Monday, September 30, 2019

Optimistic Journey

Our country Is not perfect nor do many of the people around you see the optimistic side in the united States of America. On the other hand we, united States citizens, have so many opportunities and should be optimistic. In my eyes people are being prepared for all the negative things that are going to occur, and do not see how incredible our nation is.The other day we found out that our government had shut down because both parties couldn't come to an agreement to settle money situations. Most people saw this to be ridiculous and something that should not had happened. Yes this is an unfortunate obstacle our country faced but on the other hand there were many uplifting contributions people had done. For example Chris Cox went to Washington DC and gathered people to clean the memorials and how a Phoenix food bank gave lad to workers affected by Grand Canyon being closed.Personally I'm not very Intrigued by the government, but I am optimistic about the new advancements In technology, w hich also leads us to new medical cures and procedures created for people living longer, which branches out with many positive advantages to be living in America. With tons of new technology being improved and invented now for the future, it creates a wanting sensation for people being interested to know the new advancement.Whether it's the phone c or new x-ray machinery to find a clearer look at bones, people will be optimistic for the future. By 2020 there will be over hundreds of new technologies, not to mention the United States will have a whole new tank mechanism for our soldiers fighting in war. The new technology brings on new experiences and less hardships In America, because there will be more assurance that the people are safe. Everything Is becoming more and more convenient for our everyday life styles and how Is that not exciting.Our countries opportunities for new technology are extraordinary, and so are our medical advancements and improvements. With new technologies brings on new medical advantages. â€Å"Humans by 2050 will have a life expectancy of 89-94 years old compared to the life expectancy now which is 83-85 years old. † (Cox). Who doesn't want to live longer! I surely do. There is other evidence that medical technology will be created because day by day doctors and scientist are experimenting to have cures for some types of cancer.By 2018 there possibly will be a cure to prostate cancer. Today 29,720 men die a year from this devastating disease, which is very unfortunate. Possibly In the future your son, father, or grandpa will be able to survive from such a awful disease that changes people's lives, because there will be a treatment to cure his cancer. Death is scary and we try to safe people's lives every day and that Is the reason to be optimistic about our future because people will be able to live longer with new medical advancements our every day lives.Not only do the hundreds of advancements help Just the United States bu t it gives us the opportunities for third world countries to have some of the fortunate advantages that we take for granite. For instance an estimated 1,000 children in India die every day due to disease caused by polluted water but with the help of America, that number can drop extremely because of our advancements in technology and medical treatments. We should be very fortunate that we live in such a brilliant country with many unique people that bring United States of America together as a one whole.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Knowing Minds Is A Matter Of Authority Essay

The idea or the concept that I wanted to discuss which I find most interesting is the poem â€Å"What a Wonderful World† by Louis Armstrong. I find it interesting because of the details on how he described things around him. He mentioned seeing trees of green and red roses and he can even see them bloom. How the tress feed the birds and how the birds scatter the seeds, how the flower provides foods for butterflies and how the butterflies transfer the pollen, they help each other to survive. Armstrong uses variety of phrases to describe the beauty of nature. His words persuaded me so much that after hearing the song, I myself also find the world so perfect, so beautiful, and so magical. The concept or idea that I found to be problematic is Antonio Damasio’s studies about Spinoza. He discuss in details the human mind and behavior, stressing on emotion and feelings, decision-making, recollection, communication, and imagination. It was a good stuff and he was indeed very good when he discuss things in his books, however I consider it to be problematic because it didn’t answer all the questions being asked. I find his idea about equating the human nature’s equal to bad condescending and biased. I believe that each human being is naturedly good and if given a chance to do good will do right. We have one thing in common we are all human being . And it is already innate of us to be humane. We were created in God’s image and being the reflection of our good Maker man in his truest sense is good. The book entitled â€Å"Mind Into Matter†, by physicist Fred Alan Wolf, resonates the â€Å"Knowing Minds Is A Matter Of Authority† by Rupert Stasch. They both support an idea about the importance of the mind and how it controls everything in the human body. They support each other ideas about the mind, the human will, and how it affects one’s behavior toward something.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Centralisation and Decentralisation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Centralisation and Decentralisation - Essay Example We dissect a case in which the center is not a solitary individual yet a gathering, a populace. There are, on a fundamental level, a few phases of an org issue where one can present an aggregate control issue: the agreement arranges, the checking stage, the requirement stage. As the first venture in this plan, for the purpose of simplification and similarity with different regions of provision, we cast our examination in a class of models that has turned into the workhorse multi foremost executor structure: the "normal org" model, which concentrates on the contracting stage. One variant of the normal office model, known as inherent regular org, is a great first estimate to the issue of control of policymakers by residents. Aghion and Tirole's (1997) worry is a substantive one: while org-graphs, titles, and formal occupation obligations are effortlessly measured, it is troublesome to concentrate by means of reviews or different means the personalities of the individuals who have subje ctive information. The vague, indescribable, delicate nature of subjective information can result in overview reactions to be problematic and unverifiable, but then this learning is key to firm esteem. Authoritative scholars contend that human co-operation and correspondence channels, for example, gatherings are the essential hierarchical instrument by which the administration chain perceives the vicinity of subjective information and lets the holder of this learning substantively impact the choice.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Depend on the information that will given which 1) a narrative memoir Essay

Depend on the information that will given which 1) a narrative memoir of a vacation, journey, or experience. Use first person I and either chronological order or flashback of events - Essay Example I remember meeting an old school friend, on the first day of school in August 2004, who also happened to join the same high school. We had made a few acquaintances by then. Introducing those across gave us the opportunity to get together after classes and have a chat. I was happy enough with a trusty bunch of friends, having a sport to put my passions into was just an add on. Before I knew it, I found myself always playing football, the most popular high school sport (Mueller et. al p. 57), in the free time. I was quite popular as a goalkeeper among my friends because of my extreme saves. That was all I liked – being popular, but only among my friends, rather than in the clichà © sense of being popular, for extreme things I could do with confidence. There was nothing I could remember better than flashbacks of playing football in the previous year. Starting the final year we got a match set up with a seventh grade team. This seemed quite boring because I was of the opinion that this - rather unmatched - match was set up because there was no other team available. Little did I know from my previous year’s football passion that I and my friends were not the only ones who loved the game - there were others, who took it much more seriously than our time killing passion approach. The match, that we expected to be very uneventful, soon proved to be a spectacular match. As I remembered saving goals day in and out with my friends, my tunnel vision world started spinning out of focus when I saw the seventh graders score goals after goals on me; passing the football with a single touch kick. As I thought of the scores I had dived to save all year back, I couldn’t say I didn’t enjoy being beaten by seventh graders. A me mory of being beaten is a lesson on the game I thought I had passion about, I learned there is always someone out there who takes your passions much more seriously than you. But what makes you unique is your own ability to learn

Thursday, September 26, 2019

The song Dressin Up by Katy Perry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The song Dressin Up by Katy Perry - Essay Example ?s the night/ I’m dressing up for you The feminist theory does not support sexual submission for women, arguing that sexual submissiveness refers to a subordinate position for women which can also set back the advantages which have been secured by women throughout the years (McRobbie, 2004). Such advantages include the fact that women are no longer sexual objects, they are individuals who are beyond such elements of sexual depravity and debasement. The feminist theory also glories in women fulfilling goals, regardless of traditional gender dictates (McRobbie, 2004). Bringing in sexuality to the discussion of feminine rights and qualities is a step back from the fulfilment of these goals, especially since sexuality objectifies women as nothing more than sexual objects. It is important however to note that in equalizing the sexuality of men and women, the lyrics of Katy Perry suggest the presence of a female sexual aggressor, one which is far removed from the sexually submissive individual (Hopkins, 1994). As opposed to the tradition of women being the sexually submissive parties, Katy Perry’s lyrics suggest a sexually active and sexually aggressive female partner, one who initiates the sexual experience with the male party. In general however, the tone of the song is opposed to the ideals of feminism and gender equality. The lyrics, ‘I’m dressin’ up for you’ evoke an act which to most feminists is contrary to what they seek for women – gender equality (Moi, 2008). The feminist theory objects to any action which is made for the opposite gender, and they point out that such actions degrade women. Women must do things to please themselves, not to please the opposite gender. This concept reverts back to the need to do away with the past traditions where women... The feminist theory does not support sexual submission for women, arguing that sexual submissiveness refers to a subordinate position for women which can also set back the advantages which have been secured by women throughout the years (McRobbie, 2004).   Such advantages include the fact that women are no longer sexual objects, they are individuals who are beyond such elements of sexual depravity and debasement.   The feminist theory also glories in women fulfilling goals, regardless of traditional gender dictates (McRobbie, 2004).   Bringing in sexuality to the discussion of feminine rights and qualities is a step back from the fulfilment of these goals, especially since sexuality objectifies women as nothing more than sexual objects.   It is important however to note that in equalizing the sexuality of men and women, the lyrics of Katy Perry suggest the presence of a female sexual aggressor, one which is far removed from the sexually submissive individual (Hopkins, 1994).à ‚   As opposed to the tradition of women being the sexually submissive parties, Katy Perry’s lyrics suggest a sexually active and sexually aggressive female partner, one who initiates the sexual experience with the male party.   In general however, the tone of the song is opposed to the ideals of feminism and gender equality.   The lyrics, ‘I’m dressin’ up for you’ evoke an act which to most feminists is contrary to what they seek for women – gender equality. The song also evokes some sexual bondage and masochism with the words ‘dominatrix’ and ‘tied.’

