Analysis of the Theoretical Concepts of Scientific Management Assignment

Analysis of the Theoretical Concepts of Scientific Management - Assignment Example Scientific Management came to be known after the work of Frederick Winslow Taylor (1911), an engineer by profession. In his book The Principles of Scientific Management, he proposed the fundamental model along which assembly-lines of large-scale manufacturing factories should be made. His model focuses on the standardization of work through an emphasis on division of labour, time, motion studies, work measurement and piece-rate wages (Drury, 1915). Scientific management, or Taylorism, is a management theory aimed to streamline workflow. The fundamental objectives of this theory were to harness the true potential of economic efficiency and labour productivity. Since early 1700s people have been working on formal management principles, but the most significant development in this endeavour came with the work of Frederick Winslow Taylor (1856 – 1915). He along with his associates merged the fields of science and business (work). They set out with observing workers productivity in a work setting. Taylor believed in the optimization of work rather than forcing people to work harder or extra. In his book, he proposed the simplification of work in order to enhance or improve workers’ productivity. He proposed a closer association between managers and employees whereas earlier this was least of anyone’s concerns. Managers used to keep a wide distance between their workers and themselves. Due to the lack of standardized work, workers found no real motivation towards their work (Head, 2005). Above all, job security in all cases also added to the worker's disengagement from work. Consequently, in order to raise the bar of motiva tion Taylor proposed the linking of pay with performance.

Agriculture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Agriculture - Essay Example I prefer to use the term local to refer to a certain state though the term can also be applied to the entire US. In case of food products, there are quite a number of features that are considered by the consumers. I consumed locally produced chicken as well as homemade grape drink. I only wanted to find out if there is any difference between locally produced food products and those imported from the other countries. I discovered that locally produced chicken tasted better compared to chicken imported from countries like Brazil. I gathered that chicken imported from Brazil is made from genetically modified organisms and it is too fat. However, our locally produced chicken is different from the imported products. It is original and it tastes good. Just the same like the grape drink that I consumed for two consecutive days. It had an original taste as a result of the fact that it had little additives. From this experience, I gathered that products that are meant for the local market are original and they often have high prices compared to low quality products that are imported from other local markets. Originality is the main aspect that has appealed to my interests towards locally produced goods. I have come to realize that when you want to obtain local products when doing your shopping, you should read the label and try to gain knowledge about the place where the product was made. I have also no ted that locally produced products have slightly higher prices if they are original compared to genetically modified products sourced from other regional markets. Apart from differences in the cost of local and regional products, the quality also differs. From carrying out this exercise, I have realized that the term local is synonymous with quality and originality. Local people often identify with the products that are locally produced and they derive pride from these. In terms of

Personal Statement for Graduate Admissions in Art History

For Graduate Admissions in Art History - Personal Statement Example My request for a chance to undertake a postgraduate program in Art History is not based on a yearning for a title of a postgraduate, but rather on my fervor of delving into Art History, thereby actualizing my career objective of working at a gallery, in the management and art niche. I have always been interested in Art. My mother reinforced my propensity for creativity and music and from childhood, I liked creating things, embroidering and painting and did various kinds of art. As I tried to understand Art, I developed interest in Art History. This interest influenced my choice of undergraduate program: I chose to pursue Bachelor of Arts with a double Major in Art History/Management and a Minor in German, which is perhaps the main strongest facet of my application. This academic program not only related to my career interest directly but also constituted a significant basis for me, providing me with tools for further working in the management niche in an art gallery where I am curren tly. My academic background has provided me with significant fundamental knowledge, which, on my enrolment for this program, will be of great help. As aforementioned, I possess a Bachelor of Arts with a double Major in Art History/Management, and a Minor in German. I decided to minor in German for several reasons: it being a requirement for graduate schools and my intention of holding a position as an Art Historian and Researcher at one of the art galleries in Germany, where I am currently located. This was in the view of the fact that in the field of art history, German is deemed essential. German film classes including ‘From WWII to Unification’ and ‘Rise/Fall of Germany’ as well as reading German literature in ‘Advanced German Conversation’ course have boosted me in broadening my horizons in German literature and culture, thus improving my German. Other academic qualifications include a Certificate in

