Thought, Force and Selfishness in Ajax and Prometheus Bound Essay

Thought, Force and Selfishness in Ajax and Prometheus Bound - Essay Example Sophocle's Ajax is a mighty Greek warrior in the time of the Trojan war, second only to Achilles in "perfect prowess" (Sophocles, Ajax 1415). His wife is "spear-won", and his entire presence on stage is marked by Hector's bloody sword, a room-full of "sword-slain cattle", or his "self-dealt wound". After Achilles' death, a competition is set up between him and Odysseus over who will inherit Achilles' armor, symbolizing the inheritance of the latter's prized status. When the Atreidae decide that Odysseus should get the armor, instead of humbly accepting the judges' decision, Ajax's pride over his power and valor spurs him in revenge against Agamemnon and Menelaus, a wild act that is only thwarted by the duplicitous intervention of Athena, the patron goddess of Odysseus. She drives Ajax mad and instead of massacring the Atreidae, he slaughters cattle instead. The double humiliation and the rancor that he has stirred up in the Greek camp against him drive him to commit suicide. Ajax's actions-both the madness-inducing revenge, and his suicide-show not only a lack of wisdom but selfish pride in his lust for power. Despite his wife's pleas not to do anything rash and so cause her and his son to become slaves and to be mistreated by the Greeks, he only responds by insulting her - "Woman, silence graces women" (Ajax 292) - and deceiving her and his friends (Chorus) about his suicidal intentions: "I feel the keen edge of my temper softened by yon woman's words; and I feel the pity of leaving her a widow with my foes, and the boy and orphan" (652). His brother Teucer bemoans the taunts and the revilement that he will receive both at home and abroad because of Ajax's selfish act (1020-2), and the Chorus the future lack of protection that "bold Ajax" provided for him (1214). Ajax's pride in his might is such that he is unable to weigh the effect of his actions on others, and sees everyone else as less than himself (even king Odysseus). Furthermore, we see that it is selfish pride and arrogance that instigates Athena against him, as he spoke arrogantly against her, which is not befitting of his place as a mortal. The messenger reveals that "Ajax, even at his first going forth from home, was found foolish" (760), and when his father encouraged him with the wisdom of his years, "haughtily and foolishly he answered: 'I, even without [the gods'] aid, trust to bring glory within my grasp'" (770). More foolhardily, he spurned the help of the goddess Athena, thinking that he is mighty enough to win any battle as, "where Ajax stands, battle will never break our line" (776). The messenger rightly concludes that Ajax's "thoughts were too great for man" (788). Ajax's downfall or hubris then is that he is nothing more than an empty-headed muscle man, a dangerous comb ination of force and lack of intelligence. Throughout the play, Ajax's use of force is misplaced: against the "poor sheep", in his language to Tecmessa, and against himself. Regaining his right mind, he bemoans: "Seest thou the bold, the strong of heart, the dauntless in battles with the foe,-seest thou how I have shown my prowess on creatures that feared no harm" (364-6). While we can say that the first instance of misused force is as a result of Athena's intervention, his brutish manner to his wife and his suicide are done when he is in full

Strategic Sourcing and E-Procurement currently is at King Faisal Essay

Strategic Sourcing and E-Procurement currently is at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center - Essay Example Thus, this study was initiated to investigate the application of sourcing and procurement management strategy in Boeing Company. The choice of Boeing is based on its strategic position in the aircraft manufacturing sector and the series of problems it faces of late. Using, appropriate theoretical framework, deduced from the work of previous researchers, the company was diagnosed, and the supply chain and suppliers relationship mapped out. Porters value chain framework also help us develop some feedback and the way forward where some value drivers, core competences and competitive advantage were identified. Our recommendation is for KFSHRC to have suppliers dotted all over the areas and the need to link them through a common data base was emphasized. The report of calls on top management to successfully adjust Porters value chain to suit its need. Our recommendation is for customers and suppliers to be effectively integrated into the value chain, where consumers become Pro-sumers and suppliers are turned into consumers. The existing relationship with partners, suppliers, and customers should be turned in to a long term collaboration relationship. KFSHRC should integrate its logistics, procurement, operations, and marketing functions with other supply chain members so that materials, information, component parts, and finished product flow seamlessly from point of origin to final customer at low unit cost and at high levels of service (Christopher 1992). 1.0 Introduction Sourcing and e-procurement is a strategic tool employed by present day business to efficiently integrate suppliers, manufacturers, warehouses, and customers so that merchandise is produced and distributed at the right quantities, to the right locations, and at the right time in order to minimize system wide costs while satisfying service-level requirements ( Cheng, Lai & Gunasekaran 2006). In the 90s, Sourcing and e-procurement gained momentum and received due attention from practitioners and researchers. It has become present day managerial competitive weapon for improving performance (Ramsay 2000). To minimize wastages and meet up with customers demand. Today, to reduced lead time, goods must be stored in a warehouse at the right quantity and within the right time. Customers and suppliers are important stakeholders. "Stakeholders are those individual or groups who depend on the organisation to fulfill their own goals and on whom, in turn, the organisation depends" (Johnson