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening - Robert Frost Assignment

Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening - Robert Frost - Assignment Example The effect was a beautifully told narrative for its sheer simplicity and rawness. The poem is quite straightforward whose theme and content are readily demonstrated by the title. It revolved around the authors thoughts on the woods and living within its environs. It indicated themes of solitude, thoughts about community as well as personal experiences of someone who occasionally visits the woods and imagines a line from its edge especially as it loomed darkly or when filled with snow. It was dark but brooding, which made it terrifying but sublime at the same time. Also, the narrative and the story being told about the experience may not be the most logical but it was emotionally charged, drawing the reader into the authors melancholy. The poem was supposedly written between 1900 to 1910 when Frost stayed at a farm in West Derry, New Hampshire. An account that gave perspective on the poetry and themes involved was Frost description of this particular episode. He allegedly remarked that his stay was marked with difficult winter that was bleak "both weatherwise and financially" (Tutten & Zubizaretta, 348). The farm stay was alleged to include several trips to the market and back with very little money to spend for food and gifts to bring back to his children. The bleak thoughts must have been interrupted by the scenery and the exertions of both man and horse as they trundled back and forth, farm to market. The message or messages can be illuminated by this context: here was the though process of one descending into a dark episode of his life. The language of the poem is very clear and poignant, capturing not just the poets reverie but the actual flow of thoughts and emotions as driven by his circumstance and the specific journey and stops at the woods. Here was the aspect that lacked logic or system. The poet stops at the woods, and then was thinking

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Come up with a topic for me Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Come up with a topic for me - Essay Example The truth is yet to be established. According to Sartre’s philosophy of Existentialism, each individual in any nation seems to the freedom and right to choose a leader of preference (Sartre, 12). It is always a way of excising their God given power. Sartre and Beauvoir share a number of thoughts in this concept of power and freewill. They both tend towards the philosophy of Abraham Lincoln on Democracy where, the citizens have the sole right and willpower to choose a government. In essence, the kind of head of head of state solely depends on the independent decision of the people. Let us try to see how these theories are connected to Realism and Neo-realism. Political theorists of all time had attempted to design a profound theory of political power and state relations. This enormous theory was dabbed Realism. According to Morgenthau and his theory of realism, all the nations of the world will always have contrasting political interests, a situation that usually ignites conflicts among these states. Realism, as separate political theory, is specifically concerned with political power. The 20th Century realism proponents like Morgenthau and E. H Carr strongly believe that power is the key factor in the entire system of the International relations. Realism clings to the assertion that international politics solely depends on the nature of the human, thus, politics is always a subject to the manipulation of a state leader (Carr, 347). Following the above description of realism, realists seem to be of the opinion that the political stability of any state can only be determined by the nature of the leader in the office. Thus, if the head of state is very aggressive, he is very likely to gain more political powers than the less aggressive president. It is the very aggressive nature of the political leaders that led to some leaders being termed as dictators. In essence, leaders of states have been depicted as

Monday, September 23, 2019

Democratic Deficit in European Union Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Democratic Deficit in European Union - Essay Example Across Europe, irrespective of which member nation they stay in or their individual economic welfare or political preference. Thereby, whether or not the European Union apparently does have a democratic deficit, there is an increasing conception that the EU is an undemocratic system and that something must be done about it. There is no sole elucidation of the democratic deficit in the European Union. Explanations are wide-ranging. However, it is likely to establish a restricted figure of standard assertions about the democratic deficit. One specified assertion, that there is no competition for the regulation of political power is the fundamental aspects of almost all recent hypothesis of democratic administration. Even if a state is procedurally democratic, in terms of having representative bodies and checks and balances upon the exercise of authority, it is not considerably democratic except there is open opposition for administrative officer and over the direction of the democratic schema. Put it another way, the European Union is nearer to a type of open-minded repression than a form of democratic administration. There are five standard assertions about the democratic deficit in the European Union. The first assertion is that European incorporation has amounted to a rise in administrative power and a decline in national legislative regulation. At the domestic strata in Europe, the key organizations of representative government are the national assemblies. National assemblies may have little authority of legislative amendment, however, each legislature can hire and fire the cabinet, and the executive is held to account by legislative scrutiny of government ministers. Contrary executive actors are prevailing at the European level; national ministers in the Council and the government appointees to the European Commission. These European Union strata executive actors are principally beyond the regulation of national assemblies. Even with the set up of European affairs co mmissions in all national assemblies, cabinet secretaries when talking and voting in the council national officials in working cohorts of the Council, and bureaucrats in the Committee when drafting or carrying out legislation, are majorly separated from national legislature scrutiny and regulation. Consequently, it is regularly asserted that European incorporation has meant a reduction in the supremacy of national assemblies and a rise in the authority for executives. The second assertion is that the European Legislature is too frail but succeeding reforms of the European Union pacts since the mid 1980s have raised the authorities of the European Legislature, precisely as the majority of deficit academics had promoted. However, an essential percentage of European legislation is still passed under the discussion process, where the European Legislature lacks the authority to make corrections or obstruct legislation. The third assertion is that, in spite the expanding authority of the European Legislature, there is no democratic regulation of the European Union political workplace or over the direction of the EU strategy schema. Citizens vote for their governments, who sit on the Committee and nominate commissioners. Citizens also vote for the European Legi

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Science vs. Religion Essay Example for Free

Science vs. Religion Essay The debate between religion and science has been going on for years, clashing together with different ideologies. The argument combines historical and philosophical approaches to contest to each side, battling to disprove each other. While religion is based on faith, using the will of God to guide them in their observations, scientists use experiments to find discoveries based on facts. The conflict between religion and science hasn’t been fiery in modern times, compared to the years where science was inferior to religion, but the topic has still been brought up in discussion. Can someone be both a scientist and a religious person? Although they may both pursue knowledge, there methodologies are completely different, pitting each other into heated discussions. In our past lecture with Brother Guy Consolmagno, he argues that Christianity isn’t completely based on faith in God. The church is also continuously studying the universe, like scientists, trying to learn more about our origins. Comparable to science, ideals in the church changes, and aren’t always set in stone. The Bible may be the guide for most religious people, but there are also different interpretations of the Bible that people find to counteract certain claims. Guy uses evidence that the first medieval Church universities started the modern study of astronomy. The university learned: grammar, rhetoric, and dialectic, arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music courses, which showed that it was like any other university teaching students for a better career. The university may be Christian based, but it didn’t ignore what science offered them. According to Guy, Jesuits run 25% of all observations in Europe. They helped create the definition of a â€Å"year,† based on our four seasons. Despite the differences between religion and science, Guy believes that we can comingle ideas from both sides to progress our studies of the universe even further. (Consolmagno) One of the topics in The Constant Fire introduces James Clerk Maxwell, one of the great physicists in his time, and his view of religion and science co-existing with each other. Maxwell formulated equations that explained electric and magnetic fields and the unification of these concepts into electromagnetism. Maxwell’s equations and mathematical laws are the reason why we have radio, television, and all electronic technology today; although he constructed scientific laws for his devotion to science, he was also a devout Christian. â€Å"I believe†¦that Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. † (Maxwell) He attended church regularly, read scripture before going to sleep at night, and even committed the entire psalms to memory. It showed that his religious belief was unyielding, despite his scientific advances in society. At the same time I think that each individual man should do all he can to impress his own mind with the extent, the order, and unity of the universe, and should carry these ideas with him as he reads [the Bible]. † (Maxwell) Learning about the universe through a different perspective doesn’t waver doubt; instead, it enriches spiritual understanding. Maxwell set an example showing how his experience in science was an aspiring journey to glorify his God. (Frank) The Constant Fire also explains Isaac Newton’s perception of his work towards science contrary to his religious beliefs. Newton asserted himself as a â€Å"priest of nature. † Like any religious person, he believed there was a God of absolute power. Although, he also believed that his work was exploring God’s greatness, making science a way of explaining his creation. â€Å"It is the perfection of God’s works that they are all done with the greatest simplicity. He is the God of order amp; not confusion. † (Newton) Both scientific philosophy and religion were inseparable, as both concepts bounced off each other. Even coming from one of the greatest scientists in the orld, like James Maxell, Newton concluded that there ironically was no warfare between science and religion. (Frank) Science comes from the creativity of an individual making up a new hypothesis. Religion comes from varied interpretations of how they view the spiritual being they worship. We don’t have enough evidence from the universe to commit to a godless path, and we are too knowledgeable enough to pledge to a specific religious ideal. I believe there is such thing as a middle ground: taking the possibility of new ideas and building an equal foundation. I still keep to the constitution of scientific theory composing our world, but I also keep multiple hypotheses in mind. We should be open-minded, and explore the different possibilities of the unfathomable unknowns of our universe. I’m not afraid to ask the lingering question science and religions try to explain.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Beowulf as a hero in modern society Essay Example for Free

