Master of Science Strategic Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Master of Science Strategic Marketing - Essay Example pa from North Carolina University considers that ‘a business model is the methods of doing business by which a company can sustain itself, that is, generate revenue. The business model spells out how a company makes money by specifying where it is positioned in the value chain’ (Rappa, 2005). But the fast changing socio-economic dynamics have created a fiercely competitive business environment, necessitating changes in the role and techniques of traditional marketing to encompass broader parameters of business performance. Thus, an effective marketing strategy becomes intrinsic to the management strategy that significantly impacts the overall business performance outcome. Levitt argued that the marketing takes into account the preferences of the customers and thereby builds a solid customer loyalty that result in sustainable customer base that has potential for growth because it continues to satisfy the changing requirements of their needs (Levitt, 1960). While the traditional role of marketing was confined to selling the products which meet the demands of the people, the fast changing paradigms of business have necessitated drastic shift in the approach to traditional marketing strategy. Wilson and Gilligan (2003) have argued that market has become more complex and highly competitive in the contemporary environment of fast advancing technology and rapid globalization. They further assert that ‘marketing is increasingly being conceptualized as an organizational philosophy or ‘an approach to doing business’ (Wilson and Gilligan, 2003, p4). The increasingly changing pattern of society and the influence of technology need to be addres sed in the wider application of social imperatives and included in all spheres of public and private business strategy. McDonald is an exemplary example of using new age market strategy that has shown profit even in the recessive economy! It has become important to introduce effective strategic goals and managerial controls

Energy Drinks Market Essay Example for Free

Energy Drinks Market Essay What are energy drinks? Cola and coffee drinks have long been promoted and known as energy drinks meant to give you a little pick me up, mostly in the form of caffeine and sugar. Jolt Cola in the 80s was one of the early entries in the energy drink market, with double the caffeine of normal colas, it was marketed towards teens and college students as a way to get an energy edge and keep you awake and energized. Their slogan, in fact, was twice the caffeine. Jolt has in fact recently been reincarnated given the success of other energy drinks. What are the most popular energy drinks? Red Bull, created by an Austrian company, really defined the category, and was launched in Europe in the late 1980s. Their slogan is Red Bull gives you wings, with images of winged bulls flying in their ads and logos. Red Bull really gained in popularity and fame in the late 90s and into the new millenium, setting off a whole new market segment of beverages energy drinks. They sold more than 1 billion cans of Red Bull in 2000, and their growth continues until this day. Red Bull is estimated to dominate 60-70% of the energy drink market it is popular with teens all the way up through people in their 30s Red Bull and Vodka is a big drink at trendy bars. One of the main ingredients of Red Bull is taurine a chemical substance supposed to increase energy levels. But caffeine is the main component that gives Red Bull its kick. One 8 oz. can contains 80mg of caffeine (about the same as a cup of coffee) and 27g of sugar. Why drink Red Bull? If you visit their website, RedBull. com, youll read that drinking Red Bull increases performance, increases concentration, improves vigilance, improves emotional status, and stimulates metabolism. Is any of this true? Who knows, but there is an entire generation of young people that swear by it. The Energy Drink Market Full Throttle, Monster, Rockstar With the success of Red Bull, a slew of copycat drinks were flooded into the marketplace. The most popular energy drinks are Monster, Full Throttle, and Rockstar. Full Throttle is made and owned by Coca Cola, just like their Coke Blak combination of coffee/cola drink. Full Throttle energy drink is marketed as a rebellious drink, with flames erupting on the can, looking like a handful of Harley Davidson or something. An 8 oz. serving has 110 calories (comes in a 16 oz can) and 29g of sugar. It also packs things like ginseng extract (to keep you sharp) and plenty of caffeine. Full Throttle Fury comes with a citrus flavor and a red can, instead of the standard black can. Coming from Coke, it is almost Fanta Orange like in flavor, vs. the slightly citrussy flavored version of the original. Full Throttle was a late comer to the market, launched in 2005. It is targeted at 20-30 year old men, and contains taurine like Red Bull. Monster Energy Drink Rockstar Monster energy drink is yet another competitor in this crowded field. Unlike Red Bull which comes in the diminuitive 8 oz. cans, Rockstar comes in the larger 16oz. cans, like all the other energy drinks (priced around $1. 89 per can is also pretty standard). It also has a sweet citrussy taste similar to Red Bull. The Monster logo looks like 3 claw marks ripping the can open. They also make a low-carb version and Khaos, the juice monster. Monster Energy Assault is their entry into the soft drink flavored market, but with the same energy kick to set it apart. Finally, there is Rockstar energy drink, from the makers of Hansens Natural Sodas. Their motto is party like a rockstar, targeted clearly at the younger crowd who wants to be wild and crazy and stay up all night. They make several flavors of Rockstar cola, energy drink, and juiced (which is much like Monster Khaos). The energy drink variety has a similar taste to all the others, while the cola version tastes better than most (it has a slight kick to the aftertaste, unlike most traditional colas). The juiced version is our favorite, with a crisp flavor of mango, orange, and passion fruit, leaving you with no aftertaste. It is actually 70% real fruit juice (and 100% energy as they claim! ). They were the first to use the 16oz larger size, and this has caught on and become the standard. Only Red Bull continues to market the smaller cans, which is part of their image. While the UK is certainly not the only market in Europe where energy and sports drinks are big business nor indeed is it the large Bars and clubs remain important outlets for energy drinks across Europe Many people will try an energy drink brand for the first time in a bar, with or without alcohol there is a growing trend towards everyday