Revenge in Hamlet and Frankenstein

William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet and Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein are both about revenge the enemy, while the two novels may seem Hamlet and Victor Frankenstein fight for the people they loved. But important contrast in the attitude of revenge, Hamlet is very confuse revenge or not. But Victor never thought not kill the monster. Through its description of the characters, Hamlet and Frankenstein, who have different attitudes to the fact their loved people have died, it is suggested Prince Hamlet only focuses on revenging his uncle Claudius While Frankenstein Victor wants to stop the act of killing innocent people, but chasing on the monster until his death. Prince Hamlet full of despair and grief to love and life. Since Hamlet knows the truth about his father’s death, he begin treat Ophelia ruthless. At the beginning, old Hamlet was alive, Hamlet love Ophelia deeply. We can see from the letter wrote from Hamlet to Ophelia â€Å" doubt thou the star are fire, doubt that the sun doth move, doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love. † (2. 2. 115-118) When Hamlet back, he realized Ophelia already dead, he finally breaking down â€Å" What is he whose grief bears such an emphasis, whose phrase of sorrow conjures the wand’ring stars, and make them stand like wonder-wounded hearers? This is I, Hamlet of Dane. †(5. 1. 245-249) I love Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers could not, with all their quantity of love. (5. 1. 58-259) We can see from here Hamlet love Ophelia so much, why he keeping hurting Ophelia with rude attitude and hurtful language? Why Hamlet doesn’t tell Ophelia truth? I think maybe he has own trouble, maybe he doesn’t want Ophelia turns into this tragedy. Even though she knows the all things, she can’ t help Hamlet anymore, it will increase the risk of revenge. Another reason why Hamlet canâ €™t continue keep romantic relationship with Ophelia because has to revenge, which is not appropriate to have romantic relationship Old hamlet also makes important affect to prince Hamlet. Claudius killed Old hamlet, it is the beginning of prince Hamlet get grief. At same time, his life is totally changed. He is not a child anymore, he force grown up to a man. When Hamlet knows the truth about his father’s death. He swears he will revenge his uncle, because his uncle uses poison murdered old Hamlet. â€Å"O most pernicious woman! O villain, villain, smiling damned villain! (1. 5. 105-106) â€Å"So uncle, there you are. †(1. 5. 111). Hamlet is suffering, â€Å" To be or not to be† (3. 1. 7) exactly shows that his confuse and grief. Hamlet done many considering of the process of revenge, cause that considering, he lose many opportunities can kill Claudius. If he makes decision decisive, maybe Ophelia wouldn’t die. Hamlet love his father deeply, â€Å" he was a man. Take him all in all. I shall not look upon his like again† because of this love, he felt he doesn’t believe anyone, everyone in this world is against to him. It feels like he is the only man alive in this world. He is lonely. No one can understand his sad. He haunted by his father’s loss, we can see from â€Å" my father-methinks I see my father, O where my lord? In my mind’s eye, Horatio. (1. 2. 185-187) Old Hamlet appears in his mind, the memory of Old Hamlet makes Hamlet feels grief. After his family and friends are killed by his creature, he feels guilty and blames himself everyday. He has the responsibility end of killing, because he created the monster. His guilty and blames force him chasing on the monster. He has nothing to confuse, he only got one choice, which is kill the monster. Many people died for Victor’s creature. Victor can’t feels monster pity anymore, because he kills many innocent people, this is all because of him. Finally, Victor and monster both died. To summarize, these two tragedies has lots of similarities and differences, there are a thousand Hamlets in a thousand people's eyes. While Frankenstein and his creature both very pity. The monster try to live with human, join this society. But he can’t.

Motivational Letter Example Essay

This letter is to express my interest in bringing my diverse professional background and experience to your organization.   I possess excellent interpersonal skills and am effective in motivating, mentoring, and coaching others demonstrating solid leadership skills. As you can gather from my attached resume, I am currently working as a Realtor for a major real estate firm.   My professional background includes working in both the public and private sector and it demonstrates my flexibility and adaptability to work in a variety of work environments. In addition to the skills noted on my attached resume, I can also offer your organization: Excellent customer service skills and a proven ability to increase customer satisfaction. An ability to work in a fast-paced environment utilizing my multi-tasking skills. Self-motivated and goal-oriented professional dedicated to achieving personal and professional growth. It is my hope that my education and professional experience will convey to you that I have the qualifications to make a valuable contribution as a School Counselor at any institution.   Should you have any questions, I can be reached at the number listed above.

Winter’s Bone

Essay Assignment 2 October 7th, 2012 Draft 2 (Final) Winter's Bone I would like to start off saying I really enjoyed this book so far. I really like the text, and description it shows. There is a lot of realistic experience in the book that helps me create my visual of the book. â€Å"They didn’t do nothin’! They didn’t do a goddamned thing! What the hell’re you tryin’ to pull? † Most books are cheesy written, and worded. This book was different, and really fit into my interest. I usually find it hard to get into a book, an reading a lot of the time makes me sleepy.I was able to adapt to this book quickly to gain a lot of questions an wondering what was going to happen next. The Ozarks is a interesting place that helps shape the lives of anyone who lives there. Ree finds herself, her family, all on the bad side of the law since illegal activities are done to support themselves in such a harsh environment. These illegal activities of her fathe r start Ree on a journey. She has to find her father with only the help of family to save her family’s house and land. Jessup, Ree’s father, is the most important cause of her journey.He comes home and leaves â€Å"promising he’d be back soon as he could with a paper sack of cash and a trunkload of delights. † Ree is left with the tasks of chopping wood and making sure there is food on the table for everyone, which is usually the man of the house’s job. He had told her to not even look for him until â€Å"you see my face. † (Chpt 1) Then, when the kids get home from school riding in Sheriff Baskins’ patrol car, the sheriff asks her if she has seen Jessup and informs her that he put the land and house up for the bail.If Jessup didn’t show up for court, they would be poor and homeless. Ree also has to be a mother to the kids, because her mom is pretty much useless. Something happened, whether it was drug or her lifestyle while Je ssup had been imprisoned before, and the medicine that she is on is not helping. Ree had to get Sonny and Harold ready for school even if the clothes were dirty and there was no butter to go with the grits. The kids show up home having hitched a ride from the deputy up to the Dolly’s house for which they were reprimanded by Ree to not ven associate with â€Å"the law. † Ree later makes sure to put them under her wing so that they could learn to hunt and cook if there was ever a need for them to take care of themselves. She starts showing them how to make deer stew and how to shoot and clean squirrels. The next day, when they got home. Teardrop came over. When he realizes he needed to help his brother’s family. He lets Ree know that the police found Jessup’s car burnt, but he wasn’t in it. He also gave them more money to help out.He then also gave her the advice of selling of the timber on their land before the bail bondsman came to throw them out o f the house, but Ree still thinks that it won’t happen. Teardrop starts talking about times before when things were good and family all got along. Ree goes to town to get some groceries and is getting to the point of believing her father is dead but trying to figure out why. â€Å"Either he stole or he told. Those are the things they kill you for. † Gail told her. Chpt 15) Bringing back to my thoughts, where I had a dead beat father who ran off, and never came back home. Which made my mom have to do everything for us alone. It's always weird how the books you read can sometimes relate back to you in ways you never thought they could. I then know I'm not the only one who had that experience. Which then as well helps me cope with my issues an understand better. I really like that about a book when I can relate to some of the things going on in the story.

Business plan Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business plan - Coursework Example This project will be funded by the state. The source of that income will therefore, be the government and other partners of the state. The expected income to be generated by this project will be emanating from the various businesses that are included in the Rhossili Town. This includes the revenue from the people visiting the amusement park, revenue from visitors visiting the beach park, income from the fee charged to investors or private firm and the fee charged on the airline users (Laurence, 2013). The cash disbursement will be made on various projects. This includes advertisement. Advertisement will be done using the electronic media, the newspaper, the local Wales and English magazines and internet. The construction of the phase one development of the Central Square in town will cost approximately 10 million dollars. The revitalization of the Town Airport will cost approximately 50 million dollars. The development of the phase one of the Amusement Theme Park will cost 15 million dollars. The Redesigning of the existing Beach Park will cost 5 million dollars. The setting up of the dual transport system will cost 250 million dollars (Laurence, 2013). ... ement Park Development 5 5 5 0 0 Redesigning Existing Beach 5 0 0 0 0 Dual Transport System 50 50 50 50 50 Advertisement 2 2 1 1 1 Airport Maintenance Charges 3 3 2 2 1 Wages 6 6 7 6 6 Total Outgoings 86 81 70 59 58 Monthly Net Cash flow S/D 16.2 -4.3 -4.6 -4 -2 Closing Bank Balance 16.2 11.9 7.3 3.3 1.3 Projected Profit and Loss Statement This forecast measure the performance of a business in a given period of time. The forecast shows the amount of money that is expected as revenue for a period of time, for instance one year or month. It also shows the amount of money that is expected as expenditure for the given period of time. The difference between the two amounts is either profit or loss depending on the amount that is bigger. If the revenue exceeds the expenses, the resulting amount is profit. If expenses are higher that revenue, the resulting amount is a loss. This forecast summarizes the business or projects transactions in a given time frame, usually one year (Ward, 2013). P ROJECTED PROFIT AND LOSS In Millions 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Years Projected Revenue Revenue Beach services 5 5 6 8 10 Fee on private investors 20 20 20 20 20 Fee on the malls 25 25 30 30 30 Charges on airline users 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Revenue from park services 25 25 25 25 25 Revenue from rental shops 10 15 20 18 22 Revenue from transport services 8 8 6 8 7.5 Ending Cash and other revenue 20 21.5 26.6 45 65 Total Revenue 113.2 119.7 133.8 154.2 179.7 Projected Expenses Direct Costs Central Square Development 5 5 0 0 0 Airport Revitalization 10 10 5 0 0 Amusement Park Development 5 5 5 0 0 Redesigning Existing Beach 5 0 0 0 0 Dual Transport System 50 50 50 50 50 Advertisement 2 2 1 1 1 Airport Maintenance Charges 3 3 2 2 1 Wages 6 6 7 6 6 General and Administration 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

