Athens And Sparta Essays - Ancient Greece, Sparta,

Athens and Sparta Athens and Sparta The country of Greece in 400-500 B.C. was led to greatness by two great city-states. These city-states were Athens and Sparta. These two states were as different as night and day. They were rivals and very diverse. As you read you will find out their differences between their form of culture and government. The city-state of Athens adopted a form of government which is now called democracy. Democracy is when the government is ruled by the people. This government consisted of an assembly , a jury , and there was a council of 500 men over 30 . The council decided such matters as to declare war or to spend money. The council was used to make decisions for the Athenian government. All men that were citizens were able to participate in an assembly , hold office , vote , and serve on a jury. Slaves could not do any of these things because they were not counted as citizens . The Athenian government was as similar as the American government today (Meigas 32). Unlike the government of Athens the government of Sparta flourished as an aristocracy . This type of government is when a place is ruled by a small number of people from the upper class . There was a Council of Elders , an assembly , and the five ephors. The Council of Elders was made up of two kings and 28 men over the age of 60. This council decided on making laws. The assembly was made out of all male citizens over 30. The assembly did many things. It elected government workers and voted on laws that were introduced by the Council of Elders. The ephors were selected by the assembly. The ephors were overseers. They controlled slaves , conducted business with foreign countries , and negotiated with the kings (Hornblower 35). The men of ancient Athens were very educated. From their childhood until the ages of six or seven the men were taught home by their mother or a male slave. After the age of seven they attended a normal day school. At school they learned drama, public speaking, reading, writing, and mathematics . When they reached the age of fourteen they attended a higher school for four more years. At the higher school they learned more math , more science , and things about the government. When the men reached the age of 18 the were required to attend military school for 2 more years. The Athenian men were skilled architects , poets , and artists. From them is where we get great works known as The Odyssey and The Iliad by the writer known as Homer (Meigas 123). The men of ancient Sparta were very cunning , slick , and strong. During their childhood the Spartan men were taken away from their parents. Being taken away at the age of seven , they were sent to military school. If a child was not strong , he/she was left on a cliff to die of exposure. In the military school they lived in barracks. They were taught survival skills , the endurance of pain , discipline , and toughness at the school. They were given little food and were encouraged to steal. If they were caught stealing they would get a beating. They were also beaten up by older children in fights , so they could become tough and strong. At the age of 20 the Spartan men finally became soldiers. Once they got married , they were only allowed to live in their own homes with their family at the age of 30. At this age they were considered equals. The military service for the Spartan men ended at the age of 60 (Connolly 230). The Athenian women were very literate and educated. The women were not counted as citizens and they were not allowed to hold property. The women received the same education as the Athenian men did. Although the education was the same, the women were not allowed to leave the household. They did not go shopping or to run errands. Their husband did most of these things. The main job of the women was to run the household. She managed the family's money , the children , and the slaves. She also spun wool and created artistic pottery (Hornblower 145). In Sparta the lives of women were unlike the lives of any other Greek polis. The Spartan state didn't take the academic education of a female seriously. The physical education that the women had was very tough and grueling.

Tiresias in Ovids Metamorphoses

Tiresias in Ovids Metamorphoses Tiresias was a mythological blind seer who plays a significant role in Greek tragedy involving the House of Thebes. Shakespeares comedy Midsummer Nights Dream, Boccaccios Decameron, Chaucers Canterbury Tales, the Thousand and One Arabian Nights, and Ovids Metamorphoses are among the most famous collections of stories in which one story surrounds another. The outer stories provide little more than a framework or rationale for the more interesting, frequently bawdy, shenanigans within. The frame of Ovids Metamorphoses is a history of events from the days of creation to Ovids present, but with a twist: All stories told must involve physical transformations (metamorphoses). Verifiably historical figures are limited to the emperors Julius and Augustus whose transformations are from mortals to gods. Other transformed figures come from Greco-Roman myth and legend. The House of Thebes Book Three of Ovids Metamorphoses relates the story of the House of Thebes but not in a straightforward chronological manner. Instead, there are digressions and inset stories. Members of the House of Thebes include: Cadmus: Cadmus created the sown men (Spartans) by sowing dragons teeth. He is the founder of Thebes.Oedipus: An oracle warned Oedipus parents that their baby would grow up to murder his father and marry his mother. The parents thought they had had their baby killed, but he was saved and lived to carry out the prophecy.Dionysus: Dionysus was a god who made mortals see things other than as they really were. In this way he caused one of his unbelievers to be torn apart by his own mother.Semele: Semele was the mother of Dionysus, but when she asked Zeus, her mate, to reveal himself in his full glory, it was too much for her and she burned up. Zeus snatched the unborn Dionysus and sewed him into his thigh. The Story of Tiresias One of the important peripheral figures in the House of Thebes legends is the blind seer Tiresias, whose  story, Ovid is introduced in Metamorphoses Book Three. Tiresias tale of woe and transformation began when he separated two mating snakes for no apparent reason. Instead of poisoning Tiresias with indignant viper venom, the snakes magically transformed him into a woman. Tiresias  wasnt too happy with their new transgendered metamorphoses  but lived as a woman for seven years before figuring out a technique that would either kill her or reverse the operation. Since striking the snakes had worked before, she tried it again. It worked, and he became a man again, but unfortunately, his life story came to the attention of two of the most contentious of the Olympians, Juno (Hera for the Greeks) and her husband Jupiter (Zeus for the Greeks). A Womans Pleasure Juno claimed she was doing little more than servicing Jupiter, while Jupiter claimed he wasnt getting enough bang for his buck, so to speak. Like a bolt of lightning, inspiration hit the thunder god. He would consult the one person who could resolve their argument. Only Tiresias knew both sides of the coupling argument. Tiresias didnt have much choice this time. He had to answer. Jupiter was right, he said. The pleasure woman derives from sex is greater. Juno was outraged. In her anger, she made the man blind, but Jupiter, gratified, rewarded Tiresias with the power of seeing the future. Other Legends of Tiresias Tiresias appears in the Oedipus legends and dramas, including Euripides Bacchae, and in Odysseus underworld adventure, but in Ovids Metamorphoses, he shares his gift in two additional, transformational stories, those of Narcissus and Echo, and Bacchus and Pentheus.

