Innovation and change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Innovation and change - Essay Example The potential of firms to be innovative is critically examined in this paper; particular emphasis is given on the fact that each firm can learn to be innovative, a claim that is discussed by referring to the literature published in the particular field. In order to show whether a firm can learn to be innovative, reference is made primarily to the requirements and the characteristics of innovation; then the effects (benefits and drawbacks) of innovation and change are presented aiming to evaluate whether it is feasible for a firm to learn to be innovative and the terms under which such process could be successfully completed. It is proved that, indeed, a firm can learn to be innovative but the level at which innovation will actually become part of the specific organization cannot be standardized. In fact, each firm is likely to respond differently to the requirements of innovation, as part of the strategic planning process. Moreover, leaders and managers in modern organization are lik ely to develop different views on the needs and the scope of innovation, an issue which should be also taken into consideration when examining the influence of innovation on organizational life and, especially, the level at which each organization can learn to be innovative. 2. ... ion to exist it is necessary that the changes in the existing organizational practices are such that the product/ process involved is unique or at least quite difficult to be identified by customers in the particular market (Tidd et al. 2005, 8); also, time is quite important when referring to innovation. The introduction of the innovative products/ services in the market need to be developed quite fast, ensuring that no similar products/ services are available in the market at the particular time point (Tidd et al. 2005, 8). Innovation could also refer to the following issues: a) the introduction of a process/ platform, which would be used for the development of other products/ services in the future; these processes could pre-exist but they have not been used in the specific role up to now or b) the introduction of totally new platform/ processes (Tidd et al. 2005, 9), an initiative which may be risky, especially because there are no prior indicators of the performance of the speci fic processes. Innovation requires the change of existing organizational practices – referring also to those practices, which are introduced for first time, since such initiative indicates the change in the organization’s strategy. Different approaches have been used in the literature in order to define change – as part of innovation. In accordance with Andriopoulos et al (2009) change has been characterized as both ‘an ongoing dynamic process and as an episode in the life of an organization’ (Andriopoulos et al. 2009, 16). It is noted that both the above views perceive change as a factor contributing to the organizational development (Andriopoulos et al. 2009, 16). In this context, the interpretation of change, as part of the organizational life, cannot affect its role in

Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening :: essays research papers

The circumstances surrounding the composition of Robert Frost's poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" explain his use of "The darkest evening of the year" (L.8) which is closely related it to the greater theme of perseverance in the face of hardship. Frost wrote this poem, in November(Frost Chronology) 1923; on the same late night he finished his book New Hampshire (Jackson sec. 1). Being "a little excited from getting over-tired"(qtd. in Jackson sec. 3), he decided to venture out into the wilderness, probably to calm down. Frost hitched his horse to a sleigh and left on his journey to eventually find the "Woods" in this poem. Being in an "autointoxicated"(qtd. in Jackson sec. 3) state, Frost was mesmerized by the scene of the woods beside the frozen lake. He eventually broke out of his trance, possibly with the aid of his horse, by thoughts of prior commitments. The former statement is shown in the text by: "He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake"(L.L. 9-10) and the latter by: "But I have promises to keep And miles to go before I sleep"(L.L. 13-14). According to Frost, upon his return home, "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" "was wri tten in a few minutes without any strain"(qtd. in Jackson sec. 1). Therefore, Frost wrote this poem about himself and his journey. Literally, "The darkest evening of the year"(L.8), refers to the winter equinox on December 21st. But, if thought of symbolically, this line could be the culmination of difficult work, by the author, to finish his book New Hampshire. Furthermore the equinox aspect of "The darkest evening of the year"(L.13) symbolizes the transition, from the writing of a new book to its realization. Therefore, the meaning "The darkest evening of the year"(L.8) is dual even if the poem was not written in December 21st. In and of itself, the poem is an extended metaphor for perseverance. The reader only realizes this after having finished reading the poem because the information about the narrator's prior commitments and fatigue is provided at the end. In retrospect, the first stanza can be analyzed as the narrator's difficult journey. The middle and last parts of the text, like the woods, can be seen as the temptation, as is evident in the lines "The woods are lovely dark and deep"(L. 13). But the narrator overcomes his temptation shown by: "But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep†¦"(L.