Fire risk assessment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Fire risk assessment - Essay Example Fires can be avoided, or minimized, through careful risk management. Risk management involves listing down the risks involved in the premises and dealing with these risks. Human error – and fire – can be dealt with effectively with careful planning and an equal amount of study on the possible causes of fire. This paper is a risk management report on a furniture factory which manufactures dining room furniture and directly sells them to the public. Covered in this report are the application of methods of fire risk assessment and the necessary laws and regulations regarding safety in the workplace. We are concerned of the safety of people occupying buildings and premises. Qualitative and quantitative researches on fire safety are included in the discussion. The report will cover several aspects on fire prevention such as the materials used in furnishings and structures and their susceptibility to different types of fires, disposal and handling of dangerous substances that can cause fire in the premises, and many other aspects of fire safety. It is important to note that fire safety is a broad concept that carries many subtopics which are interrelated but relevant to this report. Fire safety is everyone’s concern but puts a lot of pressure and responsibility on the part of the owner and employer of business. The key legal requirements we would like to discuss in addition to risk management issues are the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) and the Explosives Atmosphere Directives 99/92 EC (ATEX 137), which are closely related to our case study of a furniture factory. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 encompasses fire safety methods and prevention which are applicable only for England and Wales. This law covers many aspects of fire prevention and places a lot of responsibility on the shoulder of the employers and owners of business. It is also an ex tension of the first law, the 1997 Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations, which was not fully followed to the letter by employers and owners of business. (Grice, 2009, p. 23) Under the 2005 Order, the owner or employer acts as the ‘responsible person’ who is entrusted to prevent the risks of fire in his/her business premises, the area of responsibility, and must do everything in his/her power to conduct the necessary risk assessment. The provisions of the 2005 Order are clear about the different circumstances when the fire can occur. Risks of fire can be minimized by following the law. The responsible person must ensure that structures are constructed and maintained within guidelines prescribed by law. Fire prevention is safety itself, and this may correlate or link with the use of the right materials prescribed by the 2005 Order to ensure the safety of the persons in the premises. RISK MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVES â€Å"Risk management starts and ends with quality.† (Kent, 2004, p. 31) Risk management means early identification of the threat of risks in the premises and finding out the proper solution to the identified risks. This is known as risk management process. It is one of the most important tasks for any company, business, or organization. Without the implementation of an effective risk management plan, the chances of failure of business are increased. Risk management planning is not only important for the success and stability of the business operation but also is

Toledo - The City of Three Faiths Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Toledo - The City of Three Faiths - Essay Example E. Already, united Christian conquerors had launched the Reconquista in a bid to recapture Spain from Islamic rule. The twin threats of united Christian armies and rivalries between the smaller kingdoms eventually led to the demise of Islamic rule in Spain. The fall of the kingdom of Granada in the reign of Isabella and Ferdinand marked the official end of Islamic rule on the Iberian Peninsula. Between the Islamic conquest and expulsion from the Iberian Peninsula, a significant body of developments occurred throughout Spain in myriad fields. As commercial centers and centers of learning opened up their doors to all and sundry, the level of commercial advancement and research took on a new shape altogether. The developments in medieval Spain opened up the doors of Europe’s enlightenment and growth centuries later. The kingdom of Al-Andulas and the various kingdoms in its legacy gave rise to a number of cosmopolitans such as Seville, Cordoba, Toledo and Granada. All of these cit ies became centers of excellence in terms of economics, culture, science and religious tolerance. However, amongst these cities perhaps Toledo remained the most significant in terms of political and cultural development. Toledo first became a center of excellence under the Islamic regime of Al-Andulas after which King Alfonso VI conquered it in 1085 in his Reconquista bid. Unlike other regions where Christian takeovers incited bloodshed, violence and persecution, the takeover of Toledo was markedly different. Alonso placed no compulsion on the local Muslims and Jews to convert or immigrate to other lands. The real motives behind Alfonso’s actions have been questioned with some labeling them as altruism while others label them as commercial interests attached with the Muslims. Whatever the case, Alfonso allowed the Muslims to use the great mosque of Toledo and appointed a Christian governor (who spoke Arabic) to â€Å"oversee civil authority†. Muslim chronicles from the time indicate that Alfonso proclaimed himself as the King of two religions (Islam and Christianity as Jewish populations were too small). This declaration even by a king was revolutionary for the time as the Church considered all other religions as paganism alone. Alfonso’s recognition of Islam meant that he was ready for tolerance and peaceful coexistence. It must also be mentioned that Toledo served as an important commercial center on the important Spanish crossroads for trade and other commercial pursuits. Over the centuries Toledo’s centralized location as well as its commercially savvy population were able to transform the city into a massive commercial hub. The onset of commercial activities meant that Toledo had money to spare and that there were various cultural streams interacting with each other. Consequently, Toledo transformed into a vibrant commercial and cultural center. In contrast, the new rulers of cities such as Barbastro subjected their populations to inhumane and barbaric treatment that reduced these cities to dark ages. An-Andulas had managed to remove these cosmopolitan centers from abject poverty and backwardness, but the Reconquista managed to throw them back into poverty. This remained true for nearly all of the Iberian Peninsula except for Toledo. Toledo’s ruler Alfonso had captured the city in order to enhance his standing based on the city’s vibrant commercial and cultural activities. The Muslim population in the city was the very reason for its

