Heroism Through Humanity In The Iliad Essay free essay sample

, Research Paper Heros are defined by their humanity. Merely after Achilles accepts his destiny and comes to footings with his ain mortality does he recover his humanity, and merely so can he be considered a hero. The Iliad opens with the fury of Peleus # 8217 ; boy Achilles, ( Iliad 1.1 ) and closes with the entombment of Hector ledgeman of Equus caballuss ( Iliad 24.944 ) . The bracketing of the verse form with descriptions of these two work forces suggests both their importance and their connexion to one another. They lead parallel lives as the top combatants in their several ground forcess, and, as the verse form progresses, their lives and deceases go more and more closely linked. They each battle to carry through the heroic ideal, and they both grapple with enticements that lure them off from gallantry. While Hector embodies the human heroic ideal, Achilles strives to excel human gallantry to accomplish some designation with the Godhead. We will write a custom essay sample on Heroism Through Humanity In The Iliad Essay or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page These psychotic beliefs of magnificence diminish Achilles greatly ; despite his attempts he can neer be immortal, and a mortal God, besides being an oxymoron, would be unquestionably pathetic. Achilles gallantry, hence, is incumbent on his credence of his humanity. Achilles entangles Hector in his battle to come to footings with his ain mortality by acknowledging himself in his enemy. Hector comes to stand for the humanity of Achilles, against which Achilles Rebels and which he tries to destruct in his desire to be immortal. Their destinies are hence linked, and the decease of the one necessitates the decease of the other. In eventually giving over Hector s organic structure to Priam, Achilles is at his most heroic ; for in this action he accepts his destiny, his mortality, and his humanity. The two work forces are lured off from gallantry in opposite waies ; Hector, by his connexions to place and household, and Achilles, by his connexions to the Gods. To be a hero is to give one # 8217 ; s ain personal and familial ties in favour of confronting decease and endeavoring for glorification. In the verse form, Hector is repeatedly tempted to abandon the front lines of conflict against the Achaeans and to support his metropolis from within its walls. He is besides really attached to his married woman, Andromache, the remainder of his household, and the full metropolis of Troy. When he travels into Troy to bring Paris, he makes a calculated roundabout way to see his household and they bid him to stay within the metropolis walls. But although he loves his household intensely, he resists the enticement to stay with them. He says that he must reply the call to contend in the front ranks of Trojan soldiers, winning my male parent great glorification, glorification for myself ( Il iad 6.527-29 ) . He is determined to remain on the way of the hero, but it is really hard for him to defy the pull of his loved 1s. Just before his fatal brush with Achilles, he is about swayed by his household to remain within the walls of Troy. Why argument, my friend? Why thrash things out? he asks himself ( Iliad 22.146 ) . Hector is invariably torn between gallantry and familial ties, but he eventually chooses the way of glorification as he turns to confront Achilles, his liquidator. Achilles, on the other manus, strays from the manner of the hero by denying his mortality and visualizing himself a God. He is, after all, the boy of a goddess. But Thetis could non indue her boy with immortality, merely with illustriousness. Achilles attitude towards the conflicts taking topographic point merely outside his ship is evocative of how the immortal Gods react to the conflicts. For most of the verse form, he sits back from the combat and observes it from afar. When the members of the embassy semen to lure him back into the conflict, they find him pleasing his bosom now on the all right lyre ( Iliad 9.223-24 ) , which is a really relaxed and effete activity sing that there is a war traveling on. The manner that Achilles asks Zeus, through his female parent, to trap the Achaeans back against their ships, pin down them round the bay and cut down them down ( Iliad 1.486-87 ) is declarative of a god-like deficiency of fear for human life, even the for the lives of his compani ons. Hera exhibits this kind of indifference when she makes her trade with Zeus. She gives Zeus permission to level the walls ( Iliad 4.65 ) of her three most favourite metropoliss in return for allowing her destroy Troy. In his effort to go superhuman, so, Achilles alternatively becomes cold. Achilles most desperately attempts to deny his mortality in his violent disorder against the Trojans. He arms himself in new armour specially made for him by Hephaestus, which can be worn and gazed upon merely by him. The other Myrmidons, Achilles own work forces, were afraid of it, none dared to look directly at the blaze, each combatant shrank off ( Iliad 19.17-18 ) . Achilles says, merely immortal Gods could hammer such work, no adult male on Earth could of all time convey it off! Now, by Eden, I ll arm and travel to war ( Iliad 19.25-27 ) . His contempt for everything homo, so, is exhibited in the fact that he will merely have on armour commissioned particularly for him by the Gods. Achilles # 8217 ; violent disorder is besides unquestionably cold ( Iliad 20.555 ) . It is described