Individual essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Individual - Essay Example companies have been effectively developing talent management strategies and through rewarding candidates and providing them nurturing climate, they are nourishing talent. Another process that is considered central to employee motivation and workplace productivity is High Performance Workforce Practice (HPWP). HPWP is recognised as a bundle of practices that are very essential for holistic workplace environment, and for increasing effectiveness of employees. In the report of India government studies, the identified HPWP Practices include cross training and job rotation, multi-skilling, job enrichment, job enlargement, mentoring, systems of communication, performance rewards, flexible working, growth in discretion, peer review and 360 degree evaluation, knowledge management and sharing of learning resources, career coaching, self directed production and services teams and flexible job descriptions (India Gov). On the other hand, International Labour Organisation (ILO) has defined four main areas of HPWP including job design and employee involvement, communication and information sharing, support for learning skills and rewarding and acknowledging perfo rmance through rewarding and recognition (India gov, n.d.). Hiring the right people is very important for the organization and there is a strong relationship between HR involvements in internal branding. Moreover, human resources also play a significant role in incorporating brand into work activities. For creating strong organizational branding, companies are putting great focus towards talent management and HPWP. It means, talent management and HPWP are very significant, thereby, making human resources planning an important part of strategic planning. Human resources planning can be defined as â€Å"the process of anticipating and providing for the movement of people into, within, and out of an organization (Bohalnder and Snell, 2007). There are various techniques of human resources planning and many of them are very

ICT Analysis Case Essay Example for Free

ICT Analysis Case Essay For my ICT Coursework I am doing a data handling project based on a newly opened restaurant. This restaurant is called Fusion and it was opened on July 7th 2007. Fusion is located in Dubai on the Sheikh Zayed Road. The Manager is Mr. Hashmi. He has asked me to help him out with the data they have collected over the past few months. The reason for doing this is that Fusion has fast become a very popular restaurant. I intend to help them handle their data in order to continue this success. Firstly I am going to help them input their customer details. I then intend to interview Mr Hashmi to establish what more information I can investigate. My reasons for doing this is that it will make their restaurant more efficient as they will now have user friendly data on the computer. The advantage of this is that they can edit the data anytime they want and it will never be lost by anyone unlike data which is written down on paper. They now have more then 300 customers and they thought it was time to get someone to help them with their customer details as there customer base is expanding everyday. They want a user friendly system so it will be easy for their staff to use. They previously had a staff of 20 (front and back of house which has now increased to 40. So with an increased customer and staff base it makes economical sense to implement this database to continue the efficient running of the school. Project Input Processing Output Restaurant Customer Details (name and address) Booking Details (date, time, number in party, table number) Table details (table number, maximum number of people) Look up customer details. Add, Edit and delete booking details. Look up booking details. Search for available tables on a particular time. Search for bookings on a particular date. Booking details on screen. Lists of daily bookings. Letters to customers advertising special promotions and events. Consulting the users of the current system Questionnaire 1. Have you ever been to the new restaurant Fusion? o Yes o No 2. Do you like the new restaurant Fusion? o Yes o No 3. Please give your age ____ 4. Would you like to make any improvements to Fusion o Yes o No 5. If yes, what would you like to improve? 6. What do you feel is the strong point of the restaurant? 7. What do you feel is a weakness of the restaurant? Thats the end of the questionnaire! Thank you for taking the time to complete it. Interview for Mr. Hashmi 1. What information do you store on your data handling system which is currently being used? We use our current data handling system to store the customer details, booking Details and table details. 2. How and where do you store your information? We just write down all these details onto a form. We then file all of this into a filing cabinet into different folders. 3. What happens when new customers come to eat at the restaurant? We right down the customer details onto a form and store it into a filing cabinet. 4. How many customers have you had till now? We have had more than 300 customers coming to the restaurant right now. 5. What problems does the current system cause? There are a lot of problems with the current systems. It is very difficult and time consuming to look up customer names. Even more so it is a very difficult when we have to edit or change data and the data can be damaged as its only being written down on a piece of paper. Also its a waste of paper. Wasting paper is also not very environmentally friendly which is something that as a business we take very seriously. 