Too Far Ahead of the IT Curve Essay Example for Free

Too Far Ahead of the IT Curve Essay Over the years Peachtree had grown from a single hospital to a regional network of 11 institutions. With over 4,000 employees and a million patients Peachtrees IT infrastructure has not kept up with their growth. The current IT system is not reliable, efficient and secure. The company mission is to provide quality, consistency and continuity care across the entire network delivered with efficacy, economy and respect for patients and staff. In addition, unlike the healthcare industry which moved to standardized care, Peachtree believes its focus should be on the selective standardization. In order to achieve its objectives, Peachtree needs to overcome its failing IT infrastructure. This could be attained by implementation of SOA based system since it best aligns with the companys business model, mission and goals. Another recommended step is that Peachtree turns toward an incremental implementation of SOA. Peachtree should retain what still works and adds value to the company and replace only the most inefficient parts of the current system. Finally, standardizing only certain areas of clinical treatment could provide efficiency and cost savings and at the same time would allow doctors to make the final call, so the quality of care and patient safety wouldnt be compromised. Current Situation During the last 12 years Peachtree had grown from a single teaching hospital to a regional network of 11 healthcare institutions with additional support facilities. All 11 healthcare institutions have different size, purpose, history and culture. Each hospital has its own IT system and is doing things differently. As a result, Peachtree is encountering a problem with its incompatible technology that creates many problems and inadequate performance. The consistency and continuity of care across entire network is compromised which is not consistent with Peachtrees goals. In addition, Peachtree current system is not reliable. Reliability is crucial for the company, since the doctors and patient depend on it, and the system is very important for carrying out the companys mission. Another related issue is that a lot of time and budget goes into maintaining the current system. The  support and control of the current system is very difficult, and its not cost efficient. The more Peachtree grows, the bigger that problem will become. This is not consistent with companys goal to deliver care with the highest level of efficiency and economy. While the healthcare industry has moved towards standardization, Peachtree has resisted. One advantage of the current system is that it doesnt enforce blanked standardization, but provides flexibility. It gives the physicians freedom to form their own judgments about which treatment to use for which patient. This ensures quality care and respect for patients and stuff which is part of Peachtrees mission statement. Yet, many areas of clinical treatment could safely be standardized around best practises without compromising patient safety and quality of care. Moreover, in some operational areas, standard based system could create efficiency, cost savings and higher quality products. Criteria In order to ensure that Peachtrees IT system is aligned with companys strategy to provide quality, consistency, and continuity of care across the entire network delivered with efficacy, economy, and respect for patient and staff, Peachtree needs to consider the following criteria when selecting its new IT system. 1. IT system runs smoothly and reliably. 2. IT system provides high level of security. 3. System is cost efficient. 4. System is user friendly. 5. System allows for selective standardization. 6. Clinical information could be completely computerized. 7. System allows for tracking of care performance and patient outcomes. 8. IT infrastructure is consolidated. 9. System is flexible and allows doctors to make the final call. 10. System allows for continues improvement. Alternatives and Recommendations: 1. Implement Monolithic IT System. Pros: Allows implementation of standard procedures across all hospitals. Little risk of system failure since costs, challenges and benefits are known. Allows doctors to work together. Provides single set of systems and applications. Cons: Requires more time to implement. More expensive: $500 mill + Redesign acquired facilities. Limit doctors independence. 2. Move to SOA based system. Pros: Allows for continues improvement. Provide opportunities to access, adjust, redesign reprioritize along the way. Quick. Flexible in $ ability to integrate new facilities. Allows replacement only of certain inefficient parts of the existing system. Provides a range of standardization choices. Cons: Technology is untested in health care environment. Cost is undetermined. Benefits are uncertain. Risk is higher. 3. Make a full scale implementation of the new IT infrastructure. Pros: If the project is successful it could help the company to achieve its business goals. Cons: Cost could be substantial. Risk is high. Project is hard to manage and control. 4. Make an incremental implementation and replace only certain parts of the old system. Pros: Minimizes risk. Makes project more flexible. Makes project easy to control. Allows the IT to shift priorities and be more efficient. System reliability is not compromised. Allows replacement only of the most inefficient parts of the existing system. Cheaper than replacing the whole system. Cons: Deciding which peace of the infrastructure should be replaced may be challenging. 