Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the notion of the 24-hour period used in the day/night cycle. The writer explains that this cycle began in ancient Egypt, while the sixty divisions of degrees, minutes and seconds is derived from the number system based on sixty (sexagesimal) of the Mesopotamians. The writer examines this approach to dividing the day and night into like segments. Further, the writer looks at ancient peoples' observations about the motion of the sun and discusses how this ultimately results in the system that is used to measureangles today.
From the Paper "Given its ancient origins, the reason angles are measured in degrees, minutes and seconds today has likewise been forgotten by many modern observers. In fact, the basis for this method was developed almost five thousand years ago in Sumeria based on their use of sundials to track time. In her book, Time's Pendulum: The Quest to Capture Time -- from Sundials to Atomic Clocks, Jo Ellen Barnett reports that the convention of the 24-hour period used in the day/night cycle began in ancient Egypt, while the sixty divisions of degrees, minutes and seconds is derived from the number system based on sixty (sexagesimal) of the Mesopotamians; because the Mesopotamians had not yet invented fractional numbers, they preferred whole numbers which could be divided in several different ways, and the number 60 can be evenly divided by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, and 30."
Abstract This paper argues that Shakespeare wrote "Measure for Measure" as a complimentary tutorial for King James. In doing so, he portrays the current state of affairs in England and attempts to provide James with advice concerning the problems facing his kingdom.
From the Paper "Shakespeare's England at the time that Measure for Measure was written was in a state of internal conflict and discord. King James I came to power in 1603 and inherited a kingdom rife with a myriad of social and cultural problems, including corruption in the justice system, religious disputes and crises, and rampant sexual immorality. Shakespeare, the ?King's Playwright,? as Alvin Kernan dubs him, wrote Measure for Measure as a complimentary tutorial for King James. In doing so, he portrays the current state of affairs in England and attempts to provide James, as a ruler with Divine Right and responsibility to his country, with advice concerning the problems facing his kingdom."
This paper examines how the system of performance measurement is applied in business to gain insight and make judgements regarding the effectiveness and efficiency of programs and processes.
Abstract This paper defines performance measurement as a system for determining how a program is accomplishing its mission through the delivery of products, services or processes. The writer of this paper discusses the effectiveness of performance measurement as an ongoing, periodic method for determining whether a program is accomplishing its goals. This paper details the three main components of performance measurements which are comprised of: Planning, implementation and evaluation. This paper also delves into the four types of performance measures which include: Input, output, effective/outcome and efficiency measures. This paper also contains a chart which shows how various types of industry would benefit by applying the above mentioned performance measurement techniques.
Table of Contents:
Overview of Performance Measures Type of Performance Measures Output Measures Effectiveness/Outcome Measures Efficiency Measures Benchmarks
FY 01 Performance Measures
From the Paper "Output indicators measure the quantity or volume of products and services provided to a program. Output indicators are commonly referred to as workload, or activity measures. This had been the most commonly used measurement in budget documents of the recent past. For example: an output of 800 participants for the Social Services Annual Flu Shot Program; an output of 7,800 user support occurrences for MIS. For the FY 01 Proposed Budget document, activity measures are not shown; however, Departments will continue to collect and track output measures as a means of measuring performance."
Abstract In this study, the writer notes that performance measures have long been utilized in both the private and public sectors. The widespread use of performance measures exist because there are a plethora of benefits associated with such measures. In this study, the main foci are performance measurement, reward systems and job satisfaction. The research contained in this discussion is evidentiary of a definitive relationship between performance measurement and employee attitudes concerning job satisfaction. One can also conclude from this discussion that job satisfaction is directly associated with, motivation, expectancy, and reward systems. The writer points out that researchers have consistently found that people are motivated by both intrinsic and extrinsic values as it relates both to job satisfaction and performance in the workplace. Further, the writer notes that intrinsic motivation pertains to personal goals and objectives while extrinsic motivation is associated with both monetary and non-monetary rewards.
