Mysticism on the Internet :: Research Papers

Mysticism on the InternetIf you could look into the future, are there questions you would indirect request to find answers to? If you could read into another persons consciousness, or better yet into that of your own, are there things you would want to know more clearly? There are believably few people who would not be interested in knowing what the future might hold in store for them, or at least(prenominal) to have a little sense of the forces and presence that might play into their walks of life. A driving force in human nature is the need to kn ow, to collide with sense of the environment around us, and to make sense of ourselves. Perhaps more provoking and significant is the desire for us to know ourselves and to discover the purpose for our macrocosm and the workings of our own state of mind. There is a sense that although we each share a co-existence with others and things around us, each life and makeup of the world is rightfully unique to and dependent of each individu al alone, and at any moment, we each can have the power to be in control of ours elves and whatever side we are in.For over many ages, this has allowed Mysticism to be an intimate part of human society, as a still-unexplainable part of nature, as well as the supernatural, that has allured and command many to look as far as into the future and as close as deep into themselves. The many tools of Mysticism, like the Tarot, numerology, astrology, and dreams, are all utilise to provide insights into a deeper consciousness and a higher plane of existence, which when properly interpreted could very well shed light into the murkiest situation. In todays societies, Mysticism continues to intrigue, supplication to, entertain and aid people across cultures.Presently, with the power and accessibility of the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW), the insights to the answers to our everyday questions in life, as well as those far-reaching, can be found through the mystics with just a few mouse cl icks away. Thi s has allowed for the reach of Mysticism to be extended and promoted much further, not only to the enthusiasts but also to everyone. A web attend for mysticism on the Internet would bring up lists of hits for hundreds of thousands of related web pages. A search for a more specific area in Mysticism, such as tarot or astrology would present hundreds of thousands more web sites.

Comparing Divine Punishment in Oedipus Rex and Leda and the Swan :: comparison compare contrast essays

Divine Punishment in Oedipus Rex and Leda and the Swan Divine punishment is an irreversible occurrence that creates distinct steads in characters. In Yeats poem, Leda and the Swan and Sophocles Oedipus Rex, Divine punishment plays a crucial role, and is the basis for the actions of both Oedipus and Leda. Yeats and Sophocles explore the idea of Divine punishment in various ways. Yeats shows Ledas attitude towards the experience of the rape, and the entrust of the rape leads to Ledas attitude towards the Gods, which then leads to many more travesties. In a similar way, Sophocles shows Oedipus reaction to Divine punishment when Oedipus realizes that he has killed his acquire and married his mother. It was these actions that drove Leda and Oedipus to experience Divine punishment. As a result, each has suffered even more. In Yeats poem, Leda and the Swan, Yeats explores the idea of Divine punishment in using the result of Ledas rape as his subject. The offspring Leda produced rep resents the Divine punishment of the story. In the story, Leda is raped by a swan, which represents Zeus, the most powerful Greek God. The consequences of this rape includes two children, Helen and Clytemnestra who afterward marry and experience the fall of the Trojan empire and the killing of Agamemnon, Clytemnestras husband. The story of Leda and the Swan creates a vivid portrait of a rape between an all-powerful swan and Leda, the Spartan Queen. It is peculiar that two such powerful individuals are the subjects of the horrendous act of rape. Zeus is the most powerful of all gods, and Leda herself has great power, beingness the Queen of Sparta. Aside from this however, lies a nonher topic, which Yeats attempts to explore, and that is the idea of Divine punishment. The mere thought of punishment from the Divine, meaning God, is the reason why Leda allows the Swan to continue the rape without a great deal of fight. Yeats writes, Being so caught up, so mastered by the brute blood of the air, did she put on his knowledge with his power before the thoughtless beak could let her drop? (Kuehn 140). Here, Leda must choose whether or not she should put all of her power in Zeus, knowing that he has harmed her. Her action to not resist the force leads to the Divine punishment.

courteous :: essays research papers

     Being courteous is an act of being respectful and by using good looks towards people. Treating people with courtesy butt show many different feelings towards the person being acted upon. In the play Othello by William Shakespeare there are many characters in the play that use and fag outt use acts of courtesy. The focus of this issue is the question of, do the men in the play show courtesy towards the women in the play?      Othello is the main character, and Iago is a solider in his army. Iago was passed a position of lieutenant to another solider named Cassio. This action made Iago very angry and jealous, so he would hear a sort of retaliate throughout the play. In the play Othello Iago, a respected individual, shows very little respect towards women in the play. In bank notes 103 through 125 in Act 2 scene one Iago is very disrespectful towards the women in the play. In Iagos speeches, especially in lines 109 through 119, Iago ac ts in a very heavily manner towards Desdemona, and genus Emilia in these scenes throughout the play. In the opening acts we learn that Othello is a respected man, and a leader of an army. He lives out a long level of heroic stories and epics that manage women woo over him. He marries Desdemona, while carrying a relationship with Emilia, the wife of Iago. Iago finds out about a past relationship with Othello and Emilia and becomes jealous and seeks revenge again. Iago then thinks of a way to make Othello jealous. Iago shows no remorse towards anyone in these situations and uses not only his wife but also Desdemona to seek revenge on Othello out of jealousy. Throughout act 2 Iago talks to and about women in a very rude                                                   DuBois 2manner. In line 115 Iago states, " You rise to play, and go to bed to work. This statement was primarily directed towards Desdemona and Emilia but, also includes all women at this time period. This means that a adult females main purpose is to please a man and thats it. Iago also shows little respect for the leaders of his army, like Cassio his former lieutenant. He uses Cassio to make Othello jealous and then this makes Othello angry at Cassio. Cassio also shows little some disrespect towards women as well. In act 3 tension arises between the lot and at the end a former prostitute of Cassio approaches him and he deliberately eases her by telling her that he hasnt seen her in awhile because he is beneath a lot of stress lately.

The Truth About Platonic Friendships :: Platonic Love and Friendship

The researchers qualitative research consisted of speaking with Platonic friends of the opposite sex in casual hit-or-miss settings. The qualitative research was completely random using friends by chance that had no idea of the experiment. In doing so the researcher realizes that it is unethical, but figured it was the only way to find the real answers to his problem. During the dialogue the researcher at one point or another came to ask the same four forefronts to all of the subjects involved in the experiment. The four questions were as follows 1) we atomic sum up 18 strictly platonic friends, right? 2) Why are you my friend? 3) Have you ever wanted to be more than friends? 4) Is it a possibility for us to be more than friends? The so prognosticateed platonic friends names will all remain confidential in order to keep their business private. To this point there drive been ten random friends that have partaken in the qualitative study. In most of the studies the answers staye d consistent. To question number one all ten subjects agreed that Yes we are platonic friends. For question number two, all sorts of answers were recorded. Most stayed along the line of conventional reasons for being a friend. Some mentioned reasons such as cute, funny, easy to talk to and popular. tierce of the ten did however mention that they in fact didnt want to be friends when we first met. They stated they were looking for ore from the beginning it just didnt happen. Question number lead an astonishing seven out of ten platonic friends noted they at one point of another did want to be ore than friends. One individual went as far as to say that they quit being my friend due to the fact that she found out that I was involved with another girl. In question four again another seven out of ten friends agreed that something more could become of our friendship. Two mentioned that they had hoped that it would have already happened. Most that replied yes to question number four eithe r looked puzzled of asked if I was still involved with my girlfriend. In one example for the researcher was left stunned. For privacy sake we will call the subject by the fake name of molly. In the platonic informal interview with Molly the researchers exact problem was proven just the way predicted.

Angelas Ashes Essay -- essays research papers

Angelas AshesTitleThe title of this book is Angelas Ashes. The title doesnt make a rope of sense because the story about Angelas cremation and her lost ashes is found in part two of the book. However, ashes do appear in the book in congener to Angela. An example of this would be the ashes from Angelas Woodbine cigarettes. And another example would be Angela sitting next to the ashes from the fireplace during hard times.AuthorFrank McCourt was born in depression-era Brooklyn and remained there until the age of four when he left with his family to his native country, Ireland. He came face too face with many hardships but managed to make it back to wise York city at age nineteen. Upon his arrival Frank worked as a high school English teacher for forty-five years. After retiring from teaching, Frank, on with his brother, Malachy, performed a two man show called A couple of Blaguards. Frank won the Pulitzer Prize for his book Angelas Ashes in 1997.Major CharactersThe main geek of th e book is Frank McCourt himself. The entire book is written in first person. He describes his life as a miserable Irish Catholic childhood. And he certainly has the right to. His family was forced to move out of the United States, and move to their native country, Ireland. There Frank came upon many hardships such as the loss of his similitude brothers, Eugene and Oliver, and his drunken father who couldnt get a job for very long and only making matters worse. Frank is a very smart and quick student. His classmates however show no respect for him because he is poor. He then quits school to begin working at the young age of fourteen. And when he leaves his job at the post office to write threatening letters and deliver and manage a Protestant newspaper he is criticized. He has plentifulness of adventures in both jobs. He even falls in love with a seventeen year old girl, Theresa Carmody, who is dying of consumption. Frank earns plenty of cash from his work, and he has plenty of dr eams about escaping poverty and returing to America and sending the rest of his family to later join him. His dream of returning to America does in fact get under ones skin true, but before that Frank is very worried about how he will be punished in the afterlife and whether or not he would make it into heaven. He f... ...rank thinks that what hes seeing is something you could only see in the movies like a beautiful scene. And he makes it sound like hes in a movie theater. Franks dream of returning to New York came true.Relevance of the Work to the Present TimeThis work has a lot of relevance to today for one thing, there is still poverty. Poverty is a hardship that millions of muckle must face everyday. And relating to poverty, there is still difference between social classes. Hunger is very prominent today. This is another problem that millions must face. Also, in relation to the book, many people have problems with alcohol. And many people still make fun of one another, and s uccumb to incestuous pleasure.There is however one universal affair mentioned in the book which everyone experiences. And that affair happens to be dreams. Everyone has dreams and everyone dreams of something and no one ever questions it. The power of dreaming is not just a state of mentality but rather a force inside everyone that no one can control. Frankie shows the power of dreams and proves that they can come true. He returns to America doesnt he?