Apple Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 3

Apple - Essay Example issues affecting business; technological changes; environmental factors in business; and finally legal issues influencing organization’s operations. For us to get a an understanding of the macro environment affecting Apple Inc, then a deep study of the overall technology industry must be done (Kotler Phillip and Gary Armstrong, 2006). The first factor influencing operation of Apple Inc is the technological force; the company continuously experiences changes in technology, each year the computer electronic components became faster, cheaper and convenient hence computer design frequently changes. Apple is affected by changes in the technology industry; hardware producers like Intel and competing software producers like Microsoft are always innovative in their designs, and therefore Apple must be creative and innovative to ensure superior products and differentiation (RodgerRafter, 2002) Microsoft is a major software producer for Intel computers, and the major competitor of Apple; continuous innovation by Microsoft in software product (especially new versions of windows) has created pressure on Apple to continuously upgrade software like MacOS. Economic factors which affect computer sector include market competition. There is a lot of competition in the technology industry because of low entry barriers; which allows easy entrance by competitors hence increased industry competition. Also, the bargaining power of suppliers is limited due to the limited number of hardware and related software suppliers like Intel and Cyrix. On the contrary; the bargaining power of customers is strong because of the low costs of switching and searching (Jobs, S., 2005). Marketing strategy during entry should take into consideration the purchasing powers of potential consumers; the purchasing capability of developed states is high, while that of developing countries especially in Africa is low. Social change includes the dynamic lifestyle of customers that make apple to be

Capstone final project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Capstone final project - Essay Example I find that many teens also have more than one addiction in addition to sexual addiction: they may be smoking, drinking or using drugs. Currently, there are 22.6 million teens who are dealing with some form of addiction and about 35 million families who have children who are at risk for some form of addiction (Christian Broadcasting Network, 2008). This means that teenagers are in trouble and that something must be done to help them. This problem is important for me as a researcher because I understand that there needs to be a social change in order to help teenagers. If this was a problem 30 or so years ago, it did not seem to be as prevalent as it is today. This does not mean that it was not there, it just means that people were not as focused on it as they are today. I also am interested in this topic because so many children are in trouble with the law because their behavior has made them act out in sexual ways that have included rape and violence against women and others. Unfort unately, there is not a sure way to understand when a teen is addicted to porn and there are only a few empirical students that talk about what pornography addiction does to a child; most are about sexual addiction. For this research, I had to concentrate on sexual addiction and bring in the aspects of pornography addiction as I found them. ... By the time children reach puberty, they have been inundated with sex talk by their friends and they may have even seen a few pornographic pictures that their friends showed them. In the old days, before the Internet, the most sexually explicit photos that children saw were in the National Geographic Magazine. Pictures of tribes of people who wore no clothes were seen as exciting because they were naked. However, today, with the ability of the Internet to capture anything, anywhere, and anytime, children are exposed to way more than naked people; they are exposed to some of the most disturbing pornography imaginable. We cannot only blame the Internet, because cable TV has also given children access to hardcore pornography (porn). Children are able to find porn sites using only a few mouse clicks, and if parents have not locked porn sites on cable or satellite services, children can have access to porn 24 hours a day. The effect of porn on children is a gap in the literature for many reasons. Children and teens are often brought up on homes where talking about sex is taboo which makes them reluctant to talk about their sexual thoughts or their habits. Also, empirical studies have not been done because of the ethical and dilemmas in setting up a study where children and teens are shown porn (Haney, 2006). In a Canadian study, Stock (2004) found that pornographic sites and movies that show explicit sex create problems for children (they defined children as anyone under the age of 18). They found that children had a distorted view of sex which caused them to act out sexually in ways that were beyond their years of maturity. As an example, they found that â€Å"12-year-olds who watched