Table of Contents:
Introduction to the Literature Review
An Overview and Purpose
Organization of the Review, Scope, and Library Research Plan
Organization of the Review
Library Research Plan
Interest, Significance, and Rationale for the Critical Analysis
Review of the Literature
Introduction
Frameworks for Performance Measurement Overview
Financial Performance Measures (DuPont Pyramid)
Performance Measurement Matrix
Strategic Measurement and Reporting Technique (SMART)
Macro Process Model of the Organization
The Balanced Scorecard
Individual Job Performance and Performance Measurement Contextual Performance
Task Performance
Adaptive Performance
Conducting Ratings/Appraisals and the Ratings Formats Utilized
Graphic Rating Scales (GRS)
Behaviorally Anchored Ratings Scales (BARS)
Mixed Standard Scales (MSS)
Performance Distribution Assessment Method
Computerized Adaptive Rating Scales (CARS)
Rewards Related to Performance: Impact on Employees
Rewards for performance
Risks associated with Rewards for Performance Systems
Examples of Rewards for Performance Systems
Function of Monetary Rewards
Function of Non-monetary Rewards
Implications for Rewards for Performance Systems
Implementation of balanced Incentives
Cultivating a culture of Commitment to Improve Performance
Job Satisfaction
Discussion of the Literature
Summary and Interpretations
Theoretical Literature
Empirical Literature
Conclusions
Recommendations
Theoretical Reformulations
Empirical Studies
From the Paper "In addition, after studying performance measurements within service industries Fitzgerald et al. developed a framework placing measures into two basic types. These measures include those that are correlated to results such as competitiveness and financial performance and those measures that concentrate on the determinants of those results such as flexibility, quality and resource utilization. The author points out that this structure is representative of the idea of causality, demonstrating that results acquired are a utility of past business performance correlated to particular determinants. In addition, this type of performance measurement structure is representative of the need to recognize the drivers of performance so that desired performance outcomes can be realized."
Abstract This paper reviews "Measure for Measure", written by William Shakespeare in the early 17th century, and "Shadows and Fog", a movie written and directed by Woody Allen in the late 20th century. It looks at the contrasting portrayal of the female characters and the roles of women by their actions and their qualities. It shows how "Measure for Measure" presents a view where women are pure and not expected to be promiscuous, where women are dependant on men, and where women have few options or choices. In contrast, it shows how "Shadows and Fog" presents a view where women are promiscuous rather than pure, where woman are independent from men, and where women have almost unlimited freedom.
From the Paper "The first difference observed with the role of women is related to whether women are expected to be pure or promiscuous. In Measure for Measure, the major female character is Isabella. She represents a very pure female character. This is first seen at the start of the play by the fact that she is training to become a nun and by the strong Christian values she appears to have. This is then emphasized later when she is told her brother's life will be saved if she agrees to sleep with Angelo. She refuses this offer, placing her chastity and her Christian values above her own life. This illustrates that a woman's purity is highly valued, while a woman being promiscuous is not accepted. Mariana is another female character in the play and she is quite different to Isabella."
This paper discusses the three methods of measuring the performance of IT in an organization: balanced scoreboard, economic value added (EVA) and intellectual capital (IC).
Abstract This paper explains that the use of multiple IT performance measurement frameworks are ideal because it provides more information to an organization as to where it went wrong and where it still needs improvement. The author points out that economic value added, one of the most effective performance metrics in use today, assesses how well an organization is achieving its objectives and goals consistent with valuation principles that are important to any investor's analysis of a company. The paper relates that intellectual capital is a performance measurement framework that assesses the intangible assets of a company including the in-depth knowledge and skills of an organization's employees and the strategies and techniques implemented by an organization.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Performance Measurement Frameworks
The Balanced Scoreboard
What is a Balanced Scorecard?
Financial Measures as Evaluated by the Balanced Scorecard
Strategy Implementation as Evaluated by the Balanced Scorecard
Economic Value Added
Intellectual Capital
Use of the Performance Measurement Frameworks in IT
Conclusion
From the Paper "In using the balanced scorecard in measuring the performance and value of IT in an organization, it is ideal that every scorecard focuses on the corporate goals. Thus, when developing metrics for the Balanced Scorecard, it is significant to have strategic thinking that emphasizes the organization's goal. For instance, Brickman and Fidler, two successful IT executives, suggests the following metrics to determine whether their company's IT meets customer needs and demands. Apparently, these elements are parts of strategy implementation which is one of the focus of the Balanced Scorecard performance measurement."
Abstract This paper discusses the effects of the personnel cost-cutting measures employed by major airlines in the United States and their relationship to aircraft safety. The research focuses on four factors - employee layoffs, increase on employee workload, cutting employee benefits and cutting employee training. The paper presents a survey on aviation pilots at American Airlines (AA).