consumption as a source of energy. This in itself throws up other challenges not least how the brands, and the stores that sell them, distinguish themselves from each other. This has led to a range of new products, which differentiate themselves from Red Bull through packaging, or colour, or taste, or through what they contain, said Hall. Consumers are increasingly knowledgeable, and they understand more and more about the ingredients in these drinks, so if the science is good, it can be a real selling point. Sports drinks are perhaps a case in point. They are generally linked with energy drinks, and indeed have a number of similarities in terms of functionality and target audience. Yet they are generally consumed in different situations they are unlikely to be consumed in a bar, for example and have different effects on the body. I think its true to say that sports drinks marketing is more dependent on science, Hall said. PowerAde and Lucozade are pushing the science of sport into the mainstream. Gatorade has not yet achieved that in Europe, but may be helped by the recent change of ownership [it was bought by PepsiCo from Quaker Oats]. But if we see a three-way marketing push from these leading brands, then the shape of the European market could change dramatically. Though there are differences between sports and energy drinks, they are all about topping up, enabling people to get more out of their lives or their activities. The products have a common target audience young people with lots of spending power and the opportunities are there for excellent growth. But there are potential threats as well. There have been stories of adverse reactions to energy drinks, although the drinks have never been categorically linked to the problems. The companies have always been quick to respond to potential problems such as these, even if they were certain that the problem was not a result of the drink, said Hall. These drinks are constantly pushing the boundaries of science, and there is an argument that says can we ever be totally sure of any products safety. What we need is a balance of judgement, and for the most part that is what we make. KOTLER, Philip. , Marketing management / Philip Kotler, Kevin Keller.? Twelfth ed. , Pearson Prentice Hall. Englewood-Cliffs, New Jersey, KOTLER, Philip. , Principles of Marketing, Second European Ed. , Prentice Hall Europe, London, 1999. PORTER, Michael E. , What is strategy, Harvard business review, Nov-Dec 1996.

Decision Focus Of Mis Information Technology Essay

Decision Focus Of Mis Information Technology Essay The report was intended to comprehend the theoretical and speculative aspects about the management information system, and its practical applications as well. The next thing to be done is providing recommendations to Amazon.com for a profitable information system to coordinate the operations and workforce activities, and incorporating novel processes while expanding business in the times of economic crisis. Management Information System Information system is comprised of integrated components used to gather, store, analyze and transfer the information. The technology used to manage and coordinate the information in a way that it can be retrieved when required is known as information technology. (Clarke, 2007) The information system is the one which collects the data both internally and externally, process it into information, pass this information to people working at varied levels of organizations, assist them in decision making in a timely and effective manner (Lucey, 2004). The management information system is the system which gives needed timely information to management for decision making, planning, and controlling of business operations effectively and efficiently. In this highly competitive world of technology, the management information systems are combination of man and hardware, which aids and provide support to the management to perform business operation with excellence. It is the man and computer based technology which collects the raw form of data, converts it into useful information, store it, and retrieve it when needed. This information is conducive for all managerial levels or hierarchies. The well built and structured information system is helpful to both business and its employees in acquiring their objectives and formulates decision making process easier at all organizational levels. (Laudon, 2006) Decision Focus of MIS Figure1 (Sourced: Lucey,7th Edi) Roles of MIS The organizations of the modern world have comprehended it well that information systems are essential for the growth of their businesses. They play a critical role in managing operations; perform routine tasks and future decision making. As a result, organizations will enhance their processes, improves customer service, and earn more market share and profits eventually. Thus it will be appropriate to say that a well structured and utilized management information system can act as a source of giving competitive advantage to organization, which is demand of the corporate sector globally (Clarke, 2007). Some critical roles played by the management information system are discussed here: Firstly, it supports business processes; the best illustration is inventory tracking or management, order delivery management, supply chain management. These systems are helpful in performing daily routine tasks or business operations in a more efficient manner, thus empowering employees to perform well and satisfy their customers (Luftman and Kempaiah, 2008). The next is that it supports in making decisions for normal day to day operations. This is the most important role played by the system helping employees at various levels in organization. The middle level used this information for making decisions regarding the service and product, while senior management used this information to make strategic decisions for future of business. Thus, it is the well structured and well designed management information system that assists in decision making at every management level because they are providing appropriate information to the management. (McAfee and Brynjolfsson, 2008). Another important role played by the information system is giving a competitive advantage. In industry settings, it acts as source of competitive edge in two ways. One way is to record and then present the information of customers, their behaviours, preferences, demographic influences and also in enhancing product quality, exposing the right product to right customers, and focussing on customer relationships. In another way, management can utilize this information to make changes and take decisions regarding businesses and product development to gain competitive edge (McAfee and Brynjolfsson, 2008). Types of Management Information