Movie assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Movie assignment - Essay Example Mendez seeks for an alternative, and he came up with an idea. Together with his supervisor, they contact a Hollywood make-up artist. They jointly set up a fake film studio, make their plans public, and they fruitfully establish the deception of developing a science fantasy called ‘Argo’. Posing as a producer for Argo, Mendez manages to enter Iraq and link up with the six escapees. He gives them Canadian passports and phony identities to enable them get past the airport security. Through a series of events and intrigues, Mendez manages to save the six hostages. I choose to analyze Tony Mendez. Tony Mendez-The values that I choose to explore about Tony Mendez include; Values, Commitment, Goals and Potentiality. Goals; Goals are the elements in a movie that give meaning to the general story that unfold momentarily in scene. In every movie plot, all main characters have at least one goal in the story that is long-term, and one minor goal or even more in every scene. The long term goal usually sets up the frontward movement of the story. This is the front story which is referred to as the Dramatic plot action. Short term goals on the other hand are objectives, actions or tasks a character needs to achieve within a speculated period of time so as to achieve his goals which are long-term. Incase the long-term identify the Dramatic Action Plot, and then the short-term goals will help identify the character development plot. My take on Tony Mendez’s Goals are as follows; one of the goals that Mendez had was to prove right his disapprovals of the US State Department’s options for saving the hostages from Iran. He had to help the hostages pretend that they knew everything about Canada; otherwise they would have been caught and killed. Another short-term goal that Mendez had, was to set up a fake film studio, manage to make public their plans, and productively set up the deception of developing Argo. While in Iran, he had a goal of providing the six hostages with Canadian passports and phony identities. That was to assist him achieve his minor goal which was to organize the hostages and help them get through the tight airport security. The long-term goal of Tony Mendez is to rescue the hostages from Iran successfully and safely. This long-term goal clearly sets up the frontward movement of the movie. These goals that Mendez had were meant to enable him save the hostages from their captivity in Iran without any casualties. All the short-term goals mentioned above were to make the rescue operation successful. If any of those short-term goals was not well handled, then chances of them not having a successful mission would be close to zero. The function of the long-term goal that Mendez had was to set the motion of the movie in a fluent manner from the first stage to the last stage. These goals have been further changed over the movie’s course by the intrigues that momentarily take place in the movie. The long-term goal was cemented by the fact that security at the airport was tight, and just as they were departing the airport, the security tried in vain to stop them. These goals are brilliant at creating and sustaining suspense all through the movie. Values; These are valuable and durable ideas or beliefs shared by a character of a movie about what is bad or good and undesirable and desirable. These are the regards that a character is held to deserve. They are the importance

Company law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Company law - Essay Example The duties as well as the obligations of the directors, workers and the other officers are encompassed in Sec 179 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Australian Company Incorporation Services 2012). The Corporations Act 2001 (CTH) is regarded as the company law that exists in Australia. The responsibilities as well as the duties of the directors are specifically mentioned under the law which needs to be abided by the directors of the companies. The laws that are believed to preside over the duties as well as responsibilities of the directors are considered to source or originate from three different areas. The stated areas have been identified as the statute law that is encompassed by the Corporations Act 2001 (CTH), the law made by the judges or common law and the constitution of a particular company (Australian Company Incorporation Services 2012). ... he common law entail that they need to primarily carry out their activities in relation or compliance with the best possible interests concerning the company. The directors should not indulge themselves in any kind of activities that does not represent a proper or appropriate intention. The behavior of the director needs to be performed with care as well as adequate meticulousness. The directors are stated by the law to act in certain ways with the intention to keep away from any kind of disagreements relating to interests. It is also considered quite imperative for the directors to avoid or not get engaged in an activity that involves taking inappropriate advantage of their respective positions as well as information. Finally, it is expected from them to refrain from entering into any kind of business dealings while they are considered to be insolvent (Australian Company Incorporation Services 2012). Qualifying as a director under the Corporations Act 2001 (CTH) implies that few def inite obligations as well as duties need to mandatorily perform by the directors. The violation of the mentioned obligations under the law would lead to strict legal actions against the directors. The directors are also required to discharge few fiduciary duties that are stated under the mentioned law. These kinds of duties that need to be carried out by the directors of the companies entail the rule out of misusing the position of the directors in order to attain any kind of an advantage with regard to their personal interests or even for some other individual. They need to take enough precaution while performing their activities in order to avoid any damage or loss with respect to the related corporation (Australian Company Incorporation Services 2012). The fiduciary duties prohibit the

