Ancestry of Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Gail Winfrey was born in 1954 in rural Mississippi, the child of a love affair between Vernon Winfrey and Vernita Lee. Her parents never married, and Oprah spent much of her youth being shuttled between various relatives. From her troubled childhood, Oprah Winfrey has grown into a household name, achieving success as a talk show host, actress, producer, publisher, and activist. Tips for Reading This Family Tree First Generation: 1. Oprah Gail WINFREY was born on 29 Jan 1954 on in the small town of Kosciusko, Attala County, Mississippi to Vernon WINFREY and Vernita LEE. Shortly after her birth, her mother Vernita moved north to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and young Oprah was left in the care of her maternal grandmother, Hattie Mae Lee. At age six, Oprah left Mississippi to join her mother in Milwaukee. After several troubling, neglected years with her mother and half-siblings, Oprah moved again at the age of 14 to join her father in Nashville, Tennessee. Second Generation (Parents): 2. Vernon WINFREY was born in 1933 in Mississippi. 3. Vernita LEE was born in 1935 in Mississippi. Vernon WINFREY and Vernita LEE were never married and their only child was Oprah Winfrey: 1 i. Oprah Gail WINFREY Third Generation (Grandparents): 4. Elmore E. WINFREY was born 12 March 1901 in Poplar Creek, Montgomery County, Michigan and died on 15 October 1988 in Kosciusko, Attala County, Mississippi 5. Beatrice WOODS was born on 18 February 1902 in Kosciusko, Attala County, Mississippi and died on 1 December 1999 in Jackson, Hinds County, Mississippi. Elmore WINFREY and Beatrice WOODS married on 10 June 1925 in Carroll County, Mississippi, and they had the following children: i. Lee W. WINFREYii. Brister WINFREYiii. Marie WINFREY2. iv. Vernon WINFREY 6. Earlist LEE was born about June 1892 in Mississippi and died in 1959 in Kosciusko, Attala County, Mississippi. 7. Hattie Mae PRESLEY was born about April 1900 in Kosciusko, Attala County, Mississippi and died on 27 Feb 1963 in Kosciusko, Attala County, Mississippi. Earlist LEE and Hattie Mae PRESLEY were married about 1918 and had the following children: i. Susie LEE was born about 1920.ii. Hal LEE was born about 1922.iii. Willis S. LEE was born about 1925.iv. Hubert LEE was born about 1928.3. v. Vernita LEE

Essay about International Differences - 1765 Words

International Differences Did you ever think about what it takes for an international student to come to America for a college education? They have to leave their family and friends, just as we do, but at a much farther distance. I cannot imagine amount of money and time it must take to plan a trip across the world, all for a new, exciting learning experience. Right now, many of us have just moved to a large university and begun a life on our own. It seems like a tough idea to grasp when you are just starting to look at colleges, while still in high school or another point in your life. When the time comes, though, hopefully you will be ready for a change. International students have to live through this same situation, at an even†¦show more content†¦She likes the Iowa State campus, as it is comfortable to her. I asked Jennifer what some of the differences are here in America as compared to Indonesia. She said that the classes in her city were small and students were to shy to ask questions. Here, there are larger classes and more active students. She also said that people converse a lot more here than in Indonesia. Americans spend a lot more time interacting in this way. One trivial fact I learned was that in Indonesia you become boyfriend or girlfriend with someone before you go on any dates. Here, of course, it is usually the opposite case. Jennifer also told me of a few similarities she has noticed while spending time in the U.S. First, we are all students, working toward a goal. Each person has his or her own personal goal and way of working. Also, group work is an enormous part of the Iowa State community. She said that in Indonesia, group work is not encouraged quite as much, but it is still an important element of a good education. Also, imagine what international students think about the terrorism of the last week. Can you believe that it might be tough for them to handle the Americans sad and angry feelings? Do you think they might be worrying about their family and friends back home? I believe that it is hard for anyone to endure a change in life. During these hard times, it seems natural for cultures to pull together and work as one. There are 2,516Show MoreRelatedDifference Between Domestic And International Finance2672 Words   |  11 Pagesunified economy throughout the world. In this highly globalized world, there are major economic functions that are happening today, such as, production, investment, and consumptions. There is definitely a difference between domestic and international finance. The reason why domestic and international finance are different is because of foreign exchange rates, political risks, market imperfections, and the expanded opportunities. The foreign exchange rate risk can influence the way countries importRead MoreDifference Between Domestic And International Finance2672 Words   |  11 Pagesunified economy throughout the world. In this highly globalized world, there are major economic functions that are happening today, such as, production, investment, and consumptions. There is definitely a difference between domestic and international finance. The reason why domestic and international finance are different is because of foreign exchange rates, political risks, market imperfections, and the expanded opportunities. The foreign exchange rate risk can influence the way countries importRead MoreA Brief Note On International Staffing Cultural Differences1771 Words   |  8 Pages International Staffing-Cultural Differences. Introduction. This research paper is based on the cultural barriers which hinders employee performance to a great extent. Staffing is one of the biggest issue one faces in the global market. 