Product Complexity Defination

Product complexity definition What product â€Å"complexity† means to supply chain and the industry? It can be define differently based on the industry and the market. A lot people think complexity is the same meaning with complicacy or simplicity. Unfortunely, both of the definition is wrong because complexity is something that interacts among each other and sub divide it in all its single elements and lead to the solution of the problems. â€Å"Complexity makes a supply chain inflexible and inefficient,† Hoole writes. â€Å"It also hampers on time delivery and creates problems for product quality. From the manufacturing company stand point, it will cause complexity when the variety over the limit of the supply chain. For example, to serve the different types of logistics customer, better technologies to make the merchandise, the different types of the sales channel, handle different types of raw materials and components. Webster define complexity as 1a) the quality o r state being composed of two or more separate or analyzable items, parts, constituents, or symbol. 2a) having many varied parts, or elements, and consequently hard to understand. b) marked by involvement of many parts, aspects, and need earnest study or examination to understand it. Based on product design, it defines as proportional to the total number of design decision (Baldwin& Clark 2009). The number of functions designed into products (Griffin 1997a, 1997b), the numbers of components (Gupta&Krishnan 1999). Other than that, it defines as number of physical modules and by the degree of dependency (Kaski&Heikkila 2002). It also has three different definitions for the complex system like it is a system that mixes with the different parts in a complicated way and hard for the industry to understand. Flood &Carson 1988). According to Klir(1985), a system manifesting differentiation and connectively. Complexity is divided into 2 big categories multiplicity and relatedness into the p roducts. A lot of times, product complexity only call as ceteris paribus and it means a product contain more components or more interrelationship among it elements. Product complexity is defined as assessment about the number of components in a product. Industrial purchasing process can affect by a multitude of complexities induced by the nature of purchased products, the organizational structure and the influences of the external environment. Other than that, product complexity is directly link to the supply chain operation management. Because of this, Jacob literature defines the complexity supply chain by the number of parts and degree of unpredictability, represents by three facts: the number of components, extend of interactions, and degree of product novelty. Besides that, represent by the numbers of modules and markets, it also clear in the different types of the suppliers and their interaction. Because of this, Jacob define the product complexity as a design of multiplicity, relatedness to others, and product architecture elements. Multiplicity is a unique category and relatedness has three different types like similarity, complementary, and inter-connectedness. Complementary is for economic sense of a product like mp3 player and music player (Jacob). Similarity is merchandise that sharing the same components, provide the same functions, and same benefit role of the products to the market. Other than that, According to Ulrich’s (2005), inter-connectedness is a kind of connection of interface such as slot, and sectional typology. It also includes the logical and mechanical connection between two elements. For example, it modified of old products through the similarity of the components and the function of the products. (Jacob) Literature define Product portfolio complexity management as the combination of decisions, value systems, supporting process, and initiative pertaining to deciding and employing the most effective product portfolio like mix product types, feature sets, and components types. Product complexity has several levels in system theory according to Boulding and Simons (1956, 1962). In the literature, the levels of the products are product categories, the portfolio of a firm offering, and extend of the product components level. Based on Henderson literature, product complexity had 2 objectives of funding requirements (generating large amounts of cash and estimate long terms sales growth) and the risk mitigation. A lot of firms try to introduce the different types of products into the market to offset economic or political risk, as well as offer broader lines in the hope of increasing the opportunity of a product can become a runaway success. Mark) The other forces that like competitive positioning will cause a firm to offer more products. The impact of product complexity Product complexity will cause problem in supply chain process execution related to product supply, manufacture, innovation, delivery, and support. Product complexity play a main role of affirm operation, the impact of it are complexity management, inventory, and measure. Inventory is a very impo rtant force to tie the streams together into the complexity management like the reducing inventory level or cost, and also focus on improving inventory position. Based on Krishnan and Gupta (2001) literature, relatedness and multiplicity has the implicit relationship and they found out the benefit to increasing the use of the common platforms was the function of components costs. According to Hoole, we need to use the right metric to measures complexity and the leader need to focus more careful on product and component rationalization. After that, it can use the metric result to manage the number of components of a product more effectively than others. For instance, the unit costs of the components are standardized and not too high relative to alternative suitable components, the increasing of platform will beneficial. By doing this, the company has the advantageous on the cost effectively when they pursuing to the market segment because it increase the profit and decrease the complexity. A good combination of work cam emerged on the topic of modularity represent the increase of the complexity. It will enable scale economic (Pine, Victor & Boynton 1993), engineering efficiencies (Jacob), and improved coordination (Schilling 2000). All the benefits are shown analytically related to the cost components being standardized ( Fisher et al 1996). Modularity will have the importance impact on elements of competitive advantage according to the empirical research. Complexity wills increase cost and dominate the revenue benefit. (Lancaster, 1979; Moorthy, 1984). Product complexity affects the company economics of the transaction costs and the sourcing and design in operation management. There are 2 theoretical perspectives in the effect of product complexity into operations. Theory of performance frontiers (TPF) and transaction cost economics (TCE). Strategic on managing supply chain complexity One of the way to reducing the complexity problems is to follow lean production and Just In Times manufacturing ( Womack 1990) basically refer to the principle that â€Å"the leaner, the better. † According to the literature, a lots of the marketing managers, designers, and the engineers need to pay attention on the product innovation, mass customization, variety reduction program, value analysis, and modularization to managing the product complexity ( Perona 2004). According to the Perona literature, it has empirical evidences to show the ways to manage the complexity like the joint venture with the suppliers, product modularization, and information systems for production planning and control. The main issue is the supplier can help the company reduce complexity and improve company performance. Based on the information that collected from the companies show that the company has the stable relationship get the lower complexity score and the company with the short term relationship has the higher complexity and hard to manage. By investing in joint venture the suppliers can help companies saves times in managing commercial transactions, decrease defects rates in delivery merchandise, improve the transaction reliability, and reduce the effective stock reduction. The product reengineering has the most control on the products to link in between marketing and production; it will helps the them to cause miscommunication on the production process and improved their productions. Based on the transaction cost, company needs to decide either in house production or outsourcing of components. Some of the products are easy to outsourcing but it will cost a lot of production cost. Complexity always has the perspective the less complexity is always better because it focus on reduce the procurement cost from reducing unique parts. The numbers of components that required manufacturing products increase, the effort dedicated to ensuring conformance will increase. It will increase the cost to make the products. Another research mentions that production process link to the measures of research and development effectiveness. To ensure successful supply chain complexity management, the management team needs to set targets for both managing advantageous complexity and reducing disadvantageous complexity for the employee to follow and work on it to set the differentiation level. The other steps to manage supply chain complexity are to identify the different type of key complexity drivers. It can divide in 3 different categories like configuration and structure, products and services, and process and systems. Conclusion Some of the company likes complexity because it can increase their sales based on the product differentiation. Based on the sales return and cost, complexity can create the potential for the best level in product complexity portfolio. A lot of the company think that product complexity can help the company make different in the customer demand, the way on handle the supply chain and the relationship with supplier. Managing product complexity effectively can be daunting organizational task. Most if the times, the impact of the inventory of a company will reducing the safety stock to simplify the supply chain level based on the Degree of Commonality Index(DCI) increased. By doing this, it can help the company save money in the long term and reduce the transportation cost. If the company fail to handle the product and supply chain complexity will cause the company increased the cost and affect the quality of products in the lifecycle management. According to Hoole, it suggest the company to use the right metric to track complexity

How to Survive the First Year of College Essay

Everyone has a different college experience. The time we spend and relationships we form vary from person to person, but there are some commonalities most freshman experience in their first year in college. What follows are some simple and easy tips and suggestions to help those clueless and frightening incoming freshman survive their first year of college. The first tip of advice I would give anyone to make the most of their experience is to leave or expand comfort zones. To make the most of this time it will be inevitable to leave the bubble that have involuntarily formed over the past four years of high school. It is important to get out there and push the comfort levels that have been formed. Next, it is very important to make new friends. As we move away from high school and drift away from our past relationships, it is vital to form new relationships and make new friends to spend this important time of our lives with. Friends play a key role in our social growth and development. Friends will also play a crucial role in our college experience. They are there to support us and help us through the tough times that we all experience during college. They help us through the homesickness, relationships troubles, and anything else that comes our way and are possibly the single most important factor in surviving college. Another key to thriving in college is to get involved in extra-circular activities, groups, or teams. Getting involved is a great way to accomplish multiple of the above tips. This is an easy way to expand comfort zones and to meet new people in the process. Extra groups provide a good way to fill daily schedules and keep busy in between classes and homework. My next tip, is to go to class and to do the best possible in those classes. However, do not get overly stressed out or to focused on classes. When we become overly stressed nothing productive gets done and that benefits no one. Classes are important, however, missing a couple classes or not getting an A on that exam will not ruin any plans for the future. College is as much  a social experience as an educational one. It is important to find a good balance between the two and not to become consumed by the class work and studying. The next suggestion is the easiest. Find the library. The library is one of the most important buildings on campus. It is a nice quiet place that people go to study whenever they need to. When the dorm or apartment is bustling and focusing becomes too difficult, its nice to have somewhere quiet to go so that you can finish that project or write that essay. Lastly, enjoy your time in college. After college we enter the real world and workplace and it can be a scary thought. My best advice is just to make the most of these years and enjoy it in whatever way works best. So just relax and enjoy your time. College is a rollercoaster ride. No matter what we experience and no matter how different it may be it will have its ups and its downs. But when it comes down to it college is supposed to be one of the best times of our lives. So no matter what happens, the best advice anyone can give is just to enjoy the ride!

To what extent and in what ways is Fitzgerald purely critical of Gatsby?