Boston Tea Party, Tea Essay Example for Free

Boston Tea Party, Tea Essay Attention Getter: You probably wouldn’t believe me if I told you that a drug that creates the same signaling activity in the brain as cocaine is sold legally on almost every street corner across the nation. This is a fact however, and the drug is caffeine. It is one of the main ingredients in coffee, and is currently the most frequently used recreational drug in the world. Establish Credibility: I personally consider myself a coffee expert, and have been drinking at least one cup of coffee almost every morning for the last three years. Relate to the audience: Now, I know not every one of you drinks coffee but as you  can tell by the multiple Dutch Bros, Starbucks, and other coffee shops around town it is a very big part of our culture today. Preview: Throughout the course of this speech, I will discuss three major points relating to coffee. First, I will give some information on the history of coffee and when it first came into human culture, followed by the positive health benefits and some of the negative health risks associated with coffee. [First of all, I’m going to talk a little bit about the historical side of coffee and how it first got popular in our culture. ] Body I. Main Point: To understand why coffee is such a big part of modern day society, we must first understand where it originated. A. Sub-point: Coffee was first cultivated on the Arabian Peninsula in the 15th century. 1. Supporting details: Not only were the Arab’s the first to cultivate coffee, but they also were the first to trade coffee. 2. By the 16th century, the popularity of coffee was already expanding and Persia, Egypt, Syria and Turkey all had discovered about the amazing beverage. Sub-point: By the 17th century coffee was still gaining notoriety around  the world, however it was still not a household favorite as it as today. 1. Supporting Details: Coffee houses started sprouting up everywhere in the 1700’s, however tea was still the most popular drink around. 2. In 1773 a heavy tax on tea was inflicted by King George, which led to a pretty famous revolt called The Boston Tea Party. 3. Since people couldn’t afford tea after the tax, coffee quickly took over as the most popular morning beverage across the world, and remains the most popular today. Although coffee has been drank for hundreds of years, the majority of its health  benefits have only recently been discovered in the last few decades. ] II. Main Point: The majority of people drink coffee just to get through each day, however it does have many positive benefits to your health. A. Sub-point: Within just the last few years alone there has been research done showing that coffee may protect against type 2 diabetes, liver cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. 1. Supporting details: According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, liver cancer is the ninth leading cause of cancer and coffee has been shown to reduce risk of liver cancer by 40%. 2. Drinking coffee reduces the risk of diabetes as well, which is a common risk factor of liver cancer. B. Sub-point: One of the other medical uses of coffee is in preventing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. 1. Supporting details: The most common neurodegenerative disease and number 1 cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s. 2. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, however it has been shown that coffee drinkers have up to a 65% lower risk of getting the disease. [You might be thinking coffee is a miracle drink after some of those statistics, however it also has many negative effects on health as well. ] III. Main Point: There are a great deal of health issues that can result from drinking coffee, with some of the most common being addiction, insomnia and increased blood pressure. A. Sub-point: As a college student, one of the last things you will ever want to experience is insomnia, but it is a regular side effect of coffee. 1. Supporting details: By blocking certain receptors in the brain, coffee prevents chemicals that induce sleep from being used. B. Sub-point: Another widely studied effect of coffee, specifically caffeine, is how addictive it is. 1. Supporting details: Caffeine stimulates the central nervous  system and regular use will result in a physical dependence. 2. If a regular coffee drinker doesn’t have their daily cup, they will feel fatigued, irritable, and experience headaches within the first 24 hours. Conclusion 1. Transition Signal: In conclusion, coffee isn’t for everyone but if you do choose to consume it, you at least now know how it affects you. 2. Summary of Main Points: Throughout this speech we looked at how coffee first gained popularity in the human race, some of it’s positive health benefits as well as some of the negatives. 3. Call to Action: Even if you’ve never been a fan of coffee, try drinking a cup  before your next study session and see if you still don’t like it. 4. Memorable end: Although it may be addicting and cause serious potential health problems, there must be something special about coffee considering over half of adults in the U. S. drink it daily. References: 1) Coffee Acts Just like Cocaine, Says Scientist. BeverageDaily. com. Beverage Daily, 02 Sept. 2002. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. 2) Goldschein, Eric. 11 Incredible Facts About The Global Coffee Industry. Business Insider. Business Insider, Inc, 14 Nov. 2011. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. 3) Gunnars, Kris. 13 Proven Health Benefits of Coffee Authority Nutrition. N. p. , n. d. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. 4) The History Of Coffee. National Coffee Association. NCA, n. d. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. 5) Stromberg, Joseph. This Is How Your Brain Becomes Addicted to Caffeine. Smithsonian. N. p. , 9 Aug. 2013. Web. 11 Nov. 2014. 6) Van Dam, Rob. Ask the Expert: Coffee and Health. The Nutrition Source. Harvard School of Public Health, n. d. Web. 09 Nov. 2014. 7) Weber, Belinda. Coffee Consumption Cuts Liver Cancer Risk. Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, 22 Oct. 2013. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. .