Beowulf as a hero in modern society Essay In the historic epic Beowulf, its title character, Beowulf, is perceived as an unconventional as well as a traditional hero in current society. Beowulf, the son of Ecgtheow and Hygelacs thane, is presented as a fearless warrior to the audience. This acknowledgment of Beowulf causes the readers to instantly recognize that Beowulf is a well-respected man. Beowulfs magnitude is seen at the very beginning of the poem as the narrator states, The man whose name was known for courage, the Geat Leader (Heaney 25). Beowulf is announced to the Danish people with magnificence. Before proving Beowulfs heroic qualities, the viewers are conscious of the fact that Beowulf is a great warrior and the son of a well admired man. It can be distinguished that from Beowulfs opening statements he will become a hero. Bravery is a key characteristic that identifies a hero. Throughout the entire poem Beowulf appeared to possess infinite valor. He displayed courage in his swimming competition with Breca, and in his fights with Grendel, Grendels mother, and the dragon that fatally wounded him. In all of Beowulfs struggles, he revels wisdom, strength, and motivation. In his clash against Grendel, Beowulf utilizes his sheer strength to kill Grendel. He used his mighty strength to rip off the monsters arm from the shoulder. As stated by the narrator, The monsters whole body was in pain; a tremendous wound appeared on his shoulder Beowulf was granted the glory of winning (Heaney 55). The defeat of Grendel fulfills Beowulfs heroic duty. This is also seen with Grendels mother. After Grendels death, Grendels mother desires to avenge her child. Beowulf fights her in water and still prevails. By keeping true to his word Beowulf is able to prove his worth. Near the end of poem, Beowulf faces his last episode. He takes on a dragon that is creating havoc upon the city. Before facing the dragon he knows that he might die and yet still fights with glory and all of his might. On page 171 Beowulf states, This fight is not yours, nor is it up to any man except me I shall win the gold by my courage, or else mortal combat, doom of battle, will bear your lord away (Heaney 171). Beowulf yet again completes his task as he kills the dragon, however, he immediately dies from his wounds. Beowulf, a true hero, confronts his death with bravery. It is Beowulfs strength, determination, and courage that enable him to become a distinguishable hero in modern society. Although Beowulf is portrayed as a true Anglo-Saxon hero, he has qualities that would depict him not as one in current society. From Beowulfs initial introduction he is seen as being conceited and aggressive. During the first feast, Beowulf tells of the story of his swimming race. Beowulf states, I was the strongest swimmer of allTime and again, foul things attacked mebut I lashed out, gave as good as I got with my swordMy sword had killed nine sea-monsters. Such night-dangers and hard ordeals I have never heard of nor of a man more desolate in surging waves. (Heaney 37). This quote reveals the cockiness of Beowulf. He is very arrogant as he believes that he is the best and the bravest. Arrogance is not a characteristic of a hero. Another flaw is shown in Beowulfs character as he fights Grendel and Grendels mother. Beowulfs quarrel with Grendel exposes his true expression of violence. While Grendel and Beowulf are wrestling, Beowulf manages to get Grendel in such as position where he ripped off Grendels arm from the socket. This violent act can be seen as very brutal. The killing of Grendel in such a way would deny the right to name Beowulf as a hero in present society. In addition, the killing of Grendels mother has the same effect. While battling Grendels mother, Beowulf seeks assistance from an ancient blade. With this sword, he delivers a final blow to the neck of the monster. After determining that she is death, he still proceeds and decapitates her. He then returns with the head and displays it in Heorot. The decapitation of Grendels mother illustrates Beowulf as disrespectful and in violation of the heroic code, which doesnt identify him as a hero. In the eyes of contemporary society Beowulf can be recognize as a paradoxical character as he is embodied by both heroic and callous qualities.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Organisational Risk Management in Project Management

