Tomorrow’s “Smart” technologies will improve everyday life Essay Example for Free

Tomorrow’s â€Å"Smart† technologies will improve everyday life Essay Smart Technology devices would be able to change and improve human life to an extent of having more comfortable home, productive school and a more efficient workplace. Smart Technology devices are systems that used some of the highest level of technology available to man.   These devices are aware of the environment they function.   They are also capable of reacting to certain situations that may arise in the environment (Worden, 2003).   SMART systems are very useful devices, as they would understand the environment they are functioning.    In this paper, we would be looking at how SMART devices could be useful to human beings and make our daily life easier. Let’s now look at the various functions of Smart devices.   It can protect itself from certain eventualities that may arise in the environment.   A car having a smart system is able to detect any vehicle when it gets too close and automatically applies the brakes, so that not only is the car protected, but also most importantly is the user.   Another way in which the smart device would be protecting itself is from a fire.   Several buildings have an automatic fire management system that is able to detect a fire and control it.   Such a system would also be protecting the users (Worden, 2003 Bishop, 2007). A smart device is capable of repairing itself, limiting the damage.   Several smart systems have a repair mechanism that is able to identify damage done on itself, and accordingly repair or limit the damage.   For example, if a computer system has been affected by a virus attack, the systems have embedded software that is able to identify the corrupted files and accordingly isolate or delete them.   In this way, the intelligence of the system would be helping it to work better in the future (Worden, 2003). Another important use of a Smart device is that it is capable of identifying changes that occur in the environment and accordingly adapt to those changes.   The smart device contains several portions, namely the input channels (which may include several sensors), the input system, the interface devices, the central unit or the microcontroller (which contains the microprocessor), the interface, and the output unit.   The input unit contains several sensors to detect the presence of a specific user (Casciati, 2004 Gardner, 2005).    For example, a fingerprint device contains sensors that are able to recognize the user.   Otherwise sensors are able to detect changes that occur in the environment such as temperature changes, pressure changes, stress levels, etc.   A Smart Air conditioner would automatically sense the environmental settings and accordingly change the settings according to the preferences of the user.   The SMART system is in fact similar to the human nervous system.   Like the human parts, it contains sense organs that are able to sense the external data. This is then transferred to the brain or the central processor through nerve connections that carry signals.   When the information reaches the brain or the central processor, it gets processed through several methods such as filtering, organizing, computation, preferences, problem solving, decision-making, scoring, tabulating, and sorting out.   The data, which is processed, may be stored in the SMART system and/or may be transmitted to the connections to the external environment.   The microprocessor present in the system is capable of performing a number of computational tasks (Casciati, 2004 Gardner, 2005). Several of the Smart Devices has several embedded software that enable it to function better and to optimize the functioning.   Nowadays, the development of microchips and microprocessor has been phenomenonal.   They have several algorithms within them, which help to perform the tasks faster and more effectively.   The systems are capable of communicating with the user in a two-way manner.   The process of sending information from one part of the system to another is highly complicated and a refinery would help to transfer the information more efficiently. Some systems also utilize a diagnostics tool to ensure that if any problem exists, the mechanic can be informed immediately of the nature of the problem.   This would ensure that the user does not have any inconveniences if the system goes wrong.   The reporting in a SMART device is of two types, namely predictable (which may occur over a period of time) and unexpected.   As they are able to report both, they are very useful for application (Cougias, 2003 Gardner, 2005).   The smart systems may be very easy to operate and upgrade in case the user wants to have the latest version. Today’s SMART systems are becoming hybrid in nature.   They can perform several tasks rapidly at the same time.   The smart system should be able to function in the predicted manner in real life situations.   It is just not enough for the system to function in the laboratory or the manufacturers office.   It is very important for the manufacturer to know what environment the use would be having, and accordingly test the Smart system.   Research and development would help build a faster, better and a more effective system.   The SMART system should be able to perform several functions simultaneously.   A number of algorithms should be handled. The system should be flexible during functioning.   It should be able to adapt to conditions that prevail in the environment so that the user would be benefited.   Having a Smart system embedded in a device has several advantages.   It could help reduce the amount of energy or power consumed by the device.   Hence, the operational costs could be reduced. It could also help prolong the life of the system, as sensors that would be able to detect non-use and automatically switch of the system.   Only the rightful user can access the system.   The Smart system would permit only the rightful user to enter it, and hence the system would be secure, safe and protected.   In case several users are accessing the device, the system can be setup in such a way that one user would be able to access only the relevant information.   Some of the ways in which the user identity can be recognized includes finger print screening, corneal scans and username passwords (Casciati Hydrocarbon Engineering, 2004). Compared to regular technology, smart technology has several benefits.   The cost of operations is reduced using smart technology.   Smart technology is able to identity any problems that exist during operations and would sort them out effectively.   In this way the cost of operations may be reduced.   Newer technology is more effective than older ones in reducing the costs and processors are becoming more and more advanced and efficient (Hydrocarbon Engineering, 2004 Gardner, 2005). Smart devices are able to save electricity, energy and power.   This is because they have sensors that are able to detect non-use.   If the user is not using the system for a stipulated time, the system is automatically shut down (Casciati).   As the smart system save energy it is also environmentally friendly, preventing unnecessary damage to the environment (Hydrocarbon Engineering, 2004). Smart systems are very flexible and can adapt to a number of conditions that prevail in the environment.   This effectively makes the system more and more user—friendly. The lifespan of the devices or the machine can be extended as whenever it not in use, it is automatically shutdown.   Besides, the system can also maintain itself effectively. It would signal for replacements or care from a mechanic. Another important benefit of a smart system is that it is able to understand its environment.   It employs computational methods and the use of sensors to gain data from the environment.   However, it is very important to know that awareness of the environment and automatically responding to it is not a straightforward task.   It may take sometime to develop this.   As the systems are becoming more and more advance, they are finding it easier to understand the environment they function in.   A system may take time to learn the various situations that prevail in the environment.   Once it is able to do so, it can perform even complicated tasks (Worden, 2003). The smart system helps to reduce the labor cost and the manpower required.   The human resources required to maintain the system would also be minimal (Hydrocarbon Engineering, 2004). It may be very easy to upgrade a smart system.   Nowadays this may be possible by the installation of software and up gradation packs.   They also do not require the knowledge and skills of an expert to upgrade (Hydrocarbon Engineering, 2004). Smart systems can be utilized in a number of situations including schools, home, workplace, industry, space, offices, shopping, roads, hospitals, buildings, vehicles, oil refineries, banks, etc.   It can be said that in all these situations, Smart systems may help to improve overall everyday life.   Within the next two decades, SMART systems would be changing several devices and aspects of our lives including computers, machines, processes, power, vehicles, etc (Cetron, 1997). In the homes, they could be utilized to wash our clothes, prepare food according to the individual tastes and preferences and even perform other tasks daily as required by the user. In the school, the smart system could be utilized in a virtual reality environment to help the student attend classes and interact with the teachers and other students.   They could help students to express their creative skills and learn languages faster and more effectively (Negroponte Papert, 2007). At the workplace Smart system could be utilized in fingerprinting devices, so as to identity a particular staff member and give him/her access to a particular system.   The staff members could utilize the smart systems to perform effective computational tasks, manage the workflow and manage several operational processes that may occur in the organization. Some of the fields in which Smart systems are utilized include telecommunications, banking, education, automobiles, interior decoration, architecture, entertainment, engineering, healthcare, etc.   They find application in almost any device, such as security system, fire detection and control systems, computers, mobiles, cars, motorcycles, microwaves, washing machines, airplanes, etc.   