Understanding project management techniques Coursework

Understanding project management techniques - Coursework Example Understanding project management techniques However, the few who work from home need to make available their systems at local centers for upgradation and another 10 percent of the systems with JAWS screen reader software need special skills to upgrade to Windows 7. Every project poses problems to project managers and a structured method to problem-solving is required to expose and handle the problem as well as expose other unknown problems that expose the project to risks (Walker, 2011). This project can be effectively managed through use of the most relevant project management tools and techniques. Planning, designing, implementing, monitoring, and completion are the different stages through which the project needs to be taken through successfully to upgrade all the 400 systems of the company. The tools that are available and which can be used for the project will be identified; evaluated and relevant tools and techniques will be used to understand the same. Tools like: Gantt chart, logic network, PERT chart, product breakdow n structure and work breakdown structure are some of the tools that will be evaluated for use in this project. Further, risk management in the project will also be discussed for implementation. A Gantt chart is a frequently used project management tool that provides a graphical representation of a planning and coordinating schedule and also helps track specific tasks of a project. It is a horizontal bar chart serving as a project control tool. The horizontal axis of the chart represents the total time span of the project while the vertical axis represents the various activities or tasks. The horizontal bars can represent the sequences, time and the timing of the tasks. Gantt charts give the status of a project at any given time, but do not represent the interdependcies in the project which is a major drawback when it is important (Whatis.com, 2000). Sub-tasks of a particular task can be viewed using a Gantt chart as small manageable sub-tasks with their dependencies as arrows are illustrated along with other parallel processes, timeline of the project and the progress is tracked with the chart. With tools like OpenOffice, the progress of a task can be tracked in terms of pe rcentage with the dependencies of the sub-tasks also being documented; a Gantt chart automatically gives the start date of the task based on the dependencies (Louarne, 2003). A Gantt chart is also called a Bar chart where the bars represent the tasks and its length represents the time to complete the task (Bureau of Energy Efficiency, 2011). A Gantt chart is created by determining the necessary activities (roles), listing the man-hours required, responsibilities and the throughput time. a disadvantage with Gantt charts is that project that are too complex cannot communicate effectively through this chart as the interdependencies cannot be well developed using such a chart (Russell, 2010). All the tasks, sub-tasks, resources, schedules, etc. will be needed to be sorted out and represented using a Gantt chart for easy tracking of its progress. b) Logic Network As Gantt charts lack the convenience of representing interdependencies between events and activities within a project to give updated information on the project operations at any given time, networks of logic are constructed for this purpose. Valuable information for project planning, creating master plans by integrating plans, scheduling, resource management and timeline is made

Human Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Human Development - Essay Example Good mood is conducive for human development. Networking Good social relations are compulsory for human development in the contemporary age. Man is referred to as a social animal. This essentially means that a big part of our identity is derived from the social relations we cultivate. The society in which we live constitutes people from all professions. In order for an individual to grow, he/she needs to achieve more in less time. This is only possible when one knows the art of being in the right place in the right time. It does seem a bit odd, but it works! People use their links to get the works done in seconds that would otherwise take them days, months, or perhaps years to do. Networking connects people to others who can fulfill their needs. Reflection Reflection is a very useful exercise that is increasingly being made use of these days. People are encouraged to reflect upon their experiences on every level. For example, students are given assignments by their teachers in school s to reflect upon their experiences. By making it part of their education, educationalists are encouraging people to make reflection a necessary part of their life. â€Å"The process of reflection is an integral part of teaching practice† (une.edu.au, n.d.).

Principles of Semiotics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Principles of Semiotics - Essay Example As language with its signs and symbols is a sign, then to many it is linguistics. So, semiotics is a complex subject studying everything that is expressed under the sky. It is no doubt that Saussure, a famous linguist, is one of the early developers of semiotics. Roland Barthes, Greimas, Julia Kristeva, Jakobson are important in modern semiotics. In its course of development, semiotics had close ties with linguistics, structuralism and social psychology. Structuralism looks at language as a set of signs. They explored the underlying structures beneath the language. Modern Semiotics strives to relate signs and their meaning to their social context and situates itself in the wider perspective offered by social semiotics. It is closely allied to Marxist theory in its social concerns. Semiology aims to take in any system of signs, whatever their substance and limits; images, gestures, musical sounds, objects, and the complex associations of all of these, which form the content of ritual, convention or public entertainment: these constitute, if not languages, at least systems of signification. (Barthes 1967, 9) Acknowledging Barthes idea of signs, semiotics concerns itself with everything that can be considered as a sign, according to Umberto Eco. Sign is anything that signifies something else. ‘Signify’ is very important in Semiotics. As Daniel says, â€Å"n a semiotic sense, signs take the form of words, images, sounds, gestures and objects†. It could be a study of signs in the social, personal or philosophical context. It could be read from Feminist, Marxist or Sociologist perspective. To put in other words, a sign... is something which stands to somebody for something in some respect or capacity (Peirce 1931-58, 2.228). Print and other media advertisements can be read closely to reveal themes and trends in the permutations and combinations of signs. It also gives clue of the readers and the advertisers. The