in these footings over and over once more, as he fights like a manic God ( Iliad 21.21 ) , like some thing superhuman ( Iliad 21.256 ) . The nature of the violent disorder is so really cold and unheroic. Alternatively of nearing each opposition with regard and award for their line of descent, Achilles kills randomly insane to chop more flesh ( Iliad 21.37 ) . Here once more he shows a neglect for the value of human life. He kills so many people that he clogs up the motion of the river Scamander. His slogan during this clip is Die, Trojans, dice boulder clay I butcher all the manner to sacred Troy ( Iliad 21.146-147 ) . This sentiment is evocative of the killing manner of Ares, the God of war. Human life means small to him, and he revels in the joys of killing. In endeavoring to be immortal, Achilles even boasts to Apollo, I d wage you back if I merely had the power at my bid ( Iliad 22.24-25 ) . Achilles therefore shows in his actions and his words a ill-conceived effort to near godliness by denying his humanity. But alas, his efforts are in vain. As Achilles # 8217 ; initial, mortal armour alterations hands from Achilles to Patroclus to Hector, so shifts the representation of Achilles # 8217 ; humanity. This armour represents his household ties and his construct because it was given to his male parent, Peleus, on the twenty-four hours of his matrimony to Thetis. Achilles endows Patroclus with his humanity, so, when he gives Patroclus his armour. Achilles is comfy with confering this representation of himself on his companion because he feels that Patroclus is about a contemplation of himself. The two grew up together as brothers in Peleus house ; they spend their lives together, and they will be together in decease, for Patroclus shadiness Tells Achilles, allow a individual urn, . . . keep our castanetss together ( Iliad 23.109-110 ) . Achilles sees his friend as a to the full human contemplation of himself, while Achilles has a touch of the Godhead. Achilles is seeking to distance himself from his humanity, and hence his m ortality, by directing his friend out to conflict in his armour. When Hector kills Patroclus, strips him of his armour, and Dons it himself, Hector takes on the representation of Achilles humanity. In mourning for the decease of Patroclus, Achilles mourns non merely for the loss of his friend, but besides for the larceny of his armour. He says I ve lost him Hector s killed him, stripped the mammoth armour off his dorsum, a wonder to lay eyes on my burnished cogwheel ( 18.96-98 ) . When Achilles faces Hector in individual combat, it appears as though he is contending himself, for he sees Hector in his ain, human armour. In this manner, Achilles rage at Hector is a misplaced fury against his ain mortality. Hector embodies all of the human ties such as household and citizenship that Achilles Rebels against. Achilles furies against the chance of mortality, which has become embodied in his enemy, a really human hero. Killing Hector is Achilles last despairing effort to stamp out his ain mortality. His attempts are, of class, in vain ; his humanity can non be killed because it is an indispensable portion of him. He still tries to kill his humanity even after Hector s decease. He was set on indignation, on dishonoring baronial Hector ( Iliad 22.466 ) about instantly after he kills his enemy. He defiles Hector s organic structure about compulsively. He continues to mistreat Hector s body many yearss after the life has left it because he is still seeking to suppress the mortality that it represents. On the juncture of Priam s visit, Achilles eventually gives over Hector s organic structure, and hence gives himself over to decease. Since Achilles identifies himself with Hector, in seting Hector on the funeral pyre he is eventually accepting his ain mortality. Achilles lifted Hector up in his ain weaponries and laid him down on a bier ( Iliad 24.691-92 ) . He does non go forth this occupation for one of his retainers or friends, but personally makes the determination to give the organic structure to Priam. In giving Hector up for a proper entombment, it is as if he is giving himself up for his ain funeral. Once he gives himself up to decease, and ceases to make for the Godhead, he all of a sudden becomes really human. He engages in such basic human necessities as nutrient, slumber, and sex. In the last reference of Achilles, we are acutely cognizant of his humanity, as he sleeps with Briseis in all her beauty sleeping by his side ( Iliad 24.793-94 ) . Achilles eventually recognize s his humanity in the resignation of Hector # 8217 ; s organic structure because this action is a symbolic resignation of his rebellion against his ain mortality. Hector # 8217 ; s funeral, so, can be seen as a representation of Achilles funeral, for the destinies of these two heroes are linked. We do non see Achilles decease in the verse form, but we are certain of its prompt happening, for we see the entombment of Hector who has become a contemplation of Achilles. By accepting his ain decease, Achilles eventually becomes a hero. His gallantry is so great because, unlike other work forces, the step of his gallantry does non lie in the position of the people he kills, but in the action of giving up Hector s organic structure. The slaying of Hector is non Achilles greatest minute, but merely one measure in achieving his gallantry. He diverges so greatly from the heroic, that in the minute when he eventually accepts his mortality, his gallantry is huge.

