world war 11 essays

world war 11 expositions World War I, the main all around damaging clash that the Western Civilization created, has been the subject of different examination, understandings and reexaminations of the different makes that drove it. At first, the blame was set upon Germany and its partners. In the end, authentic examination directed in decades after the occasion, lead to a move from the blame point of view, to a more extensive one of different interfacing factors. Albeit right around nine decades have slipped by, one inquiry despite everything perseveres: Which clarification is most appropriate as the reason for WWI? To give an answer, the perspectives on six students of history will be thought of. To start, James Joll's response to the inquiry will be analyzed. It will be seen that he considered a few factors that, as indicated by him, interlinked and lead to the contention. Five extra informative models will be investigated: those of students of history Arno Mayer, Wolfgang Mommsen, Donald Lammers, Micheal Gordon and Konrad Jarausch. They focused on progressively explicit issues as a feature of deciphering the reasons for the contention. In his 1980s book The Origins of the First World War, history specialist James Joll offers a clarification connecting the whole social, political and financial range of twentieth C. Europe. In the first place, he begins his quest for a reason in the July Crisis of 1914. The July 1914 emergency began with the strategic final proposal that Austro-Hungary gave Serbia. The remainder of the European forces, electrifies in the different coalition frameworks, where overpowered. In this manner, Germany was offering unchallenged help to the Hapsburgs, regardless of whether it was to be military, while realizing that the Russians were questioning any utilization of power against Serbia and undermining their mediation. France appeared to be confounded, however was prepared to help Russian mediation against Austria-Hungary. England, forced both by France and Russia, was uncertain until it authoritatively declared its military help to them. At long last, as indicated by Joll, in July eve... <!

Perspectives for a Balanced Scorecard

Perspectives for a Balanced Scorecard Perspectives for a Balanced Scorecard Approach to an Organization (Futura) Home›Economics Posts›Perspectives for a Balanced Scorecard Approach to an Organization (Futura) Economics Posts  IntroductionFutura is a 50 year old international company involved with aluminum extruding, finishing, fabrication, machining and design. Futura industries serves a high end clientele in a variety of markets for example; floor covering, electronics, trims, showers, marine and transportation.Futura industries are guided by their mission that states that “Extraordinary Value through Extrusions”. With this mission the company expects each and every employee to contribute to the success of the company as well as of the customer.Futura has adopted a visionary strategy of Learning, innovation and growth as one part of its growth strategy and as a dimension in creating a balanced scorecard. This is because Futura believes that a work force that is challenged to grow and feels respected and trusted is the foundation of its success. This strategy has led to the company’s 50% revenue increase from 1996 1999 without hiring new staff.The balanced scoreboard at Futura is approached to make sure the company grows, prospers and survives. This is further divided into two major pillars of strategy to make sure they are easily monitored and easily manageable, these pillars are; growth and operational excellence.Growth is monitored by intimacy, this where the company uses the knowledge it has of its customers to solve problems and improve on the services to them, flawless production of their products without hitches hence these ensuring there is a steady supply and the last bit under the growth strategy is   production of new products. This keeps it in line with its goal of innovation and attracts new customers too.Operational excellence is gained through speedy delivery of its products and maintaining quality as well as planning and having timely delivery to their customers. The com pany also has continually reduced its costs. Hence the balanced score board approach has been used by Futura as an overall tool to tract its growth and survival.The balanced scorecard helps the company to satisfy its mission by putting together the company’s strategy and tactical measures. This dimension of learning, innovation and growth, when put to operation made sure that the other three components of its overall dimension also succeeded. These components are namely; customer service, financial and internal operations.The three objectives of improving the company’s financial position include the followingImprove the costing information of customers.This analyses the standard price per item per customer so that the Futura industries can compare the profitability between customers.This is