The writer can choose a topic for my conceptual speech Essay

The writer can choose a topic for my conceptual speech - Essay Example There has been a significant transformation of fashion from this historical time. The transformation in fashion trends is evident in perfumes, cosmetics, corsetry among others. During this old period, each fashion era concentrated on hats, hair, cloaks and capes. All these items were hand-made for individuals because sewing machines were non-existent. Rapid change in existing fashionable items results in the creation of fashion trends. These are referred to as trends because they never last for lengthy periods (Beckingham 76). Modern fashion is divisible into categories that include haute couture and ready-to-wear. Currently, there are detailed events that are dedicated to fashion. Some of these events include fashion weeks when diverse designers display their items. Significant designers in the fashion industries are present in cities such as Milan, New York Paris and London. They create fashionable items that serve diverse purposes in their targeted markets. Some famous designers include Coco Chanel, Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton (Hurlock 54). Fashion is significant in everyone’s life because of the power it gives people. For example, it allows people to experience healing therapies from the respective fashionable items they adorn. Counselors suggest that their patients must adorn beautiful clothes that would make them address their problems. Fashion also allows a country’s citizenry to pass strong messages to relevant leadership. For example, people in country’s that are at war could adorn in white attire and communicate their wish for a peaceful state. People use fashion to express their diverse personalities and attain their desired reactions from other people (Hurlock 90). Some people abuse fashion by indecent dressing which they blame on fashion. Others register this abuse by overindulgence in respective fashion items. They need to understand that appealing fashion is not

Movie relationship with book Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Movie relationship with book - Essay Example He created the ICAIC, which was a film office officially managed by the government. Many of the Cuban farmers were illiterate and television was not a part of their lives. Fidel decided that film production would be the best way to educate the country on the dramatic transformation related to the revolution. However, Cuba’s film industry was relatively insignificant unlike Argentina and Mexico. The new office needed to learn a lot before production (Chanan, 5). During this time, the USSR was providing film production support under Prime Minister Khrushchev for any friendly countries to the principles of Communism. This is how the relationship between Cuba and the Soviet Union in film production evolved. During this time, the United States had isolated the Cuban government in the event of the missile crisis. Cuban post-revolutionary cinema shows how filmmaking in the country is hardly ever automatic and predictable. The United States tried to isolate Cuba for almost two decades by imposing a cultural and economic barrier. However, the Cuban cinema continued to succeed in breaching the cultural block to emphasize their creative energy and political integrity (Chanan, 7). The ‘Soy Cuba’ film did not have any English subtitles. What captured the attention of many was its amazing cinematography. The techniques of the camera used at the time shocked many reviewers because they resembled those of the steadicam before its emergence. The beauty of the film lies in the idiosyncratic mise en scene and camera acrobatics (Chanan, 21). The director shot some of the scenes close to the actors, while they avoided any direct focus with the camera. The movement of the camera to produce wide-angle shots gives the film great scenes and an outlook on the revolution. The director also divided the story into four sections to capture different perspectives. The director was a soviet and had

Special education discussion Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Special education discussion - Coursework Example For instance, a story about a blind person who still went ahead to finish his postgraduate studies and does motivational talks for other people with disabilities as well. Some of them despite their disabilities, work very hard against the perception that the society has towards them. They work very hard to prove that disability is not inability and that they can do the things that people without disabilities can do. Some of the articles are educative on the types of disabilities that exist. For instance, there are people who are physically challenged such as those who cannot walk, the blind and the deaf. Understanding special education is a skill that most people especially those dealing with the people living with disabilities should have (Friend, 2010). They need to be able to understand their feelings towards certain issues in addition to being very understanding. For instance, the teacher has to have some knowledge of braille if he is interacting with blind students. He also has to learn sign language if he dealing with deaf students. There is a group of teachers who are skilled in dealing with people living with disabilities and challenged in one way or another. This is particularly the case where the disability is so severe that the child cannot learn in normal classroom with the rest of her peers (Friend, 2010). The procedures of special education is so detailed and each child is treated differently according to the type of students that they are dealing with. Each type of disability has its own method of teaching and thus the carers should be aware of such. The mentally challenged is the most disadvantaged group as they are very easily taken advantage of. There have been many incidences where mentally disabled people have been locked in houses with no access whatsoever to the outside world. This is because they are not capable of having the same emotional responses as the rest of the population (Marshall,

Is Performance Related Pay a Proven Path to Improving Employee Essay

Is Performance Related Pay a Proven Path to Improving Employee Performance and Job Satisfaction - Essay Example Based on this research performance related pay pertains to such a system that relates the rewards extended to an employee to the overall performance of the organization in which that employee serves. The purpose of performance related pays is to motivate the employees. The other big objective behind the performance related pay is to synchronize and align the performance of the employees to the overall aims and objectives of the organization in which they work. Though, the performance related pay is mostly financial, but sometimes it could also happen to be non-financial. The payments made under performance related pay schemes are usually in addition to the actual pay that an employee gets. This makes the employees appreciate the fact that the rewards one gets for ones performance are not invariable and rather tend to be variable and separate. Many a times the augmentation in an employee’s annual basic salary could also happen to be related to one’s performance. Performa nce related pay helps the organizations retain the employees who have attained the top rank in relation to their pay scale and are still accruing an outstanding performance. In the present context, when the organizations are getting much flatter, the organizations are bound to abound in the employees who come under this category. Further, the opportunities for extending promotions in the flatter organizations happen to be much less as compared to the multi layered organizations of the past. Hence, the performance related pay is one viable method of improving employee performance and extending job satisfaction. Common Types of Performance Pay Over the last two decades, there has been a considerable rise in the performance related pay systems (Beardwell 1996, p. 148). Though the performance related pay system was more common in the private sector, there is no denying the fact that many public sector organizations are also evincing a gradual shift towards performance related pay system s (Beardwell 1996, p. 148). The best thing about performance related pay systems is that they link the payments made to the employees, to the group, individual or organizational performance (White & Druker 2000). The organizations resort to a wide array of performance pay systems, yet, the primary assumption behind all such systems is that the opportunity to get an enhanced pay will motivate the employees to work better and will positively impact their productivity (White & Druker 2000). Piecework is the oldest form of performance pay system which links the payment made to an employee to the units of output produced by one (Bassett 1993, p. 3). This motivates the employee to work harder and better, as the production of optimal number of high quality productivity units is bound to be reflected in one’s pay slip. A payment by results is one other major performance pay system, where the

Business finance-2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Business finance-2 - Essay Example In order to spread risks, most investors diversify by investing in more than one type of security or portfolio. It should be noted that investors like returns but at the same time dislikes risk and uncertainties (Sharpe, 2007). Though financial market has significant rewards and benefits, it is very complex and very volatile, thus critical analysis is required in risk evaluation so that the expected returns can be validated. Dating back in 1950s an American economist managed to establish the theory of portfolio choice (Markowitz, 1959). This was a tool used by investors during this period to analyze and predict risk in relations to the expected earnings or returns. Markowitz’s theory is the currently renowned Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT). Basically, it is an investment theory that was designed to help in maximizing portfolio returns. This is done relative to the level of portfolio risks meaning that a minimum risk levels correspondents to an equivalent expected return level. Though this theory has been widely applied within the financial sector, a lot of challenges have been pointed on its basic assumptions. However, being an improvement of the traditional investment framework, it provides an advance system for the application of the mathematical model, especially, in finance. Portfolio theory supports asset diversification as a strategy to hedge against any possible market risks that are unique to particular company. As a sophisticated investment decision making tool, it helps investors to estimate, classify, as well as, controls the amount of possible risks that may affected the expected investment returns for the company. The Essentials of Investments /Portfolio theory There are necessities to portfolio or investment theory. These include the quantification of risks and return relationships. The second one is the assumption that compensation should be awarded to investors due to risk assumption. Practically, portfolio theory differs from the traditio nal system of security analysis on the basis that it changes focus from an individual investment characteristics to exploring statistical relationship exhibited within individual securities that represent the entire portfolio group (Sharpe, 2007).. Through mathematical formulation, portfolio theory formulate diversification concepts in the investment with an ultimate goal of carefully selecting viable investment assets with low risks compared to the rest of asset groups. This is intuitively possible since assets can change its values in opposite direction. However, the diversification approach has been recognized to effectively lower risks even when there is no negative correlation in asset returns, but it is more effective in scenarios of a positive correlation. Looking at the technical dimension, portfolio theory models assumes that returns on assets exhibits a normal distribution function (Sharpe, 2007). It also uses standard deviation relative to investment returns to define ris ks. In addition, a portfolio is modeled on the basis of weighted asset combinations in order to have what is referred to as a weighted assets return combination. Based on this view, assets whose returns are not positively correlated are combined, thus helping to reduce variations in the portfolio returns. Another assumption made with regards to portfolio theory is that market is efficient and mainly comprised of rational investors. As far as this discussion is concerned, it should be noted that the main fundamental

Resistance of a wire Essay Example for Free

Resistance of a wire Essay Jack has been given a second hand D. C. dynamo and lamp. He wants to attach these to his bicycle and produce most light without blowing the bulb. What wire should he use? Variables: The variables in our investigation are The length of the wire The diameter of the wire (SWG) The type of wire Types of wire: Nichrome: 80% Nickel 20% Chromium Alloy. Constantan: 60% Copper 40% Nickel Alloy. Copper First of all we decided to test the resistance using a Multimeter. This would give us a rough idea about what the resistances of each wire are. Our lengths of wire were all 30cm long. Our results were as follows WIRE RESISTANCE ? Copper 0. 6 Nichrome 1. 2 Constantan 4. 3 Later we realised that we were using wires with completely different SWGs. To make it a fair test we needed to use wires with the same SWG. We repeated the test using a length of 30cm and an SWG of 32. Our results were as follows Our results changed dramatically. WIRE RESISTANCE ? Copper 0. 9 Nichrome 5. 8 Constantan 2. 9 Testing the current + Voltage Next we decided to test the current and voltage so that we could get a more accurate figure for the resistance. We set up a circuit consisting of, a power pack, ammeter and variable resistor in series. We also had a voltmeter in parallel to the wire we were testing. The readings we take off the ammeter and voltmeter allow us to figure out the resistance using a simple equation: Voltage ? Current = Resistance. Our circuit looked like this A variable resistor allows us to control the current going through the circuit. We needed to keep it as low as we could to avoid a heating effect in which ohms law would not take place and our results would not be accurate. Type Of Wire Current (I) Voltage (v) Display complete essay The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Electricity and Magnetism section.

