Amazon E-Business

Amazon. Coma's E-Business Model Monte Sutton strayed university Assignment #2 Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course BUSSES: contemporary Business Dry. Miller Fall 201 1 Discussion 1. Discuss the pros and cons of Amazons growth and diversification of business and specialization, and make recommendations about what Amazon could have done differently. The internet has become a part of most everyone daily life for many years now. In addition E-Business has appeared for several years now.E-dustless refers to conducting business over the internet. E-Business accounts for more than one- quarter of the value of all manufacturing shipments, sales and revenues, totaling $1. 3 trillion (Boone ; Kurt, 2011). In 1996 a famous retail company In E-Business was launched called Amazon. Com_ Amazon. Com sells various products like electronics, books, music, DVD's, housemates, PC's and cars. Amazon. Com is the biggest retailer in E-Business, It has expanded Its business In more than 220 countries. Amazon had first started out as a company had first started out as an online bookstore.While selling books Amazon was making a decent profit, but Amazon leadership did not feel hat they were not making as much money as they had hoped to make tort the first year _ Also a lawsuit from Barnes and Noble prompted Amazon to come up with a way to better Its corporation. In 1999 when the E-useless boom began Amazon Went Amazon began to emerge into the world of E-Business this was the best thing they could have done. By doing this they begin to make huge profits and turned into one of the world's leaders in E-commerce. Amazon was able to take over the E- Business because they began to offer to their customer's better deals than the otherE-Business corporations could offer. They were truly focused on customer satisfaction. The firm uses sophisticated inventory tools that help keep its costs down and allow it to wait for favorable supplier prices before placing orders . Amazon was able to restock when nobody else was restocking. As demands was falling off a cliff [because other retailers had placed holiday orders much earlier], they could get better rates (Boone ; Kurt, 2011 up. 223). The owner Jeff Bozo understood that in order to remain competitive in this business they had to first focus on the needs of the customers.Understanding what customers want and need is was very beneficial for the success of the company. Also expanded its merchandise at a lower cost would also attract more customers to order from Amazon. Another benefit of Amazon was that they had partnership with numerous transportation companies and could provide fast and accurate service to their consumers. Amazon has experienced many negatives ratings from some of their customers because of some of the defective merchandise they have received. Because Amazon has partnership with many consumers to sell their merchandiseAmazon does not really know what a person may be receiving. Con sumers only know that they ordered this merchandise from Amazon and if something is wrong Amazon should be responsible for the product. I fully understand their complaint. Understand the consumer's complaint. I recently ordered a Colby MPH player from Amazon and when I got the MPH player it did not work. I looked all over the internet to try and find a contact number for Amazon but could not. I called Colby and went through some trouble shooting techniques before it was determined that the part was defective.The Colby told me to return the merchandise back to Amazon and they would replace it. Although once I went on Amazon website to find out how to return the item it was fairly easy. I felt as though instead of me returning the item back to Amazon I should have returned the item to Colby and they could have sent me a replacement item. Now I have to wait until Amazon gets the old MPH player and the they order me another one from Colby. I would recommend that Amazon find out a way to cut out the middle man so that consumers can get their replacement items in an expeditious manner. Discussion 2.Determine the impact if Amazon. Com had split up and became a family of brands (for example â€Å"Amazon† for books, â€Å"Super toys† for toys, etc. ), each with a public face but all run by the same parent company. Amazon may have lost some consumers had they would have branded themselves into a family of brands. What makes Amazon so unique is that a person can go to their one website and find everything they are looking for. The website has made so many changes to make it easier for the consumer to go directly to their website categorize what they are looking for and will e able to see Just that product.Had Amazon would have Just distinguished itself into a certain brand it would have seemed like they may have been trying to promote a certain item and this would have created competition amongst Amazon with its who truly likes ordering from Amazon. They wo uld think that this is another E- Business that they are not familiar with doing business with. The ease of going to one website and understanding that everything at this website is all Amazon and the way that you use to order your merchandise you can still do it the same way.To any companies tend to think they are doing things to make it better for the consumer but in all actuality they are confusing the consumers. Discussion 3. Determine if it would be possible for Barnes and Noble or Borders to extend their markets in the same way that Amazon. Com has. Explain your rationale. Yes I think it is very possible for Barnes and Noble or Borders to extend their markets in the same was Amazon. Com has. The reason I feel this way is because the average American consumer we are always looking for the next best marketable company on the internet.Variety is the spice of life. At first consumers would be hesitant to order something other than books from Barnes and Nobles or Borders. But once the word get out that both these companies have become and establish E-Business like Amazon they should have no problem with becoming marketable in the E-commerce business. Not all consumers are happy with ordering merchandise from Amazon, so therefore it will take another company to get into the E-commerce business and have an established reputation and more will follow.In order for Barnes and Noble and Borders to become successful they need not to try and duplicate what Amazon is already doing in the E-Business. They need to come up with other creative ways to market their products, and also try and offer better pricing and better shipping rates than Amazon has to offer. Like anything, at first business may be slow for both companies because this is a new venture for them. But once the companies understand how the E-Business works and what customers want and need I don't for see any problems with them marketing other items other than books over the internet. Discussion 4 Determine what Amazon. Mom would need to do to expand their distribution chain to include some brick and mortar outlets, and whether or not this would be a good idea. In order for Amazon to get into the Brick and Mortar outlet Amazon now would have to go out and find more building throughout the world and then higher more employees to run the outlet facilities around the world. Now Amazon instead of competing in the E-commerce industry now they would also be competing in the store industry. By doing this would cost Amazon more money and could possible reduce the decline in sales over the internet. This would not be a good idea for Amazon for many reasons.Operation cost to maintain a building and a full time staff make up a large part of the overhead cost. Most retail stores commission are a big part of a sales person salary so therefore they may not have the best interest in the internet provides more information than the sales representative could. Most consumers now days go to a retail sto re and price and item then go home on the internet and get a better deal. Amazon is doing Just fine by remaining the top E- Business on the internet, References Boone, L. , Kurt, L. , (2011). Contemporary Business. Sons Inc. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and

Lost Time Is Never Found Again

It was Ben Franklin who said: â€Å"lost time is never found again. † Mr. Benjamin Franklin  also said: â€Å"Remember that time is money. † Each of us has exactly 24 hours per day. Neither more nor less minute. Those of us that maintain a full time job know very well that we trade our time weekly in exchange for money. Some of us earn more money for less time and of course the opposite is true. Nowadays there are two categories of people. People from the first group work hard in order to make enough for a living, to satisfy their basic needs.While the others consider money as a way to win more power and better social position, sometimes – even friends. They say â€Å"Money makes the world go round† and time represents only money for them. In my opinion, there cannot exist any statement that is undoubtedly true. And in this way, we are not able to say whether time is money or not. Some people will always believe that time is only money but nothing else; others will defend the opposite thesis.All of us should realize that the material world around us makes time money. I confess that all of us should be realists. No one can lead normal life without enough money. People constantly work in order to earn. And they need time. It is mainly money for them. Their credo is â€Å"Don’t lose time, make money! † Certainly, interests, requests, opinions of other people can and should be considered by you at definition of how you spend yours of time. But nevertheless, the final decision always for you.