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First, he chooses to define happiness: I use the word ‘happiness for a subjective state ofRead MoreInternational Cultural Difference Of Business Culture1234 Words   |  5 Pagescharacterise an organisation A key to being successful in business internationally is to understand the role of culture in international business.cultural differences will have a direct impact on your profitability in any sectors of its operation.our knowledge about International cultural difference in business helps to gain international competencies.Being aware of cultural differences of various countries is very important.Culture explains values and traditional behaviour of a group.The culture of eachRead MoreWhy There Is Need to Study Ihrm and Cross Culture Management?1703 Words   |  7 PagesINAPPROPRIATE DELIVERY MEDIUM ïÆ' ¼ CULTURAL SPECIFICITY Communication Miscommunication across cultural lines is usually the most important cause of cross-cultural problems in multinational cos... 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Microeconomic Free Essays

What has been happening to the exchange rate of the US$? Give reasons. How is the exchange rate of a currency determined? If the value goes down will that help or hurt the trade deficit? This year, the US dollar continued its long-expected slide. The Economic Intelligence Unit (2007) reported that the dollar had shown substantial resilience in recent months, even though investors were convinced that the Federal Reserve would not raise short-term interest rates again during this cycle. We will write a custom essay sample on Microeconomic or any similar topic only for you Order Now But interest rate and growth differentials are moving strongly against the dollar and investors are again shifting their attention to the US’s massive external deficits. This will result in the dollar losing further value, averaging US$1.36: â‚ ¬1 and Y105: US$1 in 2007. We then expect a moderate and gradual recovery of the dollar against the euro as the US economy emerges from its weakness in 2007. Nevertheless, room for appreciation will be limited by the current-account deficit, the share of GDP of which will be reduced only gradually. The dollar should continue to weaken against the yen in 2008. As an exchange rate is the rate at which one country’s currency can be traded for another country’s currency, the U.S. exchange rate is influenced country’s income, a country’s prices, the interest rate in a country, and the country’s trade policy. That means that changes in a country’s income, changes in a country’s prices, changes in interest rates, and changes in trade policy can cause the supply of and demand for a currency to shift (Colander 2004). If the exchange rate of the dollar continues to go down, it will definitely help to diminish the trade deficit. This means the United States’ demand for imports will be lowered and foreign countries’ demand for U.S. exports will become higher because of the low dollar exchange rate. After years of having large trade deficits, the US now experienced a lowered exchange rate because a trade deficit often leads to a global excess supply of that country’s currency. With everything else equal, the exchange rate should undergo pressure to depreciate because of this excess supply; with freely floating rates, it can do so. Then the exchange rate change passes through to affect the relative prices of imports and exports. 2. What has been happening to the price of oil on international markets? Discuss the different impacts that this has on the economy, the producers, consumers, pollution, alternative fuels etc. Oil price increases over the past years have been an issue is closely watched and debated because of its huge impacts around the world. For example, a report by the International Energy Agency (May 2004) deemed that â€Å"higher oil prices since 1999 – partly the result of OPEC supply-management policies – contributed to the global economic downturn in 2000-2001†. Another result of which is that â€Å"current cyclical upturn† lagged behind because the â€Å"world GDP growth may have been at least half a percentage point higher in the last two or three years had prices remained at mid-2001 levels†. The IEA report (May 2004) pointed out that â€Å"higher prices are contributing to stubbornly high levels of unemployment and exacerbating budget-deficit problems in many†¦ oil-importing countries†. It furthered that the continued increase in oil prices will be deadlier to developing countries because â€Å"their economies are more dependent on imported oil and more energy-intensive and because energy is used less efficiently†. The report informed that â€Å"oil-importing developing