David by Earle Birney Essay Example

David by Earle Birney Paper David, written by Earle Birney is a very emotional piece. The poem is narrative as told through the eyes of Bob, Davids friend. One of the themes that follow throughout this poem is the onset of maturity and all the barriers that must be over come. The tone is a cynical one, when Bob is asked by David to push him over the edge to his death. This poem also includes figurative language and poetic devices that help to develop an element of suspense, complication, and emotion. Birney has created a poem that consists of eleven sections that break down into quatrains. There is not a set pattern that is constant throughout this poem. Some verses are different from other verses, thus do not follow the same rhyming scheme, it adds the story element. One of the rhyming schemes that does occur in some verses which have the first and the fourth lines rhyming, it reminds the reader that it is also a poem. Alliteration is also included in his poem. It helps the reader flow from one word to another; seracs that shone is one example of this device. There is no exact rhythm in this poem; it is more of a story then a classical poem. We will write a custom essay sample on David by Earle Birney specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on David by Earle Birney specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on David by Earle Birney specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Since not all of the verses rhyme or follow the same rhyme scheme it sets the emotion of the poem to a more serious and mature piece then a happy and fun poem. Birney has used the lack of verse to clearly set the subject matter for a very serious and emotional poem. This piece has impressionistic, decorative, and picturesque imagery. All of these images allow the reader to visualize whats going on and experience the emotion expressed. There are many symbols to help add to the picture conveyed by the poet. The symbol of a bird that has a broken wing and is going around in circles symbolizes that everyone is impermanent and can get hurt. The goats bones on the mountain also symbolize the danger that is always present in the our lives and paints the reader a picture that danger is even in ordinary activities. One of the similes that gives the reader a very vivid picture is an overhang crooked like a talon. It shows the power and threat that the mountain gives off. mountains were made to see over,/ Stairs from the valleys and steps to the suns retreats. Is a very metaphorical image, it relates to life and how the mountains are barriers in life and you can always find a way to get past the barrier. The image of the stairs relates to your chance to overcome the barrier. The sun setting is an image, which defines missed opportunity. The conveyed imagery gives the reader the emotion and feeling of actually being present and climbing along side David and Bob. The diction that is used in thi s poem is very effective. There are many geological terms that associate David and Bobs action, with mountain climbing and traveling through the wilderness. Terms like crevasses, moraine, hawks, firs and larches are used in a proper diction. The time that the story is taking place is not really made clear, it would is suggested to take place during mid-afternoon to afternoon. The poems setting is the rugged Rocky Mountains located in Canada. The narrator, Bob, uses some words that are hard to comprehend, but mostly a dialect that everyone can understand. Bob uses words that are sometimes unfamiliar and seems to be well spoken. This causes the reader to assume he has been well-educated and is from a prominent family. This poem brings a lot of emotion and complications into discussion. It shows that everyone will have to face decisions will prove to be difficult, but will be for the best. Birney has successfully created a poem that shows the reader the connection between two men and the complication they must have. The things that are good about the poem are the use of the proper diction and lingo that describe what David and Bob are doing. This makes it easier for the reader to understand, which captures the readers emotions on different levels.

