Abstract This paper explains that the Oracle at Delphi was one of the most important oracles in Greek culture because, not only did the Oracle evaluate most of the important actions by Greeks and their governments, but also the temple and its grounds served as a location for festivals, games and many other cultural events. The author points out that the Oracle at Delphi supported Apollo, one of the most important and powerful Greek gods, which attracted worshipers and consultants from all over the world. The paper related that the Oracle, who commented on battles, political decisions, governmental laws and social issues, had more influence than many of the most important rulers of the time.
From the Paper "Apollo's sphere of influence of the Greeks is legendary and well documented. According to Burkert, Apollo's sphere of influence included prophesizing or divination. Zeus clearly differentiated between Apollo and Dionysus, his other son, giving Dionysus reign over the erotic, or initiation spheres, effectively separating their duties and responsibilities, while he watched over both equally. In addition, Apollo's worshipers stretched from Sicily throughout the sphere of Greek influence, and more than one city or town was named for the god. In fact, there is at least some evidence that Apollo ..."
Abstract This paper explains that one of the most important components of any successful business is the ability to make effective decisions regarding the future; this allows the business to anticipate sale,s thus gearing their business components toward these changing sales figures. The author points out that one of the most important assumptions of business forecasters is that the past acts as an important guide for the future, but this presents a problem in times of uncertainty. The paper states that both the Delphi technique and time series forecasting are valuable forecasting tools in the right circumstances. The Delphi technique is useful for short term forecasts; therefore, it is often a more valuable tool for business forecasting during conditions of uncertainty.
From the Paper "Sony Corporation, along with many other large and small businesses, uses business forecasting techniques to predict future sales. The Sony Corporation of America is the American subsidiary of Tokyo's Sony Corporation. The company manufactures information technology, audio, video and communication products for both professionals and consumers. The company had over $62.3 billion in consolidated annual sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003, with $20 billion in sales in the United States (Sony Corporation of America). Given these impressive sales figures, business forecasting plays an important role in Sony's corporate strategy."
Tags:Delphi, time, series, uncertainty, strategy, tool
Abstract This paper examines the fiscal analysis and various facets of General Motors, including the sale of the General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) and the Delphi situation. This paper also reviews the new long term General Motors strategy which involves shifting production to locations outside America, to China in particular.
From the Paper "Consumer fears regarding GM are nothing new. Consumers are not blind to the losses that GM has been taking, totaling 10.6 billion for last year alone. Though recently dealerships have been taking the hit as well. An internal GM sales record for the area of Chicago shows that in October of 2005, the total sales made up only 12% of the companies monthly goal. The report also showed almost no sales for the Pontiac, Buick, and GMC dealers, Chevrolet making up almost all of the dismal 12%. Many dealers are having a hard time getting by at all, like Allan Gilmour, a Ford-Chrysler dealer. "The dealership would normally sell fifty vehicles a month, but could only manage seven vehicles this month" says Gilmour. Dennis Doerge of Loren Buick-Pontiac states that it's "the worst I've seen in thirty years" and that consumers "are scared to death to buy".
Potential investors have similar feelings on buying stock with GM. Fitch ratings has lowered GM into "Below-investment" status, and Moody's Investors Service also lowered GM's investment rating. Dropping credit ratings and falling stock prices are making stock and bond holders uneasy with the thought of not being paid on time and in full. One reason for the lower ratings of GM's credit is the companies dependence on Delphi, it's main supplier of parts. Delphi itself declared bankruptcy in October of 2005, and many investors feel that GM's dependence on a struggling supplier of vital parts can do no good for the consumers view of GM.
Delphi broke off from GM in 1999, but it still has the power to drive GM into the ground, and many fear this is how GM will enter bankruptcy. Delphi has very recently showed interest in eliminating it's union contract with the UAW through a bankruptcy judge. Once the contracts are voided, Delphi would proceed to cut workers hourly wages by 40%. On top of the huge wage slash, a reorganization plan would shut down 21 of its 29 American factories and lay off 8,500 salary paid workers. If Delphi drops the contracts, the UAW has already agreed to strike against all Delphi plants."
Abstract The paper discusses forecasting, one of the major management functions. The paper examines the benefits of forecasting for companies operating in an ever-changing business environment. The paper discusses how good forecasts help management teams asses risks and develop long-term strategies. The paper focuses on the Delphi method of forecasting, which is a group decision process. The Delphi method is used for environmental, marketing and sales forecasting.