Academic and Professional Discourse Communities Essay

Academic and Professional Discourse Communities - Essay Example iscuss what constitutes literacy in the discourse of graphic design and how one can achieve and demonstrate literacy within the graphic design discourse community. In the discourse of graphic design community, there are various methods that are involved in creating and combining symbols, words, and images in order to create a communication design or visual representation of messages and ideas. Literacy in graphic design would mean a mastery of the discourse, hence ability of a graphic designer to use a combination of the techniques of visual arts, typography, and page layout in order to produce final results of the practice of design. This process is hence referred to as a designing process in which some form of communication is created and design products are created. James Gee in his writing gives a sociological and a psychological approach to literacy. He asserts that literacy focus is a social practice and that it is not only the way you say it, but exactly what you are saying an d that which you are doing when saying it. Gee defines literacy in the parameters of discourse as a mastery of a particular secondary discourse. The graphic design discourse community has specific social and personal goals that they work towards meeting in the community. For instance, graphic designers are charged with the responsibility of creating visual communication to the people. They are expected to use techniques of visual arts, typography, and page layout in order to produce final results of the practice of design. Some of the specific goals they meet include creating identities such as branding and, publications like news papers, magazines and books, product packaging as well as advertisement. For instance, a graphic design discourse community aims at creating a product package that includes logo as well as other network, pure elements of design and an organized text like color and shapes that unify the piece of work. Therefore it is the goal, both at personal level and

How E-Commerce Began Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

How E-Commerce Began - Essay Example It could share business information ranging from shipment to invoices. In 1979, Americans came up with a system ASC X 12. It shared business information on the electronic network platforms. In 1980s, institutions and firms used USENET networks and transmission control protocol & internet protocol (TCP/IP). It involved the use of a computer terminal and packet-switched technology to connect modems and internet. Later in 1980s, a computer service firm provided e-mail and chat room services to its clients. In 1990, researchers from European Organization for Nuclear initiated a web-based tool referred to as hypertext that could through a web browser (Marc, 2004, p. 10). Technological advancement and internet popularity among businesses took center stage in 1994, when HTTP security protocols came operational. It enabled fast and persistent access to the internet. In the year 2000, several business companies in the western world had their representation on the World Wide Web (www). It was a year when business used e-commerce as the purchase and sale of services and goods via the internet. The set back e-commerce encountered was on the fall out of dot-com whereby many businesses vanished on the web. However, other companies and retailers saw the importance of e-commerce and immediately put their presence on the web. By 2005, a large platform of e-commerce in the form of business-to-business and business- to -consumer had a turnover of more than 700 billion dollars (Alan & Steven, 2001). E-commerce is pivotal in today’s digital world; consumers can get a range of products swiftly and comparing prices at a click of a mouse. Internet provides a platform for consumers without expensive campaign. Internet companies like EBay and Amazon enjoy transactions on the net. Nevertheless, what are the drivers that make e-commerce a success? To date, companies use e-commerce to lower operating costs and increase revenue in

Portrait Photography Survey Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Portrait Photography Survey - Essay Example Markets of portrait photography include restaurants, taverns, stores and business premises. These organizations use portrait photos to reach out to their consumers (Kelby 36). This is because portrait photos are more appealing and conspicuous to motorists, pedestrians and other road users as they are normally attractive. Portrait photographers make money by making saleable portraits which they sale them to businesses which use them for advertisement purposes their websites and in local television programs. On the other hand portrait photographers make sales when they are hired to make photo shoots in institutions’ events such as graduations and in special occasions such as in church weddings. Requirements of a portrait photography business is photography equipment which should be modest, several pieces of cloth for backdrop ,lenses with good magnification, some sources of light and a tripod stand (Wilsh 47). These equipments should be of lightest weight so as to make them more portable thereby easing movement. Portrait photography has undergone a list of trends over the past years. A few decades ago, images were in a black and white portrays, that evolved to hand coloring pencils then to hand coloring paints. Currently, images are taken using digital cameras, which produce neat colored photographs. These advancements are attributed to progress in the new technology which has been given abreast. Location of portrait photography is mostly influenced by the subject; this is the intention of the photographer. If the intended expression involves environmental aspects like natural features, then a rain forest would be the best location. However if the photographer is new to the business then simplicity should guide him or her. He/she should look for the simplest places. To enhance more effects, studio photographers should concentrate more on improving the background of the