Importance of Path Dependence in Management Essay

Importance of Path Dependence in Management - Essay Example The strong implication is that actors in a particular process become locked-in mechanisms that are themselves a product of historical contingencies. This perspective holds that phenomena are complex, and, therefore, a result of mutually interacting variables which produce non-linear dynamics and feedback loops. The complexity of the discourse on organisational change and innovation has only increased. This is occasioned by two divergent views. The first view holds that new and more flexible or fluid organisational forms are on demand while the second view holds the belief in organisational inertia and the historical necessity of decision making (Garud, Arun, and Peter, 2009:760). These two views have confronted managers who have to balance between new ideas and customs of an organisation or an industry. This is mostly influenced in concepts such as entrepreneurial mindset where actors are more driven by the logic of control which drives them to effectively actualise complex processes. This has made path dependence essential to managers as they struggle to understand the basic factors underlying most organisational processes and past successes while linking them with the realities of the moment to improve sustenance of an organisational performance and effectiveness (Coombs and Hull, 1997:1 -26). In a case study of Toyota production system (TPS), the perspective of change as a path dependence phenomenon promotes the importance of this concept in management (Driel and Dolfsma, 2009:67). To begin with, TPS created lock-in mechanisms long before the development of a proper mechanism involving relative competition. The competitors were able to copy some of the TPS models with accuracy and create considerable competition. However, through application of its significant and reliable production techniques and marketing strategies, they maintained loyalty of a client base that believed in the products produced by Toyota (Driel and Dolfsma, 2009:67).

Exploring the role of change management and new HRMS system adoption Dissertation

Exploring the role of change management and new HRMS system adoption the case of American Express Bahrain - Dissertation Example However, there are some strategic loopholes that can addressed to reap full benefits of the system. Table of Contents 1 Chapter One- Introduction 2 Chapter Two- Literature Review 3 Chapter Three- Research Methodology 4 Chapter Four- Results and Findings 5 Chapter Five- Conclusions and Recommendations 6 References 7 Appendices Chapter 1- Introduction 1.1 Title Exploring the role of change management and new HRMS (Human Resource Management System) adoption; the case of American Express Bahrain. 1.2 Aim To explore the role of change management by studying the steps American Express Bahrain has put into action to introduce the new HRMS on its employees. 1.3 Research Question What are the chronological steps that a company must apply in order to introduce new software to the organisation? 1.4 Objectives To examine the techniques that American Express Bahrain use when introducing change to employees. To establish a questionnaire to understand the steps those were taken. To draw conclusions on ways and theories that help organisations sequential their introduction of change to their employees. 1.5 Background to the study The term Change Management deals with the substitution of one thing or set of conditions for another , thus making something different from its previous condition, be it an alteration in state, or quality, variety, variation, mutation(Sofroniou,2009). Change Management is something that all managers should know how to cope with especially with our rapidly changing world and the contribution of technology to the modernisation of business functions and practises. Consequently, organisations must adapt to the environment around them in order to stay competitive by leveraging technology and new systems (Saunders, Lewis, and Thornhill, 2009). Organisations must be able to adapt to the changing environment if they are to survive. Threats to organisational existence include but are not limited to changes in technology, the tastes of consumers, the regulation s of the Government, the increase in the cost of various resources, and values and capabilities of the prospective employees, downsizing, mergers and acquisitions(Palmer et al, 2006). However, all these reasons came from one major source –Globalisation. According to Webster’s dictionary the term globalisation is the development of an increasingly integrated global economy marked especially by free trade, free flow of capital, and the tapping of cheaper foreign labor markets (merriam-webster, 2012). Thus, the world’s economy is treated as one big market which makes it difficult for organizations to be unique and different from competitors. Moreover, globalization has majorly affected organizational change. This is evident because of all the planned and unplanned changes that occur in small and multinational companies. In the recent time the most important thing faced by most of the global organization is the constant changes in the all aspects of business. Due to the technological revolution most of the organizations are practicing the new technologies related to the human resource management system(HRMS). The development in the information technology has given a new paradigm shift to the HRMS. Most of the global organizations are accepting the virtue of the HRMS (Grobler & Warnich. 2005. P, 39) The new trend in the global organization is to apply computer based technologies to create a strong HRMS. Most of the organizations like American Express are using the HRMS to revamp the HRMS