From the Paper "Initially, the Delphi method was focused on obtaining a consensus regarding the predictions, similar to the Panel Consensus. Future developments emphasized on structuring and discussing diverse opinions of the preferred future. Discussions and the revelation of good arguments are the primary aim of the present method, rather than focusing on the output. This is the main difference from the method of Panel Consensus. The Delphi method deals with separate views on the probable / preferable future as separate cases, whereas Panel Consensus aims at leveling all opinions to the majority's. The two techniques can work together at different stages of the process. "
Abstract This paper examines how business forecasting is a valuable tool in aiding businesses to make both long-term and short-term business decisions. It looks at how both qualitative and quantitative methods of forecasting can be highly effective, especially when applied to the correct business environment and practice. It also shows that, while many methods, including the much-used Delphi and time series methods of forecasting, are flawed, they also can provide valuable data.
From the Paper "In this small business, more formalized methods of forecasting would not be financially viable. The cost of obtaining a Delphi analysis would far outweigh the benefits to the business. Nonetheless, the owners may be able to benefit from an industry-wide quantitative analysis of the future market for car repairs. This analysis would allow the owners to track industry changes in car repair sales. Further, an industry-wide analysis of the type of repairs, and the models of cars repaired may help this small business to predict the type of future repairs, and thus run their business accordingly."
Abstract This paper examines several of the many treasuries found at the sites of Olympia and Delphi. The deeper meaning of these structures is explored, including the motives behind their construction.
From the Paper "During the eighth century B.C., conditions in Greece contributed to a sense of Panhellenism among the various poleis. There was a general increase in cultural unity, a phenomenon which corresponds to more intense contact with the Eastern world. Such contact would have made obvious the differences between Greek and non-Hellenic cultures. At this time, there was a rise in religious sanctuaries and festivals which, rather than being local, included all Greeks. Two of the most famous Panhellenic sanctuaries were of Zeus at Olympia and Apollo at Delphi. Festivals which were sometimes held at these sites served to enhance the individual poleis by competing against each other in various contests."
Abstract This paper examines how the various forecasting methods have their differences and similarities. Some are based on hard data, such as past sales figures and surveys, while another may simply use assumptions. It looks at how, with the ever changing market trends careful considerations must be given to any style of forecasting that is used and how the type of forecast method used depends on which area of the market a company is in.
Outline
Time Series
Causal Forecasting
Delphi Method
Forecast Comparisons
Conclusion
From the Paper "The clothing industry utilizes forecasting methods that contain both assumptions and past data. Clothing styles change on a regular basis and rely on one constant, what is pleasing to the public's eye. Over the past few decades clothing styles focus on the amount of skin that is reviled and how the cloths show off the body's figure. Many people feel that wearing a certain outfit they saw in a magazine or commercial will look just as good on themselves. In other words: the clothes make the person. Some people believe that people who are obese or have very bad skin should not be wearing garments such as mini-skirts, plunging neck lines, shorts or mid-drifts. "
Abstract This paper discusses the current situation in the automotive industry and General Motors' position in the overall industry. The paper discusses GM's current troubles as well as future strategies in relation to its 2004 annual statement. The paper further examines GM's future move into the China market and the possibility of a bankruptcy due to Delphi's recent bankruptcy.
From the Paper "The automotive industry in the US is currently under assault from several different threats simultaneously. The most obvious threat to continued sales and profitability are the increasingly high fuel prices that are exacerbating most energy related or energy-reliant industries. Siddiqi claims that lower reserves combined with higher fuel consumption could permanently raise the cost of gas (2005). Since US automotive manufacturers have long resisted the move to more fuel efficient vehicles, preferring instead to produce and market its gas guzzling SUVs, a permanent rise in fuel costs would doom that high margin product line and severely weaken an already exposed industry."
Abstract This paper discusses General Motors Corporation's recent financial difficulties led by its former parts divisions, Delphi, falling into bankruptcy, poor sales due to high gasoline prices, and finally its recent announcement that it is being forced to restate its 2001 financial filings with the SEC. The paper then compares these events to Ford Motor Company's very similar situation with its former parts division, Visteon, recently reporting a $200 million quarterly loss following a financial bail out of Visteon by Ford.
