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Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or Essay - 1

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences - Essay Example One of the important information that I gained in the business is ensuring safety in the workplace. Oil is highly flammable and it is an important matter to secure all the areas to avoid accidents which could damage the company or worse, kill people. One of the vital things one has to check daily in the oil business is leaks, to keep the working environment safe. The business has a lot of delicate and meticulous jobs and the information I gained in my few months stay with the oil company has been very limited. Nevertheless, I believe it is a good start for me as I continue to consider the processes I have to go through to gain all the knowledge and skills I need in managing my own oil company. One thing is for sure, that the experience I gained from the work was illuminating and it has strengthened my will power all the more to continue in pursuing my

Monday, July 22, 2019

Writing prompts for middle school Essay Example for Free

Writing prompts for middle school Essay Imagine that you could give advice to someone—it could be someone you know personally, a historical figure, or a famous pers on living today. Write an essay that identifies the person and the advice you would give. Choose a fam iliar subject so that you can provide details and elaboration that explain why this person needs your advice. 2. In an essay, explain how disappointments can have a good side. 3. Write an essay explaining why someone you care about is important to you. 4. Dress for success is a phrase all of us have heard before, but it means something different to each person. Write an essay explaining  what dress for success means to you. 5. Write an essay to explain why honesty is important in a friendship. 6. Through the years new inventions have changed th e way we live. Think about one invention that has had an impact on the way you live. Now write to explain to your teacher how this invention has changed your life. 7. Write an essay explaining how you changed when you entered middle school. 8. The amount of graffiti has greatly increased at your school. The members of the school board must find ways to stop the graffiti. Write a com position in which you fully explain the solution  the school board could use to solve this problem. 9. There are both good things and bad things about playing on a team, such as the school soccer team or the school volleyball team. Write a composition for your teacher in which you explain both what is good and what is ba d about playing on a school team. Be sure to explain each point fully. 10. A role model is a person you look up to. Befo re you begin writing, think about someone you look up to. Why do you admire this person? Write a composition in which you explain to your classmates whom you admire and why you admire this person. Middle School Persuasive Prompts  1. NEW A wealthy donor plans to build a new facility that will benefit young people in your area. It could be a swimming pool, a theater, a skateboard park, an art school, or any other facility that would provide young people with constructive ways to spend their time. The donor is not sure what kind of facility would be most useful. Write a letter to the donor in which you identify the type of facility you would like to have built, and pe rsuade her that it is the best choice. Be sure to support your opinion with convincing reasons and evidence. 2. Your principal wants to invite a celebrity speaker to your school. Think about the celebrity you would choose to have speak; then, write a letter to persuade your principal to invite this person. Be sure to include convincing reasons and details to support your choice. 3. Girls and boys often enjoy playing the same sport. Some people believe that girls and boys should be able to play on the same team. What is your opinion on this issue? Write an essay stating your opinion and supporting it with convincing reasons. Be sure to explain your reasons in detail. 4. It has been said that television has little real educational value. What is your opinion on this issue? Write an essay stating your opinion and su  pporting it with convincin g reasons. Be sure to explain your reasons in detail. 5. The principal of your school is considering co nducting random locker searches several times a year without letting students know in advance. What is your position concerning this issue? Write a letter to the principal stating your position and supporting it with convincin g reasons. Be sure to explain your reasons in detail. 6. Suppose Congress wants to make a new national ho liday honoring an important person or event. Choose a person or event you would like to honor. Write an essay to convince members of Congress to accept your choice. 7. Your principal has asked students to suggest a school rule that should be changed. Think of one rule that you would like to have changed. Write a letter convincing your principal that this rule should be changed. Be sure to support your opinion with convi ncing reasons and evidence. 8. Your school principal is considering a new policy that will require all students to wear uniforms. What is your position concerning this issue? Write a letter to your principal stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons. Be sure to explain your reasons in detail. Middle School How-To Prompts 1. Write a composition in which you explain how to make something. You might write about a food item, a handcrafted item, or anything else that you know how to make. Be sure to clearly explain each step in the process so that a read er could make the item the way you do. 2. Think about one favorite activity that you enjoy. For example, it could be playing a favorite sport or participating in a hobby. Write a compos ition in which you tell a friend how to do your favorite activity. Be sure to include all the details your friend will need to do the activity. Middle School Descriptive Prompts 1. Think about the last time you attended a special even  t such as a concert, a fair, or a sports event. Describe what it was like to be there and include sights, sounds, and smells that will make the reader feel he or she is there with you. 2. Think of a favorite object that you own. In a descriptive essay, use sensory details—words that tell how something looks, feels, tastes, smells , and sounds—to clearly describe this favorite object so that a classmate could picture it. 3. Think of what your school is like at lunchtime. Pick one particular place, and picture it in your mind. This place could be large or small. In a co mposition, describe clearly to a friend what the  place is like at lunchtime so your friend can imagine what it is like to be there. Middle School Narrative Prompts 1. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, You must do the th ing you think you cannot do. Write a narrative about a time when you did something you thought you could not do. Be sure to include specific details so that a reader can follow your story. 2. Think about a time when something unexpected happened. Write a narrative in which you tell about an unexpected event that happened to you or someone you know. Be sure to include specific details so that a reader can follow your story. 3. You have made a very important discovery–one th  at will make you famous throughout the world. Write a story in which you tell about your discove ry and how you made it. Be sure to include details about the setting and any characters in th e story, and be sure that your story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. 4. Think of your best day in school. What happened that makes this day stand out in your memory? Write a story for a friend that tells about what happened on this day in school. Middle School Writing About Literature Prompts 1. Under the Rice Moon tells a story about a caged bird and a sickly young girl who understand one another. Read the story. Then write an essay discussing the storys theme, or message, and how the author uses the bird and the storys characters to express the message. Be sure to include examples and details from the story to support your ideas. Do not merely summarize the story. Remember that your response will be evaluated in two ways—on your understanding of the story and on the quality of our writing. 2. The Dinner Party tells a story about a social gathering in India. Read the story. Then write an essay in which you discuss how the author uses the characters in the story to express a message. Support your ideas with examples and details from the story. Do not merely summarize the story. Remember that your response will be evaluated in two ways–on your understanding of the story and on the quality of your writing. Middle School Writing About Nonfiction Prompts 1. Read Heeding the Call. Then, write an essay explaining how Martin Luther King, Jr. s experiences as a young person shaped his beliefs and actions as an adult. Be sure to include specific information from the article to support your explanation. Do not merely summarize the article. Remember that your response will be ev aluated in two ways—on  your understanding of the article and on the quality of your writing. 2. Read But Im Not Tired! Think about the ideas th e author presents in this article. What changes should schools make to adjust to students sl eep patterns? Write a letter to the principal recommending changes that could be made at your sch ool to adjust to students sleep patterns. Be sure to include specific information from the ar ticle to support your recommendations. Do not merely summarize the article. Re member that your response will be evaluated in two ways–on your understanding of the article and on the quality of your writing.

An exploration of the way Shakespeare presents Claudius to the audience Essay Example for Free

An exploration of the way Shakespeare presents Claudius to the audience Essay The title of William Shakespeares Hamlet, would at first suggested its eponymous hero, Hamlet, is the major character. However, in a sense the whole play evolves around the character and actions of Claudius. Shakespeare has presented Claudius in a phrase as a smiling damned villain, whose greed and selfishness lead the way to his tragic killing of the King. This sums up Claudius excellently, as he has two sides to him, one the public side, smiling and the other the private side damned villain. Claudius starts his opening speech as king by saying, Though yet of Hamlet our dear brothers death (Act I Scene II, Line1) which creates the impression that his brothers death upsets him, but later it is revealed that he was the cause of it. This links in with the theme of seeming and being, where it appears that he is grieving but is actually not. Shakespeare has used seeming and being repeatedly to show the audience that, deception is one of the major parts of the play: My words fly up, my thoughts remain below words without thoughts never to heaven go. (Act III Scene V, Lines 97-8), This is Claudius confession where he tricks the audience and Hamlet into believing he wants forgiveness, but then find out it is not true. This is further highlighted when Claudius is speaking to Hamlet: here in the cheer and comfort of our eye(Act I Scene II, Line116). Again it appears as though Claudius is being caring and wants to look after him, in a way like a father would, but he has said this very cleverly and in reality implies that he wants to keep an eye on him. By using the Pritesh Kotecha Greenford High School words comfort and cheer, Claudius is seen to be passionate and genuine, and the way Shakespeare has presented him to be this skilled politician is essential to his character, as he uses his wit to get himself out of awkward situations. Claudius in several parts of the play uses the word our to manipulate people. In this case, it seems as though he means for him and Gertrude to keep and eye on Hamlet, but in reality