Who Were the Argonauts

The Argonauts, in Greek mythology,  are the fifty  heroes, led by Jason,  who  sailed on a ship called the Argo  on a quest to bring back the Golden Fleece around 1300 BC, before the Trojan War.  Ã‚  The Argonauts got their name by combining the name of the ship, Argo, named after its builder, Argus,  with the ancient Greek word, naut, meaning voyager.   The story of Jason and the Argonauts is one of the best-known tales of Greek mythology. Apollonius of Rhodes In the 3rd century B.C., at the multicultural center of learning at Alexandria, in Egypt, Apollonius of Rhodes, a well-known Greek author,  wrote a famous epic poem about the  Argonauts. Apollonius named his poem  The Argonautica. It begins: (ll. 1-4) Beginning with thee, O Phoebus, I will recount the famous deeds of men of old, who, at the behest of King Pelias, down through the mouth of Pontus and between the Cyanean rocks, sped well-benched Argo in quest of the golden fleece. According to the myth, King Pelias in Thessaly, who usurped the throne from his half-brother King Aeson, sent Jason, son of King Aeson and the rightful heir to the throne, on a dangerous quest to bring back the Golden Fleece,  which was held by Aeetes, king of Colchis, in an area located at the eastern end of the  Black Sea  (known in Greek as the Euxine Sea).  Pelias promised to give up the throne to Jason if he returned with the Golden Fleece, but didnt intend for Jason to return, since the journey was perilous and the Golden Fleece was very well-guarded.   Jason gathered together the noblest heroes and demigods of the time, packed them on board a special boat called the Argo, and the aptly-named Argonauts set sail. They engaged in many adventures on their way to Colchis, including storms; an adversarial king, Amycus, who challenged every passing traveler to a boxing match; Sirens, monstrous  sea-nymphs who lured sailors to death with their song; and  Symplegades, rocks that could crush the boat as it passed through them. Several of the men were tested in different ways, prevailed, and enhanced their heroic status during the journey.   Some of the creatures they encountered appear in other stories of the Greek heroes, making the story of the Argonauts a central myth. Apollonius of Rhodes  gives us our most complete version of the Argonauts, but the Argonauts are mentioned throughout ancient classical literature. The list of the heroes varies somewhat depending on the author.   The list of Argonauts by Apollonius of Rhodes  includes such luminaries as Hercules (Heracles), Hylas, the Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux), Orpheus, and Laocoon.   Gaius Valerius Flaccus Gaius Valerius Flaccus was a first century Roman poet who wrote an Argonautica in Latin. Had he lived to complete his twelve-book poem, it would have been the longest poem about Jason and the Argonauts. He drew on Apollonius epic poem and many other ancient sources for his own poem, of which he completed barely half before he died. Flaccus list includes some names that arent on Apollonius list and excludes others. Apollodorus Apollodorus wrote a different list, which includes the heroine Atalanta, whom Jason denied in Apollonius version, but who is included by Diodorus Siculus, the first century Greek historian who wrote the monumental  universal history, Bibliotheca historica. Apollodorus  list also includes  Theseus, who was previously engaged in Apollonius version. Pindar According to  Timeless Myths,   the earliest version of the list of Argonauts comes from Pindar Pythian Ode IV. Pindar was a poet of the 5th-6th century BCE. His list of Argonauts consists of:  Jason,  Heracles, Castor, Polydeuces, Euphemus, Periclymenus,  Orpheus, Erytus, Echion, Calais, Zetes, Mopsus. Verification of Myth Recent discoveries by geologists from Georgia suggest that the myth of Jason and Argonauts was based on an actual event. The geologists researched geological data, archaeological artifacts, myths, and historical sources surrounding the ancient Georgian kingdom of Colchis and found that the myth of Jason and the Argonauts was based on an actual voyage that took place 3,300 to 3,500 years ago to obtain the secrets of the ancient gold extraction technique used in Colchis using sheepskin. It seems that Colchis  was rich with gold which the natives mined with special wooden vessels and sheepskins. A sheepskin embedded with golden gravel and dust would be the logical source of the mythical Golden Fleece.  Ã‚   Resources and Further Reading Jason and the Argonauts Through the Ages, Jason Colavito,  http://www.argonauts-book.com/ List of the Argos Crew, Timeless Myths,  https://www.timelessmyths.com/classical/argocrew.html Evidence Suggests Jason and the Golden Fleece Was Based on True Events,  http://www.sciencealert.com/new-evidence-suggests-jason-and-the-golden-fleece-was-based-on-true-eventshttp://www.sciencealert.com/new-evidence-suggests-jason-and-the-golden-fleece-was-based-on-true-events

The Blue Spider Project . Synopsis. The Blue Spider Project