Personality Psychology †Sojourner Truth Essay

Sojourner Truth (c.1797 – 26 November 1883) Sojourner Truth dedicated her life to fighting slavery, and advocating equal rights for women. She first began speaking in 1827, giving personal testimony of the evils and cruelty of slavery; and later as a staunch supporter of suffrage, also advocated for equal rights for women. At the 1851 Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio, she delivered her speech â€Å"Ain’t I a Woman† which is now revered among classic text of feminism. She lived her life in the water-shed years of American abolition of slavery and became a leader and recognized as an icon for equality of rights and freedom. At birth, Truth was named Isabella and was a slave for the first twenty-eight years of her life because she was a child born by slaves. In 1826, Truth began life as a free woman; but only after eighteen years – in 1843 at the age of forty-six years, she rename herself, â€Å"Sojourner Truth is my name, because from this day I will walk in the light of His truth.† (p. 77). The moment of naming herself marked Truth’s cognitive freedom from her enslaved past. Neo-Analytic Approach to Personality The neo-analytic approach to personality asseverate that the individual’s sense of self as the core of personality; holding that the self â€Å"struggles to cope with emotions and drives on the inside and the demands of others on the outside† (Friedman & Schustack, 2011); that human nature is positive and goal-oriented; that society and culture shapes personality; and that development continues throughout lifespan. For the analysis of Sojourner Truth’s personality, the concepts of neo-analytical theorist Alfred Adler are selected for the purpose. Adler’s Concept of Humanity Feist & Feist (2006) described Adler’s concept of humanity as that people are self-determinant, and their unique personalities are shaped by how they interpret their lives and experiences. People are ultimately responsible for their own personalities and possess the creative power to transform feelings of inadequacy towards a final goal of either personal superiority or goal of success for society. i. Striving for superiority or success Adler believed that the central core of personality is the striving for superiority towards a final goal. The final goal – while fictional and has no objective existence – unifies personality and renders all behaviour comprehensible. According to Feist & Feist (2006), Adler posit that feelings of inferiority motivate a person to strive for either a self-centered (selfish) goal of superiority, or an altruistic goal of success for all humans. The final goal compensates and reduces feelings of inferiority and weakness, and drives the individual to seek either superiority or success. Truth was a slave for twenty-eight years. During her enslavement, she was abused and treated as chattel or property. Her slave-masters dictated and hold sway her life. Her enslavement caused Truth to feel inferior – but yet her reaction to those feelings of inferiority was to strived for a goal for success (for society). Throughout her life as a free woman, Sojourner Truth devoted herself to fight against slavery and for equal rights for all. During the American Civil War, Truth risked her life to gather and deliver supplies to black volunteer regiments; and was continually involved in various political causes. With the National Freedman’s Relief Association she continued to strive to better conditions and lives for all African Americans – of which her last campaign (sadly unsuccessful) was a land distribution programme for former slaves. ii. Social Interest Adler (1956) state that those who strive for success (instead of self-centered superiority) possess a â€Å"sense of personal worth that is tied closely to their contributions to human society. Social progress is more important to them than personal credit† † (Feist & Feist, 2006, p.72). Truth transcended her oppressed past; turned out to be a healthy individual who was motivated without personal gain to help others to â€Å"seek success for all humanity† (Feist & Feist, 2006). She was not motivated by personal gain. iii. Fictionlism / People’s behaviour and personality is shaped by their subjective perceptions. Adlerian approach maintains that that people are motivated by their subjective perceptions of what is true, and not by what is true. Their subjective perceptions of reality (i.e. fictions) influence them as if were reality. According to Feist & Feist (2006), fictions, regardless true or false, are powerful influence on people’s life. An example of a fiction is the belief in an omnipotent God that guides and helps shape many people’s lives and actions. This is clearly demonstrated in Truth’s life. Sojourner Truth’s parents taught her to believe in God, and that â€Å"God is always with her and she is never alone† (McKissack & McKissack, 1992, p.22). Throughout her life, she held this belief in an omnipotent God, and it was her source of solace (especially during her enslavement), and later – guide her in decision-making and actions. Truth believed that God was her true master. After eighteen years as a free woman, a chance encounter became the tipping point of her self-realisation. A woman asked for her name and upon that very moment Truth realized that all her life she had her slave-masters’ names and thereby declared, â€Å"The only master I have now is God and His name is Truth.† And gave herself the last name Truth (McKissack & McKissack, 1992, p.77). Truth maintained a practice of meditation and deep prayer through which she claimed God communicates with her. In her public speaking,she usually began with a declaration of her spiritual link, â€Å"Well, Children, I speaks to God and God speaks to me†¦I talks to God and God talks to me.