6. What experience of using a computer do you have? I personally have had a lot experience of using a computer as we have one in the restaurant. However its not used to store information. It is mostly used for sending emails. I think many of my staff would find using computers difficult so therefore by implementing an easy and efficient data handling program would be ideal I have high hopes that my staff would get used to the system quickly therefore making the running of the restaurant more efficient. 7. What kind of storing system would you and your staff prefer? I personally think the staff would prefer a data handling system on the computer as they will only have to learn it once and it would be really easy to use. 8. How much money are you willing to spend on developing a new system? We are willing to invest as much is needed to acquire the perfect data handling program as I am aware that it will ultimately benefit the running of my business. Thus improving profits in the long run. 9. What are some of the advantages of the current system you are using? Well I think the one advantage is that everyone can easily use the current system as there is no practice needed for it. 10. If there was one improvement you would make to the current system what would it be? I would like to change and make the current system easier to use for example I would like to be able to access a customers details quicker and more effectively. Describing the current system The current data handling system used in the Fusion restaurant is just a filing system and is not a digital application program on the computer. Unlike, the other restaurants where they all have a digital application program. The real end user of this system is the staff at the Fusion restaurant. They use a lot of their time organising, collecting, storing, entering, sorting and finding all the data and making sure its in order, neat and ready for the next day. They have to Look up customer details, add customer details, edit them and delete booking details from the data handling system currently being used. This information is presently being filed into filing cabinets. This information is used to keep up-to-date with all the bookings being made and to know if the restaurant is full at a time or empty. The current system has a few advantages. These are a few advantages for the current filing system. These are some of the advantages for using the current system: * The current filing system is very easy to use and everyone can use it no matter how experienced they are * The current filing system much is cheaper then having a computer application program made for the restaurant itself. * It is also very easy to produce the forms as it is just paper and questions that have been printed. This is very easy task for the restaurant but if the customer number increases higher it will be impossible for the system to work in order. * This filing system will never break down and have to go in for repairing unlike an application program, which might have to go in for repairing because of technical problems or damage. * The data wont get lost due to technical fault however through human error it can be misplaced but not every detail of the every customer will not be lost. But if the datas on the computer and it gets damaged all of Fusions information can be lost. To prevent this they will have to keep back up files. Problem Description This project will aim to solve the data-handling problems of the new restaurant called Fusion. This is a restaurant where a variety of foods are served. To do this work and provide these services customer details (name and address), booking Details and table details are collected and stored in filing cabinets. For the current system the data is collected by asking the customers their details over the phone or in person. This current system has a few disadvantages. These are some of the disadvantages for using the current system: * Its very time consuming to use. When the staff wants to find a particular file it takes them an unesccerray long time to go through all the folders and find the file they needed. This is also waste the customers time as they can become very impatient waiting for their file to be taken out. * The current system is also a waste of paper because when a new customer comes in they have to fill in a form or if a customers form is misplaced they will have to fill it in again which will cause inconvenience for the customers and the staff at the Fusion Restaurant. Making the restaurant look incompetent. * The current system also takes up a lot of storage space, which is eventually going to run out as they are going to get more and more new customers everyday. * If a customer wanted to edit their details the staff may find it really difficult to edit it and update information, as it is on paper and will have to be crossed out. This will also be very untidy and not very eye catching. * Also, if one member of staff fills up one form and another member of staff has to use it the next day it will be very hard to understand some peoples handwriting. This may cause inconvenience for the customer. * The system which is being used now can also be damaged as it is just ordinary paper and can be ruined easily by water, tea or coffee. * Another issue is if the original form which was filled previously is misplaced the customer will have to fill another form. This is very frustrating and annoying for the customers. Possible solutions There are a lot of possible solutions for all the problems. These are some of the most sensible and important solutions: * They could employ more staff as part of the staff can only organise all the files in the filing cabinet, but this has a disadvantage as it is very expensive to hire more staff and it might cause confusion among the other staff because of so many people working in one restaurant. * They can also have different filing cabinets for different