From the Paper "GM Business Report A recent news article from Reuters announced that General Motors (GM) is restating its 2001 financial statements after it was previously announced that the company is being investigated by the SEC(Chakravorti, 2005). Following, as it does, the announced bankruptcy of Delphi, GM's former parts division and its largest provider of parts currently, this news only complicates and worsens an already bleak financial and performance assessment of the company. This news is certainly very negative for GM. GM finds itself already strapped with 111,000 unionized workers who, if laid-off or otherwise placed off the assembly line, still receive 95% of their base wages (Newman par.4) and legacy costs per vehicle at an approximate $1,600 (Beucke, et al, 2005, para.3). These situations combine to have a debilitating effect on GM's overall performance from both ends of its product cycle. "
Abstract This paper discusses the views of Socrates. Aristotle and Euthyphro on truth, goodness and rational right. It examines these issues from different points of view and includes excerpts from these thinkers' works and theories such as: Nicomachean Ethics, The Republic and more. It compares the views of these thinkers on these issues and contrasts them.
From the Paper "Socrates had long been known for questioning the premises of his society. He was a traveling teacher, who claimed that he knew nothing, and yet managed to preach his unique views through enlightening series of questions that forced whoever he may address to slowly abandon their way of thought and take a fresh look at the world. He was a sweeping, revolutionary force in the world. Unfortunately, the world does not always like revolution. He was brought up on charges on impiety; his accusers claimed that because he questioned certain preconceptions about the gods that he did not believe in them and that he corrupted the innocent minds of youth. The penalty he faced was death. It was against this truly significant background that he undertook to debate the origin of piety and goodness. On his way to trial, he stopped one Euthyphro, a man proclaimed as a prophet and seer of the gods. "Tell me then, what is the pious, and what the impious, do you say"? (Euthyphro, 5d) This is a vital question not only in terms of Socrates? impending need to defend himself before his judges, but also in the scope of the world. After all, if piety is a supreme virtue, then surely one ought to know what it is."
Tags: Socrates, Euthyphro, Delphi, truth, God, impiety, goodness, rational, right
This paper discusses that our ancient counterparts used oracles, prophesies and curses as part of their religious beliefs and observances, which served more function than modern religion.
2,295 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 7 sources, 2002, $ 70.95
Abstract This paper provides an overview of some of the practices and belief among different ancient groups, focusing on the traditional cradle of civilization and the classical world. The author points that oracles are always associated with a particular place, prophecies might be generated anywhere and a curse is simply a way of getting the Gods to do one's dirty work for one. The author concludes that when we open the paper to read our horoscope, we behave in the same manner as the ancient people finding their way to the oracle at Delphi.
Table of Contents
A Brief Survey of Oracles in the Ancient World
A Brief Survey of Prophesies in the Ancient World
A Few Curses
Conclusion
From the Paper "A corollary to this fact is that oracles are in general associated with a single god or goddess, since deities tended to be tied to certain places or kinds of places, whereas a person might serve as a prophet, or receive prophecies from, a number of different gods or other divinities.
The fact that one had to travel to an oracle to receive wisdom from it rather than having the gods come to one to deliver prophetic information may have granted to oracles a greater sense of authority. This is related to basic economic arguments about scarcity: If prophesies could be had anywhere, but oracles were limited to a few places ? some requiring expensive sacrifices ? then oracles would often be privileged over prophesy."
Abstract In this essay, the author persuades the reader that Socrates was a man of great moral character and uses excerpts from Plato's "The Trial and Death of Socrates" in order to prove this. It also demonstrates how the people of Athens took Socrates to be a threat to their static day to day lives and saw to it to conspire against him and ultimately eliminate him. Using his argument in his defense, this paper shows that Socrates would certainly admit that he is a menace to the people of Athens, but only to stir them up into an intellectual frenzy. The paper shows that Socrates demonstrates through logic that he would never try to spoil the minds of the youth intentionally. The paper argues that Socrates died as a martyr because he held to his moral beliefs even in the face of an unfair death.
From the Paper "Today we mark the day in which a part of Western thought died. For when the great philosopher, Socrates, died yesterday at sundown, he took with him a way of thinking that will never be quite duplicated. But let us not grieve for what we may miss out on in the future; let us instead celebrate the gifts we have received from this great thinker. For with the advent of the spoken language and the written word, we are able to record and remember Socrates? contributions to the citizens of Athens and the world. In effect, they will reverberate through the ages and continue to affect the way philosophers think for centuries to come. Unfortunately, Socrates? unorthodox nature earned him a number of enemies, enough to warrant death wishes. Certainly one could believe this statement when one looks at the circumstances of his unnatural death. Unfortunately, those who persecuted him were superstitious individuals, who shall remain unnamed. They persecuted him under the false pretense of impiety. Truly, however, they were simply frightened that someone might not only question the current propaganda and dogma of the time, but also have the audacity to persuade others to do the same."