Smart system could be utilized in a traffic management system.   They could be utilized in the healthcare sector to monitor the condition of the patient and inform the doctor of the status.   With respect to vehicles, smart devices, could help control the speed of the vehicle and effectively brake when an accident is anticipated (Bishop, 2007). Voice to text is a system in which the individual is able to offer oral commands to the computer, and the computer would be converting it into a text format.   The computer can be told of the tasks that should be performed, and the individual can be later reminded of what he/she should be doing.   Effectively, voice recognition systems have replaced keyboards.   It may be initially difficult for the system to identify and transcribe the voice of an individual.   However, over a period of time, the computer would do this task more efficiently and rapidly. Voice to text translation systems are very useful in an educational environmental and also to train the staff embers at the workplace.   Studies have shown that the current voice to text systems may be only 90 to 95 % accurate.   However, with time more and more advanced systems are being manufactured, that are able to reach an almost 100 % accuracy rate.   The system would also be useful for individuals with disabilities.   Such a system could easily help to learn a foreign language (Tech Learning, 2007). Another way smart system would be improving everyday life is by the use of compact computing devices such as laptops, pocket PCs, Tablet PCs, PDA and mobiles.   These computing device should possess certain characteristics such as: Compactness Cost effective Security Have a long span Waterproof Should be able to withstand accidents that the child may face whilst playing Should be able to be connected to the network Should be able to access any person across the globe Should have an expandable memory Should be able to make calls Should be light-weight Students and children from schools and colleges would benefit hugely from having a compact computing system.   It would offer a greater amount of mobility and flexibility.   However, there are several problems that exist with the use of these devices, which need to be sorted out.   These include short battery life, ease in decoding the password, extreme costs, and difficulty for current users to use the system. Wireless connectivity would definitely help the system to remain connected to the Internet and other systems throughout the world.   Teachers and students could hugely benefit by having a virtual classroom.   Physicians and doctors are also finding it very convenient to use palm-top devices such as PDA’s to chart the patient’s history and follow-up the cases.   As these devices have smart technology, the physician could be prompted in cases certain extra precautions need to be taken   (Tech Learning, 2007, Negroponte Papert, 2007, Reinsel, 2005). Computers containing smart technology can be utilized to perform complicated tasks know as ‘hybrid computing’.   The size of the microprocessors are becoming smaller and smaller, and the tasks they are performing are becoming more and more complicated.   They are also able to perform several tasks simultaneously.   Virtual reality is an environment in which an individual can perform certain tasks and function. A simple folder of a computer could be considered as a virtual reality.   Virtual reality was first described about 2 decades back.   Several computer organizations are coming up with highly complicated virtual systems.   A Virtual environment could help educate students.   An entire classroom can be conducted in a virtual environment   (Tech Learning, 2007 Gardner, 2005). Several systems contain artificial intelligence that would help them perform several tasks including teaching students, computing input signals and decoding data.   Artificial intelligence has several applications.   They could be utilized to test the intelligence levels of the students.   Some of these systems may be about 99 % reliable   (Tech Learning, 2007).   Microsoft has been thinking of developing user interfaces.   Computers that have better sense systems are being developed.   Eric Horvitz, Researcher at Microsoft Corporation and Jack Breese, Assistant Director of Microsoft Corporation in their interview with Discovery are able to provide more information about new user interfaces and the manner in which it could be utilize to handle emails and other communication methods.   One of their products known as ‘Look out’ is a new SMART system program that informs the user about emails, messages and schedules. It is a very effective tool to sort out messages utilizing a voice-based system (Horvitz Breese, 2007).   Berners-Lee, the Director of the WWW Consortium has developed newer and more intelligent systems to help store, access and transmit over the Internet.   This newer type of Internet would be known as ‘Semantic World’.   It is a highly intelligent system that would use very intelligent software so that the information is more secure.   This has very strong applications for use in banking, healthcare, etc.   This could also help in management of disasters and epidemics.   Several organizations that are utilizing Semantic systems feel this kind of technology could help change human lives (Berners-Lee, 2007). Smart technology could also be utilized to develop and express creative skills of the individual.   Several software such as moviemaker, are able to help one improve their creative skills.   The system itself would suggest ideal changes that would help to improve the quality and the appearance of the picture or the video short   (Tech Learning, 2007). One of the main areas in which smart technology is utilized is in fingerprint technology.   This field is mainly required by law-enforcing agencies and forensics organizations.   Earlier it was a very tough and meticulous job to identify an individual’s fingerprint.   However, nowadays, smart devices can virtually do it in a matter of seconds.   A database containing the fingerprints of several individuals may be stored, and when a given fingerprint is to be identified, it can be compared to various fingerprints that are present in the database   (Tech Learning, 2007). Smart devices could also help students that have certain problems during learn to overcome these difficulties.   During learning some students may experience a difficulty in a portion of the brain.   Utilizing a computer may identify this.   The computer would suggest ways in which this problem could be solved.   Psychologists would be closely coordinating such cases   (Tech Learning, 2007).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Lastly, it can be proved that Smart technology is helping to make human lives easier. At present Smart technology is still in the infancy stage. Soon Smart technology would be able to help human beings much more than they are doing today. They would be more reliable and trustworthy. A lot of research and developments need to be conducted in order to improve and help advance this very useful form of technology. Although, Smart Technology is in the infancy stages it has demonstrated that it could really do unbelievable things. Thus it can safely be said that SMART technology would be able to change and also improve human life to a very large extent, at home, the school, college and the workplace.   It would certainly help to improve comfort and efficiency levels (This answers the thesis question).       References: Books: Bishop, R. (2005), Intelligent Vehicle Technology And Trends, US: Artech.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This book written by Richard Bishop demonstrates how SMART technology can be utilized in cars and other vehicles.   The book shows how SMART technology could be utilized to increase the driver safety, reduce the strain on the driver, etc.   It concentrates on several aspects such as costs, user-friendliness, etc.   As the book concentrates on how to improve driver safety and the strain on the driver, it would certain helps meet the thesis statement of improving comfort levels and making human life easier and safer.   The author concentrates on various aspects such as cost, user-friendliness, acceptance, etc.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.amazon.com/Intelligent-Vehicle-Technology-Trends-Library/dp/1580539114/ref=sr_1_8/002-8224583-7909648?ie=UTF8s=booksqid=1187180326sr=8-8 Cetron, M. Davies, O. (1997), Probable Tomorrows: How Science and Technology Will Transform Our Lives in the Next Twenty Years, St. Mary’s Press. http://www.amazon.com/Probable-Tomorrows-Science-Technology-Transform/dp/0312154291/ref=sr_1_28/002-8224583-7909648?ie=UTF8s=booksqid=1187180609sr=8-28   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This book provides an insight of how technology could affect various aspects, processes and objects that we utilize in our daily life.   The presentation by Cetron is a very good one and needs to form a part of a book collection on SMART Technology.   She concentrates on the technological developments in the field of computers, building technology, power generation and vehicles.   The author makes predictions of the future in SMART technology and also suggests that the technology would have immense amount of benefits for humans.   In this way, it can be said that the author is contributing towards the thesis statement, in proving that SMART could include the comfort levels in various sphere of life. Casciati, F., Rossi, R. (2004), In. Holnicki-Szulc, J. Soares, C.A.M. (Ed), Advances In Smart Technologies In Structural Engineering, New York: Springer. http://books.google.com/books?id=vJPjorqGsIwCpg=PA1ots=TdVRc3L7WTdq=smart+technologiessig=q7drMwwfLh2-rtJuiKa_aFrdAMQ#PPP11,M1   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The chapter throws more light on the use of fuzzy logic and sensor devices to help make lives easier.   The designing of sensor network and fuzzy logic systems have also been mentioned.   Besides, information of embedded microcontroller and microprocessors are also mentioned.   Certain information motioned in the book has been collected from a conference organized in Poland in the year 2003.   This technology is utilized to make Buildings in Europe smarter and user friendly.   In this way, the book is helping to meet with the thesis statement in making our lives more comfortable and easier.

