Sir Thomas MaloryS Le Morte DArthur Essays -

Sir Thomas Malory'S Le Morte D'Arthur In the Medieval Period, knights dedicated their lives to following the code of chivalry. In Sir Thomas Malorys Le Morte dArthur, a number of characters performed chivalrous acts to achieve the status of an ideal knight. Their characteristics of respect for women and courtesy for all, helpfulness to the weak, honor, and skill in battle made the characters King Arthur, King Pellinore, and Sir Gryfflette examples of a what knights strove to be like in Medieval society. Because of the examples ofchivalry, Le Morte dArthur showed what a knight desired to be, so he could improve theworld in which he lived. Respect for women and courtesy were two major characteristics that knights longed to develop, and King Arthur was able to demonstrate them in two specific instances. Arthur showed great respect for the Lady of the Lake. Merlin, the magician who guided Arthur as he grew to be a legendary knight advised him to address her courteously, and do as she directed (page 75). Arthur spoke very politely and she gave him the famous sword, Excaliber. In his respect for the lady, he also promised to give heany gift she wants because she presented him with the sword. Respectfulness to women was one quality knights strove for, but less specifically, a knight was expected to be courteous towards everyone. King Arthur demonstrated this characteristic while dealing with the Roman ambassadors. They asked for a tribute, and Arthur responded, we shall not put you to death for your insolent words (page 74). Then, he warned them that if they came back, he would kill them. This was considerate behavior becau se even though he was angry, he was polite and allowed them to leave safely. The warning also showed his courtesy because he could have not told them in anticipation of their return in order to kill them because of their disagreement. These two examples of King Arthurs respect for the Lady of the Lake and the Roman ambassadors made him a model knight since he was obeying the code of chivalry. In addition to being courteous, being helpful to the weak was another aspect of chivalry portrayed through characters in the story. First, Arthur tried to be helpful to Merlin when he was being chased by ruffians. Arthur chased them away while riding his horse. Merlin was not in real danger because of his magical powers, but the intent of Arthur was to help someone who needed because he thought Merlins powers might have failed him. Another example of this chivalrous quality was illustrated during the battle between King Pellinore and Sir Gryfflette. Pellinore knocked Gryfflette off his horse and, swiftly ran over to him and loosened his armor. He then, lifted him gently onto his horse (page 74). Sir Gryfflette was weak, and he was just knighted that day, so Pellinore did the chivalrous action and helped him. Being helpful to the weak was a quality that all the knights were trying to develop, and King Arthur and King Pellinore showed this attribute in their actions with Merlin and Gryfflette. Another characteristic besides helpfulness was honor. When King Pellinore was helping Gryfflette, he was not only helping someone who was weak, he was being honorable. He knew that he had superior fighting skills than the new knight, so he did not pursue the battle because it would be unfair. He sent Sir Gryfflette home so he could regain his health, even though he had a chance to finish the battle and kill the knight. Another example of honor was Gryfflettes attempt to avenge Sir Myles death. Gryfflette asked to be a knight, and then he pleaded, Sire, but I beg you (page 73), until Arthur dubbed him. He had a deep longing to do what was right and show his loyalty and honor by fighting the man who killed his master. Arthur did the same when he went to fight Pellinore because the king had wounded his knight. Although, Arthur was not ranked below Gryfflette, he wanted the revenge. Last, Arthur showed his honor once again when he decided not to fight a tired Pellinore. Merlin says, To win would bring you no honor, to lose would be to increase your shame (page