Knowledge Management Models And Frameworks Commerce Essay

Knowledge Management Models And Frameworks Commerce Essay The purpose of this paper is to critically review the various knowledge management models and frameworks. The review found that various knowledge management models and frameworks varies in perspectives ranging from the basic assumption of the articulation and transfer of tacit and explicit knowledge to the more complex and complicated assumption that knowledge is intellectual capital and it is mechanistic in perspective as well as an important asset that has to be managed efficiently for firms success. In this paper, knowledge management models are divided into three categories: knowledge category models, intellectual capital models, and socially constructed models. Besides, two knowledge management frameworks will be discussed in this paper. Finally, a KM model and framework is tentatively suggested to act as a useful guide for further research and organizational application. Introduction Nowadays, the world is fully experiencing an era, namely: knowledge age or the knowledge economy. In knowledge economy, knowledge is the crucial commodity due to the rapidly technological advancement. The technological innovations are eliminating the gap between competing companies and the collective knowledge of the employees become the key factor in producing innovative and competitive products or services (Sunassee and Sewry, 2002). Since previously managers did not encourage diffusion and sharing of knowledge among employees, changing in mindset is required for managing the knowledge effectively. The knowledge-driven activities in organizations and of the broader economic and social life lead to the management of knowledge become very important (Sunassee and Sewry, 2002). In general, this managerial activity has been known as Knowledge Management (KM). Previous research on knowledge management indicates the existence of various definitions of knowledge management. According to Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995), knowledge management is the capability of a company to create new knowledge, disseminate it throughout the organization and embody it in products, services, and systems. Duffy (1999) defines knowledge management as the identification, growth and effective application of an organisations critical knowledge. Knowledge management has been defined in another term, which is an organized and explicit process to generate, renew, and apply knowledge to maximize an organizations knowledge-related effectiveness and returns from its knowledge assets (Wiig, 1997). Alavi and Leidner (1999) define knowledge management as a systemic and organizationally specified process for acquiring, organizing, and communicating both tacit and explicit knowledge of employees so that other employees may make use of it to be more effective and productive in thei r work. Besides, ODell et al., (1998) define knowledge management as a conscious strategy of getting the right knowledge to the right people at the right time and helping people share and put information into action in ways that strive to improve organizational performance. For instance, Beckman (1999) define knowledge management as the formalization of and access to experience, knowledge and expertise that create new capabilities, enable superior performance, encourage innovation and enhance customer value. In general, KM is the process of creating, storing, distributing, and applying knowledge. By reviewing the significance of knowledge management and the complexity of its nature, it is timely to try to understand the latest theories underlying knowledge and knowledge management. Hence, this paper will critically study the latest models and frameworks of knowledge management and discuss on the assumptions and views of each model and framework. The aim of this paper is to examine the current understanding of the theory and practice of the emerging field of knowledge management by critically evaluating existing knowledge management models and frameworks. Therefore, employers or practitioners in organizations can understand their concepts and improved approaches can be developed and applied to organization and to those who need to work and implement knowledge management. This paper will begin by presenting the aims and objectives and followed with a short discussion on the types of knowledge. This is followed with the discussion on some of the existing knowledge management models and frameworks. Types of Knowledge In todays competitive business environment, only the knowledge of an organization can provide the basis for organizational renewal and sustainable competitive advantages. Organizational knowledge can be classified into two distinctive types of knowledge: explicit and tacit. According to Polanyi (1967), explicit knowledge is the knowledge which is easily to formalize, transfer, and store; documented, articulated into formal language, formally expressible and easily to communicate; tacit knowledge is pertaining to ideas, feelings, and individual experience, which is more complicated and difficult to share with each others. Explicit knowledge is the fact and can be codified and transmitted in a systematic and formal language. It is usually data, which is internal to an organization and can be easily collected. Tacit knowledge is the personal experiences, context-specific knowledge that is difficult to formalize record or articulate. It actually resides in the heads of the people, behavior and perception (Frid, 2000). Examples are intuitions, hunches, insights, beliefs and values. Both tacit and explicit knowledge are needed for an organization to