Place of Consumerism in New Middle Classes

Place of Consumerism in New Middle Classes What is the place of Consumerism in the lifestyle of emergent new middle classes in Ireland? Basically an application of a Bourdieu/ Featherstone argument about new middle classes to the Irish case. Chapter One: Introduction In order to examine the place of Consumerism in the lifestyle of emergent new middle classes in Ireland, the ideas of ‘Consumerism’, ‘lifestyle’ and ‘emergent new middle classes’ must first be defined. Accordingly these definitions will occupy the preliminary discussions of this thesis in the relevant sections. The thesis will examine the role of emergent middle classes, and will attempt to tie this discussion to analysis of how and why demographic trends such as the emergence of new middle classes have evolved, and what place Consumerism has in the lifestyles of those individuals within these new demographic cleavages. Economic events and socio-economic developments (both historical and contemporary) linked to these events have been the main precipitative forces responsible for these emergent sociological contours[i]. The economic and socio-economic climate in Ireland and how this has developed will therefore be a centre point in examining the role of emergent new middle classes and how Consumerism has impacted the role and lifestyle of these sectors. These ideas will be introduced in the literature review and they will be fleshed out throughout the thesis in order to gain a holistic and comprehensive insight into the place of Consumerism in the lifestyle of emergent new middle classes in Ireland. This analysis will be contextualised with reference to the theories of Bourdieu (1979) and Featherstone (1992) whose cultural perspectives on society have mainly rationalised Consumerism in terms of subjectivity and individual perceptions; therefore repudiating the idea that Consumerism is simply an objective, independent market force which operates within neo-classical[ii] and laissez-faire[iii] boundaries. Images of Irish society will be very important in this thesis and the images/themes which will be examined throughout the thesis to facilitate this discussion of Consumerism are images of secularisation, images of Class Dealignment, images connected with the Celtic Tiger and the process of diversification. The next section will examine the methodology of the thesis. This will link the above mentioned theoretical definitions, arguments and analysis into the wider empirical and qualitative aims of the thesis. The chosen methodology is discourse analysis, and turning to a discussion of the definition of what exactly this is, is a natural progression. Accordingly, this discussion of definition will follow in the next section. The next section will also introduce the methodological framework of the thesis. It will define the various applications and forms of discourse analysis and it will explain how these will be considered throughout the thesis. Chapter Two Methodology: Discourse Analysis This thesis will rely primarily upon empirical evidence gathered through discourse analysis. The writer has selected a number of cultural themes from selected publications and these will be examined empirically and through discourse analysis. These are diversification[iv] (both political and cultural), images of Class Dealignment, images of secularised society and the imputations which arise from the phrase ‘Celtic Tiger[v]’. These will be looked at in depth as the thesis progresses, and will be placed within the context of wider themes of economic, political and socio-economic factors which the writer will also examine in terms of broad and contextual discourse analysis. Discourse analysis is an interdisciplinary[vi] method of analysing sociological trends[vii] through the analysis of language[viii] and speech[ix], and how political ideas are disseminated through language[x]. This method will be used throughout the dissertation as a means of analysing the place of Consumerism in the lifestyle of emergent middle classes. Discourse analysis has been differentiated and divided into niche areas in terms of its application. For example, discourse analysis may be used on a micro scale which would involve minute analysis of grammatical structure[xi], language and the composition[xii] of language[xiii]. This is not a method which will be concentrated upon in this thesis, as the more expansive niches within discourse analysis, which concentrates upon context[xiv] and cultural, political and other sociological forces are more appropriate ways to analyse the question title. This is because the concentration of discourse analysis in terms of wider context[xv] and a focus on specifically identified themes rather than minute form[xvi] and constructions[xvii] gives the writer a lot more room to analyse political, cultural, sociological, demographic and economic trends, which is the ultimate goal of this thesis enquiry. Chimombo, M. and Roseberry, R. (1998) give us the following in depth definition of discourse analysis: ‘Discourse is a process resulting in a communicative act. The communicative act itself takes the form of a text. A text is commonly thought of as consisting of written or printed words on a page; but a text may also consist of sign language or spoken words, or it may comprise only the thoughts of a writer, or speaker, on the one hand, or a reader or listener, on the other. In addition to words, a text may consist of other symbols, sounds, gestures, or silences, in any combination that is intended to communicate information such as ideas, emotional states, and attitudes. It may fail to communicate, but if the intention to communicate is clearly there, it must be regarded as a text†¦..[xviii]’. Chimombo, M. and Roseberry, R. (1998) then go on explain how this abstract definition applies within the context of methodology: ‘Analysis of discourse is a methodology for examining texts and the communicative process that gives rise to them. Its primary purpose is to enable discourse analysts to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of texts. Because most texts are goal oriented, part of the purpose of discourse analysis is to enable people to recognize the intended goal of the writer or speaker and thus achieve some measure of control over the discourse†¦..The understanding that may be gained in this way helps to equalize the power relationship and enables an escape from the role of victim such that individuals may assume a greater degree of control over their lives. This book demonstrates that discourse is typically used to a greater or lesser degree for exploitation. Different types of discourse are intended to exploit consumers, voters, employees, children, women, minorities, and many other groups within society. An ability to analyze discourse offers such groups a means of protectionâ € ¦.[xix]’. A discourse is therefore an amalgam of perspective. These perspectives are often political, economic or ideological in nature, since the articulation of a perspective through discourse is often underpinned by struggles for political power and influence[xx]. This in turn imputes that a discourse has a special connection with politics and with economics and that cultural discourses have often been appended to these primary discourses. Chimombo, M. and Roseberry, R. (1998) make this point very strongly in the following passage: ‘†¦.The term control implies a power relationship between those who produce texts and those for whom these texts are intended. For example, politicians, lawyers, doctors, advertisers, business executives, teachers, and many others exercise power over their clients through the discourse that is characteristic of these professionals. Analysis of professional discourse can reveal these power relationships and the goals that may be hidden in them. †¦.[xxi]’. Cultural discourses may also be seen as having evolved indirectly from political, economic and ideological discourses[xxii]. A cultural discourse may therefore be rationalised as secondary in many ways to a political/ideological and to an economic discourse. However, it is important to understand that cultural discourses often exist within the framework of these arguably more primary discourses[xxiii]. Also, one must remember that an analysis of cultural discourse, without an adequate analysis of the wider context of the discourse and its relationship with other discourses will not be a credible analysis. The writer’s regard for a cultural discourse as a secondary discourse is an explanation of how cultural discourse has evolved; it is not intended to demarcate cultural discourse as less relevant than political, economic or ideological discourse. Clearly, cultural discourses have qualified and enriched these wider, politically tuned discourses and this in itself is a unique an d powerful mechanism of change. This explains the central nature of wider political discourse analysis in this thesis and it also explains why Fairclough (1995) [xxiv] in particular has argued that discourse analysis centres on the interpretation of political and ideological discourses. It is important to remember however that cultural discourse analysis is intertwined with these primary discourses in a subtle but imperative way. The following chapters will deal with definitions of lifestyle and consumerism. They will also introduce a general discourse analysis which will centre on the selected themes mentioned above and how they ultimately relate to politics, economics, and the demographic and sociological trends which have been emerging in Ireland over the last twenty years[xxv]. The concept of emergent middle classes will be defined in the following chapters also and this definition will lead into a broad and contextual discourse analysis of how middle classes emerged in Ireland. The effects of this emergence will be discussed, but all of these threads of analysis will ultimately be drawn together to look at the place of Consumerism in the lifestyle of emergent new middle classes in Ireland, and the arguments that have been made in this area by Bourdieu (1979) and Featherstone (1992). Chapter Three: Literature Review: What is ‘Consumerism’? Clarke (2003) gives us the following definition and explanation of Consumerism within the context of culture: ‘†¦.Bauman (1992c, 24) reflects that the strange dialectic of dependence and autonomy between consumer and consumer society is indeed not unlike that of the grammar and vocabulary of language and formed sentences of speech: the latter are in no way determined by the former and move freely within the frame it provides. The practice of consumption amounts, in other words, to an act of enunciation, which takes place in a space filled with unattached signifiers †¦ a space awaiting attribution of meaning (ibid.). The consumer is in no way manipulated, nor consumer behaviour determined, even though the consumer is formally deprived of autonomy in all forms but the duplicitous form of freedom of choice. The proliferation of relations of trust, the reliance on specialist knowledge and expertise, and the privatization of the task of constructing some form of continuity of life-experience are unavoidable features of life in a consumer society. But consumers are nonetheless in a position to make of their situation something other than what is intended. The problem, however, is that, as an act through which the presence of the individual †¦ can be confirmed and reasserted (ibid.), consumption and the relations of trust it entails provides an opportunistic means for the perpetuation and dramatic expansion of capitalism.