system There exist four major types of the management information system. The Executive Support System resides at the top level management. It has a role in providing the corporate strategic information to senior management. Then is the Decision Support System, which serves to the middle management by providing information they require and helps them in decision making. Another system on same level is Management Information System, which provides internal and external information of customers and employees to the management. The most basic is the Transaction Support System, which provides information about daily business operations and helps employees to provide enhance services to their customers. These Transaction Support Systems are used to track inventory, record daily sales etc (Luftman and Kempaiah, 2008). Figure 2 (Sourced: Laudon Laudon 9th Edi) Strategic Weapon In past, the presence of management information system was not as vital as it is today, because it was employed for the purpose of assistance in transactions and daily operations only. But recently, these systems have gained importance due to the new picture of corporate landscape and culture. Now the time factor is present, the right information must be delivered in time to its respondents to take decisions on this basis. To take strategic decisions, it is essential to have accurate and timely information with the management. That is why the graph of importance of MIS is rapidly increasing. This makes it clear that information systems if implemented correctly and used efficiently can act as a strategic weapon of the company (Clarke, 2007). These information systems can be utilized in multiple ways. From the customersà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ perspective, these systems facilitate their interaction with the company, motivating them to do further transactions, and it can be used effectively on B2B business model. With the implementation of intelligent business information system, company can get the feedback from customers, perform analysis on it and use this for improvements in business operations and procedures. Thus it helps in building a strong business relationship with customers, and consequently organization can achieve competitive advantage (Preston and Karahanna, 2009). Some other advantage which organization can get from this MIS are enhanced efficiency of organization, improved inventories, just in time delivery of raw material and learning process from the data collected by this information system. This helps in increasing the business processes of the company and reduces cost of processes. This is how information systems can strategically used as business weapon (Preston and Karahanna, 2009). Information System Technology: Information communication system technologies are involved in almost every aspect of life. The whole process of acquiring, processing, storing and distributing verbal, theoretical and numerical information via computation is collectively known as Information communication technologies .(Lucey,2004). ICT is not only comprised of the hardware and software, but also structure of network and communication, structure of data and information with its access to different levels, user friendly, and also deals in operations and organizational strategies. To make long story short, these information communication systems are socio-technical as they integrates information, equipment, organization and people altogether .(Lucey,2004) Some main uses of information communication technologies are discussed in the figure below. Figure 3( Sourced Lucey, 7th Edi) It has been found that, information communication technologies (ICT) are not essential in every management information system, yet it is noted that if these ICTs are deployed in MIS then they can provide support to multiple managerial posts in organization. The figure below depicts the likelihood of applying this application at various levels in organization. Computer Application Feasible Area Figure 4(Sourced Lucey, 7th Edi) The information communication technologies can be deployed in organizational settings for varied reasons, some of which are: Corporate Data Information To communicate Creating Networks Internet Electronic Data Interchange World Wide Web Hardware and Software Management The information systems are complex systems, created from multiple components. These include people, resources, software, hardware, data and networks, each one having its own importance and management style. Some considerations need to be taken for managing any information system in organizations (Clarke, 2007). While talking about the hardware portion, it has to be kept in mind that hardware component of information system must be designed and created by forecasting the future requirements of the information. Same is done in case of software parts, yet in this case mostly current needs of the company are considered, which is problematic when business expands and information requirements are changed. Similar types of regulations are applicable on data and network of the information system. In case of the networks, future needs are kept in mind while designing and creating networks, while in data case, the needs of all management levels are considered before making data management system as every tier has its own particular specific need that is to be satisfied. This is why it is required to develop a highly flexible data management system in order to cater all types of information related needs (Luftman and Kempaiah, 2008). Example of MIS Here is a case study of management information system of Amazon.com is a US-based electronic commerce company. Amazon is one of the largest online business retailers in the United States with its Headquarter in Seattle, Washington. The case discussed below is a an example of using a profitable MIS setup in an organization, which helps in sustaining the business (Web1,2010) Management Information System at Amazon.com Users at Amazon The people using MIS at Amazon.com includes sales staff, collection team, marketing personnel, accountants, finance officers, inventories and procuring managers and teams. The usage rights varied from person to person in an organization on the basis of difference in designations they have. The ones who are executives and leaders of the team possess rights regarding business processes, managers are entitled to right for checking the information collectively and individually. This right is also given to the senior executives and head of departments, who can view all information, and get reports in different formats to check the performance of individual employee and whole organization as well. This is how the management of Amazon measures the performance of its employees (Web1, 2010) . Hardware