The Meiji Period of Restoration †Japanese History Paper

The Meiji Period of Restoration – Japanese History Paper Free Online Research Papers The Meiji Period of Restoration Japanese History Paper The Meiji period brought about the rapid modernization of Japanese politics, culture, and foreign relations which resulted in Japans attaining the status of the leading country in Asia and a world economic and political power. However, looking back on the Meiji Restoration, it becomes unclear as to whether it was a smooth transition, or a dramatic breaking point in Japanese history. (In order to determine the significance of the Meiji Restoration, an examination of the proceeding system of governance, culture and foreign relations is necessary.) The first part of this essay will discuss the Tokugawa period; the second will examine the Meiji Restoration. The last will analyze the Restoration itself and the changes that were made politically, culturally, and in foreign relations and conclusions on the nature of the Restoration will be drawn based on the given information. The political structure of the Tokugawa period was quite simple. At the head of the government was the Shogun, who was the main executive power. Under the shogun were the daimyo, who were very similar to governors. There were three â€Å"sections† of daimyo, family of the Tokugawa were called Shinpan, allies were called fudai, and enemies of the Tokugawa were called tozama. The last level of government was the samurai, who were leading men in the society who were traditionally military fighters, but formed the main bureaucracy of the Tokugawa government. This form of government is commonly referred to as the bakuhan, and shaped the culture of Japan during the Tokugawa Period. It should be noted that the Tokugawa government was quite strict. In his journals, Perry noted this and wrote, â€Å"It is evident that nothing but the fear of punishment deterred them from entering into free intercourse with us, but they were closely watched; and it may be inferred that he higher class would be equally inclined to greater intimacy if they in their turn were not also watched.† (Commodore Perry’s Journal, pg 180) The culture of Tokugawa Japan was very different from the culture after the Meiji Restoration. The Japanese were a proud people, and regarded their nation very highly. However, the people were very traditional, and really knew little about change and participation in the government. In the Tokugawa Period, social class was very important, and was determined by a person’s heredity. There were four main social groups: samurai, farmers, merchants, and artisans. Outside of these four main classes, there were other people in society, such as priests, imperial workers, and sex workers. The largest group was the farmers, who made up about 80 percent of the population. Most Japanese people lived in the country, with only 5-6 percent living on the larger cities. Besides the confines of heredity, the culture of Tokugawa was lively. The people did not concern themselves in politics, so in their free time, there was art and music, plays and religions parties, entertainment, and the Licensed Quarters for the adventurous. Buddhism was the prominent religion. Inside of their circumscribed world, the people enjoyed considerable autonomy as long as they paid their taxes. Women had their place in the culture; they were very important in the home and to their husbands and were generally treated with respect. They were not on the same level as the men however. Overall, Tokugawa culture created a peaceful Japan. The people were content, the government was stable, the economy was strong, and these aspects led to a positive culture in Japan, at least till the early 1800’s. The last aspect of the Tokugawa Period related to politics, government, and culture: foreign relations. The government in Japan, before 1850, had no desire to interact with any foreign countries. This isolationist policy was called Sakoku. The reasons for this policy are unclear, but Japan clearly did not want to have anything to do with the world. The Tokugawa government did not attempt to have relationships with any surrounding nations, and discouraged other Asian nations from interacting with Japan. This policy of the government was enforced from the top down. When foreigners, such as the Dutch, came to Japan, the people were forbidden to interact with them. This was because the government resented having the Dutch, or any other foreign power, in their country. So, during the Tokugawa period, Japan strove to be isolated from the World, both politically and culturally. In the mid 1800’s, the rule of the Tokugawa started to crumble. The political structure was growing weak and outdated, as was Japan’s social structure, and its foreign relations. In 1868, the Tokugawa rule officially collapsed and the Meiji took over power. The Meiji Restoration was headed by discontented samurai who were not satisfied with their position under the Tokugawa. After studying the politics, culture, and foreign relations of the Tokugawa period, these same aspects of the Meiji Period need to be examined to determine the whether the Meiji Restoration was a dramatic break point, or merely a transition. The first changes made were in the political structure and government. The Meiji decided that the politically fragmented system of the daimyo had to be completely overhauled. So immediately (after coming into power) in 1868, prefectures were established to replace the daimyo. The