customers in alphabetical order. This will make it easier for the staff to find the files as they can just go to the filing cabinet for the people whose name began with an A for example. * They can also have a different filing cabinet for bookings and reservations for the day. As this will help the staff, because they can go and check the reservations as they will know which filing cabinet the information is in. * They could also have a data handling system made as this will save their time, will be user-friendly, it will also make files a lot easier to locate and there will be no misspellings in this system. This is also saves on the storage space that would have been used previously for storing all the files. Chosen Solutions I have chosen the best chosen solution for solving the problem that Fusion is currently facing. I think the best solution for this problem is to use an application program which might not be specifically made for storing data from restaurants but can be customised to what the restaurant needs in its data handling system. Some of the advantages of this solution are: * This application program will be able to save all the data from fusion restaurant, with no misspellings and it will also save a lot of storage space. * Also the data cannot be misplaced to anywhere as it is on the computer and as long as the staff press the save button none of the data can be lost. * The data saved on the application program can be edited easily and will still be neat unlike the current system that is being used at Fusion. * The application program wont be time consuming as data can be found within approximately 45 seconds rather then the current system which might take more then 15 minutes. * The application program will also save a lot of paper and ink as the system will be fully digital and wont need to be printed onto paper. * The handwriting in the current system is very hard to read as different people fill out different forms, but with an application program everything will be typed in so this will make the writing very easy to read and understandable for all members of staff. * This might take some training for people who arent familiar with computers but in the long run it is better for the restaurant itself as it is a very modern restaurant and so should have a modern data handling system like the bigger and more established restaurants. System objectives There are a few system objectives for this application program as these will help improve the service provided by the application program. The system objectives for this application program are: * It should allow the staff at the Fusion restaurant to edit customer details as neatly as possible. * Allow me to find customer bookings quicker then the current filing system being used at Fusion. * Allow the staff at Fusion to find customers easily, so they can attend other customers. * The application program should be easy to use. * It also allows the staff to get in touch with the customers which is a positive thing for the restaurant. * The application program should be able to display information fast so it doesnt cause any inconvenience for the staff or the customer. * It should be able to quickly delete customers as when they had filing cabinets they had to find the folder which had to been thrown out. Performance criteria The performance criteria is linked to the system objective as it is just a more detailed explanation about the system objectives. The performance criteria for the application program are: * The system should allow the staff to easily change customer details without time constraints. * It should also allow me to find customer bookings without any problems in about 45 seconds. * The application program should also allow me to find customers easily without showing me other customers and customer details. * It should be easy to use so people without any ICT skills can use it easily too. * It should also allows the staff to get in touch with the customer as pictures can be added to the application program so this shows a clear picture of how the customer looks like. * It should also display information faster, in about 45 seconds for the maximum. * It should be able to quickly delete customers as when they had filing cabinets they had to find the folder which had to been thrown out. This is more efficient and environmentally friendly so therefore no paper is being wasted and also increases the speed of data being processed. Current resources Fusion has a PC even though not used for data handling it is used for emailing customers about current offers and information about Fusion. The current resources that are being used now at Fusion restaurant are: * A Flat screen which is 15 inches in size and has a Screen Resolution of 1280 x 800. * It runs on Windows XP and has the software Microsoft office 2000 right now which is quite old and doesnt have a lot features. * It is of the brand Samsung, which is quite popular for PCs. * The internet connection is DSL, which is faster than the normal internet connections available. Hardware The hardware in a computer is equipment involved in the function of a computer. Computer hardware consists of parts that can be physically handled. The functions of these components are usually divided into three main categories: input, output, and storage. Software Computer software is a general term used to describe a collection of computer programs, procedures and documentation that perform tasks on a computer system. The term includes application software such as word processors which perform productive tasks for users, system software such as operating systems, which interface with hardware to provide the necessary services for application software, and middleware which controls and co-ordinates distributed systems.