† (McKissack & McKissack, 1992, p.82 and 117). Truth sought spiritual guidance during stressful times. For example when she had recently only left her former slave-master Dumont, she was intimidated by threats to her children to return to Dumont’s farm. After the incident she shared â€Å"Jesus stopped me† and that she experienced a powerful force that turned her around when she tried to go back to the Dumont farm. Truth held that the event was a profound meaningful spiritual experience that convinced her that she was never going back to enslavement (McKissack & McKissack, 1992, p.41). Another example of Truth’s staunch belief that God was on her side: In her fight to free and get her son to be returned to her, Truth prayed for divine intervention,â€Å"God†¦ show those about me that you are my Helper† (McKissack & McKissack, 1992, p.43). She was aided by Quaker abolitionists and a fair judge ruled justly in her favour. iv. Value of human activity must be evaluated on the basis of social interest. Adler posit that social interest is the natural human condition and that it binds society as a whole. According to Feist & Feist (2006), Adler held that social interest is the only gauge to be used in judging the worth of a person: Healthy individuals â€Å"strives for perfection for all people in an ideal community†¦are genuinely concerned about people and have a goal of success that encompasses the well-being of all people† (p.75 & 77). Sojourner continually spoke against slavery, campaigned for emancipation of slaves, suffrage and equal human rights. She spoke out against mistreatment and injustice in the army, gathered and distributed donations of food and clothing, and helped in military wards and hospitals. In 1864, Truth was recognized for her work and efforts by President Abraham Lincoln at the White House. v. Masculine Protest / Society & Culture Shapes People Adler reasoned that culture and society influenced people to overemphasize the importance of being manly, i.e. masculine protest. Many societies promote the belief that men are superior to women, implicitly implying that women are inferior. However Adler uphold that women have the physiological and psychological needs as men and therefore want â€Å"more or less the same things that men want† (Feist & Feist, 2006, p.85). This echoes feminists’ campaigns for equal rights: political, economic, and social rights and equal opportunities. Truth attended the first national (USA) Women’s Rights Convention in 1850, and was inspired as well as motivated to speak and advocate for â€Å"Equality before the law without distinction of sex or colour† (McKissack & McKissack, 1992, p.106). From that time on, she spoke for abolition of slavery and equality for women. In her 1851 speech at the Women’s Rights Convention in Akron,Ohio, Truth challenge gender discrimination, subordination, and dispelled the illusion of woman as the weaker sex. â€Å"†¦That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain’t I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain’t I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man – when I could get it – and bear the lash as well! And ain’t I a woman?†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (McKissack & McKissack, 1992, p.112-114) vi. Lifestyle A lifestyle encompasses daily activities erstwhile pursuing one’s goals. According to Hergenhahn (2009), Adler believed that for a lifestyle to be genuinely effective it must contain considerable interest, i.e. working toward a society that would provide a better life for everyone. People with a healthy, socially useful lifestyle express their social interest through action. (Adler described a lifestyle without adequate social interest as a ‘Mistaken Lifestyle’.) According to Feist & Feist (2006), Adler considered three intertwined social issues as fundamental to an effective lifestyle: occupational tasks – choosing and pursuing a career that makes one feel worthwhile; societal tasks – creating friendships and social networks; and love tasks – finding a suitable life-partner. Truth’s lifestyle embodied all of Adler’s identified three social issues: * Occupational tasks: Truth embraced a career to fight for emancipation of slavery and equal rights for women. Besides public-speaking against slavery, Truth also worked to improve living conditions for all. In 1865, at the age of seventy, Truth accepted the task to â€Å"promote order, cleanliness, industry, and virtue among the patients at the Freedman’s Hospital† (McKissack & McKissack, 1992, p.149). * Societal tasks: Regardless when she was a slave or as a free woman, Truth formed relationships which led to social networks of friends, supporters, and even ‘fans’. Her circle of friends included Lucy Stone, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Harriet Tubman, John Brown, Richard Allen, John Jay, Frederick Douglass, and many many more equally enlightened beings. * Truth was separated from Robert, her first love who was a slave from another farm, because his slave-master forbade their marriage as children from slave-parents would belong to the slave-mother’s owner. Later Truth married (on orders of her slave-master) Tom, one of the other slaves belonging to the same slave-master. Eventually, they grew to love each other in their own way and shared common respect for each other (McKissack & McKissack, 1992, p.33). viiCreative Power Adler believed that each person possess the power to create their own lifestyle. In line with existentialistic philosophy, Adler agreed that people are ultimately responsible for who they are and their behaviour. People are their â€Å"own architect and can build either a useful or a useless lifestyle† (Feist & Feist, 2006, p.79). The creative power propels each and every one towards a goal, regardless whether in the direction of social interest or not. An individual’s creative power empowers that individual to control their own life – to determine their final goal and strive for that goal, and contributes to development of social interest. Truth’s personality reflected her optimal creative power that helped her manifest an effective lifestyle, successfully overcoming her lamented enslavement and then striving for success for all humans. In Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, Truth would be considered an actualized personality. Conclusion Adlerians maintain that people are naturally positive and goal-oriented. He also posited that mentally healthy people strive for societal success for all humans. In analysis of Sojourner Truth’s personality, it is found that Truth explicitly actualized Adler’s Individual Psychology: Truth manifested her creative power to strive for success (for all humans), thereby lived an effective (valued) lifestyle which embodied social interests and dispelled implicit inferiority of being a former slave, black, and a woman, with a staunch belief that divine power (God) guided and helped her throughout her life. References Feist, J., & Feist, G.J. (2006). Theories of Personality (6th ed.). USA: McGraw-Hill Asia. Friedman, H.S., & Schustack, M.W. (2011). Personality: Classic Theories and Modern Research (4th ed.). Boston: Pearson Hergenhahn, B.R. (2009). An Introduction to the History of Psychology (6th ed.). Belmont, CA.: Wadsworth Liebert, R., Liebert, L. (1998). Liebert & Liebert; Spiegler’s Personality Strategies and Issues (8th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA.: Brooks/Cole. McKissack, P.C.,& McKissack, F.(1992). Sojourner Truth: Ain’t I a Woman? New York: Scholastic.