main goal in establishing the prefects was (to create) a national and bureaucratic state. All of the leaders of the prefects would report directly to the emperor in Tokyo, and would collect taxes to pay the samurai and the central government. These prefects extended the power and reach of the central government. A Genroin (senate) was also established. The second major political change was the rise of the emperor. In Tokugawa Japan, the emperor was more of a figurehead, but under the Meiji, the emperor held extensive executive power. The rise of the emperor gave the government legitimacy in the eyes of the people. The creation of this new bureaucratic state was a very important step in the history of modern Japan. The Meiji leaders inherited and modified the Tokugawa bureaucratic rule of the samurai. The (final) success of the Meiji Restoration of the government came in 1889 when a Constitution was written and ratified. The Constitution gave Japanese people rights they didn’t have before. In Chapter II of the Constitution I has laws such as, â€Å"No Japanese subject shall be arrested†¦unless according the law.† (Meiji Constitution, Chapter II, Article 23) There were more laws that protected the people, this (being but) is only one example. Japan was now under an ordered and stable rule, one that was modern and centralized with the holy emperor at its head. The culture of Japan also underwent major changes during the Meiji Restoration. The first, and most significant change that was made was the abolishment of the class system in Japan. With the abolishment of the class system, the Japanese emphasis on heredity was destroyed. Ones family line no longer determined what social class they would belong too, but rather, social standing was determined by ambition, education, and wealth. So, personal ability became extremely important for the first time. The second significant change in culture related to the emperor. With the rise of the prestige and importance of the emperor and empress, Japan’s culture changed to one (of) loyal to the royal family. Nationalism grew exponentially among the common people, who now had someone to look (up) to in their government. Shinmin No Michi wrote, â€Å"The Imperial family is the fountain source of the Japanese nation, and the national and private lives issue from this.† (Sources of Japanese Traditions, pg. 1001) Popular rights and freedoms also became very important. Under Tokugawa rule, individuals did not have very much personal freedom, but under the Meiji, commoners had freedom. The third significant cultural change was a move away from traditionalism and into modernity. During the Tokugawa period, the people thought little of change and progress, but the Meiji Restoration changed that completely. Once the rigid social structures were abolished, the people before to flex their cultural muscles. They moved into the large cities where they enjoyed markets and shopping. Cafes appeared that offered good food, conversation, and also the Jokyu (modern prostitute). These were a classier alterative to the relatively poor Licensed Quarter. After the change in culture and government came significant changes to foreign relations we well Previously, Japan had been very isolated. But after the Meiji restoration, Japan became more and more exposed to Western culture, and realized that it was falling behind the world. So, Japan began taking huge steps to learn about the West. The most important was the Iwakura Embassy (1871-1873). In this, the Japanese reformed treaties it held with other countries, and also sent people to other countries to study them in detail and report back to Japan. Basically, Japan opened itself up to the influence of the world, everything from fashion to government and imperialism. Based on (a careful analysis of )this information on Japan before the Meiji Restoration (Tokugawa Rule) and after, the answer to the question of whether it was a â€Å"dramatic break point’ in Japanese history is no. (Not sure if this is the conclusion that you are supporting. All of your example and analysis show a significant contrast between the Tokugawa Rule and the Meiji rule. If all of these differences and contrast are true then the conclusion should be, yes, this was a breakpoint in Japanese history. ) History shows the Tokugawa rule set many of the foundations needed by the Meiji for their Restoration. Tokugawa politics were becoming outdated and ineffective, the culture was suppressive and not malleable, and Japan could not remain isolated from the world for very long in the dramatic global changes in the mid-1850’s. Japan was ripe for change, and it seems that the Meiji Restoration should be called a dramatic change, and not a breaking point in the his tory of Japan. The reasons the Restoration was so sudden was because Japan had held off on change for many years during the Tokugawa rule. And when it collapsed and the Meiji took over, Japan was ready for something new. The Meiji Restoration would not have been so easy had Japan not been ready for significant changes in their government, culture, and foreign relations. So, based on the facts given, the Meiji Restoration was not a break in Japanese culture, but merely a culmination of circumstances that warranted and encouraged drastic changes in Japan in 1868 and the years following. 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A Good Man is Hard to Find Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