Management Assessment of Kudler Fine Food

Management Assessment of Kudler Fine Food Free Online Research Papers Since 1998, Kudler Fine Food (KFF) has established itself as one of the premier upscale epicurean stores in the greater San Diego area. Kathy Kudler, founder and president of KFF, established the first store in 1998 and launched two more within the next 5 years. KFF has a top-level team of directors and managers who are committed to the ongoing success and growth of the organization. This paper will identify the primary functions of management and KFF personnel who satisfy these functions, explore the role of information technology within the organization, and analyze KFF’s market using Porter’s Competitive Forces. Primary Functions of Management Planning and Strategizing One key function of management involves identifying organizational goals and developing a plan necessary to achieve these goals. This planning and strategizing requires a realistic assessment of the organization, including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and risks (Gomez, p5.). Kathy Kudler, having served as a vice-president of Marketing for a large defense contractor, is a proficient strategist. Her initial business plan led KFF to a profit within the first nine months of operation. Kathy and her department managers use forecasts to extrapolate past data into future projections (University of Phoenix, Supply Chain Overview). Organizing A company’s organizing function of management facilitates its resources. An effective organizer will arrange personnel, funds, physical assets, technical resources and information when working to achieve desired goals (Gomez, p.6). Harvey Stephens, the director of finance and accounting, demonstrated his organizing leadership style initiating the implementation a company-wide database. The director of store operations, Yvonne Reynolds, has also shown effective organizing management in managing the inventory, purchasing and logistics of each store. Leading Some leaders are very effective in motivating and empowering individuals to do their most capable work. The function of leading involves clear communication of corporate goals, employee motivation, and careful attention to working environment (Gomez, p. 6). Kathy Kudler demonstrated effective leadership by communicating her vision and KFF corporate goals to her executive management. Further leadership of Yvonne Reynold’s encouraged department managers to collaborate with there counterparts at other stores by comparing merchandise price, quality, and delivery. Controlling A controlling manager assesses the company goals, evaluates its direction, and unifies the direction and focus. This leader will measure performance and implement necessary changes while monitoring their progress (Gomez, p.6). As director of administration and human resources, Brenda Wagner develops policies and directs and coordinates human resource activities (University of Phoenix, Job Description). Because both operations and information systems management deal with specialized issues related to control (Gomez, p.6), it is reasonable to identify Harvey Stevens and Yvonne Reynolds as other chief controlling managers. Technology Management KFF management has successfully implemented information and technology management. A wide area network (WAN) allows each store real-time communication to effectively manage inventory and vendors. The La Jolla and Del Mar stores host two inventory servers that can communicate with each other and utilize information received from the point of sale (POS) servers at all three stores (University of Phoenix, Information Technology: Networks). The automated data transmission of the POS servers makes inventory management and control manageable. The POS system also allows for electronic payments. The KFF database stores information about customers, vendors, orders, and inventory. This data provides the executive team with key information when determining direction, developing strategies, and setting clear and focused goals. Finally, KFF can attract customers with a relevant and useful website, allowing customers to view store locations and products through simple one-click navigation. Five Forces of Porter’s Model According to economist and management strategist, Michael Porter, any organization can build a competitive advantage by understanding and focusing on five competitive forces. Because â€Å"competition is at the core of a firm’s success or failure† (Turner, p. 606), KFF management can develop key organizational strategies by assessing how each force currently affects KFF operations. Threat of Entry of New Competitors Kathy Kudler found an open market for a gourmet food store in the late nineties. Since that time, epicurean cooking has grown into a rapidly increasing American trend. Mintel International Group estimated that serious cooking enthusiasts account for an estimated $25 billion in sales of specialty food and drinks, kitchen appliances, and other kitchen related spending (Moran, 2007). As the demand increases there will be new competitors who share Kathys combined interest in gourmet cooking and business opportunities. Additionally, large chain grocery stores are constantly reinventing themselves as customer interests change. These stores can become new competitors as they add products and services currently offered by KFF. Bargaining Power of Suppliers KFF relies on suppliers to offer the best possible prices and timely delivery. Management understands the importance of these suppliers, their services, and continuing a positive relationship with each vendor. Marketing has recently emphasized the need to reduce ordering costs, minimize the quantity of food ordered, and make sure a product does not sell-out. The purchasing department followed up with a supplier relations program currently being rolled-out (University of Phoenix, Marketing Overview). Bargaining Power of Customers A 2007 customer survey indicated that 85% of customers surveyed believed the merchandise sold was a good value for their money (University of Phoenix, 2007 Market Survey). This survey showed favorable responses regarding store hours, product selection, product quality, and overall satisfaction. Through this survey, KFF management realized that their customer service and staff knowledge was not at an acceptable level. The marketing department has proposed new initiatives that will cater to the customer including cooking classes and frequent buyer points programs (University of Phoenix, Marketing Overview). Threat of Substitute Products or Services KFF products are the primary factor in their success. Kathy Kudler has managed to create an enterprise based on desirable products and the trend of home-based gourmet cooking. As trends continue to change, KFF will need to adjust to consumer demand. Rivalry Among Existing Firms in the Industry KFF continues to encounter rivalries in the industry. Trader Joes currently has 10 locations in San Diego county, including a store in Encintas and one in La Jolla (Trader Joes). Whole Foods has over 20 stores throughout Southern California including one store in La Jolla (Whole Foods Market). Understanding the power of rivalries, recent KFF marketing strategies include advertising in all forms of media and hosting public relations events and programs (Marketing Overview). The sales and marketing department has approved additional expenditures on market analysis through size and opportunity studies, food marketing trend studies, and benchmarking. KFF is aware of many influences affecting corporate success. By exploring KFF’s history, examining their current business and identifying future strategic implementations, this paper has demonstrated KFF’s thorough attention to leadership functions, technology advantage, and competitive forces. References Gomez-Mejia, L.R. Balkin, D.B. (2002). Management. [University of Phoenix Custom Edition E-Text]. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Retrieved March 25, 2008 from University of Phoenix, Resource MBA/502 Managing the Business Enterprise. Moran, M. (2007, July 1). The Gourmet Retailer. Cooking Enthusiasts Drive Specialty Market. Retrieved March 31, 2008 from gourmetretailer.com/gourmetretailer/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003606103imw=Y. Trader Joes. (n.d.). Where the dickens can you find a Trader Joes. Retrieved March 31, 2008 from http://traderjoes.com/Attachments/SC.pdf Turban, E., Rainer, K.R., Potter, R.. (2003). Introduction to Information Technology. [University of Phoenix Custom Edition E-Text]. New York: John Wiley Sons, Inc. Retrieved March 25, 2008 from University of Phoenix, Resource MBA/502 Managing the Business Enterprise. University of Phoenix. (n.d.). 2007 Market Survey. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from University of Phoenix, rEsource, Virtual Organization Portal: Kudler Fine Foods, MBA/502 Managing the Business Enterprise. University of Phoenix. (n.d.). Job Description. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from University of Phoenix, rEsource, Virtual Organization Portal: Kudler Fine Foods, MBA/502 Managing the Business Enterprise. University of Phoenix. (n.d.). Information Technology: Networks. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from University of Phoenix, rEsource, Virtual Organization Portal: Kudler Fine Foods, MBA/502 Managing the Business Enterprise. University of Phoenix. (n.d.). Marketing Overview. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from University of Phoenix, rEsource, Virtual Organization Portal: Kudler Fine Foods, MBA/502 Managing the Business Enterprise. University of Phoenix. (n.d.). Supply Chain Overview. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from University of Phoenix, rEsource, Virtual Organization Portal: Kudler Fine Foods, MBA/502 Managing the Business Enterprise. Whole Foods Market. (2007). Store Locations. Southern California. Retrieved March 31, 2008 from wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/list_stores.php?state=C Research Papers on Management Assessment of Kudler Fine FoodThe Project Managment Office SystemAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaOpen Architechture a white paperBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalDefinition of Export QuotasResearch Process Part OneMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductPETSTEL analysis of IndiaGenetic Engineering

