Did the Amazons Really Exist

Historians say that there really were Amazons who were women warriors, but what more can we say about them with any certainty? Were the Amazons the legendary archers with partial mastectomies, as the Greek geographer  Strabo  says? Or were they the same as the equestrian (equestrienne) band of man-hating Amazons the 5th century B.C. Greek historian  Herodotus  describes? Expert Opinions on the Amazons Kathy Sawyer, in Were Amazons More than Myths?, an article from the July 31, 1997, Salt Lake Tribune, suggests the stories about the Amazons come mainly from a gynophobic imagination: [T]he notion of such women ... [who] replenished their numbers by mating with men from other tribes, keeping the daughters and killing male infants [...] sprang from [...] an imaginative impulse in the male-dominated Greek society[...] However, the simple idea that Amazons were capable warriors and female is quite probable. Germanic tribes had women warriors and Mongol families accompanied the armies of Genghis Khan, so the presence of women warriors was well attested even before recent research, like that of Dr. Jeannine Davis-Kimball, who spent five years excavating more than 150 burial mounds of 5th century B.C. nomads near Pokrovka, Russia. The area of the Steppes, where The Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads  (CSEN) excavated, doesnt on its own contradict Herodotus Scythian description. Among other evidence supporting the existence of Amazons in the area around the Steppes between Russia and Kazakhstan, excavators found skeletons of women warriors with weapons. Supporting the theory that was an unusual society that the women warriors lived in, the excavators found no children buried beside the women. Instead, they uncovered children buried beside the men, so there were men in the society, which contradicts Herodotus man-slaying image. Dr. Jeannine Davis-Kimball conjectures that women functioned as rulers, priestesses, warriors, and domestics in this nomadic society. In  Return of the 50-foot Women, Salon Magazine interviews Dr. Jeannine Davis-Kimball who says the primary occupation of these matriarchal women was probably not to run out and start slashing and burning, but to take care of their animals. Wars were fought to protect territory. When asked Does post-feminist, late-20th-century society has anything to learn from what youve found? she answers that the idea that women stayed home to tend the children is not universal and that there have been women in control for a very long time. Strabo on the Amazons As to the identity of the women warriors, Herodotus described and the ones recently excavated, Dr. Jeannine Davis-Kimball says they were probably not the same. The idea, mentioned (as hearsay) in Strabo, that the Amazons were one-breasted makes little sense in light of the many fine two-breasted women archers. Artwork also shows the Amazons with two breasts. Strabos they say: [They], who themselves, likewise, were not unacquainted with the region in question, say that the right breasts of all [Amazons] are seared when they are infants, so that they can easily use their right arm for every needed purpose, and especially that of throwing the javelin[...] Herodotus on the Amazons The Story of the Amazons settling with the Scythians: The Amazons (also called oiropatas—man-killers) were taken captive by the Greeks and put on board ship where they murdered the crew. However, the Amazons didnt know how to sail so they floundered until they landed by the cliffs of the Scythians. There they took horses and fought the people. When the Scythians figured out that the warriors they were fighting were women, they resolved to impregnate them and schemed accordingly. The Amazons didnt resist, but encouraged the process which was complicated by a language barrier. In time, the men wished the women to become their wives, but the Amazons, knowing that they couldnt live within the Scythian patriarchy insisted the men leave their native land. The men obliged and a new land was set up. These people became the ​SAUROMATAE who spoke a version of Scythian adapted by the Amazons.—Herodotus Histories

The American Dream Is Still Alive Essay - 1610 Words

The American Dream Nowadays, many Americans wonder if the American Dream is still alive. At one point in our country, people felt that they could achieve success by working hard. However, after the economic hardships and recession of the 21st century, a number of Americans not only lost income, but some also lost their jobs. Although there has been slow progression to improve the economy, there are those who question whether or not the dream of Americans can ever be achieved again. With unemployment levels still high and salaries failing to increase, there certainly is doubt in most of Americans. In his essay, Brandon King formulates ways to redefine and change the way to look at the American dream. After analyzing King’s essay, one can see his view as believing that the dream is still very much intact. As he points out, the American economy is a very complex system that has had downfalls, but there is always a way to get back up from it. Regardless of your economic stat us (poor or middle class), if one has a working job, it is possible to succeed based on how much someone is willing to work to achieve their goals. As King would agree, the American dream is not only still alive and well, but anyone can reach success. At first, Brandon King speaks about what the American dream consists of. Many think it is based on the economic standing of an individual, whether one is rich or poor. Still, it is not. Quite honestly, King redefines the meaning of the AmericanShow MoreRelatedAmerican Dream Is Still Alive2239 Words   |  9 PagesAmerican Dream is Still Alive My whole life I grew up believing that there is such thing as the American Dream. The last couple years my faith in that has been tested for sure. Today there are many problems with the economy; there are many people out there who think theres no such thing as the American Dream anymore. â€Å"The creation of a government that is out of control, and thus out of touch, robs every citizen, preventing fulfillment of the original American Dream (Thomas 569).† I agree with thisRead MoreEssay on Is The American Dream Still Alive?531 Words   |  3 PagesI think the American Dream says that anything can happen if you work hard enough at it and are persistent, and have some ability. The sky is the limit to what you can build, and what can happen to you and your family expressed Sanford I. Weill. The American Dream is still alive and obtainable. Many people have a definition of what the American Dream that is obtainable in their minds. People all have unique individual lives. 