5. Implement fully standardized care. Pros: Easier to support and control. Better integration of applications. Lower cost. Cons: Could reduce the quality of care. Physicians may resist standardization. 6. Implement selective standardized care. Pros: Allows to standardized certain areas of clinical treatment safely around the best practises and at the same time provides the physicians with flexibility to decide on the treatment which is best suited for the patient. Increases efficiency, provides for cost savings and higher quality products without compromising patient safety and the quality of the service. Cons: Could increase cost. Could make difficult infrastructure improvements and coordination. Could lead to very complex system. Its recommended that Peachtree implements the SOA based system since it best aligns with the companys business model, mission and goals. SOA based system provides a range of standardization choices, reliability, flexibility and cost efficiency. It also allows replacement of only certain inefficient parts of the existing system. It is also recommended that Peachtree turns toward an incremental implementation of SOA. Peachtree should retain what still works and adds value to the company and replace only the most inefficient parts of the current system. This would be more cost efficient approach and would provide opportunities to adjust and redesign along the way. Also, by gradually installing the SOA, Peachtree and its doctors would learn about how the systems worked and â€Å"master† it in a sense as the infrastructure moved further. Furthermore, it is recommended that a selective standardized care is implemented. In that way certain areas of clinical treatment could be standar dized in order to achieve efficiency and cost savings. At the same time, doctors would be allowed to make the final call, so the quality of care and patient safety wouldnt be compromised. Risk Management Plan Since the SOA technology is untested in the health care environment, its implementation might be risky, but with a proper planning the probability for success is greatly increased. In order to ensure success with the implementation of the SOA based system, an oversight committee must be formed. The committees role will be to ensure that the new system aligns with the business goals and that the implementation schedule is followed. This will reduce the risk from project failures. Since the cost for the implementation of the new system is undetermined, Peachtree should be strong enough to absorb the hit if the technology project goes overbudget. Series of small, but independent projects could be run which will reduce not only the financial risk, but the risk of business  and technology change. This also will provide opportunities to adjust, redesign and reprioritize along the way. The oversight committee will also play an important role in preventing budget overruns. Yet, if the new system is total failure, Peachtree needs to be prepared to terminate the project. In order to ensure success of the SOA based system, Peachtree must carefully consider how the new system could be best aligned with companys current business practices. The management needs to determine what the system needs to do, which parts from the old system still add value and should be retained, which parts need to be replaced and which standardized. Again, series of small but independent projects will allow for project flexibility and adjustments along the way. Peachtree could use pre-fabricated SOA module coupled with customized modules to achieve the most basic and critical functions first. Since SOA allows for outsourcing, Peachtree could purchase a custom built service and focus on modules that best help the company to achieve its strategy. However, Peachtree is in an unique position since there is not pre-built SOA for the health care field. This may result in unexpected cost, but should allow for more customized modules making the achievement of the business goals easer . The health care industry is not competing on price, but its competing on product features, quality of service, delivery time etc. Thus, the quality care is very important for the success of the company. In order to maintain a quality care, the new SOA system must excel at reliability and security. Reliability is crucial for the company since the doctors and patient depend on it. Even a short downtime could be disastrous for Peachtree. In order to ensure reliability the new system should be well planned with respect to power failures hackers and hardware failures, and based on a single transferable platform to allow for efficient data sharing. By using pre-built modules, when possible, the system could be both reliable and secure. Furthermore, if outsourcing is used additional people would need access to confidential data in order to implement the process. Peachtree needs to research the outsourcing company to ensure the confidentiality of the patients. While the threat of new entrants, substitutes and bargaining power of the patients is low for Peachtree, the bargaining power of the doctors is high. Its possible that the doctors resist the change. Its very important that the capabilities of the new system allow for user friendly interfaces in order to appear to doctors. Peachtree could use inputs from the doctors and implement them in the new system to meet their needs.