countries use more than twice as much oil to produce a unit of economic output† and when oil prices are high, their efforts in development will surely be affected. However, in the closer analysis, higher oil prices could do more good than bad in the world economy. The Economist Intelligence Unit ViewsWire (May 2006) deemed that although higher oil prices directly worsen a developing country’s trade balance and its current-account deficit that could also reduce corporate profitability and disposable income†, this reduction in domestic demand (the painful part), combined with a depreciation in the exchange rate, should be helpful in boosting exports and cut imports. In the end, higher oil prices are helping restore a country’s current-account to its previous position. This is the reason why some developing countries in Asia have been hardly hit by higher oil prices in the recent years. With continued oil price increases, it will also lessen pollution because people will naturally look for alternative fuels which will be more environmentally-friendly. This will distribute the income from alternative fuels and oil-producing countries, which will eventually stabilize in the future, if the demand for oil will become lower. Car manufacturers will also try their hand in making their products more efficient with the use of fuel. All these improvements will serve up to the benefit of everyone, whether oil exporting or importing countries, because the oil resources are not limitless and should be conserved for the future generation. 3.   How equally is income distributed in the US? What are the reasons? Should the government interfere? If so how and what would be the consequences? How important is social pressure in CEO pay? Income distribution in the United States has a wide disparity. This means that, in 2000, the top 5 percent highest income earners has incomes 19 times higher than the incomes of the bottom 20 percent (Bernstein, 2003). Moreover, according to Swann (2005), the average personal income fell by 0.1 percent in August 2005, depressed by weak wage growth and the effects of hurricane Katrina on income in the affected states. Wages rose by just 0.2 per cent – failing to keep pace with a 0.5 per cent rise in prices. Meanwhile the savings rate remained in negative territory, but improved slightly from -1.1 per cent to -0.7 per cent. However, a recent study entitled â€Å"Changes in the Economic Resources of Low- Income Households with Children† conducted by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reported that from 1991 to 2005 an average household incomes among families that had children under age 18, the average household income for the lowest quintile of families with children increased from $12,400 in 1991 to $16,800 in 2005. These figures reflect inflation-adjusted dollars and are expressed in 2005 purchasing power. That 14-year change represented a total real increase of 35.5 percent, which reflects a yearly average of 2.2 percent (Washington Times, 10 June 2007). The government should interfere if there is a wide income gap because the general public will exhibit perplexity and annoyance to the growing pay gap between CEOs and other workers. However, organized resistance has been largely confined to groups with direct financial interests, such as pension funds. When the business community has deemed it necessary to justify executive pay, it has couched explanations in terms of contributions to shareholder profits rather than involving itself in income disparity issues. Its stance has been that if the public could only be helped to understand the role of the executives in enhancing the wealth of the corporation, controversy would evaporate. Works Cited Bernstein, Jared. The Hierarchy Income Inequality in the United States. Multinational Monitor, 24.5 (May 2003). Retrieved June 14, 2007 Colander, David C. Economics, 5th ed. New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2004. EIU ViewsWire. Asia Economy: Do High Oil Prices=Low Growth? May 11, 2006. EIU ViewsWire. USA: Currency Forecast, May 24, 2007. International Energy Agency. Analysis of the Impact of High Oil Prices on the Global Economy, May 2004. Retrieved June 14, 2007. Swann, Christopher. USA Economy: US Personal Income and Spending Slips, EIU ViewsWire, September 30, 2005. The Washington Times. News on Family Incomes, June 10, 2007, p. B02. How to cite Microeconomic, Essay examples

Beowulf is an Epic Hero Essay Example For Students

Beowulf is an Epic Hero Essay Every epic hero possesses certain heroic characteristics. The epic poem Beowulf describes the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times. Beowulf is the hero. He shows that he is a great man by always putting other things before his own needs. He is important and needed by his people and is known by many as a strong, courageous and a helpful person. He shows all of the qualities and traits that a true hero possesses. Beowulf, like other epic heroes, possesses the following heroic qualities: epic heroes are superhuman types of beings. They show great bravery, intelligence, strength and resourcefulness. They have a strong admiration for the values of their society. They are dominant male figures and suffer severe pain, but in the end, they conquer evil. Beowulf encompasses all of these traits of an epic hero, and more. Analyzing Beowulf’s three battles, one can easily see Beowulf’s