Modern Communication And Flexible Manufacturing Methods

a. Product innovation Title: Decentralised manufacturing Location on the Innovation Matrix: Context, Product Decentralised manufacturing makes it possible for a large international firm like Ikea to reduce transport miles (and the associated carbon, NOx, SO2 and other emissions) and reduces the commercial risks of relying on a sole producer. It supports local small and medium size enterprises, provides local employment and can take advantage of locally sourced materials. The main impact of this innovation is to reduce transport costs. However a secondary benefit is better interaction with customers, especially for products with a short life cycle (Kianian et al. 2013). Modern communication and flexible manufacturing methods (e.g. Computer Numerical Control (CNC), 3-D printing, Additive Manufacturing) are all innovations that allow designs from a centralised source to be manufactured in smaller quantities close to where they will be sold. These techniques can also afford a firm commercial advantage the through the ‘personalised production’ of products (Mourtzis Doukas 2012) should they wish to adopt this as part of their business model. b. Service innovation Title: Chair leasing Location on the Innovation Matrix: People, Service Leasing office furniture can provide a cost efficient model for. Lease payments are deemed a direct operating expense rather than capital expenditure, giving companies a tax advantage. By not having to pay for the chairs at the point ofShow MoreRelatedThe Global Integration of Business Functions1134 Words   |  5 Pagesurges the foundation of globalization. Integrating into the global economy offers multinational companies not only opportunities to disperse their industries for goods and services worldwide, but also challenges to compete with others and sustain in flexible environment. On the other hand, globalization has caused much pressures for multinational business. Two major concerns of many international business corporations are what â€Å"pattern of integrating modes† fits their business activities and how theseRead MoreEvaluation Of The Online Reconfigurable Inspection Machine1439 Words   |  6 Pagesinspection process these sensors are fixed and the part moves e xamining the features that are required. The RIM supplies information about the measurement of each part rapidly and instantly transmits feedback for rapid diagnosis and correction of the manufacturing process. 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Boeing faces stiff competition from international aerospace companies seeking to increase market share, the mostRead MoreRole Of A Professional Civil Engineer1378 Words   |  6 Pagesthe role of a professional civil engineering in the manufacturing industry. Furthermore, there are some key works that engineers doing in our daily life. Moreover, this article will introduce how civil engineers do for their professional. And what kind of ethics that engineers require to be respect. In addition, how do they practice to solve issues to avoid failure generate again. This report will shows the roles of engineers do in manufacturing industry and what kind of works that they need to completeRead MoreThe Three Industrial Revolutions1740 Words   |  7 PagesINTRODUCTION The term industrial revolution refers means the strong transformation of a society- economically, socially, culturally and geographically. The Industrial revolution was a period from the 18th to the 19th century where major changes in manufacturing, agriculture, mining, transportation and technology had a profound effect on the social, cultural and economic conditions of the times. FIRST IR The main differences between the First and Second Industrial Revolution were the invisible hand inRead MoreOrganizational Studies And Management Essay1708 Words   |  7 Pagesleading, and controlling undertakings have occurred for thousands of years. As the initial days of systematic commercial and structural study, philosophers have contended that companies can understand aids using either more traditional or more modern management methods. For example, Taylor, Weber and Fayol were well-known societal researchers that advocated a traditional management. They are the originators of organizational studies and started their theories in the commencement of the 20th century at theRead MoreEnvironmental Factors Of The Automotive Industry1201 Words   |  5 Pagesfactors automotive designers and engineers have always said the main threats in the American Automotive industry are the environmental factors such as fuel economy and the clean air regulations. Automotive Emission posed different problems than manufacturing discharges such as coal smoke. Increased fossil-fuel emission has resulted from the million car increase. Irritation smog, which is comprised of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, sulfur oxide and other various chemical mixtu res are cited in major

Dr. Phil Mcgraws Relationship Rescue - 1015 Words

Relationship Rescue In Dr. Phil McGraw’s â€Å"Relationship Rescue†, Dr. Phil uses a combination of personal advice, experience and reader participation to provide help to those who feel their relationship is failing. Throughout the book, Dr. Phil strongly encourages the reader to actively engage by writing down their feelings, answering very personal questions about themselves and their significant other, and to â€Å"put motion into your emotion.† Meaning take action, and if you’re emotionally unhappy, it is time to physically do something about it. The author is eager to successfully help couples put their relationships back together and allow it to thrive in new ways. Throughout the book, Dr. Phil McGraw proves that even though he sometimes prompted difficult and uncomfortable conversations, communication was and always will be one of the most important elements of a relationship. In the first and second chapter of Relationship Rescue, Dr. Phil’s main focus is â€Å"you† (the reader) then moving forward to the relationship. He claims that â€Å"Rescuing your relationship means rescuing you.† The point here is to help the reader understand that in order to be happy in their relationship, they need to be happy with themselves first. He explains that if you â€Å"get yourself straight† you’re creating a happier lifestyle, and by doing this your partner will be seriously affected. Explaining that even though you cannot change your partner, your actions could potentially inspire them. Dr. Phil