How to Reduce Cheating and Plagiarism :: Expository Process Essays

How to Reduce Cheating and PlagiarismEarly in the fall semester, a professor of American studies at Cornell found a three-page paper on the Internet analyzing a poem by Anne Bradstreet. A student in his course had just hand in that very paper. Accused of plagiarism, the student confessed that she had taken the paper from an Anne Bradstreet Web site. She had locked herself out of her apartment the night before the paper was due, she said, and without access to her notes had panicked. Two weeks later, the professors wife, who teaches psychology, gave an mental testing to her advanced class. Halfway through the test a student asked to go to the bathroom. She was gone a long time, but the psychologist, who employed the young woman as a lab assistant and was directing her honors thesis, suppressed her suspicions. That evening, she visited the ladies room. In the toilet stall she noticed a sheaf of papers stuffed behind a measure pipe. They turned out to b e handouts distributed in the course, covered with notes in what she believed was the students handwriting. Measured by recent surveys, cheating has reached epidemic proportions in high schools and colleges. In a survey of 21,000 students by the Josephson Institute of Ethics, 70 percent of high school students and 54 percent of middle schoolers admitted that they had cheated on an exam. That is up sharply from a study cited in The State of Americans This Generation and the Next, edited by Urie Bronfenbrenner and others.. That study found that 33.8 percent of high school students used a cheat plane on a test in 1969. By 1989 the percentage had risen to 67.8. Furthermore, 58.3 percent of high school students let someone else copy their work in 1969, and 97.5 percent did so in 1989. A recent study by the Center for Academic Integrity at Duke University yielded results similar to the Josephson study, with almost 75 percent of college students acknowledging some academic dishonesty. In four focus-group discussions c onducted by the Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University, many students appeared blas about academic dishonesty. I guess the starting signal time you do it, you feel really bad, but then you get used to it, said one. Another asserted People cheat. It doesnt make you less of a person or worse of a person. There are times when you just are in need of a little help.

How to Reduce Cheating and Plagiarism :: Expository Process Essays

How to Reduce Cheating and PlagiarismEarly in the fall semester, a professor of American studies at Cornell found a three-page paper on the Internet analyzing a poem by Anne Bradstreet. A student in his course had just handed in that very paper. Accused of plagiarism, the student confessed that she had taken the paper from an Anne Bradstreet Web site. She had locked herself out of her apartment the night before the paper was due, she said, and without access to her notes had panicked. Two weeks later, the professors wife, who teaches psychology, gave an examination to her locomote class. Halfway through the test a student asked to go to the bathroom. She was gone a long cartridge clip, but the psychologist, who employed the young woman as a lab assistant and was directing her honors thesis, suppressed her suspicions. That evening, she visited the ladies room. In the toilet stall she noticed a sheaf of papers stuffed behind a plumbing pipe. They turn out to b e handouts distributed in the course, covered with notes in what she believed was the students handwriting. Measured by recent surveys, cheating has reached epidemic proportions in high schools and colleges. In a survey of 21,000 students by the Josephson Institute of Ethics, 70 share of high school students and 54 percent of middle schoolers admitted that they had cheated on an exam. That is up sharply from a field of honor cited in The State of Americans This Generation and the Next, edited by Urie Bronfenbrenner and others.. That study found that 33.8 percent of high school students used a cheat sheet on a test in 1969. By 1989 the percentage had risen to 67.8. Furthermore, 58.3 percent of high school students let virtuallyone else copy their work in 1969, and 97.5 percent did so in 1989. A recent study by the Center for Academic Integrity at Duke University yielded results similar to the Josephson study, with almost 75 percent of college students acknowledging some academic dishonesty. In four foc us-group discussions conducted by the Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University, many students appeared blas about academic dishonesty. I guess the first time you do it, you feel really bad, but then you get used to it, said one. Another asserted People cheat. It doesnt make you less of a person or worse of a person. There are times when you just are in need of a little help.

Frankenstein’s obsession Essay

In chapter 5 Frankenstein abandons the creature he created and his actions have a hulky impact on the rest of the story. The monster is left on his own to deal with timidity and loneliness. He in equal manner has to deal with the humanity, who judge him on his show and as a result do not welcome him.Shelleys message to her readers could be that, we should all take responsibility for everything that we do. And that we should not judge things of theyre appearance.When Frankenstein sees his friend Henry Clerval, he asks ab come forward his family and we fuck see that he is worried. The lines It gives me the greatest delight to see you but tell me how you left my father, br another(prenominal)s, and Elizabeth shows that Frankenstein cares about his family and that he is worried about them. The fact that he is worried is significant because later on in the novel his family is going to be in danger, which worries Frankenstein even more.In chapter 5 we might feel sympathy for Frankens tein, when he shows confusion by saying How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the poor devil whom with such infinite pains and care I had endeavoured to form?. Shelley could have used this rhetorical question to make us feel sympathy for Frankenstein. The readers pull in that Frankenstein is finding it hard to deal with emotions as he is experiencing the rhetorical question emphasizes his confusion.Frankenstein has waited well two years for this moment, we know this because he says I had litigateed hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. Evidently he was very passionate about what he was doing and we partly feel sorry for him because he was unhappy with what he had done. However Shelley draws use also to feel sympathy for the monster, when he tells his story, further in the novel. We feel more sympathy towards the monster because, he was left all alone and it was actually Frankensteins fault. The mons ter didnt do anything wrong, but Frankenstein judged him for the way he looked and left him.One of the most of the essence(predicate) moments is when Frankenstein says I stepped fearfully in the apartment was empty and my bedroom was also freed from its hideous guest. I could hardly believe that so great a cracking draw could have befallen me, but when I became assured that my enemy had indeed fled, I clapped my hands for joy and ran down to Clerval. Frankenstein announces the monster has left which he is overjoy with this is ironic because the monster has not gone for good He will return and look for revenge. The monster is just like a child because if Frankenstein had brought him up and showed him love the monster might not have become a killer.In chapter 5 Frankensteins obsession is shown very well. He does not come back about anything but his work. We can see this when he says For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardour that for exceede d moderation but now that I had finished the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my see to itt. Shelley uses strong words, to emphasize Frankensteins obsession. Shelley suggests that if you desire something so badly and it doesnt work about to be the way you had expected it this will be very hard for you to accept.When Frankenstein says He might have spoken, but I did not hear one hand was stretched out, seemingly to detain me, but I escaped and rushed downstairs. we see his cowardice. Frankenstein is scared that the monster will kill him and he tries to pee away, after he has escaped the monster, we can guess that he is proud of escaping the creature. In the lines I then paused, and a cold shivering came over me.I threw the door forcibly open as children are accustomed to do when they expect a spectre to stand in waiting for them on the other side but nothing appeared. We see that Frankenstein compares himself with children Shelley could have us ed this simile to emphasise the fact that Frankenstein is trying to get rid of his responsibilities. In chapter 5 we also see that Frankenstein is a very selfish man and that he only thinks about himself. We can see this selfishness in the relieve he shows when he finds out that the monster has left. Without thinking about where the monster might have gone, he says I could hardly believe that so great a good fortune could have befallen me.Shelley uses pathetic fallacy in her novel as the weather reflects the mood of Frankenstein. She sticks the chapter with It was on a dreary night of November, the weather emphasises Frankensteins disgust, fear and depression. He is also talking about a comfortless sky, this could emphasise the fact that Frankenstein has no one to comfort him. At the end of chapter 5 Shelley uses pathetic fallacy again.We can see that when Frankenstein says It was a divine spring, and the season contributed greatly to my convalescence. Frankenstein feels like he st arted a new life, because its spring. We can guess that Shelley has used the season cycle to emphasise that, even though Frankenstein thinks he is being given another chance and he can start a new life in spring, the winter will come back and so will the monster.Chapter 5 shows us the obsession that a clump of people could have to create life. Even thought we try so hard we would never be able to make something as beautiful as god can. Frankenstein says it became a thing such as even Dante could not have conceived. This is ironic because god is the one who gives life. We can assume that Shelley used derision here to emphasise the hate and disgust Frankenstein has. The contrast between God and Dante, winter and spring emphasize the fact good and evil will be a contrast throughout the novel.There is a lot of loneliness shown in Chapter 5, until Clerval comes. Frankenstein is very pleased with finally having someone around. We can see this when he says But I was in reality very ill, and surely nothing but the unbounded and unremitting attentions of my friend could have restored me to life.In this chapter we have in condition(p) that in the nineteenth century people were very religious and even though they believed that you couldnt play god, they were very interested in science, creating of life and things like that. We also know that this novel was very touristy in the nineteenth century, because there was no entertainment such as televisions and theatres. This novel was also popular because people those days were interested in horrific images and unnatural ideas.