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Background of the Problem
Statement of the Problem
Limitations
Delimitations
Definition of Terms
Acronyms
II Review of Related Literature Hypothesis
Introduction
Employee Benefits Cost Reduction and Wages Cutback
Employee Lay Offs
Increase in Employee Workload
Employee Training
Commercial Aircraft Safety
III Research Methodology
Introduction
Research Design
Research Model
Survey Population
Sources of Data
The Data Gathering Instrument
Pilot Study
Instrument Pretest
Distribution Method
Instrument Reliability
Instrument Validity
IV Results
Introduction
Demographics
Pilot's Awareness of Company Decision and Policies
Pilot's Awareness about AA's Cost Cutting Measures Pilot's Perspective on the Effects of Cost Cutting
Measures of AA to Commercial Aircraft Safety
V Discussion
Introduction
Pilot's Awareness of company Decision and Policies
Pilot's Awareness about AA's Cost Cutting Measures Pilot's Perspective on the Effects of Cost Cutting
Measures of AA to Commercial Aircraft Safety
Summary
VI Conclusion
VII Recommendations
Appendices
From the Paper "Since, 1998 the Government Accountability Office (2004) (GAO) of the United States had reported that majority of the leading airline industries have a difficulty of acquiring revenue and profit increase because of the growth of Low Cost Airlines (LCA) The proliferation of Low Cost Airlines has caused a strict competition in terms of domestic market share due to the relatively low prices that were offered and the relatively low cost cutting measures of LCA. Hence, it is reported by GAO (2004) that the operation costs of LCA have even increased to $1 Billion or 10% of its total operation costs. In effect of this, the research inferred that such an effect had a significant impact in terms of how passengers in general compare and view LCA to Big Airlines."
Abstract This paper looks at the drastically different interpretations by critics of "Measure for Measure". The comments of H.C. Goddard, Harold Bloom and Martin Lings are contrasted, who variously take the play as: a moral tale on the nature of authority and governance, a spectacle of extreme nihilism, and a mystical quest for spiritual redemption. The paper asserts that each of these writers has a distinctly valuable approach to Shakespeare's text, but none has captured the mysterious whole.
From the Paper "Measure for Measure has always been a difficult play to interpret, engendering many conflicting viewpoints. Much of twentieth century criticism tried to find a moral direction in the story, redeeming it from charges of inconsistency and vulgarity. R.W. Chambers, for example, insisted that "from first to last, the plot turns on the problem of punishment and forgiveness." [1] He took particular care to defend both Claudio and Isabella against accusations of selfishness, pointing out that Isabella is simply being human when she erupts at her brother Claudio in his prison cell, noting "there are things about which we cannot argue calmly.""
Tags: angelo, bloom, claudio, goddard, isabella, lings, lucio
A paper that outlines the various defects of the standard based costing method and how it does not effectively measure the manufacturing environment of today.
Abstract The paper explains that in production organizations, the basic concern of the management is to have smooth operations with the least cost possible. There the existence of cost is measured by the tangible output each component of the department produces and income is compared to the cost incurred. The paper shows that a system that is set for measuring the performance level of the tangible assets is known as a standard based cost. The production level is measured periodically and compared with the actual costs incurred. Any deviation from the original cost is considered as variance and hence they are measured separately. The paper discusses that the overall costing structure is dependent on the standard costing method and performance is also evaluated on this basis. The paper shows how, in the recent years, the structure of the manufacturing environment has changed the way management view standard costs. Since most of the work is performed on a large scale and depends on highly innovative technology, many argue that the concept of standard costing has become redundant and ineffective. The paper analyzes this concept.
From the Paper "Standard based costing allows the business to plan its cost according to the level that favors the management in optimal usage of resources and minimum cost price. There are two types of standard that could be used to measure. One is ideal standard where the price is planned to the minimum compared to manufacturing capacity. Second attainable standard where the overall lowest price is noted for costing and a considerable level of efficiency is noted. The costing system does not expect 100% capacity but it does try to minimize spoilage percentage. Thirdly, direct material and labor standards where per unit material and labor is noted for production of per unit of the product. Through these methods it is clear that the standard based costing system is not usually attainable and hence subject to criticism. The reason being that direct labor and direct material cannot be accounted for if the products are lying idle at warehouses in case of emergencies."
Tags: WIP, accounting, budgeting, information, system
Abstract The author believes that Shaw quite consciously modeled some portions of "Major Barbara" on Shakespeare's ?Measure for Measure?. The paper discusses the many similarities such as the religious overtones in both plays and the characterization of the female main characters Isabella and Barbara. The author points out that both plays make the same philosophical point: The need to let something go in order to achieve or gain something else, perhaps of greater value.