Computer Organization and Design Samples for Students-Myassignment

Questions: 1.Explain what the term Green Computing means.2.The Von Neumann Architecture, which is the basis for most Digital Computers today, Suffers from the von Neumann bottleneck. Explain.3.Java is Called an Interpreted Language, yet Java is a compiled language that produces a Binary Output Stream. Explain how this Language can be both compiled and interpreted.4.Why should assembly language be avoided for General application Development? Under what Circumstances would you argue in favour of using assembly Language code for Developing an Application Program?5.Explain how DMA (Direct Memory Access) is different from other ways of I/O Controlling Mechanisms. Anwers: 1.Green computing: This the study of designing, manufacturing, using and disposing off the computer devices in relation to caring the environment health. These activities involved in computer usage and manufacturing ensures that the environment is not polluted and no components of computers should be disposed of to the environment if its impacts negatively to environs. In fact we should reuse this components. Green computing is in effect to maximise effective usage of power, ensure usage of biodegradable materials, recycle materials and reduce or eliminate cases of hazard effects. 2.Due to this architecture, it should be noted that a program data has to be fetch and restored to the memory units and being loaded on the processor unit for processing. This makes the computer sometimes idle especially with currently increasing speed of processor performance. Some commonly used data should be stored in the RAM for its usage. Bottlenecks emerges when we have mismatched hardware units. For instance, a Gigabit Ethernet port being connected to a 0.01 Ethernet switch port with a very low connection speed will cause a bottleneck. Same case applies when we have a higher performing processor being connected to a low space RAM that keeps on fetching data instructions bit by bit than how high the processor is executing these instructions. The technology at which the processor is being improved cannot go in line with the technology at which RAMs are being developed. RAMs are expensive. 3.When java is being interpreted and compiled, JVM converts data instructions line by line as they appear. This conversion is termed to as interpretation since the instructions have been converted into byte codes. For a native program to run in a computer, it must then be converted into machine language which is termed to as compilation. In case of JVM, there exist the stage of having byte codes first for platform independence and then machine code conversion for program running. 4.Assembly language has mnemonic codes which are English like words. It is a low level language which is a machine language, if one has to program using this language, one needs a clear understanding of hardware in detail. Trying to conceptualize this language is time consuming. However, we need assembly language in cases where we need direct hardware manipulation and speed optimization much so in designing and developing drivers and real time systems. 5.The I/O control mechanisms is a way in which processor uses device software like a driver for instruction data request from the main storage into memory and then back to the main memory. The process is tedious in a way that processor has to make a request and wait for I/O response. This communication process has to continue towards completion of every execution cycle. On the other hand, direct memory address involves processor granting the I/O module the mandate to read and write data without involving the processor. The I/O module can write to RAM directly without passing through processor. This speeds up fetch execution cycle. References PATTERSON, D. (2017).COMPUTER ORGANIZATION AND DESIGN. MORGAN KAUFMANN PUBLISHER What is von Neumann bottleneck? - Definition from WhatIs.com. (n.d.). Retrieved April 22, 2017, from https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/von-Neumann-bottleneck Wong, A. Y. (n.d.). Retrieved April 22, 2017, from https://www.louiewong.com/archives/137

The Metamorphosis Of Malcolm X Essays - English-language Films

The Metamorphosis Of Malcolm X Malcolm X once wrote, My life has always been one of changes (Haley 404). In his autobiography, The Autobiography of Malcolm X, it is very evident that through his life, he went through a series of drastic changes that went from one extreme to another. He went from being at the bottom of the American white mans society, to become one of the most influential advocates of Black pride (150). Throughout the novel the most evident changes are when Malcolm X moves to Boston, goes to prison, and going on Hajj. After living in Michigan, Malcolm X moves in with his half-sister, Ella, in Boston. Malcolm X described the move as pivotal or profound in its repercussions (38). When he gets to Boston, he sets out to explore the city and to get the feel of Boston (40). When he looks around the area he is living in he finds it full of nothing but Hill Negroes (40). He notices that all these black people are simply breaking their backs trying to imitate white people (40). He immediately rejects their way of thinking and finds himself in the middle of the towns ghetto section (42). Soon through his friendship with Shorty, Malcolm X is exposed to a new kind of living. He spends his first month in Roxbury with his mouth hanging open (48). He saw small black children shooting craps, playing cards, fighting [throwing] around swear words and slang expressions (43). Eventually, all this exposure to black people being their natural selves took a great toll on him (43). After hanging out with Shorty and his friends, inevitably, he took his first reefers, first cigarettes, and the first liquor he drank. He ultimately went from being country to a cool cat. When he was exposed to all these jungle streets, he became a hustler and soon began to live like an animal, living only to survive (163). As he became more involved with these people he lost all sense of values and morals. He eventually became a common street hustler, drug dealer, and burglar until he was finally caught and served seven years in jail. Malcolm Xs experience in jail saved him eventually and molded him into the great leader he is known for today. While in prison the first thing that made a positive impression on his life is a fellow inmate named Bimbi. (153). What impressed him