Modern Knowledge Management Practices Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Modern Knowledge Management Practices - Essay Example Knowledge is nowadays increasingly becoming an ultimate competitive advantage either replacing or complementing such traditional sources of success as technologies, marketing mix, and often even financial resources (Malhotra, 1998). Modern business history lists a number of instances when knowledge-centred management has helped create competitive advantage of organisations and even countries formerly limited in financial and other resources. For Microsoft, Dell, IBM (which is believed to be one of the founders of the paradigm), Compaq, British Airways, Ryan Air and other major organisations knowledge management has become the cornerstone of success. The same is true for such countries as South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong which rely on the national knowledge economy. Over the last two decades, organizations have often been described in terms of knowledge and learning with the help of such concepts as "learning organisation", "intellectual capital", "people-centred approach" or "knowledge based management". Cakar and Bititci (2001) perfectly summarise this trend in the following statement: "1980s were all about automation. In the manufacturing industry FMS, FAS, Robots, AGV'S etc. were commonplace. The 1990s have been about people, this is evident in the development of concepts throughout the 90's focusing on delegation, involvement, ownership cross functional teamwork, self managed works teams and so on The needs of modern business emphasize the role and importance of people and knowledge" (p.2). The ideas of Peter Drucker (1994), whom was the first to use term 'knowledge worker', became widely recognised in 1980s, particularly the idea that investments in human resources were increasingly becoming more cost-efficient than investments in machines. In 1986, European knowledge management pioneer Karl-Erik Sveiby described the concept of a "know-how company" (Doz, Santos & Williamson, 2001), and in 1991 the ideas of knowledge management were reconsidered by Ikujiro Nonako (1991) whom presented the idea of "knowledge-creating company". The 1996 could be considered the turning point in history of knowledge management: the influence of this paradigm became overwhelming in the developed countries (Skyrme, 2002). While earlier on knowledge used to produce goods, these days it is used to produce other knowledge and information: "what is specific to the informational mode of development is the action of knowledge upon knowledge itself as the main source of productivity" (Mishel & Bernstein, 1996: 17). In other words, the process of creation and sharing knowledge has become the key for strengthening the competitive and successful outcomes of modern organisations. Probably the main reason for such shift is the improved understanding of the importance of knowledge created and shared within organisation. At the same time, the changed patterns of managing human resources made the businesses pay more attention to tacit knowledge the employees possess. Main discussion Originally emerged in 1960s, the paradigm of HRM relied on the broad range of findings revealed by several outstanding organisational researchers. As Alan

Why does Stonehenge continue to capture the imagination Essay

Why does Stonehenge continue to capture the imagination - Essay Example The construction on Stonehenge began about 5,000 years ago and was completed about 4,000 years ago. The huge and colossal scale and strange aim of Stonehenge draw the attention of eight hundred thousand visitors every year, and many people visit this monument during summers to view the sunrise at this mystical and ancient site (UNESCO, 2012). The Stonehenge is undoubtedly a spectacular sun rise and sun set view and is obviously seen as a site of worship for the ancient people of Europe. History says nothing about the religion of Stonehenge people but the site became a place for worship and pilgrimage for Neo pagans who recognized themselves as Celtic paganism or Druids. The site is also popular with the people of New Age who say that the site has some powerful energy associated with it. Not only the construction but the location and site of Stonehenge also capture the attention of thousands of people visiting it each year (Stonehenge, 2012). Even today, the construction of Stonehenge is said to be an inspiring achievement of the engineers, requiring time and commitment, and also a huge amount of manual labor. First, there was a huge bank and ditch known as ‘henge’ dug into the surface of Earth around 5,000 years ago. The ditch as made by tools made up of wood or antlers of red deer. The fundamental chalk was united by picks and scooped with shoulder blades of the cattle. Subsequently, it was put into baskets and then moved away (Stonehenge, 2012). In 2000 BC, the very first stone circle (the inner circle) made up of tiny bluestones, was set up, but was discarded even before its completion. The stones which were used for the first circle are thought to be taken from Prescelly Mountains, which are situated almost 240 miles away from the Stonehenge, in the southwestern side of Wales. These bluestones have a weight of about four tons per stone and almost eighty stones are used. Considering the distance and the transportation mood of that time, it was a lot of distance to cover (Heritage). Still today, nobody has been able to give an accurate answer of who built the Stonehenge. It is still a mystery to be solved which makes this place even more eye catching and astonishing. The construction of the monument has been linked to several ancient populations, but the most lasting and appealing ascription has been given to the Druids as described earlier. This wrong conception was brought in by John Aubrey around three centuries ago. Some Roman writers, including Julius Caesar link this construction to Celtic priesthood who grew at the time of their initial conquest in about 55BC. But, the stones were already standing there for 2,000 years by this time, and most probably were in a devastated condition. Furthermore, the Druids were worshippers of forest temples and not stone structures (Stonehenge, 2012). King Arthur’s legends give a reconciliation of Stonehenge construction. It was narrated by Geoffrey, the famous writer of twelft h century, in his book â€Å"History of the Kings of Britain† that the stones were brought in by Merlin from Ireland to Salisbury Plain. During the 5th Century, there was an annihilation of three hundred British noblemen by Hengest (deceitful Saxon leader). According to Geoffrey, king Aurelius Ambrosius wished to make a fitting memorial for the slain men. Merlin came up with a journey to Ireland for the aim of relocating the huge ring stone circle to England. Now Geoffrey says that these stones were brought by giants from Africa as they were so enormous to be a work of human beings. These stones were then situated on â€Å"Mount Killaraus† and were then used as a place for doing rituals and for the purpose of healing. The