†¦.[xxvi]’. Therefore, as has been argued above, Consumerism is a term which describes the links between happiness, material goods/possessions and humans[xxvii]. It can be argued that Consumerism refers to the idea that material goods and possessions induce feelings of happiness and accordingly all behaviours which may be linked to the endorsement of this rationale may also be described as Consumerism[xxviii]. Consumerism is an idea which was considered by Karl Marx[xxix], whose famous critique of Consumerism and capitalist ideology (Communism[xxx]) interpreted ideas of Consumerism as immoral and subversive[xxxi]. In modern terms Socialism rejects ideas related to Consumerism in a more moderate way, but the premise upon which Socialism is built mirrors Communism in its suspicion of Consumerism[xxxii]. Consumerism may also be described in terms of economic behaviour and policy. If one considers Consumerism in an abstract manner, it is possible to argue that the freedom of individuals to choose how to spend money/dissipate resources manifests itself as Consumerism, since the marketing of goods to a consumer encourages them to exercise their freedom to choose what to purchase. Clarke (2003) has noted that this is an ongoing and repetitive process: ‘The act of consumption is destined to repeat itself, since the human subject is irresistibly compelled to seek a unity and coherence it can never know†¦[xxxiii]’. Ideas relating to Consumerism have traditionally been associated with Western societies and have also been particularly synonymous with neo-liberal capitalism. However, it may be argued that with the growing influence of globalisation and technological advancements, the impact of Consumerism is a global one as opposed to the more traditional interpretation of Consumerism as being tied particularly to certain cultures, more so than to others. Ultimately, however, Consumerism is connected to the ideas of human rationality, freedom and choice and has evolved as a means whereby human wants are satisfied. Accordingly, Consumerism may also be seen as a sociological force since, the recognition of social standings within society can be defined in many ways according to material wealth and the accumulation of material possessions. Consumerism is a complex idea which may be interpreted objectively as well as subjectively. This characteristic of Consumerism has invited the levels of cultural, sociological and economic analysis which the theory of Consumerism seems to have attracted. Therefore, the evolution of Consumerism and the various interpretations of the current status of Consumerism will be relevant to this thesis. Consumerism; its construction and its manifestation can be seen to oscillate with cultural mores and the development of society. This is how Consumerism may also be seen as an evolving social construct. Certainly Bourdieu (1979), Lash and Urry (1994) as well as Baudrillard (1993) consider Consumerism as a malleable social construct[xxxiv], which has developed mostly as a result of the growing economic affluence[xxxv] which may be seen in Ireland[xxxvi]. Their views are that class is demarcated in terms of taste, culture and lifestyle[xxxvii], whereas historically this demarcation was less obvious since economic limitations precluded individuals from expressing taste, culture and lifestyle in the diverse ways that are possible today. Their analysis goes on to argue that Consumerism is the vehicle through which this transition has taken effect, since diversities in taste, culture and lifestyle have largely been introduced through the marketing of Consumerism and consumerist values. Therefore the accessibility of diversity to individuals has increased as economic conditions and Consumerism have delivered more choice to the individual. Emergent New Middle Classes ‘Middle classes’ is a somewhat overused term. It has historically been used to differentiate the economically disadvantaged within society from those whose incomes and resources provide them with enough money to live independently and relatively affluently within society, generally occupying the middle ground between rich and poor within society. The emergent new middle classes that are referred to in the scope of this thesis can be recognised as the product of an increasingly affluent society within Ireland[xxxviii], emerging as more individuals benefit from the higher standards of living that may be seen as a result of what is colloquially known as the Celtic Tiger[xxxix]. Cronin (2000) has an analysis of individual cultural consciousness which allows us to interpret the emergence of middle classes in a purely cultural and subjective context. He argues: ‘Diprose (1994) states that the Lockean model defines the individual as an entity which maintains the same consciousness over time and through corporeal changes, for example illness or pregnancy, thus giving primacy to the mind or consciousness over the body. Further more, the individual is defined as having identical self-presence in which, an entity is identical with itself if it has the same origin in time and space (Diprose 1994:9). So the individuation necessary for the processes of mutual recognition to occur requires a temporally bounded entity. Simultaneously, the individual is spatially bounded through the distinction between self and not-self which is produced in that same process of recognition. Here arises the constitutive contradiction of contract, identical self-presence and exchange: in these political fictions, the individual is said to have a self-contained identity prior to contract or relations with others (Diprose 1994). Patemans (1988) analysis of the contr adictory production of womens and subordinate groups status in contract echoes this tension. For the processes of contractual exchange to occur, an individual must recognise another as an individual. The characteristics that this requires are rationality and the possession of property†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦[xl]’. Therefore, it is arguable that the emergence of new cleavages of middle classes in Ireland has arisen both through a combination of objective, market forces combined with the forces which drive individual self-perception and this in turn drives an individual to represent themselves and ultimately project this representation. Chapter Four: Discourse Analysis of Economic Growth in Ireland The development of the economy in Ireland[xli] has created unprecedented[xlii] levels of wealth[xliii] and affluence[xliv] within Ireland[1]. Accordingly this section will specifically examine the nature and underpinnings of economic progress in Ireland as this has largely given rise to[xlv] and sustained[xlvi] emergent new middle classes as the Consumerism which has evolved alongside these sectors. Economic growth in Ireland may be explained in terms of ideological transition[xlvii], the influence of the European Community[xlviii] and the influence of political leaders[xlix] throughout this period of economic transition[l]. Macro economic convergence theories[li] may also help explain the shifts in economic conditions seen in Ireland[lii]. These factors are given more in depth analysis below. The decline of state interventionism and state protectionism[liii] in Ireland led to palpable ideological shifts within the country[liv]. In an international setting, the ideological foundations of the welfare state[lv] were being replaced with more modern neo-liberal[2] conceptions of political philosophy[lvi]. This trend was particularly notable in Britain with the election of Margaret Thatcher and her subsequent repudiation of Keynes’ economic[lvii] theory[lviii]. These ideological shifts, which influenced Ireland[lix], (although not until many years later) partly laid the foundations for the economic revolution[lx] which was to come about in the mid-nineties[lxi]. Charles Haughey who had been in power periodically since 1979, was re-elected Taoiseach in 1987, during a deep economic recession[lxii]. Haughey’s predecessor in 1987 was G. Fitzgerald. These two individuals are widely recognised as having laid the foundations for economic stability in the Republic of Ireland, with a recognition that taxation needed to be reorganised to stimulate economic enterprise and growth. Consequently, under Haughey public spending was decreased and spending on public sector employment and bureaucracy was also reduced[lxiii]. This produced a dividend in the form of economic stability, lower levels of inflation and relatively rejuvenated economic growth. Again this affected employment conditions, reducing unemployment and creating the conditions for investment in enterprise. Tax cuts were then directed at the manufacturing industries[lxiv], and later tax breaks for particular sectors of industry augmented these economic dividends in the form of a stimulat ed economy and greater levels of employment. These economic conditions led to a reduced reliance on agricultural enterprise[lxv] and this is known as ‘economic diversification’[lxvi]. The relationship between Ireland and the European Community and Ireland’s accession to the European Community in the early 1970s marked a high point politically[lxvii], culturally and economically[lxviii] for Ireland[lxix]. However, the influence of the European Community on the situation of Ireland is a controversial area of debate at the moment[lxx]. Some have argued that the influence of the European Union has been instrumental in the growth of Ireland’s economy[lxxi], whereas conversely there are arguments which suggest that the role of the European Community has been over stated, misunderstood and even misrepresented[lxxii]. Both propositions will be considered by the writer in following sections. The theory that Ireland prospered due to entry to the European Community has been critiqued as a facile theory[lxxiii] and this argument may be seen as even more cogent given that Powell (2003) has argued that if Ireland had prospered due to entry to the European Community, then the effects of EC