used in monthly reporting meetings to communicate the financial state of the entire company and also to compare customers based on the profitability that in turn drives behavior. This falls p erfectly within the company’s mission and overall strategy in that the growth of the company has to closely monitored to in order to arrive to and achieve extraordinary value.Measures in internal perspectivesFutura follows four major goals when it comes to measuring and achieving its internal perspectives. These goals include the following:Planning and delivering flawless new productsPlan and deliver in order to deliver what the say and when say.Indent new products in products and processes andReduce their cost continuallyThis has been specifically designed in guidance with the mission. In order for the company to be and extraordinary valuable and maintain its learning, innovation and growth the company has to maintain a vibrant work force.Good customer service.The Futura industry has built a customer service dimension which lies entirely in hiring people aligned with the company and retaining those who deliver outstanding customer service. This has helped the company to stay in f ocus and in touch with its mission and the entire the dimensions hence the industry keep being extraordinary value trough extrusions.Performance measures of each of these objectives:Futura measures the performance of improving the costing information on each customer objective by analyzing standard cost per item to the actual cost per item this is done by actually looking into individual level. Actual costs vary based on time of production, raw materials to be used and overhead costs.However, to measure customer service urgency and responsiveness is the major ways Futura industries uses to gauge customer service. This has four major dimensions for measure which include: customer satisfaction, customer complaints, on time delivery and return materials rate to measure customer satisfaction the company calls 10 customers randomly and asks them a series of questions as it regards its relationship with Futura.While measuring internal perspectives Futura industries addresses these from fo ur major parts the goals themselves.Plan and deliver flawless new products.Plan and deliver orders of what   they have promised and when they promisedIndentify new opportunities and processesReduce their costsHence the industry admits that one of their important metric on basic scoreboard is safety.Expected Level of Performance for each ObjectiveThe performance of the improvement of costing information is to make sure the order processing is bringing profits to the company hence the high volume customers are targeted for ways the company can gain additional profitability. This is used by the sales team too to daily manage net grass margin levels hence the target.Internal perspective is targeted to continually improve new job analysis in order to drive ultimate productivity and profitability of the company. Futura industries uses this for employment physicals to predict the ability to succeed an the job and for the annual ‘fitness to work’Hence, meeting the goals to reduce the nu mber of insurance claims and thus improving on the company’s profitability.Customer targets on quality, on time delivery and fair value of products and services. This is inclined at improving the customer confidence in the company and aims at maintaining and also attracting more, thus when you take a close look at the basic scoreboard you will realize that it s been used in every aspect build a profitable company and keeps it on tract with its mission and vision.Programs Developed to help Implement each ObjectiveFutura industries has developed a number of programs and developed new ideas which are made to meet its needs. for example the following:-Futura has developed a cool tool that has helped greatly to improve costing information. This tool is used to financial department to analyze measure and daily gross margin levels as well as analyze each customer by items they purchase or order.A Futura industry has as well come up with an analysis method introduced to capture data on ve ry critical motion used on the job. This is conducted by a physical therapist and monitors employees individually in each major category of the job.In addition to the above, Futura industries also uses surveys in order to ensure customer service is kept at its highest levels possible. This has ensured the company gets relevant and useful feedback as well as keeps in touch with the disgruntled customers.In conclusion, we can therefore a test that the basic scorecard has been utilized in an innovative manner by Futura industries and it has helped it to maintain in its mission, vision and overall strategy hence the success and continued growth of the company.  Futura Company has used the balanced scoreboard approach as an overall tool in its daily management and uses it to make sure it has kept tract of its mission and vision in an innovative manner.