How can animation and interaction be used to influence learning and Dissertation

How can animation and interaction be used to influence learning and teaching - Dissertation Example Conclusion 23 7. References 24 Abstract Use of computer technology in education, improves the standard of dispensation among learners. It is proved from the research that the majority of the learners and teachers love to use gadgets like computers and other communication devices, due to their effectiveness. The teachers also prefer animation techniques for teaching which improves the quality of teaching with less physical effort, and avoiding mess of papers. Teachers use it for preparing lecture such as on slides, 3 D presentations, drawing objects on screen, with the help of specific computer software which provide excellent features & interactive environment to create/generate idea, update, and develop teaching material with less effort. In the same way the children also like use of these gadgets for learning and practicing which improve their learning ability & understand in a fast manner through illustration such as, pictures, cartoons, objects on screen. The main factor of adopt ing it in the education is the increasing concern of electronic media and different electronic gadgets in our daily life. Animation & Interaction are the best sources for developing interest among children students in order to achieve / attain effective knowledge and entertainment which help to retain the knowledge due to better presentation along with valuable related exercises. Research shows that what ever is the age group, almost all concerns shows their preferences are high with regard to the use of different electronic devices. The best institute always focuses on use of latest gadgets in their institutes for teaching and they have been working with talented teachers to help their students to achieve his or her goal, because teaching methods enhance the capabilities of learners from early age to university level. One good teacher produces several good generations. Chapter 1 MOTIVATION INTRODUCTION In this chapter you will learn about the techniques which are being used to moti vate the students in the classroom and far-learning programs. Motivational technique leaves good impression while giving out knowledge to the learners. Its theories show how single technique could be used to motivate single group of learners. It has been found to be an important element in children, younger, elder & special learner (handy caped or abnormal). Motivation may be rooted in a basic need to minimize physical pain and maximize pleasure. School or college experts regard it as a big social group or a community for learners. DEFINITION The word motivation is the combination of motive-- means Object, purpose, or reason & action-- means to act or react upon purpose or achievement. In education, the term Motivation is always refers as a procedure that extracts, controls, and maintains certain behaviors of the students for learning. It is a group of phenomena which may concern with the nature of an individual's behavior, the strength of the behavior, and the determination of the behavior. All the human beings are not motivated with the same procedure but it varies from person to person and from age group to age group, due to some natural, physiological, behavioral, cognitive and social factors. Each factor leaves different impact on the person’s personality. Every department applies the different techniques to motivate their associates or users. In education the teacher apply such technique from which their students learn maximum. TYPES Intrinsic or internal

