How a Literary Work Relates to My Own Life Essay

I think everyone can recall their first love. The emotions that one feels when remembering the look, smell, touch and feel of their first love are intense and can bring on incredible feelings of happiness. Finding a first love typically occurs in adolescence when humans have the ability to feel everything so much stronger than at any other time in life. Unlike any other person, a first love will never be forgotten and details about the romance will forever be etched in the brain. The details surrounding a first love do not often fade with time and remain as clear as when the relationship with a first love was reality. Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s poem, â€Å"How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways† can be used to once again evoke the emotions of a first love into the present day. The overall theme of this poem is intense romantic love. I think this theme can be applied to my high school years as well. Similar to many high school students, I engaged in a relationship with my first love that lasted for over two years. While this person did not turn out to be my one true love, I will never forget the feelings associated with the relationship nor will the love I felt then ever fade into nothingness. As a high school student, this relationship with my first love was the main focus of my life. The love I felt was all consuming just as the love that Elizabeth Barrett Browning portrays in this poem. I felt such an intense connection and I loved so unconditionally that my entire being was filled with feelings of love and it took my breath away. This love was exactly what Browning spoke about as being a love â€Å"with my childhood’s faith† (Browning, 1850). I was able to love with the faith of a child because I had not yet learned that the world is often a cruel place where love fails on a regular basis. My first love experienced my love based on a faith that it would last forever. The imagery in this poem enables a reader to imagine a dreamy state of complete happiness that nothing can intrude upon. This is the feeling I will always associate with my first love. The idea of a romantic relationship was so new and exciting that nothing could bring me down from the clouds. As a matter of fact, it is difficult for me to recall world events or even events in my own life at this time with the same clarity as my feelings of romantic love. Everything in my life took a backseat to the dreamy state of being in love. Elizabeth Barrett Browning was able to bring these feelings back to me as I read the poem. Her words invoke the same feelings of first love that I had into a written poem. It is easy for me to understand the type of love Browning had for the recipient of this poem because I have felt the same kind of love in my lifetime. Once again, the imagery of this poem enables me to remember the fearless way I was able to love when my understanding of the world was not marred with the failings of relationships. The final line sums of the entire set of emotions associated with a true love. â€Å"I shall but love thee better after death† (Browning, 1850) can be interpreted to mean that Browning would die without the love of the person she is writing to. I think this is the way that many adolescents feel about their first love. I remember feeling intense dread when I even considered that my first romantic relationship would end. The days took on new meaning and my entire being became wrapped up in another person and I could not ever imagine my life without that love. Looking back, I think I felt that without my first love in my life, I would rather die. I recall thinking that if I could not hold onto the relationship then I would rather be dead. Of course, time and maturity changed my way of thinking and I realized that I could live without my first love. However, my life will never be the same because of that relationship. It meant so much to me at the time that I know exactly how Elizabeth Barrett Browning felt about the recipient of the poem. I loved so strongly and so deeply that my entire life was changed forever. I loved as I had never loved before or have ever loved since then. My first love will forever hold a place in my heart and my life is better for having the chance to love so freely. Browning, Elizabeth Barrett. (1850). How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

Dance of Life Essay

The painting â€Å"Dance of Life†, created by Edvard Munch in 1900, is a painting that portrays people in different stages of life. It portrays two women who seem sad, a third woman who seems happy, and a bunch of other women dancing with men. The painting implies that life is difficult and that it can be depressing at times, but that it always goes on. The arrangement of the women in a half circle represents the phases of life. The women on the end of the half circle are both standing alone. The woman on the far left stands alone, representing youth, and wears white, representing innocence. The woman on the far right stands alone, representing the loneliness of old age, and she wears black, representing death or loss. The women dancing in the background represent the different phases of life and the enjoyment that can be found in every phase of life. The woman in the center of the painting represents the idea of being out of step with the ‘dance of life’. She wears a red dress, different from all the others. Red represents danger or anger which can be perceived as negative, but by painting her in the center the artist respects her unique position in life and implies that her difference from the rest is a positive quality. The way that others are turned towards her represents how people in society center so much of their lives on attention to others’ decisions. More than half of the painting has a green background representing life and vitality. The top quarter of the painting is a blue body of water that simultaneously represent tranquility. The juxtaposition of these two represents the necessity of having balance in your life. The green, as well as the people dancing, represent the joy to be found in life. Most of life should be joyous, coupled with the tranquility, silence, and reflection represented by the blue and the three girls not dancing. The different colors used in this painting represent all the different aspects in life and how important it is to acknowledge all of them. The artist doesn’t use harsh lines or defined shapes in this painting. All the shapes are smooth and rounded. It really adds to the implication that life flows. The smooth shapes help the painting transition from left to right. The smooth shapes support the half circle shape and it all works together to create a path for the eye to follow. There’s not a large contrast of darkness and light; most of the painting is dark except for one column where the sun is, which casts more light on the girl in white. This gives the idea that there’s more light, more carefree-ness in the youth. The entire painting is two dimensional. Though there are clearly different rows and elements to this painting, the grass, water, and sky all seem to run together in a flat way. This gives the feeling that we are bigger than life; that we are bigger than the problems of the world around us. The painting has three central points of interest; the three women in their different phases of life are set up as the most significant points of the painting. It represents the phases of life and brings to mind the emotions associated with those phases. The young girl in the white dress stands next to flowers which only accentuate the idea of youth and imply that the girl, like the flowers, will still continue to grow. The older woman on the end seems to have a morose, solemn look about her. It implies introspection and reflection on the long life she’s lived. It gives pause to the viewer and causes them to be solemn. One reason the painting conveys its message so well is because of the way the women are set up in contrast to each other. The harmony in the painting is created in the way that the women wear white and the men wear black. It creates a calm background which sets up a better backdrop to set the three women apart. The sun setting over the water creates a smooth backdrop and adds an idea of resignment to the painting; as though it’s okay to accept this ‘dance of life’ as a way of living. Unity is completely achieved in this painting as all of the people have something in common; be it gender, clothing color, or disposition. This is a closed compositional painting and it’s emphasized by the circle closing off at the edges of both paintings. It represents the idea of the circle of life and ensures that every aspect of life is contained in the painting. The lines and structure of this painting seem unintentional. The lines of the grass and the separation between the water and the sky aren’t straight or harsh. They’re smooth and blurred, creating an intentionally casual dynamic. The point of view of the painter is that life is short and that people are happiest in their youth. The older woman seems to have a look of remorse or regret on her face as she stares at the lady in red. The painter seems to be saying that we, as the viewers, should enjoy our youth and live without regrets. It also gives implications about life and the human experience; life is contained in a short circle and passes by quickly. In any phase of life, there are things to be enjoyed and appreciated because life passes by way too quickly. The painter’s view of the world is that there’s good aspects of every part of life. He seems to think that youth is the best part of life and that mistakes are central to life. The way that everyone circles around the woman in red represents that life circles around mistakes and trials but that it’s all surmountable. The painting accurately describes the way that the artist sees the way the life begins and ends; the way that we start as the girl in white—innocent and hopeful and young—and that we end as the lady in black—feeling morose and sad and as though life has slipped away all too suddenly. The way that she looks at the girl in red implies that the painter thinks that in our old age all we have to look back on is the choices we made, the friends we choose to keep, and the happiness that we choose to create. Though this was painted in 1900, it very accurately represents our culture right now. It’s a reminder to seize the day, to live for the moment, to make the most of whatever phase of life you’re in so that you won’t look back at the end of life and regret choices or missed opportunities. This painting causes me to reflect on my life and the decisions that I make. It makes me want to focus more on being happy with the phase of life that I’m in and to appreciate being youthful and carefree. It reinforces the desire to not make decisions that will keep me out of the circle. The painting gives the feeling that life is to be enjoyed, and that no matter what it will keep going.

Netflix Financial Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Netflix Financial - Coursework Example The Company operates its business through three operating segments: Domestic streaming, International streaming and Domestic DVD† (Company Description, 2012). Break-even analysis is one of the simple methods to find out how much of the product in an organization must be sold to create a specific level of productivity. â€Å"At the breakeven point of a business, income is equal to expense, and therefore there is no gain or loss. It is the starting point from which an increase in sales or a reduction in costs generates a gain, and a reduction in sales or an increase in costs generates a loss† (Hagen, 2008). â€Å"At the breakeven point: revenue = fixed costs + variable costs† (Hagen, 2008). So, in order to compute the breakeven point, it is necessary to determine every fixed and variable cost that has been involved in the operation. Fixed costs are those costs that are invariable, and that should be paid in spite of the level of sales. At the same time, variable cos ts are incurred in percentage, to the level of sales. The analysis is carried out by a business to find out the number of units which require to be sold for a particular price, to enable the company cover the total cost connected with production. The study recognizes the break even point, which is in fact the point at which the company doesn’t create any loss or profit. 2008 2009 2010 2011 No. of units sold 194 167 596 684 Total revenue 1364.7 1670.3 2162.6 3204.6 Total variable cost 899.1 1269.5 732.2 1563 Contribution margin 465.6 400.8 1430.4 1641.6 Fixed cost 100 100 100 100 Break even unit 41.66666667 41.66666667 41.66666667 41.66666667    Sales 2008 1550.06 2009 1334.33 2010 4762.04 2011 5465.16    Profit 2008 83 2009 115.9 2010 160.9 2011 223.1 Contribution Margin per Unit = $2.4 Fixed cost of Netflix is assumed to be zero price per unit= $7.99 BEU= Fixed Cost/Contribution Margin Cost–Benefit Analysis (CBA) is also called Benefit–Cost Analysis (BCA). It is an organized process for comparing and computing advantages and costs of a project, judgment or government guidelines. â€Å"Cost Benefit Analysis Template provides a simple tool for calculating financial futures. With its familiar layout and excellent direction, this program makes financial forecasting simple enough for even novices† (Cost Benefit Analysis Template, 2009).    Total cost    2008 999.1 1364.7 2009 1369.5 1670.3 2010 832.2 2162.6 2011 1663 3204.6 1). How does the article suggest that business thinking and practice has evolved since the exhortations for business process reengineering in the 1990s? Part 2: (1) How the article does suggest that business thinking and practice has evolved since the exhortation for BPR in 1990? Davenport & Short (1990) describe the term business process as "a set of rationally connected tasks carried out to accomplish a defined business result." A process is "a structured, measured set of activities designed to produce a sp ecified output for a particular customer or market. It implies a strong emphasis on how work is done within an organization" (What is Business Process?, n.d.). In their view, there are two significant characteristics of processes, and they are: (i) They have clients (external or internal), (ii) They cross organizational borders, i.e., they occur across or among organizational subunits. One method for recognizing business processes in a company is the value chain method recommended by Porter and Millar (1985). The idea of BPR has