the most about this man was the way he was able to command total respect with his words(154). By trying to pursue a friendship with Bimbi, Malcolm X consequentially seeks an education. Through his readings and new found religion, the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X finds self-pride. He starts to become proud of who he is and where he came from. He realizes that before, all he was trying to do was act like someone he wasnt and all it had gotten him was seven years in prison. The letters he got from Elijah Muhammad and his family encouraged all of this. He strives to admit his guilt, and implore the forgiveness of God (170). He would often be startled to catch [himself] thinking in a remote way of [his] earlier self as another person and marvel at h ow much he had changed (170). All the reading he did awoke some long dormant craving to be mentally alive (179). His trip to prison opened up new doors for him because he gained knowledge that made him rethink his niche in life. After he left jail, Malcolm X believed that the black man was superior to the white man and the white man was simply the devil. He preached this to thousands of black people and converted them to the Nation of Islam through his moving speeches that stunned and captivated them. However, all of his beliefs were totally changed after he took a trip to Mecca and went on Hajj. The first thing that enthralls Malcolm X, is the unity he sees in all the Muslims that are gathered at the airport. Everyone, from a king to a peasant, is dressed in the same clothes. There is none superior to the other because in the eyes of Allah

Understanding counselling theory free essay sample

In this assignment, I will be explaining in more detail; the person centred model of counselling, used primarily during this Level 3 course. The concepts and principles of the model and who was responsible for them. I will be seeking the value of the person-centred model and pitting it alongside its counterparts. I shall discussing two other models, their key features and uses and compare and contrast with the person-centred model of counselling. In doing so, this will raise my knowledge and awareness, of the person-centred model and other models used within counselling. I feel it is  important, to have a solid theory foundation of all the counselling models, methods or techniques and the reasons a chosen model, would inform the practice of a qualified counsellor, before attempting to use them. I hope to discover the value, similarities and differences of these models in more depth and where they can be effective in the counselling environment. We will write a custom essay sample on Understanding counselling theory or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Origins of Person-centred Counselling. The beginnings of person-centred approaches can be attributed to the work of an American psychologist Carl Rogers (1902-1987) and the how he developed what he termed as client centred therapy. His ideas and those of like-minded others were developed in America and then moved across to the UK. One of these like-minded individuals was Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) also an American psychologist influential in what was known as Third Force psychology. This was a movement that attempted to foster a humanistic approach to psychology, focusing on happiness and well-being. Maslow began as a behaviourist and his main contribution is the hierarchy of needs, a theory of needs that govern the human behaviour. These psychologists sought to move away from scientific and psychoanalysis approaches; of Freud (1856-1939) an Austrian Jewish doctor, who formulated theory of personality and psychological function, relating it to sexual repression in early childhood and his colleague Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961). Rogers believed that if a client was fully listened to and heard by the therapist, that they had the resources within themselves to find their own solutions to their problems. Rather than being psychoanalysed and treated, as was the prevailing theory of Freud and his counterparts. Key concepts and principles of person-centred counselling. The key concepts of the person-centred model are:- The organismic or core self, an innate sense of self that we are born with and is authentically and genuinely us. Conditions of worth, these are the conditions placed on us as children, that influence our beliefs. If we do as is expected of us we will be loved and accepted. Self concept, this is the sense of self that develops according to how we are treated by others. This can conflict with our organismic self, which may lead to issues of incongruence and anxiety. Actualising tendency, is another key concept, it is the belief that all individuals have the resources, within themselves to grow given the right conditions. Such as Rogers comparison of the potato which he found in his cellar, in very poor conditions and yet it had still sprouted and strived, to find a way to reach the light. As would individuals who had faced adversities and negative situations would find their own unique way towards healing and growth. Locus of evaluation, the external locus of evaluation, is a reliance on externals for guidance and affirmation, characterised by ‘shoulds’ and ‘oughts’ and difficulty making decisions. The internal locus of evaluation, is the ability to trust our own self and own valuing system, less influenced by others opinions. The main principles of person centred model are the core conditions of empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard. They are vital for building a safe therapeutic relationship, in which the client can explore fully. How does person-centred counselling, influence the understanding of the development of concept of self? Carl Rogers believed that; ‘clients become empowered to find their own solutions and their own unique, personally meaningful path through life. ’ One theory of his client centred psychotherapy was based on the idea that; ‘every person has within an acorn, able to grow into a certain kind of tree, a blueprint for a unique life’ Rogers worked with many others in developing the idea that clients could heal themselves, if only the therapist provided ‘facilitative’ or core conditions of, ‘empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard. ’ Rogers used the symbolism of concept of self, being like a plant given water, soil, sun, and fertilizer. In these optimum or ‘facilitative’ conditions the