Components The hardware components that are deployed in management information systems of Amazon are: Fax Machines Inbox Intel Core2Due Processing Systems Keyboard Modems Mouse Printers Dedicated servers Ups Software Components The software components incorporated in the MIS of the Amazon.com are of various kinds. one the kind is which are used as machine running software these include Microsoft Windows Office, Antivirus system and other are application that are designed for needs of different departments depending upon the nature of business they are handling. These applications include Tracer system, Econnect system, CRM system, Infinity Analysis portal and Octopus. One primary kind is used for running machines and known as system software such as Microsoft Windows Office, Antivirus, other software applications designed to cater the needs of the different departments which is dependent on the type of business they are dealing in. Some examples of these applications include: Tracer system Econnect system CRM system Infinity Analysis portal Octopus Sales Order Processing System Figure 5 Networks for Remote Locations Amazon.com acquires it network system and utilizes LAN (use Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), and VPN (Virtual Private Network), to perform operations in remote areas without presence in the office. Example of WAN Figure 6(Source Web2) Data Component The data component of Amazonà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s MIS is comprised of the database management system, which gathers, stores, analyze, and retrieves data through servers and software applications. Recommendations Here, we have to provide some major recommendations to the Amazon who is expanding their business and focus is on optimizing the performance of their workforce by managing and controlling them. As we know Amazon is a US based organization who is intended to expand its business in South Asian region of the World such as Pakistan and India. That is why we have to recommend main points about the management information system for Amazon which will help it strategically. Some main aspects of MIS regarding management strategy and decision making are as under. Strategic Management through MIS In most cases, strategy making is not a well organized and structured process, and the role of new management information system is limited in information processing. Though MIS is required to collect information according to the environment and perform scanning and processing methods to identify the possible threats and opportunities. Some main characteristics of the strategic information utilized in decision making are as under: Outside Information: It is known that internal information is required continuously for business, yet a real fact is that organizations are working in any environment and not alone, so in this case they need extensive outside information for making decisions on strategic issues. This information can be the performance report of competitor in a market, financial patterns, technological advancements, political situations, market scenarios and trends etc. Long term Concerns: The strategic plans are made for the medium and long terms. That is why strategic information systems must be designed to cater the information like trends, forecasts, appraisals, previous performance records. Quality and Quantity: The element of the quality and quantity is required in the information gathered for the information system. The qualitative information is needed to formulate strategic plans and take decisions. The quantitative information is needed for daily operations like sales. Informal Processes: Formal procedures are important in strategic planning, but it is the fact that informal procedures to analyse the information is highly effective way. Studies indicate that an extra formal system in strategic levels makes the organization less adaptive and responding. Boundary less: The information at lower management level is boundary less in the organizations, but it has been noted that it is limited to a specific action. In case of strategic information, it should be broad and not restricted by any boundaries. Multi-Proportion Management: While building strategy or taking decisions, management must consider all the solutions to issue and look problem with all aspects. For instance, taking decision on one issue, management has to consider all factors such as financial, customers, marketing. Environmental Influences on Scanning The primary difference between, management information system made for strategic level and other MISs is that in case of strategic MIS, impact of environment is considered. In creating strategies or making decisions, it is essential to comprehend the involvement of environment and forecast potential changes that will occur in future, and also predict the future trends and influence factors of business. This whole process of collecting information whether formal or informal is known as scanning. The four main types of scanning includes: Undirected scanning: The scanning in which the information is searched out by the manager generally and not for any specific purpose. Conditioned scanning: In this type managerà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s influence is involved. The influence come through any previous event or experience, and several portions of information are collected by it, instead of exploring specifically for the problem. Informal Directed Scanning: Here the information is searched particularly for any purpose or topic but in an informal or non structured format, rather manager following a formal setup. Formal Scanning: In this type, the information is collected for the specific purpose through formal and structured process Enterprise wide information systems An appropriate ERP system is recommended to the Amazon.com for optimizing its business. The advancements in networking and information technology have enabled the usage of shared data bases or ware houses by many information systems. This is done to provide support to the business operations and processes, linking them together to form enterprise wide information systems. One known or famous example of enterprise wide information system is Enterprise Resource Planning system. The retailers of known ERP systems include SAP, Baan, Oracle, and People-soft. The main task of ERP system is that it performs the integration, warehousing, application, and creates user friendly interfaces of the data and facilitate with data analyzing tools. It is a collection of multiple software modules which helps in bringing major business processes together. Each module performs its own task in analyzing the data. Some main modules of ERP system are: Inventory Management Logistics Bill of materials Sales and