heroic characteristics prevail. The battle with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon display an array of heroism expressed by Beowulf. One characteristic of heroism is that a hero performs outrageous and sometimes superhuman deeds. Beowulf is a prime example of this type of hero. He volunteers himself to fight Grendel and when Grendel’s mom seeks revenge he goes to the lake and takes on the challenge. He shows the great qualities of strength and power when, after fifty years, he takes on the dragon that has become a threat to the Geats. He always battles his enemies with pride. When it is time to fight the dragon everyone becomes afraid and runs off to the forest and hides, while Beowulf sticks around with Wiglaf and fights off the dragon, never fearing the threat of death. This shows Beowulf’s strength, courage and fearlessness. Through this it is evident that he possess courageous traits. Beowulf’s strength is exemplified many times in the story. Beowulf was said to have â€Å"the strength of thirty men in his mighty handgrip. † He fought in numerous battles and returned victorious from all but his last. In his argument with Unferth, Beowulf explains the reason he lost a swimming match with his opponent Brecca. Not only had Beowulf been swimming for seven nights, he had also stopped to kill nine sea creatures in the depths of the ocean. Beowulf is also strong enough to kill the monster Grendel with his bare hands by ripping off his arm. When Beowulf is fighting Grendel’s mother, he is able to slay her by slashing the monster’s neck with a giant sword that can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. When he chops off her head, he carries it from the ocean with no difficulty, but it takes four men to lift and carry it back to Heorot. This strength is a key trait of Beowulf’s heroism. Another heroic trait of Beowulf is his ability to put his people’s welfare before his own. Beowulf’s uncle is king of the Geats so he is sent to help kill Grendel. His actions toward Grendel show that he is willing to help others. In an epic it is usually found that the hero often determines the fate of a nation or group of people. He uses his super-human physical strength and courage to put his people before himself. Beowulf has definitely helped the Danes and his own people the Geats in their victory over evil by killing Grendel, his mom, and the dragon. Beowulf risks his own life for the Danes, asking help from no one. He realizes the dangers but fears nothing for his own life and cares only for the people. After Beowulf had served his people as King of the Geats for fifty years, he goes to battle one last time to fight a dragon that is frightening all of his people. Beowulf is old and tired but he defeats the dragon in order to protect his people, even though it means his own death in the end. Beowulf is a very brave and courageous person always putting his people before himself. .uc4966580a1f3287a32ea9fdd694c6023 , .uc4966580a1f3287a32ea9fdd694c6023 .postImageUrl , .uc4966580a1f3287a32ea9fdd694c6023 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uc4966580a1f3287a32ea9fdd694c6023 , .uc4966580a1f3287a32ea9fdd694c6023:hover , .uc4966580a1f3287a32ea9fdd694c6023:visited , .uc4966580a1f3287a32ea9fdd694c6023:active { border:0!important; } .uc4966580a1f3287a32ea9fdd694c6023 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uc4966580a1f3287a32ea9fdd694c6023 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uc4966580a1f3287a32ea9fdd694c6023:active , .uc4966580a1f3287a32ea9fdd694c6023:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uc4966580a1f3287a32ea9fdd694c6023 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uc4966580a1f3287a32ea9fdd694c6023 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uc4966580a1f3287a32ea9fdd694c6023 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uc4966580a1f3287a32ea9fdd694c6023 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uc4966580a1f3287a32ea9fdd694c6023:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uc4966580a1f3287a32ea9fdd694c6023 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uc4966580a1f3287a32ea9fdd694c6023 .uc4966580a1f3287a32ea9fdd694c6023-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uc4966580a1f3287a32ea9fdd694c6023:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The poem "My Last Duchess" EssayAnother heroic characteristic that Beowulf possesses is that he is not afraid to die. He always explains his death wishes before going into battle and requests to have any assets delivered to his people. He is aware that he will be glorified in life or death for his actions. Even with the enormous amount of confidence Beowulf possesses, he understands that fate will work its magic no matter what and he could be killed at any point in his life. He faces that reality by showing no fear and preparing for a positive or a fatal outcome. Beowulf is the ultimate example of an epic hero who risks his life countless times for the good of others. His bravery and strength surpass all mortal men and his loyalty and the ability to think of himself last makes him admired by all. Beowulf came willingly to help the Danes, which was an unusual occurrence in a time of war and widespread fear. His leadership skills are superb and he is even able to brag about all his achievements. These characteristics are what help to classify Beowulf as a true epic hero.