Leadership Qualities That Rely on Five Principle Actions

Leadership Qualities That Rely on Five Principle Actions Akhil Reddy Leburu Abstract This paper explains the leadership principles that are proposed by James Kouzes and Barry Posner. The leadership qualities were described as per the five principles followed: Leaders challenge the process, Leaders inspire a shared vision, Leaders enable others to act, Leaders model the way, Leaders encourage the heart. The ethical behavior and social identity are briefly described. Keywords: Ethical behavior, Social identity Leadership Qualities That Rely on Five Principle Actions The five actionable qualities are main roles that leaders should acquire given by the author. Leaders plays an important role in the company who leads the team and assign the tasks to team members per their skills or department. He/she should take the responsibility of the team members. The influential roles that a leader should obtain are given below. We are going to discuss about the five principles that are required for a leader. In this discussion, Im giving real time examples to describe how each principle can be effected on real world situation. Leadership Challenge the Process Inspiring innovation and leading change call for more than process- they require the adoption of a cultural mindset (as cited in Forbes by Mike Myatt). The leader should challenge the foundation if the vision and core values are shaky. Challenging the promise keeps the leader sustainable and deliverable. For example, if the leader is not able to communicate with team members and not able to complete the product as promised to given time, you may be in the trouble. The leader should challenge himself instead of challenging others. Great leaders challenge all the complex things. The leader must assess the information quality gathered and must be credibility in the process. Leaders Inspire a Shared Vision If they [employees] cant see themselves in the picture, then they cant imagine that its a possibility for them. (as cited in Forbes by Carmine Gallo). The leaders must have a clear and perfect vision before inspiring others. For example, the professional athletics visualize the game before the game starts from beginning to end, they focus on gaining the victory. Invite your team members to explore their ideas or thoughts and opinions to be more than a pay check. Nothing extraordinary ever happened without a leader articulating a vision, a course of action says John F. Kennedy. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Che Guevara inspire us by being themselves as great speakers who were followed by the public opinion and share their vision to the world. Leaders Enable Others to Act Leaders who Enable Others to Act spread their influence far beyond their physical sphere (says Jody R. Rogers). The leader cannot survive without his/her teammates or colleagues. The leader need to take an advantage of opportunities of team to decode their challenges. Leader should take a responsibility of sharing each other ideas or thoughts to implement new products. The leader should have skills or knowledge on what the team are discussing about and meet their expectations. For example, if a team has a different thought that solves the current problem, the leader doesnt take a chance of referring the problem with the team, the leader may lose the opportunity to get a perfect solution. Leaders Model the Way Leaders live and act by their values. They have clarity in what they believe, and they align their actions with their values. Leaders must set an example by setting the actions with shared values. For example, a car dealer who dominates his market. He is not only the one, the next four car dealers combine and equal up the market where he competes. The leaders must lead a path to next generation by giving a motivation. He/She must be excepting the ideas and thoughts of the team. Leaders Encourage the Heart Leaders give heart by visibly recognizing peoples contributions to the common vision (by Kouzes Posner, 2012). The leader must recognize contributions by giving respect for individual excellence. Leaders follow their heart and encourage the thoughts and get them into the world. They should take the responsibility of the team and give them the requirements and space needed. Conclusion I conclude that the five principles that are proposed by James Kouzes and Barry Posner plays an important role in the leadership challenge process. The leaders must follow the principles that are mentioned in the discussion. I have given a brief description of each and every principle in the paper. References http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikemyatt/2013/03/07/10-things-every-leader-should-challenge/#207cd262450b http://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2011/07/06/the-7-secrets-of-inspiring-leaders/#77c61e923195 http://www.leadershipchallenge.com/resource/enabling-others-to-act-inspiring-commitment-.aspx Kouzes, James, and Posner, Barry, (2008). The Student Leadership Challenge. San Francisco: Jossey Bass. http://www.tsaweb.org/sites/default/files/u1/Model%20the%20Way%20Lesson.pdf Kouzes, J.M., Posner, B.Z. (2012). The Leadership Challenge, (5th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass. https://prezi.com/devk6jm5ysff/leadership-challenge-encouraging-the-heart-final/

Purchasing And Procurement In The Construction Industry Construction Essay