Racial profiling is not beneficial despite expert's findings Term Paper

Racial profiling is not beneficial despite expert's findings - Term Paper Example It suggests that profiling undermines social cohesion, is unjust, and should be stopped. Introduction Racial profiling is a controversial subject that is increasingly on the minds of both minorities and the police. This is a common practice by which people of a certain ethnic background are targeted by the security apparatus on the belief that they are more likely to commit or be involved in illegal activity. There is no other probable suspicion except for their skin colour, and because of it they are subject to search or even detention. There are some that suggest this needs to be done in order to protect our security and to cut down on costs. However, racial profiling is inherently unjust and unAmerican. It is not a useful or acceptable practice and it may even have negative consequences for security. Background To properly understand the role played by racial profiling in the criminal justice system it is important to take a step back and look at the various theories that underlie the system we live in. There are two main models that are used to frame the criminal justice system. These two models are excellent illustrations of the thinking behind a great deal of the policy discussion relating to racial profiling. The first model is called the Due Process model. In this system, the standard to arrest and convict a person is very high. There are numerous safeguards in place to ensure that no innocent person is ever subject to any sort of invasive treatment. Everyone, no matter what the crime or the nature of the evidence, is treated with kid gloves. Not until the judge weighs in with the final conviction is the suspect sent to prison. Trials, under this model, last for a very long time and every scrap of evidence is reviewed. The problem with this model is that it is impracticable. It is very expensive and time consuming. It uses up a lot of resources in a system with limited or finite resources already. It may also permit guilty people to game the system to s ome extent. This system is often promoted by people on the left of the political spectrum. There is a second model called the Crime Control model. Under this system, the police have a great deal of power to act as they see fit. They are empowered to stop people without suspicion and hold people without charge. The prosecutors are usually presumed to be right. The presumption of innocence is somewhat limited. There are few protections regarding the civil rights of those accused under this model. An accusation is similar to a conviction. Trials and investigations are short; everything is aligned against the suspect. Suspicion is akin to guilt. Criminals have few rights and little evidence needs to be presented in order to convict someone. This model is often promoted by people on the right. These two models are good illustrations of the politics behind racial profiling. They also represent two poles, neither of which are an appropriate way to run a criminal justice system. We see that racial profiling falls into the Crime Control model, where suspects have fewer rights, but community security is the ultimate good. Preserving limited resources is important. Rather than randomly searching people, under racial profiling ethnic background is taken to imply a likely disposition to commit a crime or type of crime. Race is used as an investigative shortcut. This is an unfortunate extreme. A much better position is between the two models. Problems with Racial Profiling There are many possible reasons why