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Therefore, there is not a clear answer to these questions, but opinions of how the American Dream is contributing to society’s aspects. The American Dream was an aspect of American society that encouraged people to better themselves and pursue their happiness. As America progressedRead MoreIs The American Dream Still Alive Today?1888 Words   |  8 Pagesher flaws. One of the major flaws that stands in the path of the American dream today is the inequality of the sexes. Women are treated so unjustly when it comes to economic and social equality, women are not given the same opportunities as their male counterparts; but women should take a stand today to guarantee equality in the future . The question that lingers in the hearts of all Americans is: is the American dream still alive today? Or has it simply become too unobtainable that it has vanishedRead MoreEssay on Is the American Dream Still Alive and Well787 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"Is the American Dream Still Alive and Well?† (Debate) The American Dream is the result of possibilities and success. The term â€Å"American Dream† was been invented by James Truslow Adams in 1931: â€Å"That dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement.† Another reference to the American Dream appears in the Declaration of Independence (1776). The author wrote that people are â€Å"endowed by their creatorRead MoreAmerican Identity822 Words   |  4 PagesIs the American Identity still alive? Has it died? The issue concerning the American identity is has it died. Many claim that new cultures, new races, and new traditions have degraded the American identity. 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Is it home ownership, gaining fame or wealth, having a great family or is it gaining a peace of mind? Many people have different versions of what the American Dream is, some people believe the dream is lost, and some people are right in the middle and still believe the American Dream is still alive. â€Å"The American Dream† by Brandon King debates about what the true state is left in the American Dream now. Throughout the essay, King asks if the American Dream is dead, alive, on holdRead MoreThe American Dream : Dead, Alive, Or On Hold?1104 Words   |  5 PagesOne of his published works, The American Dream: Dead, Alive, or on Hold?, debates his interpretation of the notion of the American Dream and whether the concept is dead, alive, or on hold. The speaker emphasizes his belief that the common phrase is still alive within America and that one must work hard in order to achieve it. When it comes to the topic of the American Dream, King will eagerly agree that the idea is still alive and thriving in the minds of Americans; however, I deem that the idea is

Physical Geology Notes Essay Example For Students

Physical Geology Notes Essay Weathering: Chemical alteration and mechanical breakdown of rock and sediment. * as distance of formation from surface rises, so does susceptibility to weathering * physical weathering: The physical breakup of rocks. * chemical weathering: The decomposition of rocks and minerals caused by stability-increasing chemical reactions. -rate of weathering positively linked to presence or absence of high mountains, and thus to plate tectonics Physical Weathering-Mechanical Processes (water, fire, roots) * development of joints- rock moved upward after erosion, causes fractures * crystal growth- salts precipitated from seeping groundwater * frost wedging- frozen seeping water * effects of heat- rocks dont conduct, spall (outer shell) breaks away * plant roots- seeds germinate in cracks Chemical Weathering-Chemical Reactions (stabilize to surface temp) * carbonic acid- rain + CO2 makes carbonic acid, frees H+ (comp. chg. ) * hydrolysis- water ions replace mineral ions -decomposed potassium feldspar, kaolinite replaced * leaching- water removes soluble materials from bedrock/regolith -seeps into water, bad taste * oxidation- post-weathering iron release, goethite prod w/ hydration (O) -hematite produced w/ dehydration -intensity of color tells time/severity of weathering * dissolution- carbonic acid dissolves calcite (previously unsoluble) Results of Weathering * common rocks- granites high silica hydrolysis=* clays soluble min. -basalt oxidizes, limestone dissolves * conc of stable minerals- resistant to attack, @ streambeds/beaches b/c spec. grav. (cw) * weathering rinds- light colored rind surrounding a darker core of rock -composed of solid byproduct of chemical weathering * exfoliation- spalling off of outer rock shells caused by stress during weathering * spheroidal weathering- rock tendency to be rounded by weathering -weathering most effective w/ *surface area, subdivision Factors of Weathering * rock type/structure- minerals: quarts granite resistant -differential weathering based on composition structure * slope- steep =* rapid, gradual =* slow * climate- moisture and heat promote reactions (chem. react. prev. @ =* eq.) -carbonate rocks (calcite diss.) in different regions * time- hundreds/thousands years for a few mm Soils: The part of the regolith that can support rooted plants. Formed by the weathering of bedrock: mineral component mixed with organic material. * soil horizons: identifiable succession of subhorizontal weathered zones * distinct physical, chemical, and biological characteristics * collectively known as soil profile (parent material =* surface) * O- surface organic debris * A- humus, chemical leaching * E- gray/white, present in evergreen forests (acidic soil) * B- enriched in clay produced by weathering within the horizon * K- only in arid zones (rich in calcium carbonate) * C- deepest, slight weathered parent material, lacks distinct properties, yel/brn oxidation * soil forming factors: * time * climate- rain temperature * composition of parent material * vegetation cover * soil organisms * topography Soil Types (influence the process, classified by chem/phys properties) * polar soils- well drained, lack well-developed horizons, weak oxidation -wetter envts: tundra causes water-logged, organic rich soil, A not B * temperature-latitude soils- well-developed horizons, unique to envt -deciduous Affisols, evergreen Spodosols, mountainous Entisols and Inceptisols, prairie Mollisols * desert soils- no leaching produces solid, impervious layer of caliche * tropical soils- heavy weathering, leaching produces iron-rich laterite Environmental Aspects of Soils * rate of soil production: dependent on climate (in regolith, not bedrock (cw) * mod. T. high R.