client concept of self can grow and unfold like the plant. The client would become empowered to undertake their own unique journey of self-awareness and discovery. While negative situations could stunt the person, like the potato left in his cellar, the person would always find a way, through the most challenging and arduous conditions, to reach toward the light. Person centred counselling, fosters a shared sense of humanity between counsellor and client. It offers an arena of reflection and focusing, on innermost thoughts and feelings; that are rarely tapped into, in ordinary day to day circumstances. Using the simple empathic listening model, first developed by Carl Rogers; during the therapeutic process, the client will hopefully feel fully listened to, valued and respected. This humanistic approach will hopefully influence and promote a positive concept of self. How does person-centred approach inform counselling practice? The work of a person centred counsellor is non directive and non-advisory. At the core of the approach is the theory and belief that instead of analysing, diagnosing and telling clients what to do, the counsellor instead reflects back to the client, what they have said and encourages them, to continue to look more deeply into their thoughts, feelings and answers. Clients then become empowered to find their own solutions and their own sense of self, meaningfulness and unique path through life. Rogers called this technique â€Å"reflective listening† or â€Å"empathic listening. † This along with the other key concepts and core conditions, inform the qualified counsellor’s practice in several ways. The core condition of empathy and empathetic listening; involves entering into the client’s world/frame of reference and experiences. This means the counsellor, has to depart from their own opinions and feelings, to a certain extent and see the world through their client’s eyes. The core condition of congruence relates to the counsellor’s openness. It informs the counselling relationship, as the counsellor’s integrity and transparency, is intrinsic to an effective working relationship with the client. Congruence from counsellor to client informs the relationship, as it enables perceptions of the client, to be offered supportively. Unconditional positive regard shown by the counsellor towards their client can assist the therapeutic relationship to flourish. This is in essence the value and respect the counsellor conveys to their client. The client is able to feel safe and free from judgement. UPR is gifted to the client, regardless of their behaviour; they can feel at ease and the freedom to explore their innermost feelings. Key features and comparison of different models, with the person-centred model. Psychodynamic Therapy This model was developed due to the work of Sigmund Freud and many other models have developed from this approach. It is felt today, that Freud’s approach, leads other practitioners or clients to be cautious of Psychodynamic Therapy. Made up of two Greek word Psyche- spirit or mind and Dynamic which meaning changing/alive. Key features of Psychodynamic therapy:- Freud believed the personality had three parts, which co-exist in each person. The ID this is present from birth and is instinctive, self –centred and primitive. It is seen as inherent in a person’s nature or make up. It holds all our basic impulses of sex and aggression and is governed by the pleasure principle and needs regulation.

An Evaluation of the Use of the PRINCE2 Project Management Methodology

An Evaluation of the Use of the PRINCE2 Project Management Methodology Introduction PRINCE2 is an acronym standing for PRojects, IN Controlled Environments. It is a method that is used by project managers in managing projects. This method is commonly used by the UK government, although it is also used in other countries. It covers both the organization and management of a project. PRINCE2 can be defined as a method used by project managers to manage projects.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on An Evaluation of the Use of the PRINCE2 Project Management Methodology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It helps them to decide who should be concerned with certain projects and what is expected of them, that is, the project team and its responsibilities. PRINCE2 gives a set of processes that should be adopted in a project and explains the kind of information that should be incorporated in a given project. Nonetheless, it is important to understand that the method does not perform any task and will never give an assurance of a project success. It just gives a guideline of what should or should not be involved in a project and leaves the project managers to make their own decisions. A triumphant project, that is, one that delivers quality results within the set budget and on time depends on the eminence of people who are concerned in its execution. This includes project board and the project team which does most of the work. Today, projects engross different groups of people including but not limited to the clients, contractors, and the users. The most important objective behind the use of PRINCE2 is to make sure that there is a universal language amongst the concerned parties. Customers and suppliers are brought together by contracts, whereas the project team and the project board are brought together by the responsibilities expected of them by the customers and or the users of the project. By using PRINCE2 project managers have been able to manage projects more easily and thi s ensures that the products that are delivered from the project are of the right quality. This paper looks at the history of PRINCE2 as a project management method, its relationship with project management and programme management, some of the advantages of using this method to the project managers, and the disadvantages. It also looks at the processes, components and techniques of PRINCE2. Brief History of PRINCE2 PRINCE2 was derived from PROMPTII and PRINCE project management method that was discovered in 1989 by the government of UK. It was discovered in 1996 as a more efficient management method than PROMP TII and since then, it has become a popular method and it is increasingly being used for managing project in the UK (Haughey 1).