he could perhaps be implying, if Hamlet was to do something wrong the whole state could be a witness. Claudius very cleverly uses the term our again at the end of the play: our son shall win(Act V Scene II, Line 190), which gives the impression that Hamlet and Claudius have settled their problems. He has very cleverly switched his attitude from your son to our son as the play progresses, purely because of his public appearance. Also he could have perhaps said this so that when Hamlet dies he would not be a suspect, as he seems so genuine and loving towards Hamlet. When Claudius says your son, he usually says it when he has done something wrong, and implies it is your son your problem. The image of heaven and God is often related to Claudius, not referring to him as a God, but Hamlet uses his father to make bold Claudius lustful character when he says: so excellent a king, that was to this Hyperion to a satyr. (Act I Scene II Line 139 and 140) Here Hamlet very precisely sums up Claudius in comparison to his father because a Hyperion was a glorious sun-god of classical mythology; a satyr was a creature half man half goat. Pritesh Kotecha Greenford High School. The fact that Hamlet refers Claudius to a goat is effective because the goat is seen to be a very lusty animal, and this information along with a lot of other quotes: incestuous and adulterous beast, (Act I Scene V Line 42) a serpent stung me (Act I Scene V, Line 36) gives the audience an animalistic perception of him. The fact that Shakespeare has said serpent stung is ironic as a serpent cannot sting and this makes the quote stand out, as it is eye-catching and alliteration is used here, and the image of a snake or reptile immediately comes to mind. Also, the sibilance here is a s, which is a connotation of evil. Claudius is again compared with God, when Polonius is talking to Claudius, he says: I hold my duty as I hold my soul, both to my God and my gracious king. (Act II Scene II, Line 44 and 45), because he uses Gods name in the same sentence as the kings is ironic because in the past the king was seen to be appointed by God, therefore anything a king was to say had to be obeyed. This is ironic because, in this situation Claudius did not inherit the throne the natural way, and had to commit a vile murder of his own brother to get it. This once more shows his greed and selfishness, as he killed his brother to inherit his possessions: My crown, mine own ambition, and my queen (Act III Scene III, Line 55). He has worded this sentence, mentioning his crown first, implying it means the most to him, and then at the end his queen, which shows he doesnt care as much about her however it does show that he has some feelings for her even though he is portrayed as this selfish character. Repetition is used here, and this sentence stands out and shows Claudius greed as all he is saying is my, my, my. Pritesh Kotecha Greenford High School Shakespeare uses repetition a great deal in Claudius speech, and in this case he uses it to outline Claudius intelligence, like any politician, he uses rhetoric as a way to manipulate people: your father lost a father, that father lost (Act I Scene II, Line 89 and 90), here he is trying to persuade Hamlet that its all part of the circle of life. This is important as it outlines his guilt that Hamlet is grieving for his father so much, and in a way is trying to make him stop mourning to make himself feel better. He even digs so low as he says to Hamlet, you grieving so much is a sin: tis a fault to heaven, a fault against the dead, a fault to nature (Act I Scene II, Line 101 2). Moreover, he again gives himself away unconsciously as he tries so hard to make Hamlet stop grieving. Shakespeare has presented Claudius as a skilled politician in this sentence because again he structures it in three parts, and again repetition is used, to make bold the main point he is trying to get across; your grieving is wrong. Claudius also uses Hamlets vulnerability as a chance to show his power. He refers to Hamlet as being weak and fragile: A heart unfortified, a mind impatient, An understanding simple and unschoold (Act I Scene II, Line 96 and 97). The fact that he has used the words unfortified and impatient, makes this sentence more interesting because he shows his power and intelligence by degrading Hamlet. He says he lacks patience and is very weak, and is not educated. Claudius is portrayed by Shakespeare, to exploit all situations with his language. In this case, he uses very negative words and the effect is it shows him in power over Hamlet. Pritesh Kotecha Greenford High School His power is also shown in his opening speech as king. Here Shakespeare has showed him as very powerful and in control by dealing with all his issues one-by-one. This is a very structured speech and it creates a strong impression on the audience as they see him as a man of control. What wouldst thou beg, Laertes that shall not be my offer not thy asking? (Act I Scene II, Line 45 and 46) Here he is just showing off his power saying what can you ask for that I will not already offer. Shakespeare has added this part in to make him seem passionate and a loyal king. Again, appearance and reality comes into play, as it seems as thought he is doing it to help Laertes, but could perhaps be doing it to show his power. The theme of seeming and being again reoccurs as Claudius is confessing, where he is seen to be legitimate, but again says things he doesnt mean: My words fly up my thoughts remain below, words without thoughts never to heaven go. (Act III Scene V, Line 97 and 98) Claudius deceit is portrayed here, as he is asking for forgiveness but he does not mean it, he cannot even be truthful whilst in prayer. This could have been an act of fright from Claudius as he is now aware that Hamlet knows the truth. This scene is very significant because it shows Claudius for his true colours, a coward. His character is now becoming more apparent to the audience, who now have something to build upon. Rhyming couplets is