A Literary Critic of “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” Essay

The story â€Å"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty† is a form of a short story genre variety. This story was written by James Thurber, and published in The New Yorker in 1939 (Clugston, 2010). This is an intriguing story of a daydreaming husband, Walter Mitty, and his domineering wife as they run a few errands to town. I will make use of literary criticism by explaining my connection to the story, analyzing the meaning of the story, and taking the formalistic approach in discussing James Thurber’s story. My connection to this story is strongly held by the fact that I am also a daydreamer. I will admit this is a frustrating characteristic for others, but for one’s self as well; eventhough, the situations discussed in the story seem quite humorous to the reader. Mr. Thurber presents the tone, or mood, of frustration throughout this story. As Walter is daydreaming and driving faster than Mrs. Mitty likes, she abruptly interrupts him. Although the daydream breaks for an instance, he quickly returns to his daydream. Mrs. Mitty is quick to interrupt again, â€Å"It’s one of your days. I wish you’d let Dr. Renshaw look you over.† Her frustration is evident because she thinks that something must be wrong with him. Later when Walter is not wearing his gloves, Mrs. Mitty is certain he has lost them. James Thurber has reinforced her frustration. Walter’s frustration is expressed in the story several times as well. An instance when a parking attendant awakens Walter from another daydream, the story reads â€Å"Mitty becomes a little testy.† When Walter makes several mistakes trying to park the car, the frustrated attendant tells him to â€Å"leave her sit there, I’ll put her away.† When the attendant parks the car with some expertise, Walter replies â€Å"they’re so damn cocky, they think they know everything.† Probably the sharpest image portrayed in the story is  when Mrs. Mitty is hassling Walter for not having the sense to put on his overshoes. Walter’s reaction is one of self-defense stating â€Å"Does it ever occur to you that I am sometimes thinking.† This set the tone that Walter is letting his wife know that just because he may seem lost, does not make him senseless, or that she needs to keep after him the way she does. As a daydreamer myself, I have experienc ed some of the same frustrations depicted in this story, so I connected with the story immediately. Now moving on to the analysis of this story, there are several meanings illustrated. According to Koger, there are four themes or meanings conveyed through this story which are â€Å"the contrast between a human being’s hopes for life and its actuality, the power of the mind or imagination, the conflict between the individual and authority, and the ascendancy of technology and materialism in the twentieth century† (Koger, 2004). I agree that all of these themes are displayed throughout the story; however, I believe one has been overlooked. I feel that Walter Mitty may have self-esteem issues that he is able to overcome in his daydreams or, even better, they do not exist. Many examples are apparent contrasting one’s hopes and reality. Walter’s â€Å"heroic ability† in his daydreams versus his inadequacies in the reality of the story is one example (Koger, 2004). Another fine example is Mitty’s ability to master technology in his daydreams versus his inability to maneuver his car, or appropriately unwind tire chains (Koger, 2004). Another example, of my own accord, is the confidence that is portrayed in the fantasies that do not exist in the reality. For example, in the first daydream he is a commander taking charge of a ship and traveling through a storm versus being told to wait in front of the drug store, in the rain, for his wife as though he were a child. The power of the mind and imagination another theme to the story is exemplified through Mitty’s daydreams. Mitty is able to overcome every dilemma he faces in reality through his daydreams. He becomes an expert of machinery, and he no longer fears authority figures, but instead becomes an authority figure. He even boosts his self-esteem by allowing the phrase â€Å"the old man ain’t afraid of hell.† Self-esteem is an important characteristic of the story. The persona or narrator may or may not reflect the author’s perspective (Clugston, 2010). However; Thurber lost an eye as a child (Clugston, 2010). I find it very symbolic that in Walter Mitty’s first daydream; the narrator describes the commander â€Å"with the heavily braided white cap pulled down rakishly over one cold gray eye.† I am inclined to think that James Thurber may be the Walter Mitty in the story. That being said, I also understand where the lack of confidence has played into the story. Mr. Thurber is able to cover his bad eye through the words that he writes. Thompson describes Mitty as a â€Å"docile nobody muffled in layers of winter clothing with a loquacious and overprotective wife beside him† (Thompson, 2008). This is yet more evidence of the poor self-esteem portrayed characteristically through Walter Mitty. The formalistic approach is â€Å"the most widely used in literary criticism; it focuses on the form and development of the literary work itself† (Clugston, 2010). The setting of the story is memorable because it is cold, and the characters must drive into town to run errands giving clues that the Mitty’s live in the country or a very small town. James Thurber also creatively interrupts the daydreams at their climax, adding to the jolt back to reality. This gives the readers a chance to get lost in the daydreams, and be jolted back to reality as well. Walter is described as a middle aged man unhappy with his life. The evidence of his unhappiness is portrayed through his daydreams where his life is almost perfect. Mrs. Mitty is described as a nagging old woman who is constantly frustrated with her husband’s absentmindedness. She is constantly telling him what to do and how to act. When he does not, she assumes he has fallen ill. Thurber also uses the same simple phrases such as â€Å"pocketa-pocketa-pocketa† for every machine giving the reader the sense that in reality, all machines have the same amount of value in Walter’s mind. Using the simple fountain pen to fix an expensive piece of machinery also gives clues to Walters’s lack of intelligence when it comes to technology. The author also uses very explicit daydreams allowing the reader to understand how far Walter Mitty had escaped from reality. In conclusion, I have discussed my connection, analyzed the meaning, and taken a formalistic approach to critic this wonderful piece of literature. The connection to the story is easy to come by as every person daydreams occasionally. The story consists of five different meanings or themes as I have discussed. I have also discussed the several different literary actions and the artistic ability used to create an amazingly humorous piece of art. References Clugston, R. W. (2010). Journey into literature. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/books/AUENG125.10.2/sections/ Koger, G. (2004). Masterplots ii: Short story series, revised edition. (2nd ed. ed., Vol. 1). United Kingdom; England: Salem Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? Thompson, T. (2008). â€Å"he sprang to the machine† : â€Å"the secret [technological] life of walter mitty. (1 ed., Vol. 41, pp. 110-115). Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com/lrc/detail?vid=5&hid=19&sid=280101a3-6742-45d0-88ee-24b153429c1a@sessionmgr12&bdata=JnNpdGU9bHJjLXBsdXM=