Dreams are a large part of â€Å"The Great Gatsby†, both in the wider sense and in terms of individuals, and Gatsby is the character whose dream is focussed on the most. It is difficult to tell what Fitzgerald truly thinks, due to the fact that he uses Nick as the narrator – meaning the reader finds it hard to separate their feelings. However, by looking at how he presents the characters in the novel, and the society as a whole, we can perhaps see what Fitzgerald thinks about Gatsby's dreams in the novel. Fitzgerald's views are presented ambiguously in the novel, with the comparison to the rest of society being the main point against the title views, and the presentation of Daisy and materialism perhaps being the main arguments to support the statement in the title. One way in which Fitzgerald shows his views to the reader is in his presentation of Gatsby's dream itself, otherwise known as Daisy. From the beginning of the novel, she is presented by Fitzgerald as a rather annoying, simple character who seems to have very few redeeming qualities about her other than her looks. From her simple and repeated dialogue â€Å"Do you always watch for the longest day of the year and then miss it? I always watch for the longest day of the year and then miss it†, the reader is made to feel that Daisy has very little substance to her character, with the exception of her â€Å"low, thrilling† voice. Despite the reader having a screen in front of Fitzgerald's viewpoint in terms of Nick as the narrator, who clearly Fitzgerald intends to show as somewhat drawn to Daisy, we are still able to see that the only characteristics of Daisy's that are praised seem to be superficial. Therefore, when we are told that this woman has been Gatsby's dream and who he has built his life around for the past five years, it perhaps makes us question whether Fitzgerald is trying to portray Daisy as worthwhile of this dedication. This doubt arises I feel that if Fitzgerald was applauding Gatsby's dream of Daisy, he perhaps may have presented her as a more likeable, intelligent character with qualities that could easily be admired universally. As a result of this portrayal of Daisy, I believe it shows Fitzgerald to be mainly critical of Gatsby and his dream. However, this could depend on the era that the individual is based in – readers today could find Daisy as more of an annoyance due to the change in women's roles, in that today women are far more independent and take far more responsibility than they did in the 1920's. Daisy's apparent simple nature may therefore annoy modern readers more than in the past as we are less able to understand that this was how women were expected to be in the 1920's. Nevertheless, even taking these time changes into account I believe that Fitzgerald still intended Daisy to appear perhaps lacking in typical good qualities to highlight a potential point about Gatsby's dream. However, Daisy's apparent lack of appeal as a character could be used by Fitzgerald to portray Gatsby's dream in a better light, if we look from the angle of his loyalty to Daisy. The way that Gatsby has stayed so faithful and loyal to his dream to be with Daisy, despite (in our eyes) the fact that she is not worth it, could show that Fitzgerald is praising his dream as a cause of this admirable quality in Gatsby's character. This would go against the statement that Fitzgerald is purely critical of his dreams, as it would imply that they bring out the best in people. However, the other interpretation of Gatsby's loyalty could support the title statement, as Fitzgerald at times implies that Gatsby is foolish for holding on to the memory of Daisy, and building her up to such a high status in his mind. An example of this is when Fitzgerald writes â€Å"and forever wed his unutterable visions to her perishable breath†. Although it is implied that it is Gatsby who says the words, I still believe it shows Fitzgerald's dislike of Gatsby's attitude towards Daisy by making the phrase so exaggerated – it implies that he is blinded by his past perceptions of her, in addition to the actual phrase that seems to imply Gatsby is foolish for putting all his hopes into someone who could leave him. I believe that in this way Fitzgerald is criticising Gatsby's dream because of how he holds it in his mind and how it affects him. Another aspect that could show that Fitzgerald is critical is how he links Gatsby's dream of Daisy to material objects and status. Throughout the novel, he creates the impression that these two things are intertwined in Gatsby's mind with his dream of being with Daisy. He describes her voice as â€Å"full of money†, and shows off his house to her, lingering on his wardrobe with the â€Å"pile of shirts [†¦ ] in many coloured disarray†. The first quote shows how Gatsby links Daisy with money in his mind, and as a result of this Fitzgerald makes the reader question whether it is really Daisy he wants or if it is the social status that she represents to him. The close link to materialism in his dream can also be seen in the section where Gatsby shows Daisy his shirts, where he is literally trying to prove himself to her using what he owns. They are even described as a â€Å"rich heap†, which I believe could be a play on words by Fitzgerald – obviously â€Å"rich† in terms of the colours of the shirts, but also literally â€Å"rich† as perhaps this is what the shirts mean to the characters. The description is also given as a list – the frequent repetition of the word â€Å"and† in the paragraph also implies that Gatsby is showing off as much of his material worth as he can. I think both of these things are a criticism of Gatsby's dream by Fitzgerald, as it seems as if he is trying to say that this love he has had for Daisy all these years is really fuelled by status and money – a criticism because it therefore becomes even less of a worthwhile dream. It also appears to be critical as these links would imply that Gatsby has spent all this time chasing after a somewhat empty dream, as he has money and a certain amount of status in his community. It could also give the impression that Fitzgerald feels that Gatsby may never feel that his dream has been completely fulfilled if it is status that he wishes to have. This point could be linked to Fitzgerald's overall views about dreams in America at that point, as he could be trying to say that these people who think that material objects and status will make them happy (perhaps those people who were or are enticed by a vision of the American Dream) will never be truly happy as there will always be somebody richer, more popular or at a higher status than themselves. If the reader links this point to Fitzgerald's feelings about Gatsby's dream, it would indicate that he is critical of it for the most part. A second quote that could show that Fitzgerald is critical of this intense build-up of dreams is on page 93; â€Å"No amount of fire or freshness can challenge what a man can store up in his ghostly heart†. I believe that this quote is Fitzgerald telling the reader that what is there in reality can never match our dreams – in Gatsby's case, that the real life Daisy can never live up to the image he has stored of her in his heart and mind, the realistic approach being represented by the â€Å"fire† and â€Å"freshness†. Again, I believe that this is also referring to dreams in general, and how it is so often the case that dreams are not always so amazing in reality, and can often disappoint – and could perhaps be a specific reference to the â€Å"American Dream† and how, for many people, this is not as amazing as it is built up to be when achieved. This seems critical from Fitzgerald, both of Gatsby's dream and of dreams universally as he appears to be making the point that dreams are often built up and aimed too high – perhaps giving false hope. Although there are many aspects throughout the book that indicate Fitzgerald is solely critical of Gatsby's dream, by giving us the comparison to the rest of the East Coast society, parts of the novel seem to be suggesting that this is not the case. Throughout the novel, the residents of the East and West Eggs have been presented by Fitzgerald as very materialistic – living for objects, and trivial gossip, rather than people or feelings. Mrs Wilson describes how she knew Mr Wilson wasn't right for her when she discovered he had â€Å"borrowed somebody's best suit† to get married in – showing the focus on objects rather than feelings in the society. Therefore, amongst the gossiping and whispering (for example at Gatsby's parties), to have Gatsby focused on someone and loyal to someone for an extended period of time makes for a very refreshing comparison. Fitzgerald is therefore showing to the reader how having dreams can make you a better person, and almost more real in comparison to the rest of the society, which has been portrayed as somewhat fake by Fitzgerald. In this sense, it would go against the statement that Fitzgerald is purely critical of Gatsby's dream, as this seem to be a positive side to his dreams. Another element of the novel that could be seen to contradict the title statement is also a comparison between Gatsby and the rest of the East Coast society. We are shown throughout the novel how many of the residents do not seem to care about anything, anyone or consequences of their actions. An example of this is Jordan, who confesses to Nick that she feels she can avoid being careful whilst driving because â€Å"other people will keep out of† her way. This shows a disregard for the consequences of her actions and of other people and can be seen to be representative of many of the upper class people on the East Coast – expecting everyone else to comply with the rules and regulations but disregarding them themselves. Again, in this way Gatsby is definitely a contrast – he obviously cares about something, which is the first main difference that I believe Fitzgerald wants us to see. In addition to this, Gatsby has been shown to think very carefully about the consequences of his actions – for example when he re-enters Nick's house after Daisy arrives to make it appear as if he has not been waiting. Whilst this could be seen as somewhat calculating, I believe Fitzgerald intended it as another comparison to the rest of society, as it again uplifting for the reader to see that at least one character is concerned about the effect his actions might have on others. This once more shows that the effect of Gatsby having a bigger dream and ambition in his life has led to him seemingly being portrayed as a better person. This aspect of the comparison would also contradict the title statement, as to me it seems that Fitzgerald wished for this positive difference to be shown – meaning that he would not be purely critical of Gatsby's dreams. A view that Fitzgerald seems to put across to contradict the belief that he is purely critical is when he links dreaming and dreams to vitality and life. More than once in the novel he describes Gatsby in terms of the life Daisy seems to give him – describing the â€Å"colossal vitality† of his dream and the two of them as â€Å"possessed by intense life†. Both of these quotes seem to imply that Fitzgerald dreaming is natural, and is almost what makes you human. More specifically, the way that Fitzgerald implies that reaching his dream has given Gatsby life makes it seem as if we are completed by our dreams and that finally having Daisy in his life has completed Gatsby. Considering that Gatsby has already what many people might dream of – a lot of money and a mansion, the fact that it has taken his sentimental dream based on feelings and love to give him life seems a very positive view from Fitzgerald. It also links to the earlier comparison between Gatsby and the rest of the East Coast society that we view, as this clearly shows that Gatsby puts more emphasis on emotions and feelings than many of the other people. These quotes from the book could possibly be taken as negative, as it could perhaps be seen as somewhat pathetic that Gatsby relies on somebody else (and, as mentioned earlier, particularly Daisy) to complete his happiness, meaning that Fitzgerald would perhaps view Gatsby as foolish. However, I believe that the way Fitzgerald has tried to make Gatsby's dreams and feelings seem more natural are a direct pointer to how dreaming is a part of human nature, and as such, he is not criticising Gatsby's dream at this point. Due to Fitzgerald's seeming disregard for Daisy in the novel, I believe that he is critical of Gatsby's dream to be with her. However, I believe the other aspects of his presentation linking to dreams in a wider context prevent this view from seeming as if he is purely critical of it – the way that he suggests dreams are important to human nature and separate Gatsby from the crowd imply that Fitzgerald finds dreaming admirable, to an extent. For him to be purely critical I believe that he would have to feel purely critical of dreaming in general, which I believe not to be the case. Therefore, I believe the conclusion that Fitzgerald is critical to an extent is far more feasible and takes into account the more positive aspects of dreaming that he seems to incorporate and believe in.

Noble Energy, Inc Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Noble Energy, Inc - Research Paper Example Global oil and gas industry includes global presence of extraction, refining, exploration, marketing and transporting the oil and gas products. The largest volume manufactured and distributed products of the industry are gasoline and fuel oil. Petroleum is also used as the raw material for several chemical products, such as solvents, pesticides, plastics, fertilizers and pharmaceuticals. The global oil and gas exploration and production industry is divided into three major parts, such as downstream, midstream and upstream. Midstream operations are generally considered under the downstream category. Description of the Industry Oil and gas energy sources are very much important for several industries. Oil and gas energy resources are considered as the large global energy resources. Middle East is the largest consumer of oil and gas energy resources across the globe. This global region consumes almost 53% of total energy sources. On the other hand, Asia and Europe ranks last in ter4ms o f consumption of oil and gas energy resources. The consumption rate of oil and gas energy of Middle East is higher comparing to other global regions due to several reasons. First of all, the leading number of oil reservoirs is located in the Middle East countries. These countries can consume the oil and gas products in low price range comparing to other global countries. In addition to this, Middle East oil and gas extraction organizations act as cartel regarding pricing and distributing the crude oil to the global market. Strong oil process control is the major reason behind the economic growth of several Middle East countries. Central and South America consumes 44%, North America consumes 40%, Africa consumes 41%, and Europe and Asia consumes 32% of total extracted and produced oil. The world consumes approximately 30 billion barrels on yearly basis (Li 22). The economically developed nations are the largest consumers of oil. In the year 2007, The United State consumed 25% of tota l produced oil which is impressive oil consumption figure. Recent financial crisis and global economic recession affected the global economic environment. People are trying to reduce the consumption level of expensive products due to their low disposable income and limited purchasing power. Especially, the people of middle class income level are trying to find substitute energy resources of oil and gas due to hike in oil and gas price (Shelley 27). Apart from economic issues, the global oil and gas exploration and production industry is suffering from several global political issues. Several under developed and developing countries have to pay high petroleum tax to the oil and gas producing countries in order to improve the crude oil. High tension and critical political conflicts between several countries are affecting the growth of this global oil and gas exploration and production industry. In addition to these, several countries have developed strict regulations regarding the ext raction of oil and gas. Extraction of oil and gas from oil mine requires the uses of several deadly chemicals. It can affect the global ecological balance. Looking into this issue, the government of several countries developed strict rules and regulations regarding the extraction of oil. It is expected that the number of total oil reservoirs and mines