Define Project

[pic] Topic 1: Define project What is a project? A project is the defined set of planned and managed activities carried out for a period of time — with a defined start and end date. A project is designed to yield a set of products or services as agreed with the project clients and stakeholders. It has a lifecycle which is the process by which the project is undertaken. Five features that differentiate projects from ordinary work are that they: †¢ have defined beginning and end dates †¢ have a unique purpose with specific objectives that meet the client goals and requirements within specified quality and performance criteria use resources, such as money, time, people and equipment that have been allocated to the project †¢ usually follow a planned and structured approach to meet their objectives †¢ have a primary sponsor or stakeholder who provides direction and funding. Projects can be simple and easily handled by one person or large and complex projects re quiring many resources and the specialised skills of a dedicated project manager and team. What is project management? Project management is about striving to meet specific time, cost, quality and resource objectives.At the same time it must facilitate the entire process so as to meet the needs and expectations of all people affected by project activities. Project management is about making change through the use of techniques, tools and resources that manage change throughout the life of the project. Project management involves the project manager and team applying knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to achieve the requirements of the project. It is a continuous process utilising planning, organising, monitoring and controlling in all aspects of the project to achieve external and internal objectives.It also encompasses the closure and evaluation of the project. Managing a project includes: ? identifying the requirements of the project ? establishing clear and achievable objectives ? balancing demands for quality, scope, time and cost ? adapting the specifications, plans and approach to meet the different concerns and expectations of the stakeholders ? closing and evaluating the project Below is an overview of the aspects of a project that need to be determined and developed. What to determine |What this involves | |Project scope |Identify and plan the objectives, desired outcomes, limitations and budget. | |Timeline |Determine the time within which the project is to be completed—involves | | |planning, estimating, scheduling and controlling. A schedule for the life of | | |the project is developed. |Costs |Determine the costs associated with successful projection completion. This | | |involves cost estimation and forecasting, cost budgeting, cost control and cost| | |applications. A budget is developed. | |Quality processes, systems and outcomes |Construct a quality management plan. | |Human resources |Human resources are re quired for project tasks, eg for organising resources, | | |managing staff performance and leading the project team, etc.A human resource | | |management plan is developed. | |Communications processes |Ensure all parties with an interest in the project are kept up-to-date | | |throughout the life of the project. A communications plan is constructed. | |Risks and any uncertainty with processes |Risks need to be: identified, analysed, evaluated, treated, monitored and | |or achievement |reviewed.A risk management plan is constructed. | |Goods, services or support |Identify what goods, services and support are needed and determine who will be | | |the best person (or people) to provide these. It also involves developing | | |effective interpersonal relationships and finalising any contracts or | | |understandings. The procurement needs for the project will need to be outlined. |All the elements outlined above will need to be integrated with each other in line with the process and proce dures of the organisation. This involves acknowledging and considering how the different functions within the project interrelate — as well as how the project interrelates with the organisation. The project lifecycle What is a project’s lifecycle — or the process by which it is undertaken? The phases in a project lifecycle are: †¢ Phase 1: Initiation and concept †¢ Phase 2: Planning and development †¢ Phase 3: Implementation and execution Phase 4: Finalisation and review. The Initiation and Concept Phase In the initiation phase of a project, the following needs to occur: †¢ Write a description of the project concept/background †¢ Identify stakeholders †¢ Identify project objectives †¢ Define the scope of work to be carried out †¢ Agree to the development of the broad strategy — which identifies preliminary agreed phases, milestones and deliverables †¢ Identify constraints and assumptions †¢ Develop the pre liminary budget †¢ Develop the preliminary risks assessment Develop the broad quality plan †¢ Develop a broad communications plan. |Workplace Learning Activity | |Find out about the range in the types of projects that are managed by your organisation (or one with which you are familiar). | |How do they vary in size and complexity as well as in their aims and objectives? | |Talk to your mentor or colleagues with project management experience about their projects (current or completed). |Begin with general questions such as: | |What do they see as the characteristics of a project? | |How was the project initiated? | The project manager With responsibilities spanning the entire lifecycle of the project — from its planning, implementation, monitoring and control through to its closing and evaluation — the project manager is key to the success of the project. The project manager must have the ability to: build relationships with all key stakeholders, including man agement, clients, suppliers as well as team members †¢ build and lead an effective team — this will include motivating team members (eg by reinforcing to each person that they play an important role and by being optimistic and enthusiastic) †¢ manage interpersonal relationships †¢ problem-solve and make decisions †¢ negotiate with others to meet their needs as well as those of the project †¢ empathise with clients †¢ develop a vision for the project that can be sold to the team and key stakeholders †¢ exercise a high degree of professionalism †¢ communicate with all stakeholders provide reports as required. |Workplace Learning Activity | |If you are already involved in setting up a project in your workplace, clarify the following: | |What is the role of the project manager? | |If you are not the project manager, what is your role within the project? | |Here is another suggestion for workplace learning: | |Interview a project manager to find out what their role was within a recently-completed project.Ask them about the: | |characteristics of a good project manager | |skills and knowledge they needed in order to function as an effective project manager. | Define project stakeholders Knowing who the stakeholders are is critical to any project. Stakeholders are individuals or organisations who have an interest in, or involvement with, the project. Stakeholders have an impact on or are affected by the project. To ensure support for a project, the stakeholders must be identified as early as possible in a project lifecycle.Project team responsibilities As the project manager, you need to clearly identify the limits of each project team member’s responsibility. Questions to ask include: †¢ What is the overall responsibility of the project manager? †¢ What is the responsibility of individual project team members? †¢ How will changes to project specifications, deliverables, scheduling, resource usage, and other aspects of the project be managed? †¢ Who is responsible for each of these? Each team member should have clearly defined responsibilities to ensure that they understand what they are—and are not—allowed to do.Otherwise one person may go off and approve changes that have not been authorised and cause the project to go in the wrong direction, go over budget, or eventually fail. Project reporting requirements When you are developing or reviewing the scope of a project, make sure to include reporting guidelines, such as when to report to the project sponsor, stakeholders and project team. (It should be on a regular basis. ) There are a few different ways to meet reporting requirements; you may need to use several of these methods together: hold project team meetings where each team member reports on the progress of the project †¢ hold a sponsor or stakeholder meetings where you report on the progress of the project †¢ provide written reports †¢ send email reports †¢ use the reporting facilities in any project management software you