Marketing Human resource Management Accounts payable/receivable Role of ICT Applications in Managing Remote Workforce Trying to manage the operations and performance of its workforce in remote locations, (ICT) information communication technologies are used at all management levels so that information can be accessible whenever required, which enables the multinationals (MNCs) to operate globally even in remote areas. Thus, a well coordinated and designed MIS is vital for the business success and sustainability in this world of competition. Some examples of ICT applications which can be utilized for a useful management information system are discussed here. Automated Offices In order to carry out the information processing tasks in the company, technology of automating the offices is employed and in fashion these days. With help of such technologies, it is easier for the information to travel among different departments. For instance writing a memo, or report and email it to all departments. Office automation involves collection of software such as MS Office, Accounting software, Adobe etc. E Commerce E commerce is a specifically electronic or digital process, which includes activities both internally and externally businesses by information communication technology network such as internet, intranet and extranet. The whole business activities including sale, purchasing of services and goods, funds transfer all done electronically. E commerce involves e-marketing, B2B, B2C, C2B and etc. Another novel concept of this age is m-business, which has been evolved from the e-business. WAP (wireless application protocol) has made it possible to get connected on mobile phones. Some other latest applications includes tele- business, video conferencing, enabling the managers to connect with their team or subordinates from anywhere in the world. Location of Database It has been discussed in the case that major database of Amazon.com is located at its headquarters in Seattle, but with expansion of its business in South Asian countries and rest world, there might be some hurdles in having single database for all. The effect of having database in the headquarters is that, the operational efficiency in remote areas will decrease, due to failure of application to respond. Secondly, the holiday and time zone format in USA is different from that of country in South Asia. And this will be problematic for the staff of the remote operational area to handle queries when database employees will on leave. So having a single database is not recommended when Amazon is expanding business. In order to get in time support of operations, it is preferred to have a database in operational area. Same is required in the case of application development and support system. As these two tools are designed in the head office and used there, so the operations will be delayed because of this. This will results decline in the customer satisfaction and commitment. To cope up with such problems, databases and corresponding applications should be designed and developed in the operational country. Security of MIS It is highly important to consider the security of the information system. While dealing with ICT system which is networked via internet and intranet, its security be designed. The security procedures must ensure that only authorised people have access to the strategic information. The secrecy of the MIS should be on the top priority as this will make the business successful and if mishandled then cause losses. Conclusions The author has done the detailed study of the theoretical concepts of management information system in this assignment. Additionally, the sources of information, its storage, and processing are also discussed in the assignment. The importance of MIS in strategic decision making is the key issue discussed here, and keeping in view this, suggestions are provided by author for Amazon.com to expand its business with appropriate MIS to improve its effectiveness of business.

And Now For Someone Completely Different :: Essays Papers

And Now For Someone Completely Different When the six foot five inch man that is John Cleese is mentioned, most people see him in their minds eye complaining about his dead parrot or as the brave Sir Lancelot. What many people don't think of, though, is his involvement with multiple other productions, not all of them comedy. His involvement, too, stretches from just simple acting. John Cleese is truly a Renaissance man of the media. John Cleese went through school wanting to be in the legal profession and he received his M.A. degree from Downing College in Cambridge. He soon abandoned his plans in law, however, when he had a great success with Footlights, the performing arts society for Cambridge. He met his future writing partner and Python member Graham Chapman in Footlights. Cleese had an appearance in the Footlights Revue which was a campus production that later was shown in London's West End, and then again, as Cambridge Circus, on Broadway in 1964 (Current Biography). He stayed in New York to perform in the British musical Half a Sixpence. When he returned to England he was approached by David Frost to help write and to perform in Frost's new weekly BBC comedy show, The Frost Report, in 1965. Chapman was also working on The Frost Report, with other to be Python members Eric Idle, Michael Palin and Terry Jones (The Life of Monty Python). Cleese went on with his writing partnership with Chapman after The Frost Report, working on such titles as The Magic Christian, based on the novel by Terry Southern (The Fairly Uncreative Monty Python Site). Cleese's largest comedy hit came when he joined up again with Chapman, Idle, Palin, and Jones. Together, with American cartoonist Terry Gilliam, they created the notorious Monty Python's Flying Circus. The whole group co-wrote and starred in this "breakneck barrage of satiric skits, [and] surreal cartoons" (Current Biography) for several years; drawing over ten million viewers each week. The Monty Python sextet would later collaborate to write books, do live performances, and make movies, such as Monty Python and the Holy Gail (1975), a spoof on the legend of King Arthur and his quest for the Holy Grail, and The Meaning of Life (1983), which was Monty Python's view on the stages of life (TFUMPS). At the emerging point of his career that was his BBC works, he met American actress Connie Booth, who he would wed in 1968 (TLOMP). The couple would write and star in a small motion picture in 1974 but would have great success in the television And Now For Someone Completely Different :: Essays Papers And Now For Someone Completely Different When the six foot five inch man that is John Cleese is mentioned, most people see him in their minds eye complaining about