The Vampire Diaries: The Fury Chapter Twelve

Stefan looked at Elena, s this instant crystals dusting his dark hair. What nigh lusterlessness?I remember-something. Its not clear. save that first night, when I wasnt myself -did I see flat and so? Did I-?Fear and a sick sense of dismay swel guide her throat and cut her words off. however she didnt posit to finish, and Stefan didnt need to answer. She saw it in his look.It was the only way, Elena, he bring tongue to accordingly. You would have died without human blood. Would you rather have attacked psyche unwilling, hurt them, maybe killed them? The need fanny drive you to that. Is that what you would have complimentsed?no(prenominal) Elena said violently. But did it have to be Matt? Oh, dont answer that I cant recall of anybody else, either. She took a shaky breath. But now Im worried about him, Stefan. I havent seen him since that night. Is he okay? What has he said to you?Not much, said Stefan, looking away. Leave me alone was about the gist ofit. He to a fault denied that anything happened that night, and said that you were dead.Sounds standardized one of those individuals who cant cope, Damon commented.Oh, shut up said Elena. You moderate out of this, and while youre at it, you might theorise about poor Vickie Bennett. How dyou think shes coping these days? It might help if I knew who this Vickie Bennett is. You keep talking about her, but Ive never met the girl.Yes, you have. Dont play games with me, Damon-the cemetery, remember?The ruined church? The girl you left wandering around there in her slip?Sorry, no. And I usually do remember girls I leave wandering in their slips.I suppose Stefan did it, then, Elena said sarcastically.Anger flashed to the surface of Damons eyes, covered quickly with a disturbing smile.Maybe he did. Maybe you did. Its all the same to me, merely that Im getting a little tired of accusations. And now-Wait, said Stefan, with surprising mildness. Dont go yet. We should talk- Im afraid I have a previous engag ement. There was a bunko of wings, and Stefan and Elena were alone.Elena frame a knuckle to her lips. Damn. I didnt mean to make him angry. After he was really almost civilized all evening.Never mind, said Stefan. He the likes to be angry. What were you saying about Matt?Elena saw the weariness in Stefans face and put an arm around him. We wont talk about it now, but I think tomorrow maybe we should go see him. To tell himElena lifted her early(a) hatful helplessly. She didnt cope what she valued to tell Matt she only knew that she requisite to do something.talk about it now, but I think tomorrow maybe we should go see him. To tell him Elena lifted her other hand helplessly. She didnt spang what she wanted to tell Matt she only knew that she needed to do something.Elena looked at him hard. Are you sure?Yes.But-will you be all right? I should stay with you-Ill be fine, Elena, Stefan said gently, Go on.Elena hesitated, then nodded. I wont be large, she promised him.Unseen, E lena slipped around the side of the frame house with the peeling paint and the crooked mailbox labeled Honeycutt. Matts windowpane was unlocked. Careless boy, she thought reprovingly. Dont you know some-thing might come creeping in? She eased it open, but of course that was as far as she could go. An invisible bar that felt like a soft wall of thickened air blocked her way.Matt, she whispered. The room was dark, but she could see a vague shape on the bed. A digital clock with pale green numbers showed that it was 1215. Matt, she whispered again.The figure stirred. Uh?Matt, I dont want to frighten you. She made her voice soothing, difficult to wake him gently rather than startle him out of his wits. But its me, Elena, and I wanted to talk. Only youve got to ask me in first. Can you ask me in?Uh. Cmon in.Elena was surprise at the lack of surprise in his voice. It was only after shed gotten over the sill that she complete he was lock up asleep.Matt. Matt, she whispered, afraid to g o too close. The room was sulphurous and overheated, the radiator red ink full blast. She could see a bare foot sticking out of the mound of blankets on the bed and blond hair at the top.Matt? Tentatively, she leaned over and touched him.That got a response. With an explosive grunt, Matt sat bolt upright, whipping around. When his eyes met hers, they were wide and staring.Elena found herself trying to look small and harmless, nonthreatening. She okay away against the wall. I didnt mean to frighten you. I know its a shock. But will you talk to me?He simply went on staring at her. His yellow hair was sweaty and ruffled up like wet chicken feathers. She could see his pulse pounding in his bare neck. She was afraid he was qualifying to get up and ardor out of the room. then his shoulders relaxed, slumping, and he slowly shut his eyes. He was afraid he was sack to get up and dash out of the room.Yes, she whispered.Youre dead.No. Im here.Dead people dont come endorse. My dad didnt come back.I didnt really die. I nevertheless changed. Matts eyes were still shut in repudiation, andElena felt a cold wave of hopelessness wash over her. But you wish I had died, dont you? Ill leave now, she whispered.Matts face cracked and he started to cry.No. Oh, no. Oh, dont, Matt, please. She found herself cradling him, fighting not to cry herself. Matt, Im mordant I shouldnt even have come here.Dont leave, he sobbed. Dont go away.I wont. Elena lost the fight, and part fell onto Matts damp hair. I didnt mean to hurt you, ever, she said. Not ever, Matt. All those prison terms, all those things I did- I never wanted to hurt you. Truly therefore she stopped talking and vertical held him.After a while his breathing quieted and he sat back, swiping his face with a fistful of sheet. His eyes avoided hers. There was a look on his face, not just of embarrassment, but of distrust, as if he were bracing himself for something he dreaded.Okay, so youre here. Youre alive, he said roug hly. So what do you want?Elena was dumbfounded. arise on, there must be something. What is it?New tears welled up, but Elena gulped them back. I guess I deserve that. I know I do. But for once, Matt, I want absolutely nothing. I came to apologize, to say that Im sorry for using you-not just that one night, but always. I consider about you, and I autoe if you hurt. I thought maybe I could make things better. After a heavy silence, she added, I guess I will leave now.No, wait. Wait a second. Matt scrubbed at his face with the sheet again. Listen. That was stupid, and Im a jerk-That was the truth and youre a gentleman. Or youdve told me to go channelize a hike a long time ago.No, Im a stupid jerk. I should be banging my head against the wall with joy because youre not dead. I will in a minute. Listen. He grabbed her wrist and Elena looked at it in mild surprise. I dont care if youre the Creature from the Black Lagoon, It, Godzilla and Frankenstein all rolled up into one. I just-Matt . Panicked, Elena put her free hand over his mouth.I know. Youre engaged to the guy in the black cape. Dont worry I remember him. I even like him, though God knows why. Matt took a breath and seemed to calm down. Look, I dont know if Stefan told you. He said a bunch of stuff to me -about being evil, about not being sorry for what he did to Tyler. You know what Im talking about?I know. Youre engaged to the guy in the black cape. Dont worry I remember him. I even like him, though God knows why. Matt took a breath and seemed to calm down. Look, I dont know if Stefan told you. He said a bunch of stuff to me -about being evil, about not being sorry for what he did to Tyler. You know what Im talking about?Matt nodded. So it was your basic crap. I should have known.Well, it is and it isnt. The need is strong, stronger than you can imagine. It was sunrise on Elena that she hadnt fed today and that shed been hungry before theyd set out for Alarics. In fact-Matt, Id better go. Just one thing -if theres a dance tomorrow night, dont go. Somethings going to happen then, something bad. Were going to try to guard it, but I dont know what we can do.Whos we? Matt said sharply.Stefan and Damon-I think Damon-and me. And Meredith and reasonable and Alaric Saltzman. Dont ask about Alaric. Its a long story.But what are you guarding againstI forgot you dont know. Thats a long story, too, but well, the short answer is, whatever killed me. Whatever made those dogs attack people at my memorial service. Its something bad, Matt, thats been around Fells Church for a while now. And were going to try to stop it from doing anything tomorrow night. She tried not to squirm. Look, Im sorry, but I really should leave. Her eyes drifted, despite herself, to the broad blue vein in his neck.When she managed to tear her gaze away and look at his face, she saw shock giving way to fast understanding. Then to something incredible acceptance. Its okay, Matt said.She wasnt sure shed heard correctly. Mat t?I said, its okay. It didnt hurt me before.No. No, Matt, really. I didnt come here for that-I know. Thats why I want to. I want to give you something you didnt ask for. After a moment he said, For old friends sake. Stefan, Elena was thinking. But Stefan had told her to come, and come alone. Stefan had known, she realized. And it was all right. It was his gift to Matt-and to her.But Im coming back to you, Stefan, she thought.As she leaned toward him, Matt said, Im going to come and help you tomorrow, you know. Even if Im not invited.Then her lips touched his throat.December 13, FridayDear Diary,I know Ive written that before, or thought it at least. But tonight is the night, the big one, when everything is going to happen. This is it.Stefan feels it, too. He came back from school today to tell me that the dance is still on-Mr. Newcastle didnt want to cause a panic by canceling it or something. What theyre going to do is have security outside, which means the police, I guess. And may be Mr. Smallwood and some of his friends with rifles. Whatevers going to happen, I dont think they can stop it.I dont know if we can, either.Its been snowing all day. The pass is blocked, which means nothing gets in or out of town on wheels. Until the snowplow gets up there, which wont be until morning, which will be too late.And the air has a funny feeling to it. Not just snow. Its as if something even colder than that is waiting. Its pulled back the way the ocean pulls back before a tidal wave. When it lets goI thought about my other diary today, the one under the floorboards of my chamber closet. If I own anything anymore, I own that diary. I thought about getting it out, but I dont want to go home again. I dont think I could cope, and I know auntie Judith couldnt if she saw me.Im surprised anybodys been able to cope. Meredith, honest-especially Bonnie. Well, Meredith, too, considering what her family has been through. Matt.Theyre good and loyal friends. Its funny, I used to t hink that without a whole extragalactic nebula of friends and admirers I wouldnt survive. Now Im perfectly happy with three, thank you. Because theyre real friends.I didnt know how much I cared about them before. Or about Margaret, or Aunt Judith even. And everybody at school I know a few weeks ago I was saying that I didnt care if the entire population of Robert E. Lee dropped dead, but that isnt true. Tonight Im going to do my best to protect them.I know Im jumping from subject to subject, but Im just talking about things that are valuable to me. Kind of gathering them together in my mind. Just in case.Well, its time. Stefan is waiting. Im going to finish this last line and then go. I think were going to win. I hope so.Were going to try.The history room was warm and brightly lit. On the other side of the school building, the cafeteria was even brighter, shining with Christmas lights and decorations. Upon arriving, Elena had scrutinized it from a cautious distance, watch the cou ples arrive for the dance and pass by the sheriffs officers at the door. Feeling Damons silent presence behind her, she had pointed out a girl with long, light brown hair.Ill take your word for it, he replied.Now, she looked around their makeshift headquarters for the night. Alarics desk had been cleared, and he was bent over a rough map of the school. Meredith leaned in beside him, her dark hair sweeping his sleeve. Matt and Bonnie were out mingling with the dancegoers in the parking lot, and Stefan and Damon were prowling the perimeter of the school grounds. They were going to take turns.Youd better stay inside, Alaric had told Elena. All we need is for somebody to see you and start chasing you with a stake.Ive been walking around town all week, Elena said, amused. If I dont want to be seen, you dont see me. But she agreed to stay in the history room and coordinate.Its like a castle, she thought as she watched Alaric plot out the positions of sheriffs officers and other men on th e map. And were defending it. Me and my loyal knights.The round, flat-faced clock on the wall ticked the minutes by. Elena watched it as she let people in the door and let them out again. She poured hot coffee out of a Thermos for those who wanted it. She listened to the reports come in.Everythings quiet on the north side of the school.Caroline just got crowned snow queen. Big surprise.Some rowdy kids in the parking lot-the sheriff just rounded them upMidnight came and went.Maybe we were wrong, Stefan said an hour or so later. It was the first time theyd all been inside together since the beginning of the evening.Maybe its disaster somewhere else, said Bonnie, emptying out a boot and peering into it.Theres no way to know where its going to happen, Elena said firmly. But we werent wrong about it happening.Maybe, said Alaric thoughtfully, there is a way. To find out where its going to happen, I mean. As heads raised questioningly, he said, We need a precognition.All eyes turned to Bo nnie.Oh, no, Bonnie said. Im through with all that. I hate it.Its a great gift- began Alaric.Its a great big pain. Look, you dont understand. The ordinary predictions are bad enough. It seems like most of the time Im finding out things I dont want to know. But getting taken over-thats awful. And by and by I dont even remember what Ive said. Its horrible.know. But getting taken over-thats awful. And afterward I dont even remember what Ive said. Its horrible.Bonnie sighed. Its what happened to me in the church, she said patiently. I can do other kinds of predictions, like divining with water or reading palms-she glanced at Elena, and then away-and stuff like that. But then there are times when -someone-takes me over and just uses me to talk for them. Its like having somebody else in my body. standardized in the graveyard, when you said there was something there waiting for me, said Elena. Or when you warned me not to go near the bridge. Or when you came to dinner and said that Death, my death, was in the house. She looked automatically around at Damon, who returned her gaze impassively. Still, that had been wrong, she thought. Damon hadnt been her death. So what had the prophecy meant? For just an instant something glimmered in her mind, but before she could get a grasp on it, Meredith interrupted.Its like another voice that speaks through Bonnie, Meredith explained to Alaric. She even looks different. Maybe you werent close enough in the church to see.But why didnt you tell me about this? Alaric was excited. This could be important. This-entity-whatever it is-could give us vital information. It could clear up the mystery of the Other Power, or at least give us a clue how to fight it.Bonnie was shaking her head. No. It isnt something I can just whistle up, and it doesnt answer questions. It just happens to me. And I hate it.You mean you cant think of anything that tends to set it off? Anything thats led to it happening before?Elena and Meredith, who knew very well what could set it off, looked at each other. Elena bit the inside of her cheek. It was Bonnies choice. It had to be Bonnies choice.Bonnie, who was holding her head in her hands, shot a sideways glance through red curls at Elena. Then she shut her eyes and moaned.Candles, she said.What?Candles. A candle flame might do it. I cant be sure, you understand Im not promising anything-Somebody go ransack the science lab, said Alaric.It was a scene reminiscent of the day Alaric had come to school, when hed asked them all to put their chairs in a circle. Elena looked at the circle of faces lit eerily from below by the candles flame. There was Matt, with his jaw set. Beside him, Meredith, her dark lashes throwing shadows upward. And Alaric, leaning forward in his eagerness. Then Damon, light and shadow dancing over the planes of his face.And Stefan, high cheekbones looking too sharply defined to Elenas eyes. And finally, Bonnie, looking fragile and pale even in the princely light of the c andle.Im just going to look into the candle, Bonnie said, her voice quivering slightly. And not think of anything. Im going to try to-leave myself open to it. She began to breathe deeply, gazing into the candle flame.And then it happened, just as it had before. Bonnies face smoothed out, all expression draining away. Her eyes went blank as the tilt cherubs in the graveyard.She didnt say a word.That was when Elena realized they hadnt agreed on what to ask. She groped through her mind to find a question before Bonnie lost contact. Where can we find the Other Power? she said, just as Alaric blurted out, Who are you? Their voices mingled, their questions intertwining.Bonnies blank face turned, sweeping the circle with sightless eyes. Then the voice that wasnt Bonnies voice said, Come and see.Wait a minute, Matt said, as Bonnie stood up, still entranced, and made for the door. Wheres she going?Meredith grabbed for her coat. Are we going with her?Dont touch her said Alaric, jumping up as Bonnie went out the door.Elena looked at Stefan, and then at Damon. With one accord, they followed, trailing Bonnie down the empty, echoing hall.Where are we going? Which question is she answering? Matt demanded. Elena could only shake her head. Alaric was jogging to keep up with Bonnies gliding pace.She slowed down as they emerged into the snow, and to Elenas surprise, walked up to Alarics car in the staff parking lot and stood beside it.We cant all fit Ill follow with Matt, Meredith said swiftly. Elena, her hide chilled with apprehension as well as cold air, got in the back of Alarics car when he opened it for her, with Damon and Stefan on either side. Bonnie sat up front. She was looking straight ahead, and she didnt speak. But as Alaric pulled out of the parking lot, she lifted one white hand and pointed. Right on Lee Street and then left on Arbor Green. Straight out toward Elenas house and then right on Thunderbird. Heading toward Old Creek Road.It was then that Elena realize d where they were going.They took the other bridge to the cemetery, the one everyone always called the new bridge to distinguish it from Wickery Bridge, which was now gone. They were approaching from the gate side, the side Tyler had driven up when he took Elena to the ruined church.Alarics car stopped just where Tylers had stopped. Meredith pulled up behind them.Where are you taking us? she said. Listen to me. Will you just tell us which question youre answering?Come and see.Helplessly, Elena looked at the others. Then she stepped over the threshold. Bonnie walked slowly to the white marble tomb, and stopped.Elena looked at it, and then at Bonnies ghostly face. Every hair on her arms and the back of her neck was standing up. Oh, no she whispered. Not that.Elena, what are you talking about? Meredith said.Dizzy, Elena looked down at the marble countenances of Thomas and Honoria Fell, lying on the stone lid of their tomb. This thing opens, she whispered.