may be using. Reporting requirements for a project are put in place to ensure that all those involved are kept up-to-date with the project’s progress. They also provide the opportunity to report any changes or unforeseen events. This means that such things can be rectified quickly—before they get out of hand.The important thing is that everyone involved has a clear understanding of their reporting requirements, and that these requirements are met. |Workplace Learning Activity | |If you are already involved in setting up a project in your workplace, keep notes on the process of working with | |stakeholders. To get you started with your notes, here are some questions that you could address: | |Who are the stakeholders? | |What are the issues that need to be clarified with stakeholders? |What are the benefits of involving stakeholders? | |What are the rights and obligations o f stakeholders? If you are a project manager (or managing part of the project), what are| |your obligations to stakeholders? | Access project scope and other relevant information Before commencing a project, there is a need for you to get a good understanding of the exact objectives of the project and the scope of work required to be done in order to achieve each objective. The following will need to be understood: †¢ Why is the project being undertaken? †¢ Are there limitations that may restrict the way the project is carried out? Exactly what is expected to done (or achieved)? What is not expected to be done? †¢ Will adequate resources be available? †¢ Where and when will resources be needed? †¢ What is the cost of the project? †¢ Is the client (or organisation) comfortable with the suggested strategy for spending the project money? The project manager will also need an agreement about the support that will be given to the project. Prepare the project scope definition and scope document The project manager may be asked to prepare the scope definition and scope document or be given one to follow.The project manager is usually involved in developing the scope. The scope should be as specific as possible and tell all stakeholders exactly what is to be achieved on completion of the project. |Scope document — checklist | |The following should always be included in a scope document: | |Background — overview of project | |Objectives to be achieved — i. . both primary and secondary objectives | |Scope definition — as stated above the scope should be as specific as possible and tell all stakeholders exactly what is to| |be achieved on completion of the project | |Broad strategy for achievement of projects — phases | |Constraints around which project is to work | |Exclusions showing what work is not to be done |Assumptions and questions to be answered | |Related projects that may have an effect on yo ur project — or projects that may be affected by your project | |Preliminary budget | |Preliminary risk assessment | |Broad plans for communication and quality (may also be included). | A scope document shows the scope, or extent, of a project.Let’s look at the key sections and an example of a project scope document. [pic] The things you will find in a project scope document Key sections of a scope document |Section |Details | |Scope statement or definition |This clearly states the project goal, objectives and deliverables. If it is not | | |specified in the scope statement then it is outside the scope of the project and | | |is not relevant.Project tasks should only address work that is relevant to the | | |project goal and objectives. | |Project constraints |These are any limiting factors that prevent the project from moving in a | | |particular path. Examples include: | | |You have dependent tasks that impact on specific areas of the project, for | | |example, tasks that cannot begin unless another one has started. | |You have a deadline that cannot be changed. | | |The implementation work for a system upgrade can only be done on the weekend, | | |when staff are not at work. | |Assumptions |These are aspects that the project manager builds into the scope document to | | |allow for any uncertainties that may occur. Examples of assumptions include: | | |Fifteen new personal computers need to be purchased for the project. | |All staff need yearly training in OHS. | | |All resources for the project will be sourced from outside of the company. | |Tasks list |You need to specify a list of tasks (and deliverables) to be achieved during the | | |project. They are all the activities that need to take place to bring the project| | |to completion.The deliverables include all the documentation, reports, contracts| | |and products that need to be produced and signed-off on by those in authority. | |Estimates (cost, time and |You need to make initial estima tes in relation to cost, time and human resource | |human resources) |requirements. These identify the boundaries of the project to enable you to | | |expand into the more detailed estimates that are needed to develop the full | | |project plan. |Contract statement |This will include the names of those authorised to initiate contract work, sign | | |contracts and completion acceptances. It also includes any contractual | | |limitations and penalty statements for possible contract variations. (Variations | | |and penalties apply equally to the client and providers. ) | The following is an example of a scope document, in this case for a project to install animal litter bins in local parks. Sample scope document Project Scope | |Project Information (Please complete all) | |Project Sponsor |Project Name | |Bob Smith |Animal litter bins | |General Manager | | |Sponsoring Department/Client | |Directive from Council Meeting | |Parks & Gardens | |Project Leader | |Arens Sirkel | |Sco pe the project | |The project will encompass the installing of animal litter bins and bag dispensers in all council parks. The bins | |and bags are to be purchased from Animal Litter Limited after recommendations from neighbouring councils.The | |project is to be completed within six weeks at an all up cost not exceeding $24,000. | |Description of the project | |(What is the vision? What will the finished product look like? ) | |The animal litter bins will be installed in prominent locations in each park, while also being close to entrances | |to allow efficient removal of waste by our waste management contractor. | |Identify the strategic objectives which relate to this project | |To reduce animal litter by encouraging owners to pick up after their pets. |Identify the main target audience | |Pet owners. | |What are the intended outcomes/deliverables of the project? | |That pet owners will use the bags provided to clean up their pets’ litter and deposit the bags in the bins | |provided, other bins or their own bins at home. | |What are the particular aspects of the project? | |Installation of bins. | |Other comments | |Collection of waste and replacement of bags has been contracted to our waste management contractor. | |A public awareness campaign will be conducted by council after the bins have been installed. |Proposed project timeline | | |Dates/Time |Notes | |Project lifespan: include dates or total time | | | |required for completion | | | |Phase 1: Scoping and feasibility |not required |Directed by council, scoped| | | |by General Manager | |Phase 2: Planning |4 days | | |Phase 3: Implementation |3 weeks | | |Phase 4: Evaluation |2 days | | |Proposed budget | |Detail proposed budget or financial constraints for the project. |Overtime wages/contractor payments $ 7,000 | |Bins & posts $ 15,000 | |Materials (cement, etc) $ 2,000 | |Scope signoff | | | |This scope has been approved by: Bob Smith_____________________ Project Sponsor | | | |Depa rtment: General Manager Date_____/_____/_____ | Use the scope document during the whole project It is a good idea to revisit the scope document while the project is running, to check that the project is meeting its objectives and to make sure that activities are within its scope. During the plan phase you should use the scope document as a basis to expand into a detailed activity list of the project deliverables. Workplace Learning Activity | |If you are already involved in a team that is setting up a project in your workplace, keep notes on the scoping process. To | |get you started with your notes, here are questions you could address: | |What does a project scope define? | |Who was involved in identifying the scope? What tools were used to describe the scope? | |What was involved in risk management planning? | |How will the scope provide a foundation for subsequent steps in the project? | |How was it carried out? How long did the process take? |Here are other suggestions for work place learning: | |Find out about project scoping procedures in your organisation (or one you are familiar with) | |Ask your mentor or colleagues involved in project scoping if you could sit in on their scoping meetings or join the project | |scoping team. | |Speak to people in your organisation about how the scope for their projects was identified. | |Identify a small project that you could manage as part of your work — and develop a scope definition (this could come in | |useful for you later). | Seek clarification of issues related to the project and parameters With any project, there is a project sponsor (or sponsors) — a person or organisation who might be a backer or financier.A project sponsor’s role includes the ones below: †¢ provides a single point of reference regarding management decisions †¢ reports project progress to boards and top management. †¢ provides clarification of any issues related to project and project parameters. Note t hat there may also be other stakeholders, eg, the main client, funding body, or manager who may also need to be contacted for clarification at regular intervals throughout a project. |Workplace Learning Activity | |If you are already involved in a project team in your workplace, answer the questions below.Alternatively, obtain answers to| |these questions from a project manager in your organisation (or one you are familiar with). | |Who is the project sponsor (or sponsors)? | |What are the types of issues would you need to clarify with a sponsor? | |Apart from the sponsor, are there any other stakeholders who you can approach for clarification about aspects of the project? | Clarify relationship of the project to other projects and the organisation’s objectives It is important that the project manager and team understand how the project they are working on fits in with the organisation and other related projects that may be in progress. In your workplace, you will probably fi nd that there are a number of projects that are running concurrently.They may be completely self-contained projects — with no one project having any bearing on any of the others. However, the following may also occur: †¢ Your project may need to be completed before another can begin — or vice versa (your project will not be able to begin before the other project is completed) †¢ Allocation of resources such as staff, funds and equipment, may be affected, eg there may be tools or templates developed for one project that will be used or adapted for the new project. It is good policy to establish a relationship with other project managers especially where the project they are working on has bearing on the new project. Workplace Learning Activity | |If you are already involved in a project team within in your workplace, answer these questions below. | |How does the project you are working on fit in the organisation? | |What other projects are related to this proj ect and how? | |Here is another suggestion: | |Interview a project manager to find out how they identified other projects that had a bearing on the project they have | |recently completed in the workplace. | |. | Determine and access available resources to undertake the projectThe resources that are generally utilised within projects are: †¢ people — internal staff and sometimes contractors and other staff external to the organisation †¢ tools and equipment †¢ time †¢ raw materials †¢ money. In order to identify the resources needed for a project, you will, firstly, need to determine what tasks will need to be carried out to arrive at the project outcomes. Achieving your project objectives means blending activities and tasks to be carried out with time and funds available. The ‘work breakdown structure’ (WBS) is a complete list of all the work that needs to be carried out to achieve the milestones, phases and/or objectives of the project. A WBS will allow the planning sequence of activities and tasks and where they have a dependency on other activities and tasks. From the WBS, the schedule, resources and the cost of the project will be determined. A WBS will also lead to an understanding of the overall project. A WBS can take one of two approaches — either a top-down approach or a bottom-up approach: †¢ Top-down approach — The objectives are analysed to determine the phases the project must go through as it moves towards completion. A logical break-up of phases might be on the basis of major decision points or milestones. †¢ Bottom-up approach — This approach is a reverse of the top-down approach. Tasks to meet the project objective are determined and grouped with related tasks to form activities.Activities are then grouped to form project phases in logical sequences. This allows resources, duration and dependencies to be allocated at the task level. The cost of the individual resources will need to be calculated in order to determine the overall costs and budget for the project. How long a task will take will affect the cost of the project. Once the WBS is determined, calculations can be made for each task incorporating time allotted for each task as well as the resources and staff required. A dollar value is applied to each task and the sum total becomes the budget. In the initiation phase, a preliminary budget is prepared for the resources required and this is then detailed fully in the project plan. Workplace Learning Activity | |If you are already involved in a project team in your workplace, answer the questions below. | |How were the resources identified for the project? | |What resources will be required for this project? | |What staff (and skills) is required for the project? | |How did you prepare the work breakdown structure? | |Here are other suggestions for workplace learning: | |Interview a project manager to find out how they identified the resourc es for the project they have recently completed in the| |workplace.Also ask of the project manager the questions outlined above. | |View documentation that was compiled to identify resources within a project. | More resources For a comprehensive list of current readings and websites for Topic 1 – Define Project – please see the OLS for this unit and see Additional Resources and Websites. ———————– Contents What is a project? 1 Define project stakeholders 6 Access project scope and other relevant documentation 8 Seek clarification of issues relating to the project and parameters 15 Clarify relationship of project to other projects and organisation’s objectives 16 Determine and access available resources to undertake project 18 More resources 19

The Ascetic Ideal and the Slave Revolt in Morality

There are many aspects in sociology, as well as in psychology, which helps individuals better understand how the frameworks for what is now accepted behavior and moral guides were established and created by the past, and by whom. One of the important aspects of this discussion involves the ascetic ideals, ressentiment, the nobles and the slaves, the slave morality and the slave revolt in morality. In this aspect, one of the most respected individuals who provided important insight for the discussion of this topic is Friedrich Nietzsche. Nietzsche was a very popular German philosopher who devoted much of his professional time and career being involved in the discussion involving important aspects of morality and the noble and slave relationship, as well as the ascetic ideals and how it eventually affected the aforementioned aspects. There are those who criticized what Nietzsche has put forward, particularly the ideas he discussed involving the ideas of morality, how it is defined and how this controls humans through the close inspection of one's self and through the direction of the accusing finger from outwards to inwards. Nietzsche's ideas on the topic of slave revolt in morality carefully analysed by some; while others merely dispose it as something that does not fit the agreeable and convenient and comfortable understanding of the modern individual about the important aspects of morality and how the individual in his social position should be ascribed with his own set of attributes for this particular aspect. â€Å"Nietzsche's unintended contributions to the moralization of the decadence are most obviously displayed in the Genealogy, a book in which he both documents and exemplifies the twisted psychology of the slave revolt in morality (Conway, 2002, p. 31). † Nonetheless, what Nietzsche had said about this topic has earned its rightful significance. Because of that, the further discussion of this topic is a significant endeavor to further clarify the ideas presented in this aspect. What is the Ascetic Ideal? The ascetic ideal can be taken differently, depending on the person's outlook. It c an be something grand that it can be life altering in the sense that one's outlook in life may seriously change and the ascetic ideal showing