The Blue Spider Project Synopsis The Blue Spider Project is a case of a circumstance where the project manager show absence of comprehension of the life-cycle for project administration and the powerlessness to use the utilization of the key abilities of coordinated cost, timetable and specialized execution administration to make extend progress. Gary has building degree with a MBA, an extraordinary record as a production engineer yet flops as a project administrator since he was not able get an unmistakable vision of all parts of his project or fit for concentrating on a particular part of the project while keeping tab of different perspectives as required. Gary’s failure to use†¦show more content†¦Gary Anderson was one of such engineers utilized straight out of school. The new corporate system embraced by Parks required the organization of another wage and pay program that included employment redesigning. Gary had separated himself to be an extraordinary generation build throughout the years and w as elevated to senior researcher in charge of all RD exercises performed in the Mechanical Engineering office as administration felt that his experience could be stretched out to RD also. In January 1978, Parks Corporation chose to offer for Phase I on the Blue Spider Project, with Lord Industries as the prime temporary worker for the Army s Spartan Program. The project was to enhance basic capacities and the age life of the short range strategic rocket, which was displaying weakness disappointment following 6 years in the field. The criteria for a subcontractor were a low offer, as well as specialized skill and administration execution. Parks Corporation felt that they had a particular preferred standpoint over most contenders, as they had taken a shot at other fruitful tasks for Lord Industries. Regardless of exceptional execution as a creation design and procuring a MBA degree, Gary Anderson was not able meet the difficulties of venture administration as he neglected to lead his group toShow MoreRelatedProject Managment Case Studies214937 Words   |  860 PagesPROJECT MANAGEMENT CASE STUDIES, SECOND EDITION - PROJECT MANAGEMENT CASE STUDIES, SECOND EDITION HAROLD KERZNER, Ph.D. Division of Business Administration Baldwin-Wallace College Berea, Ohio John Wiley Sons, Inc. This book is printed on acid-free paper. @ Copyright O 2006 by John Wiley Sons, Inc. All rights reserved. Published by John Wiley Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey Published simultaneously in Canada No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored inRead Morepreschool Essay46149 Words   |  185 PagesThe following groups contributed: (1)†¯project leaders; (2)†¯lead researchers; (3)†¯the expanded research consortia; (4)†¯the preschool learning foundations research consortium; (5)†¯staff from the California Department of Education; (6)†¯early childhood education stakeholder organizations; (7)†¯facilitators of the public input sessions and the participants; (8)†¯participants in the Web posting process; and (9)†¯participants in the public hearing process. Project Leaders The following staff membersRead MoreFundamentals of Hrm263904 Words   |  1056 Pagesstudies of real companies with questions designed to build critical thinking and decision-making skills along with diagnostic and analytical skills. â€Å"Working with a Team† includes thought-provoking scenarios for team discussions in class or team projects outside of class. A section called â€Å"Learning an HRM Skill† includes skill-building activities that concentrate on the personal competencies necessary for HRM career success as identified by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). Finally

Domain Flavors Information Technology Specific Projects

Question: Discuss about theDomain Flavorsfor Information Technology Specific Projects. Answer: Introduction The success of Infosys over the years relies on their effectiveness in tailoring their processes relating to project management with the Information Technology-specific projects. The firm has ensured that it integrates the relevant techniques and tools at each phase of the project life-cycle phase thereby sufficiently supporting the activities of its project management. Infosys has relied on known frameworks such as PCMM, CMM, and CMMI to improve the maturity of its processes in project management. Infosys has substantially gained from the use of domain flavors in managing its projects in some areas. The key areas where the domain flavors have helped Infosys manage their projects effectively include such areas as estimation, a global delivery model for IT projects as well as risk-based project management. The domain flavors have also assisted the firm to address the change management requirement and quality assurance or management. Geography-specific focus areas, as well as configuration management, have also been key areas that Infosys have gained due to the use of domain flavors. The firm has also been able to employ domain flavors in controlling the analytical processes as well as in the achievement of vision, values, and efficient governance. As reflected in the Infosys process and best practices relating to the application of domain flavors to effective project management, we can apply this to Jason and Craig case. It can be seen clearly from the case brief that Jason did