How to Write a Technology Essay Simple Steps for a Difficult Paper

How to Write a Technology Essay Simple Steps for a Difficult Paper Need advice on how to write a technology essay? Technology is a vast and evolving field and it involves a wide variety of subjects within. Writing on technology can involve researching how it solves problems, creates new problems in the environment and in contemporary society, and how the interaction with technology advancements is changing the humankind. In this article, you will find a complete technology essay writing guide and some interesting ideas to help you get started. We will break down the challenging writing process into manageable parts. Keep reading to learn about effective strategies that will help you improve your writing, avoid common mistakes, and create an outstanding essay on technology. What Is a Technology Essay? A technology essay is similar to other essays at college so you need to answer a specific research question by developing a convincing argument that is based on relevant evidence and critical reasoning. Like any academic essay, it is a large project that involves completing several steps before you hand it in such as analyzing the question, gathering resources, information, and evidence, developing a plan (outline), getting the rough draft done, editing, and proofreading. A technology essay must include some key elements: a clear introduction with a strong thesis statement; body paragraphs that are logically structured and include supporting evidence from scholarly sources; an impressive concluding paragraph that restates your essay topic and summarizes the key points and the thesis statement. To succeed in writing an impressive technology essay, you’ll need to demonstrate your understanding of a topic and apply critical thinking skills to provide a deep analysis of a variety of academic sources to support your argument. Before you start working on your essay, it’s important to have a good idea of what type of essay you are required to write, for example: comparative essay; argumentative essay; interpretative essay; analytical essay; cause and effect essay; problem and solution essay; response essay etc. You should pay attention to the language of the question. Task words such as analyze, review, compare, explore etc. indicate the type of essay you are supposed to complete and suggest the most appropriate structure you should follow. For example, if the question in your assignment includes such words as investigate, discuss or analyze, you need to write an analytical technology essay. You have to structure your essay to break the topic into several components and discuss them in different sections or paragraphs, trying to keep the balance where it is possible. Steps in Doing Research for Your Technology Essay Writing Wondering how to get started? Follow these easy steps. Understand Your Assignment Re-read the assignment sheet and find out what kind of technology essay your instructor has assigned. You can also look for additional information in the textbooks. For example, you may be asked to choose a technology topic for an analysis and response essay and to research 3 or more perspectives on an issue. Find an Interesting Technology Topic Idea Select a broad topic you are interested in and then narrow it so that it would be possible to cover it in your technology essay. For example, you may be interested in data mining. It’s a broad topic so you should choose some aspect of this topic and write, for example, about basic data mining strategies for business or predictive analytics. Not sure which technology topic to choose? Look over the topic list below to find an idea that really interests you. Are Virtual Reality Technologies Beneficial? Should Human Cloning Be Banned? What Is Your Attitude to International Surrogacy? How Did Technology Change the World? Is It Ethical to Genetically Engineer People? Is Artificial Intelligence Dangerous? What Is the Future of Smart Homes? What Should Be Done to Overcome the Digital Divide? Are Brain-controlling Technologies Dangerous? Do Technologies Make Us Lazy? How Is DNA Information Forming Our Identities? Why Do People Become Addictive To Technologies? Why Are Nuclear Weapons Dangerous? How Is Augmented Reality Changing Education? How Can You Prove That Global Warming Is Real? What Is the Impact Of Cloud Computing? Benefits of Open-source Software How Important Is Managing Social Networking Profiles? Are Social Media Making People Lonely? How Can New Technologies Help In Treating Mental Illnesses? It’s important to take into account your assignment requirements. For example, if you have to write a position, argument or a cause and effect essay, you will need to explore and discuss different perspectives but you will have to use your answer to the assignment question as your thesis statement. Find Relevant Sources and Read about Your Topic When you find a topic that you like, you can learn more about that specific issue by finding relevant articles in authoritative online sources or Google Scholar. You can also look for more articles on technology issues in your college library. A good idea is to check such magazines as Popular Scientist, Scientific American or Discover although they are for the non-technical audience. If you want to find breaking news and research, you can check Science Daily. Select a Research Question Write out a specific question for doing research and make a list of other issues related to your topic that you can use as keywords for your further research. You can also use other questions to broaden your perspective and find more interesting ideas. Use Keywords to Find Other Sources You can use search engines to find technology articles but make sure that all of them are from credible authoritative sources. When reading articles on technology that you have found, you can also follow links in them to find good primary sources and academic articles. Make Notes as You Read Sources You should write down interesting ideas that you can use for citing and paraphrasing when writing your technology essay. Make sure you include all the necessary information about every source such as the title, the author’s name, the date of publication etc. You can write down this information on a spreadsheet or on separate cards for each source. You will need this information when making a references page. Making an Outline When you have gathered enough relevant material, you need to use different brainstorming techniques to organize your ideas and think about the structure of your technology essay. You have to make a detailed outline that will help you stay focused on the topic you have chosen and work more productively. Besides, a detailed outline will allow you to avoid the writer’s block because you’ll be able to start writing your essay from any part. The structure of your essay will depend on its specific type. For example, when writing an argumentative technology essay, you will need to take a position on a particular topic and present convincing arguments to support it. An effective technique to do it is to present the opposing view and counter this particular view with stronger evidence. Then the structure of your essay may look like this. Introduction: Background information on a topic; Thesis statement; Overview of the arguments you are going to present (structure) Body Paragraphs: Paragraph 1 A topic sentence that presents the first argument; Sentences where you give explanations and provide evidence to support the topic sentence; Concluding sentence with a link to the next paragraph Following body paragraphs have the same