Importance of Planning and Modelling for Successful E Business Essay

Importance of Planning and Modelling for Successful E Business - Essay Example So what is it that is supposed to draw him Similarly, the housewife cannot smell the coffee beans that she is being offered on an online grocery store - so how does she know it will be something that she will relish every morning These are the questions that are often asked in the arena of online shopping. In this regard, all the answers point towards a specific simulation application that may be used and categorised as aids in online shopping. E-commerce is currently an extremely vast field and requires the use of like HTML and Flash based applications for appropriation of simulation techniques where the online market place is concerned. The problem in this project mainly adheres to the fact that there are now a plethora of such models and theories. Thus, this has led to some amount of deliberation in terms of choosing the appropriate ones (Nemetz, 2002). Here, it may be noted that the competition in reaching an optimum model and plan for websites has been on a steady rise, thus making it difficult to pinpoint which of them is the best in terms of E commerce objectives. It has been found that there has been a 94% increase for the year 2005 in the number of Britons buying products online as opposed to the 37% figure of five years ago (news.bbc.co.uk). This further implies the fact that E-Commerce is now a major field generating an excessive amount of revenue in the world of global economies. Owing to increasing trends in globalisation, there has been widespread exposure of people from all corners to products and services that are suddenly not out of their reach (Chaffey, 2007). In this regard, the specific need areas of the people involved in terms of end users is a difficult area to study in order to arrive at the relevant simulation models and approaches. This depends largely on the demographic make up as well as the cultural influences, age, and product being sold. Therefore, E-Commerce is a vast subject to study and to find the appropriate simulation models for (Chaffey, 2007). Scope of Planning and Modelling The scope of business is decided by its advent upon various spheres of operation. To be effective, market intelligence is the foremost pre-requisite. In this regard, E-Commerce has been described along the following lines, in terms of its operational sphere: Industry Association with various web pages: this gives rise to a certain amount of validation of the product and it elements, especially in terms of marketing and online shopping (Palmer et al., 2003). This can be seen in the example of www.indiamart.com which carries various industries and their associated companies'websites. Availability of information: E-Commerce depends largely on the information system, which is an integration of knowledge management as well as the human effort as far as intellectual capital is concerned (Palmer et al., 2003). This can be seen in the PR based models of various universities in UK, US, Australia and other countries. When described in context of these broad elements, E-Commerce can be referred to as the technological advancement in the arena of marketing which in turn gives rise to a whole new experience as far as shopping is concerned (Matsuo et al., 2003). Decision Aids In the world of increasing consumerism, the significance of decision aids is accentuated through a focus on market intelligen

The Abortion Debate Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

The Abortion Debate - Essay Example A number of views regarding the legality and moral value of abortion exist and there is much controversy in religious, social and ethnic terms. The abortion debate is not a new one and it exists since a very long time and there are opponents as well as proponents of this method in the United States with each one of them providing convincing arguments in favor of their stand. Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Abortion may not only serve the purpose of family planning, contraception or means of controlling population growth, but also a means of saving the life of a mother whose health is at risk. There are three main methods used for the purpose of abortion which include methods in which surgical instruments are introduced through the cervix into the uterus for the purpose of killing the child or the methods in which the fetus is killed by adminis tration of drugs and after the death of fetus, labor is induced which results in expulsion of the dead fetus and lastly the methods in which surgical intervention is used to cut open the uterus by abdominal surgery and finally fetus is removed (Willke, 1985). The debate for the abortion of fetuses initiated in the United States basically towards the second half of the twentieth century and a final decision with regard to this was taken in the year 1973 by the Supreme Court which legalized abortions in the country during the legal case of Roe v Wade. There are many reasons provided by the proponents of abortion to term it not only legal as well as ethical. The first and foremost argument provided is that every human being is born with the right to choose for himself what he considers correct for himself. This right is granted to all human beings in the constitution of the United States. Hence, it is argued that since every human being has the right to opt for what he wants, abortion is legalized for women because this decision is their personal right. They argue that preventing them and restraining them from abortions is actually snatching their constitutional rights of enjoying their free will. They also argue that women are living beings capable of taking their decisions. On the other hand, the fetus is not living and hence it is a part of the female body. Therefore it is their choice to opt for abortion and it cannot be questioned. The next argument provided by the proponents is that despite of the fact that abortion may be considered illegal, women would still opt for it. This is proved with regard of the evidence that is given of the countries where abortion is illegal. It is seen that even in these countries abortion is practiced. It is also a fact that the women in these countries opt for other means which are not safe because of the fact that these abortions are not conducted under medical practitioners. This leads to the loss of many precious lives whi ch could otherwise be avoided (Head). On the other hand, the opponents of abortion also have their views to present. They argue that at the moment that an embryo is implanted in the uterus, it has a life and a soul. They argue that the embryo if left has the capability of developing into a human being and hence to abort this fetus is a murder. They also argue that the fetus has developed a DNA sequence at the instant that it formed which upholds the fact that it living and

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Alternative Fuel Vehicle - Essay Example Global private sector and government vehicle fleets are the main users of alternative vehicles and fuels, but, in the modern world today, consumers are intensively interested in use of alternative fuels and fuel vehicles. Environmentalist and ecological scientist agree that, alternative fuels and sophisticated vehicles rather than conventional cars and fuels aid the world reduce petroleum consumption, and emissions for fuel combustions and vehicles. Using Monroe motivated sequence form of argument; the paper will investigate alternative fuel vehicles, their economic, technological and ecological benefit to both consumers and the government in a global arena. Discussion Alternative fuel cars or vehicles are vehicles that use alternative fuel such as electricity, alcohol and natural gas instead of other traditional petroleum products (diesel and gasoline). Any engine moving strategy does not utilize petroleum products, (Wheeler, 2008). The percentage of light-duty cars is predicted to increase by 2030; therefore, need to create ecologically friendly and low fuel consumption vehicles are increasing. Enhancing the efficiency of vehicles is the only effective way to lower dependence on petroleum and improve environmental and public health security. Environmentalist and energy commission have construed that enhancing vehicle efficiency is not enough. Therefore, the world and the car industry must focus on enhancing their use of alternative fuel vehicles and fuels such as electricity, alcohol and other renewable sources. Alternative fuel cars offer increasingly impressive advancements in the fuel commercial. Similarly, alternative fuel cars that combine internal ignition engine of a car convention with an electrical motor can attain approximately two times the conventional cars fuel economy, (Carson & Vaitheeswaran, 2007). The system of energy storage maintains the energy to move the electric motor, for instance, batteries are most popular choices of energy storage in alternative fuel cars. Additionally, researchers are still under investigation to develop other options for storing energy. Experts agree that various increased fuel taxes in different parts of the world (such as Europe), strict environmental laws (such as California environmental laws) and increased chances of further restrictions on emission of greenhouse gases, operations on alternative systems of power for heavy fleet vehicles have become a main concern for manufacturers of vehicles and governments across the globe. Other compelling factors behind AFV manufacture include increased need to promote healthcare safety and other economic benefits, (American Petroleum Institute & World Resources Institute, 1990). Modern research and development mainly focus on AFV machines run by internal ignition and electric energy, (California & California, 2009). Alternative fuel cars minimize smog-forming contaminants through efficient locomotion, but because their internal ignition engine they produce minimal emissions. Similarly, increasing gas costs, environmental pollution and advanced techniques are the main contributing factors to the rising popularity for safe fuels for hybrid vehicles. This is because alternative fuel cars by far, supersede fossil fuel by running on hydrogen, electric power, ethanol and related renewable alternatives. Alternative fue

Rock and Roll History Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Rock and Roll History - Research Paper Example Traditional blues was quite popular during the 1950's. Different forms of blues evolved from the original rhythm and blues, distinguishable from other genres by the use of electric guitars, which was a form of popular music that evolved in the 1950's from rhythm and blues, characterize by the use of electric guitars, a strong tempo with a curious accent and lyrics that are slanted towards the youth. 1 Rock ‘n’ Roll is a combination of different genres of music, particularly blues, country, jazz and gospel. An earlier form, popularizing rock and roll is rockabilly, and in today’s age, the evolution of this genre brought us what we know as â€Å"rock† music that encompasses a broader crowd. Rockabilly is a category of rock and roll that surfaced during the 1950’s, popularized by Caucasian singers like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. Technically speaking, pianos and saxophones used to be the main instruments used in this type of music, but the evolution soon used guitar to either supplement or take the lead. Basically, the backbeat usually provided by a snare drum provides the beat for this music. The classic or traditional rock and roll however utilizes two guitars for the lead and the rhythm, a string bass, an electric bass guitar, and of course, the drums. Rock and Roll was, quite definitely popular by 1960’s becoming popular all over the world and the popularity soon became wide enough to have a social impact. This genre was a definite innovation that brought the music industry into liberation, like breaking from a cage of the old culture. The impact it had on society not only affected the taste in music of a lot of societies, but it also affected the movie industry, but also the attitudes adapted by the supporters, expectedly becoming a norm, but also the language, the fashion styles followed, which could probably account for the hairstyles in that generation. In one instance, a seven million dollar la wsuit was even filed against Motley Crue due to the loss of hearing suffered by fans that went to one of their concerts. The judge however said that the fans were well aware that the music will be loud before they went into it. 2 It was more than music. Somehow, there are also beliefs that the cause of civil right movements was accelerated with the continued patronage of both white and black American youth. It surfaced on the scene during the time that tensions pertaining to race was evolving into a different phase altogether. Desegregation issues were being pushed by the civil rights movements, which moved the Supreme Court to rule the abolishment of the policy â€Å"separate but equal† in 1954. Abolishing a policy however was easier said than done. The enforcement of the abolishment proved to be extremely hard in certain parts of the country. Incorporating elements that are from black Americans and white Americans, as you might expect, goaded strong reactions within the cou ntry, and was blamed for the racial barriers’ based on skin tone’s breakdown. The other side of the argument however, is white musicians performing African American music, and black performers being watched and liked by white audiences. It heralded the way in creating a new music that encourages the audience to cooperate as a race through the use of mutual experiences, motivating the desegregation process. As mentioned earlier, rock and roll used lyrics that are youth oriented, talking about things that they can relate to. One of the more common topics started with car issues, dating and clothes. The lyrics were very simple and indeed, usually about something that any regular Joe would be able to relate to, may it be past

Communications at work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Communications at work - Essay Example The managers are responsible for the performance of the entire staff of workers. It is essential for a manager to have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Corporations that achieve good internal and external communication are more likely to succeed in the business environment of the 21st century. The arrival of the broadband age changed the speed information travels around the world. Information travels in real time through the internet. The use of broadband internet has helped corporations maintain communication with employees and other stakeholders. The internet can be used to transmit real time video phone conversations. It can be used to replace traditional telephone lines with the use of VoIP technology. The employees of companies communicate with customer through the use of email communication. ... It is important for co-workers to maintain friendly relationship and to communicate with each other during work hours. A lack of communication hurts the synergy of a business enterprise. Synergy is achieved when the whole is greater than the sum of its parts (Schermerhorn & Hunt & Osborn). A work atmosphere where the employees maintain open communication constantly is a place where worker feel comfort and trust. When employees are unable to talk about their work related problems small issues can turn into catastrophic events. When the lines of communication become locked, the workers may make wrong assumption which leads to mistakes in the workplace. A lack of communication hurts the corporate culture of an enterprise. Companies that are dynamic and adaptive have good communications in place at their companies. When there are communication problems in place the problem must be solved from top to the bottom. The executive management team has to implement measures to improve communicat ions. There are different ways that communication can be improved in the workplace. A solution to a communication problem among the workers is to implement an intranet network that allows the employees to communicate with each other via the computer. If the company does not have the resources to design and implement an intranet the employees can open up a free yahoo mail account that allows the users to chat with each other. The Yahoo chat messenger can serve as a way to allow the employees to contact each other. Five clues that communication problems are occurring in the workplace are: 1. Teams aren’t achieving goals 2. Employees won’t readily cooperate 3. There are morale problems 4. Messages are not return promptly 5.