Discussing Database Management Systems E Business Information Technology Essay

Discussing Database Management Systems E Business Information Technology Essay Software systems or computer software which is used to create, modify, maintain, provide controlled access to user database. According to Mullins, 2002 It enables end users 7 application programmes to share data, it enables data to be shared among multiple applications rather than propagated stored in new files for every new applications. For e.g. Online banking systems uses database management systems, Big hospitals uses database management systems to keep the track record of their patients details, their history etc. Database management systems based on the variety of models of distribution architectures such as the widely used Client/Server architecture and centralized architecture among others as also the database models such as Relational Model and the XML Model etc. First DBMS systems were used for primary for large complex ventures such as Apollo moon landing projects. Such operations were too expensive to contemplate anyway, as in that era most data was stored on magnetic tape 1970s Relational DBMS During this decade DBMS became a commercial reality. The hierarchical network database systems were developed they are generally regarded as first generation DBMS. They are still widely used. But have limitation, like difficulty in accessing to data, very limited data independence, not widely accepted. 1980s E.F.Codd others developed the relational data model during the 1970. This was second generation DBMS. With relational model all data were represented in form of tables. This has widespread commercial acceptance diffused throughout the business world in 1980s. SQL is the fourth generation language which is used for data retrieval. 1990s Object oriented database. This decade was the new era of computing, first with client/server, data warehousing internet application which became increasingly important. Largely structured, multimedia data became increasingly common during the 1990s. Both relational object oriented database are still of great importance. 2000 Beyond. The ability to manage increasingly complex data. Multidimensional data considerably importance in data warehouse application. Development of universal servers based on object relational DBMS. Especially important to internet application. Fully distributed database became a reality, centralization of database will continue. The lower cost of high performance computing also encourages centralization. Content-addressable storage will become more popular. User can retrieve data by specifying the data they desire. For e.g. a user can query any detail in Google site can have the computer search for the closest match to that photo. Working on developing data mining algorithms that scale to handle very large data sets which help to analyze data efficiently. Improving abilities to discern patterns, trends, correlation about customers, employees, products suppliers will influence strategic decision making by organisation. The proliferation of the PDAS will lead to improved synchronization of small databases improvement of wireless transmission. The use of web services will become more widespread as reliable XML web services more available. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Database_management_system#Overview Function of Database management systems. There are several functions that a DBMS performs to ensure data integrity and consistency of data in the database. Data dictionary management: Data Dictionary is where the DBMS stores definitions of the data elements and their relationships (metadata). The DBMS uses this function to look up the required data component structures and relationships Data storage management: This particular function is used for the storage of data and any related data entry forms or screen definitions, report definitions, data validation rules, procedural code, and structures that can handle video and picture formats Security management: This is one of the most important functions in the DBMS. Security management sets rules that determine specific users that are allowed to access the database Multiuser access control, Multiuser access control is a very useful tool in a DBMS, it enables multiple users to access the database simultaneously without affecting the integrity of the database. Backup and recovery management: Backup and recovery is brought to mind whenever there is potential outside threats to a database. Backup management refers to the data safety and integrity; for example backing up all your mp3 files on a disk. Data integrity management, The DBMS enforces these rules to reduce things such as data redundancy, which is when data is stored in more than one place unnecessarily, and maximizing data consistency, making sure database is returning correct/same answer each time for same question asked. Database access languages application programming interfaces: A query language is a nonprocedural language. An example of this is SQL (structured query language). SQL is the most common query language supported by the majority of DBMS vendors. The use of this language makes it easy for user to specify what they want done without the headache of explaining how to specifically do it Database communication interfaces: This refers to how a DBMS can accept different end user requests through different network environments. An example of this Can be easily related to the internet. A DBMS can provide access to the database using the Internet through Web Browsers (Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Netscape). http://databasemanagement.wikia.com/wiki/DBMS_Functions Types of Database Management Systems: Database management has become important part of every company that has got data to be managed handled. There are two types of database. Server database. Desktop database. Advantages of Database management systems: Controls Data redundancy Consistency Improved data integrity Easy to access data and maintain it Provides backup recover services Increase in productivity concurrency Disadvantages of database management systems: Maintain data are Complex Maintaining the database systems are very costly, for e.g. the server database is mainly connected with multiuser application have greater reliability data consistency. It is costlier than desk top database operates on high performance servers. There is high risk of failure. CHAPTER-2 E-Business: According to IBM (www.ibm.com/e-business) e-business (ebizNis) the transformation of key business processes through the use of Internet technologies. The key business processes referred to in the IBM definitions are the organizational processes. They include research and development, marketing, manufacturing and inbound and outbound logistics. Louis Gerstner, the former CEO of IBM, in his book, Who Says Elephants Cant Dance? Attributes the term e-Business to IBMs marketing and Internet teams in 1996. Stiller A (2003) related that Sussis (2000) an e-commerce consultant, stated that as businesses move into significant e-businesses, good planning strategies, design and implementation becomes more and more essential. E-business (electronic business), derived from such terms as e-mail and e-commerce, is the conduct of business on the Internet, not only buying and selling but also servicing customers and collaborating with business partners. Today, major corporations are rethinking their businesses in terms of the Internet and its new culture and capabilities. Companies are using the Web to buy parts and supplies from other companies, to collaborate on sales promotions, and to do joint research. E-business can be conducted using the Web, the Internet, intranets, extranets, or some combination of these. E-Business will impact business process, technology and organizational structure E-Business opportunities exist in: Sales Marketing Product Development Supply Chain Management Procurement Support Processes People Enablement For example Amazon (www.amazon.com) and eBay (www.ebay.com) are the worlds two biggest e-businesses. Types of e-business or e-commerce: B2B (business to business) business communications with other businesses like the direct placement of purchase orders. B2C (business to consumer) business communications with consumers through sales completed from a business website (e-commerce) or a regular newsletter. B2G (business to government) business communications with government like online taxation lodgements. P2P technology enables internet users to share files computer resources. Music file sharing services such as Gnutella are the prime examples of this type of e-commerce. M-commerce involves the use of wireless digital devices to enable the transaction on the web. http://www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au/run/it/pages/ebiz.aspx Benefits/Advantages of E-Business: Business whether small or big are using the internet in their own ways. To work with partners and suppliers, for procurement, for internal activities such as knowledge sharing and new product development, and much more. Companies such as United Technologies, J. Sainsbury, General Electric and many others are reporting benefits from the use of the Internet. These benefits include: improved speed of response; cost savings; improved communications, information and knowledge sharing; reductions in inventory; improved efficiency and productivity; harmonisation and standardisation of procedures; better transfer of best practices; acquisition of new customers and increased sales; improved customer service Removes Location and Availability Restrictions Reduces Time and Money Spent http://www.ecommerceeducation.com/benefits-of-ecommerce.asp http://www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au/run/it/pages/benefits.aspx Barriers to E-business: Security encryption; Trust risk; Lack of qualified personal; Lack of business models; Culture; Legal Issues; Fraud risk of loss; Internet/web is too slow not dependable. Constantly change in technology, which is always costly. {Source by: Veljko MilutinoviĆ¡, Frà ©dà ©ric Patricelli (2002) E-business and e-challenges; IOS PRESS; page 10} CHAPTER-3 ROLE OF DBMs IN e-BUSINESS: Every big or small organization is now trying their hands on DBMs to remain competitive in their respective fields. Every organisation which is big or at its starting stage wants to have their own DBMs as they dont want themselves to be left behind. To function in an e-business environment, an organization has to have a good command of knowledge on its markets, customers, products and services, methods and processes, competitors, employee skills and its regulatory environment. The term E-business is used in two main ways within organizations. The first is as a concept which can be applied to strategy and operations. Secondly E-business is used as an adjective to describe businesses that mainly operate online, i.e. they have no physical presence on the high-streets and seek to minimize customer-service and support through enabling web self-service. Educational institution, public government organisation, private enterprises which require large databases to store informations are using DBMs in their business. Every day some or the other organisation is building database application or re-constructing the older version, for making these application there are two ways; Microsoft products such as .net platform or Visual BASIC with an Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) driver connected to SQL Server the other is JSP/Java Server with a JDBC driver in DBMSs such as Oracle or IBM DB2 on the Unix, Linux and Windows platforms. Sabre airline reservation system was introduced in 1964 which was the first large scale DMBs for airline industry. Both airline travelling agents depends on sabre other reservation systems like Apollo. These database contain information about flight seats of most commercial airlines, permitting co-ordination of reservation. Now days every airline company has their own database where they do lot of work. Database helps their customers to book their itineraries fares. It has became lot easy for the customers to sit in the comfort of home enjoy the services. These databases help the airline industry to grow doubling their profits. DBMS is important to the operations of e-Business because it provides the organisation with the tools to make relevant and concrete decisions concerning the business. With a touch of button, hundreds of data stored in its database about a transaction, product or customer can be extracted, viewed, or amended The DBMS enables the e-Business to reduce waste in that majority of the traditional approach of doing business in the file-based era has been reduced. For e.g. in customer service industry the DBMs helps them to maintain the records information about the customers. For instance all banks have online telephone banking services provided for their customers as they keep track every record every minute details of the customers. Database management systems are widely used by the information technology in computer manufacturing business, the DBMs help them in understanding their customers need like in some website of a computer manufacturing companies we can virtually customize or make changes in laptops we can purchase make payments online get our laptops within couple of days. Conclusion In todays world e-business is extremely important for many reasons. Some of which is due to the fact it can speed the whole process of ordering etc. up. This then means that the lead time can be decreased because the ordering of products can be done much more quickly, particularly because the Internet is a fast running wide area network. The Internet has completely reshaped customer relationships. The transformation began with the dot-com boom, which spawned a new type of company whose entire business model was predicated on Web acceptance and usage. These companies Yahoo (Nasdaq: YHOO), Amazon (Nasdaq: AMZN), eBay (Nasdaq: EBAY) and Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) took advantage of the Web in all aspects of their business. Soon, traditional brick-and-mortar enterprises realized that to survive, they too had to satisfy customer expectations to procure goods and services over the Internet. e-business has been benefited by DBMs a lot. But a lot work has to be done in developing more database application which are more user friendly, analytical practical. Lot of work has to be done in security issues of this e-business organisation as they have lot of personal information regarding their customers, to eliminate the fraud which is easily done by the hackers as they have access to these databases or can break the access codes use the valuable information. Up gradation of the databases websites should be always done so that these e-businesses would attract lot of customers. E-business is the future of all the organisation, as the world is get closer so does the business, to stay in the competition companies must adapt to new technologies.