used here, and Shakespeare uses this a lot at the end of long speeches or scenes and is used as a sort of cue point, to let the other characters aware of when to come in. This line can be shown in many different ways. In the Kenneth Branagh version, Claudius is in a catholic confession box, with some low Pritesh Kotecha Greenford High School melancholy music in the background, and the camera is slowly zooming in on his face. Which creates a more dramatic effect and a more personal tone, and when this line is due, he does not say it but thinks it. In the Franco Zefereli version he is in front of a cross. Franco Zaferelli similarly uses a cross symbolising the same religious meaning as the confessional. Claudius change in character is again shown through his confession speech. A different side to him is shown, perhaps because he is now aware that Hamlet knows the truth, and now asks for forgiveness. Is there not rain enough in the sweet heavens to wash it white as snow? (Act III Scene V, Line 46) The language in this sentence is very powerful as Claudius uses natural elements, rain and snow, to outline his sin. Claudius graphic description of his sin is strong evidence, and his desire to temptation leaves him tormented by his guilty conscience. Also, because Claudius uses the colour white, it makes him seem more pure and guilty, as white is a connotation of purity, and a blank slate. In the Branagh version, he whispers this line and the audience see him as being honest and this effect is it makes him seem more apologetic. Although Claudius is portrayed as this corrupted villain, his character is wide open to interpretation. In a sense that although he killed his brother to marry Gertrude, he still has strong feelings for her: She is so conjunctive to my life and soul That, as the star moves not but in his sphere, I could not buy her(Act V Scene VII, Line 14-16). Here Claudius uses the earth and the planets to state his love for Gertrude, and implies that without her he would not be able to do anything. Although Shakespeare has Pritesh Kotecha Greenford High School. presented him to have strong feelings towards Gertrude, his greed and selfishness overrule his love for her: Gertrude do not drink [aside] It is the poisond cup. It is too late. (Act V Scene II, Lines 294 296) Just because he wants to get his own way, he jeopardizes her life and throughout the play, his actions lead to the death of seven innocent people, because he cannot resist his temptation and has to cover up his crime. In conclusion, Claudius is portrayed as a good king with bad qualities. Although he does have some good aspects as king, him being intellectual and powerful, his bad qualities over weigh his good. In a sense that, he is greedy and selfish, putting his own desire first, and going to any limits to reach his goal. Shakespeare has presented him excellently, with witchcraft of his wit(Act I Scene V, Line 43) allowing him to conceal his true colours, except for when he repented and confessed to God. Throughout the play, Shakespeare uses one good quote to define his character as; smiling damned villain(Act I Scene V, Line 106), as it shows that he has two sides to him in every way, public and private, caring and selfish, and cleaver but not very wise.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Change Management at Netflix

Change Management at Netflix Organizations That Manage Change Well: Netflix’s Constant Evolution â€Å"The only constant in life is change†, a quote by the philosopher Heraclitus in 400 B.C.E remains true today (Graham, 2007). Whether it be in response to a major event or discovery that shakes an organization’s core function, or simply in accordance to incremental transformations, change is inevitable for all organizations. While some organizations experience the pressures of change more often than others, all organization’s must recognize, anticipate, and plan for external change forces, as well as set forth internal organizational changes to remain relevant and competitive in any given industry or field (Chou, 2011). Leaders of organizations must evaluate the industry in which their organization operates within and apply their findings to anticipate possible major changes to minimize disruption, as well as seek new practices and technologies to increase productivity, effectiveness, and overall performance. The adaptability and willingness to change is a co mpany’s greatest competitive advantage. For all organizations, change is a vital and ongoing process, which if implemented and managed correctly, allows an organization to evolve with modern changes and remain successful within their field. Being adaptable and ready for change is a company’s greatest competitive advantage when operating in today’s the rapid and constantly changing global market (Anderson, 1991). This increased presence of change must be met by highly skilled and organized leaders who use methods and strategies to successfully manage changes and their implications (Chou, 2001). One company that has gained and maintained mass success due to their adaptability and forward-thinking methods is Netflix – United States most popular internet streaming service. With over 109 million users, in over  190 countries around the world, streaming more than 125 million hours of TV shows and movies streaming per day as of 2017, Netflix is the world’s leading internet entertainment subscription streaming service. The streaming service offers users the ability to stream network and original television series, documentaries, and feature films. The service allows members to watch as much as they want, when they want, and where they want – with service access on nearly any  internet-connected  screen. Members are able to play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments (Netflix, 2016). The company was founded by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in September of 1997 in Scotts Valley, California. The now tenth largest internet company when based on revenue, began as a DVD