Creating a Professional Development Plan for advancement in the Industry

Creating a Professional Development Plan for advancement in the Industry Without setting goals an individual will not be able to measure his or her level of success. Late last year, as I reflected on my career path I began to feel unaccomplished and unfulfilled. I have been a nurse for over eighteen years and worked in long-term care nursing homes, acute care hospitals, and home care settings. My experiences working in medical surgical, telemetry, and critical care doing bedside nursing challenged me to further my career by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). My decision to go back to school was carefully thought about as I took into consideration my work schedule, family commitments, and the length of time needed to complete my degree. When I decided to become a nurse, I did not fully understand the different aspects of nursing as I was only ten years old. At that age, however, I knew that nursing was about taking care of people. As a result, I developed short-term and long-term professional goals which embraced my philosophy of nursing. Philosophy of Nursing My philosophy of treating people as I would like to be treated was instilled in me from my grandmother from an early age. With this in mind, I strive to provide the best care to my patients as I seek to connect and identify with their experience. According to Watson (2008), the human-to-human connection expands our compassion and caring and keeps alive our common humanity. Patients are depending on the nurse to give them the care that will enhance and improve their health physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As nurses, we do not only care for the sick but we also reach out to the families of individuals because they play a big role in helping to maintain their dignity and integrity. Role of the Baccalaureate Nurse The baccalaureate prepared nurse will have a more advanced education in leadership and management therefore will be better able to make more independent clinical decisions (Sara Ellis). After completing my nursing degree I will have a better opportunity in moving up the clinical ladder. Although I will not get an increase in pay for obtaining my BSN it will be self fulfilling and gratifying as this has always been one of the goals in my nursing career. With a degree, I will be more marketable and flexible as I broaden my horizons. This will allow me to seek employment in many health care settings such as community health, case management, and supervisory positions (Blais, Hayes, Kozier, Erb, 2006, p. 3). With the rising challenges of the health care needs in todays society, more and more nurses are graduating with a BSN as the minimum level education. Therefore, it is important to have a higher level of education to be competitive and stay abreast with the latest technologies in nur sing. Professional Role Transition Nurses are governed by a code of ethics as set forth by the American Nurses Association (ANA), which holds nurses accountable and obligated to protect patients rights and privacy. They are morally obligated to provide quality care that will maintain the patients optimal level of functioning. Nurses play a vital role in helping patients to improve their quality of life. Each decision the nurse makes contribute to the overall welfare of the patient. Thus, it is best if the nurse view each decision as a life changing decision, no matter how small it may seem. As a nurse, I must acknowledge each of my patients as having their own cultural backgrounds, needs, values, and beliefs (American Nurses Association, 2001). Therefore, I should treat them the way I would like to be treated, with the best care and respect. My patients family is a great source of support and influence in their well-being. Therefore, it is imperative to treat the patients family with extreme respect as well. Families are important in providing valuable information that will assist the nurse in giving quality care and improve patients level of functioning (Potter Perry, 1985, p. 441). Role of the Baccalaureate Having a BSN is not only rewarding but it prepares the nurse to advance from bedside nursing and to explore new opportunities as it pertains to management positions. It also allows me to use the knowledge, capability and skills that I have acquired to help others achieve quality lifestyles, health and well-being. The feeling that comes with knowing that I am making a positive difference in someone elses life is more than money can buy. Short-term Professional Goals The twenty-first century is without a doubt, a time period in which computer literacy is vital. Once upon a time, the use of computers was not an integral part of a nurses day to day activity. However, that is not the case today. Thus my short-term goals are to increase my computer literacy and become a nurse preceptor within the next six months. Currently my level of knowledge in regards to computers is on a beginners stage. I plan to reach the intermediate stage within the next six months by attending various computer classes and constantly practicing the different techniques that I learn. Mastering the basics of computer technology will enable me to research more efficiently, whether it is to complete an assignment or keep up-to-date with the changes in the health care arena. Furthermore, developing my computer skills will assist me in being an effective nursing preceptor. The use of technology is incorporated in various aspects of a nurses duties. Therefore, adequate computer knowledge will empower me to effectively mentor new nurses. In addition, I would need to attend training classes and demonstrate that I am a good communicator to be promoted to a nursing preceptor. Not having immediate access to a computer and my family commitments are several barriers that may prevent me from reaching my short-term goals. My commitment as a wife and a mother does not provide me with the flexibility to attend all the computer classes which are available. In addition, my family commitments may also prevent me from attending the necessary training classes to become a nursing preceptor. However, having my family as one of my biggest support system will assist me in overcoming these barriers. I will implore my children to teach me as much as they can when we are home. In addition, I will purchase a laptop so I can practice and develop my computer skills at my convenience. Furthermore, I will allocate different chores to the members of my family so that I will have free time to attend the various training classes. Long-term Professional Goals My long-term professional goals are to successfully complete the BSN program in a year and a half and become a Clinical Instructor in the next five years. Having a BSN is not only rewarding but it prepares the nurse to advance from bedside nursing and to explore new opportunities as it pertains to leadership and management. After completing my BSN I plan to continue my studies and pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. In doing so, I will achieve my ultimate long-term goal which is to become a clinical nurse instructor. A Clinical Instructor is required to have a vast amount of knowledge of nursing skills and techniques. Thus, my present experience as a Registered nurse and my enrollment in the BSN program is the stepping stone to achieving my ultimate long-term goal of becoming a clinical instructor. Even though my role as a Clinical Instructor takes me away from personally fulfilling my philosophy of nursing, I belief it will still be just as rewarding since Im empowering others to fulfill their philosophy of nursing. As with my short-term goals, my family commitments are barriers to achieving my long-term goals. My family commitments may force me to extend the time frame in which I hope to accomplish my goals. To get over these barriers, I will have to compromise some of my family activities such as vacation time and family time. In addition, my family is my biggest support system in achieving my long-term goals; their desire to see me succeed motivates me to do my best. Also, being a role model to my children motivates me to do well. In addition, having to work while Im enrolled in the BSN program is a challenge. However, the encouragement of graduates of the BSN program is a constant reminder that I too can successfully complete the BSN program. Thus, I requested the necessary days off from my job so I can attend classes. Conclusion In conclusion, providing quality care to patients is my personal philosophy of nursing. As a result, my short-term and long-term professional goals are centered on this philosophy. Therefore, I continuously seek to obtain higher education, skills and techniques to empower me to assist my patients in possessing optimal health. This will enhance my professional development and fulfillment as a nurse.

Civilization :: essays research papers

What is civilization? It actually involves the application of a world view, a particular vision of reality to a human collectivity. Today this definition has become quite ambiguous in the minds of many people because of the eclipse of religion in the modern world and the spread to the rest of the globe since the 19th century.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The importance of ethics. No civilization has not emphasized ethics. Actions have an effect on the soul. Actions are not indifferent. There is no exception, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Christianity. The idea that the structures of society must be bound by certain ethical norms which ultimately affect us as human beings born for immortality. They are there to preserve certain values, the possibilities of certain attitudes, they are following certain religious life which itself is absolutely essential for human being to exist. In traditional civilization art was always an expression of the truths of religion. That is why we distinguish between religious are and sacred art. Religious art is simply an art whose subject happens to be religious. Sacred art is an art whose very forms reflect realities, principles, whose symbols are meta individuals.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Khazali Khorasan he is one of the most important Islamic figures of Islamic history. â€Å"If civilization dialogue does not take into consideration the centrality of religion than everything else is secondary.† Fortunately in the West there still remains something of Judaism and Christianity. It has not totally died out.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  So this dialogue between Islam and the West, or the Hindu world and the West, I think must first of all address those people in the West who still believe in both the reality and an ethical system which is in fact very similar to our own. All religions are at the heart of civilizations. There are several elements all based one way or another on religion but not identically with it which must be taken into consideration in serious civilization dialogue. First of all the world view. Presiding ideas which the religion itself in its philosophical, theological understanding. What is our ultimate understanding of reality. It that which determines how we act, how we think, how we look upon ourselves whether it is positive or negative.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Tension Is more evident in the oriental, non-western world because colonialism took several centuries. But those tension are also becoming more and more evident for people in the West, between those who want to go back and live traditional life and many of whom have embraced Islam, or Buddhism.