investment would be identifiable and tangible. The reality is that European investment in Ireland produced some economic benefits, but the prosperity which Ireland enjoyed was precipitated by a plethora of events and shifts, which cumulatively produced the effects known as the Celtic Tiger[lxxiv]. One such shift is known as the convergence theory and economic growth in Ireland has been rationalised in terms of the convergence theory in the following way. This theory suggests that the ‘Celtic Tiger’ was not precipitated by circumstances, affiliations (in particular to the European Community) or events, but rather by the operation of a group of economic forces which argues that over time similar countries with similar institutions tend to perform economically in a congruous way. In this sense, the Celtic Tiger has been rationalised as a convergence as opposed to a phenomenon. Historically, this theory is plausible, as Ireland was dogged by recession in spite of entry into the EEC in 1973, under the tenure of Jack Lynch[lxxv]. This recession continued until the advent of Charles Haughey, and G. Fitzgerald who addressed the failing tax system in the Republic of Ireland[lxxvi]. The conception of taxation had been fundamentally challenged and revised in Ireland over the last twenty years[lxxvii]. This shift led to the realisation of the above mentioned ideological ideas substantively and not just rhetorically. The mid eighties in Ireland was a period characterised by high taxation and low employment[lxxviii]. Taxation was regarded as a method of bolstering the economy[lxxix] This had an adverse effect of investment, thwarted business and led to high levels of unemployment[lxxx]. In many ways this is what thwarted the progress of the economy, forcing class alignment along economic lines. Powell (2003) has argued that just prior to the millennium GDP in Ireland was $25,500 per capita, whereas in Britain this figure was approximately $23,000 per capita. This can be contrasted with the fact that in the late 1980s GDP per capita in Ireland was only approximately 65%, that of the UK GDP per capita[lxxxi]. This economic revolution has been referred to in colloquial and cultural terms as the growth of the ‘Celtic Tiger’. The use of the term Celtic Tiger is of great significance and it may be rationalised in terms of cultural symbolism in the following way: ‘Human encounter with the world has always been a profoundly enigmatic affair. Traditionally, human societies attained a measure of ontological security from social arrangements that accepted the fundamental ambivalence of the world (Giddens 1990; 1994). Because traditional modes of existence were symbolically tied to the world of appearances, such societies were able to employ well established, ritualized ways and means of being-in-the-world†¦[lxxxii]’. The effects of cultural symbolism may be further delved into through examining this explanation of existence and illusions which are imparted through the ‘appearance of things’: ‘The continuity of such an existence was assured by the experience of tradition alone, and legitimated by forces beyond human powers. Nature †¦ in the infinite detail of its illusory manifestations †¦ was conceived above all as the work of hidden wills (Bloch 1962, 83). This world of illusion amounted, in other words, to an acceptance of the illusion of the world (the term illusion is apt not in the sense of its power to fool you, but in its power to put something into play, to create something: scene, space, a game, a rule of the game to invent, in fact, the mode of appearance of things (Baudrillard 1993b, 59-60)). Modernity, in stark contrast, was founded firmly on the disavowal of the fact that ambivalence is inevitable; that appearances are intrinsically deceptive. Modernity was founded on a commitment to the reality of the world (Bauman 1991). Modernity thus held out the dream of an attainable order. And order, as the promise of the removal of ambivalence and co ntingency from the world, necessarily cast contingency as a threat, and demonized ambivalence. This was, of course, a complex and multifaceted affair. It involved, for instance, a transformation of time, as time became the property of man (Le Goff 1980, 51)†¦[lxxxiii]’. Therefore the concept of a tiger married to the concept of ‘Celtic’ and Celticness[lxxxiv] conveys, in metaphorical terms the speed and the pervasiveness of the new found wealth which swept through Ireland in the mid nineties, changing and fuelling market forces such as Consumerism. This terminology[lxxxv] is relevant in cultural terms since it conveys the prosperity which pervaded Ireland during this period, and continues to drive the Irish economy as one of the wealthiest countries in the European Union[lxxxvi]. This led to a dramatic shift in cultural mores and led to a redefining of class boundaries. The term ‘Celtic Tiger’ also cast Ireland in an advantageous light internationally, advertising the economic growth and success which the country was experiencing. This attracted foreign investment interest and raised the profile of Ireland internationally, as well as serving to extricate Ireland from the damaging and often distorted image of a country dependent on EEC funding and support. Demographically, the influence of economic forces was also dramatic and widespread. More people were in employment in Ireland and this led to a surge in industry, investment and enterprise[lxxxvii]. The tourist and the service sector industries surged forward economically, changing the sociological and cultural contours of the Republic of Ireland. Small businesses expanded and more people built hotels, shops, restaurants and food outlets[lxxxviii]. This impacted upon the tourist industry which thrived as more people were attracted to visiting locations within Ireland that were more accessible and inviting[lxxxix]. This trend too had a knock on effect with more leisure facilities being built, and a general emphasis on regenerating services and facilities in the interests of attracting tourists

The Background Of Glaxosmithkline

The Background Of Glaxosmithkline GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is amongst the top 20 FT Global 500 companies and among the top 5 pharmaceutical companies in the world. GSK develops, produces and promotes in two industry sectors: Pharmaceuticals and Consumer Healthcare. The company, through its Pharmaceuticals segment, focuses on provides prescription pharmaceuticals and vaccines. Its Consumer Healthcare segment provides OTC medicines, Oral healthcare and Nutritional healthcare (Datamonitor, 2005). The company mainly operates in 120 countries and its promotion is done in over 150 countries. Its headquarter is in Brentford, UK and employees are 99,913 as of December 31, 2009. GSKs history goes as far back as 1859 when Beecham opened the worlds first factory built solely for making medicines at St Helens in England. Since that time the group has passed through many phases, but the turning point came during the merger of Glaxo Welcome and SmithKline Beecham in 2000, it had also seen a merger of Glaxo and Welcome in 1995 (Glaxo, 1998). There was a main impact on the society, structure, stakeholders and policy of the company due to this combination. The company recorded revenues of  £28,368 million ($44,422.3 million-) during the financial year (FY) ended December 2009, an increase of 16.5% over FY2008. The operating profit of the company was  £8,425 million ($13,193 million-) during FY2009, an increase of 18% over FY2008. The net profit was  £5,669 million ($8,877.3 million-) in FY2009, an increase of 20.3% over FY2008. Calculated using the constant conversion rate of  £1 = $1.56593 for the year ended December 31, 2009. (Source: http://www.researchandmarkets.com) Improvement is at the spirit of GSKs aims and the company promotes this through its exceptional culture. The objective of the company as described by its Annual Report 2009 is to become the undisputable leader in the pharmaceutical and consumer health industry (Glaxo, 2009). The strategies of GSK is to paying attention the business around the deliverance of three strategies priorities-Grow a diversified universal business- Broadening and matching their portfol io, diversifying into latest products areas and capturing chances that exist outside their recognized geographic footprint. Distribute more products of value- Transforming R D to make sure they not only deliver the urgent pipeline but are also capable to uphold the stream of products for days to come. Simplifying the working model- to make sure that is well for purpose and capable to maintain their business in the most cost efficient manner. (http://www.gsk.co.uk) 02. Changes are being affected by the Economy Strategic development effects the company in different ways. To evaluate atmosphere of any organization we have to understand the connection with different problems and matter with one another and the outcome of that particular areas. It includes the characteristic those are political (taxason policy, foreign trade regulation, government stability), economical (unemployment, disposable income), social (life style change, level of education), technological (government spending on research, speed of technology transfer), environmental (companys responsibility to society) and legislative (code of practice, access to raw materials) factors. There has been extensive research into the possible impact of freedom of global trade by World Trade Organization (WTO). for China. In 2005 China announced the ending of some of the remain quota systems existing on different segments. This has assist the process of globalization in support of moral drug manufacturers like GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and also opened up a marketplace of 1.29 billion inhabitants. It has been estimated that in 2004 the global pharmaceutical market was worth  £ 275 billion, with projections showing an annual global sales growth of 6% over the following five years (Datamonitor, 2005). Illustration upon Pollack (2005), it can be stated that the majority of the sales in the industry originate from the Triad countries i.e. US, EU and Japan. The strength of economy is a vital power on the level of flexible buying and how greatly is spent on requirement purchases. The following graph and the table of figures have been made with the help of data taken from ONS (2005 ). The UK industry cycle (HM Treasury, 2005) shows that the existing cycle in progress in the early 1999; pointed in 2001 and afterward saw its lowest point in 2003. This is excellent news for all the businesses in UK as these cycles have fewer impact on them now than before. The illustration of the UK business cycle adopted from HM Treasury Report 2005 is provided as follows: National Health Service (NHS) has expected