A Review Of The Book Genghis Khan History Essay

A Review Of The Book Genghis Khan History Essay In the book Genghis Khan and the making of the modern world Jack Weatherford tells the story of Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire and how it became to be the beginnings of the modern world. Genghis Khan was the most powerful and influential leader during the thirteenth century. In just about thirty years Genghis Khan and the Mongol army conquered more land ever conquered in world history. Genghis Khan was a leader of strength and ideas; he created fear all throughout Eurasia. Despite the fear he put on Eurasia, Genghis Khan united many different cultures and races. Genghis Khan made many innovations during his thirty years ruling the Mongol empire such as making warfare more revolutionized, expanded routes of trade, they invented something that was called the printing press with movable type, and he put laws against torture and gave the people a freedom to religion. Many more innovations were made during Genghis khan and his grandsons rule that made the foundation for the modern wor ld. Not all leaders are born leaders. Genghis Khan as a little boy was not a likely person for being such a powerful and leader of the Mongol empire. He was just like any ordinary hunter and gatherer on the steppe. Genghis Khan; although ordinary he did face many terrors during his childhood. He was kidnapped and forced to be a slave for killing his first victim Begter by a tribe called the Tayichud.(26) This was the beginning to the start of his determination to get revenge on every tribe that gave terror to him in his childhood. His main goal was to conquer and to destroy the aristocratic feudal systems that were going on while he was trying to rule the biggest empire of all time. The beginnings of his campaigns were really just raids to get supplies and to do so he needed a tactic to get fear running through the territory was going to conquer. Genghis Khan; well not yet the ruler; created tactics such as frightening the other side by upsetting the enemys spirit banners. (47) That was the start of many tactics and innovations in warfare. He had produced a new type of steppe army based on greater variety of tactics, they were no longer an attacking swarm of individuals; they were now a united formation (62) He organized his army into groups and they should fight together as brothers, (52) like in any family of brothers in which the eldest had total control, the eldest man took the leadership position in the Mongol arban, but the men could also decide to choose another to hold this position (52) by this being allowed in the Mongol army it went against the belief that eldest men are always in control so it was a sense of a political kind of democracy. Warfare, although important in creating the Mongol empire, wasnt the only thing that marked the start of the Mongol empire and foundation to the modern world. With his organized warfare Genghis Khan united all people after he conquered a tribe or territory. He brought people from different places of the steppe and united them no matter what race or religion they were. By doing this; He had abolished the distinction between black and white bones, all his followers were now one united people. (53) Before Genghis Khans rule there was always a sense of kinship and tradition; by uniting every person he conquered there was a greater sense of friends and community. He had shown that rather than relying on the bonds of kinship and tradition, members of his tribe could now look to Temujin for direct support; he greatly centralized the power of his rule while at the same time strengthening the commitment of his followers.(51) He was a leader not a king that controlled every aspect of peoples l ives. People of the tribe are comfortable with the knowing that they are always protected by Genghis Khan. That is something that the modern world is known for. People are safe in their homes knowing that they have a leader but they can live their own lives too. Although warfare and uniting the people of different cultures and religions were big steps toward making the modern world, Genghis Khan made many laws. These laws are seen in our constitution today or just common sense to the people of the modern world. Some of these laws that Genghis Khan made were that he forbade the kidnapping of women,(68) he forbade the taking and enslavement of any Mongol(68), he forbade the selling of women into marriage(68), like we see today, theft was made a criminal offense(69), he also forbade the hunting of animals between certain months because their breeding time(69), and he made the law that every person from his family must be elected by a khuriltai(69) which is the people or jury. Torture was something him and his army didnt do to the people he conquered and he defined that to be a just Mongol, one had to live in a just community. (70) These laws reflect the laws we have now in the modern world. There were many laws to enforce so Genghis Khan needed some kind of supreme judge to punish the thieves and criminals. (71) These laws and how he managed the people through a large body of land has shown that Genghis Khan was a great leader and wanted the best for his people. Making of the new world was based on many aspects including freedom of religion. Nowhere else in the world did anyone have that kind of freedom of religion as in Genghis Khans empire. When he conquered a tribe or territory he took people from different religion backgrounds into his tribe and he never forced one type of religion on them. This step in his empire made the rest of the world have religious freedom. Genghis Khan did many things that the rest of the world never knew they can do. Trade and free commerce were the steps towards making the modern world.(234) He expanded trade from Asia to the Middle East and he destroyed cities that were not necessary.(105) On the spot of the cities he would make routes of trade. He made the selling and buying of goods easier for the people. (119) With trade being so easy because of Genghis Khans renovation of trade routes diplomatic immunity had come about which was a policy held between government which made sure that diplomats can pass freel y and safely to the next country or territory. Although trade was important for the Mongol Empire to flourish and made the foundation for the modern world; there were things that come with trade such as paper money, printing, and the compass. The compass was the Mongols invention but with this invention it stayed a good tool for hunters and the modern world today. Printing with movable type was another innovation of the Mongols and Genghis Khans grandson. The invention of printing quickly escalated to the making of paper money. The invention of paper money was a big aspect of the making the modern world. Paper money made trade easier and lighter. Before paper money people would trade one thing for another to get what they wanted or needed. Now in the modern world people use money every day and do not understand where it was first recognized; by the Mongols. The Mongols conquered many territories. When the Mongol empire was at its powerful place it went from the Korean peninsula in the east and it was on most of china and Russia territory including Vietnam and Cambodia in the south but it never hit Europe. All these territories were ruled by Genghis Khan but even before Genghis khan was the great leader of the Mongol empire there were many other nomadic tribes trying to conquer and influence their neighbors also. In the China during the time of the Shang and Zhou dynasties circa 1800 500 BC nomads from the north brought influences with them such as chariot ware fare, but they were not conquered buy them. The Mongols conquered almost everywhere they stepped foot on but although Europe was not conquered by the Mongols but they got many influences from them. Jack weatherford states that Although never ruled by the Mongols, in many ways Europe gained the most from their world system (234) The Europeans received all the benefits of trade, te chnology transfers, and the global awakening without paying the cost of Mongol conquest.(234) Some other nomads that tried to conquer and change the world were the Aryans in India circa 1500-1000BC. They invaded northwest India and brought in a new language, Sanskrit, cattle and horses. Like the Mongols; Aryans made big innovations in India when they invaded. Also similar to the Mongols they added to diversity. Although the Aryans conquered Northwest India they forced a new language on them unlike the Mongols who instead they learned from their conquests and the people they took in to their empire. Another nomadic group that tried to conquer was the Vikings which were smart enough to use ships to transport their people and goods which are much cheaper than going by foot. The Mongols also after a while of conquering on horses or by foot they realized that ships and having a transportation system was better and much more efficient. The Mongols like any other army were linked with murder and terror. Jack Weatherford although tells the story of the Mongols as an army, he also tells the story of how Genghis Khan did everything in his power not to kill people that were able to give up and go to his side. Genghis khan gave people a chance but if they betrayed him in any way he would do something worse to them. Genghis Khan conquered many cities and territories but he took the people with him and did not torture or kill them. He united people of all different races and religions so he could develop empires which lead to modernization of the modern world. He had to kill the aristocratic powers to be a powerful ruler. Genghis Khan was a very fierce leader who conquered everywhere he went so he could be one more step toward innovation and modernization.