structure. Conclusion: Summary of the key points of the body; Restatement of your position. Writing and Revising the First Draft of an Essay on Technology This is typically the hardest part of working on your technology project and the trick is to take advantage of your outline, stick to your rough plans regarding the length of your paragraphs, and not be too fussy. You have read lots of sources and have lots of great ideas in your head so your task is to get them out on to a computer or to paper. You don’t have to pay attention to your grammar or spelling at this stage because you’ll need to do lots of revising and rewriting to make your technology essay perfect in content and style. You’ll correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes when you finish the final draft. A good idea is to create rough drafts for each paragraph in the body of your essay. Many students use this technique and for good reason. Writing a project of 1000 or more words may seem a complex task but it will seem easier if you break it down to writing 3 rough paragraphs of about 230-240 words each. Introduction You should begin your introductory paragraph with an attention grabber. It can be: a provocative question; impressive statistics; an inspiring story; a shocking fact; a quote etc. You should also provide background information that introduces your topic and presents your thesis statement – the main point of your technology essay. For example, if the topic of your technology essay is machine learning and its impact on society, your thesis statement can be like this: ‘Artificial intelligence and machine learning are changing our lives, having a profound impact on business and this impact is constantly growing in scope.’ To help your readers follow your argument, you can also outline the structure of your essay. Body Paragraphs In the body, you need to argue, explain or describe your topic. Your essay will consist of as many body paragraphs as the number of main ideas that you have outlined to present your argument. Keep in mind that each body paragraph should have the same basic structure. You have to begin every paragraph in the body of your essay with a topic sentence that actually presents one point to support your thesis statement. Next, you have to write some supporting ideas and give good examples to back your position. Make sure you link supporting ideas together and end each body paragraph with a concluding sentence providing a link to the next paragraph. You should use different transition words to connect ideas in your sentences and help your audience follow your argument, for example: however; on the other hand; in addition; specifically; considering (this); moreover; even more; instead. But before you use any transition word, make sure you completely understand its meaning and know exactly how it can be used to present the logic of your technology essay. Conclusion In the conclusion, you have to sum up your overall ideas and provide a final perspective on the topic of your essay. There is no need to make your concluding paragraph too long. You can write several strong sentences that review your key points and restate your thesis. When you finish your rough draft, you have to reread it several times to see what changes you might like to make. You may need to go back to your resources to find more evidence to support your ideas or even check your essay question again. You can make changes to present your paragraphs in a different order or even change your main argument. That’s why it’s important to start working on your technology essay as early as possible so that you could have enough time for revising and rewriting. Tips from Our Writers on Editing and Proofreading When you are satisfied with the content and the logic of your final draft, it’s time to edit and proofread it. You can use the following editing checklist. Make sure that you have completely answered all parts of the assignment question; Check your essay’s structure and make sure that it has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Check a structure within every paragraph; Does every paragraph have a topic sentence? Check transition words and transition sentences to ensure that each paragraph is linked; Check your introduction and conclusion; Make sure you have used all words correctly and improve your word choice if necessary. Improve the sentence structure as well; Fix grammar and spelling mistakes and check your commas; Check your references to ensure that they meet the requirements of a specific style (APA, MLA etc.)

Google Inc. use of the BCG Matrix Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Google Inc. use of the BCG Matrix - Essay Example The paper presents an overview of Google and its core businesses, and goes on to undertake a strategic audit of the company making use of the BCG Matrix as well as the SWOT Analysis and the PESTEL analysis in a strategic audit aimed at identifying strategic issues facing the company and at making recommendations to get the company on a path to growth. The paper presents a critical analysis of the main issues that were surfaced in the strategic audit, and also undertakes a critical assessment of the BCG Matrix itself. The critical assessment of the BCG Matrix surveys various perspectives on concept, undertaking a comparison and contrast of those perspectives, and weighing in on the relevance of the BCG Matrix in modern times and in the present context of its use to undertake the strategic audit on Google. This latter exercise also looks at the suitability of the BCG Matrix versus other tools and frameworks for undertaking a strategic audit in general and for undertaking a strategic au dit of Google (Taggart and Harding, 1998; Google, 2013; Reuters, 2013). Finally, the critical audit and the critical assessment of the main issues that were surfaced in that critical audit, together with the critical assessment of the BCG Matrix itself, are all used to come up with strategy recommendations for Google to grow moving forward. ... e from the twin perspectives of concepts and frameworks used on the one hand and Google’s business perspective on the other (Google, 2013; Reuters, 2013; Smith, 2002; Spee and Jarzabkowski, 2009; Ioana, Mirea and Balescu, 2009; Doole and Lowe, 2008, pp. 282-283; Armstrong, 2003; Hall and Saias, 1980, pp. 160-161; Zeithaml and Zeithaml, 1984). II. Company Overview Google Inc. is a technology company that operates on a global scale. The company details itself as a firm that focuses on key business segments and areas of technology, and these revolve around search, hardware products, products for the enterprise, operating systems for mobil e and other computing platforms, and online advertising. Google is present in more than 50 countries and territories, and reaches its audience through the use of 100 different languages around the world. The hardware business is primarily represented by Motorola, which caters to two distinct business segments consisting of the Home segment and the Mobile segment. Mobile is about mobile devices and corollary services and products tied to mobile. Android is the popular mobile computing platform that Google owns and licenses for free to device manufacturers. The Home business segment on the other hand keys in on digital television and the use of related access devices and services. Its Enterprise business consists in the provision of software platforms and services centered on Google Apps, Google Search, Google Maps, Google Earth, and a host of related platforms and cloud-based services that cater to vertical industries such as education, government, and business.