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger - Essay Example A man, Reuben Land, through flashbacks remembers the events of his birth, the challenges, and his family, and narrates the story. He is the protagonist in the novel who instils faith and hope to the readers through his life story. This shifts to the present day, 1962, when the man has grown up and lives as a good man. A narration of these events in his life helps the readers to appreciate the maturation that occurred in his life (Robertson, 2013). This eventually helps in moulding him into the grown up good man that he is present. The novel illustrates how Reuben’s family goes through an extra length to ensure one of them, Davy, comes back to the light. Enger uses the first person point of view in his novel. This is because Reuben tells the narrative from his point of view of the events that occurred in his life. This starts with a flashback of his birth, how God revived him so that he could witness the miracles performed through his father. Through his narration, we learn abo ut his brother Davy, and his choices in life that led him to prison. Through Reuben, the readers find out the deal that his father made with God so that the former may die instead of Reuben. Readers are able to discern the occurrences in Reuben’s life through narration from both the young and adult Reuben. Symbolism and use of metaphors are also some of the literary elements employed by Enger in producing his work. Metaphors refer to the use of direct comparisons between ideas and characters. Examples of metaphors in Enger’s Peace like a river include the scene where Jeremiah’s actions are compared to that of God. Jeremiah blows air and life into a son, who is motionless and clay-like, just as God blew air into Adam whom He made from clay. A metaphor is also used when Mrs DeCuellas’ hair is described as black and woolly. Symbolism is evidenced in the character of Swede, Reuben’s sister (Enger, 2001). The novel starts as she works on her poem, and h er character develops with it. This portrays the growth of the Land’s family. Another symbolism is Reuben’s asthmatic condition. It symbolizes the challenges and burdens of life that must be met with strength and faith for one to succeed, just as Reuben did. His daily struggle with breathing and his continued effort in keeping alive denotes the persistence very much needed for success in day-to-day activities. Peace like a river also portrays the repetitive use of themes throughout the book. This is called a motif. The first motif in this novel is dreams. Enger displays the use of dreams by Reuben when in his terrible dream; he is crossing a shallow river. He also dreams about the skin bag, after which he wakes up to find Waltzer looking at him (Enger, 2001). Enger has used miracles in his novel a number of times. When Jeremiah commands Reuben, in the name of the living God to breathe, a miracle occurs. Another miracle is observed when Jeremiah paces at the edge of the water without falling. Other miracles occur in the novel including the never emptying bowl of soup, Reuben’s survival after the gunshot wound, and the healing of Holgren’s face among others. The theme of war is also used repetitively in the novel. The first instance is where Davy fights with and kills the two bullies. This paints the picture of war. Another instance where war theme is portrayed is in heaven when Reuben and his father encounter people singing a hymn where they march as if they are preparing for a war.  Ã‚  

Internal and External Factors Essay Example for Free

Internal and External Factors Essay In this paper, I will be discussing the internal as well as the external factors such as Globalization, technology, innovation, diversity and ethics affect the four functions of management in the restaurant plan. I will be using examples from each factor as well as using peer reviews from my team discussion. The globalization in the restaurant industry is crucial this measures the healthy financial side of the company by growing and interacting with different cultures. People travel on vacation all the time we go to different countries and we enjoy the different cuisine. Investors are always among this people and are looking for growth opportunity for their business concept. One very good example that we have is â€Å"GE which became a massive and profitable corporation by selling appliances, lightbulbs, and machinery to US customers, recently announced that it expected its foreign sales to equal the sales within the United States.† ( ) globalization also gives employers to choose from an array of indefinite talent and employees as well they benefit from all this by experiencing cultural change making them grow and be more valuable for their employer. Another item to add to this great way of growing is the internet it is such a valuable tool for companies now days they can advertise their goods and services to the consumer directly and targeting the right markets making it more cultural and diverse. â€Å"Successful CEOs know the local to the global market place is gaining momentum and it is irreversible.† ( ) globalization also makes possible for many employees to work from the comfort of their own home and in turn making it possible for companies to save in office space, for example someone can supervise employees from other countries this can also cause for your day to start very early and end very late. Technology just as globalization it is what makes companies to be successful by reaching in markets companies never thought possible.  Technology brings challenges as well as opportunities for business to grow at a rapid pace but if you blink you are out of your chance competition for new markets is very tuff and every one is just waiting for a chance to market their goods and services in a fast, easy and affordable way. The profit margin is bigger and companies thrive even in the worst economy. Some of the most successful companies are the web base companies that give consumers the choices of millions and millions of products at their fingertips. Technology also gives you the information you are looking for in the language you desire that is the beauty of technology we have all the information we need 24/7. Companies can compare their goods and services against other companies and get the cutting edge on how to gain more profit from any opportunity since at the end of the day the goals for any business is to make profit. The down side of technology is that there so much competition in the ecommerce industry that companies also lost much profit by investing their capital and was not able to get their investment back. Many people also made a bad career move thinking this was the right way to go many drop school and managers left their careers to pursue the ecommerce innovation path. One lesson we can all learn is that technology is just part of the business not the whole business in itself and most successful companies integrate both the traditional business concept as well as the ecommerce business. In the restaurant, industry technology brings a new set of challenges especially for people that are not comfortable with technology or are simple the older crowd and are not willing to change their way. Technology for someone like me is the best thing a restaurant can have it makes it creates simpler steps and I can see where my restaurant stands compare to others according to the metrics that we have in place. Innovation is inevitable for any company in the restaurant industry, we must adapt to the customers demand for new products and with this comes challenges in training and execution if your product is not up to consumer’s standards they will choose one of your competitors which means lost sales for the company and lower more hours for the employees. Innovation is also a great tool for the restaurant industry because now we can advertise our products and services in any social media and people are more aware of what is out there for them. In order to be successful, the restaurant industry must give its consumers what is advertised. In the restaurant industry  innovation comes from globalization and gives us a chance to reach out far more customers, as before we only had limited resources. Innovation is the key to keep the restaurant growing in different markets and being more profitable. Innovation is connected to quality, if we don’t execute.