Oedipus Trilogy Analysis - 1214 Words

Novel Analysis of The Oedipus Trilogy Oedipus Rex, or Oedipus Tyrannus as it is in Latin, could be what we call today a Freudian work of literature. The Oedipus Trilogy was originally written by Sophocles and is meant to be told in a story-telling fashion. But this Grecian tragedy was revised and translated into English by Paul Roche and put into a novel form. The Oedipus Trilogy is a novel that deals with destiny and fate. The reader is shown a series of events plotted out from which Oedipus cannot escape. When we begin to read this story, we must remember that Greek society was based around myths and legends. They, much like today#8217;s society, had the need to explain everything. Their myths were a way of explaining such things.†¦show more content†¦Creon seems to be a man of distinction and honor in the story. Tiresias, as the seer, symbolizes knowledge and reason. Jocasta acts as the mediator between Oedipus and the rest of the world. The two daughters are quiet and ob edient to only their family and to what makes sense. The sons are the symbol of the everlasting conflict in the line of Oedipus. Of course the setting takes a major role in the play. It takes place in ancient Greece, naturally, where tragedies and stories of misfortune are known to happen. And as such there are many symbols used throughout the trilogy. The chorus is one of the main symbols continually used in the story, singing their strophies and antistrophies. Their importance is to show what the people of the time would feel about what was happening. They are sort of a mild version of critics in the story. Tiresias, the seer, is another great symbol in the story. Though he is blind, he is proved in the story to have seen things more clearly than the stubborn Oedipus would have. The irony of it is that Oedipus himself later became that seer in the story of Colonus, with Antigone as his own hand-girl. The plays of Oedipus also use a great range of picturesque speech to make a point . We see it in the very first lines of Oedipus the king when Oedipus asks his beloved people, #8220;what is the meaning of this thronging round my feet- this holding out of olive branches wreathed in woe?#8221; (Roche 23).Show MoreRelatedOedipus The King As A Tragic Hero Essay1491 Words   |  6 PagesConsidered one of the greatest dramas of all time, Sophocles’ play Oedipus the King follows the tragic life of Oedipus, king of Thebes. Considered a Satyr play, the Oedipus trilogy is perhaps the most famous of Sophocles’ plays. Oedipus the King, is an Athenian tragedy that was first performed somewhere around 429 BC in Athens, Greece. Originally, the Greeks referred to the play as simply â€Å"Oedipus,† as that was what Aristotle referred to it as in the Poetics. Perhaps what makes this play so memorableRead MoreSexism In Oedipus The King1395 Words   |  6 Pagestragedy, Oedipus the King, is not sexist. The prominent play portrays both men and women justly. The events presented by Sophocles exemplifies a level of admiration and respect for women that was not ordinary in ancient Greece. This is predominantly achieved through the dialogue of Jocasta and Oedipus, illustrating a corresponding relationship. In addition, the behavior of Jocasta, analysis of other literature, as well as the bad fortune of the male characters reaffirm that the Oedipus the King isRead MoreOedipus The King And Oedipus At Colonus1567 Words   |  7 Pagesworks of Sophocles and particularly evident in Oedipus the King and Oedipus at Colonus, not only exalts the Greek nationalism present at the date of composition but dictates the course of the story, evolving as its tragic hero works through his fated anguish. Hubris, defined as exaggerated pride or self-confidence, is the earmark character trait of Oedipus and perhaps Creon. However, it is the abandonment of his sanctimonious nature that distinguishes Oedipus as a true hero. The theme of the evolutionRead MoreJoy L uck Club924 Words   |  4 PagesMonday December 13th which will count towards 1/3 of your final exam grade. A traditional AP Timed Write Rubric will be used to score your answers. I’m looking for a clear thesis, a well-organized paper, high level of diction, focus, and in-depth analysis (two to three pieces of commentary or analogies) combined with thematic text to world and use of literary devices if appropriate. Answer all parts of the question in your responses. 1. June Woo begins the novel by explaining the â€Å"Joy Luck Club.