A Good Man is Hard to Find - Essay Example He was demanding respect because he thought that he was almost a man and should be respected irrespective. The story of â€Å"A Good Man is Hard To Find† speaks ironically of how hard it was to find a good man. The irony comes out clearly from the start to the end of the story. The grandmother is trying to draw the son’s attention about why they should not go to Florida as usual but should change to east Tennessee. She was reading a journal about the man â€Å"Misfit† and the harm he was causing. According to the report â€Å"Misfit† was headed to Florida that same day. She had thought it would be a good idea to let her son read the article as well. Bailey instead ignored his mother and did not even care to look at the article. Later, as they travel to Florida, they get an accident and the â€Å"Misfit† comes across them. He kills the whole family just like he does. The two stories, â€Å"A man who was almost a man† and â€Å"A good man is hard to find† both reveal the character of the two men in question. They were big headed and disobedience. Dave did not listen to his mother that he should not get a gun. Instead, he thought that a gun would protect his title –almost a man. In his quest to protect his image, he killed Jenny. Bailey on the other hand, could not listen to his mother. Even when she spoke, Bailey kept ignoring her. He thought that now he was a grown man and did not need his mother’s advice. In the end, the whole family perished under â€Å"Misfit’s† hands. Their deaths would have been avoided had Bailey listened to his mother and read the article prior to their departure from their

Will Your Passion Find Purpose Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Will Your Passion Find Purpose - Essay Example I have chosen these accounts as it hold relevance with my personal dilemma regarding professional life. In the passage presented by Sanyogita Aggarwal, she discussed about how proper leadership approach can ensure utmost satisfaction of the employees and enhance their performance even in a family owned business. It has also been learnt from this account that leaders must bestow care for the employees and followers, which will further make them realize about the importance of their presence in any business. The account of Andrew Goodman taught me about how leaders can reduce cultural division amid a diversified workforce. These vital understanding might act fruitful for me as a leader (Burns, 2012; Coleman & et al., 2012). In both the accounts, it is apparent that leaders must have their own values, which should be kept intact in any given situation. However, the accounts further showed that each leader must have their own work ethics that they can use to steer the followers or employees. Apart from that it has also been learnt that leaders must be goal focused in order to attain effectiveness in their approach (Coleman & et al.,

History of selfie & self portrait Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

History of selfie & self portrait - Essay Example In photography history, the ancient and initial portrait of Robert Cornelius taken in 1839 outside his store remains as the first selfie ever photographed. Robert Cornelius portrait taken in Philadelphia remained indispensable in modern studies and development of selfie3. Robert processed his selfies using chemical knowledge and photography techniques. As a renowned photographer and chemist, Robert made his selfie by placing film removed from the lens cap on camera. Robert then waited for a minute before the camera before processing his final picture using chemicals. Robert’s photo remained as the first ever selfie in history. It is imperative to understand that making ancient selfie involved tedious and time-consuming procedures compared to contemporary technology that takes photos at a glance Remarkably, era of selfie developed proportionately with advancements in photography technology and introduction of modern applications. It is imperative that introduction of portable Kodak camera in the market spurred revolution in selfie and international spread of photography. Portable Kodak camera box technology, introduced in 1900 also promoted photographic self-portraiture. It is interesting that portable Kodak camera box technology that hugely spurred selfie development involved use of a mirror and a stabilized camera on tripod stand. In enabling production of clear and admirable selfie, photographers framed viewfinder of the camera on box top. It is imperious that in 1914, Russian Grand Duchess teenage called Anastacia Nikolaevna became the first person to use Kodak Camera box in taking selfie. It is vital that technological advancements in social media spurred development and emergence of modern selfies. Selfie usage first appeared on Flickr in 2004 and later advanced when Myspace established programs for sharing photos within social platforms in 2006. In

The Deming Theory Of Management Information Technology Essay