Process and Change Management DUCAB Manufacturing Company

The six-sigma technique as applied by DUCAB Company The six-sigma methodology is a structured procedure for change management that leads to the improvement of activities. It entails approaches of Define-Measure-Analyse-Design-Verify (DMADV) (Linderman 2006). The DUCAB Manufacturing Company is well known for its cable material manufacturing in the UAE region.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Process and Change Management: DUCAB Manufacturing Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The company has been implementing the six-sigma technique in its change management and process. A six-sigma model is a system that is comprehensively used by most management to ensure sustainability and maximisation of operations. The primary aim of using the six-sigma model is to ensure the improvement of manufacturing quality for consumer satisfaction and reduction of the overall production costs. It also ensures that a company ga ins a competitive advantage in the market. The Phases of the Implementation of the six-Sigma Technique in DUCAB The DUCAB Company implements the six-sigma technique mainly in two phases. The first phase involves the training of the techniques and procedures that are required for the ‘black belts’. Another activity that is carried out in this phase is project improvement that can combine several projects at the same time. The definition of the project activities and identification of goals are also accomplished. The need for change is explained to the staff. Phase 2 involves the controlling and maintenance of the improvement levels that have been achieved in the first phase. Training is also done in details to ensure accuracy and quality improvement (Linderman 2006). The DUCAB Company’s management has ensured a twelve-stage procedure of the six-sigma approaches to ensure efficient implementation of the technique.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The first stage is the development and composition of various teams of five or seven competent employees (Linderman 2006). The selected teams are trained in the second stage to master the Deming Circle of development methods, analysis procedures, and relevant tools that are required. The analysis tools are used for gathering information and bringing about solutions to any change issues that arise. The third stage is the identification of an opportunity for improvement. The opportunities are identified by determining the customer needs and preferences. Upon identification of such needs, the management ensures that the customer expectations are exceeded to ensure a repeat business. The fourth stage entails gathering information on the process that is to be accomplished. The company ensures that it establishes particular metrics to be used for obtaining the baseline information on the perfor mance of the process and problem identification. Next is the analysis stage. It clearly identifies the cause of an issue. The causes are then confirmed statistically to provide concrete evidences for the changes to be effected. In the sixth stage, the problems are brainstormed in details after which solutions are executed in the next stage. From the several solutions and interventions, the management ensures that a best option is adopted through efficient leadership practices and change guidelines. In stage nine, the management determines the suitable mechanisms and procedures for implementing the best option for change. If such option is applicable, the employees are trained thoroughly to ensure its effective implementation. The solution procedures are executed and documented for future reference.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Process and Change Management: DUCAB Manufacturing Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More A follow-up is also done to ensure the sustainability of the process. To ensure that the company delivers products of greater value to customers, the value chain is organised critically in manner that underpins the implementation process. Figure 1: The Company’s Value Chain The figure clear depicts that the process involved in the production and service delivery is longer and cumbersome. As a result, a straight process that is easier to handle is required to manage the company’s value chain efficiently. Problems and Weaknesses exhibited using the Six-Sigma Technique in the DUCAB Company Inadequate Technical Capacities The technical capacities that are implemented in the six-sigma technique are not up-to-date; hence, the strategy is seen as ineffective to execute change management successfully. This situation perceived in terms of the wastages that are incurred during training and delivery of products among others. Most researchers also attest that more t ime is spent in processes that bear insignificant profits. Employee Reliance on Reward System A gap is exhibited in the six-sigma methodology whereby employees’ motivation and promotion are done based on their hard work. The employees are motivated to work extra hard to meet their targets.