†Read MoreAn Interpretive Analysis On Conflicting Self Reassurance1337 Words   |  6 Pages Antigone: An Interpretive Analysis on Conflicting Self-Reassurance Antigone is a complex, yet debatable play, written by Sophocles somewhere around 442 BC. Chronologically, it is the third of the three Theban plays, but was the first to be written. In addition, Antigone was also one of the most famous tragedies ever to be written. The setting of the play is set in front of the Palace, Thebes, and Ancient Greece. Though most Greek playwrights were from Athens, their plays areRead MoreThe Winter Evening Settles Down Poem Analysis918 Words   |  4 Pagesthe place and uses a choice of words to convey how, even in the busy and crowded place, the servant still felt the jostling from Death and still turned. The imagery paints to us a picture of the environment where the scenario played out. The trilogy Oedipus the King presents a rich repository of the use of the choice of words and some elements of imagery to convey the theme of the story. The main theme is that the oracles are always right and their prophecies are always fulfilled. Through the rightRead MoreCharacter Analysis Of Oedipus The King1961 Words   |  8 PagesCharacter Analysis of Oedipus: Oedipus the King Oedipus the King is a Greek tragedy play written by Sophocles, and it made its first debut around 429 BCE. It is one among the Theban trilogy plays. The story reveals that Oedipus has unknowingly killed his father, and married, and bore children with his mother. He must find the murderer of King Luis, his father, in order to save the city Thebes from a plague. To his tragic misfortune, it is revealed first through dramatic irony that Oedipus himselfRead MoreAncient And Medieval Civilizations1805 Words   |  8 Pagessuch as; What it means to live just and good? How do we best order relationships for the common good? What do we know and how do we know it? these themes have been recurrent in the stories of Gilgamesh, the Bible, Plato’s Cave and the Oedipus Trilogy. Further analysis has shown that to live a just and good life is to first gain knowledge and understand what it means to be good and just. Putting yourself first enables you to help others and lastly we are only able to really know what we experience andRead MoreEssay The Cycle of Vengeance in Aeschylus’s Oresteia2440 Words   |  10 Pagesfather by killing both Aegisthus and their own mother. The Furies, enraged by Orestes’ violation of the filial bond, pursue his punishment. The Eumenides covers the taming of the Furies, the reconciliation of the dominant opposing for ces in the trilogy, the establishment of Athena’s court of law, and, as J. J. Pollitt argues, â€Å"brings us out of the earlier dark irrationality into what seems an enlightened world of order and reason† (30). Each of these acts, excepting the first andRead MoreAn Analysis of Two Key Passages in Antigone2661 Words   |  11 PagesAn Analysis of Two Key Passages in Antigone During the Nazi occupation of France, Jean Anouilh produced an adaptation of Sophocles’ tragedy, Antigone, as a representation of the struggle between those collaborating with the occupants and those resisting them. While it is possible to read Anouilh’s Antigone as a ‘texte de la Resistance’, it can also be interpreted as an apologia for the Nazis’ severe, authoritarian behavior. The two key passages selected are crucial to the development of the play

Glossary of Usage Later and Latter

The words later and latter look similar, but their meanings arent quite  the same. Definitions The adverb  later means after a particular time or any time after the present. Later is also the comparative form of the adjective late. The adjective latter means occurring at or near  the end of an activity. Latter also  refers to the second of two persons or things already mentioned. Examples Though Amy said that she would join me later, I never saw her again.The porch light went out, then the light in the hall. A second later, a light went on upstairs at the side of the house, shining into a tree  that was still covered with leaves.(John Cheever, The Country Husband. The New Yorker, 1955)Sacajawea in her younger days seems, as you state, to have had her full share of trouble, but in her old age she was more fortunate. Her  latter years  on the reservation were passed in peace and plenty.(Reverend John Roberts quoted by  Grace Raymond Hebard in  Sacajawea,  A Guide and Interpreter of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, 1939)There are two kinds of worries: those you can do something about and those you cant. Dont spend any time on the latter.(attributed to Duke Ellington)[I]f were worried about the longer-term implications of current policies,  the buildup of greenhouse gases is a much  bigger deal than the  accumulation of low-interest debt. It’s biza rre to talk about the latter but not the former.(Paul Krugman,  What About the Planet? The New York Times,  October 7, 2016) Idiom Alerts Sooner or Later The expression sooner or later means eventually  or at  some unspecified time in the future. The boy was looking at the dead roadside trees. Its okay, the man said. All the trees in the world are going to fall sooner or later. But not on us.(Cormac McCarthy, The Road. Knopf, 2006) Catch You Later The expression catch you (or see you) later means Goodbye for now, but I will see you again at some later time. I’m going to call your grandmother later on this morning to see if I can stop over. When is a good time to call?Anytime, she’s an early riser. Probably been up for hours already.â€Å"Still, I think I’ll wait till nine or so.Cool. I’ll catch you later, girl. Tell Nana I said hi.Will do, I said and disconnected. (Victoria Laurie, A Vision of Murder. Signet, 2005) Practice (a) Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the ______.(Thomas Jefferson in a  letter to Edward Carrington, January 16, 1787)(b) A little _____ that afternoon, when George had done his chores and finished his homework, he decided to go back next door.(Stephen Hawking and Lucy Hawking, George and the Big Bang. Simon Schuster, 2012) Answers to Practice Exercises (a) Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.(Thomas Jefferson in a  letter to Edward Carrington, January 16, 1787))(b) A little later that afternoon, when George had done his chores and finished his homework, he decided to go back next door.(Stephen Hawking and Lucy Hawking, George and the Big Bang, 2012)