Abstract A discussion of the pros and cons of RAD development. RAD (Rapid Application Development) refers to an escalated project development life cycle in systems development. This is accomplished utilizing elements of traditional, structured development in concert with prototyping and joint application development (JAD) techniques.
Contents:
Introduction: RAD
Problems Addressed by RAD
RAD Methodologies
Modeling the Business Processes
Define the information flow necessary to perform a business function.
Define the process for adding, modifying, deleting or retrieving a data object.
Generating the Application
Utilizing tools s.a. VB (Visual Basic), VC++, and Delphi to create prototypes.
Re-using existing components or creating re-usable components.
Cataloging re-usable components for easy access by appropriate staff.RAD Toolsets
Advantages and Disadvantages of RAD
Is RAD Really Better?
Works Cited
From the Paper "RAD utilizes prototyping and user feedback as it's main mechanisms. It is applicable to situations where a user community will have significant input to the system, the requirements of the new system are undefined, or there is a high degree of possibility that the requirements and feature set will change as the project proceeds. (21st Century Technology, 2003). RAD is a flexible process, incorporating a combination of tools in different orders of priority and concentrations as a means to an end.
Structured systems development methodology was the first formal method established. Typically associated with large scale, centralized corporate projects involving mainframes, the structured systems methodology was categorized by a "top-down, functional decomposition" lifecycle otherwise known as "waterfall". This methodology was often employed using COBOL."
Abstract This paper discusses the "Apology of Socrates" by Plato. The paper explains that the "Apology of Socrates" is, in essence, a defense of philosophy and a glimpse into why it is necessary. In the first part of the apology, Socrates shows that philosophy challenges and breaks down society, and in the latter half, claims that philosophy is helpful and good. Although these may seem to be contradictory accounts, the paper shows that Socrates uses them to meet the same purpose. He does it to show Athenians that, although philosophy may break down the current social order, it will help rebuild a stronger society. Hence, philosophy is a necessity. The paper examines how Socrates changes his position regarding the charge that he affects the city's youth, regarding his association with the gods and regarding his claims about his own ignorance and knowledge.
From the Paper "One of the most serious charges laid against Socrates was that he corrupts the young by teaching them to follow his habit of examining people. In his defence speech, Socrates is evasive in his answer to this as he presents two different accounts of his affects on the youth. In the first part of his speech, Socrates claims that he is not accountable for what the youth do. He says that the young "follow me of their own accord" (Plato, Apology of Socrates 23c). Hence, he takes no responsibility for their actions and considers himself blame-free. Implicit in this defence is the admission that his method of questioning others and exposing their faults is indeed dangerous for the city and hence he does not want to be responsible for the young emulating him. However, in the second half of the apology, he takes a different standpoint."
Abstract In his play, "Oedipus Rex," ancient Greek writer, Sophocles, invites us to ponder the nature of destiny and how, wise as we think ourselves, the very acts by which we work to avoid our fate only bring it rushing to meet us. Most of us have a good idea of what the concepts of blindness and vision mean and how they differ from one another. This paper shows, however, that Sophocles thinks otherwise and gives us good reason to wonder just how different they are from each other. In fact, by the time Oedipus stumbles beyond the gates of Thebes, we begin to realize just how entangled vision is with blindness, for nothing blinded Oedipus to the inevitability of his fate so well as having had it shown to him. Seeing his fate did not enlighten him; it put him in greater darkness.
From the Paper "This is the biggest kind of blindness in Oedipus; the absolute inability of human beings to see all the myriad ways in which things work to bring us to our fates. Had Oedipus done what we flatter ourselves to think we would have done, namely consult the assumed parents with the new information before doing anything, and then sitting on our hands to make sure the prophecy didn't come to pass, it wouldn't have made any difference in the end. Had he become king of Corinth, at some point he would have had to go to war with Thebes, ended up killing Laius in open battle, and been forced by some obscure custom to marry the vanquished king's widow to retain the crown. In another sense, we are all Oedipus, trying to understand and outwit fate."