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It has now become a common method used by project managers, not only in the UK but in 50 other co untries. The most recent version of PRINCE2 was released in 2009 by OGC, although the name did not change to PRINCE3 as it would have been expected, was an indication that the method is still faithful to its ideologies. However, it had been going through a series of revisions since 1996 in order to be compatible to the present global business environment. The major dissimilarity between PRINCE2:2009 and the previous version is that, the 2009 version entails the use of two instruction manuals; one for the management victorious projects and the other for directing projects. Pass mark has been increased to 55 per cent (for the practitioner assessment) but that of foundation examination stays. Further, the practitioner exam will not take 3 hours as it used to but 2 and a half hours (Haughey 5) Project Management The work of a project manager is to organize and control a project within an organization. To do this, he selects human resources who are competent enough to work on the project and it is his responsibility to supervise their work to ensure that it done timely and according to laid down standards. The project administrator proposes the project arrangements that spell out the task of the project as well as its duration. A client pays for the project whilst the user is the individual who employs the results of the project or rather one who the product impacts on. However, in some cases, the consumer and the client can be the same person and the person whose proficiency is being used on the project is known as a consultant. For the project to deliver the expected results, these people have to co-ordinate with each other. They have to ensure that, the project does to exceed the set budget, it is of the right quality and it is delivered on time. Each PRINCE2 must have a project panel composed of the client, the user (or his delegate), and the consultant or purveyor (Anon. â€Å"PRINCE2 methodology overview† 4). In PRINCE2, these people are known as the c lient, senior consumer, and the superior contractor. It remains the duty of the project manager to report to the project panel on the development of the project and any foreseeable challenges or predicaments. In return, the project board provides the project manager with appropriate decisions on how to handle the project and how to overcome any challenges that comes his way.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on An Evaluation of the Use of the PRINCE2 Project Management Methodology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More PRINCE2 is a knowledge-based approach that covers a wide area in project management. It provides a process model composed of eight processes that act as a guide to a project manager in planning and managing projects. PRINCE2 project management method can be applied to a vast number of projects and in a wide range of intricacy. Moreover, the PRINCE2 instruction manual on the management of unbeaten projects gives a number of mechanisms that help a project manager in using the process model. One advantage of PRINCE2 is that, it helps to standardize the activities in an organization while allowing project managers to adopt a range of products using the same processes and terminology. The major constraint is that, it limits the level of creativity in the methods applied by managers in managing projects (Anon. â€Å"PRINCE2 methodology overview† 5). Programme Management Programme management involves managing groups of projects for a desired benefit. It involves structuring and controlling projects in a group so that they give effective results. Large and complex projects are normally broken down into small and inter-related projects for easy management. In doing this, one has to take into consideration, the time and the budget allocated to the specific projects. The importance of using PRINCE2 in programme management is that, it helps in grouping of projects according to their purpose an d urgency. Just like in project management, PRINCE2 assist programme managers in setting a procedure that has to be followed in seeing that all projects yield the expected results. It helps them to set the roles and responsibilities of the different people involved in programming and also give a guideline to be followed in supervising projects. Advantages of using PRINCE2 to both project managers and programme managers Risk Management Many people take about risk management but rarely do they do anything in connection to it. The major problem is that many people do not know whose responsibility it is to manage risk. PRINCE2 provides a solution to this since it defines the method of handling risk. The latest version PRINCE2:2009 which was released in June 2009 provides a strategy for managing risk.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This involves identification of risks, evaluation, and how to deal with identified risk within a project. It also gives an idea of who is accountable for carrying out the diverse roles implicated in risk management. It sets out the number and types of risks that an organization can be able to bear within a project. The first step in risk management is to identify the risks in a project; this can be done by following the approaches given in the new manual (Hinde, â€Å"Better Risk management with PRINCE2† 1). Some of these approaches are: reviewing critical issues from previous projects, conducting a risk brainstorming session, and establishing a structure for breaking down risks. A risk structure is a diagram that resembles an organization chart but it is divided into different ways, for instance by the use of the PESTEL analysis. Risks can also be identified by reviewing the different aspects of a project, such as percentage of approvals, issues raised regarding the project, defects captured in the projects, just to name but a few. After identifying the possible risks in a project, the next step is to assess the risk exposure. In this progression, each threat is measured in terms of percentage and the pecuniary impact it can generate in case it happen to occur. The fraction of incidence is multiplied by the pecuniary impact to arrive at the supposed value in case the risk takes place. By adding up the expected values of the all the expected risks, we get a monetary value that represent the risk exposure of the project in question. PRINCE2 recommends that, each risk should be recorded when they are expected to occur in order to give the proximity of the risk. It also suggests that the possibility and the impact of a risk ought to be put into consideration to