Racism and Justice System Free Essays

The authors expose the myth of American meritocracy by informing us of all the ways that we maybe never paid attention to, such as how many black leaders there are in the sports arena’s such as coaches. They also expose the racial realist to the point that everything is not race based. Racial hierarchies are shown in ways that show us that American meritocracy is a myth by where blacks live. We will write a custom essay sample on Racism and Justice System or any similar topic only for you Order Now If blacks live in white neighborhoods how some would feel uncomfortable, or would even move out of the neighborhood. If racism was a thing of the past then we would no longer need affirmative action. Racism still exists and will forever exist in the world because the history it has of getting here. The book talks about how law institutionalizes the American ideal of equality, and this may be true but there are always people that are in these positions that corrupt and contaminate the entire system. Things have changed from the past form how racial discrimination was. It’s just done now through actions more so now than verbalizing. You can’t really verbalize your hatred for another race such as Texaco’s executives because you run the risk of people not bringing their business to you and now you can end up in civil court. The Supreme courts have made it even harder for one to make a discrimination suit against a company or employer because the evidence has to be so strong that it leaves no room for doubt in anyone’s mind in fact that was the case. Blacks are constantly stereotyped because of another black person’s action. Many white people have the perception that black people are lazy because we as a people seek more government help such as housing, food programs and even the low end jobs that some blacks have. They say that education rules out discrimination and employers rationally hire and promote people on the basis of their education and job skills. This is true to a certain extent; they won’t give the entire truth. They will hire African American based on those credentials but they won’t let them into the top positions. This I have found to be true just as recent as a couple of years ago. Walgreens would hire black assistant managers but would not promote them as store managers and a civil suit was filed against Walgreens’. Even in these case blacks still haven’t won because they promote a couple of black store managers and put them under a microscope, putting them in positions to fail. And once they fail they can keep hiring white store managers because they now have a paper trail of at least giving blacks an opportunity†¦.. to fail but at least they gave them a chance. Racism still exist even in schools to this day, no matter how you look at it they are still segregated to a degree. We can all agree that for the most part public schools in major cities are failing, and to get your children a good education you send them out to the suburbs. For here in Milwaukee they let a couple of black kids in their school system just to show that it’s not segregated but their tolerance for them is pretty low, knowing they can kick them out because 9 times out of ten they don’t stay in that school district. I am thankful that Brown’s case brought about desegregation in schools but there are loopholes in everything that people find. The plan that was implemented was whites move out of the major city and then their children have a chance for a better education with a lot less blacks there to intimidate or get their children involved with the wrong situation because so many whites think very lowly of blacks. I believe no matter what we as a nation or even the world will ever escape the ramifications of racism because like the book says how can we expect something of this nature to disappear in over thirty years that took over three hundred to create. My personal opinion is that we can make strides at it but we will never fully abolish racism. After all collectively as blacks we are taken for granted just as the fish takes the water they live in. How to cite Racism and Justice System, Papers

The Pyramids of Giza