achieve greater performance (Sanchez et. al. 1996). Knowledge Management Models and Frameworks Knowledge Category Models These types of model categorize knowledge into discrete elements. One of the most renowned KM models fits into this category, the Knowledge Spiral model by Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995). This model presents a high level conceptual representation of the knowledge dimensions, namely tacit and explicit knowledge. The model makes a number of assumptions, namely: 1. Tacit knowledge can be transferred through a process of socialization (everyday comradeship) to become the tacit knowledge of others top left quadrant 2. Tacit knowledge can become explicit knowledge through a process of externalization (formalizing a body of knowledge) top right quadrant 3. Explicit knowledge can be transferred into tacit knowledge in others through a process of internalization (translating theories into practice) bottom left quadrant 4. Explicit knowledge can be transferred to explicit knowledge in others through a process of combination (combining existing theories) -bottom right quadrant. One criticism of the model is that knowledge transfer in organizations is much more complicated and convoluted than this simple matrix suggests. The model also assumes an integration of tacit and explicit knowledge; often this is not the case. This model is shown in figure no. 1 below. A simple but more elaborate version of Nonakas model is shown in figure no. 2 (Hedlund and Nonaka, 1993). This model assumes there are four different levels of carriers, or agents, of knowledge in organizations, namely the individual, the group, the organization and the inter-organizational domain (customers, suppliers, competitors, etc.). The above model is helpful by relating the carriers to the types of knowledge; it remains problematic in that it assumes the carriers, like the knowledge, can be simply separated. Another example of a knowledge category model is that of Boisot, (1998), as shown in figure no. 3. Boisots model considers knowledge as codified or uncodified, diffused or undiffused, within an organization. Boisot uses the term codified to refer to knowledge that can be readily prepared for transmission purposes (e.g. financial data). The term uncodified refers to knowledge that cannot be easily prepared for transmission purposes (e.g. experience). The term diffused refers to knowledge that is readily shared while undiffused refers to knowledge that is not readily shared. The model presents the following characteristics: 1. Knowledge categorized as both codified and undiffused is referred to as propriety knowledge. In this case, knowledge is prepared for transmission but is deliberately restricted to a selectively small population, on a need to know basis (e.g. projected profits, share price issues) top left quadrant 2. Knowledge that is relatively uncodified and undiffused is referred to as personal knowledge (e.g. perceptions, insights, experiences) bottom left quadrant knowledge that is both codified and diffused is referred to as public knowledge (e.g. journals, books, libraries) top right quadrant Knowledge which is relatively diffused but also uncodified is labeled common sense bottom right quadrant. Boisot, (1998) considers such knowledge as being built up slowly by a process of socialization, harboring customs and intuition. There are few similarities between Nonakas model and Boisots model. For example, Nonakas categorization of explicit and tacit knowledge has a degree of correspondence with Boisots reference to codified and uncodified knowledge. The horizontal dimension relates to the spread or diffusion of knowledge across the organization in both models. However, Boisots model experiences the same limitations as Nonakas model in that codified and uncodified are but two discrete categories of knowledge. In addition, the idea of diffused knowledge is rather general and it is not clear if it includes incorporating knowledge within the organization, as well as disseminating it. Figure No. 3-Knowledge Category Model (Boisot, 1998) Intellectual Capital Models Management gurus such as Drucker (1993) and Brooking (1997) and practitioner icons such as Edvinsson, (1997) elucidated the notion of Intellectual Capital (IC). Knowledge and capital have been linked together for many years. Knowledge is being capitalized as a resource comparable to land or oil. However, we also need to focus on the intangible elements which knowledge contains such as employee skills, experiences, patients, copyrights, brands, licensing opportunities, research and development, innovative use of assets such as databases, etc. (Quintas et al, 1997). As these type of elements are not normally recorded on the traditional organizational balance sheet they are referred to Intellectual Assets; hence the term Intellectual Capital. KM is actively concerned with the strategic outlook and operational tactics required for managing human centered, intellectual assets (Brooking, 1997). According to Peters (1992), KM can affect intellectual capital or as recognizing or rediscovering assets that the organization are not using to full potential, ultimately employees. As these approaches imply that the key areas of KM are the management of IC it is worth reviewing a typical IC model. The model, shown below in figure no. 5, is the Intellectual Capital model from Skandia Insurance which is adopted from Chase (1997), and Roos and Roos (1997). According to Edvinsson and Malone, (1997) intellectual capital concsists the applied experience, organizational technology, customer relationships and professional skills that provide Skandia with a competitive advantage in