that healthcare expenditure growth will continue fairly stable till 2014, growing at the price of 7% every year (NHS, 2005). This chart growth in the healthcare spending can be seen has a chance for ethical drug manufacturers like GSK. The existence of price control has limited the revenues that the research-based companies can make from their patented products. There are stringent government regulations that govern the entry to pharmaceutical industry. (Debra Sivakumar, 2004). Thus it can be fulfilled that the rising costs, stringent laws, increasing basic competition and declining innovation are the main reasons for the post merger combination changes in the RD division by the administration of GSK. 03.An Evaluation of the Strengths and Weaknesses of the GlaxoSmithKline Every organization has their Strengths and Weaknesses. After an analysis of GlaxoSmithKline the following strengths and weaknesses has find out. Strengths The major strength of GlaxoSmithKline is its well-built RD development with a broad therapeutic exposure and its Marketing power in key geographical and therapeutic areas. The company is extreme less incorporated than the other big business that which makes them additional flexible compared to others. It has a big business structure. GSK drive its business not only in UK but in many countries all over the world. It has accessible Patent security for a number of years on key products. Quality management team and large highly skilled work force increased the companys status. Its Revenues up 8.5% since 2005 and Profits up 13.3% since 2005. Sound investment made the company worldwide positioned 2 in the pharmaceutical manufacturing. Plans to offer 25 new drugs in next 2 years might be the strengths. Weaknesses GlaxoSmithKline is an industry leader. Although their products are renowned, GSK is not a well known brand name. Public reflection in US is reduced after efforts to limit re-sale of drugs from Canada to US. High debt to equity share is their weakness thats raising cost of sales. Hammering of 11 products in period II testing. Internet sales from Canada to US decrease sales straight to US. The company has low market domination. Irregularity of attractive promotions is another weakness of GSK. The company is highly depending on only some selected products. For the main focus on UK marketplace losing opportunities. In the final stages of progress the company has discontinuation of some products. Their Co-marketing agreement can decrease GSKs worldwide presence. Enlarged size and operational difficulty makes GSK a less responsive company. (Source: http://www.allfreeessays.com) 04. Comparison of the alternatives form of Organization Development The merger of 2000 can be seen as the proper use of sigmoid curve (Handy, 1994), as the company started a new curve before the first one declined. Both the companies had the time, capital and power to get the next curve through its early struggle before the first curve declines. But it was the practice and management potential of both the companies that direct them through a winning change management plan. This combination can be shown as follows: Considering these outside stimulus the CEO of the company Jean-Pierre Garnier tried to reconcile the concepts of being big and think small by dividing the RD department into seven centers of excellence for drug discovery (hereafter CEDD) (Financial Times: April 2, 2001). The change can be categorizing as planned map and can be represented on the following diagram: The change condition of the RD division through the post-integration era at GSK can be seen as transformational as it accomplish the five main indicators of transforming alteration given by Ashburner et al. (1996: p. 6). The declared change influenced the culture existing at the sector, changed the relations of operations and RD division, created new leaders inside each CEDDs, changed functions of individuals teams. Moreover, in this change the managing role was positive therefore GSK being the core of RD can be seen as in the designed transformational phase, during the post integration stage of the combination. The varieties of change Model has illustrated below: Figure: Varieties of change Barnard Burns, Managing Change, 5th edition,2009 The culture of repeated align little improvement and consistency defer large results in the structure of compound efficiency improvement. Kaizen method includes building changes and monitoring results, then regulating. Large- scale pre-planning and widespread project developments are replaced by less significant experiments, which can be rapidly modified as new improvements. Stable method may be enhanced by applying a kaizen continuous development program. A remarkable step-change in performance may be achieved by radical re-engineering of the GlaxoSmithKline. Figure: Approaches to Change: Barnard Burns, Managing Change, 5th edition,2009 Changing the behavior of even one individual, that is discontinuing discarded behaviors and /or initiating latest behaviors is a challenge. But large-scale transformation is something else overall. Openly recognizing the step a process has reached in the life cycle offer guidance for practitioners successfully to direct and handle a program of performance development. Hence, in todays universal and dynamic environment patent with hyper-competitive and unstable markets it is widely accepted that an organizations capacity to manage change rapidly, effectively and positively is a important driver of organizational success. 05. Stakeholders Analysis in the Change of GSK Stakeholders are people or organizations who either place to be affected by the project or could make or break the projects winner. They may be winners or loosers, included or excluded from decision-making, users of results, participants in the development. Stakeholders analysis is the identification of a projects key stakeholders a assessment of their interests in the project and the ways in which these interests may affect a project. In order to identify the problem and thus make a sense of importance a stakeholder mapping had done by the industry. The company defined the core and peripheral stakeholders for this change and grouped them together to create a strategy for each group. The diagram explains the company identified the possible impacts on each of its stakeholders and devised a policy to undertake these impacts efficiently that the first step showed scientists and shareholders to be the core in this transform. To make a list of approaching forces (Lewis, 1951), the stakeholders and the impacts measured by the company can be summarized by the following table: In addition, the association of GSK with its key stakeholders was used to prove the plan that was adopted for every set of stakeholders. This has summarized by Power/ Interest Grid for stakeholder prioritization. The intend of each strategy can be seen in this depiction: Hence the company used a comprehensible and mutual vision that acted as a compass that afford ongoing track to the transform journey. Depiction upon Chorn (2004) the vision needs to be clear and widely shared throughout the organization. The mission statement of GlaxoSmithKline according to its most recent annual report is to become the undisputable leader in the pharmaceutical and consumer health industry (Glaxo, 2009). This statement truly captures the strength and intentions of the company. But critics recommend that the mission statements generally are not useful in mobilizing force for the change. 06. An Investigation and Evaluation of the Proposed Change in GSK There are no simple solutions to the challenge to provide sustainable entrance to healthcare in developing countries. GSK are committed to live a full part in addressing the healthcare challenges of the developing world by taking a pioneering, liable and sustainable approach. GSK is playing a essential role to developing country healthcare by action in different areas including: superior pricing of our anti-retrovirals and anti-malarials; tiered pricing of our vaccines; investing in RD that aims diseases mainly affecting the developing world; community investment movements and partnerships that promote effective; and seeking innovative partnerships and solutions. We cover our contribution to improving access to medicines extensively in our Corporate Responsibility Report. We were a clear leader in the first Access to Medicines (ATM Foundation in 2008). In February 2009, they announced a sequence of commitments for the UN named list of least developed countries, including a extra flexible approach to scholar property for investigate into ignored diseases, a promise to invest in healthcare infrastructure. A major increase in property from the worldwide community is still needed to maintain RD and to supply access to the follow-on medicines and vaccines. GSK are working to give access to medicines for people with inadequate financial funds and without prescription drug insurance. Leadership style used in each CEDD and the overall leadership style during this change has been under pressure so that it is aligned with enhancing creativity (Financial Times, 2005). The inspiration of the people was extremely low for many changes going on in a very short period of time. Employees first saw the joining of Galxo and Wellcome in 1995 and then of GlaxoSmithKline in 2000. They had a thought that they were being treated like sales division by raising competition within themselves (Financial Times, Oct 24, 2002). This fall in the motivation of the workers can be seen as what is identified as Denial Stage in the Kubler-Ross Transition model. This model with the emotional states of the undergoing staff is illustrated as follows: So according to this curve, GSK needed move toward that allows a soft transition from denial to recognition in a little time frame. GSK also needed to be changed to supply for this new CEDDs based RD division as there might be potential knowledge management matter among the centers and also they had to struggle for their budgeting needs. These issues in the enablers part of the EFQM would guide to the GSKs unhappy employees and consumers that in the long term will plan in weak pipeline which is one of the key performance indicator for GSK. Although the act taken by the administration to create the CEDDs can be seen as an unexpected one, but it took the trail of Organizational Development to establish this change into the culture of the organization. 