Plato - Soul Essay Example for Free

Plato Soul Essay 1. ) True; Simmias uses the theory of recollection in his argument against Socrates about the soul and it having immortality, or not. He uses an analogy of an instrument to represent the body, and the instrument’s attunement to represent the soul. He makes a stand that if the body of an instrument can be destroyed, which will then cause the attunement to also be destroyed, then isn’t that saying the same for the relationship of the body and its soul? (72e-80c). 2. ) True; in order for the attunement or harmony within an instrument can work perfectly and in tune, the instrument must be put together correctly and in perfect harmonious measure. 3. ) False; Socrates states that there is no greater evil one can suffer than to hate reasonable discourse, not hate mankind. However, those that do hate reasonable discourse, are objectionable and nonproductive, but by no mean the greatest evil. The greatest evil are those who hurt, torture, and destroy others for their own selfish reasons or for no reason at all, just because they can. Reasonable discourse is the refined and ideal way to resolve differences and problems. (89d-e) ( but first there is a certain experience we must be careful to avoid That we must not become misologues, as people become misanthropes. There is no greater evil one can suffer than to hate reasonable discourse. Misology and misanthropy arise in the same way. ) 4. ) False; how can something rule over another thing, if that thing is the making up of the thing that’s trying to rule it? For example, I cannot rule over my mother, when my mother is who made me; another example, a soul cannot rule over a body, if the body is what makes up the soul. 5. ) False; without such things as the good and the beautiful being non-existent, then how can the soul have existed, before we were born, without them? How would we know whether or not if they did, unless the theory of recollection of course, was in play? 6. ) True; without the senses being intact, how can one hear or see accurately to know anything? To learn anything? Without just those two senses being intact, the other senses will also be inaccurate, as well. (65b) 7. ) True; he argues that when discussing opposites, that one thing comes from the opposite of another and nowhere else. (70e-72b) 8. ) False; you can’t know what you know with just your knowledge, because how can you have knowledge, if you do not know anything? You need experience, along with trial and error, to be able to learn what you are and aren’t supposed to do. How is it that the first people came to know anything? They weren’t just born with their knowledge; they had to learn what they know that has formed into their present knowledge. (65a) 9. ) True; Socrates does accept the fact that maybe good and beautiful do not exist. That’s when, in question 5, he came to the conclusion that even without their existence, does that say that mean our soul does or doesn’t still exist before we are born? Do we need such things as good, evil, beautiful, and ugly to have our soul be pre-existent? 10. ) False; Socrates has Simmias agreement that philosophers distance themselves as much as possible from bodily pleasures such as: food, drink, sex, fancy clothes, etc. Philosophers are only concerned with the comfort of their souls, and want to free the soul as much as possible from relations with the body. Socrates claims that our senses are vague and may deceive us, so the best kind of wisdom comes from basis, when distanced as far as possible from the distractions of the body. (64c-67b).