- rapid, within 100s years * mod. T. avg. R.- 100,000 years * low. T. low. R.- millions of years * paleosols are ancient soils recorded in rock as unconformities Soil Erosion * indirect effects- lake infilling behind dams * rate of soil loss- 7% of soil lost each decade * control of erosion- soil conserving farming practices, terracing, tree planting * the world economy- soil is nonrenewable resource Chapter Eight Mass Wasting: The movement of regolith and masses of rock down slope under the pull of gravity. -No Carrier: Gravity is the primary force for mass movement. Requires slope. .ua5a221941ccac4e0584c57f5712803d4 , .ua5a221941ccac4e0584c57f5712803d4 .postImageUrl , .ua5a221941ccac4e0584c57f5712803d4 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ua5a221941ccac4e0584c57f5712803d4 , .ua5a221941ccac4e0584c57f5712803d4:hover , .ua5a221941ccac4e0584c57f5712803d4:visited , .ua5a221941ccac4e0584c57f5712803d4:active { border:0!important; } .ua5a221941ccac4e0584c57f5712803d4 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ua5a221941ccac4e0584c57f5712803d4 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ua5a221941ccac4e0584c57f5712803d4:active , .ua5a221941ccac4e0584c57f5712803d4:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ua5a221941ccac4e0584c57f5712803d4 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ua5a221941ccac4e0584c57f5712803d4 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ua5a221941ccac4e0584c57f5712803d4 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ua5a221941ccac4e0584c57f5712803d4 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ua5a221941ccac4e0584c57f5712803d4:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ua5a221941ccac4e0584c57f5712803d4 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ua5a221941ccac4e0584c57f5712803d4 .ua5a221941ccac4e0584c57f5712803d4-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ua5a221941ccac4e0584c57f5712803d4:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Gender Inequality Still Exists Essay * role of gravity * shear stress (as slope +, tc +) -perpendicular component of gravity (perpendicular to inclined surface) holds in place -tangential component of gravity (parallel to inclined surface) causes to move * shear strength: internal resistance to movement -particle cohesion and plant roots govern * role of water -capillary attraction is cohesive until saturated (failure) Mass Wasting Processes -landslides = down slope movement of rock and/or regolith. * types of mast wasting * slope failure- sudden down slope movement of coherent masses (rocks) (dry) * sediment flows- down slope flow of mixtures (sediment, water, and air) Slope Failure * slump- down/out rotational movement on tilted concave up surface -can be annual event, associated w/ heavy rains or shock (earthquakes) * falls -rockfall- sudden free falling of detached bedrock from a steep slope -debris fall- accompanying regolith and vegetation * slides -rockslide- sudden .

Innovation in Business Development

Innovation refers to a new method of handling processes. An innovative business seeks to create or develop new ideas with the aim of making a niche in the market.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Innovation in Business Development specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This implies that innovation plays a very important role in the development of businesses across the globe. In any case, contemporary economies demand dynamism that can only be attained trough innovative processes. This paper explores the roles of innovation in the growth and development of a business entity. Strategic planning and creation of wealth Innovation lays the platform for strategic planning and creation of wealth in a business entity (Kindstrà ¶m, Kowalkowski, 2014). It is crucial to mention that strategic planning is central to the work of an organization. Without a strategic framework, it may not be possible to understand the position and d irection being taken by an organization. Strategic planning is designed to prepare strategic options in order to successfully implement the strategy set by the decision maker. Different options are available to the decision-maker and the option selected is sent to different managers in order to be translated into business terms through operational planning. The manner in which organizations are managed in the contemporary works is rapidly changing. The increasing complexity of the environment requires decision makers to have proper anticipation. New technologies and management methods ought to be adapted. Through innovation, corporate governance spurred by the systemic and effective leadership can facilitate the growth if an organization. Thus, governance is no longer attached to the only goals of short-term profitability, but is fully consistent with the overall concept of sustainable development. An innovative business should embrace performance management and steering in order to implement a strategic planning process. Innovation assists in setting the strategic vision of a business and constantly adapts then overall strategic indicators to achieve the strategic objective.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In the absence of innovation, strategic planning can be a rigid tool that seeks to foresee growth since it may leave the decision maker surprised by the unexpected occurrences. A strategic planning process that is too rigid may always lead to strategic break because it probably lacks an innovative idea. Undeniably, an innovative strategic planning has its virtues in the planning of business activities and designing growth agenda of an organization for a â€Å"desirable future†. The objectives set for the future cannot be easily attained if innovation is absent. An innovative process of strategic planning is an indispensable tool for the decis ion-maker in an organization. It concerns the determination of the overall objectives of the company and the long-term commitment. It is prudent to note that the operational planning refers to the allocation of resources for each function of an organization. Any planning process is formalized using methodologies that emphasize efficient decision-making that eventually contributes to the gradual and successful construction of a business plan. When innovation is put into consideration during strategic planning, it can be helpful in understanding the purpose and long-term strategic