Abstract This paper examines the classic literary saga Beowulf whose theme is the concept of ultimate good battling and vanquishing ultimate evil. The paper focuses on the retelling of the story through American author John Gardner's 1971 novel "Grendel" which presents the monster Grendel in a different light and not as the grim and unhappy spirit he is usually portrayed.
From the Paper "Perhaps for this reason, Grendel has become almost as much a subject for discourse as Beowulf himself has. Editorial commenting in the numerous translations and interpretations of the poem have often included comments on the manmonster. The many books and articles written on the poem usually include passages of chapters about him, his actions, motivations and personalities. Almost all of these works are usually written within the context of the poem, that is in direct relation to the hero Beowulf himself, "Grendel acts in such a manner because Beowulf does" is the usual rule followed."
Abstract This paper examines Russia as facing the greatest challenge in the transition from plan to market. It might even be argued that Russia faces the greatest political and economic challenge the world has ever known. As the mother of communism, Russia was longer steeped in its tenets than its satellite states. And as a geo-political behemoth, creating social consensus and moving towards democratic consolidation has always been next to impossible. In the end, Russia is an un-natural economic and political unit. To present, this has made success impossible, and more of the same can be expected in the future. Russia's next leader will inherit a legacy that is unwieldy, corrupt, bankrupt (morally and financially), and almost doomed to failure. Only if you have the hands of a magician, Mr. Primakov, can you make something of this disaster.
Abstract This paper explains that, by implementing the DMAIC part of the Six Sigma process, even small and medium-sized organizations can benefit from the quality improvement it affords and positively affect their bottom line. The author points out that DMAIC is an acronym for the five interrelated steps of the process, which must be used in this cyclical process to ensure the greatest results: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. The paper stresses that even though an SME's organizational chart may not be as deep as industry behemoths, management buy-in is still equally as important to the success of the initiative.
Table of Contents
Introduction
History and Goals of Six Sigma
What is DMAIC?
The First Step for SMEs in the DMAIC Process
An SME Putting DMAIC into Action
Conclusion
From the Paper "Carl Frederick Gauss introduced the concept of the normal curve, which became the roots of Six Sigma as a measurement standard, in the early 19th century. By the 1920s, Walter Shewhart had proved that a process required correction, when three sigma from the mean occurred. Yet, it would be another sixty years until a Motorola engineer named Bill Smith came along that the term "Six Sigma" and developed it into the quality management program it is today."
Abstract This paper asks whether the office of the Canadian Prime Minister is a behemoth that should be dismantled before one or another occupant of it becomes a megalomaniac. The paper questions if Canada's Prime Minister, the office and/or the person filling it, is more powerful than is good or wise for Canada's future.
From the Paper "One might argue that Canada would want to avoid emulating anything U.S, at this precarious juncture in U.S. history especially, and as the power of the U.S. presidency is also being weighed by pundits from all ends of the political spectrum. Laxer noted ?modern technologies and the liberal ethos of the free market dissolved Canada's distinctive culture. Grant predicted Canada's demise in the long run because it had adopted American values ? (2000, p. 55). It is arguable that the office of the Prime Minister creates, for Canada, an atmosphere that emulates that of the United States. It is arguable that, if Canada wishes to continue a strong federal system that serves all its citizens, the office of the Prime Minister is indeed too powerful."
Abstract This paper discusses how the Internet search engine behemoth, Google, was given permission by federal antitrust regulators to acquire the video-sharing site, YouTube, for $1.65 million. It looks at how this represents a tremendous market edge for Google against its leading competitors, Yahoo and Microsoft, in the fields of Internet domination.
From the Paper "Another problem with Yahoo or Microsoft seeking out a new property is that part of the advantage of being a first market mover in a new social technology, such as the Internet, is that once such a social hub is created, it is difficult to alter people's habits, and to encourage people to post their videos in other network places. Part of the pleasure of posting information is reading friends' comments. The Internet is about a conversation between users, and people have grown accustomed to posting their videos on YouTube for familiar users to see. The Internet market sector is already dominated only by a few competitors and the market has become even narrower with the growing omnipresence of Google in its information, social, and video components."