Webliography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Webliography - Essay Example The site provides a copy of the actual investigation details including the investigation form, which lists the violations by Blue Bell. This is amazing because it will teach manufacturers to be socially responsible and it will show the consumers that the government is doing its job to promote the welfare of the people. CDC is a reliable site that offers research-based and investigative articles that may be used for academic and business research. Unlike other sites that offer data, CDC can be relied upon most because the statistics are based on government findings. The site is also very easy to use and understand even by young learners. Nevertheless, it can be improved by designing short quizzes or games, trivia, and other applications that are attractive to young users. The site offers a lot of information about the roles of NIDA. In particular, the site leads users to the clinical trial site, which encourages people to participate in the government’s research on abuse (drugs, alcohol, cigarette, etc.). This is amazing as it shows the studies that they are currently working on and those where they are recruiting participants. The site provides research-based publication that can be very helpful to researchers and students who need to find credible sources on drug abuse studies. Although most of the articles were published in the past years, they provide very important and reliable information. The site is privately owned, founded by the American Academy of Pediatricians. Authors are therefore from the said organization. The aim of the site is to provide information for parents and other users who need The site is supported by some of the biggest companies such as Coca Cola Bottlers, Gerber, Kellogg and Lysol. The homepage does not show the sponsors of the site. In fact, there is a separate page that lists all the sponsors. However, when

Marketing Strategies of Starbucks Coffee Company and Caff Nero Group Essay

Marketing Strategies of Starbucks Coffee Company and Caff Nero Group Ltd - Essay Example As the report declares the business of marketing strategy is to influence the decision of the customers towards a product. Marketing strategy therefore focuses much on building a strong customer base that eventually translates into increased profit margin for the customers. Having conducted a proper marketing research and conceiving the findings, marketing strategy then take effects. At this stage, the precursor of marketing strategy is the marketing plan which gives a structural breakdown of how the strategy will be rolled and the avenues to be explored when reaching the prospective customers effectively and efficiently with the least cost possible. A marketing plan considers what is popularly known as four Ps i.e. product, price, place, and promotion. This information assists in devising a proper marketing strategy. This paper stresses that marketing strategy is one of the most important inputs any business should endeavor to engage in however big or small the business may be. Unfortunately, most businesses are always hesitant to actively do appropriate marketing strategy simply because they do not understand the contribution of the same in business. It is obvious that for a business to thrive and grow exponentially in terms of building and restoring the customer base there has to be an aggressive marketing strategy that will be beneficial to the business. It is rated that Caffà ¨ Nero Group Ltd is position three in UK this is after Whitbread Group's Costa Coffee and Starbucks. The company enjoys a significant number of outlets to the tune of 420 which has spread to

Crisis And Risk Management In Organizations Management Essay

Crisis And Risk Management In Organizations Management Essay Chapter 3 is a literature review to help develop an understanding on the importance of business continuity as a process of counteracting organizational crises, which is at the forefront of this study. The Chapter is structured as follows: Section 3.2 discusses crisis management and risk management in organizations, to present a clearer picture of the terminologies. Next, the chapter provides the reader with background knowledge on business continuity management, its importance, and highlights some organizational approaches used in managing risk and crisis, including scenario planning. Finally, the chapter discusses planning as an effective BCM process, and strategic planning in a turbulent environment with the aim of clearly identifying the significance of business continuity in organizations. In an attempt to define crisis management, it is imperative that the term crisis is first explained. Coombs (1999: 2) define crisis as an event that is unpredictable and a major threat that can have an adverse effect on an organization, industry, or its stakeholders if improperly handled. Similarly, other authors such as Martinelli and Briggs (1998) conceptualize crisis as a turning point, and argue that it is an opportunity for organizations to show their commitment to responsible behaviour (p. 44). Regester (1987: 38) also acknowledges that crisis often represents turning points in organizational life as they present opportunities to establish a reputation for competence, to shape the organization and to tackle important issues. It is an unpredictable major event that is a threat to an organization or its stakeholders (Goel, 2009: 25). Other scholars such as Curtin et al., (2005: 3) identify crisis to be of three kinds; those which befalls a company e.g. chemical spillage or plane crash, those that are manufactured, and those that escalate from an accident. 3.2.2 Defining Crisis Management Crises Management is all about taking charge of a crisis situation before it engulfs the company. As suitable planning is fundamental to corporate survival in the event of a crisis, crisis management involves proper handling of a crisis after it occurs. The theory of crisis management has witnessed a steady evolution in the last twenty years. Early phases of this evolution includes a six step crises model by Littlejohn (1983: 13) (structure design, selection of crisis team, training team members, crisis situation auditing, contingency planning, managing the crisis); Finks (1986) seminal four stage model (the prodromal stage, the crisis breakout or acute stage, the chronic stage and resolution stage); Gonzalez-Herrero and Pratt (1995) four phase model for crisis management (planning-prevention, issues management, the actual crisis and the aftermath of the crisis); Augustine (1995) six stage of crisis management (identifying the crisis, avoiding the crises, containing the crisis, prepa ring to manage the crises, resolving the crisis and benefitting from the crisis). Augustine points out that for every crisis, there are seeds of success and roots of failure embedded within it and the ability to find, cultivate and manage the possible success is the basis of crisis management. In theory, the debate between scholars of crisis management is mainly about how crisis is defined. Comfort (1988) divides the process of crisis management into preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery phases. Another interesting crisis management model was formulated by Boin et al., (2005). The authors based their model on four important challenges managers face during the process of crisis management sense-making, decision making, terminating and learning. In spite of these, many scholars of crisis and disaster management still seem to focus more on the triggers, causes or effects rather than how these incidents are actually managed by stakeholders, decision makers and the organizations (Mitroff and Pauchant, 1990). 