the market. One problem that can be associated with this model is the adoption of a scientific approach to knowledge. This is evident through the classification of knowledge as a commodity linking it to organization capital. This view of intellectual capital ignores the political and social aspects of KM. KM can be decomposed into objective elements rather than being socio-political phenomena from the view of intellectual capital. This is similar to the Nonaka and Takeuchi, (1995) approach. As befits a new area of inquiry, much analytical work is focused on categorizing, mapping and measuring of knowledge types and processes. Although this is helpful, the epistemological basis of the field cannot be ignored (McAdam and McCreedy, 1999). Hence, we need to embrace socially constructed models of KM. Figure No. 4-Intellectual Capital Model of KM (Chase, 1997) Socially Constructed Models This group of models assumes a wide definition of knowledge viewing it as being intrinsically linked within the social and learning processes of the organization. KM is concerned with the construction, capture, interpretation, embodiment, dissemination and use of knowledge. These components are represented in Demerests (1997) Knowledge Management model. The model is developed from the original work of Clark and Staunton, (1989) and Nonaka and Takeuchi, (1995). It can be compared to that of Jordan and Jones, (1997) who speak of knowledge acquisition, problem solving, dissemination, ownership and storage and that of Kruizinga et al. (1997) who include knowledge policy, infrastructure and culture. Firstly, the model emphasizes the construction of knowledge within the organization. The model assumes that constructed knowledge is then embodied. Next the embodied knowledge is disseminated throughout the organization. Ultimately the knowledge is used to gain economic value with regard to organizational outputs. The black arrows in figure no. 5 show the primary flow direction while the white arrows show the more recursive flows. Figure No. 5 -Knowledge Management Model Demerest, (1997) Demerests model is attractive in that it does not assume any given definition of knowledge but rather invites a more holistic approach to knowledge construction. However, it does imply a simplistic procession approach to the flow of knowledge transfer, while in reality this may be extremely rapid and circulatory. To overcome this gap a slightly modified version of Demerests model has been developed, figure no. 6. Firstly the model emphasizes the construction of knowledge within an organization where either a scientific or social paradigm may be adopted. The scientific view of knowledge takes a knowledge is truth view (Morgan, 1986). This view considers that knowledge is a body of facts and rational laws thus promoting a non-personal view of knowledge, skills and tasks (Lave and Wenger, 1991). On the other hand the social view of knowledge is concerned with the social and learning processes within an organization. However, this approach assumes that knowledge construction is inequality, conflict, domination, subordination and manipulation influences as well as more traditional behavioral questions associated with efficiency and motivation (Alvesson and Wilmott, 1996). Thus social knowledge construction is a dynamic process of contextuality rather than the assimilation of a body of facts. In th e McAdam and McCreedys (1999) model depicted in figure no. 6, knowledge construction is not limited to scientific inputs through explicit programmes but includes a process of social interaction. The implications of this broader concept of knowledge construction must be reflected in the embodiment/dissemination of knowledge as part of the organizations KM approach. There is little point in widening the concept of knowledge construction only to limit the embodiment and dissemination techniques used or to force existing techniques onto new knowledge. Attempting to do so will lead to disappointing results, frustration and a negative view to KM caused by the mismatch between conception and application. Knowledge usage must also be reflected via the knowledge initiatives installed in the organization. Demerest (1997) describes use (as deployed in figure no. 6) as the production of commercial value for the customer. While increasing commercial value is a key objective of KM, it is not the only objective. Therefore knowledge use must be employed through the application of a complementary approach for emancipatory enhancements and organization outputs. This will permit the organization to be viewed and reformed from different perspectives that will facilitate continuous innovation, thus creating the ultimate business benefits for the organization as a whole. While the interconnecting vectors (black arrows) show the primary flow of activity, more recursive arrows are added to reflect the circulating nature of activity flows, thus depicting that KM is not a simple sequential process. Figure No. 6-Modified Version of Demerests Knowledge Management Model (McAdam and McCreedy, 1999) Knowledge Management Frameworks Stankosky and Baldanza (2001) developed a knowledge management framework which addresses enabling factors such as learning, culture, leadership, organization and technology (refer to figure no. 7). This framework presents that knowledge management covers a wide range of disciplines that include cognitive science, communication, individual and organizational behavior, psychology, finance, economics, human resource, management, strategic planning, system thinking, process reengineering, system engineering, computer technologies and software and library science. This framework consists