Purchasing And Procurement In The Construction Industry Construction Essay In this ever changing world that has become so competitive that the expectations in the construction industry regarding deliverables, cost, time and quality have made companies shift to more robust and competitive operational strategies. Other industries have successfully implemented new and improved strategy but the construction industry still has to follow suit. One of the major factors that are identified in the construction industry is the rather slow changing procurement chain management system. The current strategies used for procurement do not live up to the market requirements and rather is stifling the growth of this particular industry. Understanding these various models are being implemented throughout the industry which will have a significant impact on the growth as well as improve productivity to help this industry sustain the drastic economic changes. Historically, the sourcing of subcontracting services was the most neglected element in the construction process. Only when the cost of materials and the subcontracting increased did management investigate alternative methods to planning and control. Labor was the focus since this industry is labor intense and more emphasis was given to the cost of labor. Firms also started investing heavily into technology and technology related products. The traditional view of purchasing and sourcing management as a clerical function has been negated and emerged as a viable and profitable function more than any other functions in the construction industry. The lifecycle of a typical construction project consists of the following stages, The construction life cycle stages are mutually exclusive or independent of each other. Many of these stages occur concurrently. Depending on the size of the organization the supply sourcing maybe implemented in varying degree of ownership. Regardless of the size of the company ownership in the supply souring function must be well defined. The supply sourcing must be carried out according to the specification of the projects, budgetary and scheduling constraints. Supply sourcing function involves working with upstream and downstream relationships, inside and outside each organization. The supply sourcing process involves assisting the project manager with subcontracting services, bulk material and equipment requirements. The construction manager or contractor coordinates the transformational process based on three basic criteria which is completing the project on time, making sure he/she sticks to the budget and delivered with an accepted level of quality. Review of Existing Purchasing Options In the construction sector, procurement has become difficult due to the different methods for acquisition of buildings and infrastructure. The main features of current procurement options are listed below. The section is divided into the various methods of contracting / funding, methods of selection and methods of payment. Methods of contracting General Contracting: design is done by independent consultants who are in direct contact with the client or designers who are part of the client organization. There is a separate contract for the construction of the project which is placed with a building contractor who sub-lets the elements of the work. Payment is done monthly based on the amount of work done. Design and Build (pure): Design and Build (DB) is the procurement system in which a single organization takes the responsibility and risks for both the design and construction phases. The client engages a building contractor who is responsible for the design and the construction. The method of payment is lump sum, payable in monthly installments. Novated Design and Build: This is a variation of the pure DB and is used when the client employs a design team for the early stages and once a building contractor is selected by tender the team is shifted to this builder. The advantage of such a system is that the original design is kept intact from the early stages and ultimately is passed on to the contractor. Management Contracting: This type of system came into existence with the needs of developers to take more commercial risk on construction projects as compared to general contracting. The trend of building contractors to sub-let all the work resulted in the need to procure a project management and co-ordination input and also harness close relationship between client and contractor. Construction Management: Effectively the same as management contracting, the only difference being that there is no general contractor, instead a series of direct contractual links between the client and the trade contractors. This makes the role of CM more like a consultant than a contractor. Package Deals: This is a way of increasing the scope of the contractor. For large engineering projects like oil rigs, harbors and docks they are structures as Engineer, Procure and Construction. Under such an arrangement the EPC contractor takes the responsibility for carrying out all the design, construction and commissioning work so that the client only has to pay. Systems Involving Service Agreements: sometimes organizations maybe contracted to provide other inputs. These include commissioning, operation and maintenance. Collaborative working: Sometimes in projects various organizations come together to have a collaborative relationships. There is a lot that can be gained from such alliances and have success for both the project and the organization in the long run. The continual relationship building plays a crucial role in such circumstances. The trend towards long term arrangements is clear with strategies like framework agreements and serial or strategic partnering. Such alliances prove effective with the savings in costs of re-bidding, the prospects of continuous improvement and a predictable workflow. Methods of selection Long term or short term relations need to be formed to accomplish where there is a greater need on competition or cooperation. Levels of competition arise from open tendering to single negotiation. Open and selective tendering relies on price as their main criterion. Some clients adopt a more cooperative approach and favor negotiations where non-price plays a significant part. Two stage tendering is a hybrid approach that seeks to exploit the advantage of negotiations and competition. The appointment of a contractor takes two stages. Stage 1 is competitive and based on costs. Stage 2 is made after the completion of open book negotiations for the final price. Methods of payment Price-based systems: these include lump-sum arrangements that range from Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) to remeasurable contracts. GMP is used when contractors control the design and remeasurable