Organisational Risk Management in Project Management CHAPTER 2 2.1 Preview This chapter provides the reader about the theory and rationale behind the use of Organisational Risk Analysis (ORA) on project management and its methodologies available in the market. It will also cover the work of different authors to afford better understanding of the subjected area i.e. Project management, Risk analysis and Organisational risk analysis. The source of information of this literature review is mainly from books, journals and white papers. 2.2 Introduction Through this literature review one can know what others understanding about this study i.e. nothing but historical perspectives. First part of the literature focuses on project management and risk analysis and risk analysis types, second part of this literature focuses on Organisational Risk Analysis (ORA) and Role of ORA in Project management. It mainly concentrates on Project management, risk analysis and organisational risk analysis. 2.3 Introduction to Project Management: PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge as defined by the Project Management Institute — PMI):Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements. (PMI 2004) According to James P. Lewis â€Å"The Project management is facilitating the planning, scheduling and controlling of all activities that must be done to achieve project objectives† (James P. Lewis: 2007) PRINCE 2 project management methodology: The planning, monitoring and control of all aspects of the project and the motivation of all those involved in it to achieve the project objectives on time and to the specified cost, quality and performance. A project is usually one time activity with a well defined set of desired and results. It can be divided into subtasks that must be accomplished in order to achieve the project goals. In this day and age also it is assumed that project management can be enhanced by scientific methods. There is a very strong reason why these beliefs are created, it all accounts to the fact that todays modern world has given professionals numerous amount of opportunities to execute their projects successfully. Such are the kind of investment options that are given to project investors. They are briefed with all the minute details so that they feel that their investment is secure. They also make sure that the estimated time of completion and the end can be calculated at the beginning of the project itself. The decisions that are taken on a technical basis or which are taken looking at the low opportunity costs that it presents are reversible in nature. The demand for resources can also be calculated once the initial parameters such as the duration and time frame of the project are estimated. Due to the advancement in technology even the most terrible consequences can be predicted. à ¢â‚¬Å"The failure of the project was due to the lack of skills rather than an inappropriate feasibility, suitability or acceptability of the solution. This is a normal–science view of project management.† (Charette and Robert, 1996) The projection of ideas and activities into new accomplishments are one of the common characteristics of all projects. There are many different definitions of what constitutes project management such as â€Å"An unique set of co-ordinated activities, with definite starting and finishing points, undertaken by an individual or a team to meet specific objectives within a definite period of time, cost and performance parameters† (Office of Government Commerce). (Web4, 2009) J. Pinto and Prescott (1990) stated, â€Å"Researchers in project management need to first and most importantly offer a comprehensive, inclusive, and clear definition of project success before attempting to undertake studies of the project implementation process†. (J.Pinto and Prescott, 1990) The modern project management started in 1950s, before this period projects were executed in an unplanned manner and the methods and tools used for execution were not professional in nature. The importance of project management is a very important topic because all organisations i.e. either be they are small or large organisations, those are involved in implementing new accomplishments. These accomplishments may be diverse, such as, the improvement of an innovative product, introducing a new range of products in a manufacturing base, a promotional advertisement or a major construction project. In the 1980s the focus was more on the quality of work. Globalisation played a huge role in the 1990s as we were trying to improve our economy, the 2000s saw projects with decreased time frames. A new field known as project management was developing from all new areas of application which included construction, engineering, telecommunications, and defence. This emerging field has now become an important part of our economy as it has produced a string of fabulous results. Hence it is now being applied by the corporate world as well as the government. Duncan Haughey (2008) explained some main definitions of what project management is: â€Å"Project management is not a continuous process. It has a definite beginning and end.† â€Å"Project management uses various tools to measure accomplishments and track project tasks. These include Work Breakdown Structures, Gantt charts and PERT charts.† â€Å"Projects frequently need resources on an ad-hoc basis as opposed to organisations that have only dedicated full-time positions.† â€Å"Project management reduces risk and increases the chance of success.† â€Å"Successful project management is delivering your projects on time, to brief and within budget.† (Duncan Haughy, 2008) 2.3.1 Methodology of Project Management: According to Bradley (2002) Project management methodology means â€Å"Project Management Methodology focuses on the project and can be in any industry and any type of projects ranging from construction to aerospace industries and from projects of Financial to IT in nature, it encompasses all projects† The above diagram shows the main components of one of the main project management methodology. Some of the elements like project start-up and project closure occur only once. The remaining elements like planning, managing and controlling, form an interactive cycle that may repeat many times before the completion of the project. In other words we can also say project management is the discipline of planning, organising and managing resources to bring about the successful completion of specific projects goals and objectives. Each and every project is different in nature. Any project would involve a certain amount of risk and hence require perfect planning and execution if they have to succeed. The main aim of project management is to predict any complications or problems in the project well before hand so that when the project plan is made all these factors can also be taken into consideration and hence the chances of the project being completed successfully would be much higher. Almost every project we do in todays business world involve a risk of some kind: change in customer needs, unrealistic time scales, inappropriate staff, poor project specifications , failure to manage user expectations could delay the project. Projects need to be performed and delivered under certain constraints. Traditionally these constraints have been listed as scope, time and quality. This is also called as ‘project management triangle. One side of the triangle cannot be changed without affecting others. The time constraint refers to the amount of time available to complete a project, scope refers to what must be done to produce the projects end result and cost refers to the budgeted amount available for the project. Increasing Scope ( Increasing Time + Increasing Cost Decreasing Time ( Increasing Cost + Reducing Scope Tight Budget ( Increase Time + Reducing Scope. If we modify any of the factors, the other two has to be changed, if not the risk may appear high. But formal risk analysis and risk management can help you to assess these risks and decide what action to take to minimize disruptions to your project plans. According to J. Davidson Frame (2007) the basic outline of project management is described below Project managers bear ultimate responsibility for making things happen. Traditionally, they have carried out this role as mere implementers. To do their jobs they needed to have basic administrative and technical competencies. Today they play a far broader role. In addition to the traditional skills, they need to have business skills, customer relations skills, and political skills. Psychologically, they must be results-oriented self-starters with a high tolerance for ambiguity, because little is clear-cut in todays tumultuous business environment. Shortcomings in any of these areas can lead to project failure. – (J. Davidson Frame, 2007) Project management is discipline that applies to any project; every company has their own way of doing their projects. The project management is not very easy it is totally a leadership position and with technical talent it cannot be done. Project manager without enough experience cannot hold for a long-time on the same project if the assumption of the company goes wrong in selecting the project manager it will be in risk. (Sanjay Murthi, Preventive Risk Management for Software Projects) 2.4 Risk Analysis: The word ‘RISK derives from the early Italian risicare, which means ‘TO DARE. (Websters Dictionary: 1989) One of the most important activities in project management is to identify and manage the uncertainties and problems during the project tenure. When dealing with research and development projects it must be made note of that the number of events present are very high which could alter the course of the project The amount of risk involved in the project would mainly depend on the size of the project. The contractors of the project are the people who deal with the risks of the project, their main duties would involve to identify risks. Then they study them and find as solution so that could remove or minimize them. Apart form this they should also have a clear understanding of the different types of risk involved and ways as to how they can be managed and projects can be completed in a risk free manner. (The Owners Role in Project Risk Management National Research Council (U.S.A). Committee for Oversight and Assessment of U.S. the national academic press, Washington DC). A report that shows assets, vulnerabilities, likelihood of damage, estimates of the costs of recovery, summaries of possible defensive measures and their costs and estimated probable savings from better protection. A risk analysis is the process of assessing the level of risk involved, this is also known as a threat and risk assessment. A threat is a harmful act such as the deployment of a virus or illegal network penetration. A risk is the expectation that a threat may succeed and the potential damage that can occur. (Web1, 2009) Risk analysis allows you to examine the risks that your organization faces. It is the process of systematically identifying and assessing the potential risks and uncertainties that occur when trying to achieve a certain goal (like reaching a target income or finishing a project), and then finding a feasible strategy for most efficiently controlling those risks. ‘The systematic process to understand the nature of and to deduce the level of risk. It provides the basis for risk evaluation and decisions about risk treatment. (AS/NZS 4360:2004 (p. 4). According to Michael R. Greenberg †Risk Analysis ranked among the top 10 journals in the ISI Journal Citation Reports under the social sciences, mathematical methods category is designed to meet the need for organization, integration, and communication and provide a focal point for new developments in the field.† (Michael R. Greenberg: 2008) Evidence from the literature suggests that project managers perform risk analysis because somebody else, e.g. their client, the parent company or the Government, has demanded it (Boothroyd, 1996; Smith, 1998). The analysis of risk is being increasingly viewed as a field in itself, and the demand for a more orderly and formal treatment of risk is great. This international journal is committed to publishing critical empirical research, conference proceedings, and commentaries dealing with risk issues. In other terms we can say the measure of risk can be determined as a product of threat, vulnerability and asset value in an organisation. Risk = Asset * Threat * Vulnerability. Risk analysis may play an important role in cost- benefit studies, which compare the costs of a particular action or project against its potential benefits. It is a systematic study of uncertainties and risks we encounter in business, engineering and many other areas. Risk analysts seek to identify the risks faced by an organization or a business unit, understand how and when they arise, and estimate the impact of adverse outcomes. Techniques used in risk analysis include sensitivity analysis, probability analysis, simulation and modeling. Risk analysis may be used to develop an organizational risk profile, and also may be the first stage in risk management program. Risk analysis may be undertaken to varying degrees of detail depending upon the risk, the purpose of the analysis, and the information, data and resources available. In todays world where competition has become global, it is very important that firms control the different kinds of risk that they are dealing with as it has become an essential part in achieving corporate success. The people who are involved such as customers, investors and others asking companies for complete transparency on their investments. Thus risk analysis is necessary to protect an organisations competitive position. Most industries are particularly plagued by risks, but it has been slow in realising the potential benefits of sound and systematic risk management (Al-Bahar and Crandall, 1990; Ward et. al. 1991; Thomson and Perry, 1992; Flanagan and Norman, 1993; Raftery, 1994; Fellows, 1996; Edward and Bowen, 1998).While coming for the software industries risk analysis and management are a sequential progression that help in guiding a software team in understanding and managing risks. A risk is a potential problem, it might happen, it might not. But regardless of the outcome it is really good idea to identify it, assess its probability of occurrence, estimate the impact and establish a contingency plan should the problem actually occurs. According to Bernstein â€Å"the mystery of risk is a critical step in the development of modern society. One can discuss the validity of his conclusion, but there should be no doubt that risk and uncertainty are important concepts to address for supporting decision-making in many situations†. This Risk Analysis may be qualitative, semi-qualitative or quantitative or a combination of these three, depending on the circumstances. The criticality of risk analysis doesnt wholly depend on identifying the risk factors. It also depends on categorizing them according to their threat level. So let us see how the whole concept of risk analysis starts. There are two types of risk analysis. Both these methods are very important in the assessment of risk and can be executed in any order. It is very important to understand the difference between these two risks as there is a very thin line separating them. Those are: Quantitative Risk Analysis Qualitative Risk Analysis (Identification of types of risk analysis) 2.5. Quantitative Risk Analysis: Quantitative Risk Analysis has become an important component of project management. Quantitative risk analysis attempts to assign independently objective monetary values to the components of the risk assessment and to the assessment of the potential loss. According to Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK  ® Guide, Third edition 2004, Project Management Institute) â€Å"Quantitative Risk Analysis is performed on risks that have been prioritized by the Qualitative Risk Analysis process as potentially and substantially impacting project ‘s completing demands. The Quantitative Risk Analysis process analyzes the effect of those risk events and assigns a numerical rating to those risks.† (PMBOK Guide, 2004) This method gives the project manager a foresight as to how the project would progress if risks associated with it would occur. Hence due to this method the project mangers are able to counter these risks and also account to better execution of projects. A quantitative risk analysis offers the following distinct advantages: much more neutrality is involved in this assessment offers much more advantages to management when compared to assessment techniques More powerful selling tool to management It is very flexible in nature and can be moulded to different situations. It can be adjusted according to the needs of specific industries. Its appeal is very universal in nature and hence does not give rise to much disagreements The base facts of the analysis are very convincing ones. In order to implement quantitative risk analysis, the total estimated value that would account to the losses that would occur due to time delay, theft or loss of data is to be calculated. Then a probability analysis is done so that the chances of the risk occurring can be calculated. After all this is done in the final step the annual loss expectancy is calculated. (Miller). A quantitative risk analysis analyses the results that certain controversial units would have on outcomes that we are most concerned about such as loss, profit and investment returns. Quantitative risk gives different perspectives on different people: To the security consultant: To attract newly started businesses by adapting quantitative analysis to access projects that were out of reach in the past. If the projects met up to the predicted return on investment then it could serve as a better tool for marketing. To the companys upper management: Less vulnerable to company politics time required for assessing proposal validity is very less Inter- relates final results to financial aims and goals. Quantitative risk analysis assists managers in analyzing whether the projects can be completed in a particular time frame and within the required estimated budget. It also helps in finding out the key parameters that would determine the success or failure of the project. It also helps in finding out whether the project is worth investing in for investors. But all these data should have some historical backing otherwise they would be rendered meaningless. These data should be updated from time to time during the due course of the project taking the actual input parameters into consideration. This in other terms is also known as â€Å"Garbage In – Garbage Out. Even though all this is done project management is subject to certain biases. The most basic solution is to collect data from qualitative project management software. This kind of integration has already been implemented and has been successful in the past as well. Quantitative risk analysis tools initiate Monte Carlo process to find out how risks would have an impact on project schedules. The most well known methods for simulating risks and other problems is Event Chain Methodology. In this methodology all the projects tat are present are effected by certain external parameters which could in turn change the face of the project. These events should be analysed with the help of the qualitative risk management software. This is an important aspect as these measures could give rise to event chains that can alter the course of the project. By finding out these event chains the risks involved can be reduced. Quantitative risk analysis is more related to implementing safety measures when compared to qualitative risk analysis is. This risk analysis when implemented by companies tries to protect the firm from every defined risk. It also helps in determining which counter method can be used for minimizing the risks involved with projects. In this method the risk assessments are generally represented in graphs and probability charts which generates a clear understanding among firms and hence is also favoured by management teams. 2.6 Qualitative Risk Analysis: Qualitative risk analysis forms as primary source of data for further evaluations. It acts as an initial screening for all activities associated with the project to identify the possible risks that may or may not require further analysis (Quantitative). Sometimes managers tend to overlook simple risks which may cause substantial damage while looking for more complex ones which might not be that important. Also studying the project document and technologies used might help identifying certain generic risks. For example, a project which uses widely used or known components poses minimal threats when compared to using first to use or more advanced technology. Qualitative analysis helps prioritizing such risks according to the level they affect the final project objectives. This helps the managers with the decision making on how best they can plan the project in a safe way. While doing qualitative risk analysis, managers generally tend to include their personal and previous experiences in dealing with similar kind of projects or tasks. They asses the importance of risk factors according to their experience. In this process we first identify what are the main sources from where risk can originate. This is done by conducting interviews and getting feedback fro questioners. Then an assessment is done to increase the level of understanding of each risk and the extent to which they could affect the project. For this qualitative risk analysis process there is no probability database required and it is widely used analysis by the organisations. 2.7 Techniques used for Qualitative Analysis: The most common methods of obtaining necessary data for screening risks are: To know the stakeholders and shareholders interests regarding the current project. Collecting critical information from stakeholders and clients to analyze the final objectives in a realistic way. Understanding the organizational structure and policies to carry out the task efficiently. Using effective benchmarking techniques from projects handled previously. Understanding the key objectives and criticality of each task associated with the project to categorize risks according to their importance. However, after collecting the information and assigning the risk factors to different grids or categories, the managers need to decide on the need to go for further investigation and to implement effective risk management plans. In order to do this, every manager should ask themselves a few questions such as: What are the critical phases in the project and where the potential risks are going wrong during that phase? The effect of that risk in carrying out the tasks related to the respective phases and how its delaying the overall project. Weather the potential risks can be eliminated by simple methods or changes in the project plan or they are far too complex to minimize without using further analysis and sophisticated techniques. When a manager could answer these questions, he would be in a position to effectively plan and implement risk aversion plans by using appropriate tools or techniques. The Qualitative risk analysis gives the manager a true power of information to make his decision. Generally the qualitative risk analysis will be succeeded by quantitative risk analysis which gives more insight on numbers such as project period, completion dates and budget. 3. Organisational Risk Analysis: The combination of a threat and the resulting impact to the organisation defines the risk to the organisation. It is an important task that we asses all the intricate issues that the organisation is facing. Only after this assessment we can know the overall risk that the firm is facing and the appropriate counter methods that can be implemented in minimizing these risks. When a risk assessment is carried out we take an over all perspective on behalf of the organisation. We first find out every major business processes that take place in the organisation and then we focus on the situations from where risks would arise. We then provide detailed list to management of the different types of risk involved so that management can counter with them.. The National Audit Office Report Managing Risks to Improve Public Services ( NAO 2004) identified five key aspects of organisational risk analysis and made recommendations for improving organisational risk analysis practice in central government. Sufficient time, resource and top level commitment needs to be devoted to handling risks in an organisation. Responsibility and accountability for risks need to be clear, backed up by scrutiny and robust challenge to provide assurance. In an Organisation, departments need to base their judgements about risks on reliable, timely and up to date information. Risk analysis needs to be applied throughout departments delivery networks. Departments need to continue to develop their understanding of the common risks they share and work together to manage them. An Organisational Risk Analysis is a tool for governance and getting its †¦ Students Paper: Direct Quote: †¦ getting its right is important. Selecting the correct method for performing the analysis is †¦ http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Assessing+Organizational+Risk.-a063326228 †¦ getting it right is important. Selecting the correct method for performing the assessment is †¦ †¦ analysis is a critical first step. Successful audit staff or risk analysis team creates evaluation criteria that will be used to evaluate the risks to the organisation. The analysis team reviews each risk and assigns it an impact value. Successful audit staff uses some basic approaches to determine which technique will provide the most value for the organisation. Organisational Risk Analysis is a very important factor while handling projects for all organisations in todays business world. In any project that is undertaken risk is present. It depends on the nature of the project. Some projects are riskier when compared to others; this is due to the kind of risk, the technology present and the environment in which they are encountered. Project management has been designed to coordinate and be in charge of complicated and different business processes in different field such as IT and industrial sectors. (Web2, 2009) This above diagram shows how an organisation relates with other departments like software, technology and environment etc. Handling with any of them causes uncertainties or risks. To overcome those risks associated in projects, ORA (Organisational Risk Analysis) helps. Risk is uncertainty of outcome, and good risk analysis allows an organisation to: Have increased confidence in achieving its desired outcomes Effectively constrain threats to acceptable levels Take informed decisions about exploiting opportunities. When ever we will get a change this risk occurs for those organisations. It is important to understand effect of change and the results of change as these are important in devising an appropriate strategy. Those are Developmental: â€Å"It is a change which enhances or corrects existing aspects of an organisation, often focusing on the progress of a skill or process. â€Å" Transitional: It is episodic, planned and fundamental. Most of the organisational change literature is based on this type of change only. Transformational: It is radical in nature; it requires a change in assumptions made by the organisation and by its people. Using these types of changes and its characteristics can be placed beside two scales: radical- incremental and core- peripheral (Pennington 2003). The diagram above shows us how difficult it is introduce a particular decision into the market and the number of changes that may result in introducing this decision. If major changes are made to the central business then it would initiate a lot of disturbance. The processes that are associated with the core business can be changed as they can be adjusted in the due course of time; this is mostly for firms who are involved with continuous improvement. Successful audit staff or risk analysis team generally use any of the three basic approaches. The database approach The algorithm approach The matrix approach Understanding the strengths and weakness of each method is essential for determining which technique will provide the most value for the organisation. 3.1 The Database Approach: For assessing any kind of organisational risk, compiling a risk database is a popular method. Here each work group is interviewed and the main products and processes are identified where the risks associated with each process are displayed. These are then stocked in a database from where similar reports can be accessed for reference so that the risk faced by the work unit can be analysed. This database approach is chosen by so many accounting firms and it is favoured by them, which may tag it as â€Å"risk profiling †¦ Students Paper: Direct Quote: †¦ the analysis is a critical first step. Successful audit staff or risk †¦ http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Assessing+Organizational+Risk.-a063326228 †¦ the assessment is a critical first step. Successful audit staffs generally use †¦ †¦ or risk analysis team creates evaluation criteria that will be used to evaluate the risks to the organisation. The analysis team reviews each risk and assigns it an impact value. Successful audit staff uses some basic approaches to †¦ Students Paper: Direct Quote: †¦ approaches to determine which technique will provide the most value for the organisation. Organisational †¦ http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Assessing+Organizational+Risk.-a063326228 †¦ is essential for determining which technique will provide the most value for the organization. THE †¦ †¦ organisation. Organisational Risk Analysis is a very important factor while handling projects for all organisations in todays business world. In any project that is undertaken risk is present. It depends on the nature of the project. Some projects are riskier when compared to others; this is due to the kind of risk, the technology present and the environment in which they are encountered. Project management has been designed to coordinate and be in charge of complicated and different business processes in different field such as IT and industrial sectors. (Web2, 2009) This above diagram shows how an organisation relates with other departments like software, technology and environment etc. Handling with any of them causes uncertainties or risks. To overcome those risks associated in projects, ORA (Organisational Risk Analysis) helps. Risk is uncertainty of outcome, and good risk analysis allows an organisation to: Have increased confidence in achieving its desired outcomes Effectively constrain threats to acceptable levels Take informed decisions about exploiting opportunities. When ever we will get a change this risk occurs for those organisations. It is important to understand effect of change and the results of change as these are important in devising an appropriate strategy. Those are Developmental: â€Å"It is a change which enhances or corrects existing aspects of an organisation, often focusing on the progress of a skill or process. â€Å" Transitional Organisational Risk Management in Project Management Organisational Risk Management in Project Management CHAPTER 2 2.1 Preview This chapter provides the reader about the theory and rationale behind the use of Organisational Risk Analysis (ORA) on project management and its methodologies available in the market. It will also cover the work of different authors to afford better understanding of the subjected area i.e. Project management, Risk analysis and Organisational risk analysis. The source of information of this literature review is mainly from books, journals and white papers. 