four major foundations of an organization which is important for knowledge management are leadership, organization structure, technology infrastructure and learning. The role of leadership is practicing strategic planning and systems thinking approaches, making best use of resources, fostering a culture that encourages open dialogue and team learning, and for encouraging and rewarding risk taking, learning and knowledge sharing. Organization structure should facilitate personal interactions and support communities of practice to capture tacit and explicit knowledge within the organization. Besides, organizational structure should facilitate trust among people within the organization and encourage free exchange of knowledge. Technology infrastructure allows exchange of information without formal structures. Technology infrastructure should enhance the efficient and effective capture of both tacit and explicit knowledge. It should also support knowledge sharing in the entire organization. Lastly, learning is responsible for managing information in order to build enterprise wide knowledge and use that knowledge to organizational learning, change and performance improvement. Figure No. 7-Basic Disciplines Underlying Knowledge Management and its Enabling Factors (Stankosky and Baldanza , 2001) Karadesh et al. (2009) developed a knowledge management framework that emphasizes on developing phases such as knowledge infrastructure, knowledge combination, knowledge filtering, knowledge repository, knowledge sharing, knowledge application, and finally, knowledge performance across the KM process (refer to figure no. 8). The first element is knowledge infrastructure, which relies on building the proper culture for Knowledge Management System and establishes the awareness of the importance of KM among the individuals in the organization. The second element is knowledge combination that functions as a temporary repository of collected information from the infrastructure phase. The third element is knowledge evaluation which is used to assess the knowledge based on the value; accuracy and relevance after the knowledge have been combined from different sources (Sunassee and Sewry, 2002). Knowledge filtering is the fourth element that prepares knowledge to be stored in the next phase, after going through classification, categorization and organization. The fifth element is knowledge repository that functions as storage for the knowledge collected in the past stages. It also can be viewed as organization memory and retention of knowledge assets. Knowledge sharing is a core process in the process of the KM that transfers and shares knowledge among the individuals in the organization. Knowledge application is the seventh element that applies and represents information to knowledge seekers in appropriate matter. The last element is knowledge performance which is used to evaluate every KM system, process, performance, and impact of KM. It is performing according to the organization goals and objectives. Figure No. 8-Conceptual Framework for Knowledge Management Process (Karadesh et al., 2009) Conclusion The review of existing knowledge management models and frameworks has seen a wide spectrum of viewpoints. Knowledge management has been seen from the categorical view in which knowledge are categorized into discrete elements as seen in Boisot, Nonaka, and Nonaka and Hedlunds models to the more complicated and complex perspective of knowledge that is mechanistic and socially constructed orientation (McAdam and McCreedys, 1999). Moreover, these knowledge management models have made reference to: first, the process of managing the flow knowledge; second, categorization models are mechanistic; third, the intellectual capital model assumed that intellectual capital are crucial assets in organization and should be manage efficiently for firms success; fourth, Demerests model is intrinsically linked with the social and learning process within organizations; McAdam and McCreedys model is slightly modified from Demerests model, which seeks to address the limitations by explicitly showing the influence of both social and scientific paradigms of knowledge construction, and extends the use element to cover both business and employee benefits. Stankosky and Baldanzas knowledge management framework emphasized that leadership, organization structure, technology infrastructure and learning are important foundations for knowledge management in an organization; finally, Karadesh et al.s knowledge management framework represents with extensive and detailed processes and tends to provide guidelines for executing KM successfully, save time and efforts and to avoid inaccuracies. Even though knowledge management models and frameworks have evolved from time to time, basically the models and frameworks provide a way of transforming managerial activities and guiding managerial efforts in managing knowledge in the organizations. The KM model and framework that are suggested to act as a useful guide for further research and organizational application is McAdam and McCreedys model and Karadesh et al.s framework. McAdam and McCreedys model combines scientific and socially constructed knowledge, and also the uses/benefits of KM are viewed as both emancipatory and as business oriented. Karadesh et al.s framework provides a broadest analysis of KM process that can be used to foster the development of organization knowledge and enhance the organizational impact of individuals throughout the organizations. Therefore, it is suggested that this model and framework could act as a useful guide for further research and literature evaluation in the area of knowledge management.