not have any skills in project management and hence he could not agree with any change management proposed by Craig. Accordingly, the Jason did not allow Craig to take full control and manage the project effectively, and this is the reason for failure by the firm. It was, therefore, against the principle of process and best practice not to delegate the project management role to the hired project manager. Since Craig did not have the authority to make the decisions due to domination by Jason, he could not put these best practices to the real project management of this start-up firm. As a consultant, I will urge Jason to allow room for best human resource management practices. Here I will explain to him that a project manager, in this case, Craig should be given a conducive environment to work and allow to make decisions relating to the project management. For example, I will highlight to Jason that it was as a result of not allowing room for Craig to make a decision that led to the collapse of his business. Craig foresaw the impending business failure since the firm only relied on the government contract. This rated this business a high-risk one since its life only depended on the government as the sole customer. Relating to risk management in the project manager, it has been seen that the success of Infosys saves to the effective application of domain flavor in managing the risk-based project as they one Jason entered. Accordingly, I will advise Jason and Craig to employ the best practices by imitating what Infosys has done over the past years to succeed (Burke 2013). There was a need to assess all the risks that were involved in the business before embarking on its operation. However, it has been seen in the case Jasons business microscopic if none was done to assess the possible risks associated with the venture. I will recommend that Jason and Craig adopt the CCM and PCMM which have both worked successfully for Infosys. By utilizing CCM, Jason and Craig will be able to develop and refine this enterprise processes efficiently. They will understand the role of the five maturity levels to a start firm like the one they are practicing. Jason must understand the process of business evolution right from a lower level a higher one (Atkinson 2009). There is a need for Jason to understand that his enterprise is still at the initial or ad hoc level and hence the success will greatly depend on the competencies of the project manager, Craig. This will justify the earlier of urging Jason to let Craig make the decisions without interfering. I will also advise the firm to embrace the use of PCMM which has also accounted for the success of the Infosys. By adopting and understanding the role of PCMM in the project management, Jason will understand the existing of three fundamental entities in the organization as people, process as well as technology (Kerzner 2013). Further, Jason will be able to appreciate the relationships that exist between these three essential components. I will explain to them that PCCM will help build optimum as well as the standardized process. By using PCCM, the two will be able to evaluate immediate plan initiatives to trigger improvements hence abandon the use of unsolicited proposal that only fell in deaf years drawing no customers into the business (Munns and Bjeirmi 2011). Besides, PCCM will help both Jason and Craig to set a target for immediate action as well as link workforce development and process development. In so doing, the enterprise will be able to have better ways of improving organizational skills and competencies of human resources (Larson and Gray 2011). Another key feature of PCCM is that it entails distinct levels from the initial to optimizing levels and hence it will this new organization to adequately assess its current level and subsequently make measurable as well as concrete moves to progress the levels. PCCM will also benefit Jason and Craig in two-fold by providing guidance at two levels viz at strategic levels for building the firm as well as guidance on the effective practices that can be applied by the firm (Duncan 2006). By embracing this advisory, Jason and Craig will be able to revive the firm and succeed in the business. They will need to ensure that they develop standard processes, reinforces these processes, hire the right people, communicate openly, and maintain core competence. The discussion has shown the benefits of using the best processes and practices as adopted by Infosys domain flavors. References Atkinson, R., 2009. Project management: cost, time and quality, two best guesses and a phenomenon, its time to accept other success criteria. International journal of project management, 17(6), pp.337-342. Burke, R., 2013. Project management: planning and control techniques. New Jersey, USA. Duncan, W.R., 2006. A guide to the project management body of knowledge. Kerzner, H.R., 2013. Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley Sons. Larson, E.W. and Gray, C.F., 2011. Project management: The managerial process. Munns, A.K. and Bjeirmi, B.F., 2011. The role of project management in achieving project success. International journal of project management, 14(2), pp.81-87.