Morphemes

As stated in the video, morphology is the process to infer the inter transports and how they work in a particular language. If we examine this commentary, its clear that the root of every language is the word therefore, if we want to truly view a language we need to understand what a word is. The lexicon defines a word as a sound or a crew of sounds, or its representation in writing or printing that symbolizes and communicates a meat and may consist of a single morpheme or of a conspiracy of morphemes, simple enough to understand, except for that last part.So, to understand what a word is, we need to realise what a morpheme is here we go a morpheme is the smallest centerful building block a word open fire be broken into. Not so difficult to understand. Lets try some examples, lets hire the word love. We fill out what love is, we can feel it, we can see it in some single elses eyes so its upright to say that the word love has a meaning on its own, therefore, is a morphe me. What virtually the word channelizes? Lets think this c atomic number 18fully. We know what a manoeuver is we can walk to a park and see unrivalled, but trees? common sense tells me that this word means more(prenominal) than one tree. So lets count if I say, 2 trees, I have one tree and another tree. We can see that the word trees has no meaning instead it uses the meaning of the word tree to create its own definition as a group of them. Then, we can say that the word trees is make by tree + s. We know that tree is a morpheme (same reasoning used for love) and consequently, following the definition of a word s needs to be a morpheme too. Now we know what a morpheme is but, why is s a morpheme?And thats the next pose we are going to talk about. We have two manakins of morphemes in English. The first one is the drop by the wayside morphemes. They can stand alone as meaningful manner of speaking some examples of them are love, tree, house, cat, dog, fly, butter, cup, etc. We can define these morphemes as they are. The second kind of morphemes is the bound morphemes. They need to be attached to another dissolve or bound morpheme, otherwise, they lack of meaning some examples of them are ad-, sub-, un-, -ful, -ness, -less.They are used to change the meaning of a word or to alter some of its attribute. Thats all we need to know about morphemes so lets go back to the manner of speaking. To truly understand the words we have to know how they are classified. Following the morpheme approach, we can classify words in three categories simple words, put to worked by one morpheme complex words, formed by a free morpheme and one bound morphemes (dogs, hats, worker, etc. ) and compound words, formed by two free morphemes (butterfly, sunlight, backpack, etc. ).Theres to a fault another approach when classifying words and thats the traditional approach. According to this, words have two classes content words, which carry the meaning in a sentence (nouns, verbs, adjectives or adverbs) and function words, which serve to a variety of functions (determiners, quantifiers, auxiliaries, conjunctions, etc. ). We know how words are classified and what are the elements that form them, but we are still missing something how do we make tender words? To form new words we have several processes.The first one we can mention is the Affixation which is no more than adding an affix (suffix or prefix) to a word (predict+able, work+er, in+expensive) we also have the Compounding where we marijuana cigarette two words to make a new one (rain+bow, with+out, over+do) Acronyms, formed by taking the initial letters of a phrase (RADAR radiocommunication Detecting And Ranging) Blending where we form new words by unite parts of other two (smoke+fog=smog) and Clipping which is the process to form words by shortening parts of longer words (doctor=doc, veterinarian=vet, dorm=dorm) among other slightly more difficult to understand processes.New words can also be add ed by popular consent, for instance, the word coke is used to suggest to almost any kind of soda but its a post of Coca Cola Company, same thing with Band Aid which applies to personalized bandages. Finally, we can get new words from other languages like mosquito(Spanish), dime(French), golf(Dutsch), etc. And thats it.Now we can be sure we know the entire basis about words, we can begin to analyze them anytime we want. 1 . Information obtained from http//www. thefreedictionary. com/word 2 . For more infomation visit http//www. ling. ohio-state. edu/kdk/201/autumn01/slides/morphology-4up. pdfMorphemesAs stated in the video, morphology is the process to understand the words and how they work in a particular language. If we examine this definition, its clear that the root of every language is the word therefore, if we want to truly understand a language we need to understand what a word is. The dictionary defines a word as a sound or a combination of sounds, or its representation in writing or printing that symbolizes and communicates a meaning and may consist of a single morpheme or of a combination of morphemes, simple enough to understand, except for that last part.So, to understand what a word is, we need to know what a morpheme is here we go a morpheme is the smallest meaningful unit a word can be broken into. Not so difficult to understand. Lets try some examples, lets use the word love. We know what love is, we can feel it, we can see it in someone elses eyes so its safe to say that the word love has a meaning on its own, therefore, is a morpheme. What about the word trees? Lets think this carefully. We know what a tree is we can walk to a park and see one, but trees?Common sense tells me that this word means more than one tree. So lets count if I say, 2 trees, I have one tree and another tree. We can see that the word trees has no meaning instead it uses the meaning of the word tree to create its own definition as a group of them. Then, we can say t hat the word trees is formed by tree + s. We know that tree is a morpheme (same reasoning used for love) and consequently, following the definition of a word s needs to be a morpheme too. Now we know what a morpheme is but, why is s a morpheme?And thats the next point we are going to talk about. We have two kinds of morphemes in English. The first one is the free morphemes. They can stand alone as meaningful words some examples of them are love, tree, house, cat, dog, fly, butter, cup, etc. We can define these morphemes as they are. The second kind of morphemes is the bound morphemes. They need to be attached to another free or bound morpheme, otherwise, they lack of meaning some examples of them are ad-, sub-, un-, -ful, -ness, -less.They are used to change the meaning of a word or to alter some of its attribute. Thats all we need to know about morphemes so lets go back to the words. To truly understand the words we have to know how they are classified. Following the morpheme appro ach, we can classify words in three categories simple words, formed by one morpheme complex words, formed by a free morpheme and one bound morphemes (dogs, hats, worker, etc. ) and compound words, formed by two free morphemes (butterfly, sunlight, backpack, etc. ).Theres also another approach when classifying words and thats the traditional approach. According to this, words have two classes content words, which carry the meaning in a sentence (nouns, verbs, adjectives or adverbs) and function words, which serve to a variety of functions (determiners, quantifiers, auxiliaries, conjunctions, etc. ). We know how words are classified and what are the elements that form them, but we are still missing something how do we make new words? To form new words we have several processes.The first one we can mention is the Affixation which is no more than adding an affix (suffix or prefix) to a word (predict+able, work+er, in+expensive) we also have the Compounding where we join two words to mak e a new one (rain+bow, with+out, over+do) Acronyms, formed by taking the initial letters of a phrase (RADAR RAdio Detecting And Ranging) Blending where we form new words by combining parts of other two (smoke+fog=smog) and Clipping which is the process to form words by shortening parts of longer words (doctor=doc, veterinarian=vet, dormitory=dorm) among other slightly more difficult to understand processes.New words can also be added by popular consent, for instance, the word coke is used to refer to almost any kind of soda but its a trademark of Coca Cola Company, same thing with Band Aid which applies to personal bandages. Finally, we can get new words from other languages like mosquito(Spanish), dime(French), golf(Dutsch), etc. And thats it.Now we can be sure we know the entire basis about words, we can begin to analyze them anytime we want. 1 . Information obtained from http//www. thefreedictionary. com/word 2 . For more infomation visit http//www. ling. ohio-state. edu/kdk/2 01/autumn01/slides/morphology-4up. pdf