DIstinctive Voices Essay Essay

How does the use of distinctive voices emphasise the ways that individuals respond to significant aspects of life? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text Severn Cullis- Suzuki and J.F. Kennedy and ONE other related text of your own choosing. Distinctive voices provide understanding and emphasise the significant events and aspects of life in relation to the individual and their underlying place in the society. Both John F. Kennedy and Severn Cullis Suzuki provide evidence of this which is evident in the use of contrast, anaphora, imagery, rhetorical questions and allusion but is also perpetuated in The Sharpness of Death by Gwen Harwood. These texts provide understanding and connections within eachother†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. Distinctive Voices engage with the audience to create an understanding with people about current events. The Address to the Plenary Session, Earth summit speech spoken by Severn Cullis-Suzuki is using a remonstrative voice to point out the issues in the environment today, she points out how important this earth is and how it is shared and illustrates the hypocrisy of adults in values they instill in children but fail to execute themselves. â€Å"You don’t know how to fix the holes in our ozone layer. You don’t know how to bring salmon back up our dead stream. You don’t know how to bring back animals that are now extinct† this use of anaphora clearly highlights both the problems many places on earth are facing while also tying in the fact that it cant be fixed and how this needs to be changed. The childs voice is also clear throughout this speech when she dreams â€Å"of great herds of wild animals, jungles and rainforests full of birds and butterflies† and she uses this to spike thought and emotion from the audience when she states â€Å"I wonder if they will exist for my children to see. Did you ever have to worry abput these little things growing up†. This speech sparks thought and emotion from the audience which is exactly what it needs to do so something will be changed and it promotes a significant environmental aspect of everyones lives aiming for change. A voice is used to challenge, change and inspire audiences and John F. Kennedys Inaugural Address perpetuates this. He acknowledges change, pledges  support, shows acceptance of responsibilities and rallys action and participation from the citizens. He uses a strong presidential voice to portray a view of the America he invisions, â€Å"we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom and to remember that, in the past, those who were foolishly sought power by riding the tiger ended up inside† this metaphor highlights his strength and authority to perpetuate to the citizens what they should do and what will happen if they don’t obey or learn from their mistakes. He also uses a religious voice to show his beliefs and inspire more people to follow him, he states â€Å"to undo the heavy burdens and to let the oppressed go free† which is a passeage from the book of Isiah. This passage declares the Christian faith and presidency is underpinned by Christian values. Through the use of metaphor and biblical allusion Kennedy was able to provide light onto his rein as president and show his intentions as president which inspired the individuals of America respond with hope for their country. A distinctive voice is one way that composers connect with their audiences. Gwen Harwood in the poem The Sharpness of Death portrays the idea that life is to be treasured and if you stop and ponder death to often you will waste your life away, you may aswell be dead already, life is for the living through the composers voice which is evident in the use of an oxymoron. â€Å"untranslatable meanings† which shows understanding but in the voice of the character death is seen as inevitable and pain and suffering is normal, she sort of talks to death witnessed when she states â€Å"if I fall from that time then set your teeth in me†. The expresses the thought of her death and she tells death that if she were to forget of the greatest people and times in her life she wants to die for she does not want to experience life without these. Through the two voices provided in one text Harwood was able to portray to visions of living which is an aspect of every individuals life, their demise. They imagine it over and think about it so often and Gwen Harwood aimed to provide an understanding of how she handles the concept of death with the thought of life and how we exist now and our memories are more important. She uses two voices to emphasise the fact that we exist now and how individuals should be reminded of this before they think of death. Unique voices are what stands out when an influential person or significant topic are spoken about, These different angles provide individuals a way of understanding or thinking that would not be usual for them. These voices are able to locate and emphasise aspects of life all individuals will relate to and are able provide solutions or aid the thoughts of the individual. John F. Kennedys Inaugural Address, Severn Cullis-Severn’s address to the plenary session, earth summit and The Sharpness of Death by Gwen Harwood all perpetuate this theme using techniques such as metaphor, anaphora and biblical allusion allowing individuals to reflect and change themselves through inspiration of others.