US-EU Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

US-EU Relations - Essay Example Except for the wars after the separation of Yugoslavia, a spot removed from the concerns of most Europeans, arrangements and bargain have determined all intra-European question for more than 50 years. The nations of Europe have lost the propensity of considering war. The United States, by complexity, is a worldwide force. It works in parts of the world, strikingly the Mideast, where arrangement, bargain, and peace do not predominate. America need to play by the nearby governs to secure its diversions in spots like the Mideast, along these lines discovers war a more conceivable strategy than the Europeans do. Since the Europeans see no compelling reason to go to war to secure their premiums, they have not put resources into the intends to do so (Michael Mandelbaum 2). Furthermore, because they need usable military strengths, they do not need critical worldwide issues to be settled by the utilization of power, for that would lessen their impact. While the hesitance to go to war influences European nations overall, France and Germany have their specific purposes behind restricting an American-headed war against Iraq. French resistance is focused around patriotism. The German position on the war originates from a strain of pacifism in German popular assessment, itself a legacy of the heartbreakingly forceful German outside arrangements in the first 50% of the twentieth century. Ending up in an unstable political position before a year ago general race, Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder turned out contrary to the war against Iraq. It was a method for assembling radical notion for the benefit of his constituent prospects (Michael Mandelbaum 3). The strategy succeeded, he was re-chosen, and he repeated his hostile to war stance in reckoning of provincial races held a weekend ago, in which his gathering did gravely. In the impending weeks, France, at any rate, cannot drift closer to the US position on Iraq. The

Business Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Business Law - Essay Example This is selected because it contains very relevant explanations and outlines of how directors and shareholders are expected to relate towards the collective success of their companies. Several UK case laws are also going to be analysed in such a way that by the end of the discussions, Mary and Joseph would clearly identify areas of legal liability in the conduct of their directors and areas where no legal liabilities exist. Directors’ Duty Duty owed to the company and not individual shareholders First, it is important for Mary and Joseph to realise that prior to CA 2006, the directors owe their duty to the company as a body and not to individual shareholders of the company. However, it has been explained earlier that the company is only an artificial person, who must be represented by natural people. Mary and Joseph could therefore direct their actions in such ways that they are either seen as individual shareholders fighting for their interest in the company or as members of the company as a body1. ... Similarly, in Percival v Wright (1902), it was held that the director of the directors in some instances owe fiduciary duties to individual shareholders of the company. By further implication, how a petitioner positions him or herself in cases against the adjudication of the duties of directos is very important in determining what the outcome of the petition would be3. Mary and Joseph will therefore be advised to position their selves as constitute members of the company rather than as interested parties in the acquisition because of the directors’ duty is owed to the company and not to individual shareholders4. Power to issue shares Further advice given to Mary and Joseph would bother on the power that the directors of the company have to issue shares. It would be noted that s 171 CA 2006, which touches on the duty of directors to act within powers clearly outlines the powers given to the directors to exercise powers for the purposes for which they are conferred5. As part of the powers, given by most companies to their directors also, there is the power for the issuance of shares where directors have the right to issue shares that they deem as acts profitable ventures for the company6. In effect, the argument of Mary and Joseph cannot be against the mere issuance of shares in the acquisition process of the subsidiary firm. The acquisition of the subsidiary company through the issuance of shares could easily be justified by the directors through their power to issue shares if the purpose for the formation of the subsidiary company had finished serving its roles7. In Hogg v Cramphorn Ltd (1967), it was held that the directors of the company could not be charged for

The summary of Million Dollar Arm Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The summary of Million Dollar Arm - Movie Review Example To finance the trip, training and all the other requirements for the scheme, Bernstein convinces an investor and extremely wealthy business owner, known as Mr. Chang to help them. Bernstein convinces the investor to create and support a show called â€Å"Million Dollar Arm†, which they will use to get the right, skilled players that they are looking for once they go to India. Once the two partners arrive in India, Amit, a local man who likes baseball befriends them and Bernstein hires his as his interpreter. In addition, Bernstein ensures that he goes to India with a major league scout called Ray. Bernstein believes Ray will help him in eliminating through the thousands of candidates who are there to compete. At first, things do not seem to be going as planned. Contrary to his luxurious life that he used to in United States, Bernstein is shocked to see the overcrowded cities in India and traffic that did not seem to end (Million Dollar Arm). The overcrowding and traffic made it harder for the group to move from one city to the next, looking for new players. He also learns that since most of the candidates are cricket players they have different pitching techniques from those of baseball players. In addition getting players who were willing to train and become baseball players within a year was not easy. It was only after a prolonged search he found two young men that were eager to try out the new pitching motions in an entirely new sport. The two new prospects, Dinesh and Rinku are trained by a baseball coach known as Tom House (Million Dollar Arm). Bernstein takes them back home for more training. After training vigorously and participating in different ways when in front of professional scouts and the media from around the world, they fail. The investor almost gives up on Bernstein’s plan, when he learns that the two players cannot

Profesional portfolio Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Profesional portfolio - Assignment Example Developing an effective global workplace is a challenging tasks but necessary for multinational companies because it ensures employees in their companies create a culture of shared values that maintain cohesive and ethical cultures across countries that are difficult to create in a domestic environment. In light of this new definition of global workplace, to me global workplace is considered a workplace with intercultural teams that come together from across different countries to accomplish a business objective for a company using technology and communication, while observing certain ethical and professional behavior for the purpose of minimizing cost. In the same assignment, another change or rather an addition that has been made is the experience of intercultural communication, specifically using Coca-Cola in India as an example. Let us look at the change of intercultural communication. Intercultural communication relates to how people should work in a global workplace because it looks at how individuals from different background of culture attempt to communicate verbally and non-verbally, manage, approach deadlines, work together, meet, build relationships, negotiate and much more (Varner & Beamer, 2011). Individuals and companies that look into doing business within the global workplace usually are unsuccessful in addressing such areas before venturing into business abroad. This has the effect of leading to poor performance and lost business deals. More understanding of differences intercultural in protocol, communication and etiquette in addition to informed planning surely leads to a huge probability of attaining business go als and objectives. Code of conduct is one aspect of intercultural communication that relates to how people work in a global workplace. In a global workplace, a uniform code of conduct is used to address how workers of a company are supposed to behave professionally. For instance,

Patients saftey Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Patients saftey - Thesis Example It does seem likely, however, that, under stress, hospital staff is more likely to make mistakes that can contribute to the emergence of accidents, because high stress levels can impair the level of concentration, cognitive information processing, decision-making and work behavior (Furney, Press). The main research question that guided the present study was whether objective work stressors and resources predict important characteristics of stressful events that are related to safety among novice nurses. The characteristics in question were the similarity of the particular event to previously experienced events and the probability that the event would recur in the future. Thus, the risk potential contained in the event was assessed in terms of the event being a recurrent rather than a singular event - either because it had occurred in the past and/or because it was estimated to have a high chance of recurrence. Work stressors and job control both assessed by observer ratings were respectively expected to be positively and negatively associated with the two indicators of risk potential. Work stress, especially work overload (e.g. by time pressure) has been shown to be associated with occupational accidents (e.g. Frone 1998, 565, Zohar 2000, 591) and medical malpractice (Jones et al. 1998, 730). Conversely, resources such as job autonomy or job control are positively related not only to health and productivity but also to safe working practices (Parker et al. 2001, 214). This study investigates the association between chronic job stressors and characteristics of safety-related stressful events encountered at work. Typically, in this kind of research, both predictors and dependent variables are assessed by means of self-report, and this presents a risk of overestimating the association because of correlated error (Semmer et al. 2004, 210). As such, many researchers recommend measuring independent and dependent variables with different methods