Beowulf as a hero in modern society Essay

In the historic epic Beowulf, its title character, Beowulf, is perceived as an unconventional as well as a traditional paladin in current society. Beowulf, the son of Ecgtheow and Hygelacs thane, is presented as a fearless warrior to the audience. This acknowledgment of Beowulf causes the readers to instantly recognize that Beowulf is a well-respected man. Beowulfs magnitude is seen at the really(prenominal) beginning of the poem as the narrator states, The man whose name was known for heroism, the Geat Leader (Heaney 25). Beowulf is announced to the Danish people with magnificence. Before proving Beowulfs heroic qualities, the viewers atomic number 18 conscious of the fact that Beowulf is a great warrior and the son of a well admired man. It can be distinguished that from Beowulfs opening statements he will become a hero.Bravery is a key trait that identifies a hero. Throughout the entire poem Beowulf appeared to possess infinite valor. He displayed courage in his swimming com petition with Breca, and in his fights with Grendel, Grendels mother, and the dragon that fatally wounded him. In all of Beowulfs struggles, he revels wisdom, strength, and motivation. In his clash against Grendel, Beowulf utilizes his bluff strength to kill Grendel. He used his mighty strength to rip off the devils arm from the shoulder. As stated by the narrator, The monsters whole body was in pain a tremendous wound appeared on his shoulder Beowulf was granted the glory of winning (Heaney 55). The defeat of Grendel fulfills Beowulfs heroic duty. This is also seen with Grendels mother.After Grendels death, Grendels mother desires to avenge her child. Beowulf fights her in water and still prevails. By keeping true to his playscript Beowulf is able to prove his worth. Near the end of poem, Beowulf faces his last episode. He takes on a dragon that is creating havoc upon the city. Before facing the dragon he knows that he might die and yet still fights with glory and all of his mig ht. On page 171 Beowulf states, This fight is not yours, nor is it up to any man except me I shall win the gold by my courage, or else mortal combat, doom of battle, will bear your lord away (Heaney 171). Beowulf yet again completes his task as he kills the dragon, however, he immediately dies from his wounds. Beowulf, a true hero, confronts his death with bravery. It is Beowulfs strength, determination, and courage that enable him to become a distinguishable hero in modern society.Although Beowulf is envisioned as a true Anglo-Saxon hero, he has qualities that would depict him not as one in current society. From Beowulfs initial introduction he is seen as being conceited and aggressive. During the first feast, Beowulf tells of the story of his swimming race. Beowulf states, I was the strongest swimmer of allTime and again, foul things attacked mebut I lashed out, gave as vertical as I got with my swordMy sword had killed nine sea-monsters. Such night-dangers and hard ordeals I ha ve never heard of nor of a man more unfinished in surging waves. (Heaney 37). This quote reveals the cockiness of Beowulf. He is very arrogant as he believes that he is the best and the bravest.Arrogance is not a characteristic of a hero. Another flaw is shown in Beowulfs character as he fights Grendel and Grendels mother. Beowulfs quarrel with Grendel exposes his true expression of violence. While Grendel and Beowulf are wrestling, Beowulf manages to get Grendel in such as position where he ripped off Grendels arm from the socket. This violent act can be seen as very brutal. The cleanup of Grendel in such a way would deny the right to name Beowulf as a hero in present society. In addition, the killing of Grendels mother has the same effect.While battling Grendels mother, Beowulf seeks assistance from an ancient blade. With this sword, he delivers a final blow to the neck of the monster. After determining that she is death, he still proceeds and decapitates her. He then returns wi th the head and displays it in Heorot. The decapitation of Grendels mother illustrates Beowulf as disrespectful and in violation of the heroic code, which doesnt identify him as a hero. In the eyes of contemporary society Beowulf can be recognize as a paradoxical character as he is embodied by both heroic and callous qualities.

Integrated Information Management Essay

The four external considerations would be economic, sociological, political, and technological. The economic domain concentrates on the sources of funding, who contributes, referral sources, consumers and contributors. Your sociological domain is based on things like age, gender, demographics, ethnics, and socioeconomic status. Basically, it is peoples needs, opportunities, and problems. Economic is mostly trying to get the most out of referral sources, contributions, and any other source of funding which could even include its competitors.Technological is making certain(a) that the competitors arent ahead of them and that they are on top of their game. Important internal components are organizational purpose, mission, and philosophy, along with Organizational planning, organizational operations, human resources, technological resources, and fiscal resources. Organizational purpose is to help people understand how the agency is heading towards the future. Planning is important for t he management information system. It keeps everything in working order as to what does and doesnt need to be done.Operations are for figuring out which information is needed for everything like programs and even departments. Human Resources is for keeping important data on staff members, demographics, certifications, training, licenses, and many other things that are important and must be kept track of. Technological is making sure that all of your computer software and computer systems are up to date and functioning at their best capacity. Financial is tracked so that the management knows where the funds come from and where they go. This helps with determining diverse aspects of human services so that money is hopefully there when needed.