2.2 Introduction Through this literature review one can know what others understanding about this study i.e. nothing but historical perspectives. First part of the literature focuses on project management and risk analysis and risk analysis types, second part of this literature focuses on Organisational Risk Analysis (ORA) and Role of ORA in Project management. It mainly concentrates on Project management, risk analysis and organisational risk analysis. 2.3 Introduction to Project Management: PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge as defined by the Project Management Institute — PMI):Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements. (PMI 2004) According to James P. Lewis â€Å"The Project management is facilitating the planning, scheduling and controlling of all activities that must be done to achieve project objectives† (James P. Lewis: 2007) PRINCE 2 project management methodology: The planning, monitoring and control of all aspects of the project and the motivation of all those involved in it to achieve the project objectives on time and to the specified cost, quality and performance. A project is usually one time activity with a well defined set of desired and results. It can be divided into subtasks that must be accomplished in order to achieve the project goals. In this day and age also it is assumed that project management can be enhanced by scientific methods. There is a very strong reason why these beliefs are created, it all accounts to the fact that todays modern world has given professionals numerous amount of opportunities to execute their projects successfully. Such are the kind of investment options that are given to project investors. They are briefed with all the minute details so that they feel that their investment is secure. They also make sure that the estimated time of completion and the end can be calculated at the beginning of the project itself. The decisions that are taken on a technical basis or which are taken looking at the low opportunity costs that it presents are reversible in nature. The demand for resources can also be calculated once the initial parameters such as the duration and time frame of the project are estimated. Due to the advancement in technology even the most terrible consequences can be predicted. à ¢â‚¬Å"The failure of the project was due to the lack of skills rather than an inappropriate feasibility, suitability or acceptability of the solution. This is a normal–science view of project management.† (Charette and Robert, 1996) The projection of ideas and activities into new accomplishments are one of the common characteristics of all projects. There are many different definitions of what constitutes project management such as â€Å"An unique set of co-ordinated activities, with definite starting and finishing points, undertaken by an individual or a team to meet specific objectives within a definite period of time, cost and performance parameters† (Office of Government Commerce). (Web4, 2009) J. Pinto and Prescott (1990) stated, â€Å"Researchers in project management need to first and most importantly offer a comprehensive, inclusive, and clear definition of project success before attempting to undertake studies of the project implementation process†. (J.Pinto and Prescott, 1990) The modern project management started in 1950s, before this period projects were executed in an unplanned manner and the methods and tools used for execution were not professional in nature. The importance of project management is a very important topic because all organisations i.e. either be they are small or large organisations, those are involved in implementing new accomplishments. These accomplishments may be diverse, such as, the improvement of an innovative product, introducing a new range of products in a manufacturing base, a promotional advertisement or a major construction project. In the 1980s the focus was more on the quality of work. Globalisation played a huge role in the 1990s as we were trying to improve our economy, the 2000s saw projects with decreased time frames. A new field known as project management was developing from all new areas of application which included construction, engineering, telecommunications, and defence. This emerging field has now become an important part of our economy as it has produced a string of fabulous results. Hence it is now being applied by the corporate world as well as the government. Duncan Haughey (2008) explained some main definitions of what project management is: â€Å"Project management is not a continuous process. It has a definite beginning and end.† â€Å"Project management uses various tools to measure accomplishments and track project tasks. These include Work Breakdown Structures, Gantt charts and PERT charts.† â€Å"Projects frequently need resources on an ad-hoc basis as opposed to organisations that have only dedicated full-time positions.† â€Å"Project management reduces risk and increases the chance of success.† â€Å"Successful project management is delivering your projects on time, to brief and within budget.† (Duncan Haughy, 2008) 2.3.1 Methodology of Project Management: According to Bradley (2002) Project management methodology means â€Å"Project Management Methodology focuses on the project and can be in any industry and any type of projects ranging from construction to aerospace industries and from projects of Financial to IT in nature, it encompasses all projects† The above diagram shows the main components of one of the main project management methodology. Some of the elements like project start-up and project closure occur only once. The remaining elements like planning, managing and controlling, form an interactive cycle that may repeat many times before the completion of the project. In other words we can also say project management is the discipline of planning, organising and managing resources to bring about the successful completion of specific projects goals and objectives. Each and every project is different in nature. Any project would involve a certain amount of risk and hence require perfect planning and execution if they have to succeed. The main aim of project management is to predict any complications or problems in the project well before hand so that when the project plan is made all these factors can also be taken into consideration and hence the chances of the project being completed successfully would be much higher. Almost every project we do in todays business world involve a risk of some kind: change in customer needs, unrealistic time scales, inappropriate staff, poor project specifications , failure to manage user expectations could delay the project. Projects need to be performed and delivered under certain constraints. Traditionally these constraints have been listed as scope, time and quality. This is also called as ‘project management triangle. One side of the triangle cannot be changed without affecting others. The time constraint refers to the amount of time available to complete a project, scope refers to what must be done to produce the projects end result and cost refers to the budgeted amount available for the project. Increasing Scope ( Increasing Time + Increasing Cost Decreasing Time ( Increasing Cost + Reducing Scope Tight Budget ( Increase Time + Reducing Scope. If we modify any of the factors, the other two has to be changed, if not the risk may appear high. But formal risk analysis and risk management can help you to assess these risks and decide what action to take to minimize disruptions to your project plans. According to J. Davidson Frame (2007) the basic outline of project management is described below Project managers bear ultimate responsibility for making things happen. Traditionally, they have carried out this role as mere implementers. To do their jobs they needed to have basic administrative and technical competencies. Today they play a far broader role. In addition to the traditional skills, they need to have business skills, customer relations skills, and political skills. Psychologically, they must be results-oriented self-starters with a high tolerance for ambiguity, because little is clear-cut in todays tumultuous business environment. Shortcomings in any of these areas can lead to project failure. – (J. Davidson Frame, 2007) Project management is discipline that applies to any project; every company has their own way of doing their projects. The project management is not very easy it is totally a leadership position and with technical talent it cannot be done. Project manager without enough experience cannot hold for a long-time on the same project if the assumption of the company goes wrong in selecting the project manager it will be in risk. (Sanjay Murthi, Preventive Risk Management for Software Projects) 2.4 Risk Analysis: The word ‘RISK derives from the early Italian risicare, which means ‘TO DARE. (Websters Dictionary: 1989) One of the most important activities in project management is to identify and manage the uncertainties and problems during the project tenure. When dealing with research and development projects it must be made note of that the number of events present are very high which could alter the course of the project The amount of risk involved in the project would mainly depend on the size of the project. The contractors of the project are the people who deal with the risks of the project, their main duties would involve to identify risks. Then they study them and find as solution so that could remove or minimize them. Apart form this they should also have a clear understanding of the different types of risk involved and ways as to how they can be managed and projects can be completed in a risk free manner. (The Owners Role in Project Risk Management National Research Council (U.S.A). Committee for Oversight and Assessment of U.S. the national academic press, Washington DC). A report that shows assets, vulnerabilities, likelihood of damage, estimates of the costs of recovery, summaries of possible defensive measures and their costs and estimated probable savings from better protection. A risk analysis is the process of assessing the level of risk involved, this is also known as a threat and risk assessment. A threat is a harmful act such as the deployment of a virus or illegal network penetration. A risk is the expectation that a threat may succeed and the potential damage that can occur. (Web1, 2009) Risk analysis allows you to examine the risks that your organization faces. It is the process of systematically identifying and assessing the potential risks and uncertainties that occur when trying to achieve a certain goal (like reaching a target income or finishing a project), and then finding a feasible strategy for most efficiently controlling those risks. ‘The systematic process to understand the nature of and to deduce the level of risk. It provides the basis for risk evaluation and decisions about risk treatment. (AS/NZS 4360:2004 (p. 4). According to Michael R. Greenberg †Risk Analysis ranked among the top 10 journals in the ISI Journal Citation Reports under the social sciences, mathematical methods category is designed to meet the need for organization, integration, and communication and provide a focal point for new developments in the field.† (Michael R. Greenberg: 2008) Evidence from the literature suggests that project managers perform risk analysis because somebody else, e.g. their client, the parent company or the Government, has demanded it (Boothroyd, 1996; Smith, 1998). The analysis of risk is being increasingly viewed as a field in itself, and the demand for a more orderly and formal treatment of risk is great. This international journal is committed to publishing critical empirical research, conference proceedings, and commentaries dealing with risk issues. In other terms we can say the measure of risk can be determined as a product of threat, vulnerability and asset value in an organisation. Risk = Asset * Threat * Vulnerability. Risk analysis may play an important role in cost- benefit studies, which compare the costs of a particular action or project against its potential benefits. It is a systematic study of uncertainties and risks we encounter in business, engineering and many other areas. Risk analysts seek to identify the risks faced by an organization or a business unit, understand how and when they arise, and estimate the impact of adverse outcomes. Techniques used in risk analysis include sensitivity analysis, probability analysis, simulation and modeling. Risk analysis may be used to develop an organizational risk profile, and also may be the first stage in risk management program. Risk analysis may be undertaken to varying degrees of detail depending upon the risk, the purpose of the analysis, and the information, data and resources available. In todays world where competition has become global, it is very important that firms control the different kinds of risk that they are dealing with as it has become an essential part in achieving corporate success. The people who are involved such as customers, investors and others asking companies for complete transparency on their investments. Thus risk analysis is necessary to protect an organisations competitive position. Most industries are particularly plagued by risks, but it has been slow in realising the potential benefits of sound and systematic risk management (Al-Bahar and Crandall, 1990; Ward et. al. 1991; Thomson and Perry, 1992; Flanagan and Norman, 1993; Raftery, 1994; Fellows, 1996; Edward and Bowen, 1998).While coming for the software industries risk analysis and management are a sequential progression that help in guiding a software team in understanding and managing risks. A risk is a potential problem, it might happen, it might not. But regardless of the outcome it is really good idea to identify it, assess its probability of occurrence, estimate the impact and establish a contingency plan should the problem actually occurs. According to Bernstein â€Å"the mystery of risk is a critical step in the development of modern society. One can discuss the validity of his conclusion, but there should be no doubt that risk and uncertainty are important concepts to address for supporting decision-making in many situations†. This Risk Analysis may be qualitative, semi-qualitative or quantitative or a combination of these three, depending on the circumstances. The criticality of risk analysis doesnt wholly depend on identifying the risk factors. It also depends on categorizing them according to their threat level. So let us see how the whole concept of risk analysis starts. There are two types of risk analysis. Both these methods are very important in the assessment of risk and can be executed in any order. It is very important to understand the difference between these two risks as there is a very thin line separating them. Those are: Quantitative Risk Analysis Qualitative Risk Analysis (Identification of types of risk analysis) 2.5. Quantitative Risk Analysis: Quantitative Risk Analysis has become an important component of project management. Quantitative risk analysis attempts to assign independently objective monetary values to the components of the risk assessment and to the assessment of the potential loss. According to Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK  ® Guide, Third edition 2004, Project Management Institute) â€Å"Quantitative Risk Analysis is performed on risks that have been prioritized by the Qualitative Risk Analysis process as potentially and substantially impacting project ‘s completing demands. The Quantitative Risk Analysis process analyzes the effect of those risk events and assigns a numerical rating to those risks.† (PMBOK Guide, 2004) This method gives the project manager a foresight as to how the project would progress if risks associated with it would occur. Hence due to this method the project mangers are able to counter these risks and also account to better execution of projects. A quantitative risk analysis offers the following distinct advantages: much more neutrality is involved in this assessment offers much more advantages to management when compared to assessment techniques More powerful selling tool to management It is very flexible in nature and can be moulded to different situations. It can be adjusted according to the needs of specific industries. Its appeal is very universal in nature and hence does not give rise to much disagreements The base facts of the analysis are very convincing ones. In order to implement quantitative risk analysis, the total estimated value that would account to the losses that would occur due to time delay, theft or loss of data is to be calculated. Then a probability analysis is done so that the chances of the risk occurring can be calculated. After all this is done in the final step the annual loss expectancy is calculated. (Miller). A quantitative risk analysis analyses the results that certain controversial units would have on outcomes that we are most concerned about such as loss, profit and investment returns. Quantitative risk gives different perspectives on different people: To the security consultant: To attract newly started businesses by adapting quantitative analysis to access projects that were out of reach in the past. If the projects met up to the predicted return on investment then it could serve as a better tool for marketing. To the companys upper management: Less vulnerable to company politics time required for assessing proposal validity is very less Inter- relates final results to financial aims and goals. Quantitative risk analysis assists managers in analyzing whether the projects can be completed in a particular time frame and within the required estimated budget. It also helps in finding out the key parameters that would determine the success or failure of the project. It also helps in finding out whether the project is worth investing in for investors. But all these data should have some historical backing otherwise they would be rendered meaningless. These data should be updated from time to time during the due course of the project taking the actual input parameters into consideration. This in other terms is also known as â€Å"Garbage In – Garbage Out. Even though all this is done project management is subject to certain biases. The most basic solution is to collect data from qualitative project management software. This kind of integration has already been implemented and has been successful in the past as well. Quantitative risk analysis tools initiate Monte Carlo process to find out how risks would have an impact on project schedules. The most well known methods for simulating risks and other problems is Event Chain Methodology. In this methodology all the projects tat are present are effected by certain external parameters which could in turn change the face of the project. These events should be analysed with the help of the qualitative risk management software. This is an important aspect as these measures could give rise to event chains that can alter the course of the project. By finding out these event chains the risks involved can be reduced. Quantitative risk analysis is more related to implementing safety measures when compared to qualitative risk analysis is. This risk analysis when implemented by companies tries to protect the firm from every defined risk. It also helps in determining which counter method can be used for minimizing the risks involved with projects. In this method the risk assessments are generally represented in graphs and probability charts which generates a clear understanding among firms and hence is also favoured by management teams. 2.6 Qualitative Risk Analysis: Qualitative risk analysis forms as primary source of data for further evaluations. It acts as an initial screening for all activities associated with the project to identify the possible risks that may or may not require further analysis (Quantitative). Sometimes managers tend to overlook simple risks which may cause substantial damage while looking for more complex ones which might not be that important. Also studying the project document and technologies used might help identifying certain generic risks. For example, a project which uses widely used or known components poses minimal threats when compared to using first to use or more advanced technology. Qualitative analysis helps prioritizing such risks according to the level they affect the final project objectives. This helps the managers with the decision making on how best they can plan the project in a safe way. While doing qualitative risk analysis, managers generally tend to include their personal and previous experiences in dealing with similar kind of projects or tasks. They asses the importance of risk factors according to their experience. In this process we first identify what are the main sources from where risk can originate. This is done by conducting interviews and getting feedback fro questioners. Then an assessment is done to increase the level of understanding of each risk and the extent to which they could affect the project. For this qualitative risk analysis process there is no probability database required and it is widely used analysis by the organisations. 2.7 Techniques used for Qualitative Analysis: The most common methods of obtaining necessary data for screening risks are: To know the stakeholders and shareholders interests regarding the current project. Collecting critical information from stakeholders and clients to analyze the final objectives in a realistic way. Understanding the organizational structure and policies to carry out the task efficiently. Using effective benchmarking techniques from projects handled previously. Understanding the key objectives and criticality of each task associated with the project to categorize risks according to their importance. However, after collecting the information and assigning the risk factors to different grids or categories, the managers need to decide on the need to go for further investigation and to implement effective risk management plans. In order to do this, every manager should ask themselves a few questions such as: What are the critical phases in the project and where the potential risks are going wrong during that phase? The effect of that risk in carrying out the tasks related to the respective phases and how its delaying the overall project. Weather the potential risks can be eliminated by simple methods or changes in the project plan or they are far too complex to minimize without using further analysis and sophisticated techniques. When a manager could answer these questions, he would be in a position to effectively plan and implement risk aversion plans by using appropriate tools or techniques. The Qualitative risk analysis gives the manager a true power of information to make his decision. Generally the qualitative risk analysis will be succeeded by quantitative risk analysis which gives more insight on numbers such as project period, completion dates and budget. 3. Organisational Risk Analysis: The combination of a threat and the resulting impact to the organisation defines the risk to the organisation. It is an important task that we asses all the intricate issues that the organisation is facing. Only after this assessment we can know the overall risk that the firm is facing and the appropriate counter methods that can be implemented in minimizing these risks. When a risk assessment is carried out we take an over all perspective on behalf of the organisation. We first find out every major business processes that take place in the organisation and then we focus on the situations from where risks would arise. We then provide detailed list to management of the different types of risk involved so that management can counter with them.. The National Audit Office Report Managing Risks to Improve Public Services ( NAO 2004) identified five key aspects of organisational risk analysis and made recommendations for improving organisational risk analysis practice in central government. Sufficient time, resource and top level commitment needs to be devoted to handling risks in an organisation. Responsibility and accountability for risks need to be clear, backed up by scrutiny and robust challenge to provide assurance. In an Organisation, departments need to base their judgements about risks on reliable, timely and up to date information. Risk analysis needs to be applied throughout departments delivery networks. Departments need to continue to develop their understanding of the common risks they share and work together to manage them. An Organisational Risk Analysis is a tool for governance and getting its †¦ Students Paper: Direct Quote: †¦ getting its right is important. Selecting the correct method for performing the analysis is †¦ http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Assessing+Organizational+Risk.-a063326228 †¦ getting it right is important. Selecting the correct method for performing the assessment is †¦ †¦ analysis is a critical first step. Successful audit staff or risk analysis team creates evaluation criteria that will be used to evaluate the risks to the organisation. The analysis team reviews each risk and assigns it an impact value. Successful audit staff uses some basic approaches to determine which technique will provide the most value for the organisation. Organisational Risk Analysis is a very important factor while handling projects for all organisations in todays business world. In any project that is undertaken risk is present. It depends on the nature of the project. Some projects are riskier when compared to others; this is due to the kind of risk, the technology present and the environment in which they are encountered. Project management has been designed to coordinate and be in charge of complicated and different business processes in different field such as IT and industrial sectors. (Web2, 2009) This above diagram shows how an organisation relates with other departments like software, technology and environment etc. Handling with any of them causes uncertainties or risks. To overcome those risks associated in projects, ORA (Organisational Risk Analysis) helps. Risk is uncertainty of outcome, and good risk analysis allows an organisation to: Have increased confidence in achieving its desired outcomes Effectively constrain threats to acceptable levels Take informed decisions about exploiting opportunities. When ever we will get a change this risk occurs for those organisations. It is important to understand effect of change and the results of change as these are important in devising an appropriate strategy. Those are Developmental: â€Å"It is a change which enhances or corrects existing aspects of an organisation, often focusing on the progress of a skill or process. â€Å" Transitional: It is episodic, planned and fundamental. Most of the organisational change literature is based on this type of change only. Transformational: It is radical in nature; it requires a change in assumptions made by the organisation and by its people. Using these types of changes and its characteristics can be placed beside two scales: radical- incremental and core- peripheral (Pennington 2003). The diagram above shows us how difficult it is introduce a particular decision into the market and the number of changes that may result in introducing this decision. If major changes are made to the central business then it would initiate a lot of disturbance. The processes that are associated with the core business can be changed as they can be adjusted in the due course of time; this is mostly for firms who are involved with continuous improvement. Successful audit staff or risk analysis team generally use any of the three basic approaches. The database approach The algorithm approach The matrix approach Understanding the strengths and weakness of each method is essential for determining which technique will provide the most value for the organisation. 3.1 The Database Approach: For assessing any kind of organisational risk, compiling a risk database is a popular method. Here each work group is interviewed and the main products and processes are identified where the risks associated with each process are displayed. These are then stocked in a database from where similar reports can be accessed for reference so that the risk faced by the work unit can be analysed. This database approach is chosen by so many accounting firms and it is favoured by them, which may tag it as â€Å"risk profiling †¦ Students Paper: Direct Quote: †¦ the analysis is a critical first step. Successful audit staff or risk †¦ http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Assessing+Organizational+Risk.-a063326228 †¦ the assessment is a critical first step. Successful audit staffs generally use †¦ †¦ or risk analysis team creates evaluation criteria that will be used to evaluate the risks to the organisation. The analysis team reviews each risk and assigns it an impact value. Successful audit staff uses some basic approaches to †¦ Students Paper: Direct Quote: †¦ approaches to determine which technique will provide the most value for the organisation. Organisational †¦ http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Assessing+Organizational+Risk.-a063326228 †¦ is essential for determining which technique will provide the most value for the organization. THE †¦ †¦ organisation. Organisational Risk Analysis is a very important factor while handling projects for all organisations in todays business world. In any project that is undertaken risk is present. It depends on the nature of the project. Some projects are riskier when compared to others; this is due to the kind of risk, the technology present and the environment in which they are encountered. Project management has been designed to coordinate and be in charge of complicated and different business processes in different field such as IT and industrial sectors. (Web2, 2009) This above diagram shows how an organisation relates with other departments like software, technology and environment etc. Handling with any of them causes uncertainties or risks. To overcome those risks associated in projects, ORA (Organisational Risk Analysis) helps. Risk is uncertainty of outcome, and good risk analysis allows an organisation to: Have increased confidence in achieving its desired outcomes Effectively constrain threats to acceptable levels Take informed decisions about exploiting opportunities. When ever we will get a change this risk occurs for those organisations. It is important to understand effect of change and the results of change as these are important in devising an appropriate strategy. Those are Developmental: â€Å"It is a change which enhances or corrects existing aspects of an organisation, often focusing on the progress of a skill or process. â€Å" Transitional