Artemis :: essays research papers fc

The Goddess Artemis Those who invated Artemis’s privacy, her goals, or restricted her freedom where paid dearly. When the hunter, Actaeon, accidentally came upon Artemis while she was bathing, she turned him into a stag and then his own hunting dogs attacked him and tore him to pieces. Artemis is the goddess of hunting and the moon. Her Roman name is Diana, and Greek name is Artemis. Artemis’ symbols are a crescent, a stag, and arrows. Artemis has many characteristics and is connected to today’s society in many ways. She has a big family and lots of stories behind them, and there are many myths about her. First of all, Artemis had many different characteristics. Many people call Artemis wonder women, because she can do almost anything. She is brave as any man, as strong as any man, and can hunt and kill any beast. She can be described as an environmentalist. Artemis was not know to have a satisfying relationship with men, not including her brother. She always was responsive to the needs or the vulnerable and the suffering. Artemis was the most independent of the goddesses, and one who lived for new challenges. In today’s society many people get the wonder women character from her and place them on the more recent wonder women. She is seen as a feminist goddess to many people in this society. When people in today’s society use the bow and arrow as a symbol for hunter they get it from Artemis. Not only did she have many characteristics, but she had a very loving family. Artemis’s twin brother is Apollo. She loved her brother and was very close to him. Artemis’s mother was Leto, Artemis and Apollo both adored there mother. No one could ever say anything bad about Leto with Artemis and Apollo doing something about it. Artemis caused her mother no pain during childbirth. Artemis’s father was Zeus king of the gods. When Zeus asked Artemis what she wanted for her third birthday, she told him that she just wanted six simple gifts and Zeus gave them to her. Finally there are many myths about Artemis. The only time Artemis ever loved a man, Apollo got jealous and tricked her. One day, Apollo bet that Artemis couldn’t hit the object swimming in the distant water with an arrow. She was filled with confidence in her skill with her archery, and accepted his challenge.

Holocaust at Auschwitz :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"It is hope that compels man to hold on for one more day of life, because that day maybe the day of liberation. Ah, and not even the hope for a different, better world, but simply for life, a life of peace and rest. Never before in the history of mankind had hope been stronger than man, but never also has it done so much harm as it has in this war, in this concentration camp. We were never taught how to give up hope, and this is why today we parish in gas chambers.† – Borowski We often wonder what the reasons for the concentration camps were? We sit back in our nice warm home with our families at our side, and watch on the History Channel all of the documentaries on the holocaust, and we ask ourselves many questions one of the most important is ‘Why?’. One question I always ask myself is, ‘Could it happen again, but not just to Jews but to Americans?’. Many people shun the thought of it, but sooner or later we will hav e to face reality that it could happen, despite our brute military force, there is no telling what will happen from day to day. The one question I am going to answer is, ‘How much do you actually know about Auschwitz?’.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Most of my research was done by reading interviews that have been done with survivors. It was very awful what happened to many of the people and their families, along with the experiments that they did with the camp prisoners. Could you imagine seeing your family one minute, being told they were going to the showers, then never see them again? Then one day told to go through the laundry and finding your loved ones clothing, but, no body to go with it? That was everyday life at Auschwitz. The most medical of all the killing methods was the phenol injection, which was institutionalized during the relatively early phases of Auschwitz. Many other camps used gas, then burned the bodies, because they had no room nor time to dig graves for the thousands of people they killed everyday. Mass grave yards were not unpopular though. The definition for the word holocaust is â€Å"Great destruction resulting in the extensive loss of life, especially by fire.† And what ha ppened during the second world war was very much a holocaust.

Secretary: Law and Legal Secretaries

When people hear the word ‘Secretary' – I'm pretty sure they picture someone behind a desk typing. Yes, this is pretty accurate but a Secretary in whatever field is so much more (and one can indeed spend much time running between their desk and any multitude of places! ). I remember learning a spelling mnemonic of sorts at school that Secretaries keep the secrets. Now I realise it's perhaps more to do with the word's derivatives but it's stuck with me!Having finished a Legal Secretaries Level 3 Diploma course in which I have an overall grade of a Merit, I have found myself privy to these ‘secrets' and the opportunity I wanted: to expand and specialise my skills in an administrative field. It has given me a goal, having not taken the most direct job path. It can be difficult to find the right next step to take in your working life. Law is a fascinating arena, even more so ‘backstage'.It might at times seem to be a far cry from the drama of the court room but w ithout Legal Secretaries doing their part to make a difference with their input in the office, which affects the Solicitor who passes that effect onto the client, all aiming to reach the desired result, I'm not quite sure what would happen. Sometimes I think it takes an organiser, an administrator or a (Legal) Secretary to understand another – it takes one to know one.The day to day achievements can be small, but by getting a complex subject filed comprehensively, simply giving someone the assurance that their enquiry is being looked at correctly or preparing someone thoroughly for a meeting, you in turn ensure that the client is getting the best service possible (even though you may not be attending that meeting in person). These are things that I already do but in the sphere of law they become magnified – what starts as small, indirect input evolves into an integral part of the law process.That is quite something to be part of and I look forward to it. Within my rece ption role, I have had over 2 years of part-time work experience of dealing with clients and solicitors in an office environment. My role included answering the phone, getting personal details from callers and transferring to the appropriate member of staff. I learned to be patient, methodical and efficient. Flexibility is one of my strengths; I am also prepared to learn new skills. I have extensive experience of using computers.I have experience of Microsoft and Microsoft Excel in which I passed exams. I have used Word to produce documents such as letters, posters and minutes. I am able to prioritise my workload. Being flexible, I also have a positive attitude. This was particularly evident at The Broadcast Monitoring where I was able to concentrate all day even when working an early morning shift which began at 6. 30am. I also undertook nightshift to cover for staff on holiday. I work well under pressure. There were many deadlines throughout the day.This also involved good written and verbal communication skills which were required when report writing and dealing with colleagues. I have found that I am able to build up close working relationships with other members of staff; most recently at my time in Chipatiso Associates (I can appreciate client confidentiality). I am a good organiser and am able to work on my own initiative. I was efficient at delegating the department workload at the Solicitors firm. I have an editorial/press reader eye for detail. I am polite and reliable, trustworthy and conscientious.