goals of a business unit. An innovative strategic planning has yet another benefit. It plays a mobilizing and stimulating role. Among its key factors of success is the necessary adhesion of managers (Broring Herzog, 2008). Hence, it is essential that they are involved in developing the plan and adhere to its letter and spirit. Competitive advantage Innovation is also instrumental in boosting the competitive advantage of a firm. Theorized by Michael Porter in 1985 in an eponymous book, competitive advantage is the element that fundamentally differentiates the offer of a company relative to its competitors, and therefore constitutes its power of differentiation (McAdam, Reid Mitchell, 2010). The strategy implemented by a company must contribute to the creation and the sustainability of this advantage. Besides, an absolute advantage gives the company a dominant position which it may be tempted to abuse within the limits of the law. Five forces were defined by the author in 1979 and are a clear depiction of how innovation can be beneficial to an organization (Rae, 2007).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Innovation in Business Development specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More While the concept of Porter Five Forces initially targeted the growth factors of an organisation, it is also used extensively to characterize the adva ntage of a geographic area of ​​a country or an individual. The sustainability of competitive advantage is related to the establishment of barriers that are similar to distinctive competencies. Favorable historical conditions, causal ambiguity, the quality of relationships within an organization serve to engender heterogeneity of skills within the business sector and maintains the sustainability of competitive advantage (Broring Herzog, 2008). Comparative advantage and competitive advantage should not be misconstrued when it comes to the roles and benefits of innovation in a business. Generally, a competitive advantage that has been curved out of an innovative mind generates a lot of value in a business. Innovation is key to a favourable sales performance when marketing goods and services. This argument is particularly true when competitive advantage results from a differentiation strategy. For example, in the case of the so-called â€Å"top† differentiation, à ¢â‚¬Å"price / quality† ratio increases due to an increase in the quality perceived as more than proportional to the corresponding increase of price. The comparative advantage is often the result of a strategic and innovative differentiation during the process of generating value (Belenzon Berkovitz 2010, p.520). The latter allows a differentiation strategy and the buying value to increase. In most cases, comparative advantage does not lead to a differentiation of the offer if management teams fail to devise innovative measures towards the same process. Innovation enhances business focus An innovative business is usually motivated to remain on track irrespective of the severe and difficult times. Hence, it is necessary for a business entity to continually invest in innovation and communication in order to withstand hard or challenging economic times. When the 2007/2008 recession struck, several businesses were negatively affected by the economic downturn. However, businesses t hat were innovative enough withstood the rough times and remained on the right course of growth and development.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Innovation and assessing the business situation In times of crisis, the internal environment of the company becomes a sensitive issue since trust in management is crucial. Competitors are unequally equipped to face the challenges especially as the market changes and new trends emerge. Brands and their priorities change as well (Cassia, De Massis Pizzurno 2012, p. 231). However, innovation plays a major role of reinventing business skills and tactics. For instance, communication should be changed accordingly in order to match the growth prospects of a business. In tense period, consistent messaging is crucial. If corrections are not revolutionary in practice, customers’ expectations may not be met as anticipated. By optimizing communication media and centralizing management, significant annual savings and increased efficiency can be attained with a lot of ease (Maslova, 2013). Innovation and brand management The brand image of a business organization is a vital marketing fact or that cannot be ignored by contemporary firms. This implies that branding should be done in an innovative manner. A well innovated brand increases the net value of a business. Moreover, innovation enhances close positioning between brands of the same portfolio. There are also a number of innovative attributes that strengthen and promote the brand of a business organisation (Mullins, 2010). Business managers can make the right decisions on the maintenance of a brand or changing its position in the market if dynamic innovation is embraced all the time. Knowledge of the value placed by the customers to the brand is a vital lever to make the right choices. This explains why innovation can be used to streamline business portfolio at any given time during the lifetime of its operations (Rajala, Westerlund Mà ¶ller, 2012). Innovation promotes effective marketing Optimizing the web presence of a business is one of the innovative marketing tools that contemporary organisations employ. To ugh times are an opportunity to review the policy of Internet and virtual communication. Internet is a major tool of accessing to information. In addition, Internet tools have the advantage of flexibility, segmentation or personalization in real time with techniques that are becoming increasingly dynamic (Doppelt, 2010). Markets continually expect and fear an economic slowdown. However, not all companies suffer as a result of poor economic performance (Holtzman, 2008). Managers who see an opportunity and vividly understand how to capitalise on their brand often succeed in forging a vibrant competitive both in the medium and long term. However, establishing a web presence with lasting impact requires an innovative mind. One of the benefits of an innovative online presence is the reduction of exorbitant promotion and high advertising costs. Lack of innovation can lead to millions of investment in marketing (Mieres, Sà ¡nchez Vijande, 2012). In the laws of competition and saturation of markets, business managers may sometimes be compelled to work with the available resources. Since return on investment is not always an