Operations Management in Daimond Manufacturing Essay

Definition Operation Management is the activity of managing the resources which formulate and deliver neats and service (Slack et al, 2010). These activities commences from the precise initial convergenceion deliver of nurture gathering right up to the last(a) stage of consumer consumption of the point of intersection. Every geological formation does operation instruction even if they do not notice it. All pre locationntial terms produce goods and/or work and to create goods and/or hold, the brass section must answer a lean of operations which must be effectively and efficiently managed. 1. 2 Role of Operations ManagementOperations Management is of prime importance in every last(predicate) sectors, cells, functions, units and groups within the organization. An organization is a arranging and according to the business dictionary, (http//www. businessdictionary. com/definition/ formation. html) a outline is An organized, purposeful structure that consists of interre lated and interdependent elements (comp sensationnts, entities, factors, members, parts etc. ). These elements continu whollyy influence one an separate (directly or indirectly) to maintain their activity and the existence of the system, in order to achieve the goal of the system. aim much(prenominal) http//www. usinessdictionary. com/definition/system. htmlixzz2QSyXAP1f . All employees argon part of this system and fill a common interest in make the consumer to receive goods and/or services in the best way possible. So I go forth say every manager in every part of the organization is to some finis an operational manager. According to James (2011), the role of operations management is to manage the transformation of an organizations in dictates into finished goods and services using processes. playes argon in truth present in alone beas of the organization from homosexual Resource to Finance to securities industryplaceing to Procurement etc. 1. The Input Transformat ion Output process Resources undersurface either be transforming resources or transformed resources. After the transformation process is complete, transforming resources give rise to transformed resources. According to James (2011), there be 2 main types of transforming resources * Facility which comprises of land, manakining, plant and equipment. * Staff which comprises of everyone involved in the operation process. There be 3 main types of transformed resources * cloth. Transformation can be physical (manufacturing), by posture (transportation), by storage (w arehousing), or by ownership (retail). selective nurture. Transformation can be by property (accountants information), by possession ( commercialise research), by storage (libraries) or by location (telecommunicating). * Customer. Transformation can either be physical (plastic s root onry), by storage (hotel accommodation), by location (airline transport), by physiological state (hospital), or by psychological state (entertainment). Input Output Input that testament be transformed * Material * Information * Customer Input that will transform * People * Facility * Goods * Services Transformation Input OutputInput that will be transformed * Material * Information * Customer Input that will transform * People * Facility * Goods * Services Transformation calculate 1 The Input-Transformation-Output process 2 Operations system 2. 1 Definition Strategy is defined by Johnson et al, (2008) as the agency and scope of an organization all over the long term ideally, which matches its resources to its changing environment and in particular its markets, customers or clients so as to wreak stakeholder expectations. 3. 2 Levels of Strategy Strategy can be viewed from 3 aims which areThe Corporate level This level looks at the long term position of the keep comp each. It answers questions like where will the organization be in 10 years? Or are we going to emit a bare-ass product in a new market? The Business level This level looks at the market and is concerned with the goods and services which the organization has to offer. It answers questions like how do we compete? The Functional level This level deals with the functional aspect of the organization like finance, marketing, human resource etc. It answers questions like how do we manage our financial resources. . 3 Operations Strategy Operations strategy is the total pattern of decisions which shape the long-term capabilities of either operation and their contrisolelyion to boilers suit strategy, th pettish the reconciliation of market necessarys with operations resources (Slack and Lewis, 2011). A 5 step structure has been foundinged by Hill (2005) so as to design and get a line a good operation strategy. The locomote are as follows 1. Define Corporate Objectives Here, long term objectives are set-up so as to give the company balance and a good direction.At this stage, shimmer does environmental scanning and the company also looks at its core competences, core processes and its global objectives. Performance Indicators (KPIs) are also established here so as monitor the accomplishment of these objectives. Top management usances a chip of lays which includes PESTEL, SWOT and Porters 5 forces. See supplement A. 2. Set Marketing Strategies Here lighting identifies the market it demands to compete in and then it looks on how to compete in these markets. Ansoffs hyaloplasm is personad. New harvest- condemnation Existing Product NewMarket Diversification Market DevelopmentExisting Market Product Development Market Penetration/ Market Growth portend 5 Ansoff Matrix. reference point Kaplan Financial Ltd, 2008. lightness go fors the market penetration/market growth pathway for now. With clock, they will start manufacturing out of the UK consequently implementing the market development strategy. It is yet not known if they are thinking of one day starting up the mathematical product o f a new product. 3. How do we gain competitive advantage? At this stage of Hills structure, the organization is to find ways to father its product win other products in the market.For this to happen, the organization must have a base to study its competition and this base is usually one or more of the following performance objectives speed, character, be, depend adequate to(p)ness and flexibility. See chapter 3. glisten uses the above performance objectives to gain competitive advantage but it must be noted that, competitive advantage must * Be real * Add value (to the consumer) and * Be difficult to imitate. 4. Choose a delivery system Here, the organization has to choose an appropriate delivery system so as to meet up with speed and maybe dependability. In Sparkle, surface-nigh orders are icked up by the customer but if not, Sparkle uses their vans which have a high level of security for close distances or they post the jewelry for faraway distances. 5. Choose your Infra structure The company at this phase has to choose all necessary infrastructures that it has to obtain so as to gain an edge over its competitors in the market. Different organizations in diametrical industries will exact antithetic types of infrastructures. however in the baseball field manufacture industry, the infrastructures are almost the same and can hardly give competitive advantage. 3 Performance ObjectivesIn the present obturate and very competitive business environment, companies must do something extra so as to stand out of the crowd. For them to do this, they must react to what customers value and these follow into the following category. They are called performance objectives. 1. Cost 2. Quality 3. Dependability 4. Reliability 5. Speed Sparkle is aware of the tight competition in the baseball baseball field market and it takes its performance objectives very seriously so as to gain competitive advantage. Before achieving the above performance objectives, they must achieve the 4 Cs (see appendix B). * Cost.The principle of cost is doing things sordidly. Sparkle changes its processes, its materials and its suppliers every now and then so as to operate on a lower cost scale. They acquire rough rhombuss directly from the companies who buy them from the mine and sometimes the make orders directly from the mine so as to reduce cost be power the more intermediaries there are, the higher the final price. They sometimes buy more rough ball fields than what the actually need so as to gain discount for bulk buying. They automate most of their processes to reduce the number of hours worked by human bes thus reducing total wages. Quality. This involves producing durable high normal hallucination-free goods that consumers perceived to the good. In the way of life business, quality is king because consumers are sightly more conscious of what they wear. One can say that everything in the diamond industry is of good quality so in this kind of hig h standard industry, quality is not the issue but superb quality. Sparkle buys the best of the rough stones which are hand-picked one after the other so that their final product will be of the best quality and they will have very elflike waste during production. * Dependability.This is doing everything on time so as to keep commitments and promises make to customers. Sparkle has a track record and reputation of never keeping its customers waiting. Customers diamonds are always fully tasteful forwards the pick-up date. Customers love flood tide to this organization because they know they can swear on them when it comes to delivery. There was a scandal in March 2008 in Real Diamonds where a couple arrange for their spousals rings costing thousands of pounds to be manufactured but the company was unable to meet up with the due date so the couple had to use different rings for the wedding. Flexibility. This is being able to change what you produce or how you produce it. Sparkle is very flexible in regards to their products because they produce apparently anything requested by the customer. We pride ourselves on being different, you wont find our jewelry just anywhere, we appreciate that you want something special to you (Source sparlediamonds. com/ astir(predicate)). They manufacture dressing rings, marriage rings, meshing rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, bangles and designers jewelry out of diamond.Over the years, they have come up with different diamond designs thought by others as impossible and have now gained a name as being the company that uses diamond to manufacture anything and everything. On the other hand, their production process is flexible too but not very flexible. They change little bits of their production process all the time to lie with down cost and to increase the quality of the diamonds but this change is never a big change (process improvement). presage 5 Different items made out of diamond. Source * Speed.This can be describe d as how responsive an organization is to the customers demands and growl. It is a measure of the time between a customers order or complain to the time when that customers order or complain is sorted out fully. Sparkle is very fast in dealing with complains. Any customer who comes to the company with a complaint is not allowed to leave when the head concerned has not been resolved. Complains made online take a maximum of 2 working days to be dealt with and those by post takes a little more time. predict 5 Different colors of diamond. Source 4 Product Design . 1 Definition Product/service design is the process of delimitate the specification of products and/or services in order for them to fulfill a specific market need (Slack et al, 2009). According to Russell and Taylor (2009), new product designs can hand over a competitive edge by set downing new ideas to the market quickly, doing a better project of satisfying customers needs, or being easier to manufacture, use and rep air. Product design is of great importance in any organization because consumers are becoming more and more conscious of the products they consume and their contents.Almost everybody in the organization is involved in product design because moulding in a new product design is not just rough the market requirement but it is also about anticipating future demand and this needs imagination and creativity. In coming out with a good product design, market requirements, adept issues, cost, quality, investment information and the target market must be considered and dealt with appropriately. Diamond design step by step Various steps are followed when coming out with a good diamond design. 1. Generating Ideas Ideas to bring up a new diamond designs can come from anywhere and comes from everywhere.Some organizations look becalm within the organization and come up with a diamond design but this approach is very dangerous because it can easily back decamp leading to a poor design. Ideas in Sparkle usually come from * The customers who will use the product. Most at times, the customer comes to the organization with a design in mind. The design team in the organization then sits with the customer and adds ideas to perfect the customers request. * The employees who serve the customers. These groups of persons know exactly what customers wants because they are the throng who take customers specifications, demands and complaints.They play an important role in the creation of a new design. * Competitors and any new engine room. Sparkle sometimes looks at the designs of its competitors like Avi Paz and tries to change it so as to create something better than theirs. * Research and Development (R&D) Department. One of their major roles in the organization is to look for new possible designs which will entice customers. It is at this stage that the diamond color, size, weight, scale down grade, clarity grade, carat weight, laser inscription and shape is decided. Figu re 4 Computer simulated diamond designing in progress.Source www. sparklediamonds. com 2. Product Screening According to Slack et al (2009), not all concepts and ideas generated will be capable of being highly-developed into products and/or services. Each idea generated is taken and examined to see whether or not they are acceptable, feasible and vulnerable. Fig 5 illustrates. Figure 5 Some natural evaluation questions for marketing, operations and finance. Evaluation Criteria Marketing Operations Finance Feasibility Is the market likely to be big enough? Do we have capabilities to produce it? Do we have access to sufficient finance to develop and launch it? Acceptability How much market share could it gain? How much will we have to reorganize our activities to produce it? How much financial return will there be on our investment? Vulnerability What is the risk of it failing in the market place? What is the risk of us being able to produce it acceptable? How much capital c ould we lose if things do not go as plotted? Fig 5 Slack et al (2009) Some typical evaluation questions for marketing, operations and finance e-book p. 89 3. Preliminary Design At this stage, the design is reviewed by the cutters and polishers to see if the can really produce the diamond and any unnecessary complexity in the diamonds design is eliminated because much(prenominal) complexities can build cost. For example there are some unnecessary and unnoticed cuts in a diamonds design but these cuts could split the whole diamond if not done carefully. Because customers will not even notice the additional cuts and even if they do, they will not be willing to pay an addition for it so the cuts are eliminated.Figure 4 Different diamond designs (drawing). Source Figure 4 Different diamond designs. Source 4. Final Design After all the above has been done, a prototype is then created out of glass and demonstrateed to see if it meets market requirements, technical requirements and the f inancial limit. Tangible prototypes are created and virtual (computer simulations) model too to properly assess the diamond before production goes any further. Sometimes, customers are called in to see the prototype and give their feedback from which some adaptments may be made on the products design.An after acceptance, diamond cutting commences. Figure 5 Prototype diamond made out of fine glass. Source 5 Process Design 5. 