Amba 604

Acme Home Improvement de Mexico, SA de CV Project Plan Team Four: Folasade Bamidele Alibaloye John C Caputo Garner Frederick Hixson Hector G Rosado AMBA 604, Section 9093 Professor Stewart February 6, 2004 Acme Project Plan Table of Contents Section I. II. III. Executive Summary Introduction Project Organization Organization Chart Project Responsibilities Staffing Plans IV. Management Process Management Objectives Priorities Monitoring/Controlling Mechanisms V.Technical Process Plan Computing System Project Plan Modification Process Computer Usage Policies Construction Guideline Support Project Acceptance Process Lessons Learned Documentation VI. Work Packages, Dependencies, Schedules & Budgets Work Packages Dependencies Project Budget Summary Tasks on the Critical Path Assignment Matrix 3 4 5 5 6 7 10 10 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 13 14 14 17 20 23 24 25 2 Page VII. Appendix A Appendix B Acme Project Plan I. Executive Summary Acme Home Improvements has determined it essential that expa nsion into international markets take place immediately.Acme Home Improvements has initiated a joint venture with local partners in Mexico City to form Acme Home Improvements SA de CV. The intent of this partnership is to open Acme's first ‘Do It Yourself’ – (DIY) home improvement store outside of the United States, to meet the competition head on and establish a foothold in international markets. This document spells out our plan for the project's success. The project's sponsor is the Acme CEO, Alex R. Fitzgerald. This project is the first step in his strategic initiative to expand Acme into international markets.Based on assessments, it is critical that Acme SA de CV complete the opening of this store in 12 months or less with a budget of up to $7. 5 million. A key risk is Acme's lack of experience in international markets. As a result, we will rely heavily on our partners to help us mitigate ‘soft' cultural issues and navigate local nuances of business. Because of the soft issues, remaining on schedule is a key driver of project success. To mitigate risks to the project's critical path, we have built feeding buffers into the schedule, and added a project buffer to the project end.Our plan outlines staff responsibilities and a staffing plan for project execution. This staff has strong support from corporate headquarters, a defined scope, budget, timeline, and 3 processes by which to execute the plan. Included in these processes is a structured change control process that ensures changes are relevant, followed through, and controlled. In addition, this document, and the accompanying project plan clearly identify dependencies that can impact project execution. We have separated these dependencies into mandatory, external, and discretionary dependencies (Schwalbe, 2004).Doing this has enabled us to maximize scheduling efficiency. Acme SA de CV has an established technology infrastructure to draw upon. Our plan will leverage this techno logy through wireless local area networks, corporate servers, and use of project management software. Finally, we will utilize a feedback process to capture lessons learned for our future expansion into international markets. Acme Project Plan II. Introduction Acme Home Improvements de Mexico, SA de CV intends to build a 100,000 sq ft retail 4 facility in Mexico Distrito Federal (DF).This effort is part of Acme's strategy to expand into the international home improvement markets. Our Mexico City store will be the initial push into Mexico to meet our competitors head-on outside the United States. This project is critical to Acme's long-term strategy to expand beyond the US borders. Headquarters has allocated $7. 5 million to complete this task. Strategic alignment with Acme's long-term goals, experience with similar projects, and an assessment of the competition dictates that we complete this project within 12 months. Our project is a joint venture with local interests.The project wi ll be challenging for Acme, with inherent risk laying in our inexperience in international joint ventures. ‘Soft' issues, cultural human resource issues will be as much of a driver of cost and schedule as the ‘hard' issues like planning and execution. It is critical to the success of this project, and perhaps the organization's international growth strategy, that this project be completed on time, and on budget. The organization anticipates possible schedule delays and cost overruns due to cultural assumptions and misunderstandings.Knowing that schedule delays will affect costs and international expansion strategy, we pay particular attention to the project's critical path (see Appendix A, and the accompanying MS Project file's network diagram view). To deal with these risks, the team has built several feeding time-buffers into the work breakdown schedule, at constraints along the critical path (Goldratt, 1998). A large project buffer has also been added to protect the e nd of the project. Attention to the safety buffers along the critical path will contribute to the team's successful execution of the project.This plan presents an overview of the project organization, including the team's organization chart, project responsibilities, and staffing plans. Next, the plan addresses the organization's management process related to this project. Management's objectives, priorities, Acme Project Plan and monitoring and control mechanisms are covered in this section. The project's technical process plan is covered next, reviewing such things as the IT support and guidelines for the project, processes for modification, and acceptance of the plan, and the process for documenting lessons learned on the project.Lastly, this plan discusses the work packages, dependencies, schedules and project budget. We begin with a look at the project organization plan. III. Project Organization Organizational Chart: 5 Acme Home Improvements de Mexico Site Construction & Openi ng Project Organization Chart Prepared by: John Tarea, Project Manager John Tarea Acme Projects Project Manager Sade Venda Acme Store Manager Anita Socio Acme Mexico HR Manager Donna Promueva Acme Mexico Marketing Fred Conde Acme Finance Joe Martillo Construction Manager Maria Diseno Architectural ContractorThis organizational chart shows the authority and communications organization for the project. Every one of the team members reports to the Project Manager. Team members are from different knowledge areas and each will contribute with their knowledge and skills to the project. Acme Project Plan Project Responsibilities: Project Sponsor, Alex R. Fitzgerald, CEO Acme Home Improvements. Mr. Fitzgerald 6 has been CEO of Acme Home Improvements for 10 years. He started with the company 25 years ago, working in one of the first Acme Stores. He started as a traditional department manager and worked his way up through Acme's chain.He attended business school at the University of Maryland University College. Mr. Fitzgerald has unsurpassed expertise in the DIY Home Improvement business and has lead Acme through an unprecedented period of growth. Mr. Fitzgerald has a strategic vision that mandates Acme's expansion into international markets. His high level of interest in this project cannot be overemphasized. His role as project sponsor is to take ultimate responsibility for the project. He must sign off on the project charter, confirm successful completion of project milestones, and provide leadership and support to the project manager.At a recent executive retreat, Mr. Fitzgerald commented, â€Å"With the growth of technology, and productivity, the world has never experienced the level of wealth and opportunity for homeownership that it is experiencing now. Our ability to remain competitive and grow is completely dependent on our ability to expand into international markets. † John Tarea, Project Manager: John is in charge of managing the whole project, and th e members that are in charge of the project activities. Also, he is in charge of working with the sponsor and any general people involved with the project.His role is important since he should be able to manage the problem in an effective manner for the project to meet its goal. Joe Martillo, Construction Manager: Joe is in charge of managing the construction activities of the project. As a heavily tasked team member, project planners will watch for constraints associated with this project resource. To enable Joe meet the construction project schedule, he has been allocated the necessary budget to contract various local trades-people and construction specialty firms. Acme Project PlanMaria Diseno, Architectural Contractor: Maria is the architect that researched 7 competitive stores in Mexico, became familiar with Acme store designs in the U. S. , and designed the store to be constructed in this project. Fred Conde, Acme Finance: Fred is in charge of financial oversight of the projec t. He will assist team members in analyzing bids, projecting costs, and controlling expenditures. Sade Venda, Acme Store Manager: Sade will be in charge of managing the store when it is operational. She will also collaborate with H. R. anager, Anita Socio, and Anita's staff in the recruitment, interviewing, and training of new employees. Anita Socio, Acme Mexico HR Manager: Anita will be in charge of the recruitment effort and training of the personnel hired to work in the store. She will work closely with the Store Manager. Donna Promueva, Acme Mexico Marketing: Donna will collaborate with Maria Diseno and Sade Venda on the design and layout of the store interior, displays, and inventory. She is to ensure the store reflects the marketing strategy for the Mexico City market.She is in charge of performing local market analyses, selecting products, and designing merchandising, advertising and promotional efforts for the store. An assignment matrix can be seen in appendix B. Staffing P lan The following charts illustrate the project's staffing and training plans from three perspectives. The first graph presents baseline staffing plans, not taking into consideration feeding buffers that will likely push the actual dates closer to the store-opening deadline of March 1, 2006. The second chart depicts preliminary training targets, and the third illustrates contractor staffing needs.Acme Project Plan 8 Acme Staffing Plan 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Jan Mar May Jul Sept Nov Project Managers Acme- Accts, IT, Supt Lead Contractor Sub-Contractors Sub-Contractor Laborers Training Team Functional Leads Department Heads Store Employees 1 Dec as opening goal Acme SA de CV Training 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Jan Mar May Jul Sept Nov Training Team Functional Leads Department Heads Store Employees Acme Project Plan 9 Acme SA de CV Construction Team 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Jan Mar May Jul Sept Nov Lead Contractor Sub-Contractors Sub-Contractor LaborersNow that we have discus sed the project staffing and responsibilities, we turn to the project management processes, including the objectives, priorities, and monitoring and controlling mechanisms of the project. Acme Project Plan IV. Managerial Processes This section of the project plan provides an overview of Acme's perspective of this 10 project from the point of view of the top managers. Included in this section will be a discussion of top management's objectives, priorities, Management Objectives The Acme de Mexico project has three primary objectives: 1) Complete the six site component preparation activities on time and at/below cost. ) Execute the Acme Mexico FD site opening with a staff fully trained and integrated into the company. 3) Leverage success in Mexico FD to expand and compete across the greater Mexico. Priorities The first priority is completing the construction site on schedule. Operations must quickly assess the impact of unknown and unexpected events as they occur. Delays to the schedu le drive up our costs. The second priority, which becomes the first priority as the site nears completion, is the hiring and training of a store staff. The staff must be fully knowledgeable and fluent in Acme's processes and procedures.Monitoring/ Controlling Mechanisms Acme is new to Mexico and thus requires some very specific tools and techniques to ensure that we remain in control of the project. Given the amount of variables that we may come up against in this project we will have a very strong change control process. This change control process will meet three main goals (Schwalbe, 2004): 1. Influence the factors that create change; ensure that the change is beneficial and impact to time, scope, and budget is understood. 2. Determine that the desired change has occurred.Acme Project Plan 3. Manage the changes as they occur; trying to minimize the number of changes the project is subjected to. (p. 122). 11 There are specific criteria that will drive changes. Specifically, we hav e a management reserve pot set aside. The reserve will be called upon if our SPI falls below 90%. The additional capital spent will be tightly focused upon the current problem and prevention of reoccurrence. Should both our SPI and CPI fall below 90% senior management will become involved to assess status and affect needed changes. V.Technical Process Plan Having now seen the project's organization plans and managerial process plans, we turn now to a few technical aspects of the project. This section describes the technical approaches to control and support this project. In it, we describe the technical processes and approaches relating to this project's computing system, computer usage policies, plan modification processes, construction guidelines, acceptance process, and documentation process of lessons learned. We begin with an overview of the computing system used to support the project.Computing System This project will utilize Acme's wide area network, via wireless access at t he construction site, temporary office locations, and residences. Utilizing portable personal computers, the project manager and team will access the various project tools using MS Project, synchronizing local copies with the master file on the company server. Acme will utilize MS Project Server and MS Project Web Access features to allow project team members to view, collaborate, and update project information from various remote locations and connections. All project plan outputs will be date and time stamped.Modifications to the plan will be tracked electronically, logging a record of who changed what, and when the changes were made. Acme Project Plan Project Plan Modification Process Only the Project Manager will be able to modify the schedule, budget, and the work 12 breakdown structure (WBS) portions of the work plan. Changes resulting in delays greater than five workdays or adding more than $5,000 to the budget estimate must be approved first by the project sponsor. All other changes may be made at the discretion of the project manager. Individual team members will be able to update task completion progress in the work plan.All changes must be requested on the following Change Request Form: Change Request Form Project Name: Date Request Submitted: Title of Change Request: Change Order Number: Submitted by: (name & contact information) Change Category: Scope Schedule Description of change requested: Events that made this change necessary or desirable. Justification for the change/why it is needed/desired to continue/complete the project: Impact of the proposed change on: Scope: Schedule: Cost: Staffing: Risk: Other: Suggested implementation if the change request is approved: Required approvals: Name/TitleCost Technology Other Date Approve/Reject (Schwalbe, 2004, p. 630) Computer Usage Computer use will comply with Acme Home Improvement, Inc. ‘s corporate computing policies, available online to employees on the company intranet. Employees can access the corporate intranet through the company server WAN, or over the Internet. Acme Project Plan Construction Guideline Support Standards for implementing the site construction will comply with Acme Home Improvement, Inc. ‘s Construction Guidelines. Since the guidelines were developed for use in U. S. onstruction projects, however, the project team will consult Mexico City based law firm, 13 Goodrich, Riquelme y Asociados (anonymous, n. d. ). The team will coordinate activities related to zoning, environmental practices, and compliance with other local and federal regulations with the law firm. Project Acceptance Process The project manager is responsible for obtaining sign-off from the project sponsor and project manager at each milestone, and at project completion. The following form will be used to document acceptance of the project:Client Acceptance/Project Completion Form Project Name: Project Manager: I (We), the undersigned, acknowledge and accept delivery of the work co mpleted for this project on behalf of our organization. My (Our) signature(s) attest to my (our) agreement that this project has been completed. No further work should be done on this project. Name Title Signature Date 1. Was this project completed to your satisfaction? Yes No 2. Please provide the main reason for your satisfaction or dissatisfaction with this project. 3. Please provide suggestion on how our organization could improve its project delivery capability in the future. Schwalbe, 2004, p. 633) Lessons Learned Documentation: Acme Project Plan The project manager is responsible for completing a summary of lessons learned throughout the project. The lessons will be documented on the form below, added to Acme Home Improvement's repository of project lessons learned, accessible through the company intranet. Lessons Learned Report Prepared by: Project Name: Project Sponsor: Project Manager: Project Dates: Final Budget: 1. Did the project meet scope, time, and cost goals? 2. Wha t was the success criteria listed in the project scope statement? . Reflect on whether or not you met the project success criteria. 4. In terms of managing the project, what were the main lessons your team learned? 5. Describe one example of what went right on this project. 6. Describe one example of what went wrong on this project. 