WHY ESTIMATING IN CONSTRUCTION Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

WHY ESTIMATING IN CONSTRUCTION - Essay Example Only with such forecasts can clients be informed of the likely financial commitment. Designers need advice on the effect of their decisions on the cost of the project, and contractors need to be confident that the estimates that form the basis of their tenders are realistic. If their tender prices are consistently high they will fail to attract work, alternatively if their prices are too low, they will gain work at unprofitable rates. â€Å"Cost estimating methods have followed closely the division between the design phase and the construction phase† (Ogunlana, 19). During the design phase the cost estimate is the principal responsibility of the client’s cost estimator: the quantity surveyor or the design engineer. The estimate of detailed construction costs is seldom commenced until the tendering process is set in motion, and a contractor is requested to tender for the work. The level of detail included within the cost estimate will be dependent upon the client’s requirements and the stage within the project that the estimate is required. In the design stage the information available and the speed at which estimates are required precludes the preparation of a detailed estimate. It is not until the period immediately prior to the start of construction that the level of information available enables a detailed estimate to be produced. Where the work is put out to tender it becomes the responsibility of the client, or his representative, to provide sufficient detail of the project to enable a detailed estimate to be prepared. Construction cost estimating may therefore be divided into two categories: design phase cost estimating and contractor’s cost estimating. Within each of these two categories there are several different methods of producing cost estimates. This paper provides a description of the estimating methods used in the design phase and also describes