establish whether this show a discrepancy over time. Apart from just considering when a risk may or may not occur, PRINCE2 considers the causes of risks. This gives a deeper analysis in identifying and assessing risks thereby providing a better approach to the process of risk management. Not all risks results in negative impacts; some risks are opportunities. According to PRINCE2, there are three approaches to an opportunity: exploitation of the opportunity by ensuring that it occurs, increasing its probability of occurrence, or rejecting the opportunity (Hinde, â€Å"Better Risk management with PRINCE2† 5). The responsibility of a project manager entails searching for more prospects that would make a project better, by making this a component of the process of managing risks; the project manager are in a position to recognize more risks Project Assurance Normally, the work of project assurance is to provide independent views on the progress of the project. In PRINCE2, the scrutiny of project reassurance is divided into three; client, organization, and the specialist. Project assurance is all about checking the progress of the project to ensure that it remains within th e budget and that it is cost effective, this is referred to as business assurance. User assurance entails examining whether the consumer’s requirements are being offered whilst specialist reassurance involves inspecting whether the project is offering the anticipated solution. In the majority projects, assurance is carried out by a self-regulating panel (referred to as the â€Å"project assurance team†), although in other assignments, it is the panel in the project board that carries out the assurance (Anon. â€Å"PRINCE2 methodology overview† 3). Project Support Projects involve a lot of administrative work, everyone has to be informed about the progress, meetings have to be arranged, plans have to be updated, and files have to be kept properly, among other activities. In small projects, the project managers do most of this work, but if the project is big, they delegate some of these duties to members of the project team. PRINCE2 recommends that a project suppo rt office should be set up to help the project manager carry out his duties effectively and also gives a guideline of how some of the responsibilities should be delegated to the project team members. Controlling Change PRINCE2 involves more than just describing and analyzing the responsibilities required of each member. It also explains how risk can be managed, how to achieve quality results, and how to control the project. Management of risk involves forecasting on the future and determining the problems that can be encountered in the process of the project and designing appropriate mechanisms to tackle such challenges. On the other hand, the management (quality) is all about probing the value of the work done through appraising or re-examining it (Office of Government Commerce 342). During the project’s life-cycle, many alterations take place, for instance, members from the team may well change their mind, the client or user possibly will change some of the given instructio ns, or other things may perhaps take place, which may possibly affect the value of the project. PRINCE2 has a unique technique that enables project managers to control the changes that may take place in the execution of a project in order to ensure that such changes do not impact the project negatively. Disadvantages At times, PRINCE2 is regarded as unsuitable and unproductive for small projects, because of the work implicated in preserving and generating documents, and lists. This time and again results in a misinterpretation of which parts of PRINCE2 should be useful. PRINCE2 does not take into consideration the size of the projects but assume all projects are the same and that they should follow the same procedure. However, this may be quite ineffective for small projects which have a smaller budget. Creating and maintaining some of the documents and lists is an expensive process which can not be done by the project manager alone. He has to hire an additional employee which may n ot be possible according to the budget. PRINCE2 provides many ideas for the management of projects. However, the quality approach can sometimes be entirely inappropriate because it redefines the original meaning of quality. According to the dictionary, the word quality means standard of excellence. On the other hand, PRINCE2 defines quality as something fit for the purpose, which it can be designed without taking into consideration the standards of excellence. This re-definition of quality creates a lot of controversies in the application of PRINCE2 to many project managers (Hinde, â€Å"Why PRINCE2’s approach to quality is flawed† 2). At the start of PRINCE2 project, the project manager agrees with the customer about the attributes to be created from the project, in other terms known as the acceptance criteria. After the products have been delivered to the customer, he will only sigh against them if they fulfil the acceptance criteria. However, this is under the assum ption that, the customer understands what they want, but in most cases, the do not. This is a problem in PRINCE2 projects which assumes that users know the quality of the products that they want. PRINCE2 defines a project according to its uniqueness and the more unique a project is, the harder it becomes to specify what is required of the end product. PRINCE2 Processes PRINCE2 process that was revised in 2009 takes place in almost 40 separate activities which are organized further into seven processes. This can be summarized in following chart. [from: aipm.com.au/resource/PRINCE2%20Overview%20-%20AIPM%20v1.pdf} Starting Up a Project The first process is the start up of a new project. A project team is appointed in this process, and the purpose of the project including the expected outcome is prepared. It is in this process that decisions regarding the approach to be adopted are made and the next process is discussed and planned for. After doing this, the project board authorizes th e stage that follows, that is, the initiation of the project. Key activities in the start up process include but not limited to selection of the project manager and a supervisory member, management panel selection, project brief preparation among others (Anon. â€Å"PRINCE2 processes, components, and techniques† 2). Initiation Stage Main activities involved in this stage include planning for a quality approach, planning for