Historical Site For Heritage Tourism Tourism Essay

Historical Site For Heritage Tourism Tourism Essay The Team Jamaica Handbook, 2006 defines tourist as any person who visits a country or place for more than twenty-four (24) hours but less than a year for a variety of reasons other than employment. One of the most popular attractions for tourist activities on vacation is visiting historical and culture sites. According to the tourism technical report (1998), Since the 90s Heritage Tourism has been the growth segments of the industry, given the countrys rich history and culture. Jamaica has attracted quite a large number of persons, both locally and internationally. It has become apparent that there has been a growing interest in historical and cultural aspects of Jamaicas life among visitors who travel to our country. (Chang 1997) has defined Heritage tourism as the phenomenon in which the cultural, historical and ethnic components of society or places are harnessed as resources to attract tourists, as well as develop a leisure and tourism industry. While, the national trust defines it as a traveling experience, the places and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present. It includes historic, cultural and natural resources. As a result, the whole aspect of heritage tourism can be categorized into several facets called themes as laid out in the 2002 Tourism Master Plan. These includes natural wonders, slavery and emancipation, churches, great houses, maroons, Pre-Columbian Jamaica, forts and fortications and popular customs such as music, dance, dress and language. The case study focuses on the parish of St. Catherine being restored and promoted as a historic site for heritage tourism. Jamaica has been promoted as the island for sun, sea, sand and winter get-away for a number of years. It is where tourists come to frolic and take part in recreational activities. Jamaica consists of fourteen parishes, with St. Catherine been one of its parishes nestled between Clarendon and St. Andrew/Kingston. This Parish was the first area to hold the first capital, Spanish Town, of Jamaica. Hence, this parish holds tremendous sentimental and valuable rich culture that has nourished and molded Jamaica. Heritage Tourism is important as the development of assets is the key to sustainable development as it ensures that the product reflects the culture and aspirations of the Jamaican people. In restoring and promoting heritage tourism, it can become a tedious process so it is essential to promote our cultural remnant and customs that will attract heritage visitors. Through this process, it will be able to do more for local economies by providing jobs, promoting community pride and the structure for new business. Thus, the parish of St. Catherine has been neglected for long while and should be taken into consideration for restoration. Statement of Problem The parish of St. Catherine holds many historical sites which has not been restored and promoted. This research to be carried asserts that Heritage Tourism in St. Catherine has been in decline for a number of years. This has been the case because of the less attention being given to it by tourism managers in the area. Robert Bateman quotes that we need to look back at our wonderful, natural and human heritage, and cherish and protect the abundant values to be found there. We need to look out to the sides and see other parts of the world that need our help and can provide good ideas to go forwardà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.we need too look ahead to be certain that our actions of today will make the world a better and richer and more varied place for our grandchildren and their grandchildren. This goes to show that conserving ones heritage is a growing concern that the Tourism Product Development Company has been placing further emphasis on development of Heritage Tourism and to widen the market f or Eco-Nature and Adventure Tourism. Heritage Tourism seems to be one of the many options to enlarge St. Catherines product base as well as enhancing Jamaicans understanding of their identity and preserving their valuable heritage. 1.2.1 Background to Research Problem The Tourism industry in Jamaica has been in full effect for years being one of the most anticipated places for tourists. In fact, tourism started to blossom in Jamaica after World War I when improved methods of transporting people to the island were established. The visit numbers have risen tremendously over the course from sixty four thousand in 1938 to One Million Six Hundred and Sixteen thousand Four Hundred and Thirty in 1993. This confirms that tourists are drawn to our island for what it has to offer. The major tourist sites are mostly on the north coast where people visit for the pleasant weather, white sandy beaches and resorts. These areas are mostly limited to Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril and Port Antonio while the parish of St. Catherine is used as a commercial centre next to Kingston which in turn holds a few numbers of visits for tourism appreciation. St. Catherine therefore needs a boost to sustain the heritage facets of tourism services. Due to the lack of many amenities to partake in, the deep roots of our heritage in St. Catherine may provide means of satisfying the Jamaican economy and the people who visit. All parts of this parish holds substantial cultural significance since it was the first home of Jamaicas capital, Spanish Town in 1534 and the home of the British Governor of the Island in that year. Most of St. Catherines heritage is held in the small town of Spanish Town holding the Parish Council, Supreme Court and House of Assembly. In 2011 an article was published criticizing Edmund Bartlett for not developing Spanish Town into a tourist destination. Then Mayor of Spanish Town and chairman of the St. Catherine Parish Council argued that the old capital should be restored and developed as a tourist mecca because Mr. Bartlett did not respond to his letter, thus emphasizing that he was not concerned with appreciating the true value of heritage tourism which contributes to eighty percent (80%) of tourism worldwide. In St. Catherine, there are various heritage facilities that will cater to the needs of tourist wanting to experience more of the heritage and a culture exchange. Some of these sites includes: bridges such as Flat Bridge, Old Iron Cast bridge, public buildings-Kings House, Military Structures-Barracks, Museums-Peoples Museum of Craft and Technology, monuments-Rodney Memorial, Churches-Phillipo Baptist, and forts-Fort Augusta and Fort Small. This comes to show that there are over twenty (20) buildings and area of interest that could be categorized as heritage sites. If St. Catherine is marketed properly it may attract hundreds of tourist to the parish. 