3.3 Crisis and Risk Management in Organizations Organizational crisis have been defined by various scholars even though there is not one universally accepted definition (Simola, 2005). Pearson and Clair (1998) define organizational crisis as a high impact low probability incident that threatens organizational viability. Crises can potentially cause damage to an organization, and if not properly managed, can become disasters. Mistakes can very quickly rise from just a little operational issue to a stage that threatens survival (Mittelstaedt, 2004). Therefore, organizations that properly prepare and plan for the future are more likely to succeed (Regester and Larkin, 2005). Fink et al., (2005) points out that to survive in a rapidly changing world, many organizations must recognize and forecast their surrounding environment to enable them develop awareness to the risks that may affect their businesses and strategic directions. Theres little chance for organizations to respond and recover when unforeseen events happen. Therefore, in the likely event of a crisis or disaster, an organizations level of preparedness and capability of resuming its regular business operations are thought to be amongst the major goals of senior management (Hanson, 2006). In crisis management, organizations play a crucial role (Clarke, 1999). Carley and Harrald (1997:310) note that organizations should react to disasters by reducing the impact of the disaster but in practice, organizations are often the ones that cause crises (Roux-Dufort, 2007). Organizational blueprints fail to balance the possible damaging effects of organizational production (Perrow, 2007) as scholars of organizational management are more often into organizational structure, design and culture, rather than managing and learning from unusual events (Pauchant and Mitroff, 1992). Egbuji (1999) introduce risk management as a corporate approach to deal with the security threats facing an organization in an attempt to protect its resources and its assets. There are some advantages of risk management. According to Peart (2006), risk management facilitates future anticipation and improves uncertainty control as it entails carefully analyzing possible future organizational risks, and developing actions to counteract the risks. The Association of Insurance and Risk Managers (2002) lay emphasis on a calculated approach to risk management and state that risk management should be thought of as a value-adding process linked to strategy since it has the possibility to improve decision making and protect assets. 3.3.1 Scenario Planning In an era of rapid change, scenario planning is the practice of planning for different future alternatives, with the aim of mitigating or reducing the risk of getting bombarded by unforeseen incidents or being unprepared for it (Bishop et al., 2007). Kachaner and Deimler (2008) argue that organizations that implement scenario planning will most likely deal with future uncertainty and risk more efficiently than those that do not make use of it. As Pollard and Hotho (2006) describe, the idea of scenario planning is to make long range flexible plans by figuring out the impact and nature of the most questionable driving forces that affect the world and shapes business environments i.e. economic, political, environmental and technological trends. According to Barber (2006) scenario planning is used by some leading organizations such as Shell and General Electric to analyse the various trends and forces that may impact the organization. Scenario planning helps create a linkage between the past and the future by addressing scenarios through strategic planning. Barber (2006) note that Shells scenario planning teams use scenario planning to identify weak signals or signs that will likely have an impact on their business. Methods of scenario planning include imagination, multiple perspectives and strategic thinking and in todays environment, its use in the planning process is an important strategy to deal with numerous uncertainties (Neilson and Stouffer, 2005: 26). Scenario planning can be developed for any future period. In the 1970s, Shell Group initiated the scenario planning and the corporation builds scenarios every three years for up to a twenty year period; others may project fifteen, ten or a five year period (Scott-Martinet, 2006). In hypothetical situations, scenario planning is useful for planners to see how an event may impact the organization. Planning out a scenario can also show the multiple ways in which various components fit together. Planning for the future in any organization is important, as without planning, resources may not be available when needed (Scott-Martinet, 2006). Hodgson Tait (1996: 3) argue that planning has traditionally followed a comparatively linear approach (i.e. projecting future needs based on current activities). For organizations that have a commitment to this default scenario, the future is drastically altered when they experience crises, as it becomes difficult to adapt or change. With scenario planning therefore, organizations can recognize future threats and deal with them before crises happen. Scenario planning can also be utilized in other disaster situations and can most likely help with mitigation, preparedness and prevention efforts if appropriate strategies are embraced. After scenario analysis and development, the organization can then implement strategies to steer towards a survivable future (Hodgson Tait, 1996) Scenario planning can also be used in emergency management to assist corporations in viewing and understanding itself in a new dimension, and to effectively plan more for the future (Alexander, 2002: 2). Previous crises and best speculations about the future have generally provided evidence for contingency planners to take decisions about the future (Wilkinson, 1994: 5). Nonetheless, by implementing the method of scenario futuring, planners can discuss or document various likely organizational futures, and by exploring these possible futures, scenario planners may acquire knowledge about fundamental issues, forces and trends (Wilkinson, 1994). 