the project, redefining project brief into business case, creating project files, creating project controls, and bringing together a project instigation document. This process continues with the work instigated in the start-up stage and augments the brief into a business case. The executive, project manager, and project management team work together to define an approach for testing quality of the project with a general objective of controlling the entire project. This stage involves the creation of project files which act as a general plan for the entire project. The next stage is also created and all information resulting from this stage is forwarded to the project board for the purpose of authorization. Directing a Project The main activities in this stage include but not limited to authorization of project initiation, authorization of projects, authorization of a stage plan, giving of direction, and project closure conformation. In this process, the roles and responsibilities of the project board are stipulated; the main role of this board is to control the entire project. As seen earlier, it is the work of the project board to authorize the initiation stage as well as the project itself. The directing stage stipulates how the project board is supposed to approve a stage plan, and other plans that are designed to replace the stage plan due to unforeseen conditions (Murray 2). This stage also gives an overview of how the project board is expected to direct the project including the activities involved in closing down a project. Co ntrolling a Stage According to PRINCE2, projects should be divided into processes and sub-processes dictating how each phase ought to be monitored and controlled. This includes the method of authorizing and receiving work packages. It also explains how the progress of a project ought to be monitored and how major outcomes of the project ought to be reported to the board. The controlling stage also puts forward the technique to be espoused in capturing and gauging issues interrelated to the project and how counteractive action should be implemented. It suggests the method to be adopted in delivering project issues to the project board. The key activities in this stage include authorization of work packages, reviewing progress, investigating project issues, assessing the stage of the project, report major events to the board, taking remedial action, and rising project issues. Managing Stage Boundaries As seen above, the controlling process suggests what must be done in a given stage. On the other hand, the managing stage boundaries suggest what have to to be prepared when a stage is near completion. This phase also states what ought to be done if a stage is going through difficulties or of it has gone ahead of those levels that can be tolerated, and how the finishing point of the project have to be reported to the panel. The core actions in this phase include: bringing up to date the plan for a project, business case, and the risk record, setting up a stage, reporting the end of a project, and creation of elimination plan. Managing Product Delivery The purpose of this stage is to ensure that, there is co- ordination between the project team and the project manager. Main objectives are; To make certain that the project manager consents to the work of the group and that it is decided upon by the panel members To certify that the panel members, the project administrator, and suppliers comprehend the anticipated result, and that they are able to work within the set time limit, and cost to produce outstanding results (Watling 2) To ensure delivery of every products as per the project’s arrangement and within the financial plan To make sure that the project director is provided with truthful information on a habitual basis as regards to the development of the venture in order to deal with the expectations satisfactorily In summary, the core activities involved in this phase include: recognition, implementation, and work-package delivery. Closing a Project This comprises of the actions that have to be completed just before the end of a project. In this stage, the project is officially de-commissioned and resources distributed to other activities. Then the project is evaluated and follows on actions identified. The key activities in this stage include: project decommissioning, project evaluation, and identification of the follow-on actions (Watling 4). PRINCE2 techniques Quality Review The purpose of this technique is to ensure that, the products resulting from a project are of good standard, that is, they meet the quality criteria. More often than not, this is done in a quality reassess meeting in which inaccuracies in products are recognized. It is worth noting that the quality review meeting is not under any obligation to resolve the errors identified in products, its work is to bring the interested people together and to help the project team in addressing the identified issues (Anon. â€Å"PRINCE2 processes, components, and techniques† 3). Product Based Planning This technique defines a project according to the output and not its activities. Before a project is initiated, the project managers have to understand the products required by the users. This helps them in planning for the activities that should be incorporated in the project but it is not the activities that determine the end product (Murray 4). Change Control This technique gives a procedure on how to log and assess the impacts of a project, h ow to escalate issues to the board, and how to manage changes. PRINCE2 Components The components of PRINCE2 are given in the outer part of the chart below [From: aipm.com.au/resource/PRINCE2%20Overview%20-%20AIPM%20v1.pdf] PRINCE2 has eight main components, these are: Business case- This is a justification for a project Organization- This gives an overview of the roles and responsibilities of all the people involved in a project, this includes project managers, project team, and the project board. Plans- This gives a definition of products expected from a project, how work is shared and carried out among the parties involved. This includes; timescale of the project, budget, and when to make frequent reports to the project board (Anon. Managing and Directing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 3). Controls- This component gives an overview of the procedure to be followed by project managers and the board in controlling the activities of a project Management of risk- Every undertaking