obvious occurrence, it is the responsibility of business managers to come up with measures that can cushion their organisations against unprecedented losses (Campbell, Edgar Stonehouse, 2011). Rigorous but effective marketing campaigns designed from innovation can minimise the chances of financial loss on investments. Innovation defines the strategy of a firm It is obviously not possible to achieve objectives without a set strategy. Innovation is a precursor to strategy. Having a strategy in place assists in identifying essential actions that can boost turnover and retain key customers. Focusing on the customer base of a business may be more profitable than seeking new customers (Lin 2008, p.69). Hence, customers who are loyal to a firm should be retained as much as possible. A business process that is innovative enough can attract and retain cu stomers. For example, innovation should be used by managers to meet the changing tastes and preferences of customers. Through innovation, managers are in a vantage position to: Focus on current customers. Optimize and circumscribe the services already offered to their best satisfaction. Extend the benefits offered to customers since they are able to optimize sales from repeat customers Focus on the media and be able to reach their targets Adopt a concise and effective operational marketing (Kindstrà ¶m Kowalkowski 2014, p.98) It is always better to build a business strategy around what will work best after the elements of innovation have been applied to the letter. Innovation cab also be instrumental in shaping the relationship between customers and a business enterprise when the needs of the former are met as per the expectations. When relating with customers, direct communication should be chosen and adopted. Direct communication allows a business entity to meet the needs of c ustomers in order to satisfy them (Belenzon Berkovitz 2010, p.519). Innovation also ensures a thorough and effective control of marketing activities in a firm. Control may not necessarily entail checking if the costs of a given transaction are reasonable. It also involves evaluating actions to determine which ones are not worth the process so that they can be separated from those that are most effective (Lasserre, 2012). In conclusion, innovation and positive business development cannot be separated from each other. New ideas are required all the time for business growth. Owing to strong competition in the modern markets, businesses are being compelled to devise their development chains on a regular basis. As a matter of fact, the natural laws and factors that affect demand and supply cannot permit static strategies. Dynamic business ideas are fundamental. This calls for innovation throughout the lifetime of a business organisation. Furthermore, customers’ tastes and prefere nces are always changing. Unless a business unit remains focussed on these needs through innovation, return on investment cannot be guaranteed. References Belenzon, S. Berkovitz, T. 2010, â€Å"Innovation in Business Groups†, Management Science, vol. 56, no. 3, pp. 519-535. Broring, S. Herzog, P. 2008, â€Å"Organising new business development: open innovation at Degussa†, European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 330-348. Campbell, D., Edgar, D. Stonehouse, G 2011, Business Strategy: An Introduction, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke. Cassia, L., De Massis, A. Pizzurno, E. 2012, â€Å"Strategic innovation and new product development in family firms†, International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour Research, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 198-232. Doppelt, B 2010, Leading change toward sustainability: a change-management guide for business, government and civil society, Greenleaf E-book, Sheffield. Holtzman, Y. 2008, â€Å"Innovation in research and development: tool of strategic growth†, The Journal of Management Development, vol. 27, no. 10, pp. 1037-1052. Kindstrà ¶m, D. Kowalkowski, C. 2014, â€Å"Service innovation in product-centric firms: a multidimensional business model perspective†, The Journal of Business Industrial Marketing, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 96-111. Lasserre, P 2012, Global Strategic Management 3rd ed, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke. Lin, H. 2008, â€Å"Empirically testing innovation characteristics and organizational learning capabilities in e-business implementation success†, Internet Research, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 60-78. Maslova, N.V. 2013, â€Å"Impact of Risk on Entrepreneurial Activity in the Small Innovation Business†. Varazdin Development and Entrepreneurship Agency, p. 68. McAdam, R., Reid, R. Mitchell, N. 2010, â€Å"Longitudinal development of innovation implementation in family-based SMEs†, International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour Research, vol. 1 6, no. 5, pp. 437-456. Mieres, C.G., Sà ¡nchez, J.à .L. Vijande, M.L.S. 2012, â€Å"Internal Marketing, Innovation and Performance in Business Services Firms: The Role of Organizational Unlearning†, International Journal of Management, vol. 29, no. 4, pp. 403-429. Mullins, L 2010, Management Organisational Behaviour, 9th ed., Pearson Education, Harlow. Rae, D 2007, Entrepreneurship From Opportunity To Action, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke. Rajala, R., Westerlund, M. Mà ¶ller, K. 2012, â€Å"Strategic flexibility in open innovation – designing business models for open source software†, European Journal of Marketing, vol. 46, no. 10, pp. 1368-1388. This essay on Innovation in Business Development was written and submitted by user Brayden Meadows to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Management at Stamford Hospital