Remote Sensing of the Coral Reefs Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Remote Sensing of the Coral Reefs - Coursework Example Coral reefs are productive ecosystem and diverse habitats in the world because of their economic and social importance including food provision, tourism among others. There is a high rate of global degradation of coral reefs and these calls for their sustainable management. Their reduction has fueled the local and international communities to come up with approaches of monitoring coral reefs. Ecology involves the study of organisms in the environmental surroundings which require spatially accurate data given the distribution of spices. In the past manual and field observation methods were used to gather ecological information. These methods were labor-intensive and time-consuming. As a result, remote sensing became widely incorporated in the ecological duties because of its large coverage, cost-effectiveness, and accuracy. This called for the venture into new technologies to enable easy and faster access to remotely sensed information in the management and monitoring of ecological sp ecies. The coral ecosystem is one of the important habitats in the world. Coral reefs play a significant role in checking the amount of carbon dioxide in the sea. Without them regulating the level of carbon dioxide in water could be difficult and many species on earth including human being could be at high risk. Although, that is the current situation in the world because people have destroyed the reefs due to the level of impurities in the water bodies this has resulted in global warming. They are also habitat to millions of fish species, source of employment, food provision, tourism attraction sites and protect the shores fro waves. In short, they are a source of livelihood to millions of people around the globe. This paper addresses landscape remote sensing approaches of mapping coral reefs.

Product Introduction Examples and Their Categorization Essay

Product Introduction Examples and Their Categorization - Essay Example This product has huge storage capacity and hence can store hundreds of films & music videos inside the device. In the author's view, this product is going to face incompatibility with the recorded movie & music industry given that USB drives are not yet the preferred media of selling recorded films & songs. Hence, this device may end up promoting piracy for end users to use it effectively (media companies do not allow copying). Western Digital will need to work out the details of how media companies will be able to sell their products compatible with this device. Currently, the on-line videos are available only through streaming facilities in sites like Cinema Now. As presented by Bhattacharya & Krishnan et al. (1998. S50-S51) firms may get trapped into incorrect design of new products if the specifications are finalized without considering how the competition and related products would evolve. In an old theory Ansoff (1980. pp139) developed an empirical generalization in which it is presented that new product strategists should consider trends, impact, timing of impact, response time, urgency, threats and opportunities before finalizing the product design and launching in the market. The author feels that this product will currently be successful in regions where video piracy is prevalent thus resulting in an unethical factor to contribute to its success. Sony Potrosacki Proizvodi Bravia TV 200 Hz High Density Television in Croatia Sony has recently launched Potrosacki Proizvodi Bravia TV 200 Hz High Density Television in Croatia [http://www.sony.hr/product/t32-z-series/kdl-40z4500]. This device supports latest technologies like High Density picture (1080 pixels) and smoother motion flow at 200 Hz that is normally displayed at 50 Hz. From the perspective of Croatia, many channels available through wired TV connections do not support HDTV. The satellite connectivity does provide access to HDTV channels but their performance is not good in coastal areas due to heavy rains & thick clouds. Hence, a large part of customer base in Croatia will not be able to differentiate the performance of this model compared to the older TV sets. Overall, it is an excellent addition to the existing product line of Sony but it would take some time for the customers at Croatia to realize the difference. Levinthal & Purohit (1989. pp38-39) presented that when a company launches new products in competition with its older variants in th e same product line, the consumers would compare the performance of the new product with its old variant which needs to be tangibly visible. Sony already has a huge customer base of flat LCD TVs in Croatia. Given that Sony products are very durable, it would be difficult for the organization to tangibly demonstrate the value addition of HDTV systems to the customers to motivate them to purchase them in addition to their existing TV sets. Apple iPhone 3G introduction in Croatia Apple has launched the improved version of iPhone that is compatible with 3G spectrum in Croatia (http://www.apple.com/iphone/countries/hr/). This product again