07. Development and Adaption of appropriate models for the recommended Changes: In order to connect the improvements from this transform, GSK needed to apply the organizational improvement theories to cope the smooth midway period. The change from one RD division to seven independent group oriented CEDDs, can be represented in the following diagram: This structural change can only be possible if it is supported by a cultural change Handy (1993). Thus the business was faced with yet a new difficulty of changing the culture of the department to make the CEDDs work successfully. There are several models that illustrate this intangible attribute of a company on a map. One of the most accepted one is the Gottarna Cultural Map (Handy, 1993 Chorn, 2004). According to this diagram the culture of the organization can be exposed as I (Integration), D (Development), A (Administration) and P (Performance) logics or some arrangement of this. Thus the cultural change at GSK can be presented on the following axis: It shows that prior to the transform in the RD section the existing culture can be seen as a Power Culture and it was extra oriented to the development (D) area. Thus the sector was lacking a competitive atmosphere. The change in the organization of the department can be seen as a planned change in the culture to the performance (P) area that keeps an eye on the contest and uses creativeness and innovation in the limits of realism. This cultural alteration in turn needs a strategic coalition of the external internal players of the area. Strategic alignment for GSK is given below: (Best fit approach (Handy, 1993) The model illustrates the quantification of outside orientation of internal portion that includes leadership, society and plan. The fit among the internal external situation is the key to a constant competitive benefit and adds value for every stakeholders of the business. Although the vital aim of the planned change is on structural feature of the RD division but the impact also be seen on the culture of the division as well. The process of Cultural Change: The challenge was to inspire people and have possibility plans for this cultural transform at GlaxoSmithKlines RD section. The chance is infinite in an institute; the complex part is to decide which interventions are expected to have major impact. The company has adopted a four step procedure to beginning of cultural change. The change process has been a little customized from the force field analysis proposed by (Lewin 1951) to fit the transform situation of GSK. The steps that were undertaken by the group can be illustrates by the following diagram: By these four steps it covers the following points: Ensure that the RD department people know the pressure of transform. Grow and share a clear image about where the company and department is headed. Put in position the person, departmental and managerial capability for change. Have a preparation of action that outlines what has to be completed to get it all started. Lewins Three-Step model Managing Change includes the effectiveness policies and programs to allow those change agents to accomplish the new vision. For the work, I will be choosing Kurt Lewins 3- step model for the change of the organization. Lewin identified the role of habit in our thoughts and actions. Lewins basic change model of unfreezing, changing and refreezing to be a theoretical foundation upon which change theory could be built solidly in GlaxoSmithKline. Figure: Lewins Three-Step model of change Unfreezing (create dissatisfaction): Unfreezing is the basic step into the theory. It is about serving the stakeholders let go or not do things how they have always done. The effects of the driving and restraining forces appear to play at this step. If the restraining is larger than or equivalent to the driving forces there will be no transformation. So GlaxoSmithKline company must aware about their driving force and restraining to be successful of the change in the organization.The driving force must outweigh the restraining force in order for enough motivation to take place; merely introducing a driving force is not enough to cause a shift in the equilibrium of the perceived change (Schein, 1995). Moving (implementation): Moving to a new stage or changing means accurately that it is about changing the old actions with accomplishment that are reliable with the objective. To help retain the inspiration for change of the GSK, functioning in groups or obtaining support is useful. The process of change is not only done physically, it requires mental alterations (Tichey, 1997). Refreezing (Stabilization): This is the last stage in the 3-step model. When the transformation are taking figure and people have hold close the new behavior of functioning the organization is organized to refreeze. GSK needs to make sure that the changes of the company are used all the time and that they are integrated into everyday dealings. GSK can accomplish this step when most of their stakeholders normally take the creative action with no thinking, it turn into the model. The new action must be fitting to behaviors and characteristics of the individual to remain effective or the old action will reemerge (Schein, 1995). 08. Planning of Implementation and Possible Outcomes: GSK has provided clear guidelines for people to create the main first steps. It is obvious from the literature that the effectiveness of the change program depends upon the first steps taken (Andrew, 1995). The change attempts can fail because no one knows where to start Chorn (2004). It is required to break down the idea into its divided parts. SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Rational and Time bound objectives require to be setup. Then list the actions required to carry regarding these objectives must be done. Lastly set performance actions require to be taken care of. The stepwise approaches make sure that objectives are reached in time and the change takes place in a time bound frame. The change of the RD division from a particular unit to seven smaller, independent CEDDs and the cultural change which will accompany it can be seen like people oriented and also as ignoring the job needs. As the group will be working separately and there will be a contest among the teams therefore the position that can establish with over importance on teams can be revealed with John Adairs circles (Handy, 1993) bellow: Hence, in order to remain the team alert on the duty, the equilibrium among team, task and person needs must be catered. This can be completed by having a democratic leadership approach inside all CEDDs. GSK uses European Foundation for Quality Management (Excellence Model) to measure its performance (Simmons, 2003). The model has been used by the companies to measure their performance in different phase of change management. This structure provides a benchmark alongside the best apply not only in the business but also across various industries. The impact of transform on the business and in particular on the RD division is considered to be of competitive benefit for GlaxoSmithKline and can be represented on EFQM by using arrows in the following way: This shows the change method has an outcome on management, people, resources and process that will also impact on the effect of customers and key performance indicators. Conclusion: In order to sum it up, it can be accomplished that the content, framework and process adopted by GSK in the light of external market changes throughout the post merger combination of the corporation can be seen as a good apply in the change managing field. The study shows that the requirements for change projected by the management were desired at that time and the assessment strengthens this argument. The procedure adopted by the business can also be seen like one of the greatest practices to be used for benchmarking in the production because the cultural characteristics were marked and dealt with during the transformation. Therefore in light of the discussion provided with the help of relevant theories the change management at GSK of division of RD department into CEDDs can be used as benchmark for good practice for others in and across the industry. Word Count: 3784

An Analysis Of Nature In The W Essay -- essays research papers

An Analysis of Nature in the works of Robert Frost When reading poetry by Robert Frost the theme of nature is strongly present and persistent. Robert Frost uses the world around him to create a mystic feeling to his writings, almost giving the reader a sense of nostalgia. The influence of nature in Frost’s works creates a palette to paint a picture filled with symbolism for the reader to interpret. The nature in the poems makes the poem an intimate piece in which most readers can identify with or imagine in some way because of the intense imagery used. In the analysis of Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken, Nothing Gold Can Stay, and Stopping By The Woods On A Snowy Evening we can pick out specific examples to illustrate Frost’s overall use of nature. In the first stanza of Robert Frost’s Stopping by the Woods on A Snowy Evening we find the speaker reflecting on the beauty of a wooded area with snow falling. Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow. (p.923) You can feel the speakers awe and reflective peace when looking into the woods that night. He doesn’t know the owner of the land but is still drawn to the beauty of the scene. Frost gives a scene that is taken into the reader and digested for a time in the speaker’s mind. It shows us that it is all right to take a minute out of a hurried hour and reflect upon what is around you, whether it is a snowy wood or a quite ... An Analysis Of Nature In The W Essay -- essays research papers An Analysis of Nature in the works of Robert Frost When reading poetry by Robert Frost the theme of nature is strongly present and persistent. Robert Frost uses the world around him to create a mystic feeling to his writings, almost giving the reader a sense of nostalgia. The influence of nature in Frost’s works creates a palette to paint a picture filled with symbolism for the reader to interpret. The nature in the poems makes the poem an intimate piece in which most readers can identify with or imagine in some way because of the intense imagery used. In the analysis of Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken, Nothing Gold Can Stay, and Stopping By The Woods On A Snowy Evening we can pick out specific examples to illustrate Frost’s overall use of nature. In the first stanza of Robert Frost’s Stopping by the Woods on A Snowy Evening we find the speaker reflecting on the beauty of a wooded area with snow falling. Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow. (p.923) You can feel the speakers awe and reflective peace when looking into the woods that night. He doesn’t know the owner of the land but is still drawn to the beauty of the scene. Frost gives a scene that is taken into the reader and digested for a time in the speaker’s mind. It shows us that it is all right to take a minute out of a hurried hour and reflect upon what is around you, whether it is a snowy wood or a quite ...