Kraft Acquisition of Cadbury

Question: Discuss about the Kraft Acquisition of Cadbury. Answer: Introduction In the given case we are dealing with two companies, Kraft and Cadbury, they are in the confectionery business. Kraft is the second largest food company, while Nestle being the first. Cadbury was started by John Cadbury in 1824, as he wanted the society to use coffee, chocolates etc rather than drinking alcohol. Even though they started off with chocolates, coffee etc, their major sales was in chewing gum segment rather than chocolate. In 2008, the shareholders were not very happy with the companys management team. In the given case we have to see whether Kraft has overpaid for acquisition, problems during the acquisition and how to handle these problems. First, we have to see the benefits of acquiring Cadbury by Kraft. Then we have to provide a solution to any problem faced by Kraft during the acquisition of Cadbury, which generally relates to integration process. Analysis: Benefits of acquiring Cadbury Kraft is the second leading food company in the world, and to increase its market share it has decided to acquire Cadbury for it. Entering new Market: By acquiring Cadbury, Kraft will be able to enter new markets and in a more established way. It does not have to wait for its product to reach these markets; by acquiring Cadbury they can enter these markets easily. Some places like India, Brazil, China, Mexico and South Africa are markets where Kraft is not much known, by acquiring Cadbury it can enter and establish itself in these markets. Known Brand: If it enters new market with a known brand, it will save huge cost and make easy entrance in these markets, otherwise selling and marketing will cost more money than the cost incurred for acquiring Cadbury. New distribution Network: Cadbury has great distribution network in the world, it sales more than 90% of its product through Kirana stores in India. Huge networks can be accessed easily once Cadbury is acquired by Kraft. Diversification: Multiple markets will be covered through this acquisition which will help in diversifying the risk. It will be able to enter into chewing Gum market, in which Cadbury is leading company. Market share: Combine portfolio of more than 40 brands will each with yearly sales of more than $ 100 million; it will become the leading company in the confectionery industry. (Wikipedia, 2016) Issues and problems faced during the acquisition and how to resolve them Offer Price: Kraft chose bear hug ultimatum process for acquisition. According to Cadburys CEO offer made by Kraft was undervalue, as there company was of much more value. They moved to UKs takeover panel for better offer from Kraft or stop it from making any acquisition attempt i.e. Put it or shut it. Right after the offer the share price of Cadbury increased, and it was showing a steady rise in its share price after that. This made it clearer that the price offered by Kraft Food is less than what the companys shareholders deserve. They showed and immense increase in its revenue of 3rd quarter which made the company more valuable. There revenue increased by 5-6% in 2009, a growth of 16% in its EBITDA which was more than they estimated. They were mostly against the offer as most of the offer was made in share of Kraft Foods, which showed uncertainty as it fell right after the announcement of acquisition. This was when the deal was changed from 60/40 stock/cash payment to 40/60 stock/cash payment. The offer was now more liked by the company. Change in culture: Kraft is US based company, while Cadbury is a UK based company, there was a vast difference in culture. Culture will be a major problem in integration process. And how much Kraft is willing to change its own culture to settle with Cadbury. Fear of employees: Employees are the one who are more afraid of acquisition than the shareholders; there general fear is of change in wok environment, compensation change, and job redundancies. A major change in the work environment will happen, from UK based management team, they will be handled by US based team. After any acquisition there is high probability of change in management. Integration: Kraft is known to have issues with integration after any acquisition; it closed down Terry factory in New York in 1993 when it promised to keep it open after acquisition. These cases made Cadbury afraid of this takeover. Change in Procedure and rules: The procedures followed by Cadbury would be changed if they come under Kraft Foods, they will change from British procedures and techniques to American based procedures and techniques. Public of UK: Public of UK were strongly against this merger, according to them another British company will be taken over by Americans, Lord Mandelson advised to scrutinize any foreign takeovers were made. Strong comments were also made by them regarding this takeover. Strategy Recommendation Kraft Foods offered a deal of 745p to be paid with 60/40 stock/cash split. When Cadbury head Roger Carr refused the offer, Kraft made a public announcement to the Cadburys share holder for purchase of Cadbury. During that time, the shareholders of Cadbury were not very happy with the management team of Cadbury. 