1.3 Limitations to study ` The research is limited to the parish of St. Catherine, to residents and persons who have visited the area. The Jamaica Tourist Board along with the Tourism Product Development Company will also be used as they are responsible for developing, restoring and promoting cultural heritage in Jamaica. 1.4 Purpose of Study The aim of this research is to see how St. Catherine can be restored and promoted as a historical site for Heritage Tourism. The parish of St. Catherine which is located on the southern coast of Jamaica was chosen because it plays an integral role in our history. St. Catherine holds the first capital of our island, Spanish Town. The research is a source of information that lays out the current areas and applications to be carried out to make St. Catherine a travelled tourism destination for Heritage Tourism. They will be able to integrate and recognize different historical issues in the parish and determine various ways of making St. Catherine a diversified area for the tourism industry. Weiler and Hall has opined that culture, heritage and the arts have long been one of the appeal factors of tourists destinations and culture has been rediscovered as an important tool to attract the travelers with special interests in heritage. This statement justify that, persons will be impacted su ch as residents of St. Catherine, tourists and other visitors. Not only negatively through restoration but positively through fostering job opportunities, attracting visitors interested in history and preservation and diversifying the local economy. 1.5 Significance of Study The proposed research will determine ways on restoring and promoting St. Catherine as a destination for Heritage Tourism. The researcher hopes that the result of this study, the government will develop strategic measures to instill this area so it is preserved and protected. Since the parish has been neglected as far as the year 2009, the tourism body consisting of Ministry of Tourism, Jamaica National Heritage Trust, Jamaica Tourist Board and Tourism Product Development Company should put in place comprehensive and well conceived polices in order to encourage the restoration of the historical assets that each company constitutes. St. Catherine has the prospective to become a Heritage Tourism destination because of its distinct historical and cultural heritage and can provide visitors with unique experiences. Thus the significances should not be ignored but addressed to maintain the value of tourism in Jamaica. 1.6 Definition of Terms Tourist: Is any person who visits a country or place for more than twenty-four (24) hours but less than a year for a variety of reasons other than employment such as recreation, leisure, holiday, business, family and friends, or meeting. (Team Jamaica Handbook, 2006) Restoration: According to the Tourism Glossary (gdrc.org), restoration is returning existing habitats to a known past state, or to an approximation of the natural condition through repairing, degradation and removing introduced species. Promotion: All the activities in producing and increasing sales, including advertising, publicity and personal selling or the activities that supplements and makes more effective advertising and personal selling. Special events individually treated to bring public attention to specific products (Bhatia). As applied to the tourism industry, the most important function of marketing is to bring about an awareness of the product in the minds of existing as well as prospective consumers in the overall market area (Khan, 2005). Heritage Tourism: This is the phenomenon in which the cultural, historical and ethnic components of society or places are harnessed as resources to attract tourists, as well as develop a leisure and tourism industry. (Chang, 1997) 1.7 Research Questions/Hypotheses This research was premeditated and carried out to study three main research questions that will help St. Catherine become flourishing through restoration and promotion. They are: What is the present status of Heritage Tourism in St. Catherine? How can Heritage Tourism be restored in St. Catherine? How can Heritage Tourism be promoted in St. Catherine? 1.7.1 Hypotheses: St. Catherine, Jamaica can be restored and promoted as a historical site for Heritage Tourism. 1.8 Chapter Summary This chapter recaps the problems being faced of not using St. Catherine as a heritage site for Jamaica as well as the importance of the researchers topic and how it will affect persons such as the residents and tourists in St. Catherine. It gives a general overview of heritage tourism in Jamaica and St. Catherine along with various citations from persons who have said something about the issue of Heritage tourism and an understanding of different terms used throughout the introduction. 1.9 Thesis Overview The research is divided into five sections called chapters which are prearranged in the following way. The first section is an overall overview of the topic chosen including the introduction, statement of problem, background to research problem, limitations to study, purpose of study, Significance of Study, Research Questions/Hypotheses, and Definition of Terms. The second part holds an extensive description of St. Catherine as a heritage site. It also gives a brief story of the area of study and the major historical sites it holds, and the different practices taken to involve restoring and promoting heritage tourism as it relates to the research topics, questions and problems. The third section of the research examines the type of instrument used for the methodology to obtain information. Section four presents the findings, analysis and confers the results gathered from all findings. Lastly, section five draws the conclusion and presents recommendations and probable approaches to the topic.