Introduction The history of Egypt is one of the richest and the most amazing examples of how people could be devoted to their roots and traditions and what methods they could use to protect and improve their own culture.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Pyramids of Giza specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Egyptian Art was influenced by a variety of things: religion, politics, relations with different countries, environment, and citizens’ treatment (Sporre 205). Due to such close connection, Egyptian Art became recognizable by different countries within a short period of time, and Egyptian pyramids are considered to be one of the first and the most marvelous world wonders. Three magnificent pyramids of the desert at Giza have a long history that began over 4,000 years ago and represent a true marvel of architectural art: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure were the kings under which orders the pyramids wer e build and the kings those actions, ideas, and principles will be saved and protected by the power of the pyramids. Reasons to Create Pyramids in Ancient Egypt The idea of pyramid creation was dated more than 4,000 years ago (Filer 20) and accepted as another powerful form of sophistication of the necessity to cover royal platforms. During the period when the 4th dynasty of Egypt ruled, the three most famous pyramids were built: they were those of Khufu also known as Cheops, Menkaure also known as Mycerinus, and Khafre also known as Chephren. These pyramids symbolized the power of Egyptian pharaohs and the idea of wealth that was inherent to the Egyptian nation in the Old Kingdom. â€Å"Though the kings of the Old Kingdom built pyramids not for the sun god but for the gods they themselves incarnated, they nonetheless strove to create a sacred space partaking of the eternity of the heavens† (Assmann and Jenkins 62). Each of the above-mentioned pyramids has its own peculiariti es and functions. Different pharaohs and queens found piece in these sites, and nowadays people come to see this wonder and to demonstrate their respect, memory, and care about their past and their history. The Magnificence of Pyramids The Great Pyramid of Khufu. This pyramid was named after the king Khufu, who came to the throne of Egypt land around 2589 B.C. (Levy 6) and who spent more than 20 years to build it. It is necessary to admit that only this pyramid is considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one that remains. It was the highest building until French people introduced the Eiffel Tower. And finally, it is still the most intact building in the whole world. About 2,300,000 stone blocks were used in order to create this wonder (Levy 6), and many tens of thousands of people who were skilled workers but not slaves participate in this building process.Advertising Looking for research paper on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get yo ur first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Pyramid of Khafre. The son of Khufu, Khafre, was the second pyramid builder under whose ruling another large pyramid was created. At first sight, it seems that the Khafre pyramid is higher in comparison to Khufu’s. However, it is possible only due to the fact that it takes place on higher ground. This pyramid does not have anything in common with the first creation except the entrance that is also in the north facing side. This 15-meters-entrance introduces a rather narrow corridor that leads to a large burial room where a number of ancient rituals took place. Khafre offered to use the symbol of the Sphinx as the guardian of tombs in the pyramid, however, after his death, this idea was forgotten, and nobody wanted to recognize its power again. The Pyramid of Menkaure. In spite of the fact that this pyramid is the lowest and the youngest among these three buildings, it still plays an important role in the history of Egypt an d contains the tombs of the Pharaoh of the 4th dynasty, Menkaure. The point is that Menkaure died before the construction was finished, this is why many his ideas and suggestions were not taken into consideration. Maybe because of his death, the material of the pyramid was changed from white limestone to pink granite that was popular in the city of Aswan. It is hard to imagine how magnificent the third pyramid could be if the king was alive and was able to finish the construction to exceed all expectations and became a good substitution for his father and grandfather. Conclusion The role of pyramids in Egypt is significant indeed. Each king made numerous attempts to demonstrate his power and wealth by means of pyramids and other buildings. The pharaohs like Khufu, Menkaure, and Khafre, who came from the 4th dynasty, left probably the most significant and amazing heritage that is now recognizable by the whole world. The three pyramids of Giza attract the attention of people because o f different purposes: to grasp the idea of Egyptian culture, to learn deeper the architecture of ancient buildings, to understand the essence of traditions and the significance of pharaohs’ lives, etc. The evaluation of these three pyramids helps to realize the Egyptian Art is one of the most delicate and amazing arts in the whole world that cannot be duplicated under any conditions. Works Cited Assmann, Jan, and Andrew Jenkins. The Mind of Egypt: History and Meaning in the Time of the Pharaohs. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard UP, 2003. Print.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Pyramids of Giza specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Filer, Joyce. Pyramids. New York: Oxford University Press, 2006. Print. Levy, Janey. The Great Pyramid of Giza: Measuring Length, Area, Volume, and Angles. New York: Rosen Pub. Group, 2006. Print. Sporre, Dennis, J. Reality through the Arts. 7th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prent ice Hall, 2009. Print. This research paper on The Pyramids of Giza was written and submitted by user Rivka Moreno to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Robin Hood Case Study Discussion Essays

Robin Hood Case Study Discussion Essays Robin Hood Case Study Discussion Paper Robin Hood Case Study Discussion Paper 1. Describe how Robin Hood developed his initial strategy for competing with the sheriff of Nottingham and discuss how he implemented it. Critique this approach. The original problem definition of high taxation that faced the people gave way for a new market which was stormed by Robin Hood. Seemingly an unlawful act, his mission was to â€Å"steal from the rich, and give to the poor†. As he entered the market, he was faced with rivalry of the prince and the sheriff. Robin Hood and his band of Merry men stole from the rich and gave to the poor which is in actuality is entirely opposite to the actions of his rivals. As Robin Hood entered the existing niche market he gained popularity and support amongst the common folk as he was supplying a unique good/service. He provides a free service to the poor after his operating expenses are accounted for. Also, the people had a preference for his product and tactics were not easily matched or copied by the competition. By obtaining this support, this strategy was to his advantage against Prince John and the sheriff. The opinion of numerous common folk would have persuaded Prince John to change the law of unfair taxation. Robin quickly realized that there was little he could do himself; which led to development of the organization by stimulating human resources. He sought close allies who would follow his vision of vengeance for the sheriff and the prince. These men would act as direct subordinates, however as time progress, admittance was allowed with less scrutiny whereby the only determining factor was loyalty. He believed strength lay in numbers. Robin implemented his strategy of ‘strength in numbers’ by seeking discipline from his band of men which ensured unity in the organization. This was achieved through a specific department within the organizational hierarchy. As a result they became more powerful in their battle against the sheriff. This forced the Merry Men to live outside the law which was also desired to gain sufficient discipline in the group. This organization was fairly simple. Critique By acquiring a large extent of subordinates, Robin obtained a work force that is not necessarily trained as he allowed any to join who asked few questions. In doing so, extra man-hours would have to be spent in training. Also if prescreening of the new entrants existed, the idea of using the entrants with existing skills can give way for a more efficient organization. I. e. farmers would have been used not for war but for food. As the largest internal dilemma faced the band was an increased group size infrastructure, supplies and other physical resources would quickly diminish. Thus cutting cost should be priority, thus tradeoffs can be made by employing skilled workers for defined job. E. g. famers and hunters With the ideal of improper interview, his organization could be easily infiltrated by his competitors thus relieving their plan and strategies. 2. Identify organizational characteristics and environment characteristics that would lead you to think robin hood is wise to considering a change in strategy as he enters his campaign second year? Robin’s organization could be seen as one of a hierarchy, he is the highest person in the organization which can put him in roles such as C. E. O. or chairman. His responsibility is to delegate specific task to his lieutenants, each has their own functions which contributes to the success of the merry men as a unit. For example Will Scarlett was assigned the important task of shadowing the sheriff and notifying the merry men of the sheriff next move. Figure 1: Robins Organizational Hierarchy The motivation of the band was vital to keeping them interested in the purpose of the vendetta. Motivation theory seeks to explain all kinds of motivated behavior in different situations, including behavior in the organizations. Since the majority of behavior is sense motivated, individuals are greatly influenced by their environment. Maslow’s theory of human motivation, all people have a need or desire for self respect, self esteem, and respect from others. This directly applies