his dead parrot or as the brave Sir Lancelot. What many people don't think of, though, is his involvement with multiple other productions, not all of them comedy. His involvement, too, stretches from just simple acting. John Cleese is truly a Renaissance man of the media. John Cleese went through school wanting to be in the legal profession and he received his M.A. degree from Downing College in Cambridge. He soon abandoned his plans in law, however, when he had a great success with Footlights, the performing arts society for Cambridge. He met his future writing partner and Python member Graham Chapman in Footlights. Cleese had an appearance in the Footlights Revue which was a campus production that later was shown in London's West End, and then again, as Cambridge Circus, on Broadway in 1964 (Current Biography). He stayed in New York to perform in the British musical Half a Sixpence. When he returned to England he was approached by David Frost to help write and to perform in Frost's new weekly BBC comedy show, The Frost Report, in 1965. Chapman was also working on The Frost Report, with other to be Python members Eric Idle, Michael Palin and Terry Jones (The Life of Monty Python). Cleese went on with his writing partnership with Chapman after The Frost Report, working on such titles as The Magic Christian, based on the novel by Terry Southern (The Fairly Uncreative Monty Python Site). Cleese's largest comedy hit came when he joined up again with Chapman, Idle, Palin, and Jones. Together, with American cartoonist Terry Gilliam, they created the notorious Monty Python's Flying Circus. The whole group co-wrote and starred in this "breakneck barrage of satiric skits, [and] surreal cartoons" (Current Biography) for several years; drawing over ten million viewers each week. The Monty Python sextet would later collaborate to write books, do live performances, and make movies, such as Monty Python and the Holy Gail (1975), a spoof on the legend of King Arthur and his quest for the Holy Grail, and The Meaning of Life (1983), which was Monty Python's view on the stages of life (TFUMPS). At the emerging point of his career that was his BBC works, he met American actress Connie Booth, who he would wed in 1968 (TLOMP). The couple would write and star in a small motion picture in 1974 but would have great success in the television

Facilitating the Project Lifecycle the Skills & Tools to Accelerate Progress for Project Managers, Facilitators, and Six Sigma Project Teams Essay

               One of the most important aspects to put into consideration when taking up a project is project risk management. A project risk is an event / condition, which is uncertain that, upon it occurrence brings either a positive or a negative impact on the project. A positive manager should consider this as one of the ten knowledge areas where competence is highly regarded. Risk management is critical, especially to organizations working I multi-project environments and the maturity for risk is high. A wide range of risks is apparent when working in projects involving construction among other engineering work. These risks are mostly attributed to government policy, diversity in stakeholders’ aspirations and the challenges of adding multiple projects. For a good risk management process, there must be a clear statement and understanding of roles and responsibilities, proper skills on technical analysis and the prevailing organizational factors should support th e project. Project risk management involves identifying, assessing and prioritizing of risks: and thereafter putting resources to use in order to reduce, monitor and control those risks that could affect the project negatively and increase realizing of opportunities. This report seeks to outline the knowledge acquired on management of risk in projects. Discussion               All organizations exist for their own different purposes, and that of public engineering organizations in the construction business, the purpose is to deliver a service, which brings a beneficial result in the public/ stakeholders interest. Decisions to pump resources into investments on capital infrastructure are prompted by needs that are meant to enhance the achievement of the major purpose. According to Flanagan and Norman (1993), the benefits of efficient risk management are evident especially in projects involving capital infrastructure because they are dynamic in nature and bring positive cost implications from the construction related decisions. Risk management should be taken as an intrinsic part of capital infrastructure investment decisions mainly because, as project ventures get more elaborate, the role of risk management is exemplified. In regard to this realization, some countries have enacted government policies on constructors emphasizing on th e need to incorporate risk management in capital infrastructure schemes. Risk is therefore, in many occasions, viewed as a condition or event whose occurrence will have adverse effects on the project and may hinder the attainment of set objectives. Hence, risk management relates decisions to such probable harmful effects.                  This philosophical approach to risk management enables the process to be broken down into four fundamental sub-processes. These involve identification, analysis, response and monitoring. The former step of identification is the most critical step because it has the biggest effect on decisions emanating from the process of risk management. Reviewing risk management, in his article, Williams (1995), notes that there is little structured work in publication about typical risks. According to Chapman (1998), as much as risk identification is critical on the risk assessment and response phases, very little empirical evidence is available at this early phase. The heavier task in risk management remains in the analysis and response to the risk, yet the reasoning stands that unless the risks are identified, they cannot be analyzed and responded to.                  For most engineers, the need to have a set out program is critical for it provides an umbrella under which all current projects fall so that an outcome can be delivered massively in general, and greater than the total sum of all others. A program is usually temporary, and flexible; created to direct and oversee the implementation of a set of related projects and activities for the deliverance of beneficial outcomes that relate to the organization’s strategic objectives. Several projects are undertaken under this umbrella. This explicitly differentiates between program management outcomes and project management outputs. However, there is a link between projects and strategy through the program. Risk management is becoming an increasingly important process due to external pressures in existence. However, good risk management is seen as a critical attribute of organizational success in the field of engineering. The assumption that programs are merely extensions of projects should cease to exist because many will tend to reflect program risk management to project risk management (Allan, 2008). Program management is a broad extension of the varied, yet related, projects.                  