that it can be powerful enough to provide someone with a significant life goal worth pursuing. While, on the other hand, it can be as insignificant as being plainly nothing more than a tool used by individuals and groups who, like the group they are trying to usurp, merely wanted control over the people by creating something from which control of the people can be possible. Nietzsche provided an explanation on the meaning of the ascetic ideals and the differences of the meanings of the ascetic ideals, depending on the type of person the ascetic ideal will be applied to. He explained that the target individuals who will be affected by the ascetic ideals include artists, philosophers, priests and scholars, as well as women and those which Nietzsche described as someone who is â€Å"physiologically failed. † In common present term, physiologically failed is someone who is not physically capable to be superior against other people or against the ruling class, or someone who is not equipped physically with the power to fight against or even resist physically the attack on one's self by the members of the higher status quo or higher social echelon (Nietzsche, 1998, p. 67). For each one of them, ascetic ideal mean something different, but largely something that can make them feel better about themselves by allowing the ability to create a condition inside one's mind. The individual has the ability to fight the superior class or render victorious in its socio-political and socio-moral fight versus the ruling/noble class; often, the ascetic ideal falls to the idea that it is relegated to the mental or even spiritual state (Nietzsche, 1998, p. 67) of the individual where it resides and it is at its peak efficacy. What Role does it play in the Slave Revolt in Morality? The ascetic ideal plays an important role in the slave revolt morality because the ascetic ideal is the driving force behind the creation of the slave revolt in morality. Without the ascetic ideal to empower particular groups of people (particularly the leader in the form of the ascetic priests who was considered as responsible for reforming and re-evaluating morality and the definition of good and bad / good and evil in the society), the people, who follow these leaders (ascetic priests), would have not known the ideals, believes and set of behaviors that allowed for and at the same time a result of the slave revolt in morality. The ascetic ideal, as explained earlier in the paper, influences different kinds of individuals and as an ideal is appreciated, exercised and consumed differently by different types of people. Nonetheless, these differences do not make the individuals feel the impact of the ascetic ideals differently through its manifestation and role in the slave revolt in morality. Although it is evident that in the analysis of the slave revolt in morality, often, the target of discussion is zeroed in on the ascetic ideals of the priests. In turn, the important role of the ascetic ideal of priests in the slave revolt in morality above the other types of ascetic ideals and the other individuals are affected and involved in this socio-cultural psychological and emotional revolution impacting the morality, behavior and social senses of the self and the relationship with other people (Craig, 1998, p. 854). It is important to point out that in the battle for the creation of what should be the accepted morality by the people, the tug of war pitted the noble/soldiers versus the priests and the peaceful (Craig, 1998, p. 54). â€Å"To explain the origin of the good/evil [the specifically moral] mode of valuation, Nietzsche postulates a slave revolt in morality, a revaluation inspired by ressentiment [or]†¦ grudge-laden resentment (Craig, 1998, p. 854). † This happened because between the two lies what can be considered as irreconcilable differences in the idea of morality and is significant in the creation of what is known as slave revolt in morality (Schacht, 1994, p. 327). Even with the power in the society exercised by the nobles/soldier caste – the â€Å"ressentiment constitutive of slave moralities [which] were initially provided by the nobles (Schacht, 1994, p. 327). † The priests, at the onset of the rise of the socio-political power of religions like Judaism and Christianity, are, nonetheless, not fully rendered incapable and incapacitated by the noble/soldier caste. Brian Leiter (2002) noted about the fact that present then and now what is known as â€Å"the cunning of the priestly caste even within noble societies (Leiter, 2002, p. 86). † This is important because as what critics and analysts points out, the ideals of ascetics, despite the fact that it targets and hits different kinds of persons, its most prominent figure is the ascetic ideal upon the priest (now ascetic priest), to whom the movement of the ascetic ideals (and its role in the slave revolt in morality) is largely and significantly hinged (Conway, 2002, p. 13 1). â€Å"Throughout his account of the genesis and ascendancy of the ascetic ideal, he unwittingly presents himself as a Doppelganger of the ascetic priest (Conway, 2002, p. 31). † The ascetic ideal's role in the slave revolt in morality is that it allowed slave revolt in morality to happen and to be more easily and/or conveniently embraced by a particular group of people (Conway, 2002, p. 131). To be able to truly identify the role of the ascetic ideal in the slave revolt in morality, it is important to point out the creation of ascetic ideal and how the ascetic ideal influenced or have had a role in the slave revolt in morality. There is first the feeling of ressentiment of the slaves which created the idea of morality – the entry of asceticism ideals that helped explain the slave morality to the people and helped them understand the mental/spiritual and emotional aspects of the relationship of the noble/slaves in the society during that time and how the ascetic ideals, in the end, helped the different types of people to understand the angles on existentialism that they needed to embrace and understand for the slave revolt to be realized and be made possible in the first place (Leiter, 2002, p. 286). The resentment of slaves and the internalized cruelty of civilized humans may have laid the foundation for morality, but it was the ability of asceticism to resolve the existential dilemma that ultimately accounted for the success of the slave revolt and the transformation of bad conscience into guilt (Leiter, 2002, p. 286). † More so, the role of ascetic ideal (and particularly, the ascetic priest) , is highlighted in the slave revolt in morality because the role of the ascetic priests was very significant in the salve revolt in morality taking place in the first place. It was because of the ascetic ideals among priests, who believe that the power of the combative soldiers and power all in all (as they see it among the ruling class nobles and soldiers), should be something that should be abhorred, ergo resulting in the slave revolt in morality. In the end, it was the priests, who was powered by the ascetic ideals, that was believed to be the leader behind the movement of the slave revolt in morality, and not the slaves as the name may imply (Craig, 1998, p. 54). â€Å"His postulated slave revolt was led not by slaves but by priests (Craig, 1998, p. 854). † Conclusion Despite what Nietzsche had said about the idea of morality and the feeling of the ascetic priests and how this contributed to the shaping of modern day attitude directed towards the religious institutions and the aristocratic and/or ruling and influential echelon side by side one another, what is clear is that this aspect is something that is still very much debatable. There are still many corners in this topic that hasn't reached a full closure regarding the loose ends that came about after the problems springing up based from what Nietzsche postulated from his works. â€Å"Our concepts need clarification precisely because they are products of a complicated historical development. Different strands have been tied together into such a tight unity that they seem inseparable and are no longer visible as strands (Craig, 1998, p. 854). † Still, it will always be educational to constantly pry open this issue that will never close. More so, with the fact that just like in the past, the position of the ruling class, the position of the religious and the noble groups and the outlook of the society may still change. This change may still affect, how the ascetic ideals and the slave revolt in morality, is viewed in the future. What is clear is that in one way or another the ascetic ideal has gained foothold among many individuals and groups in the society; later on, it has managed to become a significant influence in the slave revolt in morality.