Beliefs and Attitudes about Light Cigarettes Essay - 1

Beliefs and Attitudes about Light Cigarettes - Essay Example The result of this misconception is due to tobacco selling companies, misguidance of people who smoke as well as a drawback of incapable government regulatory agencies. This essay evaluates which of the three is more at fault at promoting the increased usage of such cigarettes and which ones follow. Cigarette smoking has been romanticized by popular culture in the past. However, since the awareness about diseases such as lung cancer has increased, an increasing number of people have quit. Yet, the introduction of various brands of ‘Light’ and ‘Ultra-Light’ cigarettes during the 1960s has resulted in an increasing number of people instead of normal cigarettes. This is due to the fact that it is a common belief amongst people in the US that these cigarettes are less effective than the stronger cigarettes with a lesser amount of nicotine. In many researches that have taken place over the past few years, it has been discovered that smoking light or ultra-light cigarettes does not reduce the levels of tobacco and nicotine, nor does it reduce the risk of diseases posed by them. Often tobacco companies claim that it is due to the very concept that their products are sold. In their marketing campaigns and advertisements the companies show a machine test which claims that there are lower levels of tobacco and nicotine in light smokes. However, this may be due to a special type of filter used, which when passed through the machine lets more air pass than tobacco, thus the recorded levels appear to be influenced. Moreover, previous misleading researches have posed the concerns of misinforming the population in general about not only the nominal levels of tobacco in light and ultra-light cigarettes, but also in promoting the fact that they are a relatively healthier option than regular cigarettes, as is negated by the National Cancer Institute. These concerns point towards the fact that the â€Å"big tobacco† companies are increasingly

Adam Smith vs. Samuel Smiles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Adam Smith vs. Samuel Smiles - Essay Example According to Smith, this entailed a non-interference or hands-off approach by authorities/governments towards private enterprise. His postulates were geared towards advocacy for the establishment of a laissez faire trade policy both on the local and international scene. Samuel Smiles is another free thinker whose postulates on the economic wellbeing of the society heavily echoed Smith’s postulates almost a century later. Smile’s notion was based on the need for enhanced self-actualization and development, which would ultimately lead to a more vibrant individual and societal economic prosperity. Adam Smith was focused more on self-interest and Smiles focused more on morality. This paper seeks to highlight both authors’ arguments with relation to economic liberalism before and during the industrial revolution, and how their focus influenced their works. Economic liberalism can also be regarded as fiscal liberalism because it entails the freeing up or giving a free reign to all matters pertaining to financial activities both at the individual and societal level (Perry, Peden & Von Laue, 2006). The basic aim of economic liberalization is to eliminate the involvement of organizations and institutions in making economic decisions that affect people’s economies.... He attributes the age’s productive powers and increase of quantity of work to three aspects or circumstances. He argues that division of labor enhanced every worker’s ingenuity, it saved time and the great number of machines that facilitated and abridged labor, enabling man to do the work of many (Perry, Peden & Von Laue, 2006). Division of labor also enhanced what Samuel Smiles attributes to failure of society because division of labor encouraged selfishness and individualism. These attributes according to Smiles did not do much in terms of developing societal economies, but encouraged in its stead a culture that bred social vices. These vices negatively impacted on the economic development of communities and nations. Individualism and the self-centered approach towards economic liberalization that Smith advocated for during his time did not help a lot in terms of improving the wellbeing of society. Samuel smiles on the hand, lauds division of labor as a great benefact or to the development and realization of capitalistic ethics. Smiles postulates that true growth in an individual and society in general is only possible through the spirit of genuine self help at a personal level. According to Smiles, no amount of intervention from institutions and legislation can contribute to individual advancement if the individual is not willing. Too much guidance and direction from government policy only leads an individual to exist in a helpless state (Perry, Peden & Von Laue, 2006). This is because they get used to the situation where everything is done for them, and they have no control of their decision-making in life. The prosperity of a nation is dependent upon the sum of individual uprightness, industry and energy just like national