Siddhartha Gautama, Siddhartha And The Country Of Nepal

Buddha was born in a mountain kingdom, north of India, the country of Nepal. His Birth name is Siddhartha Gautama; Siddhartha is a compound of Sanskrit words, sidd and artha. Sidd meaning Perfection and Artha meaning to have a goal, so the overall meaning of Siddhartha is the one whose goal is perfection. He was born in a second highest caste in a Hindu family. In Buddhism, Siddhartha is not considered to be a god; he is just a person and only is considered to have certain abilities, as an extraordinary human. He was kept inside the kingdom until the age of 29, and at that time Siddhartha became very unsatisfied with his life despite having family and wealth. Finally he figured out the problems that are happening in the world, and questions himself why these things like illness, death, poverty are happening. He decided to leave the palace in the middle of the night. When everyone was sleeping he went to his wife, gave her a goodbye kiss and left the palace seeking the liberation fro m the cycle of rebirth. Him leaving wealth, family and home is known as going for the Great Renunciation. For the next 6 years he wandered around India studying with the greatest Hindu gurus, and mastered the Hindu practices that normally leads to Renunciation. He is still dissatisfied with his life; he didn t find what he was primarily looking for. He thought he is not putting enough efforts and stopped eating. That didn’t help him get what he wanted. He then sat on the bank of the river,Show MoreRelatedCompare and Contrast Judaism and Buddhism Essay647 Words   |  3 PagesBuddhism have lots of differences beliefs and practices and only few similarities. Judaism was started in 2000 B.C.E, led by Abraham. Buddhism was started in 560 B.C.E, by Siddhartha Gautama. Both religions have different point of view. Buddhism don’t believe in deity and Judaism believe in deity. 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