Innovation and Tradition in French Music since 1920 Essay

Innovation and Tradition in French Music since 1920 - Essay Example The various elements which began to be incorporated into this style worked with new sounds and methodologies of the works while adding in a sense of innovation that broke from the musical traditions of the past. French Music in the 1920s The importance of Les Six in the 1920s of France was important not only because of the changes in classical music. There were also attempts to express the political and social changes that were occurring within France and at a global level. France was currently experiencing the political movements of revolution and war, specifically which began to emerge in the late 1800s. The time period which led to more experimentation was after World War I. The general ideology of those that were in France during this time was based on finding a sense of freedom from the past of politics with an understanding of the complexities from the suffering of war as well as the new philosophies based on freedom. This led to the exploratory nature of the music and the new expressions which showed the modern complexity of the time. The war, as well as the corruptions in politics was then able to guide in new philosophies and ideologies into a sense of modernism1. With the changes in politics, were also alterations in identity among the French culture. This was based on the ideas of nationalism, specifically which expressed a new ideology by understanding that France needed to regain an identity outside of the wars that were being fought. The ideal of patriotism of France, as well as the identity of changing the cultural aspects that were associated with France became the main objectives. This was combined with the concept of modernity, specifically which came from the growth of the industrial era. France created an ideology of identity based on moving into innovation and modernity, as well as placing this around the pride for the country. The reflection in the music was then based on the ideals of innovation and experimentation that could represent th e new French style2. Background of Les Six Les Six began to develop in 1917, with the leader of the group, Jean Cocteau. This French composer took the names from the Russian and German movements which were also interested in experimentation and innovation. However, the ideals moved against the other experimentation aspects, such as from Richard Wagner. The individuals who made this group included Georges Auric, Louis Durey, Arthur Honegger, Darius Milhaud, Francis Poulenc and Germaine Taillefaire. It was noted that the importance of this group was based not only on the ideal of composition with a rebellion of other types of music. More important, there was a creation of commercial advertising and an understanding that the music made would be French and for those interested in creating a specialized type of music that represented the nation3. The basics of Les Six not only were based on the six individuals who held specific relationships to the music and what was occurring. There was also a direct association with the outside influences, which the group began to accept or reject as a part of their works. The first way in which this was done was through the outside influences and theories that began to enter Paris as it became a world – renowned place for travel. The World fair of 1894 as well as the fluctuation of individuals visiting the region from around the world began to move those interested in music into new theories. American, Russian and German influences were three of the strongest areas which began

Development of hndwriting skills Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Development of hndwriting skills - Essay Example The functionl skill of hndwriting supports the cdemic tsk of writing nd llows students to convey writ ten informtion legibly nd efficiently, while ccomplishing written school ssignments in timely mnner. Hndwriting consumes much of student's school dy. McHle nd Cermk (2002) exmined the mount of time llocted to fine-motor ctivities nd the type of fine-motor ctivities tht school-ged children were expected to perform in the clssroom. In their study of six clsses, consisting of two clsses from grdes 2, 4, nd 6 in middle-income public schools, they found tht 31% to 60% of the children's school dy consisted of fine-motor ctivities. Of those fine-motor tsks, 85% of the time consisted of pper nd pencil tsks, indicting tht students my possibly spend up to one qurter to one hlf of their clssroom time engged in pper nd pencil tsks. Occuptionl therpists re frequently sked to evlute hndwriting when it interferes with student's performnce of written ssignments. In fct, poor hndwriting is one of the most common resons for referring school-ged children for occuptionl therpy (Cermk, 1991; Chndler, 1994; Oliver, 2002; Reismn, 1991). The role of the occuptionl therpist is to view the student's performnce, in this cse hndwriting, by focusing on the interction of the student, the school environment, nd the school occuption. Review of Literture Development of hndwriting skills Hndwriting is complex skill, requiring the mturtion nd integrtion of cognitive, visul perceptul, nd fine motor skills. The smll muscles of the hnd follow developmentl progression of prehension nd grsp through infncy, toddlerhood, nd the preschool yers to prepre child to grsp nd mnipulte writing instrument. child's erly experiences with scribbling pve the wy for imitting nd copying lines nd circles in the preschool yers. Eye-hnd coordintion, visul perception, uditory perception, directionlity, sequencing, nd memory lso develop with mturtion nd experience in the erly yers nd re thought to be the underlying components required for hndwriting (mundson & Weil, 2001). Despite the developmentl trends of the component skills, the ctul skill of hndwriting requires forml instruction t school. Culturlly determined conventions of writing re tught nd prcticed in vrying degrees in the school environment. Hndwriting instruction Concurrent with qulittive nlysis of hndwriting, the occuptionl therpist nlyzes the sensorimotor, cognitive, nd psychosocil performnce components tht my be interfering with the child's hndwriting legibility nd speed. s occuptionl therpists build their clinicl resoning skills, they re ble to observe child struggling to write or view child's distorted, unredble hndwriting nd identify suspect performnce components interfering with written communiction. For exmple,