Was The Enlightenment Really The Age of Reason? Essay -- Social Studie

â€Å"Reason does not work instinctively, but requires trial, practice, and instruction in order to gradually progress from one level of insight to another† Immanuel Kant. Kant’s opinion of reason is that it is a force, which is ever-evolving and constantly building on previous insights. The Enlightenment is a historical period referring to the intellectual movement that swept across Europe in the 18th century. To tackle this question, I will be looking at two texts. The essays, ‘An Answer to the Question: What is Enlightenment’ by Immanuel Kant, an 18th century philosopher, and ‘What is Enlightenment’ by Michel Foucault, a 20th century philosopher. The texts show that the Enlightenment was the age of reason because it allowed individuals to use reason in order to break free from the minority placed on their lives, the results of which are still influencing the world we live in today. Kant referred to the age in which he lived as an ‘age’ of enlightenment. He felt that human beings could often live in a state of â€Å"self-incurred minority.† This refers to the lack of courage in an individual, to use his own intellect (reason) without direction from someone else. The Oxford Dictionary defines reason as â€Å"the power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments by a process of logic.† Although this is a modern definition of reason it is similar to the definition of reason in the Enlightenment era, where John Locke describes reason as â€Å"the discovery of the certainty or probability of such propositions or truths which the mind arrives at by deductions [inferences] made from such ideas which it has got by use of its natural faculties, viz. by sensation and reflection.† Kant states that having â€Å"a book that understands for me, a sp... ...d Reason, and their Distinct Provinces." Columbia University. http://www.ilt.columbia.edu/publications/Projects/digitexts/locke/understanding/chapter0418.html (accessed May 13, 2012). Camilleri, Kristian. Lecture 10: Thursday, March 29, 2012:Reason (MULT10016-Stream1) Sem1_2012. Podcast audio. Mp3, 55:01. Accessed March 29, 2012. http://content.lecture.unimelb.edu.au:8080/ess/echo/presentation/cc84f47f-47b9-4429-b55a-c24d3af7866f. Foucault, Michel. "Michel Foucault. What is Enlightenment?" MICHEL FOUCAULT, info. Pantheon Books. 1984. http://foucault.info/documents/whatIsEnlightenment/foucault.whatIsEnlightenment.en.html (accessed May 7, 2012). Oxford University Press. Reason. April 2010. http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/reason?region=us (accessed May 13, 2012). Burns, William E. Science in the Enlightenment. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 2003.

Oedipus the King :: Oedipus the King Oedipus Rex

Oedipus the King The uniqueness of the story of Oedipus the King lies in the fact that it is not told, but uncovered. Intertwined within are the workings of fate, which ultimately propel the uncovering of the story (Driver 247). The past is relied upon to solve the mystery of the present; however, it is learned by all that actions taken in the past will not change the fate of the future. The gods of Sophocles are the forces which operate within the cosmos, thus giving its consistency and order. Therefore judgment is the work of fate (Driver 247). Every detail of the story is contrived as to reinforce the conception of order disturbed and order restored (Driver 247). Oedipus's parents were told early of their son's fate, as a result they sought to destroy him and thus inhibit the horrors of fate. Their plan was interrupted and in the end, order was restored because fate was allowed to take its course. When Oedipus later heard of his fate, he decided to return to Thebes, his birth town, in order to escape his fate. As Oedipus would find out later, his actions only propelled his fate to become true. As a means of aiding in the uncovering of the story, the past is imbedded in the center of the play, which is the key to the mystery. The overall form of the play shows the past enclosed with in the present (Driver 249). But the actions of the play show that in reality the present is enclosed in the past (Driver 249). Throughout the play every decision that affects the outcome of the present, was made in the past. The past decision to keep Oedipus alive severely affected the present. Oedipus's past decision to return to Thebes resulted in the later unveiling that on his journey he had killed his father. But it was not revealed until Oedipus had wed his mother.

Powering Houses Worldwide With Hydroelectricity Environmental Sciences Essay

Hydroelectricity is used as a renewable energy beginning that is viewed as a ‘green ‘ and safe option to fossil fuels and coal combustion workss. However, the environmental impact of building dikes and the after effects of edifice dike has been minimize to let hydroelectricity to look as a safe alternate resource.How Does Hydroelectricity Work?Once the dike is constructed and able to work the system itself to make hydroelectricity is comparatively simple. Water from the reservoir goes down into the consumption, so through the consumption where it so drives the turbine to power the generator. This converts gravitative possible energy into electricity since the jurisprudence of preservation of energy must be followed. The energy from the generator will so be stored in the human dynamo and when needed, will be transferred through power lines to the desired location. The Three Gorges Dam in China which is the largest dike in the universe works precisely like this but has been constructed with 26 turbines which go along the 2,335m long and 18 m high dike.Environmental ImpactWhen a reservoir is created, considerable decomposition of organic stuff occurs. Besides, O depletion in the reservoir occurs. This causes the release of nursery gases ( CHa‚„ and COa‚‚ ) to leach