Business Strategy in a Global Environment Case Study

Business Strategy in a Global Environment - Case Study Example Case study "Bussiness strategy in a global environment" is kind of work that includes everything that may characterize meaning ''academic appliance". Author overviewed lots of qualified literature in order to make structured and complex answer on next question: "What is actually business strategy and how it interacts with the global environment?". The author thinks that the first step of each successful strategy is a choice, which is based on the foundations that have been laid by the SWOT matrix. This notion postulates that the observations of the SWOT matrix can be explored further through the application of the TOWS matrix whereby the integration of both external and internal factors that are associated with the organization can guide Farstad Shipping towards the achievement of its long-term goals and objectives. The application of this technique of situational analysis with regards to the company under discussion is an acknowledgment of the importance of this tool in strategic planning. This is essentially the point where a global business strategy differs from a national business development strategy as different other factors such as product standardization and adaptation come in. Global business strategies have emerged as a result of globalization and internationalization of established domestic companies which is purpo rted to increase the value of the company in question. This work contains the title, table of contents, a bunch of tables and diagrammes, main part and reference list. ... Therefore, the available options that have come under consideration are presented through the Business-level Matrix and the Product/Market Matrix below: Table 1.1.2 Business-level Matrix (Adapted from: Goldman and Nieuwenhuizen 2006) Table 1.1.3 Product/Market Matrix Products/services Existing New Markets Existing Market penetration New products/services New Market development Diversification (Adapted from: Johnson, Whittington & Scholes 2011) The viable strategies for Farstad Shipping which have been selected through the examination of the TOWS Matrix, the Business-level Matrix and the Product/Market Matrix are: cost leadership, differentiation, new products/services, market development and market penetration. These strategies will be assessed in greater detail in the following sections of the report. 1.2 Strategic Choice As per the company’s long-term objective, Farstad Shipping aims to become the foremost supplier of offshore tonnage to the businesses operating in the oil a nd gas industry (Farstad 2012a). The organization understands that it conducts operations in an industry which is marked by the presence of intense competition which is why it categorizes innovative process and technology as the main tools which can guide the organization towards success. In order to attain its long-term objectives Farstad Shipping faces the selection of a combination of five distinct business-level and corporate level strategies which must be thoroughly examined, analyzed and evaluated by keeping in view the dynamic nature of the industry in which the organization conducts its activities. Consequently, assessments on strategic choice are also pivotal to the attainment of a competitive advantage. 1.2.1 Cost Leadership The

Public Relations Campaign American Girl Brand Essay Example for Free

Public Relations Campaign American Girl Brand Essay In a very competitive market, today most organizations are relying on public relations departments to create interest and manage the overall public perception. Publicity determines the people willingness to buy a product, invest in a company, and general interest of the association with the company in question mostly through employment. Companies use public relations to create publicity. The purpose of this paper is to explore ways in which America Girl can use PR to promote the new brand, Graceâ„ ¢ doll. American Girl brands are owned by Mattel, Inc that is registered on the NASDAQ stock exchange. The Mattel family specializes in design and production of toys and family products (Business Wire, 2015). The American Girl brand was introduced in 1986, and has been committed to products that suit girls aged 3 to 12 years such as movies, clothes, high-quality dolls, unforgettable experiences and high-quality dolls. The newest product of the American Girl is an 18-inch â€Å"doll† named Grace Thomas. She is a fanatic baker and also desires to start a baking business. She is motivated to pursue her entrepreneurial spirit. The â€Å"doll† has accessories, toys and outfits that reflect her interests including premium French Bakery set comprised of more than 60 pieces. Mattel Inc plans on producing product Grace Thomas doll for a period of one year, and the purpose of this paper is to create a publicity plan for the new product. Based on both demographic and psychographic information and factors such as age, gender and interests, the target audience for this campaign is g irls in the age group 3 to 12 years. The discussion in this paper focuses on reaching the target audience through the most effective means, which are screen media and social media. The target audience also has the influence on the family pocketbook and can influence the spending patterns of their families CITATION Cal08 l 1033 (Calvert, 2008). Goals                     To increase the number of American Girl Facebook followers from 947 likes to 2000 likes, targeting girls aged 3 to 12 within a period of three months To increase the number of American Girl Instagram followers from 830 followers to 2000 followers targeting the girls in the age 3 to 12 years within three months Objectives                     To increase the awareness of the Graceâ„ ¢ doll in the age group 3 to 12 years by 77% within a period of three months To increase the acceptance of the Graceâ„ ¢ by the adult population, especially parents, by 30 % within three months To motivate an action by the target audience specifically to try Graceâ„ ¢ and increase public interest by 25% within three months. The set goals and objectives can be achieved by integrating the services of traditional media. One of the most effective ways of achieving a successful campaign is through production of a pitch in a television show that promotes Graceâ„ ¢. In order to make the pitch successful, it has to be accompanied by a captivating and visually-oriented story. The story has to be pitched by a person who can effectively connect to the target audience. The pitch has to go suit the target audience’s needs, just like they way a TV producer can choose the programs that suit the target audience. The use of pitch can also be applied in the radio stations, where the radio host can help in reaching out to the target audience. Brochures, coupons, and Graceâ„ ¢ flyers are some of the traditional media that can be used in this campaign. The use of can also use direct mailing services to send promotional materials directly to the target audience. Summarily, public relation is a vital part of marketing. The goals and objectives set up in a PR campaign should be achievable. Since a public relations program is cheaper to ramp up than marketing, companies have shifted attention to public relations. A successful PR campaign needs to be unique, and entice the target audience. Traditional media can be integrated with a PR campaign to increase awareness of a product. References Business Wire. (2015). American Girl’s 2015 Girl of the Year â€Å"Bakes† a Difference and Helps Girls Find Their Own Recipe for Success. Retrieved from http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20150101005003/en/#.VOKyBCyAHK8 Calvert, S. L. (2008). Children as Consumers: Advertising and marketing. The future of children, 18(1), 205-234. Source document