US Foreign Policy in Africa Essay Example for Free

US Foreign Policy in Africa Essay The question is that: what type of foreign policy should the US have with South Africa and the larger Africa? The answer of this question goes back to the foreign policy formulation and implementation of the United States government. According to the United States Department of State, the foreign policy approach for South Africa and the larger Africa is Transformational Diplomacy (â€Å"US Foreign Policy in Africa for 2007†). The principle being expounded in this kind of foreign policy approach is partnership. During the past years, what is being applied to South African people is the principle of paternalism, but this has been a failure (â€Å"US Foreign Policy in Africa for 2007†). The philosophy of transformational diplomacy is to do work with the people and not for them (â€Å"US Foreign Policy in Africa for 2007†). In other words, the United States government must work hand in hand with the South African people as their partners for economic, social and political progress. The idea behind this foreign policy is to facilitate in helping the Africans to improve their lives by means of building their own nations and transforming their own futures (â€Å"US Foreign Policy in Africa for 2007†). As such, the utilization of diplomatic power of the United States to reach this goal is instrumental for that matter. It is true that there are various conflicts in South Africa and the larger Africa. It could be remembered that Somalia gain benefits from the transformational diplomacy approach headed by the government of the United States. Somalia collapsed as a state for about 15 years due to war involving Ethiopian military, but with the foreign policy implementation of the United States in its benefit there was improvement (â€Å"US Foreign Policy in Africa for 2007†). At present time, Somalia was guided to the path of recovery and stability by the United States government owing to its partnership ideals with the country. The people were being taught on how to get out from poverty and at the same time working with them for economic and political stability. There are methods that are followed by the United States in resolving conflicts involving the African race. These methods are considered part of the transformational diplomacy and proved to be useful and proper. First, there was a call for resolution of the conflicts in South African nations including the larger Africa. Second, the United States government have backed African conflict mediation processes and improved the capacity of the Africans to bring out peace support operations and combat terrorism within the continent (â€Å"US Foreign Policy in Africa for 2007†). And lastly, there were also efforts to work with leading African mediators and with representatives of the United Nations, as well as the African Union and other African organizations. The transformational diplomacy approach is useful to retain peace in the African continent. Within the year 2001 and 2007, there were 6 wars that erupted in Africa and many people suffered to death (â€Å"US Foreign Policy in Africa for 2007†). The partnership of the United States government and African s together with the United Nations resulted to ongoing recovery of the war-torn areas in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Congo, Burundi, Angola as well as the North and South conflicts in Sudan (â€Å"US Foreign Policy in Africa for 2007†). Since the concept of democracy is an effective tool for peace and economic progress, the United States government tried to work with Africans in order to reject oppression and terror. Hence, it is always true that governments that mirror the popular will of the people are more likely to revere boundaries and human rights compared to those who failed to do so (â€Å"US Foreign Policy in Africa for 2007†). Majority of the African nations are now working towards democratic governance with the help of the United States foreign policy formulation and implementation under the auspices of transformational democracy. References U. S. Department of State. (2007, February 15). US Foreign Policy in Africa for 2007. Retrieved November 6, 2008, from http://www. state. gov/p/af/rls/rm/ 80210. htm.