The Deming Theory Of Management Information Technology Essay Quality became an important business issue due to the increase in competitiveness in world markets. The total quality management approach introduced by W. Edwards Deming used by several organizations in the world to improve their operations and the processes used in all functional areas of their organizations. The basis of TQM is to reduce the errors produced during the manufacturing or service process, increase customer satisfaction and improve product/service quality, productivity, and competitiveness by improving communications with stakeholders (customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders and society). The application of TQM can vary from business to business, even across the same industry. William Edwards Deming (1900 1993) was an American statistician, professor, author, lecturer, and consultant. He was widely credited with improving production in the United States during the Cold War, although he was well known for his work in Japan. Deming made a significant contribution to Japans later reputation for innovative high-quality products and its economic power. He was regarded for his impact on Japanese manufacturing and business. Despite he was being considered as a hero in Japan, he got a widespread recognition in the U.S. at the time of his death. During Demings work in Japan in 1940s, his message to Japans chief executives was improving quality will reduce expenses while increasing productivity and market share. A number of Japanese manufacturers adopted his techniques widely and experienced an increased level of quality and productivity. After some time quality prize was introduced under Demings name, which is given to companies have experienced a major influence directly and indirectly on the development of quality control and quality management in Japan. Dr. W. Edwards Deming taught that by adopting appropriate principles of management, organizations can increase quality and simultaneously reduce costs by reducing waste, rework, staff wasted time and increase customer loyalty. The key is to practice continence improvement and think of manufacturing as a system, not as bits and pieces. The Deming Theory of Management is a management philosophy based on four principles: Appreciation for systems. Knowledge of variation. Theory of knowledge. Psychology. Deming was well known for his model introduced for problem solving based on the Japanese approach of quality. The model was called as Deming cycle or PDCA (plan, do, check, action). He also introduced 14 points used to reach TQM in organizations as follows: Create constancy of purpose to improve product and service. Adopt new philosophy for new economic age by management learning responsibilities and taking leadership for change. Cease dependence on inspection to achieve quality by building quality into the product. End awarding business on price; instead, minimize total cost. Improve constantly the system of production and service to improve quality and productivity and to decrease costs. Institute training on the job. Institute leadership to help do a better job. Drive out fear so that all may work effectively for the organization. Break down barriers between departments; research, design and sales; therefore all teams should work together to resolve problems in production and use. Eliminate slogans, exhortations and numerical targets for the workforce. Eliminate quotas or work standards, and management by objectives or substitute leadership. Remove barriers that rob people of their right to pride of workmanship; hourly workers, management and engineering; eliminate annual or merit ratings and management by objectives. Institute a vigorous education and self-improvement program. Put everyone in the organization to work to accomplish the transformation. (Ahmed and Zairi, 2006) Characteristics of Successful TQM Companies based on Deming theory are common to companies that successfully implement TQM in their daily operations are as follows: Strive for owner/customer satisfaction and employee satisfaction. Strive for accident free work places. Recognize the need for measurement and fact based decision making. Arrange for employees to become involved in helping the company improve. Train extensively. Work hard at improving communication inside and outside the company. Use teams of employees to improve processes. Place a strong emphasis on the right kind of leadership. Involve subcontractors and suppliers in continuous improvement. Strive for continuous improvement. (http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/5034-314271-total-quality-management-tqm-entertainment-ppt-powerpoint/, 2010) Joseph Moses Juran (1904 2008) was a 20th century management consultant who was mainly remembered as a caller for quality and quality management, writing several influential books on those subjects. During his 1966 visit to Japan, Juran learned about the Japanese concept of Quality Circles which he actively used in the West. Juran also acted as a matchmaker between U.S. and Japanese companies looking for introductions to each other. Juran was widely credited for adding the human dimension to quality management as he pushed for the education and training of managers. He was also credited for illuminating the core problem in reforming business quality. For Juran, human relations problems were the main issue in most of the organizations. Resistance to change was identified by Juran as the root cause of quality issues. He developed the Jurans trilogy, an approach to cross-functional management that is composed of three managerial processes: Quality planning. Identify who are the customers. Determine the needs of those customers. Translate those needs into our language. Develop a product that can respond to those needs. Optimize the product features so as to meet our needs and customer needs. Quality control. Develop a process which is able to produce the product. Optimize the process. Quality improvement. Prove that the process can produce the product under operating conditions with minimal inspection. Transfer the process