Management at Stamford Hospital Introduction Stamford Hospital is one of the leading hospitals in healthcare provision in Stamford and across Connecticut. The hospital is a nonprofit organization and it has been in the business for more than 100 years. Stamford Hospital is said to have created about 2300 job opportunities for health care providers (Stamford Hospital, 2014). Its vision is to offer quality health care services to its patients.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Management at Stamford Hospital specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The hospital uses new technology in its operations and it is one of the Planetree Alliance member hospitals. The Planetree Alliance members are obliged to provide patient-centered services, and this assertion means that all members must focus on maximizing their patients’ satisfaction. The hospital provides medical services in areas such as cancer treatment, cardiac services, orthopedics, and general health ( Stamford Hospital, 2014). Stamford Hospital is a partner of the New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System and a key training partner of the Columbia University, which offers medical courses. The hospital has an employee development program that mainly focuses on equipping workers with the right skills to achieve its corporate goals (Stamford Hospital, 2014). The hospital recorded its first positive profit margin in 2004 and since then it has posted promising results on its financial accounts. The hospital’s success in the past few years has been attributed to good management. This paper will analyze the company’s management, assess the gaps in the management, and provide some recommendations for future improvement. Employees’ career development opportunities For managers and other personnel to accomplish their duties and achieve a corporation’s goals, an education program is necessary to equip them with skills to handle new challenges that come up in the co urse of executing their duties (Frampton Charmel, 2008). Additionally corporate culture becomes obsolete with time, and thus a corporate culture that was successful at one point may not be effective at some other time in the future (Newmark, 2006). In order for a business to achieve its corporate goals, career development should be embraced. Managers should be well equipped with the necessary skills and technical knowhow to handle different situations. At Stamford, a non-discriminative training program is in place to offer lifetime training to managers and other staff members (Heuer, 2004). The program is based on the corporate culture of the organization and it mostly focuses on new employee orientation, new manager orientation, and other staff development training amongst others (Stamford Hospital, 2014).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More New staff recruitment in the hospital is done by the human resources department, which is composed of technical staff in the area of staff management. The hospital considers both skills and the ability of an individual staff to fit in the corporate culture within which the company is established. In addition, the hospital assesses the ability and attitudes of the candidate towards teamwork, accountability, and respect for other staff members and patients (Stamford Hospital, 2014). The aforementioned factors considered during the hiring process ensure that only the right staff members join the hospital’s workforce, this leading to increased patient satisfaction. The major components of the training program are discussed below. New Employee Orientation The hospital management provides every new staff with a 3-days training that centers on the nature of the corporate culture in the organization. The program enables new employees to understand the spirit in the organization coupled with preparing them fo r their new tasks. Additionally, new employees get firsthand information on the hospital’s mission, vision, and values. Given that Stamford Hospital works under the Planetree philosophy of patient-centered care, the 3-days orientation program assists the new staff members to understand the organization’s major goal, which is to ensure patient satisfaction and the role they owe the hospital regarding the accomplishment of that goal (Heuer, 2004). The program also introduces the new staff members to the code of ethics that guides every employee in the company. This aspect is crucial since it defines the â€Å"dos† and â€Å"don’ts† in the organization. The overall result of the orientation program is that it brings all the staff members together to work as a team in a bid to achieve a common goal (Daft Marcic, 2005). The orientation program is important since the employees are drawn from different cultural and religious backgrounds, and thus it welc omes the new staff to the company and establishes a bond between them. New Manager Orientation The success or failure of a business venture depends on the management (Frampton Charmel, 2008). On the other hand, poor management leads to a business’ failure while good management leads to success.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Management at Stamford Hospital specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Stamford Hospital is aware of this view and thus it has introduced a â€Å"new manager-training program, which provides new managers with a general overview of the hospital’s human resources policies and procedures, budgets, corporate compliance, and Kronos timekeeping† (Stamford Hospital, 2014, par.17). Through the program, new managers meet and interact with other new and senior managers and engage in an open discussion where each person has a chance to contribute his or her ideas. Regular assessment of the new managers is done for a period of one year in a bid to ensure that shortfalls and deviations are detected in time. The Leadership Academy This program is â€Å"only accessible to leaders and managers from different levels in the organization† (Stamford Hospital, 2014, par. 18). The program aims at supplementing the leadership skills already possessed by the leaders with some new skills with the sole aim of increasing their efficiency. The program takes in classroom work in fields that relate to strategic management and it centers mainly on maximizing performance coupled with binding managers from different levels in order to achieve the corporate goals. Training is offered under the watch of the hospital’s staff members if not outsourced (Newmark, 2006). The aim of the training may be strategic goal alignment, talent retention, teamwork, health work relations, motivation, and visionary leadership among others (Frampton Charmel, 2008). Online Training In addition t o the aforementioned courses, the hospital also offers online courses to its employees. The courses that the hospital offers to its staff members through the new technology include sexual bullying, corporate acquiescence, handling emergency cases, patient wellbeing, and cultural diversity among others. Staff Development training This program aims at developing skills and competence amongst the junior staff members. The program offers courses designed to improve the employees’ skills coupled with boosting their job satisfaction. The courses are designed in such a way that they address changes in the business environment so that employees are flexible enough to tackle challenges that arise in their line of duty (Daft Marcic, 2005).