50% of the shares of Cadbury were held by North American investors. Right after such announcement, the share price of Kraft Food fell by 6% which showed that the share holders are not happy with the offer. While the shares of Cadbury rose by 38%. For funding this acquisition they need 370 million shares, and for that Kraft Food was ready to issue 370 million shares, which was highly criticized by the shareholders as well as Warren Buffet. They were determined to purchase Cadbury, and to fund their money, they sold their Pizza joint to Nestle at US$ 3.7 billion. This was also done to gain approval from the Cadburys shareholder as they were keen to have more proportion in cash deal. By doing this they also didnt need the approval of their own shareholders, as they were against this mostly because they were considering this be very expensive. By that time the Shareholders of Cadbury made it clear that they were ready to negotiate for a better price, they raised the price to 840p along with 10p dividend on which the dividend was sealed. Regarding the problem with culture, there are many examples of acquisition where culture was a major problem, but it went off successfully. Kraft Food is one of those companies which has a history of acquiring different culture company, their employees are comfortable with multi-culturism, and encourage it more. Management of Kraft are more bureaucratic than that of Cadbury, there they may face problem, but if Kraft Food use a slow approach to integrate the company and include their way of management, then it might lead to a successful acquisition. To make it successful, Kraft Foods need to make it clear about its intention. They should make the people understand about the changes they will make and the future the employees of Cadbury. This will give the employees time to make decision about their future. If the employees are told the plan and process of integration and what are the things that will remain unchanged, then it will be easy for the employees to participate to make the merger a success. Kraft Foods should ensure that they achieve the desire result of revenue, which according to them will be achieved once they acquire Cadbury. They should let the people of UK see that it will benefit not only Americans but also UK, there will be an increase in their earnings as well as good innovation team will form. Conclusion From the above analysis we get to see various results, the benefits of acquiring Cadbury and the way to overcome issues related to this acquisition. We first checked benefits if Kraft acquired Cadbury, we saw various benefit due to acquisition, those are: Entering new market Market share Known brand New distribution network Diversification Along with this there are many problems also which Kraft Foods is facing due to this takeover, main issues are employees resistance, cultural change and offer price. Kraft had to negotiate continuously to come to an agreement regarding their offer price, their main hindrance was the option of Nestle taking over Cadbury, which was eliminated when Kraft sold off their Pizza joint to Nestle to fund money for the acquisition. This not only removed Nestle from taking over, it also made the shareholders of Cadbury liking the offer which was more cash oriented than that of shares. Another problem of this acquisition is difference in culture, which can be overcome if Kraft molds Cadburys culture into their own culture for better control of the organization and operation. It will require good leader to lead this merger, along with proper and open communication between both the companies. The employees resistance can be dealt with if the company is clear in its strategy and plan. If their strategy and plan is clear, it will be easy for the employees to accept their model and their procedure. And to plan out their future relating to the company. Overall the deal finalized at 840p per share with 40/60 stock/cash ratio and dividend of 10p per share. If Kraft Foods take a slow and proper approach to this takeover it will be easier for them to integrate. Reference Wikipedia, (2016). Kraft Foods Inc. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kraft_Foods_Inc [Accessed 15 July 2016]. Wikipedia, (2016). Cadbury. [Online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadbury [Accessed 15 July 2016]. Cadbury website, (2016). Cadbury. [Online] Available at: https://www.cadbury.co.uk [Accessed 15 July 2016].