Definition and purpose of computer accounting information system

Definition and purpose of computer accounting information system This literature review will begins with definitions and the purpose of (AIS) and discussion of the studies of general IT adoption and then reviews studies specifically focused on accounting software adoption. Then it will discuss the Uses,development and the step of AIS. The end of this literature review will discuss the effectiveness of accounting information system. Definition of computer accounting information system (AIS): The computer accounting information system (AIS) was invented by professor Karen Osterheld, It was used as a system of records for business keeps to maintain its accounting system. This includes the purchase, sales, and other financial processes of the business. [1]The purpose of AIS is to accumulate data and provide decision makers (investors, creditors, and managers) with information to make decision, while this was previously a paper-based process, most modern businesses now use accounting software such as UBS, MYOB etc. [1] IT Adoption Factors for computerized accounting: [2] Several studies (Thong 1999; Harrison, Mykytyn and Riemenschneider 1997; Cragg and King 1993; Moore and Benbasat 1991; Treadgold 1990) of IT adoption have identified a variety of motivating factors. Thong (1999) attempted to consolidate the myriad of IT adoption research by developing an integrated model of information systems adoption. This model is a useful framework in reviewing the variables that impact on business owners decision to adopt IT. Thong categorized the variables into four elements: 1. characteristics of the organizational decision makers: 2. characteristics of the technological innovation; 3. characteristics of the organization; and 4. characteristics of the environment in which the organization operates. According to the literature all of the above characteristics influence, to varying degrees, the owner- managers decision to implement IT. Characteristics of the Organizational Decision Makers In large businesses teams are typically involved in the IT decision-making process. This is in contrast to small business where the owner-manager is usually the IT decision maker (Thong 1999). In small business, therefore, the characteristics of the owner-manager are critical in determining the organisations attitude to IT (Rizzoni 1991). The particular owner-manager characteristics important to IT adoption are: innovativeness, computer self-efficacy, level of IT knowledge, education, and IT training experience (Thong 1999). Compeau and Higgins (1995) defined computer self-efficacy as a judgement of ones capability to use a computer. Small businesses that have CEOs (typically the owner) that have undertaken computer training and possess computer self-efficacy are more likely to implement IT (Delone 1988, Raymond 1988). Conversely, owner-managers can inhibit any worthwhile IT achievements through hostility or detachment toward IT (Thatcher and Perrewe 2002). Characteristics of the Technological Innovation The characteristics of the technological innovation itself are also an important determinant in the decision to adopt IT. Applying Rogers (1983) theory to the adoption of accounting software as the innovation, the software must be perceived better than the predecessor system (most likely a manual accounting system); must be consistent with the needs of the adopter, such as capable of handling GST; must be easy to learn and use; the results must be apparent; and the accounting software should be available on a trial basis. Over the past decade, the advent of powerful, low cost micro-computers coupled with user-friendly accounting software, have improved and lifted the barriers to IT innovation adoption. This has led to an increase in the adoption of IT by small business (Thong 1999). Characteristics of the Organization The characteristics of the organization are other variables that influences the decision whether to adopt IT. Organizational characteristics such as: business size, employees level of IT knowledge, industry sector, business location, and information-intensity has been analysed in previous research studies (See for examples: Fink 1999; Burgess 1998; Wenzler 1996; Attewell 1992; Yap 1990; and Delone 1988). Generally, the larger the number of employees, the greater the sales turnover, the more information-intensive the industry the more likely a small business will adopt IT innovation. Moreover, businesses tend to suffer resource poverty (Thong 1999) in terms of financial capacity, available time and IT skilled staff to facilitate innovation adoption. Characteristics of the Environment The characteristics of the environment in which the organisation operates relates to variables such as competition and external agents. For example, Link and Bozeman (2001) established that competition leads to innovative technology adoption. Treadgolds (1990) study indicated that small businesses with high IT adoption rates had been influenced by external agents such as: trade associations, wholesalers, voluntary groups and franchisors. Wenzler (1996) found that small business customers were a significant reason for implementing IT, more so than the influence of competitors. This paper extended the external agent influence to the role of accountants in the decision to adopt accounting software. Many small businesses are impeded by resource poverty, consequently the owner-manager does not have the available time or funds to source, analyze, review and implement software applications. Public Practice Accountants are in a unique position to provide systems analysis, design, implementation and support advice to their clients, thereby spreading the cost of acquiring this expertise among multiple customers. The accountant, therefore, could generally provide this service more efficiently and effectively, than if the small business owner performed the function himself or herself. Furthermore, at the time of this study, the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was an external influence on small business owner-managers decisions to adopt a CAS (see for example Lief 2000). Motivating factors for the adoption of Accounting software [2] The advent of powerful, low cost microcomputers, together with user-friendly accounting software, has allowed