Online information system Essay Example for Free

Online information system Essay

Innovations In Continuous Internal Assessment English Language Essay

Innovations In Continuous Internal Assessment English Language Essay The present system of one-shot summative evaluation by means of the course end examination has been criticized (and also supported by some) by some of the stakeholders of education system. The purpose of evaluation is to see if a given programme is working, an institution is successful according to the goals set for it, and the original intent is being successfully carried out. It means to determine social utility, desirability or effectiveness of a process, product or a programme and includes recommendation for some better future course of action. Evaluation does not just mean measurement of the level of learning outcomes but more so an approach for further improving the system. It needs to be diagnostic and formative in nature to provide remedial help to the students. It is also agreed by all academicians that evaluation should act as a positive input for improving the teaching learning process and not as a deterrent. The report card of evaluation should reflect not only the schola stic aspects of the learner, but also Life Skills acquisition, personality attributes, behaviour interests, attitudes, values and proficiency in indoor as well as outdoor co-curricular activities. It should facilitate in unravelling the latent talent and reflect a true picture of the growth and profile of a young learner (Vineet Joshi, Chaiman Secretary, CBSE, 2009). One consequence of the global influences, such as changes in the world economy, the information revolution, environmentalism, and cross-national health threats, is the move away from the heavy use of traditional, more judgmental approaches to assessment toward alternative, more inclusive means of determining what learners know and can do. Along with this move is a thoughtful re-examination of just what we want from our learners in classrooms worldwide. (Carol A. Puhl, 1997). Realizing the flaws in the present system of evaluation and importance of comprehensive continuous assessment, a country has to not only reform but also transform the process of evaluation in the current education system. With this objective (for improving the quality of education), Government of India also has planned to put in place a system of continuous assessment in few months time (PM,s address to the nation on the occasion of the countrys 65th Independence Day). Different forms of continuous assessment can be used by different subject teachers for different levels of learners. Though broad guidelines can be laid down, exact procedure to be followed cannot be explicitly stated for a specific course or programmes. Every individual tutor may be trying within the limitations of resources and his experience different ways of evaluating the students continually over a semester or academic year. The effectiveness of this process can be determined only through the learners performance after the course. In this paper, I have made an attempt to share my experience in comprehensive continuous assessment of the students at tertiary level in English language/ literature class rooms. Changing Role of Teachers Modern Indias system of education expanding as never before with graduation as the minimum entry level qualification for a job and Masters degree a mere gateway for a career, the need of the hour is far beyond the degrees in paper. What matters most is attitude and varied skill sets in order to sustain ones place in the competitive and challenging global job market. To fulfill these requirements, our democratic nation shoulders the huge responsibility of modifying its past principle, Survival of the fittest to suit the current needs as fit all of them to survive. This present principle being our goal, all the universities and academicians play a vital role in transforming this goal into action. The function of tertiary and higher education institutes and the quality of students produced by them requires not only a thorough scrutiny but also a major revision and a complete reformation to address the challenges in todays changing education environment. Our country needs not just gradua tes but intellectual dynamites to think locally and act globally, individuals with thinking minds, responsible citizens to lead India in the path of progress as a developed nation. In the branch of tertiary and higher education today, semester pattern is largely being followed by most of the universities, India and abroad. With such practice in vogue, an academic year comprising two semesters, Spring and Fall, should contain relevant topics, both significant in content and interesting in variety thus fulfilling the knowledge function. True to the saying that knowledge is power, only if applied, such knowledge-gain has to be tested in practice. Testing is nothing but practicing the power of learning. From times immemorial, examination, either oral or written has been in vogue only to check the comprehensive level of the receiver. We should keep in mind the fact that checks and balances are part of any established system. Contrary to this ancient belief, testing of knowledge, in a way, also helps both the learner and the teacher to know more from each other which can further lead to self-scrutiny and betterment. To smoothen this process, as a first step, appropri ate modern teaching methods have to be applied along with the essential pedagogical resources for the knowledge transfer to happen successfully. Again the teaching-learning process remains partial if there is no training function. Implementation of practical methods has become the need of the hour not only for science subjects even for humanities. Due to such changing trends in the field of modern education, a classroom, meant for knowledge-sharing, is no longer an exclusive teacher-cantered domain for delivering lectures based on theory. As the dimension of learning process includes in its fold different types of experimental learning techniques using technology as teaching aid, the classroom becomes a world in itself. The suggested place also serves as a continuous learning-cum-testing ground to know more and more: starting from critical thinking to presentation skills, personality enrichment to behavioural science, verbal to non-verbal communication methods, subjective to objective approaches, so on and so forth. With these wide-ranging benefits, continuous internal assessment paves way to self-development, knowledge upgr adation, creativity, innovative thinking , problem-solving, strategic planning, time management etc. thus leading further to the road not taken. Thus learning and assessment go hand in hand as a continuous process. Obviously, to match the changing trends, the learning outcome tested by means of assessment is undergoing a sea-change as well. Now, to focus on the teaching of English language and literature in the present century, a teacher cannot sit back to play the conventional role of merely teaching and assessing the students performance and publishing their results. There is no denial of this public-service function performed by a teacher which in addition to this mandatory task demands an extension of role as a trainer to identify and hone the skill of students. Therefore, a multi-level learner-centered training programme has to be incorporated as part of the regular teaching method in the form of activities and games to develop language skills and literature study. As a result, a new job-description evolves for a teacher in order to match the rising professional standards. To bridge the existing gulf between the old and new standards, the teaching faculty has to be made aware of the ever-c hanging roles and responsibilities across the world. Teaching profession expects the teacher to emerge in a new avatar of multi-tasking. As a result, a new job-description evolves for a contemporary teacher to suit the rising standards. For equipping the teachers, orientation programmes and training workshops on tech-savvy teaching can be organized at regular intervals thus helping the tutors do justice to this new avatar. Learning journey takes a new route: With the increase in population and universal primary education becoming one of the seven millennium development goals proposed by the United Nations, the class room size is increasing and paying individual attention to each and every learner becomes extremely difficult even for the most dedicated tutors. Evaluation of continuous assessment components becomes even more time consuming and labourious. In such circumstances, Virtual learning environment eases the work of the tutor and reaches the door steps of the learners who have access to the internet. Among the present generation of students, there is hardly a person without a laptop and in some states in India, government offers free laptops to the student community at the tertiary level. Thus the changing times and emerging trends bring technology to our service for fulfilling the demanding educational needs in a much more effective way. Many open source software (Moodle is one) are available which needs just customization to suit the needs of the institution/ programme. With VLE, students and teachers can work on the same platform as per their convenience in many ways having scheduled activities over a semester with a time frame for every activity. Semester work plan/ weekly teaching schedule, learning resources such as power point slides, videos, lecture notes, reading or course material, assignment and presentation topics, links to files or websites having learning resources, quiz questions, or anything you name can be added and uploaded, periodical online tests can be conducted. This tool also provides extended facilities for grading, report generation (best results are achieved with MCQ based tests), backup and restoring of files. The actual constraint may be the resources and training provided to the tutors by the institutions they work with. Access to the computers during off-class hours in the college, stable and fast internet connection and necessary software should be available to the faculty. Ther e may be resentments at the beginning as it involves extra labour on preparation, over the years the tutors will have the ease of using it effectively even for a large group of students. Researched Assignment: From east to west, assignments are the best methods to inculcate research practices in students, as research at graduate, masters and doctoral level has proved to be application oriented. The general framework/ sequential task involves gathering relevant information through research, understanding and interpreting the collected details by applying critical thinking, planning and outlining the draft, coherent organization of details, structuring the paragraphs with appropriate thesis statement and topic sentences and thus presenting the thought-inductive ideas in a refined written form. Such series of steps can be worked together in pair. Even for this task, innovative measures can be applied right from the beginning by posting the assignment topics over VLE along with the necessary guidelines and time frame to monitor the progress and submission. Assignment submitted after the deadline will not be accepted by the system. Also, the question of being unaware of the task never arises as the assigned task glows with the tag NEW and its mandatory for both the teacher and the taught to access this link very often for exchanging their views in the discussion forum , for the announcement of academic activities etc. One another advantage of this soft copy assignment submission is that the whole write up can be scrutinized for on line plagiarism by using software (Viper is one such software which is an open source software). This feasible method can curb plagiarism, an academic dishonesty, to a possible extent. Moreover, students can submit hard copy as well to proceed with the usual evaluation pattern. For systematic evaluati on, following a specific preset marking criteria encompassing content, critical analysis(inclusive of quotations), referencing (in-text and end-text) and language can help in setting a standard evaluation procedure thus enhancing the skill set of the learners with a better end-product. Power Point Presentation: The main objective of this internal component is to enhance the spoken communication of the students. Other inherent aspects looked at are the style of presentation, fluency and flow of speech, pronunciation and choice of words, use of right terms, intonation, body language, the level of confidence and above all the ability to reach out to the listeners and tackling the questions at the end of the session. The presentation purpose listed above is quite common for all. Therefore, let me move on to the presentation tool. Since Chart is the most familiar tool used even at school level , todays young students whose lifestyle keeps moving from screen to screen (from television to mobile to computer) can be trained to present the topic as ppt slides. The constructive use of technology as an aid in academics not only makes the presentation interesting and informative but also kindles the creativity of students. Coming to the assessment part, an exclusive grading sheet for the presentation can be formulated to evaluate the performance. To ensure a cohesive presentation, prior planning is required which includes a brief outline of the presentation schedule with the group division of students and their topics along with the grading criteria. The planned schedule can be uploaded over VLE well in advance so that students can start preparing their topics. Usually the presentation can be conducted a few weeks before the semester draws to a close and using this method one particular text a play or a novel can be assigned for the students to prepare and present. A model presentation plan has been chartered for practice. Grading Criteria Group Names [ Group division] Presentation Topic Marks Total Content: In-depth subject knowledge Proper use of textual lines adequate explanation Critical analysis Group 1: A , B C Text assigned: Ben Jonsons The Alchemist- a play A: The Age of Jonson BJ as a playwright. B: Intro. To the play concerned with a briefing on the plot structure characters. C: The origin and application of Js theory Presentation Style: Clarity in presentation Coherent flow of ideas Unique method of representing the concept Voice modulation Group 2: Each group can have 4 or 5 presenters Presenter 1: Act I-sc.i, ii P 2: sc. iii iv, an analysis P 3: On character sketch, traits and major events. P 4: Overall critical analysis of Act I with the comments of critics Language Fluency Appropriate choice of words Pronunciation -The pattern continues for a week or for 7 lecture hours. The method continues for all the acts of the play done by the subsequent groups Body Language Eye contact Confidence Last Group: Sums up the whole task P 1: Revisit the play as a whole highlighting the major events and their significance. Interaction Independent tackling of the queries -Task to be continued and completed. P 2: Focuses on the method of characterization with the classification of major and minor chrs The prime objective of this presentation model is to promote independent learning and individual thinking. End purpose: Students gain knowledge through self-learning and practice. P3:Traits and disposition of the chrs, highlighted. P 4 5: on Thematic concerns. Action Spread Sheet Method: This unique method is also a proven success when implemented in my teaching career. Its feasible for a small group of learners with a student strength ranging up to 25 and can be applied in the II or III semester after establishing a friendly familiarity with the attitude and aptitude of the group involved. The uniqueness of the mode of assessment for this method lies in the fact that its purely based on text-based activities performed by each group throughout the semester. For instance, I applied this method for the II semester English Literature group comprising 24 students. The module title and the recommended texts for this module are: English Poetry Drama: C14 17. Texts: 1.Chaucer : General Prologue to Canterbury Tales 2.Marlowe: Doctor Faustus 3. BenJonson: The Alchemist 4. John Milton: Paradise Lost, Bk.I 5. Metaphysical Poets: 3 Poems of John Donne 2 poems of Andrew Marvell. Continually assessed semester activity plan: A Sample Product When a text is being taught, either in the middle of the weekly schedule or at the end, students should perform a group-based activity. The one and only condition is that, all the members in the group should contribute, so that they can be marked. Otherwise everything is left to the creative imagination of the students. This fun learning exercise happens in the classroom within the class hours and that too with minimum properties. Group 1: Activity 1: A mime show on Chaucers pilgrims. Gp.2 : Activity 2: Literary parade of seven deadly sins and its contemporary relevance. Gp.3 : Activity 3: Choose one gulling scene involving Subtle, Face and any other victim or Quiz programme can be conducted by the group on this particular text. Gp.4 :Activity 4: Famous speeches of Satan, Beelezebub and the epic similes: to be recited and their significant meanings pointed out. Gp.5 :Activity 5: A slideshow or an album of the major metaphysical poets, their contribution, and the rules devised by the metaphysical school of poets for their poetry construction with examples from the poems studied. Gp.6 : Activity 6: Definition and explanation of the metaphysical conceits, wits and symbols appearing in the prescribed poems. This method provides ample room for fun and creative learning with enthusiastic participation from the students thus creating a better learning environment. For this activity, the assessment record has to be maintained throughout the semester as it can be finalized only at the end. Portfolio Assessment for Creative Writing: The Creative writing module containing short fiction and non-fiction writing has submission of portfolio for assessment. All the drafts, workshop materials, activities done individually, in pair and group and the research work done has to be filed in order with the date and topic and has to be submitted along with the final draft of the story and an essay. Short fiction comprising story writing is taught through varied activities . They are developing story from a poem, writing a scene, lottery story-writing focusing mainly on character sketch by drawing lots, collaborative dialogue writing, completing a given story, sketching a captivating scene, developing conflicts both internal and external etc. Well trained on all the aspects of story-writing, the student is expected to create an original story. Marks are awarded based on Plot structure, characterization, technical aspects, language and theme. For non-fiction the assessment is based on content, organization, language and methodology. This portfolio pattern, which practically includes everything done by a student from beginning till the end, trains youngsters to remain well-organized. Conclusion Any method adopted by teachers in any classroom for comprehensive continuous assessment also has obstacles like classroom size, workload for the teacher and other responsibilities shouldered by the teachers in the institute. The support and encouragement rendered by the institution to the teachers and the receptivity of the students to the initiatives are some other factors that affect the success of the process. An institution may have the best infrastructure and curriculum but the ultimate success lies in the hand of the teacher and the learner specially on their attitude towards teaching and learning. To conclude, the success of any innovation in the academic circle rests on two factors. On the one hand, the larger picture matters and on the other the connectivity enjoyed between the teacher and the taught.