rental by mail delivery service and has continued to change and adapt its business models and according strategies to external and internal factors ever since its startup (Netflix, 2016). Change has the capacity to better an organization or demise of it. When change is handled and managed successfully, success and growth will result. Netflix’s success, and Blockbuster’s eventual demise are examples of how organizations offering similar products and services can either thrive or fail in the face of external technological and industrial changes. During Netflix’s initial years of operation, both Netflix and Blockbuster offered physical hard copy movie rentals. Blockbuster, which had seamlessly survived the change from VHS to DVD technology, provided its services by means of retail locations where costumers could browse movie options on shelves, make their selection, and pay the initial fee based on various factors such as how recently the film was released, or how many nights the customer wished to rent it for. Originally, Netflix used a similar business model as Blockbuster, basing their services on pay per rental basis, but rather than having retail locations, Netflix customers would go to the company’s website to make their rental selection, that would then be mailed to the customer’s home. However, after a short initial trial of this original method and receiving lackluster response, Netflix introduced a subscription feature to its business model. Subscription members could rent a movie, keep it for however long they wished or return it to rent another for one monthly fee – allowing members to rent as many movies as they wished for one fixed price (Lotz, 2017). The differentiation this created between the two companies’ business models began Netflix’s success in the industry and its domination over its indirect competitors, such as Blockbuster. Blockbuster was heavily dependent on revenues generated from hefty late fees to create a large portion of their revenue as part of their business model. Netflix could charge less for their services, and eliminate late fees from their business model due to their decreased cost of operations. Netflix’s consumer-friendly model of no late fees, low cost and wide media selection overpowered the immediate convenience of going to a corner store to pick up a movie for a night for many consumers (Satel, 2014). By April of 2003, Netflix had reached one million subscribers. Blockbuster launched its response to Netflix’s competitive threat by implementing an online unlimited rental subscription service for the fixed price of $19.99 per month in August of 2004, but by this time Netflix had already established its place and customer base in the market, impeding on Blockbuster’s venture potential (Satel, 2014). Netflix’s initial DVD rental by mail delivery service began stealing market share in the entertainment industry, respectively due to its adaptable business model to fit a niche consumer need. However, Netflix achieved the success that it has today by anticipating and adapting to a major upcoming change that was recognized at the time of its founding. This massive change was the internet and its possibly infinite capabilities. Netflix’s founder, Reed Hastings, stated that he originally dubbed his company the name ‘Netflix’ because even in 1998 he had recognized the potential of the world-wide web. Reed one day he expected, and hoped, that his company would be offering DVD rentals by means of an online streaming service, therefore he wanted to name the company something that complied with its eventual fate (Fortune.com, 2009). Netflix was created at the time of the wide spread adoption of the DVD, founders of the company, Reed and Marc, even tested their initial mailing DVD service idea by mailing a CD-Rom back to themselves because they did not yet own an actual DVD. The founders expected that just like VHS – DVDs would be around for a long time, but anticipated and prepared for the day that they were not. The company’s name and its origin highlight how Netflix as an organization was not only ready for change disruption, but waiting for it from the very beginning. In 2007, Netflix launched the company’s online streaming service. Subscribers were still able to continue mail order DVD rentals, but could also stream a limited number of hours online – all for the fixed monthly subscription price (Huffington Post, 2015). This was the result due to the change of available technology and consumer wants. Just like ten years before when the switch was made from VHS to DVD, the next change was ensuing. This was the adoption and availability of high speed internet and portable computers capable of streaming media. In 2010, Netflix began expanding into the global markets. The company first expanded into Canada, then in 2011 moved into various other countries around the world (Lotz, 2017). Competition quickly ensued, not only were other online steaming services becoming available and more widely utilized, such as Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, but television networks were also beginning to offer online streaming subscription services, as streaming services had enabled consumers to cancel or decrease their cable packages while still enjoying media entertainment, just at a lower cost. To maintain and grow their market share and customer base, Netflix began to produce original and exclusive content in the form of series, movies featuring popular actors, and documentaries. Netflix could produce smash hits for their customers because they created shows based on what their users preferred to watch. By using their own website’s analytics of what their members were watching, for how long, when they stopped watching a series or movie, and more. For example, 70% of media being streamed on Netflix by its’ users are television series (Fortune.com, 2009). These observations helped them to produce highly rated, award winning exclusive series, which helped Netflix to keep their existing members and gain new subscribers. Since