Capitalism is a force for social progress. Discuss. (Use listed Essay

Capitalism is a force for social progress. Discuss. (Use listed sources only) - Essay Example Social progress refers to improvement of the societies’ economic, social, and political structures. This can happen because of human action through social activism or as a social enterprise or as a natural part of the sociocultural evolution. Improvement in the living standards, industrialization, technological advancements are among the components of social progress. Developed countries have become richer as the years go by. Unfortunately, the social progress, which has always been the objective of social thinkers since 19th and 20th century, has eluded. The social bargain that the employees and the members of their families enjoyed the prosperity through their commitment to economic growth at mid-century has not been maintained. In America, for instance, the top 5% gain over 21% of the household income, while the bottom 5 received below 4% between them. In Britain, the difference between the rich and the poor has been greater since 19th century. The middle class families with the dream of achieving a stable career option have been directly affected by job insecurity. Similarly, the price of failure has been on the rising trend. Since 1970, the high school graduands are the first to experience low standard of living that the welfare provision for the unemployed have been stripped away. If the prospects of property are not brought by economic gro wth, the material pathway to human happiness rings hollow in the uncertainty face. There is only a smaller proportion of the society that can insulate themselves from the risk that affects other members of the society. This is not similar to majority of individual that operate within the middle wage bracket. The group stands to earn more so that they can cushion themselves from the increasing trend of survival cost. According to Friedrich Hegel, the strengths that strengthen the great nations in

Critically analyse and discuss whether an international organisation Essay

Critically analyse and discuss whether an international organisation should implement similar human resource management practices across the world or adapt them to suit local conditions - Essay Example 101). An organization with an international presence should endeavor to treat its workers in an impartially but in a culturally ideal way. This paper seeks to examine why it is important for an organization to adapt human resource practices that suit local practices (Aycan, 2005). The moment that an organization opens a branch in another part of the country, it adopts responsibilities that go beyond the primary functions of human resource management. An example of an organization that takes human resource management in the international context seriously is IBM. The company has over 400,000 thousand employees in various parts of the world, and it places a big emphasis on the functions of staffing, training, and employee’s development. IBM does not just deal merely with selecting the best employees to work in their various organizations internationally but they also factor in the needs of the entire family that will accompany the employee in the completely new cultural environment. In the past, IBM has had to reject numerous successful candidates simply because their families could not fit into their new environment (Gooderham & Ringdal, 2006). Over the years, IBM has been organizing training for its employees before they begin their international assig nments just a few months before they depart. The company is also deeply involved in organizing for visas for the employee and anyone else accompanying him. IBM also goes ahead to prepare the residence in the new environment as well as to guarantee health services and placement into schools for employee’s children. This deep involvement ensures that the employee settles in their new job quickly and hence productivity is guaranteed (Kiessling & Harvey, 2005, p. 40). The world has become more aggressive, unsure, and unstable than in any time in history. In order to succeed, many organizations have to fight for a position on the international playing field since

The practice of pilgrimage during medieval times Essay Example for Free

The practice of pilgrimage during medieval times Essay Examine and Comment on the practice of pilgrimage during medieval times and its significance in the medieval church As pilgrimage in medieval times is a very large topic to explore, I have decided to use Canterbury as my focus. Canterbury was and is still seen as a very important place for pilgrimage and was the main reason why pilgrims from other parts of England, Europe and all over the world have come to venerate St Thomas Becket. I want to examine how pilgrimage at Canterbury developed and evolved from Beckets death in 1170 to the Reformation in the 1500s. What kind of an effect did this have on the Cathedrals revenue; surely the Cathedral saw a large profit? Even though people had been visiting Canterbury for centuries in small groups so that they could respect and honour saints like Augustine, Dunstan and Alphege, however, was it pilgrimage to the shrine of Thomas Becket, the murdered Archbishop, which made most the money for Canterbury?Did pilgrimage to his shrine help to make a very wide impact on pilgrimage in England as it brung the majority of pilgrims to Canterbury Cathedral? During the medieval ages Canterbury Cathedral saw its peak years in terms of the number of visitors and revenue generated as well as its downfalls which I would like to explore along with the common criticisms of pilgrimage. R.Finucane begins his book Miracles and Pilgrims by asking why pilgrims in the early middle ages would be drawn to the mouldering remains of a saint. The answer is most likely to be because they wanted a cure for their illnesses. Finucane describes cripples writhing on the floor of Beckets simple tomb1Thomas Beckets death in 1170 had a massive effect on the number of pilgrims that came to Canterbury. After he died in 1170 news of miracles spread almost immediately, not just in Canterbury but in other places around England. For example two days after the killing a Gloucester girl was cured of a head complaint after praying to the martyr2 A monk called Benedict who was responsible for the relics recorded the first set of miracles. The following year another Canterbury monk, William recorded 483 miracles. Between the two monks the total which was recorded was 703 miracles in the first ten years after the Archbishops death. From these results we can see that William recorded a larger number of miracles than Benedict which shows that the news of miracles at Canterbury had spread widely even between the early years of 1171 and 11723. Sarah Hopper also tells us that it is estimate that almost a third of visitors to the shrine were foreign and it is also interesting to note that his shrinew received more foreign pilgrims than any other. This large number of miracles that occurred would have encouraged more pilgrims to gradually come to worship at the shrine of St Thomas Becket and when pilgrims first started to visit the Cathedral to venerate Thomas Becket their experience would be a very ordered process. When they got there, there would be welcomed by a monk who would act as their guide and lead them on a tour which was very well structured. Monks would lead the pilgrims to the North transept which was the first pilgrimage station where Becket was murdered. From here the pilgrim would see a column removed and an altar in it place to mark the spot, they would see two broken pieces of steel that had shattered Richard le Brets swords. This reminds pilgrims of the horrendous nature of Beckets death. However what was achieved by Beckets martyrdom was a better understanding and appreciation of what Becket suffered for his beliefs. Some pilgrims might also go up the stairs, on their knees if they wished to the high altar where Beckets body was left the night of his murder. Ascending this path towards the shrine would have been very symbolic for the pilgrim. The quality of the shrines location was of a very high quality as it was at the highest end of Canterbury Cathedral. This was because by following this course the pilgrims would be enacting not only the last steps taken by Thomas Becket but they would be also on a spiritual journey themselves. The next station they may visit is the crypt where the atmosphere was very different, more sombre and still. There they would see Beckets tomb raised and there would be two oval holes where pilgrims placed their heads or their hand against the stone coffin. In John Adairs book The Pilgrims Way he notes that a foreign pilgrim once wrote that church seemed to be piled on church, a new temple entered as soon as one ended4. This implies that the Cathedral was slightly overwhelming for many pilgrims going from station to station, all of which having their own significance. When they had seen scenes of Beckets miracles in the stained glass windows this would encourage many to filled their lead ampullae at the Wall of St Thomas. This water which could be brought at Canterbury was said to contain some of the saints blood. When Becket died the monks used cloth to salvage some of the blood from the saint. This water was also given to many churches in England. This would also see the spreading of the message about Beckets divine healing power. Was this water effective in miraculously curing diseases? Adair also mentions John who was a chaplain to the Archdeacon of Salop was bothered by an unlpeasant polypus in his nose. It started to cause paralysis he described the sensation of the water as cold as ice, chasing the disease through his body and almost freezing his brain5 after a large sneeze he came across a cherry stone in his mouth. He was healed and walked home and he would not leave the cherry-stone behind as it was his evidence of a divine intervention On 21st Febraury 1172, Becket was canonised by Pope Alexander III which brought a larger number of pilgrims to Canterbury. By making someone a saint this would increase their popularity and make them better known. The cult of Thomas Becket had now officially began and thus leading to more people wanting to make their pilgrimage to Canterbury.One can only assume that Pope Alexander heard about Thomas Becket through news of him spreading because of pilgrims. Pilgrims also came to Canterbury to seek penance from St Thomas Becket. Penace was a common reason for many pilgrims to go on a pilgrimage. This was the idea that if you commited a sin you would carry out a pilgrimage to beg forgiveness at the shrine of a saint such as Thomas Becket. Chaucer (c1340 -1400) described, when a man has sinned openly, of which sin the fame is openly spoken in the countryCommon penance is that priests enjoin men commonly in certain cases, as for to go, peradventue, naked in pilgrimages or barefoot One example of a pilgrim who walked in a sackcloth among pilgrims and also barefoot was Henry II, who was also the most famous pilgrim who sought forgiveness Furthermore he was also the most famous royal pilgrim who sought redemption at Beckets shrine after his men murdered the Archbishop. He walked barefoot from the West gate of the city to Beckets tomb. He allowed himself here to be scourged. This was not an unknown act amongst pilgrims. It was a frequent practice and seen as a punishment for those who were making a penance at Canterbury. The pilgrims would be beaten with rods by the clergy. Pilgrimage can also be seen as a spiritual journey as Langland describes that You must travel , both men and women, through Humility, until you arrive at Conscience: there Christ may know for certain that you love God above all else6. So, this highlights the religious importance behind doing a penance as well. It was mainly local people who would come to visit Beckets tomb up to 1220 when his bones were translated to the new Trinity Chapel which stood on the site of the old Trinity Chapel. However, why did they choose to move his body there? a Canterbury monk explains that it stands on the site of the old Trinity Chapel, where he celebrated his first mass, where he was wont to prostrate himself with tears and prayers, under whose crypt for so many years he was buried, where God for his merits had performed so many miracles, where poor and rich, kings and princes, had worshipped him, and whence the sound of his praises had gone forth into all lands7. These associations with the Archbishop was why they chose to translate his body to the new Trinity Chapel Festivals Celebrated at Canterbury Festivals celebrated at Canterbury would also attract more pilgrims to Canterbury. People would crowd around the doors outside the Cathedral on the vigils of the Translation and of saints Martyrdom. Here pilgrims may spend the night. Examples of activities that pilgrims would do include prayers, devotions, games and music. However, this would also give the opportunity for many thieves to steal from the pilgrims as they would often wander around the large crowds. Beckets translation led to the annual Canterbury fair on the 7th July which was The Feast of the Translation. Many booths and stalls would be opened making a lot of money from visitors. As the Feast of the Translation was set in the summer and not the winter like The Feast of St Thomas of Canterbury has attracted a larger number of pilgrims from further away. It is said that the first jubilee in 1220 gained a sum of à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1,142 5s 8. This sum was mainly made up of the offering to the saints shrine and also the site of t he martyrdom There were also other factors which affected the revenue which were of a more social and political nature. For example when the Cathedral hosted the Black Princes funeral in 1376 and the crowning of King George and Queen Isabella in Canterbury Cathedral this saw extremely high amounts in these years. The Customary and revenue at Canterbury It was very important for the shrine to be well guarded every day and night because they had many important tasks to carry out. There was a guide of the custodians duties called the Customary which was written by two monks. There were two guards in the Trinity Chapel one was temporal and the other spiritual. In the summer they would get up at five and it would be six in the winter. They would celebrate a daily Mass in honour of Becket at his shrine and the spiritual guard was responsible for this as well as ringing a bell to gather the pilgrims . These guards also had to ensure that the pilgrims were well looked after because many would be exhausted so they would be offered food and refreshments. Before the Feast of the Translation they had to prepare the shrine for the festivities which were about to take place. The Customary also lists the expenditures from the coins that were offered at the shrine. We assume that because of the many people that visited the shrine the Cathedral generated a great amount of revenue. However, Woodruff calculate that even though there were large some of money received by the Cathedral on both of its own Jubilee years of 1320 and 1370 the cellarers expenditures were extremely large and the accounts show an unfavourable balance9. In other words, this emans that more money had been spent than generated at Canterbury Cathedral at this time. The Corona Beyond the Trinity Chapel at the very eastern end of the Cathedral a special unique chapel was added to protect the Corona or Beckets Crown which was a thin saucer of bone that had been sliced from the Saints skull. This would have also brought more pilgrims because it was a holy relic. Pilgrims would venerate the segment of skull that had been set in a golden likeness of his head encrusted with gold. The Black Death (1349 -51) in the fourteenth century also had its impact on the practice of pilgrimage in Canterbury. The potbreak in 1348-9 led to the shrine of St Thomas Becket benfiting finacialy through generous offerings. Around this time many may have gone to Canterbury in the hope that they would be healed. At this time when the Black Death was at its worse St Thomas saw some very generous offerings as well as St Mary who was in the undercroft However, in the 1400s how did the practice of pilgrimage develop? Offerings from pilgrims would add up to à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½700 at the shrine alone itself. Was the practice of pilgrimage at Canterbury any different at all from its earlier stages ? It wasnt an ordered process anymore. It would be a much noisier atmosphere compared to the early stages of pilgrimage at Canterbury. Many pilgrims would visit Beckets shrine at the apex of steps and altars. For a few coins pilgrims had the opportunity to see the canopy of Beckets shrine raised up and this would reveal gold and silver ornaments and gems and rubies. After the pilgrims had seen the sights at Canterbury and spent a night perhaps at Eastbridge Hospital they would leave the next day with phials of Canterbury water. This was their proof to their neighbours that they had seen he famous tomb of Thomas Becket. However criticisms of pilgrimage to Canterbury soon developed and it is becoming more and more evident that people were lavishly spending their money on souvenirs. William Thorpe was charged with heresy by the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1407 because he expressed his views of how he believed that it was a disservice to God by wasting money and forming rleations with lascivious women in places such as Canterbury as well as Walsingham10 . Did the medieval pilgrims actually abuse pilgrimage or was their behaviour natural because of society at the time. This is certainly the reason as People in medieval times were eager to travel to new places and were probably overwhelmed by the sights and wanted to purchase items as proof that they had seen the famous tomb. However, the more people that came to Canterbury Cathedral the more revenue that was gained Diana Webb notes that in 1370 Simon Sudbury, bishop of London told a group of pilgrims that were on their way to Canterbury for the Jubilee indulgence that they would receive no benefit from it11. The group of pilgrims who had heard this accused the bishop of criticising the merits of Thomas Becket. They prophesised that the bishop would meet an evil end and he was killed by the rebels from Watt Tylers rebellion in 1381.It was also commonly believed that as saints were able to leave their graves so a man didnt have to come in contact with a relic to invoke them or even punished by them. Then when a woman called Aliza heard that a woman had lost their sight after visiting Beckets tomb she burst out laughing, saying, Others whom the Martyr receives in sickness, he sends back healed, you, however, went there well, and now return blind. While dissolved in laughter, Aliza was suddenly blinded, and eventually only partially cured12. Others may citicise motive such as going on pilgrimage for casual sexual experiences and some may use the journey in order to commit adultery. Is there any evidence however that pilgrimage was abused in this manner? Sarah hopper tells us that most of Chaucers pilgrims show to a certain degree their lack of moral values and spiritual discipline. This In 1500 a Venetian described how he saw the shrine the magnificence of the tomb of St Thomas the martyr, Archbishop of Canterbury, is which surpasses all belief13. This was certainly the case until the Reformation where it is written that twenty -six wagons were required to transport all the trasures away from Beckets shrine when Henry VIII destroyed it. After 1538 when Henry VIII destroyed Beckets shrine and his bones there was no longer the amazing shrine for pilgrims to see. However, pilgrimage had again changed before Henry VIII destroyed the shrine . In 1532 there was evidence in a decrease of revenue. In one of the sacristys books a note that the combined offerings at the cathedral added up to à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ 13 13s 3d and this about thirty times less than received at the shrine when pilgrimage activity at Canterbury was at its highest. After the Reformation, Canterbury saw a significant decrease in pilgrims visiting the Cathedral. In 1538 when Henry VIII destroyed Beckets shrine and his bones there was no longer the amazing shrine for pilgrims to see. Overall, pilgrimage to Canterbury had developed greatly in medieval times from Beckets martyrdom in 1170 to the Reformation in 1538. Early key episodes such as Beckets murder in 1170, his canonization in 1173 and his translation have seen a significant increase in pilgrims coming to Canterbury. The main motive seems to be in order to get healed because it is was news of his miracles spreading further that more people visited the tomb and then the shrine. Its most significant increase as suggested my most scholars such as Dianan Webb, was in 1220 when his bones were translated because of what medieval life was like this would have been a breathtaking and an amazing sight to behold. As time goes on motives may have been more based on seeing and just as an opportunity to travel. There are criticisms that have developed and even though we assume because of the large number of pilgrims that visited Canterbury and even though large sums were offered, it seems that because of large expenditures this did not make the cathedral much of a profit. When Henry VIII destroyed the shrine this meant that there wasnt much for people to see anymore seeing what seemed to be an end to pilgrimage at Canterbury. Overall, I believe it was Thomas Becket who William Langland describes a symbol of resistance to oppression of the Church by the secular power of his day14 which was the main reson that pilgrims ventured to Canterbury. 1 R. Finucane Miracles and Pilgrims- Introduction page 9 2 William Purcell- Pilgrims England Chapter 7 Canterbury and St Thomas p.167 3 Sarah Hopper- To be a Pilgrim The Medieval Pilgrimage Experience Chapter 5 p.60 4 The Pilgrims Way- John Adair page 68 5 The Pilgrims Way- John Adair page 40 6 Piers Plowman- William Langland passus V page 61 7 The Pilgrims Way- John Adair page 68 8 To be a pilgrim- Gods Magic Shrines and Miracles Sarah Hopper p.127 9 European Pilgrimage- Indulgences and Jubilees pg 73 10 To be a Pilgrim chapter Oppositions to Pilgrimage- Sarah Hopper page 162 11 Pilgrims and Pilgrimage Diana Webb- page 72 12 R. Finucane Miracles and Pilgrims- p.34-5 13 Pilgrims England Chapter 7 Canterbury and Thomas William Purcell page183

The results of technological innovation

The results of technological innovation Executive Summary: The purpose of writing this report was to examine the results of technological innovation in an organization. The major findings in this report indicate that technological innovation is necessary in every organization for the betterment of the same itself. Here in this report the study has been made on the Barclays Banks PINsentry device. Nevertheless the complete research is on this particular innovation of the bank. But there is some discussion about the technological innovations and its advantages and disadvantages in the former part of the report to clear the concept of technological innovation to every individual reader. Later as the report progresses towards the body there lies a short discussion about the role of manager in an organization towards the technological innovation. And just following to this there is a short description about banking industry, as it is the indirect base of the report and the topic. Later on we can see a discussion about the technological innovation of Barclays Bank i.e. the PINsentry device. Continuation to the PINsentry, there are the advantages and disadvantages of this new invention. And in the ending part of the report there is a spotlight show on the benefits which the Barclays Bank got due to the innovation. As problems are part of every innovation, so does the PINsentry device had, which are mentioned just followed to the benefits. As we proceed to the end of the report there lays the conclusion about the report. And in the end lays the bibliography about the sources of the complete report. Introduction: In this present fast and rapid changing world it is necessary for every organization to come up with innovation. Whether it is an innovation in organization culture or it is in the field of technology, it is necessary to keep innovating new ideas and technologies in order to survive. A technological innovation takes place when there is a need of a new product as per the requirement of the specified market. A technological innovation heralds the organization and helps it enhance efficiently. What is technological innovation? Any improvement in present technology or an invention of any new technology is called technological innovation. Technology is an instrument provided by science which enormously enhances it powers, as Albert Einstein did with his innovations. An innovation is a tool with which technology flourishes. Basically both innovation and technology are complementary to each other. Advantages and disadvantages: The world today has changed a lot with the aid of technology. Those things which were once done manually have not turn computerized. Almost everything is a click ahead. Every innovation has advantages as well as disadvantages. But on most of the cases advantages covers the part of disadvantages. Technological innovation also has some advantages and disadvantages too. Few of them are mentioned below: Advantages: Globalization: New technologies have bind world very close. The businesses have come under one system i.e. online to a greater extent. The linguistic and geographical boundaries have been removed by means of innovative technologies. Cost effectiveness: Since the business has become online the costs for running a business have been reduced to a large extent for many organizations. The machines have replaced human. Communication: With the advent of new technologies communication has become very easy, fast and cheap. E.g. -Mobile, internet etc. 24/7: Organizations have switched to online business with the help of new technologies, hence globally. This feature has increased the flexibility of business and has helped to grow and earn faster. Job opportunities: With the evolution of new technologies the scope of employment has also raised. Every new technology requires specialized skilled person to work on them. Disadvantages: Scope of unemployment: With the innovation of new technologies, the business has become more streamlined which has led to job reduction of staff, downsizing of organizations and outsourcing in other countries. This has created unemployment at lower and middle level of many organizations. Dominant culture: Since the world has become a global village, the culture is being dominated by the strong one. For example,>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.> Lack of security: As the technologies have made communication easier and faster but the level of security has been endangered too. Examples email hacking, Role of manager to support innovative technology: Every industry comprises of many competitors. So it is the key responsibility of the manager to support the new technology in order to make it efficient and effective. Everything to support the innovation is to be done by the manager itself. The role of manager in support of innovation is as follows: Mentor: One of the key roles of the manager for the organization is to act as a mentor. As the word mentor itself suggests about the duty of manager. The manager has to adopt every individual idea about the new innovation and have to make sure that the organization achieves its complete goal through full potentials. Identifying strengths and weakness: Again the manager has to sort out the strengths and weakness of the new technology brought in an organization. By capitalizing on strengths the manager has to flourish the new technology and then put a check on weakness and eliminate it for making the innovation successful. Right timing: A right vision about when the innovation should be brought into the market to attain best results is of utmost importance. Because that only will decide the success or failure of new innovation. Reviewing concepts: Reviewing the concepts about the new technology and the figure out how it relates to the organization culture and working and how it can enhance the organizations efforts in the field of new technology. The Banking Industry: The Banking industry is one the most simple and reliable business which takes deposits from the customers at a lower rate of interests and lends them into the market at a higher rate of interest. The technology played a great role in the development of banking industry. With the help of new technologies the banking industry has transformed from being manual to automatic or computerized systems. Banks have now become global. Due to the innovation in technology banking services became available 24 hours every day for the whole year comprising of 365 days. The banking industry regularly comes up with new innovative technologies in order to make banking more easy, convenient, safe and faster. It is due to the help of new and improved technologies that the business is carried on globally with the help of banking industry. Earlier a person had to wait for days and months to make a transaction in other country. But now with these new technologies it is very simple and fast to make a transac tion in any part of world in a fraction of second. Let us cite an example of a particular bank, in order to explain the innovative technology in the banking industry. And what effects and changes it brought to the industry with its new innovative product or services. The bank which we are taking into example to explain the innovative technology and its effect on the organization is the Barclays Bank. Barclays Bank: It is a British financial service being operated worldwide in different countries. According to Forbes Global 2000, Barclays is the 25th largest company in the world. And it is one of the major banks in the UK. The bank has got two major clusters; Global retail banking and corporate and investment and wealth management. Though Barclays have many other constituents as well like Barclays private equity, Barclays Cards etc. Being such a big organization, it has to keep innovating new technologies to become unique in the market. Though there were many innovative systems being introduced by Barclays in recent years. But the most remarkable and latest is the PINsentry, a device/system which regulates online banking and keeps the interest of its customers secured and safe from frauds. Barclayss PINsentry: PINsentry is a device developed by the Barclays Bank in order to prevent fraudulent in online banking. The device is a two factor authentication security system. The PINsentry device has a small LCD, 4 main buttons and a number pad. Barclayss online banking has always been highly secured but the invention and introduction of PINsentry has added up an additional level of security. The use of this system is very easy and quick. The PINsentry is a type of card reader which generates codes for login which are based on the last four digits of your customers card. Every time when one has to login, it generates a new code. All a person needs to do is insert the card in the device and enter the secret pin number on its number pads to generate a new code. Basically the PINsentry i.e. the card reader reads the card details and generates a new code accordingly for login. It then generates an eight digit code for using online banking. The PINsentry device needs to follow certain steps in order to get started and use it every time. All you have to do is get the Barclays card, PINsentry device and 12 digit online banking membership number. After having these entire things, a customer has to get registered online for PINsentry. And it is ready to use. Advantages of PINsentry: The PINsentry added a numerous numbers of advantages to the customers of Barclays. Some of them are mentioned as below: Easy and quick in use. Safe and secured online banking. Hassel free service. Additional level of security with no frauds. Privacy of customers. Smart technology in modern times. Disadvantages of PINsentry: Though every technology has advantages but it always have some set back too. They are as follows: Inconvenient to carry device everywhere. After every 90 seconds the device turns off. Problems in using overseas. Time consuming process. The card gets locked if incorrect pin is entered thrice. These were the advantages and disadvantages of PINsentry of Barclays. Irrespective the disadvantages, the new technology have been liked by the customers and have been accepted widely all over. The Barclays says that till date there has been no frauds occurred with usage of PINsentry. The bank gained distinct recognition in the industry with the introduction of this technology. Benifits to Barclays: A distinct recognition was achieved by Barclays in the industry with PINsentry. A combat in frauds made common people have more faith in Barclays. A growth in customer is achieved because of new technology. Increased market goodwill. Online usage growth. Wide acceptance by customers. Problems faced by Barclays: Irrespective of having so many benefits, Barclays faced many problems too with PINsentry. Problems with the device were found with many customers. It became difficult for them to access online banking. The device was not accepted in every country. So it was difficult when customer were overseas. The PINsentry implemented security on own banking, but it is the same like a normal card when used on other sites. Safety only for debit card users. Inconvenience faced by customers forced them to switch over to other banks. Though the device faced complication and few problems but it is still in use and people find it worth and good are still accepting it. The Barclays also took certain measures to overcome these problems and on the major front the benefits of PINsentry cannot be overlooked. Conclusion: It is worth to mention that PINsentry by Barclays brought a new technology in banking industry. And it is worth appreciating. Everything coin has two sides, like wise every innovation has both advantages and disadvantages too. Though it can be said PINsentry had quite a few negative remarks, but the positive remarks are far important and appreciable which cannot be overlook. So personally I would say that the PINsentry device has a greater importance for online banking even if it adds an extra step to access but it is all for self security. And as far as we all know, everybody in this world could spare a few minutes for their own security rather than being unsecured even when you have the technology. Bibliography: C. J. Touhill, Gregory J. Touhill, Thomas A. ORiordan (2008), Commercialization of innovative technology, John Wiley Sons Inc., New Jersey, Ch. .16, 17. John Howell (2005), The management of innovation and technology, Sage Publications, Cornwall, Ch- 1. http://www.eoearth.org/article/Technological_innovation http://www.slideshare.net/jamilkhatib/technology-and-innovation-management-1186056

Antecedents and Consequences of Organizational Intelligence

Antecedents and Consequences of Organizational Intelligence Chapter 1: Introduction Life is not primarily a quest for pleasure, as Freud believed, or a quest for power, as Alfred Adler taught, but a quest for meaning in work (doing something significant), in love (caring for another person) and in courage (during difficult times) (Frankl, 2006). This chapter provides an overall understanding of this dissertation. Section 1.1 describes the research background. Section 1.2 discusses the research objectives and questions. The following section 1.3 explains research scope. In section 1.4, significance of the research is discussed. Finally, this dissertation describes the organization of this dissertation in Section 1.5. Research Background In today’s world, organizations confront fast and astonishing changes. Their survival will depend on adaptation capability they will perform so that, they can comply with those changes. As a result of this situation, the management concept with its process acquires a different character, which is because of technological progression and globalization. In this age, to consistently sustain the importance, knowledge concept of the organization is changing fast. In organizations, shared individual knowledge transform into organizational information. Effective application of organizational knowledge forms intelligent organizations progressively. However, in order to achieve these, an intuition of making use of knowledge in creative way is required. Therefore, to survive in the demanding and competitive environment, organizations are needed to be intelligent in today’s world. Organization is alive and, for being strived needs continuous information. While organization in the past have been viewed as compilations of tasks, products, employees, profit and processes, today they are increasingly seen as intelligent systems designed to manage knowledge. Therefore, measuring ability of learning, finding and logical thinking is necessary for evaluation and performance improvement. Seeing such scenario in high turbulent world, those men are successful and efficient who possess a high IQ. Undoubtedly, men can overcome their life problems by utilizing their given intelligence. Certainly, it is true in organizational world particularly in modern age in which organizations have become more complicated and their survival has become more difficult due to improvements in sciences and industries as well as the emergence of new needs and challenges overtime. Now, this question arises how we can prepare ourselves to face such uncertainties where change is only thing that is stable. Obviously, those organizations are successful which can utilize their employees thinking power effectively. As a fascinating concept and intriguing research area, â€Å"intelligence† finds strong appeal in many disciplines outside of individual and cognitive psychology (Sternberg and Kaufman, 1998). One of the disciplines that provoked increased interest in the importance of intelligence is the management and organization development literature (Glynn, 1996; March, 1999; Stalinski, 2004). In this globalized world, when the environment is so turbulent what the organizations are needed to do is, they need to be more intelligent in order to have competitive advantage over their competitors. Though the concept â€Å"organizational intelligence (OI)† was introduced in 1967 but not much has been done in this area till now. Even if we disregard the entire literature in which organizational intelligence was supposedly aggregated (Kurzman and Owens, 2002), the term is still ambiguous in the context of organizational development scholarship. This is true because there is a lack of a un ified theory of intelligence in organizational settings as noted by the numerous and fragmented perspectives and ideas of researchers in the field (Glynn, 1996). Research Questions and Objectives The primary objective of this dissertation is to delineate an integrative view of organizational intelligence and provide some guidelines. For this purpose, this dissertation attempts to find out the antecedents and consequences of organizational intelligence and to test the proposed conceptual model of organizational intelligence. Related with this purpose, previous research shows some research challenges. The first challenge is to explore the factor structure of organizational intelligence. An integrative perspective of organizational intelligence is a necessity. It is also noted that there is a dearth of studies which attempted to explore the factor structure of organizational intelligence. Consequently, the other challenge is to test the proposed conceptual model of organizational intelligence. Previous studies did not show any such empirical finding on this issue. Therefore, the main research aim is to find out the antecedents and consequences of OI and develop and test a model. This research has identified five important constructs in identifying the antecedents and consequences of OI: Leadership Organizational culture Organizational intelligence Organizational innovational capability Organizational performance This research discusses the following research questions: RQ1. What is the factor structure of the OI construct? RQ2. To what extent does leadership impact organizational intelligence? RQ3. To what extent does organizational culture impact organizational intelligence? RQ4. To what extent does organizational intelligence impact organizational performance via organizational innovational capability? On the basis of the above research questions following research objectives were formed: Research Objective 1 (RO1)- To explore the factor structure of organizational intelligence Research Objective 2 (RO2)- To investigate the influence of leadership on organizational intelligence Research objective 3 (RO3)- To investigate the influence of organizational culture on organizational intelligence Research Objective 4 (RO4)- To further understand the relationship between organizational intelligence and organizational performance via organizational innovational capability Research Objective 5 (RO5)- To assess existing models of OI Research Objective 6 (RO6)- To develop a conclusive model of antecedents and consequences of OI based on the research findings; and, Research Objective 7 (RO7)- To validate the model and test the hypotheses The sixth and seventh research objectives are the final output of this research, which attempts to develop an appropriate structural measurement model of antecedents and consequences of OI. Research scope This relation is aimed at investigating the antecedents and consequences of organizational intelligence. In doing so, this thesis presents a model of antecedents and consequences of organizational intelligence (OI), based on the Kalkhan (2007), Falletta (2008) and Albrecht’s (2003) model and empirically test hypotheses. This model of OI was validated by a survey in an R D organization. An organization is regarded as a system of inter subjectively shared meanings sustained through social interaction (Walsh and Ungson, 1991). Organizational intelligence emerges from those interactions that constitute the organization. It is embedded in the structured patterns of thought and action in which organizational members interact and engage (Glynn, 1996). Technologically advanced systems affect organizational intelligence as well. They enable the development of organizational intelligence (Huber, 1990; Leidner and Elam, 1995). Thus, organizational intelligence is more than the aggregate intelligence of organizational members; it is the intelligence of the organization itself as a larger system. An unintelligent organization can be composed of apparently intelligent people and an intelligent organization can be composed of relatively unintelligent components (Albrecht, 2003; Kerfoot, 2003). Organizations, as well as people, display differing degrees of intelligence. Difference s among organizations’ intelligences are not related to the differences among the intelligences of organizations’ members only. Many factors such as organizational symbols, patterns of interaction, organizational culture, socialization processes and advanced technological systems influence the differences among organizations’ intelligences. This area has not been much explored and especially in India not much significant work has come into the light. Therefore, a strong need was felt to study this area as it seems to be very important in today’s world. It has been found out that most of the works on OI are not empirically supported. Halal (1997) in his work stated that organizational intelligence leads to organizational performance. After the review of literature it was found that organizational intelligence is the factor which promotes knowledge management, creativity, innovativeness, performance and it helps organization in achieving its goal. Therefore, after understanding its impact on other related OB constructs, it was concluded that it deserves concerted attention. 1.4 Significance of the Research As already stated that there is a dire need of empirical investigations in the field of organizational intelligence because this is the factor which influences performance of the organization (Halal, 2000). This study tries to answer the question that if the lack of resources and the overload of information are the problems, is intelligence the solution to improve organizations? In the Knowledge Economy, the organization needs to develop and maintain supportive partnerships to deal with complex issues in uncertain environments, turning challenges into opportunities, anticipating and understanding emerging threats and recovering from unexpected shocks and cries. In other words, in times of crisis and high economic and social turbulence, organizations must show high levels of intelligence to meet the needs of the organizations. The ability to solve problems and make decisions, defined as ‘intelligence’, is the solution to improve organizations. This assumption is based on the conviction that the right answer to users’ need depends on managers’ ability to absorb what is happening in the environment and to correctly act on the generated knowledge. Rothberg and Erickson (2004) hold that intelligence, in all forms, comes from the strategic management of knowledge, understanding the environment within which knowledge is collected and used, and making the knowledge actionable, especially by strategic decision makers. Understanding of OI and its antecedents and consequences may immensely help the organizations and assist them in improving and achieving their objectives. Concept of OI has evolved and advanced a variety of practices and processes aimed at the creation and application of knowledge. However, scholars have been concerned by, and practitioners have struggled with, the lack of clear, comprehensive concepts that define the field of organizational intelligence (Staskeviciute, 2009). Ercetin (2009) holds that definitions of intelligence are in continuous revision. In particular, she finds that there is no unifying understanding of the concept of intelligence in management (Staskeviciute, 2009). Staskeviciute and Ciutiene (2008) conclude that in scientific literature it is possible to find different concepts of organizational intelligence, but they are all bounded by the same feature: the organization’s capability to adapt to environment and knowledge management, because organizational intelligence involves knowledge based on the organization’s capacity. Organizational intelligence refers to the process of turning data into knowledge and knowledge into action for organizational gain (Cronquist, 2011). On a practical level, the CETISME cooperative (Cooperate to Promote Economic and Technological Intelligence in SMEs) has stated that consistently getting the right information at the right moment can only be the result of a permanent intelligence process leading to policy established at the highest level of the organization (2002). Cruz and Dominguez (2007) point out that the processes of perception, knowledge creation and decision making are favored by the proper management of information resources. The goal of OI is to interpret and act on relevant facts and environmental signals from the learning arising from acquired competences (skills +knowledge + attitudes). In general, the perception, interpretation, analysis, integration and use of knowledge is related to OI. The central argument of this thesis is to identify the factors which lead to organizational intelligence and what are the resultant factors when organization is acting intelligently. In the moments of uncertainty, organizations must have high levels of intelligence to interpret, integrate, combine and filter the relevant knowledge. Intelligent systems depend on a structured network of â€Å"expert analyzers† who offer their technical skill, knowledge, and personal experiences. They engage with the systems by validating information, discovering relationships between pieces of information and conducting analyses. In short, OI systems provide the pathways for knowledge to become intelligent, that is, actionable (answer â€Å"so what† questions and stay future-focused). They can also direct actions to acquire additional knowledge necessary to â€Å"fill in the blanks†. Full knowledge, with appropriate analysis, provided to the key manager at the right time defines how intelligence can extend and protect the capabilities of organizational systems (Rothberg Erickson, 2004). Also, its significance increases when it is seen in the context of RD organization, as the people working there are intelligent and knowledge workers, therefore, the relevance of this concept is automatically enhanced in such scenario, which this study tries to look into. Organization of the Dissertation To describe organizational intelligence and identify its antecedents and consequences, this dissertation will follow the research procedure and structure as shown in Figure 1-1. It consists of six major parts: (i) introduction, (ii) literature review, (iii) development of theoretical framework and hypotheses, (iv) research methodology, (v) data analysis and research findings, (vi) discussion, and conclusion. The remainder of the dissertation is organized as follows. The following chapter surveys summarizes the related studies. It includes the relevant literature of organizational intelligence, empirical studies on organizational intelligence and its antecedents and consequences. In chapter 3, this dissertation proposes a conceptual research model, and explores the key variables and their relationships. In chapter 4, research methodologies are explained such as theoretical research approaches, design and administration of the survey. It also explains the sample and measures. Chapter 5 illustrates the analysis and summarizes analysis results. Chapter 6 extends with the explanation of the findings and tested model, it also discusses the contributions and limitations of the study and offer suggestions for future study. Table 1.1 Simplified Structure of the Thesis

The Costs of Racism Essay -- Essays Papers

The Costs of Racism The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines racism as â€Å"a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.† Racism is one of the deepest stains on the pages of American history. What began as feelings among whites of being superior to blacks turned into possibly the worst phenomenon the United States ever dealt with. Even 100 years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, many white people were still treating blacks atrociously. It took many decades before blacks were granted truly equal rights that white Americans were given. In Anne Moody’s autobiography, Coming of Age in Mississippi, she discusses growing up in Mississippi. She writes about her memories of childhood, high school, college, and finally her courageous work in the civil rights movement during the 1960s. Moody offers readers a startling and remarkable story of he r life. She also gives great insight into the effects of racism on the victims of it, on those who practice it, and the effects on American society. The effects of racism on the victims differed depending on age and whether or not a person would withstand the abuse. Moody makes these connections in her book by realizing that when the civil rights movement picked up in the 1960s, older blacks usually remained dormant and never stood up for themselves by speaking out against the abuse they received. In contrast, younger black Americans, notably teenagers, were more likely to be fearless and take part in the Movement. This theme can be seen throughout the whole book, from when Anne was a young girl and never understood why her mother co... ...any whites could have believed so strongly that blacks were inferior to them, so mediocre that they would treat them like animals and murder them in cold blood. But this is a problem that still occurs today, though in a lesser form, and it is important to study our past in effort to keep from repeating the mistakes of our ancestors. By reading things such as Anne Moody’s autobiography, we can get an inside view into what really took place in the South, and we can be inspired by people like Moody who stood up to it. The negativities of racism against blacks taught us important lessons about ethics and how humans should treat each other because we can see the effects it had on people less than 50 years ago. And if we learn from the mistakes of our ancestors and move away from their supremacist ideals, then as the freedom song in Coming of Age goes, â€Å"we shall overcome.†

Comparing and Analysing The Gift and Frankenstein :: The Gift Frankenstein Movies Film Essays

Comparing and Analysing The Gift and Frankenstein We watched a video called â€Å"The Gift†. This was a story of a girl called Annie, aged 16. She was a keen sportswoman and played football regularly. However, she began to develop balance difficulties. These difficulties began to escalate, Annie and her mother, Barbara, decide to go to the Doctors. They find out that Annie has a sever condition named Friedricks Attaxia in which your muscles waste away. Annie is told that her condition will deteriorate and she will eventually die. On hearing this news, Annie’s brother, Ryan, who is fourteen, wants to be tested for the disease. Ryan finds that he is a carrier of the disease. The film now goes forward in time to the year 2012. Annie, Ryan’s sister, s now dead. Ryan is married and wants to have a child but is concerned as to whether his wife is a carrier of Friedericks Attaxia, she is tested and found as a carrier. This means that there is a chance of their child being born with this disease. Ryan wants to make sure that their child does not have the disease. Ryan persuades his wife to let him select a child, using advanced technology, which does not carry the Friedericks Attaxia gene, on condition that that is the only thing that he selects. However, as a geneticist, Ryan can read and understand the gene odes which are presented to him, Ryan decides to pick a child without the Friedericks Attaxia gene, but also selects a boy who is good at sport (in memory of Annie). The story again goes forward in time. Now in the year 2029, Ryan is now divorced and their son, Mark, is now 16. He is a tennis champion. However, he discovers he cannot qualify for an award because he was a ‘Designer baby’. Mark now confronts his father, Ryan, who reveals the truth. The film ends with a talk show, debating whether designer babies should be allowed, in which Ryan, his ex – wife, Mark, and a scientist are interviewed. Ryan and the scientist are clearly for the proposal; Ryan’s ex wife is against. They debate the pros and cons of Genetic Engineering. These included increased quality of life for the pros, but it was argues that designer babies took away the foetus’ right to live. We talked about the issues, characters and their viewpoints. Ryan (when he was young) was very jealous of Annie, and all of the attention she was receiving. However, he was devastated by Annie’s condition. Ryan turns out to be a very clever, determined man, who, although he took it too far, tried to use genetic engineering for

Comments on Society in Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman :: Death Salesman essays

Comments on Society in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman Often times when we read literature, we can derive certain ideas or messages that the author of the work is trying to illustrate. After reading the play Death Of A Salesman by Arthur Miller, it is evident that he is trying to comment on our society . These comments on society being expressed are demonstrated in several examples throughout the play.   I think the idea that Miller is trying to get across to the audience is that, today's society is filled with people who don't get the credit they deserve for the "little things" they do in life.   These people in society are like "unsung heroes" because the hard work they do might be overlooked. If others around you see that you are not living up to their expectations or their standards, they may put you down instead of giving you the credit you deserve. Other times we do not appreciate the "little things" that our loved ones do for us until it is too late. Usually these little things impact us the most.   In this play, I think the "unsung hero" is no doubt Willy Loman, an aging salesman, father, and husband to the Loman Family. For example in the play, Willy is getting old and his success in business is suddenly declining. His salary was even taken away, leaving him to depend only on commission. Because of this, his two sons Biff and Happy, along with others that knew him, constantly put him down for not always being on top, saying how he didn't have any character, and that he was crazy. No one knew him at work anymore and no one showed Willy the respect he needed. Others looked down on him not realizing how exhausted he was trying to make a living just for his family. In reality,   Willy would drive 700 miles to work and come home without even earning a cent. He had to borrow money from Charley just to provide food on the table so that he could provide a future for his sons. I think that Willy should've been acknowledged for that in itself but instead, his two sons never even t ook the time out to thank him for just going out everyday trying to make it in the world. Unfortunately, Biff and Happy could only fully realize this when Willy was at the end of his rope, secretly trying to kill himself.

Opinions on Homosexuality Throughout World Religions Essay

In the development of every religion there are guidelines to living. In Judaism, it is the Mitzvah, in Buddhism it is the Buddha’s teachings and in Wicca it is the Book of Shadows. These rules demonstrate what should be done and what shouldn’t be done in the lifetime. Many religions in the world have different opinions on guidelines and this research essay will examine and compare the religious views on homosexuality and same sex marriages in the religions of Judaism, Buddhism, and Wicca. Judaism is one of the oldest religions in the world. The earliest written source of homosexuality in Judaism begins with the Book of Leviticus which is one of the five parts of the Torah. Orthodox Jews will argue the fact that the Torah forbids homosexual acts. â€Å"It states, â€Å"A [man] shall not lie with another man as [he would] with a woman, it is a to’eva† (Leviticus 18:22)† (â€Å"Homosexuality and Judaism,† 2004). In the past, if people were homosexuals it was a capital offense, and known as unnatural. If one was to have homosexual attractions their actions would be held accountable by God. Modern Orthodox Jews don’t care if homosexuality is a mental disease, or if you were born with it, they still believe that it is morally wrong no matter what the case is. Conservative Jaws are on the fence. They say according to the Halakha (Jewish Law) you should not judge homosexual relationships. Though the position of the conservatives is at the point where they know that homosexual relations is a violation of Jewish law they find it a less punishment just like breaking any other law many Jewish member violate such as eating non-kosher food. Therefore this leads them to believe there is no reason to view homosexuality as anything other than a Jewish law violation. The last category of Judaism is the Reform branch in North America. Reform Judaism does not prohibit rabbis and cantors as being homosexuals. In 1990, Central Conference of American Rabbis officially stated that regardless of their sexual orientation, they will fulfill their sacred occupation (â€Å"Homosexuality and Judaism,† 2004). Many of the points under this document support the equality of gays and lesbians and want to help legalize same-sex marriages. That is the wide variety of viewpoints that exist in Judai sm. In Buddhism there are a variety of opinions on homosexuality and same-sex marriages as well. Buddhists are required the follow the five percepts, which include abstaining from harming living beings, sexual misconduct and false speech. In Buddhism there is no scripture in which it states that homosexuality is a wrong thing to do but usually is considered the third percept (sexual misconduct) by the Dalai Lama. A Buddhist author wrote, â€Å"†¦where the sexual act is an expression of love, respect, loyalty and warmth, it would not be breaking the third percept† (â€Å"Homosexuality and Buddhism,† 2006). This quote goes against the Dalai Lama’s opinion and explains that whether the love is heterosexual or homosexual; love is love, and as long as they are not committing adultery, it isn’t against their religion. Dalai Lama, the leader of Tibetan Buddhism would say homosexuality is wrong and is considered part of sexual misconduct. Dalai Lama states in an interview, â€Å"†¦the purpose of sex in general is for procreation, so homosexual act does seem a bit unnatural† (â€Å"Homosexuality and Buddhism,† 2006). In Theravada Buddhist countries, they do not practice homosexuality. They believe that it is a punishment for being heterosexual unfaithful in a past life (karma). This illustrates that the Buddhist religion fosters a wide variety of opinions on homosexuality. Wiccan is a modern western religion having to do with witchcraft. The traditions of Wiccan do not usually accept homosexuality however modern day Wiccan followers do accept it. The traditional belief is that the magical energy developed between heterosexual relationships is not present in a homosexual one. The traditional followers believe that a man and a man or a woman and a woman cannot create a tension so strong to be able to generate magic; this was at the time of the life of Gerald Gardner. The theory of Gerald was that heterosexual men are dominant/projective and all females were passive/receptive (â€Å"The wiccan way.†). Modern day thinking is that each gender can be either projective or receptive which can give homosexuals the same amount of power as heterosexuals have. Therefore the Wiccan way does accept homosexuality in modern day, but in the past it was not accepted due to lack of ability to generate magic in the traditional way. These three religions are considered very different in many ways. Judaism is the oldest religion and uses scriptures as the history and law of their religion. Buddhism is a branch of Hinduism and uses the Buddha teachings as the way of life. Wicca is witchcraft and looks upon the Book of Shadows. Wiccan is the only religion in modern day that accepts homosexuality and same-sex marriages unlike Judaism who completely reject the idea from what their ancient scriptures states. Buddhism is the one in the middle; they believe that it is unnatural because of common sense but don’t necessarily forbid it to occur. Throughout history, opinions can change. Sometimes they change in religion like the Wiccan way, or sometimes they can stay exactly the same, like throughout Judaism. This research essay examined each of these religions including Buddhism on the topic homosexuality and same-sex marriages. Bibliography Gardner, Gerald. (1954). Witchcraft Today. London: Rider. Homosexuality and buddhism . (2006). Retrieved from http://www.religionfacts.com/homosexuality/buddhism.htm Homosexuality and judaism. (2004, May 24). Retrieved from http://www.religionfacts.com/homosexuality/judaism.htm Homosexuality in wicca (and paganism too.) . (2010). Retrieved from http://www.wiccantogether.com/forum/topics/homosexuality-in-wicca-and Moonfyre, A. (2002). Wiccan book of shadows. Retrieved from http://www.wiccanbookofshadows.50megs.com/index.html Pearsall, J., & Trumble, B. (2002). The Oxford English reference dictionary (2nd ed.). Oxford, England: Oxford University Press. Robinson, B. A. (2010, July 05). Buddhism and homosexuality . Retrieved from http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_budd.htm

Anti-Trust

The law was broken when the group of anesthesiologists banded together to drive out any form of competition, which resulted in the failure of Mr†¦ Alto's business. Initially the organization of anesthesiologist from SST. Peters Community Hospital agreed to a settlement of $462,500. The trial Judge deemed the award from the Jury was excessive and ordered a new trial. The conclusions of the new trial were, the damages incurred were not the hospital's responsibility due to lack of evidence and the settlement from the physicians was sufficient (Bazaar 2012).Exclusive Contracts Hospitals routinely enter Into contracts with various professional groups for the sight to be the exclusive provider of their specific services at the facility In exchange for the group agreeing to provide and manage all aspects of that service wealth the hospital. These â€Å"exclusive contracts† generally result In the chosen medical department and associated equipment being closed off to physicians w ho are not part of the contracting group. Exclusive contracts are generally considered to be good for most doctors who participate in the groups and bad for those excluded by them.In fact, while exclusive contracts offer obvious benefits to the physicians who receive he perks from the contracts and obvious disadvantages for those who are excluded, they also present pitfalls for physicians in the chosen group. The included doctors are somewhat slaves to the groups and will be kicked out of the groups if the physician does not comply with the rules and regulations of the contract. Exclusive contracts are agreements that initially appear to be anta-competitive on face value; multiple courts have rejected anti-trust challenges to exclusive contracts creating an unfair advantage, which reduces competition.Physicians and nurses that have been excluded because of exclusive contracts have had much greater success in attacking exclusive contracting arrangements on the premise of breach of co ntract and lack of procedural process grounds. In order to prove there has been a violation of anti-trust and elimination of competition within a work environment such as a hospital. Typically exclusive contracts are built to keep outside providers from competing with the physicians who are already employed at the hospital or medical treatment facility. In rare cases like the Alto v.SST Pewter's Community Hospital case, the nurse anesthetist was already contracted with the facility and performed similar procedures as the anesthesiologists except for a cheaper rate (Bazaar 2012). The hospital administration should have analyzed the formation of the group odd providers and recognized what the Intentions were. Remedies to Breach Arbitration of breaches In anta-trust laws were frowned upon years ago when anta- trust laws were first set into place. Arbitration is a relatively fast way to arrive upon a being flexible and not as formal as a traditional courthouse.Usually, arbitration can b e scheduled quicker and with less working parts than a trial. In rare instances, if all parties involved come to an agreement, arbitrators can sometimes create rulings that judges are not allowed to decide. In arbitration, both sides present all evidence to an arbitrator in efforts to prove each side's case. The arbitrator reaches a final verdict and decides whom the winners and losers are. An arbitrator does the Job that a traditional Judge or Jury would normally do in court if the matter escalated to that point (Hill 2014).Summary Judgment is another remedy to handling the decision process in the event of a suspected anti-trust law breach. Summary Judgment is a decision entered by a court on behalf of one party that was in disagreement with another party, without the length and expense of a full trial. The idea of the summary judgment process is to remove the need to argue agreed upon facts and to decide without trial one or more causes of action in the complaint. The presenting a nd pleading procedures are extremely technical and complicated. This process is fairly dangerous to the party that the decision is being made against (Hill 2014).Conclusion In this scenario, the groups of anesthesiologists were guilty of violating anti-trust saws with the internal contract that was created to eliminate competition from outside vendors for delivery of care. Anti-trust laws were created top prevent larger companies and organizations from pushing smaller entities out of the ability to fairy compete for business. Mr†¦ Alto received a settlement from the hospital initially but was later unable to recoup legal fees and damages from the hospital once the trial judge ruled the damages were excessive.

Defining the Visual Arts Essay

Visual art defined Visual arts can be defined in many ways. The textbook answer was unobtainable for this class. Visual literacy seems to be the focus of the textbook. Online research has yielded slightly better insight: â€Å"The visual arts are art forms that create works that are primarily visual in nature, such as ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, design, crafts, photography, video,filmmaking and architecture. These definitions should not be taken too strictly as many artistic disciplines (performing arts, conceptual art, textile arts) involve aspects of the visual arts as well as arts of other types. Also included within the visual arts are the applied arts such as industrial design, graphic design, fashion design, interior design and decorative art.† [1] Basically, visual art would be any type of art that can be appreciated visually. Differentiation from other creative expression The visual arts set themselves apart from other art forms due to their very name and meaning. Literally, it refers to art work which can be appreciated visually, not audibly, or theoretically, but tangibly visible. Visual arts are very expansive and do not only include unique or fine art, but also practical things such as standard building design and practical objects like Aboriginal tools or other artifacts. In some people’s eyes, something as plain as a school bus could be considered visual art. Visual arts media types The Visual arts have many different media types with which visual artists can â€Å"paint.† Some of the types are: Dry Media & Liquid Media – Encaustic painting is one example of a type of liquid media, Drawing media, Mixed media, Printed Media, and many more. Virtually any way one can create visual art is derived from a type of Visual arts media. Meaning of visual arts values Just as society and individual people have their values, so does the artist. The values behind visual arts can be compared to understanding the meaning behind the lyrics of a song. If one does not understand the artists views and/or values, they will not understand the true value of a particular work of art. This is not true in every piece of art, however. In some cases, an artist intends for his viewers to ascertain the values of the artwork on their own. Factors of interpretation In factoring interpretation, there are different ways to interpret anything, whether it’s music, dance, or static visual art displays. If an artist wants their artwork to be interpreted in a certain way, they would have to take into account the overall public opinion on a topic. The values of a piece of artwork play a major role in how a piece is interpreted. As mentioned in the text, Westerners look at the picture of the Arabic woman with a gun, and can only think of one thing, when in reality, the photographer had other intentions for the interpretation of that photo-art. References 1. Brown, George http://www.georgebrown.ca/centers/ad/index.aspx Center for Arts and Design in Toronto, Canada†. Georgebrown.ca. 2011-02-15. Retrieved 2011-10-30. 2. Sayre, Henry M., A World of Art, Sixth Edition, Copyright 2010 by Pearson Education

Defending the Play Trifle Essay

In the play, Trifles by Susan Glaspell, is about a murder mystery of Mr. Wright. The men; the court attorney, sheriff, and Mr. Hale, a neighorbor to the Wright family, and the women; the sheriff’s wife, Mrs. Peter and Mrs. Hale, solve the mysery in two very different ways. The men show up at the house as a crime scene, and only focusing on the bigger, important elements of a murder mystery. As Mr. Hale was trying to explain everything he saw in the house that morning of Mr. Wright’s death, he said â€Å"She was rockin’ back and forth. She had her apron in her hand and was kind of – pleating it (1154)†. Meanwhile, Mr. Hale was looking for Mr. Wright, Mrs. Wright was kind of subtle and said you can’t. Mr. Hale was confused. All she said then was he has been murder. All three men go upstairs to talk and investigate the body. One the otherhand, the women approach the house as a home, and focusing on the trifles, meaning small detail or unimportant, such as baking mess, unfinished sewing, and unwashed pans & cleaning. As the women are worried about Mrs. Wright’s trifles in the house the men like to make fun of them. For example, Hale stated, â€Å"Well, women are used to worryin’ over trifles (1156)†. Mrs. Wright loved making preserves as her fruit froze in the freezer and made a big mess that the two women were worried about, so the sheriff said â€Å"Well, can you beat the women! Held for murder and worryin’ about her perserves (1155)’. In society, as you can see, men tend to ingore the women’s world, blind to the truth before their eyes. A critic once said Trifles is a lousy play because by the third page we already know who done it, so there isn’t much reason the sit through the rest of the play. A murder mystery does not have to keep the reader in suspense to who the culprit was, but why the culprit did it. The key element in the play Trifles is motive, the reason or emotion that drives a person to do something. What made Mrs. Wright drive to kill her husband? As the men look for any possible motive, the women talk to one another about Mrs. Wright. They end up finding a bird cage with a broken door, but they find no bird. Another possible movite uncovered by the women is the discovery of the dead bird. They found the bird, dead, somebody had strangled the bird. So, just because a murder happens early, does not make it a bad play. Works Cited X. J. Kennedy. Dana Gioia. LITERATURE An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. Trifles. 12 ed. New Jersey: Pearson. 2013. Pages1153-1163.