to Operations. http://www.70620.com/tag/joseph-m-juran-philosophy-characteristics Malcolm Baldrige (1922 1987) was working as United States Secretary of Commerce and then confirmed by the United States Senate in 1981. During his life journey he played a major role in developing and carrying out Administration trade policy. Baldrige was a supporter of quality management as a key to U.S. wealth and long term strength. He took an initiative in developing the legislation that became the Quality Improvement Act of 1987 and helped draft one of the early versions. In recognition of his contributions, the congress named the annual quality award under his name Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. This award contributed to long-term improvement in economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in government. There are seven Criteria Categories that cover that was set by Baldrige in every management system: 1. Leadership 2. Strategic Planning 3. Customer Focus 4. Measurement, Analysis, and Knowledge Management 5. Workforce Focus 6. Process Management 7. Results He also divided the way of how the apply the above criteria based on the work segment: one for education, one for healthcare, and one for business, nonprofits, and government organizations. The Baldrige Criteria are built on 11 interrelated core values and concepts: Visionary leadership Customer-driven excellence Organizational and personal learning Valuing workforce members and partners Agility Focus on the future Managing for innovation Management by fact Societal responsibility Focus on results and creating value Systems perspective These core values and concepts are embedded in high-performing organizations. They are the foundation for integrating key performance and operational requirements within a framework. (http://www.baldrige.com/criteria/baldrige-core-values , 2010) Deming, Juran and Baldridge difference in their quest for Quality: Each one of the above quality gurus is looking into quality from different aspect. They all are working to improve the USA organizations to get better output of products and services. Deming was focusing on the use of statistical quality control. Juran was focusing on managing for quality and started Quality Management courses concentrating on top and middle management of organizations. Baldridge was focusing his on management system to reach performance excellence. He was working on developing the legislation that became the Quality Improvement Act. This was the key to introduce the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award that recognizes U.S. businesses that excel in quality achievement and quality management. If we compare Baldrige with other types of standards we will find that the Baldrige Criteria serve as a comprehensive framework for performance excellence. They focus on business results as well as organizational improvement and innovation systems. Lean and Six Sigma methodologies drive waste and inefficiencies out of processes, and ISO 9000 is a series of standards for an efficient quality conformance system. Overall, ISO 9000 registration covers less than 10 percent of the Baldrige Criteria (http://www.nist.gov/baldrige/improve.cfm , 2010). Quality model in practice: In my opinion Malcolm Baldrige quality model is the one that it is in practice due to different reasons: Baldrige developed the legislation that became the Quality Improvement Act since 1987. Introduction of Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award that became a method to motivate U.S. organizations to develop their quality based on a set of standards. It focuses on management system to reach performance excellence. It focuses on business results, organizational improvement and innovation systems. Quality Awards: One of the well known quality awards is the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award. It recognizes U.S. businesses that excel in quality achievement and quality management. There are different purposes for the award are: To promote recognition of the importance of quality. To recognize quality related achievements of U.S. organizations. To publicize strategies that improves quality. This award is providing a detailed feedback for additional step the organizations has to take care of in case they would like to meet todays quality standards. The candidates, selected are going through three stages review process are: Evaluation of written examinations submitted by candidate. Site visits to companies with high scores on the written examination. Final overall evaluation. (http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst?docId=5000218317 , 2010) They are assed based on seven Criteria Categories that was set by Baldrige are: 1. Leadership 2. Strategic Planning 3. Customer Focus 4. Measurement, Analysis, and Knowledge Management 5. Workforce Focus 6. Process Management 7. Results The above criteria will asses every single detail of the organization in order to check their quality excellence. Even if the organizations do not want to go for the process of the award, they can go through the award documents, use the awards assessment criteria to check their status and then adapt the applicable quality model on their process in order to reach the quality standard. Conclusion: Quality has become an important approach that organizations are taking care of while developing their process of work and managing their resources. Quality gurus have introduced several types of management improvement tools to reach quality excellence. Moreover, awards were introduced to check organizations process and motivate them towards quality excellence. REFERANCE Abdel Ahmed and Mohamed Zairi and Ali Asseri, 2006. TQM Fundamentals: Chapter 1 The Quality Planning Process. Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University. Baldrige core values. Retrieved on April 18.2010 from http://www.baldrige.com/criteria/baldrige-core-values/ Joseph M. Juran. (2010, March 10). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 06:29, April 14, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Joseph_M._Juranoldid=348984076 KC 1.5.3 Quality Pioneers Joseph M. Juran. Retrieved on April 14, 2010 from http://www.70620.com/tag/joseph-m-juran-philosophy-characteristics Malcolm Baldrige, Jr.. (2010, April 6). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 06:33, April 14, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Malcolm_Baldrige,_Jr.oldid=354335958 PDCA. (2010, April 14). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 07:46, April 14, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=PDCAoldid=355860177 Total quality management. (2010, April 13). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 12:41, April 16, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Total_quality_managementoldid=355765150 Total Quality Management a continuous improvement process, 2010. Retrieved on April 14, 2010 from http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/5034-314271-total-quality-management-tqm-entertainment-ppt-powerpoint/ What is Baldrige? Retrieved on April 18, 2010 from http://www.baldrige.com/baldrige-process/what-is-baldrige/ Y.K. Shetty, The quest for quality excellence: lessons from the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award. Retrieved on April 20, 2010 from http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst?docId=5000218317

The Great War Essay -- essays research papers

Imperialism The late nineteenth and early twentieth century saw a great deal of colonization of Asia and Africa by European powers, each trying to fulfill its own version of manifest destiny. England controlled vast holds in Africa, as well as India; the Belgians ruled the Congo; Germany, France, and Italy also held several African lands. These colonies funded a great part of the ruling countries' economies and provided foreign markets for European products, and expansion became necessary and desirable to advance the glory and the wealth of each European power. However, the land available diminished as Germany, France, England, Italy, and Belgium occupied increasingly large tracts of land. Oftentimes, border disputes would break out between colonists of different nationalities; for example the Boer War in South Africa between the Dutch and the English. Furthermore, in the Middle East, the crumbling Ottoman Empire was alluring Austria-Hungary, the Balkans and Russia. Militarism An arms race punctuated the hostile feelings among the European nations. Acknowledging that Germany was the leader in military organization and efficiency, the other great powers of Europe copied the universal conscription, large reserves and detailed planning of the Prussian system. Technological and organizational developments led to the formation of general staffs with precise plans for mobilization and attack that often could not be reversed once they were begun. The German von Schlieffen Plan to attack France before Russia in the event of war with Russia was one such complicated plan that drew more countries into war than necessary. Armies and navies were greatly expanded. The standing armies of France and Germany doubled in size between 1870 and 1914. Naval expansion was also extremely competitive, particularly between Germany and Great Britain. By 1889, the British had established the principle that in order to maintain naval superiority in the event of war, they would have to have a navy two and a half times as large as the second-largest navy. This motivated the British to launch the Dreadnought, invented by Admiral Sir John Fisher, in 1906. The Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 had demonstsrated how effective these battleships were. As Britain increased their output of battleships, Germany correspondingly stepped up their naval production, including the Dreadnought. Althou... ... Sarajevo, Bosnia, by a Serbian nationalist belonging to an organization known as the Black Hand(Narodna Obrana). Immediately following the assassination Germany pledged its full support (blank check) to Austria-Hungary, pressuring them to declare war on Serbia, while France strengthened its backing of Russia. Convinced that the Serbian government had conspired against them, Austria-Hungary issued Serbia an ultimatum which the Serbs could not possibly answer in time, but to which Serbia consented almost entirely. Unsatisfied, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914. On July 29, Russia ordered a partial mobilization only against Austria-Hungary in support of Serbia, which escalated into a general mobilization. The Germans threatened war on July 31 if the Russians did not demobilize. Upon being asked by Germany what it would do in the event of a Russo-German War, France responded that it would act in its own interests and mobilized. On August 1, Germany declared war on Russia, and two days later, on France. The German invasion of Belgium to attack France, which violated Belgium's official neutrality, prompted Britain to declare war on Germany. World War I had begun.