a greater number of business to implement IT in recent years (Raymond and Bergeron 1992). The need to facilitate financial management is another motivating factor for adopting accounting software (McMahon and Holmes 1991; Gorton 1999). Moreover, some researchers have identified a link between the use of CAS and enhanced business performance (see Gorton 1999; Smith 1999; and Reid and Smith 2002). An alternative view is that a growing SME faces increased financial challenges and consequently there is a greater need for careful attention to financial management and financial reporting (McMahon 2001). The major benefits of implementing a CAS are to increase business efficiency and to facilitate timely information (Burgess 1997). The impediments to implementing a CAS are lack of time (Proudlock et al. 1999), owner-managers view that the CAS is costly (Head 2000), perception that the technology is not suited to the nature of the business (ABS 2000), and lack of IT expertise (ABS 2000; Burgess 1997). Accounting information systems Technology: [3] Input The input devices that needed win Accounting information systems include: standard personal computers or workstations running applications; scanning devices for standardized data entry; electronic communication devices for electronic data interchange (EDI) and e-commerce. Process Basic processing is achieved through computer systems in the personal computers to large-scale enterprise servers. However, processing model is still the double-entry accounting system . Output Output devices used include computer displays, impact and nonimpact printers, electronic communication devices for EDI and e-commerce. The output can be financial reports from budgets and tax reports to multinational financial statements. Uses of AIS [3] AISs cover all business functions from backbone accounting transaction processing systems to sophisticated financial management planning and processing systems. Financial reporting starts by capture important business transactions such as normal production, purchasing, and selling activities then these transactions are classified and summarized for internal decision making and for external financial reporting. Cost accounting systems are used in manufacturing and service company. This accounting system will help these organizations to track (measure) the costs for the production of goods and/or performance of services. In addition,it can provide advanced analyses tracking the cost of product or service. Management accounting systems are used for planning, monitoring, and control for a variety of activities . This allows managerial-level employees to have access to advanced reporting and statistical analysis. The systems can be used to gather information, to develop various scenarios, and to choose an optimal answer among alternative scenarios Development [3] The development of AIS includes five basic phases the time period associated with each of these phases can be as short as a few weeks or as long as several years. This five phases include: Phase 1 planning : In this phase the entails determination of the scope and objectives of the project, the definition of project responsibilities, control requirements, project phases, project budgets, and project deliverables. Phase 2 analysis :This phase is used to both determine and document the accounting and business processes used by the organization. It include three type of analysis which are: Data analysis is a thorough review of the accounting information that is currently being collected by an organization. Current data are then compared to the data that the organization should be using for managerial purposes. Decision analysis is a thorough review of the decisions a manager is responsible for making. Then models are created to support the manager in gathering financial and related information to develop and design alternatives, and to make actionable choices. Process analysis is a thorough review of the organizations business processes. These processes can then be modified or reengineered to improve the organizations operations in terms of lowering cost, improving service, improving quality, or improving management information. Phase 3: design: The design phase takes the conceptual results of the analysis phase then develops and involves the detailed design of all inputs, processing, storage, and outputs of the proposed accounting system. Inputs may be defined using screen layout tools and application generators. Processing can be shown through the use of flowcharts or business process maps that define the system logic, operations, and work flow. Logical data storage designs are identified by modeling the relationships among the organizations resources, events, and agents through diagrams. Output designs are documented through the use of a variety of reporting tools such as report writers, data extraction tools, query tools, and on-line analytical processing tools. Phase 4 Implementation:The implementation phase consists of two primary parts: construction and delivery. Construction includes the selection of hardware, software and vendors for the implementation;building and testing the network communication systems; building and testing the databases; writing and testing the new program modifications; and installing and testing the total system from a technical standpoint. Delivery is the process of conducting final system and user acceptance testing; preparing the conversion plan; installing the production database; training the users; and converting all operations to the new system. Phase 5 support: This phase has two objectives. The first is to update and maintain the AIS. This includes fixing problems and updating the system for business and environmental changes. For example, changes in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or tax laws might necessitate changes to conversion or reference tables used for financial reporting. The second objective of support is to continue development by continuously improving the business through adjustments to the AIS caused by business and environmental changes. These changes might result in future problems, new opportunities, or management or governmental directives requiring additional system modifications. The Accounting information systems is very useful for companies and businesses in order to make the