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Donnes Holy Sonnet XIV - Batter my heart, three persond God Essays

Donne's Holy Sonnet XIV - Batter my heart, three person'd God Batter my heart, three person'd God; for, you As yet but knocke, breathe, shine, and seeke to mend; That I may rise, and stand, o'erthrow me, 'and bend Your force, to breake, blowe, burn and make me new. I, like an usurpt towne, t'another due, Labor to 'admit you, but Oh, to no end, Reason your viceroy in me, me should defend, But is captiv'd, and proves weake or untrue, Yet dearely'I love you, and would be lov'd faine, But am betroth'd unto your enemy, Divorce me, 'untie, or breake that knot againe Take me to you, imprison me, for I Except you 'enthrall me, never shall be free, Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me. --John Donne The analogous language of romantic passion ("I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine" [Song Sol. 2.16, New International Version]) and intellectual paradox ("Whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it" [Matt. 10.39, NIV]) has always seemed natural to those seeking to understand and speak of spiritual mysteries. Even so, John Donne's image of the Divine Rape in the "Holy Sonnet XIV," by which the victim becomes, or remains, chaste is at first startling; we are not accustomed to such spiritual intensity.[1] Previous explications have attempted to downplay this figure; for example, Thomas J. Steele, SJ [The Explicator 29 (1971): 74], maintains that the "sexual meaning" is "a secondary meaning" and "probably not meant to be explicitly affirmed." Moreover, George Knox [The Explicator 15 (1956): 2] writes that the poem does not "require our imagining literally the relation between man and God in heterosexual terms" and that "the traditions of Christian mysticism allow such symbol ism of ... ... as he tears down, possesses as he frees, is as honorable as passionate--that is, in him all paradoxes find their supra-rational resolution, resolution not only presented in the imagery of the closing couplet, but reflected in the sudden tranquillity of the completely regular iambic pentameter. Thus Donne links content to form throughout the "Holy Sonnet XIV." His aesthetic presentation of the relationships "implicit in the ancient theological conceit of the righteous soul's marriage to God"[3] is therefore doubly moving. NOTES 1. John Donne, "Holy Sonnet XIV," John Donne: The Complete English Poems, ed. A. J. Smith (New York: Penguin, 1984) 314-315. 2. William Karrigan, "The Fearful Accommodations of John Donne," John Donne and the Seventeenth-Century Metaphysical Poets, ed. Harold Bloom (New York: Chelsea House, 1986) 44. 3. Karrigan, 40.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Masculinity vs. Femininity in Chinua Achebes Things Fall Apart Essay