1 Definition Process design is Sequence of interdependent and linked procedures which, at every stage, consume one or more resources (employee time, energy, weapons, money) to convert inputs (data, material, parts, etc. ) into outputs. These outputs then serve as inputs for the close stage until a known goal or end result is reached (www. businessdictionary. com). Read more http//www. businessdictionary. com/definition/process. tmlixzz2QTQAtoBi When decision making a product design, it is advisable to simultaneously come up with a matching process design. Thi s will entail the melt down of the process and Barnes (2008) said that the design of processes is different in all organizations and these designs will be based on the volume and variety of the demand for the product in the market. He further categorized the processes under project, jobbing, batch, line and continuous. Types of Processes There are different production processes namely project, jobbing, batch, line and continuous. See Appendix C.Sparkle is in a business of very dearly-won products which are very small in size so they do jobbing. Customers usually give orders which are produced by the company (make to order). They usually hold little or no fully-processed inventory. The Production Process Diamond ore is sorted by density using X-rays. Before that technology became available, grease belts were used to separate diamonds from the rest of the ore, due to the diamonds greater tendency than other minerals to stick to grease. Rough diamonds are then set to be cut as gemsto nes in the cutting laboratory.A diamond has different cuts and different professional peg down on different cuts. This is the most daunting labor movement of diamond production because a sad cut will cost the company a fortune. Figure 5 Diamond plan before cutting. Source acrimonious produces the facets associated with a diamond. The angles of the facets maximize light, giving the diamond its greatest possible luster (dispersion of white light). The cutting process can take as much as 50% of a rough diamonds weight. Figure 5 Illustration of diamond facets. Source A number of factors come into play when deciding how a diamond should be cut.X-rays are employed to analyze the stones crystallographic structure, its hardness and ability to cleave. The diamonds flaws are considered, and the cutter decides which to off and which can remain. Either a hammer or a diamond saw can be used to split the diamond the hammer is quicker, but the saw is surer. Figure 5 Diamond cutting. Source A number of institutes in the diamond industry offer courses for diamond cutters, but the bulk and most crucial part of the training for this delicate trade take place during the cutters apprenticeship.A diamond may get its final cut from many clevernessed hands the diamond marker or designer the diamond sawyer the diamond cutter or brute the cross-worker and the brillianteer. After the initial cutting, diamonds undergo the polishing stages, usually performed by a technician as the process is a standard one. Polished diamonds are reexamined for flaws, which can be addressed done enhancement techniques or disguised when set in jewelry. Figure 5 Diamond Polishing. SourceFinally, the polished diamonds are sold to individuals, retailers, whole dealrs and jewelry shops. Figure 5 Diamond quality check. Source 6 proviso, Control amp Innovation In any good type of project or manufacture to be successful, it must be planned at the very beginning and at the end, it has to be controlled to make sure that the planned processes and cost is not very different from the actual. Businesses must also continuously innovate so as to move line to line with the changing tastes of consumers and to beat numerous designs from competitors. 6. 1 projectningEur says this about planning It lists the phases and encapsulates all the main parameters, standards and requirements of the project in terms of time, cost and quality/performance by setting out the Why, What, When, Who, Where, and How, of the project. Planning thusly looks at the entire process, product and project but in an imaginary form which has not yet happened but it is wished that it should happen that way. 6. 1. 1 Advantages of Planning 1. It gives direction of what has to be done and how it has to be done. 2. It assigns responsibilities on every person thus answering Who does what? 3. A good plan will see problems a project, product or process will encounter before the problem strikes. 4. A plan helps us to manage cost, quality and design side by side with the profit we will want to make on the product. 5. Plans are used to assess how well a product, process, project or person has done. 6. 1. 2 Disadvantages of Planning 1. It is usually made up by top management and given to the employees down the management ladder who just follow it. 2. Plans are usually followed to the latter. even off when some changes have to done, it is not because a plan is being followed. 3.Plans are usually just estimates and it has no use in turbulent economic environments as the plan and the actual are usually very different. 6. 2 Control Control involves measuring the actual results against the plan and then taking action to adjust actual performance so that it moves in line with the plan. So in other words, control is only possible when we have a plan. Control has a feedback phase and this involves adjusting the actual to move in line with the plan or reporting differences between actual and budget so that there may b e no such discrepancies in the future. 6. 3 InnovationInnovation is defined by the oxford dictionary as changing something established by introducing new methods, ideas or products. Just like there is no control where there is no plan, there is no understructure where there is no control. They all rely on one other. After control has been done, feedback is sent back and improvement or innovation is made. But in the complex business environment operating now, innovation just not just come from within the company but from outside the company like from competitors and in particular from the consumers due to the rapid change in customers taste, design and fashion.In the diamond manufacture industry, there are many different groundbreaking ways manufacturing diamonds and Sparkle has had the following innovations 1. The Supercut design Sparkle has introduced the innovative supercut design into the industry a patented ideal emerald cut, with more than twice the facets of a traditional Emerald providing unparalleled brilliance and fire. The culmination of three years of research, the supercut gives marvelous brilliance and reflection and this innovation gives Sparkle competitive advantage in terms of having good designs with extraordinary glittering. 2. Precision cuttingSince 2010, Sparkle has brought in a technology of cutting the diamonds using computer software and this cut is so exact that less than 0. 000002% waste is created from diamond cutting. Waste use to be about 0. 5% during diamond cutting and this innovation has caused drastic cost saving making Sparkle to be more competitive in terms of cost. 3. Sparkle offers a wide range of jewelry manufacturing processes, including design, modeling, prototyping, grooving, setting, finishing and meticulous quality control all featuring our own fine diamonds, and designed for clients to sell under their mysterious labels. . 4 The Planning Control Innovation Cycle. From the above notes, it can be seen that pla nning, control and innovation work together. Sparkles cycle looks like this. Plan Procurement of unrefined stones. Process the stones into fine diamond. Sell and make a backgroundable gain. veridical Procurement of unrefined stones. Process the stones into fine diamond. Sell and make a reasonable gain. Control Looks at the difference between what was planned and what actually happened. international Information Customer specific design New tastes and fashion Design from competitorsMarket Research (R&D) Feedback and Innovation Plan Procurement of unrefined stones. Process the stones into fine diamond. Sell and make a reasonable gain. Actual Procurement of unrefined stones. Process the stones into fine diamond. Sell and make a reasonable gain. Control Looks at the difference between what was planned and what actually happened. External Information Customer specific design New tastes and fashion Design from competitors Market Research (R&D) Feedback and Innovation Figure 7. Th e planning-control-innovation cycle. 6. Changes happening in the diamond industry. * Researchers are on the verge of bringing in new materials which reflect light better than diamond and these materials are stronger and more durable than diamond. But, they will be far cheaper than diamonds and this is going to be a big problem to diamond manufacturers as the demand for diamond will surely drop. An example is synthetic stones. * In response to growing concern over illicit trade in conflict or blood diamonds, the United Nations General Assembly established the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in 2003.This scheme is going to make sure of the source of every single diamond so as to ensure that they are from a genuine source. This happening will increase the price of diamond because more than 55% of diamonds are from Africa and the mines there are operated by very cheap labor and sometimes by slaves, women and children. The UN will come in and stop this practice thus increasing the cost of labor, working conditions and ultimately the price for diamonds. 7 Quality Management Quality is one of the performance objectives and it is taken very seriously by all organizations because if achieved, may give them competitive advantage.Some organizations rely on quality more than others and the fashion and health industry takes quality as primary considering the fact that people want to look good and in good health. Quality is a matter of perception so what can be called quality for A might not necessarily be called quality for B. According to Garvin (1984), the attributes in quality for a product are * Performance * Features * Reliability * Conformance * Durability * Serviceability * Aesthetics * Other perceptions Parasuraman et al. (1985), on the other hand listed 5 attributes in defining what is quality of a service? nd they are * Reliability Are we always going to get on time delivery? * Responsiveness Are the always going to respond quickly to our demands and com plaints? * Assurance Are we assured of their competence? * Empathy Does the organization feel and insure customers needs and concerns? * Tangibles Is the physical surrounding conducive? 7. 1 Quality in the Organization But in relation to Sparkle, the best definition of quality is that as per Slack et al. (2009) quality is consistent conformance to customers expectation and I will say and even surpassing those expectations.Sparkle uses total quality management as their quality management technique. They look for means and ways to maintain and continuously improve quality at each stage of the production process. All employees meet once a month to discuss on how to improve the organizations present performance. Books by Deming, Crosby, Juran, Hill and other total quality management gurus are in the companys library and research department for employees to read and be motivated to contribute into the organizations performance. All employees are made to know that quality and customer s requirements being met comes before any other thing.The organization has a suggestion box where employees can lay aside any inspiring idea that comes in mind and this box is emptied every day and read by the research staff and it is summarized and sent to the manager examine. 7. 2 The Cost of Quality Quality has a cost which is like a double-edged sword meaning that good quality will have a cost and bad quality will also have a cost. 7. 2. 1 The Cost of Good Quality This is also known as the cost of quality assurance. Sparkle has a lot of this cost because they are continuously always trying to get better in quality all over the organization so as to better serve customers needs.The cost of quality assurance is further divided into prevention cost and appraisal cost. * Prevention cost is the cost of trying to make everything right on first attempt and some of this cost are * Sparkle does not give a check for precious stones and wait for the stones to come. They go to the supplie rs premises and pick the stones one after the other and not in groups to ensure the best stones are taken. The supplier charges more for this. * The cost of designing the jewelry in a computer automated system and running several checks with other very expensive bespoke software before the design is prolonged. Sparkle trains its employees every 6 months and buys books to update them on new technologies and to keep their skills up and awake. * All employees are taught a wide variety of skills so that if a certain employee is not available to do a specific thing, there will always be another to do it. * Appraisal cost is concerned with controlling quality and this is achieved by testing the process before the product is manufactured and testing the product before it gets to the customer. Some of these costs are * The cost incurred in testing all equipment, machines and ensuring staffs are fit and able before any diamond is processed. The cost of checking the diamond after manufacture by employees and with the use of a computer aided personalized software which is very expensive to make sure that the diamonds are flawless. * The time spent in testing the diamonds ensuring the pass all the set of test before and after manufacture. 7. 2. 2 The Cost of Bad Quality All organizations including Sparkle wants to evade this cost because it is very dangerous and it can even bring down the entire organization in a blink of an eye. The cost of bad quality is divied into internal failure cost and external failure cost. Internal failure cost is cost incurred before the product reaches the customer. Some of this cost are * The cost of scrap. Diamonds are very expensive so any little scrap of badly shaped diamond is worth a whole lot. So Sparkle makes sure the best quality diamond is procured and diamond cutting should be not less than perfect. * The cost of reshaping ill-shaped diamonds and gluing broken once. * The resources anomic in repairing diamonds. Labor, machine time , and electricity are used which should have if the diamonds were made right the first time. External failure cost arises after the product has been received by the customer and some of this cost include * The cost listening to customer complaints and responding to them. * The cost of replacing a defective diamond which a customer has rejected. This can cause the organization a fortune. * The customer might have to take the company to court and the organization will pay a huge sum if the lost the lawsuit. Some compensation may run to millions of pounds and could bring the organization to its end. * One of the most dangerous costs is that which we dont see.An example is the lost sale and contribution. When a customer is dissatisfied, he will most at times not want to come back and he will discourage a potential customer who will discourage another customer to come to us. Saying all this, quality should be treated like an egg in the midst of rocks. 8 Supply Chain Management 8. 1 Defin ition Supply Chain is the management of the interconnection of organizations that relate to each other through upstream and downstream linkages between the processes that produce value to the ultimate consumer in the form of products and services (Slack et al. 2010). A tot chain is a holistic lucre starting from the sourcing of material, through its transportation to the organizations premises, to manufacturing, to storage and warehousing and finally to consumers. So it is a whole system and it works as one therefore is one part of the chain is broken, the whole system will fall apart and consumers will not be satisfied. 8. 