contracts are characterized by the contract bill of quantities. In such contracts the amount of work is measured after it is finished with reference to the rates in the bills of quantities. Cost-based systems: cost-based payment methods include cost-plus and target cost. Cost plus contracts removes the risk of variable production costs from the contractor, who is paid on the time spent and the materials used rather than sticking to the tendered price. Target cost contracts are used as an incentive to increase efficiency from the contractor. The costs are shared between the contractor and the employer. Even if the cost exceed the agreed target cost or in a situation where the costs are less than the target cost, it is shared between both parties. Todayà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s Construction industry uses this particular model (Fig. 1) because the specialty contractor has been responsible for material procurement. In this model, the owner and the general contractor rely on the specialty contractor to procure all the equipment and material for the project. Owners use the SCPM over 80% of the time to procure build-to-order equipment and to procure commodity material over 90% of the time. Majority of the material is transferred between manufacturers, manufacturing reps, distributors and specialty contractors. With this model the SC has reviews the design specifications and notifies the owner or GC of equipment or material incompatibility issues, design change recommendations or lower cost equipment and material substitutions. Once the design is confirmed the material orders flow from the SC to both distributor and manufacturer. The material and equipment then flow back to the SC at the jobsite. Knowledge and service transfer in the SCPM model are between manufacturers, distributors and specialty contractors. The figure below illustrates the knowledge transfer between the parties involved. This model is less common than SCPM in the construction industry. In this model the owners procure the material and equipment directly from the manufacturer or from a distr4ibutor. This is mainly used to remove transactional costs from the supply chain. This model is typically used about 10% of the time for the entirety of their equipment and material purchases. This model is particularly used for procurement of build-to-order materials than it is for commodity materials. The transfers are directly between the owner and manufacturer. The owner has his own design team to procure the correct material and equipment. The input from a specialty contractor varies. The owner has a strong standing relation with individual specialty contractors and such cases the SC gives input about material to the owner. In this model the material is directly shipped to the jobsite and stored until installation. The knowledge and service transfers in this model are very limited. Knowledge is primarily obtained from the ownerà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s past experience and through design specifications that were developed for previous projects. This is the least commonly used purchasing model in the construction industry. In this model the owners commission the GC to procure material and equipment. In most cases the GC seeks to purchase all the material and equipment from the manufacturers directly. Most manufacturers are not set up to sell their products directly to customers and hence the GC has to go through the normal distribution channels. Only 2% of the time is this model used in the construction industry. The transfers in this model occur between the GC, distributor and manufacturer or directly between the GC and manufacturer. The flow is such that once the order is given to the GC the GC purchases the material without the consultation of the SC. In this model the GC procures the material and equipment according to the specifications of the project. The knowledge and service transfers in the GCPM are similar to the OPM model. The GC must depend on his own experience as well as details from the manufacturer and/or distributor in order to purchase the proper material. Knowledge from installation experience does not exist because the SC is not involved in the procurement process and the GC is not involved in the installation process. Summary The procurement process of the construction industry is complex and involves various amount and degree of procurement. Several untouched and untrained areas exist in the procurement process of construction. It stands that it is an important cog in the entire process of construction. Various avenues still exist and with careful study of internal process and finding a suitable fit so as to be effective and competitive is essential for the success of an organization in this industry. A huge potential exists in having a cost effective process that can make achieve acceptable levels of quality and on time delivery are the key elements to have a procurement process model.

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A DMV hearing takes place at the DMV, not the court, and focuses on license suspension and revocation. A DMV hearing is offered to those who have been pulled over for DUI and gives that person a chance to explain the situation and the details surrounding their arrest in an effort to keep their license from being suspended or revoked. A DMV hearing is highly recommended and will better your chances when it comes to keeping your license. It shows that you care and you want to take responsibility for your actions. What the court decides and what the DMV decides about your case are two different things. The court can dismiss or lessen the charges with your case, but that doesn’t mean the DMV will do the same. You have to deal with each separately. At your DMV hearing you have the right to be represented by attorney, you can present any evidence and/or bring witnesses, cross-examine opposing witnesses, and as an entirety this is your chance to have your case be reviewed by an impa rtial person. You or your attorney can request any evidence that the DMV has about case. The evidence needs t...