Islamic politics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Islamic politics - Essay Example Through the discourse of IMAM Dr. Abdul Jalil Sajid via the written work â€Å"Islam and Ethics of War and Peace†, the political theory of Islam on justice, war, and peace is based on the core teaching of Qur’an stating â€Å"The aim of war according to the Qur’an is not to propagate or spread Islam, nor is it to expand the territory of the Islamic State or dominate, politically or militarily, non-Muslim regions.† In order to gain deeper insight on war and peace under the context of Islamic principles, it would be useful to investigate with the empirical findings of Jeff Haynes in view of religious fundamentalism, the article â€Å"Understanding Islam†, S.P. Huntington on the â€Å"clash of civilizations†, as well as the report made by Diane Sawyer. Besides the conventional notion that religious fundamentalism pertains to a religious movement whose militant characteristic is justified by stiff adherence to fundamental principles, Jeff Haynes modifies the basic definition by critiquing that contemporary religious fundamentalism emerges out of ‘the failed promise of modernity’ and necessarily refutes the negative impact of modernisation upon moral development. According to Haynes, the religious militancy in fundamentalism is chiefly brought about by the general ‘decline of the societal salience of religion’ due to rapid cultural and economic changes particularly since the World War II. Normally, religious authorities are ideally expected to intervene in state affairs when advancing political interests so that the goals set herein can be directed to coincide with the public good or applied to satisfy the needs and desires of the majority. This way, religion serves to oppose secularism and mediate between the government and the people in order to ensure that the concerns of the latter are met within the constitutional framework and may be understood the principal grounds behind the 9-11 incident of 2001. Muslims are typically found in the state of

Evidence based case study on hyperosomar hyperglycaemia state patient Essay

Evidence based case study on hyperosomar hyperglycaemia state patient - Essay Example Hyperosomar hyperglycaemia state is a state whereby alteration of sensation may often be present without comma, and it may consist of moderate to variable degrees of clinical ketosis. Therefore, Emergency Department nurses should be keen when assessing for diabetes because older patients may in hyperosomar hyperglycaemia condition. This paper reflects the aspects of care that were provided to a patient, Mr. B, in the Accident and Emergency department, while applying triage, A-G assessment, ECG and fluid management competencies. Triage Triage involves the separation of a patient who requires prioritized care because of the severity his or her condition. This applies most in the Emergency Departments, where doctors and nurses have to determine who gets care first. According to the English Dictionary, the term triage refers to the process of determining the most important people or things from among a large number that requires attention (Oxford University Press, 2013). In medical use, triage is the assignment of degrees of urgency to wounds or illnesses to decide the order of treatment of a large number of patients or casualties. Since every day, Emergency Departments have to attend to a large number of patients who suffer from a wide range of problems, it is essential to have a system that ensures that these patients are seen in order of their clinical need, rather than in order of attendance. Triage manages a patient flow safely when clinical needs exceed capacity. It involves identification of the problem, determination of the alternatives and selection of the most appropriate alternative (Manchester Triage Group, 2008, p, 7). Identification of the problem involves obtaining information from the patients, their careers and any pre-hospital care personnel. (Manchester Triage Group, 2008). The Emergency Department acts as a transfer station through which the casualties should pass, as quickly as possible, on their way to surgery, intensive care, or a ward (Nutbe am & Boylan, 2013, p, 181). In this case, the patient was triaged by an experienced emergency nurse who has undergone specialist training. In the problem identification phase, information was collected from the patient’s son who provided past history of the patient. From the history, it was established that the patient experienced sudden onsets of lethargy, strange behaviour such as waking up at three in the morning to have a shower, reduced frequency in mitcuration and reduced drinking. When the patient was examined, it was found that the patient was alert, did not exhibit limb weakness, and was quiet, which is unusual. Besides, the patient was not clammy or sweaty. The vital signs awarded an early-warning score of 1, given that a tachycardia of 112 beats per minute was exhibited. Consequently, the patient was placed into priority category three, as per the Manchester Triage System. This required the patient to see the doctor within one hour. However, the patient was seen by a doctor, four hours after triage, which is against the requirements of priority three allocations, at triage. Furthermore, due to lack of trolleys and large volume of patients in the department, the patient was allocated on majors’ chairs instead of trolley. A-G Assessment A-G assessment is essential in facilitating the diagnosis and administration of severe and chronic primary health problems that are found in adult clients, especially the aging