14 7. What will you do differently on the next project, based on your experience working on this project? (Schwalbe, 2004, p. 624) VI. Work Packages, Dependencies, Schedules and Budgets Work Packages The seven major activities of which Acme’s construction project consists, involve various work packages.By definition, work packages are tasks at the lowest level of the work breakdown structure or WBS (Schwalbe, 2004). The preparation of the site and laying of the foundation is the first course in the construction process. The foundation is the most important part of construction and requires a substantial amount within the apportioned budget for bui lding materials, as well as time. This stage involves the preparation of the site, which may involve some weeding, smoothing and sectioning, before the laying of the sewer pipes, concrete slabs and the sectioning of drainageAcme Project Plan 15 gutters. These different tasks are altogether estimated to take a total of about 50 days, a little over 5 weeks or over a month. Factored into the time is the acquisition of the necessary materials and labor. The next step is the building of the walls, floor and roof of the structure. Once the foundation is underway, the next step is to start building the actual store structure. This involves several work packages including the framing of the floor and walls, and the construction of the roof of the building.The carving out of the different sections of the store, such as the offices, break rooms, greenhouse and bathrooms also occur here. The estimated time here is about 45 days. The dependency here is of the ‘Finish to Start’ type (Schwalbe, 2004), which necessitates that the construction of the walls, floors etc, will not take off before the completion of the foundation. Since these construction work packages are on the critical path, and the construction resources could become a constraint, we inserted a fifteen-day feeder buffer to ensure any delays in the critical path construction activities do not delay the rest of the project.Next is the installation of the electrical and plumbing fixtures. Pipes are run through the building at this point for water outlets at designated spots, including the break rooms and bathrooms. Plumbing fixtures such as water closets, toilets, sinks and drinking fountains are installed. Electrical work is being done at this point, with the installation of wiring, cabling, outlets, the installation of electrical generators, and subsequently the connection to service for both electricity and water. Work here is slated for a total of 45 days.Building construction wraps up with the finishing of the interior, and the stocking of inventory. Here, the necessary dry walling, painting and finishing is applied to the interior of the building, thereafter, the interior decorators take up the job of smoothing and designing to the specifications provided. Other work packages at this point are floor planning for product location and shelf arrangement. The last part of the interior is the stocking of the shelves with products; after all interior fixtures have been tested for safety and durability. Acme Project Plan 16The building of the garage is not directly dependent on most of the preceding processes up to this point, but does necessarily occur after the preparation for the site has taken place. So, this portion of the project starts after the foundation for the site has taken place and the adjacent wall has been erected. The construction of this, like the main building, will involve installation of the garage foundation and the framing of its walls, which are then pai nted, and ending with the marking of parking spaces. The schedule for finishing the store and the garage allows for 155 days, which includes another feeding buffer of twenty days.Acme's construction plan includes an outer garden, and landscaping for this is for 10,000 square feet. This activity will involve the landscaping of the already sectioned area, which entails the layering with soil, rock and concrete slab placing as designed; paving installation and finally, the planting of selected plants and flowers. This is scheduled for a total of 40 days. This time takes into consideration the various needs of the selected plants and the time needed to ready the soil for planting. Throughout these activates, the marketing and promotion planning proceeds.Scheduled to conclude as the store becomes ready for opening, the marketing work package begins with an analysis of the market, including a competitive analysis, a consumer analysis, and an analysis of Acme's strengths and opportunities in the market. Next, the project calls for the development of a product, pricing, and promotion plan. Last comes preparation of the merchandising, advertising, and grand opening promotion plan. These marketing activities are scheduled to take 180 days, but they do not fall on the critical path, nor do they require resources that appear at risk of being a project constraint.The last order of the project is to hire and train the employees for each of the departments. This process will involve the advertisement of vacancies. It will also involve a selection process of interviewing, checking of references and candidate consideration. The training may likely be done in groups and will entail customer service dynamics and necessary need-to-know information on products being sold. This takes time and has been scheduled to Acme Project Plan take 65 days, twenty of which are a feeding buffer at this potential constraint along the critical path for a timely store opening.Dependencies Work on the site is dependent upon several things and based on several assumptions. There is an assumption that we have a specific piece of commercially zoned real estate selected 17 and purchased. There is also the assumption that we have, in hand, the required permits to begin construction and open for business. Acme could not begin the joint venture with its local partners without these items in hand. We would rely heavily on our partners' knowledge of local and regional governmental processes and procedures. Our 12-month timeline could not start until this initial hurdle was cleared.With permits in hand, construction could begin. The mandatory dependencies are such that a natural progression of events must occur for the completion of the structure. Each event is a unique task, however, many are highly dependant on other activities. Certain tasks, like laying the foundation, have finish-to-start relationships with their predecessors. The foundation cannot be poured, obviously, until the site is cleared, leveled, and otherwise prepared. Other activities, like establishing a mobile construction site office, can start simultaneously with another activity, such as beginning to prepare the site, but no sooner.This would be an example of a start-to-start relationship. Of course, other dependencies are also possible. Some tasks must finish along with other activities, while others must finish before another can start. Following is a look at dependencies in the project. As already mentioned, the site must be prepared before the foundation can be laid. Similarly, construction of the walls and floors is dependant upon the foundation being established first. Another finish to start dependency involves building the roof. The walls must be finished before a roof can be constructed.Any delay in completing the wall will push back the start of constructing the roof. A feeding buffer is inserted at this point on the critical path to guard Acme Project Plan against slippage on the p roject schedule by the construction resource, which is used heavily at this point of the project. Likewise, the walls must also be constructed before wires and plumbing can be run 18 throughout the building. Wiring is designated as having a start to start dependency with installing the generator and electrical circuit boxes. Installing the electrical fixtures, however, is dependant on three predecessors being completed first.Wires must be run, walls must be dry-walled, and electrical service must be established with the utility provider. Much like the electrical fixtures, plumbing fixtures cannot begin to be installed until the pipes have been run, drywall installed, and water service established with the utility provider. Finishing the interior presents another series of finish to start dependencies. Walls and roof must be up before they can be dry-walled. The dry wall must also be installed before they can be painted. Painting is a necessary precedent to installing the shelves and display units.Since these activities fall on the critical path where resources are close to being overloaded, an additional feeding buffer is added here. If any of the string of finish to start dependant activities falls behind schedule, the feeding buffer will help maintain the project schedule. Stocking the inventory cannot begin until the interior is finished. We, therefore, have another finish to start dependency. The construction of the garage is a task that would drive how much inventory we can handle, assuming it is used partly to store inventory.With the interior complete we could stock a certain amount of inventory but the garage would have to be complete before we could finish taking receipt of our entire inventory. This would really be a both an external dependency and discretionary dependency. It is a discretionary dependency in that we could stagger our inventory ordering to take receipt based on how the store is completed. If for, example the lights take the longest t o receive, from an inventory perspective, we could stagger the completion of the Acme Project Plan 19 interior portion of the structure.We could order our lighting inventory while completing a different area's interior first and stock it, then come along and finish the interior of our lighting department in time to take receipt of the inventory. It is also an external dependency because we do not control the timetable that our suppliers deliver on. There is inherent risk in setting up a ‘just-in-time' approach to taking receipt of inventory. If, for example, our supply of wiring for electrical instillation is unstable or unpredictable, we may not be able to wire-up our lighting department in time to take receipt of our staggered inventory order.The extent of discretionary dependency that we establish is contingent on our tolerance for risk. Completion of paving and landscaping is purely discretionary. We could build the parking lot and landscaping almost entirely independent o f the rest of the project but it would not make much sense. This task must simple be finished prior to opening the business. Most of our vendors would need the paving completed for access to the property. It would be a start-start for our inventory.It seems sensible to pave the parking lot simultaneously with paving the garage, making this a start-to-start dependency with pouring the garage concrete. Hiring and training employees is both a discretionary and external dependency. At a macro-level it is externally dependent upon the retail and construction job market in Mexico City, it we hire, rather than contract for, construction workers. If the construction market is soft in Mexico City in the window where we are to hire employees, it is likely we will have many applicants with construction expertise applying for work, in an effort to supplement their incomes.If the construction market is brisk when we are to hire, we may have a harder time finding experienced construction labor. A cme Project Plan 20 As a discretionary dependency, we can begin hiring and training when we deem best. While it is optimal to train most of the floor employees in a fully stocked facility that is nearly operational, we could train the core of the store's management/ department heads at one of our American stores.It would be desirable for these new managers to see how a fully functional store runs and meet with US counterparts to gain lessons learned. Acme SA de CV will groom promising managers at its Mexico City site to open new stores across Mexico, so it is to our advantage to train new managers as early as possible. Having discussed the work packages, and task dependencies in the project, we turn now to a breakdown of the $7. 5 million project budget. Project Budget Acme Home Improvements de Mexico, SA de CV 12 Month Construction Budget DIRECT COST DESCRIPTION 1.Construction Materials Temporary Utilities/Rentals Excavation / Blasting Footings / Drainage Foundation/Waterproofing R etaining Walls Underground Utilities Trenching, Backfill, Rough Grading Concrete Slab City Water / Well & Pump City Sewer / Septic System Sewer/Septic/Underground Connections City Water/Underground Connections Gutters and Downspouts Interior Masonry Rough Framing Materials Structural Steel Trusses Lumber &Other wood types Plumbing fixtures Fire System HVAC Electrical – Lighting, Cabling, etc.Electrical Generators SUBTOTALED AMOUNT 1 Acme Project Plan Exterior Stairs Rough Framing Labor Roofing materials Windows & Exterior Doors Garage Framing Garage Doors Exterior Stucco Exterior Siding/Masonry Exterior Painting Insulation Sheetrock/Taping Vanities Cabinets Interior Trim Interior Doors Hardware – Bolts, screws, cords, etc. Carpentry Landscaping Soil Granite / Rocks Plants Walkway Slabs Interior Shelving units Equipment rental Safety Equipment Other Total Materials Cost 2.Overheads and Other Costs Personnel salaries – Direct Project Workers Consultants / Professi onals Administrative personnel Construction Laborers Accommodation Travel Utilities (Phone, electricity, water) Supplies (Stationery, postage, printing, etc. ) Insurance (Workers Compensation) Teachers / Trainers Other Total Overheads and Other Costs 3. Inventory & Labor Costs Shipping Products Truck rentals Loading & Off loading Other Labor Duties (Customs & Excise) Total Inventory Costs 40% or USD 3. 0 million 3 20% or USD 1. 5 million 2 40% or USD 3. 0 million 21 Acme Project Plan 2 Considerations: 1 The percentages and USD estimates are based on a USD 7. 5 million budget. Wages and Salaries may vary significantly, especially with the current exchange rate of 1USD = 11. 1345 MXN and the difference in the cost of living between both countries. This is cheaper in Mexico and since most labor used will be local, the cost of it may be lower than estimated. 2 3 It is possible that the cost of inventory may vary from the above stated due to considerations such as; delays and pressures o f delivery, but with more of a leaning towards an increase.Assumptions: The assumption of the total cost for construction materials is derived from the size of the facility to be built and all that will be required to build it, with a sizeable amount of the cost gong towards the materials for the foundation and walls. Mainly personnel wages and salaries rule the total budget amount for the overheads, with a majority of this going to the professionals or experts in charge of various sections of the project. The total number of people working on this project, aside from its management committee, is estimated to be in the neighborhood of 78.The division is as follows: Approximately 60 for all construction activity and interior work. Among these, professionals are estimated to be five, with a distribution of 1 garage expert, 2 interior designers and 2 building experts. Approximately eight for landscaping duties, with one professional among them. Approximately 10 company professionals fo r the initial hiring and training of employees. The products to be for inventory will likely cost about as many dollars as the construction effort, if not more, due to shipping, handling and the payment of duties on them. Acme Project Plan VII.Summary Acme Home improvement's international expansion strategy begins with this project. The 23 company's joint venture in Mexico City, will lead to the company's first store outside the United States. Within twelve months, and $7. 5 million, the project team is expected to plan, locate, construct, and open the company's first international home improvement store. This plan provided an overview of the project organization, management processes, technical processes, work packages, dependencies, schedules and project budget. Accompanying this document is a MS Project work plan, and Project Charter.We believe the information contained in these documents lay out a realistic plan to enable Acme Home Improvements to successfully open its first sto re outside the U. S. By executing the plan above, we believe Acme can complete this strategically critical project on time and on budget. Acme Project Plan Appendix A: 24 Tasks on the Critical Path Task Prepare site Lay foundation Site & Foundation Ready Build walls Construct roof Feeding Buffer Install floors Dry Wall Paint Feeding Buffer Stock Inventory Duration 40d 10d 0d 15d 5d 15d 10d 10d 10d 20d 10d Start Finish Dependncy 3 4 6 7 8 9 22 23 25 26 27FF 37 38 39 40 Resource Construction Concrete & Paving Joe Martillo Construction Construction John Tarea Concrete & Paving Drywall Painters John Tarea Stock Workers Joe Martillo Human Resources John Tarea Human Resources Anita Socio John Tarea Mon 2/28/05 Fri 4/22/05 Mon 4/25/05 Fri 5/6/05 Fri 5/6/05 Mon 5/9/05 Fri 5/6/05 Fri 5/27/05 Mon 5/30/05 Fri 6/3/05 Mon 6/6/05 Fri 6/24/05 Mon 6/27/05 Fri 7/8/05 Mon 7/11/05 Fri 7/22/05 Mon 7/25/05 Fri 8/5/05 Mon 8/8/05 Mon 9/5/05 Fri 9/16/05 Mon 8/8/05 Fri 9/2/05 Fri 9/16/05 Fri 9/16/05 Fri 9/1 6/05Interior Finished & Inventory Stocked 0d â€Å"Recruit, interview & hire employees† 30d Feeding Buffer Train employees Employees Hired & Trained Project Buffer 20d 15d 0d 82d Mon 9/19/05 Fri 10/14/05 Mon 10/17/05 Fri 11/4/05 Fri 11/4/05 Fri 11/4/05 Mon 11/7/05 Tue 2/28/06 Note: Feeding buffers have been inserted along the critical path where resource constraints exist, and a project buffer has been added to protect the end of the project. Acme Project Plan Appendix B: Responsibility Assignment Matrix: Responsibility Assignment Matrix for Acme Home Improvements de Mexico Site Construction and Opening Project 25Prepared by: John Tarea, Project Manager Date: 2/5/05 1. 1 Joe Martillo Donna Promueva Anita Socio Construction Concrete & Paving Electricians Plumbers Drywall Painters Stock Workers Landscapers Human Resources P R 1. 2 R 2. 1 R 2. 2 R 2. 3 R 3. 1 R 3. 2 R 3. 3 R 3. 4 R 3. 5 R 3. 6 R 3. 7 R 3. 8 R 4. 1 R 4. 2 R 4. 3 R 5. 1 6. 1 R 6. 2 R 6. 3 R 7. 1 R 7. 2 8. 1 8. 2 R R R P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P R P R = Responsible for task P = Performing task P Acme Project Plan Resources: Anonymous. (No Date). Mexico business opportunities and legal framework. Retrieved February 4, 2005 from http://www. exico-trade. com/firm. html#gra. Anonymous. (No Date). Mexico business opportunities and legal framework. Retrieved February 4, 2005 from http://www. mexico-trade. com/sense. html#zon. Goldratt, E. (1998). Critical chain. Great Barrington, MA: The North River Press. Hampton Group, The. (2001). PMTalk newsletter. The project management knowledgebase http://www4pm. com. Retrieved February 3, 2005 from http://www. 4pm. com/articles/PMTalk07-24-01. pdf. Rigby, Ken (2003). Technical Management – a pragmatic approach. 2nd Edition. Retrieved February 3, 2005 from http://home. btconnect. om/managingstandard/techman. htm. 26 Reed Construction Data. (2004). RSMeans ® preliminary cost estimate. Retrieved January 29, 2005 from http://www. firstso urceonl. com/Means/members/result. asp? prname=&project=300&gsf=100000&zip=&Calculate. x=24&Calculate. y=2&Calculate= submit. Schwalbe, K. (2004). Information technology project management (3rd ed. ). Boston: Course Technology. State of Texas, Department of Information Resources. (2003, April 17). Planning guideline: Template project development plan. Retrieved February 2, 2005 from http://www. dir. state. tx. us/eod/qa/planning/projplan. htm#techplan.