A Critique of The Giver :: Giver Essays

A Critique of The Giver The purpose of this book was to show us a possible version of a "Utopia". It was a fantasy oriented book, that was suppose to make you think about the possibilities for the future. The setting is a supposedly perfect society where everyone is taken care of and no one is different. The author Lois Lowry does a fine job portraying this supposedly "ideal" society. This book began with a description of sameness and release the two general principles the society functions on. It then continues while Jonas (the main character) waits to receive his assignment in the community. Waiting to find out what his assignment is, and what it entails doing are rises in action. The climax is when the plan to escape the society is being conceived and the actual escape itself. The falling action is when he is escaping from the search planes and trying to keep himself and Gabriel alive. The ending is when he feels triumph at the top of the hill and then sleds down it to his new family, his first memory that belongs to him. There were many characters in this book the main one being Jonas. Jonas is a child in this supposed "Utopia" who ends up with the most important assignment of all the "Receiver of Memory". The Receiver holds all the memories of the whole community so the community does not have to be bothered with feelings and the emotional baggage that comes with them. Jonas's trainer the "Giver" is a old man who passes the memories on to Jonas and eventually thinks of the plan to escape. The Giver also adopts Jonas and Rosemary as his own kids in a way. He had a previous "Receiver" named Rosemary who applied for and received release. Release is the term for death in this community. So when Rosemary was released her memories went back to the community. Jonas and the Giver were talking about this when the Giver got the idea of how to get Jonas away from the community and get the community back its emotions and feelings. Gabriel was a another influential character he was a baby staying with Jonas's family till he was

A comparison of Ancient Rome and Pre WW1 United States Essay -- essays

A comparison of Ancient Rome and Pre WW1 United States Title: The Roman Empire and the Early United States A comparison The purpose of this paper is to show the comparison between remarkable empires that were created in many years apart. I chose to compare Pre-World War I United States and the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire information is said to be recorded between 753BC – 1184 BC (ThinkQuest) and the Pre World War I information is between late 19th century and early 20th century (Encarta). Included in this paper will be in information comparing: Government, Economy, Military, and Religion. GOVERNMENT The Roman Empire had 3 different types of government during this period. During the 1st period Rome was controlled by a King, who acted as commander-in-chief during war times as well as the chief priest and judge (ThinkQuest). Decisions had to be approved by the Comitia Centuria and the Senate before the King could exercise his authority. The United States was set-up similar to the Roman Empire in regards to how decisions where executed. The United States government consists of a President, Congress and Senate. Taking these aspects into consideration, both the King and the President have to receive permission from other bodies of government before making decisions. ECONOMY Both the Pre World War I United States and the Roman Empire had vast amounts of agricultural products. The Romans had created a system equivalent to the United States, which seems amazin...

Robert Frost Essay -- essays research papers

Robert Lee Frost was born in San Francisco on March 26, 1874 and died in Boston on January 29, 1963. Frost was considered to be one of America’s leading 20th century poets and a four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize. He was an essentially pastoral poet who was often associated with rural New England. Frost wrote poems of a philosophical region. His poems were traditional but he often said as a dig at his archrival Carl Sandburg, that â€Å"he would soon play tennis without a net as write free verse.† Frost said this because he believed he was a pioneer of rhythm and meter and in the poetic use of vocabulary and inflections of everyday life and speech. Frost’s poetry is considered to be traditional, experimental, regional, and universal (Robert 1997).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Frost was born of two teachers. At the age of ten, Frost suffered the loss of his father. After the death of his father, his mother moved to Lawrence, Massachusetts. He grew up in a teaching atmosphere, along with its problems. Early in Frost's school career, he was extremely careless and preferred fun and game to his studies. In high school, he decided to apply and involve himself in many areas. He graduated in three years from high school at the head of his class. After high school he attended Dartmouth and Harvard but ended up not finishing at either due to personal problems (Newdick).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  He was destined to be a teacher. Frost after not making it in college, went to teach at his mother's school in Salem, New Hampshire. In 1912 he went to England to be with his family, and in his publication of North of Boston, in 1914, he was finally hailed as the great artist that he truly was. After he returned to America in 1915, he went to Harvard and read a poem for some exercises, and was instantly honored by institutions of higher learning by their conferring degrees on him (Biography).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Throughout Frost's 60 years of existence, he spent 30 of those years teaching a half a dozen subjects. He has taught in schools ranging from plain white country schoolhouses in his native land of New England to the proud American Universities. He has gained half a lifetime of considered experience and philosophical observations (Libraries). In the critical analysis that I read, the critics were hard on Frost’s work â€Å"Road not taken.† The first critic, William George, starts off by attacking other critics, saying they misin... ... with right or wrong situations, and the speaker has to choose which road, or decision, to take. I like to think that I can somewhat relate to the speaker. I have had to make many choices throughout my life and I will never know whether my choices were right or wrong until I made them. The speaker kind of concludes the poem by saying that he is relieved that he chose the right road to take. I look back and wonder if I had chosen a few different roads, how everything would have come out. I think that a lot of the roads I chose to take have been good, as far as I know. Work Cited â€Å"Biography† www.pro-net.co.uk/home/catalyst/RF/bio.html. 2000. Cervo, Nathan "Frost's The Road Not Taken" Proquest March 27. George, William "Frost's The Road Not Taken" Proquest March 27. "Libraries/media centers: Robert Frost Elementary school." American school and University; Overland Park; Aug 1999. Newdick, Robert S. "Robert Frost and the American college." The Journal of Higher Education; Columbus; Sep./Oct. 1999. â€Å"Robert Frost on the Web† http://www.amherstcommon.com/walking_tour/frost.html.1997. â€Å"Robert Frost (1874-1963)† http://www.lit.kobe-u.ac.jp/~hishika/frost.htm 2000.