Mcteague As A Social Commentary Essay -- essays research papers

Written in 1899, Frank Norris’ novel, McTeague serves as a view of societal factions of his time period. Norris illustrates the stratification of society in this San Francisco community by using the concept of Social Darwinism. He gives detailed accounts of the inner workings of society along with the emotions of the time. Through his characters, Norris shows the separation of classes and the greed that grew abundantly during the late 19th century. He also gives a grim picture of survival in his depiction of the theory of natural selection. In the first chapter, Norris paints a picture of a town setting. He describes Polk Street as â€Å"one of those cross streets peculiar to Western cities, situated in the heart of the residence quarter, but occupied by small trades people who lived in the rooms above their shops. There were corner drug stores with huge jars of red, yellow and green liquids in their windows, very brave and gay; stationers’ stores, where illustrated weeklies were tacked upon bulletin boards; barber shops with cigar stands in their vestibules; sad-looking plumbers; offices; cheap restaurants, in whose windows one saw piles of unopened oysters weighted down by cubes of ice, and china pigs and cows knee deep in layers of white beans.† In this paragraph, the reader gets a visual image of a town during the 19th century. Cozy, quaint and rather poor, this town exists as an example of any other town at this time. Also, in setting the activities of the time period, No...

Comparing A Thousand Acres and King Lear :: comparison compare contrast essays

A Thousand Acres and King Lear: A New Twist When Jane Smiley wrote A Thousand Acres, she consciously made the story parallel to Shakespeare's King Lear for several reasons. The novel's characters and basic storyline are almost direct parallels to King Lear, but Smiley's dissatisfaction with the traditional interpretation of King Lear is showcased in her modern day version (Berne 236). The story of the Cook family is almost a carbon copy of the saga of Lear's family. The ruler, or father, possesses so much power that he is driven to insanity. Both divide up their kingdoms and land, giving the largest portion to the most "loving" daughter: "In spite of that inner clang, I tried to sound agreeable. 'It's a good idea.' Rose said, 'It's a great idea.' Caroline said, 'I don't know.'" (Smiley 19). In each family, one daughter, the youngest, rebels against her father's wishes and is not given any land. Cordelia: Nothing, my lord. Lear: Nothing? Cordelia: Nothing. Lear: Nothing will come of nothing: speak again. Cordelia: Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave My heart into my mouth. I love your majesty/ According to my bond; nor more nor less. (Shakespeare I. i. 89-94) Shortly after giving up his power, the father realizes that he is nothing without it and appears to be slowly becoming insane. In both instances, the father, in a crazed moment, wanders off and puts himself in a life-threatening situation. In the end the youngest daughter comes to the fathers' rescue. With so many basic plot similarities, Smiley manages to convey a new take on an old-fashioned story. At the end of King Lear, Lear traditionally is believed to be a changed man. Smiley doesn't buy into this common belief; therefore Larry Cook remains a static character throughout the novel. He never changes his attitude towards his possessions, his daughters and his land. Another difference that contributes to Smiley's new interpretation is the point of view from which the story is told. King Lear is told from a strictly male point of view. A Thousand Acres is told through the viewpoint of Ginny, Smiley's parallel to Goneril. Through Ginny's self-revelation, the reader is made aware of many circumstances that would cause a daughter to hate her father. Smiley believes that Lear's daughters must have had some reason for hating him. This is why, in her novel, she includes a childhood of incest.

Broadcast commission

Children in Jamaica and the world at large are surrounded by opportunities to develop and use emergent literacy skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Based on a research conducted by the Sesame Street Media, â€Å"Once children get to 7 and 8 years, they are able to focus on activities for longer stretches of time. Their memory, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills sharpen. Children at this age are also starting to form stronger, more complex relationships outside the family, especially with same-sex peers. The power of media on the society is taken as a axis that media representations are not simply a mirror of society but rather, they are highly selective and merely an example. Therefore, active decisions should be taken at every stage of the process of producing and transmitting media material, regarding what should be included and what should be omitted and how and when a content should be presented. Possible effects such as such as violent or aggres sive behavior, substance use, sexual activity and decreased school performance are major issues.In an aid to prevent this, necessary measures need to be taken in order to mitigate these potential problems. In Jamaica there are directives that electronic media, broadcast radio and television, as well as subscriber television has to follow from the Broadcasting Commission. The Broadcasting Commission role is to monitor and regulate these industries, balancing the interests of consumers, the industries and the creative community in implementing public policy and law. Ender the Broadcasting Law and Regulation Code, there is the Children's Code for Programming. This code sets out standards for the media to rate and schedule or filter programming and provide advisories. This will assist parents and guardians to determine the types of material to which their children are exposed. The procedures in the code arise from the general principles for dealing with child audiences are detailed in t he Children's Charter for programming.According to the code, rating is an assessment of the nature of problematic material in all programming. For the broadcast, media rating will be done of all programming including newscasts, broadcasts of sporting events, music videos, programmer trailers, songs and advertisements where as for the subscriber television services rating will be carried out on each channel. Scheduling or filtering Is ensuring that programming Is only transmitted to the appropriate audience for the type of problematic material it contains.Therefore, the broadcast media programmer are scheduled so that potentially harmful material is not transmitted at times when children can reasonably be expected to be a significant part of the radio or television audiences. Subscriber television services material is filtered so that programming channels rated A or X are only available to subscribers who specifically choose to have that material in their homes. In an effort to do so they provide what is called a Watershed,' established at pm daily.This is a time each day, after which a programming might become increasingly adult oriented. Advisories are information about the nature and make informed choices about what type of programming children in their care are exposed to. For example: According to the Broadcasting Commission, on radio aired between 7:mama and 8:1 Sam, material reviewed song, â€Å"All my ladies if you got it let me know, she thick in her hips, colder than a month licking her lips; a bad ‘matchlocks'. Apple looking so right. She makes me want a piece. I give it to her all night, she doesn't want to leave†.They found this as being offensive sounding words, as it presents a distasteful language, sexual content and it is in Breach of Watershed, (February 6&20 2009 Directives and Children Code). Therefore, it is in the best interest of the Broadcasting Commission that obscene and indecent programming is constitutional, because of t he compelling societal interests in protecting children from potentially harmful programming and supporting parent's ability to determine the programming to which their children will be exposed to at home.In a speech presented by Chairman of the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica, Hope S. Dunn on July 14, 2010 at the Pegasus Hotel, he stated that, â€Å"Regarding the enforcement of the Children's Code for Programming, there has been significant progress in the quality of the output on electronic media nationally. This is evident from the Commission's Complaints record for the period April 2009 to March 2010, the Commission received sixty-nine (69) complaints. This was a decrease of forty-seven percent (47%) when compared to the previous period.On the other hand the Media Association of Jamaica in partnership with the Press Association of Jamaica has reduced a Code of Ethics for Journalists to create a higher basic standard of journalism across the industry and to improve transparen cy and redress by media houses in the public interest. There is always that time in a media practitioner's career, when he or she would end up at a crossroads where an ethical decision has to be made between right and wrong.Often times, ethical choices are hard to make, but at the end of the day a decision has to be made. Professionals in various fields make choices not Just in a systematic way but most importantly in an ethical manner. With that being said, the press association of Jamaica code of practice, provides requirements for media practitioners to abide by, it also deals with matters of common concern among citizen as it relates to morality and the protection of fairness.Under the provision of the code media practitioners should not identify children under the age of 18 who are involved in cases concerning sexual offences, whether as victims or as witnesses or defendants in a trial. In any news report of a case involving a sexual offence by an adult against a child, the chi ld should not be identified. The adult may be identified if such identification would not cause the identity of the child to be revealed. In cases of incest, for the purposes of the protection of the identification the child, the term ‘incest', where applicable, should never be used.