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This program is continuous and it runs throughout the employee’s tenure in the hospital on top of covering areas acknowledged as fundamental to thriving performance (Frampton Charmel, 2008). All employees are encouraged to enroll in employee empowerment courses, which are accessible to all people. Courses such as conflict management and communication are offered in this program. Managing staff turnover The hospital has a supporting program for incoming nurses known as the Graduates Engaged Mastering Succeeding (GEMS) program (Heuer, 2004). ‘GEMS’ is a 12 week program and aims at ensuring successful transition of fresh health care professionals into the work environment. Throughout the 12 weeks, the nurses are trained on the hospital’s policies and procedures. Each nurse is assigned an experienced mentor who guides him or her through the orientation process. The program ensures smooth transition from a mere student to a practicing nurse. Once hired, a nurs e is under obligation to enroll for a BSN degree program within the first year of service in the hospital (Newmark, 2006). The course goes on for five years after which the nurse will be highly knowledgeable and competent. The mentors continue to guide the nurses even after the orientation period. Such support provides an incentive for competent nurses to remain in the hospital. In addition, the hospital also offers competitive salary to its staff depending on the position held. The high pay and employee development programs adopted by the company provide incentives for staff members to remain in the hospital, thus retaining the best employees. Fringe benefits are also offered to the staff aimed at increasing their morale and motivation. Outpatient vs. inpatient services In the recent past, the Stamford Hospital’s management has shifted its focus from investing in inpatient to outpatient facilities (Stamford Hospital, 2014). The reason behind this new development is that tech nological advancements have characterized the health sector, thus improving surgical treatments. This aspect has led to a decrease in inpatient cases. The hospital has employed extra physicians to increase efficiency of its outpatient services. The company is said to derive more revenue from outpatient services than it does from inpatient services. Criticism Critics have been alleging that nonprofit organizations pay their managers huge amounts of money in the name of retaining the best talents (Frampton Charmel, 2008). This allegation results in high cost of health care provision. Stamford Hospital, as one of the nonprofit organizations, is no exception. The company is claimed to have paid Brian Grisslers, the then company CEO, fringe benefits amounting to $618,000, which represented a 400 percent increase compared to the previous year. The hospital’s management holds that in order to retain experienced staff, it must pay them huge amounts of cash. Such huge salaries have b een cited as the major reasons for the rise of health care costs, thus leading to inaccessibility of healthcare services by the poor in society. Considering the view that Stamford Hospital is a member of the Planetree Alliance where customer satisfaction is the key objective, the hospital may not be in a position to achieve this important goal owing to the high costs of its services (Daft Marcic, 2005). Statistics indicate that more than 400,000 people in Connecticut do not have a health care insurance policy, and thus the high cost of health care resulting from this exorbitant CEOs’ pay may lead to reduced customer satisfaction (Spinelli, 2006). The hospital has also been criticized for neglecting its employees (Heuer, 2004). As aforementioned, the hospital is a member of the Planetree Alliance, which requires member hospitals to ensure patient satisfaction at all costs. The hospital has been accused of working towards ensuring patient satisfaction and overlooking its emplo yees’ needs (Newmark, 2006). This aspect has led to poor morale amongst the employees, this resulting in high staff turnover rate. Loss of experienced staff members means that the hospital may not be in a position to meet its key objective of ensuring customer satisfaction in the end. The hospital’s nursing department has also been criticized for malpractices in giving promotions. Critics claim that promotions in the department are based on friendship as opposed to merit. In this department, workers’ experience is not considered and often the old workers are disregarded and in most cases bullied by younger supervisors who find themselves into management positions through unmerited means (Frampton Charmel, 2008). Recommendations The hospital should set up a committee to assess and determine salaries to be given to each employee based on his or her work requirements. The committee should also consider the salaries paid to other staff members holding similar posit ions in other similar hospitals. Such comparison will help to avert cases of CEOs in the hospital earning higher amounts of money as compared to their counterparts in other hospitals. At Stamford Hospital, it is alleged that Grissler, the company’s CEO, earned $376,000 more than the CEO of Hartford Hospital despite the latter being charged with more responsibilities than Grissler and the Hartford Hospital earning almost 3 times more than the Stamford Hospital (Newmark, 2006). Both customer satisfaction and employees’ satisfaction are two conflicting interests (Heuer, 2004). Achievement of one of the two goals may hinder the achievement of the other. The hospital management should balance the two conflicting issues without overlooking the employees’ satisfaction as this trend may lead to reduced morale and failure to meet the patients’ needs. The hospital management should engage its employees in making key decisions and establish good communication channe ls. Good communication between employees and the management will assist managers to understand the employees’ feelings on the corporate culture that is currently in place, hence evoke the possibility of revising it or even dropping it all together. The hospital should offer promotions based on merit as opposed to favors. Each nurse should have equal opportunity to be promoted. Performance and experience should be assessed and the best performing staff selected (Frampton Charmel, 2008). Harassment and bullying in the nursing department should be illegalized and each worker should be free to report such cases to the top management. Conclusion Stamford Hospital is one of the leading hospitals in the provision of healthcare services in Connecticut. Its management is focused on two main issues, viz. patients’ satisfaction and employees’ empowerment. However, customer satisfaction is highly acknowledged since the hospital is a member of the Planetree Alliance whose m ain emphasize is on patient satisfaction. The hospital has recorded success in the past one decade probably due to good management. The hospital provides its employees with career development opportunities through training programs. The company’s focus is to retain experienced employees so that customer satisfaction can be achieved. However, the hospital faces criticism over mistreatment of its workers and discrimination of a certain group of workers during promotion. It has also been accused of paying its CEOs hefty amounts of cash in the name of retaining the best talents. References Daft, L., Marcic, D. (2005). Understanding management. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. Frampton, B., Charmel, P. (2008). Putting patients first: best practices in patient-centered care. New York, NY: John Wiley Sons. Heuer, J. (2004). Hospital accreditation and patient satisfaction: testing the relationship. Journal for healthcare quality, 26(1), 46-51. Newmark, J. (2006). From talk to action: what performance improvement is really all about. Radiology management, 29(3), 18-30. Spinelli, R. (2006). The applicability of Basss model of transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire leadership in the hospital administrative environment. Hospital topics, 84(2), 11-19. Stamford Hospital: About Stamford Hospital. (2014). Retrieved from https://www.stamfordhealth.org/about/

Development in Architecture essays

Development in Architecture essays Architecture is the practice of building design and its resulting products, however customary usage refers only to the designs and structures that are culturally significant. Architecture is to building as literature is to the printed word. According to Vitruvius, a 1sts of such works of art are the Pyramids of Giza, the Lions gate at Mycenae, the Parthenon, the Colosseum, the Hagia Sophia, and the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Each of these buildings tells the story of the culture that produced it, and by studying the development of architecture; one can see the development of religions, ideas, and beliefs. The three pyramids at Giza in Egypt, Cheops, Khafre, and Menkaure, are among the most famous pieces of architecture in the world and they are also the first buildings with innovative architecture. Each Egyptian ruler was obsessed with constructing a tomb for himself more impressive and longer lasting than that of his predecessors. Before the 4th Dynasty (begins c. 2680 BC) Egyptian royal burial took the form of the mastaba, an archetypal rectangular mass of masonry. This evolved into the stepped pyramid and finally into the fully refined pyramid. The development of the pyramid reached its climax during the Fourth Dynasty in the famous triad of great pyramids at Giza...

Compensation and Benefit Strategy Research Paper

Compensation and Benefit Strategy - Research Paper Example On analyzing the human resource activities in the organization, it was transpired that the main reason why the employees quit their job is that the compensation and benefit packages paid to them are below average as compared to other organizations. Though many of the work positions in the company involve hazards, and people in various departments are putting in extra working hours, the management does not pay them proper compensation at parity with the nature of work. At the present stage, the company is unable to retain its loyal employees due to disparities and inadequacies in the pay structure and they have to sustain heavy expenses on recurring recruitments, which can be avoided if they evolve a proper pay structure that also recognizes high performance. Holland Enterprises is a prestigious company over the last 35 years, employing over 3500 people. In order to retain its image and to receive continued work support of employees with required experience, the company needs to revie w and rethink its compensation policies to sustain their business and profitability in a competitive environment. The management also has to recognize that, on the one hand, they are losing competent workforce for want of reasonable remuneration, while on the other hand, they are spending a lot of money to carry out recruitment. Considering the present circumstances and all the pros and cons of the issue, I have drafted a proposal for raising the compensation and planned certain benefit strategies for the employees, which are aimed to attract efficient workforce towards the company and help in retaining them in the organization in future. The proposal explores the basic components of the compensation and benefit strategy on factors such as compensation and benefit philosophy, pay structure architecture (pay grades, pay ranges, and pay width), ratio of base pay to incentive (bonus) pay, emphasizes on external equity or internal equity, principle type of benefits to include deferred c ompensation match, health insurance, vacation and sick leave, etc. Holland Enterprises has immense potential to increase their output if the organization can use the information contained in the proposal to appropriately raise the compensation of their employees and implement the benefit strategies. Compensation and Benefit Philosophy Employees are the most valuable assets in every organization and, therefore, their satisfaction and well being are very important. Fair and effective compensation system is an integral component in achieving employee satisfaction to help the company retain them for a longer period. Therefore, the management needs to ensure that an effective system of pay, which is at par with market competitive base pay programs as well as variable pay programs are prevalent in the company. There is no denial of the fact that â€Å"compensation and benefits affect the productivity and happiness of employees,† which in turn will enable the organization to â€Å" effectively realize its objectives† (Compensation & Benefits, n.d, par. 5). The management should consider that they are paying what they deserve. The principle of a good compensation philosophy is to attract and motivate efficient employees and to help in the retention of experienced employees who already know well all the specific requirements of the company and their job responsibilities. To achieve these objectives, the