to the Merry Men, for they sought respect and were proud of their famous motto â€Å"Rob from the rich and give to the poor†. The resourced based model was important in the success of the group; five factors were looked at which the band demonstrated resources, capability, competitive advantage, attractive industry, strategy formulation and implementation. The resource of the group came from the merchants that travel through the forest, initially the resource was always available but t was quickly becoming sparse as merchants was choosing a different route. The men were properly trained to plan their robbery and skillful in their archery, however, the influxes of new recruits were beginning to strain the reserves of the group as training and food was costly. Robin and the merry men had the support from their customers which were the peasants and farmers but now as income was low and the maintenance cost was high they would have to tax the very people which they helped meaning that the peasants and farmers could turn on them and add to their troubles. Understanding the resource base of the group I could see why a change in strategy was wise. Figure 2: Resourced Based Model Robin and his organization were in crisis due to lack of a proper corporate strategy. The merry men were growing, with large number of new recruits but the organic structure is not cohesive. Communication and discipline is being broken down, table 3 below shows some options robin could use and their SWOT analysis. | Opportunities | Threats | Strengths| SO Strategies: Kill the Sheriff * Wipe him out, no more problems * Has the men to do it When the sheriff is gone, disband. ST Strategies: Join the barons * Has the fighting force * Get access to capital markets * Maybe ends the conflict quicker| Weakness | WO Strategies: Limit size of band * Turn the fighting band into a group of elites * Maintains discipline * Solves food issues * Basically, curtail growth| WT Strategies: Disband * Give up the cause, return to normal life * Robin flees to another country to escap e punishment| Figure 3: SWOT Matrix Problems Robin and his organization faced: * Lack of discipline Maintenance cost * Shelter/space shortage * Food shortage * training * security and vigilance (whoever wanted to join was taken in and there could be traitors and spies) These problems need to be address if the band is to have any chance against the sheriff and prince John. 3. Assume that Robin Hood has asked you to help him devise a new strategy. Identify a set of factors for him to consider in revising strategy. It was evident from the story that Robin Hood needed to change his approach owing to both internal and external factors. An uncontrolled workforce along with unsuitable supplier location led to the brink of economic viability. Changing the overall goal of his organization to fixed transit taxation would decrease his competitive advantage over the Sheriff. As a result the cost of amenities which Mr. Hood provided to the common folk would increase. If he chooses this path he would lose his loyal supporters which kept him in control of the monopolized market. The farmers and townspeople would then favor Prince John’s governance and rely on his pity for commodities. In the event of this situation Robin Hood’s main foe, The Sheriff would become stronger in light of his political connection with the prince. Although his work force was constantly growing, its productivity was diminutive. He claimed that he was not familiar with a large population of his organization. It would be in Robin’s best interest to restructure his work force. He would gain an advantage by decentralizing the team into several self sustaining units; each unit consisting of team manager, lieutenants and miscellaneous subordinates. Akin to a franchised organization, each team unit would be operating under the Robin Hood brand name, have the same goal as Robin, and operate within the limits of Robin. This structure would be less demanding to co-ordinate and allow him to devise alternate strategies. Since Robin also had a problem with a definitive Sherwood Forest location, this structure would also aid his disguise from his suppliers, the rich merchant travelers and the Sheriff. It is an imprudent choice for Robin to divert from his core competency and profound skill of banditry. The change in profession may lead to a lack of enthusiasm which would reflect poorly through the eyes of his followers and his brand name. References: Analyzing Strategic Management Cases Date Accessed: 02nd February 2011 The Business Operations of Robin Hood and the Merry men Author: Sumeet Malhotra Date updated: 2010 Date Accessed: 05th February 2011 ROBIN HOOD a Case Study Author: Misti Walker   Date updated: 05th September 2009 Date Accessed: 05th February 2011 Case Study 24 Robin Hood Book Winning In The Market Place Second Edition   Date update: 2011 Date Accessed: 07th February 2011 Robin Hood Case Analysis Author: Aaron labin, Curt Matthews, Rich Miller scribd. com/doc/37469551/Robin-Hood-Final Date updated: 14th April 2009 Date Accessed: 07th February 2011