online streaming subscriptions have a very low switching cost for users, it was vital that Netflix recognized this potential threat and adapted their practices in accordance (Investopedia, 2016). Although not seamlessly achieved, Netflix has gained and maintained its immense amount of success as an online streaming entertainment subscription service by constantly reinventing itself in accordance to changes in technology, regulation, and consumer wants – all while also creating and pioneering changes within their industry to meet and anticipate the needs of the stakeholder (Management Help, n.d.). This has been achieved by having adaptable and separate business models for each business function, each with their own strategy. These organizational changes would not have successfully occurred without the proper internal implementation, and management of change. Devising the best strategic and tactical plans is essential for success, but cannot be achieved without an in-depth understanding of the human side of change management. This refers to the alignment of the company’s culture, values, behaviors and people to encourage the desired results.   Managing change is a complex, dynamic, and challenging process (Mabey, 1993). It is never a choice between technological or people-oriented solutions, but a combination of both (Bullman, 2000). Effective change has been characterized as unfreezing old behaviors, introducing new ones, and re-freezing the new (Mosca, 2011). Successful organizational change begins at the top. An organization’s leaders and upper management must have a clear and concise understanding of the change that is occurring and be able to clearly articulate it. In times of change and uncertainty, all eyes go to the organization’s leaders for strength and direction.   Leaders must be aligned with one another and moving in the same direction towards the common goal. Next, the case for the change must be clearly laid out. A clear explanation of what changes will occur and why they are necessary must be communicated to every layer within the organization. In times of change, it is essential for all members of the organization to know what is expected of them so that feelings of insecurity and confusion, feelings which can lead to resistance to and denunciation of the change, can be calmed.   A multitude of various factors are associated with failure rates when it comes to succeeding in change management. Even if change is endorsed by management, an ill-conceived implementation plan, lack of commitment from an organization’s leaders, and limited utilization or integration of already existing systems and processes within the organization can lead to the failure to accept and adapt to organizational changes (Mariotti, 1998). Another important aspect of successful change management is knowing the values that matter to the organization and the overall goals the organization wants to achieve. Focusing on reacting to those opportunities for change relevant to overall organizational goals, as opposed to reacting to every invitation for change, helps companies to make smart and practical decisions (Mosca, 2011). Due to globalization and overall resource development, new forces and opportunities for change are occurring more rapidly than ever, it is important to develop responses and proactive actions that align according to an organization’s, or their stakeholder’s needs (Bataldon, 1998). Constant change with a lack of reasoning leads to negative organizational performance, as unnecessary change is a drain on company resources, including financial, and human alike. Large organizations, which employ a high number of employees, will not perform as they become exceedingly bureaucratic. As stated by Steiner, organizations that are known to be bureaucratized and hierarchical are less flexible, and less willing to change, as well as less likely to empower their staff (Steiner, 2001). Organizations will not get full value from their employees if they insist that employees do only what they are told. Therefore, leaders must learn how to manage change, to move forward with successfully. There is no one best way to manage change in an organization. Organizations must introduce approaches to organizational change which matches their specific needs, and requirements (Mosca, 2011) Netflix as an organization has demonstrated their capabilities of successful change management based on their multitude of major changes evident throughout the company’s existence. Netflix has been able to achieve this by their unique and somewhat unprecedented organizational culture. Netflix, although a large organization with nearly five thousand employees (Statista, 2016), is not a typical industrial firm, which is what many of today’s traditional organizational theory and practices are based on, but rather is a creative firm. The difference between the two is substantial – industrial firms thrive on reducing variation, or reducing errors, while creative firms thrive by increasing variation, as stated by the company’s founder and current CEO, Reed Hastings (McCord, 2015). Due to this difference of firm variety, Netflix must create and adhere to different organizational methods relevant to their newer and less common style of business – creative. Netflix’s core culture concept is based on open and honest communication between all levels and in every aspect of the firm’s function. Netflix does not have set vacation policies, rather they encourage employees to decide their own appropriate amount of vacation, when they wish to take it and communicate this to their managers. To encourage employees to utilize this policy, upper management is encouraged to set a precedent by taking vacation time themselves and communicating that to their employees. The CEO even reportedly taking four different week-long vacations in 2015. However, this concept is also protected from abuse by Netflix’s next major culture feature. This is the notion of their compensation method. Results are rewarded, but effort