The Year 1919 Essay -- American History, Woodrow Wilson

What makes a year special? What makes a year memorable? It’s the things that people remembered in the year. 1919 in American was a year where people were settling down. The World War One just ended, the World Series was rigged, there was an influenza epidemic, there was a president trying to make peace with other countries, and people wore brightly colored clothing. The America in 1919, Had a president who was really focused on peace for the United States. The President was Woodrow Wilson. Woodrow Wilson was the 28th president. After the war was declared over Wilson went to Paris get peace for the country. In Paris he helped create The League of Nations. Here he also helped Shape the treaty of Versailles. For his effort to form The League of Nations, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919 (Gordon). Clearly Wilson’s ideas for peace were respected by the world. While Wilson was known for the League of Nations and the treaty of Versailles, he was also known for his Fourteen Points. These were 14 primary ideas set by Wilson to end World War 1, and set ideas for world peace. These principals were first introduced to congress, then to the League of Nations. Out of these fourteen principals only 6 were used. Point seven â€Å"evacuation of German troops from Belgium† (â€Å"President Wilson’s Fourteen Points†). Point eight that said, free all French territory and these places must be restored, along with France being freed In the matter of Alsace-Lorraine. The next point that was put into effect was that people of Austria-Hungary should be allowed the freest opportunity. They also put point eleven into use. This point said, â€Å"Rumania, Serbia, and Montenegro should be evacuated; occupied territories restored; Serbia accorded free and secure ... ...an’s bloomers cost $o.90(Derks 134), a men’s suit was $33.00(Derks 142). Finding a house in a good neighborhood was very important to some people just as it is today. A house in a good neighborhood would cost around $4,200(Derks 142). A mattress was a necessity, back then it would cost around $20.00(Derks 137). Magazines were a good way for people to get news or find new things. To buy just one copy of the magazine it would cost $0.15. A year’s subscription for a magazine would cost $1.50(Derks 142). Cereal brands were simple, a regular box would cost $0.12. A large box of Cereal would cost $0.30(Derks 137). A phonograph Record cost $1.50(Derks 137). Even though alcohol was illegal to have a gallon of whiskey would cost $3.50(Craven). Milk cost $0.32 for a gallon. The cost of basic goods was a lot less then what it would be today. So their cost of living was less.

Fate or Free will Romeo and Juliet Essay

Fate: Is it just an excuse? Excuses are something people use to clear themselves or others of the blame of their own foolish actions. In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, it is not fate, but impulsive and desperate actions that bring about the downfall of Romeo and Juliet. In the Victorian era, fate was known as the development of events out of human control, and determined by a supernatural power. By no means was the demise of Romeo and Juliet out their control. It happened because of the choices they themselves to make. Romeo always blames his own reckless actions on fate. Romeo is warned not to go to the masquerade party but tells fate to â€Å"steerage of [his] course† and â€Å"direct [his] sail† and goes anyway. Romeo knows himself that he will die if he goes but still chooses to go. Romeo decides that whatever happens is up to fate and it’s completely out of his control. Also, after killing Tybalt, he calls himself â€Å"Fortune’s fool† and realizes he will be punished severely (Rom 3.1.142). Romeo is basically says he is a subject to the whims of fate. He thinks fate is playing around with him and not taking responsibility for what he himself did. However when he hears of Juliet’s â€Å"death† Romeo tries to â€Å"defy the stars† and kills himself (5.1.25). Romeo is taking responsibility for his actions by trying to defy his â€Å"fate† and finally taking thing into his own hands. This doesn’t work, since he didn’t bo ther to check if Juliet was still alive and just kills himself in his attempt to be together with her, even if it’s in death. Romeo uses fate to justify his actions and say that a power outside of his control fueled his action, but instead everything was just his impulsive choices. Juliet makes reckless and impulsive actions knowing very well what the consequences could be, and then blames it on her unavoidable fate. When Juliet first sees Romeo at the party, Juliet tells the nurse to â€Å"go ask [for his] name. If he be married† and says that her grave is â€Å"like to be [her] wedding bed†, foreshadowing her own death (1.5.148). Juliet wants to know if Romeo is married, and she is just a thirteen year old girl who saw Romeo the first time in