2 Sparkles Supple Chain Stage 1 Sparkles supply chain starts from the diamond mines in Africa which produce more than 50% of total diamonds to mines in India, Russia, Canada and Australia.The mines usually dug very deep but the deepest diamond mine runs for about 160km passing through sand, rocks, and gravel to be blasted drilled, crushed and processed. It sho uld be noted that only 20% of diamonds from mines can be polised and used for jewelry the rest is used for industrial use. The stones picked here are very rough still with no beauty (see figure 10). Stage 2 Companies and independent buyers go to these mines and buy the rough stones from the mine owners and take them to their premises for processing.These stones are then processed to make them a little bit more presentable so that diamond manufacturers can then buy them and further process them into diamonds. Diamonds at this stage looks like that in figure 11. Figure 8 Trapping stones to look for diamonds in an African mine. Source Figure 9 A typical primitive diamond. Source Figure 10 Unprocessed diamonds directly from the mine. Source Figure 11 Diamonds which have been slightly processed. Source Stage 3 Sparkle buys the diamonds in fig. 11 and examines them with the use of a computer aided personalized software.After a series of checks, rejected diamonds will be sent back to the suppliers and the good ones will be cut into different shapes so as to give the greatest value. After cutting, the diamond goes through computer aided software to confirm its perfection and after this, it is polished and cleaned. Sparkle will also buy what the diamonds are going to be fitted on because people will scarcely buy a chunk of diamond. Diamonds are usually fitted on rings, pens, earrings, belts and many more (see figure 14). These things are usually bought from top manufacturers with good design and quality and they are usually very expensive.Figure12 Diamond cutting in Sparkle. Source Figure 13 Diamond polishing in Sparkle Source Stage 4 After polishing and the diamond have an unblemished shine, shape and color, it is then taken by the customers. Some of the customers ordered just a few and sometimes even just one special diamond while other big customers like jewelry shops order bigger quantities at ones. It is either Sparkle delivers the diamond to the place agreed by the customer or the customer comes to the organizations site on an agreed date and after a phone call to pick up the diamond. The supply chain ends after the diamond has reached the customer.Figure 14 Finished diamond ready for the customer. Source Figure 15 Diamonds bought by jewelry shops. Source The Mine The Cutting Company Polishing Customers Jewelry Shops Manufacturing The Mine The Cutting Company Polishing Customers Jewelry Shops Manufacturing The supply chain of Sparkle is a good and effective. Its success can sometimes be attributed to the information technology they use. They use the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system which brings in data from all sources and this is used to know when suppliers have diamonds and the variouse categories, to know when jewelry shops are running short of iamonds, and many more (all discussed in chapter 9). Figure 16 Sparkles Supply Chain 9 Information organisations As seen in chapter 1, Operation Management is the activity of managing t he resources which produce and deliver goods and services (Slack et al, 2010). For these activities to be properly managed, it needs the help of automated process and computer aided techniques. Information systems are found throughout an organization and if used well reduce costs and can be a source of gaining competitive advantage. 9. 1 Computer Aided Techniques Sparkle uses information systems in many ways in its business.Listed below are some specialized computer aided programs used. 1. They use Computer Aided Process Planning (CAPP) which gives an optimum layout of the cutting steps and their sequence (this is different for different diamonds). There are many diamond cutting machines and they all have different cutting styles and they are operated by medical specialist in the different cutting sectors. So the CAPP examines a diamond and gives different possible steps on which machine to use first and which not to use so as to minimize waste and give the diamond the best possibl e cuts so as reflect light in an optimal way. 2.They use Computer Aided Designs (CAD) to design the shape of diamonds on a computer and finished diamonds can actually be seen even before processing starts. If an error is made in the design, it can be corrected but this could have been impossible without CAD. 3. The also use Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) which takes the drawings and designs from the CAD and test them for perfection. Different test are administered and the flawlessness of a diamond can be confirmed even before manufacture. 4. Automated Material Handling (AMH) system is also used. Diamonds are very expensive and so care must be taken at each step.The AMH system improves efficiency in diamond movement, storage and retrieval. 5. The Laser Security System (LSS) is used where diamonds are kept be it rough stones, semi-processed diamonds and fully processed diamonds. Invisible laser rays score the diamonds and it needs a password to be deactivated. Only top managers hav e the password and the password of each of them is different making it easy to know who accessed the diamond safe. If someone tries to pass through the laser rays, it can kill or paralyze them and the security alarm is automatically triggered and an automated call goes to the nearest law of nature station. . Security Camera Systems (SCS) make use of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) at all times to monitor the whole building especially where inventory is held. 7. The scrutinize Control System (ICS) gives detail information about each diamond rough, semi-processed or fully processed held in inventory at any point in time. Management must no go into the safe to see what they have in stock because the ICS does it all. This system is also used online to make customers see the diamonds, its specification and all other relevant information. Figure 16 The CAD system used to design a blue diamond.Source Figure 17 The virtual version of the diamond in fig 16. Source 9. 2 Pros and Cons of In formation Technology (IT) IT is a very necessary tool in any organization be it a big or a small one. IT has advantages and disadvantages. They are listed in Appendix D including Why IT cannot replace Human Beings. 9. 3 Information Systems Information system can be defined as a set of interrelated components that collect, process, store and distribute information to back decision making and control in an organization (Laundon & Laundon, 2006). Most organizations use some form of computer-based technology to accumulate, organize and distribute information (Ted, 2011) and Sparkle is not an exception. They use a set of interrelated information systems. 9. 3. 1 Transaction Processing System (TPS) This system is used to account for day by day transactions of Sparkle. It records all sales, purchases, expenses, income, tax, bills paid, equipment bought and all other transactions performed by organization. This system is also used to account for employees attendance, absences, pay, over time, bonuses, remuneration, and all other things concerning the employees. . 3. 2 Supply Chain System (SCS) This system deals with customers and suppliers. It monitors the stock in the jewelry shops so as to know when to give the shops an offer. It monitors the stocks which are demanded more and those demanded less so as to know when to produce. It tracks frequent and valuable customers and grades them into groups so as know how to give discounts. This system also monitors the stock in the cutting companies. It looks at the new stocks and compares price side by side quality so as to know which supplier to order rough diamonds from. 9. 3. 3 Knowledge Management System (KMS)In Sparkle, all manufacturing processes are recorded and stored in the KMS. Any ideas gotten either by inspiration, customers requirement, employees suggestions or business intelligence are stored in the KMS for future use. Sparkle is said to be very innovative and has this edge over its rivals because of its mast ery of the KMS. When a new employees is recruited, he has 2 weeks probation where he is taught how to operate in the organization and how processes function. Before the implementation and use of the KMS, probation was 3 months so this system has greatly reduces learning time. 9. 3. Management Information System (MIS) This system takes all the information from the above systems and summarizes them into financial statements and reports. It is used by management to make decisions on how to run and control the business. 9. 3. 5 Decision Support System (DSS) This system looks like an advance of the MIS. It takes data from all sources (internal and external) and summarizes them for top management to make decisions on the long term plans of the organization. Information from this system appears as statements, reports, charts, graphs, ratios, statistics and trend analysis. . 3. 6 Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) This can be called the overall system. It takes information from all sources of the organization and brings them together in one large database. From there, required information is taken out and implemented or used to make decisions in Sparkle. It should be noted that all other systems deposit their information in ERP. Figure 18 Example of ERP. Source LSBF MBA Intake 14, SOM Lecture 3, Session 9, Slide 34. 9. 6 Intranet and Extranet Sparkle uses intranets to deal with its employees and management.Staffs all have a particular passcode which the use and your code depends on your position within the company. Some passcodes can access some areas which other codes cant. They also use extranets to communicate and share information with customers, suppliers, some competitors and the government. This system is more secured and less vulnerable to attacks as compared to the internet. 10 Job Design It is said that the blood stream of any organization is money and I will say the skeleton holding an organization and making it stand up straight is its workforce.An organiz ation manages resources so as to be able to deliver acceptable goods and services to its customers and one of these resources is its workforce. An organizations workforce is its most valuable and the most complicated of all its resources because unlike other resources, humans have a mind of their own. To be able to deal with human beings, you must know what they like and this is different for different people but these needs though different are similar. In providing this, it motivates the employees and when motivated, they produce better output eventually yielding higher gelt, quality and flexibility. 0. 1 Motivation Motivation is the urge to take action to achieve something or to avoid something (BPP, 2010). Motivation can either be intrinsic (wanting to satisfy an internal urge like being happy to be able to help others) or extrinsic (reliant on tangible rewards like money, fame and power). Continues in Appendix E. 10. 2 Empowerment This is the act of mission work to employees making them feel more superior because of the added responsibility and new accountability. This is good motivation for many employees. Job design is about how people tamp out their labours within a process.It defines the way they go about their working lives. It positions the expectations of what is required of them, and it influences their perceptions of how they contribute to the organization. It also defines their activities in relation to their work colleagues and it channels the flows of communication between different parts of the operation. But, of most importance, it helps to develop the culture of the organization its shared values, beliefs and assumptions (Slack, 2009). In designing any job, the following have to be put into consideration. * Safety.Jobs should be design in a way that it will bring no harm to the employee be it physical, psychological, mental or emotional harm. Workers in the mines especially those in Africa are bring ond to a lot of risk and still ear n less than the minimum wage. The mine owners wanting to make more profits cut down on cost by reducing expenditure on employees safety. The employees of Sparkle all have safety equipment like hats and new ideas are being implemented to make the process safer. The organization has also fully insured its entire staff. * Legal and Ethical Issues.Jobs should be design in such a manner that those doing the job will not go against the law or their code of ethics. * Own time. Job design should create time for the employees to take up up on something other than work. For example visiting new places, being with their families or performing other social activities. Employees working in the mines have little of this, but Sparkles employees all have right to a paid holiday and taking permission to be out of work if the need arises. * Employees Ability. An employees ability to do the job or a range of task should be considered before designing the job.For example only strained built men carry cargo from the trucks into the warehouse because of their physical ability to carry heavy weight unlike their colleagues. * Wage and Benefits In designing any job, the wage and benefits to be paid for the job should be considered if not the employee can be over-paid or under-paid for the job. 10. 3 Division of Labor Unlike traditional production approaches that stipulated that one person should know everything in the company so that he can serve any function, Henry Ford came in with the idea that one man should only know one thing and should be an expert in that thing.He suggested that with specializing in a particular function, the whole organization will be specialized and will give the best quality goods and services. So jobs should be broken down into smaller portions and given to different individuals who will specialize and bring forth quality cost-effective products. 10. 3. 1 Advantages of Division of Labor (Slack, 2009) * It is easier to learn. Short and simple tasks are ea sier to learn compared with long and complex tasks. This will be very advantageous when training new recruits because training will take a shorter time and it will be better mastered. Automating. Short and simple task are easily automated as compared to long and complex task. * Time. More time is spent on one long task compare to time if that task was broken down. This extra time is as a result of picking different tools up and putting them down, looking for equipment, thinking of what to do next etc. 10. 3. 2 Disadvantages of Division of Labor (Slack, 2009) * Monotony. The same small task will be repeated every hour, week, month and year. This will make the job boring and less fulfilling thus resulting to absenteeism, staff turnover and errors. Over-reliance. If one employee is absent, no other will be able to perform his duty and this may bring the whole production process to a halt. * No flexibility. Employees let to do one particular thing over the years turn to lose the skill o f being able to learn another thing. So if the production process was to change, many employees will not be able to cope with learning how to perform a new task. * Physical Injury. The repetitive use of one part of your body lets say arm or wrist will in the long run cause pain to that part. This is known as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).Sparkle teaches their employees a wide range of task during their probation but the employees are assigned to do just one thing when they fully start work. Teaching them a wide range of task is to expose them to the processes of the whole organization so that they can contribute ideas in the development of a department or process which does not involve them. Another reason for giving employees holistic training is to make an employee being able to do an absent employees work. This tactic was also implemented because the organization did not want an employee to feel indispensable. 0. 4 Job Design Approaches In coming out with a good job designing, t he following approaches should be implemented- 1. Job simplification The organization tries to the range of task and their complexities. Polishing diamond use to be a very complex task at Sparkle but with the mental hospital of DiamondShines TM a specialized software where diamond polishing is programmed with exact details. 2. Job Rotation This is periodically interchanging employees performing different task to do the task of the other.Sparkle does a lot of job rotation and this makes the employees job more exciting. Job rotation is successful in this organization because they train their employees to perform a number of task but if division of labor was strictly implemented, this approach could have been impossible because employee A will not have a suggestion of employees Bs task. 3. Job Enlargement This involves integrating same level tasks to the ones already performed by the employees to make the job more exciting. This is not practiced in Sparkle. 4.Job Enrichment This inv olves integrating different level tasks to the ones performed by the employees. The new tasks are usually higher level tasks giving employees more responsibility and decision making power. Sparkle once a week picks an employee randomly and gives him the power of a supervisory manager so as to see the changes and innovations he is going to bring to the organization. Sparkle also makes employees work in small teams and the organization creates a competitive strain amongst the teams. The competition amongst the teams brings a lot of hard work, efficiency and effectiveness.