producing no result is not. If an employee, although at one time was extremely valuable and well liked, no longer fits Netflix’s changing needs, they will be given an honest explanation and very generous severance package. Netflix has found that by focusing on building the best team by having the best talent has enabled them to continue to adapt and evolve as a company. Once an employee can no longer benefit the company, they are able to bring in new talent to keep company moving forward. Employees of Netflix understand this concept upon being hired, which is why almost all severed employees are understanding and accepting of their termination. Netflix believes in trusting in the hired talent to complete the given tasks in the best way the talent sees fit. Netflix giving their employees the freedom of autonomy allows for flexibility, and innately eliminates the issues resulting from bureaucratic or hierarchical structure, something that can often arise in a firm of Netflix’s size (Mosca, 2011). Netflix found that by replacing rules with transparency, accountability, and trust, overall productivity and performance improves, and expenses decrease. Netflix believes in hiring good, talented people – letting common sense and acting in the best interest of the company guide employee behavior (McCord, 2015). Due to new technology, regulatory changes, societal or stakeholder expectations, as well as competitors – rule-driven organizations, operating within a rapidly changing industry, are unable to keep up with the constant adaption required to gain or remain successful, losing customers and market share to those organizations that do have the capability to evolve. Netflix maintains its ability to change through its organizational culture concept – freedom and responsibility. The company invests in hiring the best possible talent, and rewards high-performer – weeding out continuous, unimproved low performers. References Graham, D. W. (2007, February 08). Heraclitus. Retrieved October 25, 2017, from https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/heraclitus/ Anderson, P., & Tushman, M. (1991). MANAGING THROUGH CYCLES OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE. Research Technology Management, 34(3), 26-31. Chou, & Zolkiewski. (2011). Managing resource interaction as a means to cope with technological change. Journal of Business Research, Journal of Business Research. Mabey C. Mayon-White. (1993). Managing change. 2nd ed. The Open University: Paul Chapman Publishing Ltd. Davies C, Finlay L, Bullman A. (2000). Changing Practice in health and social care. The Open University: SAGE Publication. Rosenberg, S., & Mosca, J. (2011). Breaking down the barriers to organizational change. International Journal of Management and Information Systems, 15(3), 139. Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2017, from https://ir.netflix.com/ Lotz, A. (2017, October 26). The unique strategy Netflix deployed to reach 90 million worldwide subscribers. Retrieved October 27, 2017, from http://theconversation.com/the-unique-strategy-netflix-deployed-to-reach-90-million-worldwide-subscribers-74885 Mariotti J. (1998). 10 steps to positive change. Ind Week. How Netflix got started. (2009, January 27). Retrieved October 26, 2017, from http://archive.fortune.com/2009/01/27/news/newsmakers/hastings_netflix.fortune/index.htm I. (2016, January 12). Netflix: Porters 5 Forces Analysis. Retrieved October 26, 2017, from http://www.investopedia.com/university/netflix-porters-5-forces-analysis/ Netflix: employee count 2016 | Statistic. Retrieved October 26, 2017, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/587671/netflix-employees/ Organizational Change and Development (Managing Change and Change Management). (n.d.). Retrieved October 26, 2017, from https://managementhelp.org/organizationalchange/#anchor61645 McCord, P. (2014). How netflix reinvented HR. Harvard Business Review, 92(1), 71-76. One Huge Reason For Netflixs Success. (2015, March 03). Retrieved October 27, 2017, from http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/netflix-culture-deck-success_n_6763716 Satell, G. (2014, September 21). A Look Back At Why Blockbuster Really Failed And Why It Didnt Have To. Retrieved October 26, 2017, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/gregsatell/2014/09/05/a-look-back-at-why-blockbuster-really-failed-and-why-it-didnt-have-to/#2054abeb1d64

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Essay --

1. Ambition is the most shown theme in Macbeth. In the story it shows how ambition run right through Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, when they try completely change themselves to fulfil this urge for ambition. For example Lady Macbeth was very ambitious when she says, "Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, and fill me from the toe top full of the direst cruelty. Make thick my blood." 2. Macbeth tragic flaw was his need to have power, vaulting ambition, and being too naive. He never thought about the consequences of killing Duncan and all of his other actions. His need for power led him to kill innocent people to protect himself and his power in the play. 3. One reason is because Macbeth was caused to kill Duncan because of his ambition. He was so determined on becoming king that he was ready to do anything to get the top of the throne. The other reason is that the three witches told him that he would become the thane of Cawdoor and would then become the king. When he became the thane of Cawdoor, he thought that all the things that the witches said would come true, so he killed Duncan because he wanted it to become true. An example from the book is when he said, "I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent but vaulting ambition." 4. Malcolm's characteristics are used to really show Macbeth's negative qualities. In Act IV, Malcolm and Macduff are speak about the fall of Macbeth. Malcolm admits to Macduff that he has his own sins and worries about his ability to carry the crown as well as his father did, when he says, "It is myself I mean; in whom I know All the particulars of vice so grafted That, when they shall be open'd, black Macbeth Will seem as pure as snow, and the poor state Esteem him as a lamb, being... ...al thoughts! unsex me here, And fill me from the crown to the toe top full Of direst cruelty" 11. All sympathy goes out the window for Macbeth when he decides to kill Banquo and his family, because it was very unnecessary, he was now taking away innocent lives. An example from the play is when he says, "For the plan to work perfectly, you must kill both Banquo and his son, Fleance, who keeps him company. Getting rid of Fleance is as important to me as knocking off Banquo." 12. One internal is his trouble with his conscience about the murder of Duncan. He could not decide whether he should murder him in order to get the crown. One external is when Macbeth is hallucinating while awaiting Lady Macbeth's signal the tolling of a bell to proceed with the plan to murder Duncan. Macbeth's external conflict is if he should let the tolling of her bell decide his fate for him.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Common Themes of The Client, Dragon, and Beowulf :: comparison compare contrast essays

Common Themes of The Client, Dragon, and Beowulf A woman her late thirties bellowed "My Baby! My Baby!", as her baby carriage rolled towards the bottom of the great hill. Off in a distance, a man of around early thirties heard these desperate calls for help. The man dashed out from his house and immediately followed pursuit of the blue baby carriage. Within one minutes, he safely reclaimed the carriage and the baby girl was safely returned to her mother without harm. This is an example of how the young man is showing traits of heroism, the traits being courage, intelligence, and strength. He was courageous to help return to the young woman the baby carriage, intelligent to act quickly and actually catch up to it, and his strength is shown by his ability to outrun a racing carriage down a deep hill. Different books use different characters to display heroism within their characters. Mark Sway of The Client is a story of a young boy's heroic battle against the Mafia and the FBI. The story of Dirk Pitt of Dragon is a story of how a older man of the nineteen- hundredths can overcome evil. Beowulf of the story Beowulf is an example of how even hundreds of years ago, heroes used the same traits as today. Heroes of every culture of all ages share courage, intelligence and strength. Courage is a prominent feature of all heroes. Within these three books, each character, Mark Sway, Dirk Pitt and Beowulf, display signs of Courage. Mark Sway was a courageous boy at his age of 9 years old. Mark would never quit from continuing with an idea of his if it was for good: "`We can't let them take the body, Reggie. Think about it. If they get away with it, it'll never be found.'"1 What this phrase points out, is that Mark did not want to leave the Mafia men to retrieve the body of the Senator Boyette, for if they got the body, his efforts to keep quiet about the whole situation would seem fruitless. Dirk Pitt used courage in order that he can continue perusing the enemies. Dirk never gives up exposing a plot of death and trickery of another person. Beowulf displays courage by fighting off the Troll, the Troll's mother, and the Dragon. Beowulf would not forfeit a fight with one of those people despite their gruesome

Charles Dickens and Samuel Clemens :: essays research papers fc

Charles Dickens and Samuel Clemens (1812-1870)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  (1835-1910) Charles Dickens and Samuel Clemens lived in different parts of the world, England and America. Charles Dickens was twenty-three years old when Samuel Clemens was born. Charles Dickens was a boy who loved learning, while Samuel Clemens could hardly wait for school to end. Despite the fact that both authors reference Christianity and its customs, historians believe that Charles Dickens was a Christian whereas Samuel Clemens was not. The similarities between Charles Dickens and Samuel Clemens are numerous. Both authors are world famous legends who wrote many novels, created many characters, had an autobiographical character, and based characters on people in their lives. Samuel Clemens used the pen name Mark Twain and Charles Dickens, for a brief time, used the pen name Boz. Both authors worked as journalists and wrote until the day they died. Their life experiences were reflected in their writings and the period in which they wrote was merely an account of what was really happening in history. England in the early years of the seventeenth century enjoyed the regency of the Prince of Wales, went to war with the United States and watched Napoleon’s final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. During this time, one of the world’s greatest morally and socially responsible novelists, Charles Dickens was born in Portsea, England in 1812. Charles was the second child and the oldest son of John and Elizabeth Dickens. Charles’ early years were happy especially during the ages of 5-9. He loved school, was imaginative and had a hunger for reading. Charles Dickens: A Literary Life page 47 describes the collection of books in the attic that Charles would read as if it were a matter of life or death. Don Quixote, Robinson Crusoe, Arabian Nights and The Tales of the Genii, was reading material not suitable for a child, yet all of these stories influenced the novels Dickens would eventually write. His father was a clerk in the Navy Pay Office. Charles had a carefree life. He and his friends wore white beaver hats and called themselves Giles’ Cats. His parents had many parties and invited many friends, but the problem was that they spent more money than they had. By the time Charles was ten his family had lived in six different houses and each one was poorer and poorer than the one before. There were eight children and the family fell deeper and deeper into debt.