into our environment. The Bacterial decomposition of the organic stuff is a consequence of the after consequence of fundamental law of the dike which contributes to greenhouse gases and furthermore, planetary clime alteration. Looking at the Three Gorges Dam in China, the environmental impacts are inordinate. The dike has submerged 100s of mills, mines and waste mopess. Located merely upstream of the dike is a big industrial centre which is making a bog of sewerage, silt and industrial pollutants and waste in the reservoir. Landslides around the reservoir are caused by eroding of the reservoir itself. Not merely is this massively impacting the environment around this country, but worldwide and is besides jeopardizing one of the universe ‘s biggest piscaries in the East China Sea. ( Before and after at the dike site ) ( Before and after upstream of the dike site ) ( Three Gorges Dam – China )Impact on societyThe effects of nursery gas emanations from the reservoirs contribute to planetary clime alteration. The societal effects of planetary clime alteration are complex and instead bad. Extreme conditions events have been linked to planetary clime alteration which indicates that the effects of clime alteration will happen at a much broader graduated table. Hydroelectric workss contribute to greenhouse gases are little compared to other major beginnings such as fossil fuels and coal combustion workss. In 1996 Pearce estimated that COa‚‚ emanations from reservoirs entire to 7 % world-wide semisynthetic COa‚‚ emanations. Canada ‘s emanations entirely add up to 12 % of their ain nursery gas emanations over the following 50 old ages. This high sum will go even more of import when renewable beginnings deplenish.Methylmercury BioaccumulationMethymercury is an organic molecule produced mincingly by bacteriums from in organic quicksilver of course present in stuff flooded during the creative activity of a reservoir. The effects of this bacterial are found when worlds consume fish found in the reservoirs and 100km distance downstream. The bacterial is a neurolysin which affects human foetus ‘ because they are peculiarly sensitive to methymercury. The taint of the reservoir with methymercury can temporally last from 20-30 old ages or more. Alternate Form of Energy – Powering Houses With Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion ( OTE ) OTE uses the temperature difference that exists between deep and shallow Waterss to run a heat engine. As with any heat engine, the greatest efficiency and power is produced with the largest temperature difference. OTE can finally be used to power places precisely how hydroelectric workss do with a big lessening of environmental impact. OTE is a renewable energy that produces really small waste and can be made cost effectual on a big graduated table.How Does Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Work?The Earth ‘s oceans are heated through the Sun which creates a temperature difference which contains a huge sum of solar energy. OTC takes the hot surface H2O and uses it to boil another liquid like propane which has a really low boiling point, it so becomes a gas. The propane within the system is ne'er burned. The boiling propane so turns a turbine which generates the electricity which is carried to set down though an underwater overseas telegram dispersed through power lines in order t o power houses.A pipe is used to make the cold ocean H2O which is used to chill and distill the propane back to liquid signifier. This is similar to steam turbines. This method converts solar radiation to electricity which follows the jurisprudence of preservation of energy. Hawaii has been the premier location for the United States for proving OTE because of its warm surface H2O and entree to deep, cold H2O.Will Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Work?This alternate energy is still being perfected due to the challenge of efficiency. OTE has to travel a really big measure of H2O in order to bring forth electricity. The existent efficiency is around 2-3 % due to the demand to pump the H2O and the thermic loss. All designs have been made on a little graduated table and are largely experimental. One of which is in Hawaii, bring forthing 50 kW of electricity. The largest is in Japan and produces double the sum of Hawaii ‘ OTE. However, if a successful OTC is built, it is expected to bring forth 2 megawatts of electricity. Nevertheless, a full graduated table OTC would be a big sum of money and would be instead hard to construct until it can be made cost efficient.Advantages of Ocean Thermal Energy ConversionOTC is a dependable, clean and safe energy beginning which can be used to bring forth electricity in all conditions conditions. Fresh H2O production is merely one of the possible good byproducts of OTEC. The cold deep ocean H2O can be used for aqua-culture ( fish agriculture ) .Emissions towards nursery gases are about 4 % but OTC does non foul H2O around the system unlike dikes. Effectss can besides be minimized by dispatching the cold H2O at deepnesss greater than 50m.Benefits from OTC on YourselfOTC will extinguish the demand for coal and fossil fuel combustion workss which will assist forestall the full effects of planetary clime alteration. OTC can assist supply a cleaner Earth for coevalss due to its clean system with small pollutants. Switch overing t o this safer option will lend to a better tomorrow.Comparing Dams to OTCEfficiencyDue to OTC being still in the test phase, the efficiency is highly low compared to China ‘s extremely efficient dike. However, if OTC can be perfected in a big graduated table, the efficiency will increase and may go more efficient than the Three Gorges Dam. 94 % 3 %EmissionsComparing OTC nursery gas emanations versus the worldwide reservoirs, the reservoirs have significantly more emanations than OTC. OTC proves to be the cleaner and better beginning of energy.