Masculinity vs. Femininity in Things Fall Apart   If viewed on the surface the story line of Things Fall Apart is a tragedy, but when viewed in a wider perspective it is a story of deeper conflict. The main issue is that the British have come to establish a mission and receive converts. Less evident is the conflict this intrusion inserts between the Ibo and British. The underlying issue is masculinity versus femininity. By this I mean to say that the Ibo are an agrarian people who are a patriarchal and see any sign of weakness as being less than desirable. The protagonist in the story, Okonkwo, is the champion of this thought. As what would happen to him seems to happen to the Ibo. When Okonkwo disagrees he is usually correct and the tribe would suffer the same fate and vice versa. In the novel the Chi is a powerful spirit that determines a man's lot in life. One such instance is when Okonkwo was disbanded from his home for a Feminine murder; Clearly his personal god or Chi was not made for great things. A man could not rise above the destiny of his Chi. The saying of his elders was not true---that a man who said yea his Chi also affirmed. Here was a man whose Chi said nay despite his own affirmations. (p. 131) The Chi then is the most important aspect of Ibo society. The most compelling argument for conflict between the British colonists and the Ibo lies directly within the tribes Chi. Chi, as stated, is the will of a man. The Ibo are guided by this and believe that they can only rise to the level to which their personal God will allow. (p.131) This being the case the Ibo themselves are destined to rise only as far as their cumulative Chi will allow. If the Chi of the British is strong, eve... ...ung lazy and reliant on the whites. When Okonkwo's own son joins the church he must have felt a great sadness that his son was weak in mind, and would become softened by the white culture. Feminine versus masculine traits is the controversy in this instance. Okonkwo has built his whole life on the masculinity of the tribe. The masculinity is what helps the tribe survive. Chi as discussed in this novel is the concept most important to understanding the conflict within. Okonkwo's Chi is strong, and immersed the Umuofia in a battle with the British. Further underlying conflict resides in the lack of written law in African society, which led the British to assume they were not civilized, and in a constant state of anarchy. These characteristics coupled with an effeminate church led to the tragic end to Okonkwo's life, and eventually the Umuofia culture.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