The New Concept of Strategic Sourcing and Its Implications

The New Concept of Strategic Sourcing and Its Implications Executive summary In the business environment today, making decisions on an effective strategic sourcing method to adopt has become one of the key supply chain management challenges that managers are faced with as they seek better sourcing methods which favor them against intense global competition, short product life cycles and increasingly demanding customers.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The New Concept of Strategic Sourcing and Its Implications specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In strategic sourcing, the decision to adopt in-sourcing, near-shoring or on-shoring plays an important role in enhancing the performance of an organization. When a manager in an organization decides to adopt a framework for sourcing, what will determine the concept to be used are the advantages or gains a business intends to make. Studies point out that increased effectiveness and efficiency in a business is a factor that has a close relationship with cost. In-sourcing, on-shoring and near-shoring decisions have been identified as important key drivers of long-term approach towards saving current cost challenges on supply functions facing businesses. As such, owners of business with complex products and high changing demands must ensure that they decide on sourcing strategies that do not interfere with their business’ total output. In terms of hiring workers, the decisions to in-source are advantageous in saving cost as employees can be hired via intern practices with other local business organizations, and mentoring activities for newly hired employees can be done internally. In-sourcing decisions allow managers to standardize their local systems and tools by effectively and efficiently using their local stuff saving cost of hiring multiple specialists from elsewhere to perform roles. From a theoretical perspective, the effective operations of a business rely on decisions to adopt effective sourci ng strategies to foster gaining of competitive advantage. Flexibility and capacity have become some of the key benefits that businesses which have adopted in-sourcing, on-shoring and near-shoring are enjoying. Research has shown that many business supply functions for companies that are outsourcing and off-shoring are susceptible to threats, dangers and loses. Analysts point out that the new concepts of sourcing strategies that businesses have adopted today have cushioned them from technicalities presented by outsourcing and off-shoring. Effective and efficient service improvement has become one of the key factors that have caused most companies that were using the contemporary outsourcing and off-shoring strategies to decide on in-sourcing and near-shoring methods to improve service quality.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In decision making, during the p rocess of requesting for proposals (RFP), evaluating the tangibles of a supplier is the simplest process. Engagements, number of members of staff, and financial figures are some of the quantifiable information that scored and reported easily. Neoclassical economists point out that in all competitive markets, cost management, consolidation, cost reduction and cost cutting are central for a maximization of profits, business growth and development. Abstract Making managerial decisions that enhances the growth of a business has become an important practice that many managers are faced with today. Of critical importance to this paper is decision making on sourcing strategies to adopt. As the market for commodities and services is increasingly becoming global, many businesses that have been using the contemporary outsourcing and off-shoring methods have now adopted new strategic perspectives of in-sourcing, on-shoring and near-shoring to improve the overall performance of their businesses . The methods have been effective in cutting supply costs and boosting profits of businesses. Besides, in-sourcing aids businesses in sustaining organizational resources and minimizing technicalities related to time and distance. Introduction In the business environment today, making decisions on an effective strategic sourcing method to adopt has become one of the key supply chain management practices that managers are faced as they seek better sourcing methods which favor them against intense global competition, short product life cycles and increasingly demanding customers. As market for services and products is increasingly becoming global, many businesses that have been using the contemporary outsourcing and off-shoring methods have now adopted new strategic perspectives of in-sourcing, on-shoring and near-shoring to improve the overall performance of their businesses. As this paper shall analyze using general trade theory, organizational supply management theory and congruency theory, these new concepts are vital for lowering costs, demand flexibility, process capability, strategic risk and gaining competitive advantage. This paper shall examine why managers are deciding to adopt the new concept of strategic sourcing, their implications and long-term impacts on the operations of the supplies function.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The New Concept of Strategic Sourcing and Its Implications specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Definition of strategic sourcing concepts In strategic sourcing, the decision to adopt in-sourcing, near-shoring or on-shoring plays an important role in enhancing the performance of an organization. Bakker and Kamann (2007) point out that many managers in organizations are opting the new concepts of strategic sourcing with a bid to re-design and optimize their supply systems or supply chain. It is imperative to point out that these decisions could have been p rompted by imitation of other business leaders, attempts aimed at cutting cost or competitive pressures. Studies on transaction cost economic points out that the type of strategic sourcing a given organization adopts is based on economic governance structures. This are characterized in terms of uncertainty, transaction-specific investments and dimensions of frequency. Factors and costs When a manager in an organization decides to adopt a framework for sourcing, what will determine the concept to be used are the advantages or gains a business intends to make. Barnes and Lea-Greenwood (2006, p. 260) point out that this involves substituting the contemporary practice of out sourcing with the new concepts of either in-sourcing, near shoring or on-shoring. The following are some of the important factors that deciding to adopt in-sourcing methods might bring to a business in terms of costs and related benefits. Higher cost effectiveness in the emerging global