Malayan Campaign – the Matador Plan

MALAYAN CAMPAIGN – THE MATADOR PLAN INTRODUCTION â€Å"Unfortunately, it has come to this, that either Japan must stop her expansion, or England must willingly give up some of what she has or hopes to have. Therein lies a cause for war. † Lt Cdr Tota Ishimaru, Imperial Japanese Navy 1. The fall of Malaya and Singapore to the hand of the Japanese is a tremendous sign that showed the failure of Operation Matador. In this battle study, there are chronology of events that will guide us very closely in knowing and understanding the reason why this operation failed to meet its objectives.In doing the research on the background of the battle of Malaya and the relativity to the Operation Matador, our syndicate members came across a reference to a plan of action for the defence of Singapore codenamed â€Å"Matador†. In fact there were two plans, so totally different, that in the end they contributed to the downfall of Singapore. Both had their weaknesses and one of the ma jor ones was the lack of co-ordination and command between the Army, Navy and Air Force. The other and more serious was a clash of ideals.The drawn-up plan was Land based Matador and Sea Based Matador. 2. From the research done, Operation Matador is not the sole reason for the fall of Malaya or even Singapore, besides there is some other reasons that had been identified as a contributing factor as well. This has been discussed in detail under the column of Battle Analysis. An examine on the lesson learned from this battle study would benefit the most as it focuses more on principles of war that will teaches us how, why, when and where it is applicable for an action plan taken at one time.AIM 3. This paper will examine two main part of the whole study on Matador Plan. The first part is to analyze the incidents that occur prior and upon the operation called The Matador Plan. Secondly, it is fundamentals to determine the lessons learnt and the effects on both forces. OBJECTIVE 4. The m ain objective of this battle study is to meet the requirement of the EOBC serial 28/2006 and secondly is to learn and adapt the knowledge of the war history generally on the Malayan Campaign and specifically the Matador Plan.In this way the young officers would be able to use battle study as a comparison between previous and present state of battle warfare in order to meet any circumstances and decision makings in the near future. SCOPE 5. Scope of discussions are as follow: a. Background. 1)Pre-war examination. 2)Forces involved. 3)The Attack. b. Matador Plan. 1)Land Based Matador 2)Sea Based Matador c. Chronology of events. d. Analysis on factors and effects. e. Tactical aspects applied. g. Lesson Learnt. h.Conclusion. BATTLE BACKGROUND PRE-WAR EXAMINATION 6. Before we look further into the Matador Plan, the fundamental or the main causes that inflict the war in Malaya should be given a consideration as it may be very useful in understanding the battle study. The battle in Malaya was a conflict between British Commonwealth forces, comprised of British, Indian, Australian and Malayan units, and the Imperial Japanese Army from December 8, 1941 until January 31, 1942 during the Second World War.Prior the attack by th Japanese forces, the British government's plans relied primarily on the stationing of a strong fleet at the Singapore Naval Base in the event of any enemy hostility, both to defend Britain's Far Eastern possessions and the route to Australia. At this time tension mounted in the region folowing the outbreak of the European war and the French in Indo-China clashed with the Thais. The Japanese make use of this as an oppurtunity with the increase on aggression over the region as well. 7.Upon the completion of the Singapore Naval Base and airfields on Singapore Island with other constructions on the Malayan Peninsula was underway, it was decided by the Air Ministry in London that was a right time to provide a fighter force for the area, even though few could be spared from the defence of Britain and her offensive in the Middle East. However, a threat to British and American possessions in the area was not considered to be imminent, as revealed in a letter from Prime Minister Churchill to US President Roosevelt, dated 15 February 1941: I do not myself think that the Japanese would likely to send the large military expedition necessary to lay seige to Singapore. The Japanese would no doubt occupy whatever strategic points and oilfields in the Dutch East Indies and thereabouts that they covet, and thus get a far better position for a full-scale attack on Singapore later on. They would also raid Australian and New Zealand ports and coasts, causing deep anxiety in those Dominions, which had already sent all their best trained fighting men to the Far East†. 8.In October 1940, Air Chief Marshal Sir Robert Brooke-Popham was appointed Commander-in-Chief Far East, and the G. H. Q. Far East opened at Singapore on the 18th November, 194 0. The Commander-in-Chief was responsible for the operational control and direction of training of British land and air forces in Malaya, Burma and Hong Kong, and for the co-ordination of plans for the defence of these territories. It also includes the control and training of British air forces in Ceylon and of reconnaissance squadrons in the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal.His headquarters was an operational one, not administrative, and had no control over any naval forces. So Brook-Popham the man in charge on the spot had little control over the immediate military situation. Also just as important, he had no authority over the Civilian population in case of an impending war. This came under the direct control of Shenton–Thomas the Governor of Singapore, and to all intents and purposes he had absolute control. The only recourse Brook-Popham had to any control of the forces was directly to the Chiefs of Staff in London. FORCES INVOLVED 9.In November 1940, the army strength in Malaya was 17 battalions, with 1 mountain regiment of artillery. Reliance for the defence of the Far East was to be placed on air power until the fleet was available but it was the Governments policy to avoid war with Japan. The strength of the air forces in Malaya in November 1940, however, was only 88 first-line aircraft, of which only 48 could be counted as modern. The previous month, the Singapore Conference had recommended a strength of 582 aircraft for the Far East but it was admitted that this was an ideal, and far beyond the bounds of practical possibility.In May 1941, Lieutenant-General A. E. Percival had been appointed General Officer Commanding, Malaya Command, and with it a motley collection of 85 000 British, Australian, Indian and Malayan troops. 10. When in July 1941, the Japanese spread into southern Indo-China, the potential danger to Malaya and Burma increased, as the move gave them a naval base within 750 miles of Singapore and airfields only 300 miles from Kota B haru, the nearest point in Malaya. By the latter part of November, 1941, information accumulated which showed that an early Japanese attack was likely, despite the negotiations in progress in Washington.Both land and air reinforcements had been reaching Malaya, and by 7th December, the eve of the Japanese attack, there were 158 first-line aircraft available, with 88 in reserve; the land forces counted 31 infantry battalions, plus the equivalent of 10 volunteer battalions with some artillery, engineers, and a small armoured car unit, and 5 battalions of Indian States forces, with 7 field regiments 1 mountain regiment, 2 anti-tank regiments, 4 coast defence regiments and five anti-aircraft regiments of artillery and 10 field and 3 fortress companies of engineers – a total strength of close on 85,000 men.Almost one quarter of them were British, about one-sixth Australians, nearly one-half Indian Army, and the remainder local forces. 11. Even then, the R. A. F. Far East Command w as not in a position to fulfill its responsibility of being the primary means of resisting Japanese aggression, while the Army strength was far short of what was required to compensate for the deficiency in aircraft. There were only two-thirds the number of infantry required, no tanks and few armoured cars, and the lack of mobile anti-aircraft guns was serious.The Japanese Order of Battle remains unchanged throughout the course of the Champaign. The Japanese 25th Army consisted of 36,000 men plus air power, naval support and artillery support from the mainland, plus 100 tanks. Even though the Japanese soldiers were not as many compared the British forces they were significantly superior in close air support, armour, co-ordination, tactics and experience, with the Japanese units having fought in China.The Japanese had slightly fewer aircraft, their fighter aircraft were generally superior and achieved air superiority. THE ATTACK 12. Earlier the British had plans in place to forestall Japanese landings in Southern Thailand but Air Chief Marshal Sir Robert Brooke-Popham, the Commander-in-Chief of the British Far East Command refused permission to launch Operation Matador and Operation Krohcol in advance of the Japanese attack, not wishing to run any risk of provoking the coming war. 13.Incredibly, as late as 29 September 1941, it was still believed by British military and civilian leaders in the Far East that Japan was committed to concentrating forces against the Soviet Union, and it was therefore improbable, so it was argued, that she would at the same time take on Britain, the United States and the Netherlands. By mid-November 1941 the official assessment was that war would not come until March 1942. The Japanese decided otherwise. Now the Japanese has really been on an invasion plan to attack the Malayan Peninsula and take over Singapore with a well planned tactics and operation. 4. On 7 December 1941, a British Hudson reconnaissance aircraft spotted Japanese naval vessels 100 miles/160 Km north-east of Singora with others steaming towards Patani. Despite this clear act of war by Japan, ‘Operation Matador' was not fully launched. Even so, the advance to The Ledge could, and should, have been immediately ordered. This was not done. As a result, an invaluable twenty four hours was lost during which time the Japanese forces landed and the British lost a most valuable opportunity.If they had held The Ledge, the invasion could have been delayed even though the landings could not have been prevented. 15. On the next day it was reported that Japanese troops were attempting to land at Kota Bharu and at the same time Singapore suffered its first air raid. War had come to Malaya. On 8 December the Japanese attacked the British air bases in Malaya with the devastating result that by the end of the day a mere 50 British aircraft were operational, the rest being destroyed. Those still operational were immediately ordered back to Singapore.Thus , on the first day of the attack Japan obtained total air supremacy over Nothern Malaya. The naval Force Z, consisting of the battleships HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse, together with four destroyers, and commanded by Admiral Tom Phillips had arrived right before the outbreak of hostilities. Later the Japanese came to realised the presence of the battleships and its marching to the Northern Malaya. Two days later, on 10 December, the battleship Prince of Wales and the battle cruiser Repulse, the only Royal Navy capital ships in the Far East, were sunk by Japanese torpedo-bombers off Kuantan. 16.The negative effect of the sinking of the Prince of Wales on British morale throughout the world was serious, with a concomitant boost to Japanese morale. By this single stroke Japan gained complete naval command of the South China and Java Seas and a large part of the Indian Ocean by leaving the east coast of Malaya exposed and allowing the Japanese to continue their landings. The drift to war by the Japanese met its objectives by the invasion of the Malayan Peninsula subsequently the Singapore Island. MATADOR PLAN 17. What is Matador Plan? What is the relativity of the drawn up plan is all about to this study?Matador Plan is a plan of action for the defence of Singapore. The two plans were totally different, that in the end they contributed to the downfall of Singapore. Both had their weaknesses. One of the major ones was the lack of co-ordination and command between the Army, Navy and Air Force. The other and more serious is the clash of ideals. The first one a Naval plan by Churchill, the other a Land based plan by Brook-Popham. Now I will outline both plans for a thorough understanding. The Land Based Matador 18. History of Malaya War shows that Brook-Popham was the man on the spot who could evaluate a more accurate assessment of the needs.His plan was a land based Matador. This was a plan of action that envisaged an attack by the Japanese from the North of Ma laya via Thailand and the Kara Isthmus. It was drawn up by Brook-Popham, in August 1941 and he submitted his plan to London for approval. It is believed that if the plan was implemented at the right time, it possibly could have delayed the Japanese long enough to allow the British forces stationed in Malaya and Singapore to mount a delaying action until reinforcements arrived. 19. Land Based Matador relied on assumption that the Japanese would land on the east coast of Thailand at two points that of Songkhla and Pattani.The next would be advancing south to Jitra and lower down to Kroh. It was envisaged in Matador that two forces could intercept them just over the boarder in Thailand, thus allowing long enough for the main force to assemble and attack. There was only one problem, if the British were to implement this without the Japanese being at war with Thailand first, it would be seen as an attack by the British on a neutral country. To complicate matters further Sir Josiah Cosby the British Ambassador in Siam the previous year 1940 had signed a non-aggression pact with Pibul the President of Thailand.Requests by Brook-Popham to London for additional resources to cover this Plan were made around January 1941, but remained unfulfilled. This plan was considered a good plan and consequently it also had its problem due to unavoidable consequences. The main obstacle was one of them being Churchill. It is known that  Churchill had distrust of it lay in the political aspects and at the same time he also favoured being a naval man with a naval solution wherein the plan was mainly a Land Based Matador. The Sea Based Matador 20.The Sea Based Matador referred on the need of resources especially the battle ships to defend the Singapore Island. In Duff Coopers report of the Defence of Singapore in 1939 it was stated that no less than 8 war ships would be needed to defend Fortress Singapore. Churchill was not in the business of land forces at the time, he was First Lord of the Admiralty  as such was fighting for his part in any forthcoming action. Churchill had been told of the situation of what he later proclaimed in Parliament as, â€Å"Fortress Singapore† and its armaments.He proclaimed that â€Å"It had several big guns and there were a lot of troops on a island that he had never seen, but not enough in the way of Navy†. 