Fall Dance Concert Review Art Essay

Fall Dance Concert Review Art Essay The performance that was observed was not lively as evidenced by the various features. The performance did not make most of the people in the audience to scream. Even the crowd was not cheerful as the performance went on and it showed that the crowd was not moved by the performance. However the dancers looked organized from the way they were entering the stage. I expected a more lively performance that could ignite the audience from the beginning to the end. Push /pull This piece had both men and women with different costumes that also differentiated them. The dance had a total of five dancers and they were dancing to some sort of soul music beats. The music lacked vocals. The stage was brightly lit such that the movement of each dancer could be noticed easily. The color of the costumes could easily be differentiated. The dancers had good costumes with the men having blue trousers and black tops. This made a common costume for the two gentlemen. The ladies costumes were not similar as in the case of the men. They wore shorts of different colors one with white and the other two with black .The ladies top costumes were sleeveless and off different colors for instance yellow light blue and violet. The theme that ran throughout the dance was acrobatic in outlook or some dance competition. From the type of song that was chosen to the costumes and the movements, the dancers express some sort of acrobatic presentation that can entertain the audience. This is a typical dance for music and drama festival events where the dancers are competing against other participants. This has been articulated by the nature of their costumes and the coordinated moves that were being made by the male and female dancers. Such a dance can be compared to the TV show dances that bring out talents in dancing. Movement such as the downward spin has become very common amongst the young dancers. The costume is also typical of the mode of dressing that has characterized TV competition dances. The movements of the dances were unique and uniformed. Both the men and women were making similar movements with their bodies. The up movements with legs apart was very common followed by the downward spins that were well executed by both men and women dancers. From my evaluation, the dance was well executed and the dancers had mastered their movements. They were all going with the same rhythm during the dance. The costumes of the ladies however could have been matched in a better way. As evidenced in the dance, their movements are an illustration of common choreographic movements that have become common in competitions today. Incline The dance had a total of ten dancers who participated in pairs of two. The stage was not lit well and it was difficult to see the faces of the dancers but their movements could be seen. The costumes of the dance were characterized with official wear consisting of shirts and long trousers for the male dancers. The color was dominated by black and white. There was no uniform color in the costumes of the dancers. This was of a formal dance with invited guest. There were different shades of color both in the male and female costume. The lady dancers were dressed in red and white dresses with a wide conical base. The dancers were responding to the classical music that was being enjoyed by most of them. The dance was rather slow and smooth with the male dances holding the female dancers and turning them round. The theme that dominates the entire dance is that of partying or some sort of celebration. This has been depicted by the nature of their costumes. The dancers seemed to be in a party ing mood. For instance this is typical of marriage celebration dances with partners holding each other and turning around to the slow and smooth music from the background. The movements that were being made by the dancers were not coordinated as in the case of competition dancers. Particularly, the male dancers seemed to be relaxed and did not make much movement without the lady dancers. At some instances the male dancer was observed holding the female ones suspended in the air. This is a very common style of dancing for party dances and has featured in the dance. Such a style has been observed quite often in the TV and in movies. Mostly in the soap operas, the dancing style is common during party and celebration scenes. In my evaluation I can point out that the dance was well executed. The movements of the dancers seemed to be right although the male dancers were almost appearing stationary. Most of the movements are done by the lady dancers. The costume was ok considering that the dance might not be for competition but rather for religious or other celebration. Even though the dancers were not consistently in the rhythm of the classical music, they have depicted good movements such as the rotations that make the dance livelier. The dance was simple and can even be perfumed by the older people. However what can be looked into in the costumes in the color choice that seemed not to be reflecting consistency especially with one dancer in red and others in white and black costumes. Overall I did not enjoy the dance to the fullest, though it was a bit entertaining with some of the unique movements depicted. The music played was not my favorite hence it determined my attitude towards the dance. This is definitely not what I expected in the concert because I did not witness the dancers swing to my favorite tunes. To make it worse, in the first dance, there were just beats only and no vocals. The concert is a reflection of what has been covered in the lectures specifically on the part of costumes, music and the theme. From the lectures it has been possible to make an interpretation about the themes that are portrayed by the two dances in the concert.