The Most Influence People in Your Life

Ms Edwina, my co-worker, who is an accounting clerk at San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center, is the most influential person in my life because she has always supported me and given me hope. In fact, accepted to work as a payroll clerk with no accounting background and with my terrible English, I felt very stressful in learning a lot of new things at the same time, and I had no confidence in communicating with other people. Things did not improve, and I totally fell apart and wanted to give up after five months of working there.Fortunately, that was when Ms Edwina, my co-worker, who is an accounting clerk at San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center, is the most influential person in my life because she has always supported me and given me hope. In fact, accepted to work as a payroll clerk with no accounting background and with my terrible English, I felt very stressful in learning a lot of new things at the same time, and I had no confidence in communicating wi th other people. Things did not improve, and I totally fell apart and wanted to give up after five months of working there.Fortunately, that was when Ms. Edwina came back to work from her medical leave. The first time we met at work, I was immediately impressed with her brightly broad smile. Before long, when talking about the work I had been doing, she took her time to thoroughly explain to me about things I should understand like the workflows, and then she carefully taught me what I did not know how to handle. Since then, I have felt more and more confident and comfortable when working with her.Despite of her health problem, breast cancer, Ms. Edwina has always enjoyed her life fully, and devoted much of her time and effort to her job. More importantly, I soon learned that she was the most optimistic, encouraging and confident woman that I had ever known. I still remember the morning when I hopelessly sat at my desk crying bitterly after being yelled at by my boss only about a jo b I had not done very well. Frankly, I just wanted to quit the job right there and then. Again, luckily, Ms.Edwina came, gave me a big hug and calmly but friendly said to me, â€Å"Anh, life is not about never falling, but about the courage to get up strong again. As human beings, we all make mistakes but we must never lose hope. † Thanks to her, I finally could have the courage to go on with my challenging job every day. Better still, thanks to her, I do have hope for a better future, and I am now already working better, feeling better, and even living a better life. Ms. Edwina is truly the best teacher and friend in my life.