Career Research Paper (Mechanical Engineering at BMW M model) Part 2

Career (Mechanical Engineering at BMW M model) Part 2 - Research Paper Example Mechanics is associated with designing and working of machines and can be ascertained as the main department of all other branches of science. A degree in mechanical engineering can be helpful to obtain a job in automobile industry, wherein an opportunity to design cars and other vehicles along with conducting various research and development activities can be gained. As a mechanical engineer, students may get assistance in planning and designing vehicle parts. Therefore, it can be stated that mechanical engineering profession is of great importance in the automobile sector (Murthy 1-18). With this concern, the research paper intends to analyze the current demand for new hires in entry-level jobs relating to one of the companies operating in the automobile industry i.e. BMW Group. The company is regarded as one of the biggest manufacturers of cars, which provides job opportunities to those students who are pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering or searching job in the respective field. The various methods followed by the students in finding jobs in automobile sector have also been discussed in this research paper. Apart from this, utmost focus has been levied upon depicting the possible career growth path along with the compensation expected by the students at the entry level job and expected pay after gaining experiences (BMWGroup â€Å"A World of Opportunities†). The demand for mechanical engineers is high in automobile industry, as they possess the ability of playing the role of automotive engineers as well. A mechanical engineer can cover the entire job roles of an automotive engineer. Both mechanical and automotive engineer are required to design vehicles for the concerned companies to whom they are employed. A mechanical engineer has the skill to design various components and parts of the vehicles and above all, they also perform additional roles of ensuring greater safety

Similarities and differences between japan's keiretsu and south Essay

Similarities and differences between japan's keiretsu and south korea's chaebol - Essay Example These enterprises were established by the Meiji government in the late nineteenth century, as a way to invigorate Japan’s industrialization. Therefore, the main reason for the formation of these business enterprises was to respond to failures in the market. Companies owned by these zaibatsu’s were vertically organized and owned by families and sometimes, holding companies. According to Rosati (1993), trading companies and banks were the most powerful industries among the zaibatsu. This is because they controlled the distribution of goods and operations among the zaibatsu’s. The zaibatsu were abolished at the end of the Second World War by the Allied Occupation Forces, when their shares were allocated to the Japanese public, in order to promote competition and equality. Rosati points out that â€Å"during this period, however, the private sector had little funding capacity, and corporations among themselves unable to raise the capital they needed† (1993, p. 85). It was during this time that the practice of raising funds through loans from banks was embraced. Due to the low prices of shares and accumulation of capital in the private sector, corporations were exposed to acquisitions. This was further compounded by the fact that the stock owning capacity of banks was limited by the 1947 Antimonopoly Act (Rosati, 1993). Consequently, corporations had to invest somewhat equal amounts of capital among themselves to create stability among shareholders although there was no physical exchange of the money. In the 1960s, Japan joined the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and this led to a relaxation of capital transaction policies by the government. Since the owners of the corporations feared being taken over by foreign investors, they conducted cross ownership that brought back the links that had existed among zaibatsu groups prior to the Second World War and this led to the formation of Keiretsu groups. Keiretsu gro ups were very significant in rejuvenating the economy of Japan after the Second World War. Small industries in Japan were able to develop, despite the fact that Japan’s economy was detached for the world markets and highly monitored. Examples of keiretsus include Mitsui and Mitsubishi. South Korea's Chaebols: Origins and Features Chaebols were established by the Japanese colonial rule in Korea during the 1920s and 1930s. In fact, Korea’s Chaebols were formed in a similar way to the Japanese keiretsus. The main reason for the establishment of Chaebols was so that Japan could benefit from Korea’s economic development. The establishment of chaebols began when Japan set up privately owned businesses in Korea, but strictly controlled business procedures, license applications, and credit. Japanese rule in Korea eventually came to an end, and this gave the Korean’s freedom to adjust the business procedures and processes of the Chaebols. Dubois (2004) points out that â€Å"the effort was coordinated by president Park Chung Hee, the president of South Korea from 1961 until his assassination in 1976† (p. 42). Under the concept of chaebols, conglomerates usually controlled by a family were formed under a sole holding company. Each company held another company’s shares and through this, they were all interlinked. The chaebols however had no financial institutions and this required financial support from the government, since South Korea’s banks are joined together and controlled by the government.