From the Paper ""Measure for Measure" is gloomy in the beginning; but Shakespeare, as does Shaw, is able to work out the transition from potential tragedy to comedy. Unfortunately, in the transition, Shakespeare, unlike Shaw, does not always make his characters behave consistently. Like Shaw, however, he does order everything that happens in "Measure for Measure" on the principle that the play must be kept a comedy. That was his given reason for making his heroine Isabella a novice nun and for bringing Lucio into her first scene with Angelo (II. ii.); every detail must play its part in intensifying the effect of comic irony. Once used though, such a detail may later be ignored by Shakespeare. Isabella is found to be not too nun-like after all. She is not squeamish or sanctimonious and can be intensely practical, as her "0, let him marry her!" (I. iv. 49) reveals. During the play she develops into a vociferous, ironical nun?almost a Major Barbara."
Abstract This paper discusses the characters of Isabella and Angelo in Shakespeare's play "Measure for Measure", examining their character traits and interactions, as well as their evolution over the course of the work. The paper provides a careful analysis of the meaning of their extreme characters, as well as an explanation of Shakespeare's intent that the Duke represents a balancing of naive purity and corrupt worldliness.
From the Paper "With Isabella standing as the example of purity and Angelo representing the absolute darkness that corrupts the souls of men, Shakespeare plays the two extremes against each other in order to emphasize the importance of justice and balance. Although Angelo appears to be pure, this is only skin deep, and with his attraction to Isabella, he radically changes into a being consumed with evil intentions. His descent, however, is driven by a symbol of purity and innocence, because he longs to have the true purity that exists in him only as pretense. Isabella represents absolute purity, but Shakespeare deliberately moves her from entering a convent to considering the possibility of entering a marriage with the Duke, thus showing that even the extreme purity of Isabella should be tempered by wisdom of the real world in the form of the Duke."
Abstract This paper defines the role of Isabella in the play, "Measure for Measure," by Shakespeare. The author evaluates her behavior. The paper examines her role of a woman during this era.
Abstract This paper discusses how William Shakespeare's Measure for Measure has a good deal to say about the proper nature of rulers and other persons who hold power.
Abstract This paper discusses how Shakespeare focuses on the fact that honor can means different things to different people, and it can also be regarded as less than virtuous in some minds. It shows how Shakespeare clarifies the definition of honor in "King Henry", but he leaves the issue muddy in "Measure for Measure". He leaves us with personalities that may not seem be honorable ultimately being the most honorable of all. It is such characters that have made Shakespeare unmatched in his skill.
From the Paper "Isabella becomes the focus of honor and "doing the right thing" in Shakespeare's ?Measure for Measure.? During the course of the play, she is propositioned by three different men to break her vows and go against her conscious. Her honor is important to her, and she does not accept Angelo's proposal. In fact, she is forthright in her initial reaction to Angelo's request. In other words, she knows what he is all about. Even as Angelo begs Isabella to "Believe me, on mine honor,/My words express my purpose" (II.iv.46-7). She responds, ?Ha! Little honor to be much believed,/And most pernicious purpose! Seeming, seeming!? (II.iv.49-50). This scene helps us appreciate Isabella because she knows the right thing to do, despite what it means for her brother. She declares she will, "live chaste, and, brother, die:/More than our brother is our chastity" (II.iv.185-6). She is disgusted by the attitudes that surround her and to remove herself from it, she decides to enter a convent."
Abstract This paper summarizes and analyzes "Measure for Measure" by William Shakespeare, explaining that the comedy is about power, trust and the abuse of power.
From the Paper "He takes ample occasion to expound on his values - which are empty at the core. When Claudio is facing the realization that he might be killed for his sister's morality, the Duke gives him a "pep talk" which might drive anyone to suicide. Vincentio tells him to "be absolute for death" [III.i.4] and explains that life isn't worth living in the first place: "Thou hast nor youth, nor age,/ But as it were an after-dinner's sleep/ Dreaming on both.../...and when thou art old and rich,/ Thou hast neither heat, affection, limb nor beauty/ To make thy riches pleasant." [III.i.32-38] This sort of absolute nihilism leads us to believe that the Duke holds no meaning in life, and that his antics are a result of this meaninglessness. They are carried out without moral purpose, for the sheer pleasure of torment. Thus Vincentio serves as a reminder of the consequences which stem from the apathy of authority."