her life. Juliet is the one that eventually proposes to Romeo, and she does this knowing to be married means her own death. When Romeo  visits Juliet on her balcony that night, she says she has â€Å"no joy of this contract tonight, it is too rash, too unadvised, [and] too sudden’ about Romeo swearing his love to her. Even before they are married, Juliet already knows their actions are impulsive. Combined with the fact that she even foreshadows her own death, she still rashly decides to marry Rome o. This wedding was by her own choice and not like the one where her parents force her to marry Paris. In addition, after Romeo leaves Juliet after their only night together, Juliet pleads to fate to â€Å"be fickle†, and to â€Å"not keep him long, but to send him back† to her (3.5.63). She also hopes that since Romeo is â€Å"renown’d for faith† unlike fate (which is fickle) fortune should be kind to him. She is excusing his killing of her cousin Tybalt with the fact that fate is unreliable and unpredictable. It wasn’t fate being unpredictable, it was Romeo losing his cool and acting rashly. Juliet shows that she knows the consequences of her actions, but goes forth with them anyways. Friar Lawrence’s reckless actions brought together the deaths, and he blames them on fate. When Friar John tells him that the letter couldn’t be sent, Frair Lawrence decides to blame it on â€Å"unhappy fortune† and not himself (5.2.17). He is a grown man, but decides to let Friar John travel alone to deliver the message. Instead of sending the message himself, he gives the crutial task to people that aren’t even involved. Knowing this, he blames his own blatant fault on fate being unhappy. Also, when Friar Lawrence walks in to see both Paris and Romeo dead, he says it is â€Å"lamentable chance† that they are dead (5.3.151). Again, fate is blamed for something easily avoided. He is saying that it was out of his control that the two died, but Frair Lawrence was the one who married them and masterminded the plan in the first place. Not only that, when Juliet awakens the Friar tells her â€Å"a power greater than [they] can contradict has thwarted [t heir] intents† and as a result, Romeo is now dead (5.3.158). When he talks about a power that could not be resisted he is talking about fate and how fate ruined the plan to reunite Romeo and Juliet. He was the one that botched the sending of the message to Romeo. The Friar just doesn’t take any responsibility at all for his actions and opts instead to blame uncontrollable forces. Throughout Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the characters’ own impetuous and  brash choices, not fate, bring about the deaths. Characters repeatedly used fate as an excuse by saying the series of events were completely out of their control. In contrast, everything could have been avoided if the characters just decided to think rationally. By having them blame fate, Shakespeare is asserting that people need to take responsibility for their own actions. They should realize it is their own choices that affect the future, not fate. People’s destinies can be changed, and it is not predetermined by an all-powerful force.

Media Convergence Essay

What is meant by the term media convergence with regard to technology, and how has it affected everyday life? For technology, media convergence is when different media come together to do a similar task. The poster child for this is the smart phone. Smart phones are used to talk, text, email, social network, school, business, web browsing, and take picture and video. There are things that I’m sure I missed, but the smart phone has become the epicenter of technological convergence. I spend a lot of my time on my phone posting and promoting for my business. I make jewelry, cat pads, and blankets so I make my items, take a picture, post it to my Etsy page, and promote my store with my phone. When I get an order, I get an email to my phone I contact the buyer for details, and take payments all with my phone. With going to school, I need to check up on the forums to read and respond per class requirements. It makes it easy to do my schoolwork when I’m not home at my laptop. I can pull up the reading for the class on my document reader on my phone and catch up while I’m out and about. I have a six month old and I love taking his picture! I take his picture and post it on Facebook, Instagram, and send it to my family. My family lives in another state so I use my phone to do FaceTime with them so we can see each other all the time. The smartphone has made productivity so much easier because it’s all in one place and instant gratification is satisfied. For some people, the smartphone has become a big distraction and a burden. I think that cell phones, in general, have done damage to people’s grammar and spelling. They use shorthand and abbreviations for words and have forgotten the rule of your and you’re because they are using the shorthand ur. It’s sad.