Stephen King and Langston Hughes – Perspectives on Good Writing

In How to Be a Bad Writer (in Ten Easy Lessons), by Langston Hughes, and Everything You Need to Know About Writing Successfully – in Ten Minutes, by Stephen King, the reader is advised on a variety of writing topics. Hughes, a product of segregation and racism, uses biting humor and sarcasm to rail against bad writing, whereas King, a former teacher and a product of the counterculture movement, uses folksy charm to instruct us. King cleverly prefaces his advice with a self-effacing story about learning to write in his sophomore year of High School.In essence, he says that if he could do it, then so can we, if we listen. King values brevity (remove every extraneous word) and warns us not to get on a soapbox and preach. King also has great respect for the process, from drafting to submission etiquette, and belittles those of us who do not know the markets. In conclusion, he states, â€Å"And if you listened, you can write everything and anything you want. † It sounds sedu ctively simple, and that is King’s greatest success. He makes you believe.Hughes takes the gloves off in How to Be a Bad Writer (in Ten Easy Lessons). He scolds us with ten critical statements and leaves us to do the reverse engineering. Hughes places a premium on honesty, devoting half of his essay to that message. One example is, â€Å"Never write about anything you know, your home town, or your home folks, or yourself. † Hughes attacks dishonesty, verbosity, and affectation with, â€Å"Have nothing to say, but use a great many words, particularly high-sounding words, to say it. When you add Hughes’ instruction to use stereotypes of older stereotypes, his anger is evident. Sadly, Hughes' race-related advice, if not some of his terminology, remains relevant. There is no universally correct way to be a successful writer and I find it comforting that neither author refers to his advice as rules or laws. King and Hughes have given us valuable reference tools to a ssist in developing our own techniques. It is up to us to choose how we will apply their advice.