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More A problem of misunderstanding the six-sigma concept can arise amongst the employees. Some employees fail to deliver quality outcomes; hence, their promotion chances diminish (Linderman et al. 2006). Lack of Innovation The six-sigma methodology is viewed as simply a repackaging of the obvious quality management (QM) methods. This process normally leaves most managers in a dilemma. Upon failure to adopt the six-sigma model, the company risks losing the opportunity to gain more benefits and market shares. On the other side, if the six-sigma method is not considered in the QM technique, there will be absence of new practices that should be implemented by the DUCAB Company to improve the change processes and systems (NÃ ¤slund 2008). Addressing the Gaps that exist in the Six-Sigma Methodology Most managers need to understand the various techniques and procedures that are entailed in the six-sigma methodology deeply. Change management and processes need two major constructive decisions t o be in place. The first decision entails what is supposed to be done while the second encompasses what should be carried out (NÃ ¤slund 2008). The report outlines three crucial assumptions that should be implemented in the QM and change management processes. The first approach to the six-sigma model is that the methodology should be treated as a control program that has a wider base. The system is far greater than the mere traditional approaches of QM where the internal teams are used to solve daily problems within a department that solve single problems at a time. The methodology embraces the overhaul change of the entire process that covers productivity, communication, external services, and staff involvement. The second approach should be the combination of the six-sigma methodology with other approaches such as lean six-sigma and/or lean manufacturing techniques. The processes will ensure the effective reduction of wastages in terms of time and other resources. The combination also brings about improvement in the various processes (Arnheiter Maleyeff 2005). Many companies currently embrace the lean six-sigma approach to change management to ensure continuous improvement. Managers should further understand the interactions that exist between the six-sigma methodology and other techniques with a view of ensuring excellence (Davison Al-Shaghan 2007). Lastly, the methodology should be viewed as an approach to change management rather than the traditional approach to QM. This viewpoint can help managers ensure improved ways of its implementation and analysis of the necessities for change management processes (Zu, Fredendall, Douglas 2008). Although the company uses twelve stages to implement the six-sigma methodology efficiently, a proper four-step summary should be embraced as explained below. Creation of Awareness and Desire for Change The company should also offer training to the employees. The management should clearly define the objectives of the trai ning and reasons for such changes. It should further clarify the competencies that are required for the success of the change (Peppard 1995). To manage this stage effectively, the DUCAB Company should ensure the availability of an adequate budget and time for the implementation of the change process. Furthermore, the management should ensure that enough resources such as finance and human resources are in place (Zu, Fredendall, Douglas 2008). Development of Skills The company must constantly manage the training of employees to ensure learning processes in seminars, on-job training, and issuance of tutorials among others (Zu, Fredendall, Douglas 2008). Embracing Practices in the Premise Offering theoretical knowledge about the procedures and practices for change is not enough. Therefore, the company has to embrace practical techniques in the change processes. The management should also encourage the management and training of people in the usage of information technology among othe rs (Anupindi 2006). Reinforcement of change competencies within the group teams The DUCAB Company management should practice motivational leadership. The employees should be rewarded through recognition of their actions and valuable contributions towards change management (Al Sharif 2011). Impacts of the Changes that should be made in the Six-Sigma Methodology The processes implemented by the DUCAB Company in embracing change management by use of the six sigma methodology is cumbersome and leads to time wastages. Integrating lean manufacturing into the lean six-sigma approach will ensure the reduction of lead-time in the process of change management (Laguna 2004). This situation ensures an improvement in cash flows and time of delivery. It also reduces wastage of resources (Al Sharif 2011). In the processing companies, for instance, the lean manufacturing techniques ensures reduction of set-up time that ensures running of small batches, changes that are more and frequent as well as improvement of maintenance of the various appliances in the entity (Al Sharif 2011). The six-sigma methodology should also be implemented with the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle to ensure a thorough check on QM technique. Lean manufacturing is majorly based on the speed, efficiency reduction of delivery and waste reduction while six sigma methodologies is based on continuous improvement and effectiveness. Combining the two approaches leads to improved performance of an organisation (Al Sharif 2011). Lean manufacturing also ensures a closure of gaps that exist between strategies laid down and performance. This situation brings about improved performance. The combination also minimises variations in processes and techniques and ensures that value addition is factored in the process of production (Al Sharif 2011). Factors that the management of DUCAB Company must consider in ensuring sustainability of the changes include continuous support by the top leadership from top to down levels, resource dedication, giving incentives, taking advantage of the nature of the premise that suits the six sigma methodology, quality in training, and proper alignment of projects (Al Sharif 2011). The Key Performance Indicators of Six-Sigma Methodology and Lean Manufacturing The DUCAB company is mainly manufacturing cables to the consumers thus its main KPI for the various processes it implements includes the efficiency of the processes, the resource allocation, effective methods of handling complaints, cost reduction, cycle time, and the overall quality outputs to the consumers among others (Al Sharif 2011). The recommended value chain that should be implemented mainly composes of four main stages that include order-taking, specification, scheduling