business operation dynamics C ai and Yang (2008) point out that increased effectiveness and efficiency in a business is a factor that has a close relationship with cost. In-sourcing, on-shoring and near-shoring decisions have been identified as important key drivers of long-term approach to saving current cost challenges on supply functions facing businesses. They also indicate that due to the aforementioned concepts, cost effectiveness has been demonstrated through lean thinking, and has seen most business reengineering their services with an aim of increasing productivity. As such, businesses have maintained service quality and reduced expenditure. It is important to note that in the present business environment, in-sourcing decisions have been lauded by many analysts as the best strategies for driving business efficiency on a long-term basis. Process adherences Studies indicate that owners of business with complex products and high changing demands must ensure that they decide on sourcing strategies that do n ot interfere with their business’ total throughput time. The studies further point out that any interference with the normal supply chain may easily affect the reliability and reputation of a business towards customers. As such, businesses with an understanding of the difference between low cost and low prices of operations as well as costs of total life cycles should substitute outsourcing and off-shoring practices with in-shoring and near shoring methods.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Figure 1: Figure showing how in-sourcing enhances process adherences Source: http://findingmillions.wordpress.com/ In his publication, Carter and Rogers (2008) point out that decisions to replace outsourcing with in-sourcing has become important in process adherence in the sense that the new concepts have not only effectively lowered cost of supplies or production, but have also improved performance criteria by taking into account quality, flexibility, reliability and speed. Labor arbitrage In terms of hiring workers, the decisions to in-source are advantageous in saving cost as employees can be hired via intern practices with other local business organizations, and mentoring activities for newly hired employees can be done internally. Carter and Rogers (2008) argue from the perspective of transaction cost theory by indicating that on average, the decision to in-source workers ensures that compensation cost, hiring and burdened salary costs drop due use of rural resources and not h aving to hire workers from large cities where the cost of living is high. It is imperative to note that there are many individuals who are skilled and may want to work in a rural environment near their homes. This when compared to outsourcing, may be beneficial in lowering compensation costs as a manager cam manage labor locally and not halfway across the globe. Figure 2: A graph showing how in-sourcing is increasingly being used in the US to hire workers Source: ncpa.org/pub/ba480 Skilled resources In-sourcing decisions allow managers to standardize their local systems and tools by effectively and efficiently using their local stuff saving cost of hiring multiple specialists from elsewhere to perform roles. By using skilled personnel within a company, hiring contract specialists will not be necessary, and if needed may be done on part time basis. Besides, many medium and small sized companies do no require enterprise architects and project managers. Figure 3: Figure showing the ef fectiveness of in-sourcing service jobs Source: theatlantic.com/national/archive/2009/06/in-sourcing/19416/ For competitive advantage From a theoretical perspective, the effective operations of a business rely on decisions to adopt effective sourcing strategies to foster gaining of competitive advantage. International management textbooks illustrating general trade theories clearly exemplify that a sourcing strategy, with particular emphasis on in-sourcing, is critical to a supply business’ competitive advantage in terms of innovativeness, labor cost and price (Christopher, 2000). Gaining a competitive advantage requires identifying and deciding strategic sourcing methods that are appropriate. According to transaction cost theory, being able to supply high quality products at a low cost and still maintain a competitive advantage requires that companies restructure their sourcing strategies and capabilities in such a way that supply functions are done at a low cost possible ( Christopher, 2000). Increased flexibility and sustainability capacity Flexibility and capacity have become some of the key benefits that businesses which have adopted in-sourcing, on-shoring and near-shoring are enjoying. Brege, Brehmer and Lindskog (2010) point out that the in-sourcing method has offered many businesses that have adopted it flexibility they need in carrying out their supply functions. In the rapidly changing business environment, it has aided businesses to respond faster to circumstances and policies that keep changing, without being tied to procedures that can be expensive to alter. Basing the argument on congruency theory, businesses adopt a sourcing strategy depending on the complexity of their products and the environment they are in. To sustain expertise and capabilities In his publication, Asta (2005) points out that adoption of in-sourcing strategy by most companies has facilitated their ability to sustain expertise and capabilities in policies, organization and processes (POP), and has aided them to respond to business agenda that keep changing. As such, supply management, how it is selected, evaluated, managed, valued and differentiated as marketing strategy functions have been made easier. In addition, in-sourcing is important since they enable a business to provide flexible, responsive and cohesive local services. Through it, businesses which are in the retail industry have become innovative and adopted a transformative approach that have enabled them to be efficient in service delivery, and as such, have made quick efficiency gains. Figure 4: A pie chart showing how in-sourcing sustains a countries expertise ans capabilities Source: globalprofitsalert.com/china-stock-digest/who-cant-handle-the-truth-chinas-tiny-economic-surprise-119058 Enhanced simplicity and guaranteed risk minimization Research has shown that many business supply functions for companies that are outsourcing and off-shoring are susceptible to threats, dangers an d loses (McKenna Walker, 2008). The study further indicates that for that reason, most businesses have resorted to shift from outsourcing to in-sourcing in order to minimize risks and simplify service delivery. It is worth noting that contractual, consultancy and negotiation process when out sourcing can be costly and time consuming. To manage this, in-sourcing, on-shoring