accounting process easier by spacial computer program or other system . Accounting software, make it easier to accumulate financial data for use in taxes, payroll, and other bookkeeping requirements. The step of the accounting system: [4] Step1: Recording ( recording expenses and profits that are very important to keep on file). Step2: Information processed for use (when processed, it is filed in the areas where it is most important). Sep3: Communication phase (common communications of this data will be used for payroll and tax purposes). In the first step all the data recorded in the accounting system in daily basis or minute by minute as sales, profits, expenses, and many other items will be used for future use in financial reports. Much of this data has to be kept on file for a number of years for example tax purpose. The next step that is taken is processing. In this stage most accounting software or programs, have different files and categories where records can be stored this filing or storage can be done manually by the individual or group of people who work on it and can also be set to do this automatically as information is entered into the system. Certain criteria can be set up in the program to allow the program to place files and data in the places or areas where it is supposed to go. The final step is the process of communicating the data in the area in which it should be communicated. First, and most importantly, tax records that are recorded and processed can be communicated at the time that filing taxes is done. Most corporations communicate there financial information on quarterly basis, other companies especially smaller businesses on an annual basis. In large corporations, like major retailers, there are often several smaller stores or branches of the company that must share information through accounting software or systems This information can help the company forecast sales, profits, loss, and a variety of other things. Many corporations share this information on a daily, weekly, or quarterly basis. The process of communication is probably the most important stage of accounting information systems because this is the point where results are known and records will be put to use. Most of the businesses and corporations now use the accounting system and become big part of them. Using resources available through accounting information systems allows major corporations and small businesses to record transactions and other financial information for use in the future. Moreover that the use of the accounting system by this company can make: the process much smoother, save money for the business, and save a great deal of time. easy to file and send documents to the IRS or other interested individuals. no need to take paperwork or other materials to an accountant for tax and payroll purposes. Taking advantage of this type of system can provide many great benefits to a large or small business. Accounting is a very important part of running and maintaining a business and the success of a company will often heavily rely on the practices and procedures that are used in the bookkeeping efforts of the company. The effectiveness of the computerized accounting [5] (Markus- 1983) shown that successful implementation of accounting systems requires a fit between three factors [17]. A fit must be achieved with dominant view in the organization or perception of the situation. Second, the accounting system must fit when problems are normally solved, i.e. the technology of the organization. Finally, the accounting system must fit with the culture, i.e. Systems will be useful when information provided by them is used effectively in decision-making process by users. (Otley-1980)[20] argues that Accounting Systems are important parts of the fabric of organizational life and need to be evaluated in their wider managerial, organizational and environmental context. Therefore, the effectiveness of accounting information systems not only depends on the purposes of such systems but also depends on contingency factors of each organization. (Ives-1983)Accounting information systems are said to be effective when the information provided by them serves widely the requirements of the system users. Effective systems should systematically provide information which has potential effects on decision-making process [12]. Accounting information usually is categorized under two groups: information that influences decision-making and mainly used for the purpose controlling the organization and information that facilitates decision (Huber-1990) [11] argues that, integration of accounting information systems leads to coordination in organization which, in turn, increases the quality of the decisions. (Cameron-1986 / Delone-1992) show that the effectiveness of accounting information systems depend upon the quality of the output of the information system that can satisfy the users needs [3,8]. Generally, accounting information systems; 1) provide financial reports on a daily and weekly basis and; 2) provide useful information for monitoring decision-making process and performance of the organization. (Simon-1987) [22] in his study used the first part of the above statement as measure of control for management and the second part for evaluating the effectiveness of the accounting information systems via continuous monitoring. Accounting information system is a computer-based system that (Nicoloau-2000) [19] defines as a system that increases the control and enhances the corporation inside the organization. Management is engaged with different types of activities which require good quality and reliable information. They also need non-financial information such as production statistics, quality of production and so on. However,( Essex and Magal -1998 ) said that quality of information generated from AIS is very important for management [10]. (Kim-1989) [13] argues that usage of AIS depends on the perception of the quality of information by the users. Generally the quality of information depends on reliability, form of reporting, timeliness and relevance to the decisions. (Doll and Torkzadeh-1988) [9] for studying the satisfaction of users use some concepts to measure the effectiveness of the accounting information systems. These concepts are information content, accuracy, format, ease of use and timeliness.

Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice Essay -- Jane Austen Pride Prejudice

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife" Jane Austen used this quote to open her second book, 'Pride and Prejudice', which was first published in 1813. This is a story of the attitudes towards love and marriage in the nineteenth century, through the eyes of a number of people in different family situations and levels of society. It explores what was socially acceptable and disgraceful at the time, as well as the author, Jane Austen's, personal opinion on the matter. This is shown mainly through the character of Elizabeth Bennet, the second of five daughters of Mr and Mrs Bennet, inhabitants of the Longbourn estate. At this time, it was very important that young girls of around sixteen and above should aim to marry as soon as possible to avoid becoming destitute and unable to support themselves after the inevitable death of their father, whose estate would usually be inherited by the next male heir in the family. In the case of the Bennets, this is a distant cousin with whom they had not been in contact with for some time. His name is Mr. Collins... Another worry for young women at the beginning of the nineteenth century was how high a reputation they had. It was unorthodox for a female to admit, like Lydia does when in Meryton, that she had come into town to find a man, because she would seem very eager and this may result in people looking down on her. On the other hand, if a lady acted as though she didn't like a man so that he wouldn't think she was chasing him, the man might think that she really disliked him and decide to admire another woman instead. Life could be very complicated... ... You know that it is not sound, and that you would never act in this way yourself." This makes it perfectly clear that Lizzy thinks that it would be impossible for anyone, no matter how set-against romance they are,to marry someone for a reason other than love. This proves that she is a romantic, and once set in her ways cannot see how anybody could think differently to her. In conclusion, I would say that Jane Austen looks down upon marrying for material success or gain, and superficial attraction and mismatch because at least one person in the relationship will end up being unhappy. She does, however, believe in marrying for love because you will be able to live the rest of your life happily with a partner you are devoted to. I also think that if you choose to marry, you should only do it for this reason because I believe that all you need is love.

Administrative Management Theory Advantages and Disadvantages

STRENGTH 1. It is the most comprehensive administrative management theory Henri Fayol's theory is extremely comprehensive as a way to deal with management techniques. It is also the most used because it has been proven  to work. It’s being comprehensive as it covers just  about anything  one might need to do in a management position to ensure success. WEAKNESSES 1. It is still based on human  application The weaknesses to the theory are that it is still based on humans.As humans we are naturally going to make  mistakes. The theory  works on  the basis of having harmony among people in which unity forms to create a strong management team. However, when  mistakes  are made it can undermine the entire strength of the team. Furthermore, if a person is found to be false and will not  admit  it, more problems can ensue. This is the same weaknesses of any system that relies on humans to be in control given various factors like personality and that  mistakes  can be made.2. Reliance on experience Many of the writers in the management developed their ideas on the basis of their experiences as managers or consultants with only certain types of organizations. For instance, Fayol's work came primarily from his experiences with large manufacturing firms that were experiencing stable environments. It may be unwise to general ize from those situations to others especially to young, high-technology firms of today that are confronted daily with changes in their competitors' products.3. Untested assumptions Many of the assumptions made by classical writers were based not on scientific tests but on value judgments that expressed what they believed to be proper life-styles, moral codes, and attitudes toward success. For instance, the classical approaches seem to view the life of a worker as beginning and ending at the plant door. Their basic assumption is that workers are primarily motivated by money and that they work only for more money.They also assume that productivity is the best measure of how well a firm is performing. These assumptions fail to recognize that employees may have wants and needs unrelated to the workplace or may view their jobs only as a necessary evil4. Unintended consequences Administrative management approaches aim at achieving high productivity, at making behaviors predictable, and a t achieving fairness among workers and between managers and workers, yet they fail to recognize that several unintended consequences can occur in practice.For instance, a heavy emphasis on rules and regulations may cause people to obey rules blindly without remembering their original intent. Oftentimes, since rules establish a minimum level of performance expected of employees, a minimum level is all they achieve. Perhaps much more could be achieved if the rules were not so explicit.My take is that when he talks about â€Å"advantages and disadvantages of administrative management† he is talking very specifically about administrative rule making authority.Most administrative agencies have little or no rule making authority (FBI, DOJ, BATF), these exercise purely executive power. Some have been given tightly constrained rule making authority.A few, such as the EPA have been given fairly broad rule making authority. That can be come a problem.â€Å"Again, the complexities of m odern life that gave rise to the Los Angeles smog problem are well documented. The EPA and its regulations made my air healthier. I'd say that was being â€Å"reasonable†.†Yes, they were being reasonable back then. The stopped being reasonable some time around the mid 1990s. The problem is when their manager's salaries are determined by their budget and number of employees, how do you get them to recognize when it's time to stop? How do you get them to admit that while yes, continuing to enforce the existing rules is important, there is, as with all things, a point of diminishing returns where each new rule does more harm than good.REFERENCES1. http://www.vectorstudy.com/management_schools/classical_school.htm2. http://www.vectorstudy.com/management_gurus/henri_fayol.htm3.http://www.vectorstudy.com/management_schools/classical_school.htm