The significance of female characters in the progressof Homer’s novel E

The significance of female characters in the progressof Homer’s novel The Odyssey Women are very important figures in Homer's The Odyssey. Athena and Penelope are the two primary examples. They help Odysseus in his travels in many ways through the story. They keep the reader interested so that they keep reading to find out what will happen next. Throughout the novel, they appear in many different forms. In this epic, several female characters had a profound effect on the plot. They wielded their influence through typically feminine skills and attributes: seduction, supernatural powers, intelligence, and beauty. Some of the women of The Odyssey influenced the actions of men, playing key roles in the epics, such as Athena, Penelope, Calypso, the Sirens, Helen, or Circe; all have been true, and in actuality, may be an entertaining interpretation of an actual Trojan War. Since the Trojan War supposedly started because of a dispute between the gods and mortals, the Trojan War probably started because of a reason other than the reason Homer gives. If Homer were a woman, then he would have directed his audience into believing that women were at a higher level than men were by use of his epics. Ultimately, Homer would be utilizing his feminine characteristics when telling his stories with underlying messages of feminine superiority or equality. As goddess of wisdom and battle, Athena naturally has a soft spot for the brave and wily Odysseus. She helps him out of many tough situations, including his shipwreck in Book 5 and the mismatched battle of Book 22. She does not merely impart sense and safety to her passive charge, however. She takes an interest in Odysseus for the talents he already has and actively demonstrates. Although she reassures Odysseus during the battle with the suitors, she does not become fully involved, preferring instead to watch Odysseus fight and prevail on his own. She also often helps Telemachus as when she sends him off to Pylos and Sparta to earn a name for himself but she has the most affection for Odysseus. Athena is confident, practical, clever, a master of disguises, and a great warrior, characteristics she finds reflected in Telemachus. Her role as goddess of the womanly arts gets very little attention in the Odyssey. Penelope works at the loom all the time but rarely sees Athena, and then u... ...oes. These literature works gave many possibilities of definition of heroism. The Greeks illustrated heroism to obey the rules laid down by the gods and goddesses, and those who obey the rules would gain honor and fame. The Greeks regarded intelligence as one of the highest gifts that all heroes must posses. The Greeks required that all heroes must have courage and die a horrible death. We know him less from what he thought, which was seldom revealed, than by what he says and did, and his actions follow naturally from his characteristics. If the cunning of Odysseus is mentioned more than his courage, it was his courage that gets him into the scrapes from which his cunning had to deliver him. Odysseus had the all the qualities that the Greek tradition required of all heroes, which were obey the rules of gods, posses intelligence, and displayed courage. He was made a hero thanks to his own characteristics however, with out the guidance of Athena, his longing to be at home with his wife again and the intervention of women on his journey, he would only be a hero by myth not by what he has achieved through the trouble of getting home due to the women he has encountered.

Chapter 9 of the Great Gatsby Essay

Chapter 9, the last chapter of the novel, is used by Fitzgerald to create a sense of finality for the reader, suggesting ‘the party was over’. This chapter allows him to make his final comment on the unfulfilling nature of the American Dream, and the nature of the people that lived in the ‘Roaring Twenties’. The chapter is made for the obvious purpose of being the conclusion to the story. Rather than leave the ending ambiguous as many authors do, Fitzgerald wraps up the narrative decisively. This sense of finality of the book allows the reader to come to final conclusions and judgements of what they have seen. An open ended book can allow readers to come up with their own endings, but a book with a definitive ending allows readers to see what happened and then decide what it means. Fitzgerald allows the reader to form their own opinions on the events that definitely happened in the story, giving a greater sense of meaning and attachment to the story. Nick narrates the chapter from two years later, looking back at the final days he spent in New York. Throughout the chapter Nick shows his disgust and contempt for the East of the U.S., clearly preferring ‘[his] Middle West’. Fitzgerald does this to make us, as readers, antagonise the East society as the main cause of the tragic events of the novel. He does this by showing Nick, the one involved in most if not all the events of the novel, completely appalled at the actions of people that have made their lives in the East. This is particularly shown when Nick initially refuses to shake Tom Buchanan’s hand. He has correctly deduced that Tom was the one who told Wilson that Gatsby’s car was the one that ran Myrtle over, and out of his ‘provincial squeamishness’ he did not shake hands. He does ultimately shake hands, but only out of pity and as a sign of farewell so that he does not have to see Tom again. We are meant to feel Nick’s relief of not having to see this clear representation of all that was wrong with ‘old money’ and the novel’s portrayal of the East; that it was essentially ‘careless people, [who] smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness†¦ and let other people clean up the mess they had made’. At first, Gatsby seems to represent the success story of the American Dream. He creates his own fortune and earns great wealth and material possessions; but, in the end, his dream fails anyway. At the conclusion of the novel, Gatsby does not get what he wishes. ‘his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it. He did not know  that it was already behind him,’ Gatsby’s death without the total commitment from Daisy that he always sought after is a tragic display of the reality of the American Dream: that it has been corrupted from the ‘pursuit of happiness’ to the ‘pursuit of wealth’. Fitzgerald uses the distortion of the readers’ perception of the American Dream so that we pity the unfortunate characters of the novel: Gatsby, Jordan, Daisy, Tom; who despite having money, do not seem to have true deep happiness. Overall, Fitzgerald uses the closing chapter of the novel for exactly its intended purpose: to finish the novel. We see the end of the story of Gatsby and the effect he had on people and reflect on what it truly meant.

Managing and Preserving Electronic Health Records Essay

This proposal discusses how to apply standard and interoperable solutions to manage and preserve electronic health records (lab test results, physician notes, etc.) and migrate, distribute, replicate, and access these records from legacy formats and platforms. Another important thing the proposal discusses is incorporating a technological system that will allow better time management and increase profitability at CorpHealth. Business Problem Statement The business problem to be solved is how to improve time management by improving strategic planning and incorporating new technology that will allow better time management and planning. Also the company currently does not have a system that preserves electronic health records. It is important for the company to start working to create a standard preservation infrastructure to support a wide variety of electronic health records, data formats, and delivery mechanisms as well as identify, evaluate, and integrate standard and best practices in the long-term preservation and management tools to migrate, replicate, and distribute electronic health records. Currently the only technological advance the company uses is the Cholestest LDX system that provides efficient and economical point of care testing for cholesterol and related lipids, and blood glucose serve as diagnostic tools that provide information for immediate risk assessment and therapeutic monitoring of heart disease, inflammatory disorders and  diabetes.allows and improve insight into the financial management aspects of the company for improved strategic planning and performance monitoring. Name of the Company or Organization CORPHEALTH Medical and Wellness Solutions, Inc. Brief Description of Proposed Solution Incorporating new technology at CorpHealth will allow the business to reach out to new customer increase profit and grow technologically. Looking at these issues will help decrease major challenges the Company faces in IT, operations, strategic planning while diminishing the risk on non-compliance regulatory fees. CorpHealth should develop business tailored solutions to incorporate a better strategy that overall will bring growth and stability to the company. General Benefits it will provide the Organization General benefits to the company will mean growth and advancement. The company need to stay ahead of the competition and implementing new marketing strategy in different ways is a great way to attract different clients or new demographics. Implementing new technology will improve the speed and accuracy of diagnoses. Implementing a new system that will allow health information to be safe and secure will allow the current clients and future clients to have peace of mind. Also this will give the Company better access to the information if needed by the Doctor allowing better time management to the Staff. Audience to whom you are presenting the recommendation(s) The audience of this proposal is presented for all CorpHealth personnel. After recommendations are implemented and agreed on who will benefit from it will be the Staff, client and future clients.