On projects, it is important to define one or more objective functions like capital expenditure and completion time to represent it to measure the probability of achieving the set targets. Risk management then goes on to model the project’s objectives against the projects variables like costs and the quantity of inputs. These variables are usually uncertain as time goes on, hence the uncertainty of a hundred percent achievement of the objectives set. The most ideal situation would be identifying and characterizing the variables in advance providing that they will remain unchanged by time. This would make it easy to estimate the possible risks and the consequent variance of the project’s objective(s). However, not all project variables can be identified as new variables might surface as the project goes on while the probability of occurrence of the initial variables may vary. The impacts of the initial variables, both positive and negative, m ay change too hence making risk management even more hard (Drummond, 1999).                     Certainty and uncertainty of realizing a project’s objectives are measurable, only ideally. The possibility of a project not breaking even could be considered as a representative of the whole project, and then used in turn to evaluate against variable and try and reduce the risks involved as well as become a basis for decision-making. Some projects may proceed normally in a stable environment, hence making the uncertainty high at the time it is conceptualized. Pro-active planning and making prudent decisions will see the uncertainty reduce. However, uncertainty in complex projects within a changing environment will not necessarily reduce/ diminish as time goes by Chapman (1998). It is necessary to keep on checking on the project’s variables and re-evaluating of the objective function’s status to facilitate adjustments in the project’s strategies. Uncertainty surrounds many parts of a project; hence early resolution of vari ables may not be possible always. Variables change over time leading to exposure to new threats and risks along the way. This fact should not be refuted and a lot of work is required in the planning evaluating phases, where most of the critical work is done. In spite of all the uncertainty and complexity surrounding risk management and project management, it is important to seek methods of improving the project’s base value (Drummond, 1999).                  Conceptualization, planning, and implementation of a project is a complex process that requires management based on set strategic objectives, which vary from time to time. The objectives should be integrative and holistic in the sense that it caters for social, political, environmental, and community aspects. Traditionally, planning in project management should form the basis of planning, alongside other functions of project management including; human resource, time, scope, integration, quality and procurement. These should be the fundamental factors f consideration along each phase. A variety of guidebooks, protocols and codes of practice in the engineering field have been made available for use in risk management in project management. In the United Kingdom, the ‘Orange book’ is a framework that is set to offer guidance on basic risk management concepts and as a resource for developing risk management processes and implementing them I the public sector. It is also aimed at using a risk based decision-making on investment. There have been many more publications and publications aimed at dictating hoe risk management should look like. These guidelines have offered a basis upon which projects are appraised and their investment viability tested. This has enhanced the process and shifted its reception and perception from project risk management to a risk management strategic level (Melton, 2011).                  In engineering and construction professions, program management and project management came to existence due to the changing procurement environment. In the United Kingdom, procurement of infrastructural assets was done in a sequential manner, which involved a clear differentiation in the project life cycle phases. Currently there are three major procurement systems, that is; prime contracting, Design and Build procurement and Private Finance Initiative. These methods were because of the need to adopt integrative and collaborative project delivery methods. The procurement systems have features like framework agreements, the use of specifications that are output based, and more importantly, emphasis on the lifelong value of the structures (Shehu and Akintoye, 2009). The office of Government Commerce has facilitated the change in construction procurement in the public sector too. The agency’s main agenda is to ensure that policies are followed and en hancing promotion of the best performance practices. These systems ensure that the project undertaken are of high quality and are in regard to the set policies and guidelines. These sanctions in the public works and construction sector have acted as strategic risk management tools for they ensure quality assurance as well as proper quality management.                  Project management should incorporate the use of a strategy-based management approach. This will facilitate the integration of planning, risk management and decision-making hence ensuring real time real time realization of an optimum of the project’s strategic objective against its variables. The project’s promoters are not always the investors. Investors are not always actively involved in the management of the project, but invest resources into the project hoping to get dividends. The promoters’ objective, on the other hand, is to deliver a facility that will ensure a long term balanced and financially viable business entity. The project is therefore a compromise between the attainment of investors’ interests and that of the community. Project development should be based on a set of strategic objectives, which stamp the project as a business and entwining project decisions to strategic business decisions. Amid all risks, the project should be planned proactively with regards to its variables and with a focus on the life cycle objective functions (Westland, 2007).                  