and near-shoring have been considered by analysts as best strategies to tackle the processes as they are less complex and have minimum risk levels. To cushion a business from technicalities McKenna and Walker (2008) point out that the new concepts of sourcing strategies that businesses have adopted today have cushioned them from technicalities presented by outsourcing and off-shoring. One of the major disadvantages includes communication problems. For instance, a company in Kenya intending to supply or buy from Asia may find it cumbersome to contact a supplier due to cultural differences and language barrier. Stu dies derived from network literature indicates that individuals and partners with general cultural and language differences often fail to succeed in their ventures due to the potential problem of reaching an agreement, (Alguire Frear, 1994). Therefore, it is imperative to note that since the new concepts of sourcing strategy works within a nation, adopting them will make the issue of communication ceases to be an issue of concern. Effective and efficient service improvement to deliver added value Effective and efficient service improvement has become one of the key factors that have caused most companies that were using the contemporary outsourcing and off-shoring strategies to decide on in-sourcing and near-shoring methods to improve service quality. Barnes and Lea-Greenwood (2006) point out that in-sourcing has been one of the current concepts that most supply businesses have used to bolster local economies, create employment opportunities and boost training. As such, through ser vice improvement and value addition, they have enhanced their local customer base. For instance, studies on APSE indicate that through its supply chains and strong local employments, it generates  £1.64 to the local economy from the £ 1 of money that it receives from the taxpayer. This has enhanced its customer base and aided it in gaining competitive advantage. Figure 4: A figure showing how in-sourcing boosts effective service delivery Source: emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=865350show=html Measurement In decision making, during the process of requesting for proposals (RFP), evaluating the tangibles of a supplier is the simplest process. Engagements, number of members of staff, and financial figures are some of the quantifiable information that scored and reported easily. Best measurement practice for evaluating in-sourcing activities can be achieved by looking at the capabilities and key questions in the RFP. To determine the sourcing relationship of the intangibl es, careful selection is necessary and which include looking at cultural affinity, supplier engagement and growth with a client over the years. Getting measurements to such questions require applying methods such as interviews where vendors, reference clients and colleagues asked questions to provide essential answers that will help in measuring intangibles. Analysis Neoclassical economists point out that in all competitive markets, cost management, consolidation, cost reduction and cost cutting are central for a maximization of profits, business growth and development. Edward argues that minimizing losses due to outsourcing and can be achieved by adopting the cost cutting in-sourcing methods. According to Keynesian paradox of thrift saving cost through better sourcing methods will boost aggregate output and income of a firm. Analysts with mainstream thinking argue that Keynesians are wrong in their arguments because by insisting that business adopt means that cut costs impacts on a business’ spending and hurt its revenues and profits. The argument is that cutting costs does not lift profits, instead as people save, the economy runs into a slump. Indeed, they are right because as a business use in-sourcing methods to save costs of certain aggregate income levels, consumption in other areas decreases. However, what is wrong with trimming costs through in-sourcing methods to enhance profits? Is cost cutting not an effective means a business can enhance its profits? It is undoubtedly true that a business that uses in-sourcing methods and not outsourcing efficiently cuts costs and transitions into profits since it is using its own or local resources. In a nutshell, a company that decides to adopt in-sourcing creates real wealth and generates positive results. Conclusions To sum up, this review has based its arguments from the thesis statement â€Å"In the business environment today, making decisions on an effective strategic sourcing method to adopt has be come one of the key supply chain management practices that managers are faced with as they seek better sourcing methods which favor them against intense global competition, short product life cycles and increasingly demanding customers†. From the review, it is evident that many businesses are shifting from contemporary outsourcing and off-shoring methods to in-shoring, in-sourcing and near sourcing for the numerous advantages analyzed in the paper. Besides, it is imperative to note that different companies differ in organization, style, size, market position and strategy. As such, dynamic sourcing with a design that is less expensive is required. References Alguire, M. Frear, R. (1994). An Examination of Determinants of Global Sourcing Strategy. Journal of Business Industrial Marketing, (9:2) 62-75. Asta, S. (2005). Managing Supplier Relations in Western Purchasing from China. Proceedings of the 14th IPSERA Conference, Archamps, France, 925-936. Bakker, E. Kamann D. (2007). Perception and Social Influence as Influencing Supply Management: A Research Agenda. Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, 13(4): 304-316. Barnes, L. Lea-Greenwood, G. (2006). Fast Fashioning the Supply Chain: Shaping the Research Agenda. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 10(3): 259-271. Brege, S., Brehmer, P. Lindskog, H. (2010). Sourcing, insourcing and two times outsourcing: four phases of procurement of telecommunications services within the Swedish public sector. Strategic Outsourcing: an International Journal, 3(2)144-162. Cai, S. Yang, Z. (2008). Development of Cooperative Norms in the Buyer-Supplier Relationship: The Chinese Experience. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 44(1): 55-70. Carter, C. Rogers, D. 2008. A Framework of Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Moving Towards New Theory. International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, (38:5)360-387. Christopher, M. (2000). The Agile Supply Chain. Industrial Marketing Managem ent, (29)37-44. McKenna, D. Walker, D. (2008). A study of out-sourcing versus in-sourcing tasks within a project value chain. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business 1(2): 216-232.

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