involves taking risks; this component explains the approach to be adopted in managing risks in a project. Quality in a project Environment- This explains how quality products are ensured within a project and how such products are delivered Configuration management- This gives an explanation how to identify and track the products of a project Change control- It is common for changes to occur in the process of execution of a project. Change control explains how such changes should to be managed to ensure that, the quality of the end products are not compromised. Conclusion PRINCE2 has made Project management easy since it contains well defined framework. It provides a clear procedure on how to coordinate activities and the project team members, how to plan for the project, how to supervise it, and how to handle the challenges that comes along the execution of the project. PRINCE2 defines all the processes involved in a project with specifications on key inputs, output, goals, and act ivities to be undertaken. This helps project managers to control any deviations that may occur in the plan. It also ensures that all available resources are controlled efficiently, projects are carried out in an organized manner and they are easily monitored in an organized way. PRINCE2 is a well structured method that is widely acknowledged and understood by many project managers who have done either the foundation or practitioner examinations. It provides a basis for communication where all participants are able to communicate in a common language. Major tasks and duties concerned in the managing of a project are illustrated without a doubt and are well-matched to the proficiency of a firm and the complexity of the project. PRINCE2 also helps project managers in indentifying risks, evaluating the risk exposures and how to exploit risks into opportunities. Many people just talk about risks but hardly do anything to mitigate them. Others think that it is not their responsibilities t o manage risks and just sit down and watch things go out of hand. According PRINCE2, it is the work of the project manager to manage risks although he can delegate the same to a member of the project team who he feels is in a position to do the work. This management method provides a guideline on how to indentify risks, assess them, or even turn them into opportunities. Management of risk involves forecasting on the future and determining the problems that can be encountered in the process of the project and designing appropriate mechanisms to tackle such challenges. Some of the major shortcomings of PRINCE2 are: it assumes all projects to be the same and does not give a separate procedure for smaller projects and also it re-defines the meaning of quality by assuming that users are knowledgeable of the quality of the products they are requesting for. PRINCE2 method involves different processes, components and techniques. The processes include: start-up of project, initiation stage, directing a project, and controlling a project. Some of the components are: plans, organization, controls, business case, and change control. It has only three techniques; quality control, product-based planning, and change control Anon. Managing and Directing Successful Projects with PRINCE2. Press release, June 2009. Web. best-management-practice.com/gempdf/PRINCE2_2009_Overview_Brochure_June2009.pdf. Anon. â€Å"PRINCE2 methodology overview.† ILX Group plc, 2010. Web. PRINCE2.com/prince2-structure.asp Anon. â€Å"PRINCE2 Processes, Components, and Techniques.† Aipm, 2010. Web. aipm.com.au/resource/PRINCE2%20Overview%20-%20AIPM%20v1.pdf Haughey, Duncan. â€Å"The History of PRINCE2.† Project Smart, 2010. Web.. projectsmart.co.uk/history-of-prince2.html Hinde, David. â€Å"Better Risk Management with PRINCE2.† Project Smart, 2010. Web.. projectsmart.co.uk/better-risk-management-with-prince2.html Hinde, David. â€Å"Why PRINCE2’s Approach to Qu ality is flawed.† Project Smart, 2010. Web.. projectsmart.co.uk/why-prince2s-approach-to-quality-is-flawed.html Murray, Andy. â€Å"Best Management Practice for Project, Programme, and Risk Management.† White paper, 2007. Web. best-management-practice.com/gempdf/PRINCE2_White_Paper_v3.pdf Office of Government Commerce. Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 (5th ed.). The Stationery Office, 2009. ISBN 978-0113310593. Watling, Shaun. â€Å"A Procedural Worksheet on PRINCE2 Project Management.† Project Smart, 2010. Web.. projectsmart.co.uk/procedural-worksheet-on-prince2-project-management.html

Topic Selection and Rationale (Attempt 1 ) Essay

Topic Selection and Rationale (Attempt 1 ) - Essay Example The ability to properly define and/or guarantee protections for unique works or concepts could easily lead to stalemate if the intellectual property is governed domestically yet regulated abroad when doing business in foreign nations. In microeconomics, comparative advantage could explain a potential stalemate when it comes to intellectual property protection. This is when a firm has the ability to produce a work or product at a lower opportunity cost than competition. An opportunity cost is when the highest valued alternative must be sacrificed to select another strategy. If one business operates in a market where there are many competitors, and are able to experience lower cost in the action, competition may be more adamant about protecting their intellectual property as a competitive tool. Because the WTO acts as an agency and forum for these discussions, it is likely that the WTO will become engaged in trying to settle the dispute. A competing company might have very high cost objectives, however they cannot lower their opportunity costs to seek a special project or product innovation. Animosities between the rival companies could cause conflict with the membership of the WTO, based on the high cost of doing business against a competing product able to avoid high opportunity costs. In macroeconomics, inflation could also lead to problems with intellectual property rights disagreements that will ultimately involve the WTO. This is when the price of goods and services rises due to supply, finance, or money supply. Companies that are unable to compete effectively against another company that enjoys comparative advantage may also have inflationary issues arising from the cost of doing business which, in turn, affects overhead costs and production costs. The company could, at the same time, be impacted by inflation associated with international distribution.