A Close Reading of Nicholas Carr Essays

A Close Reading of Nicholas Carr Essays A Close Reading of Nicholas Carr Paper A Close Reading of Nicholas Carr Paper The essay, although Informed Is an opinion piece. It has been written expressly for the reason to take the knowledge available and apply it to Cares ideas, to reinforce his points as he tries to persuade the reader to re-think their understanding of the internet and its uses. There are many sources available to use for this topic and Carr takes advantage of this, however there is not much in the way of hard evidence, most of the evidence he uses Is anecdotal that he can align with his own. Ear actually uses predominantly online resources; he often quotes online floggers and friends hat he describes as literary types. He uses this form of evidence to prove points on how the way peoples attitudes are changing, such as this quote by Scott Kara, a flogger, l was a lit major In college, and used to be a voracious book reader after Kara confessed to have stopped reading books, Carr has tactfully used this quote to justify the point and can follow it up and build on it. It Is remarkable that Cars key study he uses Is also an online source, continuing his reliance on the Internet even as he scrutinizes it. After conceding that anecdotes are to a sufficient form of evidence, in a seeming effort to legitimate his essay he refers to an online study conducted by the university College London. The conclusion of the study that had confirmed that research habits were changing fits well with Cars overall point. However you must make note of Cares choice to omit of any other form of study, he only references the one online, which leads to the conclusion that this exclusion is actually a comment on how everyone has become overly reliant on the Internet that It has even led to the desertion of printed studies, this subtle point actually ties in well with the previous quote of Scott Kara successfully tying together various parts of his text. The first reading of the piece gave a sense of ease as Cars style, flow and finesse gently prod the reader to at least consider the argument he Is making objectively. Carr wants to make the essay as palatable as possible, by publishing it on the Internet as an article in an online magazine he is actively obeying the ideas that peoples reading and thinking Is changing, so he writes for the audience, however this Is also providing his own evidence to his point. SE of Internet Jargon, the term flogger for example will make the reader feel relaxed as this type of language will be recognized by any internet user and they wont feel overwhelmed. By using familiar words Carr Is assuming Tanat people will De addle to comprehend Ana retain Nils message and that is one of his big concerns. Carr sites the study by the University college London that people have become power browsers who look for quick wins, so by using language and that amplifies retention he tries to discourage that style of reading, this is another subtle layer to his argument which he is repeatedly making while taking full advantage of multiple assets that this style of writing offers. Page 2 Understanding that critics of the reading would be quick to dismiss it as techno phobic, Carr identifies the possibility that he could in fact Just be over thinking the issue. He looks back in history and discusses historical figures that also had a disapproval of change. Socrates disapproved of writing development because it could cause people to become complacent with knowledge and Sacrificing worried about the easy availability of books, as he thought it would lead to laziness. Carr points out that often these fears came true however that the worried parties frequently did not foresee that the benefits would out way the issues. This is an unusual point for Carr to make, but very interesting because it invites us, as he puts it to be skeptical of his Skepticism. He is inviting the readers to look closer at what he is saying, he is trying to motivate them to take note of the writing and think about it, he is cleverly prompting independent thought as well as trying to dodge being called a Ululated as he predicts. The crux of Cars argument is not about how the Internet is changing Just the technological and practical side of reading, but how these fundament al changes have a radiating effect through the mind and emotions of people. This is brought out in essence with the shift in tone and content towards the last section of the essay, now his writing is directed with a more rhetorical intention as he discusses the mind, he draws a clear contrast between reading a book, as a collection of printed pages to inspire analysis, to that of an internet article, an abstract bundle of knowledge we arrives less response out of on a deep intellectual or emotional level. Nicholas Cars essay, touches on many points within a broad field, he takes his ideas and coordinates them, paying close attention to peers and the past. His writing style is effectively used to add additional layers of meaning to the skin-deep layer that anybody can read, and he is fully aware of his works context and predicts reactions to assert himself though his writing. If Google is making us dumber it will not be for writers like Nicholas Carr not trying to prevent it.