21. At Duff Coopers conference of the 29th September 1941 in Singapore, it was stated that at the least Two Battleships would be needed as a minimum. Those attended the meeting were Sir Robert Brook-Popham, Sir Earl Page, Sir Archibald Clark-Kerr, Sir Shenton Thomas, Governor of Singapore and Vice-Admiral Sir Geoffrey Layton. Once Churchill became the Prime Minister he held the final decision. But what Churchill sent and eventually happened, was a cobbled result. The Prince of Wales' and ‘Repulse' that turned up with escorts called â€Å"Force Z†. It was a disaster for the British upon the sinking of the two main battle ships. CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS 22. The chronology of events that involved along the path of Matador Plan implementation are as follows. a. In year 1937. Major-General William Dobbie Officer Commanding Malaya (1935 – 1939), looked at Malaya's defences, he reported that during the monsoon season from October to March landings could be made by an enemy on the east coast and bases could be established in Siam.He predicted that landings could be made at Songkhla and Pattani in Siam, Thailand and Kota Bharu in Malaya. He recommended large reinforcements to be sent immediately. His predictions turned out to be correct but his recommendations were ignored. b. In January 1941. A request for additional resources remained unfulfilled which the plan intended to use and the previous year in 1940 Sir Josiah Cosby the British Ambassador in Siam, had signed a non-aggression pact with Prime Minister Pibul of Siam. c. In August 1941.The Commander-in-Chief (Cin C) of British Far East Command Air Chief Marshal Robert Brooke-Popham submitted a plan code named Matador to London for approval. The plan relied on assumption that the Japanese would land on the east coast of Siam at Songkhla and Pattani, then advancing south to Jitra and lower down to Kroh. It was envisaged that two forces could intercept them just over the border in Thailand, long enough for the main force to assemble and attack. d. On November 29, 1941. Air Headquarters at Singapore is warned to be ready to support Operation Matador at 12 hours notice. e. On November 30, 1941.The Commanding Officer of the Japanese 25th Division, Lieutenant-General Tomoyuki Yamashita, receives orders to proceed with the invasion of Singapore. At the same time 21 Squadron RAAF is based at Sungei Patani. f. On December 2, 1941. HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse arrive at Singapore Harbour escorted by a number of ships including HMAS Vampire. g. On December 4, 1941. The Japanese fleet leaves Samah Harbour at d awn. h. On December 5, 1941. When the threat of Japanese invasion became more likely, the plan was modified to use the forces available, it was to be put into action as soon as an attack was imminent.The plan was that if an enemy attacked, or were invited into, Siam, troops under British command would rush to Songkhla and defend it against a sea borne attack. This job was allocated to Major-General Murray-Lyon's Indian 11th Infantry Division who also had to defend Jitra, this over stretched his resources and made it a difficult task to do. i. On December 5, 1941. London gave permission for Cin C Far East Command to decide if Operation Matador should be activated. The chief strategic decision to be decided was whether Siam should be invaded in a pre-emptive move before the Japanese landings took place.Sir Robert Brooke-Popham was ordered to launch Operation Matador. The Malaya Command was responsible for the detailed planning of Operation Matador. j. On December 6, 1941. It had rewor ked the plan and allocated forces for immediate deployment. Which is what General Officer Commanding Malaya Arthur Percival recommended that evening in meeting with the Governor Sir Shenton Thomas and Cin C Brooke-Popham decided it is premature to launch the operation which included the pre-emptive move into Siam. With hind sight this was the wrong decision. 23.However, if Matador had been implemented the Japanese had a counter worked out. They would use the Bangkok airport and the airfields of Southern Siam to enable air cover to be established, and then invade from the Kra Isthmus. TACTICAL ASPECTS APPLIED 24. There were a lot of differences between British prediction and actual location of the Japanese landings in Malaya Peninsula. For detail, refer to figure 1 and figure 2 in appendix. The ‘Red' dot on the map is where the last sighting of the approaching Japanese armada was on the 6th December at approx 12. 30am by British RAF spotter planes.And the ‘Orange' dot on the map the â€Å"presumed British† and â€Å"actual Japanese† meeting place of the Japanese fleet on the 7th December 1941. The real Japanese meeting place was just 200 miles from Songkhla, Pattani and Kota Bharu, the assumed meeting place by Brook-Popham was some 400 miles, double the distance and of course double the time. In the event the Japanese landed at, Prachoup 1 craft, Chumphon 2 craft, Bandon 2 craft, Nakhon 3 craft, Songkla and Pattani 18 craft and  Kota Bharu 3 craft. 25. The Japanese had forestalled the effect of Matador by having a secondary plan.In the event if Matador was implemented, the Japanese were under the orders to occupy the airfield of Bangkok and the airfields of Southern Thailand to enable air cover to be established, thus paving the way for the invasion from the Kara Isthmus and the inevitable fall of Singapore. It shows the invader is truly tactical enough to apply the secondary plan if the primary met with failure. It was the combinati on of confused action and wildly differing approaches to what was perceived as the enemies’ tactics that eventually lead to the fiasco of Malaya and Fortress Singapore.Beside, the Japanese also use ‘blitzkrieg’ tactics that was used by the Germans during Europe Campaign. BATTLE ANALYSIS ANALYSIS ON FACTORS AND EFFECTS 26. The Matador plan can be analyzed from several factors which concluded to its failure. The factors identified are as follows: a. Lack of Resources. The Matador plan relied on assumption that the Japanese would land on the east coast of Siam at Songkhla and Pattani, then advancing south to Jitra and lower down to Kroh.British forces could intercept them just over the border in Thailand, long enough for the main force to assemble and attack. But the plan was modified to use the forces available and it was to be put into action as soon as an attack was imminent. If an enemy attacked, or were invited into Siam, troops under British command would rush to Songkhla and defend it against a sea borne attack. This job was allocated to Major-General Murray-Lyon's of Indian 11th Infantry Division who also had to defend Jitra, this has over stretched his resources and made it a difficult task to do.Beside, in the absence of the main fleets, RAF was fully responsible to carry out its task effectively in defence, it was estimated that it required a minimum of 336 modern aircraft including a long range striking force. At the outbreak of hostilities it had a mere 158, most of which were obsolescent. The lack of resources and the assign of multiple tasks at one time by the British made them facing more difficulties in defending its position against the Japanese. b. Non-strategic defence position.The decision to defend the Singapore base by holding the whole of Malaya meant that in the absence of the fleet the task fell primarily on the RAF. Because of the key role allotted to the air force it was decided that the primary task of the army was to defend the airfields from which the RAF operated. These airfields had been built without reference to the military but rather to suit civilian requirements. From a military viewpoint they were located too close to the coast and too close to the border of Siam to be effectively defended. c. Time Window.Matador was approved late for the plan to succeed. For Operation Matador to succeed, time was of the absolute essence. British forces had to be in Singora before the Japanese landed. However, as Britain attempted to the very end to avoid war with Japan, the military were forbidden to violate Siamese territory until an actual outbreak of war. With such a constraint, and time being of the essence, Operation Matador should have been abandoned. d. Command and Control. Earlier on December 5, 1941, London gave permission for Cin C the Far East Command to decide if Operation Matador should be activated.The strategic decision to be decided was whether Siam should be invaded in a pre-emptiv e move before the Japanese landings took place. The Malaya Command was responsible for the detailed planning of Operation Matador and on December 6, 1941 it had reworked the plan and allocated forces for immediate deployment. General Officer Commanding Malaya Arthur Percival recommended in meeting with the Governor of Singapore Sir Shenton Thomas and Cin C Brooke-Popham decided it is premature to launch the operation which included the pre-emptive move into Siam. e. Political Aspects.British do not want to be the first nation to trespass the non alliance of Thailand in the war and will not approved matador planned until there is solid evidence that shows that the Japanese is up to move to Thailand territory. To forestall the anticipated Japanese invasion the British High Command evolved a plan to seize the Siamese port of Singora which is ‘Operation Matador' and to delay the anticipated Japanese advance from Patani by holding a position called ‘The Ledge'. This plan requ ired crossing the international frontier into Siam thus making Britain guilty of violating official Siamese neutrality.In the year 1940 Sir Josiah Cosby the British Ambassador in Siam, had signed a non-aggression pact with Prime Minister Pibul of Siam. f. Lack of Importance. Under the command of Jen AE Percival, there were some 85000 British, Australian, Indian and Malayan troops. However some of the problems associated with this force included poor quality officers, poor training, especially in jungle warfare, lack of civilian labour to construct defences and lack of homogeny. g. The Blame. The blame of Matador Plan failure cannot only be pointed to General Percival because the launch of the plan must be approved from Churchill in London.He must have disliked it so much and there weren’t any reference to it in Churchill's memoirs as well. He seems to have conveniently forgotten all about it. Churchill’s distrust of it lay in the political aspects, he also favoured bei ng First Lord of the Admiralty   a naval man, a naval solution thus the sea based matador were developed. h. Operation Theatre Priorities. The Matador Plan was stalled repeatedly by Churchill, who wanted the scarce resources of aeroplanes, troops and other equipment diverted to his other priority areas, such as the Middle East and Russia.Britain's defence, the Middle East and the Soviet Union had all received higher priorities in the allocation of men and material, so the desired air force strength of 300 to 500 aircraft was never reached whereas the Japanese invaded with over two hundred tanks, the British Army in Malaya did not have a single one. i. The Wrong Assessment. Other than that, the war in the Middle East, the world's oil pipeline and gateway to India, was not going well. At the same time, Russian vulnerability added to the complexities of the situation.In 1941, Churchill delivered 440 aircraft to Russia. He also diverted an entire division, which was bound for Singapor e, the 7th Australian Division, to the Middle East and one brigade of the 9th Indian Division to Iraq. Churchill estimate, Japan will not enter the war unless the Germans had invaded Britain successfully. j. Lack of Intelligence. British intelligence had failed in providing the real assessment of Japanese assault lan on Malaya. As a result the British had failed to provide an adequate force and resources to meet the Japanese thrust.LESSON LEARNT 27. In the final analysis, it was a British failure to adhere to the principles of war in the implementation of the Matador Plan and the Japanese vision and motivation that led to the defeat of the British in the Malayan Campaign. a. Selection and The Maintenance Of The Aim. British has made the wrong decision making on the aspects of strategic defence plan of Malaya rather than knowing and understanding the Japanese strategic plan to conquer Malaya and Singapore. Japanese intentions are as follows: )Japan maybe to conquer Singora and Patani as habour to seize the important air field at Kedah and then move to North West of Malaya. 2)Landed at Kota Bharu to take over the air field. 3)Landed at Kuantan and move to west over the Kuantan-Raub road or Mersing road for Singapore assault through North of Malaya. Percival was unaware of these intentions and put the little sources to defence the other different area. On the other hand, the British thought that Japan will assault Malaya through Singapore. b. Maintenance Of Morale. The Japan inner strength was very high.All the Japan soldiers had their ideology which is â€Å"east for east† where in their psychology they had to rise with the morale in order to face war difficulties. Japan had all the factors that guaranteed the success with having good war equipment, efficiency and encouragement. c. Concentration of Force. The British didn’t forestalled a large number of forces at the planned or strategic location in order to resist any Japanese landing from the Nor th wherein this was an advantages to the Japanese forces. d. Economy of Effort. The highest Japan Royal Company gave 100 days to conquer Malaya and Singapore.Thinking about the mission, Jen Yamashita gave their order to throw the unnecessary equipment from their soldier and planning to remain a smooth movement from combination of expensive British roads and cheap Japan bicycle. He ordered his soldier that didn’t have any vehicle to ride bicycle. This is not just gave the smooth movement but also reduce man power from jungle tracking and walk. e. Surprise. Japan has attack Malayan from North where the British defence was very weak at the enemy aimed position. They attack Malaya in raining season when British not expected the Japan will attack on that time.That situation was entirely a surprise and a piece of well planned action. f. Offensive Action. Japan launched amphibious assault in north beach Malaya at Kota Bahru to move down into East beach of Malaya. This movement is do ne by landed at Patani and Singora in Thailand, whereas they move to South through road land to cross Malayan-Thailand borders to attack from west of Malaya. g. Cooperation. Cooperation can be analysed by comparing the both forces and there are: 1)Original defence planning on Malaya and Singapore depend on two factors, and it was British Far East Armada and American Pacific Armada.Far East Armada was supposed to have 1 carrier, 7 battleship, 11 cruiser and 24 destroyer was not to send because the strategic situation at Europe and Mediterranean and the effect from France failure. The British had no option rather than to deliver 2 battleships that are Repulse and Prince of Wales, while America Pacific Armada was destroyed at Pearl Habour. It was a fail of cooperation that British had no choices to support while Japan easily landed at Malaya. 2)While the Japanese had successfully integrated their entire asset including land, sea and air in giving the maximum fire power and maneuver.The cooperation between 3rd div (Air) Commander, Southern Sqn (Sea) Commander with all (Land) Army Chief’s a success to destroyed the British defence position. 25th Army Commander Lt Jen Yamashita had given his authority to coordinate the sea and air asset in order to achieve ‘mui’ in conquering Malaya and Singapore. h. Security. Beach defence built at Malaya in order to face the Japanese landings, including concertina wire, under water obstacles and machine gun placement were not good enough to give a supreme security and protection for the British.The implication from this, the British suffered a lot of casualties. Japanese also suffered a lot of casualties and this has shown that the British weakness in order to make sure the safety of their soldier itself. i. Flexilibity. To launch the Matador Plan Percival needed permission from British government in London. British government refused to launch this plan until they have proofs that the Japanese has landed in Th ailand. That situation shows that matador plan does not have the flexibility for an execution purposes. CONCLUSION 28.The Matador plan can be analyzed from several factors which conclude to its failure. The factor involves all aspects from the column of battle analysis. Matador was approved late for the plan to succeed. For Operation Matador to succeed, time was of the absolute essence. The delays in mobilization meant that the troops did not receive the order to launch ‘Operation Matador' effect, and morale suffered. An attempt by British troops to advance to The Ledge fell six miles 9. 6 km short of its objective when on 10 December 1941 Japanese troops overran the leading battalions.Another disaster, and with it any real chance for British troops to delay the Japanese advance until relief came, occurred on 12 December 1941 when the strategically-located and well-prepared Jitra position was abandoned within twenty four hours of being attacked. 29. The intention of the Britis h had been to hold it for approximately three months. Thus, after the twenty years of preparation to avoid such an eventuality, the fate of Malaya, and with it Singapore, was sealed in the first four days of the campaign.In the words of Major General Woodburn Kirby, ‘One can sum up by saying that those responsible for the conduct of the land campaign in Malaya committed every conceivable blunder. They underrated the enemy, paid insufficient attention to the training of their troops and delayed taking urgent decisions even after the Japanese had landed on Malayan soil. Singapore and the naval base were lost between 8 and 12 December'. Prime Minister of Britain, Churchill and all his decision made during the Malayan Campaign was also considered as a worst decision making in the war campaign ever in the history.Appendix 1 [pic] Figure 1: This shows what Brook-Popham had assumed happened from the intelligence he had received. [pic] Figure 2: This is what actually happened from the records of the Japanese BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Cull Brian, Buffaloes Over Singapore, Grub Street, London 2003. 2. Lt Gen AE Percival, The War in Malaya. 3. Sir John Smyth V. C, Percival and The Tragedy of Singapore, 1987. 4. Wikipedia, Battle of Malaya, HTML. 5. Chye Kooi Loong, The British Battalion In The Malayan Campaign 1941-1942, 2002. [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic]