The Corporate Entrepreneurship

The Corporate Entrepreneurship In todays rapidly changing and hyper competitive business environment where opportunities and threats are present, innovation and continued growth remains as a main concern for companies. Scholars have voiced importance of corporate entrepreneurship behavior to cope with the environmental challenges and managing innovation and sustainable growth. Corporate entrepreneurship is an interesting arena among scholars and no universal definition has been agreed. Corporate entrepreneurship is generally defined as the process by which teams within an established company conceive, foster launch and manage new businesses that is distinct from the parent company but make use of parent companys resources, market position, capabilities and other resources (Ferreira, 2002). Implementation of corporate entrepreneur behavior within firm is a challenging process, which involves individuals roles and most importantly firm level antecedents that promotes corporate entrepreneurial activities (Marina G. B iniari, 2010). This paper explains factors (individual characteristics and firm level antecedents) affecting corporate entrepreneurship and how beneficial this strategy is to firms. Individual Characteristics and Corporate Entrepreneurship To cultivate and build successful corporate entrepreneurship in organizations, individuals working at the organization should inherit or possess certain characteristics and traits. These skills and competencies enable them to achieve the outcomes of a successful entrepreneurship and to involve effectively in corporate entrepreneurship activities (Christensen, 2004). As similar to definition of corporate entrepreneurship, researchers have explained various characteristics of individuals in different occasions and no agreement have been reached over key characteristics. Various researches have been conducted on this area analysis of such studies are explained here. Findings of a study done by Lumpkin and Des in Dess in 1996 explained corporate entrepreneurship in terms of entrepreneurial orientation and they determined main characteristics as innovativeness, proactiveness, risk taking, autonomy and competitive aggressiveness (J.P.J de Jong, 2001). In contrast to this study Zahra (1993, 1995) suggested three main characteristics, which are venturing, innovation and self-renewal (Scheepers, 2008). Brockhaus and Horwitz (1982) also suggested some other set of characteristics supporting corporate entrepreneurship, which are locus of control, risk taking propensity, and achievement motivation (Burgers, 2011). In addition to these characteristics, other important characteristics determined by other researchers include; energy level, conformity, need for autonomy, dominance, personal control and desire to build something of ones own (Sanchez, 2011). Since there is no universal set of characteristics, certain set of characteristics are explained in det ail in this section and these characteristics are found as common characteristics highlighted by most of the researchers. Innovativeness Arguably innovation is the most crucial element of the corporate entrepreneurship and all most all researchers have talked about the importance of innovation towards corporate entrepreneurship. Researchers have stressed on importance innovativeness characteristic of individuals in product and service innovation within organizations and Antoncid and Hisrich (2001) suggested that if employees of firma are innovative, it would drive firm towards corporate entrepreneurship. According to James C. Hayton (2006), innovativeness in corporate entrepreneurship is defined as a predisposition to engage in creativity and experimentation through the introduction of new products. Pinchot (1985) suggested that, at that time the important factor missing in corporate innovation was intrapreneurs or corporate entrepreneurs. He defined intrapreneurs as those who take hands-on responsibility for creating innovation of any kind within an organization; they may be the creator or inventors but are always the dreamers who figure out how to turn an idea into a profitable reality (Zhang, 2010). One of the key roles of intrapreneurs is to finding creative methods or ways to improve the speed and cost-effectiveness of technology transfer from internal RD to the marketplace. To achieve this they are need to be innovative to come up with new ideas on how to sustain competitive advantage in a highly dynamic business environment. This may include individuals ability to deliver creative ideas about new product/service development and also process related innovations to improve companys efficiency and enhance productivity (Antoncic, 2009). Proactiveness According to Bateman and Crant (1993), proactive personality trait refers to individuals capability to influence ones environmental and bring about change. Moreover proactiveness of an individual would make him strong to face challenges and motivates plays a vital role in implementing effective environmental changes (Devarajan, 2005). Furthermore Bateman and Jauhari (2008) stated that people are not always passive recipients of environmental constraints on their behavior; rather, they can intentionally and directly change their current circumstances. Researchers have positively related proactive personality with individual innovation, taking charge, problem prevention, voice and issue selling credibility. Since these are crucial elements of corporate entrepreneurial behavior, it is clearly evident that there is a positive relationship between proactiveness of individuals and corporate entrepreneurial behavior. Need for achievement and internal locus of control The need for achievement is one of the important characteristics of a corporate entrepreneur which makes him distinguished from other non corporate entrepreneurs. Individuals hunger to achieve high goals and hard working in achieving firms mission effectively develops the firms ability to develop wealth creation and finally it encourages creating new businesses and ventures within existing organizations (Ferreira, 2002). In addition to need for achievement, internal locus of control is another important characteristic of corporate entrepreneurs. Individuals who have strong belief on that they have the control on over their destiny, vitally affects their performance positively. Such confidence self motivates individuals to take beneficial decisions that would achieve goals of corporate entrepreneurship and this belief motivates them to tackle any hurdles they may face in the process of corporate entrepreneurship (Lassen, 2007). Risk taking Individuals willingness to take risks and ability tolerate in the times of failure is considered as one of the fundamental characteristics to be a corporate entrepreneur. Individuals who bear the risk of profit or loss are ready to take brave actions by venturing into new businesses and investing significantly heavy resources in unknown environments (A. Zahra, 2000). All entrepreneurial activities such as venturing, innovation and strategic renewal involves certain degree of risk as any of such activity would require effort, time and most importantly financial investments. According to Lin and Colleagues (2008), risk taking style managers enriches the corporate entrepreneurship behavior within firms. Furthermore, in a corporate entrepreneurial environment, individuals work on converting intelligent ideas to innovative products even without permission or approval from top management. Other individual characteristics In addition to above discussed individual characteristics, scholars have also stressed on some other fundamental individual characteristics that qualifies them to engage with corporate entrepreneurial activities. Self renewal is one of the important characteristic, which refers to individuals interest or ability to renew or redefine the usual methods of business process and transforming to more innovative methods that enhances ability to gain competitive advantage (Rutherford, 2007). Other important characteristics include feedback seeking and effective communication skills, which are highly useful when it comes to work as groups and interact with each other (Srivastava, 2010). Such personal traits would help to convince team and top management about the individuals innovative ideas and to attain support at organizational level. Furthermore, knowledge, experience and flexibility to adjust changes in environment and managerial structure are also considered as crucial individual charac teristics. Firm-Level Antecedents and Corporate Entrepreneurship According to findings of various researches done on corporate entrepreneurship, it indicates the existence and importance of firm level antecedents that impact on corporate entrepreneurship. Exploratory study done by Kuratko (1990) suggested five distinct internal factors that support corporate entrepreneurship, which are reward and resource availability, organizational structure and boundaries, risk taking and time availability (Burgers, 2011). In addition to Kuratkos findings, study conducted by Fortune 500 CEOs observed tangible and intangible factors within organization that foster corporate entrepreneurship. Their study found that factors such as communication, scanning, integration, and differentiation and control influences firms ability to foster corporate entrepreneurship (Scheepers, 2008). Rewarding System Usage of appropriate rewards within firms is highly acknowledged by several researchers such as Scanlan (1981), Souder (1981), Kanter (1985), Sathe (1985), Fry (1987), Block and Ornati (1987), Sykes (1992), Barringer and Milkvoich (1998). They suggested that when implementing an effective reward system, organization should consider certain factors, which includes; consider goals, feedback from employees, stress individual responsibility and result based incentives (Monsen, 2007). To support the idea suggested by the above researchers, Fry (1993) stated even though monetary rewards may not be especially important to entrepreneurial individual, some mechanism of rewarding innovation must be evident if innovation is to continue. By implementing an effective reward system that value achievements of employees would promote motivation among employees to take risks associated with activities of corporate entrepreneurship. According to expectancy theory individuals maximum effort requires that the individual should believe that by accomplishing goals it would lead to a reward (Devarajan, 2005). Therefore organizations should provide rewards in an appropriate way to show employees that creative works and high level performances are recognized and appreciated by management. Rewards could be presented as options from where deserving employees could choose desired rewards. Management Support Management support means the willingness of top management to facilitate required resources and support to promote corporate entrepreneurial activities within organization. Many researchers have stressed on the importance of management support and they have suggested that management involvement, commitment, championing innovative ideas, providing necessary resources, rewarding venture activities and institutionalizing entrepreneurial activities within firm are important for corporate entrepreneurship (Christensen, 2004). Furthermore Steven Jarillo (1990) stated that by providing necessary training to individuals and trusting those within the firm in detecting opportunities would have a positive impact on firms corporate entrepreneurial behaviour. According to Guth Ginsberg (1990), organizational values are also important in promoting corporate entrepreneurship within firms. They suggested that the corporate entrepreneurial behaviour within a firm critically depends on the values/beliefs and organizational vision (Kollman, 2008). Leadership of the firm should support innovative behaviour of individuals when they propose promising innovative ideas that could venture new business opportunities within the existing organization. This idea was supported by findings of study done by Pearce et al (1997) and they found that leaders who act entrepreneurially had a positive influence on their subordinates and such leaders encourage corporate entrepreneurship behavior within the firm. Resources Resources of the organization and their availability when required play a vital role in promoting corporate entrepreneurial behaviour within organization. According to Pinchot (1985), in order to behave corporate entrepreneurial ways, individuals should be allowed access companys resources to be utilized in various corporate entrepreneurial activities. Furthermore he stated that individuals should have enough time to work on innovative ideas to make them reality and employees should be assigned with reasonable workload so that they could work on other activities to solve important problems (A. Zahra, 2000). Moreover, employees should be provided with necessary resources to conduct experiments on new findings and this includes any required equipments/devices and satisfactory environmental settings. The resource-based view (RBV) suggests that availability of resources in a company is a crucial factor in determining competitive advantage (Kuratko, 2007). Companies should manage their re sources to build unique capabilities to be exceeding competitors capability to provide better solutions to customers. Supportive organizational structure Supportive organizational structure is an important antecedent highlighted by many authors (Souder, 1981; Sathe, 1985; Hisrich and Peters, 1986; Sykes, 1986; Sykes and Block, 1989; Burgelman and Sayles, 1986; Schuler, 1986; Bird, 1988; Guth and Ginsberg, 1990; Covin and Slevin,1991; Zahra, 1991, 1993; Brazeal, 1993; Hornsby et al., 1993) in their literatures. Authors have suggested that organizational structure should provide appropriate administrative mechanisms for idea evaluation, choosing, and implementing productive ideas. Moreover they argued that the bureaucratic nature of organizational structure would gradually build boundaries that hinder individuals ability to convert their innovative ideas to innovative products/services (Kenney, 2010). Therefore organizational structure should be implemented in a way that avoids having standard operating procedures for all major job related activities and rigid performance standards should be avoided as much as possible. Other firm level antecedents In addition to above discussed antecedents there are other important antecedents that affect corporate entrepreneurial behavior. One of them is empowered, autonomous employees, which refers to extent to which employees are give power to make decisions on working on their own works in a manner they believe to be most effective (A. Zahra, 2000). Strategic leadership and their support for corporate entrepreneurship also play a vital role in fostering this strategy within firms. This involves managers willingness to facilitate necessary resources to corporate entrepreneurial activities and to encourage subordinates to participate in such activities. Last but not least, risk taking is also considered as a key element. Risk taking involves firms willingness to spend resources in exploiting opportunities and launching projects with uncertain outcomes (Ferreira, 2002). Word Count: 2574 (Excluding References) Contributions of Corporate Entrepreneurship Corporate entrepreneurship plays a vital role in enhancing companys ability to sustain competitive advantage. Zahra Kuratko (1990) stressed on the importance of corporate entrepreneurship by stating that it improves competitive positioning and transform corporations and strengthen their markets by fostering creativeness within firms. A key benefit organizations could gain via corporate entrepreneurship is to drive firm with diverse strategies with unique combinations. And also corporate entrepreneurship could improve the overall performance of the firm, growth and profitability (Fitzsimmons, 2004). Furthermore it increases the companys proactiveness and willingness to take risks by investing on new product development and integrating innovative technologies in various processes of business. A study done by Zahra and Covin in 1995 showed that there is a strong relationship between corporate entrepreneurship and financial performance. Based on the findings of their study they suggeste d that companies should focus on ways to encourage potential individuals who show corporate entrepreneurial qualities (Kollman, 2008). According to general definition of corporate entrepreneurship, it refers to activities that enhance new product and service development and especially development of new business models and business ventures. Companies, who encourage corporate entrepreneurship behaviour within their firms, enjoy improved internal efficiencies, higher employee morale which all leads to improvements in financial performance (Monsen, 2007). In corporate entrepreneurial companies, managers tend to implement new management trends to overtake old methodologies which are found to be boring and frustrating. Such changes in management bring them success and effective changes in structure and systems will show significant results over longer time period. All researches done on the arena of corporate entrepreneurship have suggested that firms should encourage corporate entrepreneurship to attain positive results in a long run. Most of the studies are focused on examining the impact of corporate entrepreneurship on financial performance of the firm and how it motivates individuals to work on sustaining financial improvements. However financial improvements are not only the benefits contributed by corporate entrepreneurship but it involves certain non-financial benefits too. Lumpkin and Dess (2005) argued that in addition to financial performances (market share growth, sales growth, financial profitability etc), outcomes of corporate entrepreneurship also includes valuable non financial benefits that assist firm to sustain financial improvements. According to Lumpkin and Dess (2005), satisfaction and commitment of organizational members in achieving companys vision are crucial non financial benefits to organization from corporate entrepreneurship. Dover (2002) defined job satisfaction as a pleasurable or favorable emotional state derived from an evaluation of ones job or job experiences. In contrast to this, affective commitment is defined as degree of employees emotional attachment to his or her organization. Both the job satisfaction and commitment have a positive influence on motivation and leads to greater organizational effectiveness. Most importantly researchers, Hindle and Cutting (2002) have positively related both to corporate entrepreneurship.

The History and Role of Accounting in Business Essay -- Accountant, Eco

Accounting can be defined in a number of ways, but I chose the book definition, which is; Accounting is an information system that provides reports to stakeholders about the economic activities and condition of business. The person in charge of accounting is called the accountant. The accountant is typically required to follow a set of rules and regulations. These rules and regulations are called the General Accepted Accounting Principles. Throughout these next few paragraphs, I will be giving you the history and evolution of accounting, and I will be explaining who the stakeholders are and what type of information they require, and I will be explaining the role of accounting in business. There will be many examples and type of business decisions throughout this whole paper. The history of accounting dates all the way back to the fourteenth century. In 1494, Luca Pacioli, first published and printed his accounting book in Venice, Italy. Pacioli’s book included a 27-page step by step guide on bookkeeping. In his book Pacioli, introduced symbols for plus and minus for the first time in a printed book. His accounting book contained the first known published work of double-entry, and it was said that this laid the foundation for double-entry bookkeeping in the world today. Double-entry was defined as any accounting action that required a debit and credit transaction for each transaction. The very first known accounting book to be discovered in the English literature was published and printed in London, England by John Gouge in 1543. Accounting can be broke down into four categories; Financial, management, open-book, and tax accounting. Financial accounting can be defined as a major branch of accounting involving the collection, re... ...n’t be following the rules of bookkeeping which are also known as the (General Accepted Accounting Principles.) That’s why the accounting equation and accounting are so important to everyday life and business. In the future, I see the role of accounting being the same as it is today. I see it being the same because the companies might change, but they will always need accounting in one way or another. No matter what company it is, a company will always like to know what it owns, and a company would always like to know who they owe, Without this how would a company be able to run efficiently and maximize profit. Although all companies don’t aim to maximize profits, majority of the companies in today’s world do. Unlike other jobs, I believe that accountants will always have job, cause as long companies are up and running, they will need somebody to run there books. The History and Role of Accounting in Business Essay -- Accountant, Eco Accounting can be defined in a number of ways, but I chose the book definition, which is; Accounting is an information system that provides reports to stakeholders about the economic activities and condition of business. The person in charge of accounting is called the accountant. The accountant is typically required to follow a set of rules and regulations. These rules and regulations are called the General Accepted Accounting Principles. Throughout these next few paragraphs, I will be giving you the history and evolution of accounting, and I will be explaining who the stakeholders are and what type of information they require, and I will be explaining the role of accounting in business. There will be many examples and type of business decisions throughout this whole paper. The history of accounting dates all the way back to the fourteenth century. In 1494, Luca Pacioli, first published and printed his accounting book in Venice, Italy. Pacioli’s book included a 27-page step by step guide on bookkeeping. In his book Pacioli, introduced symbols for plus and minus for the first time in a printed book. His accounting book contained the first known published work of double-entry, and it was said that this laid the foundation for double-entry bookkeeping in the world today. Double-entry was defined as any accounting action that required a debit and credit transaction for each transaction. The very first known accounting book to be discovered in the English literature was published and printed in London, England by John Gouge in 1543. Accounting can be broke down into four categories; Financial, management, open-book, and tax accounting. Financial accounting can be defined as a major branch of accounting involving the collection, re... ...n’t be following the rules of bookkeeping which are also known as the (General Accepted Accounting Principles.) That’s why the accounting equation and accounting are so important to everyday life and business. In the future, I see the role of accounting being the same as it is today. I see it being the same because the companies might change, but they will always need accounting in one way or another. No matter what company it is, a company will always like to know what it owns, and a company would always like to know who they owe, Without this how would a company be able to run efficiently and maximize profit. Although all companies don’t aim to maximize profits, majority of the companies in today’s world do. Unlike other jobs, I believe that accountants will always have job, cause as long companies are up and running, they will need somebody to run there books.

An Analysis of Russos Empire Falls :: Empire Falls Essays

An Analysis of Russo's Empire Falls The characters in Empire Falls go through many changes throughout the novel. By the end of the novel Miles is changed drastically. He begins the novel as a slow moving, trusting, somewhat depressed individual. By the end of the novel, Miles has achieved an epiphany. No longer letting the world step on his dreams, Miles goes after with a roar the dreams and desires that have lain dormant for twenty years. His ex-wife, Janine, also comes to realize that the dreams she thought she had are not necessarily what she wants after all. Janine comes to accept herself for Janine, instead of flailing around wildly trying to find herself in outward appearances. Tick has learned a lesson that we all come to at some point in our lives, that people are not always good and there is danger in the world. Charlie Mayne tells Miles that "There are things that grown-ups intend and want to do, but somehow just can’t." (p. 472). In all of Empire Falls, this theme is echoed. There are dreams denied or put on hold. There are characters desperately trying to do what they think is right but failing miserably. The entire town is moving in slow motion toward their own individual explosions. The novel itself meanders along, like the Knox River. Russo says in the Preface, "What water wanted to do was flow downhill by the straightest possible route. Meandering was what happened when a river’s best intentions were somehow thwarted." This is what the population of Empire Fall’s has been doing for twenty years meandering. To emphasize this theme, Russo himself meanders, oftentimes leaving the reader wondering when something dramatic would happen. In life, this is what so many people do also. People are always waiting for something to happen, always hoping that their waiting is the right thing to do and everything will come out right in the end. But all this attitude does is cause a build up that explodes when the dam bursts, as can be seen in the events that unfold in the last chapters of the novel. Russo won the Pulitzer Prize for his novel, Empire Falls. The paragraph above emphasizes the main reason that I find for the novel being such a success. The manner in which Russo is able to actually weave this concept of ‘waiting’ into his story by creating a feeling of time moving slowly, of anticipation.

Ones world view of Education and Learning Essay examples -- Beliefs At

Using the concept of a ‘world view’, identify some of the beliefs and attitudes, particularly to education and learning, that you bring to your learning now. Reflect critically on how your world view has been shaped by factors such as your gender, age or community. Individuals see the world in unique and varied ways. Factors such as educational experiences, ways of knowing, personal responsibility and family structure have influenced my beliefs and attitudes. A world view results from the process through which knowledge and understanding is obtained. Furthermore, my experiences of being a young woman in rural society has helped to shape my world view. A world view can be defined as â€Å"an inside view of the way things are colored, shaped, and arranged according to personal cultural preconceptions† (Samovar & Porter, 2004:103). This argument demonstrates that a world view is internal, yet influenced by external factors. This especially relates to formal education, whereby the school system, and the teacher in particular, are the significant external factors which directly influence a persons way of knowing, and therefore, their world view. My educational experiences have shaped my world view, as well as my beliefs and attitudes. I have experienced both the public and private school systems. It has been my experience in the private schooling system that knowledge is a badge of honour, attached to the person. This attachment taught me that I own my own knowledge. It a...

The Mad Scientist

A sharp wail cut through the silence of Woodbridge Mental Hospital. A nurse immediately rushed towards the far end of the hallway, her footsteps echoing off the walls of the hospital. As she approached the door of the patient’s ward, she heard equipment crashing to the floor and shattering. She fished out her cell phone and dialed a number.  Ten minutes later, a ravishing woman sashayed down the halls of the hospital, oblivious to the ear piercing shrieks of the woman at the far end of the hallway. â€Å"We weren’t able to calm her down, Miss Hale.† The guards nodded at her as she approached the entrance of the ward and let her in. The ward was a mess, shattered glass covered the ground and broken lab equipment lay haphazardly all over the room. And in the corner, hugging her knees, sat the scientist. â€Å"Danica, calm down.† At the sound of her sister’s voice, the woman stopped screaming and raised her head, her breath jagged. Her wild hair framed her face, nearly covering her bloodshot eyes, but not quite. In a cold, monotonous voice that chilled to the bone, she said, â€Å"This is all your fault.† I hadn’t meant to overhear them; I wasn’t even allowed to be in this wing of the hospital. â€Å"What are you doing here? Who are you?† A voice demanded. I straightened my back, quickly making up a story, but as soon as I saw her standing just inches from me, I froze. â€Å"I†¦. I†¦ I’m new here, I lost my way.† I stuttered, deciding to tell her the truth. Her eyes seemed to harden as she said, â€Å"Please leave. You are not authorized to be here.† I scurried away, my heart beating like the wings of a hummingbird. â€Å"Where were you? I waited for ages but you didn’t show up, so I just went ahead.†, said Natalie, a resident I’d befriended on my second day. I’d completely forgotten about meeting her for lunch that day and I was so intrigued by what had happened that I didn’t think before asking her, â€Å"Who lives in the Restricted Wing?† Natalie blinked at me blankly, and then asked accusingly, â€Å"Why?† I immediately realized my mistake and played dumb, shrugging my shoulders and saying, â€Å"Just wondering.† Natalie relaxed and looked around, â€Å"Okay, I’ll tell you.† Rumor had it that in the Restricted Wing lives a scientist by the name of Danica Hale, world-renowned for her substantial contributions to cancer research. She had laid the building blocks for hopes of eventually finding a cure for cancer. She was in the prime of her career, so close to finding that cure when she disappeared from the scientific world. The woman I had seen earlier was her younger sister, Emily Hale. She was a prolific fiction writer who had several international best sellers. Eight years ago, she had donated a large sum of money to build an entire new wing in the hospital. Natalie wouldn’t tell me any more than that, but I was determined to find out the story behind how Danica had ended up as a patient in Woodbridge Mental Hospital – a mental breakdown perhaps? Over the next few days I peppered her with questions, hoping to wear down her reluctance at telling me the entire story. After a week, she said in exasperation, â€Å"I honestly don’t know the whole story! You’ll have to ask Emily or Danica yourself, they’re the only ones who know what really happened!† I had been observing Emily Hale from a distance and managed to find out from the head nurse that she came at least once every two days. Emily must have noticed me watching her because a few days later, she confronted me. â€Å"Are you some kind of stalker? I can see you, you know.† â€Å"Sorry, I’ve heard a lot about you that’s all.† I said, pulling out a copy of her latest book, ‘Heartbeats’. She looked shocked for a moment. â€Å"I had no idea doctors read fiction.† She said smiling. â€Å"It’s my way of escaping from reality. Do you mind signing it?† I said, holding out my copy. I walked away thoroughly pleased with myself, not because I had gotten her autograph, but because I had managed to uncover a new addition to the story. We had been talking about cancer and I had gushed about the recovery of my aunt, thanks to a new drug in a clinical trial that was still ongoing. Emily then told me about the rare form of cancer that had struck her ten years ago, when she was just twenty-five. Later on, it dawned on me that ten years ago was exactly when Danica had vanished from the research scene. It can’t have been a coincidence that at that point in time; Danica Hale had sent a sample of a cure for the same cancer her sister was suffering from to the Health Ministry for approval for human trials. The next time I saw Emily, I was eager to get more information. I asked her seemingly innocent questions, and to my delight, she answered every single one of them. I think by then, she was just happy to have someone she could talk to. Between her constant visits to the hospital and the busy life of an internationally acclaimed author, she probably did not have much of a social life. Eventually, I was able to piece together the whole story. Ten years ago, Emily Hale had been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. There was no known cure, but her sister, Danica, was inches away from finding one. After successfully testing her drug on mice, all Danica needed was to get the drug approved for human tests. Meanwhile, her sister’s condition was worsening and with her sister’s life on the line, she couldn’t possibly have waited 6 months for the Health Ministry to respond. It would have been too late for her sister. Throwing caution to the wind, she decided to test the drug on herself. She monitored herself closely and after 2 months, without noting any adverse effects, she decided it was safe for her sister to take it. After six doses over a period of three months, a scan showed that Emily’s tumor had shrunk to the size of a bean. At six months, there was no sign of it anymore. In a sick twist of fate to what would have been a happy ending, Danica began to behave strangely and often did not seem like her usual self. At first, she was simply suspected to be developing symptoms of bi-polar disorder. Emily, however, was filled with a sense of foreboding that this could be related to the drug. Gradually, Danica’s mental state worsened and her mood swings became more violent and difficult to handle. Emily thought it best to remove her from the research institute. After making a fortune from her first two best-selling novels, Emily decided that a more permanent home at Woodbridge Mental Hospital would be best for Danica. She then donated a huge sum of money to the hospital for them to build a new wing, which was to include a fully equipped laboratory for her sister. The cure that Danica had discovered was found to cure cancer patients, but had the unfortunate effect of mental instability in a healthy person. Although Danica was mentally unstable, she was able to continue her research work with these facilities. Eventually, the drug was released after some modifications to eliminate the side effects and thousands of lives were saved because of it. Books and movies portray mad scientists as deranged people set on world domination. After hearing the story of the Hale sisters, I now have a rather endearing image of a mad scientist in the person of Danica Hale, a tragic figure gone mad after saving the life of her beloved sister. Today, despite her mental condition, she still continues to serve humanity with whatever sanity she has left. Truly, a genius gone mad for the sake of love.

Development of the Renaissance Centralized Church Plan Essay

Analyze the development of the centralized church plan in Renaissance architecture (15th and 16th centuries). In your examples, include an analysis of meaning and symbolism. During the Renaissance period, new centralized church plans developed as a result of a more scientific approach to nature. The idea of precise proportions and measurement emerged through Vitruvius’ theory regarding human anatomy. Vitruvius described how human body, with extended arms and legs, fits perfectly into the most basic geometrical shapes: circle and square. This concept triggered the minds of artists during the Renaissance to take on a new approach for church plans (Honour and Fleming 444-445). However, it is not until the fifteenth century that the centralized plan was regarded as a divine expression when Alberti discussed scientific method of maintaining God’s image through mathematical approach in De Re Aedificatoria, a treatise containing the first full program of the ideal Renaissance church (Tavernor 30). From Alberti’s perspective, a centralized plan should reveal God’s symbol while keeping pure forms of absolute mathematics in the structure, therefore the Greek-Cross figure is favored (Heydenreich 36). His theory influenced many others to realize the importance of the Greek-Cross planning method, and this is reflected in works such as S. Sebastiano, Maria Della Carceri and St. Peter’s. Thus, the Greek-Cross centralized church plan was developed, that became the divine figure for Renaissance architecture. The development of Greek-Cross plan is derived from Alberti’s theoretical demands based on Vitruvius’ basic principles of accuracy and proportions. In the early sixteenth century, Vitruvius began answering questions regarding how a buildings proportion is constructed through human anatomy (Wittkower 22). Such question is further raised through Vitruvian figures drawn within a square and circle became a symbol of the mathematical relationship between man and god through geometry (Wittkower 25). Alberti, who suggested that to obtain architectural perfection, one must follow the basic laws of symmetry and proportions, expanded on these early ideas. In his treatise, he had defined the laws of symmetry and proportion through the physical characteristics of the human body (Tavernor 40). There, he combined a square and circle to generate the image of the geometrical shapes in relation to human anatomy, identical to Leonard Da Vinci’s drawing of a man with outstretched limbs located within a circle and square (figure 1). Alberti’s intention was to clarify the ideal architectural beauty for others during the time, through accuracy and precision (Tavernor 40). The Greek Cross central plan is developed through three transformations from the square, square plus one-half, square plus one third, and the square doubled (Murray 58). If these square ratios are applied to architectural plans, more complex figures can be produced; subsequently the centralized Greek Cross plan was developed and was a visible expression of the Divine Proportion. (Smith) Alberti’s obsession over geometrical perfection involved applying his theory within the interior structure as well. For example, the height of the wall up to the vaulting in round churches should be one-half, two thirds of three quarters of the diameter of the plan. These proportions of one to two, two to three, and three to four conform to Alberti’s law of harmony, written in his treatise (Murray 58 58). It was Alberti who expressed the theory of beauty in his writing, which became so influential for the High Renaissance. He defined beauty, â€Å"harmony and concord of all the parts, so that nothing could be added or subtracted except for the worse† (Smith). From Alberti’s explanation, the symbolism of the Greek Cross is regarded as a beautiful and natural figure, representing every aspect of God due to the precise measurements on all sides of the shape. Therefore, Alberti argued â€Å"Beauty will result from the beautiful form and from the correspondence of the whole to the parts, of the parts amongst themselves, and of these again to the whole; so that the structures may appear an entire and complete body† (WIttkower 31). He believed to thoroughly appreciate Renaissance architecture, one should understand architecture is not based on theories of function but rather view it as mathematical theory of proportion (Smith). Another significance from the Greek Cross central plan is signifying the development of Renaissance architecture. For Alberti and architects of the Renaissance, the emphasis on classicism is ideal, which challenges a different approach from the previous. Pursuing mathematical order and simplicity of pure whites have replaced the Roman gothic style churches (Heydenreich 27). Also, the prominence of classical features is more suited for Alberti’s theory of proportion so that all sizes and shapes are defined. A clear example of Renaissance classicism is S. Sebastiano, where Alberti used Greek-Cross plan that shows almost all of his own theoretical requirements as well as several classical elements in the architectural design (figure 4) (Murray 59). Alberti’s argument for incorporating classicism, a high flight of steps and pilasters at the temple front is best supported by architect Palladio’s correspondence with Alberti’s ideas: â€Å"buildings in which the supreme Being is invokved and adored should stand in the most noble part of the city, raised above the rest of the city†¦they ought to be built so that nothing more beautiful could be imagined and those who enter should be transported into a kind of ecstacy in admiring their grace and beauty. Buildings dedicated to the omnipotent God should be strong and everlasting†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Wittkower 31) This idea of rising above is coherent to Leonardo Da Vinci’s principle, which he adhered to in all his designs (Wittkower 26). S. Sebastiano exemplifies the meticulous image of Renaissance beauty, and developing architectural style beyond the Roman gothic style (Smith). Another example of a building resembling absolute proportion is St. Maria Della Carceri, designed by architect Giuliano Da Sangallo. After Alberti’s treatise on architecture was published in 1485, the centrally planned church became popular. Many architects during the Renaissance conformed to his law of harmony. Within the same year, the church of St. Maria Delle Carceri was the first Greek-Cross structure built. The entire interior and exterior description of Giuliano da Sangallo’s church complies with Alberti’s theoretical demands, demonstrating the impact Alberti made through his publication (Wittkower 31). The plan for St. Maria Delle Carceri is based on the two elementary figures of square and circle, where the depth of the arms is half their length and the four end walls of the cross are as long as they are high, therefore forming a perfect square (figure 2). The structure contains desirable symbolic feature by integrating a dome in the center. It appeals more to Christianity to represents closure towards heaven or God’s presence. The grand church is viewed as â€Å"†¦a majestic simplicity, the undisturbed impact of its geometry, the purity of its whiteness are designed to evoke in the congregation a consciousness of the presence of God – of a God who has ordered the universe according to immutable mathematical laws, who has created a uniform and beautifully proportioned world, the consonance and harmony of which is mirrored in His temple below.† (Wittkower 31) Donato Bramante was another architect who responded to historian’s theory concerning centralized plan. His designs are similar to Leonardo Da Vinci’s drawings on centralized plan, where he sketched numerous centrally planned forms and illustrates complex geometrical forms from the first simple shape (figure 5). Da Vinci’s intentions were interpreting Vitruvius’ explanation more accurately through visual art (figure 1) (Wittkower 25). The importance of these drawings reflects Da Vinci’s conscious theoretical speculations for which a new technique of representation is produced (Wittkower 25). Although Da Vinci did not build anything, through his illustrations, Bramente was profoundly influenced that affected the sixteenth century approach. It is likely that those drawings allowed Bramante to comprehended the versatile of geometrical shapes, influencing architecture (figure 4) (Honour and Fleming 444-445). There is even evidence to believe that Bramante’s early design for St. Peter’s was much influenced by Leonardo’s drawings of centrally planned structures. (Honour and Fleming 444-445) When Bramante was appointed to redesign the Saint Peter’s at the beginning of the sixteenth century, he envisioned the new it as a grander version of his previous architectural design: a central, Greek cross plan building. The design must continue the ancient Roman tradition of domed temples, therefore St. Peter’s is crowned by an enormous dome. Bramante, like others before him, combined the symbol of the Greek cross with the symbolic values of centralized geometry. (Wittkower 34). Bramante submitted his Greek cross design on a large scale, which reflects Alberti’s humanist-Christian idea in pure form. In Renaissance thinking, Bramante’s St. Peter’s central plan and dome also symbolized the perfection of God (Honour and Fleming 444-445). Certainly, so overwhelming was Bramante’s design that none of his successors could divert his influence (Honour and Fleming 444-445). The impact of the Greek cross was enormous for the development of Renaissance centralized plan. The geometrical figure is a result of Alberti’s in depth mathematical approach of viewing nature (Tavonor 42). Many Renaissance architects utilized the Greek Cross plan due to Alberti and other historians theory regarding obtaining architectural beauty. For them, comparing building structures to human anatomy proportion was essential in defining what is ideal. More importantly, the Greek cross symbolizes divinity. Vitruvius also discussed the relationship between the human body and geometry, which is crucial for the creation of the Greek cross (Wittkower 25). Such explanation expanded by Alberti influenced the formation in several significant churches, such as the Maria Della Carceri, St. Peter’s design and S. Sebastiano. Architects who designed these churches corresponded with Alberti’s argument, therefore demonstrating the wide acceptance of the Greek Cross. MLA Citations Heydenreich, L. Architecture in Italy, 1400-1500. rev. ed., New Haven, 1996. Honour and Fleming, The Visual Arts: a History, 4th ed, 1995, 444-445. http://www.phs.poteau.k12.ok.us/williame/APAH/readings/Bramante’s%20Tempietto,%20St%20Peters,%20Michelangelo.pdf Murray, P. The Architecture of the Italian Renaissance. London, 1963. Smith, Bernard. â€Å"University of Melbourne.† University of Melbourne. Print. http://shaps.unimelb.edu.au/public-resources/database-resources/bernardsmith/lectures/BSmith-HighRenaissance.pdf. Tavernor, R. On Alberti and the Art of Building. New Haven, 1998. Wittkower, R. Architectural Principles in the Age of Humanism. 3rd ed., London, 1962. Figures Figure 1: Da Vinci’s human anatomy drawing http://www.centopietrevenice.typepad.com/ca_centopietre_bed_and_br/2009/11/leonardothe-vitruvian-man-between-art-and-science-accademia-galleries.html Figure 2: S. Maria Della Carceri centralized plan by Giuliano Da Sanglio Figure 3: S. Sebastiano front view http://architecturetraveljournal.blogspot.ca/2008/02/san-sebastiano-mantua.html Figure 4: S. Sebastiano centralized plan http://www.studyblue.com/notes/note/n/14-italian-renaissance-ii-/deck/2633566 Figure 5: Leonardo Da Vinci’s drawing on centralized plan http://www.art.com/products/p12016104-sa-i1452778/leonardo-da-vinci-sketch-of-a-square-church-with-central-dome-and-minaret.htm Figure 6: Bramante’s St. Peter’s design http://mexichino-jr.blogspot.ca/2011/06/bramantes-st-peters-rome.html

Human Rights and Democracy of Filipinos Essay

According to the United Nations, The values of freedom, respect for human rights and the rule of holding periodic and legitimate elections by universal suffrage are vital elements of democracy. In turn, democracy provides the natural environment for the protection and effective realization of human rights. These standards are embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and further developed in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which enshrines a host of political rights and civil liberties underpinning meaningful democracies. The relation between democracy and human rights is captured in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states: â€Å"The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.† With this notion, Martial Law in the Philippines only proves that during that time, Human Rights and Democracy is not totally practiced in the whole nation. The circumstances of arrests, detentions and searches made without court orders are common practice during the martial rule. The fundamental principles of legality and due process have been neglected, with security forces having unprecedented powers given by the head of state under this martial law. Election frauds were also perceived. Justice among those involve were deserted and abandoned and Justice for the country’s democracy were put in to trash. Martial rule and suspension of writ of habeas corpus, which allows warrantless arrests, detention and conduct of searches, have been a convenient solution for the police force’s incompetence in enforcing their rudimentary duties. The soldiers have cemented their de facto superiority over the police in conflict areas. But thirty one year had already passed, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have repeatedly been accused of involvement if not actively engaging in the killing of defenceless political activists. The AFP restates that they never will have a rule of intentionally targeting civilians as well as those who may have a different political orientation from our government for as long as they detain their resist within legal and legislative means. The AFP remains committed in  their duty to help ensure that the Philippines progresses as a democratic society free by armed threats. Their answer is explicit in the AFP’s code of ethics in support for peace initiatives. Furthermore, the AFP will persist to fully assist with fact-finding bodies formed by proper authorities. But investigation should be based on valid pieces of evidence as determined by courts and not simply on given away allegations. With proper procedure the AFP makes it a point that Justice is served to each and every Filipinos. Their faults in the past should not be carried today, for the scenario and period is different. Changes in the agency only attest that they are coping with it in order to have Justice in every aspect of their post. References: * United Nation. 2012. Democracy and Human Rights.[Online] accessed from http://www.un.org/en/globalissues/democracy/human_rights.shtml on December 09, 2012 * Asian Human Rights Commission. 2009. Philippines: Martial Law Dilutes Human Rights [Online] Retrieved from http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00305.htm on December 09, 2012 * General Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr. 2007. The AFP in a democracy:protecting human rights [online] ebook downloaded last December 09, 2012