of activities, delivery, and payment (see figure 2 below). Major resistance that can be encountered Rigidity of the Technique The six-sigma methodology clings on the rigid processes that contradict skills, innovation, and creativity th at are achieved due to technological advancements (Clifford 2001). A combination of both the manufacturing and six-sigma methodology can be difficult. Issues that pertain to production, studies, and other solutions and approaches cannot be factored in the six-sigma methodology because of its rigid nature. Most managers only have a tendency of rebranding products and outsourcing projects for improvements. Accounting for such practices can be clumsy (Clifford 2001). Executing the lean manufacturing technique will ensure flexibility. However, the employees will need thorough training in the application of the technique (Harmon 2007). Resistance to Change by Employees Most employees who are fond of the six-sigma methodology are trained inadequately. This state of affairs leads to difficulty in controlling such employees to ensure that they are dedicated to the full task. The accomplishment of the objectives is sometimes lengthy and intricate (Linderman 2006; Tan 2007). To manage such a problem efficiently, proper training that is frequent should be done to the employees to learn the lean manufacturing approach. Employees’ engagement should also be enhanced through proper motivation (Hammer 1995). Conclusion Proper change management requires pertinent understanding of the goal of change and methodologies that are executed for its implementation. The procedure for implementing the given technique should also be properly understood to avoid loss. It is clearly indicated that the DUCAB Company uses the six-sigma methodology to manage organisational change efficiently. Management dilemmas have been reported to arise due to the misunderstanding of the concept as a traditional QM technique. The six-sigma technique should be treated as a methodology that should only be applied to change management of every unit of the organisation. Further, the technique should be combined with other change management approaches such as the lean manufacturing methodology for its ef ficient application. However, the management must consider the key performance indicators (KPIs) of the processes to ensure the realisation of customer satisfaction and improved overall productivity. References Al Sharif, A 2011, Exploring the critical factors of the successful implementation of Six Sigma approach: a case study of Ducab, UAE’, Doctoral dissertation, Bournemouth University, vol. 1 no. 1, pp. 1-236. Anupindi, R 2006, Managing Business Process Flows: Principles of Operations Management, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River. Arnheiter, E Maleyeff, J 2005, ‘The integration of lean management and Six Sigma’, The TQM magazine, vol. 17 no. 1, pp.5-18. Clifford, L 2001, ‘Why you can safely ignore Six Sigma’, Fortune, vol. 143 no. 2, pp.140. Davison, L Al-Shaghana, K 2007, ‘The link between Six Sigma and quality culture: An empirical study’, Total Quality Management Business Excellence, vol. 18 no. 3, pp.249-265. Hammer, M 1995, T he Reengineering Revolution: The Handbook, HarperCollins, New York, NY. Harmon, P 2007, Business Process Change: A Guide for Business Managers and BPM and Six Sigma Professionals, Elsevier, New York, NY. Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Sigma: fads or real process improvement methods?’, Business Process Management Journal, vol. 14 no. 3, pp. 269-287. Laguna, M 2004, Business Process Modelling, Simulation, and Design, Pearson, London. Linderman, K, Schroeder, R Choo, A 2006, ‘Six Sigma: the role of goals in improvement teams’, Journal of Operations Management, vol. 24 no. 6, pp.779-790. NÃ ¤slund, D 2008, ‘Lean, six sigma and lean sigma: fads or real process Peppard, J 1995, The Essence of Business Reengineering, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River. Tan, A 2007, Business Process Reengineering, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River. Zu, X, Fredendall, L Douglas, T 2008, ‘The evolving theory of quality management: the role of Six Sigma’, Journal of operation s Management, vol. 26 no. 5, pp.630-650. This assessment on Process and Change Management: DUCAB Manufacturing Company was written and submitted by user Zackery Acosta to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Great Railroad Strike of 1877

Great Railroad Strike of 1877 The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 began with a work stoppage by railroad employees in West Virginia who were protesting a reduction in their wages. And that seemingly isolated  incident quickly turned into a national movement. Railroad workers walked off the job in  other states and seriously disrupted  commerce  in the East and Midwest. The strikes were ended within a few weeks, but not before major incidents of vandalism and violence. The Great Strike marked the first time the federal government called out troops to quell a labor dispute. In messages sent to President Rutherford B. Hayes, local officials referred to what was happening as â€Å"an insurrection.† The violent incidents were the worst civil disturbances since the Draft Riots which had brought some of the violence of the Civil War into the streets of New York City  14 years earlier. One legacy of the labor unrest in the summer of 1877 still exists in the form of landmark buildings in some American cities. The trend of building immense fortress-like armories was inspired by the battles between striking railroad workers and soldiers. Beginning of the Great Strike The strike began in Martinsburg, West Virginia,  on July 16, 1877, after workers of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad were informed that their pay would be cut 10 percent. Workers grumbled about the loss of income in small groups, and by the end of the day railroad firemen began walking off the job. Steam locomotives could not run without the firemen, and dozens of trains were idled. By the next day it was apparent that the railroad was essentially shut down and the governor of West Virginia began to ask for federal help to break the strike. Approximately 400 troops were dispatched to Martinsburg, where they scattered protesters by brandishing bayonets. Some soldiers managed to drive some of the trains, but the strike was far from over. In fact, it began to spread. As the strike was starting in West Virginia, workers for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad had begun walking  off the job in Baltimore, Maryland. On July 17, 1877, news of the strike was already the lead story in New York City newspapers. The New York Times coverage, on its front page, included  the dismissive headline: Foolish Firemen and Brakemen on the Baltimore and Ohio Road Cause of the Trouble. The position of the newspaper was that lower wages and adjustments in working conditions were necessary. The country was, at the time, still stuck in an economic depression which had been triggered originally by the Panic of 1873. Violence Spread Within days, on July 19, 1877, workers on another line, the Pennsylvania Railroad, struck in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With the local militia sympathetic to the strikers, 600 federal troops from Philadelphia were sent to break up protests. The troops arrived in Pittsburgh, faced off with local residents, and ultimately fired into crowds of protesters, killing 26 and wounding many more. The crowd erupted  in a frenzy, and trains and buildings were burned. Summing it up a few days later, on July 23, 1877, the New York Tribune, one of the nations most influential newspapers, headlined a front-page  story The Labor War. The account of the fighting in Pittsburgh was chilling, as  it described federal troops unleashing volleys of rifle fire at civilian crowds. As word of the shooting had spread through Pittsburgh, local citizens rushed to the scene. The outraged mob set fires and destroyed several dozen buildings belonging to the Pennsylvania Railroad. The New York Tribune reported: The mob then began a career of destruction, in which they robbed and burned all the cars, depots, and buildings of the Pennsylvania Railroad for three miles, destroying millions of dollars worth of property. The number of killed and wounded during the fighting is not known, but it is believed to be in the hundreds. End of the Strike President Hayes, receiving pleas from  several governors, began moving troops from forts on the East Coast toward railroad towns such as Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Over the course of about two weeks the strikes were ended and  workers returned to their jobs. During the Great Strike it was estimated that 10,000 workers had walked off their jobs. About a hundred strikers had been killed.   In the immediate aftermath of the strike the railroads began to forbid union activity. Spies were used to ferret out union organizers so they could be fired. And workers were forced to sign yellow dog contracts that disallowed joining a union. And in the nations cities a trend developed of building enormous armories that could serve as fortresses during periods of urban fighting. Some massive armories from that period still stand, often restored as civic landmarks. The Great Strike was, at the time, a setback for workers. But the awareness it brought to American labor problems resonated for years. Labor organizers learned many valuable lessons from the experiences of the summer of 1877. In a sense, the scale of the activity surrounding the Great Strike indicated that there was a desire for a widespread movement to secure workers rights. And the work stoppages and fighting in the summer of 1877 would be  a major event in the history of American labor. Sources: Le Blanc, Paul. Railroad Strike of 1877. St. James Encyclopedia of Labor History Worldwide, edited by Neil Schlager, vol. 2, St. James Press, 2004, pp. 163-166. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Great Railroad Strike of 1877. Gale Encyclopedia of U.S. Economic History, edited by Thomas Carson and Mary Bonk, vol. 1, Gale, 1999, pp. 400-402. Gale Virtual Reference Library.

Oral Herpes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Oral Herpes - Essay Example Bridges and Shuman noted that these viruses show up anywhere in the body and can spread even if these sores are not visible. Other conditions, such as general illness, fatigue, physical or emotional stress, immunosuppression, trauma or menstruation bring about the outbreak of HSV-1. Â   Signs and Symptoms of the Disease Herpes simplex virus symptoms appear typically as single or multiple blisters that break and leave tender sores around the mouth or affected area (Bridges). The incubation period for the herpes simplex virus 1 averages from 2 to 12 days and its signs and symptoms lasts from two to three weeks with the following manifestations of fever, tiredness, muscle pain and irritability. At the site of infection, pain, burning, tingling and itching appears prior to the emergence and eruption of sores, bumps or blisters (Bridges). According to Davis, the sequence of eruption of clusters of blisters occurs and eventually breaks down rapidly. These blisters appear as tiny, shallow and gray ulcers on top of a red base; they are crusted or scabbed, dry and yellowish. Davis added that at the onset of appearance of the oral sores at the lips, gums, throat, front of the tongue, inside the cheek and roof of the mouth an intense pain is felt that makes eating and drinking difficult for the patient. In som e cases these sores extend down to the chin and neck area or are swollen mildly and may sometimes bleed in the gums. On the other hand, they are also felt as swollen and painful lymph nodes of the neck. Painful throat with