Coach Dale was being fired. The players felt that Coach Dale shouldn’t be let go. As the meeting was going on a young man, Billy, from school who was in excellent basketball player but didn’t play on the team, due to his home life, came to talk. He said that he would come and p... ...o have a chance to win. The Hoosiers got lucky and made a terrific steal to get the ball back. A time out was called and Coach Dale told a play to run with 16 seconds to go. The players slumped in their chairs. Coach Dale didn’t know what was going on and asked them to tell him. The guys wanted Billy to take the last shot. Billy said he would make it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  With 16 seconds left Billy dribbled the ball up the court and took his time. Five seconds were left and Billy took three dribbles and pulled up for the shot, nothing but the bottom of the net. The entire place went crazy. The little town of Hickory all rushed the floor. The Hickory Hoosiers were a team of composure and a team that would do anything to win. To see a team from the first game and to the last, it was quite a journey. The love for the game was expressed through the coach to his players and from the players to the coach. The journey is now over but will never be forgotten. This journey shows that no matter how small you are, no matter where you come from, or the past doesn’t matter. What does matter is how much heart you put into something. What a great journey.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Things Fall Apart Essay -- essays research papers

The book â€Å"Things Fall Apart† by Chinua Achebe is a fictional look at the social and cultural life of an African tribe of the lower Niger River region. It depicts the every day life of the tribe and its members. It also shows the culture and customs of the tribe.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The book focuses on one of the tribe members, Okonkwo. He is a well respected member of the tribe. Okonkwo is a good example of a respected member of the tribe who also has great renown. He is known as a great wrestler and warrior of the nine villages of the tribe. He is a very powerful and influential member.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Throughout the story, certain unfortunate events occur, preventing Okonkwo’s rise to the top. Those who knew his father knew him to be lazy and unmanly. This is something that Okonkwo would spend his life trying to change.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Okonkwo is depicted in the story to be a very strong and fearless man, ruling his household with a firm hand. He stifles any emotion that would make him seem weak or like a woman. He shows little affection toward his children and his wives.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  His greatest disappointment is the fact that his son is not turning out to be the man that Okonkwo wants him to be. He sees his father in his son, Nwoye, rather than himself. This is greatly displeasing to Okonkwo. This might be why Nwoye’s mother is never mentioned by name, since she produced a â€Å"woman† for a son. He does find that Ikeme... Things Fall Apart Essay -- essays research papers The book â€Å"Things Fall Apart† by Chinua Achebe is a fictional look at the social and cultural life of an African tribe of the lower Niger River region. It depicts the every day life of the tribe and its members. It also shows the culture and customs of the tribe.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The book focuses on one of the tribe members, Okonkwo. He is a well respected member of the tribe. Okonkwo is a good example of a respected member of the tribe who also has great renown. He is known as a great wrestler and warrior of the nine villages of the tribe. He is a very powerful and influential member.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Throughout the story, certain unfortunate events occur, preventing Okonkwo’s rise to the top. Those who knew his father knew him to be lazy and unmanly. This is something that Okonkwo would spend his life trying to change.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Okonkwo is depicted in the story to be a very strong and fearless man, ruling his household with a firm hand. He stifles any emotion that would make him seem weak or like a woman. He shows little affection toward his children and his wives.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  His greatest disappointment is the fact that his son is not turning out to be the man that Okonkwo wants him to be. He sees his father in his son, Nwoye, rather than himself. This is greatly displeasing to Okonkwo. This might be why Nwoye’s mother is never mentioned by name, since she produced a â€Å"woman† for a son. He does find that Ikeme...

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

How Macbeths Ambition Leads To His Demise English Literature Essay

What sort of brainsick actions would person hold to make to turn everyone who he thought he believed was his household, his friends, his Alliess, his land, against him? Macbeth is a adult male with aspiration, excessively much aspiration, which in the terminal leads to his tragic death. He begins as a baronial Scots Godhead, loves his married woman, friends with merely about everyone in his state. But his greed, his lecherousness for power, is what drags him down. His judgement is skewed ; he can merely see thoughts that will assist him obtain what he wants. The purposes of this essay Banquo. He was at that place when the wiches gave himself and Macbeth their phantoms, Banquo knows, Banquo suspects Macbeth of the Murder, because Macbeth had a motivation to make so. But when Macbeth picks up on Banquo ‘s intuition, Macbeth decides to move hurriedly. He hires 2 liquidators to kill Banquo, but besides sends a 3rd liquidator to maintain these first 2 liquidators in line. This is a mark of Macbeth ‘s paranoia, that he ca n't swear these work forces who are making immoralities for him. Macbeth knows that Banquo, and his boy fleance, would be coming to the banquette he has organised for the Scots Godheads. But Macbeth knows that Banquo wo n't be fall ining them that dark. Macbeth ‘s paranoia is still increasing, he is willing to kill his best friend, and his boy to remain on the throne and maintain the prognostication from coming true. Subsequently throughout the drama, Macbeth begins to lose his sense of humanity. He loses so much, in fact, that when he finds out about Macduff ‘s fleeing to England, he sends some liquidators to kill his household. His fury and authoritarian nature at this point sends him to make the most evil things without believing about it. This action, killing Macduff ‘s household, leads to the turning of Macduff, from ally to enemy. This is merely another twenty-four hours of work in Macbeth ‘s head now, but to others, it is a atrocious, evil thing that he has merely accomplished. Macbeth begins to corner himself. He cuts himself off from the outside universe. His married woman, who he loved and cared approximately at the start, has become stray, she feels the guilt of killing Duncan, and is easy traveling mad. Macbeth is so concerned about keeping onto the throne, he loses all human emotion. The aspiration has taken over him. He merely thinks of one thing. The throne. He has lost all his Alliess. He has lost all his friends. But there is one thing that Macbeth has kept with him this whole clip, his aspiration, which is n't needfully a good thing. He has put everything he wanted foremost, and left everything that is of import last, and has sealed his ain ruin. His warped sense of what is right and incorrect, and how to make things are skewed, he can non see the truth. His actions and whatever he does are wholly different to what another individual would name normal. In the terminal, he is described as a â€Å" dead meatman † ( V.ix.36 ) by Malcolm, the new male monarch of Scotland. Macbeth ‘s ruin is a consequence of his tragic defect which is his â€Å" overreaching aspiration, which o'erleaps itself † ( cubic decimeter, vii,27 ) . It made him non recognize that his desire for power became an obsessional trait ; because of it he was ne'er to the full satisfied with the power that he had. This made him travel on murdering after the first slaying which crowned him king. In the terminal he became a autocrat and his ain people lead him to his decease. Macbeth ‘s position of world became deformed. He saw things in such a manner that were in his favor merely. This impaired his judgement which in bend lead him to do the incorrect determinations. The incorrect determinations that he made resulted in his licking and unsightly decease. Through Macbeth ‘s changeless demand to carry through his aspiration he became really involved with himself and failed to take other people into consideration. This made him lose his feelings towards people partic ularly those that cared for him most. In the terminal this loss of emotion left him entirely and it lead to his ruin. These traits that Macbeth developed throughout the drama are due to the fact that he could non derive control of his aspiration that grew more with clip and lead to his tragic death.