3.4 Business Continuity Management (BCM) Due to its widespread nature, the manner in which business continuity management is implemented will inevitably depend on the nature, complexity and scale of an organizations risk profile and the environment in which it operates. It is also safe to presume that as organizations are never in full control of their business surroundings, all organizations will experience a business crisis and continuity event at some point (Shaw, 2004). It is therefore important to explore the various functions and functional areas that support the management of crisis events and continuity of business operations, their inter-dependencies, and the factors that will help co-ordinate these functions and functional areas into a comprehensive and integrated programme. Business Continuity Management (BCM) has been described in many ways. However, there is not a generally accepted definition (Smit, 2005). BCM is defined by the Business Continuity Institute as the act of predicting events that will affect the organizations mission-critical processes and functions, and ensure that it reacts to any event in a rehearsed and planned way (Gallagher, 2003). The goals of BCM also include making sure there is continuity of critical functions and business operations in all circumstances, foreseeing organizational risks, crises and disasters before they occur, and ensuring fast and efficient response to crises Figure 3: Framework for Business Continuity Management Source: The British Standard for Business Continuity Management, 2006 According to Herbane et al., (2004) and Gibb and Buchanan (2006), BCM involves identifying with an organizations needs, recognizing and managing risks that may interrupt the critical functions of a business, and ensuring effective recovery and business continuity in the event of unanticipated occurrences. BCM assists an organization in mapping out future worst case scenarios and how promptly the organization can restore its normal operations in the aftermath of a crisis. (Hayes, 2004) is of the opinion that BCM should be a major responsibility of top management as BCM aims to ensure lasting survival of the entire organization. Several authors including Gallagher (2003), Herbane et al., (2004), Pitt and Goyal (2004), and Elliott et al., (2010), have debated on the evolution of BCM. In the 1970s, the primary focus of business continuity was on information technology (IT) and recovering computing systems, also disruptions caused by disasters such as fires, earthquakes and flooding. In the 1980s, business continuity still included IT but shifted to include other systems and facilities at both business and corporate unit levels. During the 1970s and 1980s, IT focus still played a huge part in business continuity and explains why a big fraction of existing literature on BCM relates to IT continuity (Elliott et al., 2010). However, business continuity was introduced as Business Continuity Management in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and became a process of corporate competitive advantage to contribute to the sustainability and development of diverse business areas (Gill, 2006). Figure 4: Typology of Continuity Approaches Source: Herbane et al., (2004) Figure 4 above shows that BCM is embedded within crisis management (Herbane et al., 2004). It also shows that disaster recovery planning and business continuity planning are two components of BCM; these two components are to assist an organization in effectively dealing with crises and disasters before, during and after they occur (Herbane et al., 2004). Herbane et al., (2004) also point out that BCM must influence the whole organization and so, in order to succeed, there is need for participation and cross-functional involvement from various departments in the organization. 3.4.1 Importance of Business Continuity Management As previously mentioned, the 21st century has witnessed dramatic transformations in the global business environment. Kubitscheck (2001), Dawes (2004) and Richardson (2009) note that as new risks have emerged, organizational risk theory have also advanced at the start of the new millennium, but these newly emerging risks surpass the pace at which solutions are being devised to counteract them (Kubitscheck, 2001). Therefore, with new terrorist attacks, hi-tech and changing weather patterns, and corporate financial scandals, organizations need a well-resourced, coherent response, integrated and predetermined, but also manageable and flexible (Herbane et al., 2004). Organizations are faced with difficulties in risky and uncertain times and this can only be excellently managed by preparation and proactive planning (Gage and Reinoso, 2002). An innovative approach is necessary to help organizations in mitigating or reducing the impacts of crises and disasters, by appropriately preparing for, responding to and recovering from unexpected events to ensure business continuity and also to manage security programs proactively (Hinde, 2002). The interest in BCM increased significantly in the early 2000s (Borodzicz, 2005; Smit, 2005) Wong (2009) argues that the growing interest is as a result of natural and man-made disasters such as the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US, which emphasized the importance of BCM in sustaining critical functions of businesses. BCM encompasses corrective and preventive systems to risk management through recovery planning and continuity, and through the constant testing, training, maintenance and updating of continuity plans. In a global business environment full of insecurities, the long-term survival of businesses very much depends on guaranteed continuity of business operations. BCM is significant to be able to achieve this (Morwood, 1998). Pitt (2010) also argues that when organizations have BCM, they are most likely to suffer less from the immediate impact of crises, and can pull through more quickly. According to Brazeau (2008), the BCM profile has noticeably increased in both private and public business organizations as a study conducted by FM Global showed that out of 600 financial executives, about 95% identified BCM to be of moderate to high priority in relation to other managerial functions within their organizations. BCM is gaining increasing acceptance amongst many businesses as organizations now understand BCMs present operational value and are beginning to focus more on its enterprise-wide advantage and strategic significance (Marsh, 2008). 3.4.2 Planning as an Effective BCM Process Since the start of research on strategic planning, there has been a general consensus that strategic planning is a process that decides when, how, who will plan and how results will be enforced (Gibb and Buchanan (2006). Elliott et al., (2010) however mentions that there is a disagreement between authors regarding the exact structure and components of the process. Figure 4: Structure and Process of Strategic Planning Source: Elliott et al., (2010) Elliott et al., (2010) structure and process of strategic planning (Figure 4) illustrates planning as a systematic process. Most significantly, it identifies the three main areas of the process: hypothesis, formulation of plans, implementation of plans, and evaluation. The structure of strategic planning introduces a conceptual model for small, medium and large organization for outstanding strategic planning. The authors state that the three major types of plans; short-range budgets, medium-range programmes and master strategies are all linked and so, organizations must know exactly what their strategic plan should entail (Elliott et al., (2010). Although planning is not an everyday phenomenon, it must be a continuous process and plans need to be amended and/or reviewed regularly so organizations can respond to changes in the environment (Elliott et al., (2010). The process of strategic planning should therefore start with establishing organizational objectives, mapping out strategie s for implementation and then refining the strategies with thorough action plans. 3.5 Strategic Planning in a Turbulent Environment In most of the early writings on the planning process, a common characteristic is the role the external environment plays on the organization. Economic forecasts were initially used for future planning but with fierce competition amongst firms, and the growing complexities of globalization, the role of the environment becomes an essential feature in strategic planning (Brews and Hunt, 1999). In 1988, Arie De Geus, head of Shell Oil Companys Strategic Planning Group published a study of the planning processes of Shell. At the time, Shell was known to be one of the most successful oil corporations (and arguably still is today). De Geus mention that the key to the corporations success was its ability to switch from a much slower pace in stagnant times, to a survival-mode in turbulent times. He concludes that planning simply means changing minds (De Gues, 1988). Grant (2003) point out that strategic planning in the oil sector is characterized by an unstable business environment. The authors study explores how and if strategic planning methods can be put to effective use in an uncertain environment. Grants analysis of six major oil companies (BP, Chevron, Exxon, Mobil, Shell and Texaco) affirms that over the last decade and a half, these major oil companies recognized key amendments in their strategic planning practices. (Grant, 2003: 502) asserts that while the basic framework (cycle and key phases) of strategic planning changed very little, planning roles, the content of strategic plans, and the process of strategic planning within the companies management systems changed significantly. In spite of little variations in interpretation, Grant (2003) note that similarities in each of the oil companies planning processes were sufficient to create a generic strategic planning cycle as seen in Figure 5. Figure 5: The Generic Planning Cycle among the Oil Majors Source: Grant (2003) Planning provides a mechanism for the formulation of decentralised strategy and has now become a process of planned emergence (Grant, 2003: 491). In recent years, the processes of strategic planning have become more informal and decentralised, while planning strategies have changed considerably in line with the fast changing environments organizations operate in. Todays business environment is becoming more volatile due to political instability, natural disasters and economic-slowdown and requires leaders and organizations to be more proactively prepared and resilient to face the unexpected (Grant, 2003). Ramirez et al., (2008) discuss that with the diversified nature of many big firms and the growing rate of environmental changes, predictability and stability can no longer guarantee the success of businesses, but the ability to implement decisions under uncertain circumstances and the flexibility of adjusting to varying competitive conditions becomes critical factors of success (p. 264). The authors propose that in a crisis turbulent environment, management executives can increase strategic and organizational capabilities by establishing strategic visions, creating strategic unity and successive adaptation, encouraging transformational leadership, modifying organizational practices, and increasing organizational capacity for change. 3.6 Chapter Summary Chapter 3 is a review of relevant literature to provide the reader with an overview of crisis management and business continuity management in organizations. In the literature, various approaches to organizational crisis management exist that have been discussed i.e. risk management, scenario planning, and business continuity management. The literature presents a background to the fundamentals of strategic planning and scenario futuring, and discusses business continuity, a management process that is becoming more and more recognized by many organizations, as a new approach to crisis management. Business continuity management provides corrective and preventive measures to organizations to improve their response and recovery capabilities against disasters and unexpected crises. Using existing literature and a number of empirical studies, the author provides evidence to support the discussion on BCM as an organizational strategy that challenges senior managers and top level management to foster the art of strategic planning, in anticipation of some of the unexpected eventualities of an increasingly chaotic and turbulent business environment.

Rafting the Nolichucky :: Personal Narrative Writing

Rafting the Nolichucky The Nolichucky River is a body of water that rises from the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina and flows northwest into Tennessee, then goes west to join the French Broad River after running a course of 150 miles (Britanica. Com). The Nolichucky’s most action packed stretch of water runs through a beautiful stretch of the Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests. The whitewater on this river is truly world-class. If thrills and spills are what you love, then the Nolichucky, referred to commonly as the "Noli," is the place you need to check out. As a raft-guide on the Nolichucky this past summer, I highly recommend that any physically and mentally stable student who enjoys nature should give a white water-rafting trip some serious thought. For an individual with absolutely no experience, I would suggest starting on a mild part of the "Noli." The lower area of the Nolichucky offers a mild dose of rapids and is perfect for children and those with a low tolerance for danger and extreme sports. The lower "Noli" is a five-mile trip and usually takes anywhere form three to six hours. With only one Class III on the entire trip, one could almost take a nap on this raft trip. The upper section of the Nolichucky is where you are going to get to exercise those bellowing lungs. With an array of Class IV rapids, the upper section of the "Noli" promises to provide a day of thrills and spills. Before planning a white water rafting trip, I suggest everyone to be aware of certain things. First, this is a dangerous and physical event that requires some muscle and heart. For anyone with a weight problem, heart problems, or mental instability, this activity is not suggested by the companies who provide their services in this type of activity. If you have any questions about your ability to do an activity of this nature, consult a doctor first. The main goal for all of us is to have fun and be safe. The company that I work for is called Cherokee Adventures and is located about twenty miles south of the ETSU campus. From the Culp Center, this should be no more than a twenty five-minute drive. From the campus the you need go south in the direction of US181/23. Head south on 81/23 and go 15 miles from Johnson City.