The life cycle objective functions are functions such as: financially related functions- such as the project’s net worth, satisfaction of customers- those affected by aspects such as safety, project utility, operability, and quality, lastly, due diligence must be adhered to- that is, statutory concerns and policies should be observed especially when the project is located in highly populated areas or is adjacent or near ecological systems deemed to be sensitive (Janet & Tammy, 2005). This factor also goes hand in hand with the ethical code that is supposed to guide the execution of projects. Proactive planning of the project ensures that project uncertainty is minimized in real time. Effective risk management ensures that there is typical conceptualization of projects and their subsequent implementation using strategic objectives. It also ensures any further variables are assessed and managed accordingly to optimize the project’s strategic o utcome, that which of a business entity. Since projects are subjected to changes in objectives and variables due to external factors, it is important to incorporate a continuous risk management process that involves continuous risk and uncertainty management process conducted in real time to bring value to the project manager. Strategies made from risk analysis should be seen as a basis upon which decisions are made going forward. Objectives of the life cycle should be used as the vessel for analysis. Reflective assessment                  Engaging in exhaustive personal research and involvement of the same with groups has incapacitated adequately with sufficient knowledge on managing projects as an engineer. I have come to evolve from a mediocre project manager, thinking that technicalities were all I needed, to a project under-taker equipped with the relevant skills. Undertaking projects with my group and alone was not like undertaking them with my professor. Comparing personal projects and those done in groups, with those guided by the professor, flaws are clear to point out. In my first group project, our then project leader, whose name I will not disclose for discretion purposes, was too impulsive at times and objectives were not achieved as expected because of poor decision-making, even on the most obvious issues. The project resulted in high costs in execution unlike what had been anticipated and took longer. However, it is from the mistakes that my group and I learnt the importance of risk management in project management as an important tool to facilitate proactive planning, rather than responding to results. Another lesson learnt from that experience was the need to incorporate continuous analysis as a way of implementing risk management to ensure real time solutions. However, it is through solving these and other hurdles that the learning process in the field has been enhanced and increased my knowledge. The short yet detailed experience coupled with the many articles and critiques I have encountered have inspired me to get to want to explore more on the field by undertaking and managing more projects to experience more than I have. By initiating and overseeing projects as well as assuming responsibility for achievement of objectives and integration will boost my intuition and judgment on decision-making for future projects and for professional expertise. I know trying to venture into projects of high magnitude is a risk, but the ability to tackle the risk itself is way beyond the risk management of the process and a success would ultimately mean victory on both ends. References Allan, N., Davis, J., 2006. Strategic risks — thinking about them differently. Proceedings of ICE 159 Drummond H 1999. Are we any closer to the end Escalation and the case of Taurus? International Journal of Project Management Flanagan, R., & Norman, G. (1996). Risk management and construction. Oxford [u.a.], Blackwell Science.Means, J. A., & Adams, T. (2005). Facilitating the Project Lifecycle the Skills & Tools to Accelerate Progress for Project Managers, Facilitators, and Six Sigma Project Teams. Hoboken, John Wiley & Sons. http://www.123library.org/book_details/?id=9130. Melton, T. (2008). Real project planning developing a project delivery strategy. Amsterdam, Butterworth-Heinemann. Shehu, Z., Akintove, A., 2010. Major challenges to the successful implementation and practice of programme management in the construction environment: a critical analysis. International journal of project management Westland, J. (2007). The project management life cycle: a complete step-by-step methodology for initiating, planning, executing & closing a project successfully. Williams, T., 1995. A classified bibliography of recent research relating to project risk management. European Journal of Operational Research Source document

Alternate ending for The Giver by Lois Lowry. Not quite as positive as the final chapter in the book.

Alternate ending for The Giver by Lois Lowry. Not quite as positive as the final chapter in the book. The cold was creeping into Jonas's body. Dampening his spirits and his soul. Hunger infected his body. Gabriel's wailing screamed at his ears. The wind howled at him, preventing Jonas from trespassing into this strange landscape. An enclosing army of snow palpitated down on the two stragglers, gnawing into their skin, injecting acute pangs of chilliness. A curtain of mist lowered and trapped them in a blizzard. Jonas looked around, completely disorientated. A landscape of snow met his sore eyes. An endless blanket of whiteness, hiding the diabolical threats of nature. The moon shone brightly emitting a pale streak of hope. Clouds suddenly covered it. The noise was unbearable, the coldness was unbearable, the hunger was unbearable, Gabriel was unbearable...Thoughts clouded his mind as everything became chaotic. Jonas and Gabriel stumbled through the snow, as darkness swallowed them into its stomach. Hope drained from their souls as they struggled to survive.The Jonas L.A. cast photo F rom left to right: Chel...Jonas collapsed. He felt the cold stinging his face. He smelt death on his tongue. He saw dark figures approaching. He strained to see them and attract their attention. He endeavoured to shout for help but nothing came out except for a hoarse whisper. They came closer, closer, closer ... Gabriel's intense screaming reverberated through his head. It was the last thing he heard.Jonas woke in a dark shadow cast with fear. The atmosphere was stiff with trepidation. The foreign surroundings contradicted his thoughts of Elsewhere. A bundle of foul smelling rags lay in solitude over in a dark corner. Pitiful sobbing came from the baby inside. Jonas gasped in horror as he realized that the filthy, naked baby was his brother. Gabriel's pale blue eyes conveyed stories of fear and apprehension. His grubby face was a mask concealing his inner secrets of...